NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC-This is occurring shortly after the London Summit and so we have to be a little generous, as I don’t know what is going to happen at that Summit.

London Summit-
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510474&highlight


IC-The Quinntonian Prime Minister was so glad that the summit in London was over and was fairly pleased at the results. As Jesus-1 taxied to a stop in the Ottoman Empire, she briefly wondered if this was the only history she would make other than failed diplomacy. The first Quinntonian Prime Minister to set foot in the Ottoman Empire. It should be interesting. And, hopefully would save her minority government that threatened to be toppled every day. She definately needed to shore up some support in the region, especially due to the massive conflict that was brewing.



WWJD
Amen.

In some ways, it was mind-boggling. The very idea of it stung the heart of the diplomat, Anwar Rashid. A plane with the name "Jesus-1" landing in Atatürk Airport here in Istanbul? This was an indication of an age of understanding, of religious peace, of secularism. Or was it? Did it just mean that the Quinntonians did not understand the true meaning of secularism - ignoring religion for what it was and focusing on the main picture? Anwar Rashid was not a religious man. He had been born, as many in the government had, in a time where religion seemed the channel of the weak. But he thought this was too much.

Even in Ottoman culture, the army was the safeguard of the secular culture that the Ottoman empire was struggling to become. Parliament, for one, was purely secular and fair (or at least the House of Merchants and the House of Nobles were. Peasants tended to be earthier and more apt at getting stuck in religious nonsense). The army also had a strong presence in the foreign office as well - that was how a secularist like Anwar Rashid tended to get in there. He had been sent to meet the Quinntonian Prime Minister for that very reason. He was not as Islamic as some of his compatriots. But how long would that last? Being secular in a country with the true Caliph of all Islam at its head was difficult. They had Depkazia to thank for something, after all.

As she came down the steps of the plane, he bowed suddenly, smiling at her. "Welcome to our small corner of the world, Prime Minister. It is our pleasure to welcome you to this great land." Rather oddly, for him, at least, he reached down, and, on impulse, air-kissed her hand. To any observers, it would have looked like a Western-style greeting. It was what he was going for. Quinntonia was a powerful nation in the world and he wanted her to feel at home before she actually met the Sultan. He was a diplomat, after all, and it was standard courtesy to give your prospective friends what they wished for.

But she was in some trouble at home and that gave them leverage. Quinntonian support in Jordan would be vital for Ottoman interests in the region and an Ottoman endorsement from abroad, coupled with a successful incursion for "peace" could raise her profile at home. Anwar Rashid could see the beginnings of an agreement as he welcomed the Prime Minister of Quinntonia into the limo.

Prime Minister Moerike was very happy to be greeted so hospitably by Mr. Rashid. She was anxious, however, to meet the Sultan. On the way to the Palace she asked a few questions regarding etiquette, how should she address the Sultan, should she refrain from doing/saying anything, that short of thing. Upon arriving, she was amazed at the size and grandeur of the opulent palace, and immediately requested a tour, of the palace and the city, and would very much like to see the Haggia Sophia as well as some of the Biblical places, such as Antioch. She may be walking in a secularist Muslim nation, but she was also treading upon the footsteps of the Apostles, and was a little in awe of that fact. She was, however, retiscent to discuss any policy issues with anyone but the Sultan, and Mr. Rashid wold find her skillfully changing teh subject should it come up.

WWJD
Amen.

Anwar Rashid was a skillful diplomat who had dealt with a lot of people who tried to change the subject at every opportunity to do so. Nonetheless, he found the Quinntonian Prime Minister a tough nut to crack. She was not only skilled at changing the subject whenever delicate territory was approached, but she could also change it to another vital subject, one of great importance to both nations. He continued to answer her inquiries about the history of Christianity in the Ottoman Empire and whenever she asked about a side trip to a Biblical location, he always answered with the same; "Let us meet the Sultan first."

And so he lead her to one of the great wonders of the world - the Topkapi Palace. Perched on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, with great courtyards, wall sheathed with gold plates (though the Sultan, in a successful effort to eradicate poverty somewhat had removed and sold the jewels that lay on those walls), and servant scuttling everywhere. It was a hike to reach the Sultan's throne room, but along the way, the Quinntonian Prime Minister would see, across the Golden Horn, the outlines of the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, and other such buildings against the blue sky.

She soon reached the throne room, where she was to make the first move.

OOC: I had pictures to show just how beautiful the view is even today, but I can't seem to find them. Sorry.

Prime Minister Moerike was happy to spar verbally with Mr. Rashid, but she caught her breath when she saw the magnificent palace that they pulled up to. The view was spectacular, like nothing she had ever seen, and she had to shake her head to collect herself and not appearing like a tourist.

She got out of the limousine and proceeded towards the throne room, which was opulent in a way that the West had yet to match. She bowed when she entered the room and began to walk forward towards the man on the throne.

“May the Lord on High Bless you and Keep you, glorious Sultan. I come in the name of the United States of Quinntonia, the great Republican Theocracy. My people have long seen your nation as part of our spiritual heritage, as your subjects walk the paths of the Apostles. I would like to see our nations move into a far closer relationship with you, both asking you to join the World Economic Council (WEC), and offering some kind of a military alliance/non-aggression pact. I would also like to inquire as to your position towards your neighbor, Yugoslavia, as well as the various states to your East. How may we be of service to you?”

WWJD
Amen.

The Sultan was young, much younger than anyone would guess of him. He was in his early thirties, not the middle aged man that the Sabiris had painted him as. Much of the misconception about the Sultanate was regarding these very lies that the Sabiris had spread. Ottoman-Sabiri relations were far from any good, to tell the truth. After all, it had been those very people who had murdered his father. That had been but one link in a very long chain of hatred that reached back many years. Hatred was like that. It would never die.

His mouth was curled in a polite smile as he looked at the energetic woman in front of him. "It is refreshing to see such directness in the field of international relations these days. It is a change from the guarded probing of the Depkazis and the questionable motives of my neighbor Marshal Lav - one you know very well, do you not?" The Sultan's smile was edging on cold, but it still bore a recognizable hint of indulgence. He was a master of bodily expression and if he wanted it to be so, it would have been impossible to read his expressions.

"Joining the World Economic Pact...that would be very acceptable to us. So would a non-aggression pact or a military alliance. The particulars of an Ottoman-Quinntonian agreement can be discussed later, however, once you have seen the country a little more. It is a beautiful land a rule over, is it not? And I gather you have only seen small portions of it, I gather?" His voice now bore hints of reminiscence and his face was turned away, as if recalling something totally difference. "But we have much more important topics of note, do we not?"

