World Wide Journal (The New Earth Only)

[Aelanias]

---

The 3rd UAF Conference

July 14, 2018

After being extended 2 days the 3rd UAF conference finally came to a close yesterday. Due to rising concerns of corruption, the conference was held behind closed doors unlike the first two. What surprised many was the fact that the conference took place in Aelanias' capital, while this caused several protests, local authorities were more than capable of keeping the situation under control.

The exact details of the meeting are unknown, the decisions made were announced by the Algerian government. Unsurprisingly, there will be a leadership change in Morocco, as it's current president will be removed from office. There will be further investigations along with investments into the UAF's counter intelligence agency. The UAF called off it's state of emergency, meaning it will not continue it's plans to remove it's foreign ally military personnel and ambassadors. Lastly, Aelanias confirmed that given the overwhelming evidence of collusion, Izar Fritzsson will not be released custody.

In a separate report by the Aelanian government, it was mentioned that "We recognize that the UAF has neglected to help maintain stability in the region, we will work to correct this and continue to work closer with Gibet and other allies."

[Aeuria]

---

2 Aeurian Legions Arrive in Ethiopia to Reinforce Sudanese Border

July 14, 2018

Ethiopia, Aeurian East Africa - On the orders of Grand-Marshal Louis-Gaspard of the Imperial Army, both the 3rd and 4th Imperial Legions have arrived in the port city of Djibouti as regional tensions continue to rise. The force, numbering 12,000 men, has been deployed to the Ethiopian-Sudanese border to "ensure the sovereignty of Aeurian East Africa against increasing regional instability". Some within the Aeurian Senate have expressed concerns the deployment may feed the very tensions it is intended to combat in addition to overextending the Imperial Armed Forces.

As the Aeurian blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait continues, many question the necessity of such a deployment with more than 120,000 members of the Imperial Defense Force already stationed across East Africa. When asked whether Emperor Aleksander had ordered the deployment, the Grand-Marshal replied by saying "His Majesty has delegated the martial responsibilities and requirements of East Africa to the High Command."

Both the Imperial Palace and the Foreign Ministry have refused to comment on the deployment, leading many to speculate as to its purpose. With the ongoing Edafosan Crusade for Arabia and the latest friction between Aelanias and Scandinavia, it seems the Aeurian Commonwealth is preparing its colonies for the worst.

[Edafos]

---

The Fall of Jeddah

15-7-775-3

Despite the ferocious efforts of a well armed and organized defense mounted by the Arabian military and partisan forces the now ruined port of Jeddah has been fallen to the Stratos following the surrender of its main military forces, marking an end of the month long stalemate and casting a bleak shadow on the possibility of an Arabian comeback.

The city fell in the early hours of the morning though some fighting is continuing to take place throughout much of the city. The siege lasted for almost a month as the Stratos which started in full following an encirclement of the city to starve it of supplies. Mass artillery barrages and bombing campaigns destroyed much of the famous landmarks and buildings of the city, wreaking havoc on the city's infrastructure and causing widespread disease, homelessness, and starvation as supplies began to run short. Despite the limitations and increasing disadvantage the Arabians found themselves in their fighting has been reported to be organized and highly disciplined, indicating that the defending forces were more elite possibility having moved to the front to oppose the Stratos to allocate time for evacuations further south by stalling Imperial forces.

When the Stratos launched its assault on the center of the city Imperial forces found their opponents in a pitiful state, fighting with medieval weaponry in an attempt to resist the assault until the end. When the army finally discovered the city's command center and officers the commanding officer of the Arabian forces requested to surrender to the Lord General in person. Despite an overwhelming hesitation the request was granted in an ceremony that was recorded and dispersed throughout the empire, with the man's sword being offered.

'It was almost admirable, the Xenous' display of what I suppose could be described as honor can be respected.' The Lord General apparently said to his aides following the ceremony. 'For this effort I granted him and his men honorable deaths and ensured that him and what remained of his forces were buried properly, for even Xenous deserve that much as not to cause future health hazards.'

The Lord General was soon shot by an Inquisitor for heresy and sympathizing with Xenous, his next in command is now the Lord General of that army.

With the fall of Jeddah it is only a matter of time before Imperial forces capture the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

[Aelanias]

---

UAF Mobilization and Support of Arabia

July 16, 2018

Following the fall of Jeddah, president of Sudan, Azim Barad, gave orders for the military to begin airlifting supplies to Saudi Arabia, the Aelanian military quickly followed suit. At the moment the focus is to provide defensive weaponry, with the supplies mainly consisting of anti tank artillery, mortars, and land mines. President Azim and Empress Madalyn also gave permission for Bluquse and Gibet to move supplies through UAF territory. This decision has gained massive support throughout Africa and Arabia and will likely be used as a recruitment strategy for the UAF, according to an anonymous official "The UAF plans to prevent Mecca's fall by calling for jihad." This would very likely escalate this from a military conflict to a holy war.

Aelanias has also begun partial mobilization and plans to reinforce Sudan's border with Ethopia in response to it's recent military build up. In the mean time Sudan has moved several national guard divisions, 10,000 soldiers in total, to provide additional border security. Empress Madalyn stated in a recent press briefing that "We encourage each member of the united front to put a greater effort in mobilizing their reserve forces. We will need much stronger borders if we plan on deterring further aggression."

[Andenkommunen]

---

Andenkommunen sends humanitarian aid to Arabia, officially “expresses concern” about the UAF

18 July 2018

Since first word of the humanitarian aid to be carried out by Bluquse, there grew strong opinions among the Andes that their nation ought to be undertaking similar operations. Several plans were devised, and a combined bill was created and rushed to be put into action. However, there came issue when the election times neared, leading to a great slowdown in finalization and implementation until after all legislative elections were completed. With these over, it was finally put into place. After much preparation it was finally time for the distant South American nation to provide what it could.

Yesterday Andenkommunen began sending the humanitarian aid navally intended for the civilians of Arabia, including supplies for continued inhabitation and also assistance in evacuation for those willing. It is to link up with existing Bluquse routes and arrive in Arabia in ports already safely being used for this same purpose. The general focus is to be put nearer the front lines, those areas in most immediate danger, however it will not be exclusively in these areas. A small detachment of military personell and naval vessels are being sent in protection of these efforts, however they are purely for sake of defense and barring a severe misjudgement will not engage in any front line combat against Edafos. Among the aid there are also no weapons or supplies for war so the Anden endeavor should not have any significant effect on the progression of the Arabian invasion.

Finally, in an official statement the government of Andenkommunen also, “expresses concern towards the newly dawned UAF. While the fight against imperialism that is their founding focus is a just one, this organization may not entirely be. Recent developments have lead to it nearly becoming a satellite organization of the absolute monarchy of Aelanias. It is almost, to say, that this anti imperialistic group may instead involve to be itself an act of Imperialism. That is not to say that what it is striving for outside of itself is wrong, far from it, but merely that many people and nations are simply overlooking such things because of common enemies. The position of Andenkommunen is not that the UAF must be dissolved, or is an inherently bad organization, but that the international community should keep a watchful eye and hold them accountable. Beyond that, the people themselves, if they see a forming overlordship, should make their voices heard while they can so that in future there may be created an unimperialist, and democratic, force against imperialism in Africa.”

[Bluquse]

---

ACPP Evacuates from Jeddah while successfully saving thousands of artifacts, Nine people died heroically during operation

24 July 2018

Six weeks have passed since Bluquse had officially accepted to aid Arabia by helping preserve its cultural and historical artifacts from Imperial forces hell-bent on exterminating the region's identity, it's also been over a month since Bluquse officially started its evacuations for the Arabs fleeing from the conflict. Blusen cultural experts and local curators, teachers, and students are transporting as many artifacts out of Arabia as possible, after hearing reports from BON that Imperial forces are closing in fast and that transportation to and from the country is becoming ever more difficult to succeed without alerting nearby Imperial units. The situation has become even dire after reports of the hellish conditions in Jeddah and the fall of the city last week has forced the ACPP to reconsider evacuating most of their staff out of the country.

As reported and observed from numerous eyewitness accounts, from local civilians and militias to WWJ Journalists and BON observers, the encirclement of Jeddah begun somewhere around June 16th.

It's on that very day that imperial naval forces after successfully landing several land units onshore begin to encircle the city to cut off its supply lines. ACPP was successful in transporting around four thousand artifacts out during the first week of the city's siege, twice the number as expected since local civilians including museum curators and workers provided help with the operation. Although aerial/artillery bombardment wasn't as heavy as previously thought of before, the situation quickly changed when Arab forces were unsuccessful in stopping the full encirclement of the city by late June. During the second week of the siege, bombardments increased rapidly around the city, causing widespread destruction and losses in human life, numbering in the thousands. Almost surrounded by hostile forces, ACPP staff were able to smuggle nearly another thousand artifacts out to safety despite the difficulty of smuggling such items out without either alerting nearby Imperial units or avoiding bombardment.

