Situation in Syria

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Tim McKeeby
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Argentina is commitment to non-proliferation and the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction. The on-going situation in Syria has destroyed thousands of civilian’s lives. The Syrian people do not possess necessary aid and security to live in peace. President Bashar al-Assad and his Syrian government should be ashamed and condemned for the abuse that they demonstrate of the values including but not limited to peace and security. The use of chemical warfare is a war crime and a crime against humanity.

The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2118 and supports the framework for elimination of Syrian chemical weapons between the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was established to perform special procedures for the expeditious destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons program. The intent of resolution 2118, the OPCW, and the accord between the Russian Federation and the United States of America is to determine if Syria has condone chemical warfare against their citizens and eliminate these weapons of mass destruction. Acknowledging that there are no conditions for a foreign military solution, Argentina supports efforts including but not limited to the accord between the Russian Federation and the United States, the OPCW, and resolution 2118. Argentina is determined to construct a long lasting solution to the situation in Syria.

Argentina encourages the Security Council and member states of the UN to provide support, including personnel, technical expertise, information, equipment, and financial and other resources and assistance to the Syrian people. Syria must be punished for massacring their citizens. The Security Council and the UN needs to support the on-going efforts to terminate the crisis situation in Syria. Also, the Security Council needs to continue to investigate Syria and continue to discover a permanent solution.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Amelia Wittig
School: Saline High School

The war in Syria has been a key issue on the international platform for a long time now. With the recent escalation of violence, human rights violations have run rampant and the United Nations must work together to bring an end to the bloodshed. Even more concerning is the lack of humanitarian aid that is currently reaching the civilians caught in the crossfire. This conflict was brought about by a civilian demand for democracy and has since escalated to an armed conflict between the president, Bashar Al-Assad, and his regime and a coalition of rebel groups. Australia expresses concern in supporting either side. The Assad regime has violated international law and committed countless crimes against its people. The rebels, however, are not purely democratic in nature and include groups with links to Al-Qaeda and other extremist factions. Any political negotiations and agreements must be approached with extreme caution in order to ensure a peaceful end to the conflict.

Australia initially supported a Syrian-led political resolution, but since the United Nations has confirmed the use of chemical weapons we has put its full support behind the United States and its allies. However, we recognize that the international community must focus on what is possible, rather than what is preferable. Forcing the regime out of power may not be within the realm of possibility provided the current situation, but the international community must do everything in its power to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. Australia has already provided medical support and food aid to the region and would encourage other nations to do the same. This, above all else, should be the main focus of the Security Council and the United Nations.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: China
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Allen
School: Fishers High School

Syria and the People’s Republic of China have been in close diplomatic relations since 1956, holding embassies in both countries for the other. These two counties have had significant trade activity occur, but is considered to be mostly exports from China to Syria. Military efforts throughout Syria in relation to China have also been considered good throughout the past years. In the past, China has been more willing to stay out of the way of external conflict, but in the recent years has been growing more and more interested in human rights and peacekeeping through the world. They feel that China has needed to keep their sovereignty in tact, but also try to help other countries in need as well. Syria has become more and more of a problem because of the constant conflict occurring, with China recently joining Russia in opposing military strikes on Syria. Much of China’s take on the Syria conflict is economically based, because that is such a staple with the relations with Syria.

China feels that at this point in time, it is not a good motion to move forward with military strikes on Syria because of the spike in oil prices and economic turmoil that they feel would ensue after the strikes. This conclusion was made at the G20 Summit in 2013, and China plans on discussing further options for the conflicts in Syria. China does not agree with the United State’s opinion to intervene with force, with China’s leader Xi Jinping stating that “a political solution is the only right way out for the Syrian crisis and a military strike cannot solve the problem from the root.” Our belief is that Syrian rebels, at this point in time, are not united enough to overthrow Syrian government officials. We feel that the United States is acting rashly, and needs to consider other options before intervening with militia.

