US President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations podium Tuesday wearing two very different hats. One moment he was the global peacemaker who had "ended eight wars", the next he was threatening to wipe out Iran.
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The gap between these two versions captures the uncertain order Trump has built, or perhaps enabled, during his second term in the White House.
Trump used much of his address to the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly to list his achievements, much as he did a year ago when he cast himself as the standout contender for the Nobel Peace Prize. This year, though, the prize went unmentioned. Instead, his tone hardened, with attacks on the International Criminal Court (ICC), the UN's climate agenda and Unesco.
Trump also pointed to his effort to launch a "Board of Peace" in January, which appeared another swipe at the UN, with him at one point suggesting his new creation might end up replacing it.
