NationStates Jolt Archive

Salutations from Al Khals!

Al Khals, The Democratic Republic of-

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/al_khals.jpg

“On the day of victory no man is tired”

Government-
President OMAR QOTTAR
Prime Minister Habib Kilany; Al Khals Kadira Republic party (161 seats)
Opposition leader Amal Abeid; Islamic Progress party (24 seats)
Third party head Atef Al Haddam; Arabic Unity party (8 seats)
(6 independent seats, usually filled by village leaders pursuing matters of local interest)

Country name- The Democratic Republic of Al Khals (conventional long form) Al Khals (conventional short form) Al Jumhuriyah Al Khals Dimuqratiyah (local long form) Al Khals (local short form)

Flag description- Two horizontal bars of equal size, white above the traditional green of Islam. The phrase Allahu Akbar, or God is Great, appears central, in Arabic script. In each band lies a horizontal sabre, one in defence of the faith, another in defence of the republic.

Capital-
Via’di’arl

Other major cities-
In’Salah, the second largest city in the republic
Salahbad, the spiritual centre of the nation
Tkarat, a site of historical significance and outstanding nationalism
Khalsabad, one of the nation's faster growing towns

Airports-
Via'di'arl International Airport (KVA)
Al Khals International Airport (KIA)
The former is situated on the outskirts of Via'di'arl, the Al Khals capital, while the latter may be found at In'Salah.

Airlines-
Air Al Khals

Geography/Climate-
Mostly desert, Al Khals is criss-crossed by several rivers and countless ancient canals providing transport, and irrigation for surprisingly fertile strips of farmland and dozens of small forests and oases.

Lowest point- Tkrat Valley, -2m

Highest point- Mount Omar, Tkrat, 2,874m

Natural resources- petroleum, natural gas, rock salt, marble, phosphates, clay, some iron ore and copper, hydropower

Natural hazards- dust/sandstorms, floods

People-

Ethnic complexion- Al Khals Arabic 81%, other Arabic 8%, Kurdish 5%, Iranian 2%, Armenian 2%, Jewish 1%, plus 1% and rising other nationalities living and working in Al Khals, usually surrounding the oil industry.

Life expectancy- 69.8 years (male 67.6 years, female 72 years)

Nationality- Al Khali (noun and adjective)

Religions- Muslim 96%, Jewish 1%, Christian and other (/none) 3%

Languages- Arabic (and local variation there of), official, English widely spoken in official circles

Literacy- (age 15 and over can read and write) 58% total (74% male, 42% female)

Economy-

Oil, proved reserves- 78.2 billion bbl, with much more suspected

Oil production- 4.5 million bbl/day

Natural gas proved reserves- 1.864 trillion cu m, with much more suspected

Agricultural products- wheat, barley, vegetables, dates, olives, cotton, cattle, sheep, poultry, camels, some fish

Export commodities- crude oil and natural gas mainly, some textiles, olives, meat and animals, and increasingly armaments and automobiles

Export partners- _Taiwan, Eredron, Vrak, No-Dachi Yo

Import commodities- foodstuffs, manufactured and consumer goods, metal and metal products, information technology

Import partners- _Taiwan, Eredron, No-Dachi Yo, Vrak

Debt, external- US$32 billion

Currency- reai

Military-

Funding- 3.1% of GDP (official) plus extra revenues funnelled to KSU; police and KSU spending amounts to many further percent of GDP

Branches- Republican Army, Republican Guard, Air Force, Republican Air Guard, Coast Guard, Khals Security Unit (KSU- secret police), Police, paramilitaries and reserve militias

Military eligibility age- 17 years

Personnel- RA, RG, AF, RAG, CG active duty personnel amount to ~0.8% of population.
The above are Al Khals’ regular forces, with 0.3% being RA effectives and 0.3% RA support, 0.1% RG personnel, 0.08% AF and RAG personnel, and 0.02% CG personnel.
KSU agents are pervasive and secretive, and accurate estimates of their numerical strength are impossible to make.
Paramilitary units too are fairly secretive in strength and organisation. It is likely that the government influences all though whether any or all receive state funding is less clear. Their strength is certainly at least 0.1% that of the civilian population.
Reserve militias may over-lap with many paramilitary organisations. Often they resemble the Republican Army of the previous generation in terms of arms and equipment, and units are sometimes lead by semi-retired RA officers.
Police recruitment runs at around 0.15% of the population.

Disputes/notes- Unconfirmed reports speak of internal clashes, with minority groups railing against the government. Small nomadic populations seem to be at the centre of at least some friction. Tension increasing between secular Kadira Republic Party supporters and hard-line Muslim groups.

Begining closer looks- the military-
(Incomplete. May be re-organised to detail typical divisional or army group inventories rather than national totals once Al Khals grows to a more considerable size.)

Military equipment-

Infantry weapons-

Republican Army-
9x19mm Tokhals 58 automatic pistol (TT-33 copy)
7.62x39mm Czech VZ58 assault rifle
7.62x54mm SVD sniper’s rifle
7.62x39mm RPK light-machinegun
12.7x107mm NSV heavy-machinegun
RGD-5 Blast & Fragmentation Grenade (offensive) (average throwing distance of 40-50 metres. Effective casualty radius is 15-20 metres and is hazardous out to about 30 metres)
RDG-33 Stick Grenade (defensive/offensive)
RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launcher
SA-7 shoulder-launched surface to air missile system
51mm infantry mortar

