Summer Institute 7: Peace in the Middle East

On the last day of the Summer Institute for International Affairs, the students gave the world peace in the Middle East by finding a solution to the Arab/Israeli conflict. You’re welcome, world! We started the day with a rousing game of International Affairs Taboo (patent pending), and then jumped right in to the sticky debate of negotiating a lasting settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians. The following stakeholders participated in the negotiation:

• Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu, Shimon Peres, Ehud Barak, Tamir Pardo
• Palestine: Mahmoud Abbas, Salam Fayyad, Kaled Mashal, Ismail Haniyeh
• United States: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice
• Arab League: Nabil Elaraby, Samir Nasibi
• Egypt: Mohammed Morsi
• United Nations: Ban Ki-Moon

The debate opened with each side presenting its position on such issues as settlements, borders, the right of return for Palestinian refugees and the future of Jerusalem.  Midway through the discussion, the delegates were hit with a crisis: militant settlers in an extremist terrorist organization were holding hostages in the al-Jawali Mosque in Hebron.  Fearing a wave of anti-Semitic violence if the story broke, and also concerned for the safety of the hostages, the parties came together to share strategies, intelligence and military personnel to eliminate the threat. Perhaps it was the adrenaline of the crisis, or the desire to finally put an end to this enduring conflict, but the delegates came together to find a solution. Here are some of the details of the negotiated settlement:

• There will be two sovereign, independent states of Israel and Palestine.
• Israel publicly endorsed Palestine’s right to statehood which will include the West Bank and Gaza strip and be based on the pre-1967 borders with adjustments made to reflect the reality of today’s settlements. Note: Much work still needs to be done, but it’s a huge accomplishment for the Israeli camp to base negotiations on the pre-1967 borders as opposed to today’s borders. Likewise, the Palestinians showed an unprecedented amount of flexibility and willingness to compromise.
• Jerusalem will remain under Israeli control. Palestinian access to sites of religious importance will remain open.
• Israel will build and maintain a highway connecting the two parts of the Palestinian state. Israel cannot close down the highway without giving the Palestinians prior notice.
• The Arab League committed funds to improve infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, admitted Palestine as a full member and recognized Israel’s right to exist.
• The United States recognized the Palestinian statehood, restored UNESCO funding and gave Israel funds to help construct the highway.

Many thanks to our young diplomats for all their hard work today and throughout the summer!
By Netta Ascoli, Education Program Officer, World Affairs Council

 

Summer Institute 6: Fall of the USSR

Photo by Andrei Riskin

On August 2, the Summer Institute delved into the topic of the Soviet Union and discussed the various causes of its fall. To add to the dialogue, we spoke with Dr. Carla Thorson, Vice President of Public Programs at the World Affairs Council, did completed her post-graduate studies on Soviet Russia and spent time in Moscow before and after the dissolution. Additionally, students had the opportunity to interview Andrei Riskin, a photographer whose exhibit Russian Notes is currently on display at the Council. Since 1991, scholars have debated it, journalists have reported on it, and now three high school students weigh in on the question “What caused the fall of the Soviet Union?

1. Desire for Human Dignity:

“Many people would even argue that the people’s desire for human dignity caused the change. For example, the people of the Soviet Union were not permitted to purchase many goods that the Western world had access to, mainly because the Soviet Union’s currency was so weak. When the people discovered these goods, along with the fact that many things that their government was telling them were lies, they felt a sense of betrayal, which sparked this thirst for change. After learning that they had been lied to for so long, they felt a need for human dignity, which enabled them to make a difference.” Sohum Patnaik, Saint Francis High School

2. Economy:

“The main factor that contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union is the planned economy under the Communist regime. With a population of approximately 293 million in 1991, the command economy was ineffective in providing the people with resources they needed.” Natalie Zhang, Mills High School

3. Moral Corruption:

“The revolution was an attempt to change the morals of the society. In the USSR, a history of the authoritarian Tsars and recent history of the totalitarian Stalin had corrupted the morals of the state. The utopian promises of Lenin during the Bolshevik revolution were flagrantly absent from society. Everyone, including Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985, noticed this moral corruption. In an attempt to reduce the moral corruption of the state, he promulgated openness, or glasnost. This allowed fellow civilians to talk for the first time, and created an awareness of the general unhappiness with society. It was this collective unhappiness not the economy, which drove the revolution.” Josephine Hass, Berkeley High School

Who do you agree with? What, in your opinion was the main cause of the Soviet Union’s dissolution? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

 

 

Summer Institute 5: Sanctions

On July 25, Summer Institute participants delved deep into the controversial topic of sanctions. The guest for the evening was Jose Fernandez who currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs. Although this lesson brought up more questions than it answered, it was successful in that students began to look at sanctions with a more critical eye.

