NationStates Jolt Archive

General Ahmed al-Muntaqim al-Rashid. Former commander of the United Elias 6th Army; now after a lightning ‘restoration of order’ the holder of power in all Mesopotamia.
With Martial Law instated across the land, most of the coup had come off bloodlessly. At least, most of the security apparatus had followed al-Rashid and the barrels of his tanks. However, the Internal Security Force had attempted to resist the irresistible sweep of the 6th Army. Perhaps they had not realised how much of the army followed al-Rashid. Whatever the intention, the bloodless coup had turned into a bloody struggle across the nation. Fortunately the forces supporting al-Rashid – the Army, the Redif, the FSB and FIB – had so outweighed the ISF that they had been crushed swiftly and with the minimum of bloodshed. Most of them had deserted before the end came, and that had been permitted. A general amnesty for all below general-officer level had already been issued.

And now, with that process almost complete, with the situation calming to the point that martial law could almost be withdrawn, came the first crucial decision of the new government.
Al-Rashid paced. A big, well-built man with a hawkish nose, he dominated the assembly easily, and without menace.
“My brothers. We have heard from some of the brothers in the other armies. They want to know if we come to them also; to Syria, to Arabia, to Bahrain, to Brunei, to Egypt.”
First to speak was Colonel Saleh Abbas, the General’s most trusted aide.
“If we grasp for all, we risk losing what we already hold. Crucially, much of the 6th Army supports us to lead Mesopotamia to a new destiny. We risk losing them if we reach for all of United Elias.”
“With respect, sir, he’s an old woman. Look at our success! In a week, we have brought all of the 6th Army with us, and taken all Mesopotamia. It may take months, maybe years, but we can take the rest.”
Rashid paused.
“Your opinion is noted, Colonel Zaidi. Abbas is not a woman to advise caution however. Our success here is built on years of connections forged with officers in the right places, officers who would be in the right places, and Mufahazat.
I am persuaded that Mesopotamia is not our final goal. So, Abbas, you may begin putting feelers out to well-placed individuals in the other armies. But now is not the time to act; for now Mesopotamia is our land, and we will make her great, Inshallah.
And that will be all. I’ll see you tomorrow for the security brief.”

As his aides left, Rashid paced his command tent again. He led his country; his country now WAS a country; none save the ISF had even tried to stop him. So why did he feel an intense sense of foreboding?

6th Army
personnel: 248079
active: 167729
reserve: 80350
Asset pool:
1st Special Reconnaissance Brigade 1537
1st Airborne Brigade (Separate) 4157
2nd Airborne Brigade (Separate) 4157
28th (Airmobile) Infantry Brigade (Separate) 3829
27th (Reserve) Anti-Tank Battalion 729
11th SSM Brigade 1895
12th SSM Brigade 1895
NBC Company 159
14th SSM Brigade 1895
15th SSM Brigade 1895
9th SAM Brigade 2409

I Corps 114957

1st Advanced Mobile Combat Division 25442
1st Armoured Division 17238
3rd Mechanised Division 17085
6th (Reserve) Armoured Division 17238
5th (Reserve) Motorised Infantry Division 17033
42nd Tank Brigade (Separate) 2446
2nd (Reserve) Anti-Tank Gun Battalion 628
2nd Artillery Brigade 4361
28th Anti-Tank Battalion 729
2nd MRL Brigade 2911
2nd SAM Brigade 2409
2nd (Reserve )Materiel Support Brigade 2638
6th Engineer Brigade 2817
37th Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Battalion 721
(Reserve) Maintenance Battalion 234
37th (Reserve) Medical Battalion 222
Signal Battalion 169
NBC Battalion 636
1x Corps Aviation Group
1x Advanced Mobile Combat Division Aviation Wing
2x Heavy Division Aviation Wings
1x Reserve Heavy Division Aviation Wing
1x Reserve Light Division Aviation Wing

