NationStates Jolt Archive

The sun lingered softly just below the horizon, its scarlet morning glory just ever so slightly visible. In the distance, morning fog still hung about the Northern Aniqi Mountains, whose immense ranges rose high into the heavens and across the Shiistani landscape. The sand was not yet warm from the night prior, cooling the feet of Aazad Schalub. He left his home, a small clay structure amongst many others in the town of Baariq. A muezzin sang with a beautiful tenor the morning adhan, or call to fard salat (Mandatory prayer) from atop his high minaret adjacent the town’s mosque. Qiblah Slowly the people stirred and Aazad watched as they exited their homes and made their way to the mosque to pray. Facing the Qiblah, he sang out to Mecca “Ash-hadu al-lā ilāha illallāh! Ash-hadu anna Muhammadan! rasūl allāh! Hayya 'alas-salāt Hayya! 'alal-falāh! Allahu akbar! Lā ilāha illallāh!” ( I bear witness that there is no lord except God I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God Make haste towards prayer Make haste towards success God is greatest There is no lord except Allah)

Aazad had already committed ritual ablution, cleansing himself before entering. He was a young man of nineteen years old, an orphan who’s mother had died in birth and his Father had died on Jihad against the Russians in Chechnya. He walked into the Mosque, at which’s gold and blue painted doors stood the Imam. He bowed slightly in courtesy to him. The Imam bowed back. He laid out his mat and faced the Qiblah and began to pray:

“التحيات المبركات الصلوات الطيبات لله
السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته
السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله
اللهم صلى على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
وبارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم
فى العالمين إنك حميد مجيد”
(All greetings, blessings and good acts are from You, my Lord.
Greetings to you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Peace be unto us, and unto the righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah.
And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. O Allah, bless our Muhammad and the people of Muhammad; As you have blessed Abraham and the people of Abraham.
O Allah, be gracious unto Muhammad and the people of Muhammad; As you were gracious unto Abraham and the people of Abraham.
Surely you are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.)

He then stood and bowed, and noted the Imam leading the prayer still. Soon thereafter it was done, and the crowd which had assembled left. Many townsfolk approached Aazad and bade him good morning to which he contently nodded and granted a smile. Leaving he returned home.

“Poor Aazad,” Imam Khalifi Ferdosi sighed to Maram, the eldest woman in the village, “He has never recovered from his wife’s death.” She nodded.

“He is such a good boy, no man deserves what has happened to him. Inshallah he will find peace.”

“Yes,” The Imam replied, “I do hope that he shall.” Maram left the Mosque then, and the Imam returned to his cell to continue his works. Aazad however did not. He knew that there was no life for him here in Baariq. The past year had shown him he was done. However, he felt that perhaps his destiny lay in the Mujahideen as with his Father. His Uncle Jasim, a wealthy businessman from the Capital City of Maktub had raised him as a son when his Father went to fight. As he grew older, Aazad had grown bitter of the nature of his Father’s death, desiring to fight the Jihad himself in the name of Allah and Islam, but Jasim interjected.

“I shall teach you to use your mind, and to know the ways of Allah. Then, and only then, shall you become truly a fearsome opponent. Upon the date of Aazad’s eighteenth birthday however, Jasim had died, and he sought solace in the arms of his new wife Hafsa. Hafsa however had died in childbirth along with his son. A tear arched his face at the memory, and he wiped it with a stray finger. Grabbing the Kalashnikov of his deceased Father, he exited the home he no longer recognized as a place of peace and wholeness, and entered his car which would take him to Kazballah, the base of the Shiistani Mujahideen. His life as an Islamic Holy Warrior had begun.



****


In Maktub, Abbas al-Khafi, State President of the Islamic Holy Republic of Shiistan stood outside his room upon a marble stone balcony watching over the city. The sun now was high in the sky, approximately noon and the day had grown very hot. His white thawb, a long flowing garment signifying purity and light, cooled him. Looking out over the balcony he saw his city, and it was growing to be a jewel of central Asia. Newly created infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, police stations, business centers, and service industries were growing, making Shiistan strong. He watched cars negotiate a newly built bridge he had constructed to decongest traffic across one of the city streets. The mighty river Bish flowed, and many small barges carrying supplies floated down them. He turned and smiled as his wife Bushra joined him in her black abaya. She was a beautiful woman, her eyes wide a full of life and passion, made ever more so by the black mascara which she used to emphasize them. Her chest was full and her body thin. He beauty however, was only matched by her wit which made her the perfect lover and companion for leader of a nation.

“Good morning,” She cooed to him and he extended an arm around her neck.

“Good morning to you as well. I did not see you at prayer this morning, surely you attended!” He said.

“Of course!” She replied aghast, “I simply was at another sector of the Great Mosque.” Abbas hung his head.

“I am ashamed that I ever doubted you.” She smiled and kissed him lightly. “Shall we dine? I believe that breakfast is ready.”

“Yes my love,” She said smiling, taking his arm. They exited the balcony and walked through the great halls, admiring as always the astounding artworks which graced its interior. He had made certain to decorate the palace as a true symbol to his wealth and power, but made segments of it open to the people so that they may enjoy it as well. He was a benevolent ruler, who desired the best for the citizenry of his fledgling nation.

Shiistan’s infrastructure could best be described as developing. Maktub, Salafi, and Fatahla were its three largest cities. They were well developed but they could not boast first world status, not yet. By no means a backwater, they still had much more developing to accomplish before becoming a truly great nation. Millions of people across the land still lived in small villages without running water or electricity. Many were not literate. His aim was to ensure that this changed during his life. He had been in power since separation from the Russian Federation several years prior, but most of this time was spent uniting the various Tieps which were reluctant to put aside past rivalries and internal struggles for Arab Socialism. With the help of the Mujahideen and most importantly Allah himself, he managed and now Shiistan was whole.

He took his seat and was met by the emergence of his many sons and daughters, whom he immediately embraced. “Good morning to you!” he called out, smiling widely at each of them. They took their respective places at the table and joined them as they dined. The ruling family of Shiistan was the model of happiness and contentity. An aide approached Abbas and requested his attention, which was granted.

“Sir,” the Aide began, “I wish to inform you that the Council of the People is meeting on new legislation which will finally allow for the construction of a new State University in Maktub.”

“This is excellent news, I thank you,” Abbas said. “Is there anything else to report?”

“Yes sir, the Mujahideen are requesting more funding to construct better fortifications in the Aniqi Mountains in the event of an invasion.”

“Grant it.” He nodded, and with that he resumed his morning meal. Thinking to himself, he knew that this, Allah willing, would be an exceptionally good day.


****


Aazad arrived at the mountain headquarters of the Mujahideen the following day. He had driven all through the night to arrive as quickly as he could. His eyes were heavy and his body weak, but his faith and determination drove him forward to meet with the Mujahid Commander. Exiting his car he heard clicking and spun around. Three masked men wearing black shirts with kalashnikov rifles pointed right as him from several yards out.

"Halt immediately or you're dead!" One of them yelled. Another followed suit, "State your name and purpose."

"My name is Aazad Schalube, son of Mujahid Rhafi Schalube." The men lowered their rifles and removed their masks.

"So you're the son of Rhafi?" One asked. He was an older man, in his sixties certainly. He, unlike the others, was not wearing a mask. He approached Aazad, his rifle slung over his shoulder. "I fought with your Father in Chechnya. He was very brave and killed many Russians. You should be proud of him." Aazad nodded.

"I am."

"Why is it you have come here?" The old man asked.

"My uncle who raised me has died, as has my wife. I have no job, no hope of future. I wish to seek solace through Jihad and join the Mujahideen." The old man nodded.

"I see. Are you certain? For if you make this choice it will be difficult to go back."

"Yes, I know that this is my destiny."

"Very well then, we shall bring you to the top of the mountain." And with that the old man showed him a path through the mountain to the top. By the following morning they would find themselves at the cavern entrance to the intricate series of underground tunnels which had been dug out during the Russian invasion and expanded over the years. Aazad was now Mujahideen.

OOC: Use this thread rather than the other I accidentally posted

A new day had dawned and proceeded. Birds flew amidst the trees and buildings, and content people went about their businesses in the manner which they needed to.

In the city of Khand, within the Khandan Soccer Stadium the local soccer team was playing their rivals for the Semi-Finals. The score, three to five, was making the crowd tense as the first half drew to a close. Players hustled to their respective side lines and the crowds on both sides cheered vigorously for the teams. Shiistani flags were being flown and team jerseys gave a bi-colorful spectrum throughout the scene.

It was then that a man wearing a black uniform and black beret walked onto the field. His eyes were hidden behind dark Ray Ban Aviator type sunglasses and he was holding an AK-74 SU (carbine) model assault rifle. A large cigar embered at the end of his mouth, and he grinned. Behind him two old ford four by four trucks lumbered out onto the field, in their beds were two figures, completely covered by burkhas and long flowing black thawbs. Three men wearing black shirts with masks covering their faces exit the trucks and grab the figures from the back. They threw them out of the truck, landing in the field green heavily and with grunts of pain.

****


“You are a whore,” the Tahaki Judge grimaced as he looked at her. He stroked his long beard, and adjusted his black turban. Her swollen eyes blurrily saw the figure as he chided her. “Misha al-Jalifi I hereby, by the power vested in me by Allah and the Prophet Most High, and by the Tahaki Government sentence you to die for your adulterous behavior.” A tear arched her bruised cheek, swollen and inhibiting her vision. She closed her eyes. Hands grabbed her and thrust her up to her feet. They buckled beneath her and she went limp. Two men in black shirts with rifles dragged her through the stone doors and into a dark hall way. Blood dripped from her eyes and mouth, cuts covered her body. The pain was excruciating.

“Bitch move your feet!” one of the Tahaki men demanded. She did not comply. He kicked her in the stomach and her body lurched. They grabbed her again and forced her onwards, and then she was consumed by over powering light. Another joined her, a man wrapped in a burkhas and long black thawb garb. Misha knew that this was Sharaf, her lover. He moaned in agony as they threw him into the back of a truck and was beaten by a man with a Kalashnikov rifle. She attempted to utter a cry but was too weak to do so. The torture she had undergone was too severe.

“Now it’s your turn, whore,” one of the masked men hissed. He forced the burkha over her face. She felt herself being lifted into the air and then being in flight. The impact against hard metal came quickly and she sighed in pain. She was unable to speak, and she listened in agonized sorrow as Sharaf moaned in pain. The trucks engines roared to life and she felt them move. The trip was not long, but it lasted ages.

They pulled her from the truck and as she hit the ground she felt her rib break. Gasping for air, she fought to keep conscious from the overwhelming pain.

