Model United Nations
"Together we aspire, together we achieve"

Evaluations of the 1975 NMUN Experience
Country represented:  Iraq
Best Delegation Award

Jean Murry ( Delegation Leader):

The 1975 National Model United Nations was a success beyond the mere winning of awards. As usual for this course, the academic benefits were equally as great. In terms of research, debate, understanding of the United Nations system, and awareness of world politics and problems, the NMUN provided a valuable, first-hand method of practical experience.

Research, when properly done for this course, consisted first of all of understanding the basic working system of the United Nations. Secondly, the national assignment of Iraq necessitated research into both domestic and foreign policies. We researched such domestic areas as political parties, the Kurdish problem, social conditions, industrial progress, mineral resources, and geography. In the area of foreign affairs, we were particularly concerned with Iraq's position vis-a-vis the Arab states and the border conflicts with Kuwait and Iran. In addition, Iraq's often radical approach toward the United States, Israel, and other Western powers as well as its ties with the Soviet Union and the Third World were studied. The oil issue and the Palestinian refugees, because they are of major importance to Iraq, were particularly stressed.

In this regard, our interview with Iraq's Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Wissam al-Zahawie, was especially informative since we were able to have positions on particular issues clarifies. I felt that our previous research on Iraq aided us a great deal in our asking Mr. Zahawie intelligent, relevant questions. This interview was so helpful to us that I would suggest that future NMUN teams formally request an interview in the early months of research instead of waiting until the week of the conference.

Another area where research was essential was that of specific committee topics. In dealing with these problems, it was necessary to study the historical and recent UN action on the given issue, and to find out how Iraq had voted and why. In addition, it was desirable that we find out how other nations had voted so that we could intelligently caucus once we reached New York.

 I feel that one of the greatest strengths of the NMUN program is the experience the participants receive in extemporaneous speaking. In the frequent simulation sessions we held before the conference, every member of the team was encouraged to speak on a variety of issues. This experience in formal speaking before a group tests an individual's grasp of an issue as well as poise and off-the-cuff verbal ability--an experience that is rarely, if ever, paralleled in any other course at Rider College. I felt that our simulation sessions played an invaluable role in our success at the NMUN conference in terms of speaking ability, and I would urge that they be given due emphasis in the future. I would also urge, however, that knowledge of issues rather than mere rhetoric be more emphatically stressed.

 The course was also very valuable in familiarizing us with the actual workings of the United Nations. The voluminous rules we had to learn were excellent parliamentary procedure experience, although I feel that our delegation was often too preoccupied with procedural points rather than substantive debate. The NMUN in general was very valuable in familiarizing us with the format and writing of resolutions, conventions, and treaties, and the steps required in their passage. In addition, we saw first-hand how the various committees and subsidiary organs of the United Nations operate.

 The committees, conference and the plenary General Assembly of the NMUN provided and interesting and painless course in world politics. With almost every nation represented, the conference was a microcosm of worldwide diplomacy, and the often colorful speeches of delegates taught us a great deal about the stands of countries all over the world on the various issues. In addition, the emphasis on regional blocs and economic organizations demonstrated the importance of ideology as well as economic concerns in determining voting strategy.

 All of these academic considerations are more than adequate justifications for continuing this course. I would even go so far as to say that the amount of work that inevitably goes into the course each year would justify its expansion to four credits rather than three. There are also additional benefits beyond those of academic value. The opportunity to work in a well-integrated team and the interpersonal relationships that are developed both here and at New York provide a valuable social experience. This social interaction attractively complements the educational value of the National Model United Nations and adds to the overall benefits of the course.

When a student receives an education, he must have self-respect. This element alone is very essential for all members of the NMUN team. If an individual does not respect himself and his own beliefs, he cannot accept the other team members or other delegates in New York.

Another important element is self-discipline. As a NMUN member, a student must concentrate on a specific area of study without the pressures of a professor over his head. If an individual is not capable of self-discipline he will hinder the performance of the entire team. The most important part of an education to me is the outside work an individual puts into a course.

Throughout our semester's work, each individual was responsible for developing his own specific area of study -- if he failed the entire team failed.

