AMW News Centre

[Belgeland]

Belgeland Dagblad - English Version

Leftist Coalitions in major party split

The Labour and Communist Coalition, which won a record 21 seats in the General Election last year, seems to have finally split, following another lowering of poll ratings - including one done by this newspaper putting them at just 2.1% two days ago. The party seems to have fractured along a vague "labour" and "communist" lines, with the communist grouping, seemingly led by Hendrik Roemer and Emile Noten calling Jean de Forest's [leader of the Coalition] position "untenable" and that the party has "lost its principles".

Seemingly wanting to avert being associated with the collapse of the party, six members of the coalition have asked to join the Social Democrats, one calling the remainder of the party an "unmitigated disaster" and "totally inept politically". It seems likely that the Social Democratic leader will allow the members in, although it is uncertain what moves will be made, with at least one Social Democrat saying that he'll leave the party if the party is allowed to be dragged out of the centre ground. Those in the know suggest that the Social Democrats will come out of this in a stronger position, able to accommodate more of the left.

The new Labour Party seems to have 8 members of Parliament and most local members with them, whilst the Communist Revival Party is set to have 7 members of Parliament, exact local support is as yet unknown, with some council groups suggesting that the parties will continue to work together on a local level.

The moves could be the start of a much larger movement, however, with many of the Federalist Bloc parties looking to see whether a move to one of the new parties would be more suited to their interests; Léon Arend, leader and only MP for Rassemblement Wallon has suggested in his blog the possibility of moving into coalition with Labour, whose leader is also a Walloon. Whilst the Federalistische Partij and Deutsche Partei der Belgeland have already ruled out moving out of the current system (or allowing non federalist parties into the bloc), it seems the smaller, left-leaning parties are open to a change of position.

On a less surprising note, the New Liberal Party has once again joined in coalition with the Green Party, and the leader has hinted at being open to forming a wider coalition along New Liberal and Federalist principles. Whatever the result of this major (but forseeable) reshuffle of the left, the right wing parties look set to gain in the upcoming local elections, already pushing a campaign against the 'disorganised' left.

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[Ferkas]

Gulf Crisis Update

Presidential Statement

President Sir Erik Longtern(NP) released a formal statement regarding the current actions in the Persian Gulf area, where the NCKA Bradshaw was illegally seized by forces from the Muslim nation. In it he called for the immediate return of the vessel and its crew to the Kingdom, saying: These recent actions by the Caliphate show a blatant disregard for international maritime law. It would be best for both nations if the Caliphate was to immediatly release the crew and vessel, before any more escalation can come to this already strained situation. When asked about the increased military activity in the Persian Gulf area Sir Longtern stated "We are taking all needed actions to protect our vital interests in the Gulf region. Any action that has been taken is purely defensive, to prevent any further illegal actions by certain national forces.

Not only does this recent incident threaten to worsen the historically strained relations between our Kingdom and the Caliphate, which stretch back hundreds of years to when the Islamic rabble was forced out of Arabia, it also places a new strain on the upcoming national election cycle. With the full House of Commons and Senate up for reelection several members made statements regarding the current situation. Senator Inverness(UP) stated that "In times such as these it is important that all of our parties work together to secure the return of our servicemen.

As a final point of note the President authorized additional air patrols over the disputed region, as a counter to the recent movement of the Muslim navy into the Gulf region, stating the intention of "securing vital trading routes and protecting our economic interests in the region.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

New development in Gulf Crisis

Crew charged with attempted espionage

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

The crew of the NCKA Bradshaw are being charged with espionage, military sources have confirmed. The charge came after the conclusion of an investigation into the ship's presence in the Persian Gulf. The names of the sixty-four officers and crewmen on board the vessel have not yet been released. The crew are still detained in an unknown location.

The Board of War released a statement to the press, confirming that "the sixty-four personnel of the NCKA Bradshaw" have been officially charged with "the intent to commit espionage against the House of Islam and her assets". The Board of War notified the Board of Correspondence of its intention to press charges against the crew, which has in turn contacted the Crusader Government.

It is believed that the NCKA Bradshaw was attempting to gain information on Muslim oil assets in the Persian Gulf, although authorities have not ruled out the possibility of sabotage. Military movement in the Gulf has always been controversial; the region is the largest source of crude oil in the world. During the Great War, oil fields were attacked and set alight by both sides in an effort to undermine the war effort.

Speaking to the press, Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah (peace be upon him) appealed for calm and urged restraint "on both sides" to find a "peaceful solution" to the crisis. Conversely, the Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Daheer ibn Al-Asad, accused the Crusader Government of increasing tensions in the area through a "sustained military build-up", and vowed to "defend the Persian coast at all costs" should conditions deteriorate further.

[Chrinthanium]

From Chrinthani Surfer Magazine
A Newsflash from reporter Jonas Hogan

Imperial One Under Threat

The situation here in Areopagitican has turned to potential violence. Right now, twenty reporters, several Imperial staff members and a full compliment of Praetorian Guards, including the crew of the emperors personal aircraft, are under the thread of Areo cannons as we sit on the tarmac.

About twenty minutes ago, a red alert was issued concerning the safety of His Imperial Majesty. In response to the red alert, the Praetorian Guard began preparing for possible extraction procedures in case the life of Emperor Nathaniel were placed in jeopardy. While we've heard no word about his whereabouts or safety, the Areopagitican military has turned four cannons towards Imperial One. At this moment, no one is hurt, although nerves are a bit jittery as at this moment we've not heard words about His Imperial Majesty or the intention of those manning those cannons.

The latest update from Colonel Xavier, Praetorian Commander, stated that, "Byzantium, Beddgelert and Nibelunc have been asked if they could give assistance if the situation calls for it." He further added that, "At this time, we believe that Emperor Nathaniel is safe, although communication with his assistant, Marcus Wheaton, has not occured recently."

[Ferkas]

Gulf Crisis Worsens

Espionage Charged, Government Response

Published In: St. Paul Herald

Crew members of the NCKA Bradshaw are now facing charges of espionage, according to reports from within the Muslim nation. These charges follow what the Muslim newspaper Al-Basirah refered to as "an investigation into the ships presence in the Persian Gulf". Officially the charges, levied by the Muslim Board of War, are "the intent to committ espionage against the House of Islam and her assets.

The House and Senate both passed resolutions today condeming the seizure of the Bradshaw, stating that "such action is a clear violation of international maritime law and a blatant attempt to undermine our national access to vital waterways. Also such an action presents a direct risk to the lives and well being of our servicemen and clearly shows the aggressive nature of certain neighboring states." Cardinal-Prince Nicholas Du Pontiou, Archbishop of St. Paul and Senior member of the Legislative Recensea Concilium issued a much more powerful and direct statement regarding the matter where in he said "It becomes clear yet again that the Muslim state cannot be trusted. They act in such a way which shows their clear inability to behave and interact properly on an internation stage, and in doing so they possess a direct, unacceptable risk to the lives of our citizens and security of our nation. I call on our nations faithful to take actions to show this barbaric nation that we shall not stand for their lies and deceit.

