BeanMUN is Boston University’s sub-conference at the We Model United Nations Expo that takes place in Beijing, China each summer. 2012 will be our fourth year attending the EXPO alongside some of the most prominent Model UN programs from around the world. The dates for this year’s conference are July 26-29. Over that time as a BeanMUN director, you are responsible for chairing a committee of high school delegates from across the globe. You will also be able to attend events with all of the staff and delegates such as Global Village and the Delegate Dance. WEMUN provides accommodations and meals for the entirety of the time spent at the conference and will reimburse all directors up to $1350 for their flight and visa after purchase.

Apply to BeanMUN HERE.

By: Becca Shipler

Since the early 1990s, Somalia has deteriorated into a failed state, and now, a decade later, its chaotic situation continues to spiral out of control. On January 27, Somali journalist Hassan Osman Abdi, was shot and killed outside his home in Mogadishu, most likely in reaction to his reports on politics and corruption. Two days earlier, on January 25, foreign aid workers Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted, who had been kidnapped in late October 2011, were finally freed by US Navy Seals. These are only two events of many that emerge as a result of Somalia’s failed state status.

A common definition of a failed state formed by Washington D.C. based non-governmental organization, the Fund for Peace is a state that has: lost control of its territory, lacks legitimate authority to make collective decisions, cannot provide public services and is unable to interact as a full member of the international community. The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (the internationally recognized government of the state) displays all these characteristics.

In order to understand the current crisis in Somalia, it is necessary to know some of the country’s history. In July 1960, Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland gained independence and united to form the Somali Republic. A constitution followed in 1961, but by 1969 the new system had unraveled when a coup d’état culminated in the assassination of then president Adirashid Ali Shermarke. Along with the Somali Army, the Supreme Revolutionary Council renamed the state the Somali Democratic Republic. It was governed by a one party system controlled by the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party. In the 1977 Ogaden War, in which Somalia tried to annex the Ogaden territory of Ethiopa, the government changed its allegiances. Previously loyal to the Soviet Union, the Somali government instead allied itself with the United States, due to the Soviets backing of Ethiopia in this war.

A new constitution was then introduced in 1979, but Somalia remained under authoritarian rule. By 1991, the current administration under Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown, but a rift arose between rival warlords and clan-based militias, which led to outbreak of the civil war. During that year, the northern former British section of the country seceded and renamed itself Somaliland. Since the 1991 Somali Civil War, Somalia (officially the Somali Republic) has been categorized as a failed state.

The state is divided into three major sections: the Northwest section, the Northeast section, and the Southern section. The Northwest part of the country, Somaliland, is secessionist and wants independence from Somalia. Although not recognized as a state by the international community, it functions as a state in all but name. Because it was independent for five days in 1961, before it chose to unite with the rest of the state, Somaliland has a valid claim that it was once an independent state. This gives Somaliland legal basis to seek recognition as an independent state.

In the Northeast, Puntland, which declared itself an autonomous state in 1998, does not seek total independence from Somalia, like Somaliland, but does control its own affairs.

In the Southern part of the country, the Islamic militant group al-Shabaab controls most of the territory. Kenyan and Ethiopian troops are present in the southern part of the country as well, but their military intervention has not succeeded so far. The capital city, Mogadishu, located in the South, is constantly fought over by the peacekeepers of the United Nations and the African Union, and the terrorist group al-Shabaab.

The presence of al-Shabaab, which means “The Youth” in Arabic, is one of Somalia’s biggest issues. This group emerged from the Union of Islamic Courts when it broke off into different sections in 2006 after its defeat by the Transitional Federal Government and is estimated to have over 7,000 fighters. Al-Shabaab wants to establish a strict version of Sharia law in Somalia, which would include punishments such as stoning to death people accused of adultery. In addtion, the group has claimed ties to al-Qaeda, which were confirmed in 2010. Al-Shabaab is also responsible for a number of bombings, including the July 2010 Kampala attacks in Uganda, which killed over 70 people.

Somalia is also dealing with a famine resulting from East Africa’s worst drought in 60 years. The famine began six months ago and at the beginning of the crisis, al-Shabaab banned foreign aid agencies from entering the country. They lifted the ban in July 2011, but called for a permanent ban in November of various aid organizations including the UN high commissioner for refugees, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Things have slowly improved since the beginning of the drought, but more foreign aid is needed to ensure people in the regions most in need have access to necessary resources.

