SOCHUM - Sunday

Chaos in the final quarter of an hour at SOCHUM. After the voting down of a third resolution , on torture (having already passed two on humanitarian co-ordination) with ten minutes to go, a final resolution was introduced, with five minutes to introduce and debate it, condemning all torture globally. Earlier in the day, in introductory discussions, Jordan advocated the legalization of torture in the presence of a UN representative, whilst Iran called for the abolishment of all current human rights treaties in favour of creating a new one. Finland, in his earlier definition of torture, made reference to David Hasselhoff, Westlife and high heels - perhaps it is best left to the reader to imagine how these three parties related to one another in the speech.

After being one of the first committees to pass a resolution on Saturday evening, a number of delegates expressed their discontent at it being passed without a single amendment, and characterized it as toothless and non-specific. This of course had ramifications for how the other draft resolutions were treated, with that passed on Sunday morning being heavily amended, and those in the afternoon, including the late introductions, dismissed relatively peremptorily.

DISEC - Sunday Morning

A slow start, warmed up by some tinkling of the ivories from the Indian delegate, culminated in a resolution dealing with small arms being passed today in DISEC. The resolution proposed the creation of a new body, the snappily titled UNARM, and the training of national police forces, whilst seeking to respect national sovereignty and the rule of law. Since the resolution was created via the fusion of two previous draft resolutions, support for it was in the end almost unanimous, with only three nations opposing it. Iraq, for instance, felt that the resolution would represent an obstruction of the legal arms trade it considered crucial for its national security.

The committee was throughout the sessions alleviated by moments of humour. The Russian delegate, condemning a proposed amendment from the Democratic Republic of Congo for being simply verbose and redundant, consciously invoked the words of the King, calling for "a little less conversation, a little more action please." The Chairman also caused a slight intake of breath when a letter appeared on the projector reading "Dear admin, the list of awards for DISEC are..." followed immediately afterwards by him copying in the pre-prepared phrase "Do you really think I forgot to turn off the projector?". A warm, if slightly disappointed chortle rippled across the room.

The following were also recipients in DISEC's light-hearted awards ceremony:

Funniest: New Zealand

Runners up - Russia, Yemen, Iran, Kenya

Best Dressed: Ghana

Runners up - Ethiopia, India, The Chairs.

Enough is Enough

By Alex Webb

It is the morning after the night before at LIMUN, and a quick trawl through the committees finds two distinct groups of people. There are those who, bleary-eyed, tenderly cosset a cup of coffee and take in the other group with a combination of bemusement and confusion, those who still look immaculate, and contrive to orate with an eloquence and perspicacity which fails to belie the events of yesterday evening.

Nonetheless, the issue of quoracy does not seem to be a major one. By ten o'clock, an informal check on seven committees found that they were all quorate on the basis of a simple majority, and only two were inquorate in the case of the need for a two-thirds majority. These figures are of course in comparison with how many delegates are sitting on each committee in total. DISEC, one of the larger committees, still only had 45 of its 86 delegates present, hindering its plan to vote on a draft resolution debated yesterday evening. It is clearly a very good turnout this morning, though, perhaps a reflection of Britain's somewhat stringent late night drinking laws, as much as everyone's self-discipline - a shock for those of you who come from countries where all-night drinking is de rigeur.

Quorum can be used as a potent weapon in the UN. Blocks of nations quite frequently walk out on votes they disagree with or threaten to do so, rendering them inquorate. In the build up to the Korean conflict of the 1950s, President Syngman Rhee arrested a number of the Korean National Assembly, leaving it inquorate and unable to vote on issues such as his introduction of martial law. Let us hope the Crisis Committee is out in full force this morning!

UNHRC- Day One.

At the first committee the slavery problems that the world faces, were discussed by the delegates. The definition of a slavery in order to take emergent measures, tried to define most of the participants, especially after Zambia‘s and Italy‘s proposal. The Bosnian delegate talked about human trafficking that defines what slavery is in our days, in order to avoid the philosophical conversations around the definition of the problem. However, some states such as Cuba and Senegal underlined the reasons that cause this major problem and called the rest of the delegates to think about the different aspects of trafficking. Jordan‘s statement that illegal immigration provokes prostitution and other kinds of slavery added a different point of view. Generally, the delegates did not manage to find a mutual point in order to agree.

