Thursday, April 22, 2010
Model U.N Follow Up
Overall I enjoyed my experiance doing model U.N. If I were to do this again there are a few things I would change. I would eliminate Pakistan Civliian Government. I was a member of the Pakistani Civilian Government and most of our time was spent figuring out how to get a military so we could have a bite to go with our bark. I would also like to see the newsroom be more freefloing with our stories. It seemed they already had in mind what they wanted to happen. If that was the case we should have recieved the entire simulation and read it over as apposed to actaully trying to make a difference. The best idea I had was to go into exhile in Afghanistan, The Pakistan Civilian government had been thrown from any power by the military and we needed somewhere to start over. This would have been a good idea except the Taliban proceeded to run a nuke into the capital of Afghanstan killing both governments. Overall this was a very postitive experiance and I am considering doing it again next semister.
Model U.N Paper
Recently Pakistan has taken place in the framework of a federal republic, where the system of government has at times been parliamentary, presidential, or semi-presidential. In the current semi-presidential system, the President of Pakistan is the head of state, the Prime Minister is head of government, and there is a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is largely vested in the Parliament. This is not necessary true as the Taliban essentially renders the civilians government useless because they fear retaliation if they decide to intervene in their own countries politics.
Pakistan is the second largest Muslim country in terms of population, and its status as a declared nuclear power, being the only Muslim nation to have that status, plays a part in its international role. It is also an active member of the United Nations. Historically, its foreign policy has encompassed difficult relations with India, a desire for a stable Afghanistan, long-standing close relations with the People's Republic of China, extensive security and economic interests in the Persian Gulf and wide-ranging bilateral relations with the United States and other Western countries. Pakistan is also an important member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Pakistan has used the OIC as a forum for Enlightened Moderation,[4] its plan to promote a renaissance and enlightenment in the Islamic world.
Wary of Soviet expansion, Pakistan had strong relations with both the United States of America and the People's Republic of China during much of the Cold War. It was a member of the CENTO and SEATO military alliances. Its alliance with the United States was especially close after the Soviets invaded the neighbouring country of Afghanistan.
In 1964, Pakistan signed the Regional Cooperation for Development Pact with Turkey and Iran, when all three countries were closely allied with the U.S., and as neighbours of the Soviet Union, wary of perceived Soviet expansionism. To this day, Pakistan has a close relationship with Turkey. RCD became defunct after the Iranian Revolution, and a Pakistani-Turkish initiative led to the founding of the Economic Cooperation Organisation in 1985. Pakistan's relations with India have improved recently and this has opened up Pakistan's foreign policy to issues beyond security. This development might completely change the complexion of Pakistan's foreign relations.
I feel the most interesting part of Pakistan’s international relationships is its fragile relationship with the Taliban As of early 2007, Taliban influence in Pakistan continues in conjunction with the Taliban insurgency. Citing a suicide bombing of a restaurant in Peshwar in retaliation for the arrest of a relative of Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, the Associated Press states "... in Pakistan's frontier regions, ... scores of people have been executed over the past two or three years apparently for being too aligned with the Pakistani government or America — allies in the U.S.-led war on terrorism."
On February 18, 2009, the president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari signed a deal with the Taliban to implement Shariah law in some parts of Pakistan banning all the girls from school. On April 13, 2009, Zardari signed into law a peace deal for the nation's Swat Valley, implementing sharia law in the region.
On June 30, 2009, the Taliban withdrew from the peace deal to protest the continuing airstrikes by American drones. Soon after the announcement that the truce was no longer in play, approximately 150 militants attacked a Pakistani military convoy near Miramshah, killing an estimated 30 soldiers. An additional 4 people were killed in southwestern Pakistan by a car bomber who targeted NATO supply trucks. The Pakistani government is also concerned about these attacks because they could indicate that the Taliban is preparing for a full-on assault. The government's plan to transport supplies through that region are stymied by the danger of guerilla attacks. The government remains vulnerable to attacks on multiple fronts, and the North Waziristan faction of the Taliban has given no indication of accepting a compromise. Pakistani leaders are concerned that Bahadur is not the only one planning to carry out attacks. This quote sums up the relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan Guerrilla attacks will be launched against the Pakistani military unless drone attacks are stopped and government troops are pulled out of North Waziristan. We will attack forces everywhere in Waziristan unless the government fulfills these two demands. —Ahmadullah Ahmadi, spokesperson for Pakistani Taliban faction, New York Times. Unless Pakistan is subservient the Taliban will do terrible things to the country and their people unless they agree to play along with the Taliban’s terror game.