Unfortunately, Nine ACPP workers have been reported to been killed, six from bombardments while packaging and moving artifacts out of the city. Three others were shot to death by Imperial units while smuggling out artifacts secretly during the night. They lost their lives while saving three golden 13th century coffee pots, seven scimitar swords, fourteen priceless paintings, fifty six artistic books and four hundred and twenty eight ancient-pre Islamic coins, all of which were later successfully transported to safety along with their bodies later be shipped back to Bluquse for proper ceremonial burials.

As the siege continues for the third week, the situation becomes increasingly dire as widespread diseases, homelessness, and starvation begin to cripple the city. On July 3rd, an order was finally given from the Sana'a base in Yemen to evacuate all ACPP workers out of the city and surrounding area. After a week of carefully planned evacuations, a total of 58 Blusen cultural experts and 200 humanitarian workers along with nearly a thousand evacuees have miraculously been transported back to Yemen onboard Chinooks after they drove safely with marine escorts toward the outskirts of Mecca. The last of the ACPP staff were able to get out of the surrounding area by June 9th.

According to the ACPP's official artifact registration, a total of twelve thousand artifacts have been packaged and transported safely to Aden, nearly half of which had come from Jeddah alone.

Bluquse continues evacuation while welcoming Andenkommunen into their humanitarian operation. Island nation to also send military aid package to Arabia

25 July 2018

Bluquse warmly welcomes Andenkommunen to join in its humanitarian operations after the South American nation sent a small fleet of aid and naval ships toward the Arabian peninsula. With diplomatic dialogue established between Ewigeschneestadt and Jevena, Blusen diplomats have discussed with Andean officials about possible joint-operations between the two nations such as medical evacs for the seriously wounded to hospitals set up in Sana'a and Aden, providing aid to refugee camps and helping tend to the wounded and malnourished Arab troops on the front line. The Blusen government has also agreed to allow Andean ships to dock beside their own stationed in Aden and that one thousand humanitarian workers, including doctors, nurses, cooks, therapists, and teachers have agreed with the government to be sent off to bases and refugee camps in the Aeurian and Gibeten African territories and Yemen to increase operations and cooperation with new coming Andean workers.

As Imperial forces begin moving toward their major destination of Mecca. Blusen leaders have held a week-long discussion on whatever or not the island nation should aid Arabia militarily. For over the past month, Blusen involvement in Arabia had been entirely humanitarian, mainly providing aid within refugee camps and on the front, packaging and preserving artifacts, and leading evacuations off the peninsula. The State Assembly is seriously considering about sending in a military package after permission was granted to the island nation by both Aelanias and Sudan, members of the United African Front (UAF) for aircraft to fly through their airspace for supply operations along with reports of both the UAF and Gibet already sending such supplies into Arabia.

BID (Blusen Intelligence Directorate) have recently shared their findings during a nightly conference with news media in Jevena that the Scandinavian ship that visited Edafos in the Eastern Mediterranean may have been on a more important mission besides simple diplomacy. The ship could've carried cargo, which was confirmed earlier by both WWJ and BON observers, who reported that the ship was offloading cargo during the cover of night. The recent capture of the same ship and the continued detention of Isar Fritzsson, a member of the Foreign Offices of the Fatherland Party of Scandinavia by Aelanias authorities, confirms BID's suspicions of a theory that Scandinavia may have given the Imperial's modern equipment and weapons. Theorized to contain are guns, ammunition, bombs and even possibly blueprints for more modernized equipment such as artillery cannons, rockets, and tanks. Despite this only being an unproven theory, the Intelligence Directorate suggests to the international community and observers near the frontlines to keep a close eye on which weapons the Imperials may be using, hinting at the possibility that something different about their weapons and tactics would appear sometime in the future.

The State Assembly recently voted on an agreement to send in a package to supply dozens of militias stationed in the Asir Mountains and in the mountainous areas outside of Mecca.

Military spokesman Major William Reyes confirms while ending tonight's conference that the military aid package would include surplus service rifles, machine guns, RPG's, mines, anti-air/armor artillery along with medical and nourishment supplies, road spikes, intelligence-gathering drones, and NBC suits. The last one listed has since been under controversial discussion by both officials and news media on what sort of role a chemsuit would be used for by militias on a dry desert peninsula. According to leading Blusen strategists, the chemsuits are included due to the unknown nature of the new weapons that Edafos might now possess and the purpose to prepare Arab militias for these kinds of situations involving WMD's should such events ever happen at all.

As confirmed by a leading military official stationed in Genoryan Base. At least one hundred officers and two hundred soldiers will be sent to Arabia to help local fighters with the weapons and provide instructions on how to use them along with providing tips and training on guerrilla warfare and tactics.

[The United Continent of North America]

---

PM Calls for Summit

27 July, 2018

CAPITAL DISTRICT, TORONTO - With the possibility of an international conflict looming over much of the world the UCNA's Prime Minister David Tremblay has called for a summit between the Fascist Union of the Scandinavians, The Aeurian Commonwealth, and the Queendom of Aelanias. In an attempt to resolve the crisis before any blood is shed and maintain the increasingly dire international situation already heightened by the Edafosan crusade in Arabia Mr. Tremblay hopes to broker an agreement between the three states.

The task will certainly not be an easy one as many in the Capital District have been quick to point out. As regional tensions reach critical levels the window for maintaining peace has become extremely narrow, with many within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fearing that the situation has passed the point of no return.

"The Edafosan crusade in Arabia, the shutdown of oil and other shipping in the Red Sea, the sudden federalization of the UAF, and the detainment of a Scandinavian ship and diplomat, we are quite literally witnessing the entire Middle East ripping itself apart" the Minister of Foreign Affairs commented in an interview with reporters this Wednesday.

"If a conflict breaks out there the consequences will be the same, no matter the nation origin" Mr. Tremblay commented when addressing the press in light of the summit's announcement.

While the American government undergoes diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation many citizens prepare to work in other less peaceful fashions.

A volunteer unit of Americans, which had been granted approval to join the Arabian resistance over a month ago to combat the Edafosan crusade, is finally due to be dispatched sometime this coming week. The force, predominantly consisting of reserve forces intends to fight against Edafosan tyranny and reported disregard of human rights. The unit itself combines a diverse group of people from all corners of the UCNA in terms of ethnicity and creed, with a sizable percentage being Islamic.

"As able Muslims we have a moral obligation to join our brothers and sisters in arms against the imperialists who wish to destroy our faith, culture, and homeland. It is an honour to be granted this opportunity, and if I were to perish I will do so knowing that I defended our right to exist" a volunteer wishing to remain anonymous stated.

As well as bringing arms and valuable combat experience the force also contains numerical field medics and other supporting roles.

A military parade will take place in Toronto to see the brave men and women in the volunteer force honoured for their commitment and determination, with His Highness due to personal inspect and commend them for their deployment. It is unlikely that a the vasy majority of these volunteers will return.

[The United Continent of North America]

July 29, 2018

---

American Volunteer Unit Departs
for Arabia

NORFOLK - After the military parade and
personal inspection by His Highness this
Friday the brave volunteers in what has
been dubbed as the "Desert Eagles" have
officially departed from Naval Station
Norfolk in the Dominion of Virginia,
officially beginning their likely one
way journey to Arabia. The volunteers
are expected to be transported by the
Royal Navy to the territory of Liberia
being airlifted across Africa, refueling in
Sudan, before finally reaching their
destination south of the current
conflict zone.

"Circumstances have prevented ease
of access to transport these brave
individuals" Chief of Naval Operations
Augustin Schädler explains in an
interview. "The Aeurian lock down of
the Red Sea has forced us to take the
longer, more tedious, route to Arabia.
We do not wish to disrupt their mission
as much as they certainly do not wish
to disrupt ours, so I believe the plan of
taking the "long way" is for the best"
he explains.

Despite the length however, the
military and civilian outpouring of
support should see the Desert Eagles
well prepared to stocked
for their journey to fight the Edafosans,
with millions of Americans providing
financial and material support.

"It's really inspiring" commented one
Toronto local outside the WWJ headquarters
in Toronto. "It's not that common to
see what people going above and beyond
what is expected of them. Both the amount
of support all of us have given the Eagles
and their commitment to do what they
are doing is a testament to what we can
do as individuals". Once they depart
from the Sudan it is unlikely the public will
hear from them again, with the volunteers
expected to bolster the defense of the
Islamic holy city of Mecca, expected to
be the bloodiest battle of the century and
the likely defining moment of the conflict.

