Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

[Livancia]

EMIR DECLARES SOLIDARITY IN FACE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN FRANCILIE

The damage caused to Our Lady Cathedral of Pontnouveau

MINAKBIR, KHUSUBA GOVERNORATE - With the news of terrorist attacks going on in Francilie, His Royal Highness, Yaqoob iben Rushdi has made a speech on national television condemning the attacks, and pledging unconditional support to the Francilian government in this time of horror.

The Emir said on Royal Livancian Television that "in this time of sorrow, we must be aware that the Christians, the Jews, and the Muslims all worship the same God."

"Right now," he declared, "God is looking upon Francilie and is angered at what the radical Islamists have done to try and make the Francilians be afraid and terrorized. He is angered that these attacks will almost certainly lead to hate crimes against Muslims: not just the Islamists, but the innocent, hard-working Muslim who is just living a day-to-day existence."

The Emir paused and stated, "There, on behalf of the nation of Livancia, we send our condolences to the friends and family of the victims, as well as all of those in the nation. We will pledge unconditional support to the government of Francilie, and we will coordinate to ensure that justice is served to the terrorists who conducted these savage and barbaric attacks in Francilie."

He also decreed that "our flag shall be at half-mast until sunset of May 5th," and that all of the remaining matches in the Coupe d'Esquarium shall be preceded with a minute of silence.

[Namor]

Peitoa Sibo

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ISLAM IS THE PROBLEM, AND CIVILIZATION IS THE SOLUTION

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The Our Lady Cathedral in Pontnoveau was struck
in a series of terror attacks that ripped across Francilie

People who point out the terrorist nature of the "religion of peace" - Islam - are constantly under attack. Ultraliberals pelt them with names such as "bigots," "racists" or "Islamophobes." There is no doubt that, following the tragic terror attacks in Francilie, people are going to criticize Islam again and they will be targeted by the self-styled progressives. And unless this stops, we are never going to understand the terrorist machinery that threatens civilization itself.

Many in Namor have accused me of being an "Islamophobe" for pointing out that the Muslim faith is not doing its part to stop its followers from killing people of other faiths. They accuse me still of being loaded with bigotry when I point out - civilly - that Islamic terrorism has its foundations in the Quran and the Hadith, which in turn are the very foundations of Islam.

I do not hate Muslims. Not all Muslims are terrorists; some are law-abiding citizens. But it doesn't take a bigot to realize that there also Muslims who do not follow the law, and would rather see the laws of the civilized world abolished in favor of sharia law. They do not respect the constitution of any sovereign state; in their eyes, the Quran in their constitution and those who do not follow it deserve to die.

This is not a small minority of Muslims who anyone is trying to enlarge as a means of discrediting an entire faith. No, this is a significant number of people who have the capacity to represent their faith because of their size. Go to Nautasia, the birthplace of Islam, and anyone can easily find a person - be it the next door neighbor or the street vendor - who supports a world caliphate. Go anywhere else, to any predominantly Muslim neighborhood, and anyone can easily find a local resident who feels the same way. Fortunately in Namor, there aren't many Muslims, but I've met with some Muslim Namorese who view everything as being part of a larger conflict between Islam and infidels.

That you can easily find extremists among the Muslim population should be a good indicator that many Muslims do not aspire to coexist with others. And if we do not face up to this reality and choose to indulge ourselves in rosy talk of "tolerance" and "progress," then expect the Islamic terrorists to get the better of us no matter what.

How, then, do we respond?

The first thing we have to do is kick the ball to Islam's court. Candidly and politely, we must inform all Muslims - from the imams in the top to average followers in the bottom - that if they genuinely desire to improve the reputation of their faith, then they must start by changing the nature of their faith. That requires having the guts to acknowledge that certain tenets of mainstream Islam are encouraging millions to hold views that are incompatible with modern times. Muslims need to reach a consensus on how some controversial verses of their texts should be interpreted. Words like "jihad," for example, should be clearly defined such that it means something that is less sinister.

We, on the other hand, need to stop associating legitimate criticism of Islam with Islamophobia. Islamophobia is, simply put, groundless hatred or fear of the Muslim faith. But many in the civilized world who criticize Islam are not bigots; they are concerned world citizens who are seeing their everyday lives disrupted by ambiguity and inaction. It is time that we stop berating them with labels and applaud them for keeping us all aware.

The second thing we have to do is to meet religious fundamentalism with strict secularism. We should never permit Islam - or any other religion - to gain influence in our national politics. Studies have shown that the number of terror attacks in any given country is closely related with the number of people who cover their bodies in burqas. In a truly secular society, burqas would be banned so that average people would not have to walk around a veiled woman and worry about whether they would leave the area alive. Naturalized citizens should swear to place their allegiance to the state above their allegiance to the faith. If they break that covenant, then they can be punished decisively.

The final thing is to step up our game in confronting the Muslim world through economic means. Unfortunately, there are many apologists for Islam in positions of power due to the fact that many of our economies rely on oil imported from the cradle of Islam in Nautasia. Governments should adopt a policy of energy independence so that in the long run, Muslim terrorists cannot hold the civilized world hostage by taking over energy fields. Energy independence can also pressure moderate Muslim states to turn over any terrorist seeking shelter within their borders.

KUO ZHANG is the chairman of the People's First Coalition and a presidential candidate in the elections of NMR 2373 and NMR 2378. His views in this opinion piece do not represent those of the Peitoa Sibo.

[Aucuria]

NEWS OF THE REPUBLIC
ŽIŅIA RESPUBLIKOS
CUMHURİYET XABER
Open to All Parties, Influenced by None

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Leftist parties take control of the Saeimas in legislative elections
Sulislova Petraitytė set to become 40th Speaker of the Saeimas after leftist coalition obtains majority


The vote is a victory for President Uspelevičius, who will no longer face rightist obstruction in the Saeimas.

KALNASPILS, AUCURIA | May 1, 2016- In a political victory for President Pantaleimonas Uspelevičius, the leftist alliance between the Labor Party, Social Democrats, Liberal Movement, New Republic, and Aucurian Greens has taken 141 of the Saeimas's 246 seats in today's legislative elections, claiming a narrow majority in the legislature and paving the way for Minister of Economics Sulislova Petraitytė to become the fortieth Speaker of the Saeimas.

In the months between President Uspelevičius's election and today's vote, the legislative body's rightist coalition- led by Speaker Endrijūs Gruduškas, and consisting of the National Alliance, Christian Democrats, and Law and Justice- had worked to obstruct the passage of left-wing legislation by the President's allies in the Saeimas, and- because the leftist coalition had only 101 of the legislature's 246 seats- had been largely successful in stonewalling legislation. But in the wake of today's election, Aucuria's leftist parties should be able to pass legislation they have been pushing for since President Uspelevičius was elected on January 1.

The election, however, is a sobering loss for the right- especially for the National Alliance, who lost nearly half of their seats in the election, and the Christian Democrats, who have fallen to holding only 12 seats. In an attempt to maintain some increased level of legislative influence, the leadership of the rightist coalition in the Saeimas has reportedly allowed the True Aucurians into the alliance, giving then a total of 67 seats. Meanwhile, the split between the two Atlian parties remained unchanged, with the separatist Atlian Bloc keeping its 16 seats and the unionist Party for Atlia's Future keeping its 12 seats. The three other crossbench parties- the Aucurian Jahistics, Pirate Party, and Working People’s Party- either made small gains or failed to gain any seats. In total, the five crossbench parties have 40 of the legislature's seats.

The full results are shown below:

Party Name (leader in the Saeimas): # of seats won, change in seats from Saeimas 2014 elections
Labor Party (led by Sulislova Petraitytė): 59 seats won, up from 29 seats won in 2014
Social Democrats (led by Judė Alduris): 45 seats won, up from 44 seats won in 2014
National Alliance (led by Endrijūs Gruduškas): 33 seats won, down from 62 seats in 2014
Liberal Movement (led by Kazimieras Ilgauskas): 19 seats won, up from 16 seats in 2014
Law and Justice (led by Lilija Macijauskaitė): 19 seats won, down from 21 seats in 2014
Atlian Bloc (led by Ruhilâh Ramazanoğlu): 16 seats won, unchanged from 16 seats in 2014
Christian Democrats (led by Vaišvilkas Kavaliauskas): 12 seats won, down from 23 seats in 2014
Party for Atlia's Future (led by Sefiye Hızlı): 12 seats won, unchanged from 12 seats in 2014
New Republic (led by Žygimantas Vyšniskis): 11 seats won, up from 10 seats in 2014
Aucurian Jahistics (led by Sipytiņevas Riudalis): 9 seats won, up from 7 seats in 2014
Aucurian Greens (led by Laima Piečoniskaitė): 7 seats won, up from 2 seats in 2014
Pirate Party (led by Ozėjas Sionavičius): 2 seats won, up from 1 seat in 2014
Working People's Party (led by Mykolas Zvinakis): 1 seat won, unchanged from 1 seat in 2014
True Aucurians (led by Daumantas Liepus): 1 seat won, down from 2 seats in 2014

Governing Coalition (141 seats): Labor Party, Social Democrats, Liberal Movement, New Republic, Aucurian Greens
Opposition Coalition (65 seats): National Alliance,, Law and Justice, Christian Democrats, True Aucurians
Crossbenchers (40 seats): Atlian Bloc, Party for Atlia’s Future, Aucurian Jahistics, Pirate Party, Working People’s Party

Endrijūs Gruduškas (L) will become Minority Leader, while Sulislova Petraitytė (R) will replace him as Speaker.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters following her victory, Sulislova Petraitytė said she felt "honored and blessed". "I will never be able to thank you enough for your kindness and your support," she declared, "and I will never stop working for the people like you- the hard-working everyday Aucurians who make this nation great." Petraitytė later told reporters she was still "amazed" to think that she was set to become Speaker of the Saeimas. "I was only made Minority Leader very recently, to replace Mr. [former Social Democrats leader Karolis] Staugaitis, and now suddenly I'm Speaker... it's all happening very quickly." Social Democrats leader Judė Alduris also thanked Aucuria's voters, saying they had "proved that Aucurian democracy is alive and well". "The Social Democrats will be working every day to guarantee that the basic ideals we believe in- liberty, justice, fairness- are preserved," Alduris swore to a crowd of supporters. Liberal Movement leader Kazimieras Ilgauskas vowed to "make sure that politicians are the servants of the people, and not vice-versa", while New Republic leader Žygimantas Vyšniskis vowed to "keep this government transparent and accountable in all affairs... [and] to maximize the power of the people at every turn" and Aucurian Greens leader Laima Piečoniskaitė swore to fight for "social justice, global peace, environmental protections, and the Aucurian people."

By contrast, the rhetoric of the rightist parties was that of continued defiance. National Alliance leader and soon-to-be Minority Leader Endrijūs Gruduškas vowed to "resist all misguided attempts by the governing coalition to expand the Aucurian government into places it does not belong," telling a crowd of supporters that "this government was very clearly limited by the founders of the republic to guarantee the rights of the people... we shall continue to fight to make sure that this republic continues to follow the restrictions laid out by the fathers of the republic." Law and Justice leader Lilija Macijauskaitė said that her party "would resist any attempts to restrict the personal political or economic freedoms of the Aucurian people... I continue to believe that the future of this country lies safest in the hands of working-class Aucurians, not in the hands of bureaucrats and politicians." Even Vaišvilkas Kavaliauskas and Daumantas Liepus defiant; speaking to a crowd of supporters, Kavaliauskas vowed that he "[would] never abandon my principles, the principles of our ancestors and this republic, no matter the situation... I will continue to fight for what is right even when it is not easy or pleasant", while Liepus swore "to fight against the people who defile Aucuria's name with tooth and claw."

Among the crossbench parties, rhetoric varied. Ruhilâh Ramazanoğlu, one of the two co-leaders of the Atlian Bloc and its leader in the Saeimas, told reporters that "once again, the voters of Atlia have cast their votes in favor of an independent Atlia... it is my hope that we will finally get the Aucurians to recognize that the Atlian people desire to choose their own path"; the other co-leader, Atlian Premier Muhemet Hasanoğlu, told a press junket that "this election has reaffirmed that Atlia's people want to be governed from Şehiray, not Kalnaspils." By contrast, Party for Atlia's Future leader Sefiye Hızlı told a crowd that she "remain[ed] convinced that Atlia's future lies with Aucuria," saying that "Atlia and Aucuria are stronger united than divided." Sipytiņevas Riudalis contended that his party's rise to nine seats in the Saeimas "[was] the beginning of a political revolution... will continue to fight for the New Revolution in Aucuria." Pirate Party leader Ozėjas Sionavičius vowed to "push for direct democracy and civil reform", while Working People's Party leader Mykolas Zvinakis swore that his party "[would] continue to fight for an end to the oppression of the workers of Aucuria."

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[Qianrong]

Because modern news media is already a fiasco

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The Esquarium Bar, where the group had been drinking.

GROUP OF DRUNKEN MEN AT BAR GROWING INCREASINGLY THREATENING, VIOLENT TO OTHER PATRONS
May 1st, 2015 - Yucheng, Qianrong - Patrons of the Esquarium Bar, a public bar in downtown Yucheng, confirmed that they had become increasingly concerned of the behavior of a large group of drunken male patrons as they became increasingly threatening and violent towards other patrons of the establishment, using racist or sexist remarks and unexpectedly threatening violence.

"I'm with a couple of my friends, Pantaleimonas and Sulislova, just sitting in the corner talking with them and minding my own business, when suddenly all these people over at the bar start yelling at me- calling me a savage, a terrorist, a murderer," said patron Muhemet Hasanoğlu. "I don't understand. I didn't do anything to them, but suddenly they're accusing me of killing people?" Hasanoğlu attempted to ignore the rowdy patrons at first, but told Trang Vai reporters the men continued yelling slurs. "Eventually, Pantaleimonas suggested that we leave, get away from them- but on our way to the door, one of them tried to grab me and throttle me. I ran for the door at that point," Hasanoğlu said.

