BACKGROUND GUIDE THE NEW AL- ANDALOUS 2035: VS. NORTH AFRICA

26 - 28TH OF MARCH 2021 MEDITERRANEAN MODEL UNITED NATIONS

s e c r e t a r i a t @ m e d m u n . o r g h t t p s : / / w w w . m e d m u n . o r g TABLE OF CONTENTS p.4 Acknowledgements p.5 Future Crisis Staff Members p. 8 Function & Composition of the Committee p.11 About the Topic p.12 Historical Context Timeline of Events p.16 Current Situation p.17 Maps & Graphics p.18 Committee Objectives p.19 Committee Matrix p.20 Committee Actors - Spanish Cabinet p.25 Committee Actors - UNAF p.30 Questions to Consider / Possible Scenarios p.31 Works Cited p.32 Your Chair Chair: Inbal Amir

Topics : Unrest and Violent National Formation. Constitutionalism and Reform. Gaining International Support. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to the MEDMUN Crisis Staff 2019 for preparing a draft version of the Function and Composition of Committees section of this background guide. FUTURE CRISIS STAFF MEMBERS Samuel Hodman is a second-year student at Sciences Po Campus de Menton and an American national. Samuel is excited to expand on his Model Congress and MUN experience by stepping into the role of Crisis Director for the 2021 Conference. When it comes to MEDMUN, he is passionate about how politics, warfare, and developmental economics are evolving - both globally, and more specifically in the Middle East (obviously.) He hopes to make this year’s crisis experience immersive in all these fields, and encourages delegates to put their machiavellian minds to work! Samuel believes that, even if limited, Crisis is an excellent way to bring the complexities and dynamic nature of MENA issues - in the world of the past, present, or future - to a more understandable, more human scale. With MEDMUN 2021, he hopes to make the best of this opportunity, and immerse this year’s delegates in a truly unique experience! He wants to challenge his delegates and staff researchers to deeply understand each crisis on the human scale and tactfully imagine the consequences of every action. Above all, he hopes to make each crisis personal and informative, so that MEDMUN 2021 can be enriching for everyone. Samuel looks forward to diving into the world of the future with you and he is especially enthused to see where the delegates take the New al-Andalus 2035 Crisis.

Laura Fairlamb is an American second year student at Sciences Po Paris, Campus de Menton in the Dual BA with Columbia University. She is currently pursuing a major in Politics and Government at Sciences Po and plans to major in Human Rights when she moves to New York next year. In Menton, she is particularly passionate about tying her studies to action by volunteering with refugees and advocating for their rights. Outside of class, she enjoys sharing meals with friends, playing soccer, and soaking up the sun at Sablettes. Laura's MUN experience comes from her role as a crisis staffer for MEDMUN 2020 and her work prior to Sciences Po as the Secretary General of her High School MUN club where she participated in local conferences as well as those in Venice, Italy and Querétaro, Mexico. Laura is forever grateful to MUN for introducing her to the world of International Relations. She looks forward to sharing this love through her role as a Crisis Staffer. Gabrielle (Gigi) Hodes is a first-year student in Menton and is currently enrolled in the Dual BA program with Columbia University. She was born in Manhattan, New York, and lived there until she was 10, when she and her family moved on a sailboat and spent almost two years sailing around the Caribbean, finally settling in Panama. She lived there for seven years before coming to France for her university studies. MUN has been a passion of hers for the last four years, and she has participated in ten conferences in places like Buenos Aires, The Hague, Cartagena, and now, the Mediterranean. Apart from MUN, she enjoys dancing, reading, and hanging out with friends, but she particularly loves debate because she loves to understand how different people think and form their opinions. She is very excited to be part of the Crisis team for this year’s MEDMUN conference. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. See you in the spring!

Angelina Gutierrez is a second year, Swiss-Costa Rican student studying economics at Sciences Po Paris, campus of Menton. Born in Venezuela and later moving to Costa Rica where she attended the French Lycée in San Jose, she considers these two countries to be central to her identity, alongside Switzerland, of course. When not in class, Angelina can be found coheading the campus environmental association, swimming in the sea and enjoying the great outdoors. She’s passionate about the MENA region, especially as it relates to economics, politics or the environment. Fluent in French, Spanish and English, but always eager to try something new, Angelina works on her Arabic and Italian to better immerse herself in the Mediterrenean culture. She’s very excited to participate for a second year as a crisis staffer in this amazing MEDMUN 2021 experience!

Sofie Højstrup Overgaard is a second year student at Sciences Po Paris, Campus de Menton. Born and raised in Denmark, she early on gained an interest in global politics, which she developed further when she helped found and run her high school's MUN club. She participated in many conferences around Denmark and Germany, and also helped start up her school's very own conference. Her interest in global politics is also what brought her to Menton, where she hopes to embark on new and exciting experiences as part of the crisis team. In her spare time, she enjoys spending her time at Sablettes listening to her friends play guitar, or on a quick run through the beautiful city.

