Security Council
Hello, Security Council delegates,
My name is Natalie Nasrawin and I’m the Deputy Head of Conference for NOSMUN’24. I’m a senior at the National Orthodox School and this year’s president of the Security Council. SC is a traditional committee yet never fails to bring out the enthusiasm of all its delegates. It is where we debate, and analyze the most pressing global conflicts. I urge all my delegates to prepare themselves holistically for our two topics; Syria’s economic and political instability, and the Boko Haram Insurgency. We’ll attempt to find solutions for the power struggle between the government, terrorist groups, and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Be ready to launch wars, and give powerful speeches. I believe the best piece of advice is to never hold back in SC. It's your chance to not only use your academic skills but your public speaking skills to the fullest. I’m looking forward to this experience with you all, and I hope it will be your most memorable.
Good Luck!
Natalie Nasrawin
Topic 1: The implications of Syria’s political and economic instability
Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, triggered by anti-government protests and the government's violent response. The conflict's main stakeholders involved include various rebel groups, the Syrian government, and international actors, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and destruction. The Syrian conflict has evolved into a multi-faceted war, with various factions, including the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, opposition groups, Kurdish forces, extremist groups like ISIS, and international powers like Russia, Iran, and Western countries, all with differing goals and interests.
The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians internally displaced and millions more seeking refuge in neighboring countries and Europe. The country's population has suffered from a lack of basic services, food and water shortages, and inadequate medical care. With the support of Russia and Iran, the government regained control of many areas previously held by opposition groups. However, parts of the country remained outside government control, including areas held by Kurdish forces.
Furthermore, The Syrian economy has been severely impacted by the war. Key state sectors, including agriculture, industry, and infrastructure, have been devastatingly affected. The value of the Lira (Syrian pound) has plummeted, leading to hyperinflation. In addition, Syria is subject to various international sanctions, further straining the economy. These sanctions have targeted key sectors, individuals, and entities linked to the government.
The prospect of rebuilding Syria's shattered infrastructure and economy remains a significant challenge, as the war continues in some areas, and international assistance for reconstruction is constrained due to political concerns. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the actions of the Syrian government and the measures taken by the international community in this prolonged and devastating conflict.
Topic 2: Boko Haram insurgency
The Boko Haram insurgency is an ongoing conflict primarily centered in northeastern Nigeria, but with regional implications in West Africa. The group was founded in 2002 and initially had the goal of attempting to establish a strict form of Islamic law in Nigeria. The group opposes Western-style education, secularism, and what they view as corrupt governance. However, over the years, the conflict has evolved and expanded into a major security and humanitarian crisis.
The conflict escalated significantly in 2009, which is when the Nigerian security forces cracked down on the group, leading to violence and the death of the group's founder, Muhammad Yusuf. Subsequently, this paved the way for Boko Haram to become more radical under the new leadership of Abubakar Shekau. Soon, Boko Haram began to target civilians, security forces, and government institutions. Their tactics include the typical activities carried out by terrorist groups, such as suicide bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on villages. The group has been responsible for numerous deadly incidents and mass abductions.
The Boko Haram insurgency is no longer only a national threat in Nigeria but has even spilled over into neighboring countries, as exemplified in Cameroon, Niger and Chad, making it a regional security concern. The group has targeted border areas and exploited regional instability. The Nigerian government, with the help of international actors, has been engaged in counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram. Furthermore, regional organizations such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have been formed to address the threat.
The conflict has posed significant challenges to Nigeria and many countries in its region, as the spread of extremist ideologies continues. So, this poses the question of how this security threat can be neutralized.
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