By Eteoklis Nikolaou

DISEC - Saturday Afternoon

By Alex Webb

A draft resolution sponsored by six states including Russia, Israel, Yemen and the Cote d'Ivoire was discussed this afternoon. Earlier in the day, a resolution was voted down which, whilst calling for the establishment of working groups to encourage disarmament of small groups, rather hazily encouraged greater “transparency in [the] international trade of small arms”. Curiously, this failed resolution also recommended the providing of incentives for armed groups to “give away” their weapons voluntarily. Hopefully this was not intended to direct arms to less fortunate militant groups.

The draft resolution tabled later in the afternoon, which amongst its signatories also counted Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Liberia and Lebanon (whose presence caused some merriment) as well as three others, sought to encourage member states to fight against terrorism, whilst recommending an increase in the remit of the Office of Disarmament (ODA). It suggested the fostering of financial aid for those in need of it in, and an augmentation of trade controls. The signatories and sponsors each expressed individually their support for the motion, with India, a signatory, commending the presence of both “a carrot and a stick”. New Zealand, a non-signatory, was also eager to point out the strength of the resolution.

Despite Kuwait's reservations about a failure to incorporate the terms of other treaties, there was otherwise a remarkable consensus across the Middle East in support of the draft resolution, with Israel aligning itself with other nations in the region. Other nations did express doubt about the motivations behind the resolution, with Indonesia in particular lambasting Russia for encouraging restrictions on small arms whilst benefiting economically from the trade in other defence munitions. Voting will conclude on the draft resolution tomorrow morning.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Saturday Session

By Alex Webb

Two working papers have been discussed today at the WTO, both promoting the formation of new INGOs. The Egyptian delegate proposed a plan whose key tenet was the creation of new regional trade bodies, intended to encourage intra-regional trade, whilst Vietnam and India advocated a consultative body comprising neutral experts. This latter paper proved contentious, with a number of delegates posing questions about the nature of neutrality, and Ghana and Brazil expressing their favour for experts to hail from member states. In opposition to the Egyptian delegate's working paper, the Canadian delegate failed to ingratiate himself with the chairs, declaring that “This working paper is a little bit like Dutch girls: they look nice from afar, but once you get into them...”. The assistant director is a Dutchwoman.

It was agreed at the beginning of the last session of the day that a merging of the two working papers would be discussed.

UN Environmental program (UNED) 1st committee

By Eteoklis Nikolaou

The necessity of taking measures against climate change was underlined by the delegates. The vast majority of the delegates agreed that the existing measures are insufficient. As the Russian Federation's delegate claimed, it is our responsibility to act, adding that Russia is the ‘champion’ among countries fighting against climate change. A different perspective was expressed by the Belgian delegate, who suggested that the existing resolution system should be reformed and a new general body should be created. Furthermore, he added that the European Union is the only international organization which has acted and we expect more organizations to follow this example. A similar opinion was presented by the Italian delegate, who agreed with Belgium and noted that it is time to create international rules, as there is not an international organization which can take as yet take the necessary measures. The lack of limitations and the improvement of the existing institutions were underlined by the US and the UK delegates, who sought to oppose the suggestion made by the Russian and the North Korean delegates for the creation of an international environmental court. By the end of the committee there had been no clear decision whether a new international court should be created or not .

Spotted: Mark Sleboda

The Crisis Director of NATO who has attended "every MUN that mattered in the UK in the past three years": "Because Peace is a continuation of war by other means..."

Academic History:

US Naval Nuclear Power School – Nuclear Engineering/Reactor Operator

Moscow State University – International Relations

Richmond the American International Relations in London – International Relations and Political Science - BA

LSE – MSc candidate IR Theory (currently)

Home town

I was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA. By choice and immigration my hometown is Moscow, Russia.