China understands the gravity of the Syrian conflict, but feels that it needs to be dealt with in a more political and strategic way than the United States proposes. Possibly one solution to the crisis is to create a program that helps citizens and the government of Syria work together to find compromises in their beliefs and actions throughout the county. As well, the UN could talk about setting up funds to hold refugees from the conflict until further actions are made against the terrors that are overcoming the country. China insists that using any military action without UN approval is considered illegal, and would like to divulge further into the investigation about Syria’s use of chemical weapons. The biggest action the UN can take at this point is to find out the full truth of Syria’s use of chemical weapons, and take action based on this. We cannot make assumptions based upon biases of our countries, rather we must be patient and try to understand fully the situation at hand.

“Syria crisis: Where key countries stand”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23849587

“China’s View on Syria Crisis: America’s ‘Hidden Motivations’ Are leading It Astray”

http://world.time.com/2013/09/13/chinas-view-on-syria-crisis-americas-hidden-motivations-are-leading-it-astray/

“Syria Crisis: China joins Russia in opposing military strikes”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/05/syria-china-russia-opposing-military-strikes

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: France
Delegate Name: Steven Saham
School: Roeper School

Ladies and Gentlemen, France would first like to acknowledge the devastation going on in Syria. This has been the deadliest war of the century and has witnessed the use of chemical weapons. While it appears that the immediate threat of chemical weapons has diminished since their confiscation by the international community, chemical weapons continue to be a priority of France in relation to the situation in Syria. We believe it to be of the utmost importance that the Security Council continues to be vigilant regarding the proliferation of chemical weapons and continue to deter similar breaches of International Law. The best way to deter the use of these weapons of indiscriminate murder is to bring the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity to justice in international courts.

The objective of the French Republic in Syria, remains the same as the one stated by our President this September in his address to the General Assembly. “…[I]nstall an interim government with full executive powers whose mission could be to restore civil peace, to protect all communities and to organize elections when the time comes.” Since that date we have established the London communique, which calls for the creation of a transitional government as well as the removal of the Assad regime, and most specifically Assad, from power. It is absolutely imperative that the Security Council uphold the agreement made in the London communique.

France believes that the current state of affairs in Syria calls for the minimization of violence, especially that conducted with weapons of mass destruction, and the creation of a transitional government as per the London communique. France seeks to work with members of this body to solve the political issues that will allow the resolution of this conflict which threatens not just Syria, its people, its million refugees, but it’s immediate neighbors, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Turkey, and their people.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Winston Richards
School: Forest Hills Central High School

As far as major situations go, the Syrian Civil War is easily the biggest and most brutal. With death tolls around 120,000 people, Syria has become ground zero of the Arab Spring. What started as peaceful demonstrations pushing for democracy was quickly escalated into wide-scale violence, when President Bashar al-Assad ordered the massacre of protesters. Although a domestic dispute, the Syrian Civil War has become a major global issue. Russia and Iran have been active supporters of the Syrian government, while the United States continues to back the rebels. The situation has flared diplomatic relations around the world and Syria will continue to be an important factor as long as the conflict wages on.

Geographically speaking, Guatemala and Syria are nowhere near each other and have little to no similarities. But in the 1980's and 1990's, Central America and Guatemala experienced their own sort of "Arab Spring". After our own civil war, Guatemala transitioned and resolved the conflict through diplomatic means. The Guatemalan Peace Accords posited a more democratic and tolerant society, respectful of human rights, with greater opportunities for all, and subjected to the rule of law.

Guatemala will continue to support all actions authorized by the United Nations Security Council. The UN Security Council has played an important role in creating peaceful resolution during the Syrian Uprising. For example, UNSCR 2118 was a recent resolution which began the removal of Syrian Army chemical weapons following the deadly chemical attacks on the city of Ghouta. UNSCR 2118 also eased tensions between Russia and the United States who could both agree on the contents of the resolution. To improve the situation in Syria open talks must occur between both sides and only through diplomatic action such as UNSCR 2118 will serious changes occur.

