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Guide of
ARAB LEAGUE
Hanoi MUN 2019, Arab League
Background Guide
TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT Page 1
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Hanoi MUN 2019, Arab League
Background Guide
CHAIR INTRODUCTION
A. Chair Bui Minh Hien
Greetings! My name is Bui Minh Hien, and I am utterly honored to be serving as your chair for
Arab League of HMUN 2019. I am proudly a local from Hanoi, Vietnam, and currently majoring in
English at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School.
MUN has been an integral part of my life and has played a huge role in shaping my personality and
knowledge. Thus, I wish all of my delegates at Arab League this year to experience the same enriching and
memorable experience that Model UN has brought me, and be able to grow and learn from it.
Over the course of the next three days, you will get the chance to participate in meaningful debate,
express your ideas and opinions, and draft comprehensive resolutions to address the committee’s chosen
problems. My best advice for you is to do your research well, stick to your country’s stance, be confident
and have fun! Besides being a place for refining your knowledge and other qualities, Model UN is also a
place for you to truly enjoy yourself and even form long-lasting friendship.
This study guide will serve as your guidelines for understanding the topics, so please be sure to read
it comprehensively and conduct research from external sources as well. Should you require any help, feel
free to contact me or my co-chair, we are more than willing to aid you with all matters of inquiry. I
sincerely wish you the best of luck and hope to see you on the upcoming conference day!
B. Chair Nguyen Ha Linh
Greetings, delegates!
I am Ha-Linh Nguyen - a tenth-grader at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted. It is my
honor to be assigned the Arab League chairing position along with two other outstanding chairs at HMUN
2019.
My MUN journey started unexpectedly merely with my curiosity and interest in international affairs
but without me realizing that it can define my future path. MUN has opened doors to new knowledge, new
relationships, and even new version of mine.
One of the most precious aspect MUN has granted me is the opportunity to hope - hope to change
the world in a positive way, hope to represent my own country at UN headquarter, hope to find solutions
to lasting issues. Throughout the conference and your MUN journeys, I anticipate that every delegate can
conduct your own “hope” and work tirelessly to achieve it.
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I am looking forward to sharing with delegates our MUN journeys! See you soon.
C. Chair Ngan Phan
Hello delegates,
Welcome to the Arab League at HMUN 2019. My name is Ngan Phan, I am honored to be serving as
your Chair along with Linh and Hien. Entering my fourth consecutive years doing Model UN, ever since, it
has been a part of my high school journey. From the first MUN conference, I was thrilled by the extensive
debate, the connections and friendship that formed between fellow delegates. I truly believe that Model
UN embarked each individual delegate to knowledge of international relations and foreign affairs that they
will not be able to experience in any school-related courses.
I think that’s enough from my side. Keep up the research, fellow delegates. We are looking forward to
meeting you in the beginning of July!
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Background Guide
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION
The preliminary association of Arab League was formed on March 22, 1945, under the Alexandria
Protocol, to develop the economy, resolving disputes and political aims. Formally recognized as the League
of Arab States, the League initially held six member-state participations from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,
Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Currently, the Arab League is a regional political organization with 22 members
which tries to help economically integrate its members without the intermeddle from foreign organizations
and countries. Each member-state is allowed to express opinions and is given one vote in the League
Council. Five observances are denied to vote in the final decision. The governance of the Arab League is
based on the institution of supranational duality while respecting the country’s sovereignty. On April 13,
1950, the Arab League published the Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation agreement. In March
2015, the League Secretary-General announced the establishment of Joint Arab Force (JAF) in order of
counteracting violent extremism and other external threats to the member countries.
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As of present, violent extremism and terrorism remain one of the most pressing global issues, even more
so for member states of the Arab League. However, the terms “violent extremism” and “terrorism” have
yet to be clearly defined and distinguished from each other. In fact, these two phrases are often used
1
interchangeably. However, it is crucial to point out the key differences between “violent extremism” and
“terrorism” in order to better understand and tackle the issue.
Terrorism, according to the simplest definition, is systematic violence conducted against the state, instead
of by it. Interlocutory Decision, composed in 2011, defined international terrorism as consisting of three key
aspects:
i. The perpetuation of a criminal act (eg. murder, kidnapping, arson, etc) or the threatening of
such an act
ii. The intent to spread fear among the population or the direct/indirect coercion of relevant
authority into taking action/refrain from taking action
iii. The involvement of a transnational element
The greatest difference between violent extremism and terrorism is that of scope. While terrorism is limited
to actions that are criminalized, violent extremism may extend to other conduct that remains within the
boundaries of legislation. For example, the promotion of hate messages, violence and intolerance is
classified as an act of violent extremism.
