CoDN ONLY | Domestic and International News Thread | 2030

[The Land of the Ephyral]

THIS THREAD IS OPEN ONLY TO MEMBERS OF THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC NATIONS

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COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC NATIONS

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS THREAD - 2030 TIMELINE

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Central thread for the members of the CoDN to make news posts from one or more IC news outlets about the goings on of their nations both domestically and internationally.

Non-CoDN members are kindly asked not to post here.

If you wish to join the CoDN, find our region here: https://www.nationstates.net/region=the ... ic_nations

[Karthspirije]

Metsurár Sharinálla
متسورر شرینللا
The Motherland's Herald

Domestic

Victory Day Parade in Elinhir
Our nation carries a deep scar. Unlike those endured by other peoples, ours is not ancient; a mere half-century old. As our nation was in turmoil, as it was torn between a decadent Arathárr and a righteous revolution, a great treachery befell it. The ancient marches which had long held as our bastions against the arab world were invaded by a wolf in sheep's clothing. Aided and abetted by an ancient enemy, our people had no choice but to rise to the occasion. In the defence of the motherland, millions fell, and millions more who could've advanced our people never came to be. Blood, sacrifice and tenacity drove our people to victory. Our nation, and our people's survival, is a slowly sinking island held up only by the sacrifices of the many.

The Crescent War will always be, both for those who lived and fought through it, as well as for the areas blighted by it, a scar both physical and mental. The wound has long healed, but the pain it caused and the makers of it will never be forgotten. Although those who gave it all for the motherland merely did their duty, the sacrifices of those who came before us must always be remembered and honoured. In keeping with that thought, the nation's largest ever military parade took place yesterday in the capital. With many surviving veterans in attendance, the nation displayed some of its latest developments in weapons technology, including its new long-range missles, as well as the discipline and pride of its troops.

In his address to the Armed Forces, Ajatollá Detsirél urged the people to remember that the War is not just a historical event. Its legacy continues to live on and the people must be ever vigilant, both against any future threats to our motherland as well as for the right moment to earn our retribution.

High Court upholds Ajircsék Doctrine
The Ajircsék Doctrine, the set of unique laws designed to bring order and integrate the nation's "New territories", has long been an issue of fierce debate in our nation. For those who are native to the New Territories, the doctrine is oppressive and seeks to "other" them; forcing them out of the country or seeking to remove their identity. For the Karthspiri in the region, the laws are a necessary evil; necessitated only by unwanton Arab aggression towards them.

In what is being seen as a victory by both sides, the nation's Highest Court today ruled that the Ajircsék Doctine did not violate the Constitutional Pledge which promises "equal rights and protections under the law of God and the State to all brothers and sisters of the book." The Court did, however, say that the Doctrine could only be in compliance with the Constitution provided that it was amended to ensure that facilities provided to New Territory natives and Karthspiri are "seperate but equal." Companies and local Governments are now taking steps to comply with this ruling with the State Railway Operator in the New Territories stating that it was working on a way to quantifiably prove that seperate facilities were of an equal quality.

International

China moves towards Green Energy
In a bold move, Erik Tsu, CEO of "New Energy", announced his support of a concept of "Green Capitalism" to aid in ending China's fossil fuel addiction. Such a goal is noble. The fumes from burning hydrocarbons pollute our cities, poison the land and fill the lungs of our children with toxins. Why keep burning gas and coal when wind and solar are far more cheaper to produce per Kilowatt hour of electricity?

However, our planet's reliance on Hydrocarbons is omnipresent. Mr Tsu seems to forget that energy is not the only use for oil. His children's toys, the roads he drives on and the gel he showers with are all derivatives of Karthspiri petroleum. Whilst aiming to reduce direct pollution from the burning of hydrocarbons is a noble goal, we must remember that without their derivatives, we, like those unfortunate enough to live in Pontus, would likely be living out of caves.

Other:

• Situation in Afghanistan remains unstable
• Bomb blast in Alinair/Baghdad kills 4, injures 17

[Nordamy]

Xinhua News
The Truth Will Set You Free

International
Karthspire Response To Green Grid
The media out of the nation of Karthspirije responded to Mr. Erik Tsu's proposed plan in a curious way. While praising the effort they also seemed to condemn it, citing the remaining dependence on oil. They even went personal on Mr. Tzu saying
"However, our planet's reliance on Hydrocarbons is omnipresent. Mr Tsu seems to forget that energy is not the only use for oil. His children's toys, the roads he drives on and the gel he showers with are all derivatives of Karthspiri petroleum."

Erik Tsu responded by saying

"It seems the Karthspire wish to meddle in our economy to preserve their own interests. Nevermind that my company in no way wants to sell them my technology. They ignore most of our automobiles are duely powered and are increasingly becoming less dependent on oil. If they wish to be tied to oil they can if they wish but we will continue to look for alternatives to oil barons that keep us tied to their whims. I will end with a saying 'Don't knock it until you try it'. I delight in their upcoming response on why the country should be subservient to them"

Bomb Blast Kills Citizen
A terrorist attack in Afghanistan killed 4 and wounded 17. Among the dead were 1 Chinese citizen. Among the injured, 3 were Chinese citizens. The Minister Of Defense has called on local authorities to investigate this matter immediately and that support will be provided if needed. The Chinese military as of now has not been rallied but was made aware of the situation in Afghanistan.

Domestic
Foreign Man Attacks Sex Worker
A foreign man brutally attacked a Sex Worker in Hong Kong. Police were called when screams were heard from a brothel room. Upon the police arriving they found the man brutally punching and kicking the woman in her face and stomach. An intoxication test showed the man had consumed large amounts of alcohol and cocaine.