Vanessa Wedick is a Canadian second year student in the Dual BA between Sciences Po, Campus de Menton and the University of British Columbia. Born in Vietnam and having lived in the United Arab Emirates, Spain, India and Canada, she has had the privilege of experiencing numerous diverse cultures which has helped develop her keen interest in global affairs and the MENA region. Participating in MedMUN last year and having done eleven previous conferences across Canada, Model UN and crisis hold a special place in her heart. Some of her best high school memories are from crisis committees that allowed her to think unconventionally, strategically and enjoy fruitful debate. Vanessa hopes to recreate this experience for MedMUN delegates this year.

Zaidie Long is in her second year at the Menton campus of SciencesPo Paris and is part of a dual degree program with the University of California, Berkeley. While she has participated in MUN in the past, she is excited to be part of the Crisis team for the first time this year. From Portland, Oregon in the United States, Zaidie also lived in Taiwan for a year, where she built friendships with students from all over the world, and hopes that MEDMUN can be an opportunity for participants to do the same. Zaidie is interested in international relations, environmental economics and policy, as well conflict and behavior, and has considered pursuing a career in diplomacy, although she is glad she has a few more years to think about it. She has been interested in the Mediterannean and Middle East in international politics since high school, although it was often overlooked in her classes in the US, and she wishes she’d been able to attend an event like MEDMUN at that time. She hopes that, through reflecting real world dynamics in embellished Crisis scenarios, delegates can gain a better understanding of the politics of the region, of negotiation and diplomacy in general, and build skills that will be applicable no matter the career they decide to pursue.

FUNCTION AND COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

As delegates, you are the main actors in this conference. Your individual actions will dictate the outcome of the simulation. Because of this, it is necessary to be well informed about your roles and capabilities during the crisis. It is important to note that MUN Rules of Procedure do not apply in crisis committees and that debate should be fluid and fast- paced, with the chair facilitating these exchanges.

As the crisis staff, we will be providing you with information, called updates. This can be classified into press releases in which information is released to all committees, memos, in which we will provide information or advice to one committee, digital updates that are sent to you through your chairs, or individual intelligence briefs for you or your committee.

We expect you to react to our updates and create your own output, which includes: Press releases (unilateral or multilateral): One or more delegates makes a statement on an issue or event, and transmits it to the crisis staff for distribution to all committees. Individual Action Orders: A request made by a delegate for an action to be carried out on his or her behalf. (For example: The Minister of Intelligence asks the crisis staff to bribe the bodyguards of the president, or the Minister of Defense asks to move 5000 troops to surround the city of Alexandria.) Communiqués: A formal message sent from one delegate or committee to another delegate or committee. Committee Directive: An entire committee collectively makes a major decision. (For example: Signing a treaty, making trade agreements, etc.)

Additionally, committee interaction is necessary. These interactions could be in the form of: Negotiations that can be organized between committees. Delegates can either request to meet other delegates on their own behalf or in the name of the committee, in which case he or she would be nominated and then chosen through a vote. A delegate from a committee could also be asked to come to address another entire committee. One of the main features of our conference is war games. Because of the volatile context of the simulation, some delegates will face each other in a series of war games.

The delegates will have to make decisions about troop movements, tactics, and military operations using maps of armed forces locations for reference. The games will be conducted on a turn by-turn basis to make a decision and inform the head of war games. Delegates will have all necessary information at their disposal to make the best decision possible.

Capabilities

Each delegate in the simulation has specific tools at his or her disposal to dictate the course of events, known as portfolio powers. Your portfolio powers will be provided to you, and you can send a note to the chair asking specific questions about your powers. For instance, the Minister of Agriculture of Micronesia has no control over Micronesia's navy; hence, he or she cannot use it. However, the head of an intelligence agency has control over spies, assassins, etc. and can use them appropriately.

The tools at your disposal vary based on the persona, position, influence, etc. of your character. Each action a delegate takes will have ramifications on many levels. Thus, do not underestimate areas such as the economy, society, and diplomacy; they are important factors to consider. We will reward delegates who can include them in their performance to increase the simulation’s realism.

Constraints and Limits

An essential aspect of the crisis simulation is striving to achieve your objectives while staying on the policy. The thin line between fiction and reality should dictate your actions in the simulation. To respect this line, we will operate on a reward/penalty basis. In other words, your objective should be achievable with the highest degree of realism, respecting the interests of your character and your committee. For every request you make, we will be evaluating the authenticity and quality of your request, its alignment with your character’s policy, and its usefulness to the simulation. Our penalty system will operate as follows: We will send warnings to delegates operating off policy, followed by a personal brief from a crisis staff member. If all of the above fails, we will have no choice but to terminate your character. If you are the Minister of Agriculture of Micronesia and continually want us to blow up the White House with a nuclear warhead that you do not possess, expect to appear in an execution video. Keep in mind that if your character is terminated, it may be for other reasons as well—assassinations tend to happen in times of war in divided countries.