---

Oil Shipments to Europe
Begin

HOUSTON - Hasty construction of new
facilities to store and transport oil and
other fossil fuels to Europe has been
completed, with the first supertankers
departing the Texan port of Houston
in the early hours of the morning.
The effort to begin supplying Europe
with an alternate energy source has
required a monumental amount of
effort and labour, creating thousands
of new jobs and bringing life back into
the dormant industry. While this turn
of events is expected to benefit energy
companies and the local governments
at large, this move has not been without
controversy. Green energy activists and
environmentalists have been vocal in their
disapproval of Parliament's decision,
generally describing it as "five steps back-
wards".

"It's outrageous to think that our government
has spent billions of dollars over the past four
decades on converting our energy sources to
renewables only then just to go back into
dirty and hazardous sources" prominent
environmentalist and Green Party MP
Louise Boulet of Saanich—Gulf Islands,
British Columbia states during a protest
on Parliament Hill.

"We are not going back to fossil fuels"
commented the Minister of Energy,
chuckling in an interview. "To think
we are completely undoing decades
of progress towards cleaner alternatives
is ignoring the crucial factors and
circumstances. The shipment of fuel
to Europe is a, hopefully, temporary
action to avoid economic devastation
on the European continent. In the
meantime we are actively pushing
Europe to create a model similar to
our own to make the switch over the
renewable energy, so with hope in the
near future the large scale need for
fossil fuels and the shipment of said
resources becomes redundant once
more. Whether that's because of
Edafos being driven out of Arabia and
restoring the oil trade, or because of
European efforts to convert to green
energy does not matter".

Finnish Gains Status in Manitoba
and Saskatchewan

WINNIPEG - It has been more than a year
since the conclusion of the Nordic invasion
of Finland, and longer since the first
Finnish family evacuated to America
for safety and refuge. During this past
year America has experienced the
largest migration of foreigners to its
shores since the early 1900's with some
one million Finns and Estonians being
settled into new jobs and homes,
primarily in the Dominions of Manitoba
and Saskatchewan, regions similar in
landscape and climate to the Finnish
homeland, with three quarters of them
settling in the north central dominions.
During this time the Dominions and the
locals have welcomed their new townsfolk,
neighbours, schoolmates, etc,
with open arms, with public support being
overwhelming.

"It feels quite strange really" Jooseppi
Räisänen comments. Jooseppi, a
Finn originally from Helsinki, arrived
with much of his core family, making
him luckier than most. Settling in
Winnipeg after being taken in by a
local company similar to the one he
worked for before the invasion.
"In many cases it feels the same and
different at the same time for me. I
am clearly in America, but with all the
support from the Dominonal government
and so many of us here it can deceptively
feel like we never left home" he explains.

"I have personally seen to our new residents
to make sure they settle in and begin
integrating themselves into the Dominion"
the Duchess of Manitoba, Thalia Meadows
of House Elmwood explains. "So far they
have been almost seamlessly incorporated,
however while I like to think that I aided
in this I have to acknowledge the awesome
efforts of the locals of Manitoba, whom
without their generous support would
of made our (Manitoba's government)
tremendously more difficult. Quite
frankly giving recognition to their
culture and identity is the least we
can do to accommodate them I feel".

While support for the aformentioned
accommodation has remained high
these efforts have proven to be incredibly
taxing on local efforts and resources.

"The population here in Winnipeg alone
has swelled by a third this past year alone,
thus we have required more than just local
support" the mayor of Winnipeg Brain Seilger
explains. "Federal assistance and resources
have certainly been required. Even with
breakneck efforts to construct new housing
and even entire neighbourhoods the city's
ability to provide services, and more importantly
find jobs, to or for them has been easier said
than done. Fortunately, however, I expect
our efforts will pay off in the long term,
so far the Finns have taken to what we
have provided them with earnest commitment
and have aided us whenever and however
possible. Long term, I think everything well
turn out just fine".

---

Hawaii's Status Debate in Congress

HONOLULU - The question of the exact
status of the newly reintegrated Kingdom
of Hawai'i has been a topic of serious debate in
Congress ever since its return to the fold.
A condition, though not one that was
officially agreed by the American Congress
before the vote but widely believed by
pro-integration groups on the islands,
was that Hawai'i would be granted special
status under American sovereignty,
primarily in the interest of maintaining the
Hawai'ian royal family and monarch.
Hawai'ian refusal to "lower" their king
and become fully subservient to His
Highness and accept the title of Duke
and head of a new Dominion has plunged
the islands into a legal grey area that
has prevented the island from having full
representation and from participating
in the election for the monarch. A
potential solution, one that would require
a constitutional amendment, would grant
Hawai'i the special status they request
while maintaining American lordship
over the islands. A new form of local
government called a "commonwealth"
would theoretically allow the Hawai'ian
monarch's status to be maintained whilst
simultaneously amending the legal problem.

Organic Molecules Discovered on Europa

A photo, taken by Chinook (courtesy of NAASA), shows a hydrothermal vent on the shallowest region of the Europan seafloor some 68 km below the moon's icy surface

CAPITAL DISTRICT, TORONTO - Researchers have confirmed the presence of organic molecules in hydrothermal vents on the Jovian moon of Europa, according to an announcement made by the North American Aeronautic and Space Agency (NAASA) in an announcement made this Friday. The find was made by Chinook one of the twin submersible probes deployed on the frozen moon in 2015.

It was theorized following the first in depth investigations of the moon by orbital probes that beneath Europa's icy surface lies the largest liquid water ocean in the solar system, kept warm by the moon's tidal interaction with Jupiter. The aforementioned interaction between the planet and the moon had lead scientists to speculate if an alien ecosystem similar to ones found on geologically active surfaces beneath our oceans could exist on the moon near vents that would keep the oceans warm. This possibility drove a coalition of international scientists from the UCNA, Blusque, Andenkommune, and Gibet began the planning and development of a submersible probe capable of exploring the moon and withstanding the massive aquatic pressures, being capable to carrying out numerous experiments, and of taking photographs of their findings.

After fifteen years of development and extensive funding from the American government two probes named "Chinook" and "Inuit" after the Native American cultures were constructed and prepared for their journey. The mission was finally launched in 2009 from the Cape Canaveral launch facility before finally reaching the Jovian system and Europa in 2014 and then requiring almost an entire year of digging through the thinnest part of Europa's crust at fifteen kilometers deep before finally reaching the ocean below. It was only after six years of stellar transit and digging through the icy surface of the moon before the mission could begin in earnest.

A cutaway illustration of Europa's surface and oceans/

"Life has flourished in conditions like this on Earth despite being miles beneath the surface and completely independent from the Sun" Martin Pliego, a xenobiologist, explained in 2014 following the probe's successful landing on the moon's surface. "In fact, it is theorized that such a soup of chemicals emitted by underwater vents was the source of life here on Earth. Therefore I find it a very real possibility that a similar occurrence will be found on Europa. The prospect is quite exciting".

Over the past three years the probes have traveled incredible distances powered by their individual nuclear reactors, gathering valuable data on the moon's oceans and chemistry as well as searching for signs of life. As of so far however, simple or complex life has proven illusive to the probes. Plans have been put into place to split up the probes from each other, with one continuing to investigate the seafloor while the other returns to shallower depths.

"If there was anywhere on this moon that would have life, it's going to be sites like this" Josef Riederer, a scientist part of the Europa mission comments. "However, there is a good possibility that more complex lifeforms may exist above the probes in the central more turbulent water column, hence why we are going to split Chinook and Inuit up to increase our search range".

The discovery by these probes marks an important milestone in their mission and the search for alien life on other worlds, and the world at large awaits NAASA's discoveries.

[Andenkommunen]

---

Andenkommunen sends first crew to new space station ‘M³S’

July 31, 2018

Coinciding serendipitously with the recent discovery of Organic molecules on Europa, a finding it was also involved with, Andenkommunen’s space program, the AASA, sent the first crew to the base module of their new Moderate Modular Manned Spacestation, or M³S. Just yesterday, the small crew of three were launched and have now arrived and docked. The station as it is currently is a bare-bones version of what it is planned to be, currently just the single ‘core’ module, a habitation module, and the craft used to take the crew which will also act as a return and re-entry craft.

