Security Council Topic: Combating the Reach International Terrorism Chairs: Luiza Valim and Bernardo Barroso BRAMUN XIV
Table of Contents Background Information... 3 The Beginning of Modern Terrorism... 3 Defining Terrorism... 4 Causes of Terrorism... 4 Past Actions... 5 Key Terms... 6 Guiding Questions... 7 Further Research... 8
Background Information The Beginning of Modern Terrorism The term terrorism is not new. Neither is the idea, which was born right after the French Revolution. Modern terrorism however was born about two decades ago. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, and consequently the end of the cold war, altered the global security setting. The focus shifted from affairs between states to internal ones. At the time anything that would endanger the world was unimaginable. This period however marked the beginning of an entirely new global threat. In 1993 the world saw the first international modern terror attack when six people were killed and over a thousand injured in the bombing of New York City s World Trade Center. This came as a rude awakening to the international community again in 2001, with the September 11 th attacks in the United States. This marked a beginning of a new era of global threats, where terrorist groups have the resources to kill thousands of innocent people across the world.
Defining Terrorism Twenty-two years have passed since the world s first modern terrorist attack in 1993 but there is still no consensus on what the definition of terrorism is. One country s freedom fighter or political party is another country s terrorist group. The United Nations have a list of all groups it considers a terrorist organization, however there is no one definition which cause disagreements between countries and makes the war against international terrorism even harder. Causes of Terrorism In recent years there has been an increase in the formation of terrorist organizations. This is due to the several conflicts and revolutions that have been occurring around the world. Terrorist groups like the Islamic State have roots in the turmoil of the Syrian conflict. The lack of aid in establishing governments after the Arab Spring has been directly responsible for these emerging groups. Furthermore, the reach of these criminal organizations has been maximized by the use of modern warfare. Terrorist today have modern weapons, sophisticated tactics and actionable knowledge. There has
also been the emerging of a new form of terrorism, cyber-terrorism. In which there can an untraceable attack across the world with no physical evidence. To combat these organizations this has to be addressed. Past Actions Since the 1990s the Security Council has been taken actions to end terrorism. These have varied between sanctions to countries that have sponsored terrorism to networks between countries in order to share information and work together to prevent attacks. Some of these measures include mandatory resolutions that countries to combat terrorism.
Key Terms Terrorist Organization An organized criminal group with the objective on insighting terror and war throughout the world. ISIS Also known as the Islamic State or Daesh, ISIS is a terrorist group formed in Syria in recent years. It has so far become the largest and most deadly group in the modern world, responsible for the deaths of thousands of people who do not agree with their interpretation of Islamic teachings. Al Qaeda Terrorist organization, located in the Arab Peninsula and Northern Africa responsible for several attacks in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Best known for the September 11 th attacks. Boko Haram Terrorist group located in Central Africa, with its headquarters in Nigeria. Responsible for several attacks in Africa including the kidnapping of over two hundred innocent girls.
Guiding Questions How should the United Nations define terrorism? How should states that support terrorism be dealt with? What measures should be taken by the international community in order to end international terrorist attacks? Is terrorism an internal matter or an international one? How can the United Nations prevent the birth of new terrorist organizations?
