NationStates Jolt Archive

In the Western world, the Middle East is generally thought of as a predominantly Islamic Arabic community defined by constant war. However the area encompasses many distinct cultural and ethnic groups, including the Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Azeris, Berbers, Chaldeans, Druze, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, Maronites, Persians and Turks. The main language groups include: Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian (also known as Aramaic and Syriac), Hebrew, Persian, Kurdish and Turkish. The corresponding adjective is Middle-Eastern and the derived noun is Middle-Easterner.

Most Western definitions of the "Middle East" — in both established reference books and common usage — define the region as 'nations in Southwest Asia, from Iran (Persia) to Egypt'. Egypt, with its Sinai Peninsula in Asia, is usually considered part of the 'Middle East', although most of the country lies geographically in North Africa. North African nations without Asian links, such as Libya, Tunisia and Morocco, are increasingly being called North African — as opposed to Middle Eastern (Iran to Egypt-Asia) — by international media outlets.

Background
Since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the decolonization of British rule, the Middle East has quickly become the most violent and war-plagued area in E20. From conflicts between German and Scandic spheres of influence to conflicts between Conservatives and Liberals - peace in the Middle East seems decades away from even being a possibility.

Rise of the Arab Socialists
Under President Nassar of Egypt, Arab Socialism (known by many other names such as Ba'athists and simply Communists) has spread across the Arab World, bringing Ba'ath and Nasserite parties into power in many nations. In 1949, Egypt and Sudan merged to form the United Republics, the first Pan-Arab Movement. After a controversal war erupted between Syria and Palestine, the UR quickly intervened and conquered Palestine. Jerusalem, the heart of Palestine, was placed under UN control and Palestine became the third republic in the UR. The creation of the Arab League by Syria and the UR's defense pacts with Ethiopia and Jordan secured Socialist control over the region... for a while.

Foreign Influence
The Middle East quickly became split in the early 1950's between the Scandic-supported Turkish Alliance and the German-supported Arab League. This conflict finally erupted into warfare during the Indian Civil War, as the Scandic-supported Saudi Arabia gave aid to Islamic rebels in Persia. Egyptian and Syrian forces invaded northwestern Saudi Arabia and demanded the overthrow of the Royal Family in favor of a democracy. Fighting turned into a stalemate after nearly half of year of fighting and finally a cease-fire was arranged. The Saudi Family stepped down from power and the Arabian Republic was created. However, Turkish-Syrian rivalry continued after the war. When the United Republic announced the creation of it's first nuclear weapon, the Turkish Alliance threatened to arm as well. Egyptian ambassadors quickly arranged a treaty limiting each nation to 50 nuclear weapons each, avoiding possible disaster. Immediately after this confrontation, the second Pan-Arab movement was created as Baghdad and Arabia merged to form the Arab Federation.

Chaos Unleashed
Just as peace seemed on the horizon, civil unrest erupted across the Middle East. In Palestine, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) embarked on a war of terrorism to take back Jerusalem from UN control. A quick but bloody conflict ended with the collapse of the Palestinian government, the suppression of the PLO, and the division of Palestine. Southern Palestine remained with the United Republic while central Palestine merged with Jordan to form Transjordan and last but not least, northern Palestine merged with Syria. In Baghdad, Saddam Hussein and Ba'ath forces rebelled against the Arab Federation and embarked on a quest to overthrow the Federation government. At the same time, Arab Socialists in Yemen began speaking of joining the United Republic after Syria announced a possible merge with the United Republic. However, conservatives still wished for an independent Yemen and rebelled. The UR announced it's support to Arab Socialists in the Arab Federation and Yemen, turning civil strife into a regional conflict. Just two years after starting civil wars in other countries, a civil war erupted in Sudan between the Arab government and the minority groups. Egypt officially stayed out of the conflict so it's own minorities wouldn't rebel but secretly gave large amounts of support to the Sudanese government. The Sudanese Arabs immediately began a campaign of terror against the rebels to hopefully end the war as quickly as possible - no matter how many civilians must die.

Arab League
The United Arab Republic (Egypt and Sudan)
The Arab Federation (Arabia and Baghdad)
Transjordan (Jordan and Central Palestine)
Syria
Western Arabia
Basra
Kuwait
Oman
Yemen
Morocco
Algeria
Italy (Due to Colonies)

Turkish Alliance
Coming Soon

Unaligned Nations
The United Islamic Republic (Iran/Persia and Afghanistan)
Pakistan

Arab League Information
Coming Soon

Tag for reference.

ooc
Algeria is also in the Arab League if I recall correctly.

To further complicate matters, the US has a defense treaty with both Algeria and Morocco, and Britian has one with Oman (and all three were offered membership in the OA recently)

France reaffirms our good relations with the United Islamic Republics and hope for a long-lasting era of prosperity to continue, the sale of 3 recently disbanded mechanised flak units, 4 Mirage IV Dassault light bombers and 2 Mirage V Fighters are offered to our long standing friend for a sum of 30 points.

With fears for the safety of the small Arab Republic of Basra. The USEA deploys the Andaman Sea fleet to the Persian Gulf to ensure security for the Basaran people.

All parties are informed that the USEA will not tolerate interferance with Basra.

Meanwhile the UIR and Basrans themselves are informed that if they wish the USEA will comne to their aid and even deploy troops if necsserry.
The Basrans are also quitely asked if situations became to volitile in the Middle East then maybe the SCT could provide the protection that come with membership.


(Basra is not a Middle eastern nation you want to mess with, even if they didn't have UIR and USEA support, they have like 20 points they don't have anything to do with each year)

Japan offers the same proposition to the UIR and Basra, and prepares 2 Light Infantry Divisions to move in the case of an attack on either nation.

