Decision Time

The UN Security Council will finally be making their votes tomorrow as the proposal benefits and losses force them to make difficult decisions.  Each leader is coming into the meeting with a plan for resolutions they see fit for the many crises in the Middle East.  A huge proposal, which seems to have the backing of all 5 permanent UN Security Council members, is one that will give Yemen ten billion dollars in economic aid over 5 years in order for them to make progress in relieving their struggling economy and removing the al-Qaeda base.  We at the Russian News Network see one major issue with this proposal.  In 2001, Saudi Arabia gave the Yemeni government 1.25 billion dollars, which they were unable to handle such large economic due to such a weak government base.  Therefore, how would they ever be able to handle the ten billion dollar offer in this proposal?  We strongly urge Prime Minister Medvedev to veto this proposal and search out a different way to eliminate al-Qaeda and keep our country safe.  Prime Minister Netanyahu has recently spoken to us about his demands in which he will repudiate his expulsions of Palestinians in the West Bank.  We have heard his demands, which involve Pakistan, Syria, and  Iran opening up complete diplomatic relations with Israel.  I don't believe these demands will be met, and even if they are, they do not force these countries to do anything, for this can only be merely a suggestion. We encourage Prime Minister Medvedev should sit down with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss an alternate solution, hopefully involving a two state solution.  On May 20, 2010, just ten days following the attack on the Incirlik base in Turkey, the members of the UN Security Council will gather one more time to give their finals words and try to persuade those swing countries.  Eventually it will all come down to a vote where only majority can win and the rest must obey the proposals won.  There will be advantages and disadvantages to each resolution brought to the table tomorrow, but citizens of Russia may sleep safe knowing Prime Minister Medvedev carries a veto on any proposition and he will carry Russia’s best interests in heart when its his turn to vote.

Security Council Members Wait As the Media Presses them for Answers

The UN Security Council gathered once more with a sole purpose, which was to answer any questions the media desired.  The reporters pressed the countries hard on the current crisis including the Israeli-Palestinian deportations in the West Bank, the Yemeni government’s plan on taking down the Al-Qaeda base and of course the many conflicts involving Nuclear weapons.  As the media questioned each leader thoroughly, the members of the council began negotiating deals to resolve these many Middle Eastern problems.  Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Cameron and President Sarkozy have just recently repudiated their sanctions on Yemen in light of a new 5-year plan.  In regards to this new plan and the sanctions, President Sarkozy stated “I’m in support of giving Yemen the five years it needs to go the right way and if they are failing after five years, I believe the sanctions should be placed back upon them.”  This proposal will be presented to the rest of the council on Thursday, yet Prime Minister Medvedev had a few words to say about Sanctions on Yemen.  When asked why he opposed the sanctions, the Prime Minister stated, “There’s a Russian Proverb that states, ‘When masters are fighting, their servants forelocks are creaking.’ We believe and we have stated in the past, all sanctions end up hurting the people and the government; never the organizations you’re trying to pursue.  Specifically in the case of Yemen, you will not end up hurting al-Qaeda with these sanctions, but in the end you will only end up hurting the already impoverished Yemeni people and the struggling Yemeni government.”  Russia will soon see how our Prime Minister votes on Thursday.  In other recent news, The Israeli government has begun bringing Palestinians to court whom which do not carry an Israeli permit.  When asked how he felt about the situation, President Ahmedinejad answered, “We feel that the Nazi Regime... that other people call Israel and should not have a state that is recognized.” When further questioned about this strong comment, he went on by saying, “I do not believe the Nazi’s are or were ever bad.”  President Ahmedinejad usually chooses his words wisely, and Thursday's meeting will show these comments play out and whether the sanctions on his country will pass as well.  The Council came ready to answer questions on Tuesday, but will their negotiations and arguments be strong enough to sway the other council members come voting time.

Roundtable Discussion Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

1. Do you support the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty? If so, how do you plan on changing the opinions of the countries that refuse to sign it? If not, what needs to be done in order to get you to sign it?
2. Do you support western influence in the Middle East?
3. In light of the new Israeli law concerning expulsions of Palestinians in the West Bank, what are your viewpoints on the situation?
4. Now that the Yemeni government has announced it would like no western influence in its country, how do you expect to destroy the al-qaeda base in yemen

COUNTRY QUESTIONS

Saudi Arabia – You’ve recently stated your disapproval of both Israel and United States concerning the NPT. How do you plan on creating peace in the middle east as you create conflict between other countries?