Longer term career plans

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin’s protégé...

What you look for in a good delegate

Research, rhetoric, and willingness to stand up to me in debate (even after uncountable rounds of vodka the night before)...

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates

Anyone who does not meet the criteria of last answer...

Ideal nation to represent at MUN and why;

There have been a few times when I haven’t represented Russia...

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why;

The USA – I hate playing the bad guys...

Most memorable MUN experience

Operation Pizza Hut to overthrow George Harnett as the US President at Oxford 2008 Crisis...

Funniest/ best MUN pickup line you've heard

Anything that comes out of Asen Genshakov’s (Warwick) mouth after 1am. I stand in awe of the “devil incarnate”.

Most awkward/ embarassing MUN moment (either yours or once you've seen)

No comment...ever...

Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen

Is there a Crisis Committee or Security Council that doesn’t end in a nuclear exchange? Haven’t seen one yet...And after they fly, what’s the point?

One person from history you admire

Lev Davidovich Bronstein – aka Trotsky

How do you prevent the committee sessions from getting too dry?

Invade someone...or everyone...

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

Just replace the damn thing with a Great Power Poker Game or bring back duelling by pistol...

What do you think is the biggest global issue?

Seriously? Climate Change.

Three random facts about you

1. Frequently recited about me when someone finds out I’m in their committee, “Oh shit it’s that scary guy!”

2. I’m not that scary. Really...

3. Martini cocktails is my preferred drug of choice...

Spotted: Eric Schmidt

Truly global: Director of the African Union, born in Germany, studying in London, who has attended more MUNs than he can list.

Academic History:

Currently Queen Mary University of London - 2nd yr International relations

2007-2008 (discon.)

University of Aberystwyth - International Politics & Intelligence Studies

2004 - 2007

Ship Broker apprenticeship with Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics AS, Bremen, Germany

Home Town:

Bremen, Germany - Home of Beck's Beer & Werder Bremen

Career plans:

Whatever well paid professions are left after the crisis
What you look for in a good delegate:

The ability to convince others of the righteous and, similiarly important, the ability to be convinced by others.
What traits do you not appreciate in delegates:

Arrogance & the inability to handle criticism

Ideal nation to represent in a MUN:

Venezuela, because one can stick it to the man
Nation you'd least like to represent in a MUN:

USA - ever since George W. left, all the Kissinger style realism disappeared

Most memorable MUN experience:

China about the delegate of the UK

'Although he may sound like the British Broadcasting Corporation, his brain is full of the Cable News Network'

Funniest MUN pick up line you've ever heard:

Never really saw the sense in those. A simple 'how are you doing? I would love to buy you a drink, if thats ok' usually works a lot better:-)

One currently active international figure you admire:

Hugo Chavez - for sticking it to the man!

One person from history you admire:

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?
Please, I could write my dis on that :-)

What do you think is the biggest global issue?
Food Security and the effects of asymmetrical globalization

Three random facts about you
1. I am 26

2. I am completely useless, when it comes to recognizing celebrities

3. I think being a delegate is soo much more fun than being a chair:-)

Spotted: He-in Cheong

Director of EU on her journey from falling asleep in a High-school MUN to becoming a MUN whiz..

> Home town
That's such a difficult question for me! I was born in Seoul, Korea
but I lived in Berlin, Germany for 10 years. So when I go back to
Seoul, I feel like a foreigner. So I guess my home town is Berlin?

> Longer term career plans
Mechanical Engineer!!

> What you look for in a good delegate

Any tolerable delegate with great persuasive skills and excellent
background knowledge of the country s/he's representing.

> What traits do you not appreciate in delegates

Arrogance, and when a delegate expects an award, it makes the chairs
not want to give you one. the conference is not about the award.

> Ideal nation to represent at MUN and why;

Any EU nation is easier for me to represent because I know the most
about EU countries, but any country with a strong view is more fun to
represent. Like North Korea in IAEA would be exciting.

> Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why;

Holy See. You don't get to vote..