The Naval Board also issued a short statement in which they denied that charges saying "No illegal or covert action was being taken by any of the persons aboard the NCKA Bradshaw. Any accusation to the contrary is a blatant lie with some goal beyond that of justice. As such we demand the immediate return of the vessel and its crew.





Additional Force Readiness

Increased Troop Activity in Persian Gulf Area

Following the escalation of the Bradshaw crisis the Navy today began the transition of a portion of the Red Sea fleet over to the Persian Gulf area as a temporary defensive measure in light of the current situation. Routine patrols, along the Gulf itself and especially in and around the Straits of Hormuz, where they are operating within close proximity to known elements of the Caliphate navy.

In addition several army elements took part in amphibous landing drills today a few miles outside of Dammam, along with naval and air force elements, in what the Ministry of Defense refered to as "A routine training exercise, which does take on a certain level of importance when one considers the types of situations which our nation may eventually face."

So far no exact information has been found regarding the potential of armed action against the Caliphate state, but military analyists believe it would probably involve a naval offensive to seal the Straits of Hormuz and may also involve a direct landing or airdrop, in light of special forces and airborne drills over the last few days.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Authorities respond to Crusader aggression

Board of War threatens to close off Straits

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

While the Crusader parliament rushed to condemn the allegations of espionage against the crew of the NCKA Bradshaw, Muslim military authorities in turn condemned the Crusader Government for escalating tension in the region. The Board of War accused the Crusader Navy of "calculated aggression" aimed at "intimidating the Muslim State into submission". The statement came in response to a significant increase in Crusader naval activity in the Gulf region, including war games outside of Ad Dammam.

Speaking to the press, the Grand Admiral of the Fleet, Daheer ibn Al-Asad, condemned the Crusader response to the crisis as "crude and inappropriate", stating that the actions of the Crusader military threatened all attempts to "achieve a diplomatic solution".

He said: "The Kingdom accuses the House of Islam of violating international maritime law and exhibiting aggression, yet when we attempt to enforce the rightful sovereignty of our national waters, we are subject to the most blatant display of gunboat diplomacy and military intimidation."

The Admiral continued: "If the Government of the Kingdom does not take steps to immediately relieve tension in the Persian Gulf and restore stability, we will be forced, for reasons of international security, to close the Hormuz Straits."

Sealing the Straits of Hormuz would have significant repercussions on the world oil market. Forty percent of global seaborne oil shipments pass through the Persian Gulf, making up twenty percent of total oil shipments. The Board of Guidance estimates that an average of seventeen million barrels of crude oil pass through the Straits of Hormuz each day. Combined with the disruption to world oil supplies following the Shieldian invasion of Depkazia, a suspension of oil imports through the Gulf could send world oil markets into panic.

Caliph Suleiman ibn Muhammad al-Nasir li-din Allah (peace be upon him) also spoke out against "Crusader jingoism". He questioned the necessity of Crusader war games and stated that remarks by certain Crusader officials have been "highly disturbing". The Caliph asked the Imperial Federation of Chrinthanium and the Byzantine Empire to urge the Crusader Kingdom to "exercise restraint", in order to find "a peaceful and diplomatic solution during this time of crisis".

It is clear that the Gulf Crisis is yet to abate.

[Ferkas]

Muslim Threats to Close Straits

Gulf Crisis Reaches New Levels

Published In: St. Paul Herald

The crisis sparked by the Caliphate seizure of the NCKA Bradshaw, a naval light missile boat, shows no sign of abating as the Muslim state made further threats today, demanding a decrease in military activity. The Caliphate stated that if steps to decrease activity were not taken than they would attempt to close to Straits of Hormuz for "reasons of international security".

President Sir Erik Longtern issued the following response to the Caliphates threats. "We can not allow any action by the Caliphate which would interfere with our passage through the Straits. As a vital shipping route access to the Straits will be protected at any cost, and any attempt to deny access would be considered an act of aggression and possibly an act of war. Furthermore accusations of our aggresion would attempt to cover the fact that this incident has been caused by the actions of the Caliphate and may be ended at any time by the return of our servicemen and their vessel. Until that time, and the time when our security can reasonably be assumed to be protected, we shall not stand down.

If the Caliphate forces were to close the Straits than there would be a severe economic impact, both nationally and internationally. Almost 20% of the total daily oil shipments head through the Straits, and with other conflicts at the moment a closure would send the oil markets into a panic. Experts believe that the effects of such an action make it untenable, as it would become clear that other nations would be forced to become involved, in an effort to protect their own access to needed fuel reserves.

However it is not clear how long it would take before foreign nations would take action. And because of that the Ministry of Defense has long had plans to force the Straits open, if they were to be closed. Such a plan would require a heavy military committment, and it is likely that if that were to come to be that a full war against the Muslim state would be likely.

When asked about the reasoning behing continuing pre planned war games during the current situation the Minister of Defense stated that "In times such as these the proper readiness of our forces becomes even more important. We must not let ourselves be intimidated into changing our plans. Of course it should also be noted that these exercises are not intended to seem confrontational. Others have questioned the logic of this, when the exercises are clearly planned to simulate a naval offensive, and on terrain similar to what may be encountered within certain areas of the Caliphate.

Currently no shipping plans have been changed, although defensive elements in the Straits area have been placed on extra alert to respond incase of any action taken against shipping vessels, and the overall military readiness level has been elevated.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Crusader Ship caught in Caliphate waters

Diplomatic Crisis follows

Yesterday, Sunday, January 16, a Crusader ship was caught in Caliphate territorial waters. The Crusader Government claims that the ship entered Caliphate territorial water accidentally, while the government of the Caliphate claims that the ship was there to spy on Caliphate military institutions.

His Imperial Majesty Tiberius VI has called for restraint by both sides.

"It is unacceptable for a ship of the Crusader Kingdom to be present in Caliphate territorial waters, and the Crusader Kingdom should issue a complete apology to the Caliphate government for their breach of Caliphate territorial waters. It is unacceptable for the Caliphate to threaten shutting down international waters, the Straights of Hormuz, due to a disagreement between the Caliphate and the Crusader Kingdom. It isn't the Caliphate's to shut, nor is it the Crusader Kingdom's."

Little of Byzantine Oil is actually transported through the straights due to the Mesopotamian pipeline. However, Byzantium depends on the straights for receiving Uranium from Chrinthanium. The Imperial Government has stated, in contrast, that Byzantium has "several years' worth" of nuclear stock to keep the country running.

