HIGH SCHOOL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2014

TOPIC 1: THE INCREASING PREVALENCE OF UAV’S IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE

What are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (aka drones)?

Where are drone strikes occurring?- Afghanistan- Algeria- Iraq- Iran- Libya- Mali- Somalia- Pakistan- Yemen

Consider:

What is the impact of UAVs on your country’s policies?

What is the impact of UAVs on your allies foreign policies? How does this aff ect you?

Does your country use UAVs? Do they support techonological advances of UAVs? Are they suppliers?

How does the use of UAVs as a military weapons aff ect your country’s national policies or relations?

TOPIC 1: THE INCREASING PREVELANCE OF UAV’S IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE

Focus questions:1. Should UAVs be allowed in international

space? If so, how will they be regulated?2. Should UAVs be allowed in foreign national

airspace?3. How can countries protect their sovereignty in

terms of UAVs and airspace?4. What protocols (if any) should be implemented

to regulate the use and growth of UAVs?5. Should there be repercussions for civilian

casualties due to targeted drone strikes? If so what, and how?

TOPIC 1: THE INCREASING PREVELANCE OF UAV’S IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE

Shia Insurgency in Yemen 2004 – present Civil war between Yemen’s government and rebels trying to

implement Shia religious laws. The Yemeni government has accused Iran of supporting the rebels. While rebels accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting Yemen’s government.

Iran-PJAK (party for free l ife in Kurdistan) confl ict 2004 – present PJAK leaders aim to create a sovereign autonomous land within

the Kurdish province of IranSyrian Civil War 2011 – present

Originating from the Arab springs Conflict between Assad regime (supported by Alawites,

Hezbollah, Iran) vs. Free Syrian Army, Sunnis, Jabhat al Nusra (al-Qaeda supporters), Gulf States (Saudi Arabia & Qatar), Turkey & Jordan (due to refugee overflow)

With Lebanon often caught in the middle of the conflict

TOPIC 2: STABILITY OF THE MIDDLE EAST

TOPIC 2: STABILITY OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Fatah-Hamas conflict/Palestinian Civil War (2006 – present)• conflict between Palestine’s two major political factions. • The two parties have failed to reach an agreement on government

power distribution, and as of August 2007, have split into two government entities: the Fatah-ruled Palestinian National Authority and the Hamas Government located in Gaza.

• There have been two attempts at a reconciliation agreements, most recently in 2012, but neither of them have succeeded in reuniting the Palestinian Authority.

TOPIC 2: STABILITY OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Egypt’s Political Struggles 2011- present• After the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, Egypt’s first

democratic elections were held, and showed an overwhelming Islamist party victory. These results were nullified, however, leaving Egypt with no elected state institutions. The democratically elected parliament also dissolved in 2012.

• The Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi won the 2012 presidential election, but was deposed in 2013 due to anti-government protest and a military coup.

• The remaining political vacuum has caused a great deal of tension between the military, judiciary and the dozens of political parties as they all seek political power.

• Currently, the military remains Egypt’s primary political agent. • Elections are expected for early 2014, but with no parliament or constitution, there is no general consensus on how elections will be held.

TOPIC 2: STABILITY OF THE MIDDLE EAST

1. How should the United Nations proceed in terms of the existing conflicts? Is it enough to merely step in when clear violations (such as chemical weapon use) are committed, or is it the responsibility of the United Nations to take a more direct approach in ending these conflicts?

2. How can the United Nations help to prevent further uprisings from taking place?

3. Should a new uprising gain momentum, what should the United Nations do (if anything) in the interest of world peace?

4. How does the United Nations decide if a conflict or movement is affecting international security, and when is it merely a domestic matter?

5. (Optional) What role does the United Nations have in ensuring its member nations (especially those in the P5) do their utmost in ensuring world peace, instead of exacerbating the problem?

Keep in mind:

STATISTICS will vary. DEFINITIONS You are representing the GOVERNMENT, not

necessarily the people.

Other things: No laptops Communications room – your resolutions must be approved

by us Any questions?

TOPICS 1 & 2