It is of utmost importance that any committee-wide public action or press release you make be confirmed by your home government (which the Crisis Staff will be simulating if it is not present in the simulation). ABOUT THE TOPIC The story of the relationship between the Iberian peninsula and North Africa is a long and contentious one. After the Arab-Berber invasion of the Iberian peninsula in 711, the peninsula witnessed the subsequent foundation of several Islamic states known under the shared name of Al-Andalus. While rarely united as one, these states lasted until the fall of the final caliphate in Granada in 1492. Roles would reverse with the later attempts by Spain to gain control of parts of North Africa, as seen in the formation of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco in 1912.

In more recent events, the Gibraltar strait separating the Iberian peninsula from North Africa has seen an increase in the crossing of immigrants from North and Subsaharan Africa into Spain in search of job opportunities. With the economic down spiral caused by the 2008 financial crisis, many native Spaniards have adopted anti-immigrant opinions.

The Magreb embarked upon the gradual process of independence during the 20th century (Tunisia and Morocco in 1956 and finally Algeria in 1962,) leading to its evolution into modern, independent states. Tunisia gathered world wide attention as the birthplace of the Arab Spring with the self-immolation of a street vendor in response to government corruption and low standards of living. The protests subsequently spread to the rest of the Arab world bringing change to several regimes in the Arab world, whilst others persisted against demands for more inclusive democratic institutions and economic reforms. Across the Maghreb, protestors called for reform and an end to Agra - the indignity of pervasive corruption and substandard conditions.

The crisis unfolds in 2035 after a series of events has led Spain to leave the EU (#Spanxit). This decision comes on the heels of a larger feeling of abandonment following the damages of the last recession and coronavirus having ravaged their economies. Big EU players were constantly denying requests for more financial support and aid to help Spain bounce back. Spain is now left vulnerable without any close allies, broken by internal conflict. Furthermore, they are facing the risk of an incoming invasion by the United North African Front (UNAF), a coalition consisting of discontent citizens from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, they are still left discontent with the current circumstances in their home countries, the persistent indignity, corruption, and economic woes. In response to this, they have chosen to unite under a new charismatic leader, and migrate to invade Spain with the goal of creating a new Al-Andalus - a new state built on their own ideas. That is, of course, if they can agree. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND TIMELINE OF EVENTS YEARS EVENTS 2020 The Coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the globe has taken its toll on Spain, who has endured substantial human and economic losses. The lack of a united European response to the pandemic leaves the Spanish people disillusioned by the European project, with sentiments of having been abandoned growing in the country.

2023 During the Spanish general election of 2023, we see the far right party, Vox moving from the third to second largest party in parliament. This is attributed to the growing support for anti-European Union and anti- islamic attitudes and beliefs which have stemmed from the rising number of migrants attempting to enter Spain.

2025 After a Coronavirus vaccine has been developed and distributed to a large share of the world the World Health Organization finally declares the pandemic over allowing countries to concentrate on neglected aspects of their country such as the economy or international relations.

2026 An economic down spiral left a large part of the youth in the Maghreb unemployed and thus dissatisfied with their current government and situation. This gave rise to large protests demanding more economic and political reforms. These protests occurred all over the Arab world during what became known as the Arab Fall, a second set of uprisings reminiscent of the 2011 Arab Spring. The Fall is characterized by a strong push for political involvement from the large unemployed youth population who wish to take part in the political system. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND TIMELINE OF EVENTS YEARS EVENTS 2026 At the end of 2026, Erdogan, president of Turkey, suffers a major heart attack and dies. He is replaced by his son Erdogan Jr. who claims to want to continue his father's legacy but in reality has far more traditional values than his father. This leads him to push more religious, islamic rhetoric and vocally express desires for a Muslim Turko-Arab coalition as well. He would like to cooperate with the Magreb as their shared proximity to the European coastline will allow him to re-establish Turkey as a strong Islamic state and a local power in the mediterranean sea.

2027 A new parliamentary election in 2027 grants the Vox party the absolute majority in the Spanish parliament indicating increasing support for the far right platform. After this significant win, Vox holds a referendum asking for approval to leave the European Union in a large campaign for “Spanxit” While it is a close vote, the referendum wins by a majority of 55%.

As the Arab Fall demonstrations are occurring, there has been mass migration of the unemployed Middle Eastern youth to Spain, hoping to find work stability and security. The Vox Party cracks down on illegal immigration and creates a new set of policies and laws that make it incredibly difficult to obtain legal status in the country and immigrate.

2028 Several, huge economic scandals are uncovered between the Moroccon, Algerian and Tunisian governments. The World Bank claimed they had been siphoning money into offshore bank accounts, money which was promised to go towards much-needed health reforms, infrastructure and furthermore, to create numerous jobs in the health sectors of these countries. This money came from the European Union as part of an agreement to keep African immigrants from crossing the Mediterranean Sea and into Europe. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND TIMELINE OF EVENTS YEARS EVENTS 2028 UNAF, which was created as an underground movement during the Arab Fall, continues to grow in popularity and size in response to these scandals. They are working discreetly to become officially organized and gain allies, supplies and organize individual movements in each country but also to become cohesive at the same time.

