A World Ablaze (Reboot|Nation|Open|IC)

[Anowa]

Banner Art By: New Grestin

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OP: Anowa
CO-OP(s):
>>The Pub<<
>>Theme Song<<
>>OOC<<

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September 3rd 2001

UNSC Reform

Today, New York collected a number of diplomats, envoys, and public figures to discuss the long standing question of reform in the UN's Manhattan building. While specifics have not been fully disclosed, multiple rumors have started to spread about what it's contents will be. Ranging from suspending UN members for human rights violations, to a mandatory supply of peacekeepers from UNSC members, all of it seems to be for the better. Though with nothing concrete to go off of, there is no way to tell whether the UN is overstepping it's boundaries or making the world a better place.

Regardless, the UN seems to be on the precipice of change. And with the ongoing genocide of the Kurdish people's in Western Iran, it is far from soon enough.

Kurdish Worries in the Levant

As the Iranian inflicted genocide of the Kurish peoples continues in Western Iran, Kurdish minorities in the remainder of the middle east express worry and concern over the perceived lack of action from the rest of the world, namely the nations they themselves inhabit. Mass demonstrations have been seen in both Mosul and Diyarbakır, though the latter was swiftly and brutally put down by Turkish police. In Iraq, Kurds are pressuring the government to intervene in the genocide, while multiple armed members of the ethnic group attempt to cross the border to fight back. All the while UN Peacekeepers attempt to restrain Iranian attempts to continue the conflict.

Meanwhile in Europe, France has condemned the actions of Iran, and has publicly stated that they will support any UN operations into the region fully. Italy, Greece, and Norway have also stated their intent to de-escalate the genocide and Iranian aggression by any means.

Whatever the result, it appears that Iran has kicked the hornet's nest.

Wildfire in Mexico

Recent fire bans in Western Mexico have proved to be ineffective to halt the eventuality of wild fire. As it stands, over 200 square kilometers of arid shrub land in Mexico's Baja province have been ignited, with a very large majority of the Central Baja Peninsula and it's townships at risk. So far, local authorities have evacuated most townships along the Highway 1 through Baja in the afflicted area, but the fires continues to grow.

External experts expect that foreign aid will be required at this point, due to the resources the Mexican gov't is already using to combat insurgencies in both their north and south.

Either way, baja won't be the same afterwards.

[Montchevre]

As the Argentine economy has continued to decline, a trend that has already lasted three years, prices of basic commodities have begun to skyrocket amidst high inflation and increased oil prices. This has led to massive street protests against the neoliberal administration, which have centered on accusations of cronyism and dictatorship akin to the economic policies pursued under the Junta's Cavallo. Protests have intensified into riots in the urban centers of Buenos Aires and Rosario. Unemployment is high and economic prosperity for lower- and middle-class Argentinians is extremely unsure. This undoubtedly will lead to further support for the left-wing Alianza in the upcoming elections.

[Insaeldor]

President Pau Martellejarà
Los Pinos
Mexico City

"So it truely does look like hell doesn't it?" I asked my Secretariat of the Interior Raúl Fuentes. We sat somewhat quietly in a smalll lounge room. I enjoyed having discussions here, it always gave me the presence of Authority. It was designed to keep me high above the others and to keep them low to me. But today wasn't about hard negotiations, it was about trying to solve the pressing issues in Baja.

"It truly does. We don't have any figures but we think about a 1/4th of the population will be displaced before the fires die off. Currently most of the central areas of the peninsula are unsafe for continued habitation." He said sitting down in the small chair I provided to my guest.

"What about evacuations?"I inquired.

"Mostly taking place in Baja California, most are being sent to cities in Baja California Sur as temerity hiking areas until we can get a hold of the situation." He responded. He took small breath before continuing.

"Currently the largest evacuation centers are in Santa Rosalía and Loreto." He finished. Clearing his throats a little.

"What is our ability to combat the fire?" I asked him trying to see if I could get a better grasp on the situation at hand.

"Currently we're not making much progress, we're pulling fire fighters from around the country but we simply don't have enough tools at hand in order to combat a fire of this scale. We need more fire fighting airplanes and more people of the ground. We also need more people on the group to help with evacuations. San Felipe, Molino Viejo, San Quintín and in the process of being evacuated. If San Quintín is hit then we'd have to evacuate Ensenada... and we simply don't have the resources for that type of evacuation" he said with a hint of dread in his voice. He was correct in every sense, Ensenada was a city of 230,000 people. With so many military forces tied up combating these verious militant groups I wasn't sure if we'd have the ability to pull enough troops to pull off a successful evacuation.

"Well I'll talk to the Secretariat of National Defense and see what we can do." I told him, I wasn't sure what would come out of talking to the Secratariate. But I'm sure we could figure something out in order to get through this tragity.

---

Secretariat of National Defense General Emilio Helú-Maht walked into my lounge room. I walked up to him and gave him a small hug and a single kiss on the cheek to which he resipricated. Emilio was a close confidant of mine back in the army, we had also worked together at my company for awhile as he gave us feedback and ideas on optic concepts and working prototypes. When it came time to pick my cabinet he was an easy first choice for his new position. I brough him over to my couch where we would sit next to one another and discuss the current crisis

"So, Fuentes is worried that we'll have to start evacuating Ensenada. Our main concern is a lack of military and civil service units who are able to preform the evacuations if needed. I want to know if you'd be able to spare any troops to help with the current crisis if it comes to us actually evacuating the city." I told him as plainly as I could. I could tell he knew the gravity of the situation right from there. This wasn't lost in him.