"Our relations with the Slavs is a curious one - you may not be glad to have asked the question, once I go deeper into it. It would suffice to say that our relationship is purely a business one, in that while we agree on things sometimes (the Holy League being one of them), we prefer not to formalize our relationship. We work together when necessary, such as the Ottoman cooperation in Slavic troop movements during the first Austrian conflict. But we are not allies, per se, and while we have worked together before, that could change.

States further to the East? What precisely are you interested in? On the subject of Depkazia, I come to one of my...demands. Nay, demand is too strong a word. A polite question, perhaps a favor. I am the true Caliph, not the mad Depkazi. Accept me as the true Caliph and we will be open to supporting you abroad and internally. An Ottoman expression of support as well and important trade agreements from this time could aide a flagging administration, would it not?

Then there is the question of the Jordanians and their calls for a Hashemite to take them over - a Hashemite such as myself. In the event that it would coe, would you support and Ottoman incursion into that land?"

PM Moerike did indeed promise to see more of the nation before she left; it was one of her lifetime goals to pray in some of the many holy sights to Christianity that were within the Ottoman Empire. Though, she did not shirk in her straightforward approach when it came to answering his Imperial Majesty.

As far as WEC, it was wonderful news to hear that the Ottomans would add new life to this old system. The terms were simple, they would provide, in any manner they chose, an equal amount of delegates to the board who would control and operate the business of the Council. Of course, membership fees were 1 billion USD/year, paid in quarterly instalments. That money was then used to develop underdeveloped economies. Currently there are seven members, what with UE falling apart and Republican Lavrageria unable to make the membership fees. Of course, Quinntonia currently Chairs the board, but that is not a requirement, it just has never been challenged. Who knows, the Ottomans may one day Chair the board.

AS far as the Caliphate proclamation, PM Moerike was simply powerless, the restrictions of her faith and that of Quinntonia in general forbade them from proclaiming something theologically relevant in a faith that was not their own. It just could not happen. Of course, politically, Quinntonian support would lay with the Sultan, not with the madman Chingiz, and that was not about to change.

The idea of some kind of military alliance was great, and PM Moerike asked what the young Sultan had in mind.

As for the states to the east, she asked specifically about Syria and Mesopotamia. Syria was a close ally of Quinntonia and PM Moerike hoped that the end of this trip would mean that the military junta in Mesopotamia was as well. Of course, they were currently at conflict with each other, but PM Moerike most wanted the Sultan’s expert opinion on these Central Asian powers. Of course, the Combine was a whole topic of conversation in and of itself.

When it came to the talk of Yugoslavia and Lav in particular, PM Moerike spoke with distaste. The theft of the billions upon billions in aid money to build what amounted to a 30 million person tribute to revenge against the Tsarists. The Quinntonians forgave but they did not soon forget. PM Moerike explained that they would be very uncomfortable with the idea of getting involved with a nation with close ties with Lav, but understood the Sultan to be a man who had significant faculties to bring to bear and saw Lav for the opportunist that he was. Quinntonia would discourage any Ottoman relationship with Yugoslavia, going so far as to support the Sultan in his move to “attempt to stabilise the ex-United Elias nations with his might.” Quinntonian aid could come in the form of arms deals and USQ would be willing to supply the Ottomans with the means to be a force in the region for stability and peace. Under Ottoman rule of course. And she would not promise, but would not preclude the possibility of direct Quinntonian Carrier support for an action like that. To PM Moerike, it was a very reasonable trade-off, the Sultan would help to isolate Lav, and she would help the Ottomans in their territorial ambitions, which in the end would help to stabilise the post-UE Middle East.

WWJD
Amen.

The Sultan was pleased that the Quinntonian Prime Minister showed interest in observing some of the sights of the Ottoman Empire and he even asked if she might consent to having perhaps professional government guides (or even better, the Sultan himself) accompany her as she looked about the city of Istanbul, the coasts of Turkey, perhaps the mountain caves of Cappadocia where the earliest Christians had built cave cities to escape from the Roman Empire, and even the far eastern part of the empire (a dangerous region, albeit, but well worth the danger).

When he had heard more about the WEC, the Sultan grew more and more interested in the organization, inquiring as to who the members in fact were, and of course announcing that he would very pleased to enter. The Ottoman economy was still developing, and given a boost such as this, it could make the leap to world-class power. It was thriving as it was, something that was welcome in the volatile Middle East, and if it grew stronger, so would the region as a whole.

He understood her limitations regarding the Caliphate question and only asked for political support, also wondering what Muslims in Quinntonia and the neighboring states (the West as a whole) thought of the matter. As the issue of a "military relationship" approached, he couldn't help but to tie them together, and said that perhaps a mutual defense pact would be very acceptable to his sensibilities. With the rivalry between the Ottoman Empire and Depkazia escalating to beyond mere proclamations, he couldn't help but to ask for Quinntonian army corp commanders to aid in the training and upgrading of the Ottoman military to an international standard. This would be part of the military alliance, he said.

His face became darker when she mentioned Syria and Mesopotamia specifically. The whole scope of Sabiri and Ottoman relations would take a while to explain, he said to her, but it would suffice to state that the two races were mortal enemies. These new Syrians (Khalis under Qottar, where they not?) were little better than those disgusting people of Sabir. Most likely, the Quinntonian Prime Minister would have been wondering what caused such a violent reaction, but it would be simple enough to look for the killer of the Sultan's father, for one.

The Mesopotamians were similarly looked down upon by those in the House of Osman. They were the "degenerate successors of a mighty race" (the Elians, of course) he said, with an unusual amount of venom in his voice. It was obvious that the Ottomans were egging on a war between the Syrians and Mesopotamians, no matter what the consequences would be for the region as a whole, if only to eliminate enemies and rivals. Most likely that would not go down well with the Quinntonian Prime Minister, but some topic they would disagree on.

The Sultan counseled the Quinntonians to stay away from those people.

Otherwise, the Quinntonian offer regarding Marshal Lav and the possible support for Ottoman operations in the Jordan was met well. The Sultan pointed out that a gradual pullout of Yugoslavia would work better than a quick one and would not alert the Marshal to their movements. He also asked that if, in the event that the militaristic Slavs responded with force, would the Quinntonians would be willing to protect the Ottomans militarily?

The Quinntonian PM was immediate in her response that if Lav were to respond to an Ottoman pullout with any kind of force, they could count on full Quinntonian support.