The individual who attempted to grab Hasanoğlu, a regular patron of the bar named Kuo Zhang, told Trang Vai he felt "entirely justified" in his actions. "People like him, if you can even fucking call them people, are a goddamn threat to the civilized members of society like us. Those fucking sandniggers are going to fucking kill us all unless we stop them, I'm telling you, and if you don't listen it's your fucking fault." Another one of the drunken patrons, Ecgwulf Oswinessunu, defended Kuo. "You didn't see him in the corner with those two fucking cucks he was with, okay? Man, I bet they were fucking planning some terrorist shit, spreading their mental cancers. There was no way he wasn't fucking going to fuck with us when he walked by, so we had to fuck his shit up first, y'know?"

But Muhemet Hasanoğlu wasn't the only patron with complaints about the group of drunken men. Another patron, Marianne de Lotbinière, told Trang Vai that one member of the group, identified as Nestori Konala, had told her to "go back home, cook shit for your husband, and pump out children, instead of sticking your nose into areas where women don't belong... that's all you fucking bitches are worth." "I was very close to pulling out a can of pepper spray," de Lotbinière said. "I'm just trying to enjoy myself, have a night out on the town, and this random hooligan who's had far too many comes up to me and starts yelling at me about how I need to be barefoot and pregnant? You bet that feels threatening."

As of press time, the Yucheng Police Department had reportedly dispatched Sergeant Qi Chien-Xuan and several other officers to arrest the group of men and charge them with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and attempted assault after two members of the group, identified as Song Li-Chao and Cédric Liet, attempted to strangle a third member of the group, identified as Narsete la Via, in a dispute over the tab.

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Top 3 News Stories
KRAQ: Members of the Islamist militant group known as the Caliphate confirmed they were "really struggling" to decide who to quote in a soon-to-be-released recruitment video aimed at radicalizing Muslims living in Nordania, Velkia, and Artisia. "We've spent at least nine days now cutting down our video to feature only the most inflammatory anti-Muslim statements to attract new soldiers of jihad to the Caliphate, but it's still over 40 minutes long- and no one's going to sit through that," said Caliphate film editor Abu Talib al-Sayyaf. As of press time, a member of the team working on the video had been ritually beheaded after he had informed the others of a tweet from Atlian Premier Muhemet Hasanoğlu and proposed that they use the tweet to "demonstrate the threat of traitors within Islam leading the faithful astray".
AUCURIA: It was confirmed that some lady you don't know the name of is set to become the leader of the strangely-named legislature of a country you've probably never thought about before after the political coalition she probably belongs to won a majority of the seats in recent legislative elections that you didn't even know were going on. Speaking to a crowd of supporters in whatever electoral district she ran in, the woman said that she would "never stop fighting for the future of the people of whatever nation it is that I live in." The elections you couldn't care less about, according to analysts, constitute a major political victory for the president you saw a photo of once. As of press time, several world leaders had vowed to locate wherever it is the woman is from on a map.
NAMOR: Covering their ears as the thunderous sound violently shook buildings and shattered glass windows, residents of Namor reportedly cowered in terror as President-General Shohai Antelope's inaugural address reverberated across the entire country. "Thank you for proving that this great country of ours remains the People's Republic of Namor," he said as his deafening address boomed across the landscape, setting off car alarms and forcing drivers to pull over to the side of the road. At press time, sources in Ainin- the first country to be visited by Shohai as President-General- reported witnessing ripples in their water glasses as he began a speech commemorating the longstanding Namorese-Aininian alliance.

[Ainin]

Home » News » Crime & Justice
▍ Security Presence Increases Ahead of Independence Day Celebrations
▍ ATTACK DEFENCE ALERT SYSTEM UPGRADED TO "IMMINENT ATTACK"; GENDARMES AND REPUBLICAN GUARDS OUT IN FORCE

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Paratroopers patrol near the Council of Esquarium
office complex, 2 May 2016 (© STA/Max Jambon)

HUIMONT - The security presence in major cities throughout Ainin has dramatically increased ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Today, 2 May 2016, is the 215th anniversary of the establishment of the Aininian Republic and of the Treaty of Huimont that ended Namorese suzerainty over Ainin. The celebrations this year come at an awkward time, one day after terror attacks in Pontnouveau killed over 100.

Security concerns have been raised ahead of today's celebrations, where millions of Aininians across the country will crowd into public spaces to commemorate the establishment of the Republic. Military parades, public concerts and community events are planned in cities and towns throughout the country. The symbolic importance of the date as well as the large concentrations of civilians in public areas raises the possibility of a mass casualty attack by the Caliphate and other extremist groups, and authorities have responded accordingly. A massive security buildup has occurred in many cities, with tens of thousands of Gendarmes and Republican Guards patrolling sensitive sites and security personnel lining the routes of the parades. The Attack Defence Alert System, Ainin's colour-coded terror alertness index, has been raised to the maximum level of "Imminent Attack", allowing the Defence Department to deploy soldiers in support of police operations.

Many witnesses report seeing Republican Guards and regular soldiers of the Army out and about in many cities. Trotting assault rifles and other military-grade firearms, they are patrolling areas where crowds are expected to gather later today. Some witnesses also report seeing police snipers on rooftops near the parade routes. Huimont's military parade, the largest in the country, is especially sensitive, and the parade route has reportedly been cordened off by police until later in the day. Mayor David Camino has vowed that "not even an ant will be able to slip through our security cordons," and that "citizens should have no worry when attending today's celebrations."

However, not all are happy with the preparations.

Since the Pontnouveau attacks yesterday, the hashtag #PasAujourdhui (NotToday) has trended on Aininian social media, calling on the government to postpone Independence Day celebrations out of respect for the victims. A defiant Marianne de Lotbinière rejected the calls, declaring that "no one, especially not terrorists, will be able to tell Aininians what we can or cannot do." She added, "postponing the parades is a sign of weakness in the face of the terrorists' intimidation. What kind of society are we if we kowtow to the terrorists' threats?"

Earlier this morning, Gauthier Dieudonné, Minister of Public Safety and Civil Defence, addressed the nation on STA Television and encouraged attendance of celebrations, notwithstanding the terror risk. He declared that "to stay home is to give in to the terrorists. They want you to feel afraid, to lose confidence in the security services. It is our patriotic duty as Aininian citizens to come out, defy the extremists and have fun."

The Huimont parade starts at 14:20 at the Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale. For information and times for events in your local community, please click here.

[Union of Akoren]

Responses to Pontnouveau attacks shows Islam is under threat

The Caliphate is only half the threat facing the Islamic World.

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02/05/16 14.00pm

As the world reels from the tragedy of Pontnouveau, the usual suspects emerge from the shadows to unleash their hatred, vicious generalisations and entrenched Islamophobia. Yet when these individuals attempt to claim the roots of Sunni extremism stems from Islam itself, they overlook the true origins of this evil. If the Islamic World was not subject to exploitation, imperialism and cultural diffusion.

This response to the Pontnouveau crime has been best epitomised by Kuo Zhaou, a Namorese presidential candidate; he suggests to that to confront Sunni extremism is to force Islam to abandon the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), so that core aspects of our Islamic faith are compatible with international norms, this is one of the root problems of Sunni extremism; the superiority complex non-Muslims show to Muslims. Whether it be stereotypes or assumptions, when a Christian or even the godless, will connate a Muslim with poverty and violence, even the Muslims of Ainin and Francilie will be seen to live in poverty, in social housing on government financial support, they will ignore the high quality of living Ankorenis enjoy, the hard work ethic and respect for culture and history. But then they will always do this because to think otherwise you weaken the perceptions of Muslims.

Yet to demand Islam change the very teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) is just another form of imperialism and an attempt to assert socio-cultural hegemony upon Islam, to demand it abandon the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), who’s words are the direct words of the God the exalted is beyond incomprehensible. Who are they to suggest we Shia; who do not commit to this death cult of an ideology the so-called Caliphate, to abandon the Hadiths?

The second suggestion made by Mr. Zhang is to urge non-Muslim countries to pursue energy independence to deny extremists to hold these countries hostage through control of oil fields; rather than suggest assistance for governments to defend these vital economic assets, he opts instead to obliterate many Islamic countries’ economies. This alongside the suggestion of scriptural apostasy just presents the clearest plot to destroy the Islamic World because of the actions of a tiny minority. Mr. Zhang appears content suggesting not only the destruction of Islam as a religion based upon the word of God, but also to subject hundreds of millions of Muslims to economic oblivion. Fortunately for Ankoren, oil only represents 10% of GDP, we’re blessed with a unmatched manufacturing base in continental Nautasia.

Mr. Zhang also suggests the implementation of strict secularism, aimed mostly at countries with Muslim minorities. Yet this blatant ignorance of the truth is what causes Sunni extremism to emerge, should Mr. Zhang’s suggestions become reality in these countries, not only do these Muslim minorities already face both social and economic alienation, they will then be denied their religious freedom. Being repressed religiously and suffering from severe socio-economic alienation is what drives these Muslims to extremism and will only worsen the situation. If the advanced economies wish to defeat extremism, treat the Muslim population with respect not contempt or hatred, if these advanced and so called-inclusive countries wish to defeat extremism, perhaps they should work to improve their economic opportunities for Muslims, rather than disregard them. Rather than seek to destroy Islam within these countries, these countries should act in the way they see themselves; inclusive, open and tolerant, this is their failure, not Islam’s.

Whilst Mr. Zhang did not present his cases through rabid Islamophobia and xenophobia, his colleagues such as Narsete La Via; who considers Muslims sub-human and that Francilie should deport every single Muslim citizen because of the act of a tiny minority, Hierarch Innocent XXII who you would expect to be a man of pure peace and faith, claims Islam is a cancer that should be destroyed, yet he also shattered this perception by claiming Francilie deserved the hideous attacks because it had “abandoned God”. This was followed by the supreme leader of Ziegenhain, Friedhrich Ulrich claimed that Muslims were again inferior. The fact that most of these people exercise great power over their respective countries indicates just how far ignorance has gripped the world. But then this maybe where the truth emerges.

No Muslim leader has claimed Muslims to be superior on a racial or religious level. Only those sick extremists that war upon all humanity would claim Muslims to be superior, Islam to be destined for world domination – yet this is not true Muslim behaviour. The very fact however, that no true Muslim sees himself or herself as superior is in a sense a superiority over the white nations, to avoid such discriminatory and hateful thinking is a testament to Islam’s civilisation.

Though what is clear, is that the non-Muslim world is using the death cult’s actions as a means to destroy Islam and Nautasia, through cultural, social and religious imperialism as well as economic warfare; through exploitation, violation and dispossession. Not only does the Islamic World face the evil of the so-called Caliphate alone, it now faces the rest of the world, whose superiority complex and racialism could perhaps be the greatest threat to Nautasia. Nautasia must remain vigilant, it must view foreign assistance with wariness but above all maintain the effort to destroy Sunni extremism and push for greater unity, should we fail – Mr. Zhang and his colleagues will win.

This piece is written by Ayatollah Sayeed Ali Tandoğan; Junior Supreme Cleric on the State Council for Unity and Progress. His opinions are not necessarily those of Mukavemet.

MORE Opinions

• The Union cannot afford neutrality towards the Caliphate any longer [ 1209 ]
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• Why the world cares more about 150 dead in Francilie and not the 600,000 in Nautasia [ 116 ]

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[Aucuria]

NEWS OF THE REPUBLIC
ŽIŅIA RESPUBLIKOS
CUMHURİYET XABER
Open to All Parties, Influenced by None

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Could the Stallions win the Coupe?
They beat the Fearless, Firebirds, and Thunderbirds- will the Bears, Kingkillers, or Wolfpack be the next to fall?


Atlian soccer fans during the match against Sandhelm, Atlia's only loss this CdE.

MINAKBIR, LIVANCIA | May 2, 2016- On April 25th, Atlian newspaper Atlik Hürriyet asked if the Atlian soccer team sent to this year's Coupe d'Esquarium could make it past the group stage and into the knockout rounds, coming to the conclusion that they might be able to break if they were lucky, or played their cards right. Not much earlier, we had predicted that it was improbable, if not necessarily impossible, that the Atlians would break from Group G, due to the challenges that would be presented by non-debuting teams like Pavonistade and Sandhelm. The Atlian team expressed hope that they would do well, but even their star players and captains thought they might not make it. "We want to do as well as we possibly can," captain and center forward Abdilâh Aydoğan told reporters shortly before Atlia's first match, "and we're all hoping we make it to the knockout rounds, but it'll take every ounce of our skill and passion to get past some of the truly great teams that we are facing." Coach Anar Bölükbaşı had said that it was "an honor simply to have qualified", using the rhetoric of those expecting disappointment in the near future.

But now Atlia has exceeded every expectation set for it. Victories over Pavonistade's Fearless, North Qianrong's Firebirds, and South Qianrong's Thunderbirds have put the Atlians in the semifinal round of their debuting Coupe d'Esquarium. If the Atlians can beat Lydland, they will face either Arkiasis or Montecara in the finals. Even if they lose, they will take third or fourth place in their debuting Coupe- an impressive achievement regardless. The Atlians have made it farther in the Coupe than more highly-regarded soccer teams like Ainin, Luziyca, Vyvland, Pavonistade, both Qianrongs, Osonia, Nevanmaa, and Korivania. The cautious optimism Aydoğan expressed at the beginning of the tournament has transitioned into predictions of imminent victory. "I think we've proved that we can't be underestimated, that we know what we're doing," Aydoğan told reporters yesterday. "I think those who say we can't take the Coupe will find themselves feeling like those who said we'd never make it past the group stage." Assistant captain Süleyman Çalhanoğlu was even bolder: "We've proved to ourselves and to the world that we can and will win the Coupe... it's only a matter of time," he told a crowd of cheering fans.

So now, the question must be asked: can the Atlians win the Coupe d'Esquarium?