The Sex Worker was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation and is expected to recover. She indicated that she was quitting effective immediately.

The man is being charged with aggravated assault, attempted homicide and use of an illicit substance. The Sex Worker will also press charges or rape and they could be tacked on if rape can be proven.

The possible penalties for these crimes is a maximum of 8 years in prison, deportation and being banned from the country for up to 5 years.

Music Festival Comes To Tibet
The Snow Dragon Music Festival is coming back to Tibet. Many local artists have announced they will be performing to a large crowd. Groups like Subsonic Santeria, Dorje, Matrix and Garuda are all on the itinerary. The festival will last for 3 days in May and is expected to attract an international audience. Snow Dragon Music Festival is usually labeled "The Coachella Of The East"

Sports
Shanghai Moves On To Championship
Shanghai has moved into the March Madness championships and will be playing Beijing in the Final Match. Both teams have the potential to move on to the international championships.

[Karthspirije]

Metsurár Sharinálla
متسورر شرینللا
The Motherland's Herald

Domestic

An exiled Prince, returned
52 years have passed since our Revolution. As the people ceased control of their state, the Maravirr dynasty, and its decadent head, Arathárr Elinel III, fled across the border into the morally empty Pontic Kingdom. Elinel died on Pontic soil, his son died there too; never once renouncing their promise to overthrow the people's state. The Maravirr dynasty has been vocal and public in its criticisms of our state and, traditionally, always shown a united front to the world.

In the Armenia province, a small border town etches out a living. The town of Yeghegnavan is usually peaceful, the sounds of birds chirping and the light breeze broken only by the Church bells of the local Christian population. This morning, however, the town's population doubled as the national media swarmed the hamlet. According to a Pontic Police report, sourced by this paper, the Maravirr family reported the disappearance of the former Emperor's great-grandson. Riding across the border on a white horse, saluted by the local border guards, Prince Arhél Maravirr defected. For the young prince, the first time he saw his homeland was from the saddle of his horse - like his namesake who established the homeland of our people a millenium ago.

In a meeting with local Government representatives, who mediated a dialogue with the Supreme Leader, Prince Arhél renounced Pontic Citizenship and, under the law of return, was granted Karthspiri Citizenship in its place. However, even though the Prince is probably the purest specimen of Karthspiri blood in existence, under the law of return, he must serve in the Armed Forces for a period of 18 months. According to leaked media reports, he's been assigned to the newly formed, elite "Karthjalárr Force" - details of which are sketchy as best but the force is thought to be part of a new Karthspiri Foreign Policy approach.

Dawn raids in Alinair
The sun rose over the city of Alinair and flocks of birds filled the sky. In the Arab quarters of the city, however, the populace were not woken by the call to prayer. Instead, the sounds of sirens filled the bazaars and streets of Arab neighbourhoods. 118 arrests, 1300 pieces of contraband seized but 0 agents of the state harmed. As the threat from anti-Karthspiri insurgents has grown in the region, police tactics have not only kept up but outpaced those of the dissidents. We all remember the blood which washed through certain neighbourhoods in the 2010s but, nowadays, being a Police Officer in Alinair is safer than even being a Primary School teacher. That is, perhaps, somewhat exaggerated.

What isn't exaggerated is the fact that we're having success after success in quelling unrest in the new territories and that the blood cost of doing so is now next to none. Perhaps, for both Arabs and Karthspiri, the possibility for peace may be drawing closer.

International

An apology to Mr. Tsu
Several editions previous, this paper published an opinion piece outlining why we should support green technology but stressing that petroleum has uses other than energy and should be used more responsibly and not written off. Despite this, the piece appears to have caused considerable offence to a certain "Mr. Tsu" and for that we apologise.

However, we would like to remind Mr. Tsu that arrogance is no way to respond to offence. In his response, Mr. Tsu flaunted his technology and lambasted our nation with mockeries about how he does not even wish to sell us his technology. We would like to remind Mr. Tsu that our nation has built dams which would make even the most determined beaver stop in awe and solar farms so expansive and advanced that there's slightly less of the sun to go around for everyone else. For stealing your sun, rest of the world, we also dearly apologise.

Rál Karai Karthspirethi announce new Jihad
The Rál Karai Karthspirethi (RKK), or Loyal Karthspiri Front in English, are an organisation dedicated to the protection and advancement of the rights and economic status of ethnic Karthspiri living in Afghanistan. In the Central Asian nation, the southern provinces of Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand and Quandahar all have Karthspiri majorities with Karthspiri minorities present in almost every other province. Whilst very strong in some provinces, Karthspiri only make up around a quarter of Afghanistan's population.

In what it sees as the increasing oppression of ethnic Karthspiri, for varied reasons, the RKK has announced a new Jihad against the Afghani state and its allies with the aim of securing full independence for the provinces of Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand and Quandahar in a new Karthspiri ethnostate. In its first major offensive, the RKK has ceased control of most Government military installations in these provinces and has begun to dig in and fortify; inviting Karthspiri from across Afghanistan into the territory to ensure their safety.

In a press release by the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Karthspire, the Government urged the RKK to return to negotiations with the Afghan Government stating, "we understand the pressures you, our brothers, face in your land but there is no need to spill your blood to grasp justice and freedom."

This narrative runs contrary to what many international organisations and journalists are reporting with the RKK alleged to be using Karthspiri weapon systems; likely provided by either the Government themselves or by wealthy benefactors inside the nation.