Damascus Airlines willing to serve South-East Caliphate

The direction of Damascus Airlines has released a statement today saying that it is "ready to work with the Caliphate Government in order to determine which cities in the South-East Caliphate need to be served and their concerns about the route plan submitted to them. The Caliphate has an under-developed aeronautical industry, and we would like to work with out Muslim brothers."

Damascus Airlines is a group owned by Levantine Muslims, originally intended to serve Damascus.

More information as we hear about it.

[-Lorraine-]

Oil Prices In Limbo as Crusader and Caliphate Stand-Off Intensifies

Oil prices are currently hanging in limbo as the NCKA Bradshaw is still in Persian hands. 1 week ago, prices were stable at around $3.20 per gallon of gas, now prices are up to $3.35, and companies are promising at least a $1.20 increase in gas prices if peace does not come to the Persian Gulf, stating that prices may rise to up to almost $6 if war does break out.

In response to this potentially devastating possibility, the VNS Avenger and 3 frigates, the Roanoke, Carolina, and Ohio, have moved north from their stations in Nilosahara. Previously they had been dispatched to Nilosahara to deliver supplies to the country and as a sign of friendship. Now they have been told to move out to protect Virginian tankers that use the straits. With over 50% of oil coming from the Persian Gulf, this move has been made with careful consideration in order to protect Virginian interests in the region. However, the government has sent notices to both parties in the Gulf, informing them of the deployment and is strictly confined to shipping routes. The task force will not enter the Gulf, but has let it be known that if any Virginian ships are siezed then the situation may change durastically.

National Guard and Welfare Department Create Deal for Funds

Just hours before the final deliberation by the senate on the placement of funds that had been witheld for years by the Transportation department, the National Guard and Welfare Department came forth with a joint deal, splitting the funds between the 2. The National Guard's plan involved speeding up a maintenance program for the M7 Jackson tanks to upgrade them to modern standards. This includes installing a more powerful battery component into the engine and finishing installing new targetting software, the same as that on the M8, as well as some other minor improvements. The Welfare Department will take some of the funds and use them to help provide more for the poor. Virginian Welfare has oftened been criticized as being the least funded in first world countries, mostly because of the low taxes, but also because of a disdain for the system that is often frought with corruption and problems. All attempts to curb this has been made and with success, however it is still a very disliked program, tolerated only because of its small capacity.

[Belgeland]

Belgeland Dagblad - English Version

Leftist Reformation Draws to Conclusion

It would appear that most of the political movement and posturing following the Labour and Communist Coalition split has concluded, leaving a very different looking left in Belgen politics. Whilst many look upon this as a fairly trivial matter, the coalition has made the biggest move since 1996, when the Coalition was formed. The current movements are a much greater matter than the '96 reshuffle, in fact, the last week has had the greatest reshuffle of MP's party allocations in post-war Belgen history.

So, what happened? Well, the aforementioned Coalition was falling apart at the seams, the very public haranguing of the budget cuts and perceived lack of leadership split the party. Apparently there were sever Communists who felt the party was too weak and split to 'reform' the old Communist Party (which had disbanded in 1996, when the Coalition formed). In an attempt to jump the sinking ship, six members of the coalition (part of the 'new' bloc in the party) applied to join and were accepted into the Social Democratic Party. The remainder stayed with Jean de Forest as the Labour Party.

Following the move of six Labour MPs into the Social Democrats, three Social Democrats, fearing the party had just drifted away from the centre-ground, moved to the New Liberal Party, it could have been many more, but the Social Democrats leadership held that it was the moderate wing of the Coalition which joined them. It will be hard to tell exactly how the electorate will respond to this move, at least until the upcoming local elections.

As a seperate matter to all of this was the regrouping of the New Liberal Party with the Green Party, the Liberals had been moving on this since the election of their new leader, along with new federalist policies. These policies apparently attracted some attention from the left leaning parties of the Federalist Bloc, with Partie Fédéraliste Wallonne and Federalistische Luxemburg joining them in the new Liberal Coalition. As matters of little consequence are the moves of Directe Democratie Partij, Grün! and Christlich-Soziale Partei into this new coalition.

In a surprise move, Rassemblement Wallon has joined with the new Labour Party, with the official name changing to the Labour, Wallon Front. Perhaps a vociferous name, but there is a strong Walloon movement across the left, and it seems to be a fight to get the votes between Labour and the Liberal Coalition - this seems to be a fight worth fighting, and to the Walloon parties, a move that turns up the noise on Walloon issues.

The big loser out of this is the Federalist Bloc, or so it would seem - they have lost five parties of twelve in their bloc, losing four MPs in their grouping. However, with the loss of the left leaning groups within the Bloc, it may become stronger as a political force - a less divisive group.

So, how strong are the groups after all of that? The Social Democrats go up from 22 to 25 seats; the Liberal Coalition have 18 seats (+3 on constituent parties); Labour, Wallon Front have 9 seats, the Communist Party has 7 and the Federalist Bloc has 11 seats. By the look of snap polls, The Social Democrats have gained somewhat from the left (who look a mess), whilst the Liberal Coalition have strengthened their position and have boosted the Federalist position, the Federalists are running steady, Labour seem to be working well in Wallonia but not so well elsewhere, the Communists look to be the big losers, with around 0.21% of the vote.

[Monte Sierre]

Can the Monte Sierrean Broadcasting Corporation (MSBC) please have a hub? We are in Europe

[Belgeland]

Can the Monte Sierrean Broadcasting Corporation (MSBC) please have a hub? We are in Europe

OOC: AMW is a closed roleplaying group. You can apply here. If accepted, then you can post your stories here.

[Hironeidan]

OOC: The image was 28 pixels too tall. Linkage.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1840/endofanera.jpg

[Ferkas]

Open To Discussion

President Willing to Talk with Caliphate Regarding Gulf Crisis

Published In: St. Paul Herald

In a surprise move today President Sir Erik Longtern said during a brief press conference that the Kingdom would be willing to talk with the Caliphate regarding the current crisis situation, but that certain stipulations would not be put on the table. When asked what would not be offered the President refused to answer, but there are a few likely scenarios.

The key one would be the return of the NCKA Bradshaw and its crew. Since the begining of the crisis this has been the focal point, although more recent threats over control of the Straits of Hormuz have captured international attention. It is hard to imagine a negotiation where the President would be willing to leave the crew and vessel in Muslim hands.

It is also unlikely that the Kingdom would admit to any level of wrongful action. As of yet the official position of the Kingdom has always been that the vessel was illegally taken and at the time of its seizure was not violating any international law. Because of that it is unlikely that we would see a reversal in position.