Of course, before we can talk about the finals, we have to talk about the semifinals. In order to have a spot in the finals round, the Atlians will have to defeat Lydland's bears in the semifinal round. Lydland, too, has surprised many this tournament; their 2-0 victory over Nevanmaa and 2-3 victory over Scotia came as a general shock. In spite of these victories, however, the Lydish team technically placed third in their group; they only advanced because the tournament was organized so that the two highest-performing third place teams would also advance to the knockout round. Since then, however, Lydland has reaffirmed its power with strong showings against Korivania, who the Lydish beat 1-0, and against Sandhelm, who the Lydish beat 4-7.

There are multiple ways to compare Lydland and Atlia. Atlia came out of the group stage on the top of its group, whereas Lydland came only third; the Atlians and Lydish have both played Sandhelm, and the Lydish won 4-7 whereas the Atlians lost 3-2; Lydland has more goals allowed than Atlia; Atlia has scored 11 goals against opposing teams whereas Lydland has gotten 13; Lydland has been in past Coupes, whereas Atlia has not. But this Coupe has been far too full of surprises for any one of these statistics to be considered "definitive proof" of who will win and who will lose; if last edition was the Coupe of Riots, then this edition is the Coupe of Upsets. Both Atlia and Lydland have a serious chance to advance to the finals.

Now, let's assume Atlia beats Lydland and advances to the finals. Who they face will be determined by the outcome of the other semifinal match, Montecara's Kingkillers versus Arkiasis's Wolfpack. (Technically, if Atlia loses, this statement is still true; they'll just be facing the losers instead of the winners.) We're not going to attempt to predict who will win that semifinal match; both the Montecarans and Arkisians have strong, skilled teams, and it's even harder to predict which one of them will come out on top. If Atlia makes it to the finals, then there are still all the factors mentioned above to be considered. The Atlians are debuting, whereas both the Montecarans and Arkisians have participated in past Coupes- though, with as many upsets as this Coupe has seen, that might be an argument in favor of the Atlians. We could look at goals fielded and goals allowed and goal difference, previous matches, previous Coupes even. We could try and factor in who hypothetical Livancians in the stands would support, and ask if that would give one team something akin to homefield advantage. There are a thousand potential factors pointing a thousand different directions.

Ultimately, we won't know who will win the match until the teams play it out on the pitch. All the analyses and articles in the world weren't enough to account for the surprises this Coupe d'Esquarium has thrown at us. At this point, our best option is probably just to shrug and encourage those who want the answer to turn on their televisions and watch the match.

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OTHER STORIES
Aucuria- Leftist coalition takes Saeimas majority
Francilie- Dozens dead after multiple terror attacks
Nevanmaa- Nevan ambassador injured in Francilie
Ainin- Fears of "imminent attack" mar celebrations
Freyhill- Lundgren set to become Prime Minister

[Namor]

Aininian president to visit Namor in effort to reform ETO
Comes as many Namorese view alliance as purposeless

May 2, NMR 2379

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Namorese President-General Shohai Antelope (left) will meet with Aininian President
Cao Nima (right) in Namoto discuss reforming the Esquarian Treaty Organization (ETO)

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - The Foreign Ministry confirmed that in the coming days, Aininian President Cao Nima will pay a state visit to Namo and discuss the future of the Esquarian Treaty Organization (ETO) with Namorese President-General Shohai Antelope.

Cao Nima will become the first world leader Shohai Antelope will receive as President-General. Foreign Minister Pao Venzong said the meeting comes at "a very necessary time."

"The President-General cherishes Namor's longtime friendship with the Aininian Republic. He believes that continued cooperation with Huimont is not only in the best interests of the Namorese people, but also regional stability," he said. "Upon meeting President Cao of Ainin here in Namo, President-General Antelope is eager to discuss the future of the Esquarian Treaty Organization and the necessity to reform the alliance to address new challenges to regional security. The Aininian side has also expressed interest in discussing this matter."

Pao added that aside from ETO, Antelope and Cao will discuss "issues of mutual concern in South Velkia, Lahudica and Nautasia," but did not dive into specifics.

Cao's visit is part of a joint effort by Namo and Huimont to revitalize ETO. Formed in NMR 2353 with Namor as one of its founding members, it was intended to act as a deterrent to Luziycan adventurism. ETO facilitated intelligence sharing and military cooperation between its member states. It also allowed Namor greater access to the weapons of other member states, especially Ainin's.

The ETO treaty was invoked for the first and only time during the Changlang Crisis, during which member states discomfited the Peitoa regime and support for the alliance in Namor was high. But as Namor pursued rapprochement with Luziyca and stayed uninterested in getting itself involved in the Nautasia conflict, an increasing number of Namorese started to view ETO as obsolete or unrelated with Namorese interests.

According to a Tesong poll published in NMR 2377, over 60 percent of Namorese believe "ETO has no purpose as an alliance" and 67 percent support a Namorese withdrawal from ETO, marking an all-time low in support for the alliance.

While two-thirds of respondents still value the importance of a close Namo-Aininian relationship, criticism of Aininian foreign policy has increased, especially in regards to Huimont's relatively warm relations with the Triumvirate, something that has unsettled the Namorese government and public.

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Other News

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• Numerous nations pay condolences, show solidarity amid Francilie attacks - In response to the terror attacks in Pontnoveau, Francilie, numerous countries have declared a period of mourning to show solidarity with the victims.
• Leftists win majority in Aucurian parliament - In a victory for Aucuria's President Pantaleimonas Uspelevičius, the leftist alliance took a majority in the legislative elections, thereby sparing the administration from rightist obstruction.
• Views of Islam in Namor stained but not tarnished by Francilie attacks, poll shows - According to the Mojing Sibo, 76 percent of Namorese have a positive view of Islam following the attacks in Francilie, a sharp drop from 82 percent in early April.

[Aucuria]

|| ATLIA | AUCURIA | WORLD | SPORTS | CULTURE | OPINION ||
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OPINION - Islamism's greatest ally is the Islamophobe
The rhetoric of the radical xenophobic right is actually fueling the rise of Islamist terrorism

A photograph of Islamophobic marchers in Leighton, Arkiasis.

May 2, 2016 | written by Muhemet Hasanoğlu - On May 1, 2016, the nation of Francilie was attacked.

Over the course of several terrible hours, terrorists who were certainly inspired by and were possibly members of the radical Islamist militant group known as the so-called "Caliphate" led a series of merciless and bloody attacks against the people of Francilie. These terrorists assaulted worshipers attending Mass, the Nevan embassy in Francilie, commuters on city trams, and the famous Pont de l'Océane, a symbol of Francilie. The Nevan ambassador and Trinitate Pope Gaius II- perhaps miraculously- survived the brutal attacks. Others, such as Liberationist Convention leader Tuyet Wen-Louiserans, were not so fortunate. It's still unclear how many people have died in the wake of the series of attacks, but it's probable that at least 200 people were brutally murdered by these terrorists.

There is no denying that this is a tragedy. Indeed, it seems the entirety of Esquarium is united in mourning those who perished in these stunning and brutal attacks. Across Esquarium, flags have been lowered to half-staff, in countries from South Qianrong to Nevanmaa; outside of my office, the flags of both Atlia and Aucuria are at half-staff right now. Tributes have been pouring in from across Esquarium, and many world leaders and politicians- myself included- have already expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

There are some individuals, however, who are turning to the fear and hatred the terrorists who attacked Francilie sought to inflict. Already, far-rightist leaders have repeated the baseless allegations that the actions of a few extremists represent the entirety of Islam. Daecon's Charlotte Durrough called for a "crack down on Islam"; Luziyca's Narsete la Via proposed mass deportations or even lynchings of Muslims; Namor's Kuo Zhang alleged that "[one] can easily find extremists among the Muslim population"; Arkiasis's Ralph Normanson compared Islam to the fascistic ideologies espoused by people like Friedrich Ulrich- who, ironically, was also making Islamophobic remarks, referring to Muslims as "savages" and Islam as a "disease". There is little doubt that other noted Islamophobes will soon join in- people like Saexland's Ecgwulf Oswinessunu, who has referred to Islam as a "mental cancer", or Ainin's Maxime Cornell, who proposed tearing down every single minaret in Ainin, or Francilie's Leuwik Héeben, who proposed giving the Francilian military the authority to shoot refugees.

These Islamophobic individuals generally claim their goal is to "keep their country safe" from the threat of Islamist terrorism. They claim that Islam represents a constant threat to "Christian civilization", that all Muslims are inherently terroristic and that Islam is an inherently violent and bigoted faith, and that refugees fleeing the tyranny of the so-called "Caliphate" in Kraq and Irvadistan are members of the terrorist group they are fleeing. They claim that the only way to "protect" their home countries is to deny Muslims the rights to which all people are entitled, though the exact degree to which the rights of Muslims must be ignored varies- some propose denying Muslims the right to privacy by subjecting them to constant surveillance; others propose denying Muslims the right to freedom of religion by shutting down mosques and banning religious clothing; some say that Muslim refugees fleeing terrorism, political repression, or religious persecution in Nautasia should be sent back to the terror from which they fled; some have even gone so far as to propose that Muslims be forced to wear special identifying insignia, or rounded up and placed in prison camps, or simply killed. By making Muslim inhabitants of these countries into second-class citizens, they claim, the world will be safer and more peaceful.

But the simple truth is that these Islamophobes- whether they realize it or not- are the greatest allies of groups like the so-called "Caliphate".

This is a bold claim to make, given that these people have risen to prominence routinely assaulting and degrading all Muslims, including Muslims with no ties to violent extremist groups, and proclaim that their main goal as politicians is to keep their countries safe from radical Islamist terrorism. But it is not a claim without evidence. The violent, bigoted rhetoric espoused by the xenophobic far-right increases the risk of radicalization, thus expanding the ability of terrorist groups like the so-called "Caliphate" to recruit, and increasing the probability of lone wolf Islamist terrorism.

Firstly, we must note that Islamophobes generally only have the vaguest understanding of Islam. They generally have not actually read the Holy Quran or the hadithat; they know little about the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the other early Muslims; they have only the vaguest understanding of shariah, fiqh, and 'aqidah; they likely do not know about basic Islamic principles such as the Five Pillars of the Faith; they rarely comprehend that there are many different schools of Islamic theology and jurisprudence, instead assuming that Muslims are a monolithic hive-mind led by radical extremists; frequently, they have not actually interacted with that many average Muslims. In short, they don't know what they're talking about. Instead of speaking from a position based in reason or logic, they speak out of a primitive fear of the unknown.

And it is that emotion- fear- that makes Islamophobes the greatest ally of Islamism. Both Islamism and Islamophobia feed heavily on fear- one of the most insidious and dangerous emotions that we have. When individuals are scared, they tend to react like the proverbial cornered animal. This is because the human brain is structured so that, in dangerous situations, the more logical and humane regions of the brain are simply left out of the decision-making process in favor of the regions that handle basic survival instincts. As a result, frightened individuals act illogically and inhumanely out of a perceived need for self-preservation, even if their lives are not actually under threat.

But how does this animalistic fear relate to the topic? How does it prove that Islamophobia is radical Islamism's greatest ally?

I'll begin my explanation in a hypothetical nation, probably though not necessarily Artisian or Nordanian, historically white and Christian with a small-to-moderately-sized Muslim immigrant population that has only been in the country for a few generations- the situation in many of the countries where we have seen the radical xenophobic right rise in power and prominence. The year is anywhere between 2000 and the present day. This hypothetical nation also has a far-right wing, nativist, nationalist party of some sort or a far-right wing, nativist, nationalist faction of a larger political party.

This is where Islamism comes into the picture. Somewhere- in our hypothetical nation, in one of its hypothetical allies, in any other majority-Christian white country really- there has recently been an Islamist terrorist attack. For the sake of simplicity, let's say this attack happened within our hypothetical nation. This was a brutal attack, possibly carried out by members of the so-called "Caliphate", possibly by members of another Islamist extremist group, possibly by lone wolf terrorists inspired by the rhetoric of an organized terror cell. Dozens, maybe even hundreds, have been brutally murdered. The flags fly at half-staff, impromptu memorials line the streets, and condolences pour in from around the world to the families of the deceased. In the wake of this horrific attack, the people of our hypothetical nation are terrorized and terrified.

After the attack, the far-rightist party in our hypothetical nation begins to make allegations. They allege that the immigrant Muslim populations in their countries are a potential threat; that these Muslims are subtly supportive of the terrorists responsible for the attack, or even actively plotting future attacks as they celebrate the massacres in the street; that Islam is an inherently violent religion, and that every Muslim is prone to violence and terrorism. They allege that the "heritage" and "history" of their nation are under threat and must be defended at any and all costs, lest "civilization" be destroyed and replaced with "savagery" or "barbarism". They claim that Muslims are a criminal element, that all Muslims living in the country pose an inherent threat to national security. They then draft pages of discriminatory Islamophobic policy proposals, ostensibly in the interests of national security, to systematically strip Muslims of their rights and make them into second-class citizens. They propose that Muslims be placed under surveillance so they cannot plan terror attacks; they propose that mosques be closed so that imams cannot preach, out of the fear they might preach violent jihad; they propose that Muslims be kept out of their country, out of fear that Muslims entering the country might be radicalized; they propose that Muslims be made to wear identifying insignia to single them out at all times, so that they can be shunned and abused at every turn more easily and effectively.

In more peaceful times, these allegations and proposals would likely be dismissed by the people of our hypothetical nation as illogical and inhumane. But the people of our hypothetical nation are scared. They are scared that there might be another devastating attack, and that someone they love might be the next victim of terrorism. And when people are scared, they do not think logically or humanely. As a result, allegations and proposals they would normally dismiss out of hand suddenly seem far more reasonable and more valid. This causes the far-rightist party to rise in the polls; realizing that these anti-Muslim proposals are increasing their political power, these parties grow more and more blatantly and boldly Islamophobic, bringing in increasingly radical proposals and increasingly hysterical rhetoric. If the party does well enough, then they might even start getting their policy proposals made into discriminatory law.

