Updates-MUST READ!
First, it has been brought to my attention that a different format was specified on the topic synopses. Don’t worry, you won’t be penalized if you followed this format, but posting on the blog was indeed mandatory. Since few of you submitted your papers in time for research awards anyways, this will not have a huge impact on your overall evaluation in committee. The rubric is as follows:
National Background- 15 pts
National Objectives- 25 pts
Minister Background/Role- 15 pts
Issue Background- 25 pts
Also, there are three news updates for you. You are free to post comments- analysis, plan of action, general observations–this is pretty much your last chance to get the 10 points necessary for blog participation!
Feel free to e-mail me at bhuang419(at)berkeley.edu. This is the last post before the conference. Can’t wait to meet you all on Friday!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
It is an important priority for Pakistan to rid itself of its reputation of lackadaisical attitude towards security if it is ever to compete on a global scale. With the refusal of the Australian cricket team to venture onto Pakistani soil for fear of security concerns, even just to Hyderabad rather than some more inland locations, Pakistan needs to worry about what this means to their economy. Though there will always be wildcat investors that will try to gain a foothold regardless of risk, most companies and corporations will not touch Pakistan if there is just as cheap labor in other, safer nations. This puts Pakistan on a precarious edge that it can ill-afford to be on as it tries to develop its economy.
Another facet drawn from that article is the general displeasure by the public against the government. Pakistan cannot put at risk their own people, or deprive their own people, any more than they can put at risk foreign investors. Government only works with the consent of the governed. With domestic unease and the recent division of the governing body in Pakistan, the political and social troubles and tensions will have to be watched. Musharaff, with his continued suspensions of the Constitution, must be unpopular and that could harm Western and regional relations if he is toppled. Overall, a very sticky predicament.
March 13th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
The first two articles highlight the importance of internal security, without adequate control and a force capable of responding to situations the international community and indeed the citizens of that country will lose faith for said nation.
In the second article, I would like to highlight a few things for everyone: “help is arriving from a mysterious and unnamed source. Local villagers indicate that some organization is assisting in the relief efforts… the villager would not reveal the source of the donations.” This could possibly be a political ploy by foreigners - in my opinion the Chinese, to win over the inhabitants of the area or incite an insurrection.
I attribute the lack of information and coverage to the lack of funding to certain programs pertaining to internal security. If we have a more adequately funded police force we will have more comprehensive information and the ability to quell an internal crisis. The IPS has taken a backseat to new counterterrorist programs which although have achieved great successes have also drained our security resources. There is a need for a stepping up of our internal readiness, we cannot even begin to think of external affairs without stability at home.
Thank you for your time - I hope to see you all tomorrow and look forward to working with you.
Darrell Rivers - M K Narayanan
National Security Advisor
March 16th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I don’t know if anyone will read/post on this since BMUN is over, but I just wanted to say that this weekend was a blast. I walked in extremely nervous and was comforted with how chill everyone was when we met outside of the Student Union on the first day. The rest of the weekend was just intense. Period. It was a great change from other committees that I found pretty monotonous.
)
This was the first Crisis that my school has ever participated in, and is also my first (and last) one. I have to say that I couldn’t ask for a better experience…even after Pakistan randomly nuked us (I personally think we should have returned their favor, don’t you?
Anyway. I really did have a lot of fun and this blog was really instrumental in steering me in the right direction throughout the month before. Sorry I couldn’t see your awesome mariachi outfit at the dance (I had to go home early because of a rides issue) but I really hope I run into you guys sometime again — maybe if I end up attending Berkeley (TO BE DISCOVERED ON MARCH 27 AHHH)
Good luck to whatever other delegate reads this — I hope you all end up exactly where you want to go, and if you’re not a senior, to have many more intense and exciting years in Crisis. To the chairs, you guys are beyond awesome — and GO BEARS!