"I couldn't say, currently the military is combating rebels with a fair level of regularity, I'm surprised nothing serious has occurred and I'd like to keep it that way. But if we're talking something this serious we need to act now."

"I agree."

"So, what exactly did you have in mind Mr. President?"

"I think we could siphon some troops from 8th and 3rd Brigades currently in the south. We move them up towards Mexicali and San Quintín to help with the evacuations. We would then move the Pacific Naval force from Manzanillo and start naval evacuations from there. " I said to him, I knew however if the drawbacks to such a plan. If we did so it be an inevitable that the socialist would be able to push further north since we wouldn't have the forces capable to properly combat them. They might also reach further into the Yucatán. But I'd rather then have a military victory than a political victory. If we didn't act soon a lot of people would be dead and it would only feed into the socialist narrative. I looked at Emilio and I could tell we were on the sane page. Now all that was left was for us to get things settled for when they did eventually creep up north. I stoop up and adjusted my coat. I then turned and looked down at him.

"Also, if you could meet up with your generals, I'd like a praliminary outline for Operation Tzopilotl. I'd like to have a manifest of involved units and a basic outline of their goals and targets." Intold him just before leaving my little lounge, the idea being to head out and do the usual day to day activities that I was elected to do.

[Nea Byzantia]

Outskirts of Sanandaj, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001
A military convoy drove in the middle of the desert road. The soldiers in the back of the army truck looked bored out of their minds. They were about to get more than they bargained for. The truck came to a stop in a wadi. The road was blocked by a cart. The convoy stopped and some of the soldiers got out to move the cart. That's when the 60 or so men clad in black armed with AK-47s appeared in the wadi.

"Drop your weapons!" they ordered. The convoy surrendered. The Iranian soldiers were lined up and more men dressed in black arrived into the wadi. The men in black formed two lines with the Iranian soldiers in the middle. One line of black-clad men had AKs lodged into the soldiers' backs, while the other line stripped the Iranian soldiers of their uniforms, gear, guns and money, leaving the poor bastards only in their underwear.

An hour later, the convoy was headed in the opposite direction and about 30 Iranian soldiers, dressed only in their boxers, lay dead in a wadi.

---

Royal Palace, Tehran, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001



It was late afternoon, Shah Khusrau III sat in the grand gilded halls of his Palace, smoking rose-water through an ornate hookah. The 68 year old General turned Shah had spent most of the day deliberating with his advisors and officials, now he just wanted some peace and quiet. He was pondering the current spate of international criticism of his treatment of the Kurds. It meant nothing to him as long as the United States did nothing. Still, genocide was not a great legacy to leave behind, not if the Shahdom were to avoid being merely another deranged Middle Eastern dictatorship. Besides, who would want to end up like Saddam? The image of the Dictator lying face down in his office, caused the Shah to recoil.

Khusrau set aside his hookah and rose from his seat. He needed to walk. Sitting cooped up inside was no way and no place to consider the problems a nation faced. The Shah strode out into the magnificent gardens.



He was greeted by the kiss of the beautiful Persian sun, the whisper of the cool, soft, wind and the majestic blue sky gazed down upon him.

"Ah, such a lovely day." said Shah Khusrau III aloud. He strode through a pathway of flagstone, shielded by a vault of fine beautiful apricot trees. He nodded to the guards, spaced every 10 meters or so, throughout the gardens. The Shah then took a seat on a beautiful stone bench. He sighed.

"Allah be praised! I could not have asked for better weather."

A smiling butler approached him and handed him a tall glass of orange juice. He took it gladly and sipped it. "What could possibly go wrong?"

That is when the assailant appeared from behind, jumping out from behind some shrubbery. Knife in hand.

"For Kurdistan!" shouted the man as he lunged at the Shah with his knife. Khusrau, despite his age, dodged the man, thus the knife meant for his heart, lodged in his shoulder.

"GUARDS!!!" hollered the Shah in pain. The guards were there in seconds and the would-be assassin was tackled to the ground and subdued. The Shah looked at his bleeding shoulder and a hot rage came upon him.

---

Sanandaj, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001


The city of Sanandaj had been under Iranian military occupation since 1996. Formerly, one of the largest Kurdish cities in Iran, the Kurdish inhabitants had mostly been killed, with the rest fleeing into the wilderness. As a result of this, the Shah decreed that Sanandaj would be repopulated by other Iranian groups and that the city would be put under military occupation. So it has remained to this day.

A military parade moves through the streets and throngs of loyal Iranians line the streets waving flags and holding up portraits of Shah Khusrau III. The troops march in ceremonial dress to the center of the city. In the newly constructed grand plaza, the mayor and other officials of the city are standing on a stage. Behind them is a recently erected 40ft statue of the Shah, made of bronze. The mayor of Sanandaj walks up to the podium and speaks.

"My fellow citizens and fellow Iranians,

Today we gather together to thank Allah and remember the good deeds of our most blessed ruler, Shah Khusrau the Third to hold such a great name throughout our people's long and storied history. Before 1993, before the Great Revolution, this nation had gone through cycles of exchanging one set of incompetent dictators for another. From 1953-1979, this nation was mismanaged and oppressed by Shah Pahlavi and his American and Israeli paymasters! Then in 1979, that scum of the earth, Ayatollah Khomeini took power and reigned tyrannically. He claimed to speak for Allah and to be a true Muslim. But Allah, struck down this false cleric in 1989. Then in 1993, Khusrau began his Jihad against those false-Muslims, those thieves who had taken up residence in Tehran! He drove them first from the city and then from the nation! For that we are eternally greatful. The Shah has restored peace, prosperity and..."