The Muslim inhabitants of our hypothetical country are not thrilled by the rise of this Islamophobic party. After all, most of them- the overwhelming majority of them, in fact- have no connections to terrorism whatsoever, and yet they are all being slandered as terrorists. They feel they are unjustly being accused of crimes they did not commit or support. They are stunned to see so many people accepting slanderous falsehoods attacking Islam and Muslims as the undeniable truth; they are horrified to see these people come out in support of discriminatory policies based in fear and ignorance. This is especially the case among young Muslims who were born in our hypothetical country and have known no other home. These individuals have lived their entire life in our hypothetical country, and are stunned to see people they once called their countrymen spouting violent bigotry at them. Many of them are working low-paying, dead-end jobs due to societal mistrust of Muslims; they live in poor neighborhoods largely neglected by the state; they have been relegated to poverty and misery. Often, they have little hope for their future.

For a certain number of these individuals, the shock and horror eventually crystallize into something different: resentment and hatred. Feeling abandoned, despised, and persecuted, these individuals begin to turn to the rhetoric of groups like the so-called "Caliphate". In their recruitment and propaganda videos, these "Caliphate" terrorists claim that Christians are persecuting Muslims for their faith; that Christians view Muslims as the enemy, to be harassed and abused at every turn; that Christians will never trust Muslims, will never be able to live in peace with Muslims, will never treat Muslims as their equal; that this persecution has the end goal of systematically destroying Islam. To these Muslims living in our hypothetical country, barraged by Islamophobic rhetoric and suffering from constant discrimination, the rhetoric of Islamist extremism- which might have otherwise seemed absurd- comes across as a simple statement of fact. The recruiters and propagandists of the so-called "Caliphate" then issue their rallying cry for new mujahideen. They proclaim that the only way Muslims can end this ceaseless abuse is to take up arms and fight back, to eliminate the "threat" of Christianity; that those who take up arms will help prevent their friends and family from being systematically segregated against, and will be rewarded in Heaven. To these Muslims living in our hypothetical country, who have little hope for their future and nothing to lose, the concept of striking back at the individuals who they feel have tormented them is immensely appealing.

Some of these Muslims in our hypothetical country will then become radicalized, pushed to the edge just as much by the hatred of the Islamophobe as they were by the bile of the Islamist terrorist. Some of them will go to Kraq or Irvadistan to reinforce the ranks of groups like the so-called "Caliphate"; others will instead carry out lone wolf terrorist attacks against the citizens of our hypothetical country or one of its neighbors. And at this point, the process becomes a cycle. Islamist extremists commit an act of violent terrorism; people get scared, allowing for the rise of Islamophobic parties; these Islamophobic parties preach violently bigoted rhetoric and propose discriminatory policy; some Muslims, feeling harassed and persecuted, radicalize; these new Islamic extremists commit an act of violent terrorism; people grow increasingly scared; and the cycle continues, theoretically, ad infinitum.

Admittedly, the scenario above occurred entirely within a hypothetical country, but our hypothetical country's narrative is a narrative we see playing out in country after country in the real world. Qianrongese satirical paper Trang Vai recently posted an article about terrorist recruiters struggling to decide whose Islamophobic remarks to include in a propaganda video, but the joke of the article has its basis in a frightening truth- propagandists from the so-called "Caliphate" have explicitly used clips of Islamophobic leaders like Narsete la Via, Charlotte Durrough, and Ralph Normansson in recruitment videos. As I write this, terrorist groups are explicitly and actively utilizing Islamophobia to expand their web of terror and plan future attacks on innocents.

Our hypothetical nation could be Ainin, or Arkiasis, or Francilie, or Daecon, or Britanno, or Luziyca, or any other similar country. The hypothetical right-wing party could be Arkiasis's National Front, or Namor's People's First Coalition, or Geadland First, or Francilie's Patriots, or the Daeconese Nationalist Union, or Lyonsland's Patriotic Front. The city attacked by our hypothetical terrorists could be Bethlehem, or Pontnouveau, or Huimont, or Leighton, or Strandhavn. But so long as the rhetoric of these countries remains the rhetoric of fear and division and hatred, so long as Muslims are made to feel persecuted and despised by Islamophobic policy, so long as mistrust and ignorance pervade the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, so long as Islamophobia is treated as mainstream political thought, the cycle of radicalism will continue. Every misguided attempt by the Islamophobes to guarantee their homeland's security through discriminatory and fearful policy will only increase the risk of radicalization and of attack by violent Islamist extremists.

This cycle has already begun, but it is not unstoppable. There are things that we can all do- whether Muslim or not- to prevent the continuation of this vicious cycle of paranoia, hatred, and violence.

First, to non-Muslims: you must refuse to give in to terrorism. The leadership of the so-called "Caliphate" want you to be afraid. They want to strike fear into your hearts. They want you to be terrified. They want you to be scared. You cannot do what they want you to do. You must, at every step of the way, refuse to be afraid of them. You must refuse to give in. You must refuse to abandon your logic and your humanity. If you abandon these things, if you give into fear and turn towards the bigots and the nativists and the xenophobes, then you have given the Islamist extremists who call themselves the so-called "Caliphate" a great victory. You must not let them win.

Secondly, to my fellow Muslims: we must learn to answer hatred with love. Even when we are subjected to persecution, we must answer bigotry and fear with kindness and patience. We must reject violence and hatred, even when we are subjected to them. We should treat our fellow humans like our brothers and sisters. We must recognize that answering hatred with hatred only breeds further hatred, and that the only way to end hatred is to answer it with fraternity and kindness. We must recognize that while violence may seem cathartic and effective, it does not solve problems, but instead worsens them. We must, at every opportunity, reject the rhetoric of jihad by the sword and bloodshed in the name of Allah; we must emphasize that Allah is described as the Most Merciful and the All-Merciful, and the Holy Quran calls for us to be gracious, kind, and amicable, even to those who do not treat us the same way.

Finally, both sides must reject demagoguery and instead support dialogue. It is tempting to turn towards charismatic, demagogic individuals promising quick and easy solutions. But one of the things I have learned, first as a member of the Meclis and then as Premier of Atlia, is that complex and complicated problems do not have quick and easy solutions- and, indeed, that the promised quick and easy solutions rarely exist. Instead of turning towards violent and bigoted individuals promising simple answers to complex issues, we must have the fortitude and the determination to actually solve the problems that we face. We must work to learn about each other to end ignorance and fear; we should foster the bonds of community and fraternity; we should work together on the issues that face us so that we may all live in a better world.

If our goal is truly to end the threat posed by groups like the so-called "Caliphate", then we must end the pervasive Islamophobia that has come to dominate many Esquarian societies. These Islamophobic attitudes lead to discriminatory policies that only increase the ability of terrorist groups to recruit new members and inspire lone wolf attacks. Instead of fear and bigotry, we should pursue dialogue and education. We must respond to ignorance, fear, and hatred with knowledge, unity, and brotherhood. If we want to prevent any future Pontnouveaus, if we want to guarantee our safety and our future, then that is the course that we must take.

MUHEMET HASANOĞLU is the incumbent Premier of Atlia and, alongside Ruhilâh Ramazanoğlu, co-leader of the Atlian Bloc. He was born in Ayancık, Şehiray Governorship, Atlia, in 1973, and graduated from the Şehiray University School of Law. He was first elected to the Atlian Meclis in 2004 and became its Speaker in 2010; he became co-leader of the Atlian Bloc in 2011 was elected Premier of Atlia in 2012. He describes himself as an Atlian nationalist and patriot, a secular Tilkisi Muslim, and as politically center-leftist. He presently lives in Şehiray with his wife Zehra and his daughters Hatice and Fadime.

The opinions expressed in this opinion piece are the opinions of the author of the piece, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Atlik Hürriyet or its employees.

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WORLD- Namor's Shohai Antelope to visit Ainin to reform alliance

[Luziyca]

It is time for... April Annihilation (in May)!

An ashamed La Via

FIRENZE, LOMBARDIA - Today, arrest warrants were carried out on influential Purity Congress members, as pursuant to the executive order that declared the Purity Congress a terrorist organization. Among those caught up in this string of arrests were Luziycan Guardian Ulrico De Stefano, Pure Guardian Valdis Kortchens (who arrived from Pavonistade following the group being designated a hate group in the Eastern Islands), and most infamously, the ex-leader of the National Luziycan Party, Narsete La Via, as well as a few other dozen members including the Acting Mayor of Firenze, Lea di Santis.

These arrests took place throughout the day, and were mostly concentrated in Firenze, except for La Via, who was arrested in Bethlehem. All of those arrested face charges of being in a terrorist organization, and some face other charges, most notably Di Santis.

Commander Amore Marandola (serving as the military officer in charge of maintaining martial law) told reporters that "these documents reported by the Sinhakese news agencies were a very damning indictment against the Purity Congress. They have managed to infiltrate the local police, the local government, especially after the fall of communism."

Marandola said that "with the fact that the Purity Congress has been so deeply embedded within Firenze's civic administration, it is painfully clear that at this point, we will need to construct an entirely new [municipal] government from the ground up, instead of attempting to reform the previous municipal government."

President Sera Svensson had applauded the decision, saying that "we must send a message to racists and bigots that your opinions are no longer welcomed, especially if they engage in violent and illegal activity."

Former President Breuvi Shjoraski also supported the decision, stating that "the fact that they were heavily involved in the riots [in Firenze], combined with their infiltration of the local government of Firenze show that they are really a terrorist organization."

Even Chief Executive Arcibaldo Mattiace had praised the arrests of the top PCG officials, saying that "Firenze is an embarrassment to all of Lombardia," and hoped that the arrests would "bring a better reputation to our homeland."

In other news

• Francilie - Terrorist attacks in Francilie, we estimate around 2,000 dead
• Coupe d'Esquarium - Montecara faces Lydland tomorrow, Arkiasis faces Atlia on Wednesday
• Namor - Cao Nima visits Namor to discuss reforms to ETO
• Opinion - The Caliphate and Islamophobia are two sides of the same coin

[Union of Akoren]

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BREAKING NEWS : Heavily armed gunmen have attacked Darağan police HQ, city hall and courthouse. Reports of heavy casualties.

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03/05/16 13.00pm

Heavily armed gunmen have reportedly stormed Darağan's police headquarters, city hall and courthouse. At least 80 masked gunmen attacked the headquarters with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades according to reports from the city's administration and frantic calls from citizens. A further 40 gunmen have reportedly stormed the city hall, gunning down staff and taking hostages.

Soldiers of the State Gendarmerie have
begun efforts to retake buildings and districts of Darağan

Gunmen have reportedly taken full control of Sheikh Matar, Çermik, Silvan and Ergani districts. The city's police and State Gendarmerie believe the gunmen to be Sunni secessionists or extremists from those districts who have in the past attacked state buildings and police officers. The State Gendarmerie and Police have moved heavily armed units to close off these districts and isolate gunmen in the police HQ and city hall. The SG have already cleared the courthouse, killing 16 gunmen; emergency services have since evacuated the building of the deceased and injured.

State President Evren Volkan and Prime Minister Qassem Akbari have convened the State Defence Commission, the state president is expected to address the nation later this evening.

The People's Defence Force (QAA) has claimed responsibility for what it is calling the "Sunni uprising against Shia tyranny". The QAA according to the Interior Ministry and Ministry of State Security, was formed in 1999 following the failed Arab Sunni revolt in the Kuzey Toprakları. The MSS captured the QAA's founder Rashid Al-Abadi in January 2002 and he was subsequently executed for terrorism and treason in 2003, the QAA according to the MSS fell apart over in-fighting regarding who would succeed Al-Abadi. Since then, the Sunni Arab population of the Union has shown loyalty and pride and restored themselves as valued members of the state.

The QAA was found predominately in the Kuzey Toprakları and Darağan province, where 60-80% of the respective populations are Sunni Arab.

However following the rise of the so-called Caliphate, the QAA has reportedly gained support from Takfirs in the Sunni community and may well have extensive links with the Caliphate. The MSS has so far refused to comment on how far support for the QAA goes in the Kuzey Toprakları and Darağan province. However Darağan's Mayor Abdul Hajjar has denounced statements that the entire city is supportive of the QAA.

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09:05 Darağan City Radio reports gunfire and explosions coming from Police Headquarters.

09:23 Shooting stops at Police HQ, gunmen begin throwing bodies out of the lobby.

10:24 City's State Gendarmerie took command of the city's police and declared a state of emergency.

09:31 Reports of shooting and explosions at the Municipal Courthouse and Municipal Administration Building. DCR reports extensive casualties at both institutions.

09:35 DCR reports gunmen have attacked police stations in Sheikh Matar and Çermik districts and begun erected barricades across the main roads.

09:40 State President and Prime Minister are informed of the attacks and convene a meeting of the State Defence Commission.

09:49 State Gendarmerie soldiers shoot dead four gunmen outside the Municipal Train station.

10:04 State Gendarmerie shut down all transport links in and out of the city. 50 armoured vehicles and tanks are spotted heading into Darağan

10:21 People's Defence Force (QAA) claims responsibility for the attacks. QAA calls the attacks a "Sunni uprising against the tyranny of a Shia dictatorship" and vows to take all of Darağan city and province.

10:33 QAA gunmen push State Gendarmerie out of Silvan district.

10:38 Interior Minister Lt. General Kemal Devatoğlu declares a curfew will be put in place across Darağan.

11:00 QAA gunmen attempt to attack SG checkpoint in Çınar district; 16 gunmen killed and 3 SG killed.

11:06 SG attempt to retake the Municipal Courthouse.

11:42 State Gendarmerie announce they have re-taken the Municipal Courthouse. At least 36 civilians were confirmed dead. 21 gunmen were killed and 15 captured. 10 SG are confirmed to have been killed and a further 19 injured.

11:55 Darağan Municipal Hospital reveals at least 87 people have been killed in the attacks and fighting.

12:04 SG completes evacuation of Çınar district and instigates curfew.

12:13 Prime Minister Akbari addresses emergency session of Union Congress. Vows "this Sunni extremist uprising will be utterly crushed with the full force of a united Ankoren".

12:27 QAA gunmen attack and set fire to the city's main office for the Popular Committee for Combating Extremism. The PCCE estimates that at least 12 of its personnel were killed.

