NationStates Jolt Archive

The Kingdom of Syria




The Government
Capital:Damascus
Provinces:2, Syria and Lebanon
Government System: Bicameral Constitutional Monarchy
Ruler: King Abdullah
Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Amin
Legislative Bodies: Majlis al-Chaab, 250 members elected by populace every four years, Majlis Watani, 100 members elected by populace every two years, 2 of the three branches (the majlis and the king) must vote in favor of any law
Suffrage: 18 for all
Currency: Dinar (SYD)
Law System: French/English/Turkish common law with Koranic influences.
The People
Population:7,500,000 (1958)
Ethnicity: Arab (93%), with Kurdish, Armenian minorities
Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, Hebrew
Religions: Sunni (70%), Shiite, Alawite, Druze, Christian, Jewish minorities

International Relations
UN MEMBER
Wars: vs. Palestine (1947-8) vs. Saudi Arabia and United Islamic Republic (1951-1953)
Allies: Guaranteeing independence of Western Arabia, helping Jordan and United Republics, military cooperation with United Republics
Trade Agreements: Arab League
International Treaties
Party to: Arab League (founding member), Arab League Space Program, Arab League Civil Nuclear Power Program
Signed, but not enacted: None
Transnational Disputes:
Other: Recieving military training from Germany at joint Arab League Military Academy in Beirut, all citizens and diplomatic officers are being removed from Pakistan, and all Pakistani citizens in Syria have been asked to leave

OPINIONS
(first listed is official opinion, second is opinion of common populace)
Germany: Extremely Favorable/Mixed
SU: Very Disillusioned/Dissillusioned
Pakistan: Disillusioned/No Opinion
Japan: Favorable/No Opinion
UN: Disillusioned/Disillusioned
Egypt: Extremely Favorable/Extremely Favorable
USA: Mixed/No Opinion
UIR: Mixed/Mixed
Russia: Favorable/No Opinion


Army Ranks
(western equivalent in parentheses, Air Force Tayar+rank [Amn 1C->Tayar Jundi Awwal, etc.], Navy as AF but add Bahri [Bahri Jundi Awwal], Missile and Space Corps as Army)
Jundi (Basic Private)
Jundi Awwal (Private/Private 1st Class)
Naib (Corporal)
Arif (Sergeant)
Mulazim (2nd Lieutenant)
Mulazim Awwal (1st Lieutenant)
Naqib (Captain)
Ra'id (Major)
'Aqid (Colonel)
'Amid (Brigadier General)
Liwa' (Major General)
Fariq (Lieutenant General)
Fariq Awwal (General)
Muhib (General of Army, currently Crown Prince Amin for all branches)

The Arab Cooperation Pact

The Majlis al-Chaab voted 210-38, with two abstentions, to invite almost all the Arab nations into an economic pact, designed to protect the rights of pilgrims and boost trade in the area. This motion, urged by the King, is hoped to increase cooperation among Arabs. An official press secretary released a statement saying "Although the idea of Arab unity may have died with the MEU, Arab cooperation is still of primary importance in the modern world."

Foreign Officers Invited

Citing the lack of proper training for members of the Army and newly founded Naval corps, officers from any nation who can spare them have been invited in an attempt to bring the Syrian military up to western standards, in skill if not magnitude.

From: Chief of Armed Forces General von Manstein
To: King Abdullah II

Dear Sir,

The Empire of Germany has noticed your call for training. Germany, while having recently been involved in the terrible conflict known as the Eurasian War on the losing side, has had a long tradition of great military prowess, sharing its skills with nations across the Continent. Therefore, we offer our services in training to the Syrian Kingdom. If pleasing to you, we would be able to set up a war college in Damascus, perhaps even on the same spot as the old college set up under the old Ottoman Empire.

The Federation of Asian States is willing to send 100 of our officers to help train Syrian units in anti-Guerilla and mountain tactics.

Updated for 1947

Reports on Syrian Performance in War of Palestinian Liberation Released
--Damascus

A private analysis of Syrian military performance during this year's war with Palestine has been completed and released to the public. The Armored Division's stalled attack, the relative failure of the Air Force, and the inabilty to remove Palestinian forces from South Lebanon were blamed on faults in the structure of the military. With the military of the time, defense against a modern, likely European power appeared to be stressed. This military was ill-prepared for a fight against their neighbors, who still tended to use traditional tactics, which the largely Bedouin military attempted to adopt later in the fighting.