However it has now become clear that if the Caliphate is willing, talks may begin soon as leaders try to find a peaceful solution to a rapidly escalating situation.

[Beddgelert]

Y Bardos
Petrolewm Geletiaeg Redirects Fuel Output to Internal Market
Akink doesn't miss opportunity to blame Christendom for global economic stress

Though it may be some years since Geletia stood amongst the world's leading petrochemical exporters, the Federal Democratic Republic continues to shield itself to a significant degree from rises in the price of crude oil by meeting a significant portion of its own needs with domestic production, typically allowing imported crude to be processed into finished fuels for re-export. The Black Sea coast and heartlands of Regnia and Siluria still boast some of the world's largest refinaries.

Since the Shieldian invasion of Depkazia, Akink has been exporting fewer and fewer petrochemical products. Initially it seems to have been widely supposed that this was owing to the suspension of Depkazi crude production, but the federal industry group PG, through which Regni, Venetii, Scordisci, Briganti, and other petrochemical concerns are co-ordinated, today revealed that it has deliberately suspended production for export pending completion of several sepcific contracts already engaged.

General Secretary Gráinne Bhán of the Central Committee of the League of Federal Industry Champions told the official newspaper of the ruling Cymdeithasol Plaid Ddemocrataidd, Udgorn Rhyddid that, "...the recent and profoundly troubling aggression of a new generation of Crusader states threatens supplies not only from Central Asia but also now from across the Middle East and North Africa." and said that Beddgelert must look to the defence of its own economic interests and vaguely referenced security needs.

Thus, she explained, the Organisation of Saimonan Unity (including also Macedon, and yet-unofficially Tsagija) was suspending export of various refined petrochemical products and stock-piling domestic production of crude oil, "in preparation for a speculative storm to come".

Already critics have of course suggested that Akink's move will only add to upward pressure on prices, but GS.Gráinne insists that Geletia's own production is, in her own words, "too little to flow against the global tide".

Also Reported
-Strategic weapons command on alert-status: provoked by Exarchate?
Forces stood-down within minutes of Emperor Nate's evacuation

[Maxen von Bismarck]

LPQY MAGNA, AREOPAGITICAN
First Imperial Strategos, Tyrus Himilco and the Despotas Issue Support

In a conference today, which no media outlet save the Attic Rhetor was allowed to view, the Autokrat endorsed a statement by his First Imperial Strategos which was in turn supported by the Despotas.

The statement's relevant sections are replicated here.

We believe our friends of Arabia have every right to enforce their claims to damages. The Caliphate is an aggressive state ruled by unapologetic heathens who seek to destabilize the region in an effort to further their own expansionist ideals. We urge the people and leaders of St. Paul to stand firm against this bullying and know that Areopagitican will write a 'blank check' to ensure that Christian Arabia's claims against the Caliphate are met in full.

[....]

We urge the Caliphate to acquiesce to the demands of the Crusader States and, furthermore, urge them to deliver the members currently held captive safely.

Any memorandum drafted by the Strategos requires the seal of Lpqy Magna and an affirmation of a simple majority in the Systasine Council.

The voters of Lpqy Magna, Royal Comptrollers and a respectable collection of other members (Moralists, Independents ect) managed to pass the vote of affirmation only after several hours of long debate. Stiff resistance by the extremely pious Punicists and the Progressives almost halted the process before a last moment break by the Moralist. Ba'alus, rumored to be the unofficial leader of the Caucus, shifted his vote to the affirmative side at midnight. An hour later, the rest of his caucus followed suit.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

The mountain comes to Muhammad?

Crusader President offers talks to end Gulf Crisis

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

In a sudden turn of events, the Crusader Government has dropped its sword and offered an olive branch. The President of the Crusader Kingdom, Sir Erik Longtern, has offered to sit down with the Caliph and find a peaceful solution to the current crisis that has dominated the Persian Gulf. It would be the first time that leaders of the two states met since the conclusion of the Islamo-Crusader naval conflict during the 1940s.

Speaking at a press conference, President Longtern asserted the willingness of the Crusader Government to meet with representatives of the House of Islam, in order to discuss the current crisis and presumably bring it to a close. The President added that certain factors of the crisis would not be involved in discussions, though he declined to identify them.

This incident marks a significant change in the conduct of Crusader foreign policy since the beginning of the crisis. When the NCKA Bradshaw was seized by the Muslim Navy for violating national waters, the Crusader Kingdom was swift to respond with threats and demands, and instigated a massive increase in the Crusader military presence in the Gulf. Now, the Crusaders have backed down from their hard-line stance, and are willing to negotiate for an end to the crisis.

This did not come as a surprise to Mahmoud al-Razi, a foreign policy analyst at the University of Tehran. He spoke with our correspondent.

"When the Crusader Government entered the fray, they were dealing with a minor diplomatic issue involving two countries. Now, it is a full-blown crisis, that has managed to drag in several other states. The government is way out of its depth, and it knows it. [President] Longtern wants to bring this situation to an end as soon as possible."

A diplomatic solution may not be so forth-coming. There has been speculation in the Crusader news media that President Longtern may refuse to issue an apology for the NCKA Bradshaw's intrusion into Persian waters. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the Crusader Government will accept anything less than all charges being dropped against the crew of the vessel and both being immediately returned to the Kingdom. Any such resolution would not find majority support from the Muslim population. A poll taken by Al-Basirah found that approximately 86% of Muslims supported the seizure of the vessel.

That being said, the alternative would be no less palatable to many Muslims; open war between the House of Islam and the Crusader Kingdom. A similar poll found that while 74% of Muslims living in Tehran were in favour of using military means to end the crisis, only a paltry 12% of Muslims living along the south Persian coast - which would be the focus of fighting - also supported such actions. The Board of War has not issued any comment on the readiness of the Muslim military for large-scale conflict, although Grand Admiral Daheer ibn Al-Asad has expressed his belief that he is "confident" of victory in the event of an Islamo-Crusader naval war.

One group which would support a war with the Kingdom is the Persian Patriot Alliance (PPA), a small Persian nationalist organisation based in Tehran. It has risen to the forefront of national politics following the Gulf Crisis, becoming a rallying flag for Muslims angered by the actions of the Crusader Government and disappointed with the response from the Caliph and other officials. Its leader, former history teacher Sartaj Sasan, stated to the press that while she approves of a diplomatic solution to the crisis, she "vehemently rejects" any agreement that would "absolve the Crusaders of their crimes and make us a scapegoat".

"It is clear and apparent to all that it is the Crusaders who are in the wrong here. Culpability for this crisis rests entirely at the feet of Longtern and his cabal of militarist thugs. It would be an affront to allow the Crusaders to weasel out of their responsibilities - both to the people of Persia, and the conventions of national sovereignty."

