NationStates Jolt Archive

The end of the Great War brings change to the Mideast and North Africa. The Ottoman Empire has fallen and a new dynamic of change exists.

Situation 1914
North Africa is dominated by the Europeans, who control the entire area.
Morocco - France, Spain and Germany
French Sahara - France
Algeria - France
Tunisia - France
Libya - Italy
Egypt - British Empire (technically independent)

1914 saw major tribal rebellions in Algeria, Morocco and Libya, and the Italian and French Armies are hard at work in attempting to quash them.

Mideast
The collapse of the Ottoman Empire has brought substantial changes
France now controls Palestine (RL Jordan and Palestine), Syria (including most of RL Lebanon), and Lebanon (basically the Beruit city hex).

Meanwhile, new states of Baghdad, Basra, Kurdistan, and Armenia have been carved out of the old Ottoman Empire (parts of RL Turkey and all of RL Iraq).

In Arabia, the Turks have left, and 2 new states have emerged, the Kingdom of Nejd and the Kingdom of Hejaz

meanwhile, the British still have a client state in southern and parts of western Persia, and the Russians have a client state in northern and parts of western Persia.

Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Ajmān, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain (the latter 7 are called the Trucial States and are modern UAE) all remain British client states.

Oil has been found in Persia and Kurdistan, and some wonder if more oil might be found elsewhere. Technology and water prevent much further exploration for now however.

Arabia / Levant
After generations of warfare, the House of Saud has managed to gain dominance under the leadership of Prince Aziz of the House of Saud.

House of Saudi – Prince Abdul Aziz al Saud, power base is Riyadh, has 2 cavalry divisions (equivalent)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Saud

House of Rashidi – Saud Ibn Abdul Azziz, power base Halil, is a boy of 14 and his mothers family is running the show. In December 1914, he is killed by them, and his cousin, Ibn Matib, is ordered (and does) to surrender to the House of Saud. His sister is promptly married off to Prince Aziz, uniting the families.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Rashid

Kingdom of Nejd population 900,000, tech level 2, 1 resource,

Hashemite Family - Hussein bin Ali, King of Hejaz, Sharif and Emir of Mecca, declares himself King of the Hejaz in December 1914., has 3 cavalry divisions (including some exiles from further north).

Kingdom of Hejaz, population 900,000, tech level 2, 2 points a year from Haj. no other resources

A complex and highly secret deal is worked out by with the help of a special British agent named T.E.. Lawrence between Prince Aziz and Sharif Hussein. They will both recognize each other as Kings, with Hussein getting the Hejaz, and Aziz getting the Nejd. A number of highly secret amendments are included in the deal.

With this agreement in place, discussion as to who will be the next Caliph begins.

Armenia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia#Foreign_rule

ooc: timeline differences – genocide in this case was 500,000 people, mostly those living in Anatolia, and the remainder of the Armenia population in Turkey was driven into flight. Post war, and with the occupation of eastern Turkey by Allied forces, things stabilized.

1914 population 3 million (including 100,000 Kurds, 500,000 Turks, 50,000 Assyrians)
In addition, a very large (about 3 million) expatriate and émigré population can be found overseas, and it has provided considerable assistance. Tech level 3, resources 2 (Yerevan 1, Trabzon 1, potential hydroelectric resources, food production 4)

Some clashes between Armenians and minorities occur in 1914, but with the help of Russian troops, the government is able to get them under control. Nevertheless, 300,000 Turks fled Armenia, as did 50,000 Kurds, while 100,000 Armenians fled to Armenia.
(altering population figures above). Mercifully, the death toll was relatively light (about 20,000 in all killed).

1914 Kurdistan
population 1 million, tech level 2, resources 2 (Mosul), food production 3,
In 1914, 2 oil points are discovered in Mosul.

Some clashes between Kurds and Armenians occur in 1914, but intervention by Russian troops manages to contain the situation. Some population exchanges occur, but in all the population remains stable.