2029 UNAF attempts to register as official but individual parties in their respective countries however they face major obstacles from the establishment, which seeks to exclude them from political influence. This only further angers the front, encouraging them to solidify their missions, both individually and collectively.

2030 Spain officially exits the European Union which causes alienation from other European powers such as France and Germany who have been providing Spain with financial aid for decades and feel Spain has abandoned their responsibilities to the European community. Many other EU countries begin to take sides and follow in the step of France and Germany.

2032 UNAF attempts to run for parliament once again in Tunisia and Morocco but are barred at the very last minute from running which leads to massive uprisings. The UNAF denounces plans to continue to try and reform their native countries and instead look to other parts of the world in order to establish a new state that adheres to the beliefs of the UNAF. Turkey, led by young Erdogan Jr. makes an official statement supporting the UNAF in their wish to pursue their state-building elsewhere and unofficially offer financial support to establish a Muslim state in Europe. HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND TIMELINE OF EVENTS YEARS EVENTS 2035 Situation in Spain: Vox implements laws that marginalize muslim culture. These include segregation laws, transformation of Mosques into Churches, the banning of halal food and far more regulations on the few mosques allowed to remain.

Situation for the UNAF: A charismatic leader emerges by the name of Tariq Henni. He is a religious leader from Morocco who aims to unify the diaspora and has quickly gained support from the people. Henni is able to set in motion a series of local riots in Spain by the Muslim community that begins a real national movement. The Arab diaspora obeys the instructions of Henni and the UNAF leaders which allows for the Front to commence the building of the movement towards what they hope will be the new al-Andalus in Spain. Spain seems to be the perfect country as there is a historical connection, it is not obscenely far to travel to, and Spain is already going through instability of their own as they still feel the effects of leaving the European Union.

Qatar also openly expresses support for the UNAF due to their links with the Muslim Brotherhood as well as their aid for the revolution during the Arab Spring. They claim that they will provide the front with weapons, funding and diplomatic support as they see fit. CURRENT SITUATION The crisis begins with the assassination of one of the local leaders of the Andalusia region by a group of alternative right extremists who support the radical party, Vox. This murder increases tensions between the Spanish conservatives and the Muslim population within Spain, and people take to the street to protest the growing islamophobia and the power that the alt-right party currently possesses.

As a response, Tariq Henni, the leader of the United North African Front (UNAF), based in Morocco, gives a series of passionate and powerful speeches during the violence, meant to unify the Western European Arab diaspora. He outlines specific values that resonate with the European Arabs, and he gains legitimacy as a community leader. The people trust him, obeying his commandments and devoutly following this unifying charismatic leader. The community, which is primarily composed of the young, unemployed, and lower class strata of society, mobilize to create a widespread blockage, affecting all of Spain. They use the ports of Malaga and Algeciras to receive arms from UNAF and its allies, like Qatar. Subsequently, violence breaks out against the army and several alternative right militias. Spain is plunged into a civil war.

As it stands, the Arab militias have faced several defeats being the underdog, as they are far smaller and less powerful than the Spanish army led by the Vox party. However, the movement is beginning to spread and Arab communities in other Western countries such as France, Germany and Belgium are slowly joining, albeit sometimes hesitantly. These country’s governments have not intervened since they view the conflict as a means to rid themselves of the radical members of the Islamic community. Furthermore, Spain’s exit from the European Union is still a fresh wound for some of these countries and they feel no loyalty or desire to help. However, with additional support of men from the Maghreb sent by Tariq Henni and arms funding from Qatar, the Arab fighters are recovering from their most recent defeats and are beginning to grow in strength, numbers, and resources. MAPS & GRAPHICS

Figure 1: Al-Andalus Territory c. 756 Source: “Islamic Spain and the Reconquista”, Historical Atlas of the Mediterranean. http://explorethemed.com/r econquista.asp

Figure 2: Spain under the 2020 Figure 3: Spanish and UNAF Alliances, c. 2035 Covid-19 Pandemic Source : “Spain Coronavirus Map and Case Count”, The New York Times, February 23, 2021 https://www.nytimes.com/interac tive/2020/world/europe/spain- coronavirus-cases.html#map COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES

Spanish Committee Primary objectives 1.The first and most immediate objective for the Spanish committee is the maintenance of their national sovereignty and ensuring the continuous existence of Spain. 2.Another immediate objective would be the establishment of alliances with the North African regimes and other Middle Eastern countries who are upset about the emergence of the UNAF in order to gain international support for their cause.

Secondary objectives 1.As a long term objective, it will be necessary to re-establish Spain’s position on the international stage with regards to its reputation along with improving the economic situation of the country possibly through means of foreign investment. 2.Another long term objective would be the commencement of negotiations with the now alienated European Union as well as other local powers such as Turkey and eventually the UNAF.

MAIN OBJECTIVE: Protecting their land and preventing the entrance of UNAF

UNAF Committee Primary objectives 1.The most immediate objective of the UNAF is making effective use of the European riots to their advantage as a means to start the establishment of the New Al-Andalus state. It will need to engage with the protesters and incite them to join their ranks. 2.This will allow them to reach their most important objective which is the establishment of the New Al-Andalus state.

Secondary objectives 1.An important and potentially difficult objective will be for writing of a new constitution for the state of New Al-Andalus detailing the workings of the new state including governmental design, separation of powers, role of religion. 2.Additionally, the UNAF will also need to form official alliances and choose who to align themselves with. 3.They will also need to secure a good relationship with the North African countries they left in order to not destabilize the new country.

MAIN OBJECTIVE: Establishment of the state of New Al-Andalus COMMITTEE MATRIX Spanish Cabinet President of Spain (aka the Prime Minister) Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Director of the Domestic Branch of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI) Director of the International Branch of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI) Minister of Defence Minister of Finance Minister of the interior Spanish Attorney-General Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Chief of the Armed Forces Ambassador to Portugal

United North African Front Secretary General of UNAF Deputy Secretary General Military leader Treasurer Official Ambassador to the Bloc Minister of Intelligence Official representative of Qatar Riot leader for European-Arab Diaspora Ambassador to European Union Minister of justice and intelligence Minister of Culture and Heritage Official Representative of Turkey COMMITTEE ACTORS SPANISH CABINET

Matias Bescós Lorca, Prime Minister

The since 2030, Béscos Lorca has been active within the Vox party since early in its existence, working his way up the ranks since joining the party as a university student. As prime minister, he makes recommendations and essentially decides the appointment of other ministers, and directs all government programs, including military affairs. Any laws or policies presented by other ministers should be run by the prime minister, although ministers can issue orders within their ministry or make contracts specific to their ministry. Béscos’s priorities are to maintain Vox control of the government, pursue the national unity and dominance of Spain and the Spanish people, which includes cracking down on immigration and avoiding uprising within the population of Spain. He is determined to put Spain’s needs above political concerns in foreign relations, feeling it would betray his obligation to the Spaniards who, feeling betrayed by their neighbors and former allies, voted for a Vox government.

Alfonso Gómez Sánchez, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation

Gómez Sanchez is a young and energetic prodigy of the Vox party, lauded for his diplomatic cunning and ability to build trust and strong relationships with nearby states, allies or not. He represents Spain in negotiations with the EU, and has also had diplomatic roles in some of the states of UNAF, having been the ambassador in both Tunis and Rabat before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by long time friend Béscos. Although he doesn’t always agree with Béscos’s rejection of diplomacy, and fears jeopardizing any continued relationship with the EU. While many other ministers have rejected concerns about UNAF’s popularity, his experience as an ambassador in this region informs his concerns about their growing support. Juan-Ignacio Morales Ureña, Director of the Domestic Branch of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI)

Morales Ureña, from the city of Grenada in southern Spain, is a hardened former intelligence operative for the National Intelligence Centre of Spain. He approaches his new appointment with the jaded realism of a weathered veteran in intercepting terrorist attempts, an experience which has colored his perspective on Muslim immigrants to Spain, although it was also made him wary of violent extremists on the far right. Living just across the strait from Tangier, he saw first hand the discimination Muslim people and Arab immigrants especially face in Spain, and therefore has deep concerns about the potential momentum of this population with the right platform and leadership. His powers and responsibilities include gaining information from prominent figures within the Arab diaspora population, and from intelligence operatives around Spain, including in Catalonia, where disenchantment with the centralized government continues.

Rodrigo Pérez Navarro, Director of the International Branch of the National Intelligence Centre (CNI)

Pérez Navarro comes from a background in Foreign Security, and also has experience in the Spanish military. An expert in counterterrorism with a fascination with the psychological side of stopping international terrorism, he is aware also of the nuanced importance that foreign government activity and seemingly benine cultural movements. Therefore his suspicions are not limited to states where UNAF is active but also in Turkey and EU administration. Since Spanxit he has maintained connections with some prominent EU officials who keep him informed on the developments when they determine it benefits them. Born to a half Turkish mother and half Tunisian father, his proficiency in Turkish and Arabic and understanding of those two cultures have come in handy in past operations. He can collect information on popular sentiments and government activity from strong contacts within these two countries and operatives within countries across North Africa and an acquaintance within UNAF who he hopes might prove useful in the future. He works closely from Morales Ureña, the CNI director of Domestic Intelligence, especially in monitoring coordination from external forces with the growing dissenting movement of Spanish Muslims and Arab expats in Spain. Given his background, he’s concerned about the potential uses of technology and social media by UNAF to coordinate an international movement. Ingrid Gutiérrez Sanz, Minister of Defence

Gutiérrez Sanz was born and raised in the working-class suburb of El Ejido in Almería. Her parents both worked in greenhouses growing crops and her family certainly felt the impacts of being a “forgotten town” neglected by the government. Vox Party claims that the mass immigration of Morrocans and EU agricultural policies are to blame for the poor state of El Ejido lead Gutiérrez Sanz to the party, where she has thrived in her position as Minister of Defence. She plans, develops and implements defence and security policy and is the head of the executive body of the Spanish Armed Forces. She ensures close communication with the five departments that comprise the Ministry of Defence.