Jose Fernandez

In our meeting with Jose Fernandez, we were introduced to the different types of sanctions and the positive and negative effects of each one. In the past, the US has imposed sanctions on Lebanon, Syria, and longstanding sanctions on Iran. Although they have been successful, such as in Burma, the negative effects of such sanctions on common people have begun to outweigh the benefits. Sanctions in Iran have been used for more than thirty years, and we have now begun to consider the humanitarian crisis caused by our own actions.
Sanctions against Iran began in 1979 with the American Embassy Hostage Crisis. President Carter issued an executive order freezing twelve billion dollars worth of assets and sanctions were increased after the Iran-Iraq war. Over the years Presidents Reagan, Clinton, Bush, and Obama have imposed sanctions on Iran, prohibiting trade, economic assistance, technology, and investments. Iran’s economy has become more and more destitute and this has led to starvation. Because of the numerous trade sanctions, Iran has resorted to buying cheap materials for their airplanes and a local news agency FNA reported, “17 planes have crashed over the past 25 years, killing approximately 1,500 people.” The cost of basic goods has also risen. Bread, milk, and meat are highly expensive and this has contributed to the starvation of much of the lower middle class. Iranian stock prices have dropped 200 points and the Toman dollar, which used to be 600 to a dollar, has now plummeted to 2,000 Toman to one dollar.
Sanctions are a powerful diplomatic tool, but many times the regimes which they are imposed upon are only mildly affected and it is the common people who suffer. The US is not blind to these facts, and although lifting the sanctions completely is not likely, there have been up to 10,000 exceptions put in place to prevent further hurting the Iranian people. Ideally discussion should be able to mend diplomatic conflicts, but because of the state of corrupt foreign governments, economic sanctions can be only way to reduce their power. As a solution to the negative human rights impact, the effects of sanctions should be monitored closely and aid should be supplied as necessary. Although this may seem to defeat the point, the aims of sanctions are despotic regimes and terrorist groups, not common citizens who have become the unintended target.

By Supriya Yelimeli, Summer Institute participant, Mission San Jose High School

 

Alumni Notes

Michael leading a discussion

Regardless of what college you attend, if you are considering an undergraduate degree in International Affairs (IA), participating in the Education Program will put you at the top of your class. The World Affairs Council does an incredible job of preparing high school students for their higher education by shaping their minds in a way that sets a foundation for an IA degree.
Participating in the Summer Institute after my freshman year of high school indisputably was the chisel that sculpted my future endeavors. It taught me to think critically about global affairs in an academic method. The structure of the Summer Institute program is in fact very similarly to most college courses, with reading assignments, a lecture by the speaker, and a discussion group. Additionally, I have been very fortunate in receiving multiple scholarships to incredible Council events, such as to WorldAffairs 2009 and Awards Dinners for Muhammad Yunnus and Paul Ottelini (something you should look into!) These opportunities allowed me to meet other young global-minded people, and make lifelong friends.
Through my experiences in the Education Program, I decided to major in International Affairs. I am currently beginning my sophomore year at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. GW was not my first choice, but as fate has it, I think it turned out to be the best. Washington, DC has so many incredible opportunities you really can’t get anywhere else. Aside from the amazing internship opportunities on Capitol Hill and with various NGOs, you get to meet incredible people. Within my first year I was able to hear President Clinton crack some jokes with Usher at the opening ceremony of the Clinton Global Initiative, attend a bench commemoration with Toni Morrison, get rallied up about the election by Robert Gibbs, and brush shoulders with Donald Rumsfeld walking down the sidewalk. Regardless, no matter what school you end up at, the background in global affairs and critical thinking skills you receive from the World Affairs Council will help you lead your peers in the field of International Affairs.

By Michael Farzi, Education Program Intern, World Affairs Council

 

Summer Institute 4: Take Me out to the Ball Game….

Ambassador Inderfurth captivates the crowd

On July 18, Ambassador Karl F. Inderfurth visited with the Summer Institute participants to discuss his multifaceted career and knowledge of US-India relations. Of the numerous stories he told, his “last meal” garnered the most smiles, laughs, and memories.

