NationStates Jolt Archive

Vadomar Times

After several months of unrest in the eastern areas of Dragonih, a powerful force of rebels appears to have emerged there, seizing control of territory and attacking government installations. Government forces present there have been engaged in pitched battles with the rebels, but no reports of casualties have been reported. Both military and civilian deaths are estimated to be high, due to the urban environment of a large portion of these encounters and the inherent uncertainty of battling a domestic enemy.

For four months, protests, both violent and non-violent, have occurred in the region. Before this outright act of rebellion, some fifty-one people had been killed and perhaps a thousand injured. Government forces, despite orders to remain cautious and respectful of human rights, have been drawn into many fierce engagements with the more militant protesters, often resulting in exchanges of gunfire.

What appears to have prompted this rebellion was the decree of Sultan Bastud XI ordering government forces to confiscate the weapons of the rebels. The Sultan did so only "reluctantly", the Minister of Defense said, because, according to the Sultan, the potential for "full-scale civil war" was too high.

As the news of the rebellion filtered in, the Sultan released a statement "strongly condemning" the rebellion and urging "all loyal citizens" to rally behind the government to show their support.

The root cause of this appears to be a conflict between the right-wing public and the socialist monarchy. While the government has been very careful to avoid violating civil rights, their respect for political rights has been much lower than usual since Bastud XI inherited the post of Sultan.

While officially the Sultan of Dragonih has absolute power, the past five Sultans have all allowed a dominance of government policy by a democratically-elected National Congress of Dragonih. While the Sultans reserved the right to veto bills, and occassionally, though rarely, used it, for the most part the National Congress controlled the actions and inactions of the government. The Sultan before Bastud XI, Janak III, ended his years as Sultan with an intense conflict with a National Congress dominated by right-wing parties. The traditionally socialist monarchy of Dragonih appeared to be losing the fight when Janak III died, but that appears to have been due to his extreme reluctance to use his undemocratic powers. His eldest son and successor seems to have no such compunctions; after half a year of conflict, Bastud IX had blocked nine out of every ten measures adopted by the National Congress. In protest, the National Congress dissolved itself, and in the six months since, the Sultan has ruled by royal decree.

While the Sultan still has a firm grip on the government, the population has become enraged at him. Public opposition to the leftist economic policies of the government is large, and public opposition to the totalitarian rule of the Sultan is even higher. The vast majority - some 90% of the population - are opposed to the individual rule of the Sultan, and some polls indicate that as much as half the population supports the elimination of the Sultan's powers altogether.

The traditional means of enforcing unpopular rule - secret police, dissappearences, executions and imprisonment without trial, violations of privacy and free speech - have been almost entirely absent in this case, despite the clearly despotic rule of the Sultan. Dissent has been allowed, and even militant protest and cries for revolution have been tolerated, to a point. The beginning of this rebellion may signify an end for this benevolent aspect of the Sultan's government.

The rebel group, which calls itself the Freedom Fighters of Dragonih, has issued a statement to the media:

As citizens of Dragonih, we are disgusted by what our government has done. It has eliminated our democracy, ignored popular opinion, and it now moves to crush a heroic attempt to liberate this great nation from the despotism of Sultan Bastud XI.

We are left-wing and right-wing, socialist and capitalist, male and female, religious and secular, moderate and radical. We stand united on one principle: this grand country must not remain under the control of a despotic government, and the only way to eliminate that government is through armed resistance. When the National Congress tried to work against him politically, he eliminated its power. When peaceful protests erupted across the country, he ignored them. The only thing he has reacted to is violence, and violence, unfortunately, is the only means capable of defeating him.

We do not wish to kill anyone. We do so because we do believe that self-defense is sometimes necessary, and in this case, where the government has eliminated our democratic rights, we believe it is necessary to take them back. Without them, the Sultan can do as he pleases, and since power corrupts, the result will be a disaster for the people of Dragonih.

We extend an offer to the government of Dragonih: promise to begin establishing a democratic, constitutional government, and not to forcefully take our weapons, and we will stop fighting. As soon as such a government is established, we will lay down our arms, and give them up if it says that we must. There will be no more violence, no more killing, if you do so.