> Funniest/ best MUN pickup line you've heard

Delegate of Brazil's Pom-pom tastes so spicy! (Insider)

> Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen

At every conference printing is such a BIG issue!!

> How hard is it not to get involved in debates and maintain neutrality?

Sometimes you just want to stand up and tell each individual what to
say, but I play that in my head instead of acting it out for real.

> One currently active international (political etc) figure you admire

Ban Ki Mun

> How do you prevent the committee sessions from getting too dry?

Bring in water! Give breaks, open windows, and send some delegates
notes with ideas to make the debate more interesting.

> In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

Korea should be a permanent member of the Security Council, please. Ha-ha.

> Three random facts about you

-I love mechanical clocks
-I make politically incorrect jokes (I won't make them at MUN...I'll
try at least)
-I love crazy adventures

Secretariat Polls

Some awards you just don’t want to win..

• The miracle-worker: Katinka
• Most dependable: Aneesh
• Who you'd like to work with most: Aneesh
• Perfectionist: Alizeh
• Most likely to get out of trouble by smiling: Victoria
• Most entertaining: Anmol
• Most likely to sell their soul for a doughnut: Isabella
• Most likely to stay calm in an emergency: Nicholas
• Most likely to be a superhero in disguise: Luis
• Most likely to change their profile picture on fb daily: Luis
• Most likely to survive a zombie attack: Nicholas
• Most likely to keep their New Year's Resolution: Kai
• Most likely to be polite to machines: Victoria
• Most likely to spend all their money in Starbucks: Katinka
• Most likely to see the good in everyone: Alizeh

Spotted: Catherine Moore.

Cat’s take on Drugs, Crime and the rest of the world..

Home town: Atlanta, GA

Career plans: Start with a career in International Law, work with the UN and then start my political career in the state of New York and eventually go on to become President of the US in 2041 (that's right everyone, watch out!)

A good delegate is:

Well- prepared, factual, eloquent, a good negotiator. They must know when to speak and when to listen.

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates: Tardiness, speaking after their time has elapsed or just for the sake of speaking and not saying anything.

Ideal nation to represent at MUN: I would much rather have a slightly controversial country like Zimbabwe or Venezuela to spice up debate a bit.

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN and why: United States...I'll be doing that enough later in life!

Most memorable MUN experience: In GAPLEN at LIMUN 2009, the delegate from Zimbabwe took his shoe off after voting "No-with rights" and proceeded to beat the copy of the resolution on the floor with his shoe. He was expressing his distaste for all things contained in that resolution. Needless to say, the resolution passed.

Funniest MUN pickup line you’ve ever heard: "I'll bang your gavel so hard you'll scream decorum."

Most awkward MUN moment: A guy walked into a committee session, sat down, raised his placard, was recognized, and began giving an eloquent speech....on the wrong topic! Turns out he was supposed to be in the committee next door and had just walked too far down the hall without realizing it!

Largest MUN conflict you've ever been a part of or seen: I've watched delegates yell at each other over who stole who's words for a clause or an amendment. It's all a bit inane really as we should be trying to work towards a common goal and not worried about who gets "credit" for something!

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN? Security Council reform: They still wield some power and influence, but it would be interesting to see how a SC without those 5 on it would operate.

Spotted: Maxim Shmelev.

Meet Max, the Director of the WTO, who just returned from chairing a MUN in Dubai.

Home Town: Moscow. Some say, the most expensive city in the world. I say, yes, real estate might be quite overpriced though you can find "Made in England" merchandise at half price. It is a city of contradictions. And I love it.

Course: BA in International economic relations

What you look for in a good delegate: Competence, eloquence and a sense for the particularities of the country he or she represents.

What traits do you not appreciate in delegates: When they do not appreciate the procedure. Mind you: should you interrupt a vote, I'll jinx you.

Ideal nation to represent at MUN: Greece or the UK: The Greeks are the only European nation who can afford to be emotional, and the UK is the only country to effectively be able to "teach" other delegations.

Nation you'd least like to be at an MUN: Unexpectedly enough: my home nation, the Russian Federation. Everyone expects too much of you, and it is only too easy to fall short of those expectations.