Advice for later expansion recommended emphasis on moblie units, especially mechanized and light infantry. Naval forces are described as adequate to protect the coast for now, and the air force appears to lack aircraft suited for current needs (COIN aircraft didn't really appear until Vietnam)

The people of Brazil are very pleased that the Kingdom of Syria is looking into Brazil's future. The fact that the Arabic language is practically unheard of in Brazil is a disappointment. I will talk with the head of education about this proposition. Personally, I feel it is a necessity to learn the language of the Middle East, so I am sure that this will be welcomed to Brazil’s colleges. On the later note of military, I believe that having a Brazilian Air Force would benefit the people’s morale tremendously; therefore, I think it would be in Brazil's intrest to invest in buying Saab 29's. However, Brazil needs to focus on building infrastructure as of now. I thank you for your offers and hope relations between our two nations stay fruitful.

General Pereira da Costa

To coordinate the exchange programs, and help maintain relations, it is recommended that we establish embassies (I can pretend we have them already but I'm just making it official) in Damascus and Rio (it is Rio right?)

The Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand would be willing to exchange embassies. However, even if it is not in Syrian interests to have an embassy in our nation, we hope to establish one in Damascus (if there wasnt one already)

ooc: our aussie embasssies are neither rare nor designed to spy--yet (evil laugh?) but are in any nations with which we have diplomatic relations.

Communique to The Kingdom of Syria:

The USEA would like to enquire about making an embassy exchange with Damascus, we feel this would help us to better understand factors in regional politics.
Prime land in Saigon would be offered in exchange.

; therefore, I think it would be in Brazil's intrest to invest in buying Saab 29's.


OOC: Youd have to buy them from me

IC: The SU will open up an embassy and allow a Syrian embassy on our territory.

(I was going to sell him mine when I retire them hopefully next year actually)
We look forward to expanding our global relations. For thousands of years, Syria has been a local power, and we look forward to building worldwide relations. We would accept all offers, and would like to begin the embassy process immediately.

(OOC: I only do this because some people take serious offense if you RP the slightest thing without their consent, there may well have been embassies already.)

The Brazilian Defense Department sends an encrypted message to the Syrian Air Force.

Brazil would like to invest in her protection by taking Syria up on her offer of selling 100 Saab 29's. (1 point will be cool how much maintenance they are).
If any nations come to you in question of your sale to Brazil of these military items, I would hope you would tell them that I am only investing in Brazil's security.

The Nigerian government is interested in opening trade, economic, and possibly military relationships with the Syrians.

1952 Election Results
In Syria's latest elections, the various parties have won the following seats in the Majlis al-Chaab:

Royal: 175 (+26)
Congressional: 51 (-13)
Federalist: 12 (-6)
Tribalist: 9 (-1)
Islamist: 3 (-4)
Socialist: 0 (-2)

Political Commentary
The Islamists and Socialists (Communist) both took severe losses in this election, largely due to the UIR and DPRSA, respectively. The Tribalists survived the reorganizing of districts well, only losing one seat. The loss for the Federalists (right wing democratic types), however, is surprising, perhaps ruining any possibility of ever challenging the mainstream parties. The Congressional (center-left, want more legislative authority) loss is signifigant but not surprising. Given trends from the 1948 war, when the Royalists (center right, favored by King) had rapid upswings of power. This victory, however, was crucial as, with a 70% majority, they can pass almost any bill, assuming they can avoid dissension. This boom will likely not last, though it will be difficult for other leaders, especially the Federalists, to be able to challenge them in the meantime.

SIC:

Russia quietly informs Syria it is willing to sell weapons to Syria for discount prices.

The Republic quietly replies to the Syrian request, saying that it is willing to sell uranium to Syria, with the understanding that said uranium would only be used for the purpose of fueling reactors.

Heckler and Koch, after recieving Imperial permission, offers the sale of the G3 Rifle to the Syrian Army.

OOC: In game terms, for free.

We would gladly accept the German offer, our Scandic made rifles could do with a replacement.

OOC: I bought a Do-337, but I don't think I asked you, I assume its all good though.

OOC: Yeah, its cool.

1954 Election Results
In Syria's latest elections, the various parties have won the following seats in the Majlis al-Chaab. This election was the first with equal voting rights for men and women. Women's suffrage was at 21, three years later then men, until it was changed in late 1952, after the election. Candidates stance on that issue helped define the election, as did the issues of the war in Arabia and the aftermath, including the current instability there. Economic growth has been strong, and the nation is largely behind the Arab League and its Space Program. While other nations are already reaching the stars, the Arab League will need to strive much longer.

