Issues of the border regions of the country
Mehdi Safari Namivandi; Seyed Ali Ebadinejad; Mehdi Kazemi; Yahya Ghobadi; Sadegh Yasami
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Protecting the borders and establishing security and defense in the border and internal areas of every country has been the concern of the rulers of their time. To some extent, all countries throughout history have faced insecurity, chaos, crisis and war at the borders ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Protecting the borders and establishing security and defense in the border and internal areas of every country has been the concern of the rulers of their time. To some extent, all countries throughout history have faced insecurity, chaos, crisis and war at the borders to stabilize their country. In the past years, many ethnic, racial and religious groups have lived side by side in unstable political and social frameworks and have lived on the borders. Throughout history, the country's border strips have seen the most significant conflicts and confrontations between governments and nations; therefore, the issue of borders has always been one of the basic and important issues of governments, so borders have a special place in every country. One of the most difficult tasks of any government is the control and security of political borders, and if this issue is not paid attention to and there are no appropriate plans and solutions, the country's political sovereignty will be threatened. In order to turn threats into opportunities and benefit from conditions and situations in order to maintain security and secure national interests, we must have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the level of border areas and its surrounding spaces. In the meantime, one of the most important measures is planning according to the geomorphological capabilities of the border areas. One of the measures that increase security in the border strip is to identify areas prone to establishing military bases and surveillance centers. Considering that the border strip of Kurdistan province, including Marivan city, has a sensitive location, therefore, in this research, the areas prone to the construction of military bases and observation centers in this city have been identified.
Materials and methods
In this research, according to the subject and objectives, library information, SRTM 30 meters high digital model and digital layers of information have been used as research data. The most important research tools are ArcGIS (for the purpose of preparing necessary maps) and Expert Choice (for the implementation of the AHP model). In this research, in order to identify the vulnerable areas of Marivan city against the enemy's influence, as well as areas susceptible to the construction of military bases and observation centers, the integrated model of fuzzy logic and AHP has been used. This research has been done in several stages. In the first step, the parameters used are identified. In the second step, the used parameters are fuzzification. In the third step, using the Analytical Hierarchy Model (AHP) and based on the opinions of experts, weight has been given to the information layers and then the obtained weight has been applied to the information layers. In the fourth stage, the layers of information are combined and finally, a map of areas prone to enemy infiltration and areas prone to establishing military bases and observation centers is prepared.
Discussion and results
In this research, in order to identify vulnerable areas against enemy infiltration, 6 parameters of height, slope, field of view, distance from the river, distance from urban areas and distance from military bases have been used. Also, considering that the study area corresponds to the border strip, therefore monitoring and controlling these areas is very important. One of the ways to control and monitor the border areas is to create military bases and observation centers, which has been addressed in this research using 6 parameters. Investigations have shown that Marivan city has a lot of diversity in terms of geomorphology, and this problem has caused its different parts to have different potentials for creating military objectives. Considering the importance of creating security in the border strip, it is necessary to pay attention to the geomorphological capabilities of this city in order to create security in the region. In this research, based on the geomorphological capabilities of Marivan city, vulnerable areas were identified against the enemy's influence, as well as areas susceptible to the construction of military bases and observation centers.
Conclusion
According to the results, due to the geomorphological situation of Marivan city, parts of this city lack sufficient visibility and are far from the monitoring and control of military bases, and this problem has caused these areas, which mainly include the southwestern and southern regions. Is a city, have a high vulnerability potential. Also, the results of this research have shown that parts of Marivan city, which mostly correspond to the central areas of the city, have a high potential for building military bases and observation centers. Due to high altitude, low slope, western directions, wide field of view, proximity to main roads and being far from military bases, these areas have high potential for the desired goals. The total results of this research have shown that in locating military bases in Marivan city, geomorphological factors have not been given much attention and it is necessary to establish security in this region, military bases and observation centers. He built a new building in accordance with the geomorphological strength of the region.
Hamid Panahi; Davood Amini; Ali Osanlu
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
To achieve sustainable security in Countries where security regards as a main concern, must implement land use planning programs in order of priority from the border to the interior. In land use studies, geography as a context plays a main role in the realization ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
To achieve sustainable security in Countries where security regards as a main concern, must implement land use planning programs in order of priority from the border to the interior. In land use studies, geography as a context plays a main role in the realization of codified plans and programs. All three vertices of the golden triangle of land management mean; Man, activity and space are influenced by the natural and human geographical features of the study area. Border zone planning is a type of planning that integrates border development with security and defense, based on the geographical characteristics of border areas, by establishing a link between development indicators and security plans, introduces strategies for sustainable development of border areas, that are bound to each other.
