Topic: Trade in High-Tech Weapons Systems
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Seth Benscoter
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Iraq position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The Republic of Iraq would first like to stress the magnitude of the issue the DISEC Committee faces during this session. Though the Iraqi nation feels the results of high-tech weapon trading more than most, the ramifications of allowing such destructive weapons to fall into the hands of those who would use them for evil, namely the Islamic State (IS), are felt globally. Thus, this is not a question of “what if,” but rather of “what now?” Indeed, weapons exported by nations involved in the trade have already landed in IS hands, making the undeniable turmoil that plagues the Middle East even more tumultuous.
With this in mind, the nation of Iraq is in a unique position. Condemning the use of high-tech weapons by IS but reliant upon these same high-tech weapon shipments from allies to fight terrorism, Iraq recognizes both sides of the question that is high-tech weapon trade. On one hand, trade of these weapons can be necessary for the protection of some buyers and also good business for suppliers. On the other hand, this trade can create violence and instability, regardless of whether it was the supplier’s or buyer’s intention to do so.
Thus, caught in the middle of the problem, the Republic of Iraq calls for compromise and advocates for fair and equal regulation, not prohibition, of the trade of high-tech weaponry. To accomplish this, Iraq looks to the Arms Trade Treaty, put into effect in December of 2014. 189 nations voted in favor of this Treaty, yet only 89 have ratified. Based on this voting pattern, Iraq believes that, with some amendments to the ideas proposed in this treaty, a strong, regulatory resolution could emerge, one that satisfies all of those in favor of limits to the trade.
Iraq looks forward to working with like-minded countries, but also with those who think differently. When it comes to trade of high-tech weapons, Iraq believes working with all nations is crucial to making this world the safe place the United Nations strives to create.