More news as it arrives.

---

Authorities approve Damascus Airlines route-plan

Byzantine airline's bid to serve Muslim air market successful

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

In lighter news, transport officials have contacted Damascus Airlines to confirm that the company's proposed air routes plan has been accepted. The Byzantine airline made the bid in response to the travel chaos caused by poor weather during the Winter of 2010. Damascus Airlines has yet to issue any comment to the press at this time.

[Ferkas]

Ballots Open Tomorrow

Radicalized Voters?

Published In: St. Paul Herald

As every good citizen of the Kingdom knows, tomorrow is perhaps the biggest political day of the year. A full board of congressional election, the entirity of the House of Commons and the Senate, along with most District Congresses, are up for election. And what an election it is shaping up to be.

During the lead up to the election a record number of applications to run for office were turned down by the Legislative Recensea Concilium, setting the mood for what is sure to be a polarizing election. Early polling results showed things to be staying about average, if anything the Unity Party looked posed to pick up a seat or two in the Commons, despite some harsh publicity over the Fitzkeliger issue earlier this year.

But that has all changed with the recent NCKA Bradshaw crisis. The increase in anti-Islamic sentiment has played well for many candidates, who earlier were in a much less certain position. Indeed, it is neither the Unity Party, or even the National Party which stand to gain in these elections, per se. Instead it is a new branch of emerging policians. Mostly members of the National Party these candidates who earlier were considered nothing more than a fringe threat have gained more and more momentum as the public is reminded yet again of the constant risk certain heathen nations present to our Kingdom.

Indeed, this new group, often called the Radical National Party, offers perhaps the best methodology of dealing with these issues. Backed almost entirely by the Legislative Recensea Concilium, the party enjoys tremendous support for the religous faithful, promising a hard line approach to dealing with heathen nations and actions aimed at strengthening relations with like minded nations.

Over the next few days we will be able to see the full effects of the crisis on the elections, and see just how much the political landscape has changed.



President Leaves for Caliphate

Church Criticizes Decision

President Sir Erik Longtern departed earlier today for talks with the Caliphate regarding the current Gulf Crisis and the NCKA Bradshaw situation. The talks are likely to focus on the return of the vessel and crew, along with some kind of arrangment to reduce tensions in the economicaly vital Persian Gulf, and especially the Straits of Hormuz, which are currently playing host to the portions of three navies after the Muslim nation threatend to close off the Straits, which would block a powerful amount of oil from reacing its destinations.

However this decision by President Longtern has not been met without heavy criticizim, especially from senior members of the Church in Arabia. Cardinal-Prince Nicholas Du Pontiou, Archbishop of St. Paul spoke on the issue today, calling the Presidents decison; "A stain on our nations proud history. We must not allow ourselves to cave into the ways of this world but to stand strong in our faith. And if we begin to treat these heathens as equals, to trust them to hold a peaceful bargain, than we run the risk of their deceit.

Indeed as of late we have seen more friction than ever before between the Church and the President. Over the last few days of the election and with the Gulf Crisis this has become clear, as the Church has backed radical office seekers who aim at increasing religous rule, and has pushed for a much harsher approach to the Bradshaw crisis, whereas the President has been supporting moderate candidates and is seeking open negotiations.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

No love for thy neighbour

President's delegation met with mobs



ESFAHAN, PERSIA

As the Christian delegation arrived in Esfahan today, it would no doubt be distracted from the immense beauty of "Half of the World" and its assorted historical structures by the protesters angrily crowding around them. As many as ten thousand Muslims took to the streets to vent their anger towards President Eric Longtern and his regime. Police battled to keep the mobs behind barricades as they threatened to spill over into the road, potentially putting the motorcade in which President Longtern was travelling at risk.

Our correspondent found that the protests were mainly aimed at the behaviour of the Crusader Government during the crisis, rather than attempts to find a peaceful solution. Some protesters carried placards bearing an image of James Fitzkeliger, a former Senator of the Christian Kingdom who was found guilty of secretly practising Islam. Members of the Persian Patriotic Alliance - identifiable amongst the crowds by their gold-and-red colours - chanted slogans such as "Peace with justice" and waved banners featuring the standard of Cyrus the Great, although Sartaj Sasan was unable to be present.

All this seemed to send a clear message to the Christian delegates. Islamo-Christian tensions are running at their highest since the Great War. Muslims across Persia are infuriated by what they perceived to be Crusader jingoism. If a peaceful solution is unable to be found, President Longtern may find his short stay in Esfahan very uncomfortable indeed.

[The Crooked Beat]

Riga Morning Post
State Council Suppresses Mental Health Study
Landmark report deemed threat to national security, authors given severe reprimand

Few people, understandably, are aware that, little more than three years ago, Riga Technical University's psychology and medical faculties decided to undertake a survey of psychiatric illness and treatment practices within Curonia Governate. Extensive research, and innumerable interviews, painted what could only be described as a very bleak picture and it should come as no surprise that, in a secret directive circulated last Wednesday, it was announced that the study's findings were unfit for publication. Those involved with the study were, reportedly, dealt with fairly harshly, threatened with criminal charges if any copies of their effort found their way into public circulation, while in order to discourage future inquiries in a similar vein RTU's chancellor, it is rumored, was ordered to sack five department heads as an example. As of late, many claim to perceive a level of moderation in the State Council's usually unkind rulings on issues of dissent or forbidden inquiry, but one can only conclude that this particular line of investigation touched upon what is felt to be a very sensitive subject.

As of yet, no copies of this report have surfaced outside official circles, though we can be sure that one will show up in time, but it does not take a great intellect to guess as to just what RTU may have found out. More informal attempts, on a smaller scale, have taken place before, and they tend to turn up some very shocking evidence. Medical care in Gandvik, as most people are well aware, is in a sorry state thanks to a number of factors that certainly need no elaborating here. When it comes to treatment of the mentally ill, however, officially-sanctioned methods carry a decidedly medieval air. It seems that most of Gandvik's problem cases in that respect are simply turned out onto the street when their families are no longer able or willing to provide for them, where they make-up a substantial proportion of our Principality's sizable homeless population. For households with a bit of money, there are state-run institutions, but if rumors are to be believed the street might be a kinder fate. These so-called psychiatric hospitals are, apparently, in most cases dungeon-like, sited well away from major population centers due to their strong smell. Inmates, for it would be inaccurate to call them patients, tend to be locked-up in filthy, overcrowded conditions, fed like animals by their jailers who, like many other supposed civil servants, have learned to make a pretty penny in pilfering both state-directed funds and annual fees charged to families with institutionalized relatives. The director of Curonia's largest institution, the St. Bernice Hospital some distance outside Riga's city limits, apparently owns a Rolls-Royce saloon and can often be spotted dining in the capital's more upscale restaurants, often in company with state security officials and, inevitably, a few well-proportioned blondes.