Both Kurdistan and Armenia spent all of their 1914 budget on relief and rebuilding efforts, depending Allied forces for protection from Turkey.

1914 Baghdad
population 1 million, tech level 2, resources 0, food production 6
(Russia responsible for this budget)

1914 Basra
population 400,000, tech level 2, resources 0, food production 1
(British responsible for this budget)

Syria, Palestine and Lebanon are essentially French colonies and budgets and economic information found in French budgets, however, events that are relevent will be added here

British client states of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Ajmān, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain have small populations, no resources, and will be updated when that situation changes

Persia
(to be added)

ooc
email me (preferred) or TG me (if you must) how much aid you have spent on a country above, or secret funds spent or what have you, for 1912-1915 (planned)

and adjustments will be made

IC
Arab Nationalists watch with concern as the French meet with their allies in Jerusalem. In the shadows, figures begin making plans that will, if Allah wills, liberate Arabs from the Crusaders and more importantly, if Allah wills it, increase their own power.

(Can you send me your e-mail by TG again? I uhh kinda lost it. And I need to do some stuff with Morocco in 1916.)

tag

OOC: Some details concerning the Governments of Armenia, Baghdad, Basra, and Kurdistan.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12015508&postcount=52

Southern Military District

Samarkand
1 Infantry Division
1 Police Division

Baku
1 Infantry Corps
Reserves
2 Militia Corps
1 HQ

Baghdad
2 Russian Garrison Units
2 Baghdad Cavalry Divisions (Russian Officers)
2 Russian Light Infantry Divisions
1 light bomber unit
1 Russian Cavalry Corps
2 Police Units

South-Eastern Baghdad Border
1 Police Unit

Armenia
1 Cavalry Corp
1 Russian Light Infantry Division

Krasnovodsk
Reserves
2 Militia Cavalry Corps

Arabia / Levant
After generations of warfare, the House of Saud has managed to gain dominance under the leadership of Prince Aziz of the House of Saud.

House of Saudi – Prince Abdul Aziz al Saud, power base is Riyadh, has 2 cavalry divisions (equivalent)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Saud

House of Rashidi – Saud Ibn Abdul Azziz, power base Halil, is a boy of 14 and his mothers family is running the show. In December 1914, he is killed by them, and his cousin, Ibn Matib, is ordered (and does) to surrender to the House of Saud. His sister is promptly married off to Prince Aziz, uniting the families.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Rashid

Kingdom of Nejd population 900,000, tech level 2, 1 resource,

Hashemite Family - Hussein bin Ali, King of Hejaz, Sharif and Emir of Mecca, declares himself King of the Hejaz in December 1914., has 3 cavalry divisions (including some exiles from further north).

Kingdom of Hejaz, population 900,000, tech level 2, 2 points a year from Haj. no other resources

A complex and highly secret deal is worked out by with the help of a special British agent named T.E.. Lawrence between Prince Aziz and Sharif Hussein. They will both recognize each other as Kings, with Hussein getting the Hejaz, and Aziz getting the Nejd. A number of highly secret amendments are included in the deal.

With this agreement in place, discussion as to who will be the next Caliph begins.

In 1915 the 2 Arabian Kingdoms recieve considerable assistance from the British, and use that money to begin improving their roads and ports, providing level 2 social services, and upgrading the arms and equipment of their troops.

In French controlled Syria and Palestine, a large number of men begin going in small groups and individually to Arabia on Haj, and stay considerably longer then is necessary. French authorities do not immediately determine that this is going on, much less why.

Nejd, Hejah, Oman, the Trucial States (all 7), Kuwait, Qatar, Zanzabar, the sultans in India and Malaysia, all support Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca as the next Caliph but only once the current one passes away.

They reject the nomination of the Mufti of Jerusalem as they view him as a mere puppet of the French.