2. History:
The history of terrorism, specifically the history of terrorism in the Middle East can be traced back to as far
as the early 20th century.
1
Kiener-Manu, Katharina. “Counter-Terrorism Module 2 Key Issues: Radicalization & Violent
Extremism.” Counter-Terrorism Module 2 Key Issues: Radicalization & Violent Extremism,
www.unodc.org/e4j/en/terrorism/module-2/key-issues/radicalization-violent-extremism.html.
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One of the earliest milestones of modern terrorism in the Middle East is the Jewish Insurgency in
Mandatory Palestine. After World War I, following concession from the Ottoman Empire of the League of
Nations’ Mandate for Palestine in 1922, Britain authority gained control of Palestine and Transjordan
2
Territories. In 1939, the White Paper was published, greatly intensifying relations between Mandatory
British authority in Palestine and Palestinian civilians, especially Jews. The document listed numerous
government restrictions, specifically on Jewish immigration and possession of land. Initially, the revolt
began with 3 paramilitary organizations – Irgun, Lehi, and Haganah – acting independently and sometimes
even conflicting with each other at first. After 1945, however, these organizations began to cooperate,
3
starting the “Jewish Resistance Movement”. Numerous attacks were conducted against British forces in
Palestine, with the most fatal being the King David Hotel bombing, in which 91 civilians were killed and 46
injured. By the end of the insurgency campaign, casualties were estimated to be roughly 500 of all British
4
soldiers and Palestinian militants and civilians.
Also worth noting in the history of terrorism in the Arab League region is the presence of Hezbollah (Party
of God). Founded in 1982 by a group of Lebanese Shiite clerics following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, the
organization has continuously presented itself as a threat not only to the Middle East but the international
5
community as well. From 1983 to 1996, the group’s most active period, dozens of bombings and suicide
missions with combined casualties of nearly 500 were conducted on Middle Easterners and Westerners
alike. In fact, it is estimated that Hezbollah is the terrorist group which murdered the most Americans
before the 9/11 attack in 2011. In recent years, Hezbollah has supported the Assad regime in Syria by
6
providing thousands of soldiers and other types of military equipment.
However, the event that truly drew the entire world’s attention to the potential threat of terrorism and
violent extremism came in 2001, when the infamous terrorist group al-Qaeda conducted the devastating
9/11 attack on the United States. Four United States’ commercial aircrafts were hijacked by the group and
consecutively crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (New York City), the Pentagon
(Washington D.C), and rural Pennsylvania. Nearly 3000 casualties were recorded, and over 6000 were
7
injured during the attacks. The incident marked the first time that the issue of terrorism was brought to
2
“The Mandate for Palestine.” Mfa.gov.il, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 24 July 1922,
mfa.gov.il/mfa/foreignpolicy/peace/guide/pages/the%20mandate%20for%20palestine.aspx.
3
French, D. The British Way in Counter-Insurgency, 1945–1967. Oxford University Press, 2011: p48.
4
Benjamin Grobb-Fitzgibbon. “Imperial Endgame: Britain’s Dirty Wars and the End of Empire”, p.100.
5
“Hezbollah 101: Who Is the Militant Group, and What Does It Want?” The Christian Science Monitor, The Christian
Science Monitor, 19 July 2012,
www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2012/0719/Hezbollah-101-Who-is-the-militant-group-and-what-does-it-want/Wha
t-are-the-origins-of-Hezbollah.
6
“Middle East.” The Heritage Foundation,
www.heritage.org/military-strength/assessing-threats-us-vital-interests/middle-east.
7
Plumer, Brad. “Nine Facts about Terrorism in the United States since 9/11.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 11 Sept.
2013,
www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/09/11/nine-facts-about-terrorism-in-the-united-states-since-911/?utm_term
=.dcb9330cf3b3.
