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Letter from the Executive Board

Greetings, Delegates!

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the United Nations General Assembly

(DISEC) at the Backwaters @ IIM Kozhikode. It will be an honour and a
privilege to serve as your Executive Board for the duration of the conference.
This Background Guide is designed to give you an insight into the case at hand.
Please refer to it carefully. Remember, a thorough understanding of the problem
is the first step to solving it. However, bear in mind that this Background Guide
is in no way exhaustive and is only meant to provide you with enough
background information to establish a platform for beginning research.
Delegates are highly recommended to do a good amount of research beyond
what is covered in the Guide.
The agendas at hand are both vast and complex, and a successful discussion on
it would entail the collective participation of all of you. It shall be your
prerogative to decide the direction in which you want to take this committee. At
the outset, I would like to state that the agenda is to be analyzed from a policy
stand point.
I sincerely hope that DISEC of Backwaters @ IIM Kozhikode 2016 will help
you become better professionals and persons. Im always at your disposal and
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Looking forward to see you all in action!
Regards,

Shashank Shekhar Jha

Chairperson

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United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations was created in 1945 after the conclusion of World War II.
The purpose of the UN is to maintain peace and security, develop relations
among the states and solve international problems while respecting human
rights. To facilitate the achievement of these goals, the mandate and scope of
the organization is directed by the Charter of the UN. Chapter IV outlines the
composition, function, powers, voting and procedure of the General Assembly.
Article 22 of the UN Charter gives the General Assembly the authority to create
subsidiary organs.
There are six subsidiary organs: First Committee (DISEC), Second Committee
(Economic and Financial), Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and
Cultural), Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), Fifth
Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and Sixth Committee (Legal). The
intent of these committees is to address questions referred to them by the
General Assembly and prepare draft resolutions for submission to the
assembly.
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DISEC
History:
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) is the First
Committee of the General Assembly, which deals with disarmament and related
international security questions. Some of the issues that DISEC deals with
include; reduction of military budgets, preventing an arms race in outer space,
disarmament, maintenance of international security, establishment of a nuclearweapon-free-zone, reducing nuclear danger, among many others.
Purpose and mission statement:
In general, DISEC focuses on all questions related to arms control, determines
general measures to enhance international peace and security, and monitors the
progress of disarmament programs adopted by the GA. After 1978 the First
Committee started specializing on disarmament, nuclear-weapon-related issues,
and human activity in outer space. One of the fundamental aims of the United
Nations (UN) is to promote international security and relative peace among
nations. To this end, the UN maintains a security framework consisting of the
Security Council, the Conference on Disarmament, and the First Committee of
the General Assembly: Disarmament and International Security (DISEC). This
committee is dedicated to the principles of international peace and security.
Membership and authority:

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The powers of DISEC are restricted to those specifically mention in Chapter V

of the UN Charter, and the committee has the added distinction of including
representatives from all 192 member states, in addition to certain observer
groups. The committee is limited by the UN charter in that it is based on the
international principles of cooperation and cannot dictate action to be taken by
any nation: DISEC lacks the authority to declare war or to forcibly impose its
recommendations upon nations or groups. For example, the dispatch of
peacekeeping forces is essentially delegated to the domain of the Security
Council, while the planning of technical details concerning UN disarmament
policies and their feasibility comes under the jurisdiction of the Convention on
Disarmament. As a result, the end suggestions of DISEC are communicated in
the form of resolutions to the General Assembly and Security Council. While
the committee lacks the power to prescribe definite action, the broad
representation of nations and equal voting structure leads to resolutions viewed
with respect and credibility, as they represent a genuine agreement among states
and are more likely to result in the desired action.
In the past, DISEC has often been a forum for general debate over issues
concerning international security, particularly effective given that its members
express a true world opinion. The committee has dealt successfully with serious
actions on various issues over the course of its existence and more recently has
proved to be an effective forum for promoting the successful passage,
enforcement, and verification of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
Mandate:
The First Committee deals with disarmament, global challenges and threats to
peace that affect the international community and seeks out solutions to the
challenges in the international security regime. It considers all disarmament and
international security matters within the scope of the UN Charter or relating to
the powers and functions of any other organ of the United Nations; the general
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principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security,