OOC: I'm seeing If Warta will let me interim-RP him until he comes back

Many discussions in the Reichstag take place concerning the volitle situation in the Mideast.

Some consider sticking to party lines and leaving the situation to itself. Others feel that the current German Presence is enough to scare anyone into leaving the situation, and oil fields, alone. Others feel that perhaps moving some of the Fleet into the Gulf to counter the USEA potential threat is good. Further more propose that Germany side with the Arab Socialists.

However, the Kaiserin, a good Friend of Nassar decides that as an act of goodwill, she will assist the Arab Socialists with her Imperial Guard. (ooc: She can do that w/o government permission b/c the Imperial Guard are her personal army and they listen to no one but her.)

The Reichswehr, however, agrees that the current USEA presence in the Gulf is too much a potential threat and orders a large portion of the Fleet to move to the area. 3 CVAN and 3 Heavy Missle Cruiser Groups (1 Heavy Missle Cruiser and 2 destroyers) are ordered to the Mideast to compliment current forces. The ASW carrier is sent to Hamburg to ensure that no backstabbing occurs. 2 more Imperial Paratrooper brigades are sent to Damman from Germany to bring the total to 6 brigades. The Cargo Helicopter is also sent to suppliment the HQ.

More secretly, the KND is ordered to begin to disrupt foreign (i.e. SCT) intervention as a primary objective and to assist Imperial forces as a secondary.


Current Middle East Deployments:

As Suwayda, Syria
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x DO-400
1x TA 202
1x Elite Armored Division
3x Elite Pilot

Abu Kamal, Syria
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
2x TA 202
1x Elite Armored Division
3x Elite Pilot

Negev, Egypt
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x TA 202
1x DO-400 AEW
1x Elite Mechanized Infantry Division
3x Elite Pilot

Damman, Arabia
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x DO-400
2x TA 202
1x Elite Mechanized Artillery Division
1x Elite Armored Division
1x Elite HQ
4x Elite Pilot

1x CVL Light Carrier ASW Battlegroup-Damman
-Light Carrier Bismarck
-4 Destroyers
-1 replenishment ship
-1 ASW Air Wing
-1 Elite Pilot

1x Heavy Missle Cruiser-Damman
-2 Destroyers

New Middle East Deployments:

As Suwayda, Syria
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x DO-400
1x TA 202
1x Elite Armored Division
3x Elite Pilot

Abu Kamal, Syria
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x Cargo Helicopter
2x TA 202
1x Elite Armored Division
4x Elite Pilot

Negev, Egypt
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x TA 202
1x DO-400 AEW
1x Elite Mechanized Infantry Division
3x Elite Pilot

Damman, Arabia
1x Elite Mechanized Flak Division
1x Special Forces Light Infantry Brigade
2x Special Forces Paratrooper Brigade
1x Transport Helicopter
1x DO-400
2x DO-500
2x TA 202
1x Elite Mechanized Artillery Division
1x Elite Armored Division
1x Elite HQ
6x Elite Pilot

1x CVAN Heavy Carrier Battlegroup-Damman
-Nuclear Powered Heavy Carrier Bavaria
-4 Destroyers
-1 replenishment ship
-1 Heavy Flight Wing
-1 Elite Pilot
1x CVAN Heavy Carrier Battlegroup-Damman
-Nuclear Powered Heavy Carrier Wurttemburg
-4 Destroyers
-1 replenishment ship
-1 Heavy Flight Wing
-1 Elite Pilot
1x CVAN Heavy Carrier Battlegroup-Negev
-Nuclear Power Heavy Carrier Saxony
-4 Destroyers
-1 replenishment ship
-1 Heavy Flight Wing
-1 Elite Pilot

1x Heavy Missle Cruiser-Damman
-2 Destroyers
1x Heavy Missle Cruiser-Damman
-2 Destroyers
1x Heavy Missle Cruiser-Negev
-2 Destroyers

The growing tensions in the middle east drives France in the fears of disruption in the oil market to approach major nations, UK, USA, USEA and Germany in order to see if they would sponser a Middle Eastern Summit to be held in neutral Kurdistan, Oman or Kuwait.

OOC: I'd suggest Kuwait.

The growing tensions in the middle east drives France in the fears of disruption in the oil market to approach major nations, UK, USA, USEA and Germany in order to see if they would sponser a Middle Eastern Summit to be held in neutral Kurdistan, Oman or Kuwait.

Germany reminds France that the reason that Germany has such large forces in the area is to ensure that the oil fields are protected from any hostile forces and that the oil flow is not disrupted.

OOC: *cough*I have 17 spare oil points*cough*

IC: Noting increased foriegn deployments, many Russian arms manufacturers seek licenses to export to Middle Eastern countries. The government delays approval of any until the Duma and Cabinet have created a policy on exports (ie which side Russia takes).

Parthini']Germany reminds France that the reason that Germany has such large forces in the area is to ensure that the oil fields are protected from any hostile forces and that the oil flow is not disrupted.

The USEA stresses that the Andaman Sea fleet is only there to protect Basran and UIR intrests, the main resaon for the deployment was to counter the growing threat of the insurgency to the north of Basra in Baghdad.
German or German allied nations were not even considered a threat before they began their absurd amount of military deployment to the area.

The Andaman Sea fleet is currently being deployed to waters of an allied nation on a mission of the type that is routinely carried out by the Americans and British and the German counter deployment is in absurd over kill, one would almost think they are preparing for full scale war. Three CVAN groups and three Heavy cruiser groups to counter a single CVAN group and a single Heavy Cruiser group!

In light of the current tensions, the current protection afforded to Basra is offered to Kuwait as well.
It seems the Germans know more than they are letting on and that a major conflict is on the horizon, the smaller nations must not be trampled by such a giant's motives.

