CORNELLIAN EMPIRE NEWS (closed, Region Only)

[New Edom]

THE FINEBERG TIMES

March 21, 2016

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Education Reform Examined in Council and Chamber of Deputies

by Annabelle Barca

FINEBERG, New Edom--The Asaph-Eliakim Report, officially titled Living and Learning: The Report of the National Committee on Aims and Objectives of Education in the Schools of New Edom, called for broad reforms to New Edom’s education, to empower teachers and the larger community, and put students' needs and dignity at the centre of education. The report was commissioned by the Minister of Education Dr. Elizabeth Salt in 2014, delivered to her in late 2014.
The common name for the report comes from its two co-chairman Bishop Jubal Eliakim, a judge of the Supreme Court of New Edom, and Dr. Omri Asaph, a former school principal.
The report is divided into the following sections:
• The Truth Shall Make You Free
• The Search for Truth in a Democratic Society
• The Cultural Environment
• Today's Child
• The Children of New Edom
• Rooms in the Villa
• Early School Years
• Work and Leisure
• A Sensitivity to Life
• The Learning Experience
• On Aims of Education
• Aims Based on Analysis of Complete Living
• Aims Related to Growth and Development
• Statements Related to Aims by Recent Leaders in Education
• The Learning Program
• Various Curriculum Considerations
• Special Learning Situations
• The Dimensions of the Problem
• The World of Teaching
• Organizing for Learning
• Fundamental Issues in New Edom Education
• A Parting Word
The late Dr. Salt had said: "Today, on every side, however, there is heard a growing demand for a fresh look at education in our country. The Committee was told of inflexible programs, outdated curricula, unrealistic regulations, regimented organization, and mistaken aims of education. We heard from alienated students, frustrated teachers, irate parents, and concerned educators. Many public organizations and private individuals have told us of their growing discontent and lack of confidence in a school system which, in their opinion, has become outmoded and is failing those it exists to serve."
There are many recommendations throughout this section, including:
• "greater public involvement, a greater partnership between the home and school, between the community and the school."
• "the establishment of an autonomous, non-political advisory body of citizens, representative of the various interests of the people in New Edom"
• "The lock-step structure of past times must give way...[The student's] natural curiosity and initiative must be recognized and developed"
• "The fixed positions of pupil and teacher...must give way to a more relaxed teacher-pupil relationship which will encourage discussion, inquiry, and experimentation, and enhance the dignity of the individual."
• "the school must be aware of the health and emotional needs of pupils."
• "Educators ought to employ every conceivable device and means that society can make available, [but not] in a narrow, didactic manner and with groups of children all presumed to be learning the same thing at the same time."

Criticisms
The current Deputy Minister, Dr Amon Ashren, agrees that there is a need to focus on function over form. While the recommendations are considered important, it is advised that the Ministry will continue to seek outside consultation from Esperance International and other foreign advisers.

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- Labour Relations Bill Passes 73-21%
- Maritime Safety Commission to Meet on Arcologia
- Gay Terrorists Seize Cinema
- New University Buildings Completed for Next Semester in Fineberg

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
The World

Invasion of Rietumimark Mulled
Coalition in Senate introduces controversial bill
by Allaea Wendelunn

ROAN, FD --- In a move that had leaders of several parties aghast, a multiparty coalition in the Senate introduced a bill to declare war and undertake aggressive military action against neighboring Rietumimark.

Senator Erika Morne (FED, ON) introduced the bill for discussion during this morning's session of the Senate. The reveal of the bill, drafted and approved by fourteen Senators, caused an uproar, and a strong denouncement from both majority party leaders, and a less-strong but still sturdy condemnation from the opposition party.

"This push for war with a neighboring nation, no matter how reprehensible their policies, is concerning, both in the lack of consideration for the situation on the ground both nationally and internationally, and the apparent disregard for the safety of Allamunnae in all parts of the country," Chancellor Anessa Maarks (REP, AL) stated at a press conference following the session in which the bill was introduced.

Morne, however, did not back down. "We see, both back in 2005 and again now, the true colors of the Rietumish regime. They constitute an unpalatable threat to the Federation that can no longer be allowed to stand. We must take whatever steps necessary to safeguard the well-being of our people, no matter how distasteful it may be," she replied.

The reaction from Generalissimo Stevan Grimmeburger was not reassuring to many. "I do not find aggressive action against Rietumimark to be prudent. My own opinion is that this is an unwise piece of legislation, and that all attempts should be made to stop it. That said, if the representative government chooses this course, I cannot in good conscience block the action, either."

The move comes after some heated disagreement over the Allamunnic position on events in Rietumimark and Deweden, where conflict has recently flared as part of the ongoing Dewedeni struggle for independence.

[North Rietumimark]

Rietumish Tautas Jaunumi Aģentūra
Rietumish People's News Agency

Bombs explode at a Bus Station in Mellavet

The aftermath of the explosion

by Laimdota Rinkēvičs - 24 March 2016
MELLAVET, RIETUMIMARK - An explosion of unknown cause, most likely a Dewedish terrorist attack, has destroyed a Bus Station in Mellavet, killing upwards of twenty people - including the four conscripts - injuring more than 70. The attack has prompted an evacuation of much of the downtown by local police. Local officials have warned the number of dead and wounded could rise over the week.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Committee for State Security (CSS), a two or three bombs, wore by a suicide bomber, were detonated inside one of the buses, causing dozens of causalities. "What we can confirm it, this time, is that this was no incidental gas explosion." said Minister of Internal Affairs spokesman Julia Ozoliņš during an emergency press conference. "While I can't divulge any details pertaining groups and/or countries behind this gross act of terror against the Rietumish people. I can confirm the Rietumish government will bring those responsible for this attack to justice."

Dozens of people remain trapped in the upper floors of the burning buildings surrounding the bus station as firefighters and local volunteers continue to work late into the night to put out the fire. The blast from the explosion has also severely damaged various buildings for several blocks, forcing local authorities close down buildings and schools within a ten-block radius of the blast site.

According to eye witnesses, a single bomb exploded inside the one of the buses at approximately 17:10 local time, followed by another two going off within quick succession - as many people were attempting to escape - seconds later. The attacks have shut down around half ofMellavet. Rescue operations for those trapped inside the buildings which were call up in the blast currently already underway. Police have no current leads as to a perpetrator of this horrendous crime, however, they suspect that Dewedish terrorists are responsible.

Municipal Health Secretary Aleksandrs Krūmiņš told Rietumish People's Information Bureau that the Chief Administrator for the Municipal level Ministry of Health and his family are among the dead, but released no other information about the victims ."At this time, there's 70 injured people, all in public hospitals across the city," he said, adding that eighteen of them had critical injuries.

We will continue to update you on the situation as it progresses.

Other Top Stories

• Allamunnic imperialists threaten to declare war on the Ozolinsist republic
• Ministry of Health raises the number of dead up because of H1N1 swine flu outbreak in Giga to 2,300
• EDITORIAL: Why Rietumimark must resist the Axis of Imperialism

[Lacus Magni]

The Time for Hellenic Devolution in Latium Has Come
Opinion Piece

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The latest in a series of complications between the Greek population of Latium and the government comes as a recent county-wide law in Volsinii has attempted to force Greek language schools under its jurisdiction to make a permanent move to become Latin language schools. Many throughout the neighboring counties of Ellada and Pella argue that the Volsinii county council has overstepped its constitutional bounds in now beginning to regulate education with the sole intention of restricting language. “The many local government reform laws place education at a city-wide level, it is entirely unconstitutional for the county council of Volsinii to ban the native tongue of the local populace from being used in schools,” Greek National Party (EEK) leader Isaakios Kinnamos told the press. In theory, educational policy is set at a national level in Latium, though special deference was given to certain locales, most notably cities in predominantly Greek areas. Though as EEK leader Kinnamos stated, it is very common for the Senate to delegate certain policies to local authorities, most often to cities as opposed to county level authority.

These types of problems began to arise following the passage of the Local Government Reform Act of 2011. Historically, Kepetta had been a part of the province of Ellada, which was the largest Greek speaking province in the county, but this was no longer the case following the Act. The LGRA abolished the former provincial government system, replacing it with a smaller, and redrawn county level system. The law resulted in few Latin speaking cities being placed under the jurisdiction of Greek speaking counties, and many Greek cities being outside of Greek speaking counties. While many members of government were pleased that the LGRA cut away government waste, this is one oversight that continues to pop up from time to time.

There is no doubt that the central government and an overwhelming majority of the population see Greek speakers to be just as important to Latium as any other group, the issue of local government abuse has become a constant one, the Kepetta issue only being the most recent example. As far back as 1997, a petition was brought to the People’s Assembly with the intention of providing Greek speaking areas of Latium with their own form of devolved government in order to prevent any opportunity of local government abuse. The petition was rejected by then Tribune of the People, The Duchess of Vindóbona, due to lack of legitimate signatures without even debating the substantive nature of the proposal. Interesting to note is that the Local Government Reform Act was one of the first laws passed during Vindóbona’s first Consulship.

While the Greek National Party currently isn’t a party to the Conservative coalition government, party communications state that proposals for a devolved local government for a united Greek speaking province are being considered by them and other prominent members of the Greek community. Currently, EEK leader Kinnamos has stated that the party has received just over half of the signatures required for a People's Petition, a project being led by his daughter and party up-and-comer Anna Kinnamos. And though the dispute between Kepetta schools and the county of Volsinii is relatively minor, assuming of course that it will be easily resolved in the courts should the county not back down, it is time for a serious discussion of administrative reform and local Greek government for the Greek speakers of Latium. And while it may seem unlikely to some that such a task can be achieved in the Conservative controlled Senate, a recent Imperial Offices information release states that EEK Leader Kinnamos will be meeting with Emperor Jason V Augustus later this month, in what we can only hope is a productive discussion that leads to Greek devolution or home rule.

[New Edom]

New Edomite National News Report

Opening bars of Pictures at an Exhibition play as a globe spins with pins popping up on various points of the world. Split screen images of natural disasters, celebrations, military actions, elections, royal ceremonies, celebrity events are showing, occasionally with New Edomite news anchors talking about them, and then fades to a news desk.

A raven haired woman with olive skin, dark brown eyes with a rosebud mouth, a slim nose and a statuesque figure sat behind a news desk with the New Edomite flag imposed over a silhouette map of the Allied States of New Edom behind her. “Good evening,” she said, looking up with a smile. It was clear that above the waist at least she wore nothing but a gold cross on a chain, though her image was pixelated for those nations censoring such an appearance. “I’m Lavinia Tuller, and this is a NENN Evening News."

"Bombs have destroyed a Bus Station in Mellavet, Rietumimark, killing upwards of twenty people - including the four conscripts - injuring more than 70. The attack has prompted an evacuation of much of the downtown by local police. Local officials have warned the number of dead and wounded could rise over the week.

"According to the Rietumish People's News Agency, Dozens of people remain trapped in the upper floors of the burning buildings surrounding the bus station as firefighters and local volunteers continue to work late into the night to put out the fire. The blast from the explosion has also severely damaged various buildings for several blocks, forcing local authorities close down buildings and schools within a ten-block radius of the blast site.

"According to the Rietumish Committee for State Security the culprit was a Dewedish person."

"The Foreign Minister, Dr. Paul Aphek, has said: "The Government grieves for those killed in the bus attack. As a nation that has also suffered from bombing attacks we well understand the fear, the grief and horror at this event. However this must not stop the international community from examining the human rights record of Rietumimark in South Deweden and towards its own citizens. The Government of the Allied States does not state this in hypocrisy but in sympathy. It is a long hard road to peace and safety for all citizens, and we would be glad to walk in step down that road with Rietumimark. The National Government of New Edom encourages the government of Rietumimark to balance safety for citizens with justice for citizens."