The mayor never got to finish his speech, for a sniper on a rooftop silenced him with a bullet to the head. Screams and pandemonium began in the square, but it was about to get much worse. Army trucks came driving into the square running over civilians. Men dressed as Iranian soldiers began firing into the crowd and into the soldiers on the parade square, shouting, "FREE KURDISTAN! FREE KURDISTAN!" It was bedlam, it was chaos. Then one of the Kurds dressed in a uniform stolen from an Iranian soldier fired an RPG shell into the statue with a final shout of "F*ck Khusrau!!!"

[Vacif]

September 3rd 2001
Republican Palace
Baghdad, Iraq

President al-Ghazi sat in the lounge as he discussed with his ministers over lunch about the state of the country. Things could certainly be better but at least people weren't rioting in the streets. Well...actually they were. Thousands of Kurds took to the streets in Mosul over the lack of action their government had taken regarding the quintessential genocide happening in Iran. Truth be told what could they do? They could obviously condemn the actions of their neighbor but that wouldn't stop future killings, or save those suffering. All they could do right now was care for those that sought asylum and take care of their own nation. Did they expect the Iraqi government to take up arms once again? After not one, not two, but three lost wars, two of which were to their would-be opponent if they were to engage in armed conflict? They would not, they could not do an armed intervention. They would try to initiate diplomacy, but armed conflict was not something they could afford, what with their economy in shambles thanks to the last war.

The Iraqi infrastructure in all sectors had been near-completely destroyed thanks to coalition bombing runs. The UN has spent billions helping rebuild vital infrastructure like roads, hospitals and schools which was something he appreciated greatly but even without UN sanctions, there were still those implemented by the UK and the US on their oil revenue, and the low price of oil had hurt and still hurt their economy. They ached badly from the past few decades and they were in colossal debt. Much of the government spending had been redirected from the military to the industry to help revitalize it and to get Iraqis back on their feet as employment was at an all time low.

They'd talk with the Kurdish Regional Government. Officially they'd have to tell them not to send in the Peshmerga. Armed conflict would only hurt the legitimacy and stability on the region. Furthermore it would probably strain relations with Iran more. Of course with the strained nature of the military it was impossible for the Iraqi military to patrol the borders constantly, what with the demilitarization overseen by international observers. Much of the northern border was patrolled by the Kurdish Peshmerga anyhow. They'd tell the masses not to go into Iran, to prepare for those seeking refuge, and they'd also denounce those who'd been caught. Violence always hurts the cause. As for Iran they'd ask them nicely to stop butchering thousands of Kurds. Reason with them that it would only leave them in a bad spot with the rest of the globe and that they could not support the indiscriminate genocide of the Kurdish people.

Back to the military it was consolidating power. There was less of a focus on getting the latest weapons technology (Seeing as they couldn't get it) and more on training and quality of the soldier. 375 000 men weren't any good if rabble and rebels a fraction of the size could route them. The men were training hard, morale had improved since the Gulf War, and a purging of old military leaders had occurred, cleaning up the corruption and laziness in the military. The men were young, 65% of the nation were under 30 years of age. What they lacked in experience they made up for in surprising spirit and hope for the future. This hope was not limited to the military however as many civilians in the nation had hope. Education had been restored to both genders. The young were idealistic, left leaning, and well intentioned. He just hoped he could do well for them and those in the future.

[Pasong Tirad]

President Raul Roco of the Republic of the Philippines
Cabinet meeting, Malacañan Palace
September, 2001

The cabinet meeting has been going on for a few hours. Just one more agenda point until the president, vice president and their cabinet recesses for lunch. Much has been discusses, but it's mostly just the weekly updates on various issues. Weather reports, land reform (going on a glacially slow pace, as usual), the universal healthcare initiatives, corruption within the departments (contentious, but the President himself wants to talk about it every week), the peace process in Mindanao (going smoothly as ever).

Now, however, there's a new agenda point from the Secretary of National Defense: it has been a year since the last reported encounter with the country's many communist insurgent groups, the longest sustained period of peace since the funding of the communist insurgents was cut-off in early 1993. SecDef believes the insurgents to be weak, and that an all-out assault is necessary to finally cut the head off the metaphorical snake.

"No," budges the President. "I will not be held responsible for the deaths of hundreds or even thousands of Filipinos in a war that may very well be their end."

"But Mr. President-"

"No, Mr. Secretary. You, along with our Secretaries of Agrarian Reform, Agriculture, and Justice, will be leading peace talks with the communists. Find us a neutral third party that can lead the negotiations and we'll begin immediately."

"Yes, Mr. President."

"What's our agenda after lunch?"

"Just international updates, Mr. President."

"Then let's just delay lunch and do that right now. What's going on overseas?"

"Kurdish genocide in Iranian Kurdistan and wildfires in Mexico."

"Okay, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and her department will get in contact with our embassy in Mexico and our consulate in Iran to ensure the safety of Filipinos living in those two countries. Meanwhile issue a statement about the safety of Iranian Kurds, peace in Iran, the usual stuff. Easy enough, Madam Secretary?"

"Yes, Mr. President."

A few more minutes of talk between the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. President, and Madam Vice President on the crafting of the letter and the intricacies of what to do with the expatriates and Filipino workers in Iranian and Mexican soil, and then they headed off to lunch. Just another regular day of work, if not for the fact that the president has a doctor's appointment (kept under wraps until there's actual proof of him being sick) for a possible recurrence of his cancer.

