munity issue iii

Thursday, 27 January 2011 Volume XIX, Issue III

Crime and Punishment: a concept so deceivingly simple yet continues to be the key focus of debates around the world. It only seems fitting that the THIMUN board members recognize its importance and declare it the theme of this year’s conference.

The task of choosing a theme for a THIMUN conference is more complex than one might expect. Whereas one could speculate the theme came from the title of

a Dostoevsky novel, it actually began with a movie. One year ago, Mr. Alain Meidinger and his students went to see The Storm, a movie which depicts the work of the Prosecutor’s office of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. After telling the board members about this inspiring cinematic experience, they enthusiastically agreed to share the film with the 2011 Conference. Using his brother as a connection into the cinematic world, Mr. Meidinger contacted the producer as well as the Prosecutor upon whom the movie was based for a question and answer session with his students. This allowed his students the opportunity to obtain both the fictional and realistic view of the Tribunal, enhancing their understanding and making Mr. Meidinger think more about

the concept of justice within the world. The tipping point for Mr. Meidinger

occurred while reading an article by French journalist Stephanie Maupas, which spoke of a system of international justice in which people are, according to Mr. Meidinger, “judged in the same way no matter their country, sexuality, religion or gender.” For centuries, countries have attempted to establish similar penalties for the same

crime. However, with the interference of customs, religions, and cultures, this system has not lasted long. Mr. Meidinger discussed his ponderings with members of the Board and, as a result, Ms. Linda Dubock suggested Crime and Punishment as a possible theme to allow delegates a chance to ponder the same issues raised by Mr. Meindinger.

Ms. Dubock also felt the title fit with the literal and figurative location of The Hague. The Hague is currently the political center of the Netherlands, the top city in international justice, and among the top three United Nations cities. The Hague is also in a great position to lead the world out of its current position, where, Ms. Dubock states, “kidnappers are not adequately punished and people exercising their right to freedom of speech are punished unfairly.”

Although the theme was not chosen with Dostoevsky in mind, the author does raise the same moral questions and issues as those pondered by Ms. Dubock and Mr. Meidinger. The novel centers around Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersbug who plans to kill a corrupt pawnbroker with the justification that he is defending the rights of those swindled by the pawnbroker.

In chapter 24, Rodion states, “I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity.” However, in vindicating the victims, Rodion violates the most basic human right of the pawnbroker: the right to life. By taking human rights defense to the extreme, Rodion mirrors many governments that feel their duty to protect their citizens contains no boundaries. The United Nations fight for balance within a universal judicial system which does not solely exist in courtrooms, government offices, and political forums, but also in Russian novels depicting the common man who searches for balance in his own life. Even literature published in 1866 contains dilemmas relevant to us now. Hopefully, with the help of THIMUN delegates, we can attempt to achieve harmony within our world.

Crime & Punishment: The Timeless DilemmaBy Caroline Ludeman

A Glimpse in the Life of Serge Brammertz

- Page 2

Update from the General Assembly

- Pages 4-5Abdulrahman Al-Khori Maggie Bliss

Mohammed Bdeir

Visit www.thimun.org for MUNITY Online

Getting to Know the Delegates

- Page 8Mohammed Bdeir

January 27, 2011 Focus

MUNITY XLIII Staff

EDITORS-IN-CHIEFJaimi Kim

michaella KossaKowsKi

TEXT EDITORSNeslihaN cabuK

aNthoNy GoKiaNluy

mari-aNa NarboN

bavo steveNs

REPORTERSmuNir atalla

KristiN bucKmaster

Parisa Frost

adriaaN hilbers

sasha KruGmaN

caroliNe ludemaN sieNa morrell

Nicole Novey

so yeoN ParK

isabelle stillmaN

maheK tulsiaNi

mara weNdebourG

LAYOUT EDITORS

seohyuN bae

ramesh balachaNdraN

Joshua david

rebecca Jetter

Julia laNcaster

Juliet moore

James roh

PHOTOGRAPHERS al-Khori abdulrahmaN

lara batato

mohammed bdeir

marGaret bliss

KariNa duKalsKa

GweNdoliNe scholteN

azra sudetic

Opinions expressed by MUNITY are not necessarily those of the newspaper, The Hague International Model United Nations, its affilliates, sponsors, or participants, but rather those of the individual writers formed from their observation of the conference with research. Commentary and response referring to the articles are welcomed. MUNITY reserves the right to withhold or edit submissions.

