NationStates Jolt Archive

Ramitha (Latakia), Sabir

"Brother, I have not slept in two nights, true, and your coffee is fine and rich, true, but I have no need of it this morning.

"It is a sad thing, in many ways, to see one's enemies, mentors, rivals, and friends fall ill, die, and wane in such great numbers, is it not?

"Well, Mohammed, you ask why I need neither rest nor stimulation, today? It is as I once told you... on the day of victory, no man is tired!"

News broke across the world on a third restless day for the wanderer returned. Fighting, demonstrations, tanks on the streets of Damascus. A coup! The conspirators in control of key locations, and pro-Baghdad officials arrested!

The Federal Dictatorship's influence over neighbouring Syria seemed broken as the Al Khali and Alawi lead open revolt against a newly unsupported and weakened Damascus government. The leaders of the revolt came out of the west and siezed upon government power.

The world would see a new era birthed in the words of a man in Damascus only to strip it of its power. Omar Qottar, declaring a government by the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party, announced the dissolution of Sabir and the movement of its capital to Latakia, its old name of Ramitha restored.

Qottar spoke at length and with the enthusiasm of a sleep-deprived soul now making his bed. "Elias was a friend of mine..." he would say, referencing his visit to Baghdad when newly President of Ghawdex, leaving few learned observers likely to forget that he had previously failed to attain power in Sabir likely because of Baghdad's suspicions about the truth of his commitment to free-market economics.

Elias had suspected, perhaps, that Qottar loved power too much to resist the temptation to take a command role in the Syrian economy.

...And they were right.



OOC: Okay, okay, I'll set-fire to the Middle East, now leave me alone! ;)

Do you still have Quinntonian ties from that treaty that included building Christain universities and so on?
Tsar Wingert teh Great.

OOC: Well, I'm not sure what happened while I was gone, with some other player briefly looking at the region, but perhaps we can assume that Qottar and his Al Khali and Alawi allies were influential in the west of the country before the coup and made some sort of local-government ties and penned a memorandum of understanding with the Quinntonian government, implying if not overtly stating that such works could go ahead once Qottar was in power. In essence, Washington would have known that Qottar was going to move against the old authorities before it happened, and would have kept quiet in the belief that he'd be good for the Christian minority. That Omar Qottar intended to organise and lead the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party would likely be a surprise to the US as much as anyone else.
So, there's probably missionaries with official status near the coast, and an expectation that they'll be able to take part in establishing those universities now that Qottar is in charge. If that works for you?

Omar Qottar's swearing-in as President of Syria passed without too much pomp, the new head-man promising to hold fresh elections in seven to ten years at the most while organising a Parliament dominated by the Ba'athists and scattered with tokens from numerous small parties and pressure groups. Ramitha would talk-up the diversity of its parliament, which includes representatives of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian sects, conservative nationalists, a Marxist-Leninist faction, a women's-rights group, and more, while passing over the fact that the sheer number of these individuals and parties makes each one virtually powerless next to the Arab Socialist Party.

Qottar's triumphant return to Syria and establishment of his rule there indicates the restoration of Al Khals as an entity. Ghawdex -Gozo- has official parity of importance and significance with Syria, though the tiny island of thirty-thousand residents can hardly expect to be treated as anything more than a remote possession of Syria.

Now comes the question of alignment. Will an Al Khali Syria fight the Ottoman Empire over the Hatay question? If so, is Samarkand a possible ally in light of Chingiz's political conflict with the Sultan since claiming the title of Caliph? Or is increasingly religious Depkazia a natural foe for officially secular Syria? Then again, Baghdad has never trusted in Qottar's secularism, particularly in light of the script carried on the Al Khali flag. But, still, the Depkazis arrested President Shareef, a man to whom Qottar arguably owes a political debt... and Damascus didn't fare terribly well the last time a Khan came calling from Samarkand!

Either way, might the Combine be an ally? Or a threat to stability and an over-bearing competator in a post-federal Middle East? So do say that Qottar wants Mesopotamia.