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8
global attention with U.S President George W. Bush declaring the herald of a “War on Terror”. Numerous
security measures were implemented in the United States and other nations. It is also speculated that it was
9
the 9/11 attacks that led the United States to begin its prolonged conflict with Afghanistan and Iraq. In
the following years, numerous attacks – mostly concentrated in Arabic countries such as Pakistan, Saudi
10
Arabia, and Yemen – were linked to al-Qaeda. The terrorist network was severely damaged in 2011 when
U.S forces managed to kill their key leaders (including Osama Bin Laden) in Pakistan. However, the
organization has inspired many other terrorist groups to spring up in its place, as well as continued to
develop though in a more decentralized manner.
In 2006, a new terrorist threat emerged under the name of ISI – Islamic State of Iraq (also commonly
known as IS and ISIS). The group initially originated as a sub-group of al-Qaeda named “al-Qaeda in Iraq”,
led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The goal of the organization was to reduce U.S and Western influence in the
Iraq-Syria region and replace the current system with a Sunni Islamist regime. Since its inception, the group
has gained control of several regions in Iraq and Syria, notably Falluja, Mosul and Tikrit. Sharia law – an
extreme religious code with roots in traditional Islam - was imposed on all regions under ISIS authority. It
has since gained worldwide notoriety through vile and inhumane acts within and beyond Arabic regions,
including but not limited to the attack on the Yazidi minority group, the beheading of 2 U.S journalists, a
Jordanian militant and 21 Egyptian Christians. Graphic videos of torture and other violent conducts were
recorded and posted online. Beyond Middle Eastern grounds, ISIS has claimed responsibility for various
fatal attacks, particularly the 2015 Paris attacks, 2016 Brussels Bombings, 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting,
11
and 2017 Manchester attack, to name a few.
3. Causes:
12
a. Instability :
Many researchers believe that there is a positive association between the level of instability within a state
and the rate of terrorism that it experiences. However, it is also put forward that low levels of instability
have little effect on the growth of terrorism, and only high levels can actually alter the course of its
13 14
development. Instability can be broadly categorized into three types :
8
Brosnan, Matt. “What Were the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks?” Imperial War Museums, 12 June 2018,
www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-were-the-911-terrorist-attacks.
9
Bergen, Peter L. “September 11 Attacks.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 Nov. 2018,
www.britannica.com/event/September-11-attacks.
www.theguardian.com/alqaida/page/0,12643,852377,00.html.
11
“ISIS.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 10 July 2017, www.history.com/topics/21st-century/isis.
12
Fleischman, Jason. “The Root Causes of Terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa: Contradictions and Trends”, The
Honors College of Middle Tennessee State University, 2 018.
13
Coggins, B. L. “Does State Failure Cause Terrorism? An Empirical Analysis ”. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 2015,
p.455-483.
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- Crisis of authority: the inability of the government to enforce law due to weakness or lack of
control
- Crisis of resilience: the inability of the government to fulfill its responsibilities to citizens without
the ability for improvement
- Crisis of legitimacy: society’s view that the current government ruling is unjust due to corruption,
etc.
It is believed that some types of instability have a higher chance of resulting in terrorism than others. For
example, anarchy and high levels of violence (often associated with the crisis of authority) bear a stronger
connection to terrorism than low levels of state capacity (crisis of resilience).
Political conflicts resulting in instability in a multitude of state has also been linked to high levels of
terrorism. In such cases, however, terrorizing acts can be conducted by one state upon another. There are
also cases of nations funding terrorist organizations to launch attacks on the opposing side/country.
Many member states of the Arab League currently suffer from at least one of the aforementioned types of
instability.
Religious terrorism and religious extremism remain one of the most commonly observed forms of
terrorism in the Middle East. The segregation between different types of Islam as well as the distorted
version of the religion has largely contributed to the rise of various terrorist organizations.
It is suggested that religious terrorism is much more dangerous than other forms of terrorism as
perpetrators of religious terrorism see themselves as justified in their battle to worship their Gods, and thus
are more likely to carry out more extreme acts of terrorism and not accept any kinds of negotiations or
pacification from their fellow mortals. In fact, the majority of suicide attacks in the past few years were
15
committed by individuals or groups under the influence of religious ideology.
‘Hybrid’ terrorist organizations, or organizations that combine additional elements to religious principles,
have also been recorded throughout history. For example, the Syrian Army of Islam is known to exhibit
nationalistic factors in addition to religious, while the KKK is famous for its racist ideologies. Such groups
16
make it much more difficult for policymakers to accurately determine their operation pattern.
c. Socio-economic factors:
Shortcomings in the socio-economic background (eg. economic stability, education, etc.) can also lead to
terrorism. Statistics have shown that underrepresented groups are more likely to be recruited into terrorist
organizations due to lack of prospects for a better life, absence of education, distrust in government, etc.
