"Before and during the first phase of the war his administration repeatedly maligned the UN but now, that Iraq has turned into a quagmire, it is asking the UN for help"

The quote by Peter Schuyler presents a critique of the changing position of a particular administration toward the United Nations (UN) in the context of the Iraq War. It highlights a shift from criticism to looking for support, reflective of the complex dynamics in international relations and domestic policy during wartime.

At first, the administration in question showed a dismissive or antagonistic mindset toward the UN, as suggested by the term "maligned". To "revile" suggests that the UN was spoken of in a hazardous, bad, or unreliable manner. This unfavorable representation most likely originated from arguments over the UN's position or resistance in sanctioning military action or other choices associated with Iraq. Such a position could likewise show wider ideological differences, with the administration potentially perceiving the UN as an obstacle to expeditionary military goals or nationwide sovereignty.

As the war progressed and transitioned into what is referred to as a "quagmire", the administration's viewpoint shifted. The use of "quagmire" suggests a situation that has actually become complex and hard to exit, often related to unanticipated challenges and stalemate. This development signifies acknowledging that unilateral actions resulted in entanglement, needing more comprehensive international cooperation and authenticity, which the UN might offer.

This pivot towards asking for aid from the UN highlights the pragmatism in policy-making when faced with on-ground truths that diverge from preliminary expectations. It highlights the constraints of unilateral methods to global conflicts and the necessity of multilateralism when addressing drawn-out crises.

Schuyler's observation thus serves as a more comprehensive lesson in the significance of valuing global institutions and diplomacy from the outset. It calls attention to the prospective cost of sidelining cooperative international frameworks and underscores the importance and in some cases unavoidable function of such organizations in global conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts.