Crisis Committee

Topic: A Burning Cedar Tree: The Lebanese Civil War of 1980

Level: Special

ABOUT | ORGANIZATION

Crisis is by far one of the most unpredictable committees in Model United Nations - and therefore one of the most realistic! Not only do delegates take on the role of a real-life counterpart - be it a politician, diplomat, or news reporter - but the entire committee process is extremely close to reality, with intrusive behind-the-scenes elements and non-podium politics. Crisis is the committee that cuts out the fancy and acts ruthlessly to maximize its own outcome in solving the emergency on the table.

ABOUT | TOPIC

In 1980, Lebanon was torn apart by civil war. With factions fighting for control of the country, the situation quickly became dire. This year, the MAMUN conference invites delegates to step back in time and take on the roles of those who fought and negotiated for peace during the Lebanese Civil War. The Crisis Committee will be tasked with finding a solution to the conflict and preventing the destruction of a nation. Will they be able to put aside their differences and bring peace to Lebanon, or will the flames of war continue to rage?

TEASER | What can you expect? - A fictional story*

As delegates entered the crisis committee, they were transported back to 1980, the height of the Lebanese civil war. The situation was tense and emotions ran high as delegates representing various factions took their seats. The committee was discussing the recent assassination of a prominent Christian leader, which had inflamed tensions in the region. Suddenly, word came that a car bomb had exploded outside the committee room, injuring several delegates. The room erupted in chaos as delegates scrambled to determine who was responsible. The committee was on the verge of collapse when the delegates finally agreed to a cease-fire and a round of peace talks. But just as progress was being made, a new crisis arose. Reports came in of a massacre of civilians by a Christian militia in the town of Zahle. The committee was again thrown into disarray as delegates argued over how to respond. In the end, a compromise was reached and the committee called for an immediate end to the violence. When the conference adjourned, the fate of Lebanon was still uncertain, but the delegates had made progress toward a peaceful resolution. The future of Lebanon may have been in their hands, but the road ahead was long and uncertain.

*The development in the actual MAMUN 2023 conference will be different.

Your Chairs

Roy Weisman

Roy is a third year student at Tel Aviv University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication. Roy currently serves as the "Head of Advanced Content" in the TAUMUN society. He has participated in various crisis committees as a delegate, backroom, chair, and even as a crisis director at TLVMUN 2022.