A Glimpse in the Life of Serge BrammertzBy Anthony Gokianluy & Bavo Stevens

Serge Brammertz, the keynote speaker of the 43rd THIMUN opening ceremony, addressed the delegations present, highlighting the conference’s theme of “Crime and Punishment” and the strong connection between

justice and peace. He told the THIMUN delegates that “prioritizing peace over justice might seem expedient in the short term, but in the long run, a sustainable peace cannot be built upon the foundation of impunity”. Brammertz is currently the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Mr. Brammertz challenged the THIMUN delegates to think creatively about peace and justice, and to reconcile “the objectives of ‘peace’ and ‘justice’,” two elements

that seem to be rarely seen together at the negotiating table. He noted the difficulty we face in punishing the aggressors of a crime when they are often the ones we are forced to deal with.

A change in thought in

the judicial system is needed, stressed Mr. Brammertz in his speech. “Throughout history, war crimes were committed with impunity: there were very few attempts to hold anyone accountable for violations of international humanitarian law and other international crimes… As international prosecutors, we believe that it is not possible to have lasting peace if the crimes of the past have not been addressed”.

Mr. Brammertz was born in Eupen, Belgium, studied law at the University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Criminology at the University of Liège, and earned his PhD in International Law from the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, Germany. He was a National Prosecutor of the Kingdom of Belgium from 1997 to 2002. As a Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr. Brammertz investigated crimes committed in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Darfur. From 2006 to 2007, he acted as the Commissioner of United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission into the murder of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

While a highly accomplished jurist, Mr. Brammertz is also an expert on international law, whose works on global terrorism, organized crime, and corruption has been published worldwide.

Heading the ICTY had its challenges according to Mr. Brammertz. He initially faced numerous logistical and operational problems. Mr. Brammertz has told the press before that there were some worries that the Yugoslavia tribunal would reopen old political wounds.

Despite these problems, Mr. Brammertz believes in the power of justice to bring sustainable and lasting peace. As he himself noted in his speech, “You need not and must not choose one over the other,” and that “sustainable peace” is built “on justiceand accountability.”

Abdulrahman Al-Khori

(The next issue will feature an interview with Mr. Brammertz)

January 27, 2011

FEATURE

Delegates Discover What Crime and Punishment is All About Through “The Storm”

In the almost-filled World Forum Theater, this year’s THIMUN Conference held its annual Movie Night, showing the film “The Storm” produced by Ms. Britta Knoller and directed by Mr. Hans-Christian Schmid. The movie focuses on “law, justice

and integrity and the importance that is given this precious entity of international law” said Mr. Schmid (Screendaily). It also presented the problems encountered by witnesses wishing to put an end to the nightmare they have been living and achieve justice. The main character, Hannah, a prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, faces many problems as she tries to convict one of the Generals involved in the Balkan War,

on trial for crimes against humanity. When her main witness, Alen, commits suicide after lying to convict the accused, Hannah has no other alternative but to drop the case. It is then that she meets Alen’s sister, Mira, and starts uncovering the truth.

After the thrilling movie, a question and answer session was held. Ms. Knoller and the Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Mr. Serge Brammertz, entertained questions from intrigued delegates and MUN Directors. Some of the questions were related to background information about the Balkan War, the verisimilitude of the film, and current events, such as the problems happening in Lebanon right now.

Mr. Brammertz stated that even though there is still a lot to do regarding the crimes committed during this war, “with the tribunals we have made a lot of progress.”

