Media MUN 2016- MUN Talk

MUNTALKMedia MUN 2016, Edition III Department of Media Studies AN INITIATIVE OF Christ University INTERNATIONAL PRESS Bengaluru - 560029 MUN TALK by Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru - 560029December 2016

Different Agendas, Common Theme.The MUN circuit in Bengaluru nomically relevant topics, the Day one of Media MUN was ashas grown rapidly over the past participants have so muchfew years. The circuit continues space, so much potential for dis- diverse as the agendas itself-to grow, and Media MUN 2016 cussion and debate. The interac-saw a lot of first timers join in. tive Chairperson of the with slow starts, active partici-Though lacking in experience, Continuous Crisis Committeemost of the first timers made up got the committee into action pants, enthusiastic chairper-in enthusiasm. This year’s three and brought out a fairly goodcommittees- the Security Coun- discussion, with fruitful results. sons, dry discussions, heatedcil, General Assembly, and Con- The Security Council, on thetinuous Crisis Committee- all other hand, was slower to start debates, and sleepy sessions.had different agendas, but a and the small number of partic-common theme. The Somali ipants didn’t allow for much But they had a common themeCivil War, the issue of ISIS, and debate. The General AssemblyXenophobia in Europe and had good strength and active too- in their own ways, eachNorth America are seemingly participants, which allowed fordiverse agendas, but are all good debate. It was an enter- committee got their delegatesbased on the same fundamental taining committee- with veryissue- the so-called ‘superpow- enthusiastic speakers, some un- thinking, discussing, and talk-ers’ versus humanity itself. necessary Narendra Modi quar-While the political war to be the rels, and even a dramatic exit. ing. It didn’t matter whether thegreatest nation continues, the Xenophobia, however, couldrest of the countries continue to have been better dealt with. The participants were talkative orstruggle in the shadows cast by entire day went into resolvingthem. the causes of xenophobia in Eu- hesitant, because at the end ofWith a background of such rope and North America, andsocially, politically, and eco- no solutions came up. the day, both came up with ideas and arguments- some did it quietly in their heads and notepads, while others screamed out their points of view for everyone to hear. If you think about it, it really doesn’t matter- because whether you say them out loud, or just whisper them to your- self, you have ideas. And ideas are what eventually change the world. Abhigna Reddy Editor-In-Chief, International PressFrom the Chief of International Press.I consider my association with Model UN as a pleas-ure. Media MUN 2016 was a well organized andwell executed conference by the Department ofMedia Studies. The enriching experience surely willadd value to the lives of those who attended it. Anysuch gatherings and discussions are source of learn-ing and understanding global politics.My work was made easy due to the team I had,which was hard working, passionate, obedient andenthusiastic which in deed drove me to give the bestat this conference. Working as a Chief is tougherthan working as a team player, as it has variousthings expected out of the position. The attachmentI have made with the team and the MUN on a largernote is more like a family, and I am sure this was amemorable conference not just for me, but for manyothers who were a part of this directly or indirectly.It all ends on a memorable note and the memoriesmade are captured, saved and shared by the IPTeam. Raygalla Kalyan Srinivas Chief, International Press Board, Media MUN 2016

SC Report the past failures of UN efforts as Malaysia did not contribute well, the American tendency to much but Malaysia did start aAs the UN Security Council de- escalate global tension to get ap- huge debate when its delegateliberated on the Crisis of Soma- proval for military incursions exclaimed that the Malaysianlia, the divisions between the and even the hypocrisy of many government acknowledges thecouncils became clear as most of nations who argued for self- different clans and parts of So-the motions and remarks made centred opinions while ignoring malia as independent nations.by the different delegates were their own actions for a fringe Russia and China agreed oneither barbs between the USA, group I their own boundaries. many issues, mirroring theirRussian and Chinese delegatesor were hyperbole statements The main problem of inter clan Photo credits - Kartik Nairmade by the delegates to show- warfare was still the main global stands but as of yet nocase their power on a new war. agenda and was addressed by unanimous decision has beenThe Somalia government and all the different delegates who made by the council itself. Withits delegates clearly took advan- each had their own perspective escalating tensions and eyes oftage of this, and were posturing to share. The council was af- the whole world waiting on theto both the different sects, one fected by the sudden escalation UN council to take some actionof the US and its NATO allies by Russian and Chinese forces and set the precedent on thisand the other group which in- and even the surprise attack of issue, we can be sure that thecluded China and Russia. The a US base in Somalia and the council will have to come on adelegates went over all the dif- loss of its soldiers and equip- consensus at some point- evenferent aspects of the crisis- from ment. However, global conflicts if it would result in the furtherpoints about the humanitarian like Syria were also mentioned. scarring of diplomatic relationsefforts, refugee issue that also The states of Venezuela, between the unified nations.affects Kenya, ISIS support ofcertain clans which joins into Keval Joshithe global terror campaign andeven the joint forces of Russiaand PRC coming into the al-ready hostile environment.While the Somalian govern-ment was more concernedabout the liberty of its owncountry and the sustained dem-ocratic principles despite for-eign forces marching into itsnation, there were many otherinteresting issues raised as well.The confrontation between theRussian and American mem-bers allowed a more liberal ses-sion than usually seen, as noholds were barred when bring-ing up pinots of contention like CCC war on the Hezbollah, and Syria and let them handle the Turkey finally declaring war on crisis- a move that both RussianThe Continuous Crisis Commit- the Islamic state. In a surprising and US backed sides foundtee discussions turned into a development, a new coalition quite astonishing and the effi-heated discussion on the ISIS was formed by Egypt, Jordan ciency of which was challengedand the threat they pose, which and Turkey, with backing from by delegates from France andculminated in the US declaring Israel that demanded that all Australia. foreign troops withdraw from Jordan also declared that it