As indicated by its name, this craft was designed with the possibility of future upgrades. Theoretically it could be expanded nearly without limit by additional modules sent up, and old modules could even be replaced on a larger timescale so it may continue to exist for some time. For now however, it is still relatively small. There is still significant research opportunity, though the real bulk is likely to come in future when it begins to receive future expansions not just from Andenkommunen, but also the Caribbean island nation of Bluquse who have had a rising space program of their own. It is unclear as of yet when or what they might contribute but proposals have been made and its likely we will see this in the coming times. The AASA has also made it clear they are not closed to the possibility of other nations also contributing, but as of yet none other than Bluquse have been pursued.

The current crew will remain for at least 75 days, twenty short of the 85 days of food available. After that point an automated resupply mission will commence, and the crew will either remain for longer or be replaced, it is unclear which as of this time. One of the heaviest planned research focuses is on zero g food production, and they endeavor to eventually allow the station to be able to produce its own food. However this is currently still in research and no agency has before been able to make crops grow in a practically useful way in orbit, but they have high hopes and M³S may even be the first self sustaining station if there is significant progress in the matter. Only time will tell.

[Aelanias]

---

Address to Arabia

August 1, 2018

The times in which we are living are dark, indeed. We are standing on the brink of an abyss, my brothers and sisters. As the ceaseless mass of Edafos sweeps over us like the unforgiving waves of the sea, countless lives have been lost in what can only be described as a struggle of ideals. I understand this broadcast is being seen throughout the Middle East and the world. Today, for the first time in many centuries, weapons of war were unleashed upon the the outskirts of Mecca, just outside the very gates of Islam, itself. The great serpent is preparing to strike, intending to land the killing blow, to spread his poison into the blood veins of our very culture. He seeks only to destroy, and what he does not destroy, he consumes in the great fires of his dominion. It is not a learned inhibition, but a deliberate and most foul aspect of his own veiled ‘civilization’.

But He is not alone in his appetite. We have proven that the devil has many pawns, and Edafos is no different. They are aided by like-minded and equally impure demons of the west. Their Scandinavian supporters, thinking themselves secure in their hateful and self-centered ways, conduct their business as all serpents do; in the dark, unseen within the shadows that blanket them, falsely believing to be shielded from the eyes of God.
These great serpents make no secret that they seek only to consume and destroy, ripping up by the roots the very cradle of civilization. They crash over us in a great plague, leaving none free from their terrible grip. For millennia, we have known their tyranny, and we have struggled many times to shake free from it.

Today is no different. We once more find ourselves pressed upon the parapets!

A hundred times over, in Tabuk, Duba, Jeddah, our cultural and intellectual sites have been destroyed our books and mosques burnt. But just as during the times of fruition and our own great spring, we are not alone. Just as there are acolytes of the devil amongst the westerners, there too are warriors of Allah! Mohamed reminds us that we are all brothers of faith. Just as Jesus was al-Masih, sent to guide the children of Israel with a new revelation, we have found in our most glorious Empress the strength and will to forge a new identity. The righteous amongst our Christian brothers rebuke the distasteful and evil ways of their own brethren, and have shown great enthusiasm in coming to our aid. We must not fail them, just as we would not fail God in the noblest struggle of all, to defend His holy city.

Make no mistake, this is a war from which there can only emerge a single victor. It is a great struggle against an evil determined to destroy us. It is the truest form of jihad. Mecca will not fall for it is the last stand on Earth, It is time for all who wish to be counted among the ranks of the righteous to join us, and together we will purge this great evil once and for all!

[Jaille (Ancient)]

---

Jaille Announces Humanitarian Efforts in Arabia

9 August 2018

Paris — Premier Herle Magnier announced today a new series of efforts dedicated to humanitarian relief in the Arabian Peninsula, as reported by state media outlet Jaille Aujourd'hui. With international tension growing over the crisis in Arabia, Premier Magnier has directed the country in a course that may run foul of Edafosan machinations for the region.

While it was expected by many for the socialist nation to intervene in the Arabian Crisis, Premier Magnier’s speech that was broadcasted on state media represented a notable change in direction with their planned efforts. Premier Magnier distanced Jaille from the humanitarian efforts of Bluquse, of which he considered to be tainted by “military-industrial rhetoric” after Blusen military advisors arrived into the region. The Premier instead focused on the humanitarian nature of Jaillean support for Arabia, describing the equipment and resources being redirected from the Jaillean economy and clarifying the civilian nature of the efforts.

“We will not degrade our efforts for the impoverished and ruined in Arabia by sending them guns, as if to tell them to go off and die fighting the Edafosans for foreigners' benefits,” Premier Magnier said decrying the international crisis that has blown up over the Edafosan invasion of the region.

Jaille has walked a fine line between remaining neutral in the crisis and providing anti-Edafosan resources to the region, in the form of military equipment. Reportedly the Communist Party of Jaille was divided on the efforts before approving the announcement, with some feeling that only humanitarian support was not enough to prevent an Edafosan domination of Arabia. The party’s internationalist thought has been troubled with notable dissenting cliques against Jaille’s history of rare interventionism, and since the early 2000s anti-UFIN politics have dominated discussions in such a way to make foreign military intervention all the more appealing for the party.

Regardless of the contention present within the nation’s sole political party, the Premier’s announcement was a clear sign of Jaillean watchfulness over the humanitarian crises in Arabia. The country’s efforts will include food and water, medicine and clothing. The humanitarian packages also include informational pamphlets written in Arabic, providing advice for surviving extreme weather conditions, managing food and water consumption over long distances, and diagrams detailing how to perform first aid.

“Our hearts and our minds are with the people of Arabia, and we are proud to know that it is our duty to give what we can to help them.”

Premier Magnier said in closing. The first of Jaille’s humanitarian efforts are expected to arrive in Arabia by late August, with additional efforts continuing with government supervision from September and onwards.

[Chartist Britain]

---

Westminster Passes Resolution Condemning Edafos

14/8/2018

After a series of committee-based drafting and out-of-seat talks between the members of parliament, the British Parliament at Westminster voted overwhelmingly in favor of an all-encompassing resolution that condemned the Edafosan invasion of Arabia. Describing the invasion as disastrous for humanity and an affront to “the decency of nations”, the resolution was passed after a motion introduced it on behalf of Prime Minister Oscar Houghton. The Prime Minister’s government sought the backing of parliament before engaging in diplomatic actions against Edafos, following on the backs of the Jaillean announcement of humanitarian support last Thursday.

Inflamed sentiments against Edafos and international reactions to the self-proclaimed Fourth Arabian Crusade have been tremendous in Britain, with London playing host to various protests over the past few weeks. Britons for Arabia were one of the largest NGOs that organized the protests, decrying the horrific actions of the Edafosans and the humanitarian crisis across the entire peninsula. Stephanie Pearson, the spokesperson for Britons for Arabia described the horrific conditions of the Arab people in a publicized statement, and called for all Britons to welcome refugees from the afflicted countries.

“The Edafosans are the modern day Hunnic horde, charging across Arabia with a bloodthirsty and brainwashed army that serves a corrupt and evil state, with a religion that inspires them to slaughter the innocents of Arabia in their conquest. Where the Edafosan army goes, only ruins and death is what remains, and those who survive are forced to flee their homes.”

Mrs. Pearson said. She continued to describe the conditions of the refugees as pitiful and in horrific conditions, and called upon the government to provide humanitarian aid alongside similar commitments from Bluquse and Jaille.

More radical demonstrations distanced themselves from Pearson, instead demanding direct action from the Houghton Government to prevent further atrocities. In London, reporters from WWJ-Britain reached out to many of the protesters, receiving responses that highlighted the divided nature of the British public to the situation in Arabia.

“We have soldiers! We have volunteers!” Said one activist who preferred to remain anonymous. “Why doesn’t Houghton do anything about this when we could stop what’s happening there.”

Another, Erin Andrews from Southwark, London, could not believe how Westminster’s response was so limited and reserved.

“They’re timid, that’s what it is. There’s this horrible great evil in the world and their eyes are glued to the TV screens in disgust when they’re the very ones that could do something about this in the first place.”

Many political analysts are in agreement with citizens such as Andrews, asserting that the British response will be insignificant and wholly ignored by the traditionally isolationist Edafosan regime. Some have called for an international approach against the invasion of Arabia, taking inspiration from the American Summit that has garnered a multinational attendance.

“Preventing Edafos from continuing this ‘crusade’ of theirs, and expanding it into further neighboring regions will not be the result of economic sanctions and condemnations,” British political scientist and Middle Eastern expert Anthony Mccall said in response to a WWJ email requesting his opinion on the crisis.

“The only logical conclusion, the only words that Edafos recognizes are those backed by force of arms and agreement. Appeasement does nothing to a country that rejects any concept of modern civilization and clings to a totality of authoritarian oppression. An ultimatum backed by international bodies and military support is the only language the Edafosans will understand.”

