Model Arab League: West Coast Division

I was parking my car at college this morning when I saw a group of students in dark suits, the men wearing ties, gathering in front of the auditorium. In California, only people attending funerals wear suits and ties on a Friday, so I wondered what was going on at our famously liberal, traditionally female campus. Then I remembered:

The West Coast Model Arab League!

So all these college kids are gathered at my school this weekend to hash out the following issues:

1. Addressing the security situation in Iraq. 2. Reviewing the League’s defense policy in response to the 2006 invasion of Lebanon.

3. Addressing Iran’s funding of military forces within the Arab world.

Council on Palestinian Affairs

1. Assessing the Road Map for Peace and its successes and failures.

2. Establishing a protocol for the return of displaced persons to formerly occupied lands.

3. Assisting Hamas in its integration into the Palestinian Authority.

Council of Arab Social Affairs Ministers

1. Addressing extremism in the Arab world.

2. Establishing policies to combat unemployment in the Arab world.

3. Establishing a social response to the 2004 United Nation’s Arab Human Development Report.

Council on Political Affairs

1. Establishing a protocol for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq.

2. Addressing government corruption in the Arab world.

3. Encouraging democracy in the Arab world.

Council of Arab Environmental Affairs Ministers

1. Addressing the environmental implications of Israel’s nuclear power plants.

2. Analyzing causes and prevention tactics for the lowering of Dead Sea water levels.

3. Increasing efficiency in the use of natural resources.

I saw Fred Lawson, professor of government and Syria studies expert, emerge from the auditorium - the Model Arab League must be here at Mills thanks to his efforts.

The students, drawn from colleges around the West, represent the twenty-two Arab countries and will discuss and write resolutions to work out the various issues. The intent is to develop leadership and understanding about the Arab world.

I have a big smile on my face. Now to work on my thesis...

(note to newcomers - I am finishing a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing; my thesis is an excerpt from a novel set in a small village in South Lebanon before and during the civil war)