The other major problem in Somalia is the issue of pirates. They are known for hijacking ships and demanding ransom money in turn for the release of the people, ships, and cargo they hold hostage. Most of the pirates fit one of three profiles: local Somali fishermen who need money and do not think foreign ships have the right to be sailing in their waters and destroying their boats, ex-military and ex-militiamen, and technical experts. The pirates claim that they are defending Somalia from foreigners and putting money into the local economy. However, the consequences of their actions are much more grim. According to Reuters, 62 seafarers died over a four-year period through murder, suicide, or malnutrition.

Somalia currently faces drought, famine, piracy, religious extremism, and a failed government. This country needs more foreign help, but it is difficult for foreign aid agencies to work in Somalia with all the chaos and potential danger for their employees. In order for Somalia to establish a solution to its problems, a strong government must first be established.

Although many foreign aid agencies are no longer present in Somalia, some still remain. If you want to donate, click on the links to their websites below:

The International Rescue Committee: http://www.rescue.org/where/somalia
The Disasters Emergency Committee: http://www.dec.org.uk/

For more information, check out the BBC’s summary of the Somali conflict: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10524929

Weekly Meeting

Join us this week on Wednesday, at 7:30pm in PHO 211 to discuss:

The Future of the Asia-Pacific

On November 17^th, in a speech to Australia’s parliament, Mr. President Obama stated, “Let there be no doubt: in the Asia-Pacific in the 21^st century, the United States of America is all in.” Literally, Obama’s movement of troops into Australia and the Philippines is just one step in America’s post-Iraq strategy, but symbolically, the declaration has major foreign policy implications. Only a week earlier in Honolulu, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared that the 21^st century would be “America’s Pacific Century.” Washington’s repositioning of foreign policy can be interpreted as a bold attempt to foster cooperation with the main global players in Asia as well as flex American might against the ascent of the powerful dragon, China. While the Sino-American relationship dominates the majority of foreign policy literature today, other events and changes in the region should be lent for discussion.

The Future of Korea

Just one month after Obama’s discourse, North Korean Kim Jung Il, 69, died. The uncertainties brought about by the leader’s sudden death has alarmed the country’s southern neighbor and enemy, South Korea, and the rest of the world. The changes and continuities under Kim Jong-Un have even the country’s best ally, China, on edge.

-I Watched North Korea’s Propaganda Film So You Don’t Have To: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/01/13/north_korea_propaganda_kim_jong_un
-The Last Kim of Pyongyang? http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/01/19/the_last_kim_of_pyongyang?page=0,1

Japan’s Recovery

A massive earthquake hit Japan in Spring 2011 devastating the country. Shortly after, a triple meltdown of at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility plant followed suit. The country not only has to undergo recovery from these major disasters, but must also come to an agreement on how to guard against future catastrophes as well as how the country should now think on nuclear energy.

-Future of Nuclear Power: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/after-earthquake-japan-cant-agree-on-the-future-of-nuclear-power/2012/01/22/gIQAJOfaRQ_story.html

China

The dragon’s continual rise has entered into international relations discussion as one of the most common talking points. The signs of political discontent within the country and its relations with other countries in the region as well as the United States have only added to the number of questions that could be explored with China.

Southeast Asia

Myanmar has been undergoing reforms lately and the country’s president has vowed that a “healthy democracy” is to be established. Singapore has been aiding the country economically and the international community has extended its support as well. Although democracy could possibly emerge in Burma, Southeast Asia is one of the poorest regions in the world. While many generalize that Asia has been on the rise, other countries in the region have not seen the fruits of such economic gain.

-Going South Pacific: http://www.economist.com/node/21538793
-Senators open to lifting sanctions on Myanmar: http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/01/27/senators_open_to_lifting_sanctions_on_myanmar

Conclusion

The Asian region as a whole has been transforming and the shift in American foreign policy could not have come at a more fascinating time during this period of evolution. Please take the time to visit the recommended links!