as well as principles governing disarmament and the regulation of armaments;
promotion of cooperative arrangements and measures aimed at strengthening
stability through lower levels of armaments. The Committee works in close
cooperation with the United Nations Disarmament Commission and the Geneva
based Conference on Disarmament. It is the only Main Committee of the
General Assembly entitled to verbatim records coverage.
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) is the First
Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (GA). It includes all
nations that are United Nations Member States. DISEC deals with issues
regarding the promotion, establishment, and subsequent maintenance of global
peace while simultaneously working to prevent weapons proliferation. Under
the UN Charter, all member states and observers of the United Nations are
automatically part of the first committee of the General Assembly, and have an
equal vote. Documents drafted by this committee require a simple majority to
be passed. Like the other committees of the United Nations General Assembly,
DISEC is unable to impose sanctions, authorize armed intervention, or pass
binding resolutions. With the increase of weapons and growing security United
Nations General Assembly. In summary, DISEC cannot require that countries
take a specific action. However, the committee can make recommendations to
the Security Council about what should be done on a specific issue.

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Rules and Procedures:

I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Rule 1. Official and working languages
English shall be the official and working language of all committees during
formal and informal debate.
Rule 2. Decorum
Delegates are to obey instruction given by UNA-USA MUN staff. Those who
do not obey directions will be dismissed from the conference.

II. SECRETARIAT
Rule 3. Statements by the Secretariat
The Secretary-General or his representative may make oral as well as written
statements to any committee concerning any issue.
Rule 4. General Functions of the Secretariat
The Chairperson shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting and may
propose the adoption of any procedural motions to which there is no significant
objection. The Chair, subject to these rules, shall have complete control of the
proceedings at any meeting and shall moderate discussion, announce decisions,
rule on points or motions, and ensure and enforce the observance of these rules.
The Chair may temporarily transfer his or her duties to another member of the
committee staff. All procedural matters in committee are subject to the
discretion of the Chair. The Chair may undertake any action that is not covered
in the Rules of Procedure in order to facilitate the flow of debate at the
conference.

III. AGENDA
Rule 5. Agenda

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The Secretary-General or his/her representative shall communicate the agenda

to the delegates before the conference.
Rule 6. Revision of the Agenda
Additional items of an important and urgent nature may be placed on the agenda
during a regular session by the Secretary-General who may add additional
topics to the agenda at his/her discretion.
Rule 7. Adoption of the Agenda
The first order of business for the committee shall be the adoption of the
agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form of The nation
of [country name] moves that [topic area x] be placed first on the agenda.
The motion requires a second and is debatable;
A provisional speakers list shall be established with three people speaking
for and three people speaking against the motion (speaking time for these
remarks shall be one minute);
After the provisional speakers list is exhausted the committee shall move
into an immediate vote: a simple majority is required for the motion to
pass;
A motion to proceed to the second topic area is in order only after the
committee has adopted or rejected a resolution on the first topic area or
debate has been adjourned;
In the event of a crisis or emergency, the Secretary-General or DirectorGeneral may call upon a committee to table debate on the current topic
area so that the more urgent matter may be addressed. After a resolution
has been addressed and voted upon, the committee will return to debate
the tabled topic. If a resolution on the crisis topic fails, the committee
may return to debate on tabled topic area only at the discretion of the
Secretary-General or Director-General.