Of course, Ramitha certainly isn't likely to impress India while Omar continues to curse names like Miyanda and Igomo.

Interesting times ahead, and, judging by Omar's plans for remilitarisation, Al Khali Syria does not intend to shrink from involvement in them!

Bump

There was a great deal of interest in Jakarta and Sithin over developments in Syria... Sujava had perhaps the largest muslim population in the world, and their influence had shifted an ostensibly secular ideology down the path of Islamic socialism. With the Middle East slipping from its once-inviolable stability, the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party, should they live up to their name, seemed a likely friend near the heart of the Faith. And, as Jakarta attempted to crush one pretender Caliph in Indonesia, it would likely be wise to steer Syria away from another rising ever higher over Central Asia.

Of course, in politics things never quite seem to mesh perfectly, and the Strainist approach to Syria would be complex, given that they count Lusaka amongst their Progressive allies. Still, warm congratulations are sent to Qottar, with hopes expressed about the potential for 'comradeship and brotherhood in days to come'.

Equitable Distribution President Qottar's First Act

Citing alleged disparity along religious and ethnic lines (presumably at the expense of Al Khalis and Alawis) in the distribution of power, land, and wealth in Syria, Omar Qottar today signed into law a series of measures that can only be described as wholesale nationalisations of Sabiri industry and infrastructure.

Utilities and assorted assets -both Syrian and foreign-owned- have been or are to be reposessed by the Al Khali state, and in many cases compensation has been seriously minimised.

Assets owned by individuals and corporations in Mesopotamia have been hardest hit, while compensation to Quinntonian owners has been at least based upon more realistic valuations rather than as token measures, and a handful of Strainist concerns seem to have slipped under the radar. Roycelandian and other western assets in Syria are next on the agenda, and one suspects that their future and the level of compensation may be somehow tied to the unfolding of the political situation in Egypt (which so far has lost little of its investment in Syria).

Ramitha follows its first act as capital by announcing a desire to re-arm against a background of federal collapse, global conflict, spreading radicalism, and structural reform.

This desire is equal to a wish to develop Syria's natural gas resources as oil reserves decline. Some are talking of an apparent gas-rights for arms deal being put to the world.

Gas-rights for arms, a proposal generating worryingly little interest, had so far brought only one caller... and that was an informal approach from the Depkazi Caliphate.

The Khagan appeared keen to further manipulate Asia's natural gas industry, Qottar thought, and was increasingly well placed to do so. With Angola, Nigeria, Algeria, Libya all caught up in chaos or surrounded by warzones, terrorism and sabotage in Kazakhstan, attacks on North Sea Oil, Soviet influence controlling most of Latin America's petrochemical exports, and the Depkazi Caliphate, China, and Combine unable to get along sufficiently well to allow the construction of vital gas and oil pipelines, and half the world at eachother's throats, prices had to be approaching record levels.

Ramitha wasn't desperately keen to let the Caliph benefit from that in Syria as well as at home, and though he could supply some useful items there were doubts as to whether Depkazi technology -in gas exploitation or defence equipment- was really the best that Al Khals could secure.

The potential for ideological conflict between the Caliphate and Ba'athist Syria was also high.

Still, Omar Qottar publicised the approach to the maximum, hoping that other parties might be alarmed by the implication and move to cut-out the Caliph.

The Quinntonian government is quite willing to invest heavily in the gas rights of this people. Of course, they are worried that the recent nationalization, however equitable it was done, will scare of many investors. Thus, the government will enter into this, supplying the arms as a token of their friendship, but asking that at the very least that the refinery plants and so on that were seized be sold back to their previous owners in expectation of their need to process the gas.

Of course, Quinntonia has more than enough interest, capitol, need for gas and surplus weapons to take everything that you are willing to sell, and would like exclusive rights to these opportunities.

WWJD
Amen.