The film overall had a positive feedback. Siena Morrell of Benenden School said

“although it was a fictional movie, it gave a good insight to the procedure and trials of the ICTY.” She was excited to note how THIMUN’s theme this year, Crime and Punishment, was represented in the film: “it brought to light the injustice that the victims of war crimes suffer.” MUNITY would like to thank both Ms. Knoller and Mr. Brammertz for giving the Conference the opportunity to understand more deeply the complexities of the ICTY through this amazing film.

By Mari-Ana Narbon

A Day in the Life: MUN Director Though most people join an MUN

program because they are inspired by what older students have achieved, one well-respected director claims the influx of delegates this year has been due to the “supernova-like light of [his] charisma.”

MUN Directors are often organized, motivated types; director who is not a workaholic is a rare find. Once involved for the first time, most directors are hooked. Sometimes strange habits arise: though few confess their superstitions, one director had a curious secret to contribute: “I like to put my past MUN director badges in order and admire them.”

Many directors are also reluctant to provide the number of times they have lost their bearings in The Hague. Mr. Andrew Newman, MUN director at John Burroughs School, confidently claims, “I get lost intentionally- I enjoy finding new places!”

Despite the achievements directors enjoy, such as the passing of a student’s

resolution, working as an MUN director can be difficult. Directors sometimes share the post-conference depression that most delegates endure. There is also the torment of trying to explain both how and why we participate in MUN to those who are unfamiliar with the concept- as Secretary-General Lara Nonninger articulated in her speech at Opening Ceremony. Sadly, some directors are forced to limit the selection of conferences to attend due to time and travel constraints. Directors “aim to achieve a balance between big and small conferences,” though nobody wants to miss out on THIMUN.

In between supporting the delegates in their commissions directors also play an essential part in conference procedure: managing the approvals panels. One director said that this can be “daunting for the less tech-savvy, but an interesting task,” as it gives directors the opportunity

to evaluate other resolutions submitted from delegations from across the globe.

Few delegates comprehend the copious amounts of preparation directors endure to ensure their delegates are well-groomed for THIMUN. “Being a good director is all about opening doors for the students to walk through, without doing the work for them,” said Mr. Jonathan Wilson, director of MUN at Benenden School. “But [the preparation] is all worth it, to see your students walking on air at the conference,” concurred Mr. Newman.

By Siena Morrell

AzrA Sudetic

iMdB iMAgeS

January 27, 2011 ISSUES & FORUMS

Slow Going in Security CouncilOne might say that with every step

forward the Security Council (SC) takes this week, it seems to take two steps backward. As one of the most reputable committees of THIMUN, this year’s Security Council will discuss issues such as the situations in Afghanistan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Middle East. The Council spent Monday giving opening speeches, which revealed the thorough extent to which each delegate was prepared. Resolutions to be debated through the rest of the week were created. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the first of these resolutions was put to the test in open debate chaired by Iris Ma, a quiet, calm, yet commanding Deputy President.

Although the SC contains some of the best and brightest delegates from each delegation, and although discussion between delegates so far has been top-notch, the results of the debate seemed to tell another story. By early Wednesday

morning, delegates, while working through a resolution regarding the question of nuclear non-proliferation in Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (DPRK), and Israel had only managed to pass two clauses, failing four and tabling another.

Delegates debated whether or not to trust nations such as Iran, which has yet to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials into all of their uranium enrichment facilities. Discussion also arose over the merits of using diplomacy in such potentially explosive situations. However, it seemed that the delegates’ thoroughness was working against them, and late on Tuesday afternoon, the house

seemed to have picked up on this. The delegate of the United Kingdom noted, to the laughter of the house, that this resolution on nuclear proliferation was under threat and on Wednesday morning, several nations deemed the resolution in danger of being vetoed; a caucus was called.

“Our coordinator who has been serving as the SC advisor for a long time said that it is the best SC he has ever seen since at least five years… I think that it is because of the enthusiasm and excellence of the delegates,” commented the President of the Security Council, Ilteris Kaan Canberk. When asked about the council’s productivity, he said, “I don’t think they are [unproductive], but rather very sensitive about their policy.” He also highlighted the fact that the Council had been able to create a comprehensive resolution in the first day of the conference. He then added, “So far, I’m very pleased with the overall performance.