Further Research 1. http://abcnews.go.com/us/story?id=92340 2. https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/terrorism/terrorism-definition 3. http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2008/5/05- terrorism-mgi/05_terrorism_mgi.pdf 4. http://www.cfr.org/terrorism/global-regime-terrorism/p25729 5. http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_77646.htm 6. http://www.un.org/press/en/2013/gal3454.doc.htm 7. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/paris-attacks-timeline-20- years-of-terror 8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/timeline_of_the_war_on_terror
Security Council Topic B: Resolving the Conflict in Syria Chair: Luiza Valim Vice-Chair: Bernardo Barroso BRAMUN XIV
INDEX Background Information... 3 Guiding Questions. 8 Further Research...9 Issue: Question of Resolving the Conflict in Syria. 2
Background Information The Syrian Civil War, DEASH, and the Arab Spring The Syria Civil War began in March 2011 as a result of the Arab Spring movement which managed to depose several abusive governments across the Arab world and install democracy to several countries. The Syrian Uprising began as peaceful protests demanding that Assad step down and for elections to be held, however Assad attacked the protestors resulting in guerilla violence that has led to the current civil war. For much of the war, both the Free Syrian Army and the Syrian Army have been locked in a stalemate, however in 2014 DAESH arose from pretty much nowhere and made large advances across Syria and Northern Iraq. DAESH is a breakaway faction of Al-Qaeda who believe in a distorted version of Islam and hope to establish an Islamic Caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The US along with several states has now started a coalition against DAESH in an attempt to prevent its expansion, however DAESH has continued its advance in Syria and recently captured the ancient city of Palmyra, which DAESH destroyed as it predates Islam. However in response to this, Assad request military intervention from Russia in order to remain in power. Russia who operates it last external military base in Syria as well as being the largest importer of Syrian Oil intervened with airstrikes against both DAESH and the FSA. This has led to a proxy war scenario with the west backing the FSA while Russia and Iran support Assad. Although attempts are being made at coordination between the coalitions, nothing has been founded as such. In 3
November Turkey shot down a Russian Jet flying through its airspace, the first time a NATO member shot down a Russian jet for decades has resulted in an escalation between the two sides. DAESH however responded to the airstrikes differently by committing acts of terror such as downing a Russian Airplane in Egypt, bombing a mosque in Kuwait and most recently the Paris Attacks. Currently talks are underway in Vienna between all actors (except Syria and FSA) to resolve the issue, also members of different rebel groups met in Riyadh to form a coalition for peace talks with the Assad. The issue has also led to one of the biggest refugee crisis in history. Current Actors in Syria Syrian Government Capital: Damascus Leader: Bashar Al-Assad The pre-civil war government led by dictator Bashar Al-Assad who has led the country since his fathers death. Assad s government has had a long history of human rights abuses and corruption which were catalyst factors in the Syrian Revolution back in 2011, however Assad had his forces attack peaceful protestors which lead to the outbreak of the civil war. Assad has used chemical weapons against his own people including mustard gas and is wanted for human rights abuses Free Syria Army Capital: No established capital 4
Leader: Abdul-llah al-bashir The major opposition to Assad s government, which has fought him since the start of the civil war. Currently the FSA controls a large section of North West Syria but has been subject to a large push back from DAESH in the East and Assad in the South. The Free Syrian Army is currently supported by the coalition as the legitimate voice of Syria and has received aid from the US and continues to receive military aid from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Western Kurdistan Capital: Erbil (Kurdistan), Qamishil (Western Kurdistan) Leader: Mosoud Barzani (Kurdistan), Asya Abdullah (Western Kurdistan) The autonomous region of Northern Iraq that represents the Kurd population in the Middle East. Kurdistan is the only region apart from Israel within the Middle East that doesn t have a Muslim majority and as a result has remained moderate during the war. Following the rise of DAESH in North East Syria however, Kurdistan occupied the area of Syria with a large Kurd population has been successful in defeating DAESH which led to the founding of Western Kurdistan (Rojava). Kurdistan is supported by the coalition and receives military aid from France, however Turkey has launched airstrikes against the region as it opposes Kurd support. DAESH Capital: Al-Raqqah 5
Leader: Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi DAESH (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) roses rapidly to power in 2013 and has taken over large areas of Syria and Northern Iraq. DAESH is attempting to establish a Islamic caliphate in the region and persecutes anyone who doesn t follow their distorted version of Islam. DAESH is an extremely well funded group with a strong internal government structure with a large army that is currently advancing in Syria. DAESH currently controls major cities such as Raqqa and Mosul and is advancing on towns such as Aleppo and Damascus. The Anti-ISIS Coalition Intervention Members: USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark Actions: Have launched airstrikes against DAESH cities such as Raqqa; Bombing of oil refineries and military aid (by Saudi Arabia and Qatar) to the FSA Pro-Assad coalition Members: Russia, Iran, Syria and Hezbollah Actions: Airstrikes against DAESH and FSA, military support for Assad. 6
Situation in Syria as of December 2015 (Wikipedia) 7