Most memorable MUN experience - ScotMUN: We had Japan sending around notes in origami birds, the USA sipping at their Starbucks at every session, China finishing every statement with a quote from Mao.

Funniest MUN pickup line: Germany: "UK, we could form a European coalition. Would you like to be my sponsor?"

UK: "Yeah, I could read your draft resolution"

How hard is it not to get involved in debates and maintain neutrality?

If that is your aim, you may keep silent. Or try to show that you are far more competent than the other delegates, and that their fuss merely amuses you. Turn on the God mode and be neutral.

In what way would you change the permanent composition of the UN?

I would not.

What do you think is the biggest global issue?

Sovereignty. In all senses: economic, political, legal; real and supposed. That includes unilateral declaration of independence that falls short of international law, sovereign wealth funds that use the freedom of investment to pursue political aims, MNCs that breach the productive sovereignty of a given country, humanitarian intervention that justifies military action etc.

Three random facts about you:

- I am a tea-addict.

- I switched from karate to figure skating.

- I lived in Paris for three months and had no hint of romantic feeling.

The LIMUN Tarot.

A little karma to get you started..

Aries

Mercury is positioned just right for a heated debate. Your persuasion and articulation skills will be at their peak. The opposition by Mars may cause arguments later in the conference so make sure you're not fighting alone. The prettier your allies, the better.

Taurus

Networking opportunities will be excellent so make sure you're comfortable with change. If English isn't your first language, don't let it get in your way: it only makes you exotic. Be noticed- just for the right reasons.

Gemini

If life isn't as challenging as you would like it to be, it's time to stir things up. Introduce the motions you've had on your mind for a while.

Cancer

While you may feel the urge to stay low because of a jealous Leo, impressions need to be made quickly. You will emerge the king of unmoderated caucuses.

Leo

Try not to get into unnecessary disagreements and hear people out. You'll find yourself a part of an unlikely alliance. Dance your way to success in the socials.

Virgo

Work slowly. Try to let the session play out- at least for a while. Suppress the urge to constantly take points of personal privilege. There are only so many important phone calls you can get.

Libra

If you're not sure whether or not you should intervene in the ongoing conflict, it's partly because you don't really know what's going on. Shift your attention towards the actual debate. The world is yours for the taking.

Scorpio

The gavel is sweet on you. It wont take too much effort to tilt either the debate or that delegate you've been looking at in your favour. Even the planets favour you: go straight for the gold!

Sagittarius

Massive amounts of praise will be heaped upon you if you play your cards right. However, do not let this cloud your judgment about a certain figure of authority.

Capricorn

All the drama may seem a little daunting. When things get too intense, take a step backwards. Focus on enjoying every minute. Note-passing was made to be abused. That's how everyone finds love at these things.

Aquarius

All eyes are on you. If you're planning on making a move, make it smooth. Word of advise: Right of Reply is tricky business.

Pisces

Though you have a lot of issues to keep track of, remember appearances are everything. Do not let the outside world get to you. A little level headedness and diplomacy will have your adversaries reconsidering their stances.

Overheard at LIMUN

..Because truth is often blurted out in a moment of weakness..

· First person: Any points or motions?
Second person: To bring you back from Japan.
All delegates: Motions don't mean wishes.

· On Facebook group: "I hasten to presume sexual favours would suffice. If you're really strapped for cash, that is."
Not cool, guys.

· Angry Polish delegate: "Last time I checked, I wasn't that Polish."

· After a couple of dozen queries: "Okay.. I'm done with the wall post bombardment!"
I don’t think you’re the only one who heaved a sigh of relief there.

· "Hi, I was thinking of applying and was just wondering if there was anybody appointed to make sure I'm safe and happy.. like Under Secretary General for Internal Peace and Security or something?"
And this is why our Secretariat members get no sleep.

· Guy delegate: " 'Dress code: Cocktail dress.'- is that for guys as well?"
Our patient Social Events Officer: "You know what I mean."
Delegate (disappointed): ":( I want to wear a cocktail dress."
Sort your personal issues in your own time. Really.