As for the full membership of WEC, it was as follows:
USQ-Chair
UK
Australasia
Roycelandia
Japan
China
Germany
Canada
United Elias (joined while we had a player-uncertain now)


Pending membership applications-
Spain
France
Rome
Russia
Ukraine
Nigeria

She did point out that WEC was not meant to be a political organisation, and that it was not necessary to agree with all of the policies of the people involved, and that she was planning on offering membership to Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and perhaps others. It was the prerogative of the Chairing nation whether or not to accept membership applications, and up until now, Quinntonia had chosen not to accept Holy League memberships. However, It was not certain whether that would change or not, after this latest membership drive, she would leave that decision to a vote of the Council as a whole. Nevertheless, with the proper forms processed and of course the initial membership fee of $250 million USD, the Sultan would be happy to know that the Ottoman Empire had joined the pre-eminent economy organisation in the world.

As for the issue of what Quinntonians thought about the matter, she had to admit that she wasn’t sure, with fewer than 50,000 practicing Muslims within Quinntonia, it was hard to tell if they had any strong views on international politics.

As far as the idea of the Mutual Defence Pact, the Pm was quite happy. She laid out the Quinntonian proposal for such an alliance:

1. Both nations shall be legally bound to defend each other should they come under attack by hostile foreign powers.
2. This obligation will not extend to conflicts in which either party is the aggressor.
3. USQ will agree to supply training and technical support for the existing Ottoman military.
4. USQ will agree to sell all reasonable technologies of a military nature at reasonable market prices.
5. The Ottoman Empire will agree to allow USQ to arbitrate any conflicts between it and other Middle Eastern nations.
6. USQ will agree to support the annexation of the rightful Ottoman territory of the Jordan either directly or indirectly.
7. USQ will not enter into a mutual defence pact with Depkazia.
8. The Ottoman Empire will allow USQ to build and fund a Christian university in Istanbul, subject to normal oversight by the Ottoman government. This will also include non-restriction on the movements of Quinntonian pilgrims within the Ottoman Empire.

PM Moerike thought that this was a very reasonable compromise and that in this treaty they both got what they wanted while not losing any of their sovereignty or autonomy. The last section was very much of interest to PM Moerike, and she did point out that the building of a world-class university and the tourism money and construction contracts that would begin to flow to the Ottoman Empire would be a great economic boom for his nation.

She also was quick to point out that though she did not expect the Sultan to become great friends and allies to the other nations in the Middle East, surely he could see the benefit to peace and trade with those nations, both peace in part by this treaty and trade via WEC.

If this was acceptable, her lawyers would consult with the Sultans as she took up his offer to take a tour of his nation, though she asked that the Greek Patriarch of Istanbul, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and the Armenian Patriarch Mesrob II Mutafian of Istanbul. Of course, Christian leaders from all over the Ottoman Empire were either gathering in Istanbul to meet with her, or hoping she would make a stop when she toured the nation. Of course, the fate of the Christian minority in the nation was of great interest to her, and though they made up barely over 0.2% of the population, they were extremely important to Christians worldwide. She would tactfully inquire as to whether their rights were being protected, whether they were being oppressed in any way, that sort of thing.


OOC-I think the above list reflects the points made in our conversation very well. I think we are both pretty much getting what we want. So, if we want to wrap this up in a couple more posts, I think we could get this thing signed and start our new friendship together. Oh, do you have any idea what you would like in regards to military hardware?


WWJD
Amen.

[OOC: That plan is totally fine with me, Quinn. As soon as we get this over with, I can get to more important matters. Regarding military hardware, I was thinking something akin to modern US technology, missiles, Patriot systems, etc. With the world we are in...Anyway, sorry for the crappy post in advance (I'm in a rush) and congrats on number 1,000.]

BIC:

When he heard the Quinntonian Prime Minister finished her assessment of the situation, the Sultan was overjoyed. She had come, and with her, now, the Ottomans had completed their most vital objectives. Both sides had got what they had wanted and both sides had taken what they needed. The last demand from her intrigued him (for such a demand on the international scale was interesting, to say the least) but he was in a joyful mood and with the rest of things tacked on as they were, he could not help but acquiesce to the request. He did so very gladly.

On the subject of her further travels in his kingdom, he was glad to accommodate any of her needs in any way. He responded to her queries about Christians in the Ottoman Empire without any false language, easily telling her that they were in no way oppressed and in no way had their rights limited. He informed her that he hoped such conditions were prevalent among Muslims in Quinntonia as well, and that he hoped to improve their lives in any way possible. He was glad that many important Christian leaders were planning to meet her and offered to host such meetings in perhaps the Hagia Sofia (now no longer functional, used as a glance into Ottoman history) or in another such private setting.

He also expressed interest in visiting Quinntonia at a later date, perhaps in a few years.

OOC-Thanx! Hey, do you have a factbook somewhere? I am willing to part with significant Quinntonian technology, probably not F-22s or F-35s, but everything up to F/A-18s would be acceptable.

IC-The Quinntonian PM was very pleased on this first leg of her diplomatic journey. This was a historical occasion and the QNN press would see pictures of her all over the world negotiating with the Sultan, visiting various places of import in the Ottoman Epire, gaining a friend in this troubled region, visiting with some of the eldest Christian leaders in the world, and striking a blow for Quinntonian Christians and Christianity in general with the new university and free movement for Quinntonian pilgrims. If the rest of her trip was half this productive, she would be very happy indeed.

Of course, she assured the Sultan that the Muslims were free to worship as they please, and there were even a collection of small mosques in Quinntonia, the low number did not reflect any oppression, as she was sure the reverse was true, just the reality. She would welcome a visit from the Sultan at his convenience. The military hardware could be readily assembled in vast quantities and the technicians and trainers would be already on their way. And she would definitely take him up on the chance to have a service of Christian worship in the Hagia Sophia, assuming it would not offend the Muslim population there, who had first transformed it into a mosque and then a museum.

After the evening’s festivities, and the formal signing ceremony, she allowed herself a few days to visit the pilgrimage sights and speak with as many Christian and business leaders in the nation as possible.

Then she was on her way to Syria and Mesopotamia.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: You might want to reconsider your friendship with Syria in light of their current socialism. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=508677&page=2)
Whereas of course the staunchly capitalist Mesopotamia, which is also making moves towards democratic government (current countdown: 11 months to elections)...;)
IC: "So the Quinntonian Prime Minister is expected imminently. Security measures are unobtrusively in place, and all is set up to bring her straight to you, General.
We've also cleared Christian areas near Baghdad, and conducted a sweep of ancient Babylon, in case she wishes to make a visit. Anything else we'll have to clear on the fly."
"Very well done General, all appears to be ready. We eagerly await our distinguished visitor."
"Sir, you may want to see this before you meet the Prime Minister."
"What is it, Abbas?"
"Latest intelligence on the Ottomans, sir. We're uncertain, with no high-level information, but there are indications that they're considering moving on Jordan."
"I'll raise it with the Prime Minister. Make sure that if any land grabs are conducted, the Quinntonians won't interfere in a regional matter. After all ourselves and the Ottomans are amongst their few friends in the region, we don't want them picking sides between the two of us."