For reasons of journalistic integrity, of course, we must stress that none of this can be confirmed within the boundaries of Gandvik's current legal system. However, at a time when our government finds it more and more difficult to conceal its essentially criminal nature, to conceal just how far it has fallen behind its continental peers, RTU's study must have seemed like a very threatening document indeed.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Gulf Crisis negotiation details leaked

Bradshaw crew to be charged in Christian Kingdom

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

An anonymous source informed the media today that negotiations between the Christian Kingdom and the House of Islam have come to a conclusion. The source claimed that the NCKA Bradshaw was to be immediately returned to the Kingdom, along with its crew. Of the crew, only officers would have to face charges for violating Persian waters, due to the demands of the Crusader delegation.

The leak has sparked outrage, with Muslim nationalist groups condemning the Caliph's government for 'kow-towing' to Crusader interests. In Esfahan, protests became more steadily more violent as news of the leak spread, prompting a step-up in security. As this article went to publication, authorities were utilising force to disperse the riots and restore order to the streets of the political capital.

The Persian Patriotic Alliance spearheaded protests against the decision, with members attempting to gain access to Naqsh-e Jahan Square and storm the Ali Qapu building, where negotiations were taking place. Several security guards and dozens of PPA followers were injured in altercations around the Square, with some police authorities demanding military intervention to bring about an end to the violence.

When asked for comment, the leader of the PPA, Sartaj Sasan, attacked the Esfahan agreement as "the lowest form of appeasement since the Treaty of Bandar-Abu Bakr", which concluded the Gulf War between the House of Islam and the Christian Kingdom in 1945.

"We entered these negotiations with our resolve firm and our conscience clear," Miss Sasan said, at an impromptu press conference in Tehran, "And yet we were forced to break our spines for the sake of these theocratic thugs. The victim has been pressed to compensate the aggressor. How can any Persian regard this result as being just or fair?"

She continued: "This is not peace - this is a ceasefire for seven months."

The leak also claimed that, as part of general negotiations, the maritime border of the House of Islam and the Christian Kingdom had finally been demarcated. The notoriously flexible offshore borders of each country have been a source of conflict in the past, and most Muslims were glad to finally see an end to the dispute. Some, however, felt that the agreement did not go far enough to secure peace in the Gulf.

When broached on the subject, Miss Sartaj said: "This is but a minor victory. Total defence and the stability in this region cannot be guaranteed until the east Arabian coast has been completely demilitarised. This is the Gulf of Persia, not of Arabia, and we must not tolerate such a large foreign military presence in our back-garden. Just as Rome did not share the Mediterranean with Carthage, Persia shall not share the Gulf with the Kingdom."

So far, no government officials have confirmed or denied the details of the agreement alleged in the leak.

[Ferkas]

Breaking News --- Election Results

Recent Events Cause Massive Change

Published In: St. Paul Herald

Results have just been made available by the Board of Elections, detailing the full results of yesterdays full Legislative elections. Printed below are the early election results, for both the Senate and the House of Commons, followed by an analysis of the changes.

Senate - 3 Seats Per District

1st District - (R)NP, NP, IPA
2nd District - NP, NP, (R)NP
3rd District - NP, (R)NP, (R)NP
4th District - NP, NP, IPA
5th District - NP, ASP, (R)NP
6th District - NP, NP, IPA
7th District - NP, UP, UP
8th District - NP, ASP, (R)NP
9th District - (R)NP, NP, IPA

National Party (NP) - 19* (+2) * - 7 NP seats are held by members of the Radical National Party branch of the NP
Isolationist Party of Arabia (IPA) - 4 (+2)
Unity Party (UP) - 2 (-2)
Arabian Socialist Party - 2 (-2)


1st District - 28 NP*, 3 ASP, 5 IPA (*-9 (R)NP)
2nd District - 30 NP*, 1 UP, 1 ASP, 1 IPA (*-13 (R)NP)
3rd District - 22 NP*, 2 ASP, 1 UP, 1 IPA (*-8 (R)NP)
4th District - 9 NP*, 4 ASP, 1 UP (*-3 (R)NP)
5th District - 7 NP, 2 ASP, 4 IPA, 1 UP
6th District - 7 NP*, 1 UP (*-4 (R)NP)
7th District - 5 NP*, 2 ASP (*-3 (R)NP)
8th District - 2 NP, 1 UP, 2 ASP
9th District - 2 (R)NP, 1 ASP

National Party - 112* (+10) *-42 are held by (R)NP members
Unity Party - 7 (-8)
Isolationist Party of Arabia - 11 (+3)
Arabian Socialist Party - 15 (-5)


A quick analysis of these results shows two things, the growing power of the National Party, especially through the Radical National Party, and the shrinking power of the historically important Unity Party, who long served to offset the National Party. In fact, the Unity Party now sits at the bottom of the pile as far as total voting power, losing great numbers of seats in both houses. In a surprise the Isolationist Party of Arabia managed to pick off several seats in both houses, seemingly due to a strategy which capitalized on the UP's loss of power. The Arabian Socialist Party lost several seats in both houses, but has always been historically weak, so it is unlikely that this will change much, except to provide more power to the NP.

And of course speculation now rages on what direction the National Party will take. With gains in both houses they stand to have more direct power than ever before, but that gain in power was lead almost entirely by the church backed Radical half of the party. In fact not only did (R)NP members gain most seats lost by other parties, in several cases they beat out mainstream NP candidates in historically mainstream NP seats. This will no doubt change the political landscape, giving the church an even greater sway over the legislative process.




NCKA Bradshaw Crisis Averted

Ships Officers to be Tried in Arabian Military Courts

Church Expresses Outrage

Published In: St. Paul Herald

Early reports from Esfahan indicate that President Longtern and the muslim Caliph have reached an agreement on the Bradshaw crisis. An unknown source revealed that both the vessel and crew will be returned to the Kingdom, but that the bridge officers will be forced to stand trial in the Military Court system. It is also reported that the issue of borders in the Gulf may have been resolved.

The Church has already expressed their displeasure with the agreement, with Cardinal-Prince Nicholas Du Pontiou, Archbishop of St. Paul releasing the following statement. "We find it pathetic that our President, who is suppose to fight for the intrests of his people, would agree to such terms. That he first saw fit to consort with such barbarians, and now sees fit to run our good officers through the courts to satisfy those same barbarians, it shows us the mans true colors."

We are still waiting for the President to issue his own statement on the matter.

[Europe - Prussia]

Valendian news Network

Happy Birthday Placido Domingo!