Republican Guard-
9x19mm Tokhals 58 automatic pistol
5.45x39.5mm AKSU-74 sub-machinegun
5.45x39.5mm AK74 assault rifle
7.62x39mm Czech VZ58 assault rifle
7.62x54mm SVD sniper’s rifle
7.62x39mm Finnish Rifle M78 light-machinegun
RGD-5 Blast & Fragmentation Grenade
RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launcher
SA-14 shoulder-launched surface to air missile system
51mm infantry mortar

Police-
9x19mm Tokahals 58 automatic pistol
5.45x39.5mm AKSU-74 sub-machinegun
7.62x54mm SVD sniper's rifle
None-lethal grenades and grenade launchers

As mentioned the militias and reserves generally utilise ex-service Army weaponry, with a few WWII/post war relics in the mix (anti-tank grenades, for example- still likely to be useful in defending urban areas against light armoured vehicles- nobody wants 600g of TNT dropped on his head)

Armour and other vehicles; heavy guns; et cetera-

Republican Army-

Tanks-
79x IS-2M heavy tank
54x IS-3K heavy tank
-Both of the above being withdrawn and likely to remain in reserve for some years.

34x M48 Armoured Recovery Vehicle
24x M48 Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge
260x M48K main battle tank
125x M48A6K main battle tank
170x PT76B light amphibious tank

Self propelled artillery guns-
205x 122mm Qottar SPAG
90x 240mm SPM 2S4 heavy mortar
225x Model 89 122mm Romanian Self Propelled Howitzer

Armoured personnel carriers/infantry combat vehicles et cetera-
354x BMP-1
240x MT-LB Multi-Purpose Tracked Vehicle

Self propelled anti aircraft guns-
312x M53/59 CZ/Slovak 2x30mm 6x6 vehicle
224x ZSU-57-2

Self propelled surface to air missile systems
182x SA-6 Gainful
114x SA-8 Gecko

Soft skin vehicles-
Perhaps as many as 4,200 assorted trucks, most 4 tons or so, serve various roles from munitions haulage to ambulance
240+ jeep-type vehicles, mainly UAZ

Towed artillery pieces/heavy mortars-
810x 122mm field guns
285x 100mm anti-tank guns
250x 122mm howitzer
200x 122mm multiple launch rocket systems
50x 210mm multiple launch rocket systems
350x 82mm mortar

Republican Guard-

Tanks-
50x Vickers Mk3 armoured recovery vehicle
30x Vickers armoured vehicle-launched bridge
14x M48 mine clearing tank
150x PT76B light amphibious tank
84x M1A2-AK Al Khali Abrams Main Battle Tank- native production getting underway

Self propelled artillery guns-
98x 122mm Qottar SPAG
150x 120mm SO-120 SPH/Mortar 2S9

Armoured personnel carriers/infantry combat vehicles et cetera-
80x MT-LB Multi-Purpose Tracked Vehicle
180x M-60P Yugoslav APC
144x BMP-2

Self propelled anti aircraft guns-
124x ZSU-57-2

Self propelled surface to air missile systems-
64x SA-6 Gainful
88x SA-13 Gopher

Soft skin vehicles-
1,620x assorted trucks
118x UAZ, many mounting 12.7mm machineguns

Towed artillery pieces/heavy mortars-
160x 100mm anti-tank gun
120x 76.2mm guns
96x 122mm howitzer
100x 82mm mortar

Air Force-

Interceptor-
90x MiG-21EW/K Al Khali Eagle Warrior – PL-5E, AA-10, rockets, bombs, 30mm cannon (48 Aztec upgraded, others unlicensed copy upgrades)
80x MiG-23 Flogger B - AA-7, AA-11, AA-10, twin 23mm cannon
50x MiG-25 Foxbat - AA-7, AA-6
54x Mirage III – R.550, AS.37, bombs, two 30mm cannon

Ground attack-
60x MiG-23BN – AA-8, AS-7, rockets, bombs, twin 23mm cannon
76x F-4K Khali-Phantom AA-8, R.550, AS-14, AS.37, rockets, bombs

Utility/transport/communication/electronic warfare-
84x An-26 Curl
56x An-32 Cline
4x EMB-145 SA (surveillance aircraft)

Reconnaissance-
12x MiG-25-R Foxbat

Helicopters-
154x Mi-8T HIP AK-C medium assault/transport – R.550, 57mm rockets, bombs, AT-2C
8x Mi-8SMV HIP J airborne jamming platform
5x Mi-9 HIP G airborne command post

Training-
16x MiG-21UM
12x MiG-23U
37x IA-63 Pampa
32x Yak-18
9x Mi-2 helicopter

Republican Air Guard-

Surface to air missiles-
304x HQ-2A/B launchers, around 3,000 missiles, 50 battalions mainly projecting major cities, airports, oilfields, military bases, ports.
164x SA-3

Towed/static Anti-Aicraft-Artillery-
625x 30mm
940x 57mm
684x 76.2mm
Plus many assorted 12.7mm mountings et cetera

Coast Guard-

Vessels-
3x Omar Class light patrol frigates
12x Dimuqratiyah Class missile patrol vessels
76x Khali Class inshore patrol launches (Khals Guard wing of Coast Guard)
5x Goat Class minehunters
7x Nomad Class coastal utility vessels
1x Training ship- converted yacht

Shore based-
Undisclosed numbers of C-201 anti-ship-missile mobile launchers, 122mm guns, 122mm and other rockets.

ASW helicopters-
14x Mi-14A

Military equipment specifications-

Armour-

M48K MBT-
M48 with 100mm gun, 7.62x39mm co-axial machinegun, internally mounted 12.7x107mm commander’s machinegun, 750hp diesel engine, passive night-vision equipment, new gun mantle.