12:36 Reports of a bombing in central Kumla Evleri.

12:49 SG storm the Municipal Administration Building. Supported by tanks and armoured vehicles.

12:58 Kumla Evleri city administration confirms that at least 5 people were killed in a suspect suicide bombing in a tea shop in the city centre.

13:22 SG have retaken the Municipal Administration building; they confirm that at least 29 civilians were killed by the QAA. 38 QAA gunmen were killed or captured, 17 SG were killed.

13:28 Total death toll, including QAA gunmen in Darağan is estimated at 183, yet the Health Ministry warns the number will rise as emergency services reach re-secured areas of the city. Death toll from the Kumla Evleri bombing rises to 13.

13:34 Interior Minister Lt. General Kemal Devatoğlu issues a televised statement. Interior Ministry posts statement indicating the Darağan attacks and the Kumla Evleri bombing is connected.

13:35 Interior Minister Devatoğlu said: "The situation in Darağan is now under government control. Forces of the State Gendarmerie Central Command and the Darağan branch of the State Police Service have retaken both the Municipal Courthouse and Municipal Administration Building, the State Police Service Headquarters will be cleared within the next hour. However I must reveal that these terrorists have succeeded in pushing state forces out of Ergani district and now control the northern half of the Arab Quarter.

"I can confirm however that these districts have been shut off and with the necessary forces in place, the state will reinforce central control over Darağan. We will keep you updated once we have more information."

MORE HEADLINES

• LIVE UPDATES: Darağan Attacks [ 1209 ]
• LIVE UPDATES: Kumla Evleri Bombing [ 997 ]
• Is the QAA supporting the Caliphate? [ 45 ]
• State Security Ministry to boost presence in Arab North [ 651 ]
• Why we never saw this coming [ 116 ]

E-mail
© BTRK 2016

[Victoriala]

KŌYOJINMON
MN 2877 Edition
8th of Peace

Salbish Sovereigns take refuge in Sokan
______________________

SOKAN — The esteemed rulers of Salbeiland, forced out after their government's loss in the rebellion within their homeland, has taken refuge in our glorious city of Sokan. They have arrived in the Empire just yesterday in the fourth night hour in the Imperial Aerodrome. They were greeted by her eminent Chancellor Kyūga of Ukasu and were welcomed in a private dinner with Their Glorious Majesties, according to official sources.

The exact nature of their abrupt relocation was due to the Republican rebellion successfully taking over the Salbish nation after a long and bloody rebellion within their homeland. While the Empire does not share official relations towards the Salbish realms, the Empire has been very warm towards the sovereigns of Salbeiland and Their Glorious Majesties have shared acquaintance between their counterparts.

The Royal Family of Salbeiland is to be awarded a land near the city of Sokan and a seat within the Imperial Court as sign of acceptance of their residence within our glorious Empire.

Old and New Factions clash in Imperial Court's snap reshuffle season
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Unusual for what tends to be expected in government protocols, the much-expected snap reshuffle season of the Imperial Court has commenced, pitting new factions on the rise and already-established banners among both the governors and the aristocrats. Sounding the tune of the crane-dragons within the Hall of Banners by Her Esteemed Excellency Chancellor Kyuga yesterday, proclaiming the time of campaigns, discourse and political changes among the aristocracy and gubernatorial states.

Currently, the Fourfold Society (SHIDEN/SD) and Society for Imperial Glory (KOIDEN/KD), long favorites of the Imperial House, are expected to mantain their power over the 560-seat court, as well as the Great Oceanic Confraternaty (ANJODEN/GOC), who has kept a strong foothold among the governed states and strong favors among the aristocrats of the eastern tail. However, newer and more radical banners, such as the Guild of Farmers and Laborers and the Shiyoshi Organization has been gaining popularity particularly over the metropolitan districts in the western coast.

While asked for official word from the Imperial House of their decision to dissolve the preceding Court, Her Esteemed Excellency Chancellor Kyuga instead filled in on the part and said on behalf of Their Glorious Majesties that the decision is mostly "for both personal and imperial reasons", and has reminded that the Imperial Court is "by preceding definitions and despite current ramifications, is merely advisory and still below the sovereign powers of Their Glorious Majesties.

Other Content featured in this Periodical

• Imperial House flies 2,000 lanterns in honor of Francilie victims - In light of the recent terrorist attacks within the Francesian cities of Pontnoveau, Auteborg and Saint-Dizier with a casualty count of 2,000, the Imperial House, along with others, began lighting over two thousand sky lanterns, as per Kamuwist tradition in remembrance for a dead soul. Along with this mass-scale ritual, many have offered prayers and given offerings toward a makeshift shrine within Sokan's city center as solidarity to Francilie.

[New Zepuha]

Salbish Broadcasting Network
News Brief
May 3rd, 2016

2,000 Officers to be Purged from Salbish Defense Forces

Officers previously loyal to or showing signs of loyalty to the former regime have been given notice that their commissions in the armed forces will end at midnight tonight. They will be given a honorable discharge and may petition to be reinstated into the armed forces after five years. "Our aim is to ensure stability in the armed forces as we continue anti-terrorism operations across the globe. We cannot afford to abandon our Kraqi allies and others in the region due to disloyal officers." stated President Springstein when questioned about the decision handed down by the NTC. The officers mostly come from the Salbish Land Forces (Salbish Landstreitkräfte) as the largest branch of the armed forces. Enlisted resignations are expected to number over 500,000 from the various branches, these resignations will be respected by the transitional government but are warned not to pursue counter-revolutionary actions. Deployed troops will not be permitted to resign until the end of their tours of duty.

National Transitional Council Hands Down Statement on the "Muslim Question"

The NTC was questioned on it's position on muslim citizens as terrorist attacks abound in other nations, they had the following to say, "Muslims were not permitted to enter Salbeiland prior to the revolution, we will of course grant them the same privileges as any other citizen. In response to international terror, it is our stated goal to combat terrorism around the globe we will of course target Islamic extremists. This however does not mean all Muslims will be exposed to strict scrutiny as we will instruct our intelligence services to pursue signs of extremism not signs of Islam. We understand extremism pervades any belief system, and we will treat Islamic extremists like we did protestant extremists. We offer condolences to the victims of international terror and especially our friends in Akoren and Francilie." The NTC has also promised capital punishment (the firing squad) for any Salbeilander attempting to join an extremist group or leave the nation to take up arms against Salbeiland.

Reconciliation Tribunals Continue

After the first two days of trials three convictions have been handed down by the tribunal and one acquittal. Adolf Knitler and Peter M. Bergmann were convicted of crimes against humanity and treason and were accordingly sentenced to die by firing squad, former Deputy Chancellor Harold Wellington was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for complicity in acts of treason. Former Deputy Chancellor Kevin Spicer was acquitted of crimes against humanity and treason. Each had been charged for the death camps that killed an estimated 2 million ethnic minorities and political prisoners and allowing corporations to provide substandard equipment to the armed forces resulting in front line deaths. Trials are expected to resume tomorrow morning.

[Union of Akoren]

ANA prepares to retake QAA held districts

Ergani District of Darağan is currently witnessing heavy fighting between QAA militants and ANA soldiers.

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03/05/16 16.20pm

The State Gendarmerie and the Ankoreni National Army have begun an operation tasked with clearing out the QAA from the Arab Quarter of Darağan. The operation comes after the People's Defence Force (QAA) launched coordinated violent gun and rocket attacks against the city's Police HQ, Municipal Administration building and Municipal Courthouse, the attacks this morning have left over 230 people dead and 500 others injured; including QAA terrorists and state security service personnel.

Darağan 's mayor Abdul Hajjar is currently in Estanban for the annual Union Mayoral Convention and has been transported to the Interior Ministry to oversee the response. Interior Minister Lt. General Kemal Devatoğlu has ordered the city be placed under curfew and has requested assistance from the Ankoreni National Army.

The QAA is a banned Arab Sunni secessionist movement that was formed in the 1990s following a previous failed Arab uprising. However government success in obliterating its leadership resulted in the groups collapse in 2003-04 and never surfaced since. However many in the government and the Ministry for State Security have been concerned that the rise of Sunni extremism with the Irvadi and Kraqi civil wars would resurrect the QAA. Since 2011, the MSS has arrested at least 150 Sunni Arab citizens for ties with the QAA, but struggled to break their silence regarding the status of the QAA.
The MSS has since released documents implicating the QAA's support for the Caliphate and the latter's smuggling of weapons to the former.

LIVE UPDATES: Darağan Attacks

The QAA supposedly fights to "free Sunni Arabs of Ankoren" from "Tyranny and oppression", yet their lies have failed to materialise into significant support from patriotic Sunni Arab citizens who remain loyal to the Union and the ideals of the Eternal Father, Nurcan Taylan. The QAA reportedly has cells and branches in both Darağan province and the Kuzey Toprakları.

Today's attacks were claimed by the QAA and reportedly done in the hope of "liberating Darağan province".

Despite heavy resistance, the State Gendarmerie backed by the city's Police retook the Police HQ, Municipal Administration building and the courthouse, however the QAA reportedly have full control over Sheikh Matar, Çermik, Silvan and Ergani districts, these areas have since been cut off by the SG and Police. The Union government has since ordered the deployment of units from the ANA and ANAF to assist in the final operation to re-establish government control over the Arab Quarter.

The attacks began at 09:05am, with explosions and gunfire at the city's Police Headquarters in Çınar District, they succeeded in taking over the building; setting free its inmates and looting the armoury. At least 47 police officers were killed during the raid. This was followed by similar events at the Municipal Administration building and the Municipal Courthouse at 09:35, the QAA stormed both buildings, shooting all in their way; in total 58 people were killed at these locations.

The police and State Gendarmerie were quick to react, with the latter assuming control of the former following the capture of the Police headquarters by QAA terrorists. SG and police units quickly amassed to retake the courthouse and municipal administration building, they also successfully repulsed QAA attempts to break out of the central district and Arab Quarter, inflicting heavy losses.

At 11:42, the SG and Police successfully retook the courthouse, finding at least 36 civilians dead from the QAA's initial attack. At least 50 others were injured, with six having life threatening injuries. At 12:27, QAA gunmen attacked the city's head office for the Popular Committee for Combating Extremism, setting it ablaze. The PCCE has said that the office had 12 employees inside at the time and has failed to contact them.
Yet at 12:36, a suicide bomber attacked a tea shop in the northern city of Kumla Evleri, killing 13 people and injuring 28 others, all of whom had congregated in the shop to watch the live updates on the attacks in Darağan. The MSS and Interior Ministry confirmed that the two attacks are connected and have extended the curfew from Darağan to Kumla Evleri.

The attacks have also sparked other incidents, a Sunni Arab news reporter for Al-Sawt TV was arrested after she claimed that the QAA's "cause was just in face of government repression of Sunni Muslims in an effort to keep the Caliphate out of the Union". Yasmeen Al Jubeir faces up to 5 years imprisonment and 60 lashes for openly criticising the Union. Al-Sawt TV has since sacked her and apologised.

There were also sporadic clashes between Sunni Arab rioters and riot police in Erdek and Zahedan, whilst a police station was shot at with a 9mm handgun, the gunman was arrested and his weapon confiscated.

State President Evren Volkan presided over a meeting of the State Defence Commission where he demanded the ANA and ANAF bring an end to this "so called uprising swiftly and efficiently". Whilst Prime Minister Qassem Akbari gave a statement to an emergency session of the Union Congress, vowing that "this Sunni extremist uprising will be utterly crushed beneath the full force of a united Ankoren".

At 13:22, the SG and Police retook the Municipal Administration building, where at least 29 civilians were confirmed dead at the hands of the QAA. Deputy Mayor Aslan Kerim was confirmed dead, having been beheaded. The main chamber of the building had the national emblem covered over by a flag identical to that used by the Caliphate.

At 14:46, the SG and Police declared Çınar district cleared of QAA gunmen, the emergency services began to treat those injured by the attacks and subsequent raids by the security services. At 14:53, elements of the 4th Armoured Corps arrived in Çınar district to assist the SG and Police in clearing out the rest of the Arab Quarter.

State Minister of National Defence Burak Güven gave a statement at 15:35, in which he explained that the "operation to retake the rest of the Arab Quarter from these militants will begin when we are ready. We urge all civilians in the quarter to remain inside and in cover, preferably in basements. We also urge the remaining QAA gunmen to surrender to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, considering enough has already been spilt in this disgusting attack.

"The remaining QAA militants should know that should they refuse to surrender, we will attack Sheikh Matar, Çermik, Silvan and Ergani districts. We will root you out and destroy you, until every last one of you is either dead or in state custody. This is your only warning".

State President Evren Volkan gave a televised addressed minutes later, in which he decried the QAA as a "puppet movement for the Caliphate and Takfiri extremism".

"Today we have witnessed our jewel in the north be turned into a warzone through the hideous and barbaric acts of a movement that claims to fight for freedom, yet massacres the innocent and destroys the businesses and homes of those loyal to the Union.

"Events like this are aimed to destabilise and weaken a nation, but our nation will never collapse nor weaken before such brutal events. Rather our nation will strengthen, through sacrifice the state grows stronger. And while we praise the martyrs who fought this evil today, we mourn the innocent martyrs, those murdered at their desks, murdered shopping, murdered living their lives.

"The very fact that this insidious and loathsome movement claims to be for liberty, yet parades its murderers under the banner of the Caliphate is testament to its vile existence. The nation and indeed the world should know that these criminals will not escape justice, we will bring Darağan back to civilisation. We will evict these monsters from Darağan one way or another. This government, this Union, this great nation will never tolerate or acquiesce to such beastly acts.

"May God the benevolent welcome our martyrs with open arms and cast those criminals down and bless us with the means to obliterate these animals" he said.
Heavy gunfire and explosions have been heard across Ergani district, indicating either the ANA has begun its operation or the QAA has attempted to break out of the siege on the northern half of the Arab Quarter, so far no information has been given.

