NationStates Jolt Archive

In the Sultanate of Aragosol, a small desert state of some five million people, under a democratic elected socially minded Sultan Arufus Jabar Hussein a large explosive issue has been raised by a small feminist movement in the capital of Erdil. Within the capital a growing expatriate force of construction workers, diplomats, and private citizens of foreign countries have swelled the population of Erdil from 147,000 to 157,000 but more importantly with the 10,000 person increase of foreign citizens, foreign citizens of the female gender have worn a more open style a more democratic style of dress compared to the large majority of Aragosol women who are dictated by Islamic law to wear the Burka.

The issue has come up where several leading women in Aragosol domestic circles, Arawil Nassan, Ruble Gregoshi, and Yuf Dora have pressed the Sultan in an open letter of more than 1,000 Erdil citizens to allow women, mostly, unmarried women to wear a more democratic style of dress like expatriate women wear. And thusly the Sultan having not responded to the letter, has caused the feminist movement led by these three women to call for a protest march and gathering of like minded women and men in Free Erdil Square.

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Arawil Nassan looked at the other two foreign educated women and a small uneasy smile cracked through her golden brown lips as the crowd grew behind the three ladies. There was no police presence except for two ordinary policemen walking their usually beat and women and men who had come out at their request now numbered at 110 people. When the three women had arrived at 9 a.m. there had only been one man and three women, two of them foreigners, who had heard about the march and had wanted to join the women in their march. And with the crowd now at 110, mostly women who had heard about it in the Erdil Daily Star were ready for the march. Even Sultan's Hussein's call yesterday not to go ahead with the march because of religious sensativities had not dissuaded the three women.

Turning to the crowd Arawil announced "Today people, we march for women all across Erdil and Aragosol and their right to choose their style of dress".

Thus the men and women (21, 89, 20) walked through the downtown core saying "Let Women Choose" "Power in the Home, Power in the Way One Dresses". Other chants were started as well in the crowd that grew to about 140 people (31, 107, 24).

Men and women looked on from the main street's sidewalk as the 140 people continued their march into Free Erdil Square where the three young women, all dressed in a "free style" of clothing made 'political' styled speeches to Burka clad Aragasol women, traditionally dressed Aragasol men and 'freely' dressed foreign men and women.

Nassan spoke true;

"Thank you for coming out to this event. I feared when this event was planned between myself and these two other women you see before you that no one but us three would show up. I was afraid if that happened then we would be looked upon as 'mentally' unstable women who would need to be sent to the Asagalth (mental institute). I was afraid that religious fundamentalists would attack us, ripping away these 'free' clothes we cherish, and mutilating us so that we would be forced to wear the Burka in shame of our dreams. However my fears are unfounded as you, maybe a size small in Western perspective, turned out nonetheless to support us in allowing women, unmarried, to wear t-shirts, pants, shorts, bandanna's like some of our male compatriots at our age instead of wearing black Burka's covering our entire bodies and no one can see us unless they are our husbands and children. Sultan Hussein is an honourable and democratic man however on this area he is being told to toe the tribal lines of the provinces instead of our democratically minded, college educated citizens foreign and domestic that live in Erdil. I call on you, every one of you to protest Sultan Hussein's lack of response to our letter and force him in a democratic way to allow women to wear t-shirts, and pants, and show clevage and all that great 'freedom' in Erdil. Thank you!"

Sultan Arufus Jabar Hussein watched as his Interior ministry entered his Holy office and bowed until the Sultan waved him in. Hussein then turned his brown eyes to the right wall of his Sultanate room and stared at the seven people delicately painted on the wall, signalling the seven rulers that had ruled Aragasol over the past 189 years in relative peace and calm through three dynasties of Sultanate.

Ibrahim Russis said; My lord, young, Arawil Nassan and others numbering around about 200 are holding a demonstration in Free Erdil Square protesting young women in Erdil wearing the Burka. They do not constitute a threat at ths point in time but we cannot let the provinces hear about this as the tribal elders are already pissed off with your democratic views compared to Aragasol's first six rulers.