M48A6K MBT-
M48 with stabilised 105mm gun with thermal sleeve, 7.62x39mm co-axial machinegun, internally mounted 12.7x107mm commander’s machinegun with improved low-profile commander’s cupola, 750hp diesel engine, passive night-vision equipment, new gun mantle, laser range-finder, 1st generation explosive-reactive armour, armoured skirts

Aircraft-

F-4K Khali-Phantom-
This native modification of the original F-4 probably falls short of the latest western Phantom upgrades, but is none the less an improvement on the dated original aircraft. It is in low rate production in state facilities.

MiG-21EW/K Al Khali Eagle Warrior-
An Aztec National League upgrade of Al Khals’ existing MiG-21bis interceptors giving them two extra weapons pylons, improved air-intake system, and better radar.

AA-10 Alamo R-27RE (Mach 4/130km/Radar)
AA-11 Archer R-73 (Mach 2.5/30km/infrared)
AA-7 Apex (Mach 3/35km/Semi-active Radar)
PL-5E (40G limit/Mach2.2/.5-14km/infrared)
AA-8 Aphid (Mach 2+/10km/infrared)
AA-6 Acrid R-40RD/TD (Mach 4.5/50km/command, inertial and semi-active radar or command, inertial and infrared)
R.550 Magic (Mach 2.7+carrier’s speed/13km/infrared)

AS-7 Kerry Kh-23 (10km/beam riding/100+kg warhead)
AS-14 Kedge Kh-29L Molniya (10km/semi-active laser/317kg warhead)
AT-2C Swatter ATGM (4km/500+mm penetration/semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance infrared terminal homing)

AS.37 Martel stand-off anti-radar missile (120km/passive radar homing/150kg warhead)

Military Shipping-

Omar Class light patrol frigate-
1,400 ton full load displacement, 300x34x10ft dimension
2 shafts; 2 cruise diesels, 3,800bhp, 18 knots; boost gas turbines, 42,000shp, 39 knots
Native air-search radar, sonar, and fire control
1x122mm gun, 4x SS-N-22 Sunburn anti ship missile, 1x ASW mortar, SA-N-8 SAM, 4x30mm cannon, 3x12.7mm machinegun
128 officers and men

Note:The Al Khals military is thought to possess only a few Sunburn anti-ship missiles, and may struggle to replace any fired.

Dimurqratiyah Class missile patrol vessel-
225 ton full load displacement, 142x22x7ft dimension
3 diesels, 3 shafts, 10,500bhp, 33 knots
1x76.2mm gun, C-201 anti-ship missile, 1x30mm AA cannon, 1x12.7mm machinegun
29 officers and men

Khali Class inshore patrol launch-
Small vessels capable of navigating many of the nation’s rivers and larger canals at moderate speeds. Armed with dual mount 12.7mm machineguns and a 30mm cannon, they also frequently carry tube-launched unguided rockets and shoulder-launched SA-7 or SA-14 SAMs. May be seen operating at sea close to shore, but are unsuitable for rough seas or ocean going operation.

Nice one. Modelled on Iran/Iraq?

Thanks.
Something along those lines, yes. For the moment Al Khals is perhaps slightly less religiously motivated than Iran, but we shall see what the future brings. I imagine foreign influence one way or another will shape the nation Al Khals becomes.
Perhaps the main difference between this fiction and reality is just that we have more canals, heh. I'll be damned if I know why.

Next- figuring out where Al Khals is, exactly. The West Pacifc seems less than likely..

(Edit, woops, one way or another. That war thing.. slip of the tongue, read nothing into it!)

We might be neighbours, but Al Anbar claims Iraq and Syria.

A look at Al Khali history-

There are huge gaps in records of Al Khals' extended youth. Certainly the nation's history is a long one, and it appears at some point to branch off along two entirely different lines.

Since the nation's history becomes blured rather more recently than is often the case we shall work backwards, begining in the modern era.

Today Al Khals is a democratic republic throughout which the population overwhelmingly supports the president, Omar Qottar, as reflected by their persistance in voting for the Al Khals Kadira Republic Party, presently chaired by one Habib Kilany. The AKKR is the traditional supporter of long-sitting President Qottar who rose to power in 1982, ending a half-hearted contest between rival Soviet and capitalist states seeking to secure Al Khali oil privileges.*
Some influences from both ideologies persist in Qottar's politics; while private enterprise is allowed, there are strict central controls, and a moderately large national sector, especially around the armaments and oil industries.

Through the early and mid C20th Al Khals was at best a minor player internationally, usually given only passing consideration, and usually hard enough pressed to avoid being used as a pawn in larger regional power struggles.

It does not appear that the state religion, Islam, has ever been a totally dominant Al Khali force for extended periods, though it is a persistant presence in the national psyche. The people are not traditionally the most reactionary or the most brutal enforcers of Islamic law, though the Al Khali are not at all impossible to rouse in the defence of their faith domestically or internationally.

The nation's gradually decreasing nomad population has been known, at least until a couple of generations ago, to up-root and move in force to surrounding states to fight for Islamic or Arabic causes.

Al Khals has been subject to a number of foreign occupations, but has usually -perhaps by virtue of its previously sparse population and lack of seeming importance- avoided utter domination or strict scrutiny. It is only in Qottar's time that major oil and other resource finds have really increased the state's profile.

Further back, some centuries though at present no one is exactly sure of the date, Al Khals experienced a major Arabic migration, as the nomadic population first arrived and began to use the land of canals as something of a centre for their trade. The population existing previously for countless further centuries was, it would appear, the remaining shadow of a once great regional empire. Some Al Khalis hold that their little republic was once the heartland of a sister empire to that of Rama in Pakistan and northern India. Half remembered folklaw tells of a time some eight, ten, or even twenty thousand years since, during which the great canal builders were driven by gods -or more usually today Allah himself- to embark upon their great works, seen even now to criss-cross the republic.