IV. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

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Rule 8. Speakers List

The Chair shall open the speakers list for each topic to be discussed at the
request of a delegate. Any delegate wishing to be added to the speakers list shall
indicate so when asked by the Chair or shall submit such a request in writing to
the dais.
Rule 9. Limitation of Speaking Time
The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. However, delegates can
motion to increase or decrease the speaking time, which will be voted upon by
the committee or council. When a delegate exceeds his or her allotted time, the
Chair may call the speaker to order without delay.
Rule 10. Speeches
No delegate may address the body without the previously obtained permission
of the Chair. The Chair may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not
relevant to the subject under discussion. The Chair shall enforce the time limit
as described by Rule 9.
Rule 11. Yielding Time
The delegate, who has been recognized by the Chair to address the body on a
substantive issue, may yield any time following their remarks after their speech.
Yields may be made in three ways: to another delegate, to points of information
(questions), or to the Chair.
Yield to another delegate. His/her remaining time shall be given to
another delegate.
Yield to questions. Delegates shall be selected by the Chair to ask one
question per speech. The Chair has the right to call order to any delegate
whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, not designed to elicit
information. Answers to questions are limited to the time remaining in a
delegate's speech.
Yield to the Chair. Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not
wish his/her speech to be subject to comments. The Chair shall then move
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on to the next speaker. Once a delegate yields his/her time, the second
delegate (the one who has been yielded to) may not yield any remaining
time.
Rule 12. Right Of Reply
The Chair may recognize the Right of Reply only in instances of a grave
personal insult. Rights of Reply must be submitted in writing to the Chair, and
may only be granted after a speech is completed. The Chair shall inform the
Secretary-General of the circumstances surrounding the Right of Reply. No
ruling on this matter is subject to appeal.
Rule 13. Appeal to the Chairs Decision
An appeal is made when a delegate feels that the Chair has made an incorrect
ruling. The delegate formally challenges the Chair in writing by sending a note
to the dais, moving to appeal the Chair's decision. The appeal will be taken to
the Deputy-Secretary General who will decide if the appeal will be considered.
Once the motion is acknowledged, the Deputy-Secretary General will hear from
both the delegate and the Chair before making a decision.

V. POINTS
Rule 14. Point Of Personal Privilege
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Personal
Privilege, and the Chair shall immediately address the point. A Point of
Personal Privilege must refer to a matter of personal comfort, safety and/or
well-being of the members of the committee. The Chair may refuse to recognize
a Point of Personal Privilege if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and
decorum, or if the point is dilatory in nature.
Rule 15. Point Of Order
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may raise a Point of Order and
the Chair shall immediately consider the request. A Point of Order must relate
to the observance of the rules of the committee or to the way the Chair is
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exercising his or her power. A delegate raising a Point of Order may not speak
on the substance of the matter under discussion. The Chair may refuse to
recognize a Point of Order if the delegate has not shown proper restraint and
decorum governing the use of such a right, or if the point is dilatory in nature
Rule 16. Point Of Information (question to other delegates)
After a delegate gives a speech, and if the delegate yields their time to Points of
Information, one Point of Information (a question) can be raised by delegates
from the floor. The speaker will be allotted the remainder of his or her speaking
time to address Points of Information. Points of Information are directed to the
speaker and allow other delegations to ask questions in relation to speeches and
resolutions.
Rule 17. Point Of Inquiry
If there is no discussion on the floor, a delegate may raise a Point of Inquiry to
request clarification of the present procedural status of a meeting. A Point of
Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker.

VI. MOTIONS
Rule 18. Suspend Debate (Motion to Caucus)
Upon the recommendation of the Chair or any delegate, the committee may
consider a motion to Suspend Debate for the purpose of a moderated or unmoderated caucus. This motion requires a majority vote.
Moderated Caucus: The recommendation for a moderated caucus must
include a time limit for delegate remarks and a time limit for the entire
caucus (e.g. "The nation of [country name] moves for a five minute
moderated caucus with a 30 second speaking time."). During moderated
caucus, the chair shall recognize delegates for remarks without the use of
a speakers list and yields shall be out of order.
Un-moderated Caucus: The recommendation for an un-moderated caucus
requires a time limit to be made (e.g. "The nation of [country name]
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moves for a ten minute un-moderated caucus."). Unmoderated caucuses

allow delegates to have informal discussions.
Rule 19. Motion to Table Debate
During the discussion of any matter, the committee may consider a motion to
table debate on the item under discussion at the recommendation of the Chair or
any delegate. If the motion is seconded, two representatives may speak in favor
of and two against the motion. Then, the motion shall immediately be put
to a vote. A two-thirds majority is required for passage. If a motion to table
debate is passed, the topic is considered tabled and no further actions or votes
will be taken on it. A topic may be reintroduced to the committee so that debate
can resume through the same process. The motion to resume debate on a tabled
topic shall also require a two-thirds majority for passage.
Rule 20. Closure of Debate
A delegate may at any time move for the closure of debate on the item under
discussion, after which debate will end and all draft resolutions and
amendments will be put to an immediate vote. Permission to speak on the
closure of debate shall be accorded only to two speakers opposing the closure,
after which the motion shall be immediately put to a vote. This motion requires
a two-thirds majority decision. Upon passage of this motion the Chair shall
declare the closure of debate and immediately move into voting procedure on
the substantive proposals introduced and pending before the committee. The
committee shall also close debate and move into voting procedure when the
speakers list has been exhausted.
Rule 21. Adjournment of the Meeting
During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move for the adjournment
of the meeting. Such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put
to a vote. After adjournment, the committee shall reconvene at its next regularly
scheduled meeting time; adjournment of the final meeting shall adjourn the
session.
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Rule 22. Order of Procedural Motions