'The National Government has also offered aid and succor to the government of Rietumimark in case it is needed to help the victims.
"The

We will be back after messages with more news about anti piracy activity.

And now a message from our sponsors. The Ministry of Health encourages people to overcome their prejudices against retards and homosexuals. Just because they don't have full citizenship and cannot be trusted with machinery doesn't mean that they cannot perform menial jobs and be paid fairly for them. Remember that spitting on them and kicking them in the street is against the law and will be penalized with fines and possible penal servitude depending on the severity of crime. Retards and homosexuals: they're people too.

[Aviaire]

L'étoile Aviaire | The Aviaire Star

27 March 2016 English | Aviais | Latin

Terrorists Bomb Hotel
by Fransik Lansing


Today at least 54 people have been killed after what appears to have been a terrorist attack in the Dagnijo Hotel in the city of Purvita. The terrorist organization Privileģētā Dēli (The Favored Sons) claimed responsibility for the attack that killed over fifty and wounded at least thirty others in the attack. Only sixty kilometers south of Laussat the city of Purvita has been known for its beer houses, its restored old town, and for being the cultural center of the Russian speaking Zulyen population of Aviaire. While irredentism and nationalism has led to the rise of local parties seeking further autonomy or a federated system in Aviaire, there had been no known terrorist cell acting on behalf of the Zulyen people since the Danali Stadium bombing in 1996.

A group of six men entered the hotel with assault rifles, grenades, and improvised explosives and began to attack those on the same floor as the National Party Meeting with mostly indiscriminate shooting. Several explosives had gone off in parts of the building and wounded dozens of people in the blasts. A spokesman at the scene warned that many of those hospitalized were in critical condition and the toll could further rise.

The mayor of Purvita Ralfs Lakstigala was among the dead.

"One of the gunmen threw a grenade where the mayor was seated, forcing the 48-year-old mayor to leave cover only for the terrorist to open fire. He died en route to a nearby hospital as a result of serious shrapnel and gun shot wounds. Several others died in the initial attack before security and local police could respond."

The terrorist group claims among its aims is the re-establishment of an absolute monarchy in the country to return Aviaire to, 'it's former glory' according to its spokesman who claimed responsibility for the attack. All six assailants were killed in the attack.

The Favored Sons claim their attack was aimed at the National Party meeting there, which killed twelve members of the party. Since it achieved a supermajority in 2012 it had been conducting sweeping reforms that had become increasingly unpopular following the privatization of many government services with limited improvement in the economy despite large cuts in government expenditure. The National Party's goals of growing the economy by 5% each year had fallen short each year despite their promises their policies would largely benefit society.

The Favored Sons claim that the National Party had 'sold the country's soul' to foreign investors and interest groups at the expense of the people. Furthermore, they cited the controversial bill that removed most of the monarch's powers in 2012 that was first introduced by the previous Socialist government (2008-2012) and was surprisingly passed under the direction of First Minister Roland Guizot. While party officials believed it necessary for democracy, public opinion was split on the matter.

Response to the attacks

"These horrendous and despicable attacks are meant to divide Avirans among ideological lines. They are divisive and repulsive murderers whose actions are reprehensible and have no place in a democratic society," Councilman Armand Vindedzis of the National Party stated.

"We shall work with the Police and Internal Security Forces in stamping out terror and ensuring such a tragedy does not happen again."

In the following hours three suspects were reportedly arrested for their potential involvement in today's attacks. The Chief of Police said he would hold a press conference tomorrow morning regarding the attacks and the suspects they have found.

In other news:
General speaks out against the First Minister on dismissal of popular Chief of Staff.

Russian becoming more popular among youth study says.

Rounish Smugglers detained off the coast with $40 million worth of narcotics.

Poll shows Avirans look most favourably on the Allamunic States, Ghant, and Wielkilas.

[Jedoria]

Jedorian Reinforcements arrive in New Othman

Cemal Borek Air Base, New Othamn - What seems like the hundredth flight of the day touches down on one of the runways in Cemal Borek Air Base. A JMV-242 Transport Aircraft grinds to a halt with whining landing gear that brings the flying machine to a standstill, then slowly leads the aircraft off the runway and taxis it to an area where it's cargo can disembark. A hundred Jedorian soldiers leave the aircraft through the rear exit, filing out carrying duffel bags and ruck sacks. The local ground crew move to assist, and once the aircraft has been emptied of troops, it's towed off to another area of the Air Base to be refueled, checked for any issues that might compromise it's capabilities, and if all is well, it's crew is ready to take off and head back to Jedoria.

It's become an increasingly familiar site around these parts as convoys of Jedorian troops leave the airbase, bound for Forward Operation Bases located across New Othmam. By the time the last aircraft lands, the Jedorian Confederation will have deployed over 100,000 military personnel to the Republic of New Othman, in response to an increasingly volatile situation in the country, where just a short while ago, the a Jedorian Consul was killed by Islamic militants, and a consulate seized near the DMZ. The Jedorian Government has declared it will not negotiate with terrorists, and has demanded the release of two consulate employees who remain hostages to the Imam Yasin, less the terror cell face "dire consequences".

The Republic of New Othman has seen better days. Earlier, the President of the Republic, Gozde Polat, declared martial law in response to recent terrorist attacks that have not only claimed multiple lives, but threaten to destabilize the country even further. Still as risk from Fascist remnants and Islamist terrorists, the Confederate Government re-affirmed it's commitment to it's Othmani allies, and swore that Jedorian forces would assist in putting down the various attempts at uprising and rebellion. In addition to the 28th Mechanized Infantry Division already stationed in New Othman, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the 33rd Cavalry Division, 7th Mechanized, 12th and 14th Infantry Divisions would all be deployed as well, making this the largest "peace time" deployment of Jedorian forces in the Confederation's history.

With nearly 1/6th of the Confederate Army slated to be stationed in New Othman for the foreseeable future, several reserve divisions have reportedly been activated to maintain the status quo with regards to homeland security. The Jedorian Government has declined further details, but Foreign Minister Andrei Paler promised that the Confederation would continue to support it's Othmani ally "Come what may."

[United Valik]

Glauconeum Citizen,
Creusa Stern


Federalist Party Chairman Janos Magyari made waves today after being relatively quiet for the last month when he officially opened the electoral campaign of the Federalist candidates for the Federal Assembly, whose first and current term is set to expire this summer under the 2013 Constitution. Magyari’s action made his party the first to initiate active electioneering for this year’s contest. This was not, however, the sole eye opener that Magyari caused on Easter Sunday (leaving aside the fact that he actually held a political rally on Easter, which some Christians have condemned as “a sign of Magi contempt for Christian holidays and traditions”).


In his opening speech, Magyari proposed to amend the Constitution of United Valik to outlaw abortion, advocated replacing the Treaty of Beaulieu with a simple non-aggression pact with New Othman, urged mutual-defense and trade pacts with the Imperium of Arbites Materia, recommended withdrawing from the South Acheron Economic Community and the NCTO, and suggested that Elwe and Gypsies be barred from entering the country.


“Neither Elwe nor Gypsies have any loyalty to United Valik. They are distinct nationalities as well as religions and both will put their own identities and communities ahead of ours. Elwe are notorious terrorists, rapists, and murderers, while Gypsies are traditionally grifters, squatters, and thieves instead of honest, hard-working, taxpaying, law-abiding folk. This goes for the Sololthor, too. They’re basically Elwe in essence. None of that sort can be trusted. My family came from Hungary. They know how Gypsies behave. They’re not to be trusted,” Magyari asserted in his first major public address since his election as Chairman.


When addressing the issue of Feminism, Magyari pointed to the actions of Gloria Regis and the murder of Mikis Baukis to assert, “Look, Feminists aren’t interested in equality. They want female supremacy, nothing less. They’re all a bunch of Thrallists deep down, whether they admit it or not, and ultimately, they want to exterminate men and reproduce by human cloning and other abominations. Cloning is really just a Feminist plot to eliminate men. All Feminists are Redstockings are heart. Moderate Feminism is a joke that they’re playing on the men foolish enough to believe them. Moderate Feminism doesn’t exist. You watch. Once those Women’s Communes are in place, men will be herded first into ghettos, then into gulags, and then into death camps for extermination.”


Magyari then urged the Federalists to, “not give the Feminist scum a chance to breathe in peace. Harass them. Stalk them. Pester them. Troll them. Bait them. Heckle them. These are criminals, traitors to United Valik, so they deserve anything that they get at our hands. Show up at their rallies and don’t let them anywhere near ours. Picket the ungodly embassies and consulates of their Glorian, Deadoran, and Shrailleeni sponsors.


“Never forget how they butchered Mikis Baukis in public and in cold blood! Don’t rest and don’t let them rest, either. Together, we can build a New Era in United Valik, one of Faith, Freedom, and Family, one that doesn’t need them.


“Most importantly, don’t forget to vote Federalist! Down with Feminism! Up with Federalism!”


Also noteworthy at Federalist rallies such as this one were the blue uniforms of the new Federalist Party Action Corps, the now centralized and organized Federalist militia. The source of the money to bankroll this new paramilitary group, armed with truncheons, brass knuckles, and Tasers, remains yet unknown and mysterious to most observers, including this reporter, but it should be noted that the Corps also wears white armbands and leather jackboots. They even have a disturbingly fascist-looking Federalist salute and have taken to goose-stepping as they march. The “Blue Shirts,” as some are now calling them, only refuse to use guns because they are under strict orders to resort only to non-lethal violence.


In at least four cases since Magyari’s speech, however, feminists and other hecklers have been violently escorted from the rallies by these glorified bouncers, often with serious injuries due to roughness used in the process. Magyari has been condemned by the leaders of every other party already for his actions and rhetoric, but he has persevered.


“They call me irresponsible and immature. I call them unpatriotic and treasonous. History will judge which of us was right,” Magyari declared in open contempt for his detractors.


“The man has no conscience, no common sense, and no idea of how to govern. His rule wouldn’t last five months,” Prime Minister Stanislav Lubinski announced with pure disdain for Magyari.

“He feeds on hate and fear, knowing nothing else. The man is a dangerous demagogue and he has no respect for women. We are not made to be barefoot and pregnant constantly, no matter what he thinks,” People’s Party Chairperson Paulina Adamski commented with disgust about Magyari in a recent “pre-campaign” rally, to thunderous applause.

[Ghant]

Navy Seal Edition

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Ghantish Navy Seals prepare for war

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Whenever anyone says "navy seal," what is the first thing people think of? Seals, obviously, because why call it a seal if it isn't a seal? While other nations might have navy seals that aren't actually seals, Ghant gets it right...we have the real deal. Welcome to the Navy Seal Edition of The Nibbler, which recognizes the brave seals that serve our country bravely. Yes, we are speaking of the Ghantish Imperial Navy Seals, the most highly trained and advanced fighting force on the planet. While Rome has the Bare-bones Legion, New Edom has their naked guys with AKs, Deadora has their Amazons, the Shrai have their cute girls that hand out douches and tampons to refugee women, Ashab has their Eternal Crusaders like in that Indiana Jones movie and the Imperium has their Knights Templar or whatever the fuck they're called, Ghant has its famed Navy Seals. These furry denizens of the deep won't hesitate to fuck you up if you dare threaten the motherland. So without further ado, welcome to this Navy Seal Edition of the Nibbler! *Cues music*

Recommended Listening…because hey man, this Navy Seal shit is for real and you totally need to listen to this song in order to get amped...