These folk tales variously remember the fall of the original Khalis as being at the hand of the devil himself, or of fabled Atlantis- often held to be the devil's kingdom on earth.

OOC:
*Presently I am supposing the USSR and primarily the UK to have been the conflicting foreign influences, but in future if it suits an RP or what not they could be replaced by similar Nation States.

mine is located at: http://philopolis.cjb.net/factbook.html

Further construction carried out- mainly on air force assets in the second post.

..Now, what else do people care to know about other nation states? The wise-guy who said "nothing about yours" isn't getting any oil. I mean, unless he has a decent tank, in which case we can't stop him.

History?

Ah, of course. You win a.. er.. barrel of crude!
I shall try to draft a history, though for now it might be sketchy, as Al Khals has experienced little interaction with other nations here, and I'm not even sure exactly where the nation will take root.
-Incidentally, should there be any reasonably active middle eastern regions interested in the democratic republic, let them speak now!

The Republic of Taiwan would like to enquire about the price of oil for a 30-year contract.

President Omar Qottar was evidently keen to secure major export deals. He had during his presidency seen other states attacked for their oil, and wanted to ensure that Al Khals was protected by enough positive foreign interest to make such offences against her the target of multi-national resistance.


Presently Al Khals expects $21 per barrel of crude on the international market (OOC:Because I'm not yet too familiar with the state of world affairs as they pertain to oil production- whether there are a lot of wars going on in producing nations and such), and produces close to 650 million barrels of exportable oil per annum.

There is proven room for significant expansion of production once demand merits such -at the present rate it would take well over a century to exhaust known reserves, and much more is suspected.

On the assumption of a major foreign contract existing, such as that potentially existing with _Taiwan, it may be possible to drop the average price to under $20 per barrel.

Of course such a long term contract would be likely to exist through significant fluctations in the market. Al Khals proposes offering _Taiwan a limited degree of protection from negative fluctuations, provided that their requirements are sufficient to support significant production increase in Al Khals.

That is to say, in the event of international factors forcing an increase in oil prices, states with less significant contracts would feel the pinch sooner and harder than _Taiwain, while Al Khals reserves the right to some flexibility for her own economic protection.

Outline of Al Khali history added (post 6)

The Republic of Taiwan is interested in a potential deal involving some 120 million barrels a year through a collection of Taiwanese companies and represented by the Ministry of Commerce. What would the costs, as well as terms and conditions, be on a deal of this magnitude?

An increase of that magnitude will be sufficient to require some expansion in the industry. Recent cut-backs in production after the Roanian oil market collapsed may be reversed over-night, thus allowing limited export to begin as soon as required.

Estimates for time to a full 120 million barrel increase are around the two month mark, at which time regular shipments may be made at full scale.

Presently the projected price per barrel this year is $20.95, and it is hoped to reduce this further as the year rolls on.

Taiwan's is to be Al Khals' first major contract in recent years, and this promises to provide several million dollars towards expanding the sector and allowing further business to be carried out. As such President Qottar has stipulated that the price not rise above $21 per barrel in the first year regardless of fluctuations elsewhere, and that following the first year, Taiwan will continue to receive some degree of protection. Should the price elsewhere rise to above $22 per barrel, Taiwanese exports under this contract will see 20% less increase (that is to say that if for example 15 months from now Al Khali oil rises to $25 per barrel, the 120million barrels sent to Taiwain will rise only to $24.40, making for a $72million saving in this case).

(I probably should have gone into this earlier, but I've been in a hurry, oh well- does Taiwan have her own oil tankers available? If not, Al Khals will of coruse lay on her own aged tankers, and may seek to acquire new ones which may increase efficiency and slightly pull down prices)

An very well developed nation.

The Dominion and Principalities of Eredron announces official diplomatic recongition of the Democratic Republic of Al Khals, and wishes to extend a hand of friendship to President Qottar.

The Eredron government is interested in entering into a contract with Al Khals providing 200,000,000 barrels of crude oil for a period of 15 years, with contract to be renewed if satisfactory to both parties.

Transport can be provided by the tanker fleets of four corporations.

Awaiting Al Khal's response,


Consul Supreme McCallister
Head of State, Dominion and Principalities of Eredron
http://www.ccadp.org/flag-trinidad.gif

Also, should Al Khals so desire, Eredron stands ready to offer a loan of 5 billion Marks(~8 billion USD) for the development of refineries, pipelines, and other infrastructure relating to the drilling, refining, and exporting of oil. We stand ready to negotiate this and the above offer.



Consul Supreme McCallister
Head of State, Dominion and Principalities of Eredron
http://www.ccadp.org/flag-trinidad.gif

Al Khals appreciates the various expressions of good sentiment from her earthly neighbours, and wishes to let it be known that the republic is ever open to embassy-building.

To Eredron the Minister for Foreign Trade sent of Al Khals' interest in confirming an oil export deal. He asks if the tendered figure of two-hundred million barrels is the amount desired yearly, or a total quantity over the fifteen year period.

Should the former be true it is likely that Via'di'arl will be quite interested in arranging a lone to cover the required expansion.

The Ministry of Commerce wishes to clarify, Eredron seeks 200 million barrels yearly, for 15 years.

News stories appearing this week on assorted Al-Haqiqa Al Khals news network programmes-

-The Al Khali Defence Ministry is reported to be "in the market" for a new main battle tank. The nation's own defence industry is reportedly geared so heavily towards developing and producing aircraft such as the F-4K attack fighter that researching and mass producing a new and effective MBT is considered too great a strain. Production of the old and much modified M48 is slow without the strain of a more powerfull vehicle being added.
There has also been talk of interest in a light or scout tank, or perhaps heavy armoured car.

