Hello delegates! My name is Alex Allan and I will be your head chair for the
2014 MVHS Model United Nations Conference. I am currently a junior and this will be
my third year in MUN. When I am not engaged in MUN, I am involved in Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, run cross-country and track, manage 5 AP classes, intern at a political
office, and work at a smoothie shop. My hobbies include running, travel, photography,
politics, and the beach. I look forward to meeting you all.
I. Background of the Arab Spring Conflict:
The Arab Spring is a term used to delineate the widespread revolutionary activity
that has been progressing for nearly three years in the Middle East. Nations across the
Middle East are experiencing widespread demonstrations against their governments. In
extreme cases, civil war between the citizens and the government that rules them shakes
the nation. Political leaders of Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia have all been
ejected from office over the course of the Arab Spring. Various factors are believed to
have influenced this revolutionary wave: corruption, human rights violations,
unemployment, ethnic tension, and overcrowding. Allegedly fraudulent elections in Iran
also sparked mass protests in 2009, an early sign of the upcoming revolts. Beginning in
Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation sparked protests against police corruption
that ultimately led to the downfall of Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The
subsequent domino effect is history. Many sectarian uprisings have produced violence,
and minorities in many Arab states organize into protesting legions. Many protests have
been marked with violence, with an estimated death toll of 120,000-130,000. However,
the revolting citizens are not only aggravators, but victims as well. Government responses
to rebellions often result in the use of violence. In some nations, non-revolting civilians
are bombed or attacked. Human rights violations are widespread throughout Arab
nations, and many foreign powers are forced to inflect upon their morals in the face of
such injustices.
II. U.N. Involvement in the Arab Spring Conflict:
U.N. actions have focused on the humanitarian rights of affected citizens.
S/RES/1973 establishes a no fly zone and authorizes “all necessary means” to protect the
rights of citizens. Similarly, S/RES/1970 has referred Libya to the International Criminal
Court for the purpose of serving justice for alleged war crimes. In an address to the Oslo
Governance Forum, Ban Ki-Moon stated “The issues you have come together to discuss
are critical to supporting and underpinning the efforts of these movements as they strive
to turn their aspirations and early achievements into a working, lasting reality.”
Additionally, Ban Ki-Moon labeled the revolutions as having “dramatic and often
inspiring changes.” Since the onset of the evolution in the Arab nations, the U.N. has
sided with the citizens and supported the modernization and democratization of
governments. Political leaders of Arab nations have been requested to respect both
human rights and the desire for change of citizens. The U.N. worked avidly in Tunisia
through the Department of Political Affairs and the U.N. Development Programme.
Through these organizations, peaceful elections were held in Tunisia and served as a
model for surrounding nations.
III. Possible Solutions to the Arab Spring Conflict:
A variety of solutions may be implemented to subdue violence in countries
affected by the Arab Spring. Countries must consider who they are to support in each
situation, the rebelling citizens or the resisting government. To catalyze peace, possible
answers may include economic sanctions, no-fly zones, arms embargoes, travel bans, and
diplomatic negotiations. If further force is necessary to avert violence, countries may call
on U.N. peacekeepers to protect civilians if required. As for long term solutions, elections
may be organized by the U.N. or other foreign powers. This would give the citizens the
right to determine their own government. With regard to the government officials who
have violated human rights in response to citizens’ revolts, trials held by the International
Criminal Court would be a viable method for the deliverance of justice.
IV. Bloc Positions for the Arab Spring Conflict:
African Bloc: In 2011, the African Union (AU) attempted to reinforce peace negotiations
between the Libyan government and rebels. However, these attempts proved unsuccessful
as a result of NATO strikes. The AU has expressed resentment towards S/RES/1973
regarding no fly zones over Libya. Additionally, the AU voiced support for the National
Transitional Council (NTC) to broker the interim state.
Asian Bloc: Asian policy towards the Arab spring varies by country. In the Security
Council, India and China approved S/RES/1973 while abstaining from S/RES/1973.
Middle Eastern Bloc: The Middle Eastern Bloc encompasses the majority of nations
affected by the crisis. Therefore, the importance of the crisis is imperative for many
nations in the Middle Easter Bloc. For example, the Arab League has suspended Syria’s
membership and condemned many of the actions taken by Assad.
Western Bloc: The Western Bloc has actively pursued peace in the region, often backing
democratic-inclined rebels. NATO strikes and military aid have been directed against
autocratic rulers such as Gaddafi. The impending situation regarding intervention in Syria
remains crucial to the debate.
V. Questions to Consider for the Arab Spring Conflict:
Is it proper for the UN to aid rebels through military aid?
To what extent should UN forces be used in resolving conflicts and advocating peace?
How can humanitarian aid be delivered to adequately suffice the needs of the citizens in
the Middle East?
Is military force acceptable from outside nations? If so, to what extent is the UN willing
to cede military influence to a third party nation.
How does your nation plan to maintain diplomatic influence while aiding rebels?
Should the UN prevent individual nations from aiding and influencing rebels with their
own ideologies and interests?
VI. Works Cited for the Arab Spring Conflict:
"The Arab Spring: Implications for US Policy and Interests | Middle East Institute." The
Arab Spring: Implications for US Policy and Interests | Middle East Institute. N.p., n.d.
Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
"Ban Cites ‘often Inspiring’ Arab Spring in Message to UN-backed Governance Forum."
UN News Center. UN, 03 Oct. 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
Plett, Barbara. "UN Security Council Middle Powers' Arab Spring Dilemma." BBC
News. BBC, 11 Aug. 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
"Secretary-general Calls for Action on Syria, Touts U.N. Role in Arab Spring." CNN.
Cable News Network, 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.
"UN Takes Proactive Role in World Politics after Arab Spring." DW.DE. N.p., n.d. Web.
24 Sept. 2013.