There is currently a curfew in place across Darağan province and Kumla Evleri: no one is permitted outside between 17:00pm and 08:00am unless they are a member of the emergency or security services. Anyone outside during this time will be subject to a State Tribunal.

We will keep you updated as more news comes in.

MORE HEADLINES

• LIVE UPDATES: Darağan Attacks [ 27209 ]
• LIVE UPDATES: Kumla Evleri Bombing [ 4997 ]
• MSS confirms Caliphate links with QAA [ 945 ]
• State President vows unity before Sunni extremist uprising [ 651 ]
• PM: "We will destroy the Caliphate for this" [ 116 ]

E-mail
© BTRK 2016

[Ainin]

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214TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC COMMEMORATED WITH MILITARY PARADE
Attendance reaches record 600,000 after pleas from officials to come out; minute of silence observed in memory of Pontnouveau victims

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Prime Minister Marianne de Lotbinière (centre) inspects troops at
the annual Huimont Military Parade with mayor David Camino (right)
and Francesian ambassador Judikael Kerplouguerne (left).

Via the Aininian Press Association - Against a backdrop of security worries, the annual Huimont Military Parade has been held without incident.

President Cao Nima and Field Marshal Carl D'Iberville, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, inspected the troops as the procession marched down the Avenue of the National Assembly. Defence Minister Hajar Maha, Prime Minister Marianne de Lotbinière, Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Bergeron and Francesian ambassador Judikael Kerplouguerne were also in attendance, the latter as the guest of honour. Ainin's Independence Day celebrations come one day after the deadliest terror attacks in Francesian history, killing hundreds, in acts allegedly attributed to Islamists linked to the unstable country of Valita.

In addition to the ambassador's recognition, a minute of silence was observed at the start of the parade, while a military band played the Francesian anthem from the steps of the Palace of the National Assembly. De Lotbinière then presented ambassador Kerplouguerne with a brick collected from the rubble of the 2015 Talon twin bombings as a symbol of solidarity.

Paratroopers belonging to the XV Corps, based in Marlane-la-Prairie,
Montagnes province, march at the forefront of the procession.

The parade, held on the afternoon of 2 May in Huimont, saw thousands of personnel and vehicles from all branches and commands of the Aininian Armed Forces march from the National Assembly to Huimont City Hall, an hour-and-a-half-long trip through the historic heart of the city where an estimated 600,000 people crowded near the iconic Boulevard of the National Assembly to watch the procession.

At the end of the parade, President Cao Nima addressed the troops from the balcony of City Hall and praised the armed forces for their "tireless dedication to maintaining our Republic's values of liberty, equality and democracy." He furthermore also talked about his recently-announced bilateral meeting with Namorese President-General Shohai Antelope, calling the latter a "visionary" and expressing his desire to work with him and other ETO leaders to "rebuild and modernise the organisation to reflect relevant, 21st century security concerns."

A false scare occurred when Gendarmes discovered a suspicious package besides a trash can along the parade route, near the National Gallery of Ainin. It forced the parade's start to be delayed from 14:00 to 14:25, while a bomb squad investigated the package. A controlled detonation was conducted out of an abundance of caution.

[Namor]

CenCo passes Market Emergency Response Act

May 3, NMR 2379

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The Esquarian City Stock Exchange

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - Much to the pleasure of the Antelope administration, the leftist-controlled Central Council passed the Market Emergency Response Act, an act that would allow the government to order stockholders to buy stocks or prevent them from doing so during a time of economic crisis.

The act gives the Central Council the authority to declare a period of economic crisis. A crisis would authorize the President-General to order stockholders to withhold or buy stocks. Failure to follow orders would be considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Such a law had been proposed by Antelope during the presidential election. It is similar to former President-General Fu Wen's "encouragement and discouragement" plan that he formulated in response to the stock market crash in NMR 2377, but different in that buying or selling stocks during a time of economic crisis is no longer optional.

Antelope said the new law allows the government to respond more effectively to future crashes and crises. He is expected to sign the act into law.

But members of the opposition who voted against the act accused the government of trying to control Namor's economy.

"With this new policy, our country is a step closer to total Marxism. By giving itself the power to tell stockholders when they can and cannot buy, the government is undermining our economic system," said Deputy Tuyet An (#23).

VP Long tours western frontier, inspects military and border police personnel

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Vice President Long Jiao-Che at a guard tower near the Namo-Luziycan border

SHACHIN, WEST NAMOR- Vice President Long Jiao-Che toured Namor's western border, where he visited military and border police personnel stationed in the area.

This is the first time Long paid a visit to the military as Vice President of Namor.

Vice President Long toured a military base near the West Namor district capital of Shachin. He then headed to the Frontier Security Zone (FSZ), the border zone situated next to the Namo-Luziycan barrier.

In the FSZ, he inspected local border police personnel, whom he praised in an address for their "battle readiness and courage."

"It's because of people like you that the border has become a monument of stability rather than a powder keg waiting to explode. The people of Namor are glad that their army is standing, every hour and every day, to secure our border and maintain the peace in this part of the Velkian continent. On behalf of President-General Antelope and everyone in Namo, I send you our warmest regards," said Long.

Namor invites Qianrongese opposition leaders to visit

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NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT- The Cadre on Qianrongese Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally extended an invitation to leaders of the Qianrongese opposition based in Xiangmen, in which it invited them to visit Namor and conduct talks with Namorese officials.

Cadre head Jin Paikun said the invitation is directed at Long Jiao-Dan, the leader of the opposition forces, several top opposition military chiefs and the leaders of various political parties that belong to the opposition, namely the Qianrongese Equalitarianist Party (QEP), United Worker's Party (UWP), Liberationist Party of Qianrong (LPQ) and People's Radical Party (PRP).

"It is our hope that through meetings, Namor gets a better understanding of the situation in Qianrong, and hopefully that better understanding allows us to adopt wiser and comprehensive policies in regards to the East Namor Sea," Jin said.

Asked if the invitation marks any change in Namor's stance towards the Qianrongese conflict, Jin reiterated the government's position that "the internationally-recognized government of Qianrong is situated in Yucheng," while adding that "such does not preclude talks with the opposition."

"We are open to similar interactions with the Yucheng authorities, but we are not aware of any reciprocal sign of goodwill coming from Yucheng. Not to mention that certain prerequisites have not been met. Hopefully this doesn't remain the case, as we're trying to get in touch with everybody," he said.

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Other News

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• Numerous nations pay condolences, show solidarity amid Francilie attacks - In response to the terror attacks in Pontnoveau, Francilie, numerous countries have declared a period of mourning to show solidarity with the victims.
• Leftists win majority in Aucurian parliament - In a victory for Aucuria's President Pantaleimonas Uspelevičius, the leftist alliance took a majority in the legislative elections, thereby sparing the administration from rightist obstruction.
• Ainin celebrates independence day with military parade amid security concerns - The military parade in Huimont, Ainin commemorating the 214th anniversary of the republic's independence proceeded without incident.
• Views of Islam in Namor stained but not tarnished by Francilie attacks, poll shows - According to the Mojing Sibo, 76 percent of Namorese have a positive view of Islam following the attacks in Francilie, a sharp drop from 82 percent in early April.

[Qianrong]

VENERABLE CHAIRMAN LONG, OTHER LEADERS TO VISIT NAMOR
VISIT COMES AFTER NAMORESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS EXTENDED FORMAL INVITATION


Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan said he looked forward to visiting Namor.

MAY 3 2015 XIANGMEN, QIANRONG- Our Beloved Supreme Leader Long Jiao-Dan, Venerable Chairman of the Qianrongese Soviet Republic, Supreme Marshal of the Revolutionary People's Army, General Secretary of the Qianrongese Equalitarianist Party, Father of the Qianrongese Nation, Liberator of the Qianrongese Archipelago, Protector and Savior of the Qianrongese People, Vanquisher of the Yucheng Oppressor Regime, Great Guide of the Equalitarianist Revolution, and Heir to the Legacy of Huang Jun-Tseng has accepted an offer from the Namorese Ministry of Foreign Affairs's Cadre on Qianrongese Affairs to visit Namor, and possibly meet with prominent individuals such as President-General of Namor Shohai Antelope and Vice President of Namor Long Jiao-Che, saying that he was looking forward to visiting Namor and to repairing the relationship between Namor and Qianrong.

The speech by Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan comes following a formal announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Namor. "It is our hope that through meetings, Namor gets a better understanding of the situation in Qianrong, and hopefully that better understanding allows us to adopt wiser and comprehensive policies in regards to the East Namor Sea," Cadre on Qianrongese Affairs leader Jin Paikun told Namorese media outlet PTH earlier today.

The invitation was extended to Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan and several other leaders of the great Qianrongese Soviet Republic. In the same announcement, Jin also confirmed that the invitation would not be extended to the bandits in the Yucheng terrorist junta, like the ill-tempered bitch Qi Chien-Xuan, the despicable whore Nguyen Cong Chua, the lying lecher Le Gia Dinh, the ineffectual coward Lin Chuan-Yeng, or the neutered attack dog Song Li-Chao.

"The despotic and autocratic regime known as the 'Free Democratic Republic' allowed the ties of fraternity between Namor and Qianrong to fray by spreading slanderous propaganda, while the oppressive traitors in the Yucheng regime have made sabotaging Namo-Qianrongese ties their highest priority," Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan explained in a speech delivered earlier today. "However, we know that it is the greatest desire of the Qianrongese people to be on amicable terms with their brothers and sisters in the People's Republic of Namor. As a result, it is my great pleasure to accept the offer extended by the Cadre of Qianrongese Affairs."

"I have long looked forward to meeting with our revolutionary brothers in Namor- with the great-grandson of the great Yunglang Antelope, my cousin Long Jiao-Che, and with the leadership of one of Esquarium's greatest and proudest democratic republics- a true model for the world," Venerable Chairman Long continued. "It is my hope that, while visiting Namor, I will be able to convince the Namorese People's Republic to stand with the people of the Qianrongese Archipelago against the tyrants in the Yucheng oppressor regime, so that all the people of our great nation may be liberated from the shackles of capitalist oppression."

In addition to our Venerable Chairman Long Jiao-Dan, Speaker of the Presidium Jung Yun-Zhu, Marshal of the Revolutionary People's Army Kuan Qiang-Shou, Deputy Secretary of the Qianrongese Equalitarianist Party Xue Hyeon-Ae, Foreign Affairs Minister Soong Gen-Cheng, People's Radical Party leader Ling Feng-Hua, United Worker's Party leader Dao Bac Kinh, and Qianrongese Liberationist leader Thuy Lieu An will be going on the formal visit to Namor. A date for the visit has not been set.

The people of the liberated regions of the Qianrongese Archipelago have expressed hope that there will be a new blossoming of Namo-Qianrongese relations in the wake of these attacks. "I hope that the leadership of the People's Republic of Namor will be informed of our desire to see the entirety of our homeland liberated from the reign of tyrants and traitors in the Yucheng terrorist junta," one resident of the city of Danh Dap told Red Flag. "With the assistance of our comrades in Namor, we could end tyranny in Qianrong forever." A resident of the city of Xiangmen expressed similar hopes, saying it was "high time" that Namo-Qianrongese ties be repaired. "We have allowed these ties of fraternities to be trampled on for too long... I hope that our Beloved Venerable Chairman will be able to reestablish what the traitors and bandits have tried to destroy."

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OTHER NEWS STORIES
LIVANCIA: Atlia, Arkiasis to face each other in Coupe
NAMOR: Market Emergency Response Act passed by CenCo
AININ: Ainin celebrates 214th anniversary of republicanism
ANKOREN: Military, secessionists fight for city of Darağan
FRANCILIE: World mourns after violent terrorist attacks

[Aucuria]

|| ATLIA | AUCURIA | WORLD | SPORTS | CULTURE | OPINION ||
|| Atlikçe | Aukurių | Other Languages ||

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Could Atlia win the Coupe?
Arkiasis is battle-hardened, but that hasn't saved other teams from the Stallions

Several Atlian soccer fans cheer the Stallions on during the Lydland-Atlia match.

May 4, 2015 | Minakbir, Livancia - We have to admit that we were not expecting to be answering this question.

When this Coupe d'Esquarium began, the most optimistic individuals were those predicting that Atlia might, maybe, make it to the Round of 16. Anyone predicting that Atlia would make it to the finals rounds would have been treated as delusional- even this Coupe d'Esquarium, supposedly a "weak" one, saw soccer behemoths like Vyvland, Ainin, Nevanmaa, Pavonistade, and Luziyca participate. Atlia was a debutante- unprepared, supposedly, for the brutality of an intensive international soccer tournament. Placed in the same group as the battle-hardened Foxes of Sandhelm and Pavonistade's internationally feared Fearless, predictions for Atlia were bleak at best.

And yet, somehow, we are here. The Fearless, Firebirds, Thunderbirds, and Bears have all fallen to the Atlian Stallions in upset after upset- so many upsets that some people from traditional soccer powers have given up on the Coupe as a whole. The people of Atlia have grown more boldly supportive and bravely optimistic with each victory over a team that was supposedly stronger, battle-hardened, more experienced. The Stallions seem more than ready to raise the famed cup itself on the pitch of the al-Watan Stadium. Muhemet Hasanoğlu has made a bet with Arkiasis's Troy Brown that an Atlian victory will result in Brown wearing a Stallion jersey for a day, and that an Arkisian victory will result in Hasanoğlu wearing a Wolfpack jersey for a day.

But are we maybe a little too confident? Is our victory guaranteed, or will we fall just short of the line?

The Arkisians are, without a doubt, a skilled team. They participated in Coupes four and five, and while they did not make it to the knockout round in either previous edition, they had opportunities to hone their skills on the international stage that we have not. They have allowed only four goals past their defense in the entirety of the sixth Coupe d'Esquarium- all of those were in their first match, against the Osonians- who themselves flamed out in a 1-0 loss to Montecara. Their wins have been by narrow margins- their largest goal difference this Coupe was their 3-0 win against Montecara- but they are steadfast. Like the Stallions, the Wolfpack had one win, one draw, and one loss in the group stage- and the Arkisians, known more for hockey than soccer, were underdogs in their group as well. Their defense is near-impenetrable, and their offense is capable of getting it in when it counts.

