Amber Lancaster
Waterford Union High School
USA - Security Council
Situation in Haiti
As one of the world’s largest and richest countries, the United States feels personally
obligated to help all countries in need. The situation in Haiti, while unfortunate, can be viewed as
unavoidable. One cannot change nature and should not be punished by the aftermath created by
its unpredictable patterns. Thus, many organizations in the United States, such as the Red Cross,
have teamed up together to donate and raise funds for those suffering in Haiti. The United States
has a great interest in the well-being of Haiti as the U.S. has had a long history with the small
nation. As recent as 2004, the United States and Haiti were on somewhat difficult terms. Haiti
blamed the United States after the Haitian president was kidnapped and riots ensued. Whether
there is truth in the accusation or not, the conflict has since been resolved and the United States
wants nothing more than Haiti to become a strong, economically independent nation. However,
without help after their devastating earthquake, the nation has little to no chance of survival.
After the problems with the country of Haiti, in 2004, the United Nations created MINUSTAH.
MINUSTAH was intended to keep peaceful relations in Haiti. After the recent devastation in the
small country, MINUSTAH ordered several thousand troops and police officers to keep order
from member nations of the United Nations such as Brazil, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, France,
Italy, Jamaica, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, Spain, United States, Yemen, and several others.
Although critics of the program may feel the forces in Haiti have been ineffective thus far, the
United States feels differently. If the program was truly ineffective, countries would not continue
to aid the small nation of Haiti. Such nations would not continue to send their soldiers and
countrymen to be involved in a useless program. Also, it is quite difficult to measure the
effectiveness of a program when no one can accurately measure the competence of a program
meant to better a severely struggling country. True, MINUSTAH may be a huge waste of time
and effort, but chances are, Haiti would be a much more destitute country without the aid of the
program. The great country of America jumped at the chance to help the citizens of Haiti, and
will continue to help the country as long as help is needed.
Heather Stone
Waterford Union High School
United States - Security Council
Situation in Yemen
The United States has long been interested in the Arabic Peninsula, since the recent
elevations in terrorist activity. Major western powers have had influence in that region for
decades. The stability of that region is one of very important interest to the United States. The
security of the United States itself depends in the success of Yemen and the surrounding area.
Ensuring a more peaceful and prosperous Arabian Peninsula. As the whole region undergoes
civil conflicts and instability, the whole world’s security is at risk. Possessing vast amounts of
natural resources, this area is highly influential in the rest of the world. The United States would
gladly be a part of any effort to create lasting, democratic peace in the Middle East.
Action in the Yemen needs to concentrate in rebuilding its stability, as military might
alone will not solve the domestic and internal issues. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said, “we
recognize that the challenges facing Yemen cannot be solved by military action
alone”(Lambers). Food is a key ingredient in the plan for prosperity. Under funding in the
international community, which the United States plays an enormous amount in, has devastated
the Yemenis and drives them to chronic hunger. Not only spending billions in military arms, but
also saving money for necessary items such as food will inevitably prove to lend peace in
Yemen. Taking the initiative and aiding Yemen before they succumb to Al-Qaeda extremists
will be the best possible choice for the United States as troops occupy the region. Although
special care must be taken in how troops aid Yemen as to not over power the weak government,
but try to help build in any way the Yemeni government based how the Yemenis themselves
want it. Any countries wanting to help in the fight for security will be a partner of the United
States.