Or you can continue your theft of democracy in this nation, and we will be forced to continue resisting it. More violence, more killing, will ensue, with severe effects for our nation.

This is our offer. We ask you to accept it, and avert needless destruction.

The Dominion of Kodor condemns the undemocratic nature of Sultan Bastud XI's government. Democracy should be an essential part of every government, and eliminating it in such a way is the wrong path towards progress. The Kodoran government also condemns the acts of violence by the rebels against the government. Non-violent resistance and negotiation is always preferable to violence, and it is far from evident that such means have been expended in this case.

We intend to remain neutral in this conflict, unless either side begins deliberately targeting civilians on a large scale, in which case we will side against them.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia wishes to send human rights investigators to Dragonih. They shall report any human rights abuses in the conflict to the international media and the Essenian government. This will hopefully discourage any such abuses, because the publicization of such occurrences will likely harm the perpentrators of the crime.

For the safety of our investigators, however, we request that both factions involved agree to avoid harming them and refrain from interfering with their work.

We hope that this conflict resolves swiftly, and in a humane fashion for all involved.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia wishes to send human rights investigators to Dragonih. They shall report any human rights abuses in the conflict to the international media and the Essenian government. This will hopefully discourage any such abuses, because the publicization of such occurrences will likely harm the perpentrators of the crime.

For the safety of our investigators, however, we request that both factions involved agree to avoid harming them and refrain from interfering with their work.

We hope that this conflict resolves swiftly, and in a humane fashion for all involved.

The Government of Dragonih agrees to this reasonable proposal. We hope that those who stand in rebellion against us agree as well, to help minimize the harm to non-combatants in this conflict.

The violence so far has had a horrible cost. Some ninety-two of our soldiers have fallen serving their country. Perhaps a hundred rebels have as well, and while we disagree strongly with their cause, we also strongly regret the need to kill them. Regrettably, our data indicates that two or three dozen civilians have fallen as well among the crossfire. The Government of Dragonih extends its condolences to the families and friends of all those killed, whether rebels, civilians, or Dragonihian soldiers, and expresses its hope for peace.

But we cannot tolerate armed rebellion. If in one case we tolerate violence as a tool to enforce political ideologies, it will be used in other cases, and eventually politics in Dragonih will cease being the mostly non-violent thing it has been, and be indistinguishable from a particularly savage and destructive form of civil war.

We ask that the international community send what aid they can to us, so that we may restore order in our nation.

I would like to remind the people of Dragonih and the nations of the world that it was not I, Sultan Bastud XI, that dissolved the National Congress. In protest, the National Congress dissolved itself. If not for that, it would still be in existence today.

It is true that I used my powers as Sultan to prevent the destruction of the core principles that make our nation the great nation that it is. While this may seem undemocratic, it is no more so than the constitutions of most nations. What would happen in any healthy democracy where the Parliament, say, voted to abolish the voting rights of a large minority? Would it arouse protest if the constitution prohibited such a thing? Yes, it is undemocratic, but it is essential to maintaining the democratic freedoms that exist. Without such restrictions, most democracies, however "pure" they might seem on the surface, would collapse into rule by an elite minority.

I am perfectly willing to allow new elections. In fact, I have never prevented such a thing, or declared myself to be in opposition to it. The institution of the National Congress has been granted enough money by my budget to have new elections. They have not done so, in protest of my supposed "despotic" policies. It is they who are obstructing democracy in Dragonih, not I.

Sultan Bastud IX
Vadomar, Dragonih

The Government of Dragonih agrees to this reasonable proposal. We hope that those who stand in rebellion against us agree as well, to help minimize the harm to non-combatants in this conflict.

We thank you for your agreement. We await the response of the Freedom Fighters of Dragonih.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia also extends its condolences to the friends and family of those killed or harmed in this conflict, and expresses its fervent hope for peace.

President Nimohtor put his hands on his trusty typewriter, he feared the high tech coputers and perferred to do things the old fasion way. Ironic for someone who's president of one of the largest Information Technology sectors in the region. He felt the words flow form his thoughts into his hands and he began tapping on the keys.

