February 2012 - Novice Conference Topic Synopsis Nuclear Non-proliferation and Iran Gahr High School Model United

Nations
I. Background on the Issue Irans has devoted significant resources to developing nuclear energy for decades. Much of these early developmental efforts were supported and developed with the assistance of the Western world. In the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution, support for these efforts from the West diminished significantly, as did the development of their nuclear energy sector. In the past decade, it has become apparent that Iran is not singularly focused on a nuclear energy program, but also pursuing a nuclear agenda for the purpose of developing weapons. With Irans hostility towards the West and the United States close relationship with Israel, there is added fuel to concerns over Iran becoming a nuclear power. The West has a mounting concern over Irans relationships with China, Pakistan, and North Korea and their growing access to nuclear technology. Access to nuclear energy technology will only enhance their ability to develop weaponry. Many are increasingly concerned with the potential for a nuclear arms race in the Middle East as a result of the growing influence of Iran and their nuclear program. II. UN Involvement: The United Nations has not come up with any definite or perfect solution, but they have tried to learn from the past and have tried their best to prevent the use nuclear weapons in any wars after World War II. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was created in 1968 and was enforced in 1970, it has been signed by all countries except DPRK, India, Pakistan, and Israel; they all have their own treaties for situations dealing with nuclear materials. In this treaty, countries agreed that the usage of nuclear weapons was harmful for all and should restrain from the usage of them. Not only that, but it was also established that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be in charge of monitoring and making sure all countries follow what they had agreed to. Many additional resolutions regarding this have been passed since, such as A/RES/56/24 and A/RES/61/70. Both of these encourage states to increase transparency between countries to promote trust and safety. In Irans case, IAEA inspectors have always been allowed to check the nuclear facilities, however, the country has failed to announce the construction of new uranium enrichment plants, which is a clear violation of various UN Security Council resolutions. Although Iran has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, their ties with North Korea may prove to be detrimental to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Iran has recently invited the IAEA into the nation again; however, many officials question their purpose behind this unexpected invitation. Many diplomats believe Irans intentions of transparency within their nuclear sectors are false. Instead, they have come to the conclusion that their true motive is the removal of the various sanctions that are currently placed upon them. III. Questions to Consider: How do you prevent Iran from secretly producing nuclear weapons? What are some incentives that can be used to influence Iran to reduce and eventually stop the production of nuclear weapons? How do you inspect thoroughly and regulate the nuclear power plants in Iran which are said to be creating weapons of mass destruction?

IV. Helpful Links http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11709428 http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/nuclear_program/index.htl http://armscontrolcenter.org/policy/iran/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11709428

February 2012- Advanced Conference Topic Synopsis Open Agenda Gahr High School Model United Nations
I. Introduction Although our Advanced Conference is Open Agenda, we have provided a few topics for your consideration in the hope that this may stimulate more focused debate. II. Security in Iraq
Following the end of Saddam Husseins reign in 2003, the goal of the United States military occupation in Iraq was to stabilize the weakened infrastructure within the nation in order to enable Iraqi forces to maintain order within the country. Iraqi insurgents have caused close to two thousand deaths, since the start of 2011. However, this rate is significantly smaller than the rate of violence seen at its peak in 2006, where over sixteen thousand deaths occurred. Nearly nine years after the strong military occupation in Iraq began; United States President Barack Obama moved to finally complete the withdrawal of US military forces from Iraq. The withdrawal of US military presence in Iraq raises many worries in regard to the security of Iraq. Iraqs rebuilt military is not well-trained and lacks the resources and capacity to keep up with Iraqs neighboring martial forces. There is doubt as to whether or not the Iraqi forces will be able to sufficiently defend its people and deal with widespread sectarian violence and dissent.

Helpful Links: I. http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/newsiss3/p/iraqwarprofile.htm II. http://www.fact-index.com/t/th/the_un_security_council_and_the_iraq_war.html III. http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1066973.html III. Somalia

Currently, Somalia is facing some its worst times: devastating environmental conditions, rampant poverty, and most importantly, the constant turmoil from the rebel group Al-Shabab. It is estimated by the World Food Programme that more than half its population (about 4 million people) have been affected by famine, with about 3 million of them being located in southern Somalia. The United Nations has been working hard in order for aid to reach the country faster. However, due to the fact that not enough money was given to the WFP, the most influential NGO in Somalia, they have not been able to provide enough food and shelter for people. Also, another factor is Al-Shabab. At first, this militant Islamic group seemed helpful since they would help distribute supplies to Somalis, but as time progressed this rebel group became a burden for those who were trying to help. Putting restrictions and using arms as a way to drive NGO's out, more and more people have been dying since they do not have the necessary resources to survive. Causing trouble and using fear to gain power, Al Shabab has been primarily terrorizing western businesses and eliminating anyone who has any affiliation with them. Fleeing from Somalia, people have been flooding into neighboring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. If countries do not unite and aid Somalia in their time of need, these problems will soon start affecting more countries.