The Ghantish Navy Seal Story

Ghantish Imperial Navy Seals in action in the Tempestra

The Ghantish Imperial Navy Seals are the Ghantish Navy's principal special operations force and a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command and Ghantish Special Operations Command. The seals conduct, among other things, small-unit maritime military operations which originate from, and return to a river, ocean, swamp, delta, or coastline. Seals can navigate shallow water areas such as the Ghantish and Acheronian coastline, where large ships and submarines are limited due to depth. The Navy Seals are trained to operate in aquatic environments for which they are named.

All seals are members of the Ghantish Imperial Navy. The Ghantish Intelligence Organization’s highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) recruits operators from the seal teams. Joint Navy Seals and GIO operations go back to the Tempestra War, and this cooperation still exists today.

The modern day Ghantish Navy Seals can trace their roots to the First Dewedish Uprising of 1959. The Ghantish Imperial Navy recognized the need for the covert reconnaissance of landing beaches and coastal defenses. Recognizing the need for an aquatic reconnaissance force, a select group of Navy personnel assembled at Amphibious Training Base in Abaza, Nathia, Ghant.

Prime Minister Malderi Haribec, aware of the situation in Deweden, recognized the need for unconventional warfare and special operations as a measure against guerrilla warfare. In a speech to Parilament, on 25 May 1959, Haribec spoke of his deep respect for the Ghantish Army Special Forces. In this speech, Harbiec announced his intention to increased research and spending to strengthen Ghantish special operations forces and expand capabilities in unconventional warfare. Thus, some people credit Prime Minister Haribec with creating the Navy Seals.

The Navy needed to determine its role within the special operations arena. In April of 1959, Admiral Andar Garaza, the Chief of Naval Operations, recommended the establishment of guerrilla and counter-guerrilla units. This was the beginning of the Navy Seals. All seals came from the Ghantish Environmental Protection Agency conservation areas, and were given extensive training by the Ghantish Imperial Navy Demolition Teams.

How does a seal become a Navy seal?

Ghantish Navy Seals must be prepared for intense combat situations

Before getting accepted into Basic Underwater Demolition/seal training, a prospective candidate must pass a certain number of both mental and physical requirements, including a medical screening, and various aptitude tests. Then, the candidate must get a Seal contract by passing the Seal Physical Screening Test, which includes a number of physical exams meant to gage the seal’s relative fitness. If the candidate receives a passing score, he may then be admitted into training to become a Navy Seal. Seal training is extremely rigorous, with the dropout rate sometimes over 80 percent. The average candidate spends over a year in a series of formal training courses before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC).

Navy SEAL training pipeline:

• 8-week Naval Recruit Training
• 8-week Naval Special Warfare Prep School
• 24-week Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal Training (BUD/S)
• 5-week Parachute Jump School
• 26-week Seal Qualification Training (SQT)

Upon graduation from SQT, trainees receive the coveted Navy Seal Trident, designating them as Navy Seals. They are subsequently assigned to a Seal Team or Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Team and begin 18-months of predeployment training before they are considered deployable. This training consists of:

• 6-month Professional Development - Individual Specialty Training (ProDev)
• 6-month Unit Level Training (ULT)
• 6-month Squadron Integration Training (SIT)

The Ghantish Navy Seals today

Navy seals are very active on the internet

Two navy seals wield guns and knives as they dive through obstacles and raised flags during a training exercise for a possible deployment to Deweden. The navy seals, named Gunter and Pebbles, don military headgear and shoot at targets at a naval aquarium in Abaza. The patriotic pair, in addition to having been trained to swim, march underwater and carry rifles, are regarded as some of the most highly trained, efficient and dangerous soldiers in the Ghantish military.

Just like their natural habitat, the seals' special aquarium is cooled to a low temperature resembling the waters where they would participate in combat operations. “The Ghantish Navy Seals are the pride of the Ghantish Imperial Navy,” Admiral Jon Donetzu commented to the Nibbler. “They can do the things humans cannot, and are prepared to die for their country. In the event of war, I’d feel a lot better with the navy seals, because they are tough as nails and loyal to the bone.”

"I have been working with navy seals for more than 25 years,” navy seal trainer Captain Bella Sukara commented. “I really enjoy training and handling them, looking after them. It wasn't too long before I realized that seals are no worse than people when it comes to amphibious operations. Maybe they are even better at it.”

Animal-rights activists have long objected to the Ghantish Imperial Navy's marine-mammal program, criticizing the use of benign sea creatures in military operations and the cramped conditions in which they are housed and transported. "Using animals for military operations is unnecessary and cruel and could very well cost lives—not save them," a Ghantish animal rights activist posted on her blog. The Navy claims that it treats its naval seals humanely, noting that they are fed "higher-than-restaurant-quality fish" and travel in pools designed "to keep the animals in an environment as much like their natural habitat as possible." It also argues that its work has added to the scientific knowledge of these animals: "The more we know about marine mammals, the better we can protect them."

Indeed, in their free time, the seals enjoy playing with beach balls, jumping through hoops, drawing, singing and dancing. It isn’t uncommon for navy seals to have families, with many of the pups growing up to become navy seals themselves. Indeed, becoming a navy seal is a great aspiration for many seals throughout Ghant’s many coastal waters. “You literally can’t keep them away,” fisherman Bogar Ardogu of Abaza said. “I get seals coming to port all the time by where the base is. I think they make it pretty clear that they want to become navy seals.”

An Elite fighting force

Hoorah!

Enemies of Ghant should beware our brave furry aquatic friends, who will stop at nothing to serve the motherland valiantly and against any enemy. Rietumimark should exercise caution and restraint, lest their coastal regions, rivers and waterways get swarmed by highly trained and specialized Ghantish naval seals. Make no mistake, these critters are trained to kill, and will show no mercy once they are faced with a threat. There is no challenge that our brave seals in uniform are not prepared to face, with nothing but the love they bear for their country in their hearts.

No man is equal to the seal in water, which gives the navy seal a significant advantage in small arms combat. Ever tried shooting a gun underwater? Yeah, it's pretty fucking hard, but not if you're a seal. They can hold their breath underwater longer than people can too, and don't require any special breathing apparatus, as well as having flippers, giving them even more advantages over land lubbers. Seems like a no-brainer if you ask us.

Thank you for reading along today, and remember to recognize any navy seals that reside in your area. Salute them, honor them, and remember that they are there to keep you and your families safe from all those things that go bump in the night, be they Imps, Lazins, Ozolins, Snarks or Grumpkins. Oh and of course, you just got nibbled.

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Because we know you have nothing better to do.

Can’t get enough of the Nibbler? Come see our Nibbler Article Archives!

[Jedoria]

Internal Security Raid on Communist Party Headquarters prompts outcry

Los Matar, Jedoria - Just as trials begin in courtrooms across Jedoria regarding the issue of constitutional rights against the Department of Internal Security, the Confederation's national law enforcement program came under fire after it raided the headquarters building of the Jedorian Communist Party, prompting outcry from civil rights groups and left wing supporters. According to Los Matar Metropolitan District Command, field agents of the district launched a raid into the building in the early morning while members of the Communist Party were arriving for a daily meeting, leading to the arrest of several members, including Los Matar Chapter President Ilie Mureșan. District Chief Marcu Pârvulescu stated the reason for the raid was as a result of an investigation that the Communist Party had abused the non-profit non-taxable status as a political committee, as well as several cases of tax evasion.

Critics responded negatively to the accusations though, poiting out that the details of the investigation have not been revealed, nor did Internal Security receive a proper warrant for the arrest of Mureșan and his associates. Dragos Nemeș, attorney and spokesperson for the civil rights and watchdog group Citizens for the Preservation of Civil Liberties, condemned the raid as a "blatant right of constitutional rights", and disparaging the justification that was presented underneath the Domestic Security Act. "Once again, the Department of Internal Security has circumvented the constitution by proclaiming immunity from due process under the Domestic Security Act. Continued violations of Jedorian civil rights have become the norm since the passage of the Domestic Security Act, and my organization will continue to fight against this blatantly authoritarian and fascist attack on the Confederate Constitution."

Further concern was voiced by the Reverend Paul Vlaicu, the Los Matar First Imperial Church, who cautioned that actions by Internal Security may set a "disturbing trend" for future law enforcement actions. "Our brothers and sisters in the Communist Party appear to have been the victim of another case of political profiling from the Department [of Internal Security]. While I respect the men and women in uniform who act to keep our people safe from lawlessness and crime, I fear that without proper regulations and oversight, Internal Security's actions represent a growing worry that the Government may no longer support the rights of minority groups in Jedoria."

Other left wing groups voiced concern and opposition to the raid. In particular, the growing persecution of "the three C's", Christians, Communists, and Conservatives, are seen as a dangerous path that Jedoria's law enforcement has embarked on. Groups like the CPCL and their affiliates have vowed to continue to challenge the legality of the Domestic Security Act, and recent actions by Internal Security concerning protests and riots.

In other news, Jedorian forces continue to flow into New Othman to deal with the growing Islamist terrorist threat in the young Republic.

[Jedoria]

Military Exercises Begin in Earnest Across Jedoria
The Capitol Report

Just as over a 100,000 Jedorian military personnel deploy to New Othman in an effort to stabilize the Republic, and following a major restructure of the Confederate Navy, it was announced earlier today that the Jedorian Armed Forces would begin large scale military exercises across Jedoria, including the Gulf, the waters between the newly annexed Province of Peregrino and the mainland of Acheron. Involving all branches of the military, as well as testing of newly formed experimental Naval Infantry units, the exercise, called Operation Furtună, is expected to be carried out over the next two weeks and involve tens of thousands of soldiers, airmen, and sailors. Defense Minister Dragomir Rotaru announced the event along with Field Marshall Dimitri Vadam, who earlier this year announced his intentions to retire. The Minister went into detail, revealing that over 150,000 military personnel from combat arms to support units will be partaking in the exercise.

Operation Furtună is officially labeled as a "testing of Confederate defensive and rapid reaction capabilities". The exercise will reportedly cover a wide range of Jedorian territory, from Peregrino, the Gulf, from the northern forests of Sumphink to the mountains of the Tung Shao. Although the details were not provided by either Field Marshall or Foreign Minister, it is believed that airborne, air assault, armored, mechanized and missile forces will be partaking in the exercise, while aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines will be included among the Navy's contributions. Rumors abound that the Confederate Air Force will also be employing it's supersonic and standard bombers as part of the operation. The exercise has been in many ways been framed as a way for the Confederation to test out the variety of new equipment that has rolled off the production line as part of a service wide modernization program.

Colonel General Bianca Cernea, head of the Joint Chief of Staff, has been declared to be the official overseer of the exercise, as well as the brain of the operations. In an interview with Capitol Report reporter Teodora Hagi, the Colonel General explained in greater detail the planning behind the exercise. "A great deal of effort had to be undertaken not only by operational and intelligence officers, but also by logistical and support elements to bring this all to fruition. In the end, all we wish to accomplish is the confirmation of Confederate superiority in military affairs against potential adversaries." The Colonel General is widely regarded to be the most likely successor to the Field Marshall come his retirement.

With recent deployments to New Othman, Chaco and Ashab, it's clear that foreign commitments and treaties require the Confederate Armed forces to adapt to a growing international set of alliances that require force projection beyond the normal borders of Jedoria. Colonel General Bianca, Defense Minister Rotaru, and Field Marshall Vadam all expressed confidence in the Jedorian Armed Forces ability to adapt to an ever changing geopolitical situation that the Confederate finds itself in.

[Free Garza]

The Royal Standard,
Luis Peres, Senior Writer


The final version of the National Reproductive Rights Reform Act, which retained a ban on abortions after 24 weeks (except in cases of rape, incest, and danger to the mother), kept in place a ban on sex-selection and partial-birth abortions (admittedly redundant when third-trimester abortions have been outlawed), and continued to required spousal consultation for wives as well as parental consent for underage abortions, has been signed into law by His Catholic Majesty, King Diego IV. The law carries criminal penalties for abortionists, consisting of of a maximum sentence of death by garrote, but no actual criminal sanctions for the mothers.