By Julie Husserl, correspondent in Randgriz, Kingdom of New Prussia



Last night, the lyric community dressed for gala to conmemorate the birthday of one of their most important, and famous, exponents: the tenor Sir Placido Domingo. The event late Friday at the Imperial Theater of Randgriz was just one of many tributes to the performer, known to popular music audiences for his "Three Tenors" performances with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

"I feel very happy, very lucky and very thankful for all the public has given me around the world, they gave so much encouragement. To arrive at 70 singing is a great privilege for me and it is a great privilege to be able to make the public happy still" Domingo told reporters in the Valendian capital.

"I don't know how many more years I am going to be singing... but at the moment I still can do it," the tennor added, who underwent surgery last year to remove a cancerous polyp from his colon.

Domingo, and the rest of the audience, were unaware until the last minute exactly who had traveled to Randgriz to perform.
Among the performers were the Virginian soprano Deborah Polaski, Nibelungian bass Rene Pape, Acadzian mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly and the Valendian soprano and mezzo-soprano, respectively, Ainhoa Arteta and Teresa Berganza. The programme ended with Pla-ci-do, specially composed for the occasion by Spyrian's Tan Dun.

Domingo watched the evening's entertainment from the balcony, with his family, ahead of a much-anticipated turn in the spotlight with the other performers on stage at the end. The gala was made more accessible thanks to a giant screen erected in the Three Emperors Square in front of the Ever Grande Palace and broadcasted around the world. The Imperial Theater also offered people from around the world the chance to wish Domingo 'happy birthday' on its official web site.

The Gala was the crowning ceremony of a day full of surprises for the tenor which started at the Ever Grande Palace, where he was bestowed with the Imperial Order of Valendia by the Emperor himself, who took a brief pause of his duties in Naples specially for this moment and was also part of the audience of the theater last night.

"European Unity"

Although this gala was intended to be a present of the artistic community of Valendia, the event wasn't exempt of political controversy, albeit little. Near the end of the gala and when Doming was invited to stage to speak and sing, the tenor expressed his sadness due the absence of many French tenors, sopranos and mezzo-sopranos which are his friends. However, at the same time, the tenor expressed his hope that someday Europe, or at least most of it, would be able to look past their differences and towards the future; a clear reference to the current Franco-Valendian conflict, which has the borders between both countries completely closed.

" I just hope to see on my lifetime a more united Europe, were the different countries would be able to stood together, and look to the future" the tenor said regarding this issue. Although he's widely known as a tenor, Placido Domingo is a outspoken pacifist and honorary spokesman of various ONGs.

As it was expected, the stoic face of the Emperor remained unchanged, yet many are looking foward to see if the tenor's words may change the Emperor's judgement, for the better.

[The ByzantineDiscidium]

Al-Basirah - The International Islamic Newspaper

Lessons learned from the Gulf Crisis

Bradshaw incident brings mixed blessings

ESFAHAN, PERSIA

Officials have released to the public a full draft of the Esfahan Agreement. Crusader delegates have withdrawn from Ali Qapu and left the country, after negotiators were finally able to come to a compromise. The agreement saw the NCKA Bradshaw and her crew returned to the Christian Kingdom, with the Crusader Government promising to hold military tribunals against bridge officers. This has angered some Persians. On the other hand, the maritime borders of the House of Islam were finally demarcated. Over all, the Esfahan Agreement has - like any compromise - brought satisfaction and irritation in equal measures. But what are the other effects of the Gulf Crisis?

Firstly, it is clear now that, in this era of globalism and internationalism, there is no such thing as regional politics in the Persian Gulf. What started as a minor dispute soon transformed into an international crisis, due to the significance of Gulf oil assets and its role in the global economy. In the past, both the House of Islam and the Christian Kingdom have treated the Gulf as their own personal lake; the naval war of 1942-1945 was practically ignored by the rest of the world, excepting the Byzantine Empire. It is clear this attitude must change.

Secondly, the Caliph's famous statement "Christendom has crumbled", which once drew criticism from nationalists and foreign policy analysts alike, has been vindicated. It is obvious now that, in international diplomacy, religion plays second-fiddle. Modern countries are more concerned with geopolitical aims, and especially the politics of oil, to be concerned with religious affairs. It was only four centuries ago that a Muslim invasion of Byzantium would send alarm bells as far as Spain, warning that Christendom was in danger. In this crisis, the Christian Kingdom was rebuked by Byzantium, its closest ally, and flatly ignored by the rest of the Old World. The Muslim foreign ministry must overcome its natural suspicion of a mass Christian conspiracy to ensnare the House of Islam. The only other country which retains such a mindset is Lpqy Magna, which stands on the precipice of war with all its neighbours.

Thirdly, it is obvious now that Islamo-Christian conflicts are inherently counter-productive. In the Christian Kingdom, radical Church-backed nationalists have made sweeping gains in the recent elections, while in the House of Islam, previously obscure organisations such as the Persian Patriotic Alliance have successfully rode the wave of anti-Christian anger to the highest status in national politics. This bodes ill for the governments of both countries; President Longtern looks set on a collision course with the Nationalist Party and its Church masters, while the House of Islam lacks the safety valve of elective democracy to successfully release the pressure behind the PPA's rise. The Caliph and the President alike will have to tread carefully to deal with these new extremist blocs.

Fourthly, a wide gap between the Muslim administration and the Board of War has become steadily apparent as the crisis progressed. The Gulf Crisis was triggered by the seizure of the NCKA Bradshaw by the Muslim Navy, under Grand Admiral Daheer Al-Asad. While the Caliph repeatedly urged for calm, Admiral Al-Asad looked set on conflict with the Christian Kingdom; in several statements made to the press, he either talked-up Muslim military strength or condemned the Crusader Government for its behaviour. The leak that saw details of the Esfahan Agreement released to the public before it had been announced is believed to have originated from the Board of War, and there are unconfirmed rumours that the Caliph may ask the Admiral to resign. A government without a military is ineffectual, while a military without a government is unstable. Both sides must reconcile.

Lastly, while there have been many losers in this crisis, there have also been clear winners. Chief General Tariq al-Banna showed a steady hand during the crisis and over negotiations, in contrast to his naval counterpart. He stands to benefit in the ensuing days, as the Caliph will seek to use him as a way to bridge the increasing distance between the Board of War and the rest of the administration. Despite the behaviour of Admiral Al-Asad, the Muslim Navy also stands to gain from the final demarcation of Persia's offshore borders, described by Chief General al-Banna as "extremely supportive of our national interests". Sartaj Sasan has become an overnight sensation, with a rare pan-political base of support. If she can maintain this, the PPA will make the final step from a protest vote to a powerful political bloc.