Japan requests to instead send 4 Light Infantry Divisions to the UIR, but if Basra, Kuwait, or any other country for that matter wants Japanese support, they shall recieve it

Kuwait is advised to not take the offer of protection from the USEA. At best, it is a plot to exploit Kuwait's resources. Besides, Kuwait has nothing to fear from Germany, who has pledged the protection of the entire Arab League. Kuwait is also a member of the Commonwealth who are all strong friends, if not direct allies with Germany.

Germany politely notifies the USEA and SCT that the Middle East is to be considered equal to German soil, and as such, Germany takes no chances.

If the Middle East is equal to German soil, then would it not be inferred that German soil is exactly the same and therefore ownership may be questioned. Personally the UIP sees the current problems as alarming at best.

As NPC Mod:

Kuwait politely declines any offered protection from either side. It would rather not become involved in anything. However, Kuwait quietly informs the USEA that should the need arise, Kuwait would welcome SCT support, if the situation becomes dire.

(i.e. Kuwait gets invaded. However, Kuwait will probably go to the Commonwealth before anything, and will generally go to them first.)

If the Middle East is equal to German soil, then would it not be inferred that German soil is exactly the same and therefore ownership may be questioned. Personally the UIP sees the current problems as alarming at best.

OOC: ... what? I meant that interferance in the Middle East would be equal to interferance in Germany... Not sure what you were asking...

OOC: Exactly. It's a simple note to see your intentions. A very simple thing to see if your protectionism is in fact a sphere of influence.

OOC: lol. I've never denied that the Middle East is not a sphere of influence. It's comparable to Latin America and America and the Monroe Doctrine. But it's a symbiotic relationship. I don't get involved unless they want me to or an outside threat manifests itself. Or I guess an internal one that wants me out :p

I guess we will just have UIR troops fighting then, no outside involvement! The UIR is in the area...

OOC: Ahhh, but to a country like the UIP that wishes to expand it's industry, someone having a monoply on a possible fuel source is disturbing.

OOC: Why’s everyone so worried about Kuwait and Basra? The only nations that can invade them are each other. The Arab Federation is in a civil war and I don’t even think the UIR has mobilized yet.

Amidst the flow of foreign troops into the area, President Nasser has ordered Egyptian forces to full readiness. All Naval forces have been placed in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal has been placed under full surveillance. Only American, British, and German ships are allowed to pass through unchecked. All other ships, civilian or military, must be inspected. An ultimatum has been sent to King Hussein of Jordan:

“You have repeatedly showed your disobedience to our Defense Pact, cutting off the Egyptian convoy from reinforcements during the Saudi War and refusing to allow our soldiers to march through empty desert in what almost became a second Saudi War. You claim to be a great supporter of Pan-Arabism, yet you refuse to join either Pan-Arab State or aid those wishing to spread Pan-Arabism. Refusal to allow our troops to pass during this conflict will result in the immediate voiding of the Egyptian-Jordanian Defense Pact and the loss of favor in the eyes of the Great Nasser, who has given birth to the one of the largest, richest, and most powerful Arab states in history, forever immortalized beside the Persian and Ottoman Empires.”

Here’s Republican aid for this year:

To Saddam’s Special Republican Guard (Defends Baghdad and protects Saddam)
1 Highly Trained Garrison Unit
To Saddam’s Republican Guard (Saddam’s Primary Army against Federation forces)
2 Infantry Divisions
1 Artillery Division
1 Armored Division
1 HQ
Also giving them 1 batch of Sarin Gas and 1 batch of Distilled Mustard Gas.
Air support will be provided directly by the UR Air Force.

To Yemen Republican Forces (Pan-Arab Forces fighting to join the UAR)
1 Mountain Division
1 Infantry Division
1 Artillery Division
Air support will be provided if Yemen doesn't have an air force

I am also giving them 2 points worth of ammunition since they may not be able to produce their own ammunition.

Japan warns the United Republics that any aggressive moves against Jordan will be seen as unwarranted and Jordan will recieve our support.

The UR simply asks the Japanese ambassador if his country would act differently in such a situation. King Hussein has betrayed the Pan-Arabists he claims to support and is simply acting as an obstacle instead of an ally.

OOC: Someone is slightly full of himself.

Russian politicians continue debate. While very few are in favor of supporting religious extremists (largely other extremists, and the occasional Muslim), supporting any side associated with socialism (albeit Arab Socialism) would be bad for many seeking re-election.

Japan warns the United Republics that any aggressive moves against Jordan will be seen as unwarranted and Jordan will recieve our support.

Any '"support" given to the Jordanians will be seen as an act of agression from the SCT in the Middle East, and as such, Germany will act accordingly.

Germany reminds the SCT that while it has no qualms with the SCT economically assisting Middle Eastern nations, the moment an SCT soldier steps over the boarder of any Middle Eastern Nation (except the UIR) or a single jet flys over the airspace of any Middle Eastern Nation, Germany will take action as if those soldiers or those planes are in the midsts of an invasion and will act accordingly.

And yet Germany wishes to use it's troops with immunity.

And yet Germany wishes to use it's troops with immunity.

Germany has pledged neutrality (actually, I haven't come to a conclusion but... yeah) and merely uses the capabilities in the region to ensure that no outside influence disrupts the region.

OOC: Remember, the Imperial Guard are at the total discretion of the Kaiserin. The German Government has no say over what they do, but they don't represent Germany, either. They represent the repressed bloodthirstiness that I have after being Imperial Germany and then Expansionist Kommunist.

It's written into the Constitution so.

Therefore Germany wishes to keep all non-Middle Eastern Militaries out of the area, and swears that it will not use German troops unless another outside nation interferes. Is that what Germany is saying. If so, than the UIP has no problems. If that is your only attempt.