"I know Russis. I give the people the right to elect me to the position of Sultan, or they can choose another blood relative from my tribe connected to me and the tribes complain I am breaking the power of the Sultan over the people and women like Nassan demand more rights. We are preparing for a conflict with Amaijhad and I am receiving complaints from both sides."

Russis said; I fear that radicals could attack the protestors if they continue to stay in the Square.

"I see! We cannot have that occur, and we cannot have the militia and troops distracted by an ever growing number of protestors. Tell them to dispurse in six hours, or all foreigners will be deported and all men and women of Aragasol caught in the protest arrested."

Russis nodded and left.

OOC: There is a double post.

IC:

The USSY would like to point out that there is no divine reason in the Qur'an for the use of burkas.

Furthermore, the prophet of your religion limited men to 4 wives, and Islamic law allows for women to call for a divorce. It sets the precedent, from a political standpoint, that giving women more rights is okay.

The USSY would like to see your nation allow more freedoms, especially from one that claims to be religiously tolerant.

If you choose to do so, we would offer to send 2,000 Gendarmes to supplement the police force in high risk areas. We will also send 10 Billion in foreign aid.

Private letter to Arawil Nassan

Greetings,
I write to you not as the ruler of a nation, nor a religious leader or military leader. I write to you this day as a woman and a feminist, like yourself. It is wonderful you are working to further women's rights in your nation, a movement which will surely see much hardship for your future. None the less I encourage you to remain strong and dedicated. It is only through the efforts of those dedicated, their blood and sweat, can we rid the world of sexist oppression of women.

I would like you to know, personally, you have my full support. I will donate funds of my own money to your cause if so needed. And if nessecary, I will bring your plight before the Civil Senate and attempt to persuade my nation to overtly back your cause.

Until then you have both my deepest respect and gratitude for your taking up the cause.

- Dictator of Sumer, Priestess of Inanna,
Ridingir Kisikil Dumumiapuabiak Dumuaninatumak Urukak Leshbarkingdu Kalamak Ninuru
(Kisikil Ninatuma)

At the entrance to Free Erdil Square a riot squad had formed. About one hundred police officers stood off against the 200 or so demonstrators demanding women be allowed free dress in the capital of Erdil. A police commander named Urbil Sadan approached Nassan, Gregoshi and Dora who stood in front of the crowd.

"This illegal protest has been going on for two days. As the Sultanate is entering into a period where international tensions are rising the city needs to be in a lock-down period and all protests especially illegal protests have to be disbanded by order of the Sultan. Leave now before I order my troops to open fire with tear gas and rubber bullets."

Nassan; "What about our complaint?"

Sadan; "The Sultan will listen to your complaint once the trouble is over and the emergency call up of armed forces and Arag militiamen is over."

Nassan; "When will that be?"

Sadan; "We do not know."

Nassan; "That is not good enough. We are asking for a small democratic concession. Tell the Sultan that we will not leave."

Sadan; "Open up with gas men".

Behind the first line of police tear-gas cannisters were fired into the crowd of Aragasol men, women and foreign men and women. Two cannisters and several stones were tossed at the police. The first rank of police charged into the crowd with batons and beganing targetting people's legs and chest to get them to the ground. Nassan was one of the first taken down and she screamed as her t-shirt was ripped from her body, and she attempted to cover herself as a police baton struck her twice in the back.

One foreign man who smacked a police officer with a metal pipe received a baton strike to the head and then several police officers converged on him and began to kick and punch him. Soon the chaos was over as most of the demonstrators had been detained. Two police officers had been hurt along with nine demonstrators including Nassan and Dora in the clash. Another 45 people including 7 foreigners had bee detained on charges of sedition. Tragically, the male foreigner that had struck a policeman with a metal pipe receive grevious injuries to his head and died as he was taken to hospital. No known nationality when he passed on.

1 dead. 11 injuried, 45 detained.

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OOC: Does anyone want to have foreign citizens detained or killed or wounded in clash.

OOC: Sure thing, sign me up for the dead guy.