Other:

• Amy Schumer added to list of individuals prohibited from entering the country. Deemed too "haram", when asked for justification, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman just shouted "my vagina" and looked around, awaiting laughter.
• Pictures of Ajatollá Detsirél's new Akita puppy go viral on Twitter Search Results #SupremeLeaderofCutespire

[The Neo-Marxist Soviet Union]

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CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN

The Kremlin is in shock today as Karthspiri nationalists within Afghanistan have launched a massive military offensive, seizing a number of Afghan military bases. They are spearheaded by the RKK, an ultranationalist islamist terror group which seeks to establish fascist rule over central Asia. Afghan authorities are reportedly overwhelmed and unable to answer with any significant force. In response, the STAVKA has ordered a reactivation of the 40th Army in the Turkestan Military Zone including the 5th, 108th and 201st motor rifle divisions as well as the 103rd VDV division, the 3rd Guards Spetsnaz Brigade and two brigades of secret designation. Chairman Khodorkovsky announced during the afternoon that central Asia is of key strategic importance to the Soviet Union and the government will not allow "adventurism" in Afghanistan, possibly referencing the rumour that the Karthspiri government is arming Afghan islamo-fascists. However, China has also expressed interest in the region, as much of the opium trade into its territory comes from a narrow strip in the Tibetan Plateau. Whatever the case, it is clear that the Soviet Union will not stand idly as the great powers of central Asia seek to try their hand at imperialism.

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THE REFERENDUM'S RESULTS COME IN

The Communist International in the nations of Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary has reported an overwhelmingly positive response to its supranational referendum regarding the integration of these countries into the Soviet Union, as Soviet Republics equal in power to all other constituents. In Poland the completely legitimate results hover around 51% in favour, whereas in our other socialist allies it is slightly lower. The western imperialists have continued denouncing the process as a rupture of the Neo-Communist Party's previous detente policies. The United States of America has been especially skeptical of the results, or on the legitimacy of the entire process to begin with.

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SOVCORP'S VALUE RISING

The Soviet Corporation's value has increased by 150 points just today, great news for workers throughout the world. Its pharmaceutical division has spearheaded this meteoric rise, reportedly expecting a growth of up to 17% by the end of the year. When asked about the reason for this positive economic outlook, President Deripaska commented that SOVCORP has found a new supplier of raw materials for the production of painkillers and other opioid-based medical goods. Pravda reporter Aallotar Pentikäinen asked him about potential customers for these goods. Deripaska replied; "Look, people always need these things. In America, they're practically begging for them. And all nations need to maintain a sizable medical stockpile, look at what happened during the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak. We acted quick, but ran out of supplies and doctors, we had to toughen up and take it. What I'm saying is; don't worry, we'll find someone to sell them to."

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[The Land of the Ephyral]

═───╡❖╞────────═ HERALD OF EPHYRA ═────────╡❖╞───═

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NATIONAL

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ELECTIONS CONCLUDED

The elections of PS 469 have concluded, with the victorious candidates declared as Helaegon Eresios Raheris and Sparlion Gelionios Lenennis. The two man shall perform the religious ceremony required to confirm their appointment on July 16th, and formally take their seats as joint archons of the Freehold. Both men are candidates from the more traditionalist faction of the Senate, and beat out the populist candidates as has been seen for several years now. Political analysts have indicated that growing international scrutiny of Ephyral customs - with many foreign activists and organisations citing the Gregorian calendar as an argument for their ideological positions - may have generated a drive by the electorate to cast support behind those openly standing for the old mores, and against foreign critique.

Indeed, Eresios Raheris and Gelionios Lenennis indicated from the early running some form of partnership as a two-man team to continue to promote the Ephyral way of life and resist attempts by both domestic and international activists to initiate a mutation of local custom and long-standing tradition. The voter turnout has been estimated at about 92.3% of the eligible population, a drop of .5% from last year.

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INTERNATIONAL

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AFGHAN SITUATION ESCALATES

Tensions have been rising in Afghanistan over this present year, but began escalation with a bombing that killed 4 and wounded 17 according to Chinese sources, whose citizens were caught in the attack. Shortly after the bombing, the Loyal Karthspiri Front (RKK) - an organisation self-styled as motivated to protect the rights of ethnic Karthspiri in Afghanistan - declared a new 'Jihad' against the Afghan state and Afghan allies, aiming to achieve secession from the Afghan state in areas with high Karthspiri ethnic presence. A new military offensive was launched by the RKK in which many government military installations in targeted areas were swiftly attacked and seized.

The Soviet Union has responded to these events by labelling the RKK as a Islamofascist terror group, and has reactivated the 40th Army in the Turkestan Military Zone - although no actions of these unit have been reported by the Soviet government and state media. Chairman Khodorkovsky issued a statement describing the RKK as adventurist, a term which many are interpreting to be an accusation of funding and support of the RKK by the Islamic Republic of Karthspire - the only state in which the Karthspiri people are identified as the ruling class. The 'Motherland's Herald' reported a statement by the IRK in which the government urged the group to avoid violence and resume negotiations with the central Afghan government, whilst journalists and NGOs allege the RKK to be using IRK weapon systems. The IRK has not officially denied or confirmed supporting the RKK in any financial or military capacity.