By Kirsten Buckmaster

Update from the General Assembly

On Wednesday morning, two resolutions had already failed in GA1. A new issue along with a new resolution was on the table: “Towards a Nuclear-weapon-free world: Accelerating the Implementation of Nuclear Disarmament.” Delegates were working hard to build a solid resolution together so that it could be the first one to pass with help of amendments. One amendment submitted by Thailand suggesting the disarmament of politically fragile countries was very successful and passed with a clear majority, although the delegate of Tunisia stressed that nuclear-weapon-states should be disarmed too. On the second day, GA1 has proven itself as a solid and dynamic committee wanting to cooperate to pass a resolution.

Whereas in GA2 the new issue “Addressing Systemic Poverty in the Twentieth Poorest Countries,” started a fruitful debate with help of a resolution submitted by Thailand.

The resolution presented many clauses, sub-clauses and sub-sub clauses. With 63 votes in favor and 64 against, a recount took place announcing that the resolution had unfortunately failed to pass. As the morning ended, a new resolution concerning the issue of “measures against fiscal fraud” was debated.

A delegate of GA2 stressed his concern that there are “a lot of passionate speakers, but few that are constructive”. Though delegates are willing to submit and pass solid resolutions, their dedication seemed to hinder them from finding a common consensus.

The delegate of South Africa opened debate this morning in GA3 with a resolution on dismantling the blockade of the Gaza Strip. His main goal, a mantra he repeated several times, was “peace first.” The delegate emphasized that to achieve this goal, the people of the two countries needed both food and cease-fire. He also discussed the idea of crime and punishment as it relates to dealing with terrorists. The delegate then yielded the floor to the delegate of Germany, who further discussed the goal to bring mass aid and establish national security.

Speaking against this resolution was the delegate of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea whose foremost stance focused on the “utterly idealistic and disrespectful” nature of the resolution. The delegate was “quite disappointed” in the “completely ridiculous” position the resolution took, saying the operative clauses were unrealistic and insulting to the sovereignty of both countries. The resolution failed with a vote of 30 for, 105 against, and 28 abstaining. It was GA3’s third failed resolution of the conference.

In GA4, the first resolution debated the issue of the situation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The resolution

By Mara Wandebourg By Isabelle Stillman



Azra Sudetic

Explosive Debate Sends Tremors through Disarmament Commission In the Disarmament Commission, tensions

tend to run high, as the issues discussed in this committee differ from those discussed in other committees. They are about the tangible, physically destructive effects that international conflicts can have. It is largely about ridding the world of weapons that have the power to cause panic and pain, whether on a small or large scale. However, it is not just about nuclear warheads or chemical weapons, which is a common misconception about the committee. In the Disarmament Commission this year, topics range from implementing the international ban on landmines to international piracy on the high seas and trading nuclear arms with terrorist organizations. “There is a really broad range of topics,” said Emily Barham, delegate of Jamaica from DC2. “Some of the delegates get

really confrontational, which is very interesting to watch. Also, the quality of debate is generally great; there are some fantastic delegates in here.”

One resolution was on the measures to

regulate cyber warfare by nation states. Though it is an issue that has only recently come to the attention of the United Nations, it is only too relevant in today’s digital age. As such, one of the aims of a resolution, which

was submitted by the delegate of Lebanon in DC2, was to properly define exactly what cyber warfare was. After all, as stated by the delegate of the United States in his speech as the first yield, “What you cannot

define, you cannot understand.” This delegate went on to ask for “as many points of information as the stars on his flag,” which the chairs did not entertain. After a remarkable debate, the resolution passed by a landslide. The Disarmament Commission’s delegates’ main challenge is to bridge the gap between opposing sides on such controversial issues. In the face of weapons that can cause so much damage to so many people,

it is hard to remember that, as stated by Daniel Viray, the delegate of Albania in his groundbreaking speech, “We are not developing nations; we are not developed nations; we are the United Nations.”