[Insaeldor]

THE UN MUST INTERVENE IN THE KURDISH CRISIS, SAYS AMBASSADOR TO THE UN MARÍA DE ZARAGOZA

By: Julio Banderez-Malága

After a series of discussion on the situations occurring in the Middle East Mexican Ambassador to the United Nations María de Zaragoza stated in an interview with an independent media outlet that she would like to see the UN involving itself in the Kurdish conflict.

"The UN must intervene in the Kurdish Crisis. If we do not then we have failed the very principles we have sworn to uphold and we will be allowing tyranny to triumph much in they way it triumphed in the 30's. We can not idly standby as the very core of our instatution is challenged by a member state." She said to a reporter after returning from a Security Council meeting in New York City.

Iran has been in a tense state ever since the 1993 coup lead by the now Shah of Iran. He government has moved toward very western policies which include the banning of the niqab, legalization of a few intoxicants, and over all a more liberal social attatude. However the Shah's government has been heavily criticized as between 1996 and 2000 a reported 500,000 or 10% of the Iranian Kurds have been killed. Massive depopulations have occurred the most signifigent beimg the city of Sanandaj. In recent weeks increased violence and political attacks. While the UN does have the UNMIEK force in the region many have been critical of its role in the region.

Dr. Raúl Villanova a professor of geopolitics at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional gas criticed Mrs. de Zaragosa's position on the matter.

"We can't have supernatuonal entities usurping the sovereignty of nationstates. It sets a dangerous example. It tell the UN that if it want it can determine what is and is not a legitamet state and then it now becomes the soul descider in what states are legitametbor not. While I understand her sentiment I feel the current UNMIEK mission is all that the UN has the authority to do." He told us in an over the phone interview.

Ambassador de Zaragoza however was quick to respond.

"When a state can no longer maintain its authority through the consent of the governed, but rather through the use of violence it has become in illegitimate state. Genocide and political assassinations are not how you maintain your governments legitimacy. Iran at this time is bordering of a rouge state and unless we do something we will be dealing with the greatest human tragity since the Holocaust." She said to us just hours after Dr. Villanova's comments. She later clarified her previous statements and expanded upon her statement.

"While yes the UN is operating the current UNMIEK mission but clearly with the numbers we are seeing they are not maintaining peace and stability in the region. You can not kill nearly 10% of a whole people group in just 4 years without a massive program meant to eradicate them. The UN first off needs to use UNMIEK as a military operation, securing its current operational area and bring a sense of stability to the region while ensuring the Iranian military have no presence in the area as we know they're a key aspect of the current genocide. But I also think sactions if not total embargos on Iranian oil from the various oil importing states would be an important step. We need to set an example here and show the world that human rights violations to have lasting consequences."

Hours after this interview President Pau Martellejarà announced that he would be taking diplomatic action against Iran. He also stated that he would look towards the international community for support.

"We can not allow such teagaties to go on without punishment. I will be issuing a whole embargo on Iranian oil imports and the use of Mexican owned infrastructure in the processing and distribution of Iranian petroleum products. I hope states like China, America, and the Soviet Republic will take these same steps in order to combat the ongoing genocide. While I do think it won't be enough to stop the current crisis I think it is a step in the right direction."

Currently Mexico has become the first state to official take strong diplomatic action against Iran and joins nations like France, Norway, and Italy in its support for de-escalation in the region.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

Empire of Japan

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
Cabinet Meeting
September 2001

The cabinet is currently filled with arguments, discussions, and of course, the PM himself, residing the cabinet's primary seat. Agendas included Iran's intervention in Western Iran, wildfire in Mexico, recent reforms in UN, and of course again, the revision of Article 9. They agreed on both Mexico and Iran that foreign aids are important for Mexico's wildfire issue and for the intervention of Iran to be swiftly stopped. The memory of past incidents in World War 2 clearly didn't hold short enough on their minds. They agreed on sending condemnation to Iran and foreign aids to Mexico.

At the same time, despite involved in the reforms of UN, mixed opinions seems to be in the air. Mandatory supply meant that they could maintain experiences for the troops, but at the same time that's the only thing fully known now. As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs already sent out the condemnation of the Iran's genocide and supported the idea of UN-backed military action. Also organized sending of aid to Mexico.

Article 9 is under revision, with the relaxation on the laws of volunteer forces and foreign intervention, as well as military investments on recruitment process and military arms. Despite the revision, the government haven't asked US's response on the issue, nor did they responded with anything.

[Gorbatov]

People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
République démocratique populaire d'Algérie
الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية

September, 2001
El Mouradia Presidential Palace
Algiers, Algeria

---

President Bouteflika is sat in his office, as he checking over state affairs, that is needed to be addressed on that day. Moreover, as President Bouteflika begins to read the several dossiers laid out neatly on his desk, the telephone on the upper right corner of his desk rings *ring* *ring* *ring*. "Hello? Who's this?"

"Sir, its your secretary, Prime Minister Benflis and Minister Belkhadem is here to see you."

"Very well, send them in.", says President Bouteflika as he reorganised the dossiers on his desk.

Knocking is heard from the door *knock* *knock*, Both of you may come in."

The door opens, and Prime Minister Benflis and Minister Belkhadem, both wearing standard black suits and dark blueish ties, enter the room. "Hello, what seems to be the purpose of both of your visits today? Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs?". inquires President Bouteflika as he takes a sip of his mint tea.

Both of the government officials sits in front of the President, they both seemed rather serious. Prime Minister Benflis was first to break the silence, "Well Mr.President, it seems that the Department of Intelligence and Security has found the leader of the Armed Islamic Group, 'Emir' Antar Zouabri. Currently our military is awaiting your order, to take him out." Moreover, the Prime Minister puts a dossier with large red Arabic lettering saying CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

President Bouteflika grabs the confidential document in front of him, as quickly scans through it, and later putting it on the pile of neatly organised dossiers. Furthermore, the Preisdent looks towards the Minister of Foreign Affairs and says, "What about you Minister Belkhadem? What's your purpose here?"