Shared meals bookend the time of an US diplomat at the United Nations. In 1997, Inderfurth left his post to serve as US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs under President Clinton. As is tradition, a newcomer organizes the farewell meal for departing diplomats. Bill Richardson had just been appointed as the Ambassador to the UN and asked Inderfurth what he would like to do.

The standard answer would be some sort of dinner; however, as he was remembering the countless receptions, dinner meetings and lunch meetings the perfect idea popped in his head.

“Hot dogs,” replied Inderfurth.

“Excuse me?” replied a perplexed Richardson aide. Clearly this was not the high-end cuisine he was expecting!

“Hot dogs,” Inderfurth repeated. “I want to eat hot dogs. Why don’t we take the Security Council to Yankee Stadium and eat hot dogs?”

Richardson, a former amateur baseball player loved the idea.

This is how the story began of 15 Security Council representatives jumping into two large vans to attend the Yankees vs. Mets game on June 16, 1997.  Each delegate received a “briefing book” that included a short description of the game and a diagram of the baseball diamond and upon entering the van, each had the choice of either a Mets or Yankees cap. Inderfurth knew the day would be highly educational when the Egyptian Ambassador asked for a Redskins (a football team) cap instead. In order to get a true baseball experience, the diplomats declined the sky box seats and announced introduction offered to them by the Yankees. Instead, they sat as regular baseball fans, eating hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, peanuts, ice cream, and popcorn. The Japanese Ambassador/baseball fan, Hisashi Owada was keeping score and taking statistics in the back of the program. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Representative, was slightly confused by the rules, but still enjoyed himself.  The game went into extra innings, but in the end, the Yankees were victorious. Mr. Owada and the Kenyan Ambassador Njuguna Moses Mahugu were so excited that they high-fived!

Although unconventional, Mr. Inderfurth’s New York sendoff was considered a great success by all who attended.

To fund out more about the game, read this Gainesville Sun article.

By Netta Ascoli, Education Program Officer, World Affairs Council

 

Summer Institute 3: Escaping North Korea

Mr. Blaine Harden, author of Escape from Camp 14, joined Summer Institute participants to talk about his accomplishments in the field of journalism as well as his expertise in East Asia. One student’s question and Mr. Harden’s consequent response particularly stood out to me, as I believe many of us have this on our minds.

The inquisitive student asked, “Will North Korean society reach a breaking point? Will it have an Arab spring?” Ever the realist, Mr. Harden explained that it’s a long shot for North Korean society to reject the Kim dynasty, but over the last 15 years two things in the country have been changing.

1)  Information access- The percentage of people who have access to foreign media whether by radio or DVD has increased. The US has been using funds quietly to set up transmission towers around the North Korean border to broadcast counter-propaganda in Korean. These transmissions are able to reach anyone with a radio. Additionally, there has been a large increase in DVD smuggling, especially of South Korean movies and TV shows. Citizens are beginning to realize that there is in fact another way of life.

2) Economy- The collapse of the Soviet Union, which largely propped up North Korea as China is doing now, coincided with North Korea’s famine, which was one of the worst in history. The famine caused the command economy to drop and loosen its strong hold.  Street markets sprang up to fill the Soviet Union’s void, selling merchandise smuggled in from China. Blaine noted that observers could see this in the way people dressed: over the last years, people now had new colorful coats that were previously unavailable. Mr. Harden quoted that “86% of all economic activity in North Korea takes place in these street markets,” the rest is constituted by trade with China. This shadow economy has led to an “alternative power structure” in which people are accumulating wealth and power.

However, one huge barrier remains. The lack of civil society is a hugely inhibiting factor in that there is first, no way for people to organize, and second, the predatory intelligence structure makes people too fearful to speak out.  The social media that helped organize and spur the revolutions throughout the Arab world do not exist in North Korea. Facebook and Twitter do not exist: there is no way to organize a mass gathering. Meanwhile, the North Korean people have been born and bred to snitch on other citizens if they seem seditious. Although the state denies their existence, everyone knows about the concentration camps. People are too scared to organize.

While things are getting better, we shouldn’t hold our breath for a revolution inside North Korea.

Blaine Harden poses for a quick pic with students

By Netta Ascoli, Education Program Officer, World Affairs Council

 

Summer Institute 2: The Last Hunger Season

The Summer Institute’s second session focused on the issue of hunger in Africa, specifically, the troubles faced by small holder farmers. The students met with Roger Thurow of the Chicago Council of Foreign Affairs to discuss this very issue, which he writes about in his book “The Last Hunger Season.”