Mccall’s interpretation of the Arabian invasion and his call for military-backed action against Edafos is not unheard of in Britain, with Westminster divided on the Arabian crisis. Skeptics of such actions have pointed towards Edafos’ growing alignment with the United Front of Independent Nations (UFIN), and have countered by stating that such hostile actions would force Edafos into an alliance with them. The regional crisis in Arabia would become an international one, and with the American Summit already in session over similar tension, could boil over into an international war.

The situation is not an easy one to address and all eyes are on Prime Minister Houghton and the British government as they navigate the potential consequences of any strong actions against Edafos. Until such a time that Britain is ready to announce such a response, if one is decided on, individuals like Mrs. Pearson and Britons for Arabia will continue with non-government support and civilian donations to the people of Arabia.

[Edafos]

---

Terrorists Strike the Imperial Palace

8-16-775-3

The following has been taken from His Holy Inquisition's News Bulletin - No common Edafosan would be able to read these words...

Widespread terror could be witnessed throughout the Imperial Thronecity of Ipoli this morning as two hijacked passenger airliners were flown into the heart of Edafosan religion, culture, and politics, causing a significant amount of damage in the process. While no official count of the dead and injured can be summed at this time it can be presumed that thousands of pilgrims and a numerous number of the Imperial Household have been killed. The Empire entered a state of emergency immediately following the attacks, locking down all civilian and foreign movements, including Nowistranan, until the situation is secured.

Despite this strike lacking true military materials the attack itself was carefully coordinated with both planes striking mere minutes between each other. The culprits, undoubtedly of jihadist or Arab origin, hijacked two passenger airliners revealed to be Gibetan upon analysis of the wreckage, both on route from their holdings in Africa back to their homeland in Europe. Presumably after entering a stable altitude the terrorists took over both the planes and redirected them towards the capital. As the planes approached the capital they began a rapid descent, targeting the towering and expansive Imperial Palace, a site hard to miss due to its shear size. Despite having both the elements of surprise and timing the important sections of the the Palace, most importantly the Imperial Sanctum and Throne room were spared of any damage whatsoever. However, rooms containing historical artifacts and architecture were heavily impacted and will require a significant amount of time to replace and repair what was damaged.

Though the human and cultural tolls have been considered by most orders of the Inquisition as minor at best, the fact that terrorists were not only able to infiltrate Imperial aerospace and threaten the God Emperor Himself is entirely unacceptable. Investigations have been launched to locate those responsible for allowing these aircraft to go unnoticed and punish them for their failure to protect the Thronecity, and new measures to prevent future terrorist attacks have been put into place. The Imperial Council and the Lord Generals of the Stratos have stated that this action will not go unpunished, vowing that the whole of Islam will be brought to understand the wrath of the God Emperor and the Empire. News of the attack on the Imperial Palace has invoked a fanatic response from the Stratos, with the emboldened soldiers eagerly searching for vengeance against the steadfast Arabian defense. Despite the willingness of the armies to strike back Lord Generals have been ordered to hold their soldiers back for reasons that have yet to be revealed.

We will await further updates.

[Bluquse]

---

Bluquse aids and supplies Asir Militias in planned defense of evacuation routes

Blusen Gecko, a modified version of a 9k33 Osa test firing it's anti-air missiles during a training exercise with Arab Militias.

17 August 2018

ADEN, YEMEN - A month since Andenkommunen announced on sending aid to the Arabian peninsula, the Blusen-led humanitarian operation stationed in Aden had since then made addable room in the refugee camps to allow Anden and other potential foreign aid workers to join in the effort. An additional one thousand more Blusen workers have also joined the humanitarian operation along with three hundred military personnel, who are already training Arab militias stationed in the Asir mountains in defensive guerrilla warfare as of July 28th. According to official reports from both Blusen humanitarian and military groups, there's a total of 2,900 Blusens currently on the peninsula. The last of the military aid package, having been flown into Sana'a onboard a Globemaster was finally received by over a thousand Yemen and Arabian soldiers waiting at the Blusen base, depending on their contents, planning to ship the weapons to either up north to Arabia to the Asir Militias or down south to Aden to improve defenses there.

An afternoon conference was held today on base grounds, hosted by Commandant Terrence Sandoz, official commander of the Blusen Sana'a base. Reporters were able to get a chance to ask questions such as the role Blusen military personnel would have in the region and which weapons are being given to Asir militias? Terrence has explained that the weapons given to the militias are mostly infantry/hand-held in nature, including SIM Grunts (Blusen versions of the American M1 carbine), M16 rifles, RPK's and RPG 7's along with more modern ones such as the Blusen manufactured GE-Eagle Eye's (Bolt-action sniper rifle), SIM-TACAR's (Tactically Advanced Combat Assault Rifle) and SIM-MARL's (Multipurpose Assault Rocket Launcher). Anti-air/armor and artillery based weapons in the military aid package included four Gecko's (Blusen modified version of 9k33 Osa) twelve M198 howitzers and forty-eight M116 howitzers.

Landmines have once been considered for use in both training sessions and active combat, but have since then been replaced in favor of remote detonation explosives and RPG's. This sudden change in weapon tactics is because of grim reports from the frontlines, reported by BON observers stationed outside of Mecca as Imperial's have been seen forcing captured civilians to march in front of their advancing forces, as to set off any landmines that could potentially harm any of their valuable troops and armor needed for the war effort. It's because of the Inhumane tactics utilized by the invading forces that tacticians have changed some tactics to ones that would enable more refugees to flee safely across the Arabian-Yemen border while still being able to put a decent dent against the advancing forces.

As shown during the news conference, leading military officials from Arabia, Bluquse and Yemen have finished drawing up strategic defense plans for the protection of routes traveling through the Asir mountains. The realization that if Mecca were to fall to the invading forces, the borders of Yemen, especially the country's capital would eventually be overwhelmed quickly by their numbers and weapons shortly then after while the millions of people attempting to leave would also be at risk of being trapped on the peninsula, before being either captured or killed. It's because of this, that the defense of evacuation routes leading out of Mecca and those traveling through the Asir mountains have become more important than ever as lines of foxholes and pillboxes are being built along the Northern Yemen border while hidden defense positions are being set up along roads and mountainous terrain in the Asir mountains. The defense plan is ultimately to hold the advancing force off just long enough for a significant number of artifacts and refugees to get off the peninsula as stated by Major General Fahim Hussain, the leading Arab military official of the Asir mountain militias.

"It may seem pretty simple just setting up a line of defenses, with machine gun positions and anti-armor pillboxes to fight off troops and armor vehicles while having artillery and anti-air weapons placed behind that line to fight off and shoot down any rockets and aircraft that get near us. However, this isn't meant to help us in a significant defense other then to hold those dastardly imperials off just long enough for our own people to flee to safety. We just don't have the manpower to go into the offensive against an invader that has vastly more resources and weapons then we do. So this is why Militias outside of Mecca are currently at this very moment helping people that aren't involved in this hellish conflict to get out of there and travel down the safely guarded routes of the Asir mountains leading into Yemen where they could hopefully get onboard either a plane or a ship to travel off the peninsula. We're also convincing areas not yet captured by the Imperials to evacuate, should Mecca fall to the enemy."

While ending the conference, it's been stated by both Commandant Terrence and Major General Fahim that Arab/Blusen-led Militias along with BON observers have reported seeing whole Imperial divisions being held back for reasons not yet known. A BID official present at the conference has presented that the agency's theory of Edafos possessing WMD's might soon be proven true, given the vital warning signs that are being seen by militias and observers stationed outside of Mecca. While there are still quite a few who still have doubts about this theory, It's been reported that a Militia battalion and dozens of Blusen personnel have made an observation post in Alhada, 46 kilometers east of Mecca with NBC suits on hand in case such a scenario were to occur.

Muslim ACPP workers packaging artifacts from the few remaining museums in Mecca are currently packing up to leave after orders to evacuate have been sent out from Sana'a base. It's been estimated that nearly four thousand artifacts have been preserved, packaged and brought out of Mecca but the exact numbers, however, are unclear although it's believed that the numbers could be higher given that some refugees are fleeing with artifacts for the sake of saving their cultural heritage.