[Karthspirije]

Metsurár Sharinálla
متسورر شرینللا
The Motherland's Herald

Domestic

Karthjalárr Force; details leaked
Shortly before Prince Arhél returned to his homeland, the Government began for formation of a new Army Corps known at the "Karthjalárr Force." Today, perhaps deliberately, perhaps not, details of the force were leaked by the Ministry of War. According to the leaked documents, the force currently has around 60,000 personnel with plans to expand it up to 75,000. The force is specifically designed with the right to return law in mind. Under the Citizenship Law, anyone of Karthspiri blood not holding Karthspiri Citizenship is eligible to apply. In return, however, they must serve for 18 months in the nation's Armed Forces to prove a dedication to the motherland. In this sense, having a force dedicated specifically to those taking advantage of the right to return is seen as making their integration into the Armed Forces, and eventually the nation, far smoother.

The new force, however, may not be viewed to favourably by the international community. The Karthjalárr Force is designed to act as a new Special Force with a focus on Extraterritorial Operations, Foreign Military Assistance and "Unconventional Warfare." The creation of the first force dedicated specifically to the extraterritorial projection of Karthspiri power could be seen by some as a precursor to a more active and assertive Karthspiri state on the world stage - something many nations would wish to avoid.

New illness in Ninévair Province
The New Territories are known for being rough. What the people of the New Territories need is calm and stability and definitely not a new, unknown disease. Unfortunately, they appear to have gotten the latter in place of the former. After an increased Government presence in the region, for as of yet unspecified reasons, reports are leaking out regarding a seemingly mild, but as of yet, unknown disease, infecting around 100 members of the population. The new disease, an as of yet unknown form of virus, is reported to cause high temperatures, headaches and a sore throat in infected individuals.

To many, that would be no cause for concern. However, according to scientests interviewed by this paper, the virus is described as "highly volatile"; meaning that it's prone to mutations and large, swift changes in its genetic code. In addition to the potential for large scale mutation in only a few generations, the virus has remained unresponsive to conventonal retroviral drugs.

International

Afghanistan report
In Afghanistan, the RKK have fully secured the Karthspiri majority provinces of Herat, Farah, Nimruz, Helmand and Quandahar. Although instances of violence in these areas has, so far, been few and far between, the RKK militias, who form the backbone of their combat-ready forces, are not taking any chances. Day and night squads of men in camouflage uniforms can be seen taking to the hills around villages drilling and preparing themselves for war. Around every village, on every hill and in every valley, traditional Karthspiri battle songs fill the air as men of the RKK prepare fortifications and dig in for, what they hope will be, a long fight.

Our reporter on the ground interviewed a village chief and head of his local RKK brigade, here's what he had to say, "in the motherland, all know of our plight. The Afghans and Pashtuns look at us like dirt on their shoes, they threw us out of their mosques and villages 30 years ago so we founded our own. What happened then? The Government stripped us of our rights to own land and to educate our children in our own language. The Afghan Government have not only enabled us to be treated as second class citizens in a land we have inhabited since before even Tamerlane's conquests but have actively participated in it. Turning to armed struggle is our last and only resort. The soil on which the horses of our ancestors grazed, we will defend to the last. If the Afghans think they can cheat us out of our homes, they're playing a game they will never win and, for that, they'll pay a steep blood price."

As the RKK continues to solidify its gains and double-down on its declaration of a holy war for the liberation of Shi'a Karthspiri in Afghanistan, ethnic Karthspiri families from across Afghanistan have reportedly begun fleeing from persecution and flocking to safety behind RKK lines. Whilst trying to keep the peace between Sunni Pashtun and Afghan minorities in their provinces, the RKK have made no attempt to prevent them from fleeing into Government territory and have done little to hinder or prevent actual acts of violence towards them.

This is all occurring at a time of what foreign powers, both China and the Soviet Union, see as in increasing Karthspiri role in the nation. Just yesterday, the Afghan Government published images it claims show columns of Karthspiri troops, equipment and supplies crossing over the border and being greeted by RKK border patrols as well as "Karthspiri Special Forces", which they're claiming to be military officers, trainers and members of the Karthjalárr Force, parachuting and dropping equipment behind RKK lines.

Elections in Ephyra
Just yesterday, the Ephyral went to the polls in their yearly celebration of their ancient democratic institutions. In a resounding rejection of foreign interference in their politics, they voted overwhelmingly for Helaegon Eresios Raheris and Sparlion Gelionios Lenennis to take their positions as joint Archons of the nation. Both men are reported to be from their Senate's traditionalist faction and their election was nothing short of expected with the traditionalists having held a dominant position within the country's politics for the previous several election cycles.

The Foreign Ministry contacted both winners to congratulate them on their electoral success and expressed a keen interest on working together to deepen Karthspiri-Ephyral relations.

Other:

• Soviet Union begins integration of Warsaw Pact nations; a long held ambition or an expression of democratic will?
• Soviet Union mobilises; Karthspiri Foreign Ministry advises against an aggressive Soviet Foreign Policy. "Allah's will is the path of peace." - Foreign Minister Tálreihi

[Amaseia]

- DATE UNKNOWN -
- CALENDARS STOLEN BY KARTHSPIRI SPIES -

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NATIONAL

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PRINCESS AENERYA DIES

A mere five months following the funerals of both her husband and her beloved niece, it has been confirmed by representatives of Trebizond Palace and the royal family that Princess Aenerya, eldest daughter of Vatharion IX and sister to the reigning King Vaermon I, has as well passed on from this world. The 97-year-old princess, whose health had declined rapidly following the tumultuous events of the previous winter, died peacefully yesterday evening in her bedchambers surrounded by her children and her younger siblings. A proper statement by the royal family is expected to follow within the next few days as the departed princess' body lies in state pending funeral preparations.

