In asking the United Nations to discipline Iraq for its defiance of the world body's disarmament resolutions, President Bush sought to demonstrate that he is not an unbridled unilateralist, as his critics claim, but a believer in international institutions. It was an important first step toward renewing U.S. membership in the international community. But before the United States can follow through on its commitment, the United Nations must reform itself. Ironically, an administration generally dismissive of international treaties and agreements may be the catalyst the U.N. needs to regain its relevance and credibility in world affairs.