[Kyr Shorn]

In the Court of the Sun
A provocative new book examines the powers of the French Monarchy from the 18th Century to the Present

By François-Marie-Benjamin Treyve, article taken from FRANCE NOW!

Paris, France - Political commentator Marie-Claire Colbert's latest book, an examination of the powers of France's royal family has already turned into a conversation piece on the major news networks. In the Court of the Sun: Three Centuries of Power, Chaos, and Madness is an examination of the evolution of the French Monarchy, from the Ancien Régime to the early 21st century, and when you throw Marie-Claire's witty commentary into the mix, it gets pretty interesting.

The first chapter starts with the words "L'Etat, c'est moi.", which were (supposedly) uttered by Philip VII, the Sun King, and then expands on how Philip created an absolute monarchy, restructuring France's entire sense of self away from individual regions and completely around the Monarchy and the Court in Versailles.

Marie-Claire took what would be just another dull history book and injected it with humor, contemporary political commentary, and a good sense of storytelling. One of the things she pointed out was that while the Sun King managed to stabilize France's internal politics, his Ancien Regime carried within it the seeds of it's own destruction.

His (and his successors) inability to deal with the nation's mounting debts and much needed military reforms in the face of it's colonial ventures and the Occitania Wars eventually lead to the Revolution, Emperor Napoleon, and the Restored King, all of which she writes about with a passion.

Marie-Claire examines the reigns of Philip IX (the Restored King) and the reigns of his daughters, the Fourth and Fifth Dual Monarchies and presents the startling contrasts between the two.

While the Fourth Dual Monarchy represented a fusion of Napoleonic Imperialism and Ancien Regime principles, exemplified in the union of Marie II & Napoleon I. The Fifth Dual Monarchs were the first of a new breed of French Monarchs, the ornaments of the state. Rulers in name only, most of their powers were in the hands of the Prime Ministers of France. The once all powerful Plantagenet Family was seemingly a spent force and wouldn't play a role in politics again.

In truth, as Marie-Claire points out to her readers, the monarchy went from a public force in politics to a private one, working behind the scenes to manipulate the process while wearing a public mask of powerlessness and indifference. Which Marie-Claire does point out how most Constitutional Monarchies work, even a symbolic Monarch possess influence, but she pointed out that while the Fourth Dual Monarchs were content with that role, their son and grandsons were not content with that role.

The reigns of Louis XV and XVI marked a slight expansion of the role of the monarchy in France, but power was still in the hands of the Prime Minister.

Then Europe descended into hell.

The role of the crown during the Great War gets most of the attention from Marie-Claire, as the Valendian Forces and their Allies breached France's borders and marched towards Paris, the Gen. Charles de Gaulle launched a coup against Prime Minister Petain and seized power for himself.

Then like all good Prime Ministers he had the King of France, the newly crowned Henri VII legitimize his power after the fact. As Marie-Claire's words spill out on the page, the irony of the situation in an international sense is spelled out. The Valendian Empire wanted to end the threat France posed to their Empire and destroy the hated Plantagenet family once and for all.

But by doing so they got the opposite, France held out against their invasion and France's democratic process fell into near anarchy, which either forced or allowed (depending on how you look at it, as Marie-Claire points out) the Crown to seize absolute power once more.

After the Great War, the last years of Henri VII fall under the microscope, how de Gaulle's dictatorship collapsed from an internal coup after peace was established, how Henri VII did attempt to piece France's previous constitution back together but witnessed the radicalization of France's political life due to the war and the inability of it's politicians to work together.

Then after the sudden death of his brother, Henri VIII took the throne, and it is in his reign, Marie-Claire says that a true "Second Sun King" sat on the throne. Far from the feckless playboy image he bore during his youth, the older, more mature man who reigned proved to be a deft politician. It was Henri VIII, Marie-Claire states that put together the current political culture that dominates the French government.

Marie-Claire writes on the birth of the Crown Loyalists and their philosophy of rule by consensus, monarchism, tradition, and center-right politics that was largely influenced by Henri VIII and (the author contends) actually created by the King from behind the scenes.

Then her pen falls on the current rulers of France, the Sixth Dual Monarchy, but before that Marie-Claire manages to shed a bit more light on a suspected personal crisis that nearly brought an end to the Plantagenet's reign in France.

The marriage of Eleanor de France, the Princess Royale and Ludwig Ritcher (Henri IX).

Her father, Henri VIII had been opposed to the marriage due to Ludwig Ritcher being a commoner despite being related to many former Nibelunic noblemen. Plus Ludwig's parents had immigrated to France after the Great War due to the loss of their money and had been forced to build themselves back up, thus he was also seen as an opportunist by the King.

In order for the marriage to go through, Eleanor needed her father's permission to marry, which he wouldn't grant.

So she and her sister the Princess Diane-Marie threatened to abdicate their place in the French succession, thus bringing an end to the 800 year reign of the Plantagenets in France.

Thus with this hanging over his head, Henri VIII had little choice but to give in to his daughter and granted Royal Ascent for it, paving the way for the Sixth Dual Monarchy.

Marie-Claire's commentary on the current rulers is a bit more respectful than the others, also more cautious, and she does point out that unlike her father and uncle, the Eleanor III & Henri IX have proven to be more willing to work with the elected government and have returned some of their powers to the Prime Ministers.

However most of those returned powers just seem to be things to save the Dual Monarchs time, than the kinds of power that the Prime Ministers once wielded.

But recently some control over the state budget has been given back, along with some other powers that has given the office a bit more luster than in the aftermath of the Great War.

The last chapter of the book deals with the Gassion Crisis, the book was of course written before the Franco-Areopagite diplomatic incident hit the international scene.

It is in the Gassion Crisis that Marie-Claire says that we now have a bit more context for the actions of the Dual Monarchs, and Eleanor III in particular. The author plays the role of psychologist and states that the Queen probably saw something of herself in the relationship between Marie Anna de France, the Princess Royale and Jean Gassion.

"In defending her daughter in the face of this moment of Franco-Valendian history, Eleanor wasn't truly fighting for Marie Anna's right to marry a Cathar. She was fighting to, in a sense, defend her own previously controversial marriage to a man that others had once seen an unacceptable interloper into the rarified Court of the Sun." Marie Claire writes in her book.

Politics in France, Marie-Claire concludes is in it's essence the same as it has been since Philip VII transformed the nation and placed himself at the center.

"The phrases are different, but in the end power in the French Kingdom is a personal thing, vested solely in the hands of the Plantagenets. While our current rulers are not tyrants and have proven to be competent to rule, what of those who come after them? Unless some safeguards are put into place, the reign of the Sixth Dual Monarchy might prove to be like that of Philip IX."

"The calm before the storm."