Levant Military District
French Army:
1 Cavalry Division-Haifa (acts as garrison)
1 Cavalry Division-Damascus (acts as garrison)
1 Police Division-Amman
1 Police Division-Damascus
1 Light Infantry Brigade (Légion Étrangére)-Beirut

Levant Army:
1 Light Infantry Division (Christian)-Beirut
1 Light Infantry Division (Jewish)-Jaffa

In Jerusalem crowds of Palestinian Arabs gather to show their support for Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem becoming the next Caliph, the "he is one of ours" mentality predominating.

ooc: according to GB the Mufti's "nomination" has actual legitimate popular support among the Palestinian Arabs.

In French controlled Syria and Palestine, a large number of men begin going in small groups and individually to Arabia on Haj, and stay considerably longer then is necessary. French authorities do not immediately determine that this is going on, much less why.


Russian intelligence lets the French government know about this, but tells them they have yet to determine why this is happening. It is suggested they keep an eye on them.

April 1915
The Sharif of Mecca, defender of the holiest place in all of Islam, announces the formation of the Arab Legion, an army consisting of Arabs from all over the Middle East that will defend the holy places.

ooc
consists of volunteers from the Gulf States, both Arabian kingdoms, Yemen, and a large number of Arabs from Jordan as well as Syrians. Initial force is 3 motorized infantry brigade equipped with British weapons and American trucks stationed at Mecca, Medina and Jiddah.

Meanwhile the Kingdom of Hejd and the Kingdom of Nejd each form a motorized infantry brigade of Royal Guard.

IC
Meanwhile, in Morocco, Algeria and Libya, tribal uprisings continue, and French and Italian commanders are annoyed to find that the tribes seem to have an endless supply of ammunition. France deploys 3 motorized infantry brigades to Algeria, which are effective, when the trucks don't break down in the harsh conditions.

ooc
tech level 5 trucks aren't very reliable and 4 wheel drive is pretty rare if it exists at all. Good practice for France though in desert warfare. The Arab Legion will provide similar benefits for the British, who is supplying a lot of the training cadre for it.

Kingdom of Armenia (Russian Protectrate)

1915

population: approx. 3 million

In addition, a very large (about 3 million) expatriate and émigré population can be found overseas, and it has provided considerable assistance.

Tech level 3

Normal Spending

resources 2 (Yerevan 1, Trabzon 1)

16 points on loan from the USA

potential hydroelectric resources

food production 4

Level II Social Spending: .6

Completion of Production Center: 14 [24/24]

1 Light Infantry Division (Russian equipment): 1 [1/2]

Shipping unit: 2.4 [2.4/3]


Kingdom of Baghdad (Russian Client State)

1915

Normal Spending

Tech Level 2

population 1 million

resources 0

food production 6

1 point from selling excess food

Level I Social Services: .1

Infrastructure Improvement: .2 [Year 1 of 3]

Shipping Unit (River barges): .7 [.7/3]



Kingdom of Kurdistan

1915

population 1 million

tech level 3

resources 2 (Mosul)

food production 3

Military:
1 Mountain Division
1 Infantry Corps (Reserves)

Energy
-Mosul 2 (1 point from oil exports)

3 points total

Level II Social Spending: .2

Infrastructure Improvements: .2 [.6/.6]

Shipping unit (River barges): 2.1 [2.1/3]

Military upkeep: .5


Empire of Persia (Russian client state)

Tech Level 4

Population 5 million

Resources: 0
1 Production Center (Tehran)

Normal Spending

Growth: 3% [.12]

Military
1 Infantry Corps

Reserves
2 static corps
1 militia corps

Upkeep: 1 point

Level II Social Spending: .5 points

To Russia for a river gunboat flotilla on Tigris/Euphrates Rivers: 1 point (Note: built in Russia and transported to Baghdad via rail)

Upgrade Militia to Static Corps: 1 point

Qajar Royal Courts: .5 points

A delegation of Central Asian and Caucasus Muslims arrives in the Holy City and asks the Mufti of Jerusalem to become the new Caliph, throwing their support behind him and his bid.