[Gibet]

---

War Ministry Lends Muscle to Arabian Conflict
Kaiserin Mobilizes Rapid Deployment Forces

19 Aug 2018

In a move many opposition coalition members have called escalatory, the War Ministry issued mobilization alerts to nearly thirty-five-thousand men and women of the armed services. Specifically, the 1st Marinekorps division, as well as the vaunted 7th Fallschirmjäger "Kaiserin Anne" division, were given their orders to deploy in the early morning hours, yesterday. While no official statements have been released regarding the exact nature of these orders, nor the precise location to which our brave soldiers are to be sent, it is widely believed that these formations are being deployed to the Arabian peninsula--perhaps even Aden, Yemen--to fight alongside the Blusen forces there, as well as a good faith gesture to the struggling Arabians still desperately trying to fend off the Edafosan onslaught in Mecca. In either case, this combined arms force represents a formidable rapid response formation, one which would be sorely needed in the coming fight to hold onto Free Arabia.

These moves coincide with a renewed missile campaign against Edafosan targets in and along the Red Sea coast--with the joint-Gibetan-Aelanian network estimating to have already fired some three hundred additional cruise missiles and SCUD-based rockets since the initial salvo last week. These strikes have been coordinated alongside a renewed effort to aid and supply the Arab resistance from the air; Luftwaffe formations based in the territories have ran round the clock to ensure a near-continuous air campaign. While no official losses have been announced, it was rumored that two Federation aircraft were shot down Thursday evening by Edafosan surface-to-air missiles--weapons that Edafos was previously believed to have either a limited number of, or of which they were not as advanced. The Air Ministry has declined to comment, stating only that two crews were lost during separate but routine training exercises in the Adriatic--one of those being a fighter pilot, the other the crew of a transport aircraft. All hands are feared lost.

Meanwhile, elements of the Fifth Fleet, previously on tour of the African provinces, has been recalled to port in Venice, citing growing concerns abroad.

[Aeuria]

---

Aeurian Nationalists Protest After Assault on Aristocrat

August 31, 2018

Tear gas in the Marbled City

Praevalidus, Aeuria - In a rare public protest in the Aeurian capital, thousands of members of the far-right Aeurian Nationalist Party (ANP) clashed with Imperial Police following an assault on a prominent aristocrat and author, Count Tacitus Laurentius IV. Laurentius, 64, was attacked in the early morning by two individuals in a violent episode as he departed his Praevalidus townhouse. The pair, described by witnesses as "rough-looking" and "of African descent", are at large and currently wanted by Aeurian officials. Suffering blunt force trauma, the Count has been hospitalized in critical condition following the assault. Imperial Police believe the attack was financially motivated, the Count being stripped of his jewelry and banknotes. A renowned historian and author, the Count reentered the public spotlight last month with the release of his newest book An Empire Restored: Aeurian Imperialism in the 21st Century, which chronicles the nation's recent annexations of its former colonies.

With mass demonstrations of a "political nature" all but forbidden in the Commonwealth, the ANP has put itself at risk of censure, heavy fines, and possible dissolvement by organizing the protest. In a statement released by its Praevalidus headquarters, the ANP claimed the attack was perpetrated by "African colonials" who were on the mainland illegally. While the identities of the suspects remains unknown, the implication they could be colonial citizens has thrown the Party's membership into a rage.

Representing a growing political minority within Aeuria, the ANP claims to represent the "unspoken consensus of Aeurian superiority to colonial populations". Rejecting labels of xenophobia and racism in the famously cosmopolitan empire, ANP leadership insists it supports equal treatment of colonial populations but desires priority status for Aeurian citizens on the mainland. Founded in 1929 by the 4th Duke of Fitzroy, Lord Romilius Sauveterre, during the "Javanese Betrayal" - a far-left uprising in Indonesia in which some 15,000 insurgents were killed by the Imperial Army over the course of 4 months - the Aeurian Nationalist Party was widely popular amongst the public in its beginning with more than 2 million members. Lord Sauveterre however proved too controversial in his beliefs and the ANP was banned within the year by Imperial decree after the Duke published an article in national newspapers labeling Indonesians as "dirty and backwards barbarians incapable of a civilized attitude."

After decolonization in the 1950's and 60's, Emperor Lucas XIV lifted the interdict on the party in 1970 - along with 17 other political organizations - in what was seen as a renaissance of Aeurian politics. In the ensuing decades, the ANP has remained in the shadows of Aeurian politics with no representation within the Imperial Senate or high office. In recent years however, with renewed Aeurian imperialism and the return of much of its colonial holdings, membership in the ANP has surged - the Party claiming to have some 400,000 registered members.

While the investigation into Count Laurentius' assault is ongoing, ANP leadership seems to have already reached a conclusion: the attack was perpetrated by "illegal colonials". Both the Imperial Palace and Ministry of Social Harmony declined the WWJ's requests for comment.

[Andenkommunen]

---

Andenkommunen Prepares For Humanitarian Withdraw

14 September, 2018

Today, Andenkommunen initiated preparations for the withdraw of Humanitarian Aid from Arabia. Following slow, but continuously worrying advances on the Arabian line, and potential involvement from the United Front of Independent Nations, there have been growing concerns that if unprepared the Andenkommunen humanitarian personnel and operation could be unable to escape a collapse of Arabia or blockade of ports from Aeuria, who currently controls the surrounding waters unquestionably. There have also been some reports claiming that, "Most everyone who wants to leave already has or is in the process of, and a large amount of the historical items a safe distance away from the front have already been removed. It is not as necessary now to stay here as it once was, and while we should continue our efforts as long as we can, if there is genuine risk we should live" or similar from some Andenkommunen aid workers. The veracity of these statements has yet to be verified, and Andenkommunen has officially stated that, "We are preparing to exit, but will stay as long as we possibly can," implying some of those sentiments may not be entirely true.

Currently, it is expected that preparations for withdrawal from Arabia are to be completed in a matter of days as the naval convoy that had facilitated the initial transport of personnel had not left since they first came to port in Arabia. The goal of the preparations are to put the Aid workers in a position where they can continue their efforts without worry of not being able to exit in time in case of a worsening of the war situation. There is not currently a planned time for withdrawal, however if it ever appears that the possibility of capitulation or collapse of Arabia, naval blockade, or a very accelerated advance in the front appears, the hope is that full withdrawal will take no more than 48 hours time.

Following this news, it has been noted that the Humanitarian Aid workers have been acting at a much higher pace and level, distributing all remaining supplies with little concern of conservation and working as hard as possible to complete further tasks, expecting this to be near the last time they have to do so. What will actually unfold, however, is unclear, and Andenkommunen's efforts may yet have quite long more to go.

[Gibet]

---

Protests In Luxemburg Add To List of Woes

Berlin

1 Oct 2018

For the third day in a row, mass walkouts and public strikes have brought government and economic activity to a standstill in the federal province of Luxemburg.

Rioters spouting anti-intervention propaganda and feverishly waving signs proclaiming Europa, nicht Arabien! have gathered significant support amongst a population feeling forgotten in the decade since the collapse of the provincial steel industry--where in Luxembourger industrial magnates closed shop, facing the "federalization" of their firms by the Bundestag, and many faced the relocation of their plants to German locations for the production of Federal contracts. Citing the apparent failure of the federal government to properly compensate the tiny state, or otherwise offer alternatives to right the listing economy, many in Luxemburg feel that they have been left by the wayside by a central authority unconcerned with their needs. Adding to this the decayed state of the local mining infrastructure, increased attention being drawn overseas to the growing Arabian crisis, and the frustrating sight of extra-regional monetary funds in Luxembourger banks, it should not have come to much surprise that the population has been stirred some emphatically.

In addition, provincial police forces have been largely ineffective in forcing an end to the disruption caused by the rioters; with many officers outright refusing to interdict on behalf of the Federal authority. In response, it is widely anticipated that uniformed officers of the Federal Staatspolizei will be mobilized to fill the void left by these rebellious local precincts.

To make the situation all the more irritating, the holders of all eighteen seat allotted to the province in the Bundestag staged a walkout during the latest session of the federal congress. Their leader, Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Pétain was quoted during the political protest as having said,

"We are not prepared to offer our support to a costly military endeavor beyond the borders of Europa while our own daughters and sons starve waiting on the Bundestag--and the Kaiserin--to do something about the failed economy wrought by their own greed. Neither are we prepared to vote for what amounts to an illegal broaching of Luxembourger independence--guaranteed by the very constitution this body claims to uphold--in order to forcibly quell their righteous fury and anger at this body which has done nothing to support its own people, but everything to antagonize others."

[The Scandinavians]

---

Projektet Proceeds in British Isles

An uneasy feeling could be felt in the city of Lunden, the regional capital of Aengland, this evening following news that the Fatherland Party would commence the next stages of Projektet (Nordic: The Project), aimed at further assimilating the peoples of the British Isles into Scandinavia. The concerns of the regional leaders have seemingly been entirely ignored by Det Lederen Svansson, whom has stressed the need for a humongous Scandinavian nation over the individual identities of the British. This change in policy has likely occurred as a result of the success of Projektet in Nyland and Livonia, with Nordic colonization and growth within the recently reconquered region allowing the Party to refocus its attention elsewhere.