14
Margolis, J. E. “Estimating State Instability”. Studies in Intelligence , 2012, p.13-24
15
Hoffman, Bruce. “Inside Terrorism.” Columbia University Press, 1988.
Alon Burstein. “How Religious Extremism Changed the Face of Terrorism.” Institute for Global Change, Hebrew
16
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One notable example is in Nigeria, where the majority of attacks conducted bear socio-economic factors,
17
especially “endemic poverty and hopelessness”, as a driving force.
4. Consequences:
The most easily observed consequence of terrorism and violent extremism is the loss of lives associated.
However, also worth noting is the immediate and long-term physical and psychological effects that
survivors suffer.
The physical impacts of terrorism are widely ranged according to the form of torture or terror that the
victim undergoes. To name a few are broken bones, soft tissue injuries, lifetime disabilities,
sexually-transmitted infections (associated with rape), etc.
b. Societal trauma:
c. Economic impacts:
Successful terrorist attacks can immediately result in astronomical costs associated with crisis resolving,
including but not limited to repairmen/rebuilding of destroyed facilities, medical aid for victims, media
control, etc. The reaffirmed need of civilians to equip themselves better security measures may also incur
significant costs for both the state and individual. More long-term effects include economic downgrade
caused by tightening border controls and decrease in productivity caused by mass hysteria and societal
19
trauma.
In recent years, terrorism rate in the Middle East area has fallen significantly. Specifically, between 2016
and 2017, the number of terrorist attacks in the Middle East and North Africa combined dropped by over
17
Vanguard Newspaper. “Between Herskovits, Azazi and Jonathan — Vanguard
News.” http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/between-herskovits-azaziand- jonathan-2/
18
Katharina Kiener-Manu. “Counter-Terrorism Module 14 Key Issues: Effects of Terrorism.” Counter-Terrorism Module
14 Key Issues: Effects of Terrorism, www.unodc.org/e4j/en/terrorism/module-14/key-issues/effects-of-terrorism.html.
19
“OECD Economic Outlook 71”, The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2002, p.118.
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40 percent – from over 6110 in 2016 to 3780 in 2017. The fatality rate caused by terrorism also experienced
20
a significant decrease of nearly 50%, according to the Global Terrorism Database.
Figure 1: Attacks and fatalities in the Middle East and North Africa
The main reason behind this fall is the decline in activity of the terrorist organization ISIS, whose number
21
of attacks grew less frequent even in Iraq and Syria, its main operating base. Much of the territories once
claimed by ISIS has also been freed, including its ‘capital’ Raqqa. However, ISIS networks and affiliates
remain active throughout the region, specifically in Libya, Saudi Arabia, the Sinai Peninsula and Yemen.
Egypt also faces the threat of ISIS branch group, ISIS Sinai Province, and suffered from the deadliest
attack in Egypt’s history in 2017 (the Al-Rawdah village attack).
Romero, Luiz. “Attacks and Fatalities in the Middle East and North Africa.” Atlas, Quartz, 8 Aug. 2018,
20
www.theatlas.com/charts/BJxfovOr7.
Romero, Luiz. “Terrorist Attacks by ISIL between 2013 and 2017.” Atlas, Quartz, 8 Aug. 2018,
21
www.theatlas.com/charts/H1S43PdBX.
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al-Qaeda also remained active in multiple areas, mostly focused in Yemen and Syria. Its Syrian affiliate,
al-Nusrah Front has also managed to collaborate with other organizations to form a new terrorist group,
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This is mainly due to the ongoing political conflict between the Yemeni government
and the Houthis, which has contributed to the maintenance of safe havens for al-Qaeda and ISIS in the
region.
Jordan and Lebanon have made significant progress in combating terrorism, though some organizations
still remain active, most notably the Hizballah in Lebanon.
Terrorism remained a major problem for Palestine and Gaza, with examples including Hamas (though
opinions on the organization deviate significantly across nations and it remains disputed whether it is a
22
terrorist organization or not) and the Islamic Jihad.
The Arab Convention For the Suppression of Terrorism, adopted in 1998, can be considered the first
significant step taken by the League of Arab States to combat terrorism. The Convention covered a
multitude of aspects, from the definition of terrorism and related-terms to measures and principles for
cooperation.