Guatemala acknowledges that war crimes have been committed on both sides and will work to prevent future crimes against humanity by doing whatever it takes, including implementing a peacekeeping presence. A UN mission to Syria could also provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Guatemala will continue to work with the Security Council on any resolution regarding ending the conflict in Syria.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Luxembourg
Delegate Name: Ian Leuty
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The sovereign nation of Luxembourg, with regards to it's founding out of war and conflict, would look favorably upon initiative to neutralize chemical threats and resolve threats to the Syrian people. Resolutions to provide refuge for individuals trapped in the Syrian conflict such as agreed upon with Australian delegates would be beneficial to the Syrian people and surrounding countries. Although a resolution to the conflict would be best reached through collaboration with the Syrian Nationalists, contingency could rest upon the surrounding stable states in the Syrian region. The Nation of Luxembourg looks favorably on actions to assist the refugees of the Syrian conflict. The Nation of Luxembourg is willing to contribute assistance to the effort and favors the assistance of it's allies. The most beneficial resolution is that which effectively benefits the Syrian people and secures their sovereignty and wellbeing.

Humanitarian relief actions are becoming increasingly necessary as the deplorable violence in the Syrian rises. It will be necessary for this council and the delegation as a whole to employ all means in their control to prevent the atrocities occurring in the Syrian Nation. This council looks favorably upon relief efforts to be provided by this delegation and it's constituent humanitarian assistance groups.

It will also be critical that the Syrian government and Assad be willing to contribute. Relief groups must be allowed to enter and work in the area unmolested under watch by the delegation and the Syrian government. In order to avoid escalation of the conflict and further violence cooperation on behalf of the Sovereign Nation of Syria is completely essential.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Zoe Bommarito
School: Williamston High School

Since the harrowing Syrian Civil War began in early 2011, more than 120,000 Syrian civilians have lost their lives. The alarming humanitarian crisis has only grown worse with more than 40% of Syrian people needing urgent assistance. Furthermore, with the deadly winter season fast approaching, 12,000 Syrian women and children are expected to die of starvation. Both the Syrian opposition forces and the government have disrupted their once peaceful society. Despite the fact that severe human rights violations have occurred, the United Nations should not focus on incrimination of either party; instead, strive for a brighter future for the nation and the Middle East altogether.

Within the same time span, Morocco has seen its fair share of unrest. The Arab Spring beginning in early 2011 introduced widespread protests in Northern Africa. Morocco experienced movements throughout 2011 and 2012 resulting in casualties and constitutional amendments. Although the magnitude of these demonstrations does not measure to the situation in Syria, Morocco is still very much involved and concerned with the crisis. Several Syrian refugees have fled to Morocco, along with the millions that have fled elsewhere. The danger of this war has threatened too many lives, and there must be an end to Syrian bloodshed.

Although the OPCW decision that was released in September addresses the horrific use of chemical weapons, no peaceful long term solution has been justified. With an estimated 80,000 Syrian Rebel Soldiers, the instability this region is facing seems incessant. The United Nations should encourage the latest Human Rights Council activities dealing with refugees and internally displaced peoples; notably, resettlement. However, the Middle East and it’s Northern African counterparts cannot justify any more Syrian refugees. The stresses of millions of displaced peoples have stunted the growth of our rapidly prosperous region. Furthermore, encourage peaceful talks between Assad and the Free Syrian Army representatives as well as a ceasefire of both parties. The United Nations Security Council must not charge any accusations without definite information regarding the faction. Finally, talks of invasion and the infusion of even more western influence cannot continue. Overbearing militants like NATO and its allies will not increase the stability of this nation, but rather stunt it’s progression towards a peaceful solution.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Meaghan Lynch
School: Royal Oak High School

Pakistan is deeply concerned by the escalation of the situation in Syria and the political and humanitarian turmoil it has caused in the nation, the surrounding region of the Middle East, and the international community. Pakistan wishes to reconcile the war in Syria through peaceful and democratic means, according to the Geneva Communique on Syria, the UN Charter, General Assembly Resolution 67/262 and Security Council resolution 2118; including a ceasefire by both sides of the conflict and the stopping of shipment of weapons by all nations to the Syrian rebels. As the Pakistani ambassador to the United Nations, Masood Khan, has stated, "There remains no military solution…Our first appeal is to the Government of Syria and all parties to cease hostilities forthwith.” Though Pakistan recognizes that political situations such as these drastically impact the extent of the world around them, Pakistan believes that ultimately, this is a Syrian crisis and therefore a solution respecting the Syrian government needs to be pushed for. The Security Council must come to a solution to this problem that keeps in mind the best interest of the Syrian people– and that reinforces and protects Syria's sovereignty as a nation. As stated in clause 7 of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations: "Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter…"