Russia – Israel and the United States both offered a great amount of financial aid in order to secure your “loose nukes”. Are you willing to accept this help and let them into your country?

United States - As the Yemeni government has shown no progress in removing al Qaeda, besides economic support, how do you plan to increase progress and take down al Qaeda?

France- In your recent “White Paper Reaction” and “White Paper”, you fail to mention the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Do you not see this as a major Middle Eastern problem?

Britain - In your stance to side with Germany regarding sanctions on Yemen, you go against the majority of your allies. Do you believe that your decisions are wise even as they create conflict?

China - There seems to be some disagreement on how to handle Yemen. Germany and Britain both want to sanction while the United States, Russia and yourself support giving economic aid to the Yemeni government. What do your plans on resolving this conflict?

Israel – Why did you pick a time of great distress in the Middle East to publicly announce that you have nuclear weapons?

Egypt – Are you in support of Western soldiers entering Yemen to remove the Al-Qaeda base?

Pakistan -You firmly support a Counter Terrorist Unit in the Middle East, yet most middle eastern countries even yourself strong condemn western soldiers and influence in their countries. How do expect this unit to accomplish its goals with these obstacles?

Syria – Why do you think that the NPT would be an ineffective plan even though you have already signed it?

GERMANY- Due to your sanctions, Yemen will continue to struggle economically. Now that they are unwilling to accept financial aid from the west, do you plan on lifting your sactions in order to stabilize their country in order to get rid of al-Qaeda?

TURKEY – As you acknowledge Israel as a strong asset in the MECTU, you will believe they should not be allowed in it due to it’s expulsions of Palestinians in the West Bank. What are your plans on solving this conflict?

IRAN: What are the benefits for your country, from your new deal with Turkey and Brazil regarding nuclear material exchanges?

-Saudi Arabia has made many mixed signals in their diplomacy with you lately. How do you plan on continuing such negotiations while they make deals behind your back? 

The UN Security Council Members Give Their Pleas on How to End Terrorism

On May 14, 2010, the countries of the UN Security Council gathered together for another meeting regarding the attacks on the Incirlik base in Turkey. Now that Al-Qaeda has taken responsibility for the explosion and deaths of the brave soldiers of Turkey, US, and Britain, the countries delivered their remarks and plans on how to stop terrorism and eliminate Al-Qaeda. Each country condemned Al-Qaeda’s actions and expressed interest in helping the Yemeni government to remove Al-Qaeda from their country. They also agreed as the President Obama put it best, “we don’t negotiate with terrorist, or look to support Al-Qaeda’s needs or goals.” Although President Sarkozy had a differing opinion when he stated that “we need to understand Al-Qaeda’s needs and goals… we can’t imply too Western Influence for it will just upset Al-Qaeda.” President Sarkozy wishes to in a way comply with the goals and needs of the terrorists, which makes them the only member of the UN Security Council to have this opinion. Since Al-Qaeda’s announcement that they plan on obtaining “loose nukes” in countries such as Israel, Pakistan and even our own Russia. Due to these comments, Prime Minister Medvedev assured the council as well as our country that “we [Russia] maintain extreme security over all fissile materials and nuclear warheads, and that we are in compliance with numerous arms agreements including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.” Russia has great protection over its nuclear weapons in order to keep its citizens safe and create peace in the Middle East. In regards to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, RNN gained an insider report first look with President Ahmedinejad and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. President Ahmedinejad announced with King bin Abdul Aziz alongside that, “ Saudi Arabian Government and Iranian government have begun negotiations regarding a proposed treaty...” King bin Abdul Aziz added, “We’re discussing reductions in the nuclear arsenal of both Israel and Iran…” When asked whether Iran has nuclear weapons or not, the King answered, “I am not entirely convinced on either point, but I do know that Israel believes Iran has nuclear weapons which is concerning to us.” You heard it here first, that Iran and Saudi Arabia have begun negotiations which in time could reduce nuclear weapons in three major Middle Eastern countries bringing peace and trust among not only the Arab and Muslim states, but also the western countries and Israel. The only thing is for sure, that as deliberations continue, the tensions will rise until an agreement can be made on how to keep the citizens of the world safe from terrorists.