Minister Belkhaddem seemed a bit concerned, for some ominous reason. "Well Mr.President according to the United Nations, the government of Iran is summarily killing off Kurdish people in the western part of Iran."

The President looked confused, "So?"

"Various UN delegations are calling to intervene in this 'crisis', but it now seems that various delegations has shown support in a military solution in this crisis.", says the Foreign Minister as he hands the President a dossier of the current situation in Iran.

The President takes another sip of his mint tea, "Hmm...armed intervention you say?..It must be a liberal ploy for illegitimate regime change in Iran then...*takes a quick scan of the dossier, which have detailed reports of UN accounts on the issue* Heh....It seems that the Mexican delegation are being counter intuitive..."

"How so?", questioned the Prime Minister.

"Well it seems that rather than focusing on the issue of the devastating wildfires in Western Mexico, they'd rather focus on an issue that is highly irrelevant to them, why would they concern themselves with such issue that doesn't even effect them in anyway?!"

"What's your plan of action then? Mr.President?", questioned the Foreign Minister.

"Hmm....Do you remember the Algiers Agreements?"

"Well yes, Do you suppose we invite both parties to Algiers, and once again try to formulate a peace between these two differing groups?", replied the Foreign Minister.

"Yes, it worked for Iraq and Iran, Eritrea and Ethiopia, Mauritania and the Polisario Front, and also United States and Iran."

"So I suppose you want me to contact both of the responsible parties then?"

"Well of course, make sure to entice the government of Iran that failing to find a common ground with the Kurds, may result in armed intervention by the United Nations, and thus would likely force a regime change to ensure these types of events would never happen."

"Very well Mr.President.", replies the Foreign Minister.

"Anything else from both of you?"

"No.", replies the Prime Minister as he takes quick composed glances at the Foreign Minister if he has more to say.

"Very well, also Prime Minister, please confirm with the intelligence agencies that we have truly found the leader of those damned Islamist who wish to destroy the secular state. If it's really" him, then send the Chief of General Staff my way."

The Prime Minister knods his head, and with the Foreign Minister leaves the President's Office, letting him continue checking over the state's affairs.

---

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministère des Affaires étrangères
وزارة الشؤون الخارجية

---

This is letter addressed to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

The government of Algeria would like to express concern to the current situation between the Iranian government and the Kurdish people. We would like to stress the fact that currently most nations in the western world have expressed their willingness to support an armed intervention, to stop the alleged mass-killing of the Kurdish People. Moreover, we must acknowledge the fact that armed intervention would likely be inevitable, if further action is not taken. Thus, the government of Algeria would like to express its willingness to host a summit in Algiers, for all the responsible parties to negotiate and find common ground, to prevent armed intervention led the by United Nations. We would like to further stress that if armed intervention were to happen, it will likely result in regime change, to which the new government may just become another puppet of the western world, looking after the interest of the corporations of the west, and away from the interests of the proud Persian people of Iran, whom are likely to be exploited by the western world. Thus, the Algerian government would like to further express stress that the Iranian government considers this offer, as a deal brokered by the Algerian government had worked in the past between Iran and Iraq, but also between Iran and the United States during the hostage crisis in Tehran; so we are optimistic that common ground is possible.

President of the Algerian People's Democratic Republic,
Abdelaziz Bouteflika
عبد العزيز بوتفليقة‎

Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Abdelaziz Belkhadem
عبد العزيز بلخادم

[Nea Byzantia]

Royal Palace, Tehran, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001



Shah Khusrau III strode into the conference room, his wounded shoulder still in pain. Seated around the table were Iran's generals. They all rose to their feet as the Shah entered. The Shah took his seat at the head of the table and then everybody sat down.

"So," began the Shah, "how do you gentlemen propose we deal with Sanandaj?"

One general rose to his feet, "Your majesty, we must act now to show those Kurdish scum what happens when they do harm to the subjects of your majesty. I would propose that a general mobilization be ordered and that the Kurds in Sanandaj and the environs be punished for their insurrection."

"Not to mention," chimed in another general, "that those scum made an attempt on your majesty's life. Allowing them to get away with such barbarity would be tantamount to political suicide, your majesty."

"No doubt." replied the Shah. He was about to continue when the Minister of Foreign Relations entered.

"My apologies for being late, your majesty, but there has been much development." said the Minister of Foreign Relations, huffing and puffing as he entered.

"What developments?" asked Khusrau III

"Well, for one thing, your majesty, Mexico is proposing sanctions on Iran." replied the Minister

The Shah's face turned red with rage.
"Those guacamole-guzzling druglords should learn to mind their own business!!! Now that pathetic excuse of a country, who's most ancient achievement was chocolate and sacrificing little girls on top of pyramids presumes to tell the ancient Persian people how to run a civilization! Unbelievable!" The Shah pounded his fist on the table, hard. "How could this get any worse?"

"Erm...the Mexicans and several other nations are advocating 'armed intervention'." replied the Minister of Foreign Relations. Shah Khusrau hit the roof
"ALLAH DAMN THOSE BASTARDS TO THE LOWEST RUNGS OF HELL!!!" he rose from his seat seething with rage. He turned to his generals, "Issue an order for general military mobilization." then the Shah headed for the door. Before exiting he stopped. "Oh, and initiate Operation Ahura-Mazda over Sanandaj, please."