In April 1999, the Chief of Army Staff, General Pervez Musharraf, said the central command system to use nuclear and missile technology would be ready within one month. He said the four broad components of the system was to include The creation of a national command authority ,Developmental control by a governing body, Strategic force command ,Secretariat for all these three commands
However, in point of fact, this new military command and control structure was not implemented at that time. The unwillingness of the civilian leadership to take the military leadership into confidence on nuclear weapons control matters is said to have figured in the October 1999 military coup by General Musharraf.[citation needed] On 2 February 2000, following the overthrow of the civilian government, the National Security Council approved the establishment of the National Command Authority to control policy on nuclear weapons. Meaning the Pakistani Civlian government does not have much nuclear control. In the event of a war between Pakistan and India, the Indian numerical superiority in men and conventional arms is likely to overwhelm Pakistan. In a deteriorating military situation, when an Indian conventional attack is likely to break through Pakistani defenses, or has already breached the main defense line causing a major setback to the defense, which cannot be restored by conventional means, the government would be left with no other option except to use nuclear weapons to stabilize the situation. India's superiority in conventional arms and manpower would have to be offset by nuclear weapons. The political will to use nuclear weapons is essential to prevent a conventional armed conflict, which could later on escalate into a nuclear war.
Pakistan's nuclear doctrine therefore is based on the first strike option. In other words, the Pakistani government will use nuclear weapons if attacked by India even if the attack is with conventional weapons. With his experience of a graduated nuclear response, Professor Stephen P. Cohen feels that Pakistan would use what he calls an 'option-enhancing policy'. This would entail a stage-by-stage approach in which the nuclear threat is increased at each step to deter India from attacking. These stages are as follows:.A public or private warning demonstration explosion of a small nuclear weapon on Pakistani soil. The use of (a) nuclear weapon(s) on Pakistani soil against Indian attacking forces. The use of (a) nuclear weapon(s) against critical but purely military targets on Indian soil, probably in thinly populated areas in the desert or semi-desert, causing the least collateral damage
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Military responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the Pakistani military and is one of seven uniformed services. The Pakistan Army came into existence after independence in 1947 and is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan Army is a volunteer professional fighting force.[1] The provision of conscription exists in the Pakistani constitution, but it has never been imposed. It has an active force of 550,000 personnel and 528,000 men in reserve.
Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring India and several border skrimishes with Afghanistan. It maintained division and brigade strength presences in some of the Arab countries during the past Arab-Israeli Wars, and aided the Coalition in the first Gulf War. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Black Thunderstorm and Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in UN missions and played a major role in rescuing trapped American soldiers from Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993 in Operation Gothic Serpent. The President of Pakistan is the Commander-in-Chief and supreme commander of the Army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Only one officer have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.
Pakistan is the second largest Muslim country in terms of population, and its status as a declared nuclear power, being the only Muslim nation to have that status, plays a part in its international role. It is also an active member of the United Nations. Historically, its foreign policy has encompassed difficult relations with India, a desire for a stable Afghanistan, long-standing close relations with the People's Republic of China, extensive security and economic interests in the Persian Gulf and wide-ranging bilateral relations with the United States and other Western countries. Pakistan is also an important member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Pakistan has used the OIC as a forum for Enlightened Moderation,[4] its plan to promote a renaissance and enlightenment in the Islamic world.
Wary of Soviet expansion, Pakistan had strong relations with both the United States of America and the People's Republic of China during much of the Cold War. It was a member of the CENTO and SEATO military alliances. Its alliance with the United States was especially close after the Soviets invaded the neighbouring country of Afghanistan.
In 1964, Pakistan signed the Regional Cooperation for Development Pact with Turkey and Iran, when all three countries were closely allied with the U.S., and as neighbours of the Soviet Union, wary of perceived Soviet expansionism. To this day, Pakistan has a close relationship with Turkey. RCD became defunct after the Iranian Revolution, and a Pakistani-Turkish initiative led to the founding of the Economic Cooperation Organisation in 1985. Pakistan's relations with India have improved recently and this has opened up Pakistan's foreign policy to issues beyond security. This development might completely change the complexion of Pakistan's foreign relations.
I feel the most interesting part of Pakistan’s international relationships is its fragile relationship with the Taliban As of early 2007, Taliban influence in Pakistan continues in conjunction with the Taliban insurgency. Citing a suicide bombing of a restaurant in Peshwar in retaliation for the arrest of a relative of Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, the Associated Press states "... in Pakistan's frontier regions, ... scores of people have been executed over the past two or three years apparently for being too aligned with the Pakistani government or America — allies in the U.S.-led war on terrorism."
