Historical Security Council

The Simulated Historical Crisis Committee is a type of committee relatively new to HSMUN. While this committee has no direct 1:1 correlation to any committee in the real United Nations, it can be thought of as an offshoot of the United Nations Security Council, in that it seeks to identify and resolve threats to peace and security through binding decisions and the potential use of military intervention. However, this committee is also very unique - the countries or states involved in the committee will be the relevant countries that existed at the time of the crisis. Moreover, the Simulated Historical Crisis Committee functions as a “live” committee, as directives can constantly be proposed by certain countries or blocs of countries, and the dais will respond to these directives and update the current situation accordingly. That is to say that there is no “ending resolution”; the crisis will be perpetually unfolding.

On July 26, 1956, conflict in the Middle East arose once again when Egyptian president, Gamal Abder Nasser, nationalized the Suez Canal Company creating tension with Britain and France who controlled the company. The canal possessed the shortest route between Europe and Asia, providing the most efficient global trade route for international oil and other goods. Egyptian nationalists believed in discarding foreign influences and taking reign of their own territory, taking a step to true independence. This belief did not align with the British and France whose interests lied with the Canal, which was substantially benefitting them economically. 

Ultimately, the conflict alarmed international committees once Britain ordered Operation Musketeer, which was a planned attack with France and Israel to regain control of the Canal. Launching this attack brought attention to the Canal by Nato Allies, especially the United States, who were not consulted on this plan beforehand. As the conflict continued to rise, international committees such as Nato began to face internal strain, collapsing international cooperation between its allies. 

This session of the Historic Security Council places you in late 1956, after Britain announced the commencement of Operation Musketeer on October 30, 1956. Delegates must evaluate the extremity of the humanitarian crisis and the legal and political aspects of the intervention of foreign nationals. 

1. Are there any long-term solutions that can be proposed to prevent further conflict from arising about the sovereignty of the Canal? 

2. What is the Security Council's responsibility when addressing sovereignty conflict and colonialism?

3. Should a nation be able to nationalize such a vital route for global trade? Does the closure of a vital route justify any form of military intervention? 

1. Suez Crisis | Definition, Summary, Location, History, Dates, Significance, & Facts | Britannica 

2. Full article: The Suez Crisis of 1956 as a moment of transnational humanitarian engagement