“Chapter 1. Country Reports: Middle East and North Africa.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State,
22
www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2017/282844.htm.
23
airo, April 1998.
League of Arab States, The Arab Convention For the Suppression of Terrorism, C
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24
UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2006)
The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UNGCTS) was adopted by consensus on 8
September 2006 and represents the first time a collective approach to combating terrorism was agreed
upon by all states. The document is updated every 2 years, and is composed on the basis of 4 pillars:
On 15 June 2017, an official specialized UN body dedicated to counter-terrorism was founded under
resolution 71/291. Its main functions include:
- Providing leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the
Secretary-General from across the United Nations system
- Enhancing coordination and coherence across the 38 Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination
Compact (former CTITF) Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four
pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
- Strengthening the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to
Member States
- Improving visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism
effort
- Ensuring that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that
the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.
26
UNOCT Multi-Year Appeal (2019-2020)
The UNOCT Multi-Year Appeal for 2019 and 2020 is the first of its kind, containing information on 60
projects of different scales (global, regional, national) covering all four pillars of the UNGCTS. The goal of
24
“UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy | Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force.” United Nations, 8 Sept. 2006,
www.un.org/counterterrorism/ctitf/en/un-global-counter-terrorism-strategy.
25
“United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.” United Nations, 2017, www.un.org/en/counterterrorism/.
26
nited Nations,
United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism, UNOCT Multi-Year Appeal (2019-2020), U
https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/ctitf/sites/www.un.org.counterterrorism.ctitf/files/UNOCT_Multi-Year-Appeal_We
bsite.pdf.
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the Multi-Year Appeal is to regulate funding for the United Nations’ efforts to combat terrorism by
ensuring sustainability, transparency and efficiency.
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● What are the applications of the Internet to the national government when encountering
this issue? Does capitalize “big data” help governments to supervise extremist and terrorist
group?
● What should be the priority of the Arab League when it comes to resolving this issue?
● How can the Arab League prevent young people from joining extremist and terrorist
groups?
● How should the process of criminalizing terrorist attacks work? National punishment or
international lawsuit?
● How can the Arab League prevent a potential upsurge of violent extremism and terrorism
in the future?
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I. Introduction
The Arab economies, specifically economic activities (i.e., export and import) and fiscal revenues of Arab
League member states, are heavily dependent on oil-extraction In 2014, 77 percent was the average
government income across the nations of the League that comes from oil production. This statistic
demonstrates the importance of sustainable development within the oil industry. The pressing challenge
that the Arab League faces is to manage the appropriate balance of social, economic and environmental
capital. To achieve the goals of economic growth and sustainable development in the oil industry, it is
crucial to the government to conduct the operational plans properly and reduce the negative externality of
production on the environment. The Arab League is suggested to develop in the near future a vital strategy
that incorporates national governments, local institutes, non-profit/non-governmental organizations, and
firms to oblige the set goals.
II. Topic Background and History
Oil & Oil Industry
Oil is, in fact, a precious natural resource and commodity in the Middle East. The oil of concern here can
be discovered under layers of earth and originates from ancient fossilized organic materials.27 It is also
known as “petroleum”, consisting of a range of components from the lightest (natural gas) to the heaviest
(crude oil).
Figure 1: Petroleum and some of its components
27
“Petroleum Industry.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_industry.
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Oil’s prime values lie in its versatile and powerful source of energy for essential means of transportation
(trains, boats, cars, etc), machines, etc.28 Additionally, oil after being processed through petrochemical
plants, caters for various purposes including creating medicine, candles, plastics, etc.
Figure 2: Petroleum products
It is categorized as non-renewable energy, which is exhaustible in the near future and can only serve
humans within the next 53.3 years.29 All of the aforementioned features turn oil into one of the most
sought-after natural resources.
In fact, the oil industry (or petroleum industry) has always played a major role in the global market,
producing the world’s principal source of energy and generating approximately 1696.6 billion oil barrels in
2017. Specifically, economies within the Arab League are particularly dependent on the oil industry. In
several member states of the Arab League including Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan, Bahrain,... fuel
exports in which the fundamental commodities are natural gas, oil, and oil products account for about 60%
- 90% of total merchandise exports while GDP shares of oil revenue constitute approximately 15% - 50%.