The Stallions, by contrast, have been more offensive. They have focused less on keeping a clean sheet and more on keeping a winning one- that is, making sure that they always had more points than the other team. The Stallion defense has allowed ten goals to be fielded against them in the knockout rounds alone- they've been saved by the fact that the Atlian offense has been able to get twelve goals past the defenses of opposing teams. They have played aggressively and determinedly, from start to finish. And, admittedly, many of Atlia's players do not have the skill that the players on the Wolfpack do. Instead, the Atlians have been relying on their own sheer determination, and on the backing of the Atlian people- forces that have been far more powerful than many expected.

Ultimately, the match will come down to Atlia's offense versus Arkiasis's defense. If the Atlians are able to shatter the Arkisian defense, then the match will likely be a victory for the Stallions. By contrast, if the Stallions fail to get past the Wolfpack, then all the Arkisians need to do is make a few goals where it counts.

So can we make a prediction as to whether or not the Atlians will be able to break the Arkisian defense? The North and South Qianrongese records weren't as immaculate as those of Arkiasis, but both teams had strong defenses that attempted to prevent the Atlians from getting into the goal at all, and both teams had allowed in few if any goals in previous matches. Atlia defeated North Qianrong and South Qianrong in quick succession, 3-2 in both cases. And only one team has been able to shut down the Atlian offense this entire Coupe- the team from, of all places, Senterland. This all bodes very well for Atlia- it shows that the Stallion offense is hard to stop, even when they're facing more experienced, battle-hardened teams. There is a definite chance that the strategy the Arkisians are using could collapse tomorrow, just like it collapsed for the Firebirds and Thunderbirds earlier in the Coupe.

In the end, the only way to know for sure who will win this final round is to play the game- and play the game they will later today. Win or lose, this will be a memorable day for Atlia and the Stallions, and an end to a shocking and triumphant Coupe d'Esquarium.

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Other Stories
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[Qianrong]

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Atlia wins Coupe d'Esquarium 3-2
A disastrous first half for Atlia left the score 2-0 at halftime, but the Wolfpack's defense crumbled in the second half

Atlian forward Muaviye Bayraktar attempts to give the referee a red card.

May 4, 2015 | Minakbir, Livancia - The Atlian Stallions won the Coupe d'Esquarium today in a 3 to 2 victory over the Arkisian Wolfpack in a soccer match that initially appeared to be a guaranteed Arkisian victory but turned into an Atlian success story as Arkiasis's famed defense came apart in the second half of the game under pressure from a determined Atlian offense.

Neither team was expected to make it to the finals of the sixth Coupe d'Esquarium, and both had generally mediocre performances in the group stage of the prestigious international soccer tournament. But both teams had excelled in the knockout stage- with Atlia's explosive offensive giving it convincing victories over North Qianrong, South Qianrong, and Lydland, and Arkiasis's impenetrable defense giving it a string of less flamboyant but still impressive victories. Most analysts had predicted that the main struggle in the match would be between the Atlian offense and the Arkisian defense.

During the first half of the game, the Arkisian strategy of impenetrable defense appeared to be paying off. Atlia's offense struggled to get even shots on goal for the first forty-five minutes of the final in the face of stalwart opposition from the Arkisian defense. Then, in the seventeenth minute, Atlian defender İskender Erim was ruled to have brought down Arkisian midfielder Marcus Holm in the penalty box. Erim and several other Atlian players, including forward Muaviye Bayraktar, began to argue with the referee; when Erim was given a yellow card, Muaviye Bayraktar grabbed a red card from the referee and attempted to give the referee a red card. This resulted in Bayraktar being sent off the field. Arkiasis's Azhar Botros got the ball past Stallion goalkeeper Seyyit Tandoğan in the ensuing penalty kick; this was followed by a goal from Logan Bradley in the thirty-second minute. At halftime, the score was 2-0 in favor of Arkiasis and it appeared to many that the Atlians had finally met their match.

But the fortunes reversed in the second half of the game as the Atlians continued to wear down the Arkisian defense. Finally, in the fifty-ninth minute, Atlian forward Abdilâh Aydoğan got the ball past Arkisian goalkeeper Ethan Turnbull, getting the Stallions onto the board. This was followed in the sixty-sixth minute by a goal from forward Abdülcelil Koçoğlu, brought in as a substitute for Muaviye Bayraktar. Aydoğan scored again in the seventy-fifth minute. When the game ended, Atlia had come back to win the game 3-2.

"Overall, I think it was a very good game," coach Anar Bölükbaşı told reporters after the match was over. "We used all our skill, all our faith, and all our determination, and we came back from a bleak situation to win this Coupe." Bölükbaşı also said that the behavior of İskender Erim and Muaviye Bayraktar was "shameful" and would not be tolerated. "We will make it perfectly clear to Bayraktar and Erim that such foolishness reflects poorly upon Atlia and will not be tolerated in the future."

The players on the Stallions, however, have been openly thrilled about their victory. "This is easily one of the proudest moments of my life, to be standing here with my teammates as a winner of the Coupe d'Esquarium," Abdilâh Aydoğan told reporters immediately following the match. "I just want to say thank you to Allah for giving us this opportunity, and thank you to the fans for always standing behind us and for always supporting us. This is just such a great honor." Abdülrakîb Baştürk was similarly joyous. "I can still- still barely believe that I'm standing here," he told reporters later during a press conference. "This is such a wonderful day."

Atlian fans have expressed glee in the wake of the victory. "It's a wildest dream come true, to see the Stallions win the Coupe d'Esquarium," one soccer fan in Şehiray told reporters from Atlik Hürriyet. "I never imagined that I'd be able to say that Atlia won the Coupe," a fan from Çömertdağ said, "but it's the truth now and I still can barely believe it."

We thank you for following our coverage of the sixth Coupe d'Esquarium, and we look forward to seeing you in the fall when the Atlians will no doubt be working to defend their title.

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[Livancia]

EMIR DECLARES COUPE D'ESQUARIUM AN "UNDENIABLE SUCCESS"

Emir Yaqoob iben Rushdi

MINAKBIR, KHUSUBA GOVERNORATE - After the final match between Arkiasis and Atlia yesterday, His Royal Highness, Emir Yaqoob iben Rushdi personally presented the Atlian captain with the Lien Mi-tso Memorial Cup, and gave gold medals to the Atlians, followed by silver medals to the Arkiasian national team. Following this ceremony, there were 28 dancers, dressed in the colors of the twenty-eight participants, dancing to traditional Livancian folk music.

After the dance routine, which lasted for 15 minutes, the Emir made his speech to conclude the games.

In his Standard Arabic, the Emir declared that "while this edition had been marred with boycotts and accusations of corruption, as well as concerns regarding our ability to protect all the players and all the spectators, this Coupe d'Esquarium has lived up to its expectations of being 'Fair and peaceful,' for we have fair play, and we had a peaceful coupe."

He explained that "There are no riots because of the Coupe. There have been no terrorist attacks against any of the venues or areas where people are staying: the only terrible thing was when some players from Senterland damaged a hotel in Belt tal-Lvant and had to be deported." The spectators laughed at his comment.

The Emir continued "We have defied those who expected us to do a terrible job in hosting the Coupe: au contraire, this Coupe is very much an undeniable success."

The Emir concluded by saying, "On behalf of the Livancian nation, we thank you all for participating in this edition of the Coupe d'Esquarium, and we wish everyone luck in the next edition."

After the end of the speech, there were musical performances, notably headlined by Pavon singer Mariana Adeodatus, and also included domestic singers like pop singer Anna bint Salman and folk singer Blaise Vérany, which lasted for 15 minutes, before the performances ended.

[Namor]

Record low number of Namorese viewed sixth Coupe d'Esquarium
Only 11 million viewers watched Coupe final on PTH
Наморайин | English

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Atlian fans celebrate their team's victory in the sixth CdE

PTH released the final rating on its coverage of the sixth Coupe d'Esquarium in Livancia, which shows that only 11 million viewers watched Atlia's stunning defeat of Arkiasis in the final match of the Coupe - a record low since the inception of the international football tournament.

In the days leading up to the final match, the number of viewers was even lower, dropping to around seven million, PTH found.

Lack of interest in the sixth Coupe among Namorese can also be seen outside of television ratings. Twitter reported only one million tweets with the hashtag "#Екаибеи6" (Namorese for "Coupe d'Esquarium Six"), compared to five million tweets with the hashtag "#Екаибеи5 (Coupe d'Esquarium Five)."

The number of Namorese turning out in sports bars to watch and discuss the sixth Coupe is significantly lower than the number that turned out in the fifth Coupe, noted a bartender from the Victory 1 Bar in Mojing.

"It wasn't as packed as it used to be," he told the Liberator.

Analysts say the numbers are not entirely surprising, as Namor did not participate in the latest Coupe. In April 23, Namor announced it would not send its national team to Livancia due to fears that participation may place Namorese fans and players at risk of being targeted in Coupe-related violence.

But in the fifth Coupe, which Namor did not attend either because its team failed to qualify, the number of Namorese who viewed the final match between Michillies and Odissia hovered around 20 million - nine million more than the number of viewers who tuned in to the Atlia-Arkiasis faceoff. Overall, 15 million Namorese viewed the fifth Coupe.

During the first four Coupes, all of which Namor attended, viewership was higher - anywhere between 30 and 40 million.

"Part of it has to Namorese people's general lack of interest in football. Most realize we're not so great at it, and the farthest we get is the quarterfinals, so television viewers see no point in watching the Coupe," said commentator Huang Yusen. "But other factors are at play. The last days of the Coupe were overshadowed by events in Francilie, which received a lot of coverage. Afterwards, the Coupe lost any momentum that it still had in Namor."

Huang added that Namor isn't the only country where fewer people watched the Coupe. "It's a global thing. Internationally, it seems coverage of the [sixth] Coupe has diminished."

In spite of this, the Coupe's hosts say they're convinced the tournament was a success.

The Emir of Livancia, Yaqoob iben Rushdi, declared the Coupe to be an "undeniable success."

"There are no riots because of the Coupe. There have been no terrorist attacks against any of the venues or areas where people are staying: the only terrible thing was when some players from Senterland damaged a hotel in Belt tal-Lvant and had to be deported," he said.

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Long Jiao-Dan to visit Namor, date unset | Atlia wins CdE VI | CenCo passes Market Emergency Response Act | Ainin celebrates independence anniversary

[West Cedarbrook]

West Cedarbrook 1 News Extra
8:02 PM Wrycova Central Time

Judge Nehemiah
Yrrek Guilty of Treason: Receives Death Sentance
This is a West Cedarbrook 1 News Bulletin, Lolek Yastremsky Reporting from Wrycova
The 15 jurors in the treason trial of Jon Yrrek, accused of passing nuclear secrets to the West Cortoguayan regime have delivered their verdict two hours ago, amidst a flurry of activity on both the defense and prosecution benches. The jury forman proclaimed the diplomat's guilt on all counts of which he was accused. The criminal trial, one of the longest and most complicated in recent years played out at the Wrycova Central District Criminal Courts, under Judge Romek Nehemiah. It had been underway since September 20th of last year. Lead Prosecutor Lechzek Tennenbaum and Louis Jourdain, head of the defesne team addressed the judge after the announcement of the verdict.

Strict limits on the reporting of the trial had been imposed by Judge Nehemiah, citing the sensitivity of much of the evidece regarding The Kramden's handling of nuclear fissile material, under control of the Council for Thermonuclear Material Planning and Control (CoTheMPC). Yrrek, a former commercial attache at the West Cedarbrook embassy in Sevoya, East Cortoguay, was blackmailed by the pacifist organization Organization for Military Arms Banishment in the Antarctic (OMABA), allegedly in the intersts of preventing nuclear proliferation in Conitia, but since designated by the Senate as a terrorist group. During the lengthy proceedings three of the jurors took ill, and were replaced by alternates. At the onset of the trial, prosecutor Tennenbaum's bench had been joined by attorneys from Attorney General Arnstein's office, and the Defense Intelligence Organization. The trial was further complicated by imposition of a Blue Letter by President Feld, placing criminal proceedings pertinent to national security under military jurisdiction during the Lecistani Civil War crisis, given the threat of conflict with Nevanmaa at the time. That Blue Letter expired on March 24th, but Judge Nehemiah informed attorneys for both sides that the heightened security concerns would be a factor in sentancing, in the event Yrrek would be found guilty. The Blue Letter went into effect on November 10th of last year following a Nevan ultimatum to The Kramden during the crisis that provided for Criminal Courts to operate under martial law in areas designated to be of strategic importance, Judge Romek did continue the trial under the Criminal Law Code procedures, but the Martial Law Board of Overseers consisting of the 5 senior justices of the Supreme Court for Criminal Law, and the presiding judges of all State and Municipal Criminal Appellate Courts was convened on December 5th, and delivered the opinion that the existence of the Blue Letter during the trial must be a consideration in sentancing, even if the Blue Paper expires prior to the verdict..


Jon Yrrek


In his instructions to the Jury, Judge Nehemiah leaned heavily on the 1976 Official Secrets Sales treason trial (Kramden vs. Lichetnstein, Plaut, and Rafael), telling jurors

"The Treason by Transmission of Sensitive Information count is a Scheme to Betray the Kramden to a Foreign Power, a felony in the First Degree. Under our law, a citizen is guilty of a this inthe first degree when that person engages in a scheme constituting ofa systematic ongoing course of conduct with intent to transmit to officers of a Foreign Power classified or highly sensitive information posession of which contributes to a defect in the ability of the Armed Forces or Intelligence Services of the Kramden of West Cedarbrook to fulfill their mission. It is necessary for The Kramden to prove the identity of at least the person who has committed this breach as the defendant in this trial Jon Yrrek, a Citizen of the Kramden of West Cedarbrook. to decide upon a verdict of guilty. It is also necessary for The Kramden to prove the intent of the defendant, Jon Yrrek to this act of treason. The term, "intent," used in this definition has its own special meaning in our law. I will now give you the meaning of that term. Intent means conscious objective or purpose.