Roberto Ruiz Molina, Minister of Finance

Ruiz Molina spent the majority of his career as a parsimonious banker at the in Madrid before he assumed the role of Minister of Finance. He was raised as a devout catholic, with a father who was a priest, thus the pro-life, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric of the radical Vox Party attracted him immediately. The management and coordination of government policy on public spending and the federal budget rests on the shoulders of Ruiz Molina. Other important duties include the review of government programs and ensuring the effective spending of government resources to ensure a stable financial system. Since the inauguration of the Vox Party, Ruiz Molina and the Ministry has quickly and forcefully been implementing their neoliberal economic agenda. His favourite line of scripture is Acts 20:35 although he has been known to misquote it, often saying “It is more blessed to receive than to give” rather than the correct line, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Marco Ortega Romero, Minister of the Interior

Although born to a Catalan mother and father and hailing from Barcelona where the Catalan independence movement is strong, Ortega Romero has publicly identified as 100% Spanish, denouncing his Catalan roots. However, word has been spreading that Ortega Romero has recently been communicating with the President of Catalonia as well as accusations that he has been reducing police presence in areas where public protests and gatherings by the independence movement have been planned. As Minister of the Interior, Ortega Romero is responsible for domestic policy (both at a public and national level), immigration affairs and civil defence. He works closely with González Muñoz, the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and is often found debating with the Minister of Finance over the annual budget for security and order, which Ruiz Molina believes should be higher, especially given the current context of migration and civil unrest. Carlota Serrano Blanco, Spanish Attorney-General

As head of the Prosecution ministry, Serrano Blanco is the principal legal advisor of the government; often dealing with questions of human rights, and devolution. She is responsible for the enactment of justice and legal functionings of government, often investigating cabinet members who present reasonable suspicion. Serrano Blanco has very strong moral values and opinions on what is considered just, often putting her at odds with other cabinet ministers who are more open to bending the rules. As a young child, Serrano Blanco was often called a “tattle tale” and “goody two shoes.” The endless teasing by her peers gave her a hardened outer shell that has served her well as a lawyer.

Ermenegildo González Muñoz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration

Son of a single father from Canarias, González Muñoz grew up working as the town's paper boy. After attending Pompeu Fabra and graduating with a doctorate in Philosophy he engaged into charity work in Egypt. His eleven years in this country have caused numerous allegations about a possible link to the Muslim Brothers. González Muñoz has a personal grudge against Kurt Fallas, a person he views as an overly privileged child who in his own words “has never known a day of work”.

José Luis Kurt Fallas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Former biologist, Kurt Fallas spent 10 years in the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests, life that he was forced to leave after almost dying from malaria. Son of one of Vox’s founding fathers, Santiago Abascal, Kurt Fallas decided to break ties with his family (hence the legal change in surname). Nevertheless, when the position of Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was offered by a close friend of his father, he saw the perfect opportunity to change the current legislation regarding import of endangered species for his personal collection. Kurt Fallas has conducted several scientific studies to prove that climate change is not real. Maria de la Soledad Delgado Rubio, Chief of the Defence Staff

As Chief of the Defence Staff Delgado Rubio is the highest ranking military officer and principal military adviser to the Prime Minister Bescós Lorca, the Minister of Defense Gutiérrez Sanz. She is the fourth military authority in Spain and has three leading roles: strategy, support, and preparation. As the daughter of a separatist basque father and the former Admiral of the Fleet, Delgado Rubio grew up in a very strict and career oriented environment.

João Da Costa Ferreira, Ambassador to Portugal

Da Costa Ferreira is a Brazilian businessman, married to the daughter of the Portuguese President. As the Representative of Portugal, he is in charge of the relations between this country and Spain especially regarding trade and local investments. Thanks to his double nationality Da Costa Ferreira enjoys close ties with weapons dealers and important fazendeiros in Brazil. In 2030, left his home in Nigeria after being prosecuted for tax fraud and bribery in the region. COMMITTEE ACTORS UNITED NORTH AFRICAN FRONT Tariq Henni, Secretary General of UNAF

A born leader, philosopher, and radicalizer, Henni is comfortable in a populist leadership position, having started spreading ideas about a pan-North African state since being a student at al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco. Following a year living and studying in southern Spain, Henni became aware of the racism and Islamophobia prevalent throughout the Western world, and became a student of political Pan-Arabism in conjunction with his continued religious studies. Henni sees territorial conquest as carrying great weight and symbolism in the face of a history of colonialism by Western powers. Furthermore, it is a direct response to the ways that Western colonization led to some of the economic and institutional issues across North Africa that can be blamed for immigration to Western Europe. While the West may see emigration from North Africa as a representation of Arab weakness and European dominance, Henni is confident that in fact the Arab diaspora will be the initial infrastructure of the new Empire he quietly aspires to build. As a student in Spain, he felt a connection to the Islamic history of the region, and sees it as a fitting starting point for a new Empire. As Secretary General, Henni delegates military and information rolls, but has religious authority which he can use to his advantage in disputes within UNAF.