The motions below shall have precedence in the following order over all
other proposals or motions before the committee:
a) Point of Personal Privilege
b) Point of Order
c) Point of Inquiry
d) Point of Information
e) Introduction of a Draft Resolution
f) Motion to Suspend Debate
g) Motion to Table Debate
h) Motion for Closure of Debate
i) Motion to Adjourn the Meeting

VII. RESOLUTIONS
Rule 23. Submission of Working Papers, Draft Resolutions, and
Amendments
Working papers, draft resolutions, and amendments shall be submitted to the
Director typed and with the proper number of signatures. The Chair may permit
discussion and consideration of proposals and amendments once approved, even
if the documents have not been circulated through the committee.
Rule 24. Introducing Draft Resolutions
Once a draft resolution has been approved by the Director and has been copied
and distributed, a delegate may raise a motion to introduce the draft resolution,
which is automatically approved and does not require a vote. The content of the
introduction shall be limited to summarizing the operative clauses of the draft
resolution. Such an introduction shall be considered procedural in nature, hence
yields and comments are out of order. Additional questions and comments
regarding the resolution are encouraged to be raised through the speakers list
and yields.
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Rule 25. Amendments

Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair. An
amendment is considered friendly if all of the sponsors of the initial draft
resolution are signatories of the amendment. Such an amendment is adopted
automatically. Unfriendly amendments are a decision of the Committee. An
unfriendly amendment must have the approval of the Director and the
signatures by 20% of the committee.
Amendments to amendments are out of order.

VIII. VOTING
Rule 26. Methods of Decision
All procedural decisions, except for the closure and adjournment of debate,
shall be made by a simple majority of the delegations present. Delegations
physically present in the committee may not abstain on procedural motions.
Decisions on draft resolutions and amendments shall require a simple majority
in favor.
However, the passage of all resolutions and amendments in the Security Council
requires nine affirmative votes and an affirmative vote or an abstention on the
part of all permanent members (People's Republic of China, France, Russian
Federation, United States of America and United Kingdom).
Rule 27. Voting Rights
Each present delegation shall have one vote. Observing nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) cannot vote on substantive matters. Each
vote may be a Yes, No, or Abstain. On procedural motions, members may not
abstain. Members present and voting shall be defined as members casting an
affirmative or negative vote (no abstentions) on all substantive votes.
Rule 28. Conduct While In Voting Procedure
After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no representative may
enter or leave the room, nor shall any representative interrupt the voting except
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on a Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry, or a Point of Order in

connection with the actual conduct of the voting. Communication between
delegates is strictly forbidden. A member of the staff shall secure the doors
during voting procedure.
Rule 29. Method of Voting
Delegations may vote in favor of or against a proposal or may abstain from
voting. The committee shall normally vote by show of placards, but any
delegate may request a roll call vote on substantive matters. The roll call vote
shall be taken in alphabetical order of the English names of the countries
present.
During a roll call vote, delegations may answer with an affirmative vote, a
negative vote, an abstention (when appropriate) or may pass. Delegations
passing in the first round of voting will be called upon
alphabetically in a second round, at which time they may only answer with an
affirmative or negative vote.
Delegations that appear to be voting out of policy, while casting an affirmative
or negative vote, may reserve the right to explain their vote by Voting with
Rights. Delegations must announce that they are Voting with Rights at the time
they cast their vote. The Chair may permit delegations Voting with Rights to
explain their votes after voting has concluded but before the decision has been
announced.
Rule 30. Order of Draft Resolutions
If two or more draft resolutions relate to the same question, the committee shall
vote on the resolutions in the order in which they have been submitted.
Rule 31. Voting On Unfriendly Amendments
During the voting procedure on a substantive proposal, unfriendly amendments
to a resolution shall be voted on first. When two or more amendments are
proposed to a resolution concurrently, the committee shall first vote on the
amendment that creates the greatest change to the draft resolution, as deemed by
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the Chair, and then the amendment that creates the second greatest change to the
resolution. This process continues until all amendments are voted upon. Where,
however, the adoption of the amendment necessarily implies the rejection of
another amendment (as decided by the Chair), the latter amendment shall not be
put to a vote. If one or more amendments are adopted, the amended proposal
shall then be voted upon. Amendment voting is a substantive procedure and
adoption requires the simple majority consent of the delegations present.
Rule 32. Passage of Resolutions
If a vote does not result in a simple majority* in favor, the resolution shall be
regarded as rejected. A simple majority requires fifty percent of the members
present during the last role call, plus one. Example: 99 members present
requires 49.5 (50%) + 1= 50.5=51 affirmative votes.
*Exceptions: The United Nations Security Council requires nine affirmative
votes for the passage of resolutions and amendments. In addition to the nine
affirmative votes, an affirmative vote or an abstention on the part of all
permanent members (People's Republic of China, France, Russian Federation,
United States of America and United Kingdom) is required for the passage of
all resolutions and amendments.