Through a sobering account of his book, The Last Hunger Season, Mr. Roger Thurow illustrated the daily trials of living as a farmer in Kenya during the hunger season, a time of year before harvest and after food rations from the prior harvest have been exhausted. Thurow explained the complexities of the issue: the deficit of modern farming technology, government corruption, and what Norman Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution, called “criminal negligence” of the international community.

Women work their plots of land in Africa

Improving farming technologies in countries like Kenya can be the most basic issue to address. Mr. Thurow described how visiting some of the Kenyan farming villages was like going back in time; the farming techniques and technologies were so primitive. Simple changes like introducing irrigation technology instead of relying completely on rainfall can make the world of a difference. Not only does this lack of capital make it more difficult to plant crops, it also diminishes yield because of its inefficiency. This is where the international community can help through direct aid. However, proper communication is necessary. Thurow described an instance where he saw a brand new shiny wellhead in a village surrounded by tall grass and weeds. He asked why it was not in use and was told that the people that built it did not ask the village leaders where it would be best to put; two weeks after construction it began to pump salt water.

Corrupt governance is an issue that is a bit more challenging to address. The most direct case is the failure of the government (specifically in Kenya, but in other food insecure nations as well) to properly distribute food rations. Though there may be food surpluses in certain parts of the country, poor organization and mobilization prevents its transportation to where it is needed most. Infrastructure itself is another concern. The lack of paved roads exacerbates this failed transport of food even more. It also disenfranchises farmers from being able to sell their crops when they have enough to do so because they are not able to reach the market. Thurow gave the example of a cane sugar farmer who tried to drive his crop to market but lost a fair amount of it en route because of the poor roads.

“Criminal negligence” seems the most atrocious from a humanitarian perspective because there have been incredible advancements in horticultural. As discussed with the first issue of lacking proper farming tools and techniques, there has been an international initiative to instruct hungry farmers how to better cultivate. However where “criminal negligence” comes in is the failure of fertilizer companies, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) scientists and patent agencies to provide for these farmers. Fertilizer companies do not sell in these regions because they do not think famers can afford it, which Thurow dismisses as a myth because many are able to pay for mobile phones, and would only need a bottle cap full of fertilizer per plant.

Thurow concluded that though farmers need new technologies, it must be up to them how they are introduced and implemented. There is certainly more the international community can do, however we must take a different approach. One cannot simply airlift new tractors and fertilizers into the region, nor can one go build an irrigation system overnight and leave the next day. Nations like Kenya must experience their own Green Revolution and be the masters of their own land. The greatest service the international community can provide for long term progress is education about better farming techniques, and access to purchase new mechanical and chemical tools.

By Michael Farzi, Education Program Intern, World Affairs Council

 

Summer Institute 1: Syria

On June 20, the 2012 Summer Institute commenced with a lively discussion on Syria and a visit from scholar Rami Khouri.

Rami Khouri’s visit gave a spectacular insider’s view of the relentless conflict in Syria. As a Palestinian-American, currently writing for the Daily Star in Beirut, Lebanon, Mr. Khouri is able to consistently keep one ear to the ground in the Middle East, whilst still retaining close ties to his academic audience in the United States. When joining us for our meet the speaker session, he generously shared some journalistic blots of expertise of what he sees as vital attributes of respectable reporting. He explained that one of the greatest flaws he sees in the American media system is the overlap of opinion pieces and solid reporting; both have a place, but they must be blatantly separate from one and other when published. Reporting should be factually based, and cross-referenced with many sources. Although he realizes most journalists will inevitably have certain opinionative persuasions, he emphasized the importance of circumventing bias at all cost. Opinion pieces however, when properly contained, provide a necessary outlet for ideological discussion. Such free speech, even when eccentric, allows individuals or groups to express themselves without taking unnecessary radical action. Discussion is provoked of certain controversial issues and a minority’s ideas can be civilly brought into the public eye.

But even with the plethora of information available worldwide, we still suffer from an exorbitant amount of bigotry, vis-à-vis the American’s perception of Arabs and vice versa. Mr. Khouri targets the source of this bigotry as fear and ignorance, the latter of which he sees as much easier to address, through iterated expose to new thoughts and ideas. However fear is much more ingrained, usually after long periods of ignorance, and is something that takes more time to be shaken off. The best thing we can do is interact with people who have different backgrounds and seek to inform ourselves using a variety of sources.

Students with Mr. Khouri

By Michael Farzi, Education Program Intern, World Affairs Council

To read an account of Mr. Khouri’s public presentation, please visit the World Affairs Council Blog.