The Quinntonian PM landed in Bagdad, not the first time that a Quinntonian PM had been in the powerful capitol, but definitely one of the most interesting, as Quinntonian experts debated over what kind of presence the post-superpower UE states would be in the world. One thing that was sure was that PM Moerike was flush with excitement from the major success that she had just had in the Ottoman Empire, and was hopeful that she would broker much of the same here.

WWJD
Amen.

Whisked from the airport to the General's command post, still sited in a tent, though the complex had grown a little lately, the Prime Minister was then greeted by General al-Rashid himself. The central command area had been cleared of aides and functionaries for the meeting.

"Prime Minister, it is an honour to have you here. Mesopotamia welcomes you; we hope that our poor surroundings" he gestured to the tent "do not colour your view of our nation overmuch.

Now, I have a few issues I wish to raise with you, but first is there anything you wish to ask, or tell, me?"

The Quinntonian PM simply smiled at her rustic surroundings and said, “This is your home, General, far be it for me to dominate the dialogue. What is on your mind?”

WWJD
Amen.

"Of first concern to us is Syria. Their irrigation scheme is simply unacceptable; it will cause great hardship for our people, on such a scale that we would have no alternative but to unilaterally destroy the irrigation works.
We ask you to exert any pressure that you are able on Syria to back down, and accept a negotiated solution, otherwise two nations that can be your friends in this region will be at odds."
Abbas could be seen behind him, angrily waving away an aide who had somehow missed the notice that the General was not to be disturbed in his command post; it looked somewhat bare with all the bustle that usually occupied it removed.
"The second major question is on a similar level; we have received intelligence suggesting that the Ottomans have ambitions in Jordan, and that is simply unacceptable to us. We don't want to rule Jordan, but we would rather either that or turning it into a barren wasteland than have the Ottomans stronger, greater and on our borders. Obviously you do not control the Sublime Porte's actions, I would merely ask that your nation not support any Ottoman expansionism."
"The other issues are on a much happier note; I would like to ask you, along with other democracies perhaps, to send election monitors to our presidential and legislative elections in ten months time and ensure they are free and fair. And finally, I would like to petition for Mesopotamia to take up Elias' membership of the WEC. We are fully capable of meeting the dues, and we approve of it's aims."

PM Moerike was a little concerned with these demands, who knew that it would be hard to broker a peace in the Middle East? It had always been such a peaceful region…

“I do see what you are saying. I would offer this solution as to Syria. I am going to propose to that government that Quinntonia subsidise the agricultural industry in your nation for the next five years. During that time, we propose that our three nations jointly produce massive water desalination plants on the shore that would support your needs, and more. Thos plants would be part of a privately owned and openly traded company that would be jointly run by all three nations. What could be more profitable than selling water in the desert? Now, I do not intend that we gouge your people, only that we turn a profit, just like many of the utilities companies in Quinntonia. The subsidy would replace any economic downturn during the transition process, and in the end, Quinntonia would slowly recoup its investment by partnering with you in this new business enterprise. This of course, would allow you to agree to a phased movement of control of the Euphrates to Syria while in the end not only not losing any water, but gaining an extremely profitable business in the end.”

“As for the Ottomans, I am afraid that we have already signed an agreement formally recognizing them as the rightful administrators of the Jordanian region. We cannot now back out of that agreement without cause. I will point out though, that if a conflict were to ever occur between your nations, they are bound by that agreement to submit to arbitration by the USQ, and so that should calm any fears that you may have about sharing a border with them.”

“Of course, we shall be happy to provide any assistance you wish, but please tell me that you are considering running! Also, you will be added to the list of WEC members immediately and without reservation, as soon as we receive the first payment.”

“As for my needs, I wish only three things, that a Mutual Defence Pact between our nations that would serve to protect each other’s interests in this unstable world atmosphere, and an agreement formally asking you to supply up to 4 million bbl/day of oil to the USQ at all times, and binding you to protect those shipments of oil to our shores. Of course if this could be coupled with formal recognition of Bahrain as a Quinntonian protectorate, we would be very happy.”

WWJD
Amen.

"For the desalination that is in principle acceptable; obviously Shaitan is in the detail, but if correctly executed that will secure our water supplies without having to fight Syria; that is a prospect which I was not relishing; and I appreciate the investment you will thus be making in peace between ourselves and the Syrians."

al-Rashid thought for a moment; perhaps Moerike was less secure than he had thought; letting the Ottomans take Jordan?

"In Jordan we are also not keen on the idea of war with the Ottomans. We shall be watching their moves there very closely, in the hope that their actions will be less threatening to us than conflict. However I fear that my duty will lead me to oppose them, for the long-term good of this country.

Speaking of which, I am considering carefully the coming election. I will probably run, but I am not yet certain, and in any case I do not wish to declare my hand until there are others definitely running; while the legislature has a healthy variety of candidates no-one has yet declared they are running for president.

Ah, in addition it is good that you wish to see us part of the WEC; I will begin proceedings to transfer the funds at once."

Here the General clearly changed mental gear; he had been able to anticipate, to a fairly high degree, Moerike's response to his points, but had done less well on anticipating her points.

"A Mutual Defence Pact is...a huge thing, and one that I will have to think deeply on before giving you a definitive answer. However my instinct is that we would not accept, at least until the Jordanian issue is cleared up; first because that could entail the commitment of most of our available forces, leaving very few to meet our obligations. And second because the Ottomans are your ally, and I do not see how you could support both sides in that conflict.

Your other two points, firstly agreeing to sell you oil, and secondly recognising officially Bahrain's de facto status, are both in principle acceptable. The oil sales carry certain problems, however. We'll sell you oil any time; but what price our whole navy to protect it against the Combine, and once past Hormuz the Holy League, or the other way the Soviets? To protect those shipments in case of general war would be more than we could guarantee, unless we could be sure of the assistance of all the SEATO or alternatively NATO powers. To achieve which we would have to be part of one of those alliances, which to my mind raises the same problems as the defence pact."

In Damascus (still so few nations were paying any more attention to Qottar's attempt to move the Syrian capital to Ramitha than to the Israeli insistance that Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv, is their capital that the Ba'athists had virtually given-up on carrying out diplomacy from the western city) Omar Qottar and his minions struggle with tides stronger than the motor of their little nation-ship, evidently designed more for the canals of the old Democratic Republic than the high-seas of international power wrangling.