Therefore Germany wishes to keep all non-Middle Eastern Militaries out of the area, and swears that it will not use German troops unless another outside nation interferes. Is that what Germany is saying. If so, than the UIP has no problems. If that is your only attempt.

The Reichswehr promises that it will not use its forces to interfere in the conflict, but only to protect valuable oil fields.

OOC: Basically, the Reichswehr won't do until:

-it gets attacked
-the oil fields get attacked
-and outsider gets involved

The United States proposes, seeing as the Middle East is becoming unstable again, building a pipeline from Siberian and Urals oil and natural gas fields to Western Europe (via Russia, Belorussia, Hungary, Germany and into Burgundy and France)

ooc
this will cost 60 points at 10 points a year as it is mostly steppe land except for the Hungarian Carpathians

The US would pay 2 points a year and provide technicial expertise, and EEC nations and Russia would pay the rest

Essentially building the one that actually exists but bypassing Poland unless it breaks its ties with the Scandic Union and joins the EEC

incidently, the US 5th Fleet, with 2 carrier battlegroups and submarines is always in the Indian Ocean, and 1 carrier group will begin operating closer to Oman and the entrance to the Persian Gulf

The United Islamic Republic (UIR) is quietly contacted by China and informed that China is willing to sell the UIR biological / chemical (B-C) weapons in light of Saddam possibly having his own B-C weapons. Thus, if Saddam decides to attack the UIR with B-C weapons, then the UIR can return fire with B-C weapons.

The United States proposes, seeing as the Middle East is becoming unstable again, building a pipeline from Siberian and Urals oil and natural gas fields to Western Europe (via Russia, Belorussia, Hungary, Germany and into Burgundy and France)

ooc
this will cost 60 points at 10 points a year as it is mostly steppe land except for the Hungarian Carpathians

The US would pay 2 points a year and provide technicial expertise, and EEC nations and Russia would pay the rest

Essentially building the one that actually exists but bypassing Poland unless it breaks its ties with the Scandic Union and joins the EEC

incidently, the US 5th Fleet, with 2 carrier battlegroups and submarines is always in the Indian Ocean, and 1 carrier group will begin operating closer to Oman and the entrance to the Persian Gulf


Is this the Druzhba Pipeline?

How would the pipeline pass the CSPS? Poland and the Ukraine are still connected.

OOC: Have to go through us.:p

Anyway, I have no interest in this ME stuff, I'm technically treaty bound to avoid it.

OOC: Have to go through us.:p

Anyway, I have no interest in this ME stuff, I'm technically treaty bound to avoid it.

Did we actually sign a treaty about it or is it just talk about it?

Concerning the pipeline, its called the Druzhba (friendship), so, technically, it could be a sort of friendship pipeline between the EEC, CSPS and Russia. And you guys could pay 4 points.

OOC: as the UIR

The UIR accepts both the Japanese and the Chinese proposals, and keeps a wary eye on the Middle east and the UR especially.

OOC: as Japan

Japan moves the 4 Light Infantry divisions to the UIR and announces they will not depart UIR soil unless attacked.

To Egypt

Japan replies that they would not go off making threats that only adds fuel to the fire.

To Germany

You will note we never mentioned what type of suuport we would offer, we merely offered support

Parthini']Did we actually sign a treaty about it or is it just talk about it?

Concerning the pipeline, its called the Druzhba (friendship), so, technically, it could be a sort of friendship pipeline between the EEC, CSPS and Russia. And you guys could pay 4 points.

Poland might buy into it... they don't have any oil or natural gas and for assured delivery, it would be worth their time. Otherwise, the pipeline could simply end on the Black Sea and tanker traffic to Rumania (and from there use existing pipelines to Germany). This would cut costs by about half, but require the use of 1 shipping unit a year for each oil or natural gas point transported. (supplied by someone)

OOC: The CSPS would provide the 4 points and allow it through our territory.

But we still want to build our own pipeline. How much would the one I proposed cost? The Turkish part would end at either Sinope or Samsun.

Does someone do Rumania's Builds?

Could I build an extra shipping unit, one that isn't a part of the 40 points of trade, cuz I like that idea a lot. That way, we could get oil to the Balkans EEC members, as well.

Also, I know Hungary has turned super-neutral, but is there a chance it would join the EEC?

OOC: The CSPS would provide the 4 points and allow it through our territory.

But we still want to build our own pipeline. How much would the one I proposed cost? The Turkish part would end at either Sinope or Samsun.

Let me consider that, ask again on Saturday

Leaving Saturday night and I'll be gone for a week.

Parthini']Any '"support" given to the Jordanians will be seen as an act of agression from the SCT in the Middle East, and as such, Germany will act accordingly.

Germany reminds the SCT that while it has no qualms with the SCT economically assisting Middle Eastern nations, the moment an SCT soldier steps over the boarder of any Middle Eastern Nation (except the UIR) or a single jet flys over the airspace of any Middle Eastern Nation, Germany will take action as if those soldiers or those planes are in the midsts of an invasion and will act accordingly.

The USEA replies that Basra will be defended to the full extent of the Indochinese forces* in the area when needed and riduclous threats from Germany will not change that.

OOC:
*(Which is actually very little. My military is just too small, I can't compete when I'm only half the size population and economic wise of the people I try to emulate.)

(A reason I try to remain neutral on such things.)

The United States proposes, seeing as the Middle East is becoming unstable again, building a pipeline from Siberian and Urals oil and natural gas fields to Western Europe (via Russia, Belorussia, Hungary, Germany and into Burgundy and France)

ooc
this will cost 60 points at 10 points a year as it is mostly steppe land except for the Hungarian Carpathians

The US would pay 2 points a year and provide technicial expertise, and EEC nations and Russia would pay the rest

Essentially building the one that actually exists but bypassing Poland unless it breaks its ties with the Scandic Union and joins the EEC

incidently, the US 5th Fleet, with 2 carrier battlegroups and submarines is always in the Indian Ocean, and 1 carrier group will begin operating closer to Oman and the entrance to the Persian Gulf


France offers to take care of the rest (8 points a year) on behalf of the EEC.