-Over-night disturbances were reported around the town of Khalsabad, where earlier in the day an assortment of Al Khali minorities -Arab nomad, Iranian, Armenian, and Kurd- gathered in their hundreds to decry the Qottar government as corrupt.
There was a small police presence throughout, and one officer has since identified Atef Al Haddam, head of the Arabic Unity Party, as being present and as being engaged in "rousing the crowd to a disorderly end".
It is thought that local Al Khals Arabs came out to confront what has been called an unofficial AUP rally, and that isolated fights broke out during which some rocks and other missiles were thrown.

-In the Al Khali First Division, National Tkrat defeated Salahbad by two goals to one, moving them five points clear at the top of the football league. Via Athletic play Club Khalsabad this afternoon, and must win to have a realistic chance of retaining their title.

In that case, Eredron, Al Khals is delighted to accept, and is prepared to negotiate over the proposed loan.

Perhaps favourably low repayment rates and interest in the case of the loan may be reflected in mirroring of the favours offered to Taiwan, as regards your own oil contract.

OOC: Where exactly is your nation based? I was thinking a pipeline.
IC:

Taiwan has produced the M1A2 Abrams tank for many years now indigenously, and is interested in selling this technology.

OOC: Somewhere in the Middle East. I haven't settled into anything exactly. I want some sort of 'real world' reference but without excluding interaction with too many nations by claiming to exist in the same space and time as them, or such. Anywhere from Syria and north west Iran in the north to Yemen in the south west or Kuwait-ish in the east. I am leaning towards the Kuwait area, but.. I dunno. Not much use, I know :)


Intending to maintain a considerable number of ex-MBTs as medium tanks, and to continue low-rate production of said, Al Khals seeks to import a small core of main battle tanks.
The M1A2 is of some interest, certainly. General opinion is that the republic should be interested in securing a modified version of this powerful machine. As we require to import the vehicle -a more expensive prospect than domestic manufacture in many senses- an Al Khali variant would probably be simplified somewhat, as were for example many early Chinese variants of Soviet tanks.
Any suggestions along these lines would be welcome.

In that case, Eredron, Al Khals is delighted to accept, and is prepared to negotiate over the proposed loan.

Perhaps favourably low repayment rates and interest in the case of the loan may be reflected in mirroring of the favours offered to Taiwan, as regards your own oil contract.

We have reviewed the terms and stipulations decided upon in the Taiwan-Al Khal Agreement, and find them to be satisfactory. Our main interest in offering this loan is, of course, seeing the nation of Al Khals prosper as a democracy. As your ability to export oil increases, Eredron may also desire to increase the number of barrels by a substantial number. As such, Eredron is prepared to offer you interest rates five percentage points below the current rate.

I await your response.



Consul Supreme McCallister
Head of State, Dominion and Principalities of Eredron
http://www.ccadp.org/flag-trinidad.gif

MESSAGE! MESSAGE!
PRIORITY D
To Al Khals
From Red Tide
We are willing too export you our fine Banshee sports cars and steels(Production of steel is on the rise thanks too a trade deal too import Iron ore and coal with Dukeses). In return we will import your crude and refined oil. Is this trade deal acceptable?

Finding the chance to collect such a substantial and low-rate loan irresistable, Via'di'arl wishes to confirm the transaction.
We understand the amount to be five billion marks, or in the order of eight billion US dollars, and assure you that it will be used to bring further prosperity to the people of the republic of the canals democracy.
No doubt following the first years of the 200,000,000 yearly barrel deal Al Khals shall be prepared for any degree of expansion.




While Al Khals is struggling to maintain her promising auto industry (the president has pressed through considerable tarrifs on foreign automobiles), and while most Al Khalis are unlikely to be able to afford top range sports cars, the republic is most interested in steel and other metal products, as our own production is clearly insufficient in the face of growing industrial requirements.
A lasting steel-for-oil trade would be most welcome.

Finding the chance to collect such a substantial and low-rate loan irresistable, Via'di'arl wishes to confirm the transaction.
We understand the amount to be five billion marks, or in the order of eight billion US dollars, and assure you that it will be used to bring further prosperity to the people of the republic of the canals democracy.
No doubt following the first years of the 200,000,000 yearly barrel deal Al Khals shall be prepared for any degree of expansion.



Eredron is most pleased with the decision of the Al Khals government; we hope this initial agreemen will be but a first step towards great economic prosperity and unity between our two nations.



Consul Supreme McCallister
Head of State, Dominion and Principalities of Eredron
http://www.ccadp.org/flag-trinidad.gif (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=eredron)

{Tag; For Intelligence Purposes}

Several minor private news sources in Al Khals this last week ran stories on further scuffles and "protest meetings", this time claiming that many apparently operated on an anti-western platform.

Recent unease around Khalsabad focused on Arab and other Asian minorities accusing President Qottar and/or the pro-presidential Habib Kilany-chaired AKKR of corruption. Third party Arabic Unity and opposition party Islamic Progress increasingly sound common notes of objection over Qottar and Kilany's "weak Islam". The latest protests, covered only briefly and by minor sources and unmentioned by Al-Haqiqa Al Khals, were said to equate this with a lack of faith and metal in the leadership as it relates to the outside world.

"The increasing level of foreign interest in Al Khals should not go completely unchecked." Wrote one freelance journalist for a privately owned Salahbad weekly paper. "It is offensive when one realises how many of these -mostly western- nations use suggestive or suspicious language in their dealings with the republic. One must see how they condescend to Al Khals especially as they speak misty-eyed of their version of democracy, as if it must be made ours too before we can be equals in front of them and their gods."