IC:

The USSY condemns such a harsh treatment of protestors. This will strain our future diplomatic talks.

From Arujjil Prison Hospital, Aragasol:

Secret message from Arawil Nassan

Dear; Dictator of Sumer, Priestess of Inanna,
Ridingir Kisikil Dumumiapuabiak Dumuaninatumak Urukak Leshbarkingdu Kalamak Ninuru
(Kisikil Ninatuma)

Today the government forces of Aragasol through the use of emergency powers attacked our peaceful demonstration. Even though I am sore from several blows I received in the square and during my travel to this hospital that I write to you from I am going to continue my fight peacefully for the end of the Burka in Erdil. Sultan Hussein needs to see that he can not allow freedoms to the foreigners that he allows into Aragasol and not allow modest freedoms to his own citizens. He needs to see that he can't be cowed by tribal influence if he wants Aragasol to progress like I do. If you can have your government lend a diplomatic influence to force these modest concessions I would be most grateful.

Arawil Nassan.

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Sultan Hussein was furious.

"You as my Interior Minister was suppose to break up the demonstration peacefully if you could. From what I hear from some of those detained that the police were more than happy to break the protest up with their fists. Now I have a dead Yanitaria national, Arawil Nassan in prison with severe wounds to her back and Aragasol international credibility has gone lower, and Islamic nations can't have their visibility go any lower. I have told you many time they view us and watch our every step, you took a wrong step and I demand your immediate resignation and a formal apology from you and I will form an investigation into this incident."

Ibrahim Russis; "Yes sir!"

Foreign Ministry of Aragasol, Abdul Suheim

International Community;

We apologize for our Interior Ministries actions in the demonstration that occured in Free Erdil Square. The police force under the ministries command was mandated to break up an illegal demonstration peacefully but violence occured resulting in the death of a Yanitaria foreign citizen. We apologize and are willing to compensate the family of the deceased man and let the world know that the Interior Minister has been sacked, will address to the nation a formal apology for the incident and an investigation will be set up as the Sultan has ordered. We do hope that our international standing has not been affected by the incident and hope that the international community can forgive for this saddening event.

Official Statement of the Free Republic of Kahanistan

My predecessor would undoubtedly pay your nation a visit, wearing some revealing outfit to accentuate her cleavage, in support of the female demonstrators. I, on the other hand, will simply condemn this oppression of women by the state of Aragasol.

When one confronts a situation with force, it is because one is unable, or unwilling, to use discussion to resolve one's differences. Is the thought of women dressing in a more civilised fashion than a cumbersome (and in summer, swelteringly hot) burqa so reprehensible that force must be used to suppress demonstrators advocating a more modern style of dress?

Given the state of our nation currently, many people live abroad, and it is not unreasonable to assume that the people murdered and beaten by your police forces may have included our citizens. We would send National Police to investigate this incident.

Signed,
Dragomir Karovic,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Private letter to Arawil Nassan

Dear Arawil,
I will see what I can do with the meeting of the Civil Senate this afternoon. I believe, at the very least, I can convince them to offer incentives of replenishable resources, if not moor. Otherwise I may be forced to declare the issue a matter of the state, which would remove nessecary permission and debate but force the issue down a less peaceful route. As my officers inform me that your nation is attempting every means possible to keep the issue peaceful, I believe it only civil to approach the matter peacefully.

I trust you will get better. Remember that only those who have faced oppression, death, and defeat first hand can know why they must stand for what they believe.

- Yours,
Kisikil Ninatuma

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In the weekly meeting of the Civil Senate later that day

"Senators," Kisikil spoke, standing before the crowd of those citizens who comprised the Civil Senate, the internal structure through which Sumerian government stood in relation to the civillian population. "I bring to your attention today an issue of deep importance, not only to myself but to our nation and people. I bring to you the issue of the struggle of human equality, of sexist oppression. As we speak in the small nation of Aragasol women are fighting peacefully for their rights as human beings, to be themselves, to choose for themselves. It is a fight we have all seen many times, and a fight we all know must only end one way. A peaceful resolution can only further not just women's rights, but human rights, and foster into this world yet another nation who's existance is for all citizens, regardless of gender. I bring this before you to ask your vote, as representatives of the people of Sumer, to extend our support as a nation through food, industry, and whatever peaceful means we can, to assist these people in their fight for freedom. I wish not to force the military option and only cause them more suffering, through you, dear Senators, I wish to extend the civil branch. Let our actions as a people speak for the rights of others."

