Chair: Anas Sarhan
Director: Arzu Komili
Background Guide: Download [UPDATED]
Committee Positions: Download [DOC]
In the upcoming PICSim 2006 conference, the crisis simulation focuses on the current situation in the Middle East . At first glance, it seems that this conflict is all-too familiar to provide a basis for substantial debate. However, you will be quick to realize how multifaceted this issue is, especially if you live up to your role in terms of political, social, economic, and religious views. This crisis committee will simulate the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and deliberate on internal and foreign issues. This committee will be headed by His Excellency King Abdullah, and consist of the Prime Minister and other honorable Ministers.
It is essential to sound crisis simulation that Jordan 's views are properly and correctly expressed. This proves to be an interesting point in Jordanian policy, as the current monarch has conducted several modifications in the government, coupled with the appointing of several new ministers, including a new Prime Minister. In recent years, the late King Hussein and his current successor, his son, King Abdullah, have strived to reach a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis while remaining staunch supporters of Arab interest, such as a sovereign Palestinian state and a sovereign Iraqi state. Some have described Jordan as "the Switzerland of the Middle East ", in that it strives to find peace in it region during an era of turbulence. However, one must be careful drawing such an analogy; Jordan remains adamant with regards to its goals for the region.
Jordan has traversed economic barriers that several Arab nations imposed upon themselves, and has created numerous economic ties to the Western World. Its economy has thrived in the past few decades and proves to have a promising future. Recently, the World Economic Forum has designated Jordan as the host for its upcoming summit, and a conference hall is currently being built along the shore of the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth). Culturally, Jordan remains slightly divided between a conservative faction and an extremely liberal social class. In recent years, society has witnessed a movement towards more liberal mentalities with relatively little tension. In May 2004, terrorist attacks involving the use of biological weapons of mass destruction on the Jordanian Intelligence Headquarters, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and several government officials' residences were prevented (by means of effective Intelligence - The Jordanian Intelligence Agency is widely ranked amongst the top ten national intelligence agencies of the world).
It is strongly advised that all members of this committee become learned on Jordan 's current affairs, and to remain informed on current happenings in Jordan and the Middle East in general. Of course, the CIA World Factbook can provide a foundation for your knowledge of Jordan 's government, politics, economics, developmental issues, and so on. However, this will not suffice; several news sources may be consulted, including all mainstream news broadcasting agencies (it tends to be that the majority find BBC to be one of the least biased news networks). It is appropriate to consult Al-Jazeera and the Jordan Times on a regular basis (although it is hard to find Al-Jazeera on television or the Jordan Times in print, both news sources have websites that relay the day's news in article form). If any concerns, queries, or comments arise, please do not hesitate to contact Anas Sarhan, the chair of the committee, at asarhan@princeton.edu . Note: a more detailed background guide for general use will be available on the website shortly.