The Ba'ath Party was already climbing down from the most ambitious aspects of its canal transport and irrigation scheme, insisting that the project had always been intended to be much more gradual and sensitively managed (not true, of course), but was struggling to convince the masses that a mistake had not been made and that Qottar was still both a wise man and a strong leader.

The President was in the middle of another potentially damaging gamble, claiming that earlier projections had been a clever ruse to force concessions from the Mesopotamians and developmental aid from the United States. We will darken the skies with so many planes that the Ottoman Turks will fall over themselves to GIFT us the Arab provinces they have taken! He asserts.

At the same time, Syrian Ba'athists are accusing the United States of harming regional stability by attempting to turn the Ottoman Empire against Yugoslavia because of a petty vendetta against one man, Larionko Aidarov. This is a problem for Syria, which is, under Qottar, attempting to adopt a mixed economic model inspired by Marshal Lav's success in Yugoslavia and for an army secretly developing rocket delivery systems and weapons of mass destruction in co-operation with the JNA.

Openly, Syria conducts significant trade with Yugoslavia, which it regards as a non-threatening regional neighbour in spite of Belgrade's co-operation with the Turks, who the Syrians distrust as much as the Mesopotamians do, and whom they remember as oppressors of Arabs. Some Al Khalis and others still associate the Osmanli Turks with the Depkazi Turkmen in spite of their leaders' differences, and the Al Khali dominated Ba'ath Party has much to fear from Depkazi religious radicalism.

The fall of one man has apparently done a really epic level of damage to the stability and simplicity of life across the near and middle east and mid Asia! Qottar is struggling with -against- the realisation that he may not be a direct replacement for the controversial but evidently great Elias.

Qottar was not the only one missing the stability of Elias. Though he wouldn't say so openly, of course, al-Rashid was opposed to Ottoman control of Jordan not least because he was unwilling to have Elian territory fall under the control of an external power.
Re-uniting Elias under one rule was clearly impossible, but he had hoped for a form of loosely federated democratic government across the region. At the least, a mutual defence pact for these lands was clearly necessary - the Elian forces which had made these lands strong still existed. The Elian territories were central - between Africa, currently being destroyed by the League, the Ottomans and the Combine. Without the strength to deny the various factions, they faced decades of conflict establishing a new balance of power in the middle east, which would likely crush Mesopotamia.
Thinking of this, he decided he had one further thing to ask Moerike.
"Prime Minister, could we rely on your support for a mutual defence pact between the territories of Former-Elias? Such a pact would make us secure, to a sufficient degree that we could give you all you have asked for from us, and support you much more actively abroad. The only sticking point is your agreement with the Ottomans over Jordan, as Jordan would be an essential part of this alliance."
He paused briefly.
"However, what price a return to stability in the Middle East - and this time a stability more favourable to the United States? One diplomatic incident with the Ottomans, and a bit of covert pressure on Jordan, Egypt and Arabia - and in return you are the peacemaker, preventing chaos and turmoil in the entire region which could at any time drag the major alliances into open war; along with, of course, gaining Mesopotamia as a firm, open and grateful ally."

PM Moerike sensed what the good General was trying to say. “I am not asking for a guarantee of safety, no one this side of Heaven can do that. What I am asking for, is that if we agree to purchase the 4 million bbl/day from your nation, which would be a huge boost to your economy because previously we bought less than 2.7 million bbl/day from the entirety of United Elias, would be under the protection of your Navy while in this region. Perhaps we can work out some kind of an agreement that would just ask you to escort them from your shores to the Mediterranean, at which time they would become our responsibility. Surely that would not be too taxing for your forces. Of course, you would have as much support in that process as was possible given a general war.”

“As for the Jordanian region, I would ask you to please allow this to pass, and perhaps focus your efforts on the Saudi region instead. I simply cannot go back on that agreement, and though I can say that I won’t get directly involved if you oppose the Ottomans, I will not be able to back down from our official position either. I would say that a mutual defence pact could easily include not just the former Elian territories, but also the Ottomans, which would add their significant weight to any military action. But any pact would have the full support of my administration, granting these considerations. Remember that the long-term good of your nation could be in a new spirit of both Ottoman and Quinntonian cooperation. Together we could march forward and seize the tomorrow.”

“As for a mutual defence pact, we would only ask for what help you were able in time of war, and would afford you some leeway in deciding what was best at that time. Of course, the military of the USQ would stand ready to intervene on your behalf at any time.”

But as for the Bahrain situation, the USQ was happy to receive their recognition.

During this time, arrangements by PM Moerike’s aids were being made to go to Syria next, with a mind to strengthening their relationship, questioning their new relationship with Yugoslavia, and perhaps finalising the future delivery of the promised F/A-18s and other Quinntonian systems.


WWJD
Amen.

"I will take this under consideration. I can make no promises - we will have to deal directly with the Ottomans. I will tell you that we do not want war, and if we can gain sufficient concessions from the Ottomans we may be able to come to an agreement. The military option will remain, however for now it will not be employed."
"I think you have perhaps over-estimated the boost of buying additional oil - we have always been able to sell all the oil we can produce, and our economy is far from dependent upon oil - consider our aerospace, computing and automobile industries just for starters. We are still perfectly willing to sell you oil, and if we achieve signing a mutual defence pact we will protect the shipments as best we can."
"Essentially, all depends upon the Ottomans, and if they are prepared to deal with us. I would appreciate it if you could...make it clear that Quinntonia would appreciate their being open to negotiation. If a satisfactory deal can be done there, all obstacles to our agreements will be removed."

The General himself considered negotiations nearly complete. He was disappointed Moerike would not alter her policy on Jordan...but at least it would be left to Mesopotamia and the Ottomans to sort out between them, and otherwise results from their talks had been satisfactory.

PM Moerike was quite happy to talk more of trade issues, as that was her forte, so to speak. “Your automobile and aerospace industries already export heavily to the Quinntonian market, as the Quinntonians do to yours, I would like to propose then, a far reaching plan in the form of a trade deal, not unlike the one that was had with United Elias, it would include commodities of all kinds coming into your nation in return for the aforementioned 4 million bbl/day of oil, from lumber to steel to coal. This would include parity agreements that see you take up the lion’s share of the millions of tons of goods, industrial and otherwise that were exported from USQ to UE and would in turn guarantee the large amount of cars and electronics and personal computer technology that we import from your great nation.

This could be in line also, with military technological cooperation and some limited sharing to start us off, as well as engineering assistance by your resource sector in developing and maintaining Quinntonian interest in Canada’s tar sands industry.

