When Javier P rez de Cu llar was elected secretary-general of the United Nations few believed that the colorless Peruvian diplomat would be more than a temporary placeholder. Those perceptions appeared to be confirmed during 1982 when the UN was unable to intervene effectively in the Falklands War or prevent another outbreak of mideastern violence. P rez de Cu llar originally intended to serve only a single term, and had he done so the world would today be a more dangerous place. During P rez de Cu llar's second five year term (1986-1991), a series of successful operations in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Africa demonstrated that the UN could play an important role in international affairs. Almost totally lacking in personal charisma, he showed that the office of secretary-general was not impotent. He brought the UN closer to the dream of its founders than any other leader of the world body.