Security Council

Topic: Combating the Reach International Terrorism

Chairs: Luiza Valim and Bernardo Barroso

BRAMUN XIV

TableofContents

Background Informat ion .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Beginning of Modern Terror ism ..... . . . . 3 Def in ing Terror ism ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Causes of Terror ism ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Past Act ions .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Key Terms ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Guid ing Quest ions .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Further Research .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

BackgroundInformation

TheBeginningofModernTerrorism 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 11th 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.

DefiningTerrorism 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.

CausesofTerrorism 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.

PastActions 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.

KeyTerms

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 11th 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.

GuidingQuestions

§ 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?

FurtherResearch

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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?

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Further Research

The Situation

http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/11/30/venezuela-s-political-crisis-can-regional-

actors-help/im9t http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1O12B20140226 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/24/world/americas/9-opposition-candidates-barred-

from-venezuelas-december-ballot.html?_r=3 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/03/venezuela-election-pew-survey-nicolas-

maduro https://news.vice.com/article/venezuelas-ruling-party-packs-the-supreme-court-with-

judges-it-likes

Human Rights Violations-

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35156370

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