By Sasha Krugman & Mahek Tulsiani

Update from the General Assemblyaimed to establish peace and stability in said territories, through means of “peacekeeping forces and…mediators to build trust,” and addressed economic and environmental issues in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Debate arose over two amendments to the resolution. Most noteworthy was the second amendment, proposed by the delegate of Canada, which suggested a change of date for removal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan from 2016 to 2014. The delegate asserted that, “wasting time is wasting lives.” A counter argument by the delegate of Seychelles contended that 2014 was too soon to remove all troops. The Amendment failed by a vote of 52-84. Open debate continued and the delegate of Armenia argued against it with the claim that withdrawal of troops was “unrealistic.” The resolution failed with a vote of 9 for and 108 against.

The 5th Committee of the General Assembly (GA5) jumped right into debate with energy and enthusiasm. On Tuesday, two resolutions were debated and considered for a long time, but unfortunately neither passed. However, on Wednesday, they passed their first resolution on the issue of the admission of Taiwan into the UN. GA5 has 12 resolutions to debate which the chairs described as “on-topic, pragmatic, and well-written.” So far the issues that have been debated were on Security Council reform, the UN mission in Haiti and, of course, Taiwan. The Chairs revealed that their delegates seem very passionate about their arguments and that the atmosphere of the committee is very heated both figuratively and literally! GA5’s controversial topics have allowed delegates to be moved and thus proud and confident in their arguments. “Personally, I find the issue of Security Council reform the most concerning. For too long have the hegemonies of the P-5 maintained an unfair and unjustified balance of power. In order to preserve the success and effectiveness of the Security Council in the future, it is absolutely imperative that more permanent members, namely Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil, be added and that the voting system be reconsidered,” says

Sietse Goffard, Chair of GA5. It is evident that this committee is dedicated and shows a genuine desire to resolve its issues.

“Engaged and fierce” is how the Chairs of the 6th Committee of the General Assembly (GA6) described their delegates. One example was the delegate of Uganda who was able to withstand an intense confrontation with the delegates of Germany and Togo, who were debating very passionately. There is quite a bit of rivalry between the delegates in this committee. The votes on the passing of resolutions seem to be unbalanced with numbers like 70 for and 5 against. GA5 has discussed four of the twelve resolutions they have to discuss. Two resolutions on preventing nuclear weapons and terrorism have passed. What makes this committee unique is the fact that its small size has allowed almost every delegate to speak and there is a lot of passion and participation on their part. Decreasing terrorism seems to be the most recognized topic. “Terrorism has such a big meaning that it is important to define what it really is. That way the delegates can base their decisions on what is best for their nations.” This committee is full of great ideas and debaters that will help the search for solutions take a great leap forward.

By Nicole Novey

January 27, 2011

ISSUES & FORUMS

Margaret Bliss

Gwen Scholten

PHOTO COLLAGE

January 27, 2011

modified menswear

winter warmth

tie tesselations

Fashion Trends

January 27, 2011

PHOTO COLLAGE

Photos By Abdulrahman Al-Khori, Karina Dukalska, and Gwen Scholten

fancy frames

professional platforms

belted belles

Fashion Trends

Jaunary 27, 2011 FEATURE

Getting to Know the Delegates?Munity readers were asked earlier this

week to fill out a survey of conference related questions. While the answers received ranged from the serious to the humorous to the outlandish, all were food for thought.

Delegates are asked to tackle important issues that the UN faces on a daily basis. Hopeful delegate Emily Barham stated that “transparency among nations, especially in terms of nuclear weapons and cyber warfare,” will be one of the greatest challenges faced by the UN this century. Munity Text Editor Bavo Stevens of the American Community School believes that “closing the gap between LEDCs and Developed nations” is the greatest burden shared by our generation, “so that we will no longer live in two separate worlds.”