The National Model United Nations program provides students interested in international politics, and the structure and functions of international organizations, a rich and rewarding experience.

No classroom oriented course could possibly provide a student with as firm and tangible a grasp in the actual workings of the United Nations as the N.M.U.N. does.

The N.M.U.N. course was of great educational value to me for many reasons. Being that I am not a Political Science major there was much for me to learn in this new area. At the start of the course, I was not aware of how little I really knew about world relations. Due to the way the course was set up I had time to keep up with world news as well as local news. During much of my free time, I would do further investigation into the views and theories of other countries besides the U.S.A. This information was not only valuable while attending the session in New York, but I found it to be helpful in some of my other courses, and good just as general information for any person to have.

The way the course was set - each person had one area they were responsible for. The area I had was that of Raw Materials and Natural Resources. This was, and still is an area of major importance, and because of my participation in this course, I was able to keep up with major events which are effecting everyone and still do my part in the course. At times it seemed that this course was taking up more time than any other of my courses. This was due to the extra meetings that were held and were of little or no value to many. There is much more work one has to do alone that in a group and I feel that more time should be given for that purpose, rather than for meetings.

The NMUN helps a person keep up on the news, get a better understanding of world relations, see the many differences between the U.S.A. and other countries and why there are such differences along with giving the person a chance to express himself in front of large groups. I feel I have gained in all of these areas and many more. I found great value in taking this course.

I am glad I was able to be a member of this group and would like to see this course offered again next year.

As a member of the 1975 NMUN team from Rider I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity to participate in a really thrilling national competition/learning event.

Not only did I enjoy this whole experience and get to know a few people very well, but I also learned a good deal! What a rare and pleasant surprise. This was due to the fact that the total NMUN experience was far more than just an ordinary college course. It involved much more work, and reward, and adventure, and involvement, and personal contact, and use of one's total personal resources in a practical (only in the sense of application of knowledge, not in the sense of occupational utility) way. It has been a most worthwhile course. Once again, my sincerest thanks to all who partook in it.

I would like to see this course more widely publicized so that there are more people that can become aware of some of the experiences in education that they can receive other than just the classroom. This is one educational experience that I would recommend to anyone. As I state d before you gain the knowledge and experience of working with people of all sorts, of meeting people from all areas of the Untied States. The educational value of learning about other countries, and their views on world problems in reference to those handled by the United Nations, is an experience that books cannot teach you about, you have to be there and experience it for yourself. An old cliché states that "Experience is the best teacher," and it is so true. Education would be so much more beneficial to students if there were more experiences like the National Model United Nations.

I recommend that every student concerned about the communications which influence international relations to partake in the NMUN experiment and I guarantee that the individual that takes this opportunity seriously will learn more about international affairs than any textbook or newscast will ever tell him.

My experience at National Model United Nations this year was unsurpassed by anything else I have ever done in the educational environment. I have always enjoyed having unusual educational experiences, and this did not let me down. Having a class where students teach students is a fantastic idea.

I feel that I have learned more from the NMUN than I learn in many of my other classes. I had a lot more incentive to put a hugh amount of time into this because myself and the people around me were not just trying to get an A for the semester, but we were all trying to show that we were the best. And if I might add, WE WERE!

  The National Model United Nations class taught by Dr. Chau Phan had much educational value for me.

  First, I learned about the operation and structure of the United Nations and the countries that belong to it.

  Secondly, I learned about the country Iraq - its political structure and its position on major topics of concern in the world today.

  Thirdly, through research in recent periodicals and through the daily reading in The New York Times, I acquired a great deal of knowledge about world affairs.

  Fourthly, through my research and through the team's simulation sessions, I learned about the political structure and the position of key countries in the world today. Each team member was responsible for researching a country and finding out its position on important issues.

  Fifthly, I learned about Iraq's and the U.S.'s relationship with other countries. I could see where we stand with other countries in the world and some of the reasons for that stand.

  Next, I learned speaking techniques and debating techniques which I used in my Conference on Disarmament and in caucusing before during and after meetings.

  Finally, and I think most important, was the very experience of New York. It was here that I put everything that I had learned together into competition.

  For these reasons I feel that the NMUN was of great educational value.