Romextlian-Italian conflict on the Italian Question IC

[Caribbean Confederation]

It was after a long ride that Joachim Henry Murphy -Mr. Murphy to most people, Henry if they wanted to play familiarity, Never Joachim-, Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the Confederate States of the Caribbean arrived to the site of the conference. He was not as familiar with the situation's general background as some others -the Confederacy not having participated in the Civil War that had directly led to this diplomatic crisis- but he had been tasked to facilitate an outcome that would be beneficial to the Confederacy; that is to say, an independent, self-governing and native-ruled Italy and the evacuation of Insaanistan from the European continent at large.

The Confederate situation was somewhat more nuanced: Italians make 6.4% of the population, the fifth largest demographic group in the country, and they were agitated at the idea of what they saw as Mahometist occupation of Italian lands. Moreso, other, non-Italian citizenry -the majority of the Christians, in fact- were somewhat iffy over the idea of so many holy sites being controlled by a profane regime. Murphy was here to secure Italian independence like so many others, but he had been informed that in case of failure to reach an accord in the field of negotiation, the Confederate Marine Corps was more than ready to set the stage for large-scale Caribbean presence in any potentially protracted conflict.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Skies over Italy

NOW PLAYING: Ace Combat 5, "The Unsung War" - Razgriz(Instrumental, The Warsaw Philharmonic)

Twelve streaks of grey streaked through the Alps, fresh from their base at Landsberg-Lech Air Base. Tornado ECRs of the Royal Bavarian Air Force were shepherded by F-15Es and Cs of the Prussian-Polish Luftwaffe, with the latter armed for a strike mission and the former armed for air-interdiction operations. Over the Adriatic Sea, a lumbering AWACS, operated by a French PMC crew, provided Command and Control for the group.

As the planes closed in to Rome, final checks began to be made. The pilots heard a crackle of static, as the AWACS, known to them as Elise, began to speak.

"Morning, gentlemen!" she said, cheerily. "How are you all doing?"
"Stupid Flight, checking in." The Prussian-Polish F-15E flight lead said. "How long until Rome?"
"You're five minutes out from the city limits. You should be getting interception soon. Weapons free from here on out; I'll let you know when they start organizing a reception."
"Roger that, Elise. Cheerio."

With that, radio silence resumed.

---

A nondescript pair of men entered the conference room; both were agents of the so-called 'Social Welfare Agency'. The SWA had once been an Italian paramilitary law enforcement unit, but had morphed into an Italian nationalist group as Muslim occupation dragged on.

They were here today to secure the independence of Italy via whatever means possible, and they would have assistance from outside powers to do so, faked polls and rigged elections be damned.

They would introduce themselves as 'Hillshire' and 'Giuseppe', and would take seats while they waited for the conference to begin.

---

A young, pale-skinned and brown-haired schoolgirl carrying a violin-case halted in front of the building, while a slightly older olive-skinned blonde in a suit joined her, holding what appeared to be a telescope-case.

[Insaanistan]

Nura and Garibaldi stood up. “Excuse us,” Nura said. “We need to go pray.”

[Al-Musafakun]

Al-Qāhira, Almofakun Caliphate - Sunrise

The city of al-Qāhira, a key port city of the Caliphate, lay still. The silence of night had yet to dissipate, even as the ‘Eye of Ra’ rose from the eastern horizon.

"Allah Akbar!"
"Allah Akbar!"
"Allah Akbar!"
"Allah Akbar!"

For those living by the port, it wasn’t just the sound of the muezzin calling the Faithful to prayer that pierced the last sliver of nighttime silence. But it was the sound of many female voices, proclaiming ‘God is Great!’ with the rising sun. 40 lamia, all righteous warriors who have declared their willingness to fight against evil in a faraway land, stood in rows next to a fleet of 2 ships. The sounds of these righteous mujahideen praying on the dock was an unusual sight for some, but those who stared were quickly ushered along by their neighbours. Their morning prayer was soon done, and they boarded their ships, loaded with a trebuchet each and plenty of provisions and weapons so that they may bring the wrath of God to any who they are to face in the land of Ītāliyā.