· On LIMUN fb group: "LOOKING FORWARD TO MEET WONDERFUL PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE WORLD. LETS MAKE THIS WORLD FREE OF CONFLICTS, SECURITY ISSUES, TERRORISM. WARS, MILITARY CONFLICTS, POVERTY, HATRED AND ROOT OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. WE CAN SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, PEACE AND HARMONY. AS TOGETHER WE CAN AND WE WILL MAKE THIS... WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN. SEE YOU ALL AT LIMUN 20TEN. CHEERSSSSSSSS."
Wow. Enthusiastic much?

· Angry delegate: "But.. but.. the US has given us AIDS."
At LIMUN, we take it slowly. VERY slowly.

• Delegate: "..I mean I love Ban Ki-Moon. He's an example of the good people that come out of China."
  Last time I checked, he was from South Korea.
  
  
• Delegate buying merchandise: "And I'll go shove this in her face then. I'm at LIMUN, baby."

The Medals Of Our Defeat.

By Calum Young

Despite the recent upsurge in Taliban violence, victory is still possible, if London and Washington redefine the war they are fighting in Afghanistan

When Eduard Shevardnadze, the last Soviet Foreign Minister, arrived in Kabul in 1989 he knew the situation was difficult. The Soviet Union was financially bankrupt and its satellites were capitalising on this weakness by exerting pressure on the centre. Moscow could no longer afford to maintain its presence in Afghanistan and both Shevardnadze and the international community knew it.

In fairness the Russians’ dilemma was not all of their own making. By the late eighties the American government was happy to see Moscow humiliated in Afghanistan. The CIA wanted revenge for Vietnam and was only too pleased to watch an erstwhile rival retreat following an overseas debacle. Support from Islamabad was also not-forthcoming. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s government in Pakistan had opted to tow the American line. She refused to support further intervention. Thus, Shervadnadze went home isolated. Two weeks late he recalled Soviet troops and awaited defeat.

The great irony is that the Soviets didn’t lose. For three years after the Russian withdrawal, the government they backed led by President Mohammed Najibullah remained in place. Using networks of patronage, political cunning and the promise of infrastructure development the combined might of Taliban warlords were kept at bay. This was a victory of sorts for Najibullah who was eventually exiled in 1992 and it illustrates the path toward securing Afghanistan today.

As the American General Stanley McChrystal has noted, the U.S cannot shoot its way to victory. Power does not grow out of the barrel of a gun in a country where anyone inclined to can purchase an AK-47. American power lies in its wallet not its armoury. Just as Najibullah maintained his position through circulating patronage through a complex web of chieftains and local War Lords, Washington can as well. The Taliban are not united by ideology, class, or ethnicity. Afghanistan is a nation divided by five mile strips in a semi-feudal system which governs the localities. Language and customs change as often as the terrain. Rather, what unites the American enemy is financial convenience.

Most of the, often illiterate, men who make-up the Taliban have fought for numerous other causes in the last twenty years. Usually, allegiances swap according to which ruler holds preponderance over an individual’s township. Other fighters have been driven into the Taliban’s ranks by the coalition’s decision to decimate Opium production in the opening months of occupation. Afghanistan still remains the world’s biggest Heroin supplier and if that industry is targeted again, support for Western Intervention will be further challenged.

What this amounts to is a sacrifice of ideals. Circulating patronage and allowing Opium production to continue will ultimately mean doing deals with amoral and often violent members of the Taliban elite. This is a subject which both Washington and London are divided on. But there have been signs that the position of local leaders is becoming more flexible. In a ten-page statement drafted in November of 2009, Mullah Omar, a Taliban leader pledged that the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would take constructive measures together with all countries towards mutual cooperation’.