“This woman!” A voice called out, “Along with this man, is sentenced to death for their adulterous deeds. It is Allah’s will that they be purged for such immoral behavior!” She remained rigid. A breeze blew across her face. The fear was gone.

“Allāhu Akbar!” he cried, and the crowd began chanting.

“Allāhu Akbar! Allāhu Akbar! Allāhu Akbar!” they roared. She sighed, a drip of blood rolled off her forehead and off the tip of her exposed nose. She tasted iron in her mouth, and liquid, her life, spilling forth. She laxed and readied to emerge in Paradise.

The crowd would watch as he drew his Kalashnikov and fired a round into the back of her lovers head, blood exploding forth onto the green. He then non-chalantly moved his rifle to the back of Misha’s neck, and squeezed the trigger. One blackness and the roars of the jeering crowd gave way to a peaceful, and serene darkness.


OOC: The purpose of this RP is to show Shiistan and its society. It gives an idea what its like to be in Shiistan. If you want to participate in any manner, great, but I would prefer to to have emissaries attempt to make diplomatic connection. Should you want to invade me for whatever reason Telegram me and we'll talk about it.

Official Statement of the Government of the Conservative United States of Holy Paradise:
"We are very respectful of the right of nations to have state religions. However, we condemn any use of religion for violence. We also condemn the use of religion to oppress women. The use of the death penalty as a punishment for extra-marital sex is a major over-reach in law and order."

"We are willing to talk with you and discuss this conflict in beliefs we have with each other."

OOC: Good job on your first posts on the forums, Shiistan. Ixanians would be friendly with your nation but most would dislike your people's....devotion to the word of Allah. :D

The Ixanian Empire had always tried to make friends with the nations of the world regardless of religion and political ideologies. The people were, mostly, indifferent to whatever firebrand preaching or actions committed or said by the hardliners and fundamentalists in the world; all they wanted was diplomatic relations not corpses of their loved ones sent back from a war started over some deed or some word. It did not take long for the Foreign Ministry to learn about the existence of Shiistan nor to decide that it would be best to establish relations with this nation. Ivan Rucinsky knew of the nation's Islamic flair but he, as the Foreign Minister, did not have orders nor a desire to condemn the people's devotion to Allah. He wondered, though, about the Shiistani people's thoughts concerning his own nation: a Christian nation where most women don't wear burqas. The Empress, Anastasia II, never wore one although she would do so if she had to; as a sign of respect for Shiistani traditions. Religious tolerance was the norm in Ixania.

Ivan Rucinsky had a letter sent to the nation of Shiistan, to whoever it concerned, with news that his nation had expressed a sincere desire to open relations with Shiistan despite religious and political differences. The message read like so:

"To whomever it may concern,

The Ixanian Empire desires the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Empire and the Holy Republic of Shiistan in the hopes that we may become friends rather than enemies. We can, if you desire, organize a meeting between our nation's diplomats to discuss diplomatic relations between our nations. We look forward to your reply; awaiting it with trepidation.

Signed,
Ivan Rucinsky,
Foreign Minister of the Ixanian Empire"

The letter was sent swiftly and all Ivan had to do was wait for his secretary to bring him the Shiistani reply.

OOC: Nice opening intro, and an interesting display of skill with character writing. correct me if I over step what my nation should know...

IC:

FROM: Ministry of Foreign and Economic Affairs of the Armed Republic of the Three Isles of Skibereen(ARTIS)

TO: Diplomatic Officials of the Islamic Holy Republic of Shiistan


Greetings,

Peace and Blessings be upon the people and the nation of Shiistan.
The nation of Skibereen wishes to open diplomatic channels with the Islamic Republic. As well as opening diplomatic channels, the Republic(Skibereen) having a reputation for its support of Scholarship, and the people of the Republic having a love of the Scholar. Wish to offer technical assistance in all manner with the aid of the construction of the State University in Maktub.
As well the New Dublin University has professors on staff who would be most interested in participating in some type of an Academic Fellowship.

As a matter of policy Skibereen is always open to cultural exchange, and entry into Skibereen even as tourist is relatively easy.

We encourage your people to enjoy the hospitality of our nation.

MoFEA

tag

Foreign Office, Georgetown, United Kingdom

Tucked in a corner on the seventh floor of a late Georgian-period, marble construction, the Central Asia Desk hosted only a scant few desks where members of the civil service reviewed the latest news not just from the KBC and other international news outlets, but also from local broadcasts like Al-Jazeera Shiistan. James Hundley scratched the back of his neck before adjusting the over-sized, wire-rimmed glasses sitting so awkwardly atop his nose. His eyes were peering through the thick plastic lenses to read a summary of reports from Shiistan, reports that largely said nothing. It was a central Asian nation recently divorced from the Russian Federation. Little investment in infrastructure outside the capital Maktub and reports of a harsh judicial system. That the government was seeking to create a standing national army, that was news of some sort thought Hundley. He quickly typed up a short memorandum on the topic and sent it up the chain of command.

Several floors up, in a naturally-lit and rather spacious corner office, Gavin Astley skimmed through briefs and memos drafted by the Foreign Office and deemed worth his reading by his secretaries and aides. It was only a few hours after Hundley drafted his memo before the note came to Astley's attention, a matter of some importance as Astley was the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

The facts in the memo indicated that Shiistan could be a potential site of Oceanian investment. While underdeveloped, some capital outlays could turn that around and present Oceanian firms with access to natural resources—and in central Asia that often meant precious metals or natural gas—or a labour force far cheaper than that in the United Kingdom. Naturally, the local customs could present problems. But they were not insurmountable problems.

Foreign Office Communiqué

His Majesty's Government has noted the great potential of the Islamic Holy Republic of Shiistan and accordingly should like to offer the opportunity to establish full diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom of Oceania. Should your government be interested in discussing the details of any such agreement, HM Government would be willing to despatch a diplomatic mission to Shiistan to finalise the agreement.

Should full diplomatic relations be opened between our two states, the United Kingdom would be willing to assist the Islamic Holy Republic in the development of infrastructure and a credible national defence force. Oceanian private enterprise would likely be interested to invest in your nation's primary economy and potentially, depending upon labour conditions, construct plants and offices in Shiistan.

HM Government looks forward to a prosperous and cooperative future between our two states.

Signed

Gavin Astley
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

-SNIP-


President Abbas al-Khafi was quite pleased by the Ixanian request for diplomtic relations and immediately drafted a request for their Empress to meet with him in Maktub. He had the finest tailors in all of Shiistan create glorious thawbs worthy for an Empress to wear and sent them along with his reply. Preparations were made, rooms cleared, and personal aides assembled to cater to her needs in addition to the staff which she would certainly bring with her.

The Skibereen request to assist in the construction of the University of Maktub was also humbly accepted. It was not that the Shiistanis did not have the ability to produce the facility, but rather that they desired the cooperation of another nation to undergo this endeavor. This would engender a sense of kinship and good relations between the two states which would only grow with time. In Islam, success is not measured by ones own monetary credit, as this is too arbitrary. Nay, it is written in the Glorious Qu'ran that one is measured by the number of friends and contacts he has made throughout his life. And this, is why they would with all the joys of heaven accept Skibereen's assistance.

Holy Paradise's statements were another matter. The Tahaki Party, the Shiistanis Governing party, were a tolerant group of others religions. It was the Word of the Prophet that all religions are to be respected and treated as just. Christianity more than others, as Christ is, as the Qu'ran writes "It is He Who sent down to thee step by step, in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus Christ before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong." -Qu'ran 3:3

And thus, the statements by their Government were not taken offense to, but rather pardoned as ignorance, yet not in a negative sense. The reply issued to them by the Foreign Ministry, which President al-Khafi wished to handle the matter, was simple.

"Peace be unto you dear friends,

We recognise that in your culture you believe that perhaps such behavior is, while still wrong, not worthy of punishment in the form of execution. However, by Sharia (Islamic Law) it is so. In Hadith (Muhammed's word), Muhammed wrote that infidelity was a crime most vile, and it was Allah's word in Sharia that such should be punished by death. We exist by the Sharia and the Hadith, and as such must punish such occurances in accordance with our laws. Should you desire to meet with our ministers to learn more of Islamic culture and our heritage, please feel free to do so."

-snip-


We humbly accept this request for a diplomatic meeting and shall be honoured to host you within the Islamic Holy Republic to discuss future investments. Inshallah may the peace be eternal.


~President al-Khafi

Ongoing correspondence--


It is an admirable thing to accept assistance as a vehicle for cultural exchange.
To that end, Skibereen will dispatch men in all all fields possibly required for this project. Including experienced skilled labor(as certainly unskilled labor would not be welcome by the unskilled labor force in your nation, good will only has so much weight), as well more Administrative and Academic expertise.

However, while representatives from New Dublin University are of course versed in Islamic customs the world over, construction professionals from Skibereen are perhaps not.

Is Shiistan a Sharia Law governed society? If so an orientation in Sharia is available here for our workers.

Along with Sharia, are there any other local customs which should be made aware to our civilian envoys?

Skibereen, itself has several for the long term visitor, but few for the short time tourist.

However, being that we recognize our national customs might be considered even barbaric to some, we seek to prepare any visitor to your nation previous to some incident.

Thank you

Helen Rafferty, Diplomatic Officer
MoFAE

The Sharia is indeed the law of our lands and it would be good for your people to understand this so that they are not surprised when they experiance how we practice law. I do not believe that any other customs will need to be known of, and if they find anything unusual or do somehow upset some unforseen cultural difference, our advisors who will be attached to your crews will certainly assist you in the recognition of such occurances. We do hope you enjoy your stay in Shiistan.

OOC: I can continue this into actually bringing groups in--or stop here.

Or if you would like you could make another thread...or stop here.

A slight breeze flowed through the ancient temple in which Mori Hideaki and his ministers sat. A feint bass hum could be heard echoing forth from the main temple were the monks were meditating. The wind nearly extinguished the burning incense and made the aroma very strong for those few moments where the flames quietly flickered. In these tranquil halls, Chairman Mori conducted most of his affairs of state. He found the capitol building to politically charged and clouded to make clear decisions. Bowing before him was Rikugun Tai Sho (High Marshal of the Army) Itoh Yoshi and Minister of foreign affairs Oda Nobushige. They stayed in that position for some time till Chairman Mori took the time to do the formalities to recognize them.

"Gichou Mori-domo, a development in Central Asia presents us with a great many opportunities economically and militarily. A nation Shiistan, an Islamic Republic, has opened itself to the world and is receiving many foreign ambassadors. It would be beneficially to our people if we were to follow suit." advised the Minister of Foreign affairs. His eyes twinkled with greed as he saw an opportunity to expand his clan's financial empire overseas. The man smiled, his avarice was legendary throughout the confederacy, and it was well known the Oda chose the foreign affairs ministry in order to benefit themselves. The situation could no be helped, the Confederacy had to recognize the Oda's right to the ministry. The Oda minister knew he wasn't trusted and so brought the well respected General Itoh to back his claims.