“This law is not perfect. As a devout Roman Catholic, I concede that it permits something personally repugnant to me. However, as it has been approved by a significant majority of both chambers in the Cortes, and as it has preserved many protections for both mothers and at least some of the unborn, I shall give my royal assent to its passage into law,” the King announced to the press, “May God forgive me for what I must do for Free Garza.”


Indeed, the Cortes’s membership enacted the bill in both houses by a spectacular parliamentary compromise wherein the deputies from the Christian Democratic Party were absent in just enough numbers to allow a quorum, and were able to vote against it, but without enough votes to defeat it. This permitted the deputies to honestly announce that they never voted for the bill’s passage into law, thus putting the onus for its ratification entirely on the Socialists, Communists, and Liberal Democrats. It was a consensus bill, which the Socialist Minister of Health, Juana Diaz de Majorca, acknowledged was, “less than ideal or our dream legislation, but without a majority, it was the most that we could do for the women of Free Garza at this time.”


While the Socialists stay in office, their minority government remains as shaky as ever, forcing a slower pace for reforms and progress than envisioned when they first came to power. Abortion was just one case of this, the other being same-sex marriage, with the King threatening to veto any bill which “desecrates the holy sacrament of matrimony with such profanity,” resulting in a bill to permit civil unions instead, which has passed the People’s Assembly, but still awaits a floor vote in the Senate. One thing is clear: while the King is largely a ceremonial sovereign, his ability to affect the approval of legislation increases at least somewhat whenever there is no clear majority in either house of the Cortes. The royal veto, while limited in theory, becomes in effect absolute in such cases, as there is little or no chance of overriding it.


In other news, a plebiscite is set for May 1, in which the People of Free Garza shall decide two
questions. The first is whether or not to abolish Regere Coniugum. The second is whether or not to repeal the ban on a personal union between Free Garza and another nation. Either change would amend the Constitution of Free Garza to reflect the popular will in these matters. This referendum is intended to resolve a potential conundrum or contradiction in the 2014 Constitution, due to the accession of the King’s first cousin once removed and uncle by marriage, Albert Gentry, as Emperor of Vorindeum, as Albert’s heir by the King’s aunt, Isabel, was specifically given the right to exercise co-sovereignty with the King’s own heir, Crown Prince Ferdinand. Due to Princess Adela’s new role as heiress to the Vorindese throne, a partial personal union would be affected upon her succession to both thrones.

[Vozgarnor]

The Republic

Preparation for the 1000'th anniversary of Abbeyist conversion

5 April 2016
By Galerna Eposz

Early planning for the 1000'th anniversary of King Sorex I of Vozgarnór's conversion to the Abbey of the Creatrix has already begun in several towns and cities across the country. The festivites are being organized by both local town governments, Abbeyist parishes and independent organizations. The High Canoness has entered into dialouge with city authorities in Karaszon to hold a grand parade from the Old Castle to the Cathedral of Our Lady Triumphant, past the National Assembly and finally ending at the Cathedral of Holy Jubilation. High Canoness Elvyra will attend alongside thousands of people and clergy who will march on the streets of the capital a little more than a month from now. Similar marches are schedualed to take place in both Wyszohrod and Uvenhejm, alongside parades on a smaller scale in other towns and cities from north to south.

"That we are alive today for such a great and important celebration of Vozgarni culture is a true honor." Comments First Consul Bohennir Nimiridún. "Our descendants will look back on this day with envy, not being there to see and experiance the joy of such a day with us. We owe it to them to make it a day that will always be remembered by all Vozgarni, and when we sit with our ancestors in the Halls of the Afterlife we will look down on our descendants as they celebrate the second thousand-year anniversary with even greater joy than we did."

"Countless souls were saved in the light of the Creatrix and all her Holies on that day a thousand years ago." Said High Canoness Elvyra as The Republic asked for a comment from the head of the Abbey. "I pray that our faith will find ever greater fervor and I also pray to our Lady that she may fill all our hearts with warmth, joy and kindness on that historic day that is before us. I am sure that she will and that her light will shine through all of us as we celebrate together."

For those who wish to brush up on our history, on the 11'th of May 1016 King Sorex I Mehedún of Vozgarnór adopted the Abbeyist faith, confessed by High Canoness Elmadia of Karaszon. This is often regarded as the first day of the nation we live in today as Abbeyism became the Kingdom's official state religion and turned into a powerful unifying force for the Vozgarni people and the foundation of our culture and civilization. The power structures that emerged after the King's Confession were independent of the traditional tribal elders and limited their authority. Abbeyist clergy greatly contributed to the development of education and culture, and of the state administration and diplomacy. The conversion of the Vozgarni people however took almost two centuries and King Sorex had to put down several rebellions led by the old Pagan priest caste.

Two other people who made an official comment regarding the soon to be celebration were High Protector Hostamir Inziladún and his wife Lady Yrvanna who appeared with a short speech on a video that can be found on the site of the Protectoral Office and the High Protector's official Youtube channel. We included the text of the speech in this article.

Ladies and gentlemen, dearest countrymen. We would like to offer you our best wishes as we all prepare to celebrate such an important day as the one that stands before us and we hope that the Creatrix smiles on all of us, filling us with hope and happiness. We hope that her love will give all of you the strength to embark on the road toward new goals in life, be it in family or in your careers.

In the name of the national community that we all form, this celebration is important indeed, as it reminds us of the beginning of the modern Vozgarni state, one of the most important dates in the history of our Motherland is the 11'th of may in the year 1016 when King Sorex was confessed to the Abbeyist faith. May this great milestone strenghten the bonds of our national unity and fill our heart with pride over the fact that we are a nation with such a long and beautiful history, such a rich culture and with such great accomplishments.

I trust that, as always, we shall find inspiration in our past and with that inspiration build an even brighter future for Vozgarnór, built on our most important principles. Patriotism, honor and mutual respect.

We wish you all, dearest Vozgarni, a fantastic evening.

See also
Sports: Dynamo Bolgaszhrod wins 3-0 over Tarlovo Hawks, Dynamo secures place in Quarterfinals of National Soccer League.
National: Butcher of Mikalosznár strikes again! Body of young woman found in woods near Angarnow next to jogging trail.
World: Deweden crisis continues as reports leak of fighting between Dewedish rebels and Rietumish troops.

[Jedoria]

Disgraceful Jedorian Military Doesn't Even Have Plan for Giant Robot Spider Attack

The Silver Rock, Jedoria's Finest News Source

Confederation of Jedoria - In a shocking new report that is certain to stun our readers to the core, it has been revealed that despite hundreds of billions of Credits spent on defense and arms manufacturing, the Confederate Armed Forces do not have any sort of plan to deal with a potential attack from giant robot spiders. Even as the armed forces embark on a massive nation-wide exercises, Colonel General Bianca Cernea, the orchestrator of the operation and next in line for the highest rank in the Jedorian military, confirmed that there exists no sort of contingency to deal with a sudden attack on Jedoria by giant robot spiders.

"I'm sorry, what?" Asked a most likely completely embarrassed and ashamed Colonel General Cernea. "Giant robot what? What are you talking about?"

In recent months a massive modernization campaign as seen the Confederation arm itself with aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, new armored vehicles and anti-air defensive systems, but despite this massive build up, there has been no investigation of how the Armed Forces might respond to an invasion of giant robot spiders. "Theoretically speaking, if a trans-dimensional portal were to open and a massive army of giant robot spiders were to begin pouring out and invade the Confederation, there would be no contingency plan in place for the Jedorian Army, Air Force, or Navy, to put into effect." Explained Professor Farnswerth of the University of Applied Kinetic Psychology. "If the giant robot spider king, Zalcrox the Mad, were to unleash his armies on us, I frankly see no way our armed forces could properly defend the homeland."

Despite being tasked with the defense of the Jedorian people and state, there have been no commissions or inquiries put in by the Armed Forces into possible responces to an invasion of giant robot spiders, sparking outcry among the population. "How can we put our trust in the men and women in uniform if they don't even have a plan to deal with an invasion of giant robot spiders?" Said one concerned citizen.

"Frankly, this is the kind of nonsense that we get from having so little civilian oversight over the armed forces." Said another upset citizen. "I bet you my left arm that the Edomites, Adirans, Imperials and Shrailleeni all have plans for giant robot spiders. But you ask the Field Marshall or the Joint Chief of Staff, and they look at you like you're crazy. Next thing you know, they're going to say they don't even have a plan on how to repel an army of moon-walking bears!"

The Silver Rock would like to take this moment to remind the leaders in the Jedorian Armed Forces that if we are expected to put our trust in you to defend our soil and sovereignty, it would be expected that you would prepare plans to deal with likely scenarios that could threaten the security of the Confederation. Needless to say, we have already drafted up our own doctrine for countering the giant robot spider threat, and if asked, we'd be more than happy to meet with top General and Admirals to discuss the details.

In other news, learn how to make cash fast by stealing it at gun point from other people!

[Ghant]

| NATIONAL NEWS | LOCAL NEWS | ECONOMICS | WORLD |
| FOOD | ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS | OPINION |

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Prominent MP Kam Rebo slams northern development project

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Chairman of the Legebiltzarra Committee on Energy and Natural Resources opposes project

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By John Igara| GHISH | Posted: April 8th, 2016 16:00 GST

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(Ghish, Ghant)- In a stunning blow that has the Ghantish political scene in a perfect storm, MP Kam Rebo of Gauekoizarra, Chairman of the Legebiltzarra Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, broke with his party and voiced his opposition to the northern development project. In light of recent protests and vocal opposition from northern leaders, this comes as a stunning blow to Prime Minister Izarbegiratzeak’s programme, with mounting opposition coming from within his own Independent Coalition party.

Rebo took the podium during a live press conference to explain his position:

]I’ve looked over the facts, I’ve looked over the facts and figures, I’ve looked over the potential impact and I’ve taken into consideration the wishes of locals who would be most affected by this project,” “I don’t think this is right for Ghant. We would be trading long term objectives for short term gains. Money will always come and go, but Ghant’s natural resources, once they are depleted, are gone for good, and the environmental impact such development would have would be irreversible.

This project is only beneficial to the select few, the nobles and royals that would reap the financial windfall, while we the common people of Ghant will be left picking up the slack and carrying the burden. I don’t believe that a government’s policy should be geared towards the gain of the few at the expense of the many, and the people of Ghant deserve better than that. We shouldn’t be stuck with the consequences of highborn ambitions.”

Therefore in my capacity as Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will make sure that all regulations are upheld, be strict in regards to licensing, require negotiations, demand objective reviews, and ensuring a thorough process, because that’s what the people of Ghant deserve. I would also remind the Prime Minister to remember his obligations first and foremost to the common people that he has provided a voice for since the 1960s. They are the reason why you are where you are today.

Rebo was joined in his opposition by prominent northern businessman, lawyer, lobbyist and nobleman Bordari Roika, who was more blunt in his speech from his home in Gauekoizarra:

Ghant has not only been a leader but a pioneer in alternative energy for decades. Based upon alternative energy programs in Ghant and Adiron, is this project necessary? Should it be allowed? The answer is no. It will destroy a valuable part of Ghant's environment and social traditions, and undermine our well established policies on alternative energy. I’ve heard a lot of people say that they are worried about banditry in the north, but I’m more worried about the bandits at THORCO and NPC coming to commit highway robbery of our natural resources.