II Corps 108565

9th Armoured Division 17238
2nd Mechanised Division 17085
1st (Reserve) Mechanised Division 18086
14th (Light) Mechanised Division 17814
6th (Reserve) Motorised Infantry Division 17033
7th (Light) Mechanised Brigade (Separate) 4660
4th Artillery Brigade 4361
29th Anti-Tank Battalion 729
1st MRL Brigade 2911
1st SAM Brigade 2409
3rd (Reserve) Materiel Support Brigade 2638
5th (Reserve) Engineer Brigade 2817
(Reserve) Maintenance Battalion 234
38th (Reserve)Medical Battalion 222
(Reserve) Signal Battalion 169
(Reserve) NBC Company 159
1x Corps Aviation Group
2x Heavy Division Aviation Wings
1x Light Division Aviation Wing
1x Reserve Heavy Division Aviation Wing
1x Reserve Light Division Aviation Wing

The Air Force:
(Here I've assumed approx 1/5 of Elias' forces have become part of Mesopotamia).
(Forgot the reserves, whereas they're included in the Army. Will edit in, in due course.)

Bombers, Patrol Aircraft
Tu-160M Strategic Bombers: 12
Tu-22M Strategic Bombers: 12
Tu-22M3-UE1 Strategic Bombers: 24
Su-24MK Long Range Tactical Bombers: 12
EA-220A Low Observable Joint Tactical Bombers: 36
F-111F long Range Strike Fighters: 12
F-111G long Range Strike Fighters: 24
Il-38 Maritime Patrol Aircraft: 12
Tu-142MZ Maritime Patrol Aircraft: 8
Tu-95MS cruise missile platforms: 12

Fighters, Interceptors, Ground Attack
EA-160B/E Multirole Fighters:132
EA-160C/F Tactical Strike Fighters: 60
EA-160D/G SEAD Fighters: 24
Su-30MUE Multirole Fighters (based on Su-30MK3): 60
Su-35MK Multirole Fighters: 72
Mig-33M-UE Multirole Fighters: 48
Mig-33UB Conversion Trainers: 12
Su-39 Close Air Support Fighters: 24
Su-25UBK Conversion Trainers: 6
EA-50B Turboprop Attack/FAC/COIN Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-314): 6

Trainers
L-39 Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets: 24
EA-148A Advanced Trainers: 24
EA-148B Advanced Trainers/Light Attack Jets: 12
EA-50A Basic Trainers/Turboprop Attack Aircraft (license built, slightly modified EMB-312): 60

Recon, Specialist
RF-111 Photographic Reconnaissance Aircraft: 12
EF-111 Tactical Jamming Aircraft: 10
EA-100C Standoff Jamming Aircraft: 5
EA-80E Standoff Jamming Aircraft: 5
Il-20 Signals Intelligence Aircraft: 3
EA-06 Signals Intelligence Aircraft: 5
EA-70 (G-V) Battlefield Reconnaissance Aircraft: 8
A-50 AWACS: 5
E-3A AWACS: 5
Il-86 Airborne command posts: 2

Transport
EA-80A Tactical Transport Aircraft: 48
EA-80B Convertible Tanker/Transport Aircraft: 12
Il-76M-UE Transport Aircraft: 6
Il-76MD Transport Aircraft: 12
An-124 Strategic Transports: 12
Il-78 Tanker/Transports: 10
Il-86 VIP Transports: 1
EA-06 Diplomatic/Medical Transports: 6
Tu-154B2 Diplomatic/Medical Transports: 6
Gulfstream 550 Executive Jets: 3

Helicopters
EA-24J CSAR Helicopters: 8
EA-22F SAR Helicopters: 10
EA-24B VIP Helicopters: 6
EA-22B VIP Helicopters: 6
EA-28C Light Utility Helicopters: 12
Mi-34 Basic Training Helicopters: 12
EA-28A Training helicopters: 12