The Marshal nodded in agreement. He knew the Oda minister was seeking only personal gain, but he was not lying. The situation did present it self with many opportunities for the army. "Gichou Mori-domo, our army has no experience in desert warfare, securing an alliance with Shiistan could possibly allow us to train with their army and thus gain this experience. We must make sure our desert warfare tactics and equipment is correct."

Mori Hideaki sat there for several moments more pondering on the situation. In this pleasant atmosphere he could think clearly and without the constant buzzing of minor political figures trying to interject every moment with their obvious biases. The Chairman could see no harm in forming this alliance and if his general said it was so, it must be so. Mori nodded his head in approval. "I approve, go ahead with your letter Minister Oda-sama.

Confederacy of Joukai
From the Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We congratulate you on your recent move to independence and national sovereignty. In your capacity as a sovereign nation you have moved to form your own army with good sense. In this action we see possibilities for mutual benefit.

Our forces are well trained and despite our military currently going under reorganization, we believe our both our war veterans and young field officers can contribute and learn much in your nation. We desire to test our equipment and tactics in a desert environment. In this endeavor our armies may train together and allow your forces to become familiar with the most modern of arms and vehicles. If this is not suitable, or you have no need our our equipment, then we could simply train together in a sign of good faith and exchange desert tactics. We have production rights to a great many modern warfare models (Tanks, guns, AFVs etc.) and we are willing to open branches and factories our our Oda Arms & Armor corporation in your nation.

Specifically we wish to deploy the 1st Armored, 1st Cavalry and 3rd Mountain Divisions in your nation along with Cadets from our Confederate War College.

We also wish to offer a mutual trade agreement that will allow both our nations to establish economic ventures in the other's sovereign state.

Signed,
Oda Nobushige,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

-snip-



We would be honoured to accept such a trade agreement with you and believe that such investment will assist us as well as you. As far as assistance in training the army is concerned this would be fine with us. You desire knowledge in the art of warfare in the desert yes? We too can be of service in that regard. The Mujahideen are the greatest desert warriors who have ever lived. Send your men to Shiistan and they may learn from our Mujahids and perhaps you too shall become men of the desert. We look forward to future cooperation.


~Foreign Ministry of Shiistan

OOC:

@Skibereen: Bring groups in, we'll RP all these actions occuring.

Task Force One (http://www.defenselink.mil/home/images/photos/2006-04/index/Hi-Res/2006-04-10-085753.jpg)

Sho Sho (Major General) Shimazu Showa was almost blinded by the sand storm created by the landing of his expeditionary force. He held his hands before his face in a vain attempt to keep the sand out of his eyes. The sun was beating down on him with a fury, he felt as though he had been dropped into the mouth of hell itself. The heat was almost unbearable, it seemed he immediately began to perspire the moment he stepped out of his Chinook. He tried to look over at his staff, they seemed to be suffering from similar annoyances. The old general then began to fear for his troops. He was carrying almost nothing while they were armed to the teeth with the latest gear. Fighting in these conditions would be most difficult. They were young though, and loyal and so would not complain as long as they had water.

The aged general walked over to the large gathering of cadets, all dressed in their desert fatigues, but with distinctive berets to mark them as cadets. They were all excited to be here in this foreign nation representing the confederacy they had sworn their lives to. He envied their youth, he had lived out his life on the battlefield and never really got to experience normal life. "Hmp, even in my old age I am still serving some military... Perhaps it is time to retire" he said warmly to one of his aides.

The young aide laughed, the general had been talking about retiring for years but could not bring himself to leave them army.

General Date moved over to his radio and radioed the Mujahid commander he had been ordered to contact on his arrival. His translator relayed the message in formal Arabic but with a heavy Asian accent. "Task force One has arrived upon the agreement of our two nations. We are requesting coordinates to your position and are currently setting up base camp at this position."

New Masada, Capital of Kahanistan

Kahanistan had, as those intimately familiar with the nation knew, been founded in the Middle East by Jewish radicals. However, after lengthy periods of warfare, infighting, and sectarian conflicts, the nation had secularised and become a multi-religious state. In recent years it had been uprooted by Doomani invasions and driven to the Western Atlantic, but still retained its Semitic ethnic groups and was very open to minorities and their cultures.

Some cultures still crossed the line.

While roughly a third of modern Kahanistan's population were Arabs, few of them would have agreed with such a fundamentalist religious view. Theocracy had a bad taste in the mouth of the average person. It was associated heavily with their arch-enemy, the Imperium Doomanum. As such, theocracy, whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, was highly frowned upon.

A year or two ago, such barbarity in the modern era would have been cause for military intervention. However, Doomani invasions had so badly wrecked the military and infrastructure that Kahanistan had been forced to accept Praetonian military protection. The terms of such protection explicitly forbade declarations of war without going through Kingston. The government knew that such an intervention would never be countenanced.

However, there was nothing in that treaty about intelligence gathering. As such, General Igor Kaselev, Director of Military Intelligence, assembled a team of five people to enter Shiistan as tourists. First, of course, he had to learn about the firearms laws of Shiistan - he wasn't about to send people unarmed into a potentially dangerous country, not if he could help it.

The general sent a brief note through the Foreign Ministry of Kahanistan to inquire about the prevalence of firearms in Shiistan...

The request of the Kahnistani Government was seen as odd to many within the Foreign Ministry of Shiistan, however they had no ill will against the Kahnistani people and thus they felt that it could not harm to give them the answer they so desired. A brief, concise response was issued stating that the vast majority of the population owned and regularly carried weapons, and the various Tieps monitored their usage in their own way. Murder was not really a pervasive problem, though the possibility did remain in peoples minds and inter-Tiep warfare was a fear which many held. The majority however felt secure that Islam brought them all together in unity, and the non-Muslims were just as welcome in the nation as any Muslim would be. In short, the Ministry did not even bother al-Khafi with this message, feeling secure that he need not be troubled over simple questionairing.

Intel interpreted the response as meaning that it was relatively easy to obtain weapons for protection. Five agents - three of them Arabs, the other two of Mediterranean appearance that could pass as Arabs, were sent into the country.

Their orders were merely to gather information - not to hurt anybody or overturn the system - but they were encouraged to obtain guns to protect themselves, and were dressed as civilians.

So, aboard a Kahanistanian Airlines supersonic jet liner, Major Abdul-Majid al-Bassam and his team discussed the impending mission.

"So, we're going to go in and kick some ass?" asked P.F.C. Miriam Gold. She was a small Jewish girl who could easily pass as an Arab and spoke fluent Arabic. She also wanted to see people not get shot for who they chose to love.

Al-Bassam shook his head. "We're just going to find out a little about the culture. How it's similar to other Arabic cultures, and how it's different. Ass-kicking will come later, once Mad King George can be persuaded." George IV was the King of Praetonia and the man Kahanistan would have to convince to grant assent to a true intervention.

"Crap." Gold hung her head. Sgt. Hassan Ghauri put his arm around her. "We're all itching for a fight," he said, as if to reassure her.

First Lieutenant Khadijah Zubaidi seemed unimpressed. "I'm not. We're trying to get information to use to justify an invasion. It just has... so many parallels I'm not comfortable with," she said.

"That poor girl could have been you, Lieutenant," said Master Sergeant Jacob Spitz. "If you'd been born in another country... you're Muslim, right? Your parents didn't like the man you're dating, do they? What if they wanted to..."

"This is no barbaric 'honour' killing," said Zubaidi. "This girl was sentenced by the courts they have in place to be executed. Your argument fails there. I don't agree with the execution, either... but is it our place to interfere in sovereign nations?"

"Right now, we're just gathering information," said al-Bassam as the plane began its descent...

President Abbas al-Khafi was quite pleased by the Ixanian request for diplomtic relations and immediately drafted a request for their Empress to meet with him in Maktub. He had the finest tailors in all of Shiistan create glorious thawbs worthy for an Empress to wear and sent them along with his reply. Preparations were made, rooms cleared, and personal aides assembled to cater to her needs in addition to the staff which she would certainly bring with her.

The Skibereen request to assist in the construction of the University of Maktub was also humbly accepted. It was not that the Shiistanis did not have the ability to produce the facility, but rather that they desired the cooperation of another nation to undergo this endeavor. This would engender a sense of kinship and good relations between the two states which would only grow with time. In Islam, success is not measured by ones own monetary credit, as this is too arbitrary. Nay, it is written in the Glorious Qu'ran that one is measured by the number of friends and contacts he has made throughout his life. And this, is why they would with all the joys of heaven accept Skibereen's assistance.

Holy Paradise's statements were another matter. The Tahaki Party, the Shiistanis Governing party, were a tolerant group of others religions. It was the Word of the Prophet that all religions are to be respected and treated as just. Christianity more than others, as Christ is, as the Qu'ran writes "It is He Who sent down to thee step by step, in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus Christ before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong." -Qu'ran 3:3

And thus, the statements by their Government were not taken offense to, but rather pardoned as ignorance, yet not in a negative sense. The reply issued to them by the Foreign Ministry, which President al-Khafi wished to handle the matter, was simple.

"Peace be unto you dear friends,

We recognise that in your culture you believe that perhaps such behavior is, while still wrong, not worthy of punishment in the form of execution. However, by Sharia (Islamic Law) it is so. In Hadith (Muhammed's word), Muhammed wrote that infidelity was a crime most vile, and it was Allah's word in Sharia that such should be punished by death. We exist by the Sharia and the Hadith, and as such must punish such occurances in accordance with our laws. Should you desire to meet with our ministers to learn more of Islamic culture and our heritage, please feel free to do so."

OOC: Wait, you are new to NS? I hadn't even checked your nation's age, I assumed you had been here for a long time due to your RPs' style and detail. Well done.

IC:
To: President Abbas al-Khafi of the Islamic Holy Republic of Shiistan
From: President John Holtz of the Conservative United States of Holy Paradise
Subj: RE: Message
"Peace be unto you as well, Mr. President. (If that is how you wish to be greeted. It varies so often I just immediately refer to fellow presidents as 'Mr. President.') After the Holy Paradisian Intelligence Agency looked into your nation's history more closely. I am glad to see you respect other religions so well. I apologize on my government's behalf for taking such a strong stance concerning you, it's just that normally any nation that follows Sharia law that we have dealt with has been less open-minded.