Other Links

Hillary Clinton’s America’s Pacific Century: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/10/11/americas_pacific_century?page=full
How did the Obama Administration impact Asia? http://shadow.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/12/29/how_did_the_obama_administration_impact_asia
Inside the first ever US-Japan-India trilateral meeting? http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/12/23/inside_the_first_ever_us_japan_india_trilateral_meeting

Congratulations…

to our Model UN Travel team! 12 delegates competed this weekend in Montreal at McMUN and we are proud of our results! Our congratulations to:

Megan Kenslea, who won Best Delegate in her UNESCAP Committee,

Sam Leone and Katrina Trost, who won Honorable Delegate in their Munich Security Conference GA Committee,

and Samantha Weinberg, who won a Book Award in her Italian Peninsula 1500 Crisis Committee.

Be sure to check out the Weekly Travel Team meeting on Tuesday at 8pm in CAS 222!

PS- Fun fact: Chinese New Year was just this past Monday! (January 23rd)

February 2nd

The Fall 2011 Issue of the IRR is currently available across campus at locations including the Geography and Environment, International Relations, History, and Economics departments, as well as at the College of Communication and the Howard Thurman Center. Please pick up a copy and consider submitting next year for our Winter Issue.

By Sofiya Mahdi

In these times of tumultuous economic uncertainty, there lies a strain that permeates the socioeconomic spheres of all nations. As globalization increases both culturally and economically, any economy in a precarious position poses a threat to stability. The crisis facing the eurozone has dominated headlines as Greece faces dire economic circumstances and nations including Italy and Spain are faced with downgrades on their credit ratings from Standard and Poor’s. Naturally, this brings about panic in global markets, with the ambiguity of an entire region’s future clouding around a financial crisis that has already promised a year of austerity and re-evaluation ahead. In addition, we should brace ourselves to witness countless rounds of talks between influential financial figures and European state leaders as a solution to the crisis is ironed out.

Naturally, we must ask ourselves, how did this crisis come about? According to an article on the BBC, back in the ‘90s, leaders in the eurozone had agreed to limit borrowing to approximately 3% of their nations’ output. Unfortunately, nations such as Italy, Greece, France, and Germany all deviated from the agreement, and therefore debt steadily accumulated even further.

Nevertheless, the somewhat irresponsible borrowing patterns of the governments were not the only contingent at fault in this dilemma. The private sector’s consistent borrowing further deepened the debt, posing a tough choice for leaders of these debt-ridden nations. Spending cuts inevitably lead to public discontent and anguish, risking an increase in unemployment. However, should these cuts not occur, collapse may be inevitable as markets react negatively to such a decision. It appears the complexity of the crisis arises from attempts to cut losses as much as possible.

In such dire circumstances, one may naturally plead for divine intervention. Relief could potentially arise in the form of the International Monetary Fund, an organization which is seeking to loan approximately $500 billion dollars to aid the eurozone in abetting the financial crisis. The outrageous sum of money is needed in order alleviate the crisis, but is still short of the projected $1 trillion dollars the IMF believes is needed to aid countries in such fickle markets.

In The New York Times article, “I.M.F. Seeks $500 Billion More to Lend as It Plans to Cut Growth Forecast,”, the news comes with an additional disheartening caveat: the IMF’s outlook on projected growth has taken a decidedly pessimistic turn. According to the article, even with these large sums of money, a complete European bail-out will be unlikely without considerable cooperation from the nations involved. Conversely, the crisis has seen “bond yields [rise] for countries like Brazil, Turkey, and India.”

This volatile economic situation places further pressure on the impending World Economic Forum being held in Davos, Switzerland from January 25th to the 27th. A high-powered gathering which attracts the most influential politicians, CEOs, commentators, and many more to the picturesque Swiss mountains to discuss the state of the global economy. Yet, as stated in The Washington Post article, “VIPs tackle 2012 at Davos forum clouded by economic uncertainty – and igloo protesters,” any such gathering of this nature is bound to attract controversy and anger. The abundant snow fall has fuelled “igloo protests” spearheaded by the Occupy movement. This will no doubt draw more of the world media’s attention to the economic crisis, which is already a constant on everyone’s mind, including the 2,600 attendees of the conference.