Around Thursday, the conference begins to really heat up. Every delegate knows at least one person in their committee who has been to a different conference every week. Known as the “super delegate”or “delladdict”, their superstitions can be strange and often eccentric. Tom Uellendahl makes sure to have his “Don’t Worry, Be Happy cufflinks” on hand for every conference. One delegate wears “smashing shoes” because “they are an instant confidence boost.”Another believes that the only good luck charm they need is “sleep”.

Every good delegate knows that having goals is an important part of success. Siena Morrell of Benendon School has resolved to become more global by learning Russian and Dutch over the summer. Anthony Gokianluy resolved “to learn to play jazz trombone, and establish world peace.” Anna Marie Yu of General Assembly 6 will strive this year to “be like a G6”, while Joey Phinn hopes to “sleep more, learn Parkour and master Shaolin martial arts”.

THIMUN and memorable stories are inseparable. Whether they are inspirational or entertaining, every delegate has an abundance of tales to tell by the end of the conference. The ‘Best of’ list includes a delegate quoting Dumbledore mid-debate in support of a resolution submitted by the delegate of North Korea pertaining to nuclear weapons: “We must choose between what is easy and what is right.” Meanwhile, Sebastian Naranjo “confused a delegate with a rock star”.

Based on the influx of responses that MUNITY received from its questionnaire, it’s clear that THIMUN will forever be not only an eventful experience but also a memorable one retold among friends.

By Munir Atalla

MohaMMed Bdeir

MUNNECTION:

Are you tired of having Facebook blocked in your homeland? Do you crave a website specially dedicated to the needs of the MUN populace? If you answered yes to these questions (or even if you said no), MUNNECTION may be the site for you.

Simply put, MUNNECTION is a web platform for MUN delegates to be “munnected” with their peers around the world to discuss resolutions, to work on country policies, or even just to socialize. An “MUN Facebook”, MUNNECTION intends to allow delegates to update their profiles, add friends, and list conferences they have attended – any information provided by delegates is automatically added to the vast database of MUN-related data. If the delegate of Albania from the THIMUN Human Rights Commission wanted to register his name and his conferences, this information would be added to the relevant listings and pages; the delegate’s name and position will be available for viewing on the Human Rights Commission of THIMUN. According to Public Relations Manager Ms. Ege Yumusak, MUNNECTION has “adopted MUN jargon” within the site where delegates can find who their chairs or fellow delegates are and add them. Simple enough.

Ms. Yumusak indicated that an important aspect of MUNNECTION was its user-interface

By Anthony Gokianluy

January 27, 2011

FEATURE

A Worldwide MUN Connectionand layout, created to entice greater delegate participation pre-conference and post-conference. MUNNECTION takes Facebook’s concept of a “wall” and replaces it with a discussion forum called “the floor”. Going back to that particular delegate of Albania; if the delegate wanted to ask other delegates whether they believed “human rights should still be discussed since it is such an important issue“, people could simply comment or click on a button below the post, either “seconding” or “objecting” the motion. In the same way, delegates could also share resolutions privately, in their respective committee groups, or publicly (through the option of a resolution pool). MUNNECTION could thus be a great way to learn about country policies and is a convenient way of finding allies before a

conference starts.Mr. Ilteris Canberk, the Executive

Officer of MUNNECTION and President of the Security Council, expressed his desire for MUNNECTION to extend beyond THIMUN. Delegates who live in countries that commonly block their most common forms of inter-MUN communications, MUNNECTION is an alternative to still interact with the rest of the MUN world. Delegates could also register their own local conferences or clubs and place MUN ads on the site. Post-conference, delegates of the same committee or commission could even organize international meetings across datelines or express their excitement for the next MUN conference. MUNNECTION is, in the words of Ms. Yumusak, a “point-of-improvement to MUN.”

Started in Turkey, the website is currently only open to social purposes with the other innovative features being activated in the coming months. Slated to be launched this Friday with the distribution of registration codes, MUNNECTION may indeed become an opportunity for MUNers to MUnite.

