By definition, terrorism is �the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.� One of the greatest fears in the world today is that concerning terrorism. In a world where people would expect that others know better, individuals and groups are still striking out upon others quickly and violently. These attacks, expressions of hate, and public signs of animosity between groups of people in the world have given rise for the need of world powers to come together seeking solutions. These governments, proud members of the United Nations, have come together looking for working solutions to a growing problem. In being one of the members of the United Nations, Sudan has made its position public, and here is where those opinions shall be stated.
The world has seemed to blame a large portion of terrorism on Islamic groups, and this is not far from true. Al-Qaeda alone was deemed responsible for multiple acts of terrorism, including the attacks on the World Trade Center in 1993 and 2001. They were also responsible for the bombings of the embassies in Kenya and Tanzania on August 7, 1998. In addition, they claimed responsibility for the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole in 2000. These statistics show that, yes, Islamic extremist groups do make trouble and cause countless unnecessary deaths, but they do not show how not all Islamic groups are violent terrorists. With that understanding, Sudan would like to help you understand the position they take on terrorism.
In being a member of the United Nations, Sudan has found need to state its position on terrorism. It is known that the government of Sudan is primarily Islamic, and as such it has found it appropriate to support Islamic organizations. Unfortunately, those in the world blaming terrorism on any form of Islamic activity have found this act of kindness to be the same as knowingly giving terrorists the funds they require to go out into the world and commit murder. Indeed, there have been cases where the Sudanese government has charitably given funds to support their Islamic neighbors. A few such cases related that Al-Qaeda had in fact received the benefits of this charity. Nonetheless, these neighbors had expressed innocent intentions, yet it was discovered that their intentions have not been as innocent as first they had claimed. These events have been unfortunate, but regardless of these irreversible mistakes, Sudan still thinks of itself as a anti-terrorism country, and hopes to aid the world in ending violent struggles.
As stated above, many countries blame terrorism entirely on Islamic groups. Though this is partially true, as also stated above, many countries are completely unwilling to give other Islamic groups a chance. One such country is the United States. The United States refrains from supporting or dealing with any Islamic groups out of the fear of supporting terrorism. As Sudanese history confirms, it is possible that many organizations will claim to be friendly and peaceable and then go back on their word after they have received your money and support. As a Muslim-friendly country, Sudan is entirely willing to give these organizations a chance. Meanwhile, the United States is unwilling to even deal with these organizations, let alone give them an opportunity to prove their claims of love and good-will. Hopefully, the United State�s unwillingness is brought about by a concern for the safety of its citizens and its relations with other countries.
With the issue of terrorism threatening life as the world knows it, it is vital for the powers of the world to know where others stand, and thus Sudan has found it appropriate to show where their opinion lies. Sudan does not knowingly support terrorism, though remains optimistic relations with fellow Islamic organizations. Though some of these ties have lead to the accidental and unintentional support of terrorist acts, Sudan still hopes that other groups will remain peaceable, and that because of these mishaps that the United States, as well as other countries, will not disassociate themselves from Islamic organizations entirely. It is with great hope for world peace that Sudan takes and defends this position.
Position Paper Two: Ethnic Conflict
By definition, ethnic cleansing is �the expulsion, imprisonment, or killing of ethnic minorities by a dominant majority group�, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Regrettably, this act of ethnic cleansing has been happening all around the world for hundreds of years. In world history there have been multiple events that tell of hatred running so rampant that one ethnic group found it fitting to wipe another off the face of the earth. Now, in a world where love and peace are preached to its people, ethnic conflicts still occur, having disastrous results. Being seen as the peaceable world organization, the members of the United Nations have come forth to discuss how to end the mindless, bloodless slaughter of innocents due to their ethnic backgrounds or religions. In being a dutiful member of the United Nations, Sudan has publicized its opinion on the issue of genocide, and here is where those opinions shall be stated.
In Sudan there has been a history of reported ethnic conflicts or as it is sometimes referred to as �genocide.� In the United States� Sudan Peace Act of 2002, the US accused Sudan of genocide for killing more than two million civilians in the south since 1983 during the civil war. Along with this Sudan has been accused of enslaving, torturing, raping, beating, kidnapping, murdering, and in some cases even crucifying southern Sudanese Christians. It is also estimated that five and a half million people have fled the country to escape these horrible conditions. The kidnappings have been of young boys that have been forced to renounce their faith convert to Islam, and then fight in the civil war. In fact, the conditions due to the war in Sudan have been said to be so bad that aid workers attempting to get in the country have seen many conditions like those the southern Christians have to face daily.
Sudan would like to be forthright on the issue of ethnic cleansing by saying that it is a terrible act that should not take place in any part of the world for any reason. Unfortunately, this ethnic cleansing has been taking place in Sudan. Through civil war and incessant fighting, the line between maintaining order and ensuring human rights has become slightly mottled. The Sudanese government in no way supports genocide or the murder of ethnic groups within Sudan, and in fact, the mass murders have been caused by radical groups. In war there are always political groups that rise up to make trouble, and some religious extremists that are bound to turn up. The countless slaughters of southern Sudanese Christians have been traced back to several Islamic extremist groups, which the government is currently working on controlling. Other forms of ethnic cleansing have been done by radical political groups in order gain the attention of the government. Sudan will not deny that it has had to use military force in the past to put down rebel factions, and this has lead to several bloody struggles. Sudan regrets that these radical and extremist groups cannot be maintained thoroughly in order to spare the lives of many innocent civilians.
Many countries of the world openly denounce ethnic cleansing as wrong and evil, yet there are some who embrace genocide. One such people would be the Palestinians. The Palestinians have openly declared their hatred for Israelis along with their wishes to wipe out the entire nation of Israel. The Palestinians have an extremist belief that the Israelis are the enemy and have come in and taken over their homes. Yes, the Israeli people have moved into land that once made up Palestinian homes, yet this is no reason to start killing all the Israelis. The Palestinians are a perfect example of why all countries should denounce ethnic cleansing of any and all sorts. It leads to violence and seething hatred for everyone, as well as nationwide corruption and other problems. Sudan�s greatest wish for the world today is that all people should be able to live without fear of falling victim to mass genocide.
Ethnic cleansing is a deliberate act of hatred designed for the complete obliteration of one ethnic group by another. It is seen in many countries around the world today and has become an important topic of discussion within the United Nations. As a concerned and active member of the United Nations, Sudan feels it important to express its opinion that genocide and ethnic cleansing of any sort are wrong and inappropriate. It is Sudan�s greatest hope to see the world put aside its hate for one another and put an end to fighting and violence.