To The Republic of Dragonih
The Republic of Llano Estacado condems the totalitarian rule of the Sultan.
Whilst the Republic of Llano Estacado wishes for a peaceful solution
we belive that if it is the will of the people to replace the governemnt
and establish a democratic society, than the will of the people shall be done.
We do however support the rebels and hope that they will overcome
this obstacle and establish a democratic society. If the Sultan does not
comply and wishes to continue this tyranny he has started, then we will
take this to a higher level.

Daleran Nimohtor
Prsident
The Republic of Llano Estacado


The president took his hand off the typwriter and pulled the page from the feed. He gave it to one of his aides and had him fax it to the Sultan.

"Do you think they will listen sir?"

"We can only hope"

To The Republic of Dragonih
The Republic of Llano Estacado condems the totalitarian rule of the Sultan.
Whilst the Republic of Llano Estacado wishes for a peaceful solution
we belive that if it is the will of the people to replace the governemnt
and establish a democratic society, than the will of the people shall be done.
We do however support the rebels and hope that they will overcome
this obstacle and establish a democratic society. If the Sultan does not
comply and wishes to continue this tyranny he has started, then we will
take this to a higher level.

Daleran Nimohtor
Prsident
The Republic of Llano Estacado


This bullying is unnacceptable. I will not agree to your demands.

You label my government a tyranny. Yet I challenge you to find a single political prisoner in the year I have been Sultan. I challenge you to find a single person imprisoned without trial, a single person executed period, a single newspaper silenced, a single peaceful demonstration attacked.

As I write this, some thousand or so protesters are protesting me in the capital. Many in the crowd are supportive of the armed rebellion, and publically proclaiming that support. A tyrant would attack the crowd, arrest those within, perhaps even fire at it. Yet I have not raised a finger against it. A tyrant would have struck fiercely at the rebellion, attacked indiscriminantly, without regard for innocent civilians. Yet I have used caution in defending my government, refusing to even use air strikes because of their inherent difficulty in distinguishing between civilians and rebels.

With an armed rebellion raging, even an ordinarily benevolent leader might take steps to quash dissent. Yet I have done nothing except in areas where there is fighting, and there I have only acted against those fighting. That is not tyranny. That is benevolence to a degree that few would risk. Yet I have risked it, and I will continue to do so.

Is it your belief that if the people support murdering 40% of the population, that that should be done? Is it your belief that if the people back destroying the world, it should be done? The majority is not always right. Healthy democracies have constitutions that have limits on the authority of the democratic government. I am the limit on the Dragonihian government. Because I refused to support the essential destruction of Dragonih, the National Congress dissolved itself. That is not my fault, it is theirs. Direct your ire elsewhere.

Sultan Bastud XI

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia wishes to send human rights investigators to Dragonih. They shall report any human rights abuses in the conflict to the international media and the Essenian government. This will hopefully discourage any such abuses, because the publicization of such occurrences will likely harm the perpentrators of the crime.

For the safety of our investigators, however, we request that both factions involved agree to avoid harming them and refrain from interfering with their work.

We hope that this conflict resolves swiftly, and in a humane fashion for all involved.

The FFD (Freedom Fighters of Dragonih) refuse to accept this proposal. We have no evidence whatsoever that we can trust your objectivity, and we will not accept a campaign of slander against us.

We have excercised, are excercising, and will excercise caution and restraint when battling government forces in civilian areas.

- FFD Leadership

The FFD (Freedom Fighters of Dragonih) refuse to accept this proposal. We have no evidence whatsoever that we can trust your objectivity, and we will not accept a campaign of slander against us.
The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is saddened by your refusal. Your apparent disregard for human rights is noted.


We have excercised, are excercising, and will excercise caution and restraint when battling government forces in civilian areas.

- FFD Leadership

We hope that you live up to this statement.

Insurgency Continues; Government, FFD Remain Firm
Vadomar Times

Eastern Dragonih has completely descended into war and chaos as the Freedom Fighters of Dragonih have stepped up their assaults on government forces. The city of Langtorn, a military center for the Royal Army of Dragonih (RAD), has disintegrated into a bloodbath as FFD and RAD forces battle furiously in the streets. Four other cities in Eastern Dragonih - New Vadomar, Sacthelin, Hapolis, and Koldon - formerly experienced fierce fighting, but are now reported to be almost completely under the control of the FFD.