Despite Pakistan's urgance for acknowledgement of the territorial integrity of Syria, Pakistan recognizes that the Syrian government is also at fault, and wishes that Syria respect the rights of their people to protest. Pakistan also condemns the Syrian government's usage of nuclear weapons in warfare– an upsetting violation of international law. Pakistan wholeheartedly supports Security Council resolution 2118 and encourages Syria to cooperate with the United Nations in ridding their nation of such weapons as per instruction of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Additionally, regarding chemical weapons, Pakistan would like to commend the ambassadors to the United States of America and the Russian Federation for their work on the Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons in concurrence with resolution 2118. Pakistan believes that this is the kind of peaceful, bilateral solution that Syria needs– Pakistan hopes to soon see the complete removal of chemical weapons from Syria and looks forward to discussing the details of the follow-up of document as addressed in the Framework: "…there are details in furtherance of the execution of this framework that need to be addressed on an expedited basis in the coming days and commit to complete these details, as soon as practicable, understanding that time is of the essence given the crisis in Syria."

Additionally, Pakistan would like to express its support for the Final Communique on Syria written at the Geneva Conference in 2012, especially the Agreed Principles and Guidelines for a Syrian-led transition. The Syrian-led transition in government is crucial– as Pakistan has stated, though both the Syrian people and the Syrian government have been at fault during this crisis, the international community must respect their sovereignty of the nation; and therefore, keeping foreign powers out of the country and allowing the Syrian people and the Syrian government to begin peaceful dialogue to move towards resolving the situation.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Madison Ford
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Since March of 2011, a civil war has raged throughout Syria causing the deaths of approximately 100,000 people. The war started when citizens of Syria demanded the resignation of the president Bashar al-Assad, whose family has held control of the presidency since 1971. The citizens also demanded the end of the Ba’ath party rule which has been in existence since 1963. In April of 2011, the army was sent after the protesters to quell the uprising, and as a result the uprising turned into an armed conflict. Since the start of the armed conflict, the Syrian government has been wrongly accused of conducting several chemical weapons attacks, the worst of which being the Ghouta attacks. The rebels have also been accused of such attacks, but not as severely as the Syrian government was.

The Russian Federation has taken a very active role in dealing with the situation in Syria. While we recognize that a victory may be claimed by the rebel groups, we are still in support of the government. Russia hopes to block the United States from influencing and shaping the region, and we hope to prevent another situation where the establishment of democracy is blocked by war. The Russian Federation also hopes to block any strikes on Syria because there has been no proof of the government’s use of chemical weapons, so a strike in this case would violate part of the U.N. charter. Russia will continue to support president Bashar al-Assad.

Russia will also continue to veto any resolutions drafted by the Security Council that attempt to bring down the government or any that support a strike on Syria for chemical weapons use. A document has been drawn up between the Russian Federation and the United States in hopes of having deadly agents shipped out of Syria or destroyed. Under this document, all deadly agents, with the exception of isopropanol, will be out of Syria by December 31 of 2014. The isopropanol will be destroyed on site by March 1. The document calls on any members who are prepared to receive chemical agents for elimination to come forward and devise a plan.

The Russian Federation believes that the best solution for the situation in Syria lies in getting rid of their chemical weapons in a peaceful manner and not not allowing any strikes on the nation. We must not allow outside nations to interfere with the situation in hopes of shaping the region. We must allow the government of Syria to address the problems of their nation as they see fit, but it is imperative that we strip them of their chemical weapons for the safety of the people and the government.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Hannah Thomas
School: Royal Oak High School

The civil war in Syria is caused from political turmoil, therefore the solution can only be political in nature. the continent of Africa has had more than enough experience with civil war to know that wars are ended through political negotiation. Those on both sides of the conflict must enter into inclusive multilateral negotiations to bring about a peaceful end. It’s the responsibility of the international community not to intervene in the conflict, but to assist Syrians in the process of engaging in multilateral peace talks.