Army attached Helicopters
EA-34B Attack Helicopters: 192
EA-32A Anti-Tank/Light Attack helicopter: 108
EA-22C Transport/Utility Helicopters: 48
EA-24C Transport/Utility Helicopters: 132
EA-22P Command and Control Helicopters: 24
EA-22Q Electronic Warfare Helicopters: 36
EA-24K Medevac Helicopters: 48
Mi-35M Assault Helicopters: 60
EA-22D Assault Helicopters: 48
Mi-26UE Heavylift Helicopters: 12
EA-28G Light Special Forces Helicopters: 12
EA-24G Special Forces Helicopters: 12

The Navy:
(Also working on an assumption of 1/5 of Elias' force, as I will only hold Kuwait of his naval bases).

1 Modified Kiev Class CV (Babylon)
1 Ark Royal Class CV (Cyrus the Great) (Reserve)
2 Baghdad Class CG (Baghdad, Kuwait)
1 Kynda Class DDG (Al Quds)
6 Tigris Class DDG (Tigris, Euphrates, Vistula, Murad, Arsanias, Diyala)
4 Pasha Class DDG (Midhat Pasha, Mehmet Pasha, Omar Pasha, Ismail Pasha )
1 Conqueror Class DDG (Shalmanesar)
10 Beluga Class FFG (Beluga, Najaf, Mosul, Nasariyah, Basrah, Karbala, Amarah, Ramadi, Shatrah, Qasr)
2 Neustrashimy Class FFG
8 Barracuda Class FSG (Barracuda, Revenge, Vengeance, As Saiqa, Invincible, Diligent, Assiduous, Justice)
14 Piranha PCFG
6 Protector Patrol Ships
2 Dolphin Class LPD (Scimitar, Shamshir)
1 Walrus Class LSD (Walrus)
2 Sturgeon Class Combat Support Ships
10 Tigershark Class SSK
3 Kilo SSK
2 Foxtrot SSK
4 EM-75/1 Oilers
2 Boris Chilkin AOR
2 Mars Class Combat Support Ships
4 Kilauea class Ammunition ships
1 Malina class submarine support ships
9 EM-90 Sealift Ships
2 EMC-023 class large Container ships
1 EMC-011 Roll on Roll off Ferries
1 Warrior Class Judea

"Gentlemen, in the runaway success of the Operation, we have forgotten one vital thing."
The meeting was still in the command tent of the 6th Army, and those gathered were much the same.
"What is that, General?" asked Colonel Zaidi.
"We have ignored the outside world - entirely. The time has come to contact Quinntonia, Royceland, the Soviets, and other important nations."
"Including the Holy League?"
"Yes, Abbas, even including the Holy League. We conduct foreign policy by national interest, not religion."
"What, then, do we say?"

From: The Republic of Mesopotamia
To: The nations of the world
We declare our independence from the corrupt and decrepit state of United Elias, and the freedom of the Mesopotamian people.
We wish to establish recognition of our republic in the international community, and relations with the governments of other nations.

Austria, always looking to improve relations with new nations recovering from whatever previous malady which prevented Austrian investor money and exports, sends a diplomat by the name of Hansal von Mises to make sure Austria will always have a connection to the Most Venerable General.

Few in the India Soviet Commonwealth were sorry to see United Elias fall, but all were releaved when it fell without a nuclear event.

Considering the state of Holy League imperialism and genocide and the increasing lack of capitalist opposition -and even signs of complicity-, the Middle East's resources and strength have become all the more significant to Soviet thinking, as has the former Federal Dictatorship's strategic location in respect of the Suez Canal.

Baghdad was at least neutral and possible to work with, no need to worry about a fight breaking out. Now the fractured pieces look sharp enough to cut, and the old capital is once more courted. The agreement to see Soviet military shipping pass through the Suez was made with Baghdad, and Cairo's unilateral reversal of that decision (since possibly put aside) and the imposition of new, highly un-neutral security arrangements has not been recognised as legitimately replacing the old accords.