The quoted paper was one of three minor news sources that without explanation have failed to make deliveries or broadcasts so far this week, while Al-Haqiqa Al Khals promotes a series of major international industrial and financial deals lately negotiated by the government.

Prelimnary designs for the M1A2-AK (Al Khal) have been completed, with costs per unit projected at $2.8 million, as opposed to the $4.3 million of the original. The AGT-1500 turbine engine has been replaced with a Taiwanese variant producing approximately the same torque.

We are also interested in purchasing a piece of land for construction of an oil pipeline.

President Qottar is said to be delighted with the reported progress on Al Khals' next potential main battle tank, and is apparently interested in learning more about it*.

On the matter of the pipeline, the government is interested, and would like to know where such a line would lead, and roughly how large it may be.

The possibility of bringing in Taiwanese workers with their UC Dollars is a prospect not wholly unappealing to the President.



*OOC:It shouldn't be hard to impress him as the best tanks presently in service are the native upgraded M48A6K and Vickers Mk3, both 105mm gun tanks with thin steel armour and modest top speeds. Only a few dozen have so much hi-tech equipment as a laser range-finder.

-Bump for interest.

A batch of the M1A2-AK tanks have been flown to Al-Khal for preliminary tests in the conditions. A group of engineers have also arrived with the tanks.

The oil pipeline will lead to Al-Khals border with Kazakstan (Kazahkstania), where it will enter the PRC (Sino) and be transported via a pipeline under the Taiwan straits to Taiwan. The strip of land required will be approxiamtely 6m wide.

Delighted to receive the initial tanks for testing, President Qottar puts one of them on parade at once in Via'di'arl, while the rest were dispatched to the desert for trials.

The government meanwhile agreed to Taiwan's pipeline, partly because they were simply so impressed by the proposed scale of the project.

You should consider moving to the Middle East, Al Khals.

Construction has begun on the pipeline, with around 250 workers flown in. An indigenous firm, mainly due to their expertise in the desert terrain, has been selected for construction work.

Via'di'arl is delighted with the pace and scale of investment in the republic since the last election put Habib Kilany's pro-Qottar AKKR at the top of the party system.

As the pipeline gradually creeps through Al Khals, the Taiwanese will notice a tightening of security, and a subtle restriction of their off-site movements when working relatively near to Khalsabad. However nothing more invasive than is sufficient to make a worker enjoying time-off ask, "Do you think we're being watched?", or to note, "There sure are a lot of police around" is likely to occur.

Out in the desert M1A2-AK trials proceed without major complaint thus far, while in the distance scaffoldings announce the rise of new refineries and drills.

In Via'di'arl too the skyline is changing as imposing embassy buildings and towering office blocks are erected en masse, monstrous cranes lifting tens of tons skywards.

The economy looks set for a resounding boom.

Having been greatly pleased thus far with the trade agreement, the Dominion of Eredron is interested in increasing our yearly export to 300 million barrels of oil.

They Who Rule In Majesty would like to offer the Al-Khals military the chance to purchase one squadron of SR-71 blackbirds. These planes are invisible to radar, and can reach the very edge of the atmosphere.
12 planes 20 million each
12 pressure suits $100K each
$252000000 in total.
Bear in mind these planes will come with one A to A missile each at no extra cost.

Eredron's wish to increase its Al Khali oil imports is well received in the Democratic Republic, and President Qottar is confident that the increase can be easily supported thanks to considerable foreign investment.

The Defence Ministry meanwhile politely declined The MJ12 Council's Blackbird offer, seeing little use for such aircraft in Al Khali service, and considering that the nation's MiG-25 Foxbat reconnaissance aircraft were sufficient for existing needs.

To: The Democratic Republic of Al Khals
From: Vrak Trade Division
Subject: Possible trade relationship

The Kingdom would like to establish trade relations with the Democratic Republic of Al Khals. Some of our major oil companies would like to establish joint ventures with your local companies, if possible.

Vrak's interest is noted and welcome. With annual oil exports expected to pass US$10billion this year for the first time expansion and co-operation continues to be highly anticipated.

Meanwhile the atmosphere in the republic from day to day grows ever more stressful. Mud-brick villages are replaced by high-rises, dirt roads scattered with pedestrians give way to paved higways congested with oil tankers headed out, and construction vehicles headed in. The ethnic composition of the nation is being considerably altered by unprecidented immigration from the west, much to the resentment of many unskilled villagers left behind, not that these aspects will be the focus of much governental or international exposure.

To: The Democratic Republic of Al Khals
From: Vrak Trade Division
Subject: Possible trade relationship

Very well. Consider that some representatives from this office as well as reps from Hydra Oil, Gargantua Oil, and Valkyrie Oil enroute to your capital. We also offer expertise in construction and infrastructure in general.

Fact book modified to make note of a considerable influx of foreigners to the nation and to display the evolution of the military.

(I hope that no one minds my listing their nation (in the fact book) as an Al Khali trade partner. While most deals negotiated have been export, I am at the moment assuming that at least some foodstuffs and consumer goods may be imported from the same nations. Feel free to comment if there's a problem or other note of interest.)

If you are looking to import, Eredron has a history of automobile manufacturing, and retail. We can also negotiate to export our surplus wheat and grains; currently, we have over 20 million metric tons available for exporting.

While Al Khals has an over-sized automobile industry of its own (protected by significant tariffs) we are always interested in many other consumer goods. Our electronics sector is relatively small, and with growing foreign investment and immigration we find new demand for luxury items such as televisions, stereo systems, home computers, kitchen electronics, and all the latest home entertainment gadgetry.