UN Security Council Meeting: Still No Headway on Finding Terrorists Responsible

As the countries gathered in the UN Security Council to give their crisis statements, tensions raised within the room. Since the attack on the Incirlik base in Turkey, no country or terrorist group has come forward to take credit for the explosion. During the meeting, all the country leaders expressed their condolences for the fallen men. They all offered their aid to find the culprits responsible for the tragedy. Each hoped that the violence would stop in the Middle East, yet President Ahmedinejad stated that, “it [the attack] was inevitable due to the West’s unwanted influence in the Middle East and we wouldn’t be surprised if more terrorist groups attack.” Which seems that Iran may have been behind some of the attacks, and have inside information on a next bombing. As well as when Nation News Network correspondent asked President Ahmedinejad if the United States and Turkey could search Iran for terrorists, President Ahmedinejad responded, “No.” He became nervous and only stated the one word until further inquiry from the reporter. Our own Prime Minister Medvedev spoke with strong urgency at the council discussing peace and safety in the Middle East. Prime Minister Medvedev has extended the strong Russian hand to the struggling countries by stating that he plans on pursuing, “a multidimensional strategic political partnership with Turkey. At the Prime Minister’s request, I’ve agreed to mediate negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh area to further peace in that region. We will continue our mutual plans for the construction of two new oil-pipelines, and for a new civilian nuclear reactor on Turkish soil.” Russia is willing to offer a aid to its neighboring countries in need of its help. Prime Minister Medvedev is looking towards the future and creating allies and peace in the Middle East in order to keep the citizens of Russia safe. The United States removed its 90 nuclear missiles out of the Incirlik base in light of the recent events. No one would like to wait and see Al-Qaeda or any other terrorist group get its hands on those missiles. The meeting concluded with an agreement that there should be peace in the Middle East, but it can only begin once the perpetrators for the attack are caught.

Questions to the UN Security Council following the Incirlik Base

1. Britain- With British troops in danger in Turkey, Would you back up the United States in a battle of nuclear arms?

2. China- The Western countries as well as the Middle East are valuable trading partners, Whose side would you take in a war against terror?

3. Egypt- As you are an outright supporter of the Iraqi government and peace in the Israeli-Palestine conflict, Are you willing to go to war with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries in order to stop the Al-Qaeda attacks?

4. France- In a time of recession, Is your economy prepared to back allies in a time of war?

5. Germany- With a strong economic position in the world, Will you give aid to other EU member as they enter a war against terror in the Middle East?

6. Iran- President Ahmedinejad, If Al-Qaeda manages to get their hands on nuclear weapons, would you speed up your nuclear research in order to defend your country?

7. Israel- Prime Minister Netanyahu Peace talks and negotiations have been stalled at this time, do you plan on involving yourself and using your nuclear weapons in this conflict to make sure tensions do not rise again between yourself and the Palestinians?

8. Pakistan- Now that nuclear bases have been attacked and threatened, Are you now willing to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in order to encourage peace within the Middle East?

9. Russia- Prime Minister Medvedev, As Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups attack nuclear weapon bases, What is your security plan on defending your nuclear weapons in which some are in supposed unknown locations?

10. Saudi Arabia- King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, How well are you prepared to defend your citizens if the United States and its allies invade in order to kill the Al-Qaeda militants? Would you give aid to these countries in order to kill remove Al-Qaeda from you country?

11. Syria- The recently attacked Incirlik base is very near to your border, Did the terrorists come through your country with help of Syrian citizens in order to reach the base?

12. Turkey- Prime Minister Erdogan, Would you follow the United States into a war against Muslim countries?

13. United States- President Obama, Are you prepared to use nuclear weapons on Yemen and other countries harboring Al-Qaeda if the 90 nuclear missiles are tampered with?

Works Cited for Background Notes

Background Notes

Works Cited

“Background Notes.” US Department of State. United States of America, 30 Oct. 2009. Web. 9 May 2010. <http://www.state.gov/‌r/‌pa/‌ei/‌bgn/‌index.htm>.

“World.” International News. The New York Times Co., 9 May 2010. Web. 9 May 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/‌pages/‌world/‌index.html>.