The news, while understandably sobering to Princess Aenerya's friends and family, comes as little surprise in the aftermath of what has already been a profound loss to both the family and the nation. The sudden passing of Princess Raenera last December sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with King Vaermon I left devastated by the news of his youngest daughter's death. This was only compounded further the following February when Aenerya's husband, Lord Magarys, suffered a devastating stroke and died in hospital, having publicly attended Raenera's funeral with his wife only a week prior. The ensuing months would see an accelerated deterioration in the widowed royal's health, eventually requiring the woman who had spent most of last year jovially overseeing much-needed renovations to Trebizond Palace to use a wheelchair just to leave her room. As such, many who knew her on a personal level would call the news bittersweet, perhaps relieved that such a tortured soul has at last moved on and ascended to the heavens to stand with her ancestors.

Princess Aenerya Raengyreon was born on the 9th of September, 1932, the first child and daughter of then-Prince Vatharion Raengyreon and his wife Malaehra Daerreos. Though experiencing a relatively typical upbringing for much of her early childhood, she and her younger siblings would struggle with the unpleasant memories of the Great War for many years to come. This in turn seems to have left a significant mark on the remainder of Aenerya's life, particularly in regards to the peace efforts she was always eager to have her name attached to and her almost unparalleled devotion to her husband and three children, with whom she shared an extremely close bond up until her final days. An unwavering advocate of peace, she was an ardent backer of her father's earlier policies of rapprochement towards the Pontic nation's old enemy, the Freehold of Ephyra, and expressed only bitter sorrow when her country became embroiled in the Crescent War against the newly-reorganised Islamic Republic of Karthspire, even as her family and much of the government of the time made their opposition to the Karthspiri administration abundantly clear. Despite all this, she nevertheless made every effort to make the exiled Shah's family feel welcome and quietly acquiesced to her father and brother's support for the restoration of the disestablished Karthspiri monarchy.

In more recent decades, the princess would focus the bulk of her efforts inwardly as her children began to assume most of her duties beyond the confines of the capital, serving in a more personal capacity as an adviser and occasional teacher to the younger members of the royal family. By the time she attended her father's funeral in 2005, it had become exceedingly infrequent for her to speak publicly on even domestic matters, owed perhaps in part to her husband's fragile health and her own jadedness towards matters of international concern. She would briefly become the cusp of a spat with the Karthspiri government four years later over comments she had made lambasting the Karthspiri government for throwing military parades on the anniversary of the Crescent War's conclusion, likening it to "parading tanks over the graves over the fallen", though she would again fade from the limelight once the dispute simmered down.

After almost 20 years of mostly silence with only the occasional holiday message or funeral attendance to remind the Pontic people that she was still around, she was thrust back into the public eye last year when she delivered an emotional eulogy for her niece and husband on national television, turning a nation's collective grief into a new wave of support for the grieving royal family, one which only stands to broaden further as we take the time to look back on the exemplary life of Princess Aenerya, once described by her mother Malaehra as the final sturdy hook keeping Pontus tethered to the pervasive ideal of peace, "a battered and beaten old ship that otherwise would have drifted away years ago." Indeed, as the nation comes together for the third time in nearly half a year to bid farewell to a member of the Pontic royal family, perhaps the message for our politicians and future torchbearers is one of cooperation and cordiality instead of war and chaos. As ever, only time shall tell.

MARAVIRR PRINCE'S DEFECTION SPURS ACTION AT BORDER

In the wake of Prince Arhél Maravirr's recent defection to the Islamic Republic of Karthspire, Prime Minister Rhaemor Caengaris has formally announced that security operations all across the Pontic-Karthspiri border are being stepped up in response to what has been called " yet another brazen provocation" by Karthspire and its armed forces.

"While the Kingdom of Pontus is perfectly willing to explore the avenue of repatriating Karthspiri exiles, with their full cooperation of course, it is yet unfortunate that the Islamic Republic sees fit to weaponize Prince Arhél's desire to return home in the interests of stroking their irrational and unyielding hatred for this country and all who are proud to call it home. Their decision to place their shiny new prize at the head of their new 'Karthjalárr Force' like a candle on a cake just serves to hit this point home, and I would hope that these intentions are blindingly obvious to the wider international community as they inevitably mull yet again over the idea of playing along to Elinhir's tune."

Hours following the Prime Minister's statement, Minister of Defence Jaerelon Valgaris also chimed in to report that serious considerations were being made for the possibility of activating ground and air assets close to the border in response to the growing military footprint amalgamating across Karthspiri territory, with officials from all branches of military and government expressing concern over the increasing assertiveness on display in the Islamic Republic's playing field. We can only assume the unravelling political situation in Karthspiri-majority parts of Afghanistan has placed such considerations on ever higher notice, though as of yet the Karthspiri government's official stance on the matter has been one of careful moderation.

The Maravirr family has yet to comment publicly on the situation, though it is understood the departure of the former Shah's great-grandson has sent shockwaves through the household that once called the people of Karthspire their subjects.

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INTERNATIONAL

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AFGHAN TERRITORY SEIZED BY KARTHSPIRI MILITIA

In a grievous escalation of what was already a situation spiralling well out of control, reports have come in that soldiers operating under the banner of the Rál Karai Karthspirethi (RKK), an organisation claiming to champion the rights of the Karthspiri minorities living in Afghanistan, have apparently seized control of several majority Karthspiri provinces in the west of the country. Having openly stated their intent to wage a holy war against Afghanistan's ruling Sunni majority with the ultimate aim of seceding from Afghan rule, the RKK has followed up on their swift territorial conquest by bolstering their defences in anticipation of an inevitable military response from the Afghan government. So far, official information on such a response has yet to surface, however there are fears this conflict will end in a great deal of bloodshed regardless of how things pan out.

