IR Simulation: Second Open Debate

Russia lays down the hand, does Canada fold?
Oct 17, 2009 12:10 PM

Jerry Zheng
TOH Correspondent



The arctic, a region known for its frigid, cold temperatures and unique wildlife is currently in the midst of a territorial dispute between two of the most active countries, Canada and Russia.

A recent US Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic holds a fifth of the world’s remaining undiscovered oil; this would equate to as much as 90 billion barrels. Already Canada and Russia are in a hot pursuit over the arctic’s natural resources.

Canada was without a doubt aggravated by Russia and its assertive claim of a far more experienced, advanced, and knowledgeable military trained in arctic warfare than the Canadians.

“I have many reports from my military and agencies that the arctic could become a place where terrorists could base their attacks out of. Those especially at risk are Canada, America, and Russia. My purpose is to defend against these attacks and make sure these kinds of things don’t happen. I believe the Russian military is far more adequate at handling this than the Canadian military will ever be.” Stated Medvedev.

Essentially, there are three reasons why Russia wants to claim arctic sovereignty: The first is over ownership of its natural resources. The second is to secure the region from possible terrorists who may plan to use the arctic as an entry route to the West as well as the East. Thirdly, to secure Russia’s future economically.

Click here for a map that illustrates the arctic dispute.

Recently reported, Russia has cut off oil to Ukraine since Friday.

IR Simulation: Quotes From Press Conference

Quirks and Quagmires, Funny and Fallacious
Oct 13, 2009 10:45 AM

Jerry Zheng
TOH Correspondent
&
Mark Melnyk
Designated Scribe

Iran:
“The world would be a safer place without Israel”
“To get rid of Israel would be beneficial to Iran and all countries of the world”
“To gain peace we are going to have to go through war”
“Iran does not have nuclear weapons”
“We have nuclear facilities for nuclear energy”
“Nuclear energy is a source of good, not a source of evil”

Afghanistan
“Let my country get stabilized, then we’ll talk about the U.S.”

China


“High crime rate in China, so we need capital punishment to stop people from stealing my purse”.
“China has poor morals, so they need to go to jail”.

Fatah
“We can’t say that Israel is going to be destroyed, we are not going to bomb Israelis in schoolyards. We are going to use diplomacy, and we do not want to be recognized as a terrorist group. That is why we feel we are most suited to lead the Palestinian people.”

India
“In terms of security, Israel is our second highest trading partner”

Pakistan
“Its not Pakistan causing the problems, its terrorists”
“Since 9-11, we have always helped the United States”

Israel
“We have defended ourselves numerous times against Arab aggressors, so even though we have gained land, we do not deserve to toll over and give the land back. We have simply been defending ourselves.”
“We can justify our settlements because we were attacked by other nations”
“I do not want to talk about our use of Phosphorous bombs”

Russia

to Israel
“So are you saying you are terrorists?”
“You are slapping Iran on the wrists, yet you have been stealing Russian research”

General Questions for Russia
“The Arctic can and will be used by terrorists”
“The only thing you can be certain about is yourself”
“My purpose in taking the Arctic is to insure safety for my world and the Western world”
“We are saving the Arctic for ecological reasons”
“We are going to start exploitation of the Arctic region by 2020.”
“It is Russia’s inherent duty to expand itself”
“The Arctic is an extension of the Russian continental shelf, so we own it”


United States
Biden: “It is not the media’s duty to question democracy”

Hamas
“Lets make this clear, our one goal is to get our land back”
“We want to make a statement by attacking people”
“Israel is provoking us”
“The enemy of Palestine is Israel”
“We want our land back!!”

Meanwhile the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, who was only a spectator to the entire spectacle was courting his lovely wife, Carla Bruni, outside the press conference building where several onlookers witnessed the two touching each other inappropriately.