The first airstrikes of the war have occurred as the Royal Air Force of Dragonih (RAFD) tries to cripple FFD forces moving in the countryside. So far no strikes in urban areas have been reported, but fierce bombardment of advancing FFD soldiers is reported elsewhere. How effective they have been is yet unknown.

The government has confirmed the deaths of some one hundred fifty soldiers, but the FFD claims that more have fallen. FFD deaths are reported to be close to two hundred. The death toll of civilians is still unknown. Both the Sultan and the FFD have released statements saying that they have no intention of ceasing the fighting unless one side surrenders or a paeace agreement is reached.

Some four or five thousand protesters gathered in Vadomar, protesting the Sultan's despotic rule and, in many cases but not all, outright supporting the armed rebellion against him. The protest was peaceful, and government forces made no move to interfere. The speakers, less militant than the crowd, refrained from outright endorsing the rebellion, but harshly criticized the government and indicated that they "understood" why many were fighting violently against the Sultan's forces.

The poor of Dragonih, the only group where the Sultan has considerable following, demonstrated for the government as well in the public housing neighborhoods of Dragonih, speaking out against what they called a "capitalist rebellion" and declaring their continued support for the rule of the socialistic Sultan Bastud XI. Even among them, however, support from the Sultan was far from unanimous. Many, while expressing their fierce disagreement with the pro-business policies of the now-dissolved National Congress, also expressed anger over the Sultan's disregard for democracy.

"This would not be happening if this Sultan, and the one right before him, had not tried to dictate government policy," said Lyndon Smith, 41. "Their monarchy gives the right-wing parties something to run on besides the usual 'make the rich richer and the poor poorer' platform. It gives them votes from moderates and leftists who disagree with their economic policies, but are angered over the Sultan's dislike of democracy."

Melissa Johnson, 29, had a different view. "Better a benevolent monarchy than a destructive democracy," she said. "I think democracy should be limited. People don't have the right to murder other people, for instance, whatever the majority says. And they shouldn't be able to eliminate individual or economic rights, either. The Sultan is trying to preserve the economic fabric of our society. If the so-called 'freedom-fighters' win, the slums that many thought forever gone will return. Starvation, poverty, disease, will all come back in full. That isn't freedom. That's bourgeois capitalism. There's a difference."

Mass Privatizations Reported in Areas Under FFD Control

According to our reporters in the area, the FFD has begun to sell formerly government-owned businesses to private corporations. They are then using this money to purchase arms for their war against the government.

The FFD appears to be auctioning off such companies to the highest bidder, the price not being only money but also willingness to cooperate with the rebellion. It is a clear attempt to begin building up a financial base of support to help them wage their war against the Sultan's government.

"This is disgusting," Minister of the Economy John Johnson said. "They are turning over companies that the public has been using to benefit everyone and giving them to private, multinational corporations only interested in profit. This is the 'democracy' they claim to be fighting for?" Minister Johnson added that the government of Dragonih "does not recognize" the privatizations and will "re-nationalize them without compensation" if the areas are retaken by government forces.

The FFD, meanwhile, claims that this is a necessary step in their war against what they called the "tyranny" of the Sultan. "We regret this step, as it was taken without clear popular support," they said in a statement released to the press, "but it is necessary in order to restore democracy to Dragonih."

The Sultan himself decried the move as "outrageous," and declared that "if this is the 'democracy' the rebels are speaking of, then I think any reasonable person would agree that my so-called 'tyranny' is preferable".

Mass Privatizations Reported in Areas Under FFD Control

According to our reporters in the area, the FFD has begun to sell formerly government-owned businesses to private corporations. They are then using this money to purchase arms for their war against the government.

The FFD appears to be auctioning off such companies to the highest bidder, the price not being only money but also willingness to cooperate with the rebellion. It is a clear attempt to begin building up a financial base of support to help them wage their war against the Sultan's government.

"This is disgusting," Minister of the Economy John Johnson said. "They are turning over companies that the public has been using to benefit everyone and giving them to private, multinational corporations only interested in profit. This is the 'democracy' they claim to be fighting for?" Minister Johnson added that the government of Dragonih "does not recognize" the privatizations and will "re-nationalize them without compensation" if the areas are retaken by government forces.