This could happen regardless of a favourable outcome with the Ottomans, and with that negotiation, our embassy here will most definitely host our Foreign Minister, who will be able to negotiate a “Military Cooperation Initiative” that may include elements of everything from an alliance to a mutual defence agreement to a non-aggression pact and everything in between. In fact, I would be willing to sign a letter of intent for our lawyers and ambassador work with in creating the trade agreement, and also sign a simple Non-Aggression Pact today. With the Non-Aggression Pact, we could even include a term limit, if that would ease your mind. These agreements would of course include observers for your upcoming election, and the Quinntonian government would do that at no cost to your government. Would this be agreeable, and is there anything else we could add to help come to an agreement today?”

WWJD
Amen.

"That, Prime Minister, would be quite acceptable. We do have much to gain from one another, and whatever short term problems may arise, we should not allow that to obscure the fact that in general our interests coincide.
Obviously I will act in any way necessary to ensure the safety of this country, but as long as we are not under threat, we can negotiate. As one capitalist nation to another, it sounds like a deal."

PM Moerike was elated, and was quick to have their lawyers draft acceptable agreements and letters of intent. The Letter of Intent would outline the far-reaching economic and trade deals that they wished to form, and went further to exchanges of technology and skilled manpower. The next was their agreement of a Non-Aggression Pact. This would simply state their governments’ respective position on each other.

1. They would be friendly militarily.
2. They would not, under any circumstances engage in active warfare with each other.
3. They would not, under any circumstances engage in trade embargoes with each other.
4. They would engage in regular joint military training exercises.
5. This would have a term limit of one calendar year.
6. There would be a major Christian university allowed to be built in Bagdad, funded and staffed by the USQ. (There were already some small ones, but they wanted a major, world class one)

It was hoped that these simple points would be satisfactory, and the term limit would reflect the understanding that a new and hopefully more fully comprehensive agreement would be reached after negotiations were concluded with the Ottomans.

Now, after the short signing ceremony and joint press conference where they affirmed their friendship before the press and the world, PM Moerike asked to be taken on a short, two day tour of the nation, with special attention paid to places of Christian import, and the meeting and talking with Christian leaders in the nation, assuring them that the USQ had not forgotten them and trying to get them to agree to support the new university as well as work together for the greater good of Christ and their people.

After this, PM Moerike flew to Syria.

WWJD
Amen.

It was acceptable for the USQ to pay for a new university; they were presumably aware that no educational establishment could exist without accepting Islamic values, and that no educational establishment could admit those of only one faith (seminaries and madrassas were not considered educational establishments for these purposes, and their qualifications were not degrees, as such).

Aside from that, all had been previously agreed, and when Moerike flew on to Syria, General al-Rashid was satisfied with the progress that had been made in their negotiations.

It was acceptable for the USQ to pay for a new university; they were presumably aware that no educational establishment could exist without accepting Islamic values, and that no educational establishment could admit those of only one faith (seminaries and madrassas were not considered educational establishments for these purposes, and their qualifications were not degrees, as such).

Aside from that, all had been previously agreed, and when Moerike flew on to Syria, General al-Rashid was satisfied with the progress that had been made in their negotiations.

Actually, that would be a problem, to a certain extent. Anyone would be welcome to study there, but the values and beliefs taught would be that of the Christian faith. This was in line with the other small institutions, schools, and universities that were funded by various Quinntonian organisations throughout the former United Elias under the terms of the old UE relationship. It was assumed that this friendship with UE would be continued with their legitimate successor, Mesopotamia. It was hoped, I guess, that the Christian minority in UE would have their religious rights and freedoms protected under the new regime, as they were under the old secular Islamic one. That meant, being able to have access to an institution of highest education that embraced and taught the values that they held dear. This place would meet every academic requirement that any other institution is required to meet, and further, a university on the scale that is planned, (some 50,000+ students) it brings nothing but prestige to the nation and city that it represents. Already, the one that was built some time ago in Al Khals is churning out doctors, lawyers, theologians, engineers, business people, philosophers and professions and vocations too numerous to list here. It is an institution on par with the universities of Bagdad, Tehran, Cairo, etc. All it would be is a place for people to learn who want to do that learning in an environment that embraces the Christian beliefs that they also hold.

PM Moerike would be willing to make a number of accommodations to have this go through for the very small Christian minority in this nation, including promising to pay above market for the land, use only local construction firms, etc.

WWJD
Amen.

As long as students of any faith would be accepted, a generally Christian ethos was perfectly acceptable. For all that the government had long been secular, the people of Mesopotamia were still firmly Islamic, and a doubling in the number of Christians could occur without any great social upheaval.
This would not be allowed to become a deal-breaker, and al-Rashid was perfectly happy to leave further details to his aides, and Moerike's staffers.

Yes, of course students of any faith would be admitted, but there are far more Christians than 50,000 in your nation, mostly of the Coptic and Oriental Orthodox faiths. Though, it was estimated that a full 60% at any goven time of students would be Islamic. As long as they would not be offended by minor things like crosses on the wall or something everyone should get along fine, I assume. It was just as school after all.

But, PM Moerike was very happy to be dealing with such a reasonable and pragmatic man of principle.

WWJD
Amen.

Damascus

Still not the official capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, the city would none the less play host to the Quinntonian head of government, who would meet Syria's own President Omar Qottar there.

It was perhaps a little strange to hear many of the four and a half million residents refering to their city -indeed their country- as north given that the PM had recently been in Anatolia, but there would be no use talking to Al Khalis, at least, about anything past Hatay.

Moerike would receive a warm welcome in the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, with smiles from Qottar and generally friendly dispositions about the public. Fortunately Saladin's capital under a secularist Ba'ath Arab Socialist Party remembers less of the siege during the Second Crusade than of four centuries of Ottoman domination and the more recent militarily-enabled French mandate.

Perhaps unusually President Qottar plans to take the PM not to see recent projects or famous Mosques but locations such as the once-poor districts outside the walls of the Old City, where Muslims once protected their Christian neighbours against the massacres of 1860. And maybe a little shrine to John of Damascus.

Later will have to come unhappy talk of Qottar's damaged political position since the breakdown of his ambitious irrigation projects and Quinntonian resistance to Syria's relations with Yugoslavia.

As Jesus-1 taxied to a stop on the runway of Damascus International, PM Moerike was just straightening her dark blue suit/skirt and checking her hair and make-up one last time in order to make the best possible presentation, as her Secret Service people were readying the area for security measures.

The last couple of days spent in Mesopotamia had been uplifting, to say the lest, to see Ur of Chaldea, where Abraham had fled from, and even to talk with some of the Oriental Orthodox and Coptic Christian leaders and people that were living in the nation, who had been so grateful about the school that they held a special joint mass for her, burning off some time in Purgatory for her, not that a sensible Lutheran like herself believed in such things, but it was doe not of Christian love and respect, and thus was accepted in the spirit in which it was meant.