On February 18, 2009, the president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari signed a deal with the Taliban to implement Shariah law in some parts of Pakistan banning all the girls from school. On April 13, 2009, Zardari signed into law a peace deal for the nation's Swat Valley, implementing sharia law in the region.
On June 30, 2009, the Taliban withdrew from the peace deal to protest the continuing airstrikes by American drones. Soon after the announcement that the truce was no longer in play, approximately 150 militants attacked a Pakistani military convoy near Miramshah, killing an estimated 30 soldiers. An additional 4 people were killed in southwestern Pakistan by a car bomber who targeted NATO supply trucks. The Pakistani government is also concerned about these attacks because they could indicate that the Taliban is preparing for a full-on assault. The government's plan to transport supplies through that region are stymied by the danger of guerilla attacks. The government remains vulnerable to attacks on multiple fronts, and the North Waziristan faction of the Taliban has given no indication of accepting a compromise. Pakistani leaders are concerned that Bahadur is not the only one planning to carry out attacks. This quote sums up the relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan Guerrilla attacks will be launched against the Pakistani military unless drone attacks are stopped and government troops are pulled out of North Waziristan. We will attack forces everywhere in Waziristan unless the government fulfills these two demands. —Ahmadullah Ahmadi, spokesperson for Pakistani Taliban faction, New York Times. Unless Pakistan is subservient the Taliban will do terrible things to the country and their people unless they agree to play along with the Taliban’s terror game.
In April 1999, the Chief of Army Staff, General Pervez Musharraf, said the central command system to use nuclear and missile technology would be ready within one month. He said the four broad components of the system was to include The creation of a national command authority ,Developmental control by a governing body, Strategic force command ,Secretariat for all these three commands
However, in point of fact, this new military command and control structure was not implemented at that time. The unwillingness of the civilian leadership to take the military leadership into confidence on nuclear weapons control matters is said to have figured in the October 1999 military coup by General Musharraf.[citation needed] On 2 February 2000, following the overthrow of the civilian government, the National Security Council approved the establishment of the National Command Authority to control policy on nuclear weapons. Meaning the Pakistani Civlian government does not have much nuclear control. In the event of a war between Pakistan and India, the Indian numerical superiority in men and conventional arms is likely to overwhelm Pakistan. In a deteriorating military situation, when an Indian conventional attack is likely to break through Pakistani defenses, or has already breached the main defense line causing a major setback to the defense, which cannot be restored by conventional means, the government would be left with no other option except to use nuclear weapons to stabilize the situation. India's superiority in conventional arms and manpower would have to be offset by nuclear weapons. The political will to use nuclear weapons is essential to prevent a conventional armed conflict, which could later on escalate into a nuclear war.
Pakistan's nuclear doctrine therefore is based on the first strike option. In other words, the Pakistani government will use nuclear weapons if attacked by India even if the attack is with conventional weapons. With his experience of a graduated nuclear response, Professor Stephen P. Cohen feels that Pakistan would use what he calls an 'option-enhancing policy'. This would entail a stage-by-stage approach in which the nuclear threat is increased at each step to deter India from attacking. These stages are as follows:.A public or private warning demonstration explosion of a small nuclear weapon on Pakistani soil. The use of (a) nuclear weapon(s) on Pakistani soil against Indian attacking forces. The use of (a) nuclear weapon(s) against critical but purely military targets on Indian soil, probably in thinly populated areas in the desert or semi-desert, causing the least collateral damage
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Military responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the Pakistani military and is one of seven uniformed services. The Pakistan Army came into existence after independence in 1947 and is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan Army is a volunteer professional fighting force.[1] The provision of conscription exists in the Pakistani constitution, but it has never been imposed. It has an active force of 550,000 personnel and 528,000 men in reserve.
Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring India and several border skrimishes with Afghanistan. It maintained division and brigade strength presences in some of the Arab countries during the past Arab-Israeli Wars, and aided the Coalition in the first Gulf War. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Black Thunderstorm and Operation Rah-e-Nijat. Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in UN missions and played a major role in rescuing trapped American soldiers from Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993 in Operation Gothic Serpent. The President of Pakistan is the Commander-in-Chief and supreme commander of the Army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Only one officer have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Greece is in finacial turmoil. Unfortuantly it mirrors the issues that the U.S just had. For the first time ever the U.S might need to default on a debt. This is becomming a huge issue, the fact that the financial giant of the world is struggling to get back on his feet. If we cannot escape these dire straits what can Greece to expect to do as they bring the entire European Union to its knees.