Raipur, viewing Egypt's post-federal authority as suddenly hostile, is keen to court the friendship of Baghdad in a greater degree than was possible when Mesopotamia was tied to the Federation.

Soviet Consuls are dispatched to discuss future relations, the Suez, and the possibility of recognising Mesopotamia as the legitimate successor state to United Elias.

For now, China sends an envoy to enquire on the state of the Mesopotamian state but holds off from giving an international statement. Intelligience services dig for info about Rashid and are not surprised when nothing could be found - until recently Elias and China had been trade giants but lacked any diplomatic interaction.

Former Taiwanese politician Chen Shui Bian has been asked to act as China's ambassador to the new state.

"Most Venerable General!?"
Al-Rashid was in fits of laughter.
"Do they think me a fragile eighty-year-old, or the type of fool to be impressed by meaningless titles?"
"No idea sir."
Abbas had, as ever, brought this latest message.
"Well, treat this Hansal von Mises with all honour. Any big dinners or whatever, make sure he's invited. I think I'm a little busy to meet with him now, but send him a message appreciating the fact that our companies have been invited to list on the Austrian exchange. I don't know how independent it is, and it's a nice gesture anyway."
"And the Chinese diplomat, sir?"
"Invite him to see me here" they were still in the command tent of the 6th Army "as and when he arrives. I freely admit I have no idea where China stands, and am sure there are opportunities there, wheras anything with Austria depends on the Suez."

"Finally sir, the Soviet emissaries."
"Ah yes. I don't like the Soviets. However, they are not imperialists, and we can deal with them. Our interests may well align with theirs, and no reason to pick fights that would impede that."
"They're asking about the Suez, sir."
"Our view is that we want an entirely neutral Suez, open to all on payment of an even charge. We will support any nation working on that."
"And they're not saying anything, but sir I think I'm picking up hints they view us as a successor to United Elias."
"Don't show you're picking that up. That is not for now. Maybe not ever, but certainly not now; plans must advance before we even talk about that."
"Yes sir. I suppose I am meeting with the Soviets then."
"Yes. I am no diplomat, and while you are a fine soldier, you are a better diplomat, Abbas."
"Thank you sir."

Baghdad would receive a wire from Versailles. Apologizing that the current state of war against communists in Africa prevented the immediate dispatch of a delegation to Baghdad, His Most Christian Majesty’s state ministry contented itself with the following missive:

“Congratulations General Rashid and your illustrious rise to power.”

“In a position such as you find yourself in, honored General, dangers abound on every side. In the main dangers in your area consist of the Marxist juggernaut. You have Stalinists to your north-east, and a blend of Leninists and Maoists to your east. Do you truly believe that such powers will not impress themselves upon you like ravenous wolves in pigs clothing? They squeal and look tasty, but the minute the kind soul invites them in for suey they go for the jugular! Beware when they come and talk peace to you, and beware moreover when you announce to them that it is possible to transact business with such entities. At the very least such relations will separate your nation from Quinntonian enterprise and Roycelandian investment, at the worst these relations will cause a fomentation of violent internal revolution in your country which shall replace your illustrious General-ship with thought police and cultural revolutions; thought police and revolutions that shall unfortunately leave your excellency quite dead and your excellencies people quite enslaved.”

“Regretfully then, seeing the dangerous road your nation has embarked upon, the Kingdom of France has no choice but to not establish relations with your government at this time. Our fine allies and associates the Austrians shall be our envoys in the region, and may your business with them thrive ere you, honorable General, are shipped off to a gulag at the behest of the demonic overlord Sopworth of Igovia.”

“If your proud Islamic nation, and your excellent and honorable General-ship, wish to reverse the dangerous coarse your nation embarks upon, it would behoove you to send a full delegation, yourself included, to London two weeks hence. There, the Holy League and NATO powers shall discuss a true and egalitarian plan for peace. May God guide you in your decision, and protect you from the dangers that seek to destroy you.”

