NationStates Jolt Archive

King Abdullah, King of Syria, had had disputes with his neighbors since their nations were created from the collapsed MEU. In a way it was ironic, as the rulers of Palestine and Jordan were his cousins. All three claimed the Golan Heights and their valuable water supply. King Mohammed, the Palestinian leader, had threatened to use military force to drive anyone out of the Golan Heights who could not provide a Palestinian passport when asked. His brother, Khalid, ruler of Jordan, then sent troops to the border to counteract Palestinian actions. The whole scene was set for war. It just needed something to start it.

Damascus, Syria

In a speech, broadcast over all major radio stations, the King adressed his people.

Chamber of the People, gathered guests, and citizens throughout the nation,

I regret to inform you that our friends and family have turned against us. The Jordanians and Palestinians want to take the Golan Heights, which are rightfully ours, kill our citizens, and replace them with their own. We shall not let this happen. The boundaries, set during the dissolution of the MEU, were clear cut. The Palestinians have the holy sites, Jordan likely has massive oil reserves, and we have the Golan Heights. Stealing that from us would doom us to poverty and despair. I call upon the Chamber of the People to allow us to wage war against these agressors, and fund our military so it can vanquish the attackers.

Thank you, and good night

(kind of rushed and vague, but hopefully this will give me some background for my nation. Jordan has very little oil, but that wasn't known at the time.

Majlis al-Chaab, Damascus

The debates had started, and now it was time to vote. Two major measures were on the table, expanding the military, which would need a 51% majority, or 126 of the 250 members. The motion to declare war on Jordan and Palestine, however, would need 200 votes.

All in favor of the present motion, to increase military funds by the previously stated amount, and use those funds enclosed within to fund the expansion of the Army and foundation of an Air Corps, raise your hand now.

Hands went up across the room, and the votes looked favorable. The final tally was...213. Most of the voters were Lebanese, although seven of the eight Christian members had also voted against. It was a victory, but not exactly a resounding one.

Next on the table, a motion from the King, urging an immediate state of hostility against the nations of Jordan and Palestine over ownership of the Golan Heights, not to be ceased until the above lands are restored to Syrian rule. All in favor raise your hand now.

As soon as the King saw the hands, he knew it was not enough. 167, not enough. Many wanted to wait until the expanded army was ready. While the Golan Heights were important, they were not important enough to risk losing more land over. Turning Syria into the most powerful force in the region would guarantee their victory. Another concern was the lack of any foriegn support. A hostile attack, so soon after the horrible war that devastated much of the world, could outrage nations far more powerful than their own.