Ever since the Treaty of Lunden placed the British Isles under Scandinavian rulership the integration of Britain has been a major priority and burden for Stockholm. While the old monarchy sought to maintain the order by granting the population unique rights and exemptions, the Fatherland Party has actively sought to assimilate them into becoming Scandinavians. Though some measure of success has been achieved with over a third of Britons now speaking Nordic or Aenglish, a creole language of English and Nordic, the majority still cling to their pre-annexation nationalities. Several purges of separatists and other dissidents have taken place in Britain since the Party's takeover in order to quell opposition, however resistance and the need for interventions have increased over the past three decades. A recent raid and elimination of a Scottish freedom group in the Orkneys following a terrorist attack on North Sea oil rigs still linger in recent memory, and as unrest in Britain builds the Party has become increasingly concerned about a larger crisis occurring.

With fears of an uprising taking root in the minds of the Riksdag, concerns have developed that Svansson's enforcement of the Party's assimilation may have been a dangerous blunder. Scandinavian troops have been redeployed from elsewhere to maintain order in Britain should the need arise, potentially weakening Nordic capabilities to combat the UAF in the event of conflict.

[Gibet]

---

Deadlock In Luxemburg Unchanged
Kaiserin Calls On Province To "Return To Work!"

Berlin

5 Oct 2018

With a little more than a week having passed since federal intentions to send combat troops to Arabia sparked anti-intervention protests and large scale walkouts in Luxemburg, the situation in the tiny province remains unchanged. Besides countless work hours lost, and millions of Staatsmarkes in damages to federal properties, local authorities remain hesitant to follow orders handed down from the Bundestag to quell the unrest--with many precincts acknowledging widespread, if subtle, approval of the actions of the Luxembourgish citizenry. And according to WWJ sources on the ground, the scene playing out could be significantly worse than Berlin is willing to admit.

On Tuesday, it is estimated that over a hundred thousand people choked the old parade grounds of the Place d'Armes in the provincial capital of Luxembourg City. Waving signs protesting everything from the economy, to the growing crisis in Arabia, and even some calling for the traditionally placid state to declare independence. Luxembourger flags dotted the crowd, with a particularly large one being hung above the arches of the Cercle Municipal. At the center of it all, rally leaders--headed by a coalition of provincial government leaders, "officers" of the so-called "One Luxembourg" front, and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Pétain, whose political protest last week resulted in the temporary banning of Luxembourger representatives in the Bundestag--stood atop the Dicks-Lentz monument. The monument had been dedicated in 1893 to recognize the perceived valiant efforts of Edmond de la Fontaine and Michel Lentz, two poets who led a brief, but bloody, rebellion in the final years of the 19th century. Silhouetted by torch light in the waning hours of dusk, Minister Petain called for provincial unity 'in the face of unwarranted intrusion from Berlin'.

He was unexpectedly joined by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Prince Henri, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Prince expressed support for Petain's calls for a provincial plebiscite to establish unilateral independence for Luxembourg. A vote has been scheduled for tomorrow, despite warnings from the Bundestag that such a move was illegal under the current Federal consititution, and could warrant military action to guarantee the rule of law in Luxembourg. Kaiserin Elsa expressed some sadness at learning of Prince Henri's involvement in what she characterized as blatant treason.

In response to the rally on Tuesday, a division of Federal Staatspolizei were mobilized, and ordered to assume direct responsibility for policing within the territory; the officers called up were members of the 3rd Hungarian Police Division, their unfamiliarity with the peoples of the province was considered of great importance to insure the completely unbiased and strict enforcement of federal law. The Bundestag has officially condemned any move to hold a vote on independence.

[Mascargo]

---

Sicily Reaffirms Continuation of Non-Aligned Policy

6 October 2018

Naples — During a government press briefing spokesperson Danio Martorana confirmed that the Sicilian government was still officially following a policy of non-alignment in regards to international affairs. Specifically referencing the ongoing escalation of tension between UFIN and democratic states lead by the UCNA, Martorana stated that the position of the government was one of “careful neutrality.”

Sicilian Prime Minister Cirino D'Auria has since early 2017 embarked on a course of non-commitment to the world powers, and has reportedly rebuked multiple efforts by political organizers to welcome an American influence into Sicily. D’Auria has continued to sail a course of neutrality in the Mediterranean and worldwide, although many worry how much longer Sicily can remain inactive.

Rampant concerns over the violence in the Middle East and the state of security in the Mediterranean after Edafosan occupation of the Suez Canal could force the government to action. The League of Italian States (LIS) has committed to a non-ideological economic policy, permitting trade with the greater world while tensions between the various international government organizations continue to fester. However the loss of influence and financial security in the Mediterranean region could force the country into action. Many political pundits believing that it would not be an unlikely scenario in the future for Sicily to find itself alongside the UCNA and her allies.

[Aeuria]

---

Aeurian Emperor Rebuffs Calls to End Blockade

October 6, 2018

Praevalidus — Emperor Aleksander XVII has sharply rejected calls from within his government and the private sector to lift the ongoing blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb, labeling the demand as "unfortunate and counterproductive." For 5 months the Imperial Navy has enforced a "total" blockade of the strategic strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden in an effort to contain the Edafosan campaign for Arabia. Critics have been unusually vocal in their opposition to the move which has effectively seen the severance of international shipping lanes through the Red Sea, limiting Aeuria's own access to European markets. Instead, Aeurian commercial vessels have been forced to circumnavigate Africa, entering the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar. While the increased operational costs of such a journey have been subsidized by the Crown, Aeurian shipping magnates and Imperial Senators alike have raised questions as to the policy's "long-term sustainability".

In a rare public report by the Imperial Senate's Council of Commerce - a 9 member body tasked with overseeing the profitability of the Aeurian private sector - the blockade has been labeled a "bane to the Treasury" and an "affront to the free market." Decrying the subsidization of the increased shipping costs, the Council of Commerce reported 513 million Denarii of Treasury funds have been expended in maintaining the operations of Aeuria's commercial shipping industry.

More unusually, several shipping magnates have also spoken out against the status quo. Labeling the blockade as "damaging to the global economy", the collection of Aeurian billionaires has stressed that while their companies remain profitable - at the expense of the Treasury - their international competitors have been less fortunate. One such magnate, Duke Montgomery Rexan III issued the following statement:

Regardless of whether Aeurian shipping companies remain profitable, the damage to the global economy has already been done. For five months, international trade has been slapped around by this blockade, returning us all to the days before the Canal was ever built. To think the international community is content to reroute their own ships around Africa is an absurd notion. I believe it a mistake for the Treasury to continue to expend such capital simply to account for a foolish military act. What really has been accomplished by this so-called "containment?" Have the Edafosans been stopped or even deterred? Has Arabia seen any benefit? No and no. Instead, the assault rages on while desperately needed international aid is rerouted away. The blockade has not only been inordinately expensive in terms of capital but the loss of life that can be attributed to it is embarrassing at best and disgraceful and damaging at worst. It is perhaps the greatest blunder in our modern history. I urge His Majesty to consider these realities and the attitudes of the international community and end the blockade.

As the unusual row widens, the Imperial Palace has been quick to respond to what has been perceived as a critique of Imperial policy. In a statement released by the Executive Office of His Imperial Majesty, the Crown has issued formal summons to both Duke Rexan and the Council of Commerce for their respective roles in "publicly defaming Imperial policy and damaging the homogeneity of the State."

Despite this however, the summons seems to have had little effect in curbing criticism of the blockade within Aeuria; a nation infamously repressive of any form of dissent or governmental critique. Despite absolute control of his government, Emperor Aleksander has nonetheless been thrown into the realm of public opinion by an increasingly frustrated Senate and a private sector chaffing under pressure of foreign markets equally frustrated by the blockade. Whether this unusually public row will be buried or remain a thorn in the side of the Emperor remains to be seen. Duke Rexan and the Council of Commerce are expected to meet with the Emperor over the weekend to address their concerns and public statements.

[Aeuria]

---

Aeurian Blockade: Rexan Emerges Victorious,
Missile Systems to Replace "Direct Naval Presence"

October 8, 2018

Praevalidus — In an unexpected but welcome development, Aeurian Emperor Aleksander XVII has ordered the end of his nation's closure of the Bab-el Mandeb after Formal Summons with the Imperial Senate's Council of Commerce and shipping magnate Duke Montgomery Rexan III over the weekend. The move comes as a surprise to both Aeurian and non-Aeurian alike given the Emperor's strong dismissal of the suggestion before the weekend. Furthermore, the traditionally harsh Formal Summons - intense lectures of censure often from the Emperor himself which can last hours - appear to have instead been spent discussing a solution to the blockade.

