For the AIC Simulation, I represent Walid Muallem, Foreign Affairs Minister for Syria. Thus far in the simulation, I have contacted Catherine Ashton from the European Union to begin negotiations regarding Syria's ability to import oil; whether or not we will be given back the right to import oil into our country. Unfortunately, after a few emails, I have yet to hear back from this European Union representative.
I have also been in touch with a few other country representatives, however, I have not heard back from any of the reps; Ali Akbar Salehi from Iran and Mahmoud Zahhar from Palestinian Hamas.
Syria's goals for this simulation are: To ensure that Palestine is given a seat on the United Nations and to be recognized as an independent state, Regain control over Golan Heights from the Israelis, Regain the ability to import oil into Syria, and Maintain strong relations with Iran.
The European Debt Crisis has rocked and sent the world's economy into turmoil, and our world's economy risks a double dip recession. Greece has been a hot topic in the news over the past weeks and months regarding their economic crisis; bailouts and risk of default. Lots of controversy has surrounded Greece's economic crisis and how their leader is handling the issue. Prime Minister Papandreou has now officially stepped down from office after almost jeopardizing the recent bailout by holding it to a referendum vote. Thankfully, that did not happen however it left countries and investors non-confident about Greece's future.
The European Debt Crisis has rippled its way to Italy; Italy is the next European nation facing significant economic turmoil. To date, Italy holds debt of 119% of their own GDP. Italy must implement strict austerity measures if they hope to a) receive a bailout from the IMF and the European Union, and b) recover and improve their debt. Today, Italy's Prime Minister Berlusconi has stepped down, and Italy has nominated a new Prime Minister to help solve this financial and economic crisis. Mario Monti, former European Commissioner, is now the new Prime Minister for Italy. With Monti's financial and economic background, Italy hopes to improve their economy by implementing strict austerity measures to pull Italy out of this economic turmoil.
Italy will be the next hot topic in the news and must be watched very closely to fully understand this country's economic crisis.
Hello! It is interesting to see that we are having the same difficulties for our AIC simulation. I have sent a variety of communiques out, but have yet to receive any responses. Our goals are actually quite aligned in regards to Palestine as we both are vying for its seat on the United Nations and for it recognized as an independent state. Best of luck in the simulation over the upcoming weeks. In regards to the European Debt Crisis, I am inclined to agree that this state of uncertainty may lead us into another recession. I personally find it interesting how much politics and governmental systems are being influenced by our financial markets. I personally believe that it will be much harder for Italy to recover from its debt because its economy is too big and their debt too large. Hopefully, "Super Mario" will be able to deal with these problems, but we must wait and see.
ReplyDeleteFor the AIC SImulation I had the exact same problem with people not responding to my emails, this really stopped my group from moving forward in achieving our goals. It was very frustrating but I hope that they emailed you back to help you achieve your goals. As for the European Debt Crisis, it was very scary because the world didn't know he effects if Greece had defaulted and it was a stressful time waiting for the European Unions respons as to whether the would help Greece or not. Italy was a similar concern because they were a close second and everyone knew that they would be next to default if they had to. Both countries need to focus on changing their economic state to better the world.
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