Royal: 141 (-34)
Congressional: 74 (+23)
Federalist: 22 (+10)
Tribalist: 11 (+2)
Islamist: 2 (-1)
Socialist: 0 (+0)

Political Commentary
Support for Womens Suffrage at 21 cost the Islamists dearly, and the Royals lost all of their wartime boost, and then some. The Congressionals and Tribalists used this to their advantage. The Congressionals show signs of emerging from a six-year decline, and the Federalists are the first minority party to break the 20-seat mark ever. The Socialist and Islamist parties appear to be doomed for extinction, although the possibility of the Islamists merging with the Tribalists, the only other successful minority party, has not been ruled out.

Goals for 1954
The Majlis al-Chaab decided to publish a list of goals for their term. The King followed suit. While party politics may hamper the Majlis' goals, the King's goals are likely to pass fairly easily, even with the losses for the Royal party.

Majlis al-Chaab

Begin Space Missions by 1956
Financial Aid for Neighboring Nations
Adding of New House


The Space Program, now shared by the entire Arab League, has become a uniting force for the nation. While some consider it far too expensive, trying to keep pace with the west has become a major goal for many. Whether the first missions will begin before the next election is something some politicians are betting their careers on.

Aiding neighbors, especially Jordan and Baghdad, would help improve the status of the region as a whole, because Syria and Egypt are the only nations that could be considered modern in the area.

The addition of a new house, thus making a bicameral system, would, in some eyes, increase the power of the legislature, by enabling the houses to work together to override royal input. However, others fear the King could have too much influence on the smaller house, with only 50-100 members. Smaller parties, especially the rising star of the Federalist Party, fear they will lose influence in this plan, and will likely oppose it.

King's Goals

Deal with Arabian situation
Modernize military
Begin handing down powers to son

The new situation in Arabia is of great concern, considering the Egypt-Syrian attack probably helped lead to the revolt. While no official stance has been given, it is no secret he prefers the rebels.

(rest to come)

King Begins Power Transfer to Son
Damascus
King Abdullah signed an document transferring some powers to his son, Crown Prince Amin. Chief among these are responsibility for the military, and representing the King at most major international events. The King has never been an avid traveller, and as he grows older he prefers to remain in the country. However, on important occasions he will go on international trips.

Islamist National Party Backs PLO
Damascus
In an unprecedented move, the Islamist National Party has given support for the PLO in Palestine. Responding to this, a motion to ban the party has been put forward by a group of Federalist representatives.

ALSA announces launches to begin in 1956
Baghdad
The ALSA released a statement saying that it planned its first unmanned launches in early 1956, with animal and human launches later that year. The first unmanned launch may be before the January elections, a move that will make several ALSA proponents excited.

The German Heer approaches the Syrian Government about the possibility of leasing some land in the desert to create an Army/Airforce Base to provide protection for both German and Syrian Interests.

OOC: Also, I don't know if we've been over this but I would like to establish a permanent War College in Syria, so it can be something like West Point for all the Arabs.

The area around As Suwayda (southern Syria, near Jordan) or Abu Kamal (on Euphrates near Iraqi (most likely Baghdadi) border) both have suitable lands for airfields and bases, and could be leased for a minimal cost (either 3 points up front and .5 each year after or 1 point/year flat rate)

For the establishment of an Arab War College, Beirut would likely fit the role best. It has the Air Force's largest base, a substantial Army presence, and a coastal position, enabling all three traditional armed forces to train there.

The Reichswehr is pleased to hear the Syrian response. Funds will be allocated in 1956. The Base in Abu Kamal will be chosen and occupied within the year. A German Consolate will also be constructed in the nearest town.

In a breakthrough vote, a second house will be added to the Syrian government. The Majlis Watani, or Council of Representatives, will have 100 members elected annually. While the elections will usually be held in January to coincide with Majlis al-Chaab elections, this year they will occur on June 15th.

The King's stance of neutrality in recent events has drawn the ire of some conservatives, including many who tradtionally supported the King in the Royal Party. However, the Federalist party, taking on a pro-modernization stance, has put full support behind the King, as have many centrist Royals and Congressionals.