I am quite familiar with Sharia law and the Hadith. I have read the Quran and reflected on its teachings. In these times, I believe all leaders should be at least familiar with the beliefs of any religion. My nation, while we have no state religion, is mostly Roman Catholic. The percentage of people in Holy Paradise who are Catholic fluctuates between 90 and 95% these days. About 4 to 6% are Islamic, 1 to 3% are Jewish, and the rest are varied.

I guess it is reasonable to assume that the influence of Catholicism on the populace is one of the main reasons our laws are much different than yours. The death penalty was outlawed about 2 RL years ago. Concerning extra-marital affairs and fornication, there are no actual laws. Society, however, tends to look down upon adulterers. I support this. I believe, much like you do, that adultery is a terrible sin. It is not a "victimless crime", as some say. There are family members that suffer, not to mention I think it is an abomination to God. You can see, there are more similarities between our nations than differences.

What we do disagree on, though, is how we deal with adultery. Your nation prefers to deal with adultery with much more force than we do. Nonetheless, we still agree on the principles, if not the policies. Let us focus on that.

We both believe there is a God, albeit He has diffferent names. We believe there is a Heaven. We both believe that adultery is a sin.

What we disagree on is how we deal with the sinner, a small difference in light of our similarities. Still it is important.

Now, I understand your belief that adultery must be punished by law. The Quran commands it, which is fair enough. I almost think my nation should outlaw adultery. Many would support it. In fact, the Old Testament (Which I assume you are familiar with) says punish adulterers in a fashion comparable to the command of Allah.

But this is where the New Testament comes in. Jesus is the Son of God in my religion. He is not God in your religion, but He is a prophet, as you have mentioned. Now, did not Jesus say, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone?'. If the Gospel is also considered to be something sent down by Allah in the Quran, then this statement applies. If Jesus said this and He was a prophet, then that means that is the command of Allah. However, that is contradictory to Allah's other command. (Correct me if the exact aforementioned quote by Jesus is not stated in the Quran, it has been a while since I have read it.)

I am not saying your beliefs are wrong because they are contradictory. I am not even saying your beliefs are wrong. However, could it be possible, that Allah did not mean for what is said in the Quran to be taken word for word? Isn't there the possiblity that Allah wishes for us to follow not the letter of the law, but the spirit? This same problem occurs in the Bible as well.

If you disagree, I understand. Let me know either way. I hope we can stay in touch and remain on good terms. We must base our relationship on principle, not policy.

When the Kahnistanis landed they would exit the aircraft and walk out onto the tarmac, where a Shiistani Civil Guardian would direct them into the airport compoud for customs check in. Should any narcotics, illegal contraband, or undesirable other posessions be found on their persons they would be detained and their fate decided by the local High Islamic Court.

As no such materials were on their persons they were passed right through relatively quickly, within a few minutes, and sent on their way. Their pass ports were stamped, and through the gates they were sent. Once outside, they could do as they wished really, the city of Maktub was rather large, of some eighty million people, and expanded out quite some area encompassing numerous smaller townships and villages. The infrastructure was at its best in this city, and new foreign investors were entering with increasing rapidity to assist in the construction of new everything. President al-Khafi was a very Western man, not like the Tahaki radicals who ran the Islamic Peoples Congress, though he was forced to comply with their often radicalistic approaches. This, however, was unknown to all and most certainly unavailible to these spies of the Kahnistani Government.

And now what they did was up to them. They were outside the International Airport and facing a main road congested with numerous cars, trucks, and other vehicles moving to and fro about the city. Whatever they did, however, they would need to obey Islamic Law else they would find themselves detained quickly. Foreigners were only given so much leeway...


(OOC: Ok, first thing you're going to want to know about Shiistan is that it isn't just 300 million people large. I accidentally lost the nation in latter 2006 due to my being sent to Russia, coming home....debilitated, and then going to various other parts of the world. However, due to some mates of mine who play NS, I've found that my population should be somewhere around 3.8 billion, but due to extensive casualties taken during the First Shiistani War with the Russian Federation, I claim to have 3.5 billion people in all of Shiistan. Most of them are spread out throughout the land in villages and such, but there are several such cities as this. I really haven't had enough time lately to be certain on how I want to do things, but I'm working on it :p

Since you'll likely be spending most of your time in Maktub, which for all you non-Arabs means loosely "It is Written"...its complicated to explain, but it roughly means that everything that happens is "written" by Allah in the way that it occurs for a reason....just a little back story on my culture. If you want to learn something RP your people hitting one of the various libraries and choose some random book you claim to find on whatever topic you're interested in and I'll RP your people reading it so you can find it out. It'll make your fact finding journey that much easier. :) )

Correspondence from Raven Building Inc--

Dear Sirs,

Raven Building INC,
The MoFAE has offered a special contract to our firm for workers to participate in a project with in your nation.

While we are flattered at this opportunity, some concerns have been brought to our attention by company advisers.
As your nation is governed by Sharia Law, we are concerned the Islamic prohibition of intoxicants will forbid access o our workers to Whiskey and other Alcoholic beverages. While this might seem a trivial matter, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and most notably whiskey is a long standing tradition in Skibereen, and almost every family(primary clan holding a specific surname) has some private recipe for distillation. In short, Whiskey is for most citizens of Skibereen a daily bread.

We hope to find some accommodation on this matter.

One solution is to send only Muslim workers(this option is available), however the Ministry of Information & Culture insists this would not indicative of the true culture of Skibereen. In that Islam is not the disproportionate majority religion in the nation.

A sequestered camp is possible, however when proposed to our workers representatives they suggested that would defeat the purpose of the mission.

The only solution we can perceive is special consideration from your government on this matter, and a sequestered location where non-Muslims may be allowed to consume alcohol. Perhaps a set of large tents, they could serve dual duty as the Skibereenian Consulate.

We eagerly await your response.

-------

"I am not to keen on just waltzing to 'assist' some boys on their own ground. I mean governments and good will aside I know I dont want some bastard coming in and presuming to tell me how to do my job."

A grey haird man in an open collard checkered shirt spoke, as he raised a glass of amber liquid to his mouth.

"John, its a cultural thing, their hospitality and what not." Another man saty lounging in chair.

Both men were at the feet of large building being constructed, another building for the International Military Academy.

"Really, Hospitality? You dont say?" the grey haired man's sarcasm was clear.

"You see that sign above the door to my trailer?"

the man lounging sighed

"Do you see the sign Tom?"

He looked to the trailer as if he needed to look, he already knew what it said.

"Yes John, I do." Tom looked like he was physically getting tired.

"Would you mind telling me what exactly it says?"

"John..." but Tom was cut off.

"The sign Tom."

" It says 'Fortes et Hospitatis' John, listen I know..."

"Do you know what that means Tom?"

"Yes John, now listen..."

"Tell me what it means Tom, so I am certain you know."

"Damn it John it means 'Strong and Hospitable' ."

"It sure does Tom, where is that from?"

"John you are trying my patience."

"What's it from Tom?"

"Its our national motto John."

"Your damned right it is Tom and 90% of Skibereenians take it pretty fecking seriously. That doesnt change the fact we dont like being where the rubber meets the road by some bloody outsider in our own backyard. I am not saying these people will be unreasonable I am saying they will be just like us, and assuming that...some might be a little put off by us being there. So you need to make sure the boys understand that."


"John, get back to work. I will take care of it."

"Youre the boss Tom."

You shall find that our restrictions will be laxed for your people's enjoyment should you all desire to partake in alcoholic drinking. We ask simply that you all engage in such activities in the privacy of your hotel rooms and not while on the job. This certain is sensible, as drinking while working would be inefficient and counter productive as well as offensive to many of our citizenry. As such, doing so in your hotels would be quite acceptable and our authorities informed so as not to harrass your workers.


~The Foreign Ministry

-snip-

OOC: Just a clarification I don't actually believe in this, and neither does my President. He hates the Tahakis as I've mentioned in posts since this one, but he can't do anything about them because they control so much influence with the military and he doesn't want to risk a war. While yes al-Khafi controls the Regular army, he doesn't own the Mujahideen, and thats where the true powers at. Thats actually why I had it made so that there would be a balance. The hope is that with the incoming funding and infrastructure will cure some of the radicalism. Now...on an OOC level: I really kind of like the Saudi/Taliban balancing...its kind neat..I was looking to do something different and so far I think I've done just that. :D

IC:


You bring up many valid points, many of which I agree with. However I do not make the laws in this nation. I am not all powerful, though I do have a degree more power than other men in my position. The Islamic People's Congress decides on the Interpretation of Sharia and how it is applied to the High Islamic Courts (who are also Tahaki). I do not believe, per se, that this woman should have died for her crimes, but there truly was nothing I could do in this matter.

Inshallah we will see a day where such happenings are not as common. Peace be unto you friends,


~President al-Khafi

The soldiers split up in the city of Maktub. The only thing each of them had was a walkie-talkie and six thousand Shiistani dollars (after, of course, they had converted their shekels at a currency exchange) and a suitcase with two days' worth of clothes. After reserving cheap hotels, which to their consternation likely lacked such basic necessities as toilet paper, they began to gather information.

The information they were after wasn't the kind one could look up in an encyclopedia - there were plenty of books about Islam and Arabs in Kahanistan. No. The information they wanted was basically, how many people were being executed in Shiistan, what was the tactical capability of the regime to resist an invasion, how popular was the radical regime among the Shiistani people, etc.

In one of the market places, P.F.C. Miriam Gold walked in, dressed in a chador and hijab. Her face was still visible, but that and her hands were about all that was visible. A petite, slim girl less than five feet tall and nineteen years old, used to the Western Atlantic climate, she was quite uncomfortable in the heat, sticky and sweaty, but tried to hide it. After obtaining a large bottle of fruit juice at a local vendor, she struck up a conversation with some other Arab women in the area, hoping to get an idea of what the average Shiistani woman in the street thought of the regime...

Correspondence from Raven Building Inc

If the possession is not illegal then yes, this will certainly be a fitting solution.
We will however ship, the product in secure containers, marked in such a fashion so as not overtly display the contents. The markings however will be made clear to your customs officials before hand.

A dispatch of midlevel managers(13), Surveyors(14), Masons(52), and two RBINC Administrative Advisers(3) will be the first to arrive.

----------------------------


The plane touched down in Shiistan...
Certain cultural oversights not considered had been firearms--nearly all of the men had pistols in their luggage and every man carried at least one large knife(some many more).


OOC: So are the Tahaki kind of like the Wahhabi?

The soldiers split up in the city of Maktub. The only thing each of them had was a walkie-talkie and six thousand Shiistani dollars (after, of course, they had converted their shekels at a currency exchange) and a suitcase with two days' worth of clothes. After reserving cheap hotels, which to their consternation likely lacked such basic necessities as toilet paper, they began to gather information.