The correct response to chemical weapons isn’t further escalating violent conflict but to intensify and accelerate the effort towards negotiation. The international community, especially those with the means to intervene militarily, should refrain from doing so in order to refrain from sparking conflict. Arming the belligerents on either side of the conflict will only bring about a prolonged conflict, whether it be chemical weapons or firearms. In accordance to the idea of a nation resolving conflicts peacefully, the charter of the United Nations should be a basis for action in this situation; repudiation of the charter will only cause a societal regression.

The human rights violations in the Syrian Arab Republic are not to be ignored however in the process of coming about a political solution. The international community needs to take action for humanitarian reasons, in order to ensure the safety of the Syrian refugees. This requires transparency with the government in order to work alongside UN agencies sent in order to assist the citizens. The ability to provide aid can not be limited through lack or resources or government cooperation in order for the proper aid to be provided.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Keenan Smith
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

As is evident, the historical context in which the conflict in Syria presents itself draws attention to the importance of this issue. The supposed “democracy” that exists within the Syrian Republic is supposed if we are being generous, and non-existent is we are being accurate. The Assad regime has actually existed for somewhere around 40 years, with power actually transferring from father to son like a monarchy. Regardless of these facts, the Syrian government has decided to wage an all-out war against its people who are calling for democratic reforms in their Republic. What began as a peaceful protest has turned into a bloody civil war, with over 100,000 deaths since the open conflict began in 2011.

Since the open-conflict began, the Republic of Korea has remained relatively quiet on the issue. Our support, however, is for the Syrian Opposition. Their calls for democracy are admirable and, as the United Nations firmly believes, every person has the right to self-determine. It has risen to our attention that through international negligence, the Syrian government under Assad has received aid from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as other nations who are ignoring the atrocities that Assad’s regime is imposing, in the form of various weaponry and, in rare cases, even personnel. Our nation has spoken out about this time and again. The fact that far removed nations such as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would feel the need to go to such lengths to continue the violence that is occurring in Syria leaves the Republic of Korea worried. In addition, the wide spectrum of nations which have become involved in this conflict make it essential for the Republic of Korea to speak up and voice our belief that Assad should not be supported or allowed to remain in power.

Therefore, we are of the belief that the United Nations Security Council should act quickly to curtail the Syrian government’s destructive behavior towards its populace. One of the primary ways to do so would be to discourage any shipping of weaponry or technology to Assad’s government, as many of this regime’s allies are armed with the same chemical weaponry they claim to be giving up. Though this may not be well received by some members of the Council, some equal concessions should and could be made in order to achieve the situation in which this conflict can finally come to an end. One other possible solution would be to call for a cease-fire with a leading group of the opposition, such as the Syrian Opposition Coalition, meeting with representatives of the Assad regime to discuss a peace settlement. In the meantime, the United Nations Security Council must pressure the Syrian government to open up to humanitarian aid at the least, as this is critically essential if we hope to ever see the Syrian government retain its sovereignty.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Togo
Delegate Name: Tonantzin Real Rojas
School: Instituto Educativo Olinca

Togolese Republic has been against president Bashar al-Assad regime; it supported UNSMIS until its withdrawal from Syria in 2012. Moreover, it has been in favor of Security Council Resolutions looking forward to a solution to end Syria’s ongoing conflict.

According to BBC News Middle East Edition, the United Nations inspectors found out that on August 21st, a chemical attack was carried out by al-Assad’s regime against civilians, they stated that “the conclusion was that chemical weapons were used in the ongoing conflict between the parties in the Syrian Arab Republic, also against civilians, including children, on a relatively large scale". As a result, the UN gave a resolution in order to destroy all chemical weapons in the country; Togolese Republic was in favor of such resolution calling upon the destruction not only of chemical but also weapons of mass destruction.

Since the beginning of the conflict, there have been over 120,000 deaths. UN Togo’s representative, Kodjo Menan stressed that the UN must be able to continue seeking ways and means to end the conflict, adding that the Syrian people should not continue to weep, suffer and bury their dead while the Council stand by watching.