The FFD, meanwhile, claims that this is a necessary step in their war against what they called the "tyranny" of the Sultan. "We regret this step, as it was taken without clear popular support," they said in a statement released to the press, "but it is necessary in order to restore democracy to Dragonih."

The Sultan himself decried the move as "outrageous," and declared that "if this is the 'democracy' the rebels are speaking of, then I think any reasonable person would agree that my so-called 'tyranny' is preferable".

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia strongly condemns this undemocratic move.

Public companies should remain public until a legitimate democratic government in Dragonih decides otherwise.

Mass Privatizations Reported in Areas Under FFD Control

According to our reporters in the area, the FFD has begun to sell formerly government-owned businesses to private corporations. They are then using this money to purchase arms for their war against the government.

The FFD appears to be auctioning off such companies to the highest bidder, the price not being only money but also willingness to cooperate with the rebellion. It is a clear attempt to begin building up a financial base of support to help them wage their war against the Sultan's government.

"This is disgusting," Minister of the Economy John Johnson said. "They are turning over companies that the public has been using to benefit everyone and giving them to private, multinational corporations only interested in profit. This is the 'democracy' they claim to be fighting for?" Minister Johnson added that the government of Dragonih "does not recognize" the privatizations and will "re-nationalize them without compensation" if the areas are retaken by government forces.

The FFD, meanwhile, claims that this is a necessary step in their war against what they called the "tyranny" of the Sultan. "We regret this step, as it was taken without clear popular support," they said in a statement released to the press, "but it is necessary in order to restore democracy to Dragonih."

The Sultan himself decried the move as "outrageous," and declared that "if this is the 'democracy' the rebels are speaking of, then I think any reasonable person would agree that my so-called 'tyranny' is preferable".

This despicable move forces us to act in defense of the legitimate government of Dragonih.

The rebels, while claiming to be fighting for "democracy", have disregarded human rights and privatized public companies without public approval. That is not democracy, that is just as despotic as the rule of the Sultan. Between a benevolent despot and a group of right-wing despots who seem to have no regard for the people of Dragonih, we are forced to choose the former.

Five hundred million kods have been transferred to the Sultan for use battling these insurgents. If the situation does not stabilize soon, we may be forced to send troops.

To The Republic of Dragonih
The Republic of Llano Estacado condems the totalitarian rule of the Sultan.
Whilst the Republic of Llano Estacado wishes for a peaceful solution
we belive that if it is the will of the people to replace the governemnt
and establish a democratic society, than the will of the people shall be done.
We do however support the rebels and hope that they will overcome
this obstacle and establish a democratic society. If the Sultan does not
comply and wishes to continue this tyranny he has started, then we will
take this to a higher level.

Daleran Nimohtor
Prsident
The Republic of Llano Estacado


If Llano Estacado intervenes militarily in this conflict, we shall as well. Be warned.

Five hundred million kods have been transferred to the Sultan for use battling these insurgents. If the situation does not stabilize soon, we may be forced to send troops.

I graciously thank you for your gift.

Sultan Bastud XI
****************
The FFD strongly condemns this despicable transfer of money to a despotic regime. Kodor has proved itself an enemy of democracy and freedom, and of the people of Dragonih. If it intervenes militarily, we will fight it to the death.

-FFD Leadership

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is greatly distressed by the destructive route this insurgency is taking. We propose an immediate path towards peace, outlined below in no particular order:

1. The FFD ceases privatizing companies and turns over all conquered territory to the legitimate government of Dragonih;
2. The government of Dragonih arranges for immediate elections;
3. Negotiatins immediately begin between the FFD and the government for a post-war governmental arrangement including real power from elected officials and a reduction in the power of the monarchy;
4. Kodor and all other nations cease to grant any aid - military, financial, anything - to either side;
5. Llano Estacado and every other nation cease to intimidate either side through threats of intervening militarily or otherwise;
6. All sides cease their violent actions and renounce violence against each other.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is perfectly willing to host and/or moderate negotiations.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is greatly distressed by the destructive route this insurgency is taking. We propose an immediate path towards peace, outlined below in no particular order:

1. The FFD ceases privatizing companies and turns over all conquered territory to the legitimate government of Dragonih;
2. The government of Dragonih arranges for immediate elections;
3. Negotiatins immediately begin between the FFD and the government for a post-war governmental arrangement including real power from elected officials and a reduction in the power of the monarchy;
4. Kodor and all other nations cease to grant any aid - military, financial, anything - to either side;
5. Llano Estacado and every other nation cease to intimidate either side through threats of intervening militarily or otherwise;
6. All sides cease their violent actions and renounce violence against each other.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is perfectly willing to host and/or moderate negotiations.