There are protests in the streets of our major cities, opposition among academics, lobbyists, local interest groups, and they all feel passionately about the sanctity of our nation and keeping it clean, pristine, and away from the greedy hands of foreign carpetbaggers. What our government should be talking about is a programme of green energy, lowering environmental impact and weakening FODE. But instead, we are talking about the opposite of all of those things.

What I find really funny about this whole thing is that an Adiran company, THORCO, is leading the charge on this project. Where’s President Tavish DeGroot? Where are the Adiran lobbyist groups that support green energy and oppose FODE? This is the same FODE that placed a strangehold around Adiron’s neck, and led to a war with the Imperium. So we have Adiron’s green energy and anti-FODE policies, which are similar to Ghant’s, and yet we have this northern development project, which undermines both.

Adiron pays lip service to undermining FODE, yet here they are in Ghant with THORCO, trying to exploit Ghantish fossil fuels for the benefit of FODE. Maybe that’s all Ghant is to them, is some backwater country that they can exploit, so they can have their cake and eat it too. Well I got news for the folks in Adiron, enough is enough. Being an ally shouldn’t consist of being used, it should consist of being held on equal footing as a valued peer. Make no mistake, we are getting sold down the river for a quick barrel of petro, compliments of our good friends in Adiron and New Edom. Some friends, eh?

Indeed, the recent comments made by Rebo and Roika have caused nationwide demonstrations in major cities across Ghant, with protestors especially out in force in front of the Adiron and Edomite embassies in Ghish. Among the more colorful demonstrations consist of effigies of Adiran President Tavish DeGroot and King Elijah of New Edom being tarred and feathered, with chants of “no petro” ringing through the crowds. Others have organized a “green-out” where protestors only wear green, and in many cases paint their skin green in support of green energy.

In Gauekoizarra, where anti-development demonstrations are especially fierce, King Inigo could not be reached for comment, with his palace only releasing a statement saying that “the King has taken a neutral position, reviewing the voice of their people and weighing the facts.”

Additional details will be provided as they become available.

[Jedoria]

Duke Confirms Jedoria Will Dismantle Nuclear Arsenal

STRANA MECHTY - In the midst of major nation-wide military exercises, Victor Răceanu, Duke of the Jedorian Confederation, confirmed to reporters that Jedoria would dismantle the entirety of it's nuclear arsenal. Speaking to reporters, the Duke stressed the dangers of nuclear proliferation, stating the the nuclear arms program the Confederation embarked on in the 1990s was a dangerous and costly endeavor that ultimately contributed nothing to Jedorian safety and security. Although details were not given, Răceanu stated that all devices were slated for decommissioning, and could be expected to be completed before the year has ended. The Confederate Nuclear Commission has been tasked with the evaluation and disposal of all devices, and is expected to begin the process later this week.

Initiated by Duke Ian Dresari in 1992, the Jedorian Nuclear Armaments program was a largely undisclosed state secret until 1996, when the Dresari administration confirmed the existence of the program, and the construction of several devices following several press leaks. The exact number and yield of the devices has never been fully stated, but was believed to encompass roughly 20-30 warheads ranging from 220 kilotons to 15 megatons, built between 1992 and 1995. The Dresari administration defended the program as a necessity to national security given the turbulent times of the 1990s, and made promises that the Confederation would never be the first to make use of nuclear weapons.

Duchess Ecaterina Rosetti went a step further following her election in 2000 by stating that Jedoria would never deploy nuclear weapons unless attacked by nuclear devices directly, and at several points expressed a desire to dismantle the device and end the program. Duke Damian Dragan echoed similar sentiments but did not act on them, leaving Răceanu as the first leader to actually act on the arsenal since it's inception. Many facts on the Confederation's nuclear program however remain unknown, including it's origins, supporters, even test sites are not known, though there are several suspected locations that indicated evidence of below ground nuclear detonations.

This is not the first instance of disarmament of weapons of mass destruction in Jedorian history. In 2004 Duchess Rosetti ordered the destruction of the Confederation's chemical weapons stockpiles, namely of mustard, Tabun and chlorine gas. Although being of a separate political party, it appears Duke Răceanu is content to follow the late Duchess's example.

[Vozgarnor]

A new wave in Vozgarni film and cinema

Review and Interview

10 April 2016
By Varador Gilirdún

It began with the premier of The First Day of Autumn in 2015, a movie whose action takes place on the chilly, deserted dunes and among the screaming gulls of the northern Vozgarni shore. Two lonely damaged people, refugees from Anrama who came under the resettlement act of the ceasefire allowing ethnic Vozgarni to move to Vozgarnór, played by Amalía Erszardrín and Felyks Szagadún whose characters remain nameless throughout the film, happen to meet on the deserted beach. Both of them are haunted by vivid memories of the Jedorian war and make silent, imperfect attempts to reach out to each other, but they cannot find a means to communicate. While it did score rather highly, especially among the more 'artsy' crowd who will likely be the only ones to remember it soon as it fades from the memories of the mainstream crowd. It does however pale to the large success of the second film in this new movement among Vozgarni directors and screenwriters who draw their inspiration from the Italian Neorealism of the 1950's.

All Hearts Day which permiered in Vozgarnór friday 8'th and will have it's international premier next week has several very similar characteristics. It follows the story of two lovers, Wiktór, a 21-year old university student who served in the Blackshield Battalions, made up of BMEC graduates who did their part for our Motherland. The second is Mathylda, a 30-year old manager of a coffe-shop and Anraman resettlement act refugee. Unlike in The First Day of Autumn, All Hearts Day is driven by much more conventional plot and dialogue elements. The main plotline centers on their first trip together to spend a weekend in a small town in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of Karaszon, both of them initially intending to take the relationship to the next level and make it official as it is revealed that while the pair has been together for a good number of months, both present it as a much more casual relationship to the outside.

The movie explores the history of both their relationship and their wartime experiences in various flashback sequences. Wiktór's Blackshield Battalion being deployed in the thick of the fighting in the Targu Furmos Salient taking very heavy casualties, the loss of so many of those he considered close friends weighs him heavily and, fearing another loss of someone close, makes the young man wary of such an emotional commitment. His fear only increases as he realizes how much the older woman means to him. Mathylda on the other hand struggles with the guilt of moving on after her fiancée's death in the shelling of their town. Like Wiktór's fear, her guilt only increases as she realizes how strong her desire for the younger man is. The first few minutes of the film and flashbacks on their relationship show one that is much more blissful, in contrast to the increasing chill and wariness that develops between the two as the weekend progresses, neither taking the step they had both planned to take. In the end, the relationship between them ends and while the two are starving for love, they both prove incapable of transcending their wartime experiences.

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Actress Rhamanda Hanczardrín, playing the lead female character Mathylda in All Hearts Day.

The Republic managed to get a short interview with one of the stars of All Hearts Day, Rhamanda Hanczardrín. One of the more prominent stars of Vozgarni-language films, Hanczardrín is most known for her role as the gruff, hard-nosed policewoman Láora Koszardrín in the filme-noir inspired Officer Riszardún series of crime films, rather different from the current movie in question.

V: So, this is your first major role in a romantic movie, how did that feel?

R: It felt very interesting, as it is not a genre I am very familiar with when it comes to my previous career, I have mostly worked in either comedy or crime films before but my co-star, Ioánn Uszardún, was much more experienced in the genre and I think I really learned a lot from him, the rest of the team was amazing too and it was really a joy to work with all of them.

V: All right, this being a genre you have not really worked with before, what made you take on the job?

R: I was actually offered the role and after reading the script I decided to say yes. Also because this is a very important event in our recent history that is being portrayed, the war and the effects of it on those who experienced it first hand. This is much more than just any romantic drama film whose main focus is on love.

V: You say that this is much more than just a romantic drama, can you please explain further what you mean?

R: Of course. In my opinion at least, the film has a really big theme around the lingering emotional scars of the war, how they can weigh a person down and how they can ruin any attempt by that person to build a new life afterward, no matter how much they want to. I believe that is what the film is trying to communicate.

V: Very well, thank you very much for your time.

R: No problem, thank you for the interview.

See also
Business: Companies seeking to explore new markets, the goal? Revitalize exports.
National: Several Special Operations units from the Armed Forces to hold exercises, including MU Thunderclap and MU Fenrir.
World: Jedoria to scrap it's nuclear arsenal? According to statement made by Duke, yes.

[Jedoria]

"All Hearts Day" to be screened my Ministry of Culture

The Capital Report

STRANA MECHTY - Amid a new wave of Vozgarni films and media releases, the Ministry of Culture announced it would screen the soon-to-be released film "All Hearts Day," a Vozgarni film that details the lives of two lovers who were both affected by the Anraman conflict with Jedoria. The Ministry justified the decision as to ascertain whether the film portrays the Confederation and it's soldiers in a negative light, a distinct possibility given the recent hostilities between the two nations.

"While movies and other forms of mass media are in the end just works and collaborative efforts of imagery, they can contain messages that carry political or cultural weight." Explained Minister of Culture Haralamb Rusu. "While I have great respect for the Vozgarni film industry, in particular it's recent draw of inspiration from Italian Neorealism, I think we can agree that the best films are those that are objective and leave the decisions up to the viewers."

According to an interview with Actress Rhamanda Hanczardrin, the film "All Hearts Day" is more than just a romantic drama film, and involves major themes such as lingering emotional scars from the war. The Anrama Isles Conflict, as we in the Confederation so remember, was fought between the Jedorian Confederation and Republic of Vozgarnor between 2012-2013 following the Jedorian invasion of the Isles, prompting the year long war that claimed thousands of lives and ended with a negotiated settlement that kept the Isles in Jedorian hands. The long standing dispute between the two nations remains a source of great tension.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

The Eagle's Cry

Shrailleeni News Unbiased
Serving the Children of the Mother Goddess and the Region

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Statement of Purpose: Founded on the principles of liberty, morality, and matriatism, the staff of the Eagle's Cry are dedicated to the principles of free speech and accessibility of information, except where this information could endanger the well-being of the Shrailleeni people. This news source will report to the Shrailleeni people and the region the true goings-on within the Shrailleeni Empire through foreign electronic and domestic printed mediums.

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April, 1292 (2016)

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Featured Article

Too close for comfort

Great Fanged Whale Spotted in Shrailleeni Waters After Century of Absence

Imperial City - The crew of a fishing vessel trawling the waters off the northern coast of Vangarra was given a shock late last week with the dramatic appearance of a Great Fanged Whale alongside their vessel. The mighty beast, long absent from Shrailleeni waters, caused some damage to the ship's net as it took advantage of the trapped gathering of fish and sharks. The startled crew managed to capture the whale on camera before it retreated west.

The Great Fanged Whale, known elsewhere in the region by the misleading Latin name Basilosaurus, was once common in the warm, shallow seas surrounding the archipelago. A relative of the Common Fanged Whale, the Great Fanged Whale is much larger than its distant cousin, reaching eighteen meters from snout to tail. Both species feature prominently in Shrailleeni culture in both stories and stylistic imagery, but the Great Fanged Whale is renowned as a symbol of strength, grace, and the sea. The successful hunting of one of these beasts was traditionally seen as a right of passage among coastal cultures across the islands. However, overhunting both for their meat and to protect travosun herds ultimately took its toll. The last Great Fanged Whale seen in Shrailleeni waters was killed in 1181 (1905), and the species was declared extinct in the archipelago in 1228 (1952).

However, their disappearance from the islands was not a total extinction. Populations of the whales continued to exist in the warm waters of southern Ceti, spared for one reason or another from the predation of humanity. The idea of reintroducing the species to Shrailleen was forwarded several times by the previous two Mother Empresses, but the cost of the effort, objections of local whalers and fishing operations, and worries about endangering Cetian populations all prevented any action. In addition, the long, thin whales are unsuited to trans-oceanic travel, lacking the large fat deposits of other whales and preferring shallow warm waters to hunt and breed in. This made the Tempesta a barrier to natural migration.