Guiding Questions Should Bashar Al-Assad stay in power in Syria? Should any and all affected countries conduct military action in Syria? Should there be any troops in the ground in Syria? What should be done about the DAESH (Or ISIL)? Which should be organized first: a stable government in Damascus or the fight against DAESH? Is there a sense of priority? Is one more important than the other? How can DAESH be successfully stopped while still protecting Syrian sovereignty? Who is the legitimate leader of the Syrian state? Should the international community come to a consensus regarding this? Is it possible to reach coordination between states whilst attempting to solve in the conflict? 8
Further Research http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868 http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/10/syrian-civil-war-guide-isis/ 410746/ http://www.bloombergview.com/quicktake/syrias-civil-war http://www.britannica.com/event/syrian-civil-war http://www.theguardian.com/world/isis http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/isis/index.html http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-24179084 http://abcnews.go.com/topics/news/world/syrian-civil-war.htm http://america.aljazeera.com/topics/topic/event/syria-war.html 9
Security Council Topic C: Ending the Political Tensions in Venezuela Chair: Luiza Valim Vice-Chair: Bernardo Barroso BRAMUN XIV 10
INDEX Background Information... 3 Guiding Questions. 6 Further Research...7 Issue: Question of Ending the Political Tensions in Venezuela. 11
Background Information The Current Situation and History Since 2014, political upheaval in Venezuela has resulted in over thirty deaths and nearly two thousand arrests. Since then, the country has been a playground of political instability, economic failure, and violence. It is the belief of other South American states that the power struggle between Nicolás Maduro and the opposition, many of whom he or other members of his regime incarcerated. The United Nations, as well as the European Union, and the United States have already called for Venezuela to release these jailed opposition leaders, as it is international belief that such acts could compromise the essence of Venezuela s democracy, although the country officially denies holding any political prisoners. There have been calls by Argentina to even attempt to remove Venezuela from the Mercosur agreement due to a violation on its democracy clause, which the new government, elected democratically on December 6th, proves to attempt to clarify. There has been significant economic inflation, recession, and a shortage of basic goods, which added to the growing dissatisfaction among the people. In 2014, when many of these individuals when to the streets to protest, many were beaten, arrested, robbed, or even killed, in acts that called the attention of the entire international community for suspicions of 12
human rights violations. Later, when further opposition leaders were arrested or simply banned from governmental politics, the democracy of Venezuela was questioned even furthered. However, elections won by the opposition on December 6th, 2015 may indicate some hope that the situation may change. Current Actors in Venezuela So far, many diplomatic initiatives have been seen as ineffective. While many governments and international organisations are concerned with the authoritarian turn that has taken in Venezuela, there has been a hesitation to act. It seems that Europe and the United States, unless for its diplomatic fight with Venezuela, seem to have kept themselves removed from the conflict. Mexico has also remained silent, mostly because, although it is a vital power in the region, it does not have any current vital interests in Venezuela. Cuba is in agreement ideologically with the current regime and therefore is greatly distrusted by the opposition and its leaders, being Venezuela s main ally in this matter. Colombia s relationship with Venezuela is stranded due to the current refugee crisis, while Brazil has only stated that it attempts to mediate relations between the opposition and the Maduro administration, believing that moderation is the key to procceed. International Concerns 13
The international community is deeply concerned over any type of human rights violations that may have occurred or any breaches to Venezuela s democratic government, especially to ensure the separation between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. These concerns are held mainly by the United Nations as well as other South American states. The fact that, due to economic troubles, Venezuela has stopped giving aid to allies such as Bolivia and Cuba, as well as the fact that it has since then rejected thousands of Colombian refugees, even closing its border, also concerns the international community, especially in regards of local and international alliances. The fact that three American embassy staff accused of fomenting political unrest in Caracas wee also expelled from the country has also led to a stand-off between Venezuela, the Organisation of American States, and the United States. 14
Guiding Questions Should the OAS or any other international organisation interfere in Venezuela? Can any interference in Venezuela be considered a breach of state sovereignty? Should the international community take any measures to protect the people from possible human rights violations? Is there any way for the international community to agree to help Venezuela s economy? Is that a priority in solving the conflict? Should Brazil, or any other South American actor, be blamed if the situation is not stabilised? Who should be the ruling party in Venezuela? Should any of the expelled diplomats be reinstated? 15
Further Research The Situation http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/11/30/venezuela-s-political-crisis-can-regionalactors-help/im9t http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-protests-idusbrea1o12b20140226 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/24/world/americas/9-opposition-candidates-barredfrom-venezuelas-december-ballot.html?_r=3 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/03/venezuela-election-pew-survey-nicolasmaduro https://news.vice.com/article/venezuelas-ruling-party-packs-the-supreme-court-withjudges-it-likes Human Rights Violations- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35156370 16
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