Beat that, Zuckerberg!Maggie Bliss

Attention MUNers!

January 27, 2011 WORLD NEWS

Crossroad for Tunisia and DemocracyThose following the news are

well-aware of the recent major political reform occurring in Tunisia since December of 2010. The cause of this reform was the protests given the name the “Jasmine Revolution.” This series of street demonstrations and protests led by Tunisian citizens was organized with the purpose of voicing their demands for improvements on unemployment, food price inflation, corruption, freedom of speech and general living conditions. The speed with which the revolution spread and developed has surprised the world; now the possible future of this Arab country, situated on the coast of North Africa, draws the world’s attention.

The uprising in Tunisia is

believed to have been first prompted by a Tunisian street vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi who set himself on fire after he had his cart confiscated by the government. After the first few street demonstrations the former president of Tunisia, Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, responded to the danger facing his government by warning the protest participants about the punishment that may follow.

However, demonstrations continued for weeks and finally reached the point where President Ben Ali officially stepped down from his 23-year presidency on January 14th, 2011. After the former president’s departure from the country, a temporary government consisting of

members from Ben Ali’s party (The Constitutional Democratic Rally or RCD) and those from other opposing parties was formed. Shortly after the formation of this provisional government, internal conflicts arose as the members started to discuss whether the former RCD members should be included in the new government or not.

In the midst of such turmoil, what grabs the world’s attention is whether Tunisia will be successful with the transition to a more democratic nation or not. THIMUN participants like the delegate of Liechtenstein in Advisory Panel have also “heard about the possible political transition in Tunisia” and are interested in finding out about the future

of Tunisia. The delegate’s main interest is whether the reform will point to a democracy or will face the return of repressive forces instead. Furthermore, some expect that other nations will initiate political reforms, following Tunisia as an example. According to Roger Hardy, the Middle East analyst (BBC), if Tunisia manages to take the democratic path, “the unrest may spread” just as how “it [has been] apparent in the recent unrest in Algeria.” If so, the “Jasmine Revolution” could prove to be an influential wave that affects other non-democratic Arab nations seeking change.

By So Yeon Park

Spot the 9 Differences

Abdulrahman Al-Khori Abdulrahman Al-Khori

Thanks to the generous contributions (more than €200 from these four donors: Najwa Al-Thani/Aus-tria, Ecole Int. Le Verseau/Belgium, Mr. Angel Racoma/Beacon Academy in the Philippines and Argentina/UNODC), Pandy has been released and returned safely.


January 27, 2011

XLIII Annual SessionThe Hague International Model United Nations

Nationality Survey 2011The XLIII Annual Session of The Hague International Model United Nations is still the largest High School Model United Na-

tions Conference in the world, with a total of 3,500 students and teachers taking part. The total number of students is 3,150.

The national representations were as follows:

SURVEY

Germany 343 United Kingdom 319Netherlands 234 United States 678

Afghanistan 1Albania 2Algeria 2Angola 2Argentina 6Australia 42Austria 4Azerbaijan 1Bangladesh 2Belarus 1Belgium 32Bolivia 2Brazil 20Bulgaria 2Cambodia 1Canada 78Chile 4China 53Colombia 8Costa Rica 3Cote d’Ivoire 1Croatia 1Cyprus 21

Czech Republic 3Dominican Republic 3Ecuador 21Egypt 68Estonia 2Ethiopia 2Finland 18France 180Georgia 1Ghana 2Greece 86Hungary 6Iceland 1India 91Indonesia 16Iran 1Ireland 33Israel 11Italy 77Japan 31Jordan 13Kazakhstan 2Kenya 5

Korea, Rep. of 82Kuwait 12Latvia 2Lebanon 13Lithuania 1Luxembourg 1Malaysia 6Malta 1Mexico 13Mozambique 1Myanmar 1New Zealand 18Nigeria 5Norway 24Pakistan 18Panama 8Philippines 18Poland 16Portugal 30Qatar 10Romania 1Russian Federation 11Saudi Arabia 2