To prevent further escalation of the situation in Syria, countries must work together and urge the Syrian government to end violence. Togolese Republic says it will do everything it can to make sure a positive solution is found to the ongoing conflict in Syria. Moreover, Togolese Republic has taken part in the Security Council’s resolutions which look forward to ending the conflict in Syria.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Cara Hoover
School: Vicksburg High School

During the peak of the Arab uprising, Syrian demonstrators started to demand that the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, step down to allow for democracy to reach their country. Since the demonstrators have started, more than 100,000 Syrians-from all sides- have lost their lives, and nearly 2 million refugees have become displaced and have become the burdens of surrounding nations. In August 2013, it was learned that the Bashar al-Assad regime had fired chemical weapons containing sarin, a chemical that has been classified as being a Schedule 1 substance, in a location heavily populated by civilians, not rebel groups. The delegation of the United Kingdom is appalled by this attack on the Damascus suburb of Ghouta, that resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths.

The United Kingdom would like to remind the council that the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime has breached customary international laws that prohibit the use of chemical weapons. We would also like to remind the council that this amounts to being a war crime, as well as a crime against humanity. The United Kingdom wishes to suggest action through more humanitarian intervention; the United Kingdom believes that nations who are able to contribute in humanitarian assistance do so to help the countries housing Syrian refugees provide support such as shelter, food, and medical care.

The United Kingdom strongly urges the Security Council to act with diligence to find the most peaceful solution to the situation in Syria, reminding that every moment spent without a solution is a moment another innocent life can be caught in the cross-fire. The United Kingdom respects that Syria is a sovereign nation and does not wish to unlawfully impose on their rights as a sovereign nation. But under the UN Charter Chapter 1 article 1, it is our duty "to maintain international peace and security." The United Kingdom would also like to urge our fellow Security Council members that if a viable diplomatic solution is presented to the Security Council, that the Council, consider this solution with all prejudices and politics set aside, with the consideration of the civilians caught in crossfire.

Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Nathaniel Hawkins
School: Mattawan High School

The international community, including the UN Security Council, has an interest in Syria. This interest has arisen because President Bashar al-Assad and his regime are cutting off humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine, to Syrian citizens, and because the leaders in Syria have committed crimes against humanitarian law through the use of chemical weapons against civilians. Adding to this chaotic situation, too many nations are responding individually, rather than through multilateral action. The only way that an issue like this can be solved correctly and efficiently is in one, multilateral movement. Due to the changing nature of the situation in Syria, nations must be ready to adapt to these alterations.

The United States is a firm believer in multilateralism. Since April 2011, the United States, along with the nations of France, the United Kingdom, and Russia, have been discussing the situation in Syria and making plans for possible actions that may need to be taken in the future. One plan that was devised by these nations was a multilateral plan to counteract chemical weapon strikes by President Assad. The chemical weapon attacks in Khan al-Assad on March 19, Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo on April 13, 2013, and Saraqeb on April 29, 2013, were such instances where this multilateral plan could have been initiated; however, as this situation changes, the United States recognizes that international response needs to change, too. Today, the United States feels that Assad needs to be brought before the World Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice to be tried for crimes against humanity. Assad is redirecting the UN humanitarian aid sent to Syria throughout the country in an attempt to delay the UN intervention. This often time delays the critical, life saving supplies, and more often then not, those who need this humanitarian aid don’t survive to see it come. Another issue needing to be addressed is the cooperation of Iran. Iran’s government is supplying Syria with crude oil at a discounted price. This allows Syria to resell the oil to make a profit, which, in turn, funds Assad’s regime. This $8 billion dollar line of credit is being embezzled by the government and is being put towards weapons manufacturing and the bank accounts of high-ranking members of the President’s cabinet.

The international response needs to address two major avenues of concern. First, the Syrian leaders need to be brought before an international court system to render a judiciary verdict on the individual crimes associated with each leader. Second, this committee needs to give attention to the nations in support of Syrian actions during this time of crisis. The United States, in its firm stance of multilateralism, feels that whatever solutions the Security Council decides upon, it must be one, collaborative solution.