30
28
An Introduction to the Petroleum Industry. pp. 1–106, An Introduction to the Petroleum Industry,
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/publications/energy/intro.pdf.
29
DiLallo, Matt. “The World Has 53.3 Years of Oil Left.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 28 June
2014, www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/06/28/the-world-was-533-years-of-oil-left/11528999/.
Hutt, Rosamond. “Which Economies Are Most Heavily Reliant on Oil?” World Economic Forum,
30
www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/05/which-economies-are-most-reliant-on-oil/.
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Petroleum industry comprises exploration, extraction, refining, transportation, marketing, etc, which are
separated into three main sectors31:
● Upstream sector (also referred to as the E&P or Exploration and Production): The sector involves
searching both potential onshore and offshore natural gas fields or crude oil fields and drilling these
reserves with production rigs in order to elevate oil and gas to the surface.
● Midstream sector: It involves a procedure of gathering, processing, refining, storing, and
transporting the oil and gas products of the upstream sector with the assistance of advanced
technological equipment. The sector even expands towards the wholesale marketing of crude oil.
● Downstream sector: It is most closely tied with the average consumerism market. Within the
sector, crude petroleum is refined, and natural gas is processed and purified to produce consumer
products including jet fuel, daily supplies of natural gas, etc.32
Sustainable Development
In the face of constant insecurity, sustainable development of the oil industry is needed to ensure the stable
and long-term development of one of the most important industries in the world and particularly in the
Arab League. Even though the official definition of sustainability within oil industry has not been declared
yet, the landmark definition of sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.33 Environmental, economic, and
social sustainability are essential parts of sustainable development:
● Environmental sustainability: It is the environment’s ability to support a defined level of
environmental quality and natural resource extraction rates indefinitely.
● Economic sustainability: It is the economy’s ability to support a defined level of economic
production indefinitely.
● Social sustainability is the social system’s ability (a country, family, or organization) to function at a
defined level of social well being and harmony indefinitely.34
Therefore, petroleum industry activities must acknowledge and integrate all three forms of sustainability
into the process of decision-making throughout the journey to sustainable development. The main purpose
is to preserve oil resources for future posterity and prevent complications regarding environmental, social
or economic issues.35
31
Gurumo, Tumaini, and Lixin Han. Petroleum and Sustainable Development: The Role of International Conventions. vol.
26, IACSIT Press, Singapore, 2011, pp. 1–5, Petroleum and Sustainable Development: The Role of International
Conventions.
32
Royer, Blake. “Three Sectors of the Oil and Gas Industry | Dragon Products, LTD.” Dragon Products, 5 Dec. 2017,
dragonproductsltd.com/three-sectors-oil-gas-industry/.
33
Gurumo, Tumaini, and Lixin Han. Petroleum and Sustainable Development: The Role of International Conventions. vol.
26, IACSIT Press, Singapore, 2011, pp. 1–5, Petroleum and Sustainable Development: The Role of International
Conventions.
34
The Three Pillars of Sustainability, www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/ThreePillarsOfSustainability.htm.
35
Sustainable Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry. pp. 1–9, Sustainable Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry.
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Figure 3: Scheme of sustainable development at the confluence of
three constituent parts
Key Issues
Comprehensive integration of three main pillars of sustainability into Arab League members’ oil industry is
demanding due to the following aspects:
1. Over-reliance
Arab League countries are categorized as either “developing” or "underdeveloped" and acknowledge
financial profits as the first priority on their agenda. As such, they focus on generating the most income
rather than try to balance among three sustainable elements. Also, the oil industry composes the economic
fundament of Arab League members, causing them to be susceptible to even slight fluctuations in the
market. Some governments, therefore, may refrain from striving towards sustainable development for fear
that any unexpected changes can damage the economy in the foreseeable future, which leads to lack of
efforts at a municipal level.
2. Economic and Financial Barriers
Application of hi-tech machines, education about sustainable development, and thorough renewal of
outdated systems can cost millions of dollars, which is unaffordable for developing countries and Arab
League members such as Yemen. The expenses present financial obstacles and diminish the motivation to
cultivate a sustainable industry.
3. Technological Barriers
Advancements in technology within the oil industry’s sectors have enabled safer operations for workers,
increased the capacity of the oil barrel, and elevated energy efficiency. Despite its important role in
achieving sustainability, technological progress and research have not received enough attention to be
further developed. Also, Arab League members do not possess sufficient personnel resources and motives
to utilize innovative approaches and often apply outdated, low-efficiency procedures with massive carbon
emissions.