Thus, a person acts with intent to transmit classified of highly sensitive information to officers of a foreign power when that person’s conscious
objective or purpose is to do so. In order for you to find the defendant guilty of this crime, the Kramden is required to prove, from all of the evidence in the case, beyond a reasonable doubt, each of the following three elements:
1. That on or about March 21, 2015, in the service of The Kramden of West Cedarbrook at the Embassy of West Cedarbrook to East Cotoguay the defendant, Jon Yrrek engaged in actions constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct;
2. That the defendant did so with intent to provide information to the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Cortoguay regarding classified or highly sensitive information about activities vital to the defense of the Kramden of West Cedarbrook;
3. That the defendant so obtained property from one or more of such persons, at least one of whom has been identified."

Following the verdict, Judge Nehemiah thanked the jurors and dismissed them. A gag order prevails on statements by the jurors about the trial in capital cases. In pronouncing the death sentance, Judge Nehemiah told Yrrek "I find no pleasure in proclaiming the death sentance, even in this case of egregious treason. It is to be understood that under our criminal law system, condmenation to death is used sparingly. In this case, it is required, and I think, is important in the sense that your treason to the Kramden be punished in the prescribed way to serve as a warning to those in our midst that would betray the freedoms we enjoy, indeed, our very lives. You were entrusted with representing the Kramden to foreign nations, a very high responsibility indeed. If you had problems with the views on defense by our duly elected leaders, you had every recourse to address them in ways that avoided exposure of this nation to danger and attack. Yet you decided to act on your own, and outside the bounds of the law. I view this sentance a appropriate and valid."

The defense team has 60 days in which to file an apppeal in the Wrycova Criminal Appellate Court. Following the sentancing, Yrrek was remanded to the Banaleva Prison complex, 12 miles west of Wrycova, in Northwest State, where he will be hung if his appeal fails.


Delays at Somorrostro-Zelve
In other news, slowdowns continue at land border crossing points and major airports as local police implement additional security precautions under the direction of the Counter-Terrorism and Narcotics Intelligence Unit of the Attorney General's office. The new procedures came into effect after the recent terrorist attacks in Francilie and Akoren. Wrycova's Naimann Field and Steinhouse's Ulam Field are reporting the longest delays, with waits of up to 6 hours for foreign travellers and 3.5 hours for Cedarbrookese citizens occuring during daytime hours. Border crossings with San Valdivielso report very little impact, with most of the roads connecting the two nations being Class C or Class D, with switchovers for left hand side driving in the Kramden. Crossing points at the major highway switchovers on the Montezelo border report longer delays, despite the higher level of staffing and larger facilities than on the San Valdivielso border. Commercial traffic is particularly backed up at the Sant Sebastià-Corot, Barceloneta-Kolezya'n, Somorrostro-Zelve , and Melave River road crossings. Rail traffic entering West Cedarbrook from Montezelo is also reporting delays.


Solicitor General Carlovsky
Earlier today, at a cabinet meeting, Solicitor General Uriel Carlovsky notified President Feld of his intention to retire. Mr. Carlovsky, who turns 62 on May 16 is expected to return to Ironton upon his retirement. The former Coastal State Governor was appointed to the post by Preident Feld after the 2012 election, during which Carlovsky ran against him for the Conservative Party nomination. He was approved by the Senate as Solicitor General by a vote of 681-12. Following the cabinet meeting, the President dispatched Vice President Paula Davidoff to the Supreme Court for Civil Affairs to request a list of candidates for Solicitor General, and their evaluation of those candidates for the President's consideration. There has been speculation that he would be open to serve on the Civil Supreme Court, or possibly on the Coastal State Civil Appellate Court after his retirement.

[Pavonistade]

CALVIN ALMOR (LIBERAL) ANNOUNCES BID FOR PRESIDENCY
2013 Liberal nominee to possibly return for upcoming 2017 elections
Date: May 5, 2016

Calvin Almor, the Liberal nominee in the 2013 presidential
election, announced he will again be running for
the next presidential election.

A potential major opponent in the incumbent Yksteldehs Oppenheim's path to the Presidential Palace emerged, making a presidential bid as he did over four years ago. His party is seen as one of the great threats to the Democratic Party even though it is trailing behind by 136 seats.

Calvin Almor led the Liberal Party in the 2013 elections as they made gains mostly in districts held by the Democrats after 2009. While in Oktosis, a city considered to be a Liberal stronghold, he publicly announced his intention to run as a Liberal presidential candidate in the 2017 elections. "Change must come to Pavonistade, and it comes with irrefutable reasons," Almor declared to a supporting crowd.

Among the issues he touched upon were economic uncertainties in Pavonistade. "Our economy needs new change and a new way forward. We indeed are recovering from a downturn not seen since 2008 but it has shown us that in order to truly improve our businesses, workers, and country, we need new approaches to tackle the problems back home. Right now, we aren't doing enough."

Almor also addressed the growing far-right seen in other Esquarian countries. "Pavonistade has a successful society built upon multiculturalism and peace among a great diversity of people and backgrounds. We have endured the worst of tragedies, but what's remarkable is that we did not justify discrimination and hatred with these tragedies. We need to show Esquarium that even the most difficult problems can be solved by simply being a little bit more open-minded."

"Pavonistade will be guided by a leader that understands it and its people," Almor stated. "That leader knows how to finally bring about change, and I am that leader."

Almor is one of the three candidates confirmed to have made a presidential bid. It is likely that as with the Democrats, the Liberals will throw much of their support behind Almor, therefore leading to a lack of other contesting Liberal candidates. Other than Oppenheim and Almor, Jules Capaldi of Pavonistade First and Lyonna Urthules of the Green Party announced they will be running again for the 2017 elections.

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[Union of Akoren]

ANA retakes Arab Quarter

The Ankoreni National Army is currently clearing the Arab Quarter of explosives and the last pockets of resistance.

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06/05/16 22.10pm

The indomitable security services of the Union have successfully retaken all districts of Darağan's Arab Quarter from the Sunni extremist QAA. The State began efforts to retake the rest of the Arab Quarter following the QAA's brutal attack upon government buildings and the police on the 3 April. Three days of constant heavy fighting reduced both the QAA's willingness to fight and their numbers for doing so. The Interior Ministry estimates that at least 500 Sunni extremists were killed and a further 301 captured, whilst at least 167 soldiers and gendarmes were martyred between April 4 and this morning.

State President Evren Volkan who visited the suburbs of Darağan this morning praised the efforts of the State security services, calling them "the best of a generation", he met with ordinary soldiers and gendarmes, he was joined by both Prime Minister Akbari and National Defence Minister Gen. Burak Güven.

All three then proceeded to talk to loyal patriotic Sunni Arab citizens, forced out of their homes by the QAA terrorists, one woman broke down into tears over her home, was helped back up by Prime Minister Akbari and State President Volkan, the latter saying that the "State will never abandon its loyal citizens, never".

State President Volkan gave a swift speech to soldiers and gendarmes before returning to the capital, in which he vowed "together, the State, Army and people will overcome every any foe. These Takfiris thought they could bring chaos to this great city, they thought they could import the Caliphate's evil and poisonous apostasy. Yet we defeated them and have return this great city to the nation, the Union praises you and thanks you. And of course, we offer our heartfelt praises for our martyred sons, who enter Paradise for their sacrifice".

According to the Ministry of State Security, a large number weapons used by the QAA terrorists were smuggled in from Caliphate held territories in Irvadistan, Many buildings used by the QAA to attack the State security forces were littered with Caliphate literature and symbolism, the MSS has categorical stated that this uprising was "plotted, funded and supplied by the Caliphate".

This was further exacerbated last night when ANA units arrested a large group of known QAA members attempting to flee into Caliphate held Irvadistan, all were arrested and put before a State Tribunal, they are to be executed later this evening.

Minister of State Security Hamid Kadivar who released the information before the Union Congress decried the uprising as the "most devious and costly plot hatched by the Takifirs. If we had failed to respond as promptly as we did, we could indeed have lost all of Darağan and the surrounding province to these extremists and the life of every single loyal and patriotic Sunni Arab citizen would have been in danger".

Union Congressman Colonel Erdim Kaya demanded that the State retaliate with full force against the Caliphate, whilst another Ilyas Parmuk called for airstrikes against the Caliphate's oil assets. Many are now expecting a torrent of public anger and fury towards the Caliphate. The Imam Ali Patriotic Movement has already called for thousands to march in Estanban in demand of a military operation against the Caliphate.

Junior Supreme Cleric Ayatollah Eşref Armağan has called on the Union to prepare for the "greatest war this continent will ever know. A war between the continent's guardian nation and the forces of Yazid reborn. A war between the faithful Shia and Sunni against the very epitome of apostasy and heresy" in a speech to students this morning.

The National Army and State Gendarmerie have now begun clearing out the last few pockets of resistance across the Arab Quarter, the ANA's Engineering Corps have arrived to begin clearing out booby traps and explosives, four ANA soldiers were killed this morning when a QAA bomb destroyed a house they were searching completely. The ANA has warned that the Arab Quarter will not be safe for civilians to return until they are confident the explosive threat has been dealt with.

Yet with close to 2,000 Sunni Arabs currently in State Custody for assisting, harbouring or sympathising with the QAA, the Ministry of State Justice has issued an executive order confiscating these people's property and then for it to be distributed among homeless Sunni Arabs and loyal Arab citizens. The ANA has also arrested two Sunni Arab congressmen for supporting the QAA's cause, they face charges of sedition and supporting terrorism.

The ANA has also confirmed that it has killed two prominent QAA commanders, Malik Al-Attiyah and Abdullah Al-Fayhed, whilst capturing its "captain-general" Khalid Ibrahimi and six others. General Adnan Terim, who commanded the operation to clear out the QAA state before reporters that "in the process of destroying the QAA's presence in Darağan, we have inflicted serious damage to the QAA's command structure. With the elimination of Al-Attiyah, Al-Fayhed and the apprehension of its leader Khalid Ibrahimi and six lower ranking leaders, we have dismembered their central command.

"Currently both the National Army and State Gendarmerie are engaged in mopping up the last remnants of the QAA presence, unfortunately we have also recorded violent incidents across Darağan province and are moving the necessary forces to counter these attacks and counter-attack. We will destroy the QAA as we have destroyed every other terrorist group and so called secessionist movement" he said.

The recorded incidents reportedly include a failed ambush of an ANA patrol six miles north of Darağan in the village of Başdurak, at least one soldier was injured. Another incident was an explosion outside the police station in the town of Hayrat, close to the border with Irvadistan; at least two police officers were martyred and two civilians injured.

The State Defence Commission has authorised the deployment of a further 6,000 soldiers to Darağan province to assist in the operation against the QAA and other Sunni extremist groups.

The State Ministry of Health has confirmed that least 300 civilians have been killed as a result of the QAA's barbarism and their criminal use of civilians as human shields,

Will keep you updates as more information arrives.

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MORE HEADLINES

• LIVE UPDATES: Darağan battle [ 27209 ]
• LIVE UPDATES: State Defence Commission meeting [ 4997 ]
• MSS confirms Caliphate links with QAA [ 945 ]
• Thousands to march in anti-Takfiri rallies tomorrow [ 651 ]
• Opinion: The Nautasian Wolf has awoken [ 116 ]

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© BTRK 2016

[The Ocelot Isles]

Sinhako Veshchaniya Pradhikarana
Sinakes Autoritas debakting
Sinhako Broadcasting Authority

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ELECTION 2016 Nationalist Party victorious, to form minority government

Johannes Sikari, founder of Dasta Andolana
and leader of the Nationalist Party, is also
the President-elect.

PRASANTA, SINHAKO - In what will be remembered as the first general elections in Sinhakese history, many thousands of Sinhakese citizens head to polling stations to cast their ballots. For twelve hours from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM OST, Sinhakese were given the right to vote for one of the four nominees running after one year of governance under interim president Helga Duta.

The presidential election, House of Representatives election, and senatorial election were held across Sinhako. Overall the Nationalist Party, led by Johannes Sikari and running mate Purano Bhyaguta, won the most seats and the most votes. The Nationalists were able to secure 100 seats in the House of Representatives as well as 28 out of 68 senators. Comparing this to their main rivals, the Labour Party won 88 seats and were allocated 36 senators.

The victory by the Nationalist Party leads to Johannes Sikari becoming the president-elect of Sinhako. From this election Sikari - and a cabinet he will form - will be inaugurated in approximately one month on June 3. Despite having more members in the Sinhakese Congress than any other party, the Nationalist Party does not hold a majority. It is expected that in a minority government that is to replace Duta's interim government, Sikari cannot rely solely on the Nationalists to pass legislation.

Support for the Nationalists was most noticeable in the parivaras (first-level divisions) and subhayas (towns) that directly border the Ocelot Isles. One such parivara is Simihara, where a terrorist attack targeted the local segment of the Sinhakese-Ocelotian border. Other parivayas and subhayas, especially populated and more-liberal parivaras such as Prasanta and Adara, were generally in favour of Duta or Putrivaya. Only one subhaya was won by D'Arpino.

In his victory speech, Sikari said that he "is beyond blessed to be elected by the Sinhakese people to lead the nation for the next four years" and he will "do all in my ability to keep Sinhako as a beacon of hope not just for the Shudri and our friends here [in Sinhako], but for the Shudri and other people struggling in other parts of Esquarium." Duta conceded defeat as results from the last polling stations were being tallied, and was seen to be surprisingly calm when she was addressing her supporters in her concession speech. "It is soon that I need to pass on my presidency, for a new leader needs to be in charge," Duta said.

Sinhako uses the first-past-the-post electoral system and 198 subhayas, serving as electoral districts, were up for grabs by the four leaders. The allocation of the 52 special representatives would be based on the results of the subhaya elections. On the other hand, 68 senators would be elected based on the overall results in parivaras, each of which yield 4 senators to the most successful party. The leader with the most elected members becomes president-elect.