For all of these reasons the sighting the Great Fanged Whale was a shock that has generated much debate in academic circles. It is believed that the unusual weather patterns of the past year, which resulted in early rains and an early dry season in the Empire and the infamous hurricane in Adiron, may have warmed the surface waters of the tropical Tempesta enough to allow the whale to swim to Shrailleen in search of food. It may also be that increased whaling activity in Arcologia may present a significant enough threat to the Great Fangs to spur migratory movement. Whatever the reason, Her Enlightened Majesty the Mother Empress has wasted no time in declaring the Great Fanged Whale a protected species under Shrailleeni law, making the killing of the whales for any reason an offense against the Empire.

Fishing operations, travosun farmers, and citizens in the empire have already begun to protest the protected status of the whales, citing fears of competition with their livelihoods and potential damage to their property. Some citizens also fear predation by the whales, citing folktales of Shrailleeni seawomen and men being attacked and eaten by the beasts. Scientists have objected to these protests, however, citing the Great Fanged Whale's significance to the Shrailleeni coastal ecosystem and charging stories of people eaten by the whales as "pure superstition."

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Shrailleeni News

"Miniature Oil Boom" Skyrockets Jobs, Infrastructure

Imperial City - With tankers filled with oil again sailing to the Republic of Adiron, both public and private income from the again booming oil industry have risen dramatically. The development of Shrailleeni crude production and refineries, enabled through the highly successful inclusion of the empire in the Federation of Oil Developing Economies, has increased considerably in Fromathra and Sevreen as well as offshore. And with sales to Adiron, easily the largest consumer of Shrailleeni petroleum, resumed, average Shrailleeni citizens are already experiencing the benefits.

One of the main results of the resumption of the oil trade with Adiron has been a marked increase in government job positions. With a large percentage of public oil profits earmarked for infrastructural renovations, the Imperial government is again employing large numbers of the rising Shrailleeni urban population in public works projects. Thousands of Shrailleeni are now finding work in expanding the Shrailleeni highway and rail systems, building generators and laying electrical lines to even small towns and villages, modernizing the Shrailleeni water and water treatment systems, and laying the groundwork for increased telecommunications and internet access. Huge constructions efforts, stalled since the Adiron embargo, are now visible once again across the islands and in the High Queendom of Kurungarra.

Private industry has benefitted from its share of the profits as well, with increased construction and employment in oil refining facilities and heavy industry. Many Shrailleeni companies have begun paying their employees substantially higher salaries than the Imperial standard minimum wage. Islands Air, the premier inter-island airship line, has even announced an expansion of their air fleet and operating stations as a result of oil-related government subsidies.

All of this has combined to greatly combat rising unemployment in Shrailleeni urban areas, which has contributed in no small part to the intense frustration which led to the violent Republican uprisings last year. It is no secret that combatting unemployment is a major objective of the Matriarchy of State, particularly following the consolidation of large tracts of rural agricultural land into plantations for the production of cash crops and subsequent migration of thousands of Shrailleeni from farms to urban centers. Census estimates now place the urban population of the Empire at well over half, and many of the new urban migrants have immense difficulty in finding work in the transitioning Shrailleeni economy.

With the restart of the oil trade, it is hoped that increased capital, public, and private job production will assuage the social realities of urban Shrailleeni and help the Mother Empress accomplish her long-stated goal of forging a modernized, technologically advanced Shrailleeni state.

[Vozgarnor]

High Protector continues trip around Vozgarnór

Every Jarasz to be visited before the end of the year

15 April 2016
By Galerna Eposz

The High Protector taking a picture with local resident after receiving flowers.

High Protector Hostamir Inziladún's Trip across the Motherland progresses further as the Protector visited Sznanow and Fehar in Rownopolye. The trip started last two years ago as a part of the Protector's 2015 Election Campaign but with the all the duties of a High Protector, time for the trips must be carefully allocated and so, by the time of his reelection in 2015, High Protector Inziladún had only visited around half of the Jaraszie in the country. As of today, a statement released by the Office of the High Protector makes it clear that over three quarters of the Jaraszie have been visited. The visits are mostly centered on meetings with the local authorities, trips to local points of interest and are often concluded with a speech and a time when the Protector speaks with the people of the town.

During the most recent visit to Sznanow, the High Protector toured the town museum as the town recently celebrated the 750'th anniversary of it's founding. He further visited the dairy-product factory founded in 1889 and spoke in the Main Square about issues such as the the recent Countryside Development Plan which is to spur the growth of small towns in the countryside far from the major cities and metropolitan areas. Regions that have often been overlooked when it comes to the implementation of larger infrastructural and economic projects. Many of these project will have the purpose of supporting local industry, tourism and agriculture as well as the promotion of regional traditions that all come together in the National Heritage of the Vozgarni people.

The Countryside Development Plan largely goes hand in hand with the Agricultural Revitalization Program started in 2012 just before the Jedorian Invasion and outbreak of the Anraman Isles Conflict, the program's main purpose is to aid small and medium-sized farms, often family owned and passed down in the family for generations to better weather and outlast various environmental setbacks such as droughts and to promote sustainable, ecological agricultural practices.

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We included some parts of the High Protector's Speech given from the Main Square in the article, the whole speech can be seen at the town of Sznanow's homepage and the High Protector's offical youtube-channel.

I recently visited your local dairy product factory, and I was very proud to hear that I was the second Head of State ever to visit after the visit of President Dranósz in 1902, and I hope that these visits will only grow in number, I hope that it will become a tradition that when the Head of State visits the people of Sznanow, he will also visit the factory. A factory with such a long history, 126 years in operation, such an important local enterprise. I hope that this enterprise does well, and that it will be able to develop and grow further, bring jobs, wealth and prosperity not just to Sznanow, but to our Motherland as a whole because these products that you make here, are consumed by people all across our peninsula, from north to south and coast to coast. I also believe that if there is anything Sznanow lacks, it is equalized development, something that is lacking in a number of regions across the countryside, some lacking it more than others.

You Sznanowians know it well, because of the promised construction of the Sznanow Bypass so that the NR05 will not go through the very center of your town. Sadly, that project is not currently among those to be realized currently by the government, but I fully believe that is something we can change. And we can change that because equal development of country and city is so important, we can change that because our towns must be able to breathe deeply, because they must be able to retain their natural environment and because they shall not have to suffer from pollution, be it aerial or noise. So that the people of our towns can have peace and calm and so that drivers can reach their destinations quickly and safely, that is among the essences of equal development, this is a road that must be built and from the applause I hear that we are all in agreement.

Thanking you, ladies and gentlemen for this meeting, I bow not only to you but to all Rownopolye, I am fully convinced that we can make our countryside as dynamic and as important to our development as our cities are. I wish you all luck in your enterprises and endeavors, I know you will succeed and bring honor and affluence to your towns, villages and your families. Our families are the first we see and look to after all. Thank you all very much!

See also
Lifestyle: Toddler at the table, feeding picky eaters.
National: Smallest home in Vozgarnór? 12 square meters, see the pictures!
National: 2,5 billion Ducat refinery to be built in Rangivalýr.

[Lacus Magni]

Castellum and Local Elections Preview

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Castellum ab Alba: On 19 April 2016, Castellum and Greater Alba, along with over one-third of the over 20,000 county and city councilors are up for election, and this years local elections may be some of the most important in years. As things currently stand, the Conservative Party – which controls a majority of seats in the Senate – holds a plurality of seats in local assemblies, 8,910. Though when it comes to the devolved Castellum Assembly, the party only holds 9 of a total 25 seats. Though many are expecting the Conservatives to lose seats during the first election under Pompilius’ leadership.

For those who are unaware, the Castellum Assembly is the devolved regional legislature for the Greater Alba Council or GAC, the governing body of Castellum and the region surrounding the capital. This local body usually has broader powers than a typical county of city council, allowing for greater deference on land use and planning, along with health, transport, housing, strategic planning, policing and skills. The government is lead by the popularly elected Mayor of Castellum, who serves as the executive. The GAC’s legislature consists of 25 popularly elected seats, 14 members elected to represent a constituency, and 11 from party lists. This system sets the region of Greater Alba apart from any other in the nation. Currently, the Progressive Party holds a majority in the body at 13 seats, though many expect that number to potentially grow at the expense of the Conservatives and the crumbling Liberal-Labor Party.

However, the Mayor of Castellum is may be the single most important local election of this cycle. Current mayor Constantine Tufano (C) has served as mayor for the previous two terms, and is facing legitimate challenges from the Progressive candidate, Thomas Procyon and perhaps most surprisingly Victor Palpellius, candidate for the Popular Social Party and former Conservative Member of the Senate for Valle Aurelia in Castellum. Current polling places Procyon with a slight edge over the incumbant Tufano and the PSPs Palpellius, at 34%. Though Palpellius has surged in the last two weeks, rising from a mere 5% to now a growing 29%. While many are expecting Procyon to emerge from the first round of voting as the highest vote getter, the overwhelming majority of polls virtually have Palpellius and Tufano in a virtual tie as to who will move to the second round. Though Palpellius would have an uphill battle should he advance to the second and final round of voting, as his unfavorability rating averages out to 64% of polled voters.

While many are expecting a weak showing for the Conservatives in Castellum election, things may turnout just alright for them in a few of county and city council election, particularly Adrianople city council. Adrianople is the last remaining council controlled by the Liberal-Labor Party, holding 18 of a total 37 seats. While the position of Mayor is not up for reelection and will remain in Liberal-Labor control, the party is polling at an abysmal 3%, far lower than the 28% of popular vote the party managed to gain from the area in the most recent general election in 2015. For as damaging to the Castellum election Pompilius has been to the Conservatives, he has been the deciding factor for the party’s upswing in Adrianople, making a number of visits in the last few weeks, touting his local ties. Current polls place the Conservatives at 45%, with the Progressives second with only 32%.

Though when averaging national polls, as good as things look in Adrianople, once again it appears that the way Castellum leans so too does Latium. Nationally the Progressives are polling at near 37%, which can be attributed to the popularity party leader of Flavia Lepera. The Conservatives are polling near 32% nationally, down from the 40% the party earned only a year ago under Vindóbona. The Popular Social Party appears to be cementing its place as the new third party, coming in at 14%, up from its 11% of last years general election.

Other Headlines:

• Pompilius government considering increase of national value tax.
• First round of the LHL Playoffs set to begin tonight.
• CuriateTribune Alexandra Sulpicia ends Curiate Assembly press briefing after being asked question regarding her internship with Imperial Offices and rumors of affair with the Emperor in 1997.

[North Rietumimark]

The Dissent
The uncensored voice of Rietumish dissidents, for the free world

Dewedish Rebels Guilty of Committing Widespread Human rights Violations

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According to a recently released report by the human rights watchdog - the Rietumish Organisation for Human Rights - which monitors human rights violations in the Rietumimark - has discovered that Dewedish separatists activists and fighters have been responsible for upwards of 85-90% of all civilian casualties since the Nessa Square Massacre in the highly disputed region of South Deweden - otherwise known as occupied-Deweden - since an upsurge of violence in the region several weeks ago. The reports directly contradicts the present narrative of the violence, being one between an oppressive and genocidal government attempting to wipe out a nonviolence Dewedish minority.