IX. SUSPENSION OF THE RULES

Rule 33. Suspension Of The Rules
These rules may only be suspended following a majority vote. Any motion to
suspend the rules is subject to the Chairs discretion.

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BASIC SUGGESTIONS BEFORE YOU START RESEARCHING:

A few aspects that delegates should keep in mind while preparing: Procedure:
The purpose of putting in procedural rules in any committee is to ensure a more
organized and efficient debate. The committee will follow the UNA-USA Rules
of Procedure, a link for which has been provided in the last section of this
Guide. Although the Executive Board shall be fairly strict with the Rules of
Procedure, the discussion of agenda will be the main priority. So delegates are
advised not to restrict their statements due to hesitation regarding procedure.
Foreign Policy: Following the foreign policy of ones country is the most
important aspect of a Model UN Conference. This is what essentially
differentiates a Model UN from other debating formats. To violate ones foreign
policy without adequate reason is one of the worst mistakes a delegate can
make.
Role of the Executive Board: The Executive Board is appointed to facilitate
debate. The committee shall decide the direction and flow of debate. The
delegates are the ones who constitute the committee and hence must be
uninhibited while presenting their opinions/stance on any issue. However, the
Executive Board may put forward questions and/or ask for clarifications at all
points of time to further debate and test participants.
A challenging, yet highly rewarding committee, involvement in the Global
Indian MUN DISEC simulation offers an insight into the dynamics of
international relations and politics. Lots of work will be required but as previous
participants in similar simulations ourselves, we promise you an exciting
experience.

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Proof/Evidence in Council

Evidence or proof is acceptable from sources:

1. News Sources:

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a. REUTERS Any Reuters article which clearly makes mention of the fact or
is in contradiction of the fact being stated by a delegate in council.
(http://www.reuters.com/)
b. State operated News Agencies These reports can be used in the support of
or against the State that owns the News Agency. These reports, if credible or
substantial enough, can be used in support of or against any Country as such but
in that situation, they can be denied by any other country in the council. Some
examples are,
i. RIA Novosti (Russia) http://en.rian.ru/
ii. IRNA (Iran) http://www.irna.ir/ENIndex.htm
iii. BBC (United Kingdom) http://www.bbc.co.uk/
iv. Xinhua News Agency and CCTV (P.R. China) http://cctvnews.cntv.cn/

2. Government Reports: These reports can be used in a similar way as the

State Operated News Agencies reports and can, in all circumstances, be denied
by another country.
However, a nuance is that a report that is being denied by a certain country can
still be accepted by the Executive Board as credible information.
a. Government Websites like the State Department of the United States of
America http://www.state.gov/index.htm or the Ministry of Defence of the
Russian Federation http://www.eng.mil.ru/en/index.htm
b. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of various nations like India
(http://www.mea.gov.in/), Peoples Republic of China
(http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/), France (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/),
Russian Federation http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/main_eng)
c. Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Reports
http://www.un.org/en/members/ (Click on any country to get the website of the
Office of its Permanent Representative)
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d. Multilateral Organizations like the NATO

(http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/index.htm), ASEAN
(http://www.aseansec.org/), OPEC (http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/), etc.