Although the West is struggling the Far East is doing quite well. China's exports are up almost fifty percent. In a time where most economies are in a downward spiral. China has increased their earning power via exports to almost fifty pecent. This spike in earning power was greatly aided by the governments stimulus spending. I would like the see the U.S be able to increase our exports by 50% via governent spending. Although stimulous spending helped it didnt not seem to have the fantastic effect that Chinnese spending did.
In another related story that shows how dire the U.S debt situation is we have stretched our debt to 221 billion. Gone are the paygo days of the Clinton Administration and now we are in the biggest financial hole that we have ever been in. I would really like to see the U.S make a positive move in this situation. Since we dug ourselves out of the deepest states of recession we have not made anymore positive steps forward. This bring me back to a favorite quote of mine if pro is the opposite of con what is the opposite of progress?
Although the West is struggling the Far East is doing quite well. China's exports are up almost fifty percent. In a time where most economies are in a downward spiral. China has increased their earning power via exports to almost fifty pecent. This spike in earning power was greatly aided by the governments stimulus spending. I would like the see the U.S be able to increase our exports by 50% via governent spending. Although stimulous spending helped it didnt not seem to have the fantastic effect that Chinnese spending did.
In another related story that shows how dire the U.S debt situation is we have stretched our debt to 221 billion. Gone are the paygo days of the Clinton Administration and now we are in the biggest financial hole that we have ever been in. I would really like to see the U.S make a positive move in this situation. Since we dug ourselves out of the deepest states of recession we have not made anymore positive steps forward. This bring me back to a favorite quote of mine if pro is the opposite of con what is the opposite of progress?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Greece has Euro market looking barish, Citigroup bailout, a sucess?
As I continue to follow the situation in Greece I am offically worried. No matter what policy makers do nothing seems to fix the situation. Although the situation is getting better thru the issuing of bonds as well as tax cuts and pension freezes this is a temporary fix. Yes, they may fix themselves in the eyes of the EU but how about the Greek people? It seems like the Greek government must rob its own people to stay afloat and appease the rest of the European Union. I do not like the Greek tactics at all and will contiunue to follow this story as I wait for the country of Greece to sink.
In another Greek related story it looks as if the country is acutally considering selling some of its islands for profit to help raise money. This may be a good idea from the Greeks. With Germany just having climbed out of its post war recession and no other countries in sight to keen on bailing the Greeks out it will be up to them to raise thier own money and fix thier financial disaster as a country not as a part of the European Union. I am very happy to hear this becasue countries should begin to have to take responsability for their own spending. I would like to know what happened to the pay as you go policy of spending? It seemed to be very effective, but as countries attempt to be bigger and more powerful they must spend more money then they have to keep up. Something needs to be done about this before the world at large because one large cycle of recession.
In positive U.S news the government feels that it will make money off the citigroup bailout investment. The U.S justified this investment to begin with by saying had citi group gone under the recession would have worsened. I am very glad to see some of the recession's problems looked at in the rearview mirror now simply because it means it is behind us. Hopefully we learned as a country the can and cannot of spending and will be able to prevent this in the future
This is a youtube video about why Greece is leading to a bear market for the Euro
In another Greek related story it looks as if the country is acutally considering selling some of its islands for profit to help raise money. This may be a good idea from the Greeks. With Germany just having climbed out of its post war recession and no other countries in sight to keen on bailing the Greeks out it will be up to them to raise thier own money and fix thier financial disaster as a country not as a part of the European Union. I am very happy to hear this becasue countries should begin to have to take responsability for their own spending. I would like to know what happened to the pay as you go policy of spending? It seemed to be very effective, but as countries attempt to be bigger and more powerful they must spend more money then they have to keep up. Something needs to be done about this before the world at large because one large cycle of recession.
In positive U.S news the government feels that it will make money off the citigroup bailout investment. The U.S justified this investment to begin with by saying had citi group gone under the recession would have worsened. I am very glad to see some of the recession's problems looked at in the rearview mirror now simply because it means it is behind us. Hopefully we learned as a country the can and cannot of spending and will be able to prevent this in the future
This is a youtube video about why Greece is leading to a bear market for the Euro
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Greek Up in Arms, Smooth Sailing to the Far East
A riot has broken out in Greece. Police battled protesters with tear gas and stuns as the people continue to strike over the steps to repair the Greek Economy. This is the second such Greek strike in two weeks as tensions over the European Union’s decisions rise. The is a huge step back for the Greek government and people. Not even two weeks ago we heard directly from the President that he was working hard to reduce debt, he clearly has failed and he now angered not only his people but the European Union in general.. The debt of his country is four times the limit set by the European Union, and his entire Presidency is now a disaster. I am very interested in continuing to follow this story to see if President Papandreou can find a way to right the ship because otherwise his country will continue to spiral downward. It is also disheartening to see other countries almost all President Papandreou’s power away. He is now being forced to make cuts anywhere he can cut from. He has completely tied his own hands, it’s a terrible thing to see one country almost singlehandedly cause a currency to crash.