In truth the Al Khali market for such goods is starved and almost untouched beyond what is provided by a few small-time domestic firms.

Al-Haqiqa Al Khals: Prohibition of alcohol not sufficient to stay execution of drunk-driver

The as yet unnamed Via'di'arl man sentenced last month to death for killing two Al Khali women while driving drunk will still suffer the original penalty facing him.

Amal Abeid, leader of the opposition Islamic Progress Party, delivered this information along with news that the banning of alcohol, long called for by his supporters, was about to be made law in the democratic republic.

The move is sure to offer greater stability to President Qottar's lately shakey position as opponents to his wise secular government see the fairness of his hand in addressing their legitimate concerns.

Khalsabad Metro: Fresh riots as prohibition arrives

Khalsabad again burned last night as opponents both of the Kilany government and of hard-line Islamic law clashed with IPP supporters celebrating Qottar's latest deal in appeasement.

Since the unexplained cessation of three independent papers known to have reported on anti-western and anti-government protests, the Metro has stood alone in Khalsabad in promising to bring the common man's views to the fore. The Metro is not afraid to tell you what Al-Haqiqa Al Khals will not- that not all is well and that you are not alone when you think that you see wrong in Al Khals!

So read the last edition of the daily Khalsabad Metro when it was published on Tuesday morning.

After extensive testing in the required environments, the M1A2-AK has proven to be a cost effective competitor to the original M1A2. Rated specifications are now availible.

Privately in the halls of the Presidential palace, there is reported to be "minor concern" about the media clampdown in Al Khals.

(Specs for M1A2-AK)
120mm smooth bore gun, 7.62mm guns for Coaxial, loader, and commander. 1750 HP, night-vision, NBC protection 180 SCFM, steel-encased DU armour, laser range finder, GPS guidance.

With the Al Khali population now over one hundred million, the promised military expansion has been delievered, though some observers may note that numbers of hardware including artillery pieces, armoured vehicles, surface-to-air missiles, and aircraft have not increased in proportion to the republic's rapid population growth.

Republican Army and Air Force commanders have been rumoured horrified by the ratios of men to equipment, and by the ever increasing responsibilities handed out to their stunted forces by population growth. Even the Republican Guard, though still relatively well funded and intensively trained, has hinted at concern over falling rates of mechanisation.

(That is to say; second post on page one updated with new totals- note the new patrol frigate! Gasp! Do you hear the Coast Guard complaining?)

Al Haqiqa Al Khals: Qottar moves to curtail economic slump

With the long expected growth failing to infuse the Al Khali economy President Qottar has taken drastic steps, blaming corrupt and lazy bourgeois businessmen for the economy's disappointing showing.

In spite of major foreign investment the economy has failed to expand, and in fact appears to be loosing ground on the world scene.

As a result Qottar announced the nationalisation of the Al Khali economy. All major businesses are to be brought under government control, and many top businessmen have been arrested and held for questioning over their poor performances and suspected corruption.

Prime Minister Habib Kilany insists that foreign companies' assets imbedded in the republic will not be ceased as part of this sweeping nationalisation. More than that, small businesses will continue to operate until such time as their potential grows to proportions befitting central control.

Salahbad local radio:

"..And yes, clearly it is about time that the government acted to stop this corruption that keeps ordinary Al Khalis living below their rightful limits. The real travesty is that while good Al Khali businessmen are arrested the true culprits go unpunished."

"Yes, yes, Qottar's secular government is again letting-down the Al Khali the people by using this as an excuse to remove businessmen in positions to challenge him. Naim Madani was owner of the Khalsabad Metro until it was closed down a few months ago -now what harm can he have done to the economy with his business taken away from him?"

"Madani was arrested, yes?"

"Yes yes, arrested last week with the other businessmen opposed to Kadira Republic."

"Meanwhile the Jews and their western backers continue to invest what they like where Qottar likes and.."

"..and Kilany does nothing."

"Yes, now taxes are.. taxes are up a hundred percent over-night, now no one can afford to run a publication unless they get the government's backing and hire a government editor.."

The presenter interrupted his guest, a noted Muslim cleric, and the phone-in listener to inform them of reported technical problems and the untimely end of this segment of the show.

To face growing oil consumption, Eredron wishes to modify its current contract with the Al Khals government, and increase the trade to 1.2 billion barrels of oil yearly; Eredron private corporations stand ready to assist in any needed development, expansion or modernization of Al Khal's drilling facilities and refineries.

The possibility of increased exports to Eredron has brought about swift response from Via'di'arl. In light of the struggling and now vastly changing economy it is unlikely that the national sector can expand to meet the Eredron contract in anything less than several years.

It is proposed that the current network increase its exports as far as possible in the short term while Eredronian and Al Khali contractors prepare an entirely new field expressly for the Eredron export market.

Several sites around Al Khals have been prospected but as yet not exploited, and any number of the larger finds would be suitable for this new field. Even now Al Khali police forces are marking out and securing an area of land near Tkrat, and resettlement programmes are being arranged for the tiny handful of villagers nearby.

Companies in Eredron have been notified of possible contracts in Al Khals, and bids are beginning to arrive.

An initial 1.4 billion has been allocated for the Eredron-Al Khals Oil Development, with the work on the oil fields to be contracted out to Eredronian and Al Khals corporations, and additional supertankers to be built in Eredron drydocks.

Permission is requested to deploy 2,500 Eredronian troops at the construction sites((as this contract will increase Eredron's dependence on Al Khals oil drastically)), and remain stationed around the refineries.

President Qottar has authorised the deployment of up to 2,500 Eredronian troops in the immediate vacinity of the new oil fields and directly related facilities.