Helpful Links: I. http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/aug/03/somalia-famine-aid-operations II.http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/somalia/index.html III. http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?alias=ochaonline.un.org/somalia IV. Nuclear Proliferation and North Korea
Known for withdrawing from the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, North Korea has always been a topic of discussion. Being very isolated and reserved, information about their nuclear activities is quite unknown. The only way that countries have been able to figure out that they are undergoing nuclear activity are by spy satellites and various nuclear tests North Korea has conducted. Although bordering nations feel very threatened by these activities, Kim Jong Il had claimed that all they were doing was running "tests" that would improve their country. This explanation, however, has not convinced the majority of the countries, and most are demanding something to be done in order to have world safety. A Stanford

professor, who was allowed to visit one of the nuclear plants, informed that North Koreas nuclear facilities are even more advanced than those in Iran. This shows that although economic sanctions have been put up, they have not been working since North Korea continues to build and improve their plants. Another point of concern for the West is the possible exchange of nuclear information between Iran and South Korea. Seeing as how Iran has repetitively withheld information from inspectors from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and how DPRK has also limited what inspectors can look at, it would not be surprising to find out that these two countries have been trading resources between themselves. The threat of nuclear proliferation in North Korea has increased in recent times, following Kim Jong Ils death. His son, Kim Jong-un, has been appointed as his successor and is under severe pressure from leading North Korean military leaders to prove himself. Analysts say that Jong-un may attempt to test fire missiles as a way to live up to his fathers legacy.

Helpful Links: I.http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/northkorea/ nuclear_program/index.html II. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/07/07/nuclear-pakistan-nkorea.html III. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/09/18/idINIndia-59404120110918 IV. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2645741.stm V. Syria
The crisis in Syria revolves around the desire of Syrias people to get the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad and the overthrow of the current regime. This crisis is part of the Arab Spring which is the wave of social upheaval that has taken place in a variety of Arab nations demanding the elimination of social injustice from their governments. With the nations of Egypt and Tunisia having success, Syrian protestors have shown unrest of intolerance towards the fifty-year Baathist rule. Recently, the UN reported that over 5,000 people have been killed while protesting in Syria at the hands of the Assad regime with over 3,000 being killed since August 18th. The Syrian government is infamous for killing those that demand the government be taken down. Syria has been referred to the International Criminal Court due to its heinous actions. With violence escalating everyday and with a number of human rights violations, the situation is comparatively worse than Syrias counterparts. It is imperative that the United Nations Security Council act on the situation and find a middle ground between the peoples demands and the Assad regime.

Helpful Links: I. http://www.acus.org/new_atlanticist/arab-spring-libya-and-syria II. tp://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/syria/index.html III. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/syrias-civil-war-is-bigger-than-syriaitself/2011/12/15/gIQANGEzwO_story.html VI. Sudan

Sudan is having many issues both internationally and domestically. In this environment; neither Sudan or South Sudan is making sufficient progress towards building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. The situation in Sudan and South Sudan is at a difficult juncture, with a very low trust between the countries, heightened rhetoric, and mutual accusations. The National Congress Party and the southern-based Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement continue to implement the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement through the Government of National Unity (GNU). The formation of the GNU officially ended more than two decades of north and south conflict. During the conflict, famine, fighting, and disease killed more than 2 million people, forced an estimated 500,000 Sudanese to seek refuge in neighboring countries, and displaced 4 million people within Sudan. Since 2005, approximately 2 million people have returned to Southern Sudan and the Three Areas of Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Abyei, straining scarce resources and facing a weak infrastructure. The issue between Sudan and South Sudan has caused much conflict that is not only preventing the Sudanese from forming an agreement but also causing many casualties.

Helpful Links: I. http://www.southsudannation.com/ II.http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40683&Cr=south+sudan&Cr1 = III. https://www.cia.gov/index.html IV. http://allafrica.com/stories/201112140575.html