Security considerations are among those categories that have received less attention in macro-planning. In addition, awareness of the current situation is essential for any kind of careful planning for the development and progress of regions, especially in less developed provinces (Alipour et al., 2016: 159). The most important issues and problems in the formulation and implementation of planning in the country, include; Lack of attention to geographical-security considerations in locating the bases of law enforcement, border and military units, vital and sensitive centers and facilities, commercial, economic and communication uses. These issues have made political borders vulnerable to threats, military and terrorist attacks, border vulnerability to armed and opposition groups, border insecurity, dissatisfaction and conflict among border residents, poverty and underdevelopment, etc. in the country’s border areas.
Materials & Methods
The method of this research is descriptive-analytical and data analysis has been done with a quantitative and qualitative (mixed) analysis approach. To analyze the data, the method of contextual and basic theory (foundation data) has been used. In terms of method, this research is descriptive and survey based on field work, using open questionnaire, closed questionnaire and using SPSS and MAXQDA analytical software and Arc GIS. In MAXQDA software, it was proved that border management indicators are effective in security management, implementation and execution of security plans along the country’s political borders. After classifying the extracted indices, to examine the factor status of each of the indices under the relevant components through factor analysis in SPSS software, factors were classified into three categories. In order to analyze the status of application of selected indicators in the northwestern borders of the country, a questionnaire was designed and referred to the expert community was statistically analyzed.
Results & Discussion
Based on factor analysis; Thirteen border operational plans based on indicators Border planning was evaluated in the form of three factors that after reviewing the indicators: first factor; designing of ambush and anti-ambush operations in the border area is based on the shape of the land, the location of natural features in relation to the passages, the location of the escape routes and the connection points, the second factor; In the border monitoring and control planning, determining the location of telecommunication and communication systems in the region based on the situation of the repression points with enough view of the surrounding areas, the third factor; Determining the optimal routes for border patrols is based on the geographical realities prevailing in the border strip like land slope, distance to zero border, snowfall, flooding, etc., these three main plans were selected among the border operational plans influenced by border planning indicators in the northwestern borders of the country.
Conclusion
By analyzing the status of application of border management indicators in the implementation of plans in the border areas of the studied provinces, which was based on the Likert questionnaire and referring to the expert community, the status of the provinces was determined based on calculations and statistical analysis. Then, by summarizing the mean of the indicators based on which three provinces were examined, the status of the provinces was compared and ranked. Based on the results of statistical analysis, the first place is Ardabil province with an average of 3.92, the second place is East Azerbaijan province with an overall average of 3.64 and the third place is West Azerbaijan province with an overall average of 3.61.
Ebrahim Sharifzadeh Aghdam; Mohammad Ajza Shokouhi
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
It can be argued that among the socially and culturally relevant variables affecting sustainable security and optimal control of border cities, political variables (formulation of the comprehensive plan and other urban plans), physical variables (distance between border ...
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
It can be argued that among the socially and culturally relevant variables affecting sustainable security and optimal control of border cities, political variables (formulation of the comprehensive plan and other urban plans), physical variables (distance between border cities and central or peripheral areas) and legalvariables (adaptingeconomic policies in accordance with themacroeconomic policies of the country by2025) are the basis for developingmatrix of key properties and scenario planning.In this regard, the importance and necessity of the present study lies in the fact that the future border cities research is a process of systematic and calculated effort and a long-term scientific approach toward good urban governance. It seeks to reach a sufficient understanding of strategic research areas, benefit economy of the country and especially border communities through wise management of space and the introduction of related technologiesand offer desirable scenarios for the development of border cities based on the patterns of democratic and ecosystem management.Accordingly, the present study demonstrates a kind of creativity and innovation in the field of strategic planning based on every aspects of sustainable urban development while emphasizing on the prospective and environmental aspects that are an inseparable part of geography and urban planning studies.
Materials & Methods
The present study seeks to answer the main research question which is, what are the key indicators and factors influencing the development analysis of Piranshahr border town?
In this regard, the present study takes advantage of descriptive-analyticaland documentary investigations of strategic planningalong withrelated questionnaires in the framework of Delphi model and software analysis. Based on a consultation with scholars familiar with the status and conditions of the region within the dialectical framework of urban issues, a statistical population of 50, and 23 variables were identified for the present research. The selected variables were classified in 8 general categorizations as the primary variables of the research.Getting output from the Wizards software based on the scores entered into the matrix, the normalized and the standardized matrices were calculated, and the possible scenarios were categorized based on an analysis of the descriptor compatibility. Then, the goals set for strategic planning of Piranshahr, effective factors in strategy development, a competitive map, level of competitiveness in Tamarchinborderand finally challenges and opportunities of each domain were expressed in the framework of the Meta SWOT Strategic Model.