((That was weird, I posted and it didnt register...))

General Rashid soon receives word from one of the two main Quinntonian embassies in the former UE, one is in Jerusalem, and the other Bagdad. The ambassador in Bagdad who has served in this mission for almost 30 years, and seen the nation go through every major development during the time, all the while professing Quinntonian help and alliance. His name was Father Rev. Dr. Abbi Hussein, a Coptic Christian and priest that had been born in Egypt and still maintained a residence there. He was a Quinntonian by choice, and earned his PhD in Islamic Studies while working closely with the Quinntonian government as a young man to help form their foreign policy in regards to the ME governments of the time. He did a dual dissertation, the first in Christian Muslim Relations, and the second in United Elias history. Of course, he has since earned his Quinntonian citizenship and has the ear of the Foreign Relation Minister at all times in regards to this region.

He asks for an audience, “To formally visit the new head of state of this great nation and see that the age’s old alliances and ties of friendship with the Quinntonian peoples are renewed and recognized as the valuable thing that the Quinntonians see them as. Of course, I also wish to ask if it would be permissible if Prime Minister of the United States of Quinntonia, Vanessa Moerike be the first head of state to do a formal visit and discuss their future together. May you be blessed.”


WWJD
Amen.

As Hansal von Mises enters on train via a Vienna-Constantinople-Baghdad route, he composes on his laptop a letter to the General on the scope of things to come:

Dear, The Most Venerable General

I hope you feel completely satisfied with the proceeding of FIA, and I congratulate you on you liberal market outlook. A good omen for Austrian investors as well as G-to-G relations.

What is a G-to-G relation? Well, it is government to government relations. Which, if you know your business world, is a direct spin off of the term B-to-B.? Business to business if you are still somewhat in the dark; IBM could be the most famous B-to-B business, working to sell to businesses, not something as mundane as Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

That kind of attitude is one closely mimicked by the Austrian government in many ways. While some may say we are warmongers, we heartily disagree. Yet, I digress, a story for another time for the arguments of our domesticate policies. Yes, the attitude is mimicked by the fact we do government to government, no middle men for us. I know you respect men, and thus government, who look at their enemies (and allies) head on. We are unwavering in our righteous fury, and few can sustain our potent gaze for long. Yet I am assured your forward thinking government will have no need for quarrel with us. I trust our pen pushers are correct?

We also believe in the power of companies, corporations, and hedge funds. Our markets are he freest in all of Europe, and our companies have the opportunity to do as they please. Only export devoted economies such as we find in Asia could be said to have a sizable lead in corporation rights. If you could not tell before, we believe that capitalism is the best thing to happen to countries, and the consumer. I hope you feel the same.

I also encourage you to not fall afoul of France, or The Holy League, their divine wrath knows no bounds. They have single handily taken the world on, Spain and France, leading the cause of Christendom far and wide. If you cannot see the glory of their actions, I ask you to pray to Allah, so that you may see that they destroy only those we seek to undermine His Most Righteous kingdom of Earth. His Most Christian Majesty is the hand of God; I pray that you see it so.

God speed,
von Mises,

He went to the Foreign Affairs office and dropped the letter of at the Foreign Affairs Minister's desk. His attitude and appearance letting him bluff his way through the relatively simple security.

Baghdad would receive a wire from Versailles. Apologizing that the current state of war against communists in Africa prevented the immediate dispatch of a delegation to Baghdad, His Most Christian Majesty’s state ministry contented itself with the following missive:

<snip telegram>

"I suppose you have read this tripe Abbas?"
"Yes sir."
"We'll attend the peace conference of course. But I'll want to draft a stiff reply to these Catholic morons."
This soon resulted:
"I regret that you government takes such a high-handed tone.
We oppose foreign interference in our nation, be it Catholic, Soviet or Imperialist. However any nation that will treat with us as an equal, and respect our sovereignty, we are prepared to deal with.
We are dealing with your Austrian allies, and will have much more respect for their opinions than yours. We are dealing with Quinntonia, with China, and with the Indian Soviets.
Bearing no country any great enmity, and committing to no great alliances, merely trade and friendship, we face no great hazard. And if we do, our army is strong and able. And all great powers have great enemies."