Anwar Aziz, Deputy Secretary General

Soft spoken and middle aged, Aziz let’s Henni take on the challenges of being the face of UNAF, but it is his political prowess which directs the strategies and political positions taken by UNAF. Coming from an elite family in Libya, Aziz spent much of his early life in Europe and was educated at Oxford. As part of Muslim minority in the UK, he gained a sense of connection to other North African expats, and to the North African and Muslim communities and their diaspora as a whole. The connections he built as a very warm, engaging, and studious young adult in the UK, Germany, and France have helped him maintain influence with prominent figures in the Arab diaspora in those countries, as well as within the EU. He feels he must balance Henni’s brash populism with a more pragmatic approach, and looks towards the political advantageous improving relations with the EU, Qatar, and Turkey could almost certainly entail. Ayyoub Maalouf, Military leader

Maalouf's life shifted at thirteen years old when his brother was kidnapped by North Africa's deadliest drug ring in Tetouan. With an impressive career in the royal Moroccan army, he became the youngest Colonel Major in the history of the country. After a short time as a prisoner of war in Austria where he was tortured and lost partial mobility in his left arm, he left the military for ten years only to be called back by his friend and mentor Ali Malek. A skilled strategist and accomplished sniper, he has close personal ties to the Emir of Qatar.

Meriem Hakimi, Treasurer

Hakimi is the youngest daughter of Algeria's former Foreign Relations Minister. She attended London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she met Nour Aziz who introduced her to her brother's newest political ideas. In 2033, Hakimi travelled back home after being offered her current position, which allows her not only to act as Treasurer but top economic advisor to the Secretary General as well as prime manager of UNAF’s lands and wealth.

Othmane Javid, Ambassador

Javid was a prominent surgeon in Tunisia before becoming disillusioned by the economic scandals of the government, which deprived his hospital of much needed resources. Rumours like Javid having sold organs on the black market before adds to the mysterious aura that surrounds him. Due to his strong presence, natural leadership and continued dedication to the cause, he was offered the position of bloc ambassador by the senior members of the UNAF. In his role as ambassador, he represents the Front in all diplomatic meetings and is responsible for the forging and ongoing maintenance of alliances and partnerships with various groups and countries. Ali Malek, Minister of Intelligence

Malek was a former operative for the Morrocan Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST). He was dismissed after a foiled hostile extraction mission left him unable to work due to severe post traumatic stress disorder. Malek joined the Front in 2026, in its infancy, as he found it gave him a renewed sense of purpose. His former experience as a high-ranking DST agent allowed him to climb up the ranks to Minister of Intelligence where Malek now handles all domestic and foreign espionage activities. For example, covert missions in order to gather intelligence on important figures or groups.

Matta al-Abri, Official Representative of Qatar

Al-Abri was born in the city of Doha and spent his youth at a boarding school in the United Kingdom. After finishing his secondary studies, he studied journalism at the prestigious University of Oxford where he graduated summa cum laude. He was infamous amongst his peers for the provocative article he wrote on Hezbollah. The Qatari government was quick to offer him a job and thus now Al-Abri is the official liaison between the government of Qatar and the senior officers of the Front. He often sends back reports to his superiors on the UNAF operations and provides recommendations on what Qatar’s provision of weapons and other resources should be in the current context. Al-Abri is often disregarded by other senior officers of the UNAF due to his elitist and “naive” attitude.

Wafiq el-Madani, Riot leader for European-Arab Diaspora

El-Madani was born in an incredibly poor suburb of Barcelona, Spain to a Moroccan father and Algerian mother. He spent his childhood watching his parents struggle to provide for him and his six siblings, crushing any sentiments of having a better life in Europe. Moreover, witnessing his sisters being ridiculed and bullied at school for wearing hijabs and eating North African cuisine, provided him with a healthy supply of anger that he began to channel into his work for the Front. His strong ties to his North African heritage also lead him to the UNAF and the position of riot leader. He is in charge of establishing and communicating with the various UNAF support groups spread around, primarily Spain, but also Europe in general. El-Madani is a strong personality who leads the diaspora with an iron fist. Having grown up in Europe instead of North Africa and only being thirty, he is desperate to prove himself to his superiors and comrades of the Front. Mustafa Awin, Ambassador to European Union

Known as the Don Juan of the diplomatic world, Awin has for many years enjoyed this position as mediator of two continents where he finds himself entangled in many affairs. His charisma and cheerful aura are a strategic weapon to colonise the cold hearts of the european continent. Born into the tunisian elite, he dreamed of becoming a theatre performer nevertheless his conservative family sent him to boarding school in Switzerland where he then attended the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