Results & Discussion
Based on experts’ opinions and software output, it can be argued that among the socially and culturally relevant variables affecting sustainable security and optimal control of border cities, political variables (formulation of comprehensive plans and other urban plans), physical variables (distance between border cities and central or peripheral areas) and legalvariables (adaptingeconomic policies in accordance with themacroeconomic policies of the country by2025) are the basis for developingmatrix of key properties and scenario planning.
Finally, the status of key driving forces in cross-border strategic planning of Tamarchinborderand its effects on the development of Piranshahr city over the coming 15 years are explained in the form of three desirable, intermediate and disaster scenarios. Also based on the obtained results, Sairanband border in Bane had the highest score in enhancing the quality of life in border cities and adopting economic policies in accordance with the country’s macroeconomic policies by2025. Thus, Sairanbandis the most important rival of Tamarchin border.
Conclusion
The present study has proposeda desirable model for the development of Piranshahrborder town using a strategic approach toward the sustainability issue in border cities and taking advantage of indexes such as “cultural, human, political, economic, and physical development” indexes. It alsoapplies the pattern of futures studies used in wizard and strategic scenarios. Thus, factors affecting the level of urban development in Piranshahrwere classified based on 5general classes, sub-variables and a 23×23 matrix. So only by putting the indices in the distribution chart, a very favorable situation of the distribution of boundary related variables can be presented. In the context of the above mentioned results and according to the scenario formulation table, it can be concluded that the results of the present study are to a large extent applicable. Moreover, they can be applied for scenario-building and guide management toward the development of border towns within the framework of structural planning.
Ehsan Yari; Vahid Abdalipour
Abstract
Extended Abstract 1. Introduction From the ancient times, border disputes and territorial expansionism have always existed between countries and states and they have been the main factors for creation of conflicts and wars among them. The first step towards fixing boundaries was taken in Europe ...
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Extended Abstract 1. Introduction From the ancient times, border disputes and territorial expansionism have always existed between countries and states and they have been the main factors for creation of conflicts and wars among them. The first step towards fixing boundaries was taken in Europe by Westphalia treaty. Fixing boundaries and resolving border disputes in Europe were not completed even after the Second World War and continued untilthe collapse of theSoviet Union. But, in most regions of the world such as the Persian Gulf, we can observe countless conflicts in the field of territorial and border issues. These regions from the advent of its southern margin countries, have always been the scene of many conflicts and disputes, and approximately all Arab countries of this region have border disputes with each other and most of these disputes have remained stable so far. In this article, we try to answer this question that: what is the main reasonfor Arab countries' disappointment in the Persian Gulf region to settle the border disputes among themselves? 2. Research methodology The Research methodology is analytical- descriptive and library method was used in collecting the required information and data. 3. Results & Discussion 3-1.the procedure of creating region's borders The collapse of Turkish Empire and decades after that is a very important era for Middle East. What happened in these decisive decades is the apparent sovereignty of European on the region that changed and redraw the international borders and led to the advent of new countries. In the central Middle East, the intervention of European powers had the most influence on political map of the region. In the Persian Gulf, by undertaking contracts that Britain imposed on the sheikhdoms in the South coast of the Persian Gulf from the early nineteenth century, the region was completely under British rule. So, this colonial power determined the region's borders in order to gain its goals. 3-2. border- territorial disputes among Arab countries of the region The borders of this region consist of sea and land borders. In this writing, we stress specially on the land borders and then deliberate the discrepancies between them. The disputes between Saudi Arabia – Oman and Abu Dhabi about Buraimi Oasis: Buraimi Oasis includes nine villages that have a mixture of tribal descents. By using the tribal nationalities, Abu Dhabi – Oman and Saudi Arabia could claim all or a part of Buraimi Oasis. In 1955, on behalf of Abu Dhabi, Britainset up a border without Saudi approval. In 1974 United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia compromised on the 1955 ridge. The border between Oman and Abu Dhabi was drawn; so that the six villages of Buraimi remained in Abu Dhabi and three villages remained in Oman. But in 2005, the border disputes between Saudi Arabia and the UAE on the Buraimi Oasis restarted again. Territorial disputes between Iraq and Kuwait: With the independence of Kuwait from Britain, Iraq has consistently claimed the sovereignty over the Sheikhdom on the basis that Kuwait was part of Basra in the Turkish era. Iraq also has some claims about Warbah and Bubiyan islands. Indeed, the most important reason for Iraq to attack Kuwait was her lack of