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4. Social Barriers
Mindsets and attitudes are pivotal in converting short-term goals into long-term developments, directly
affecting individual behaviors and decisions. In spite of efforts to establish sustainable developments by
governments and non-governmental organizations, the level of awareness regarding its importance remains
low. Companies which dominate the oil industry lack incentives to pursue sustainable goals, and
concentrate on profits rather than incorporate social and environmental factors into their operational
system.
It is claimed that the achievement of three goals simultaneously is impossible. However, three forms of
sustainability are supplementary towards one another, creating an environment of mutual benefits that can
thrive in the long run. Even though it can be challenging initially, long-term benefits are worthwhile and
efforts to accomplish the balance is an urgent mission not just within the council committee but also in the
world.
Topic History
In history, several oil-related disastrous incidents36 have occurred, which are adverse to the development of
the Arab League including:
● 19/01/2004: The fire and explosion in Skikda, Algeria cost the lives of 27 people, injured 72 with 7
missing, amounted to about $470,000,000, and released enormous carbon emissions into the air,
causing what is known as “oil pollution”
● 25/06/2000: The fire and explosion in Mina Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait seized lives of at least 50 people
and cost a total of $380,000,000 for damage caused
The above two incidents are just part of an endless list of misfortunes within the oil industry that entail
long-lasting consequences regarding environmental, social, and economic factors. It was such accidents
that raised the idea of sustainability within the oil industry.
Sustainability officially emerged the first time following the incidence of oil spill in Santa Barbara that
caused devastation within wildlife and the natural environment in the area in 1696. The terminology
entered the mainstream conception and practice in the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment.37 Gradually, the conception transferred across the globe, seeking to provide essentials for
residents and, furthermore, attempt to achieve sustainable development. It extended towards other
industries including the oil industry. In Arab countries that are responsible for a vast amount of oil
production in the world, OAPEC was founded in order to cater for the need to build a sustainable oil
industry from members. It was not until recent years that Arab League countries particularly considered
sustainability as an ultimate goal and actively participated in conferences or projects on this topic.
Staff, Oil & Gas. “Top Ten: Oil and Gas Disasters.” Oil & Gas Middle East, Oil and Gas Middle East, 30 Sept. 2015,
36
www.oilandgasmiddleeast.com/article-14593-top-ten-oil-and-gas-disasters.
37
“A Short History of Sustainable Development.” Rethinking Prosperity, 20 May 2015,
rethinkingprosperity.org/a-short-history-of-sustainable-development/.
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38
The Petroleum Industry in OAPEC Member Countries. Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, pp. 1–36,
The Petroleum Industry in OAPEC Member Countries.
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As a low-income and economically unstable country, Yemen counts on declining oil and gas resources for
25% of GDP and 65% of governmental revenue.39 Its dependence on oil has led the country to succumb
to any price changes. The Yemeni government tries to diversify the oil sector by eliminating unnecessary
oil subsidies, but the plan fails due to the ongoing civil war in the country.
State of Kuwait
Though Kuwait is not in the vanguard of sustainable development, it attempts to limit reliance on the oil
industry and create a balanced environment among economic, social, and environmental factors. The
economic situation is greatly reliant on the oil industry with petroleum forming over half of GDP, 92% of
export revenues and 90% government income. To limit its dependence, the government endeavors to
defend itself against impacts of changing oil prices by saving annually at least 10% of government revenue
in the Fund for Future Generations.40 Regarding environmental issues, loss of agriculture, pollution, and
biodiversity damage result from oil-producing process and accidents (oil fires), urging the government to
adapt to these issues through policy and establishment of research agencies.
Kingdom of Bahrain
Oil comprises 85% of national budget revenues; as a result, decreasing world energy prices have produced
tremendous budget deficits of about 10% GDP in 2017 solely. Bahrain is confronted with internal and
external crises because of growing national debts and widespread social disapproval of budget cuts. The
government has undertaken actions to diversify the market by signing trade deals and raise approximately
$4 billion dollars to compensate for sizeable financial losses.41
IV. Past International Action:
Time Event
1933 The founding of the World Petroleum Council (WPC) in London.42 As an
international, unbiased, and non-political organization, the council ’s ultimate
goal is to attain scientific achievements, transfer technology, promote the
management of the world’s petroleum resources, and address the member states’
concerns with sustainability.