Kisikil was not sure if her words, or her rather improvised speech for that matter, would provide the reaction she wished. She knew very well it was well within her right as Dictator to enforce, through military action, her assistance. She hoped however, that through this approach not only would her own people profit from the image abroad, but they would further embrace the concept of internationalisation her mother had been the bastion of before her. She watched from her podium as the senators discussed with themselves. It did not take long, far quicker then normal matters, and she knew the issue itself would be of little importance to the country. Formalaties dictated the speech, and discussion afterwards, as one by one the senators calmed themselves before one finally stood from his seat.

"Ninuru, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say that, if we can do without forcing our way in the world through military force, we should do so. Apply what you deem appropriate to the situation, just do not let the welefare of your people, and their fruits, be a waste." And with that simple address by one of over three hundred senators, the issue was resolved. Kisikil would have her officers take up the issue later. The senate now however, had more pressing concerns for this meeting, and she would be thusly occupied.

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/SumerianNationalFlag2.png
Official Message from the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Sultanate of Aragosol

It has come to our attention of your people's struggle for freedom of choice, and that you, their government and servants, are one of the rare kind in this world. You are willing to listen and provide change. We also understand that instances have happened regarding this issue that do not look favourably to you, as well forces within your nation attempting for force static conservation of the current system. We would thusly like to offer to you, for consideration in your future actions, an offer of trade. Our vast expanses of grassland provide ample room for crops, enough that we have plenty for our own population, and enough to easily feed your nation a hundred times over in excess. We would, pending the way your nation runs itself, be willing to consider opening trade relations with such resources as food, medicine, and potentially minerals being easily negotiable. We may be willing to consider such negotiations regardless of what happens next, however we can assure you that our generosity will be dependent on your actions.

We hope this could open long and peaceful relationships between our two nations.

- Commanding Officer of External Affairs,
Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda

Signed: Panchito Guanikeyu

OOC: Is it too late to have some of my nationals caught in some rioting somewhere?

Foreign Ministry of Aragasol, Abdul Suheim

To: Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Sultanate of Aragosol, External Affairs;

The nation of Aragasol is rigid in some ways based off of the power that our tribal provinces hold on the Sultanate of Aragasol but we want to mature and prosper as well in the international community and respect our religious tribes as well. Sultan Hussein is open to an investigation of the incident that occured and a release of all imprisoned and injuried foreigners caught up in the riot, and we ask that if applicable that a security officer from the Dictorial Republic of Sumer comes to Aragasol to oversea the investigation for transparency.

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OOC: Some of the foreigners injuried or imprisoned could be yours if you want.

OOC: Yeah, I can have some oil workers or Tolvanic Volunteer Corps (like the Peace Corps) people caught up in the chaos. Then we can neogiate their release or I can stage a rescue.

OOC: My people are fairly isolationist, so ICly not likely any would be mine. Except maybe a reporter or someone who really wants to do that kind of stuff.

IC:

Official Message from the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Sultanate of Aragosol

Abdul Suheim,
It is not so much the incident we understand happened within a protest recently that worries us. Viloence happens in any free society, it is simply what happens. That you are taking measures to investigate the issue impresses us and we find your nation's interest in peaceful progression to show. It is thus the issue which spurred the protest which we are concerned. We have faith in your nation's ability to a fair and just hearing at this point, as we have little reason to doubt you. However we, and I dare say the analysists within our intelligence services, are worried about the outcome of such fair investigations. If it will help your people progress, and work well and equally, we will be happy to provide the offer of such trade as potential barganing chip for you to use on the tribal areas you refer to.