To the UIR:
A French Official (The Forign Minister) is to depart on a goodwill visit to the UIR, We hope that this would be welcome.

To France:

The Foreign Minister will be welcomed in the UIR

If France does elect to finish the costs of the pipeline, Russia will provide technical support, as well providing signifigant portions of the labor.

OOC: Russia is maxed on shipping, but as many of Russia's ports (excluding one major one under foriegn domination) get frozen over every winter, most of Russia's shipping goes through the Black Sea anyways, signifigant portions of Russian shipping could be devoted to it. Russia can export 20 natural gas and 17 oil points (though oil will decrease as I start growing) although I will provide free Natural gas to Belarus and Armenia-Georgia, as well as Greece (possibly, we'll see when the player gets ready). Since it is Russian oil, I could devote substantial portions of shipping (12-15 units) to this, presumably keeping their value.

Russia will not support any pipeline going through Poland, the Ukraine, or the SU until St. Petersburg and Karelia hold UN monitored plebecites. Considering the fact that it's Russian oil, I'd assume that we're going with the Black Sea method.

If France does elect to finish the costs of the pipeline, Russia will provide technical support, as well providing signifigant portions of the labor.

OOC: Russia is maxed on shipping, but as many of Russia's ports (excluding one major one under foriegn domination) get frozen over every winter, most of Russia's shipping goes through the Black Sea anyways, signifigant portions of Russian shipping could be devoted to it. Russia can export 20 natural gas and 17 oil points (though oil will decrease as I start growing) although I will provide free Natural gas to Belarus and Armenia-Georgia, as well as Greece (possibly, we'll see when the player gets ready). Since it is Russian oil, I could devote substantial portions of shipping (12-15 units) to this, presumably keeping their value.

Russia will not support any pipeline going through Poland, the Ukraine, or the SU until St. Petersburg and Karelia hold UN monitored plebecites. Considering the fact that it's Russian oil, I'd assume that we're going with the Black Sea method.

I spent the points this year on a shipping unit devoted solely to the use of transport between Russia and Rumania.

tag

Germany has sent 40 points to the Arab League for 'assistance' in ending the armed conflicts and bringing peace.

In other news, Germany has begun creating prepositioned units in the Middle East in light of recent conflicts.

SIC: The Kaiserin sends a note to Nassar telling him that her Imperial Guard are at his disposal.

Thats 4 Special Forces Light Infantry and 4 Transport Helicopters and 4 Expert Pilots.

Following are excerpts from an interview with freedom fighter Saddam Hussein conducted by Sayyid Nassar of the Egyptian opposition weekly Al-Usbou.

Nassar: "Mr. Saddam, what exactly does the S.C.T. want from the Middle East?"

Saddam: "The S.C.T. wants to destroy the centers of power in the Arab world, regardless of whether the center of power is in Damascus or Baghdad! Look around you and see what is happening in the region. See what is happening in Yemen, Kuwait, its national security, and the overall national security of the Arab nation!!" "Look and see what is happening in UIR, see what happened and is still happening in Pakistan. See what is going on in Palestine and what the UN is doing to our Palestinian brothers. All this exposes the scope of the conspiracy against our region.”


Nassar: "Mr. Saddam, if we go from the general to the specific, what does the S.C.T. want from The Arab Federation?"

Saddam: "The S.C.T. wants to impose its hegemony on the Arab world, and as a prelude it wants to control Basra and then strike the capitals that oppose it and revolt against its hegemony. From Baghdad, which will be under military control, it will strike Damascus and Cairo. It will fragment them and will cause major problems to Western Arabia.
It is trying to create small entities controlled by safe-keepers working for the S.C.T., so that no country will be larger than Palestine, quantitatively and qualitatively. This way the Arab oil will be under its control and the region, especially the oil sources after the destruction of the Arab Federation will be under total control of the S.C.T. All these things serve the Easterners’ interests, and based on this strategy the purpose is to make their client-states into a large empire in the area."
"The Arab Federation's problem is that it opposes all these conspiracies, and the others do not understand that we are defending [them]. Everyone should know that no one will be safe from [the conspiracies] that are being hatched now against The Arab Federation. All, from the point of view of the S.C.T., are the same and what will happen to us, will happen to the others later."

Nassar: "Mr. Saddam, let's go back to where we started: What exactly does the S.C.T. want from The Arab Federation?"

Saddam: "It wants an Arab Federation that accepts Asian political and geographical hegemony over Arab resources. It also wants an Arab Federation that acknowledges the Zionist existence and its control over Palestine. Furthermore, it wants an Arab Federation free of the pan-Arab ideology and pan-Islamic ideals, an Arab Federation that would agree to destroying the Arab League and establishing a new Middle-East organization. It wants a non-Arab Federation [divided] into separate nations."


(ooc: based on a real Saddam interview by the RL Sayyid Nassar of the Egyptian opposition weekly Al-Usbou)

Britain thanks the French for offering to pay the costs of the new oil pipeline, noting that whilst Britain is currently self sufficient in oil and energy needs the new pipeline could come in useful if this is not the case in the future.

Britain makes a public statement regarding the Middle East and stating that she will not act unless Oceanic Alliance or Commonwealth interests are at stake. The BEF will be ready for rapid deployment at short notice if this becomes the case, with further assets being available if the situation worsens.

OOC: I'm guessing you changed Americans for Asians
IC:

The Japanese and UIR buys airtime on all Middle Eastern nations to post a rebuttal. They use the Ayatollah to do the speaking.