would maintain neutrality. Sovereignty by entering Syria clared that they had executed 6However, the country would without invitation and support- members of the Free Syrianpass laws restricting the entry ing rebel factions in order to Army.of refugees and take a more ac- destabilize the democratically The delegate from the UKtive role against the IS. elected government. In the claimed that Syria is incapableThe committee began with the words of the Syrian delegate, of dealing with the IS and of-update that Palmyra was cap- “Syria’s problems are Syria’s to fered its “utmost help”- bothtured from Russia by moderate deal with and the US has no military and monetary- in fixingopposition forces, to which the business in our country.” its internal disputes and fight-Russian coalition responded by ing the common enemy, a state-forming a blockade around the Photo credits - Riya ment that many felt reflected ancity. Later, it was claimed by Shockingly, the US replied by imperialistic mind-set reminis-America that a Hercules jet claiming that “There is no time cent of colonial times.handing out humanitarian aid for asking permissions.” Saudi Arabia reiterated that thein the city of Aleppo was shot Meanwhile, it was found that 25 Assad government is incompe-down by Russian forces. Russia Turkish soldiers were killed in tent and went on to accuse theconfirmed the act but claimed the American bombing of the Russian allies of gross humanthat proper warnings were city of Al Ra’I, while Russian rights violations, a stand thatgiven before drastic action was troops attacking Al Rakkah de- Iran termed ironic coming fromtaken. Turkey actively entered launching an inquiry which Saudi Arabia, a country accusedthe battle, heading towards the verified the make of the tanks. of multiple internal and interna-city of Manbij and massacring Russia claimed that the tanks tional human rights violations.Kurdish forces along the way in were previously The Kurdish Democratic Party,an act of violence condemned stationed near along with Lebanon and Iraq,by all world leaders and Putin Crimea. These chose to distance themselvesclaiming that Turkey was chas- developments from either side and called foring its “Ottoman ambitions”. led to accusa- an end to infighting and em-Russia, backed by its allies- the tions being phasised the need for unityHezbollah, Syria, and Iran, have raised against against the Islamic State.accused the US and its allies of Russia and itsflouting International laws on allies of collabo- Remus Noronha rating with ISIS,On the second day of with similarities ment that the interrogation of Media MUN 2016, the being drawn to three Russian separatist leaders Continuous Crisis previous Russ- had revealed links betweenCommittee escalated with ian action inmany bold directives and sur- Ukraine. Iraq responded by cut- Photo credits - ARprising developments; with in- ting all ties with Russia, a move rebel forces and Saudi Arabiaternational law being broken by that was commended by the and claimed that a deal hadthe Turkish and Lebanese dele- Kurdish Democratic Party and been struck guaranteeing Saudigates and the deploying of nu- the Western Bloc. support to the separatists in ex-clear aircraft by France in The Kremlin released a state- change for the rebel forces con-league with the Free Syrian ducting small missions in theArmy. The day saw the voicesof Libya, Yemen and the FreeSyrian Army being raised forthe first time.The day began with Iraqi forcesin Mosul claiming to havefound Russian and Syrianground forces wearing militarygear without insignia and inpossession of three Armatatanks fighting on the behalf ofISIS. The UNSC responded by