Your actions to this point grow faith from us in your abilities, we wish not to see those abilities falter to regression.

- Commanding Officer of External Affairs,
Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda

Signed: Panchito Guanikeyu

Sultan Hussein looked at the message from the Republic of Sumer. So they wanted the government to change in the correct way. Well he couldn't go fully in that direction but he believe that he could applease the feminists, the international community and the tribal provinces.

Declaration From Sultan Hussein Regarding Free Style of Dress:

Aragasol women of all ages living currently in the capital city of Erdil are allowed to wear 'western' or Free Style of dress during 8 a.m - 6 p.m, in their homes if permitted from their father, or husband, in foreign residences and offices (except when dealing with tribal elders). Women of Aragasol are allowed to wear free dress at night if they are staying in foreign districts, or with western-minded friends, however, it is advised that they do not wear western dress at night if they are walking the streets by themselves or in small groups at risk to their personal safety and islamic cultural sensativities. Arawil Nassan and the other Aragasol women detained in the violent protest of Free Erdil Square will continue to be held in detention for sedition and illegal congregation of anti-government agents at this time.

Thank you

Foreign Ministry of Aragasol Sultnate

To: Who it may concern in Tolvan

The Sultanate of Aragasol would like to apologize for the injuring of a Tolvan national in the illegal protest of Arawil Nassan and other feminists in Free Erdil Square. This young woman who was working in the oil fields as a clerk to the north received what we believe is a cut on the forehead from what appears to be a brick from the protestors (actually baton strike) to the head and is being monitored for a grade 2 concussion. We will continue to hold her until her reparation to Tolvan can be coordinated between our two countries.

bump

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

TO: All Tolvanic Nationals
FROM: Foreign Ministry, Office of International Travel

RE: Travel to Aragasol

Due to recent instability in the Aragasolian capital of Erdil we are issuing a Level Four travel advisory to all Tolvanic citizens considering travel to that nation or already present in that nation. A Level Four advisory strongly advises against travel to a designated nation and also advises any Tolvanic nationals presently in said nation to depart as soon as safely possible. A Tolvanic Air Force transport plane will be sent to evacuate any Tolvanic nationals who wish to leave. Additionally, any citizens of nations allied with Tolvan will be allowed to board the plane if space allows.

Kenji Koyasi
Director of the Office of International Travel
Foreign Ministry
Commonwealth of Tolvan

MESSAGE TO ARAGASOL

TO: Aragasol Foreign Ministry
FROM: Robert Donovan, Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Tolvan

RE: Tolvanic Nationals

Due to recent tensions within your nation we have issued a travel advisory recommending that Tolvanic nationals not travel to Aragasol and that any Tovanic citizens currently on Aragasolian soil depart until the situation is stabilised.

To that end we are dispatching a Tolvanic Air Force C-17P to evacuate any citizens of the Commonwealth or its allies that wish to leave. We are also dispatching a small contingent of personnel aboard the transport to ensure the security and efficiency of the operation.

The transport will arive in twelve hours.

OOC: If you're interested in a small skirmish you can have my transport attacked or harrassed in some way, if not the ignore the OOC part of this post.

OOC: School, boo it.

IC:

Official Message from the Dictorial Republic of Sumer to the Sultanate of Aragosol

Abdul Suheim,
While we see that you are trying to strive for the right, we do not think you are willing to go far enough. The restriction upon choice of the women, the entire basis for the argument of freedom of dress, is something you have not solved. In fact you are attempting to legislate the choice of the woman to that of a man, thus removing it from her. All in a thinly veiled attempt at showing progression. It is a very small step, you have many more to take. And as such we can not accecpt this as a compromise. Freedom of choice is the defining principal of the concept of free dress. Untill you are willing to recognise this and legislate for it, we can not provide the openings in relations we have, and in fact may have to consider other options.

- Commanding Officer of External Affairs,
Palil Panchito Dumumianacaonak Dumuaguanikeyuk Doradak Nameshda

Signed: Panchito Guanikeyu