Following the lead/wishes of his Russian and French allies/patrons, King Barzanji of Kurdistan (himself a Shaykh of high regard) orders a (hand picked) delegation of Sunni Kurds to travel to Jerusalem and announce Kurdistan’s support for Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem becoming the next Caliph.

Spain watches it's own Moroccans, hoping that the building of a railroad through the enclave will keep the natives too busy improving their lot to worry about joining their neighbors to the south. Spain also announces that upon completion of the railroad, it will start construction of level II benefits for Spanish Morocco. THis is hopefully useful in keeping Morocco pacive while Spain prepares to make Morocco more productive.

Jewish Immigration to Palestine 1914 - 15
Wary of prejudice and likely pograms in the Poland, Russia, the Ukraine, and the Baltic Union, and with stricter controls on immigration to the United States because of the quota system, membership in the Zionist movement picks up markedly in Eastern Europe.

By 1915, 20,000 Jews a year are immigrating to Palestine from Eastern Europe

1913 Jewish population 80,000
1915 Jewish population 120,000 and growing fast

Tel Aviv becomes a moderately sized city of 45,000 and is growing fast, as is the Jewish population of Haifa and western Jerusalem.

Relations between Palestinian Arabs and Jews remain peaceful for now as the Jews buy property with cash (usually gold).

ooc
this will of course likely change in the long run

FFS, I just found out about this. Thanks.

Muslims leaders in Bosnia and Herzigovnia (the Imperium) announce their support for Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca.

A delegation of Muslim religious leaders from Italian Libya arrives in Jerusalem and announces their support for the Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem.

A delegation of Sunni Muslims from Baghdad arrives in Jerusalem and voices their support for the Mutfi's bid for the Caliphate.

Delegations of Muslims from North and West Africa pledge there support for the Mufti of Jerusalem, as do Muslim leaders from Palestine and Syria.

Over the course of 1915, the Mufti issues several statements of importance to the newly independent states of the Middle East. One of the first such declarations is a fatwa, made at the request of French authorities in Haifa, welcoming the Jews to Palestine and publically calling for "everlasting peace between the Peoples of the Book in the Holy Land."

Another statement by the Mufti of Jerusalem urges support for the secular governments of the Middle Eastern states and their French and Russian backers. The Mufti argues that the French and Russian authorities do not interfere in the spiritual lives of the people under their jurisdiction, and so must be supported and counted on to protect those of all religions living in the Middle East. One example the Mufti provides is that of French police and garrison troops protecting pilgrims of all religions in Jerusalem.

Finally, the Mufti praises the Arab kingdoms to the south and east for the creation of the Arab Legion to protect Muslim holy sites in the Arabian peninsula, but also warns the soldiers of the Arab Legion not to let themselves or their religion be used as tools for foreign powers.

A delegation of Hui Chinese community leaders arrive from China to pledge their support for the Mufti al-Husseini of Jerusalem to become Caliph.

(N.b. Hui Chinese are muslims)

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12059266&postcount=14

The (ex) Sultan of Morroco has given his blessing to the Sharrif of Mecca as have the muslims in German Africa.

Major events in Middle East 1915
Jewish immigration continues at a steady rate to Palestine

The Republic of Turkey abolishes the office of Caliph. However, the actual Caliph, the former Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, is living in British India and continues to have support of the Kingdoms of Nejd and Hajih, the various Moslem states in India and Malaya, the Trucial States and other Gulf states in the Middle East, the Sultan of Morocco, Egypt, and parts of Sub Saharan Africa.

Meanwhile, the Moslem states under French and Russian domination support a new Caliph, the current Mufti of Jerusalem.

The Shiites refuse as always to recognize either one as Caliph.

Meanwhile, fighting continues in Algeria and French Sahara, and also in Libya.