"But, your majesty," protested a general, "Our people are still down there."

"Then let us pray Allah will grant them a quick death."

---

Sanandaj, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001

Chaos continued to reign in Sanadaj as Kurdish militia forces battled Iranian troops in the streets of Sanandaj and slaughtered Iranian citizens. Blood, gore and fire were spread throughout the city as the battle raged. That's when the bombers came from Tehran. For an entire day, nonstop the Iranian bombers launched missiles and dropped bombs on Sanandaj, levelling building after building and boulevard after boulevard. Whatever the death toll had been earlier, the continuous bombing campaigns raised it substantially.

---

Letter to President of Turkey:

Dear Mr. President,

As recent events in your nation have proven, the Kurds are not to be trusted, if the long-term political stability and territorial integrity of Turkey is to be maintained. It is no different, here in Iran. It seems that everywhere the Kurds go, death and chaos cannot follow far behind. My proposition to you, Mr. President, is this, that our governments work together to expunge the Kurdish threat from our two nations. If we allow the Kurdish Cancer to metastasize, then we can kiss Iran and also Turkey goodbye and say hello to Kurdistan. That is a future, I am sure neither of us want. Therefore, I am proposing bilateral cooperation between our governments on a military and diplomatic basis to deal with the Kurds. Doubtless, the rest of NATO is already plotting war on Iran for our recognition of the truth, but we trust that Turkey can be counted upon as a strong ally in this time of need, as a fellow Islamic nation, not to mention our peoples' common struggle against those accursed Kurdish radicals.

Sincerely,

Khusrau III Arslani, Shah of Iran

Letter to President of China:

Dear Mr. President,

Of late, Iran and China have strengthened their ties of friendship, ties which were started by our ancient forefathers back in the earliest days of the Silk Road trade routes. Now, the United States and Israel, through their Western puppets have sought to attack Iran and force 'regime change'. Their use of the 'humanitarian crisis in Western Iran against the Kurds' is merely their casus-beli. As far as we are concerned, this is no different than the Tibetan situation in your nation. China, due to its many negative experiences in the 19th and early 20th centuries can attest to the negative consequences of Western-imposed, 'regime change'. We trust that China would like to see the continuation of the current positive relations between China and Iran. As such is the case, we are begging China, our ally to intervene on our behalf, both in the Halls of the United Nations as well as the international stage, to do all possible to prevent a 'forced regime change', which appears to be what our unsavory Western counterparts are cooking up, first for Iran and then later, possibly, for China itself. We also fear that the United States and her client states may seek to attack Iran's economy via embargoes of Iran's oil. To avoid such a terrible situation and the further political and social destabilization which is almost certain to follow, we ask that China remain a loyal customer of Iran, particularly in terms of oil imports. We could and will certainly work on other means of cooperation, no doubt as the situation progresses.

Sincerely,

Khusrau III Arslani, Shah of Iran

[Anowa]

Meanwhile...

To the Shah of Iran,

In response to your two previous letters:

Turkey will not be providing assistance to Iran in their Genocide. As such an event would result in our efforts of joining the EEC/EU being compromised, a violation of secularism, and most importantly, a gross violation of treaties signed with regional nations, as well as international ones, particularly those of the North Antlantic Treaty. I wish you the best in the coming days.

Sincerely,

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer

P.S: I've have just now learned that you are now bombing a city within your own nation indiscriminately. There has not been a madman of your caliber in this region since Saddam, and even then you are a greater threat to the Arabic peoples than he. I will be standing in full support of NATO and the UN against such tyranny as yours.

To the office of the Iranian Head of State

Regarding the ongoing Genocide, and from what I hear, the indiscriminate bombing of both civilian settlements as well as the bombing of your own troops as well as insurgents in the city in which I was born.

I am currently doing all that is within my power to petition not only Iran's suspension and expulsion from the UN General Assembly, but also a full scale UNSC intervention and you and your cabinet's subsequent trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. The fact that you promised peace and prosperity to Iran upon taking it's leadership position, and then turn your back on it and start a flashpoint for what may be a Third World War is a gross act of incompetence, a terrifying act of criminal negligence, and all around a horrid and heathenish view on the lives of any man woman or child.

With regards:

UN Secretary General, Samara Merwan SC

[Vaquas]

September 5, 2001



BLAIR CAUGHT ON HOT MIC: "THE SHAH HAS LOST IT"

Prime Minister slams Iranian Government, Refers to Kurdish oppression as "A Genocide in the works"

(Elizabeth McFowell - London) - Moments ago Prime Minister Tony Blair, following a dinner with the Armenian Ambassador the the United Kingdom, was caught on a hot mic describing the ongoing situation in Iran as a "Colossal Nightmare" and "A genocide in the works." This comes on the heels of a vote in Parliament on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, a measure that is expected to pass, as well as debate on a measure designed to increase the military budget by upwards of 10%. The Prime Minister can be heard expressing serious concerns about the Iranian state's government and their policies in regards to religious and ethnic minorities, saying "It is not a matter of if the [Iranian] Government will turn tyrannical towards their own [people], but when. You're already seeing this horrific situation with the Kurds, and others, it's just horrific."