A familiar scene for survivors of the Tanzanian Democratic Republic of Al Khals as President Omar Qottar sits with head bowed, shaking it from time to time, possibly even dabbing at a tear. An elderly man, dressed in white robes, cries out, wails, protests his innocence and then switches to cursing Qottar and the Party, and back again to pleas of innocence and oaths of loyalty. He is escorted off the stage upon which he sat with other party officials and military officers, all but dragged kicking and screaming past the President who, apparently, is crushingly disappointed by having his faith in the accused trampled upon by his misdeeds.

The scene repeats three more times, today, as a mix of the independently-minded and the overly popular is swept away, each one renching more emotion out of Qottar.

Cameras watch, but these meetings are not televised.

Meanwhile...

Ramitha announces that many of those who lost-out in the nationalisations will be offered government jobs in the industries they know. The Ba'ath Party maintains that Syria's natural resources belong to its people, and that they ought to be owned by the people's government. Of course it also makes sense to let some of the people manage them. These managers do at least stand to gain plenty of perks in an Al Khali dominated state, and it is said that women and non-Al Khalis will still be offered posts if their skills and experience merit it.

Qottar's army is growing at an explosive rate, in the mean time, and officers' pay increasing significantly. Notably, almost all new promotions are Al Khali and Alawite, with even one or two Jews and Christians attaining rank at the expense of the majority population. 350,000 personnel are expected to be raised in total, making Al Khals -though not in the league of the CPRD- one of the world's more militarised societies.

Quinntonian arms, Qottar believes, will compensate significantly for any training shortfalls, and Ramitha is keen to acquire tanks, jet aircraft, helicopters, MLRS, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air defences. Washington is made aware of the scale of Syria's interest and Ramitha hopes to hear that -if stealth bombers and F-22s may be out of Al Khali reach- perhaps other combat jets will be available, and there is great interest in establishing domestic production of an Al Khali derivative Abrams tank.

Ramitha is prepared to initiate immediate oil exports to the United States, hoping to take advantage of fairly high prices to fund both military build-up and the development of gas, which Qottar sees as a more long-term export for the Quinntonian market.

The Quinntonian government is pleased with the arrangement, and though the stealth fighters and so on are out of reach, they would be happy to discuss shipments of F/A-18s and M1A2 MBT Abrams to begin immediately. Of course, there will be a cost, but that cost will be competitive. May it never be said that Quinntonia does not help its friends.

Of course, further discussion will have to ensue in regards to licensing agreements.

WWJD
Amen.

Although it might be surrounded by three of the largest countries on earth, little Balochistan does not want for ambition. Indeed, it was the vision of a port city and a pipeline network serving all of mainland Asia, and earning vast revenues, that, at least officially, caused the state to break-off from the Indian National Union. As part of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Makran's program of engagement in world affairs, a communique is sent to Omar Qottar, from the Prime Minister's Office. It outlines Balochistan's desire to establish formal diplomatic relations with Qottar's Syria, and invites the Syrian government to assist in the various infrastructure projects planned by the Baloch government for the near future. Considerable sums, the communique assures Qottar, are to be made in the "Gwadar-Peshawar Transport Corridor," the Gwadar Port Complex, and, of course, mining. And, of course, Makran would also like to use Syrian influence in order to counteract Samarkand's growing ambitions in the nation.

Qottar is doubtless occupied with potential benefactors much more important than Balochistan, and it will certainly not surprise anyone if the Syrian head of state takes his time in crafting a response to Quetta's message. Maybe, though, something good might come of it, for both the Syrians and the Balochis.

Initially seeking sixty Abrams to equip the semi-elite Party Guards and two squadrons of F/A-18 (24 plus 4 trainers) to cover Damascus and Ramitha, the Al Khali government is pleased to open trade with the United States, hoping to make back with gas, oil, and a handfull of other goods the cost of this relatively modern hardware.

Quinntonian experts are invited to join government teams surveying Syria's remaining petrochemical potential.

Diplomats were also sent to Balochistan, a state on which Ramitha is yet to formulate a position in every other respect.

Dam? Ask us!

State media across Syria today announces a new project to be initiated under the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party. After a redistribution of rank and wealth now a redistribution of water.