The information they were after wasn't the kind one could look up in an encyclopedia - there were plenty of books about Islam and Arabs in Kahanistan. No. The information they wanted was basically, how many people were being executed in Shiistan, what was the tactical capability of the regime to resist an invasion, how popular was the radical regime among the Shiistani people, etc.

In one of the market places, P.F.C. Miriam Gold walked in, dressed in a chador and hijab. Her face was still visible, but that and her hands were about all that was visible. A petite, slim girl less than five feet tall and nineteen years old, used to the Western Atlantic climate, she was quite uncomfortable in the heat, sticky and sweaty, but tried to hide it. After obtaining a large bottle of fruit juice at a local vendor, she struck up a conversation with some other Arab women in the area, hoping to get an idea of what the average Shiistani woman in the street thought of the regime...

The woman smiled, she was young, approximately seventeen years old, and wore a black burqha which too only covered her head and not the entirity of her face. "The Tahakis aren't so bad really. Not many people are executed as the foreign Governments claim, and only for exceptionally bad crimes such as murders, instigating violence, infidelity, and other such crimes. Those numbers are low, but when Sharia is violated the Islamic High Courts are very strict."

Correspondence from Raven Building Inc

If the possession is not illegal then yes, this will certainly be a fitting solution.
We will however ship, the product in secure containers, marked in such a fashion so as not overtly display the contents. The markings however will be made clear to your customs officials before hand.

A dispatch of midlevel managers(13), Surveyors(14), Masons(52), and two RBINC Administrative Advisers(3) will be the first to arrive.

----------------------------


The plane touched down in Shiistan...
Certain cultural oversights not considered had been firearms--nearly all of the men had pistols in their luggage and every man carried at least one large knife(some many more).


At customs, the workers were all given level II body armour. They wouldn't need it, there was no possibility whatsoever of them being attacked, but the Shiistani Government would lax precautions even for impossibilities. They were driven to their respective hotels, which were quite luxurious even by western standards, and accomodated nicely. The Head of the Engineering project, Abn Salur, approached the group after they had been settled in and called back down into the lobby.

"Greetings and welcome to Shiistan! We are most pleased that you all could come. Now, follow me and I shall show you to the Planning Facility where we shall continue the plans for the University construction..."

OOC: So are the Tahaki kind of like the Wahhabi?


OOC: Wow nice call! I wasn't expecting anyone to bring them up. Yes they aren't unlike them, though in all honesty I did base the Tahakis more on the Taliban. However I'm a nice guy and even through text its difficult for me to be mean. Yes, the Tahakis are very brutal, and very harsh, but noone would dare speak out against them, or do they really even realise that things are not good. They are so used to things being that way that there isn't any concept of anything else. Now, they aren't as bad as the Taliban, but they aren't good guys either. I've known people from Iraq, Iran, Chechnya, etc, and they've all sung similar songs. I told a guy I hated the Ayatollah one time, he was my best friend and he jumped on me and began hitting me. Its kind of like that if you understand what I'm getting at.

-snip-

OOC: I see. I see.

From: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vela Verde
To: The Islamic Holy Republic of Shiistan

To whom it may concern:

Greetings from the nation of Vela Verde. We wish to establish diplomatic relations with your nation and to create a long lasting friendship that will benefit both nations. Our countries may be oceans apart and we may both adhere to different religions but we are not so different from each other. We wish to send delegates to your nation if you permit.

Sincerely,

Jaime Martinez

Jaime Martinez, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Miriam was shocked. The Tahaki, not bad? Is all they know in that damn book? They stoned a woman for not staying faithful to her husband. Probably an arranged marriage in this part of the world...

In modern Kahanistan, it was considered quite acceptable for all but the most religious one or two percent of the population to date and have sexual liaisons when their husbands or wives were off in the military or otherwise on long trips. To the average person there, it was considered barbaric to punish, let alone execute, people for something that probably half the over-35 population of Kahanistan had done at least once.

Trying, she hoped successfully, to hide her dismay, she smiled. "I've heard," she said. Thinking of the execution of the woman that had sparked the whole mission, she continued. "It is... sad what happened to that poor girl." She had heard of cases in Arabic countries where women were raped and then charged with adultery. It made her blood boil. She was so glad that Kahanistan had secularised long before she was born.

OOC: I had an Islamic nation I RP'd which was based on Bedouin culture, but with an Anti-Wahabbi Islam, I called it Wadi-Rum Islam(I'm sure you have heard of the place). Also I read a fair bit about Islam, and its radicalization---which is really attributable to the Wahabbi movement IMO. I would have liekd to seen Saudi without its influence, and with out the influence over the modernization of the nation from the conservatives in 1979 when the Haram was violated.

anyway...

IC:

The men never realized they might have been in trouble for the guns or knives...they were surprised to receive the vests---they looked at each other awkwardly and many laughs were exchanged as they put them on...no man would have worn a vest in Skibereen it was still tedious to get soldiers to wear vests, as many 'old timers' still viewed them as 'Lady Like' or 'cowardly'.

It was also clear to some who had never left the country before that the practice of 'Marking' was very much a Skibereenian thing.

All of the men were covered with tattoos and scars, hands and faces as well.
The younger men looked around and realized that they were unlikely to see this here--most of the Skibeenian Muslims did not subscribe to Sunni Islam and so were Marked as well.

The older men however made no note of it, and simply enjoyed the ride to the hotel.

The Muslims among the crew were quick to translate for the rest of the men should they have any question(in Arabic).

The older men hugged their escorts and offered peace and blessings as prescribed by their own guides from the company(really just Muslim workers).

One of the men looked to Malik Aguda Ahmed a surveyor and said "So I dont suppose we will be running into many ladies?"

"Hah! You might not. But I am a brother here. I am good stock." Malik was a large Skibereenian of West African descent, he was very dark and his face was ritually scarred to give him a ferocious appearance.

"You got a mirror Mel? I dont thin the ladies here will be beating your door down." The men laughed and then dispersed--the Administrators and Managers going to the planning facility and the masons and surveyors breaking up into groups with Arabic speaking members leading the way for each.

President Abbas al-Khafi was quite pleased by the Ixanian request for diplomtic relations and immediately drafted a request for their Empress to meet with him in Maktub. He had the finest tailors in all of Shiistan create glorious thawbs worthy for an Empress to wear and sent them along with his reply. Preparations were made, rooms cleared, and personal aides assembled to cater to her needs in addition to the staff which she would certainly bring with her.

"Peace be unto you dear friends,

We recognise that in your culture you believe that perhaps such behavior is, while still wrong, not worthy of punishment in the form of execution. However, by Sharia (Islamic Law) it is so. In Hadith (Muhammed's word), Muhammed wrote that infidelity was a crime most vile, and it was Allah's word in Sharia that such should be punished by death. We exist by the Sharia and the Hadith, and as such must punish such occurances in accordance with our laws. Should you desire to meet with our ministers to learn more of Islamic culture and our heritage, please feel free to do so."

OOC: How did the Shiistani Government hear about the possibility of their actions not being liked by Ixanians? :D

When Ivan Rucinsky recieved the letter of the Shiistani Government, he was plased to see that they were offering to host a meeting of ministers although he meant for such a meeting merely to build diplomatic relations with learning about Islamic culture and Shiistani heritage being a secondary venture. After some discussion with fellow leaders of the Foreign Ministry, Ivan Rucinsky decided to send the diplomatically talented Svetlana Sturmer to Shiistan; donning a burqa and armed with only her guards and talents in diplomatic negotiations. Before he sent her, though, he wrote this reply to the Shiistani Government to clarify the matter:

"To whom it may concern,

The Ixanian Empire is pleased to hear that the government of Shiistan is willing to meet with our diplomats and ministers in able to build diplomatic relations between us. While we are not an Islamic, rather a Christian, nation we are tolerant of all religious paths which a person may believe in; and Muslims in the Empire recieve all the rights and privileges accorded to citizens of the Empire. It has been decided that we will send Miss Svetlana Sturmer to represent Ixania in the upcoming talks; she is willing to wear whatever clothes are needed for her in order to be fully respectful to the Islamic traditions and way of life in your nation and hopes that you will provide such clothes for her. Let our nations be friends, not foes, in this world of ours."

Miriam was shocked. The Tahaki, not bad? Is all they know in that damn book? They stoned a woman for not staying faithful to her husband. Probably an arranged marriage in this part of the world...

In modern Kahanistan, it was considered quite acceptable for all but the most religious one or two percent of the population to date and have sexual liaisons when their husbands or wives were off in the military or otherwise on long trips. To the average person there, it was considered barbaric to punish, let alone execute, people for something that probably half the over-35 population of Kahanistan had done at least once.

Trying, she hoped successfully, to hide her dismay, she smiled. "I've heard," she said. Thinking of the execution of the woman that had sparked the whole mission, she continued. "It is... sad what happened to that poor girl." She had heard of cases in Arabic countries where women were raped and then charged with adultery. It made her blood boil. She was so glad that Kahanistan had secularised long before she was born.


"Not especially. While it is regrettable that she had to die, she did have to die. She had an extra-marital affair and committed sodomy which is absolutely against the Sharia."


OOC: What you're going to have to understand is that these people have been raised from the time they were young to believe a certain way. If you invade, which I actually encourage you to do if you so desire, you're going to have to fight one hell of an insurgency.

OOC: Look at top post second page, never gave me a reply.

Task Force One (http://www.defenselink.mil/home/images/photos/2006-04/index/Hi-Res/2006-04-10-085753.jpg)

Sho Sho (Major General) Shimazu Showa was almost blinded by the sand storm created by the landing of his expeditionary force. He held his hands before his face in a vain attempt to keep the sand out of his eyes. The sun was beating down on him with a fury, he felt as though he had been dropped into the mouth of hell itself. The heat was almost unbearable, it seemed he immediately began to perspire the moment he stepped out of his Chinook. He tried to look over at his staff, they seemed to be suffering from similar annoyances. The old general then began to fear for his troops. He was carrying almost nothing while they were armed to the teeth with the latest gear. Fighting in these conditions would be most difficult. They were young though, and loyal and so would not complain as long as they had water.

The aged general walked over to the large gathering of cadets, all dressed in their desert fatigues, but with distinctive berets to mark them as cadets. They were all excited to be here in this foreign nation representing the confederacy they had sworn their lives to. He envied their youth, he had lived out his life on the battlefield and never really got to experience normal life. "Hmp, even in my old age I am still serving some military... Perhaps it is time to retire" he said warmly to one of his aides.

The young aide laughed, the general had been talking about retiring for years but could not bring himself to leave them army.

General Date moved over to his radio and radioed the Mujahid commander he had been ordered to contact on his arrival. His translator relayed the message in formal Arabic but with a heavy Asian accent. "Task force One has arrived upon the agreement of our two nations. We are requesting coordinates to your position and are currently setting up base camp at this position."