When the plane came to a halt, and the stairs were put in place, the door opened, to reveal several Secret Servicemen who ran down the stairs in their black suits and scanned the crowd for anything suspicious.

She did the whole media thing, with stepping off the plane with her politician’s smile and waving at the crowd, to shaking hands with some of the people here and there, as overzealous large men scowled at the people through dark sunglasses.

When she was finally able to step close to President Qottar, she smiled and offered her hand, and then simply said, “Thank you for allowing me to enter your beautiful nation, we have many things to discuss, and I would like to get started right away.”

WWJD
Amen.

Qottar's slightly pudgy face was fixed with a deliberate smile for what seemed an eternity as he greeted the Prime Minister. The President was not entirely happy in his work at the moment, his position hurt by being forced to back down on the Euphrates dam. In the Syria of today it was important for the head of state to be seen as a strongman, and so Omar now faced great pressure to attain some sort of political, diplomatic, economic, or military victory, preferably in relation to some powerful or unpopular opponent.

Flyovers by F/A-18s and numerous United Elias-built helicopters are all well and good, but they don't entertain the masses forever.

For now, while showing the PM around various ancient sites and pointing out the odd piece of infrastructure related to gas extraction and processing, Qottar allowed Moerike to lead the conversation wherever she liked. They would retire to one of Omar's Damascus residences for tea and coffee once the Prime Minister grew tired of touring or decided that particular business ought to be addressed.

A large police presence was visible across Damascus, and the shifty KSU remained much harder to discern in spite of its pervasive nature.

OOC-Actually, the F/A-18s would still be on their way, as this meeting in AMW time is only occurring maybe a month and a half after the initial deal. I was hoping that we could have the delivery of the first dozen or so at this conference, if that is alright?

IC-PM Moerike was happy to tour and get to know Al Khals, as this was her first state visit to the beautiful nation. Of course, sooner or later, she would ask to be brought to the meeting table, and once she had arrived at the opulent residence of Qottar in Damascus, she immediately got down to business:

“WE have much to discuss, firstly, the delivery of the weapons systems that you have ordered, which should be arriving via military transport as we speak, I would love to arrange for a joint press conference with them as a back-drop to show this physical example of our cooperation. But I must also thank you for clearing up the confusion regarding the damming projects along the Euphrates; can you imagine that the Mesopotamians actually believed you were trying to provoke them to conflict?” I naturally assured them that this was not the case and I believe that the joint water desalination project between our three great nations will more than handle the problem, and in the end, you will be able to take control of the Euphrates as an irrigation source anyways. This is great news for your people, no?”

“I have a couple of areas that I would like to discuss, one of which is an offer of WEC membership, at the normal rates and with all of the privileges associated therewith, and with the understanding that your neighbors the Mesopotamians and the Ottomans have both recently agreed to join. This comes with a 1 billion USD/year price tag of course, but it is well worth the benefits. The second is the nature of our ongoing relationship. There are some in my government, in my very cabinet that are very nervous about supplying arms to a nation that has as close a relationship with Yugoslavia as you do. Now let me be clear, I am not advocating that the USQ inform your foreign or trade policy, rather I would like to soothe those in my government that are so concerned. And keep in mind that Washington is soon to be entertaining an envoy from that nation to discuss our differences. What is the nature of that relationship? How do you see it developing in the next five years? Ten? And how do you foresee this relationship affecting our relationship?”

WWJD
Amen.

After this discussion, Jesus-1 was to be escorted across the Indian Ocean by fighters and refueling tankers on its way to Mumbai.


OOC-You could perhaps start with a post startng at the landing?

WWJD
Amen.

Sardar International Airport, Mumbai

When Jesus-1 arrives at Sardar International, it is met by the usual assortment of INA and Parliamentary Constabulary personnel and vehicles. Daimler Dingos sporting Bren guns and often VGOs enforce a security cordon around the aircraft while a few Humber Mk.IVs drive about as well, ready to blast anything dangerous with 37mm shellfire. An honor guard is present as well, consisting of troops from the 1st Guards Tank Regiment, the oldest Hindustani military unit and one that traces its roots not from Britain but from Poland. Many of those same troops were reviewed shortly ago by Chingiz Khagan upon his arrival in the Hindustani capital.

Also waiting for Moerike is a motorcade several Ambassadors long, capped on either end by armored cars and motorcycle outriders. The presence of 37mm and 40mm cannons amongst the vehicles in the column is thought to be sufficient to deter any would-be assassins, though, it must be said, few Hindustanis would go out of their way to protect a foreign head of state. The figure of Prakash Vaidya, Hindustan's Prime Minister, is immediately visible, towering, though not in a terribly imposing manner due to the man's crooked stature and unnaturally long arms, over the assembled Parliamentarians and military officers of the 3rd Front Army.

The Quinntonian Prime Minister is ushered into an Ambassador with Vaidya, and, sure enough, the motorcade starts off towards Parliament House. It is not a quick trip, the automobiles moving as they do through the capital's pedestrian and bicyclist-choked streets. Quite a crowd, it soon becomes clear, has turned out to see Moerike arrive, and a great many placards, some of them even in English, are in evidence, calling on Quinntonia to do this or to do that, condemning NATO or capitalism. In order to limit the Prime Minister's exposure to this motley assortment of Hindustanis and perhaps some visiting foreigners too, the Ambassadors drive straight into the building, the path cleared by two lines of Militiamen and Parliamentary Constables.

PM Moerike was quite soothed by the exaggerated protection that seemed present as she disembarked from Jesus-1, though her security chief was unsure. The Secret Servicemen surrounded her at all times, even watching the security that was provided for her by the Indians. She thought back to when she started out in politics, at that time she had been trying to raise money in her riding for a candidate that soon had to drop out, and lead to her last minute candidacy and her first election to Parliament. At that time, the newspapers were replete with accounts of INU troops fighting alongside Quinntonians in Korea. Now, under her leadership, her Party’s domestic popularity was at an all-time low, and Quinntonia seemed unable to make anyone happy on the international scene. So far, this diplomatic voyage had been wildly successful, but this visit and the one following, to China, would either make or break her administration. And this could very well be a very hostile visit.