39
“The World Factbook: Yemen.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018,
www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/geos/ym.html.
40
“The World Factbook: Kuwait.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018,
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html.
“The World Factbook: Bahrain.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018,
41
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html.
www.world-petroleum.org/resources/press-releases/75-wpc-youth-init.
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1960 The founding of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) in Baghdad by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.43 The
organization endeavors to ensure economic and income stabilization for the oil
industry.
9 January The founding of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries
1968 (OAPEC) in Beirut.44 As a regional intergovernmental organization, OAPEC
endeavors to realize and tackle issues in regards to the oil industry which may
pose threats to its sustainable and long-term development.
July 2017 A joint report among IPIECA, the UNDP, and the IFC: Mapping the oil and gas
as launched at the UN High
industry to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas w
- Level Political Forum in New York, the USA to promote shared knowledge
about sustainable development of oil industry.45
20-22 At the 21st International Conference on Petroleum, Mineral Resources,
February 2018 and Development, member states discussed the establishment of the Arab
Petroleum Council (APC) with the aim to balance between the oil industry and
environmental aspects under the umbrella of OAPEC.46
1-4 October At the 11th Arab Energy Conference, with the participation of the League of
2018 Arab States, the conference highlighted issues including challenges within the oil
industry for Arab Oil Exports and emphasized the need for timely investment
mobility in the face of sustainable and inclusive growth.47
V. Possible Solutions/ Case study:
Nigeria48
The goal of sustainable development and economic growth in the oil industry of Nigeria Delta are realistic,
and achievable under the proper implementation of macroeconomic objectives. Looking back in the past,
the associated failures of the national oil industry mainly come from (i) the inequality in the market power
distribution to some large firms, (ii) the exploitation of domestic workers, (iii) the under-democratic control
within the oil industry.
43
“Brief History.” OPEC, www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/24.htm.
44
OAPEC, www.oapecorg.org/Home/About-Us/History.
45
“Mapping the Oil and Gas Industry to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas.” IPIECA,
www.ipieca.org/resources/awareness-briefing/mapping-the-oil-and-gas-industry-to-the-sustainable-development-goals-an-at
las/.
46
Epri.sci.eg, www.epri.sci.eg/conf/index.php/news-media/blog/83-recommendations-21-conf.
47
“OAPEC.” Welcome to OAPEC,
www.oapecorg.org/Home/Activities/Seminars-and-Conferences/Arab-Energy-Conferences/Tenth-Arab-Energy-Conference.
48
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.458.3873&rep=rep1&type=pdf
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In order to successfully obtain the goals of sustainable development in the oil industry, the member states
of Arab League are encouraged to review the case study of Nigeria to prevent similar phenomenons from
happening within their national oil market.
Furthermore, many oil industry operational plans that incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals
suggested that:
- Improves management with the applications of Information and Communication Technology into
Digital Data Management that promotes synergies between national governments, local
institutions, and firms,
- Determines the local labor force if they are capable of providing suitable skills for various
operational phases and projects,
- Requires and strictly supervises the water management plans of firms to ensure the water supply
will not run scarcity and process of oil extraction and exploitation does not affect the local
livelihood and environment,
- Recommends the implementation of additional healthcare benefits for the labor force and citizens
who reside in the surrounding areas.
VI. Questions to Consider
Delegates are expected to use these questions to further their research apply to the debate sessions during the
conference.
● What are the negative externalities of oil consumption? And how can the national government
ensure the economic growth in the oil industry will not bring up the long-term impact on social
development (i.e., livelihood, environment, etc.)?
● Under what conditions can oil exploitation and extraction deliver joint social, environmental and
economic development?
● To what extent does the national government take part in natural resource control?
● To what extent is it appropriate for the government to subsidize the oil industry?
● To what extent should oil exploitation a leading industry of Arab League in the long-term?
● How does market mechanism take part in adjusting the oil exported and imported price level?
● What are the consequences of managerial responsibility with regards to the oil market?
● How should firms incorporate environmentally sustainable strategies in their business plan? What is
the expectation from the national government and the League?
● What are the roles of the Arab League in strengthening the sustainable development of the oil
industry?
● What are the challenges to obtaining sustainable development of the oil industry? How can the
firms, national government, and the Arab League overcome these issues?
● To what extent does international cooperation take part in incentivizing a stabilized and affordable
oil market?
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