###

"Reverend Hussein? Ah yes, I don't think I ever met him, but I knew of him, certainly. Tell him he is welcome at any time, with a little prior warning, as our relations with Quinntonia are important to us.
Oh, and if you add that things are a little uncertain right now, but Prime Minister Moerike will be most welcome when the time is right, and there is no reason why she cannot be the first to make a State visit."

###

While von Mises was still in the Ministry, he was called upon by a 'simple' guard. This was the Foreign Ministry after all; one did not let just anyone walk around.
"Herr von Mises. Your letter will be passed on to General Rashid, and I'm sure a reply will be with you in your hotel not long after you return there.
You may leave."

While von Mises was still in the Ministry, he was called upon by a 'simple' guard. This was the Foreign Ministry after all; one did not let just anyone walk around.
"Herr von Mises. Your letter will be passed on to General Rashid, and I'm sure a reply will be with you in your hotel not long after you return there.
You may leave."

"Why thank you, and excuse me for my barging in of the esteemed Minister's office."

Suprised, but to much of a Victorian to show so, Hansal exited the office.

Dr. Hussein was pleased with the response, and asked if he could meet with the General for a late breakfast the next day, and also asked if the little congregation that he led in Bagdad could please pray for their new leader, as it was the custom of Quinntonian Christians of every stripe to do.

WWJD
Amen.

As Hansal von Mises enters on train via a Vienna-Constantinople-Baghdad route, he composes on his laptop a letter to the General on the scope of things to come:

<snip>

"How do we respond to this?"
"More Catholic...I don't know what."
"At least this lot are business friendly, and happy to deal."
"Ok, he stays as Ambassador. If he has anything important to say, we talk to him; otherwise we keep making friendly noises and commit to nothing, at least for now.
We do nothing to block trade with Austrian companies, unless relations go sharply downhill.
Oh, and Abbas? work all that into suitable diplo-speak for me will you?"
"Of course sir."

As Chen arrives in Baghdad, he had one primary agenda on his mind - the canal issue. It was surprising to see no one, not even the usually vocal Hindustan condemn a military coup. Then again, greater things were at stake.

If his boss Vice President Chang had guessed right, then General Rashid would consider Egypt to be under his sphere of influence and would have been downright annoyed if not fuming at the latest happenings in the canal.

"In the interests of international trade, stability, and peace for Mesopotamia and the whole of the middle East, China would like to see the canal remain neutral, as it has for the whole of the Elias era."

"Beijing shares your concerns that unneccesary military tension has been caused by NATO's entrance into Egypt, and we would be keen to co-operate with your nation if Baghdad shares the same view as us."

OOC-I was kind of wondering about that as well, where is the outrage and stuff from the Progs, just missed it, I wonder? I mean, Quinntonia will deal with anyone because we are about faith an apolitical. We quite got along with Neo-Anarchos because he was open to Catholicism. So, we don't really care who is in charge here. But usually, they do.

Oh, and BTW, Suez isn't a NATO action, Goa is.

WWJD
Amen.

Acting with uncharacteristic swiftness of diplomacy, the Soviets dispatch comrade Graeme Igo, Grandfather of the Indian Soviet Revolution, indicating in doing so their serious regard for the Middle East and relations with Mesopotamia. Igo, father of '80s dictator Sopworth, makes his priority the indication of Soviet support for neutrality and normalcy of operations in the Suez Canal.