Background Notes

Britain
• Constitutional monarchy, Led By Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
• Member of EU, G-12, Created NATO and is member.
• Permanent Security Council Member
• Close Allies with United States, went to war with Taliban after 9/11
• No enemies
• Current Events- Prime Minister Elections coming up, Giving money to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan,

China
• Communist party-led state, Led by Hujin Tao
• Permanent Security Council Member at UN
• Not a member of G-12 or NATO
• Opened up diplomatic relations with many countries once Beijing was recognized as capital in the 1970’s
• Good relations with all countries even beginning to be Russia (Soviet Tensions in 1980’s)
• Current Issues- Human Rights Problems, restrictions on most freedoms (free speech, religion, press, privacy) Lots of torture.

Egypt
• Republic, Democracy, Led by Mohamed Hosni Mubarak
• Member of Arab League (Headquarters in Cairo)
• Egypt is a key member in the search for peace in the Middle East and Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Supports Iraqi government, therefore big target for al-Qaeda (terrorist attack in 2005)
• Good allies with Israel, Russia, United States and China. Unfriendly with most Palestinian countries
• Current Issues- terrorist attack, tension between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, Supports UN peacekeeping missions

France
• Republic, President: Nicolas Sarkozy, Prime Minister: Francois Fillon\
• Permanent UN Security Council Member, NATO, G-12, WTO, EU
• No enemies, troops in Afghanistan
• Great allies with US and good relations with other countries
• Current Issues- Muslims living in small cities of France, Working on ceasefire in Gaza Strip, trying to make resolutions with Iraq

Germany
• Federal Republic, President: Horst Koehler, Chancellor: Angela Merkel (More Power)
• Member of EU, NATO, WTO
• Very Prosperous, good allies with other EU members and US
• Friendly with countries in Middle East, no real enemies.
• Current Issues: Pollution, economic decline. Unemployment

Turkey
• Republic Parliamentary Democracy, Prime Minister: Recep Tayyip Erdogan
• Member of NATO, urging for EU acceptance (EU application)
• Good allies with US. Friendly with other countries, no enemies.
• Current Issues: Tensions with Iraq rising due to Kurds vs. Turks, Human rights problems

Russia
• Federation, Prime Minister: Dmitri Medvedev.
• Permanent UN Security Council, member of G-12
• Kind of allies with Iran, not allies with any other country.
• Current Issues: Failing democracy, capitalism, economy and decreasing oil prices. Disparity in wealth between Russian citizens

Israel
• Parliamentary Democracy, Leader: Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister)
• Not a member of anything, only UN
• Great allies with US, Britain. Friendly with China and Egypt. The Arab and Muslim countries are enemies with Israel. Iran would like to see Israel destroyed
• Current Issues- Many wars with surrounding Arab countries in the past. The current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lots of terrorist groups, Hezbollah and Hamas, are battling to destroy Israel. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip.

United States
• Representative Democracy, President Barack Obama
• Permanent Security Council Member, NATO, G-12
• Allied with Israel, Britain, France, Turkey, Germany.
• Enemies with Iran, and unfriendly with Pakistan, Syria due to terrorists
• Current Issues: Dependence on foreign oil giving the Middle Eastern countries leverage on the US. Concerned about Human rights issues, climate control. Military troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Saudi Arabia
• Monarchy with Council of Ministers and Consultative Council: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud.
• Member of OPEC and Arab League
• Allies with other Arab League members, friendly with US, endorses peace between Isreal-Palestine.
• Current Issues: Human rights issues, restrictions on free speech, press, religion. Largest supply of oil, strategic position on trading with US and western countries.

Syria
• Republic, under authoritarian military controlled by one party (Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party)
• Leader: Bashar al-Assad, president.
• Member of Arab League
• Neutral relationship with US and EU countries due to terrorist support. Allied with Arab League nations, enemies with Israel.
• Current Issues: Funding Hezbollah, crumbling economy. Golan Heights occupied by Israel. Oil production decline.

Iran
• Islamic Republic, Leader: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
• Member of OPEC, IAEA
• Enemies: United States, Israel. Neutral with other Middle Eastern countries and the EU
• Kind of Allies with Russia
• Current Issues- Give weapons and money aid to Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Taliban. Many nuclear allegations from Western countries about making nuclear weapons.

Pakistan
• Parliamentary Democracy, President: Asif Zardari
• Not Member of any coalition
• Supported Afghanistan with cooperation after the Soviet troops withdrew. Good relations with US (ally), China, Iraq. Fights against Taliban.
• Current Issues: Kashmir Mountains dispute with India. Possesses nuclear weapons. Unstable government.