I refuse this offer. I will not allow supposed "democratic" forces to wreck this nation; I must have the potential for absolute control in order to ensure this.

Sultan Bastud XI

Destructive Insurgency Widens

As the first week of Dragonihian civil conflict draws to a close, violent uprisings tied to the FFD have erupted throughout Dragonih. The only place they have remained mostly peaceful is in Central Dragonih, near the capital of Vadomar, the near-invulnerable stronghold of the government.

Elsewhere, however - in Eastern, Northern, and Southern Dragonih - violent clashes have occured between government forces and insurgents, with much success to the North and South, because government forces are concentrated in the East, where the rebellion is most furious. Government forces there are mostly police forces not trained for the sort of warfare they are fighting.

Total deaths so far number around a thousand each for the government forces (including their reluctant allies from the poor, see below) and the insurgents, and perhaps four or five hundred civilian deaths. The number of injuries is unknown, but estimated to be around ten or eleven thousand total.

The Sultan's government might have been on the verge of collapse, but for two things. The first is emergency aid sent from Kodor, allowing the purchase of more modern weaponry and the mobilization of more reserve forces into active duty. The second is a strong tendency for the poorer people to rally behind the Sultan, at least against what is seen as a far worse threat.

The backing for the rebels comes mostly from the middle and upper classes, who comprise a majority of the population and whose opportunities for advancement are somewhat curtailed by the socialist policies of the government, especially in the case of the rich. While opposition to the undemocratic nature of the Sultan's government is widespread across the wealth spectrum, only among the middle and upper classes is there support for the alternative - the rebellion. Many of the lower class claim that the rebellion is worse than the Sultan, pointing to its privatization policies.

The poor of Dragonih are, relatively, not poor at all. They are all housed, fed, watered, clothed, and, in the vast majority of cases (some 98%), employed. Not only are their basic neccesities met, but typically they have resources for luxuries as well, and to quite an extent. They acknowledge their possession of these rights, and intend to fiercely defend them from what many describe as a "right-wing attempt to destroy us." As such, wherever anti-government forces have arisen, many of the poor have arisen to oppose them. They do not cooperate much with the police, viewing them as tools of a despotic regime, but do not work against them either, hoping for their victory as the lesser of two evils. If not for these reinforcements, not pro-government but anti-anti-government, the government forces would be in great trouble.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is greatly distressed by the destructive route this insurgency is taking. We propose an immediate path towards peace, outlined below in no particular order:

1. The FFD ceases privatizing companies and turns over all conquered territory to the legitimate government of Dragonih;
2. The government of Dragonih arranges for immediate elections;
3. Negotiatins immediately begin between the FFD and the government for a post-war governmental arrangement including real power from elected officials and a reduction in the power of the monarchy;
4. Kodor and all other nations cease to grant any aid - military, financial, anything - to either side;
5. Llano Estacado and every other nation cease to intimidate either side through threats of intervening militarily or otherwise;
6. All sides cease their violent actions and renounce violence against each other.

The Socialist Utopia of Essenia is perfectly willing to host and/or moderate negotiations.

The Dominion of Kodor supports this proposal.

But we will not act on (4) unless (1) and (3) occur as well.

I refuse this offer. I will not allow supposed "democratic" forces to wreck this nation; I must have the potential for absolute control in order to ensure this.

Sultan Bastud XI

War is wrecking Dragonih, Sultan. Violence and chaos is tearing it apart at the seams. Without a swift peace, the divisions and destruction this war is causing could forever wreck the nation you hold so dear.

Peace with opponents requires concessions for both sides, or else it is simply surrender. While in the end your opponents may do so, it will take a long time and it will wreak tremendous destruction upon your nation and your people.

We strongly request that you reconsider your decision.