This is not to say the British and American troops are pursuing mistaken objectives. Stable democracy, the rule of law and a developing economy based on legal goods are not ignoble goals for Afghanistan. They are merely unobtainable. Coalition forces lack the knowledge to unpick the labyrinth of Afghan politics which steeped in an obscured inheritance from the middle-ages. Western armies since their arrival have lacked language abilities, even now, 9 years on there is a shortfall of Dari Persian and Pashto speakers. Despite their superficial might, foreign armies also lack the numbers and finance to achieve their goals. At a time when international aid budgets are more stretched than ever, a genuine long term commitment is unlikely. A simple comparison is the number of troops required to restore peace to Kosovo in the mid nineties, which reached 1 soldier per 2000 of the population. In Afghanistan that figure is 1 soldier per 200,000.

However, all is not stacked against Washington and London should they choose a path of dialogue. For centuries the road toward control of Kabul has led through Islamabad and there is reason to believe that Pakistan’s current government may welcome American diplomatic efforts. Certainly, the current government would not welcome a total American withdrawal. The prospect of civil war developing in the backyard and the destruction of influence in Kabul is not in Islamabad’s interests. Pakistani officials also fear the rise of Indian interest in the region which could displace their own interest. In December 2009, intelligence reports from ISI ( the Pakistani intelligence forces) briefed that they would use their power over Taliban officials to initiate discussion - a significant breakthrough in relations.

Success in Afghanistan has ceased to be a question of honour. Coalition forces must do away with anachronistic conceptions of neo-imperialism if they are to achieve real success on the ground and obtain security. Bargains with the Taliban are not easily struck and few diplomats are in favour of dealing with individuals with such violent records. However these are necessary evils if the success of Najibullah is to be repeated. Often the greatest victories are the least glorious.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) - Friday and Saturday Morning

Unique on the KCL campus in being fully convened and in session at 18:15 on Friday evening, by the conclusion of discussions that evening the first topic, “The Impact of the Financial Crisis on the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals” had been chosen for discussion on Saturday. Three working papers were debated on Saturday morning, and the paper which enjoyed the most signatories, with 28 of 70 delegates, advocated the freezing of foreign debt repayments. Scruples were perhaps inevitably raised by the American delegation, which suggested that the World Bank had already made provisions for the freezing of debt repayments. The Russian delegate managed to cause a ripple of laughs when he commented that “the Russian delegation would like to congratulate the authors of this working paper... of which we are one,”. Early in the afternoon a draft resolution with eight sponsors was proposed by the USA, which recommended a new framework for aid distribution. It fell, however, at the first hurdle, and failed even to enter into discussion.

By Alex Webb

Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) - Friday and Saturday morning

DISEC has thus far been characterized by enthusiastic engagement from the majority of delegates, with a high proportion keen to express their opinions at all times. The Friday evening session was livened by a fiery debate catalyzed by Haiti, whose advocacy of a regional small arms task force was branded “completely ridiculous” by the Russian delegate, who felt fewer controls were more practicable. When Iran expressed their support for Russia's point of view, it was immediately condemned by Israel as typical of Iran's foreign policy. The chairs intend working papers to be discussed this afternoon.

By Alex Webb

Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM) - Friday and Saturday

SOCHUM got off to an inauspicious start on Friday. An entertaining warm-up debate on the assertion that "Batman is better than Superman" was dampened by the discovery that permanent marker had been used on the board in the absence of a working projector. Nonetheless, it was decided by the close of play that Topic 2, "Strengthening of the co-ordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the UN", should be the first issue to be tackled on Saturday. An informative talk by Jane Waite, the Head of Humanitarian Policy at the British Red Cross, was given in the morning. She covered issues such as the co-ordination of Humanitarian Assistance, and problems in Sudan and Haiti, and how issues of state sovereignty can sometimes hinder the efforts of the Red Cross. This was followed by a series of unmoderated caucuses as delegates sought to establish how they planned to gear the debate. A slow start, but the networking and extended preparation promise an interesting few sessions to follow.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Friday and Saturday

The first two sessions at ECOSOC seem to have teed up the debate nicely for the weekend. On the Friday evening a broad debate about how to distribute aid encapsulated issues such as who should receive aid in Somalia - the government, the people, or the neighbouring states to which refugees flee. This did, however, create something of a minefield for some of the delegates for whom English was not the first language, with slips such as "Giving AIDS to vulnerable citizens" rife. After the motion to adjourn to the global village was passed by a large majority at the end of Friday's session, the Namibian delegate objected vociferously, albeit with tongue stuck firmly in cheek, that "people are dying, man!".