OOC: I'm really sorry I missed your post. Hopefully this'll make up for it.

From out of the desert rose the Mujahideen. There were dozens of them, wearing varying arrays of battle dress uniform, masks covering their faces and rifles, machine guns, and rocket propelled grenades adorning their shoulders.

"I am Muhammed Farrah," one of the older Mujahids stated. "We are here to teach your cadet to be men of the desert." With that the men began spreading out into smaller units and pulling platoon level units aside.

A letter to Shiistan by courier.

To The President Shiistan
From Prime Minister Jack Daniels. The Commonwealth of Whiskeasy

Hello and greetings Mr President. I have a request and some bad news, please could I bring an embassy into your country to improve our relations. And now for the bad news, certain parties are taking an unnatural interest in the unrest in your homeland. From listening stations my intelligence officers have interrupted certain transmissions about a party of men and a woman attempting to enter your country in disguise. I suggest you look to your defense as the fact they are doing this suggests they have a curiosity beyond the normal run of things, we have managed to decode that they will be attempting to purchase weaponry, for self defense. If you need any help please don't hesitate to ask. We tell you this simply because an enemy of my enemy is my friend.

With always one ear out,
Jack Daniels

To whom it may concern

your nation stuck in the past which will one day bring the hell of war to your nation from those seeking to right you,if you don't change with the times

From
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20Navy-Army-Air%20Forces/NewMT-PMTMititarySeal.jpg

President John Holtz quietly was working at his desk on a few bills that had been submitted for his approval. Then, the intercom on his desk buzzed. He quickly pushed the red button on it. "Hello?" he asked.

"Mr. President, General Hale is here to see you." an aide replied.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lawson. Send him in." John replied.

The door opened and a tall, middle-aged man walked in, wearing a green military uniform. He had a serious look in his eyes.

"Hello, General. How are you today?" John asked.

"I am fine, Mr. President. However, I have some reports that might interest you greatly." Hale replied. He then pulled some reports from his jacket and handed them to President Holtz. John quickly scanned the reports. He looked at General Hale. "A Mujahideen?" John said.

"The Mujahideen is a..." General Hale said.

"I know what a Mujahideen is!" John exclaimed. "I knew that there were problems with Shiistan. It seems that radical Islam is alive and well there. Keep tabs on them, General. Notify me ASAP if they attack anyone without probable cause."

To whom it may concern

your nation stuck in the past which will one day bring the hell of war to your nation from those seeking to right you,if you don't change with the times

From
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20Navy-Army-Air%20Forces/NewMT-PMTMititarySeal.jpg

I pity you and your immoralistic people. You are in luck however, as Allah's grace is even extended to the weak of mind.

The Surveyors and Masons(OOC: I am assuming some degree of freedom of movement) decided that since they were not needed for the initial meeting with regards to planning to the project(save for their Masters) they would see the city.

Irysh-Finegall(the word for Skibeeenians) were much like non-western nationals with regard to personal space in public places...as in they did not subscribe to the arms length rule and were not put off by the crowds in the markets.

Even in a non-Sharia nation the extent of the Markings of the average Irysh-Finegall would be attention getting...and the older a man was the more Markings he had.

So this was a bit of issue as veiled mothers would place themselves between the men and children. As well merchants did seem to stare a little long...but all in all it was not bad. As well many seemed very pleased that members of the groups were Arabic speakers and indeed Muslims.

Dietary issue were not very important as Skibereen's staple meat may have been pork, sheep and goat were a more then adequate substitute and were indeed nearly as common in Skibereen, and more common then beef.

The men however were a bit confused as to where to go...there were no Pubs.

However the Muslims of the group enjoyed taking the call to prayer right out in public. Not that it was illegal in Skibereen...but blocking a sidewalk might be frowned upon at home...it was a novel delight.

I pity you and your immoralistic people. You are in luck however, as Allah's grace is even extended to the weak of mind.

take your pity ,your immoralistic people , and luck from you so called Allah and burn in the fire pits of Oblivion like the rest of the sickos ,nut jobs and wackos


From
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/Imperial%20MT%20Navy-Army-Air%20Forces/NewMT-PMTMititarySeal.jpg


ooc could have given a name of who answering that

OOC: Should I with-hold sending my diplomat? Sorry for not posting earlier but I had assumed that I did.

OOC: You didnt give him a senders name.

Seriously, he goes to the trouble of writing eloquent well thought out prose and you post...garbage. I mean no effort at all?

Why didnt you just post "Eye h8 joo Mahzlimz, d!e!"

OOC: Should I send my diplomat now, Shiistan?

OOC: You didnt give him a senders name.

OOC as it not handle by the same person ever time that why and Imperials don't give out names to poeple they only talk to once or twice

Why didnt you just post "Eye h8 joo Mahzlimz, d!e!"

really why don't you if that what you want to see

To: The President Of Shiistan
From: President Jack Walker of the Republic Of Colstream

The Republic Of Colstream respects your country's policy of Sharia Law and your islamic culture. However we are worried about the unrest in your country and would like to learn more about islamic culture as we are mostly a Christian nation which has similarities with Islam and would also like to establish an embassy in your country.

OOC: I'm really sorry I missed your post. Hopefully this'll make up for it.

From out of the desert rose the Mujahideen. There were dozens of them, wearing varying arrays of battle dress uniform, masks covering their faces and rifles, machine guns, and rocket propelled grenades adorning their shoulders.

"I am Muhammed Farrah," one of the older Mujahids stated. "We are here to teach your cadet to be men of the desert." With that the men began spreading out into smaller units and pulling platoon level units aside.

It was approaching noon and the sun was becoming unbearably hot. The old general wondered weather his men could actually operate effectively in this weather. He hoped so because they had tried to bring only the combat essentials with them for this mission so there was no unloading of gear. The Mujahids were approaching and his men looked on with curiosity. The men had no real uniform, carried an array of weapons and seemed rather unorganized to the men.

Sho Sho Shimazu bowed to the Mujahid commander as he approached. The man named himself and then with that the training would begin. The platoon commanders were apprehensive at letting these rag-tag mountain men take command of their units but followed there orders and allowed their units to be taken over. Each man listened carefully to the instruction of their new commanders. The tank and AFV crews waited for further commands so Sho Sho Shimazu went over to the Mujahid commander. "We greatly appreciate you showing us your techniques. As promised, we have brought modern tanks and troop carriers for you to get familiar with and test in your harsh environment."

To: The President Of Shiistan
From: President Jack Walker of the Republic Of Colstream

The Republic Of Colstream respects your country's policy of Sharia Law and your islamic culture. However we are worried about the unrest in your country and would like to learn more about islamic culture as we are mostly a Christian nation which has similarities with Islam and would also like to establish an embassy in your country.


This would be very agreeable. We would be most interested in learning about your nation and it's culture as well. May the peace be eternal.


~The Foreign Ministry

Maktub, Shiistan

The plane was rather small, fit only for perhaps a dozen people, and decorated rather plainly, only the flag of the United Kingdom visible upon the tail. Yet, as the forward hatch opened, anybody with any sense of Oceanian politics would recognise that it was, in fact, no small flight. First out of the aircraft, two non-descript men in black suits with similarly coloured sunglasses, earpieces, and holstered handguns—diplomatic security personnel. Once informing the aircraft crew that all was as expected, a man of moderate height and slight build stepped out of the climate-controlled interior and into the central Asian heat. He managed the several steps down, looking out across the tarmac through his sunglasses hiding his discomfort through the silken, black three-piece suit, a small white handkerchief sticking out of his coat's breast pocket.

As the man reached the ground, a woman with pale, white skin stepped out. Dressed in a light-grey two-piece suit with a button-down red blouse, her head scarf stood out noticeably—at least to the Oceanians. She walked over to the first man smiling for the short walk for any cameras that might be present, and then leaned in and whispered into the man's ear. "Basil, God help you if this is not necessary."

"Diplomatic etiquette, Sheila, nothing more. I assure you, once we reach the hotel you can take it off."

"Bloody-well discriminatory," she muttered, along with a few other phrases that Basil Spencer-Darling purposefully ignored. As Minister of State for International Relations, he was the senior government minister and Sheila Browne, Minister of State for International Development, was second. Third in importance, Lieutenant-General Sir Kenneth Hastings, Adjutant-General who, most sensibly of the lot, wore the light-coloured warm-weather dress of an officer. He too slowly made his way to the ministers, neither grin nor grimace upon his face. For his part, Spencer-Darling simply smiled, enjoying the fact that the first representatives of the Crown stuck out rather sorely.

Maktub, Shiistan

The plane was rather small, fit only for perhaps a dozen people, and decorated rather plainly, only the flag of the United Kingdom visible upon the tail. Yet, as the forward hatch opened, anybody with any sense of Oceanian politics would recognise that it was, in fact, no small flight. First out of the aircraft, two non-descript men in black suits with similarly coloured sunglasses, earpieces, and holstered handguns—diplomatic security personnel. Once informing the aircraft crew that all was as expected, a man of moderate height and slight build stepped out of the climate-controlled interior and into the central Asian heat. He managed the several steps down, looking out across the tarmac through his sunglasses hiding his discomfort through the silken, black three-piece suit, a small white handkerchief sticking out of his coat's breast pocket.

As the man reached the ground, a woman with pale, white skin stepped out. Dressed in a light-grey two-piece suit with a button-down red blouse, her head scarf stood out noticeably—at least to the Oceanians. She walked over to the first man smiling for the short walk for any cameras that might be present, and then leaned in and whispered into the man's ear. "Basil, God help you if this is not necessary."

"Diplomatic etiquette, Sheila, nothing more. I assure you, once we reach the hotel you can take it off."

"Bloody-well discriminatory," she muttered, along with a few other phrases that Basil Spencer-Darling purposefully ignored. As Minister of State for International Relations, he was the senior government minister and Sheila Browne, Minister of State for International Development, was second. Third in importance, Lieutenant-General Sir Kenneth Hastings, Adjutant-General who, most sensibly of the lot, wore the light-coloured warm-weather dress of an officer. He too slowly made his way to the ministers, neither grin nor grimace upon his face. For his part, Spencer-Darling simply smiled, enjoying the fact that the first representatives of the Crown stuck out rather sorely.


They arrived at the Presidential Palace shortly thereafter and were met by an aide of the President. He bowed to the Ministers slightly and beckoned they follow him. He led them down impressive halls with immense arches stretching high above them, decored with the artworks of great Shiistani Artists as well as other notable Arab and Muslim painters.

The President was in his Study, and as the Aide showed them in, al-Khafi stood from behind his desk where he was reading one of the many books which lined the dozens of high bookshelves. He smiled widely, and extended his hand to shake, knowing this was the custom of their people.