Prime Minister Rhaemor Caengaris is understood to have phoned the Afghan premier early this morning to advocate the opening of diplomatic talks with the RKK, whilst also expressing his government's support for the territorial integrity of Afghanistan and opposition to any action which would see the country divided even further.

EPHYRAL TRADITIONALISTS TROUNCE OPPOSITION AT ELECTIONS

In a resounding upset for populist candidates advocating varying levels of change within Ephyral society, the voting public of the Freehold has seen fit to grant election co-runners Helaegon Eresios Raheris and Sparlion Gelionios Lenennis a sweeping mandate for the upcoming year. With a turnout of 92.3%, a slight decrease from last year's 92.8%, political commentators have judged the victory to be a stern refusal by the Freehold electorate to be cowed by the international community into compromising on the values they consider sancrosact. With the swearing-in to commence as per ceremony on July 16th, we will yet see if the new joint archons can justify the mettle of their voting base.

[Nordamy]

Xinhua News
The Truth Shall Set You Free

International
Afghanistan Crisis
A militia group calling itself the Rál Karai Karthspirethi (RKK) has launched a holy war or Jihad against the government of Afghanistan to "champion the rights of ethnic Karthspie in Afghanistan". Afghan media published images of alleged Karthspire forces in Afghanistan assisting the RKK. The Soviet Union has labeled the RKK as "Islamofascists" and had rallied their army in the Soviet Turkestan area.

President Ma has ordered the border with Afghanistan to be shut down entirely and that a no travel order for Afghanistan be put in place.

Ephyral Elections
The people of Ephyral went to the polls yesterday in a 92.3% turnout. The victors were Helaegon Eresios Raheris and Sparlion Gelionios Lenennis. The two represent the so called Traditionalist wing of their government. This was seen as expected given the Traditionalist majority in their government. President Ma and Prime Minister Xi contacted the two to personally congratulate them and wish them well.

Domestic
Body Repatriated Home
The one dead citizen in the terrorist attack was brought home today. His identity was released by the Ministry Of Defence as Mr. Tian Kai hui. He was 30 and a member of the Chinese Army. He was on leave and backpacking across Afghanistan. He was flown in to Beijing Air Force Base where his casket was draped with the flag of China. After a moment of silence he was transferred to a hearse that took him to Beijing Military Hospital. His body will be held there until his funeral and cremation. He will be buried with full military honours as he entered the military at 18. Presented Ma called out the perpetrators of the attack as

"Backwards and barbaric people who take a sick delight in killing others and their own. Justice will be done on behalf of the dead and injured by your actions."

Mr.Tian leaves behind a wife and two sons.

Sports
Shanghai Win March Madness
The Shanghai University Dragons defeated Beijing 103 to 97 in the final match. This puts Shanghai as champions of the Chinese March Madness and eligible for the International Championships.

[Karthspirije]

Metsurár Sharinálla
متسورر شرینللا
The Motherland's Herald

Domestic

Emergency Powers enacted in Ninévair Province
As has been widely reported, an as of yet unidentified sickness has been spreading amongst the populace of the Ninévair Province. Whilst figures are sketchy at best, it's generally believed that the number of cases of the sickness has, in recent days, skyrocketed beyond original expectations. This has been put down to both a mutation making the disease more infectious alongside a local Arab cultural event. In response to the rapid spread of what was dubbed as "Assur Fever" on social media, the Government has enacted emergency powers in the region. From tomorrow onwards, media coverage on the Ninévair Province will be heavily restricted, the internet in and out of the province will be restricted for essential Government use only and all lines of communication will be cut. According to local sources, troops in biowarfare response equipment have taken up a heavy presence on the streets of the province and loud-speakers are warning individuals to stay inside.

Welfare for all Karthspiri
In a bold move, the National Council today passed a bill proving both legal permission and funding to extend the nation's family-based welfare system. The planned expansion will not only benefit ethnic Karthspiri with two or more children here at home but the Government plans to roll out the system to eligible members of the diaspora. Whilst exploratory preparations for this expansion are still being made, the reaction amongst communities of all Karthspiri groups has been overwhelmingly positive against a backdrop of steep rises in the cost of having a larger family.

International

Afghanistan Report
RKK militiamen stand guard at the gates of their communities - now bursting to the brim with Athirelli refugees from all Afghanistan. Despite the downing of an Afghan Helicopter by an RKK Recon Team this morning, there is tension on the frontline but no real fighting. Morale amongst the RKK remains high and, in good spirits, the militiamen have taken to calling it the "Déren Tsirhád" or sitting Jihad. The militias, still, refuse to take any chances. Squads of volunteers have carved almost invisible defenses into the mountains where faithful soldiers wait day and night. Mounted troops go daily from village to village - checking up on the locals and bringing supplies where needed. Mosques in the region have begun broadcasting war songs and motivational messages from their many minarets and Karthspiri war banners fly from their spires - daring anyone brave enough to try to see them burn.

The Athirelli know that the standoff cannot last forever. When the fighting comes, like always, they'll be ready.

Our Condolences
Yesterday, the Trebizond Imperial reported the unfortunate passing of Princess Aenerya. The elderly Princess had, for some time, been struggling with ill health but was, in the end, blessed with a peaceful death surrounded by loved ones. A quiet campaigner against the Crescent War and a supporter of peace between men, she was always well-liked here in Karthspire, despite her homeland not being so warmly received. The Karthspiri Foreign Ministry has, for the first time since the end of the Crescent War, officially contacted the Pontic Government - relaying their condolences and offering to send a Karthspiri Delegation to her funeral should they be welcome to do so.

