Topic: The Situation in Afghanistan
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Henry Smith
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Russia position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The Russian Federation acknowledges the appalling civilian casualties in Afghanistan. Russia absolutely condemns terrorism in any form for any purpose, and Russian hearts bleed for the innumerable losses due to the present situation. However, this does not mean that all international law and all international norms go out the window. On the contrary, it is all the more reason to follow them – they were set up as the agreed upon parameters for interactions on the global stage in exactly this kind of situation. The Russian Federation is not a legalist – it does not believe in following the law for its own sake – but it does believe in following international law for the benefit of the world.
How can we stop the bloodshed without resorting to international vigilantism? This is what the UNSC must answer. The current situation is one where a single state has invaded another state for revenge on a non-state actor. Russia does not believe in unnecessarily punishing member states or condemning states for past actions, but it cannot overlook how the American invasion is ongoing! U.S. troops have been in Afghanistan for sixteen years. Perhaps it is time to admit defeat and allow the problem to be solved through the proper channels. A solution to the Afghanistan issue starts with a frank discussion about the right way to intervene. The Russian Federation states, unequivocally, that the UN cannot allow adventurism to be global policy. The primary consideration any proposal must take into account is consensus and cooperation. The Afghan government must take part, the Security Council must take part, and yes, even the United States must have their voice heard.
In addition, the concern of the UN here is stability. The reason the Security Council exists is to promote peace, not export an ideology. When the United Nations intervenes, it must be on the basis of ending the conflict and setting the stage for peace talks, not endorsing a narrow idea of what makes a legitimate government.
The Russian Federation would like to re-affirm its commitment to cooperation. It hopes for the utmost expediency and effectiveness in addressing this problem, and is more than happy to work with any state or nation committed to re-building Afghanistan’s future.