Singapore 31Slovenia 1South Africa 9Spain 68Sri Lanka 4Sudan 5Swaziland 1Sweden 11Switzerland 19Syria 1Taiwan 1Tanzania 6Thailand 1Trinidad and Tobago 1Turkey 143Ukraine 2Uruguay 1Uzbekistan 1Venezuela 8Viet Nam 2Zambia 2Zimbabwe 2

The other students came from:

THIMUN FoundationJanuary 2011

There were 350 teachers and officials, of whom 168 were men and 182 were women: 116 Americans, 55 British, 27 Germans and 15 Dutch.

The other national origins are as follows:Australia 11Austria 2Canada 20China 7Cyprus 4Ecuador 2Egypt 2Finland 2France 9Greece 14India 3

Indonesia 1Ireland 5Italy 7Japan 1Jordan 3Kenya 1Korea, Rep. Of 1Lebanon 2New Zealand 6Norway 2Philippines 1

Panama 3Poland 1Portugal 4Singapore 3South Africa 2Spain 6Switzerland 2Turkey 9Uruguay 1

January 27, 2011

What Kind of Delegate Are You?

Where were you last night and what were you doing?

a) Networking at some restaurant in the city. Always got to meet new people! Maybe my “new friend” knows someone, who knows someone, who can get me into college.b) Enjoying the Den Haag nightlife with the people I met today in my committee.c) Going over resolutions in my hotel room, perfecting clauses, catching up with the news, ironing my favorite MUN shirt... I went to bed early to save all my energy for the debate today!d) Being the center of attention in a crowded restaurant cracking jokes.

How well do you know the policies of your delegation?

a) I didn’t bother doing a lot of research but people love my speeches because I’m just really good at public speaking.b ) I represent Spain, all I know is Ibiza, Mallorca, and Barcelona… Vamos a la playa!c) Policies?! I know their constitution by heart.d) If I don’t know them, I invent them in a funny way.

By Azra Sudetic & Neslihan Cabuk

FEATURE

What kind of clothes do you wear to the conference?

a) I dress to impress – slick, black suits and expensive shoes.b) Fashion is my #1 priority at THIMUN. The more heads that turn when I enter the room, the better.c) The clothes my mom bought me to wear here. They’re great, they‘re so Ban Ki Moon!d) The kind of clothes that make an ad-min think twice before admitting me…

When you start a speech, you…a) … quote Donald Trump.b) … rattle off your nine digit number.c) … faint.d) … use an analogy.

De volgende halte is * …a) … Binnenhof, hoping to bump into Dutch MPs and give them my business card.b) … Centrum, ready to have a good night with friends.c) … World Forum, going to the confer-ence early to get some work done.d) … Kurhaus, to test out my adventure skills on the bungee jump over the North Sea.

* The next stop is…

MOSTLY A’SThe networker: You mainly participate

in THIMUN to have it on your CV and ex-pand your network. You might want to consider being more sincere about new found friendships so you can really enjoy socializing at the conference to its fullest.MOSTLY B’S

The outgoing delegate: Good for you, you really know how to have fun! Still, don’t forget that enjoying the nightlife of the city isn’t the only reason why you came to Den Haag. THIMUN also involves an interest in politics. You might end up really enjoying the debates if you take them seriously!MOSTLY C’S

The outstanding delegate: You take MUN very seriously, which shows your great interest in politics and the pleasure you take in it. Being motivated is great. You might want to try checking out what the city has to offer in your free time. Maybe you can meet some people, who are equally interested in politics as you are!

MOSTLY D’SThe funny delegate: You’re the delegate

who entertains everyone with jokes and stories during those long, tedious hours of debate. You’re a real crowd-pleaser and people like you for it. If you want to be re-spected more in serious situations though, try not to crack jokes all the time in those tricky situations.

This quiz is meant for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblances to actual people or events are purely coincidental. Thank you for your understanding.

munity issue iii

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