Mr Hussein has recently made some large attacks upon the SCT, and I am here to correct his errors that he made. He first tells you that the SCT wants to destroy Arab centers of power, yet the SCT has done no such thing, nor has it ever attempted to do so. Is any nation in the SCT any weaker because they joined us? The answer is no, and our nations are stronger than ever as a result of aid and military support offered by the SCT.

Mr. Hussein then tells you that we are out to impose our hegemony upon the Middle East by breaking up the nations. However, Mr. Hussein does not show you any evidence to support his outrageous claim, it is merely the rantings of a madman. But look at Hussein's alternative. A so called "Pan-Arabic" movement that is under the control of Egypt who threatens nations if they do not follow their lead, as they did with Jordan. The SCT offers aid to help nations' economies and military support in the event of war, nothing else.

Finally, Mr. Hussein charges that the SCT wants an Arab federation that allows Asian control of its resources. Mr. Hussein has clearly never seen a map, for the Middle East is part of Asia. He says we want a zionist government in palestine, but there are almost no jews in the Palestinian region anyway. He then says that we want an Arab Federation free of Islamic and Arab ideals. But he ingores the fact that my nation, the United Islamic Republic, is a theocracy with free and fair elections, and he also ignores the fact that the SCT has never once attempted to destroy the Arab Federation.

Thank you for your time, and consider what the truth really is

-Snip-

*Sees comment about 'dirty Persians' on the horizon*

In the name of Allah, the merciful, the compassionate.

To the Imams and Mullahs of the UIR it is time for you to say: Allah is great!

Remember the meanings of this great call in accordance with the profundity of your faith, so that its echo, along with your words and support, could be sounded by all towns and rural areas, by mountains and by plains. And your voice can reach not only every brave man and woman in your land of faith, but also every loyal man and woman in the nation, every fair-minded and everyone who has an honorable stance in humanity. Reject the leadership which has deceived you.

For you oh people of Islam, I appeal to you! The S.C.T. promises great things but delivers nothing. They scorn those who accept the faith of Allah and of his prophet Muhammad may Allah have mercy on his soul. They deceive you so they may stab you in the backs.

I have heard of those of you who, on being told: 'Your enemy, those of the S.C.T., have mustered a great force against you and so fear them,' grow more tenacious in their faith and reply: ‘Allah's help is all -sufficient for us. He is the best Protector'. Thus they earned Allah's grace and bounty and no harm shall befall them. For they had striven to please Allah, whose, bounty is infinite. It is Satan that prompts men to fear his followers. Do not grieve for those that quickly renounce their faith. They will not harm Allah in the least. He seeks to give them no share in the hereafter. Their punishment shall be terrible indeed. These believers, these warriors of God shall be blessed for they see they have been lead astray by those in power.

For you oh people of Islam, I appeal to you! You have been lead astray by the leaders of your nation to a lie lead by those who wish to destroy your nation.

For you oh people of Islam, I appeal to you! The Arab Federation is a nation of believers who wish nothing but peace and to worship Allah.

For you oh people of Islam, I appeal to you. They claim our great nations are part of Asia, but we are not Asian in any sense. We are not in Asians for we are followers of Allah and his Prophet and therefore we are not of their blood. We may be Asian to their eyes, whatever that may mean, but we are men and women of Allah first, second and last!

Allahu Akbar! Let those who do not belive be crushed!

ooc: this is actually kinda fun. The first part is mostly original Saddam, the rest is mine.

To the people of Islam: We urge you not to listen to the rants of a madman bent on thedestruction of the Middle East. Sadaam says the SCT has scorned the religion of Islam, yet Pakistan is made up of masive amounts of muslims, and the United Islamic Republic was invited in, a sure sign that the SCT does not discriminate against the muslims.
- Ayatollah

The promient Muslim Leaders of Islamic enclaves in Thailand meet and denounce Saddam's ranting against the SCT as that of a deranged madman.

The Clerics held a combined service at the large mosque in the southern city of Hat Yai whose Muslim population is considerable and has benefitted greatly from recent development and government grants with the arrival of the space program.

In the service the clerics denounced Saddam and agreed with their Islamic brothers in the UIR that the people of the middle east should not have to be subjected to such a madman's depredations. They call upon their brothers in the Arab Federation to resist all attempts by this man to gain power in their holy land.


OOC:
You can do it too, with Kandoo!

To the people of Islam: We urge you not to listen to the rants of a madman bent on thedestruction of the Middle East. Sadaam says the SCT has scorned the religion of Islam, yet Pakistan is made up of masive amounts of muslims, and the United Islamic Republic was invited in, a sure sign that the SCT does not discriminate against the muslims.
- Ayatollah

ooc
quoting a Shiite when the Arab Federation is Sunni may not be wise.

In the US, the matter gets some media attention, but no statements other then hopes for peace from the State Department. The US 5th Fleet as always is in the Indian Ocean, but is not moved beyond its normal patrol patterns and operations.

The United States proposes, seeing as the Middle East is becoming unstable again, building a pipeline from Siberian and Urals oil and natural gas fields to Western Europe (via Russia, Belorussia, Hungary, Germany and into Burgundy and France)

OOC: Aren’t British/American troops still garrisoned near Arabian oil fields after the Saudi Conflict? I thought you guys sent some soldiers down there after things cooled down.

The United Islamic Republic (UIR) is quietly contacted by China and informed that China is willing to sell the UIR biological / chemical (B-C) weapons in light of Saddam possibly having his own B-C weapons. Thus, if Saddam decides to attack the UIR with B-C weapons, then the UIR can return fire with B-C weapons.

OOC: How would China know that small amounts of chemical weapons have been smuggled into rebel hands? It’s not like we sent huge truckloads with “Chemical Weapons” painted in Mandarin on the side of them.

To Egypt

Japan replies that they would not go off making threats that only adds fuel to the fire.