Other:

• Huge winter bilzzard buries the north of the country
• Chinese promise revenge for Afghan dead
• Pontus condemns Prince Arhél

[Nordamy]

Xinhua News
The Truth Will Set You Free

International
Virus Outbreak
A new virus has broken out in the Ninévair Province of Karthspire. Reports and statistics of the infected are sketchy but there is a confirmed outbreak and Karthspire troops were confirmed to be deployed in Biohazard suits. Eyewitnesses on the ground report many sick and dead. There are reports of rapid mutations of the virus that makes it more lethal. The confirmed symptoms are flu like:
1. High fever
2. Headache
3. Sore throat

The later stages are thought to have these symptoms according to reports:
1. Vomiting
2. Pulmonary Edema
3. Hemoraging
4. Organ failure

The Ministry of Health met with the President, Prime Minister and Supreme Lama. The response was overnight with an immediate travel ban to Karthspire and a No Movement order in the Western Provinces in Tibet and Turkestan States. Land borders in those states were shut down and local bases were put in charge of border patrol. All Karthspire foreign nationals in country are asked to leave the country by the end of the day. Any infected will be immediately hospitalized before being sent home. All Chinese nationals in the rest of the country are asked to carry on but be aware of the symptoms. All schools and businesses will close for 1 week to be sanitized and they will reopen for normal business hours. Places of business in the Western Provinces in the States of Tibet and Turkestan will close for 2 weeks to be sanitized and will reopen on modified business hours(9 am to 3pm).

Domestic
Terrorists Brought To Justice
President Ma confirmed that the terrorists in charge of the attack that killed a Chinese national and wounded many were brought to justice. At midnight, a 10 person team from the special operations unit called Delta Force stormed a house in Afghanistan. The house was occupied by six terrorists, all armed. Four of the terrorists were shot immediately and two were captured alive and taken back to China to be tried. After killing the four terrorists, the special forces left a calling card, a decapitated pig's head at the foot of the bodies with it's blood sprinkled on the corpses as an insult to the Islamic belief that pigs are dirty creatures.

The two captured were confirmed in interrogations to be the ringleaders in a terrorist group dedicated to spreading global jihad against infidels or kuffar. The two will be arraigned in court tomorrow and will be held in a military jail until they get their day in court. Their defensive team is expected to plead insanity and brainwashing in exchange for a lesser sentence. The prosecution will seek the maximum penalty of life in prison and corporal punishment.

[Nordamy]

Xinhua News

The Truth Will Set You Free

Domestic

Tomb Sweeping Day
Today is the festival of Tomb Sweeping. Family members visited the tombs of deceased ancestors to clean the graves and to give the traditional offerings of: tea, ghost money, incense, rice and candles. Various temples held services that included prayers to the dead, the giving of offerings and the traditional prayers from the Amitabha Sutra and the Trisagion Hymn. Some mourners gave offerings at the graves of the nation's founders:Chang Kai Shek, Sun Yat Sen, Tenzin Gyatso, Jampal Gyaltsen and Abdullah Bughra. President Ma, Prime Minister Xi and Lama Tenzin laid wreaths, cleaned the tombs and offered incense to their spirits as "Ancestors Of The Republic".
Tomb Sweeping Day usually falls the week before Pascha as it commemorates the dead.

Terrorists Day In Court
The two captured terrorists from Afghanistan were seen in court today under heavy security. The two were in full restraints and under the watch of armed military police. As the two under the rules of war are not military combatants, they will receive a civilian criminal court trial as opposed to a military criminal trial. The two being non citizens were not granted bail and will be held in a high security jail. The prosecution and the defense picked the jurors for the first day of testimony after Pascha. Witnesses are being summoned to testify in China against the two defendents. We will keep you updated on the trial.

[The Neo-Marxist Soviet Union]

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RED AIR FORCE STRIKES!

Cheery crowds showed their unwavering support for the Neo-Communist Party today in the Red Square as Comrade Khodorkovsky announced that the Red Air Force had bombed a number of islamo-fascist strongholds in the mountains of Afghanistan with sulfur mustard. The Afghan government was reportedly dumbfounded by this move, as they had not been warned. Khodorkovsky retorted later by Twitter; "we need not permission to end any immediate threat to the Soviet Union, less so in a bourgeois republic." A Kremlin spokesman reported to Pravda that the Soviet Armed Forces would not occupy Afghanistan in a conventional fashion, citing the disastrous Yugoslavian and German insurgencies of the 1990s. For now, the army that had been assembled in the Turkmenistan region is ready to respond to any conventional action on our side of the border. However, the two previously reported, unidentified infantry units are not entrenching themselves at all.

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TERRORIST ATTACK IN WARSAW

With heavy heart Pravda has to report that a Polish ultranationalist detonated a suicide bomb in the Trocka subway station of Warsaw, killing 12 commuters, four of which were members of the Polish United Worker's Neo-Mechanical Party, and one national of the Russian SSR. Quickly finding his identity due to the city's facial recognition capable CCTV systems, Polish secret police raided the perpetrator's home and found evidence of his connection to local ultranationalist terror cells, but not before losing one agent to a small IED. "Spetsgruppa Alfa" of the KGB has reportedly been dispatched to investigate and destroy the terror cell in an act of retribution.