Canals, that great Al Khali tradition, would take water from rivers -including the mighty Euphrates- and carry it to water-deprived parts of the nation.

Most of the canals are even now being dug out of the earth at a point by which the rivers have run most of the Syrian leg of their course so as not to dry-out the northeast.

Perfect!.. except that the flow into Mesopotamia stands to be decimated by the canals and dams associated with the scheme. President Qottar broke ground on the first canal almost within sight of the former Federal Dictatorship, and had a Quinntonian-made F/A-18 and Elian-made EA-120 fly over to celebrate the project's opening.

With so many uncertainties as to whom Sabir will align with, China makes a general statement announcing her intention to "discuss politics", but what China is offering is so vague that even political analysts cannot read anything into it.

(In short, a very glorified tag)

"The Syrians! As if everything else wasn't enough."
"Yes sir."
"Right, we'll start gently. No threats, no demands. They should be aware, however, that if they push us too far, they will face our armies."
"Yes sir."

To: President Qottar
From: General al-Rashid
We are greatly concerned by your actions along the Euphrates. You must recognise that any dimunition in the flow across our mutual border, due to your actions and failing any agreement between us, would amount to an act of war.
We do hope that you will take this opportunity to talk first. To tell us the scope of your plans, and agree suitable recompense, such as funding desalination plants on the Gulf. Obviously they would have to be constructed before any dams or canals came into operation, to prevent this impacting on our people.
We understand that this may put your planned project beyond your budget, and that is...regrettable.

"Oh, and Abbas, I almost forgot, more fool me, but continue the preparations of I Corps. We may well be unable to intervene in Egypt, but Inshallah we can intervene in Syria, if we must."
"Yes sir."

The Quinntonian government representatives were pleased to offer a fairly competitive deal on the F-18s and trainer variants, as well as offering use of their Trainer Corps in order to facilitate the use of these items, they should be delivered within the month.

Of course, Quinntonian experts were happy to help with all of the information and expertise that they could in order to begin to help the people exploit their oil and gas reserves.

On a more sour note, the Quinntonians wondered if they could convince the Syrian government to hold off on the canals for now, and allow the Quinntonians to help in the negotiation with their new neighbours, as the Quinntonians definitely felt that the Syrians had a right to the water, but felt that the Mesopotamians had valid cause for concern. Of course, since Prime Minister Vanessa Moerike was going to be flying into the region in a few days, a request was given to ask if they would like a state visit.

WWJD
Amen.

"So the United States and its firms have gas exploration rights and buy-up almost all of our export oil... old friends still have time for each other, yes?"

Omar Qottar, though no titan and a little out of shape, had a powerful presence... but he had the voice of a ten year old girl, and was rarely heard in public. The likely-surprised the Roycelandian ambassador summoned to Ramitha from his base in Damascus was treated to it for the first time.

"Look, it's no secret that Tanzania ought to be under secular Al Khali and Roycelandian control, not out-right heathen Lusakan rule. Syria needs strength, lest the Ottoman destroy Arab confidence or the Mesopotamian dominate us. Roycelandia needs to restore its imperial dignity in Southern Africa.

"Give us arms and we will use them in Africa. We will take back the Tanzanian coast and Roycelandia the hinterland, as it should be and as it was five centuries ago. Tell your Emperor what I have said."

Moving suddenly on to a new topic the President claimed to have had, "A spot of bother in the rurals" with extremists, Sabiri-loyalists, and possibly federalist agents. He wanted a squadron of Spitfires outfitted for counter-insurgency patrol and ground-attack.

Less clear was what arms he wanted for Africa. He had FN-Fals so no need for Enfields, was pursuing more Quinntonian tanks and jets, and had the makings of a brownwater navy. Perhaps there was something else.

If you are looking for a brownwater navy and gear to stop insurgency, there is no nation that could help you better, than my friends, Roycelandia!

WWJD
Amen.

Utilities nationalised, a new minimum wage, a new maximum wage, major dam and irrigation projects under way, Quinntonian military hardware arrived and contracts pending for Yugoslavian weapons (delayed by war in Europe), Qottar and the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party were busy!