To the UIR:
We would really appreciate it if you would allow us to decide our own policies. We see no reason to offer our protection to an untrustworthy nation like Jordan. If he promotes Pan-Arabism in word and pen but not in reality, who says he wouldn’t turn against his Arab brethren should a major war erupt?

Interview

Nasser agrees that foreign powers are trying to splinter the Middle East to weaken it like they have historically done many times in Europe after defeating their enemies. One of the major advantages of Pan-Arabism is immunity from having our people pushed around by foreign powers. The SCT would most likely want nothing more than to weaken or even destroy any Arab pride as they have already done to our Arab and Aryan brethren outside League protection. They are now more loyal to the Far East than the Cradle of Humanity and see themselves as a Far Eastern culture instead of being true to their roots as we are.

If they wish to act like they are something they are not then I have no problem with that. However, if they try to destroy and steal our culture… we will fight to the bitter end. To destroy our culture, they will have to kill every single man, woman, and child in North Africa and the Middle East. Are they really willing to do that? Would the world stand by as Chinese soldiers destroy the artifacts of humankind's past and the shrines of the major religions?

chemical weapons, even in this day and age are easy to notice, and we all have intelligence agencies and share the information.

OOC: Trust me. The KND is ensuring that the SCT doesn't learn jack in the Mideast.

Asians are easy to spot, and Persians look a lot different than Arabs.

Parthini']OOC: Trust me. The KND is ensuring that the SCT doesn't learn jack in the Mideast.

Asians are easy to spot, and Persians look a lot different than Arabs.

The SCT wouldn't use Asians in the ME, it would be like the Soviet Union using a raving communist in the US. Plus there are satellites as well

Parthini']OOC: Trust me. The KND is ensuring that the SCT doesn't learn jack in the Mideast.
Asians are easy to spot, and Persians look a lot different than Arabs.


OOC:
Which is a bit of a waste of time since most of us arn't trying to find anything out. The things I am looking out for are quite noticable anyway...... Saddam invading Basra for instance.
Persians are caucasian, same as Guropeans which Germany happens to be also. With a bit of voice training and some time soaking up the atmosphere you could make a Persian be able to impersonate a German or another European.


Also can somene tell me what's going on with China threatning to invade the ME and all the other things that are going on?

I mean WTF? Germany's relationship with the ME is comparable to that of a crazed drug addict and his stash. Do you guys want to start a nuclear war? because if you haven't noticed we will lose even if we make the first nuclear strike.

Give me awnsers on the chatzy or by Tg.

Not to mention cause a bigger worldwide oil crisis...

Not to mention cause a bigger worldwide oil crisis...

but see, that's part of the problem, cause Sadaam could do some very rash things.
Ato-Sara, TG for you

OOC: Aren’t British/American troops still garrisoned near Arabian oil fields after the Saudi Conflict? I thought you guys sent some soldiers down there after things cooled down.

ooc
they left a long time ago, they only stayed until elections were held and the violence ended

The IIA begins concentrating a lot of it's man power and satellite time to concentrate on the activities of Saddam Hussein.
Special investigation is made into his funding and support.

A French Official Contacts Kurdistan to conduct a state visit to discuss the affairs of the Region.

but see, that's part of the problem, cause Sadaam could do some very rash things.
Ato-Sara, TG for you

ooc
but we wouldn't know that yet, all we would have is rhetoric to base decisions on

ooc
but we wouldn't know that yet, all we would have is rhetoric to base decisions on

true, but rhetoric can be very inflammatory at this point

But never a Casius Belli

Casius Belli? Is that Latin or something?

Well, I think it means "Valid Reson for War", I see it on "Hearts of Iron II", a strategy game set in WWII, when you gurantee the independance of a nation, you get a Casius Belli if they are attacked on the Aggressive nation.

Ah, I think we're kind of protecting Kuwait and Basra

Anyway is my envoy to Kurdistan welcomed?

A French Official Contacts Kurdistan to conduct a state visit to discuss the affairs of the Region.

ooc
assume interest and they will meet with you

Excellent, the official meets with the Kurdish leader and discusses with him his postion on current affairs, especially his opinion on Saddam Hussien, The Arab League and the UIR Bloc.

Why is everybody assuming China will invade the ME? IC'wise, not a Chinese soldier or division or any military asset has moved yet.

And what's this I hear about a war?

My internet time will be spotty this week because my laptop had a meltdown so the only time I can use the computer is at my girlfriend's, or when I'm at work (but I usually bring my laptop to work).

So don't go around starting WW 4 until next RL week at least (hopefully when I get my laptop repaired, and Safehaven gets back from his trip).

and If possible, wait a good 4 weeks so I can get back

The French Government Announces that in the interest of protcting French interests in the region and with agreement from both the Basran and UIR government as per a gurantee to the UIR's independance, the French Millitary shall be opening a French Airbase near the UIR border with Basra in Basra. This would be done in cooperation of all friendly military.
-------------------------------
Troops from the airbase in Albania are to be immediately hurried to the airbase in Basra, while the airbase in Albania is to be closed and handed over tothe local government.

The UIR will have 1 Light Infantry Division, 1 Experty Pilot, and 1 Mirage III at the base as well

Why is everybody assuming China will invade the ME? IC'wise, not a Chinese soldier or division or any military asset has moved yet.

And what's this I hear about a war?

My internet time will be spotty this week because my laptop had a meltdown so the only time I can use the computer is at my girlfriend's, or when I'm at work (but I usually bring my laptop to work).

So don't go around starting WW 4 until next RL week at least (hopefully when I get my laptop repaired, and Safehaven gets back from his trip).

OOC: When I think SCT, I usually picture China. It's like the RL Axis Powers. People usually picture Germany or Japan, not Romania, Bulgaria, and such.