(ooc: this is like Sharon abandoning Likud, if Likud was named the Ariel Sharon party)

added military ranks

Pakistani Diplomatic Crisis

Due to Pakistani statements calling for a "jihad," the government has told the Pakistani government to withdraw ALL citizens and diplomatic staff immediately. All Syrian civilian and diplomatic personnel have been told to leave the country immediately, by way of Oman, China, or the UIR if required. In addition, travel restrictions have been enacted.

Pakistani Diplomatic Crisis

Due to Pakistani statements calling for a "jihad," the government has told the Pakistani government to withdraw ALL citizens and diplomatic staff immediately. All Syrian civilian and diplomatic personnel have been told to leave the country immediately, by way of Oman, China, or the UIR if required. In addition, travel restrictions have been enacted.

Ayub Khan responds to this over-reacting statement by simple stating, "It is not us who shall be seen as fools in the international community, for we have not mis-understood a simple word. If I had used 'crusade', we would not have have seen this reaction. I just used a word that Pakistanis are familiar with. It is the Syrians who have taken the westernized bastard meaning of the arabic word for "struggle" too seriously, and that is their fault. Pakistan will not hamper any Syrians from leaving our country, but I hope that most level-headed Syrians will see that their government has overreacted in order to make more friends in Berlin."

OOC: See SU-Germany thread, it has been recalled

Ayub sits in his Presidential palace and laughs.

OOC: Think before you act, buuuuudy :)

OOC: Trust me, acting even remotely like a religious extremist in Syria is about as smart as walking down the streets in Israel with a swastika on your forehead.

1955 Majlis Watani Elections
(Since this is the first time, change is compared to predicted seat totals instead of previous amounts)

Conservative (Previously Royal): 22 (-10)
Congressional: 34 (+5)
Federalist: 42 (+6)
Tribalist: 2 (-1)


Congressional and Federalist leaders, both with a similar stance on the Scandic German Crisis, played it well, gaining more seats than expected. Conservative belligerance only fuelled their support.

Congressional and Federalist leaders will likely work together, giving them the enough votes to pass anything, assuming full partisan support. However, any extreme move will likely be blocked by the large bloc of centrists in all three major parties.

(OOC: If anyone wants extra information about anything going on here, feel free to ask. I won't likely put everything here unless you ask, as I tend to go in depth, especially when it comes to political parties and such)

1956 Majlis al-Chaab Elections
The events of 1955, and a successful start for Syria's space program, part of the ALSA, played a major role in these elections. The mass exodus of moderate legislators from the Conservative Party, many following the King to the Federalist Party, although the Congressionals had a major upswing as well, bringing them to the levels they were at ten years ago.

The role of the Federalist party, superficially similar to the Congressionals, has not yet been made clear. In the past three years they have transformed from a minority party to the most popular, gaining 38% of the seats. They have cooperated with the Congressionals, but if support grows, they may abandon them in favor of a more centrist agenda.

Seats were as follows:

Conservative (right wing): 59 (-82)
Congressional (left wing): 85 (+11)
Federalist (centrist, leaning left):96 (+74)
Islamist (Muslim extremist, banned in 1955): 0 (-2)
Tribalist (focuses on rural issues): 10 (-1)
People's Socialist (Communist): 0 (+0)



In the Majlis Watani, the biggest changes already occured in the 1955 elections. The term was short as well, so there were no major surprises, and support largely remained constant. Seats were as follows:

Conservative: 18 (-4)
Congressional: 37 (+3)
Federalist: 41 (-1)
Tribalist: 4 (+2)



1956 Space Launches

The Arab League began its first space missions this year, conducting five missions. The first three were unmanned, using newly developed rockets. After the success of these rockets was confirmed, two launches containing animals, first a housecat to determine safety, then a chimpanzee to study the effects on humans. If they were successful, manned missions were planned to begin the next year, with ALSA striving to put something in orbit (Sputnik-style mission) by 1960.

All three unmanned missions were successful, leaving the launch pad in Socotra without any issues, and acheiving escape velocity. Dates were January 12th, January 28th, and February 17th. The first mission, funded by Syria, and a hot issue in the Syrian legislature, likely played a big role in the recent elections. (ooc: when I post them)

The first animal mission, scheduled for the 6th of September, was the first failure of the program. Due to a fault in the rocket, it exploded shortly after liftoff, slightly damaging the launch facilty, which was hit with debris, and killing its feline passenger.