Yousef Darwish, Minister of Justice and Intelligence

Darwish was born to an entrepreneurial father who moved his family between Morocco, Libya and Saudi Arabia in pursuit of his oil dreams, eventually becoming a successful consultant and introducing Darwish and his sister to a life of wealth and privilege that had once been foreign to them. Always the class clown at his international schools, Darwish learned the adaptability to get along with people from all over the world early on, and in this way has built trusting relationships with prominent social figures across North Africa, as well as within Spain. His intelligence operatives are similarly multicultural, and their loyalties to UNAF often go unnoticed in the European nations where they live. Darwish has reliable informants in all major European countries as well as Turkey. He also works closely with Henni in developing the legal ideologies of UNAF and the criminal code which would inform the judicial system in the case of the successful establishment of the state in any form. He is motivated to better institutionalize UNAF, and is passionate about creating more established intelligence and judicial systems and organizations for UNAF. Nasser Alami, Minister of Culture and Heritage

As Minister of Culture and Heritage Alami has the sensible task to present a diverse front, that includes the predominant ethnic, religious and tribal local factions, this in the hope to legitimize UNAFs claim and gain support in the region. Born to a Syrian mother and Libyan father, he grew up in Jordan where his parents managed the UNs Baqa’a Refugee Camp. Marked by this experience and the people he met, he went on to study Political Science at Sciences Po at the Middle East and Mediterranean campus. As an active member of several political associations on campus, he learned the importance that technology and media can have in spreading ideas and connecting people who share cultural values across vast geographical differences.

Zeynep Yavuz, Official Representative of Turkey

Yavuz grew up in Ankara, Turkey and studied politics and diplomacy with a focus on Turkish relations and history with the Arab world. A very sweet and pretty girl in her youth, Yavuz learned the deeply ingrained professionalism it took to be taken seriously as a woman in politics anywhere in the world, but maintains a persuasiveness and attentiveness to detail that makes her adept at being two steps ahead in any negotiation. Her cooperation with UNAF is a presentation of optimism and good will from Edogan Jr., a chance childhood friend with whom she has a deep emotional understanding and trust. However, she represents at all times the interests of the Turkish state, and aims to direct the UNAF agenda to align with that of Turkey. While a UNAF state in modern Spain could be a promising partner for Turkey, especially as an ally against a weakened EU, further domination by UNAF could pose a threat to Turkey. Most importantly, any goodwill between the EU and UNAF is concerning, and Turkey seeks to remain UNAF’s most powerful ally as the movement gains strength. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

To what extent can the right to self-determination be argued for - does it differ if it is claimed in a non-native territory? Can a contemporary constitutional state be established through means of violence? How will the legacy of their colonial pasts continue to affect not only the formerly colonized states, but also the former colonial powers?

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS

Unrest in Catalonia potentially escalating. Massive protests including riots by Arab diaspora in Spain may be mirrored by peaceful protests across Europe. Will there be European support for Spain, or even eventual condemnation? Will European support waver, will protests turn violent, will states get involved? The kidnapping and murder of a prominent figure in the Spanish cabinet, or the murder of a prominent figure in the UNAF. Religious division within the UNAF cabinet over the writing of a constitution. The UNAF’s relation to the EU is possibly progressing, perhaps into an application for EU membership. Turkey is eyeing the situation in Iberia and North Africa for their own advantage. Russia/Israel other bigger powers involvement to support Spain Iran coming in with SA??? A UNAF enemy could give information to Spain, possible inside spy UK/Spain comradery over Brexit/Spanx Greece + Malta sympathetic to Spain due to perceived “migrant infiltration”. France, Germany, Belgium → communal support for UNAF due to large North African neighborhoods UN intervention? sanctions/support/public condemnation/embargos Arms dealers supporting each side of the conflict (Canada, US, China, Russia?) possible proxy war? Canary Islands → UNAF government? Is this religiously motivated? Jihad? Will religious leaders/institutions get involved? CITED WORK

Kepel. Gilles. Away from Chaos, Mai 2020.

“Spain Coronavirus Map and Case Count”, The New York Times, February 23, 2021 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/europe/spain-coronavirus- cases.html#map

“Islamic Spain and the Reconquista”, Historical Atlas of the Mediterranean. http://explorethemed.com/reconquista.asp

Sanchez Manzanaro,Sofia. “Vox: Who are Spain's far-right party and what do they stand for?”, 11/11/2019. https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/10/vox-who-are-spain-s-far-right-party-and- what-do-they-stand-for

Haleh Davis, Muriam. “Political Contestation in Algeria: Between Postcolonial Legacies and the Arab Spring”, 02 Sep 2013. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19436149.2013.821294

“Al-Andalus sous la domination des musulmans espagnols (711-1492)” Andalousie, Culture & Histoire > le guide. http://andalousie-culture-histoire.com/al-andalus-sous-la-domination-des-musulmans- espagnols-711-1492/ YOUR CHAIR

Hello! My name is Inbal Amir, I'm 19 years old and I'm from Israel. Since Junior year in High School, I've been greatly involved in the world of MUN, only taking a break after high school for a few years due to my job. Now, while I'm preparing for entrance exams for university, I decided to return to the world of MUN and chair a conference! I hope I can help all of the distinguished delegates in the committee to experience a fruitful debate and have fun! 26 - 28TH OF MARCH 2021 MEDITERRANEAN MODEL UNITED NATIONS

s e c r e t a r i a t @ m e d m u n . o r g h t t p s : / / w w w . m e d m u n . o r g