Although The European Union is struggling there is hope to the East in Hong Kong. The Financial Secretary announced that Hong Kong fully expects his country to grow 5% in 2010. Although this bold prediction there are the correct measures in place to actually see this goal come to fruition. For example a stamp tax on luxury homes has been put in place which generates good revenue. On top of this house prices have rose 29%. This is fantastic for a country that was in recession very recently. I view growth of any country, especially one that was in serious financial straits as a great success. It is good to see a country reverse a housing problem similar to the one the United States has, hopefully we can use them as a model to fix our own housing situation.
Another success story comes from The Far East, Japan is at war is deflation. This is another economy that is slowly awakening from a slump. It is good to see the gears of the eastern economy slowly start to grind. Although the U.S economy is always in competition to outwork and out produce other markets it is good to see that it is possible to break this economic slump. Hopefully in time the US will be able to do the same and get the economic wheels turning again.
Although The European Union is struggling there is hope to the East in Hong Kong. The Financial Secretary announced that Hong Kong fully expects his country to grow 5% in 2010. Although this bold prediction there are the correct measures in place to actually see this goal come to fruition. For example a stamp tax on luxury homes has been put in place which generates good revenue. On top of this house prices have rose 29%. This is fantastic for a country that was in recession very recently. I view growth of any country, especially one that was in serious financial straits as a great success. It is good to see a country reverse a housing problem similar to the one the United States has, hopefully we can use them as a model to fix our own housing situation.
Another success story comes from The Far East, Japan is at war is deflation. This is another economy that is slowly awakening from a slump. It is good to see the gears of the eastern economy slowly start to grind. Although the U.S economy is always in competition to outwork and out produce other markets it is good to see that it is possible to break this economic slump. Hopefully in time the US will be able to do the same and get the economic wheels turning again.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Current Events
There are many interesting things going on in the world today. The one that I found to be the most interesting is the overhaul of the AIG bonus system. I find this interesting because this is a meeting of my Major, economics and my minor, political science. It seems that there are hand in hand on this subject because part of the economic crash was in part due to rampant bonuses on wall street. Some executives were getting paid tens of millions of dollars just to step down from their positions. The most refreshing part of the article was when AIG spokeswoman Christina Pretto, said ""Aligning pay and performance is the hallmark of many world-class organizations and is critical to our future success" I feel that it is about time somebody took notice that position has less to do with pay then performance does. I hope that since AIG a large cooperation has implemented more performance based bonuses other big companies will follow suit and hard work will again become the best policy for ensuring financial success as opposed to the thievery has been occurring.
In another story about a country with a rededication to fiscal responsibility Greece’s Prime Minister George Papandreou has said he will "take any necessary measures" to reduce Greece's deficit. Although I am admittedly no expert on Greece’s financial policy I am excited to see another country who is interested on doing something about a debt problem instead of continuing to borrow from other countries. I feel that they days of pay as you go need to be brought back. Law makers must again understand the value of the dollar. Just because they are free to mint more does not mean that comes without a cost. I am excited to follow this story because I am interested in seeing what Prime Minister Papandreou can come up with to help make a dent in his countries debt, if anything he does if effective I would then like to see it implemented worldwide.
In a final financial story, the Euro is in trouble in Europe. As I previously mentioned Greece is in trouble financially and needs to be bailed out by Germany. The world markets in general are in a week state and it seems there is no way to set the reset button. The article really doesn’t say much about whats going on but this is another story I will follow with much interest.
This is a video about what is going on with the Euro.
In another story about a country with a rededication to fiscal responsibility Greece’s Prime Minister George Papandreou has said he will "take any necessary measures" to reduce Greece's deficit. Although I am admittedly no expert on Greece’s financial policy I am excited to see another country who is interested on doing something about a debt problem instead of continuing to borrow from other countries. I feel that they days of pay as you go need to be brought back. Law makers must again understand the value of the dollar. Just because they are free to mint more does not mean that comes without a cost. I am excited to follow this story because I am interested in seeing what Prime Minister Papandreou can come up with to help make a dent in his countries debt, if anything he does if effective I would then like to see it implemented worldwide.
In a final financial story, the Euro is in trouble in Europe. As I previously mentioned Greece is in trouble financially and needs to be bailed out by Germany. The world markets in general are in a week state and it seems there is no way to set the reset button. The article really doesn’t say much about whats going on but this is another story I will follow with much interest.
This is a video about what is going on with the Euro.
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