In Algeria, the French have 2 wings of light bombers, 3 cavalry corps, 6 motorized infantry brigades, and 2 brigades of Legion Estranger involved in a counter insurgency war against rebel forces. With over 190,000 troops available, the French are able to inflict heavy losses on the rebel tribes, and finally force them to surrender at the end of the year at the cost of 60,000 dead tribesmen (and 10,000 dead French)

In French Sahara, the French have 1 light bomber wing, 2 cavalry corps and 1 brigade of Legion Estranger and hold their own, killing 10,000 tribesmen. Here too the tribes sue for peace at the end of the year. Only 4,000 French are killed in action.

In Libya, the Italian Army commits a similarly massive force and brings an end to the rebellion even sooner, with fighting ending by the end of August. 20,000 Tribesmen are killed at the cost of 5,000 Italian casualties.

Once again modern weapons, this time supplemented by the bomber, armored car and vehicle mounted machine gun end efforts by non industrialized peoples resisting Western Rule.

However, the actual Caliph, the former Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, is living in British India and continues to have support of the Kingdoms of Nejd and Hajih, the various Moslem states in India and Malaya, the Trucial States and other Gulf states in the Middle East, the Sultan of Morocco, Egypt, and parts of Sub Saharan Africa.

Meanwhile, the Moslem states under French and Russian domination support a new Caliph, the current Mufti of Jerusalem.

OOC: Concerning Morocco, its two Sultans, and which Caliphate they support...

Mulai Abd-al-Aziz IV is the ex-Sultan of Morocco and at present a puppet Governor/Mayor in German Morocco (although his supporters probably still regard him as the legitimate Sultan). Mulai Abd-al-Aziz IV thus is supporting the Ottoman Caliph and his successor, the Sharrif of Mecca.

Mulai Abd al-Hafiz, the elder brother of Mulai Abd-al-Aziz IV, is the present reigning Sultan of (French) Morocco (although he only really controls the three imperial cities of Fes, Marrakesh, and Meknes, he officially clams to rule the entire country). As a French client Mulai Abd al-Hafiz would be supporting the Mufti of Jerusalem.

March 3, 1916
After much heated debate in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, pass the act of abolition of the office of caliphate held by the Ottomans since 1517.

Following the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Turks, the Mufti of Jerusalem declares himself Caliph, and urges faithful Muslims to "deafen themselves to the present pretender" to the office.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12064851&postcount=13

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12097044&postcount=17

Following the "ascention" of the Mufti to the position of "Caliph," the Sharif of Mecca, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Commander of the Faithful: the Lord of Lahore (the ex-Sultan of the Ottoman Empire) issue stinging joint-statements. They turn the true pretender's words against him calling him an infidel and an unfaithful demon who possesses the body of the Mufti.

They condemn his abandonment of true Islam, citing that he sided against the Khalifah and allied himself with these new Crusaders and Tartars. They say he no longer submits himself to God but rather as true Muslims worship Allah, he worships the French.

Spain watches the events unfolding in relation to the Middle East, and allows it's Moroccan populace to show it's support for whoever it wishes to be caliphate, considering the majority of Muslims in Spanish Morocco. These are made legal as long as they remain peaceful. Peaceful means no distruction of property or death. Burning the rival in effigy as long as it doesn't set frire to anyone's property is ignored as peaceful.

Spain itself warns the Western Powers that this could be volatile, and to tread carefully that it doesn't spread into a major physical war between rival factions. Not that anyone will listen to Spain anyways.