The ruling Al Khals Kadira Republic Party has offered some advice to incoming Eredronians. Information papers on dealing in comfort with the possibly alien desert climate, the fairly remote nature of the site, and the political scene around historically important and ultra-nationalistic Tkrat have been forwarded. Little dos and don'ts for personnel likely to deal with locals, for example, and charts detailing sites of historic and religious importance.

Meanwhile remaining Al Khali news sources focus on Qottar's latest triumph in attracting this increased foreign investment to the betterment of the republic.

Geologists and other members of several major Eredronian corporations involved in the contracting as well as members of the Eredronian government are scheduled to fly to Al Khals in two weeks to appraise the selected areas of drilling.

Despite mild criticism of the Al Khal's restrictions on personal freedom, the Senate gave final approval of the oil contract, although some wanted the administration to increase Eredron's own exports to Al Khals and balance the trade.

In return for the planned oil contract, the substantial IT and electronics industry of Eredron has submitted the following proposals to Al Khals for consideration; the Consul urges you to open up these goods to the Al Khals consumers, free from tariffs and other restrictions.

Digital Technologies, Inc.
http://www.virginradio.co.uk/extra/scaleo/images/computer.gif
With a powerful 1.9 Ghz processor and equipped with apowerful Banshee(TM) 768 Memory stick, the A7 Personal Computer is perfectly suited for use at home or at the office; among the A7's many standard features is a 19'' flat panel monitor and *Instant Wireless Internet Access, and a vast array of complementary software.

Provided to Al Khals at a price of 750 EM.


Turner Electronics
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/home-theater-13.jpg
Specializing in high-definition television for over 15 years, Turner Electronics is the #1 provider for plasma televisions in the entire Eredron Republic.

From the 10'' Standard Trinisonic Model providing a crisp image for the smallest nook, to the 52'' Deluxe System, which includes a 750W Home Surround System, Turner Electronics can provide for the needs of every family.


Model prices: Range from 250 to 13,000 EM

K & R Home Suppliers

http://www.sportmats.com/images/samsung-retro-microwave.jpg http://www.spafitnesstraveler.com/images/blender.jpg

From spoons to ovens, spatulas to refrigerators, bathroom decor to kitchen appliances, K & R stands ready to provide for the need of any consumer.






*Wireless Internet available through Eredron Global Communications at just 35.99 Eredronian Marks(EM) a month; switching to another service provider will require a one-time 15.99EM service charge.


Further information enclosed.

Via'di'arl has been glad to co-operate with the Eredronian geologists and others involved with the expansion of Al Khali oil exports, while security outside the region to be drilled is noticibly tight.

Opening of Al Khali markets to forwarded Eredronian consumer goods has begun, with many ordinary Al Khalis queuing for hours with weeks upon weeks worth of savings in the hopes of being the first on their street to own a microwave oven or such.

More expensive items such as top of the line personal computers and plasma televisions find much smaller markets as most citizens simply can not afford them. Top level government officials and those connected to the oil industry however are buying fast.

-Minor corrections/updates to fact book; military inventory updated for 200million population standard.
-I am thinking about creating a map of Al Khals, but don't appear to have a great many active potential Mid-Eastern neighbours, which is something of a problem, as I don't feel that Al Khals ought to be an island.

In order to maintain good relations between Taipei and Al-Khals and strengthen cultural ties, the Republic of Taiwan would like to financially sponsor the development and construction of new Mosques and teaching of Islam.

Republican Palace of Democracy, Tkrat.

The ancient Al Khali architecture at the small palace in super-nationalist Tkrat was largely overshadowed by Qottar's modern additions, paid for by increasing oil exports. The original building was of more value to the archaeological community than any other, as it was widely held in local folklaw to be anywhere from six to twenty thousand years old. As such it was rather worn, and now protected against further erosion by panelling adorned with fine art and golden elaboration.

In what once was court to an Al Khali prince there now assembled elite members of the democratic republic's AKKR party, military command, oil industry, and the President himself, Omar Qottar.

The little mountain-foot city of Tkrat bristled with AAA pieces and grumbled with the sound of diesel and gas turbine engines. Meetings of so many VIPs always occured amongst the strictest of security arrangements.

"Investment in Al Khali culture. Can't we massage the definition of Al Khali culture?" Ventured on party member, using the broadest terms he could.

The meeting was making little progress. Qottar was clearly opposed to a significant increase in the permiation of religion to his secular republic. Refusing the Taiwanese offer could at once appear as if meant to offend a key trade partner and send a negative and confrontational message to the nation's already growing actively Islamic community. Tens of millions of nominal Muslims could, the government feared, take up opposition to the party at any time.

Eventually Qottar concluded that the republic would gratefully suggest the construction of a new Mosque at In'Salah, and the funding of renovation to the college there. After all, what better place to become involved with Al Khali spirituality than the nation's unofficial religious capital?

(And where better to hide away increased investment in religion than a city largely run by clerics operating on a long-standing agreement with the government?)

By the time the Taiwanese engineers depart for Al-khals, it is clear (to political analysts anyway) that this is no ordinary delegation.

During the week, the engineers have undergone training on how to behave. They are taught to live cleanly, in contrast to the beer-drinking prostitute-using antics of most Westerner men. They are also given a crash course in Arabic.

It is also being made fairly clearly to the local population that Taiwan has sponsored the building through pamplets delivered to the neighbourhood.

Critics in Tapei have accused Chen of using religion to promote Taiwan, however the Muslims of Taiwan have supported the move.

Military refurbished, first page. Mechanisation continues a slow steady increase and missiles available to the little Al Khali air force are finally revealed as a mix of primarily Russian and French weapons.