With Allah on the side of the righteous, the ships were sent forth from the Caliphate’s shores, due northwest to the home of the Romans. However they were not sent to fight the Christians, but to fight another kind of infidel, one that calls himself “Muslim” and his religion “Islam”. They were to deliver justice upon those who misused their sacred language and who tarnish their beliefs, refusing to even acknowledge the Prophetess, let alone recognise her as the Messenger of God.

A child could not help but stare at the ships, growing ever distant as they sailed away. "Martha!" her mother called. She turned her eyes and slithered hastily to the older lamia, a cross around both her and her mother’s neck.

[New Antarcticania]

the field marshal arrives with a pretty big mob of Antartican citizens that are waving Italian flags with the phrase "viva Italia, death to the isaani regime!" Painted onto it, as well as chanting pro-Italian slogans

[Insaanistan]

Nura and Garibaldi make duā.
Ya Allah, Nura thought Send blessings upon your prophets (peace be upon them), and bless the family of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last and final prophet, of which there is no prophet afterwards. Oh al-Fatih(Victorious One), grant us victory in this effort. Let Italy not fall into the hands out our enemies. Let everything be stable, so democracy may return to our lands again. Amin!
They both stood up and went back to their seats.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Giuseppe stood and cleared his throat. "On what basis is the current Insaanistani occupation of the lands of the Italian Republic justified? Rigged polls, gerrymandered elections, and mass voter intimidation does not count. On what legal basis does Insaanistan abrogate the sovereignty and the right of national self-determination for the Italian people?"

He put his hands on the table and leaned in a little. "And if you would be willing to let Italy go, why not give it a choice? If, for argument's sake, let us say many Italians support your illegitimate occupation government, why not allow them to express that choice without guns and bayonets pointed to their backs?"

Hillshire remained quiet, but seemed to pin Nura to the wall with a blank stare.

[Insaanistan]

Giuseppe stood and cleared his throat. "On what basis is the current Insaanistani occupation of the lands of the Italian Republic justified? Rigged polls, gerrymandered elections, and mass voter intimidation does not count. On what legal basis does Insaanistan abrogate the sovereignty and the right of national self-determination for the Italian people?"

He put his hands on the table and leaned in a little. "And if you would be willing to let Italy go, why not give it a choice? If, for argument's sake, let us say many Italians support your illegitimate occupation government, why not allow them to express that choice without guns and bayonets pointed to their backs?"

Nura rose her hand as if to ask for silence.
“Do not lie, Giuseppe. We have engaged in none of that. The regions of Italy drawn the same way they were before the Italians voted in an elections when he had neither the capability nor the need to attempt to rig the elections. Under our constitution, like that of the United States of America it is impermissible for a region or province to leave our nation once it becomes part of it. The American Civil War was fought in those grounds, and praise be to God, the Northerners soon realized that the South was fighting for slavery, not freedom. We refuse to allow a referendum of independence. The increase in troops in Italy is not intimidation, but rather as a response to the pile up of Romextlian troops on our soil!”

[Caribbean Confederation]

"While I wouldn't use words as fiery as those of my fellow diplomat," J. Henry Murphy said after motioning his wish to deliver a statement, "I must admit that I am equally dubious over the nature of Insaanistan's control over Italia. What I view here -those few Italians Insaanistan has preferred to bring to a conference regarding Italy's fate- appear as though they were victims of a French-style Mission civilisatrice, abandoning their own culture and traditional religion for those of an occupying, colonising enemy."

He was, of course, referring to the actions of the Garibaldi, Insaani representative, who to Murphy appeared as though he had come from a bizarre universe where Africa had successfully colonised Europe. Caribbean would oppose this just as they had opposed colonialism as it appeared in their history. Murphy cleared his throat, "As such, I believe that before the issue of Italian right to self determination can be affirmed, any and all attempts for colonisation and erecting a 'model colony' ought to be stopped. Only then can we see if Italia's position as a so-called integral part of Insaanistan is one they share or not."