When she greeted PM Vaidya, she disguised all of her apprehensions and just yearned for the strength to turn a bad situation into a good one, like the almost Sainted Jesse Orbed. She then travelled, attempting to make small-talk while her stomach did flip-flops. The Parliament buildings were quite impressive, with their British overtones but distinctly Indian stylings, and she was quite happy as a Parliamentarian herself to be in somewhat familiar surroundings. She did know her way around, since she had taken the tour in her youth while on a world-trip prior to university. Of course, when last she was here, it was here bearing the nasty placard, protesting something secular, now the placards had her mane on them and she was being burned in effigy as armed men kept the angry crowd from venting their frustration on her physically.
Once inside the building proper, when PM Prakash Vaidya could hear her finally, PM Moerike turned to her counterpart and asked, “Should we have tea in the PMO, or is Parliament assembled already?”

WWJD
Amen.

Mumbai

Vaidya's office, a small, messy space that doesn't fit two people comfortably, is reflective of his responsibility and power as Prime Minister, and also of the amount of time that he is expected to spend making decisions on his own prerogative. To hold a major diplomatic meeting there would be next to impossible, and, besides, highly offensive to Parliamentarians.

"I'm afraid, madam, that the answer is neither, but if you so desire, there is nothing to prevent you from speaking to Parliament as a whole."

After a short walk, the entourage from the motorcade arrives in the negotiating room, a small amphitheater that sits around 250 people and is packed far beyond capacity. At the front of the room are twenty Parliamentarians, selected to oversee this particular piece of diplomatic business. Militiamen sporting submachine guns stand in the aisles and on the sides, providing, as was the case outside, some measure of security, and doubtless worrying the Prime Minister's own bodyguards.

It takes a few minutes for the Prime Minister to get settled, and a few minutes more for the noise in the room to die down appreciably. At that point, Vaidya decides to commence the meeting.

"It is an honor to have you in our country, Prime Minister, and it is my sincere hope that we might, this day, come to an understanding regarding this extremely complex and unsatisfying international situation."

Ah yes, Prime Minister. She sat down, with her aides flanking her and her very uncomfortable and now downright anti-social Secret Service detachment trying in vain to see everything and everyone in the room. She straightened her suit-skirt and pulled a couple of files from her attaché case.

“I am honoured to be addressing the esteemed assembly that you have brought me before, and I hope that I can begin the process of reconciliation in regards to the situation we have found ourselves in. When I was just entering politics, our nations were the closest of allies, our brave men and women bleeding the same blood into the same mud. We faced down the Dra-poel and the threats posed by them together. We traded and our people were better off for it. Under my predecessor and the great statesman, the late Jesse Obed, we walked as friends and allies. And recently our warships warily stared each other down in the Indian Ocean, as tensions with your neighbours to the south ratcheted up yet again.

Have mistakes been made? Perhaps. Have misunderstandings occurred? Certainly? Can we go back from here? I hope and believe so. I have a vision for our future. Though I claim no direct insight from Almighty God as to the happenings of the future, I do desire something better for our peoples, and believe that it is within our grasp to do so. What I want is our relationship to be reconciled. I want a return to our cooperation. But there are many hurtles.

The main hurtle of which is our disparate relationships with Beth Gellert and its Soviets. Hindustan has a fairly close relationship with its southern neighbour, and not just geographically. Though it is not outside of recent history that your nation has fought its southern neighbour in bloody combat, your people have an amazing capacity for forgiveness and have chosen to look past that and focus on those things that you have in common. That is commendable. It is my hope that the Quinntonian people have the opportunity to practice that kind of forgiveness as well. But the conflict must end prior to the forgiveness occurring. The Quinntonian and Soviet peoples hover on the brink of war. Though the 7th Fleet has left the coastal waters of India, to return to its home ports, Quinntonia has been pushed about as far as it can be by the Soviet Empire. The clash of Empires in Africa, now being played out as a clash between the Soviet Empire and the French Empire, is going to come to an end. I am going to seek the support and guidance of the friends of Quinntonia in order to ask what we must do about this situation, but I have become resolved that both Empires must leave Africa to be governed and ruled by the Africans. I will ask France, who has conquered most of West Africa, to leave its ill-gotten Empire and return to its pre-war borders. I will also ask the Soviet Empire to return to their continent, releasing Namibia from its clutches and tearing down its “re-education camps” and stopping the massive move of manpower and resources to the free continent of Africa.” I don’t know how this will play out, and I come asking your forgiveness for harms that we have done you in the past, as well as guidance in freeing Africa and turning us all from the brink of war there.

Are there any questions or clarifications that I may answer?”


WWJD
Amen.

Moerike is, after her opening address, met with great hostility on the part of Hindustanis, who are none too pleased with hearing Quinntonia's usual characterization of the Soviets repeated. Especially offensive to them is Moerike's view of the war in West Africa, and doubtless the Secret Service men will get tense as the audience's displeasure is made very clear.

Prakash Vaidya is not happy either, but he keeps quiet and doesn't show anything either way. It is not, after all, up to him to craft a response.

After the better part of ten minutes, the assembled Hindustanis quiet down, their points, they think, communicated, and one of the Parliamentarians speaks.

"You must realize, Prime Minister, that your characterization of the war in Africa causes us much frustration. It was not the 'Soviet Empire,' as you call it, that instigated the conflict there, but rather blatant and naked imperial ambition on the part of the French, which, I must remind you, your government did absolutely nothing to curtail. Even after the French used poison gas against the city of Accra, killing perhaps a hundred thousand noncombatants on top of the tens of thousands killed through carpet bombing, you didn't do anything. And that is just the largest manifestation of the brutality and madness exhibited by France's armed forces. Given the fuss your government raised over the ISC's nuclear defense of Tripoli, which itself almost certainly prevented another wholesale massacre of civilians, we'd expect Washington to do something. But doubtless you know all these details, and have either forgotten them or chosen to ignore them, so repeating the list of French transgressions is a useless endeavor.

The point is, you see, that NATO would have left West Africa to the French, and for NATO to come in at this stage claiming to be the champion of self-determination and democracy does not sit at all well with us. You talk about the Soviet Empire, but this is a term with absolutely no truth behind it. Quinntonia is ten times the empire that the ISC is. Do you see a Soviet battlegroup off California whenever you upset Raipur? If you look at what has actually happened, rather than what you claimed happened, you'll find that the Soviets have not actually occupied any nation, much less by force.

Britain has already brought the ISC and NATO to the brink of war, and the only thing that can prevent a conflict at this stage is the immediate and sincere application of diplomacy. Exchanging unacceptable ultimatums doesn't count. Surely, in the end, we all want the French out of Africa, and going to war amongst ourselves in order to achieve that is silly. What is needed is a clear diplomatic agreement on how to proceed, a treaty governing the restoration of self-government in the ECOWAS nations and preferably Algeria as well. It is absolutely necessary that we devote ourselves to finding a peaceful, mutually agreeable outcome to this issue, or else we'll have another, larger war on our hands. Unless, of course, that is something you want..."