The world may not have expected to see it, but President Qottar was making a habit of consulting Syrians and Maltese Al Khalis for their opinion and approval on matters of policy. He was speaking passionately about Arab nationalism and Arab socialism, about an Arab revokution lead by Syria.

He appeared in Damascus to ask whether sixteen members of the Sabiri intelligence and security forces should be put to death. By a show of some thousands of hands the verdict was given and sentence swiftly administered by the KSU, which, it has to be said, maintained a heavy and ominous presence during the rally.

He appeared in Ramitha to ask for approval on the controversial Euphrates dam. He got it.

He issued no-brainer national referenda on or not the Ba'athists should enforce a cut in rents across the nation, which was quickly delivered, as was a ban on landlords evicting people from land they have worked.

He followed these popular successes by asking whether he should execute some more political rivals ("enemies of the revolutionary Arab revival") and make himself commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Northeastern Syria

"Why are people complaining to my officers of breadlines and inflation? Why? when we are turning desert into farmland and students into farmers?"

Qottar looked fit to shoot the local Party delegate himself, his nasal, girlish voice as close to a boom as ever it could be.

"Ah! The land is not yet suitable, brother President! It needs time! Much water is wasted on land that has been dry for generations!"

"Oh! So Syria is at fault? You blame the fatherland, the soil itself, for your shorfalls?"

"New labourers are not yet used to... they tire... in time, perhaps..."

"Now you blame the Arab people? On the day of victory, no man is tired! This should be Syria's day! The people must understand! We must beat our enemies and inspire our workers!"

The Party delegate was out of his depth. One of Qottar's aides stepped in.

"People still work for bosses. They are given jobs and expected in doing them to make profits for someone else. Whether they produce just enough or a few percent more they still receive a steady wage. In Yugoslavia the workers in the self-managed sector share the profits of their labour and so work to maximise them."

"So my people are selfish dogs, now?"

"They do not wish lazy men to grow fat on their efforts... as they did under Sabir."

"...contact the Yugoslavian ambassador. Ask him how we establish a profit-sharing economy in socialist Syria and get rid of managers and capitalists.

"Wait. Offer to send Hornets to fight the imperialists."

The President would return to his new capital to prepare for a possible visit from the United States.

Ix-Xagħra, Għawdex

Once a heliport, the air facility at this remote Al Khali outpost has never been so busy as a squadron of F/A-18 Hornets arrives to make the village its home base.

A battalion of Syrian soldiery newly posted to the island may be seen entrenching itself both here and at the capital, Rabat, and the little ports, and air defences are substantially reinforced as the population of Għawdex expands substantially, leading to mumblings of discontent from locals concerned for a further loss in tourism revenue and for the corruption of their peace and spoiling of their homeland's world-famous beauty.

Constance, Armand

"...and so President Qottar and the Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party in Syria and Għawdex offer a treaty of mutual defence to the wisely-acting Combine, which chooses enemies well" a probable reference to the Depkazi Caliphate and Mesopotamia, "and, as ambassador, I hope is so clever in choosing its friends."

Mumbai

Parliament might still be highly wary of Omar Qottar, who, for all they know, could be planning to take-back Tanzania with his Quinntonian military hardware, but his offer of assistance to Yugoslavia prompts Unioners to reconsider their opinions. Qottar receives a great deal of encouragement from the Indian National Union, which goes far enough to promise to replace any equipment lost in fighting against the Holy League. Similar agreements exist with Qaddafi in Libya, who runs a government that is certainly not much less disagreeable than that which now exists in Damascus. Of course, few hold out much hope for Syria's long-term presence on Ghawdex, given its proximity to hostile Italy and the fact of Malta's occupation by Holy League forces.

Opposition to Depkazia also sits well with Parliament, now finding itself quite threatened by Chingiz Khagan's budding relationship with the Tsarists.

A diplomatic mission is prepared to visit Al Khals while Parliament makes it clear that any of Qottar's representatives would be welcome in Mumbai.