officers and agencies have also been awarded the prize. Other evaluations of the UN's effectiveness have been mixed. Some commentators believe the organization to be an important force for peace and human development, while others have called the organization ineffective, corrupt, or biased. 2. General knowledge on your delegation COUNTRY: Syrian Arab Republic POPULATION: Over 13 million LANGUAGE: Arabic (official); French; English RELIGION: Islam, Christianity, Druze, Judaism, Baha'i Syrian Arab Republic, more commonly known as Syria. The fertile land of Syria lies at the crossroads of great trade routes between the East and West. It is also the site of many holy places in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Because of these advantages, it has been invaded, conquered, and occupied by many different peoples over its long history. These groups include the Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, European Crusaders, Mongols from
Others The Kharijites are a sect that dates back to the early days of Islam. The only surviving branch of the Kharijites is Ibadism. Unlike most Kharijite groups, Ibadism does not regard sinful Muslims as unbelievers. The Imamate is an important topic in Ibadi legal literature, which stipulates that the leader should be chosen solely on the basis of his knowledge and piety, and is to be deposed if he acts unjustly. Most Ibadi Muslims live in Oman. The Alevi, Yazidi, Druze, Ahmadiyya, Bábí, Bahá'í, Berghouata and HaMim movements either emerged out of Islam or came to share certain beliefs with Islam. Some consider themselves separate while others still sects of Islam though controversial in certain beliefs with mainstream Muslims. Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in late fifteenth century Punjab, incorporates aspects of both Islam and Hinduism. 14 | P a g e
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