Levant Military District, 1920
French Army:
1 Cavalry Division-Haifa (acts as garrison)
1 Cavalry Division-Damascus (acts as garrison)
1 Police Division-Amman
1 Police Division-Damascus
1 Police Division-Jerusalem
1 Light Infantry Brigade (Légion Étrangére)-Beirut

Levant Army:
1 Light Infantry Division (Christian)-Beirut
1 Light Infantry Division (Jewish)-Jaffa

French North Africa/Middle East Tech Advancement, 1920-1925

In 1922 Algeria becomes Tech 4.5

In 1922 Greater Palestine becomes Tech 4

In 1923 Syria becomes Tech 4

In 1923 French Morocco becomes Tech 4

In 1923 Lebanon becomes Tech 4

In 1924 Tunisia becomes Tech 4


French North Africa/Middle East, Social Services, 1925
Level III Social Services are provided to Algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia, Greater Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

Social Services from 1920-1924: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12245818&postcount=6


French North Africa/Middle East Political Events

1921 the old Mufti of Jerusalem dies and France simply finds another old corrupt high ranking priest to replace him as the puppet Caliph. The “Caliph” continues preaching collaboration and keeps encouraging the Palestinians to welcome Jewish settlers.

In 1922 Lebanon is annexed into France by the Cartels des Gauches government and all its residents are granted French citizenship. Lebanon thus becomes the French Overseas Départments of Beyrouth and Mount Lebanon. There are also some minor extensions of the voter franchise among French speaking Algerian Muslims.

In 1924 construction of the Entente Jerusalem HQ (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/UN_building%2C_Genevra.jpg) is finished (security is heavy).

In 1925 the French Government institutes a policy granting French citizenship to all non-criminal Europeans who settle in Greater Palestine.


Levant Military District, 1925
French Colonial Army:
1 French Cavalry Division-Haifa (acts as garrison)
1 French Cavalry Division-Damascus (acts as garrison)
1 French Police Division-Amman
1 French Police Division-Jerusalem
1 French Police Division-Damascus
1 French Garrison Unit-Jerusalem
1 French Garrison Unit-Damascus
1 Light Infantry Brigade (Légion Étrangére)-Beirut

Levant Army:
1 Light Infantry Division (Christian)-Beirut
1 Light Infantry Division (Jewish)-Jaffa

In spite of heavy French investment in education and social services, and peace and prosperity, a growing number of Arabs in the Levant and North Africa begin mutter about a new Crusade that appears to be underway by the Franks.

This becomes commonplace after Lebanon is annexed into France. Lebanon, the site of the last outposts of the Crusaders at the end of the Crusader period, now once again effectively annexed by the West.


Meanwhile, in Palestine, Jewish immigration has increased the population to over 400,000 Jews, out of a total population of 1 million, and Arabs begin to worry that the Jews will take over Palestine even as the French take over Lebanon.

Only the heavy police presence and large French garrison keeps things calm for now as troublemakers are arrested as they appear.

Spanish Morocco has investments slowed due to the depression, making problems with jobs that much harder in the enclaves. The large investments slows to a trickle, making the Spanish governor watch the Morrocans much more carefully.

1925

The French Government explores the possibility of building a solid line of railway from Jerusalem to Baghdad (ooc: how long would it take and how much would it cost?).

Secret IC: General Petain and the French Military Command in Syria ask their respective Russian counterparts in the Middle East to station several infantry corps in Armenia.

Secret IC:

The Russian General Staff says they will think about it and goes back to pushing little flags around on a giant map.

After several lengthy discussions and some heated arguments, the United Kingdom and the Third Republic arrive at a new friendly understanding in mid-1925. This newest Entente Cordiale outlines the shared interests of the two respective nations, including joint naval reviews and a comprehensive policy of non-interference in the respective spheres of influence in the Middle East. In addition, a partnership is announced in which the two powers pledge to support one another's interests in the Mediterranean and in Africa, and Britain has offered to assist in the modernization of the French Navy once the current depression begins to alleviate and more funds become available.

In addition, Britain has pledged to defend French India and French merchantmen in the Indian Ocean from attack during times of war, and France has promised to come to the aid of Britain in the event of a colonial war in Africa, provided there is no conflict with pre-existing French treaties.

Secret IC: Britain and France also agree to have their respective Caliphs step down in the near future, to be replaced with a single Caliph, more acceptable to and under the control of both powers. Both nations also agree to disarm harmful third-party factions within their respective Middle Eastern spheres.