3. UN Reports: All UN Reports are considered are credible information or

evidence for the Executive Board of the Security Council.
a. UN Bodies: Like the SC (http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/), GA
(http://www.un.org/en/ga/), HRC
(http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/HRCIndex.aspx) etc.
b. UN Affiliated bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency
(http://www.iaea.org/ ), World Bank (http://www.worldbank.org/), International
Monetary Fund (http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm), International
Committee of the Red Cross (http://www.icrc.org/eng/index.jsp), etc.
c. Treaty Based Bodies like the Antarctic Treaty System
(http://www.ats.aq/e/ats.htm), the International Criminal Court (http://www.icccpi.int/Menus/ICC)

Under no circumstances will sources like Wikipedia

(http://www.wikipedia.org/), Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/),
Human Rights Watch (http://www.hrw.org/) or newspapers like the Guardian
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/), Times of India
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com /), etc. be accepted as credible proof, though
they might be used for general information.

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Ways to combat terrorism and eliminate terror havens

O nl y t h r o u g h s t r o n g p ol i t i ca l w i l l , a n d b y i m p l e m e nt a t i o n a n d d el i v e r y, ca n we r e a l i z e o ur
h o p e s o f a w o r l d f r e e o f t e r r o r i s m ( ). T h i s r e q u i r e s m u l t i - n a t i o n a l e f f o r t s t h a t g o b e y o n d
tr a d it io na l a n d l o ca l i z e d a p p r o a c h e s. N o na ti o n, a c ti n g a l o n e, n o ma t t e r h o w p o we r f ul it is,
ca n pr eve nt e ver y thr ea t fro m be in g carr ie d o ut . Nas sir A bd ula ziz A lNa s ser, Pres i de nt of
the 66th Ge neral Ass em bly

Introduction
Terrorism violates inherent values of the Charter of the United Nations, such as
respect for human rights, rule of law, protection of civilians, tolerance and
peaceful resolution of conflicts. Terrorism flourishes in environments of
despair, humiliation, poverty, political oppression, extremism and human rights
abuse; it also flourishes in contexts of regional conflict and foreign occupation;
and it profits from weak State capacity to maintain law and order. For these
reasons countering international terrorism has taken priority on the agenda of
the United Nations (UN) since 1960s although the history of combating
terrorism dates back to the 1930s. Since this time progress has been made and
the UN has produced eighteen universal instruments to counter international

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terrorism. The latest important milestone was achieved by the General

Assembly in 2006 when the resolution A/RES/60/288 and an annexed Plan of
Action were adopted, in which the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy was introduced. This was the first time that all member states have
agreed to a common strategic approach to fight terrorism in order to adopt a
unique instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to
counter terrorism." Despite the progress we live in a world, where terrorism is
one of the biggest threats to international peace and security. Almost every
week some kind of terrorist attack or an attempted attack takes place somewhere
in the world. Terrorism does not pose a threat only for states, but particularly for
individuals. Most victims of terrorist attacks are non-military, unarmed and
innocent people. To exemplify the situation: 9814 terrorist attacks were
committed and approximately 17958 people were killed in terrorist activities.
Although terrorism is a worldwide phenomenon, nowadays 82% of all death
from terrorist attacks occurred in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and
Syria. The definition of terrorism has been continuously changing and no
consent has been reached. In 1994, the General Assembly on its forty-ninth
session enacted the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International
Terrorism, where terrorism was defined as criminal acts intended or calculated
to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular
persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever
the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic,
religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them and about ten
years later in 2004 the High-Level Panel of independent experts on Threats,
Challenges and Change defined terrorism as "any action, in addition to actions
already specified by the existing conventions on aspects of terrorism, the
Geneva Conventions and Security Council resolution 1566 (2004), that is
intended to cause death or serious bodily harm to civilians or non-combatants,
when the purpose of such an act, by its UN Action to Counter Terrorism,
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General Assembly Action to Counter Terrorism, 2015. The UN system,

including the General Assembly, the Security Council and about 23 funds,
agencies and programs, has addressed the issue of terrorism since the 1960s, but
the turning point in the overall counter-terrorism effort of the UN was reached
by the Security Council in 2001 by establishing the Counter-Terrorism
Committee and its Executive Directorate (CTED). Although combating
terrorism primarily rests on shoulders of member states the UN provides special
assistance with their counter-terrorism efforts through departments, programs
and specialized agencies. Furthermore, the UN plays an important role in
facilitating and promoting coordination and coherence in the implementation of
the anti-terrorist instruments on the national, regional and international levels.