Middle East on behalf of Saudi would be the elimination of ISIS do not was necessary in order toArabia. The veracity of this and would not support “ulte- properly combat the IS forces.statement was questioned by rior motives” by either side. The Chinese delegate declaredthe Western powers, who re- The delegate of Syria, in re- active Chinese participationquested concrete proof from sponse to the Jordanian inva- with the establishment of basesRussia. sive tactics, sarcastically asked in the Middle East in order toThe new multinational coalition whether the foreign powers saw combat the IS and restrict theled by Turkey entered into Syria as a football field for actions of Saudi Arabia.Syria, a move that was termed everyone to come and play in. With the formation of new al-by the Syrian delegate as a Saudi Arabia went on to refer to liances and shifting militarybreach of sovereignty. The del- Syria as a football field in a stances, it will be interesting toegate of the UK continued with move that the Syrian delegate see how the situation will de-his prior stance that diplomacy termed as a grave insult to his velop – especially consideringis the need of the hour. Jordan country and its sovereignty. the French delegate’s decisionreaffirmed its neutrality and Lebanon, with the support of to ally with the Free Syrianjoined Turkey in stating that, China, took a surprising stance army and deploy nuclear air-while they are willing to merge by opining that separation of craft as a show of strength.their fledgling coalition with Syria on the basis of those whoone of the Blocs, their objective support Assad and those who Remus NoronhaSOCHUM - DAY1 The session post tea break without substantial examples. began with a moderated caucus The post lunch session beganThe Social, Cultural and Hu- on the issue of Syrian Refugee with moderated caucus onmanitarian (SOCHMUN) com- Crisis. Themittee’s session of Media Model delegates Photo credits - Kartik NairUnited Nations, began with showed lack “Xenophobia with reference toplenty of zeal and fervor on day of enthusi- European nations”. Several se-one. The set agenda for the asm during rious concerns were raised bycommittee was “Growth of Re- this debate. The US regarding European na-ligious Fundamentalism and Following tion’s response to the crisis.Xenophobia in North America this, a mo- They were criticized for bur-and Europe”. The session began tion was dening one set of nations withwith a briefing of rules and pro- passed, the Dublin regulation and Hun-cedures, followed by the roll “Causes ofcall. “Xenophobia in North Xenopho-America and Europe” was bia”. Cer-passed as the motion for the in- tainformal moderated caucus. The interestingcommittee had 27 members points werepresent on the first day. The in- broughtformal session was opened by forth by del-the delegate of UK, who em- egates. Aphasized his stance on the na- huge sec-tion’s pressing issue, stating tion of theUK’s stand on Brexit, claiming debate re-that the move is not an anti- volvedglobalization implementation. around criticizing the negativeThe session then proceeded into role of media in spreadinga blame game, with India, xenophobia. The delegate fromChina and Pakistan bringing Syria mentioned that mediaout region specific political ten- was extremely narrow mindedsions into a global forum. The and propagated false news.UK, Switzerland and The USA Similar views were raised bycame up with few generalized China and Ukraine, thoughsolutions.

gary’s measures of building the discussions towards the leading to several fruitless dis-fences were commented on. agenda. The delegate of Spain cussions and misunderstand-This session left several non EU stated “Ban on imports from ings among the nations. Also,nations drowsy and Russia’s China” to which The delegate of many delegates had poorly re-delegate was found taking a China responded with threats searched information and factsshort nap amidst the debate. and was quoted saying “Let us which made several discussionsPost the debate, the delegates see how your Presidents uses go in vain.were presented with an update his phone”, hinting at the serv- The session on day one endedfrom China and England- the icing of Apple products in with an update from New Yorkformer, involving massacre of China. Several countries moved Times on the arrest and torturecitizens in a peaceful protest towards signing a sanction of a Mexican Immigrant in theand the latter, regarding rape against China, which didn’t US. The executive boardand murder of two Slovakian garner a majority. stressed on the agenda and alsoworkers by English Anti-Immi- On day one, it was observed gave feedback on the areas togration Groups. The committee that several delegates were not focus their research on and im-was once again back on its feet, able to differentiate between the prove. The session was ad-as the topic managed to steer terms “refugee” and “migrant”, journed at 5:00pm. Vidya Vijay at 8:30 with an unmoderatedSOCHUM - DAY 2 session, with the delegates of all then followed by the GSL. The nations discussing various discussion began with debatesThe Social, Cultural and Hu- agendas and motions for the on the update from day 1 re-manitarian (SOCHMUN) com- day. Few delegates remained garding a Mexican Immigrantsmittee’s session of Media Model absent during this session. arrest and imprisonment in theUnited Nations, day 2, organ- The executive board then began US. The GSL was opened by theized by Media studies depart- with the roll call, which was delegate of Spain, assuring solidment of Christ University began support to the USA, and mak- Photo credits - Samuel ing an absurd comment “Since US and Spain have such good ties; US will not conduct such acts”. Further, he accused the immigrant of lying. Following this, the delegate of UK gave a brilliant imaginative case build up for the issue from day 1, re- garding murders committed by English Anti-Immigrant Group. The committee then passed a motion “Recommendations on Possible Solutions to Xenopho- bia”. This discussion was repet- itive and delegates had similar points as raised on the previous day. However, the delegate of Switzerland raised an impor- tant point, calling for the sup- port of Asian nations and Australia to deal with the refugee crisis and eradication of Xenophobia, along with the need for psychological support for the victims of Xenophobia. A disastrous error committed by several delegates was ad- dressing Donald Trump as the

