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.

IR Simulation: What's Next?

The world awaits President Obama's discourse...
Oct 08, 2009 9:20 AM

Jerry Zheng
TOH Correspondent



The remaining country leaders who were not invited to the conference in the early morning held by the Russian and Syrian presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Bashar al-Assad, all stood worriedly awaiting a response from the American president.

President Obama too looked rather disquieted.

The United States unexpected loss of support from numerous countries (particularly ones from the MidEast) did not generate any sense of enthusiasm from the uninvited countries as they now feel exceptionally vulnerable. Future events are even more precarious than ever before as the world shifts in a dramatic fashion.

In an effort to take decisive action, President Obama addressed the Russian and Syrian led conference with an impromptu speech which involved the appearances of both Israel and Ukraine. To which Russia responded with message, "Bye, bye oil".

Ukraine also announced today that they were now a part of NATO.

IR Simulation: North Korea Continues To Stir the Pot

Kim Jong-Il takes a step forward while the world takes a step back
Oct 07, 2009 7:35 PM

Jerry Zheng
TOH Correspondent



Kim Jong-Il announced today that he has recently launched a military intelligence satellite into orbit on a date that is unknown.

The purpose of the satellite, according to Kim Jong-Il, was to keep an eye on the global community and to ensure the safety of their country. North Korea has one of the largest standing military's in the world and is now taking additional precautionary measures to supposedly look over its people.

The world is now under the watchful eye of the North Koreans.

In a country that has a third of its population suffering from hunger and a questionable famine that continues to plague North Korea, they continue to focus on the military.

The mysterious North Korean leader has once again set forth on actions that will be definitely met with the disapproval from the U.N as well as the rest of the global community. "America can react however they see fit which really doesn't concern me at this time." Said Kim Jong-Il. The calm and confident North Korean leader invited the United States, the country with the strongest military, to act however they please with his recent announcement.

Now, it's time for America to respond.

Kim Jong-Il from Jerry Zheng on Vimeo.

IR Simulation: Diplomacy Around the World

President Obama invites The Open Herald news report team into the White House
Oct 05, 2009 9:15 AM

Jerry Zheng
TOH Correspondent


The Obama Administration continued to stand by their word of withdrawing all U.S forces by the end of 2011.

But for most, it was a question of what more work needs to be done in Iraq and whether or not it can be achieved before the end of 2011. The situation in Iraq is still very volatile and the future of the Iraqi people continues to be swept under the carpet.

After pouring billions of dollars and stationing military presence in Iraq, the answer for was simply to "pull out".

President Obama had claimed he would withdraw all U.S troops from Iraq 16 months after taking office, at which point he was quick to say during the interview, "We're going to be back if necessary."

In the case of the Bush Administration, the Iraq War was deemed necessary because it was to "disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), to end Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people". It would simply be a loophole - except with a different reason.

"We're not going to hold their hand and act like a parent," President Obama said, "It's all about independence." It appears that the Obama Administration no longer has any plans in their future agenda to aid Iraq during their process of rebuilding after they remove their troops. After the Bush Administration invaded Iraq, they were left in a state of turmoil, distress, and fear continuing to his very last days in office; ostensibly, it would be assumed after those last words by Mr.Obama that his Administration has no intentions of restoring and stabilizing Iraq in the future, in spite of all the damage the U.S had done to them.

If this were the case, it's likely that Iran would seek the opportunity of imposing their influence in Iraq after the American occupation were to be withdrawn.

TOH Correspondent on the Obama Administration from Jerry Zheng on Vimeo.

IR Simulation: Media's Mind Map

Posted here will be a general overview of each country involved in the IR Simulation.

WORK IN PROGRESS.