International terror hotspots

State of Israel
Israel occupies a major role in international terrorism as it is the target of many
terrorist groups such as HAMAS or Hezbollah. In response to terrorist attacks
by groups such as these, Israel enacted plans like the Prevention of Terrorism
Ordinance (PTO), which addressed the issue of terrorism head on and thus
ensured Israeli citizens security. Some measures implemented by 21 the PTO
include the confiscation of any property belonging to or being used by terrorist
organizations and taking away rights and freedoms of an individual who has
damaged the rights and freedoms of innocent members of society (Buhler 4).
This is a particularly controversial aspect of the ordinance, as it involves
restricting the rights and freedom of certain members of society. However, the
PTO has proved useful so far for Israels response towards international
terrorism.

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United States of America

As a very strong supporter of Israel, it is often involved or attacked by Islamic
terrorist groups in events such as the September 11th attacks, after which it
declared the War on Terror. With the help of many other nations, the War on
Terror led mostly by the USA is able to cause the fall of the Taliban
government in Afghanistan, destroy several Al-Qaeda camps and kill Osama
bin Laden, a major terrorist leader. However, with these actions, Islamic
extremist resentment towards the USA grows.
Islamic Republic of Iran
Iran [has] remained the most active state sponsor of terrorism in 2010. Irans
financial, material, and logistic support for terrorist and militant groups
throughout the Middle East and Central Asia had a direct impact on
international efforts to promote peace, threatened economic stability in the Gulf,
and undermined the growth of democracy, states the 2010 State Department
Country Report on Terrorism. As mentioned before, Iran has a common enemy
Israel with terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, whose main goals are to establish
Shariah and eliminate the state of Israel. It has long been a sponsor of Islamic
terrorism and its policy 22 towards the issue of international terrorism is
problematic, as it slows progress in detaining and bringing major terrorist
leaders to justice. Un-cooperative countries such as Iran are sometimes seen as a
major obstacle in eliminating international terrorism.

Syrian Arab Republic

Syria in 2010 continued its political support to a variety of terrorist groups
affecting the stability of the region and beyond. Syria provided political and
military support to Hezbollah in Lebanon and allowed Iran to resupply the
terrorist organization with weapons. Statements supporting terrorist groups like
Hamas and Hezbollah consistently permeated government speeches and press
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statements, the 2010 Country Report on Terrorism states. As is the case with
Iran, Syria is a supporter of several anti-Israeli terrorist groups such as
Hezbollah and the PIJ because of common interests. As was mentioned before,
un-collaborative countries like these halt the progress in eliminating or reducing
international terrorism and ensuring peace in conflictive areas.

Sudan
Viewed by many terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, the PIJ, Abu Nidal
and HAMAS as a safe haven in which to plan and organize future attacks or
events due to its weak government and law enforcement system. While few
terrorist groups actually carry out attacks in the country of Sudan itself, many
recruit and train new members in the safe grounds of Sudan.

Palestinian National Authority (PNA)

As its territories border Israel, numerous terrorist organizations seek a foothold
in Palestinian soil. Over the last few years, Palestine has become increasingly
similar to Sudan a place where terrorist organizations plan, train and recruit
new members due to the proximity of their target: Israel. Furthermore, although
several terrorist groups such as HAMAS or the PIJ claim they fight for the
destruction of the state of Israel as a means to an end the establishment of a
Palestinian Islamic state they continue to attack Israel soil despite their
political gains in Palestinian grounds. This suggests that their goals have
recently shifted to the mere destruction of the state of Israel.

Taliban
An Islamic political movement that spread from Pakistan into Afghanistan, the
Taliban were able to form a government but were only recognized by three
other states. It enforced a strict, brutal interpretation of Shariah law. In many
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cases, the Taliban have been said to use terrorism to achieve their social and
political goals, and were responsible for most Afghan civilian deaths during
their years in power. After the September 11th attacks, they were overthrown by
American troops.