Let there be no doubt that the eurozone crisis will be high on the list of urgent topics to discuss at this year‘s economic forum. Perhaps given such enormity in a single agenda, participants of the conference will instead focus on specificity in deals between companies rather than overwhelming generality in fixing the global economy. One can be certain all eyes will be watching proceedings closely, although definitive action and a consensus on one solution will most likely not emerge from a solitary conference. However, what the forum in Davos can do is set a solid foundation for future talks on salvaging a floundering European economy. The stage is set for productive communication and decisiveness, now it is up to those who attend to become catalysts for economic reform.

SOURCES:

1. 1.     The Washington Post:VIPstackle 2012 atDavosforumcloudedbyeconomicuncertainty _ andiglooprotesters
2. 2.     BBC:Whatreallycausedtheeurozonecrisis?
3. 3.     The New York Times:I.M.F. Seeks $500 BillionMoretoLendasItPlanstoCutGrowthForecast

We are off to a running start here at BUIAA, so welcome back veteran members, and those who have been abroad, and a big welcome to new members! Remember, if you’d like to keep updated on everything BUIAA, you can sign up for our mailing list on the right side of any page.

THIS WEEK

Our  Weekly meeting will be held at the same time – Wednesday at 7:30pm at a NEW place- Photonics 211.

Nuclear Iran: Waiting to Explode

Recently, there has been an upsurge in tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has repeatedly denied that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons, claiming “its goal in developing a nuclear program is to generate electricity without dipping into the oil supply it prefers to sell abroad, and to provide fuel for medical reactors.” However, in November 2011 the International Atomic Energy Agency of the UN released a report asserting that Iran had been undergoing activities for the creation of a nuclear weapon. With over 1,000 pages of documents, the report “the harshest judgment that U.N. weapons inspectors had ever issued in their decade-long struggle to pierce the secrecy surrounding the Iranian program, rekindled a debate among the Western allies and Israel about whether increased diplomatic pressure, sanctions, sabotage or military action could stop Iran’s program.”

The United States and the European Union have taken measures to impose sanctions if Iran continues with their nuclear program, but Tehran has threatened with blocking the Straight of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital international waterways to transport oil. As of January 23, 2012, EU foreign ministers have adopted an oil embargo. Oil is essential to the Iranian economy; while the EU buys about 20% of Iran’s oil exports, the European Union has put significant pressure on Iran and has intensified the gravity of the issue. Most of Iran’s oil is bought from Asian markets and the U.S. has been trying to make Asia decrease its dependency on Iranian oil. Iran’s next steps will be followed especially closely in the coming days. How will the conflict pan out?

Source: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/nuclear_program/index.html

Questions to Consider

-Will these new measures be successful?

-Why does Iran want nuclear weapons in the first place?

-Who are Iran’s allies and what is their relationship with the West?

-Mossad has been behind a number of assassination attempts–most recently the murder of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan. How does Israel’s position (and participation) in the conflict affect the current escalation of tensions?

-Does Iran’s nuclear program violate international law? Yes or no?

Useful Sources

The Flawed Logic of Striking Iran—

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137036/alexandre-debs-and-nuno-p-monteiro/the-flawed-logic-of-striking-iran?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-011912-the_flawed_logic_of_striking_i_3-011912

The Case for Regime Change in Iran—

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137038/jamie-m-fly-and-gary-schmitt/the-case-for-regime-change-in-iran?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-011912-the_case_for_regime_change_in_3-011912

Q&A With Colin H. Kahl on Dealing with Iran—

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/discussions/interviews/qa-with-colin-h-kahl-on-dealing-with-iran?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-011912-qa_with_colin_h_kahl_on_dealin_3-011912

Not Time to Attack Iran—

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137031/colin-h-kahl/not-time-to-attack-iran?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-011912-not_time_to_attack_iran_3-011912

Time to Attack Iran—

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136917/matthew-kroenig/time-to-attack-iran?cid=nlc-this_week_on_foreignaffairs_co-011912-time_to_attack_iran_3-011912

Stop the Madness—

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/01/19/stop_the_madness

Iran’s Nuclear Program—

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/nuclear_program/index.html

Israel’s Fears of a Nuclear Iran—

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16655995

This is going to be an exciting meeting, so bring your friends!