He says that following the potentially dangerous break-up of the Federal Dictatorship, the Soviets believe that stable and above all responsible arbiters of the Federation's wealth are required with urgency. The reckless invitation of imperialist forces to Suez, made by the post-federal authority in Cairo, demonstrates that such a custodian may not be found in Egypt.

"It seems natural that Baghdad, as capital of the old state, should be the seat of a successor government. I assume that -of course- Mesopotamia does consider valid the accords between Raipur and Baghdad, in respect of full civil and military access rights in the Suez?"

In other words, if you're serious about pursuing a resolution that allows Soviet warships to continue using the canal and removes Roycelandian troops, the Soviets will back you to the hilt, both in that issue and in any matters of dispute with Egypt regarding inheritance from the FDUE.

OOC: If I've missed responding to anything anyone's said, please assume it's because General Rashid and his staff are so pressed and remind them...thanks :D

IC: "What's this leftover business? Ah yes, you mean Dr. Hussein. He's welcome to come tomorrow, just beg his understanding if I have to rush off to attend to other business, especially with Suez kicking off."
"Also he wants to pray for you General."
"Tell him that as fellow People of the Book, the prayers of his congregation will be taken as they are intended."

###

"Abbas, should I get you a helper or three?"
"What makes you say that, General?"
"You're always so busy. I need your mind, not just you organisational skills."
"Well, since you mention it, General, an assistant to deal with routine work would be useful."
"Get to sorting it out then Abbas."
"Yes sir."
As Abbas left, Rashid considered...why did the man sigh as he turned to go?

###

"Mr. Chen, our government fully supports that stance over Suez, and we will do all we can to ensure that the Canal remains neutral. We also wish to avoid a general war over the issue."
"It is hard since the end of United Elias to realise that we cannot simply go in heavy and throw both parties out, bang some heads together and put things right."

###

OOC: Assuming this meeting is taking place shortly after the Chinese one.
IC: "Mr. Igo, we were fully supportive of Raipur initially. Now, while our position is in principle the same, your actions in the Suez do not permit us to continue that level of support.

If we were ever to find ourselves in control of the Canal Zone, we would of course permit all states with which we were not at war access to the canal for civil and military traffic at agreed rates.

Our intentions now are to first prevent a general war, and then promote a resolution that permits all to access the canal. We will expend our efforts in that direction, of that you can be sure."

"Mr. Chen, our government fully supports that stance over Suez, and we will do all we can to ensure that the Canal remains neutral. We also wish to avoid a general war over the issue."
"It is hard since the end of United Elias to realise that we cannot simply go in heavy and throw both parties out, bang some heads together and put things right."

Good Good, Mr Chen thought.

"General Rashid, if I may speak as a private citizen for just a moment, I believe that China would look favourably upon an Egypt where you, General, are the head of state. We all believe that Egypt should lie within your sphere of influence correct?"

The hint was unavoidable.

Across the border in Syria, new President Omar Qottar and his Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party administration regard Mesopotamia's rise with a hint of disappointment. Qottar once dreamed of leading an Arab union, and sees little chance of taking that position while Baghdad remains so strong.

The recent round of nationalisations in the Syrian economy hit hardest against firms and individuals from the former heart of the Federal Dictatorship, and now that Qottar has negotiated military and energy deals with the United States there can be little doubt that Al Khali Syria and independent Mesopotamia have not started their lives on a friendly note.

And so the latest decision out of Ramitha (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=508677) (Latakia) is sure to hit a sour note as Qottar puts his boot on the Mesopotamian lifeline that is the Euphrates and tests his strength against an uncertain reaction from Baghdad.

"Well, Mr. Chen, however that could be achieved, we would have to tread carefully in the present climate."
The General's mind raced. The Soviets, and now China, expressing support for a...re-unification...with Egypt. If this could be kept sufficiently quiet, and the support of...perhaps Quinntonia...gathered. Enough. The time was not right, just now, with Royceland in military control there. But it could be gently floated as a solution afterwards. Many would be reassured by a strong hand over Suez, controlled by one committed to the neutrality of the canal.
"So yes, while we would be both able and willing to run the Canal for the benefit of all, we would perhaps be best putting this about quietly, as a solution at any peace conference..such as the talks your government is looking to hold."