“What our investigation into the conflict found out initially shocked us all,” said Johanna Hildegard, the director of the Dewedish branch of the Rietumish Organisation for Human Rights during an interview. “We were all expecting that the Rietumish government - not the Dewedish rebels - would be the most guilty party in engaging in human rights violations and the fact that it’s the Dewedish tell us two things. That reports by elements within the Allamunnic States and Demphor wants to declare war on Rietumimark has made the Rietumish wary of committing another ultra-violence crackdown like it did in 2004, which has, impart, embolden Dewedish separatists that they can indulge in abhorrent acts in revenge for their decades-long oppression with impunity. The report also exposes the fact that the Dewedish Separatist Movement in occupied-Deweden is more radicalised and desensitised to extreme acts of violence than everyone previously thought.”

The report goes into grim detail about apparent war crimes being committed by groups with links to the Dewedish government, which include the institutionalised use of child soldiers, lynchings, mass murders, intentional killings of civilians and destroying or seizing their property, and mass looting and raping. According to the reports, most of the victims of the crimes are alleged Dewedish collaborators, and ethnic Nekulturnyans and Rietumish in apparent retaliation for perceived crimes against the Dewedish people - even if most are innocent civilians. The reports later warns that the rate of which these crimes are being committed is accelerating the longer the crisis continues.

“What we are seeing is blowback from continuing Rietumish policies which oppresses, densities, and ultimately radicalises an entire generation of Dewedish youth who’ve known nothing but violence their entire lives.” explained Laura Eligard, a professor of sociology at the Royal University of Kralin. “It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that the glorified Dewedish Separatist Movement are responsible for the same things which most of the world lambasts the Rietumish of doing. The people who are behind many of these horrific acts grew up in some of the worst conditions imaginable. In gulags and overcrowd apartment blocs during the worst years of the economic collapse, famine, and violence of the Uprising of 04/05. These people have only known violence throughout their childhood and adolescence; often missing one or both of their parents. Those that want to take military action against the Rietumish in occupied-Deweden should be careful not to open a pandora’s box , in which could turn South Deweden into the next Arcologia and eventually end up fighting the people they are trying to save.”

The head of the Dewedish Separatist Movement, Veronika Perngård, has condemned and blasted what she called a bias and unfair reporting by the Rietumish Organisation for Human Rights. “The heroes of the Dewedish Liberation Movement follow and respect the rules of war and would never persecute innocent ethnic minorities. Our goal is simple, for the peaceful or violent reunification of Deweden and the establishment of a Dewedish state which respects all people despite their ethnicity." The Prime Minister of Deweden, Alexander Starl, has echoed the statements of Veronika Perngård; referring to the report as baseless and factless.

[New Edom]

THE FINEBERG TIMES

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1 Copper Daily

April 07 2016

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Homofront Terrorists Defeated in Fineberg

by Annabelle Barca

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FINEBERG, New Edom--Three Homofront terrorists killed and two captured alive in a bloody confrontation in Fineberg.

Homofront terrorists had tried to distract the Municipal Militia (police) by seizing control of the Paladin Cinema in Fineberg during a Sunday matinee where there would be lots of people. They had planned even larger massacres of nearby Christian churches where congregations were gathering. However thanks to New Edom's intelligence and militia services, the church attack were prevented by Municipal Militia who bravely confronted the sodomite terrorists and managed to kill two and capture two more before they did any damage.

The citizens at the Paladin Cinema were not so lucky. Without regard for human life, men, women and children alike were targeted by the family hating gay terrorists who according to witness journalist Tim Stanton "fired at random several times into the audience. When people tried to resist and over power them, it just made things worse and they killed several more people immediately."

However the cinema's projectionist heroically reported on the activities of the terrorists from inside the projection booth which they had neglected to search. He identified them and made it possible for the Militia to stage two snipers who shot the terrorists as they emerged with hostages intending to escape in a vehicle.

The official response was largely coordinated by the Deputy Minister of Justice, Peter Misabel. The Queen also took part by talking on the phone with the terrorists who demanded to speak with her in order to present their commands and obtain their escape. They had demanded that New Edom reverse all anti-homosexual laws.

The incident has shaken the resolve of members of the Peace and Harmony Party who had been supporting the Intellectual Party in seeking to remove the Morality Act. As the King and Queen have refused to sign into law any removal of the morality Act, significant numbers of voters in the Chamber of deputies changed their tune on the second reading and refused to sign as well. The Morality Act will remain on the books.

"It is one of our strongest means of defending ourselves against decadence and a place to give root to organizations like Homofront and international Anarchism. None of us, I hope, want to see homosexuals persecuted, but we must not shrink from standing up for our values even when some parts of the world make those values unpopular," said Dr. Marius Campion, leader of the National Wisdom Party.

The families of the dead and wounded will be personally grieved with by the Queen, the Archbishop-Patriarch, and members of the Chamber of deputies and Council of Ministers throughout this week. Where necessary pensions will be granted for provision of dependents. It is requested that this week be a time of mourning but also of respect given to the Municipal Militia and several End Times Church elders who gave their lives to save the innocent from the terrorists.

[Ghant]

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Arbites Receives Lowest Approval in World; Wielkilas Highest in the 2016 Annual Country Approval Ratings National Poll

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• Wielkilas remains No. 1 in approval ratings
• Arbites gets highest disapproval rating to date
• Ghantish people sour on Ashab, Rounwall and Vozgarnor

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By John Igara| GHISH | Posted: April 22th, 2016 16:00 GST

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(Ghish, Ghant) - the Imperium of Arbites Materia in 2016 earned the lowest approval ratings globally for the thirteenth consecutive year and posted the highest disapproval ratings it has received to date. Wielkilas received the highest approval rating in the world, surpassing Adiron with a 97% approval rating. This is the 50th anniversary of the poll, which began in 1966.

This article is based on the findings from the Ghantish Independent Review annual report – Rating Countries: What Ghantish People Think of Other Countries.

Survey Methods

Results are based on face-to-face, telephone interviews and via mail with approximately twenty million adults, aged 15 and older, in each province. This report provides annual results of national approval of foreign countries. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error ranged from ± 2.5 percentage points to ± 5.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The annual poll has taken place every year since 1966.

The Question Asked:

• What is your overall opinion of [country]? Please grade on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the most favorable, and 1 being the least favorable. In addition, please explain what you examine when rating.

Most Important Issues: (Not in Order)

• Civil and Political Rights and Freedoms
• Environmental Friendliness
• Treatment of Minority Groups
• Freedom of Speech
• Social Equality
• Commitment to Regional Peace
• Separation of Church and State
• Freedom of Religion
• Historical Relations with Ghant
• Friendliness Towards Ghantish People and Ghantish Values

Ranking Results by Country
(Summaries provided by Ghish Post editors)

The Top 10

1. Wielkilas- 97%

A peaceful nation with extensive civil and political rights, as well as a long history of strong relations with Ghant and common goals and values make Wielkilas the most “well liked” nation among the Ghantish public.

2. Adiron- 95%

The former number one, Adiron also possesses extensive civil and political rights, environmental thoughtfulness and strong relations with Ghant, in addition to shared democratic values.

3. Deweden – 94%

The so called “nation that Leo built,” Ghant and Deweden have enjoyed centuries of strong relations, with the Ghantish people have an enduring affection for the Dewedish people…and their most recent plights beginning in the 20th century.

4. Garza- 93%

Centuries of good relations and integration as well as progressive values result in Garza having a high place on this list, helped by the popular Dowager Queen Bessandra, Princess of Ghant.

5. Vannois – 92%

The two empires have enjoyed good relations over a long period of time, spearheaded in modern times by the legendary Dowager Empress Teresa, Princess of Ghant, who helped reshape Vannois into the form that it resembles today.

6. Lazodiria- 91%

Ghant has always enjoyed good relations with Lazodiria, with the nation’s policies and values resonating with the Ghantish people, aided by Ghantish sympathies for Lazodiria as a result of it being invaded by New Othman a few years ago.

7. Lyncanestria- 90%

Another empire of similar social and political values, Lyancanestria has been friendly with Ghant for centuries, and the two nations today enjoy strong relations and deep ties that make it rank in the top ten in the region.

8. Shrailleeni Empire- 89%

The Shrai are as big of fans of the Ghantish as the Ghantish are of the Shrai, with both peoples sharing similar values abroad. Shrai’s matriarchy and religion do hurt its standing among northern segments of the population.

9. Demphor- 88%

Another northern kingdom with old ties to Ghant, Demphor enjoys high admiration from the Ghantish people. However, civil unrest in Demphor as well as issues in Konflania prevent Demphor from being higher on the list.

10. L'Ossienne- 86%

A progressive, liberal nation that places high emphasis on equal rights, civil liberties and political agency for its people, Ghant and L'Ossienne enjoy close relations and cooperation

The Goods but not Greats

11. Aviaire- 84%

Sharing an appreciation for well preserved monuments, historic buildings and time honored traditions, Aviaire ranks high on the list, falling just short of the top ten. Authoritarian elements in society as well a Christian state religion are most likely responsible for keeping Aviaire out of the top ten.

12. Allamunnic States- 83%

The Allamunnic States and Ghant have markedly improved relations compared to the first half of the twentieth centuries, with the two nations sharing similar social, political and economic values. Historical quibbles prevent a higher rating.

13. Latin Empire- 82%

Latin-Ghantish relations have more or less been statically good since Latin’s Social War, but various differences in social and political values, including the role of Catholicism in society and issues with various local irredentist groups preventing a higher rating.

14. Tericio- 80%

The impression of Tericio among Ghantish people can be summed up as “we have nothing bad to say about them,” while at the same time nothing standing out as exemplary in terms of Ghanto-Terician relations.

15. Rome- 75%

Ghanto-Roman relations are long and storied, and have ebbed and flowed over the centuries. Though today approval of Rome is high, it is highly colored by province, with the south and west being much more favorable of Rome than the north and east, which is a reflection of the First Ghanto-Roman Alliance and the subsequent War of the Thistles.

16. Valik- 70%

Valik is a valued trade partner of Ghant in southeast Acheron, and Ghantish people have an appreciation for their commitments to libertarianism and government accountability, while at the same time taking exception to some of their laws and cultural beliefs.

17. New Edom- 65%

There remains a large divide between how the government and nobility of Ghant view New Edom and how the people of Ghant view New Edom, with many people calling New Edom “Malibar’s Folly.” Indeed, Ghantish people take exceptions to New Edom’s treatment of minority groups, LGBT members, the role of religion in government and society and their institution of arranged marriages. That said, Ghantish people respect the Edomite’s commitment to fairness, accountability and support for Ghantish policies abroad.

18. Jedoria- 60%

Jedoria’s somewhat liberal social values and democratic principles resonate with the Ghantish people, although a lack of any relations of substance between the two nations get in the way of a higher rating.

19. Queimada- 58%

Ghantish people enjoy the hospitality, openness of Queimada, making it a premier tourist trap for Ghantish vacationers. However, the ghosts of Dictator Sandoval Corte-Real loom large in the Ghantish national mindset, and lingering questions about his political legacy leave many people unsettled.

20. Callaban- 55%

The small economic powerhouse is viewed neutrally by the Ghantish people, as little has been done to affect Ghantish opinion one way or the other, although their financial services are certainly appreciated.

The Middle of the Pack

21. Dahamy- 50%

Not much is known about the tropical nation south of New Edom and Deadora, with most Ghantish people feeling truly ambivalent about it.

22. Nekulturnya- 48%

Nekulturnya has made great strides since the Nekulturnyan War in the 1990s that ended with a nuclear disaster that decimated the country and resulted in a seventeen year long occupation that only ended last year. Not only does Nekulturnya have the nefarious reputation of being the last country to attack Ghant outright, but it is also a breeding ground for international crime in the form of the Nekulturnyan Mafias. Such things, in spite of the progress made, hurt the country’s reputation with the Ghantish people.