"Greetings to you friends," he said warmly. "Welcome to Shiistan! I do hope that your travels have been most accomodating?"

It was approaching noon and the sun was becoming unbearably hot. The old general wondered weather his men could actually operate effectively in this weather. He hoped so because they had tried to bring only the combat essentials with them for this mission so there was no unloading of gear. The Mujahids were approaching and his men looked on with curiosity. The men had no real uniform, carried an array of weapons and seemed rather unorganized to the men.

Sho Sho Shimazu bowed to the Mujahid commander as he approached. The man named himself and then with that the training would begin. The platoon commanders were apprehensive at letting these rag-tag mountain men take command of their units but followed there orders and allowed their units to be taken over. Each man listened carefully to the instruction of their new commanders. The tank and AFV crews waited for further commands so Sho Sho Shimazu went over to the Mujahid commander. "We greatly appreciate you showing us your techniques. As promised, we have brought modern tanks and troop carriers for you to get familiar with and test in your harsh environment."


The leader of the Mujahids spoke again before the smaller groups of soldiers which had been divided up and taken by several Mujahids each. His face stern, lined with many scars of war but relatively young none the less, though his sun burned and weatherbeaten face betrayed his years.

"The desert is an environment harsh to all creatures whom inhabit it. To conquer the desert you must respect it, become one with it. You must become a desert creature. Hydration is key. Without water, there is no survival. Without survival, you cannot take the lives of your foes. Use the elements against your enemies and you shall see victory."

"The sands are cool at night, as the suns heat does not reflect and rather the coolness of the night makes the sand comfortably cold. You lose less moisture at night as well. Movement at night is critical. During the day seek shelter, you are vulnerable to both your enemy, and most importantly, the desert. We own the night, we come as the wrath of Allah veiled behind a wall of sand and black."

"These things we shall teach you. You shall, in your time with us, learn to behave as a Mujahid and become a Desert Creature." The groups separated and the Mujahideen fighters began to explain to their respective Cadets how to properly hydrate and find water in the desert. They taught them that hard packed sand could many times be the remnants of a former lake and thus if one dug beneath the surface many times one would find some subterranean water.

They taught them that silent movement was critical. The sand could allow one to become silent, or loud as a rustled bull. By moving in a zig zag pattern they would eliminate their trails through the sand, and what little they created would be covered quickly by the inevitable sand storms. Those in the rear always carried long rags with string attached, this brushed the sand over and cleared the trail markings. Movement in a precise straight column was key.

Desert survival was not complete without knowledge of seeking caves. By hiding within caves and knowing their interior, their many exit mouths, and their locations, one could dominate potentially a hundred miles of territory without ever being seen. You could strike anywhere, be anywhere. The Mujahideen became phantoms. And when their bases were discovered, the Mujahids moved on to new areas, awaited the departure of the enemy, and reoccupied the former zones to fight again.

Using the sand itself as a weapon was key. By anticipating the enemy, and utilising cloth and rags, one could bury themself beneath the sand in ambush. Once the foolish infidel forces crossed by, they would be found surrounded by hundreds of blade wielding Mujahid Fighters ready to purge them from the Lands of Allah.

It would take many days for these men to learn the techniques, and only a life time of Desert existence could create perfection. But the Mujahids knew that they would be able to make these Cadets into competent Desert Warriors who could train their new found friends in those arts. All they needed was time, and the Mujahideen were astoundingly patient people.

-bump-

"Not especially. While it is regrettable that she had to die, she did have to die. She had an extra-marital affair and committed sodomy which is absolutely against the Sharia."

OOC: What you're going to have to understand is that these people have been raised from the time they were young to believe a certain way. If you invade, which I actually encourage you to do if you so desire, you're going to have to fight one hell of an insurgency.

Miriam sighed. They're so brainwashed. She was with the person she truly loved... "How do you feel about... parents deciding who their children will marry?" she asked. As far as she knew, the Qur'an forbade forcing women into marriage, but in this part of the world arranged marriages were likely common.

[OOC: Probably won't be invading - not that I have any problems with insurgency, but I have a treaty with a protector nation that forbids me from waging aggressive warfare. A year or two ago, though, I'd have been on you like Oprah on a baked ham.]

Miriam sighed. They're so brainwashed. She was with the person she truly loved... "How do you feel about... parents deciding who their children will marry?" she asked. As far as she knew, the Qur'an forbade forcing women into marriage, but in this part of the world arranged marriages were likely common.

[OOC: Probably won't be invading - not that I have any problems with insurgency, but I have a treaty with a protector nation that forbids me from waging aggressive warfare. A year or two ago, though, I'd have been on you like Oprah on a baked ham.]

The woman furrowed her brow. "That is an exceptionally rare occurance. I believe you are inquiring about the wrong culture. It does occur in Islamic cultures, but not nearly as much as with the Indians."

While the subordinates took in the city the Administrative consultants and the Master Masons went to planning office to see what the scope fo the project was, to see if there was even a vision of what was wanted yet.

Since these men had just come off the Badb Catha project they were in the mind set of doing something grand, and that was indeed their hope here.


---------------------------------
The masons and surveyors while not at home were still by their nature inclined to act as such.

They ate foods, and bought gifts for friends and family members.

Again the custom of physical violence in Skibereen was different then most nation so occasionally the men would exchange blows briefly and then continue on, this however didnt help them with hte looks from women in the market.

It didnt seem to hurt them with the men though.

Only having a few Arabic speakers form the individual groups made it difficult, a few spke english as well so it was decided that perhaps they might see if that language was held in common.

"Excuse me, do you speak english?" Eric's accent was thick but he was a proficient English speaker. He addressed a young man at shop front.

"Excuse me, do you speak english?" Eric's accent was thick but he was a proficient English speaker. He addressed a young man at shop front.

"Yes friend, what can I do for you?"

Spencer-Darling took the lead as they entered the palace, bowing politely in return to the presidential aide before following down the long hall. He quietly removed his sunglasses to appreciate the colours of the paintings decorating the hall. The immense size of the palace impressed him, and he suspected the others. Except for perhaps Hastings, of whom Spencer-Darling received the impression of being rather stoic and professional. From their dossiers, Spencer-Darling knew that both he and General Hastings had been to Asbury Palace, and while endowed with great works of art—albeit from Oceanian and Western painters—the colonial-era palace was far smaller in size. By the 19th century, absolute monarchies were out of favour in Great Britain and so they were in her colonies. The elected monarch of Oceania thus dwelt in what was essentially a very large palace on a very large—and well landscaped—estate.

The Oceanian party shook the hand of the Shiistani President in turn, before bowing. It was, as far as Spencer-Darling knew, customary and thus polite. Admittedly, at least amongst themselves, the Foreign Office dealt with Islamic cultures very infrequently. And even then not often with the most peaceful of results.

"Our travels have been most accommodating, Your Excellency," Spencer-Darling replied. "And on the behalf of His Majesty King George, thank you for agreeing to host our small party at such relatively short notice. Allow me to introduce to you, Sheila Browne, Minister of State for International Development. Her portfolio is primarily concerned with the arrangement of deals and treaties that promote increasing bilateral business ties and general infrastructure development. This," he added with a nod towards the Hastings, "is Lieutenant-General Sir Kenneth Hastings, Adjutant-General for the Forces of the United Kingdom. And I am Basil Spencer-Darling, Minister of State for International Relations, a portfolio primarily concerned with fostering low-level government contacts and non-governmental ties between nations."

The International Relations minister glanced about the room casually, taking in what would surely be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not often would he meet a foreign head of state. He had not even expected it on this trip. Rather, he had prepared to meet some undersecretary of something-or-other. "This is quite a collection, President. I daresay this is too impressive to be of any one man. Is this the collection of yourself and your predecessors? What is the oldest artifact in the collection?" He paused for a moment before continuing, "please excuse me, Your Excellency, for veering so off the topic so early in our discussions. But as an avid reader and collector, this really appears quite an exquisite collection."

-snip-


"My friend this is no trouble. What use would a meeting of this kind be without making conversation about that which interests us? I cannot think of any use." He smiled and showed him to a glass pedestal in the corner of the room. Within was a large book, closed, revealing in Arabic its title: "The Glorious Qu'ran".

"This is the eldest thing I possess. It is a Qu'ran from the 13th Century, an item most precious not just to me, but to all of Islam. Such a book is difficult to attain. These other works are lovely, and have been acquired over time. Many of these were here already, though I myself am somewhat, I must confess, a collector of such things. I have a weakness, though some would call it a gift for the appreciation of, beauty." He motioned his guests to take seats where ever they would like throughout the room. In addition to several chairs before his work desk, there were several leather couches and "love seat" type chairs as well. On either side of the room were immense bookshelves which extended high above them towards the towering ceiling.

"Oh, and Ms.?" he beckoned to the one they called "Sheila", "You may remove your burqha. I am not so fundamentalist in my beliefs as many of my compatriots are. I fear that many feel it is necessary to look too far into Islamic Law so as to be almost sexist, though not I. When you are with me no such headdresses will be necessary. It would be advisable for you to wear them in public, though should you choose not to I will ensure that no ill will is stated against you. Shall we get to business or is there any matters of interest you would rather discuss first? I suppose there is always more time for either, and we can discuss whatever you all, my guests, should like."

The nine men with Eric all gave "Haaaa!!" and shoved each other bit as the young man answered in English better then Eric's.

"This may sound a bit odd, but ..." he struggled with the words "...we dont know how to occupy our time. We have shopped, and ate, and ate and shopped, but where we come from Pubs are where one socializes...Shiistan has no Pubs. So we are at a loss. Could we bother you my friend for a suggestion?"

The nine men with Eric all gave "Haaaa!!" and shoved each other bit as the young man answered in English better then Eric's.

"This may sound a bit odd, but ..." he struggled with the words "...we dont know how to occupy our time. We have shopped, and ate, and ate and shopped, but where we come from Pubs are where one socializes...Shiistan has no Pubs. So we are at a loss. Could we bother you my friend for a suggestion?"

"There are places called "Pleasure Palaces" where they have some wines, women, and opium. Perhaps this will entertain you all? There is one just down the road from here."


OOC: Picture a really really nice brothel. Feel free to walk in and describe it as you like. It'll be elegant, high class, and the women don't have diseases so you'll be ok. Feel free to write as you wish.

The men looked at each other...like many of the contrary aspects of Skibereen, intoxication was one. While alcohol consumption was almost religious, narcotics while not illegal held a large stigma. the mention of the word "opium" surprised the men.

"Indeed, thank you cousin."

IN Irysh-Finegall- "Well, boys I am not much for wine...but its a start."