–Other News—

BosMUN XI is only 32 days away! There is a MANDATORY training session on February 4^th from 11-230pm. This will be our substantive program training session. Staff will be divided up by position to be trained in their roles for committee sessions, paying specific attention to type of committee. Lunch will be served. If you haven’t yet, sign up to staff BosMUN HERE. (What have you been waiting for?? It’s a great way to get involved and learn the world of MUN

–

The NEW Model UN Travel Team will be meeting weekly on Tuesdays at 8pm in CAS 222. See you there! If you have any questions, check out the Model UN Team tab or email travel@buiaa.org

Have a great week everyone!

January 26th

The Balfour Declaration: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict

4:00-5:30pm in the Eilts Room, 154 Bay State Road

The International History Institute invites the Boston University community to discuss the origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict with the esteemed Dr. Jonathan Schneer, the modern British historian at Georgia Tech in the School of History, Technology, and Society. He is a co-editor of two books, and the author of six more, including London 1900; The Imperial Metropolis, The Thames: England’s River and most recently The Balfour Declaration: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict which won a 2010 National Jewish Book Award.

January 27th

Lebanese Night

8:30pm at BU’s Metcalf Ballroom in the GSU

Boston University Lebanese Club is pleased to invite everyone to the 7th annual Lebanese Night! There will be live music by the talented star Tarek Abd Elhai and his band, full Lebanese buffet will be served, and there will be a special belly dancing performance!

Tickets will be sold at the GSU link January 23rd-27th or by sending us an email at Lebanese@bu.edu. Prices will be: $10 for the first 200 students, $15 for students 200+, $20 for non-students

Email us if you have any questions, we hope to see you all there, and please invite all your friends!

Be sure to also visit yallaboston.com for Boston’s up to date guide of Middle Eastern events!

January 28th

Military Spending v. Jobs, Health, Education and Environment

First Baptist Church in Newton- 848 Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02459 

Join Massachusetts Peace Action for our annual meeting as we review our progress in 2011 and chart the path for our work in 2012. We’ll elect new board members, discuss plans for work towards a nuclear-free world, and learn organizing skills in workshops on the 2012 elections and on passing tow…n resolutions. Neta Crawford, co-director of Brown University’s Cost of War Project, will talk about the continuing tragedy of US militarism and the lives and dollars we are losing in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Judith LeBlanc, National Organizer for Peace Action, will update us on Peace Action’s national campaign to Move the Money from the military to human needs and discuss building coalitions with human service, labor, and community groups. Refreshments will be served Pre-register at masspeaceaction.org Questions? 617-354-2169 info@masspeaceaction.org

We hope you all had a phenomenal break, and we are excited to welcome you back!
We will be holding an informal get together this Wednesday at 730pm in Photonics 211 to catch up about breaks and talk about the exciting semester ahead. (This time was wrong in the weekly email!)
–
HNMUN Applications are still open, and will be until this Wednesday at midnight. HNMUN will be held February 16-19, check out committees HERE.
–
McMUN training sessions will be held this Wednesday at 8:30pm in Photonics 211. There will be a General Assembly simulation on Saturday from 11-12 in Photonics 211. All are welcome, come to learn and grow as a delegate!
–
The first Travel Team meeting will be held next Tuesday at 8pm in CAS 222.

As you all know, the website has gotten a huge makeover over the last six months, so this is just a quick list of what’s on here, where, now!

–

The Constitution was greatly added to this fall (how about a new Travel Team??). It can be found in our Members section, Here. Also in this section are posts about Position Papers, Parliamentary Procedure, and Resolution Writing.

On the Home Page, you can find recent IRR Blog posts, Weekly Meeting Updates and the all new Outside Events section.

You can find common F.A.Q’s and the new BUIAA Dictionary of Terms (who actually knows what pedantic means?) on the “Who Are We?” section.

If you are ever wondering where to find the date for a training session or meeting of the assorted branches of BUIAA, don’t forget you can check out our Full Calendar. 

Were you a bit confused at what the Travel Team ended up being by the end of all the Constitutional Amendments? Check out the new tab “About the Travel Team”  to find out! While you’re at it, apply to the new standing travel team on the “Apply to Travel” tab. HNMUN applications are also up!

Last, but not least, be sure to check out the IRR page, where you can find links to How to Get Published and more!

And one more thing…

Once again, we hope that break is fantastic so far! Be sure to enjoy the rest of your days off, and we’ll see you at our informal Get Together (winter break story catch up time!) on Wednesday, January 19th. Our first large group formal meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25th in our new meeting location in Photonics!