[Insaanistan]

"While I wouldn't use words as fiery as those of my fellow diplomat," J. Henry Murphy said after motioning his wish to deliver a statement, "I must admit that I am equally dubious over the nature of Insaanistan's control over Italia. What I view here -those few Italians Insaanistan has preferred to bring to a conference regarding Italy's fate- appear as though they were victims of a French-style Mission civilisatrice, abandoning their own culture and traditional religion for those of an occupying, colonising enemy."

He was, of course, referring to the actions of the Garibaldi, Insaani representative, who to Murphy appeared as though he had come from a bizarre universe where Africa had successfully colonised Europe. Caribbean would oppose this just as they had opposed colonialism as it appeared in their history. Murphy cleared his throat, "As such, I believe that before the issue of Italian right to self determination can be affirmed, any and all attempts for colonisation and erecting a 'model colony' ought to be stopped. Only then can we see if Italia's position as a so-called integral part of Insaanistan is one they share or not."

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

"Who watches the watchmen?" Giuseppe shot back. "On whose watch was the election certified fair? On whose payroll were those counting the ballots? I trust neither Romextly nor Insaanistan. The Italian nation is not a coin or a meatshield to be passed like a hot potato. What 'representation' do you even give? Majority-Catholic Italy ruled by a foreign monarch- and a Muslim one at that! What do you understand of our lives, our economy, our values? Our culture goes deeper than pasta and pretty buildings. It is something that no foreign tyrant can ever understand."

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

"Perhaps one can." Hillshire cooly replied. "But your ability to represent the mostly-Catholic citizens of Italy must be called into question." He smiled, as if this was a discussion at a country villa instead of a serious negotiation. "I mean no offense, sir. We all have our biases; and our religions inform them."

[Caribbean Confederation]

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

"I hope you are not implying," the Caribbean foreign minister responded without losing his cool, ignoring the Insaani attempt in an appeal to emotion, "that the nature of a Muslim Italian while Italia lives under Muslim occupation is the same as that of an Italian who's converted in a native-ruled Italy. That is to say, yes. That is exactly what I am implying: one cannot be both Muslim and Italian while Italy is under unlawful, colonial occupation by an Islamic state."

[Langenia]

Arriving in Rome on a Boeing 777 VIP transport plane of the Langenian Air Force was the Langenian delegation, who proceeded to enter the city in a convoy of cars with small Langenian flags flying . Though the official position of the Langenian government is neutral, due to the fact that both Romextly and Insaanistan are close allies of Langenia (the former being part of the Iron Pact and the latter being helped by Langenia in their civil war, purchasing large quantities of Langenian-made weapons, and permitting Langenian troops to stay on their soil) this position is not shared by all in the delegation. On two of the SUVs transporting bodyguards, at the end of the convoy, the guards fly a Langenian and Italian flag rather than just a Langenian flag. As the Langenians really do not care whether or not Italy is independent, rather, they simply want to avoid a war between Romextly and Insaanistan, the guards responsible for this flag-waving incident will not be disciplined.

Emerging from the convoy and going into the building, escorted by bodyguards is Premier Ricardo Furia, brother of the Langenian President Nicolas Furia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Julio Sanchez, who has been in the national spotlight in Langenia for his support of a realpolitik-based foreign policy.

[Romextly]

"Who watches the watchmen?" Giuseppe shot back. "On whose watch was the election certified fair? On whose payroll were those counting the ballots? I trust neither Romextly nor Insaanistan. The Italian nation is not a coin or a meatshield to be passed like a hot potato. What 'representation' do you even give? Majority-Catholic Italy ruled by a foreign monarch- and a Muslim one at that! What do you understand of our lives, our economy, our values? Our culture goes deeper than pasta and pretty buildings. It is something that no foreign tyrant can ever understand."

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

"Perhaps one can." Hillshire cooly replied. "But your ability to represent the mostly-Catholic citizens of Italy must be called into question." He smiled, as if this was a discussion at a country villa instead of a serious negotiation. "I mean no offense, sir. We all have our biases; and our religions inform them."