###

"Abbas, how is Jaoura working out?"
"Just fine thank you sir. I've been able to catch up on some paperwork."
"Marvellous. What was I thinking of...ah yes. Syria.
I want you to get on to the Quinntonians. They have been dealing with Syria, after all."
"Yes sir, they have. Oil rights and arms trading, looks like."
"Tell them we do NOT want to fight Syria, but that we cannot allow them to control our water supply, and so if they can't be dealt with, we will have to deal with the matter ourselves.
And see if they can be persuaded to put diplomatic pressure on the Syrians not to do this."
"At once sir."

Two announcements from the office of General al-Rashid.

Firstly it is desired to clarify; Mesopotamia is not in opposition to the current Roycelandian, Australasian and Quinntonian consortium running the canal, and profiting by its operation.
The problem is Roycelandian military control of the Canal Zone. Egypt should protect the canal, paid if necessary by the Canal operators; and any canal charges should be internationally agreed, and be equitable between nations. This is the opinion that will be put forward in any coming talks on the issue.

Secondly, plans are underway for democratic election for the office of President of Mesopotamia; and to a legislative assembly of two chambers.
Planning is in an early stage, but the date envisioned for elections is in about a year's time, and every effort will be made to stick to this timetable.
All citizens over the age of 21, not holding a criminal conviction, will be able to stand for office. All citizens over the age of 18, not holding a criminal conviction, will be able to vote. Candidates and parties are invited to begin putting down their names and electoral deposits with the relevant Government officials. Electoral advertising is not yet permitted; an announcement on when it will be permitted is expected shortly.

General al-Rashid has not yet announced whether he will run for President.

"That concludes the news. Shortly: our analysts discuss these and other recent happenings."

OOC-BTW, I have a line on a player that is willing to come on board and RP Egypt, I think. Best part is, he is part Egyptian! That would solve a lot of these problems. I am going to try and e-mail him some links for him to read, and hopefully he will get involved soon. Just FYI.

IC-The Quinntonian Prime Minister will be stopping in Mesopatemia on her tour, and all of these matters can be discussed then.

WWJD
Amen.

All was laid out and readied. Extensive security precautions had been put in place to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister on her arrival.
The General, meanwhile, almost regretted still running the country out of a command tent. Almost - if this Moerike couldn't see that he was a practical man, not given to sitting in a palatial residence just because he could, when it would mean disrupting a working set-up, well then that was her loss, her failure.
Setting aside such meaningless concerns, he turned to something truly important - the latest intelligence report on Syria showed no change in their intentions towards the Euphrates.
Looking now at a briefing report from the commander of I Corps, General Yamamah, he saw that preparations of troops for a thrust into Syria were also proceeding apace.
"Well, they may be madmen, but let them come. Just let Moerike come first, to clear the way."

Sensing some excitement from Rashid and also a hint of hesitation in his reply, Chen quietly decides to change the subject.

"We shall leave the talk of canal operations for another day then, perhaps we should wait until Cairo herself makes a public statement on the matter. Unfortunately it appears that over-reactionary politicians eager to save face and look strong have prevailed at the moment."

"My superiors have also asked me to enquire on behalf of China the possibility of arranging a long term supply petroleum contract." Chen says. "Obviously this would be managed by private companies, but I do wish to enquire about the possibility of a free trade agreement or tariff cuts which would mutually benefit both economies."

PM Moerike will be dropping by after this...
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=512541&highlight=quinntonian

Or would you like to take advantage of fluid time and do it cocurrently?

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: Can wait. I'll keep an eye on the Ottoman visit, see how it's going.