The Armenian Ambassador, whose comments where not picked up on microphone, purportedly responded with a question regarding potential action in the region, to which the Prime Minister responded: "Well, you can never rule anything out. The Shah has lost it, and only time will tell whether direct intervention is practical or necessary." 10 Downing Street has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

This is a developing story.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Nea Byzantia]

Royal Palace, Tehran, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001

Shah Khusrau III sat in his office, watching footage of Operation Ahura-Mazda or the complete destruction of Sanandaj for the third time in a row. As he sat, shut up in his golden-gilded office, shielded from the consequences of his actions, even he felt a sense of deep foreboding. Apparently, after he had left the meeting with his Royal Cabinet, the Cabinet members had not dispersed. They had shut themselves in the conference room and deliberated for another four hours. While this behavior was highly suspicious, executing the entire Royal Cabinet on suspicions of treason was rather...paranoid. Mind you, thought the Shah to himself, he had already carpet bombed an entire city just to put down a minor Kurdish revolt.What would be the assassination of the entire Cabinet? The Shah would never find out.

The ornate office doors were thrown open and in ran several guards.

"What in Allah's name is going on?" demanded the Shah rising from his plush chair indignantly.

"On your knees, madman!" came the voice of General Ali Yehmezni.

"Yehmezni?" asked Khusrau III, "Is that really you, my old friend?"

General Yehmezni emerged from the hallway, revealing himself. "It is I, indeed. But I am no longer your friend." replied the grizzled old general. The Shah kneeled on the Persian carpet in front of the desk, the guards aiming their rifles at him.

"What-what are you doing here?" asked the Shah terrified

"Saving Iran." replied General Yehmezni

"You would dare overthrow me?!!!" demanded Khusrau, "I am the Shah!!!"

Yehmezni drew a pistol and shot Khusrau in the left knee. The Shah grabbed his knee and shrieked in pain.

"You are no longer deserving of that most noble title." replied Yehmezni. "I was with you from the beginning, back in '93, anything was possible. Together we chased those Islamists from Tehran. I leave you here and go to the border of Afghanistan to battle them. Look at you, Khusrau, look at what you've become! You are no better than they!!! And even they did not carpet-bomb a whole city."

"What will you do to me?" asked Khusrau

"You, Khusrau, are entirely in my power." replied Yehmezni, "All of your generals...all of your Cabinet in fact, invited me here to deal with you. However, despite this, you still hold the title of Shah. So, Khusrau, you have two options. Option 1, you abdicate and sign the throne over to me. I become the Shah and allow you to retire, option 2, I declare myself Shah, start another Civil War to take the throne and hand you over to the Peshmerga to...shall we say, rebuild the bridge of trust that you destroyed. I leave the choice to you."

Khusrau kneeled there and pondered. "Your knee is bleeding, Khusrau. You can't take forever." added Ali Yehmezni.

"I'll abdicate." replied Khusrau defeatedly.

"You made the right choice." replied Yehmezni. He signalled the guards to help him to his feet. They lifted him over to his desk, where Khusrau signed a document detailing his abdication. Yehmezni and his captive went out into the Hall, where the Royal Cabinet was gathered. Khusrau fixed them all with an icy gaze.

"What shall we do with him, your majesty?" asked the guards.

"Bind him." replied the new Shah. The guards obeyed.

"Ali, what are you doing?" demanded Khusrau, "You promised me retirement."

"Yes, that I did." replied Yehmezni, "retirement in an international prison for international criminals. Take him to the Hague."

---

Declaration to the Iranian People:

Dear citizens,

In the interest of the Shahdom and all its citizens, the Royal Cabinet strongly encouraged His Majesty, Shah Khusrau III to abdicate, as his age impaired his decision making capabilities. Khusrau III is currently on his way to the Hague to answer to the International Community for several of his more questionable policies. In his stead, he has been succeeded by Ali Yehmezni, a Hero of the Revolution and Smiter of Islamists, who upholds the rights and freedoms granted to all Iranian citizens following the 1993 Revolution.

His Majesty, Shah Ali I, proclaims that all hostilities against the Kurds shall cease. Furthermore, a compensatory sum of 10,000 dinars shall be payed to all remaining Kurdish Iranian citizens, as a restitution for all expropriated goods and assets, which can never be properly repaid. However, all ethnic Kurds are expected to depart Iranian territory, all those that do not, shall be forcibly deported.

Sincerely,

His Most Serene Majesty,

Ali I Yehmezni, Shah of Iran

[Insaeldor]

ELEMENTS OF THE 9TH INFANTRY BRIGADE MOVED TO LA PAZ, EXPECTED TO AID IN FUTURE EVACUATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL BAJA.

By: Jorg Florín

After weeks of intensive efforts to combat the historic wildfires in Baja the government has allocated more forces to the region. Elements of the 9th Infantry Brigade equaling up to roughly 45% of its total streangth will be transferred from Acapulco to La Paz. This was announced by the Secratariate of Defense Helú-Maht in a press conference in Mexico City.

"We need these forces free and on hand incase there is a need for further evacuations. They will help aid in evacuations and take most evacuees towards Tijuana where the military command for Military Region II will take over in maintaining order in the evacuation camps. We are dealing with possibly the worst natural disaster in the last decade and we need to able to midigate the human lose in this disaster. This is why the military has stepped up its involvement in the event." He said at the press confrance.

Most of the leadership in the military has remained quit on the matter, but some have voiced concern of the extreme reduction in troop numbers in a region effected by the ELM/FMR/EMSI Insurgency. The Mexican army has seen fruitful gains in its search and destroy tactics used against the far-left militants and many military analysis fear that the reduction in troops will lead to gains on part of the insurgents. Later on in the press conference Presidental Spokesperson Romana Hinojosa was asked about the military implications of the move.

"The situation is not lost on the president or his cabinet, this issue was brought up the moment we realized this wasn't a simple brush fire anymore. We recently made the decision after heavily populated section of the state were under threat of being hit by the fire, local forces simply can not handle the situation and need the assistance of these military forces. We'be been blessed by an out pouring of international aid from countries like Japan. Be in order for our populace to be safe we need to handle these issues ourselves."