The final launch was delayed until the facilities were repaired, and the safety of the passenger could be guaranteed. On November 3rd, the rocket took off without incident, entering space and returning its passenger alive, albeit shaken.

The Government today announced it was working with the government of Japan to buy ships establishing a signifigant naval force. The current navy has functioned more as a coast guard and customs force, and, fittingly, the patrol vessels there will be transferred to the to-be-founded Royal Syrian Coastal Patrol. Previous talks with the French about newly built ships will be put on hold until a later date (ie. when I have the population to expand and hit tech 7.5)

China finally approves the sale of the T59 tanks and Type 63 Flak Guns to Syria. The only issue is how many units Syria needs, and once the amount is agreed upon then the sale can commence.

OOC: I'm not sure exactly how many this would be, but at some point I'm going to figure out how many of what are where, so for now I'll just go by divisions worth of tanks)

We would like to make the Type 59 our primary MBT. We would require enough for 1 mechanized infantry division, 1 mechanized flak division, 1 armored division, and 1 mechanized artillery division. The Type 63 would be used to outfit three mountain brigades and two garrison units.

The Army does not see any signifigant expansion in the near future and would consider these numbers sufficient.

China figures that the amounts required to outfit these divisions would comprise of the following....

2 divisions worth of T59 tanks (1 to form the Armored Division and 1 to cover everything else)

2 divisions worth of Type 63 Flak guns (1 to cover 2 garrison units and 1 to cover all the 3 brigades)

The sale is thereby approved and ready to produce upon payment from Syria.

--------------------------------

OOC:

I figure the costs of 2 tank divisions and 2 flak divisions should pretty much cover it all. Each tank division costs 5 points each and each flak (non-mechanized) costs 3 points while the mechanized flak costs 5 each.

(cross posted in China's thread as well)

1957-8 Elections to be put up later

Representatives Debate Syria's Fate in New Balance of Power

Several major debates in both Majlis over the past few days have focused on Syria's role in the new balance of power. The recent talks in Darwin and Capetown, as well as debates in the UN, and, most importantly, the foundation of the Oceanic Alliance, have divided many on the fate of Syria's foriegn policy. The King maintains the position that Syria can be confident in its neighbors, like the United Republics, and other allies, like Germany. Others feel closer cooperation with European powers, especially France and Russia, should be stressed. Yet another group thinks cooperation with the SCT nations should be a top priority, while others, primarily conservatives, want to focus on Middle Eastern and African nations. The ongoing debate has led to some consensus, however. Military expansion has begun, with the foundation of a signifigant naval force. However, on the issue of nuclear weapons, something the King has stated should not be developed, the issue is split. Some feel the need for a deterrent force, while others believe they should be kept out of the country.

China figures that the amounts required to outfit these divisions would comprise of the following....

2 divisions worth of T59 tanks (1 to form the Armored Division and 1 to cover everything else)

2 divisions worth of Type 63 Flak guns (1 to cover 2 garrison units and 1 to cover all the 3 brigades)

The sale is thereby approved and ready to produce upon payment from Syria.

--------------------------------

OOC:

I figure the costs of 2 tank divisions and 2 flak divisions should pretty much cover it all. Each tank division costs 5 points each and each flak (non-mechanized) costs 3 points while the mechanized flak costs 5 each.

(cross posted in China's thread as well)


actually, military maintenance covers the cost of that, you don't have to pay seperately.

actually, military maintenance covers the cost of that, you don't have to pay seperately.

I'm confused.

These tanks and flak guns have to be manufactured and built. A whole Armored Division doesn't "military maintainence" itself into existence, does it? Same goes for flak guns to outfit at least 7 brigades (2 garrison divisions or 4 garrison brigades and 3 mountain brigades).

Using this same arguement, I could claim that I have flak and tanks for all my 20 infantry corps, flak for my 10 tank corps (20 divisions), tanks for my 10 artillery and flak corps (20 divisions of artillery and 20 divisions of flak) and so on. Even though it would require at least several hundred tanks and flak guns to cover it all.

I'm confused.

These tanks and flak guns have to be manufactured and built. A whole Armored Division doesn't "military maintainence" itself into existence, does it? Same goes for flak guns to outfit at least 7 brigades (2 garrison divisions or 4 garrison brigades and 3 mountain brigades).