Also, what is the deal with everyone having "interests" in the Middle East? Basra and Kuwait have only been mentioned less than 5 times since the Saudi War but now all of a sudden everyone's best friends with them. I understand Britain's involvement but some of these countries have probably never even had citizens in Basra! It's the same for Transjordan. Has Japan ever even had a diplomat in Jordan before this incident? Jordan doesn't have any natural resources and imports almost all of it's stuff from Egypt and the US so business interests are out of the question.

in Basra, because of the oil facilities, there are probably a significant number of Westerners simply because the big oil companies are mostly US, British, Dutch or Aramco (Arab American).

Basra isn't aligned with anyone but is in the UN. The UN Charter is supposed to protect it and all other nations from invasion or attack.

Similar numbers of Westeners would be found in any oil producing nation, along with South Americans as well.

Whether this would be enough to drag in the Americans, British, FNS etc is another question, and would likely be unknown to those contemplating action in an oil producing country.

OOC: When I think SCT, I usually picture China. It's like the RL Axis Powers. People usually picture Germany or Japan, not Romania, Bulgaria, and such.

Also, what is the deal with everyone having "interests" in the Middle East? Basra and Kuwait have only been mentioned less than 5 times since the Saudi War but now all of a sudden everyone's best friends with them. I understand Britain's involvement but some of these countries have probably never even had citizens in Basra! It's the same for Transjordan. Has Japan ever even had a diplomat in Jordan before this incident? Jordan doesn't have any natural resources and imports almost all of it's stuff from Egypt and the US so business interests are out of the question.

French Interests (Oil deals, Arms Deals, Social Aid, French Engineers and citizens who have taken advantage of the Friendly relations with the UIR) are in the UIR who have Basra as their client state, so...


Have the Kurdish stated their postitions on the relative issues?

in Basra, because of the oil facilities, there are probably a significant number of Westerners simply because the big oil companies are mostly US, British, Dutch or Aramco (Arab American).

Basra isn't aligned with anyone but is in the UN. The UN Charter is supposed to protect it and all other nations from invasion or attack.

Similar numbers of Westeners would be found in any oil producing nation, along with South Americans as well.

Whether this would be enough to drag in the Americans, British, FNS etc is another question, and would likely be unknown to those contemplating action in an oil producing country.

Basra is a defacto client State of the UIR, they have very close ties with each other.
SCT naval units have moved into the Persian Gulf due to the rising tensions in that area. These units are there to honour the SCT charter by protecting the UIR in the case of hostilities. That protection has been exteneded to Basra and offered to though turned down by Kuwait.

Basra is not a member of the SCT.

And Japan doesn't feel good with any nation in the Kiddle East being threatened because of the massive oil supplies up for grabs

But they have no problem with allies threatening massive Russian oil supplies ;)
IC:
While still neutral, it appears the Duma is leaning towards support for Socialist forces, shown by Russia's offer of reduced fuel to Egypt, a deal that will likely be repeated among other liberal Arab nations.

But they have no problem with allies threatening massive Russian oil supplies ;)

OOC:
Of course we don't.

After a long meeting with the Kurdish Leader, a proposal is put forward in form of a treaty where France gurantees the Neutrality of the Kurdish Nation and Gurantees its independance against any foriegn aggression.

The Sudanese Civil War Erupts

The First Sudanese Civil War was a conflict from 1955 to 1972 between the northern part of Sudan and a south that demanded more regional autonomy. Half a million people died over the 17 years of war, which may be divided into three stages: initial guerilla war, Anyanya and South Sudan Liberation Movement. However, the agreement that ended the fighting in 1972 failed to completely dispel the tensions that had originally caused the civil war, leading to a reigniting of the north-south conflict during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005). The period between 1955 and 2005 is thus sometimes considered to be a single conflict with an eleven-year ceasefire that separates two violent phases.

While the Middle East is often seen as three groups (Arabs, Turks, and Persians), often times a minority group makes headlines and perhaps even gains world-wide attention. Such as happened in southern Sudan, where Christian and Animists, who see themselves as African instead of Arab, have taken up arms against the Arab government in hopes of gaining autonomy. Being one of the main regional powers, the United Arab Republic is not about to allow a noisy minority tear apart it's homeland and weaken the government's stability.

The conflict began with the British Colonial Administration's choices on whether to divide The Sudan into a northern, muslim sector and a southern, christian sector. They decided that a united Sudan would be stronger and thus the modern state of Sudan was created. A quiet opposition erupted but it failed to even concern the government and thus was ignored. With the renaming of the nation to The United "Arab" Republic and the UAR's recent, more violent diplomacy in the region, the resistance was stirred once again. Although poorly organized and ill-equipped, the Sudanese governments fear that the rebellion could grow stronger. In addition, the Egyptian government has refused to openly aid Sudan, fearing that it's own minorities may take offense and take up arms as well. Thus the smaller, less experienced Sudanese portion of the Republican Military takes on the poor, ill-equipped insurgents in what promises to be a long and bloody conflict.

IC Moves:
-Egypt and Sudan are practically acting as seperate entities to prevent the war from spreading into Egypt. Secretly, Nasser is providing intel and air support for Sudan (the air force and intel services are both primarly Egyptian) as well as economic support. Refugees are also allowed to enter Egypt since there aren't seperate citizenships for the two republics.
-Sudanese soldiers will be attacking civilian targets suspected of working with or hiding rebels. Over 80% of losses in the RL war were civilian deaths.
-Chemical weapons will be secretly used in small villages and towns since they have little communications with the outside world.
-Public executions of rebels will be used in major southern cities to try and scare the populace. Torture and all that good stuff are included.
-Since there isn't a central authority for the rebellion yet, large rebel attacks are rare but the rebels can't actually be defeated or forced to surrender.