"No smoking" an older member of the group spoke.

he continued "Not around me, and not by my crew. Drink, fuck, but no smoking that poison. I will not suffer it, not for an instance. When in Rome, remember you arent Roman."

"Bah, Finn I am told the stuff makes quiet as a lamb anyway...what man would seek out such a thing. Its no to worry about. Lets go, I am keen to see these ladies dance a bit."

OOC: Can i have a conference?

OOC: Can i have a conference?

OOC: Of course! If you requested one earlier and I forgot to RP it I'm totally sorry I missed it. I've been getting so many requests its been hard to keep them straight :p


Anyhow have your delegate land and I'll direct him to a separate Minister to meet with. :)

OOC: Stay online.. I want to make a good post...

OOC: My next post will have the arrival

In the situation room, yes the New Brittonian Prime Minister had a situation room, the Prime Minister and his Foreign Minister were sitting, looking at the nation briefs in a thick Manila folder with many Post-It notes and tabs coming out of it. The Prime Minister was sitting at one end of the long table, and his foreign minister was sitting in the seat right next to him. Prime Minister Crouch was not wearing a suit. His jacket was thrown on the table, his tie, the same. His baby blue dress shirt was unbuttoned for the first three buttins, his white undershirt showing. Nabila Katchab, the Foreign Minister, was dressed less casual. She was wearing a black headscarf, she was a Muslim woman, and an observant one to top it, and was wearing a women’s suit.

“Sooo… is that country actually called Shitty-stain? I mean, the name was the first thing that stood out.
”, Prime Minister Jacob Crouch, joked.

“I think it’s pronounced “Shee-stan”, the Foreign Minister replied, unable to control her laughter.

They read the reports, although they kind of knew about the nation from the media, these were the classified intelligence reports about events which had to be pulled upon request.

“Damn.”, the Prime Minister said, his joking mood was gone, “Extra judicial punishment, insurgents…”

“Fundamentalists… you know that…” Foreign Minister Katchab said.

“Yes, I know the whole ‘not all Muslims are terrorists’ speech… I got that when I was a kid, when your parents came here.”, Prime Minister Crouch said.

“I’m sorry.”, Nabila Katchab said, defeated.

“No, It’s my fault, I’m just agitated… but we need to talk, help people, talk about human rights, aid, that kind of stuff.”, he replied.

“So the normal deal?”, Nabila jokingly asked.

“Yes… you’ve been in this job way too long.”, Prime Minister Crouch joked.

“So… who’s coming?”

“Not me.”, the Prime Minister said, “I’m not gonna get shot by the Taliban.”

“It’s called the Thaki, and I’m a woman… they just killed one for adultery.”, Nabila said, trying to get herself out of it.

“You’ve never been married!”, Prime Minister Crouch said.

“Shit, the Foreign Minister whispered, “So… the usual way?”, Nabila clenched her hand into a fist

“The usual…”, Prime Minister of New Brittonia, Jacob Crouch, did the same.

In unison, they said, “Rock, paper, scissors shoot!”

“Rock!”, the Prime Minister cheered.

“I got paper…”, Foreign Minister Katchab said.

“Oh…”, Prime Minister Crouch said as he backed away, grabbing his jacket in his arm and putting his tie in his pocket, pulling out his Blackberry, he pretended to check it, “I er got uhmmm a 5:30 that day… I can’t go.

“What’s your appointment?”, she asked, knowing it was a lie.

“Sleep, I want to actually sleep in for a change.”, the Prime Minister said, laughing, as he left the room.

When the door closed, and the Prime Minister left, the dull roar of the televisions was heard, Foreign Minister Katchab said,

“I hate that sun of a bitch.”

The door opened, Prime Minister Crouch popped his head in and said,
“What was that?”

“It was a joke, I wasn‘t serious.”, the Foreign Minister said

The Cessna Mustang jet, a small jet with Brittonian markings, landed. As the door opened, the stairs were brought down. First, five men, all rather large, around 300 pounds, but muscular, came out. They were wearing black pinstriped suits, and all had on polarized Aviator sunglasses and earpieces in their left ears. The men were all former nightclub bouncers, and that, the experience and the menacing look, was why this tradition was started by Prime Minister David Flower for picking bodyguards in 1998. The men were tattooed, some tattoos did creep up on the neckline, although they were for just a few men, and were seemingly unnoticeable. These men did have several piercings on the nose and face, and all, despite their hair color, either had goatees or thick 1980s baseball player moustaches.

Then, in a hijab actually because she wanted to wear one, the Lebanese-Brittonian Foreign Minister Nabila Katchab walked out. She greeted her liaison, and said,

"Salam Alaykum, your country is beautiful."

Browne smiled and taking after Spencer-Darling's earlier cue, bowed in appreciation. "I am much obliged, Your Excellency. Although I am curious," she paused removing her burqha, folding it neatly upon her lap, "if I may be so bold, from your statement just now, you appear far more moderate than those who exacted such a bar…" Browne trailed off momentarily, allowing her mind to filter her thoughts before translating them into words, "such, from the perspective of the United Kingdom and I daresay the West as a whole, a rather extreme punishment upon that young couple. I, and I believe my colleagues here," Browne looked briefly at both Hastings and Spencer-Darling, "fail to understand how that expression of the Shiistani judicial system fits within the broader interest of creating a modern, Islamic republic as you and your government seem rather inclined to accomplish."

That is the crux of the matter, Spencer-Darling thought privately. In short, the United Kingdom was worried about appearing too friendly with a state applying so rigidly Sharia law. Naturally, the Foreign Office expected cultural differences to manifest themselves in different statutory law, even constitutional law—but public execution for adultery was, in the thus far private opinion of HM Government and the semi-private opinion of Ms. Browne, barbaric.

-snip-


al-Khafi nodded. "I understand your concern, and in most situations I would agree with you, and I'll explain why in those situations I have not the power to make the proper changes momentarily. But in the case of adultery, I do, believe it or not, side somewhat with the Tahakis. I do not believe that they should have been executed, that is harsh, however in Islam, the greatest crime one can commit is thievery. Stealing, murder, and even adultery are all forms of thievery. You steal a mans assets, you steal a man from his family by taking his life, you rob one person of their partner by committing adultery. No, we are not opposed to pre-marital sex, the Takahis are even moderate enough to understand that, but extra-marital affairs are truly terrible things because they imply that one party has stolen a lover from another party. This, under Islamic Law, cannot go unpunished and I implore you to understand this to some degree. Now then, in many other issues my hands are tied. I am not a dictator. I have power for life yes, but I am not a despot. I will not make legislation on my own, the constitution I had drafted after our war for independence forbids this. I like to call myself the "Grand Overseer" to ensure the constitution is protected, and I obviously am failing. I cannot remove the Tahakis, the people have voted them in. They have firm, staunch control of our legislative branches as well as the Mujahideen which is where the true military power is at. Do not be so quick to judge them because they do not have advanced technology, and use "out dated" weaponry. They can make even the strongest of nations bend and break the backs of their armies. Watching them in battle is truly astounding. And with the recently declared Jihad against the Griffincrest Corporation, I believe that should you watch your news station and focus on the international, you will get to see some of this occur. But that is irrelevant." He sat back in his chair and waited a response.

oOC: Hello, me???

oOC: Hello, me???

OOC: I know! I've been gone all day running farm errands and all. I'll have a response worked up (i've been working on one driving your characters through Maktub city and to the Presidential Palace). Azazia's was just easier to respond to.

OOC: Awww... now I feel like an ass because you had a reason... shit. Well, I hope it is a good one.

:)

From the corner of his eye, Spencer-Darling watched Hastings shift in his seat at the mention of the Mujahideen—evidently remembering Oceanian difficulties with irregular Muslim militias in New Albion. The conflict had been brief, the militias on both sides supplied and trained by the powers with vested interests on the small island. It was a legacy of British colonialism, with a large Anglo-Indian minority desiring to break free from the rule of the Ottomans. It had been a bloody fight.

"I understand, Mr. President," Spencer-Darling responded. "From my perspective, you appear faced with what I consider one of the negative aspects of democracy—power of the people. Mob rule, essentially. Amongst ourselves, unbridled democracy is truly one of the worst forms of government ever devised. Thankfully some states have constitutions limiting its spread and its reach. In the United Kingdom, the Sovereign is unelected—barring the extinction of the royal line—and here in Shiistan, Mr. President, you fulfill the same role, that of "Grand Overseer" as you put it."

Heretofore, the International Relations Minister had been reclining in the leather couch he had chosen for his seat. Now, he sat up and leaned in to the small group, letting his elbows rest upon his knees. "I shall here be utterly clear, Mr. President, if you shall forgive such uncouth forthrightness, the United Kingdom does not wish to see Islamic fundamentalism take root in Shiistan. Our quandary is not with the precepts of an Islamic republic, evidenced, I believe, by our meeting here today. We fear that should the Islamic Law seemingly desired by the Takahis take root, those moderates, liberals, and all others who desire a more modern, and tempered approach to the Law shall become restless. Imbued with, dare I say, revolutionary fervour. And a revolution, or even simply general unrest, is undesirable."

Browne, sensing where her fellow minister was headed, took her cue. "And you may ask why does Georgetown care so much about a nation with whom, heretofore, we have had no relations except through Moscow?" She now leaned in to the conversation as Spencer-Darling relaxed into his couch. "We look at the demographics, Your Excellency. A population over three billion, largely underemployed and undeveloped by the measures we use in the 'West.'" She emphasised the geographic label only to try and show that the United Kingdom, being chains of islands in the Pacific, was actually located in the 'East' and that such labels and their attached implications were not always appropriate.

"Our economy must grow, Mr. President," Browne continued, "and to do so requires new labour forces and new markets for Oceanian goods and services. Certainly, some goods such as rum, may not be quite as profitable. Nor will some services, such as banks lending with interest. However, I do believe that many firms would be keenly interested in doing business here in Shiistan. To be honest, I imagine much of that will initially be confined to Maktub, and to a lesser extent Salafi and Fatahla. However, Oceanian firms will then vie for contracts to build the rail links and the motorways to connect these cities to your underdeveloped villages. To lay cable and build relay stations. To build aqueducts to carry glacial waters from the mountains to the dry deserts and thus irrigate new crops. Through private investment, and limited—though crucial—government aid, the United Kingdom can help you modernise Shiistan, Your Excellency."

"But we will not be so inclined," Spencer-Darling interjected, taking back the conversation, "if the role of the Takahis expands. You say you feel as if you failing to protect the constitution of Shiistan. We respect this constitution and all it entails. What can we offer to help you, Your Excellency? What can we do to help?"

OOC: Sorry for the absence I've been really busy lately. I'll give a post later on tonight or tommorrow