Indeed many in the capital believed Duke Rexan would not favor well in his Summons, likely to be labeled a Persona non grata; becoming a pariah within the Aeurian nobility whose mere mentioning is taboo. Instead, both the Duke and the Council of Commerce have been publicly commended by the Emperor for their role in ending the 5-month blockade. Their victory has not been without a price however, with the controversial military solution to the blockade also being accredited to them.

With the withdrawal of the Aeurian Imperial Navy from the strategic strait comes the deployment of 25 Jupiter-4 Mobile Coastal Defense Missile Systems (MCDMS) to Aeurian-controlled Djibouti. Each Jupiter-4 MCDMS, developed in 2013 and deployed to active service in 2015, boasts an array of 8 nuclear-tipped Jupiter-4 anti-ship cruise missiles. While many are likely to welcome the withdrawal of the Imperial Navy, the deployment of nuclear-armed missile systems in Africa in the current climate has already proven controversial. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Duke Rexan defended the military solution:

While regrettable, the deployment of this deterrent will ensure the order and security established by the blockading fleet will not leave with its departure. One can certainly understand the concerns and even fears of the public in taking such a step however both myself and the Council of Commerce believe it to be the absolute way to maintain the security of Aeurian East Africa and the Bab-el Mandeb.

With the ongoing conflict in Arabia ever-threatening to expand in scope, our colonies must be equipped with the same defensive measures as Aeuria itself if they are to remain untouched by even the threat of war.

Our neutrality in this conflict has been well-established as has our opposition to becoming involved. One must remember: our blockade was also armed with Jupiter-4 missiles. Now, instead of being on warships blocking international trade, they have merely been relocated onshore to directly defend our colonies.

Thank you. Vivat Aeuria, Vivat Imperator!

Many in Aeuria have been confused by the politically-neutral billionaire shipping magnate's public endorsement of a nuclear deterrent or indeed how such a solution was within his power to suggest. It is plainly clear however that Emperor Aleksander was involved in the decision as the sole commander of the Commonwealth's nuclear arsenal. After speaking to sources within the Aeurian aristocracy, a clearer picture is painted.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a nobleman suggested the public statement by Rexan was "clearly orchestrated by the Palace" in an effort to "disgrace" the Duke. Another noble agreed with the suggestion when it was posed by a WWJ correspondent, replying that Duke Rexan was a "thoroughly vanilla fellow", in reference to the Duke's politics, who "would never have suggested such boldness or provocation." These two voices however seem to be in a silent minority as many prominent aristocrats are now publicly distancing themselves from the embattled Duke. There has already been an financial consequence from the news, with shares in the Rexan Mercantile Fleets, the Duke's shipping conglomerate, dropping 23% in value with significant mass-sales before recovering to a loss of 11% in value.

While many can see the Emperor's tacit orchestration for what it is, within the rigid protocols and laws governing the Aeurian aristocracy there is little room to disagree or dissent. In what is surely a byzantine web of ancient protocols, willingly-blind deference, and ultimately public submission for most of the world is simply another day in Praevalidus, with nothing more than a few raised eyebrows and crossed arms. Even then, much of the reaction has been to the missiles rather than the Duke's folly in challenging Imperial policy or the resulting social and financial fallout.

[Gibet]

---

"Raus!" Luxembourg Calls It Quits On Federation
Kaiserin, Bundestag Declare Martial Law

[img=http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/768/662/213.jpg][/img]

Berlin

8 Oct 2018

In an unprecedented move, and in full defiance of Federal orders to cease and desist, a referendum on independence for the province of Luxembourg was held Saturday, 6 October. The results, while dubious as Federal authorities did everything within their power to prevent voter turnout, indicated a clear majority of sixty-eight percent in favor of independence. Coordinating with the vote, widespread rioting occurred in many of the towns and cities of the small province; the largest of which happened in Luxembourg City, where some three hundred thousand people clashed with Federal police formations. Those formations, spearheaded by the 3rd Ungarischepolizei Division, were acting under orders from the Kaiserin to firmly stamp out the secessionist fervor that had gripped the territory. In all, some two thousand persons were arrested, with an additional two hundred and eight injured. Most major cities have since been placed under martial law since the vote, with travel throughout the province severely restricted.

Despite this, the Bundestag expressed its willingness to speak with the Luxembourg delegates concerning the future role of the Federal authority there. However, their hopes for a peaceful solution were dashed when Prime Minister Petain, freshly appointed in the wake of his superior's resignation, announced his government's fullest intentions of carrying out "the will of our free peoples". Citing the "obvious enthusiasm and support amongst ourselves to go it alone", Petain and his ministers appeared before the provincial cabinet on Sunday morning to announce a unilateral declaration of independence for the State of Luxembourg.

In response, the Federal Court, acting on the immediate demands of the Kaisern and Bundestag, handed down thirty five arrest warrants that evening; one for the Prime Minister, seven for his cabinet, and the remainder for the provincial government heads and the identified leaders of the secessionist parties involved. This morning, Federal officers moved to disarm and disband all provincial police forces, the local Landwehr, and occupy government buildings. Additionally, Hungarian troops moved to place Prince Henri under house arrest, which was carried out at his estate, Betzdorf Castle. The castle and grounds has since been turned into a temporary command and control center for Federal forces seeking to restore order to the territory.

These movements were met with widespread displeasure amongst the rebellious populace, inducing further riots and arrests. Three Hungarian officers were injured and another killed when a polizei motorcade was ambushed in the early morning hours by a motley assortment of civilians brandishing firearms consistent with police issue. This incident casts further doubt upon the reliability of those individuals of the Luxembourger forces retained.

Despite widespread publicity, and the federal warrants for their arrest, Minister Petain and his immediate cabinet could not be located by Government forces.

[Edafos]

---

The Fall of Mecca

9-10-775-3

The following has been taken from an American news journal...

Today marks an important point in the Forth Arabian Crusade as reports of the capture of Mecca, the center of the Islamic religion, arrive from the front lines. The battle marks a historic moment for the Empire of Edafos, marking the furthest Imperial forces have reached into the Arabian peninsula and the fulfillment a major religious and ideological objective aimed at destroying the longstanding Arabian threat. While the world watches in shock and horror as videos and pictures of the triumphant Stratos spread like flames across the media, citizens across Edafos have been reported to be doing the opposite by jubilantly celebrating the news. While the fighting is expected to continue on the outskirts and in small isolated pockets of the city major fighting in the city has concluded.

The climax of the siege occurred as infantry and armored divisions fought their way across and in to the inner city towards the Great Mosque, the heart of one of the world's largest religious faiths. The ferocious resistance took on a variety of forms ranging from the conventional to fanatical jihadists reportedly hurling themselves with whatever arms they could muster. While incredibly fierce, the combination of artillery and aerial bombings destroyed the major defenses erected to protect the inner city and Kaaba, making the task of fighting off the bloodied but emboldened Edafosans even more difficult. By the time Imperial forces reached the Kaaba the only things left were tattered ruins, disorganized defenders, and a few straggling Xenous attempting to flee with cultural artifacts. The unity of the Arab defenders was reportedly shattered as Imperial forces raised the banners of the Empire and Stratos over the crumbled remains of the religious center, with the few remaining Arab armies remaining following the bloody siege making an hastily organized retreat south towards Yemen.

The cost of the siege has been universally considered to be horrific with the conservative death toll of both sides estimated to reach well over 250,000, with civilian deaths likely exceeding that number by many times perhaps over a million. Whether due to poor planning or being outwitted by the defenders the losses the siege has incurred on the Stratos alone has cost tens of thousands of men and women at minimum, though a general consensus has been reached that Edafos caused far more deaths on the Arabian side. The fighting itself was the worst the world has seen since the Second World War, with individual battles at times taking place between building to building or from city block to block, with the methods used during the fighting varying drastically. It is suspected that the Edafosans employed the use of chemical weapons or toxic gas in many of these fights throughout the city, though information regarding this has been heavily controlled by Edafos making it unlikely that any clear information will surface for some time. War crimes also extended towards Imperial disregard towards the several cultural and religious sites in the city, with the Stratos being seen deliberately targeting these sites aiming to demoralize the defenders.

More information is expected to follow in the coming days, however it has become widely accepted that the Empire of Edafos will emerge victorious in the war.