23. Yalottska- 45%

Limited political rights, a rigid social hierarchy, a lack of progressive social values and an impoverished peasant class hurt Yalottska's reputation among the Ghantish people, though friendly relations between the two nations historically help mitigate a potentially far worse rating.

24. Dengali- 42%

Dengali’s pervasive warlordism, exemplified by General Hatim Tahmid Ajam and his treatment of various minority groups, and the perceived complacency of the Dengali government affected Ghantish voter’s opinions of the tropical nation.

25. Draconia- 40%

Draconia’s strong Greek identity involving polygamy and state-mandated Pagan Greek religion as well as poor women’s rights are distasteful to the Ghantish electorate. Anti-Ghantish sentiment among Draconians isn’t much liked either for obvious reasons.

26. Novitera- 35%

While Novitera is free and ensures extensive rights to its people, the perception among Ghantish people is that Novitera practices “predatory capitalism” that doesn’t respect Ghantish values regarding the economy and small, local businesses that Ghantish people love and protect from erosion by foreign chain stores.

27. Gloria Regis- 34%

Gloria Regis got off to a racing start with the public, but then took a nose dive once it came out that there was institutionalized and sanctioned discrimination against men. Such discrimination based upon sex has been a major turnoff with the Ghantish electorate.

28. Gavinium- 32%

Gavinium has come a long way from being gripped by Luminarianism, the state religion (or cult, depending on who you ask) established by Aelius Jacobus and carried on by the line of his son Aelius Maximianus. The strict tenants of sibling marriage, death penalty for minor violations and other fringe practices have historically alienated the Ghantish people, though recent progress in Gavinium away from that has improved relations, though there is a lot more room for growth.

29. New Othman- 30%

New Othman, always ranking historically low, has grown slightly recently due to a shift away from radical Islamic beliefs and practices being carried out by the Othmani government, which is now a republic instead of a Caliphate. Still, women’s rights remain poor and social norms remain in conflict with those of Ghant, hence the low percentage attributed to it by voters.

30. Chaco- 25%

Ghantish people are extremely off-put by Chaco’s caste system based upon race, institutionalized discrimination as well as mandatory military service, which stand in opposition of many Ghantish values regarding freedom and equality.

31. Ashab- 22%

Recent rule by the Theology Council and Civil War with the upstart Republic have resulted in a poor impression being given to Ghantish people at the polls. Rumors of genocide against the Entaki as well as the Eternal Crusade and a lack of political freedoms all around sent Ashab down into the bottom of the rankings.

The Bottom 10

32. Rounwall- 19%

A nation with a reputation for militarism, nationalism and fascism, Rounwall is often considered “the best of the worst” nations in the world by Ghantish people. Institutionalized discrimination against the Urgens and Senish peoples often framed for faux terrorist attacks, failed economic programs, compulsory military service for young men, exceptionally poor political and social freedoms, limited access to information and a 1984-esque government. Keep Rounwall in the bottom 10. Only their friendliness towards Ghant keeps them from receiving even a lower approval than what they received.

33. Vozgarnor- 17%

Ghantish people are not fans of the Party of the Patriot’s Dream, which has ruled Vozgarnor as a single party regime since the Civil War that ended in 1923. Also problematic for Ghantish people are strict laws that limit freedom of speech and civil liberties, which are two things that Ghantish people regard very highly.

34. Hostillia- 15%

Virtually non-existent political freedoms, socially progressive values or civil rights (especially for women, which are viewed in Hostillia as property) make Hostillia one of the most abhorred nations in the world. The only thing that keeps Hostillia from being voted even lower is that the nations below it were seen by voters as being even more despicable.

35. Deadora- 10%

Deadora has a very poor human rights record and virtual slavery for Deadoran men that have earned the disgust of the Ghantish people. Recent imperialistic overtures towards Dengali and threats against its neighbors have most Ghantish people left in a state of fear and dismay.

36. Arcologia- 7%

A failed state rife with corruption, warlordism and piracy, Arcologia is dominated by all the things that Ghantish people hate the most. The most recent abduction, torture and virtual enslavement of beloved Ghatish actress Alona Belasko rocked the nation to such an extent that Arcologia is seen as a regional boogeyman only surpassed by the most hated of nations.

37. Urdnotia- 5%

A nation founded by a rogue General, Urdnotia is a radical pariah state at the edge of the world with virtually non-existent political or civil freedoms that stands in total opposition of most things Ghantish people value.

38. Akai- 4%

It says a lot that Emperor Tiao-Li of Lazinato, who was once fostered in Ghish by King Magnus V, the last of the Magnussunn Kings of Low Ghant, is considered the boogeyman of Ghant. For 800 years, Ghantish children grew up having nightmares of “Tiaoli the Demon Prince” that would terrorize them while they slept, butchering them in their beds for misbehaving. That deep-seeded cultural revulsion was projected onto Akai, although to be fair, their lack of civil and political freedoms, especially under Ditor Jieke, leave Akai near the bottom of the rankings.

39. Rietumimark- 3%

Rietumimark is a nation that has committed ethnic genocide against the Dewedish people, deprives its own people of any political or civil rights, and has openly called for the destruction of Ghant and the eradication of the Imperial Family. Such a nation has stood directly opposed to Ghant since its communist revolution in the 1950s, and is commonly regarded as Ghant’s nemesis. Such a nation is bound to be near the bottom of the rankings.

40. Ahara- 2%

To say that Ahara as a nation is hated by Ghantish people is a severe understatement. Slavery is not only legal but is openly practiced, the official religion of Mesopotamism (viewed by most Ghantish people as a cult) is mandatory on pain of death and the country has no formal legislative or administrative bodies whatsoever. The beloved Ghantish Prime Minister Malderi Haribec even once famously stated that “had the Mad Emperor won the war, Ghant would look like Ahara.” Indeed, Ahara as a nation symbolizes everything Ghantish people fear and loathe, and only a truly revolting nation could be more reviled…

41. Arbites- 1%

Granted, it would take an exceptionally disgusting nation to be more despised than nations that practice slavery, the death penalty for minor crimes and the curtailing of civil and political freedoms. Enter the Imperium of Arbites Materia. A nation that is a state-sponsor of international terrorism, one that imposes a personality cult of its elusive God-Emperor and imposes his cult upon an entire nation. Not to mention a two-faced, hypocritical foreign policy and reliance upon strong arm tactics meant to provide its human-rights violating regime impunity from any international sanctions. This is a nation that the Ghantish people love to hate, and only the most radical pariahs of Ghantish society have anything good to say about it. In fact, doing so makes such individuals subject to social ostracizing and are instantly discredited. Enter Prince Albert of Ghant, who’s reputation in Ghant was all but ruined by his vocal support of the Imperium. Yeah, Ghantish people hate the Imperium that much.

Implications

The Imperium’s ratings reflect the tense divisions between Ghant and its premier ally New Edom over the Palisades crisis in the last year. By extension, there are strong differences in perception of various nations based upon age and class. Young people were more disapproving of New Edom, Rome and Arbites and other more authoritarian nations, and were more approving of Adiron, Jedoria, the Allamunnic States and Novitera. In addition, those of the nobility and the wealthy favored New Edom and other regional monarchies more, while ordinary people favored Adiron, Novitera and Jedoria. The division between northern and southern Ghant was most pronounced in the case of the Shraillenni Empire, which while highly approved in the south, was highly disapproved of in the north.

Recent research suggests that the way the people in one country feel about another country affects foreign policy, which has been the case especially in regards to Adiron and the Imperium. The trend does not bode well for nations such as New Edom, Rome and other nations of a more authoritarian persuasion, given that young Ghantish voters sampled are not as favorable towards these nations as their older counterparts. Perhaps most troubling are the different values held by the upper and lower classes, with each approving of different sets of nations based upon their systems of government and civil rights.

[Aviaire]

L'étoile Aviaire | The Aviaire Star

24 April 2016 English | Aviais | Latin

Independent Study finds Aviran Military one of the most corrupt in the world

by Fransik Lansing

Since the 1980s, the Aviran Armed Forces faced a series of challenges which culminated at the end of 1995 when beloved King Julius II agreed with parliament to not only reduce the powers of the monarch but also remove the remnants of manorialism, feudalistic elements, and remaining fiefdoms that pervaded much of the countryside. The reform-minded government was led by Workers' Party coalition government with the Free Democrats and National Republicans. The coalition government was known for attempting to reform Aviaire into a more liberal, democratic society yet their experience has led to the decay of the defense of Aviaire through its misconceptions and inexperience with the military forces.

The reforms which had removed political power from the nobility and gentry of Aviaire caused them to largely retreat into the military where most officers come from an aristocratic background. Economic decline in the early 2000s hampered efforts to reform the military and the government faced a backlash which led to their spectacular defeat in the 2012 elections. These elections led the National Party to a supermajority. As these political events occurred, the Aviran Defense Forces (ADF) faced incredible difficulties since the 1970s which would only become exacerbated in the 1990s. The Army developed into networks of patronage, nepotism, and clientelism with a large, informal structure or clique that essentially removed Aviran minorities such as the Russian-speaking Zolyen or non-Christians. The Aviran military had not fought a major war in over 50 years and the resulting reforms and changes in Aviran society and the government has not been felt in the military which has remained more or less the same since the 1960s at the earliest.

The benefits of joining the military was significant as the army not only paid its officers quite well, but it was largely decentralized and established into military districts across the kingdom. These districts play a significant role in their communities and officers such as Colonels or lower-ranking generals became influential figures in their respective localities in politics. In fact, in some communities, it was vital that candidates had a friendly relationship with the military commanders stationed near their communities that often led to graft, bribery, corruption, and political favors. On numerous occasions, enlisted soldiers were used to renovating officers' houses in exchange for favors and led to the establishment of a military aristocracy that had largely been ignored by successive governments.

Military meddling in local politics has shown that networking and clientelism are rampant in provincial governments and has led to the deprofessionalization of the Aviran military. This lack of professionalism has been felt most profoundly in the military's Non-Commissioned Officers who are largely relegated to administrative activities and has led to a decline in the quality of enlisted soldiers as a whole. Since the 1990s this status has only deteriorated further as aristocrats stood more closely with the military as an institution than ever before; paving the way for increased networks of patronage and nepotism. In the past few years, officers have even injected themselves into national politics and a few have successfully become deputies in the National Assembly as members of the monarchists of Motherland Party. The supermajority of the National Party has led to sweeping reforms across Aviaire where it has sold off public transit to private companies, privatized the postal services, and has moved to reduce the budget on the military. Legislators in the National Assembly are expected to easily pass a bill that will cut military spending below 1970s levels to the outrage of the officers and their networks who have campaigned against this. Neither party has directly addressed the rampant corruption and weakening of the Military which, unfortunately, is not of vital interest to the major political parties with the exception of the Workers' Party whose solution is to simply disband the military as a whole.

In short, the army has become less professional, far more corrupt, and involved in politics since the 1990s. The networks developed between officers has led to an informal hierarchy and structure that does not mirror its organization. This has led to the sidelining of non-Christians, minority Russian and Latin-speaking minorities, and collusion from local politicians has only exacerbated the problem. Yet, the government nor the King has made any statements or moves towards addressing the problem and has defaulted to ignoring there is an issue. However, given the gravity of the situation and the comprehensive layers of corruption and mismanagement, it would be incredibly difficult and a political firestorm to begin addressing the modern state of the ADF. In the end, the military has largely been led by a mixture of aristocrats, ranking members of the Motherland Party, and decadent officers which have influenced local politics and developed parallel chains of command through clientelism and nepotism.

The Laussat-based group World Corruption Index (WCI) has conducted research which includes interviews with previous and current officers, politicians, and others. Reportedly over two trillion Galoes have vanished and Aviran military equipment is a common sight on the black market.