"We agree completely with this. Romextly has already pledged to withdraw all troops from Italy once Insaanistan lets go of it."

[Al-Musafakun]

Al-Baḥr al-ʾAbyaḍ al-Mutawassiṭ - Mediterranean Sea

The twin ships of the Mujahideen ad-Din that set sail from al-Qāhira had now entered this strange world beyond the horizon. The ships, seemingly belonging to the 12th century with a crew of faithful lamia fighters steered straight towards their destination. The seas were calm, and that made for easy sailing. Perhaps the ships could be seen, perhaps they could not, none of that mattered to the crew of these vessels.

There were a myriad of voices onboard both ships. Some issuing commands, others asserting said commands, others singing as the clear day lifted the spirits of the crews and bolstered their morale for their fight. Some of them spoke of martyrdom, others of adventure, but all spoke of their devotion and faith in their Truth. They remembered the scriptures and made to pray whenever the ships’ timekeeper said it is time.

The scent of Ītāliyā, the home of the Romans and heart of Christendom, it could almost be tasted - which, for lamia, it was, and it was sweet. "How grand do you think the churches are?" one of the Faithful asked another.
"Psah! They’ll have nothing compared to even the humblest of mosques!" replied she, with deep brown eyes and scales the very same.
"But I hear they’re so large, so laden with gold and ordained with the holiest of Christian relics..."
"A church may be built as tall as a mountain, as laden with gold to blind the very sun, but it shall lack Allah until the day salvation is delivered onto them," came the next and final reply. The first smiled, content and eager to see God bless those buildings of marble and gold.

[Insaanistan]

"Who watches the watchmen?" Giuseppe shot back. "On whose watch was the election certified fair? On whose payroll were those counting the ballots? I trust neither Romextly nor Insaanistan. The Italian nation is not a coin or a meatshield to be passed like a hot potato. What 'representation' do you even give? Majority-Catholic Italy ruled by a foreign monarch- and a Muslim one at that! What do you understand of our lives, our economy, our values? Our culture goes deeper than pasta and pretty buildings. It is something that no foreign tyrant can ever understand."

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

"Perhaps one can." Hillshire cooly replied. "But your ability to represent the mostly-Catholic citizens of Italy must be called into question." He smiled, as if this was a discussion at a country villa instead of a serious negotiation. "I mean no offense, sir. We all have our biases; and our religions inform them."

Garibaldi grunted, wondering whether or not to ask Nura if Maria, Catholic and Italian, could replace him. While his fellow Italians normally saw nothing wrong with it, whenever he went on a foreign diplomatic venture, whether the nation he was visiting was Muslim or non-Muslim, people looked at him funny upon hearing him finish prayer in Arabic then make a supplication in Italian. In made him so angry. While Italian Muslims were a minority, they were a large one, numbering 47.3% of Italy’s population. Some were children or grandchildren of marriages between Arabs and Italians, at least half were like Garibaldi: Italians who were first, second or third generation Muslims. Everyday, that number grew, yet awareness of white Muslims didn’t.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: What the fuck? If Italy joined insa. 60 years ago how the fuck did the number of muslims jump from "zero" to "almost half"? I'm calling forced conversions.

[Insaanistan]

Garibaldi spat out his coffee. However, he tried to keep his cool.
“I hope you aren’t implying,” he started, “that one cannot be both Muslim and Italian.”

"I hope you are not implying," the Caribbean foreign minister responded without losing his cool, ignoring the Insaani attempt in an appeal to emotion, "that the nature of a Muslim Italian while Italia lives under Muslim occupation is the same as that of an Italian who's converted in a native-ruled Italy. That is to say, yes. That is exactly what I am implying: one cannot be both Muslim and Italian while Italy is under unlawful, colonial occupation by an Islamic state."

“My grandparents voted to join Insaanistan. They didn’t show up 61 years ago with warships saying ‘You have been invited to Insaanistan. Join or join.’ Additionally, my grandparents were Muslim before Insaanistan was voted into power. We are not a colony: we are a region of Insaanistan equal to those regions that are majority Muslim!”