President of USA, instead of impact. Prior to the tea break paper 2.0 proposed by Spainusing the term President elect. the committee witnessed a dis- was passed for discussion. AThe delegate of France brought cussion on solutions to xeno- moderated caucus ensued toup a crucial point with regard phobia yet again. bring out the problems presentto China, which they’ve refused The session broke for tea with in the paper. This was suc-to highlight the situation of mi- an aim of bringing out either a ceeded by a Press Conferencenorities in their nation. Post this working paper or a comprehen- by the International Press. Thedebate the committee was pre- sive concept. Post break, session delegate of Australia seemedsented with updates from sev- commenced with an unmoder- quite oblivious to what he waseral nations’ .Anti-Immigration ated caucus for twenty minutes. questioned and the delegate ofviolence in the UK, protest in Delegates were seen vying for The USA seemed reluctant toGermany and China taken to support from each other to acknowledge statements ofUNHRC by Turkey. This man- come together for the working President elect, Donald Trump.aged to steer the debate and paper. Following this, the Secretaryturning the focus to xenophobic The committee then continued General held a feedback sessionattitudes present in different with GSL. However, soon, mo- for all the delegates and ad-parts of the world and thereby tions were raised to discuss the dressed their queries. The com-stressing on the global level of working papers. Working mittee then dispersed for lunch.CCC Feature fund rebels against the Syrian Vidya Vijay regime, while blaming Russia ofThe Continuous Crisis Commit- Human rights violations. Rus- a minor setback to the outfit astee was fruitful and spirited, but sia, in turn, accuses the US of a whole.its greatest achievement would flouting the sovereignty of a To even the most casual of ob-perhaps be that it truly repre- democratically elected state. servers, it is clear that no head-sented the divisive politics that Meanwhile, the IS continues to way is possible in the war against the IS without unityare hampering any real action Photo credits - Sanjeev among the anti-Daesh forces.against the Islamic State. Lin- spread its operations, eluding Yet, the so-called superpowerscoln once said that a house di- counter-terrorism outfits all involved in this conflict seem tovided against itself cannot over the world. Even with the be blind to such facts. Americastand. Those who may doubt loss of wide swathes of its terri- and Russia are not easy bedfel-the veracity of this statement tory, ISIS agents and suicide lows under even the strangestneed only look at the state of the bombers around the world con- of times but when the alterna-anti-IS forces in the Levant. tinue to evade the law and tive is the loss of millions ofAmerican forces continue to spread chaos. This suggests that lives, an alliance may still be territorial loss might merely be considered. The USA’s move to fund rebel groups against their opposition is not new. Such tactics were used to fight proxy wars in Afghanistan and Libya, the re- sult of which was the creation of militant groups and the sowing of chaos. When one thinks of these facts, the claim made by the Hezbollah, a decidedly ex- tremist group, that the US spreads destruction, gains trac- tion. Russia’s accusations against the US are justified under law but it needs to realise that their own fights, whatever they may be, are secondary to the bigger pic- ture. ISIS is the enemy of all.

The time for political correct- continue flexing their muscles, sive action is taken, the conse-ness and ego contests is long the IS gain valuable breathing quences will be dire for all.past. While the US and Russia space. Unless immediate deci- Remus NoronhaClosing Ceremony volved in organizing a Model UN, and also highlighted the the Executive Board to shareMedia MUN 2016 culminated importance of such eventswith a grand closing ceremony which cater to the overall devel- their experiences followed byon Saturday at the Seminar Hall opment of students. Adding toin Block II. Professor Suparna which, he also said that, “there the award ceremony. ProfessorNaresh and Professor Naresh is a serious need for everyRao graced the closing cere- school and college to host such Suparna Naresh parents the cer-mony along with the esteemed events which gives a platformExecutive Board members, sec- for students whose interest lies tificates to the awardees and sheretariat and the delegates par- in global politics, public speak-ticipated in the two day debate. ing and debate”. highlighted that the initiative ofWhile addressing the gathering, Shruthi Singh S, the DirectorNikhil Bharti, the Organizer, General of Media MUN invited Media MUN was taken up byspoke about the hurdles in- the present final year student Keerthi and marked his efforts with a token of appreciation. The two day fruitful debate cul- minated with a lot of learning and memories to cherish as take away. Raygalla CreditsChief of International Press - Raygalla Kalyan Srinivas Editor-in-Chief - Abhigna ReddyDirector of Photography - Kartik Nair Hariharan Designer - Samuel RoshanReporters: Vidya Vijay - Keval Joshi - Remus NoronhaPhotographers: Sanjeev Reddy - Riya Munjely - Ananya Raju - Rachana Pawar - Samuel StephenDecember 2016 MUN TALK by Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru - 560029