This morning's session covered working papers on Somalia, with a core group lead by Australia and India urging training of police forces and greater communication between relevant parties. Despite the wide support for the paper, reservations were expressed by nations such as Venezuela and Niger over encroachment on Somalia's sovereignty, advocating greater inclusion of the Somalian government in the measures proposed.

A guide to the area between Waterloo and Trafalgar Square

The axis between Waterloo and Trafalgar Square, both named after famous victories in the Napoleonic Wars, dissects the boundary between London's political and cultural hubs. Trafalgar Square sits at the heart of the famous West End, whilst the bustling South Bank, with its street performers, book stalls, concert halls and theatres, overlooks the Thames to the north of Waterloo. To the west is the seat of Britain's democracy, Westminster, where government ministries neighbour one other, and the nation's politicos scurry between lobbyists and power brokers, ensuring that both the cogs of government and the greasy pole of politics are well oiled. Here, the LIMUN Eye picks out a few spots worthy of a visit in the area.

The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery

Situated at the top of Trafalgar Square, these two free galleries house some of the most famous works in the world. Appropriately, in The National Gallery you will find Hans Holbein's renowned trompe l'oeil, The Ambassadors, as well as the work of more modern artists such as van Gogh and Monet. The National Portrait Gallery has an equally eclectic collection, boasting works by artists such as Lucian Freud and Julian Opie, with his famous Blur album cover. The new Irving Penn exhibition promises to be worth a visit, with its iconic images of personalities as diverse as Francis Bacon, Alfred Hitchcock, Nicole Kidman and Rudolf Nureyev. The two galleries are open until 18:00 over the weekend.

The Mall and Whitehall

A short walk from Canada House, at the south of Trafalgar Square, you will find two of London's most prominent roads. Passing under Admiralty Arch, a ten minute walk down The Mall to Buckingham Palace takes you past the opulent Carlton House Terrace, where you will find the Institute of Contemporary Arts with its new Billy Childish Exhibition, and the elegant St James's Park to the south, should you fancy some space to relax in. Walking directly south from Trafalgar Square takes you down Whitehall, past the Cenotaph, the Household Cavalry, 10 Downing Street and the Foreign Office, down to Parliament Square and the Houses of Parliament at the other end.

Gordon's Wine Bar

Claiming to be the oldest wine bar in London, this cellar bar sits on Villiers Street, between Charing Cross and Embankment. With the cheapest glasses priced at £3.95, this place might not be cheap, but the atmosphere certainly makes up for it.

The Chandos or The Lyceum

For the more spendthrift amongst you, these two congenial Sam Smith's pubs offer good drinks at sensible prices, with The Chandos at the north east corner of Trafalgar Square and The Lyceum a little further down the Strand.

The Whitehall Cafe

Whilst it might appear inauspicious from the outside, this little cafe, tucked between two pubs at the top of Whitehall, offers very reasonably priced freshly-made sandwiches, ranging from £2 to £4.50 in price. A broad range of choice is available, from smoked salmon to coronation chicken, and there is a seating area at the back should you want to shelter from the February chill.

The South Bank

Home to the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, British Film Institute and London Eye, this is a vibrant centre of culture. Those of you not keen on attending the LIMUN socials might try to get the £10 tickets available for critically acclaimed productions such as David Hare's appraisal of the credit crunch, The Power of Yes, at the National. It also hosts a number of chain restaurants, shops, street performers, and, slightly further down, the London Eye. Probably offering the best views over London, this 135m ferris wheel, erected for the Millennium, is likely to be very busy over this half term week, so booking the half hour 'flights' via their website, www.londoneye.com, is recommended. Although the £16 a head is perhaps a little steep, if the weather is good you can see right the way down to Canary Wharf in the east and Richmond Park in the west.