[Insaanistan]

OOC: What the fuck? If Italy joined insa. 60 years ago how the fuck did the number of muslims jump from "zero" to "almost half"? I'm calling forced conversions.

(Less forced coercion’s and as I said, half of all Muslim Italians are children or grandchild of Arabs who moved to Italy when it became part of Insaanistan.
Forced conversions are punishable with 5 years in prison under Insaani law. Also, Muslims are concentrated primarily in Italy’s far South, while the North and half of the South are majority Catholic.)

[Langenia]

OOC: What the fuck? If Italy joined insa. 60 years ago how the fuck did the number of muslims jump from "zero" to "almost half"? I'm calling forced conversions.

OOC: Sorry Insaani, but this ^. Just seems kinda sus to me.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: What the fuck? If Italy joined insa. 60 years ago how the fuck did the number of muslims jump from "zero" to "almost half"? I'm calling forced conversions.

(Less forced coercion’s and as I said, half of all Muslim Italians are children or grandchild of Arabs who moved to Italy when it became part of Insaanistan.
Forced conversions are punishable with 5 years in prison under Insaani law.)

OOC: that still doesn't explain how muslims went from 'zero' to 'half of the population' in 60 years. Changing a nation or place's religion takes TIME and A LOT OF UPHEAVAL AND VIOLENCE.

[Insaanistan]

OOC: What the fuck? If Italy joined insa. 60 years ago how the fuck did the number of muslims jump from "zero" to "almost half"? I'm calling forced conversions.

OOC: Sorry Insaani, but this ^. Just seems kinda sus to me.

(
Trust me, of this were an IRL country and I saw that, my reaction 100% would be
“...
There’s no f*ckong that was a choice.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

"I hope you are not implying," the Caribbean foreign minister responded without losing his cool, ignoring the Insaani attempt in an appeal to emotion, "that the nature of a Muslim Italian while Italia lives under Muslim occupation is the same as that of an Italian who's converted in a native-ruled Italy. That is to say, yes. That is exactly what I am implying: one cannot be both Muslim and Italian while Italy is under unlawful, colonial occupation by an Islamic state."

“My grandparents voted to join Insaanistan. They didn’t show up 61 years ago with warships saying ‘You have been invited to Insaanistan. Join or join.’ Additionally, my grandparents were Muslim before Insaanistan was voted into power. We are not a colony: we are a region of Insaanistan equal to those regions that are majority Muslim!”

"We are not asking about your grandparents, although I'm sure they made what they thought was the best choice." Hillshire attempted to soothe the man. "We are asking whether or not Italy and Italians should have the right to decide it's own fate-"

"Where did those Muslims come from originally?" Giuseppe interrupted. "Where from?"

[Insaanistan]

(Less forced coercion’s and as I said, half of all Muslim Italians are children or grandchild of Arabs who moved to Italy when it became part of Insaanistan.
Forced conversions are punishable with 5 years in prison under Insaani law.)

OOC: that still doesn't explain how muslims went from 'zero' to 'half of the population' in 60 years. Changing a nation or place's religion takes TIME and A LOT OF UPHEAVAL AND VIOLENCE.

(No, not all the time. For example, under Mansa Musa, without violence, Islam unequivocally became the predominant religion in Mali.)

[Insaanistan]

“My grandparents voted to join Insaanistan. They didn’t show up 61 years ago with warships saying ‘You have been invited to Insaanistan. Join or join.’ Additionally, my grandparents were Muslim before Insaanistan was voted into power. We are not a colony: we are a region of Insaanistan equal to those regions that are majority Muslim!”

"We are not asking about your grandparents, although I'm sure they made what they thought was the best choice." Hillshire attempted to soothe the man. "We are asking whether or not Italy and Italians should have the right to decide it's own fate."

“Under the Insaani constitution, no region can leave. Do you also oppose the US intervention in the American Civil War? Do you suggest they simply should have let the Southerners have their own state?”