Using this same arguement, I could claim that I have flak and tanks for all my 20 infantry corps, flak for my 10 tank corps (20 divisions), tanks for my 10 artillery and flak corps (20 divisions of artillery and 20 divisions of flak) and so on. Even though it would require at least several hundred tanks and flak guns to cover it all.

true you build the unit with the best equipment available to you under your tech level or what someone is willing to sell you.

The Young Kaiserin petitions the government to allow her to take a two week trip to Syria, as a goodwill mission. She requests a tour of the old Crusader castles, as well as a review of the Cadets in the Beruit Military Academy, and even perhaps a review of the Syrian Army. After that, she wishes to meet with the Syrian Parliament and private meetings with the King and other cabinet members.

We would be glad to welcome the Kaiserin to Syria. Germany is and has been a most beneficial ally and friend, and we would gladly welcome their leader.

(OOC: perhaps we'll do a little talking and whatnot in this thread)

The Scandic Union is asking for Syria's help in diffusing the current developing situation in the Middle East. We ask that you try to talk to Egypt, as they are more likely to listen to you. There is no need for nuclear weapons in the Middle East, be the Turkish, Egyptian, Scandic, American or anyone elses, bringing nuclear weaponry to the Middle East will only increase tensions which is bad for all parties involved. Nuclear deterence is not needed when the person your trying to deter does not have nuclear weaponry. There is no need for anyone to have them in the Middle East, there is no need to deter anyone with them. Building bombs will accomplish one thing, and that is to cause problems. Please help us defuse this situation before it escalates any further.

We are not willing to work with nations who do not work with others. We are concerned about Scandanavian disrespect for the UN, and will not deal with the government until it reaffirms the NPT and sets a deadline for a plebecite in St. Petersburg.

We are trying to work with others. We do not want nuclear weapons int he Middle East, I do not think Syria does either but if Egypt has the right to build weapons then so does Turkey.

It has the right to develop them on their own, not to receive them from Scandanavia, which your government has declared it will do.

Classified Message:

RE: Artillary production rights:

In interest of good relations with the Kingdom of Syria, the Republic of France would like to propose an alternative offer of providing you the artillary for half its original price (Artillery unit 1.5 points, Mechanized artillery group cost 2.5 points) and we will subsidise the rest.

We would thank the French for their offer, and will send funds in the 1959 budget.

Palestine today voted to divide itself up into three sectors. The southern areas will remain in the UR, the central areas will join Jordan, and the northen area will become Syrian. In a tenative plan, the King and both Majlis have decided to induct Palestine as a third state, with a capital at Haifa, expected to become the new Naval Command center

In another breakthrough, Syria, Egypt, and Turkey have signed pacts guaranteeing safety from each other and moderation in nuclear development. This has calmed some moderate legislators, but others are still angry about Egypt's secret dealings during the war in Arabia.

(OOC: Probably my last post before this becomes NPC)

Adnan al-Malki, the Syrian army's second youngest general (after the Crown Prince himself) returned to Damascus and asked for an emergency session of both Majlis to be called. When they were assembled he informed them that, on his trip to Germany, he had met with German defense officials about Syria advocating German membership in the AL, which they give much support to. Upon hearing this, leftist and centrist legislators called for his arrest and imprisonment, for clearly overstepping his military boundaries. He was arrested and is currently awaiting trial. This sent the debate over the future of Syrian foreign policy into a frenzy, with the pro-German camp largely silenced by the fact that Germany did not question a military officer making proposals without any diplomatic staff, let alone the Syrian Ambassador, attending. Three major groups emerged. Largest was the pro-Asia bloc, in favor of joining the SCT for protection. While they lack the 66% vote to approve it in both houses, they are not likely to gain sufficient strength soon, still only around 1/2 of the senators, mainly from the left and center-left. Pro-Europeans, in favor of aligning with France, Britain, or Russia, banded together to challenge the pro-Asian group. With around 1/3 of the legislature's members, largely rightists, are large enough to block most motions, but nowhere near large enough to pass anything.

The smallest group is in favor of allying with America. With less than 10% of the vote, from centrists, they cannot realistically pass anything at this time. However, as of yet none of the nations any group wants to ally with have expressed support for allying with Syria, so things may very well change.

The German Chancellor, upon hearing word of the fiasco in Damascus immediately sends a message to Damascus. It apologizes for the incompetance of the old Administration. Germany, he replies, took it as a sign of improving German-Arab relations even further.

Regardless of relations, he reiterates that Germany continues to pledge defense of the Arab people.