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SOVCORP-SUPPORTED POLITICIAN FOUND DEAD

John Walker, an American citizen and member of the Communist Party USA, has been found dead in his apartment in Chicago, Michigan. Police reported two shots in the back of the head with a 9x18mm Makarov pistol with subsonic ammunition. While local Cerman-aligned authorities blamed the attack on "eastern agitators" based on the context of Walker's death and the calibre used, a SOVCORP representative in America replied through Twitter that John Walker was one of the 17 members of the CPUSA elected for the Chicago City Council, having received ample lobbying by said conglomerate. To the knowledgeable Pravda author, this seems like a classic case of FBI-sponsored assisted suicide. Prior to the assassination, he was last seen delivering a speech to the workers of a local Zhukola white coke bottling plant.

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[Karthspirije]

Metsurár Sharinálla
متسورر شرینللا
The Motherland's Herald

Domestic

Media blackout lifted, New Territories quarantined
The media blackout, imposed by the Government after the onset of "Assur Fever", has been lifted following a leaked report by Xinhua News showing the deteriorating situation in Ninévair Province. As the blackout was lifted, presumably to allow the Government to defend its handling of the epidemic, the Government announced that "control measures" were to be extended to the entirety of the New Territories, with the exclusion of the Armenian Administrative Zone, on the back of a sharp incline of cases in the neighbouring Alinair and Veshrár Provinces. To further prevent the spread of "Assur Fever", local authorities in the New Territories have announced a halt on all exports, including crude oil and its derivatives, so as to prevent a mass global spread.

When questioned directly on the disease, Press Secretary to the Department for the New Territories, Medora Tsirhenál, acknowledged the rapid mutations reported to be taking place in relation to the virus as well as the list of symptoms reported on by the Chinese outlet. Whilst the official number of total cases is still being tallied, around 1000 deaths have already been attributed to the Virus and experts from the Elinhir Medical Institute claim that the mortality rate could be similar to that seen in the 2015 Ebola outbreak; standing somewhere around 30%.

Meanwhile, the Exterior Ministry has advised other nations to "take a measured response" with regards to the crisis but has itself instituted mass health screening at all major transport hubs.

Treasury announces ambitious program
Since the establishment of the Republic, the Treasury has lacked some of the assets possessed by other comparable nations and, thus, has hindered its liquidity as well as its ability to fight particular crises. The main problem is a severe shortage in precious metal reserves which has, for some time, reduced the confidence and trust market forces place in the treasury as well as leaving the nation's manufacturing sector, particuarly electronics, open to price fluctuations.

Karthspire once held some of the largest reserves of precious metals in the world. This stock, however, was looted by both the Royal Family before fleeing the Islamic Revolution with what remained having being essentially cannibalised to purchase military equipment during the Crescent War.

In a huge program, funded mostly by higher than expected oil revenue, the treasury has announced a 83billion₴ ($62.25billion) program to increase the nation's reserves of precious metals to levels comparable to those of its neighbours.

Prince Arhél spotted in Elinhir
Having apparently returned home from military service, members of the local press spotted Prince Arhél, now adorned with several visible facial scars, entering a meeting hall in the capital city; a hall known to be frequented by monarchist sympathisers. Naturally, such an occurrance has sparked discussion in both the media and public sphere with some speculating the young Prince is, ultimately, aiming to restore the Monarchy with himself at its head.

International

An envious red bear
The red bear has awoke from its slumber to feel a great hunger growing within. Its first target? Afghanistan. The scores of RKK militiamen and volunteers who, until recently, valiently held the line and even forced Afghan soldiers back across their self-declared border are now too depleted or filled with the sick and wounded to put up any real resistance. Karthspiri social media sites are filled with images of men in RKK uniforms writhing in pain inside makeshift field hospitals with Afghan troop movements and aircraft audible in the background.

As the people of the shortlived Athirelli state have realised that their once solid shield has been reduced to fragments of scrap, many have taken it upon themselves to cross into Eastern Karthspire. Within the days since the Soviet attack on RKK lines, around 100,000 Athirelli civillians have fled over the border - escaping the Afghan swarms. The Interior Ministry is reportedly scrambling for resources to deal with a refugee influx of, potentially, the entire Athirelli population of around 10,000,000 alongside fighting an epidemic. As a result, senior members of the Interior Affairs Committee called on the international community to both condemn Soviet aggression as well as to provide material assistance to the expected flood of refugees.


Other:

• Oil prices rise on announce of Karthspiri supply cut
• Silver and Gold prices predicted to rise sharply; inflating currencies backed by these metals

[Nordamy]

Xinhua News
The Truth Will Set You Free

Domestic
Meeting With Ascoobis
President Ma along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting will be occurring in Hawaii. Several topics from trade to the economy will be discussed between the dignitaries.

Foreign
Media Blackout In Karthspire Lifted
Following leaked footage by Xinhua News in Ninévair Province regarding the outbreak. Their government announced "control measures" in their new provinces but this was not further explained. A Press Secretary stated mutations are taking place and that other nations should take preventative measures. The press secretary kept referring to Xinhua News for leaking information on symptoms and footage of the infected. We at Xinhua News applaud Karthspire for loosening up on their media blackout but we also ask for more transparency and to allow for reporters to keep covering the outbreak freely without harrasment. Already China has stopped all travel to the county and have posted soldiers from the Army and doctors from the Ministry of Health.

Sports
Hong Kong loses to Macau
The Macau Dragons defeated the Hong Kong Eagles in Baseball 22-18. Macau will next verse the Shanghai Athletics in Shanghai next week.