free access of to the Persian Gulf. Another factor that had influenced Iraq policy towards Kuwait wasits access to the oil fields. The territorial disputes between Saudi Arabia and Qatar: In 1992, Saudi Arabia and Qatar had long border disagreements. Riyadh and Doha concealed their disputestemporarily by signing an agreement. In July 2008, Saudi Arabia and Qatar agreed to resolve the Khawr al Udayddisputes between the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But, the State of the UAE besides protesting to Qatar, associated any determination of the borders in the Khawr al Udayd region to the agreement with this country. The procedure of foresaid disputes has been continued practically. Saudi Arabia tries to access the Persian Gulf's coastlines in Qatar peninsula and then access the largestin operation gas fields in the world. The territorial disputes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen: The first border agreement between Saudi Arabia and Yemen which is known as 'Taif', was signed in 1934. In 2000, Yemen signed the Jeddah agreement with Saudi Arabia and recognized Taif agreement state in order to reduce tensions and Saudi Arabia's interventions. But, the tensions between the two countries did not end by this agreement. Indeed, the disputes between the two countries include vast areas. Yemen has territorial claims on three oil rich provinces such as:Asir- Najran and Jizan currently handled by Saudi Arabia; on the other side, the territorial claims of Saudi Arabia on Yemen are broader and include the oil rich province of Hadhramautin Yemen which has strategic importance due to its location near the Indian ocean. The territorial disputes between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: The disputes between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia dates back to the early twentieth century and the claims of Ibn Saud on Kuwait. The last border agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait took place in 2000. Iran and Iraq are opposed to this agreement. Iran protests to this agreement because this agreement virtually violated the agreement of Iran and England (Arab's foreign policy officer) in 1965. Also, by regarding the agreement of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on commonly use of stratum and substratum resources on the two sides of the border, Saudi Arabia practically enters to the shared oil and gas resources between Kuwait and Iran. The disputes between Saudi Arabia and Iraq: In January 1991, Western allied forces led by the US, attacked Iraq from the Northeast of Saudi Arabia. Iraq canceled all its international agreements with Saudi Arabia signed since 1968. This action included the border agreements of 1975 and 1981. In the summer of 1991,Saudi Arabia submitted all its border treatydocuments with Iraq to the United Nations. While Saudi is not willing to settle its border disputes with its neighbors because of its land claims on the Persian Gulf's sheikhdoms due to its territorial expansionism, the fear of Saddam Hossein made Saudis to recognize the past treaties. The disputes between Qatar and Bahrain: Mutual claims of Bahrain and Qatar over the possession of Hawarislands is the greatest dispute that put the two States on the threshold of a perfect war in 1986. Finally the issue was referred to the International Court of Justice. The court eventually gave its verdict on the territorial disputes between the two States in 2001. But, border disputes was heated upagain in 2010. In this dispute although territorial expansionism trends between the two neighbors towards some parts of each other's soil were clear, the strategic situation of tourist islands of Hawar that have oil resources, have had the most influence in creation of disputes between the two States. 4. Conclusion The border and territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf are being seenin a high level. The presence of European colonialists especially the British that handled the region from the early nineteenth century and appointed all the borders of the region in line with their imperialist benefits, has a great influence on the creation of these disputes. After 1971 when Britain left the Persian Gulf, border and territorial disputes among the region's states started and led to numerous conflicts. Most of these disputes have remained up to now. There are some factors that impede consensus among the countries of the region to form an eventual and stable solution for settling the border disputes. But, the reason for this article is stressing on the two important and effective factors in this context one of which is expansionism trend among the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf's zone and the other is the strategic situation of the conflict areas in terms of oil discovery and military situations. Saudi Arabia and Iraq and partly less, other sheikhdoms are the objective examples in this field. So, aggression of Saudi Arabia against Yemen and occupation of Asir area, military aggression against Abu Dhabi and Oman and occupation of Buraimi area, transgression against Qatar and occupation of the southern part of this State and its territorial greed towards Kuwait are arisen from this policy. Although Saudi Arabia prefers to actualize its policy by regional convergence, but in several cases, using vigor and military force shows its powerful expansionism leanings. Iraq's aggression against its neighbors in the Saddam era can also be evaluated in the form of Baghdad's expansionism policies because of queering in geopolitical – strategic straits and economic profits such as seizing the oil income of Kuwait and Iran's Khuzestan. These two factors with low and high intensity can be generalized to the otherPersian Gulf's sheikhdoms.