Libya:
Following the 2011 Libyan Civil War, which resulted in the ousting of Colonel
Muammar Gaddafi and his government, many rebel fighters went to Syria to
fight alongside militant groups who were fighting Bashar al-Assad and his
loyalists in the Syrian Civil War. In 2012, one group of Libyans fighting in
Syria declared the establishment of the Battar Brigade. The Battar Brigade
would later pledge loyalty to ISIL, and fight for it in both Syria and Iraq.
In September 2014, an ISIL delegation that had been dispatched by the group's
leadership arrived in Libya. The representatives included Abu Nabil al Anbari, a
senior aide to al-Baghdadi and a veteran of the Iraq conflict, the Saudi Abu
Habib al-Jazrawi, and the Yemeni or Saudi Abu al-Baraa el-Azdi, a militant and
preacher from Syria. Also, the Islamic Youth Shura Council-aligned militant
factions came together and pledged allegiance to ISIL. After the pledging
ceremony, more than 60 pickup trucks filled with fighters cruised through the
city in a victory parade. Later militants gathered to pledge allegiance to Abu
Bakr al-Baghdadi in the city square. On 13 November 2014, al-Baghdadi
released an audio-recording in which he accepted pledges of allegiance from
supporters in five countries, including Libya, and announced the expansion of
his group to those territories. He went on to announce the creation of three
"provinces" (wilayat) in Libya, Cyrenaica in the east, Fezzan in the south, and
Tripolitania in the west. The three wilayats in Libya represent statelets, meaning
they are a governates that hold territory and operate like a state.

Islamic Republic of Pakistan:

Pakistan has long been accused by its neighbours India and Afghanistan, and
western nations like the United States, and the United Kingdom of its
involvement in terrorist activities in the region and beyond. Its tribal region
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along the border of Afghanistan has been claimed to be a haven for terrorists
by western media and the US Defence Secretary.
Pakistan is said to be a heaven for terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-eTaiba also known as Jamaat-ud-Dawah, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul
Mujahideen and whole Haqqani Network.
Former Pakistan Ruler Pervez Musharraf has conceded that Pakistani forces
trained militant groups to fight India in Indian-administered Kashmir. He
confesed that the government turned a blind eye so to force India for
negotiations. He even said that Pakistan spies in ISI cultivated the Taliban in
Pakistan after 2001.
In a November 2014 interview to BBC Urdu, Advisor to the Pakistan Prime
Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz said that
Pakistan shouldnt target militants like the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani
Network, who do not threaten Pakistans Security thus making a distinction
between Good and Bad Terrorism.
Nigeria-CHAD:
Boko Haram is an Islamic extremist group based in north-eastern Nigeria and
parts of Chad. The group had alleged links to al-Qaeda, but in March 2015, it
announced its allegiance to ISIL. Since the current insurgency started in 2009, it
has killed 20,000 and displaced 2.3 million from their homes and was ranked as
the worlds deadliest terror group by the Global Terrorism Index in 2015.

India:
Sharing the border with Pakistan, India is a major stakeholder in the terrorism
battle with the Mumbai attacks showing the dastardly face of terrorism to the
world. Diplomatic efforts have not yielded much fruit & India has engaged is
self-proclaimed Surgical attacks raising the fear of a full blown war among
two nuclear weapon holder nations.
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Europe & Russia:

Two opposing sides in the terror puzzle, Russia has been at odds with the USA
and major European countries. Russia has bombed large parts of Aleppo in Iraq
saying it is necessary to prevent ISIS from spreading to Russia. However most
of the attacks have been made on rebel forces rather than ISIS and Russia
continues to support Bashar government in Syria with the USA & European
allies opposing it.
Europe iteself has been facing increasing terror attacks. France has had deadly
attacks in Nice & Paris. Germany faces mass migration & refugee settlement
destabilizing the country. United Kingdom historically has had terror attacks
including London bombings and there is massive resentment among large
sections of the people of the United Kingdom regarding mass immigration.

Questions to Consider
1. What should be the definition of terrorism in the light of Good vs Bad
Terrorism debate?
2. How can the funding to terror groups be restricted?
3. What are the different ways to curtail the arms supply? Could an arm
embargo work?

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4. How can the manpower supply to terror groups & radicalization of

the youth be prevented?
5. Could empowering rebels or sanctions to countries solve the problem?
6. What are the different ways to stop nation states from actively or
passively supporting terrorism?

FURTHER RESEARCH
http://www.un.org/en/index.html
http://www.un.org/en/ga/first/
http://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/DisarmamentCommission/
UNDiscom.shtml
http://www.hcoc.at/

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