Currently the Pacific Naval Force is heading towards the city of La Paz as well. Its goal is to set up for the transpiration of firefighters, rescue workers, and military personnel as well as prepare the city for naval evacuees whom will be transferred to the city as a result of the evacuation of there coastal communities.

[Pasong Tirad]

Aid, Medics, Heading for Mexico

Volunteers carry boxes filled with food, water, clothing, and medicine
onto a truck heading for a cargo plane going to Mexico. September, 2001.

Upon the advice of the ambassador to Mexico, Victor Gutierrez, the Department of Foreign Affairs launched a week-long donation drive, sending thousands of trucks to different parts of the Philippines in an effort to get food, water, medicine, and clothing to be shipped off to Mexico.

"The people of Mexico are our brothers and sisters across the sea," said Ambassador Victor Gutierrez in Spanish in an interview with a Mexican television network. "Our two peoples have been connected for far longer than we even imagine. The galleon trade connected Acapulco to Manila, and Mexican and Filipino soldiers fought side by side in the liberation of our islands in the war. We are here now today to honor the centuries-long relationship between our two countries."

Ambassador Victor Gutierrez pledged several tonnes of relief goods as well as 100 doctors and 200 nurses to Mexico to help Mexican citizens affected by the wildfires. They are expected to arrive in Mexico in less than three days.

News reports came in yesterday evening that wildfires have spread throughout the Baja region in Western Mexico. As of publication, close to a thousand Mexican families have already been displaced by the fires and elements of the Mexican army are already en route to the surrounding area to aid in the evacuation efforts.

[New Finnish Republic]

The Republic of Finland
September 05, 2001

As the sun set over the harbor of the capital city of Finland, known as Suomi in its native tongue, two men could be seen casually exiting a small boat, one carrying a variety of fishing equipment while the other carried a cooler that contained a bounty of Atlantic Salmon. At a glance, one would not expect that these men were in fact the President and Prime Minister of Finland.

"That was quite a battle that last one put up, don't you think Mito?"

The Prime Minister could only grin at the statement from President Alto Sinä.

"Not as much of a battle than the Socialist Party put up when we ordered those Leopards from Germany."

A chuckle rang out between the two as both understood the weight behind the dry joke.

"I suppose so, my friend. Now how about we make our way to your house before these fish become as bad as your fishing skills."

Waiting for the two at the small truck were a pair of security personnel who seemed eager to get the two leaders into a more secure location. While things were relatively peaceful in terms of crime within the capital, it never hurt to be cautious, especially with the recent global tensions beginning to boil over.

Thanks to the careful moves both internally and domestically by the Finnish government, they had managed to gain a foothold with NATO while also keeping themselves away from diplomatic strife with the various other nations, specifically their Eastern neighbors.

For both the Prime Minister and the President, Russia had become increasingly concerning over the past few years. Instability often led to conflict, and conflict with the Russians had already proven to be disastrous for the Finnish people. If at all possible, both the Prime Minister and the President of Finland wanted to remain on good terms with the Communist nation, but in the case that words no longer provided a solution, the two leaders worked on providing alternative means to secure Finland's existence in the world.

"So Mito, how is the progress on Operation Kilpi?"

Mito glanced at the President who sat next to him in their vehicle and then to the two security guards who accompanied them, one of which was currently driving the truck. While by no means did he feel like there was any security risk to speaking here, that didn't mean he felt comfortable speaking about it openly. However, as Prime Minister, if the President wanted to be informed on something, he was required to tell him.

"Relatively smoothly. I've managed to secure the votes required to increase our budget in the Parliament, but it was not easy to do."

Alto nodded his head, a look of frustration on his face as he did. While the Mannerheim Party still had a majority in the Parliament with 87 members, this did not mean they could do as the pleased entirely as there were still a remaining 113 remaining seats filled by the other various political parties, the most notable of these being the Reformed Socialist Party with 64 current members holding seats. The two parties were bitter rivals of one another, the Mannerheim Party in favor of NATO while the other in favor of the Russians.

For the last half decade the two parties battled for the remaining votes in the Parliament on the various issues that arose, the major issue being the defense budget. The Mannerheim Party argued that the only way to secure Finland's independence was through a buildup of the military and their defenses as well as securing a strong relationship with NATO while the Reformed Socialist Party argued that forming strong ties with Russia as well as adopting similar policies was the way forward. And as more and more tension began to build up as well as the cost to fund this revamped military, more and more members of the Parliament were beginning to align with the opposition party.

Still, Mito had high hopes for the future of Finland. However, in the meantime, there were less sensitive matters that could be discussed at the moment.

"It appears that we no longer have to worry about the Iranian issue. The Shah has been overthrown, and with any hope peace will return to the region."

Alto was able to let out a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted to do was declare a position on either side of the issue, and it now appeared he wouldn't be forced to. At least until the next genocide, the President thought bitterly. Still, that bridge could be crossed once they met it.

"Anything else?"

Mito thought for a few brief seconds before answering.

"Just rumblings about the refuge crisis with the Kurds. While there are some within Parliament that are calling for us to take them in, the vast majority of the members are sticking with the limited-immigration policy. They've all seen what it's done to Sweden, and they're wise enough to learn from their mistake."

"Good, good. Well then, enough of work. How about you tell me about a little rumor of you courting a woman from Lahti?"

A small grin appeared on the Prime Ministers face.

"Only when you tell me how you manage to keep the rumors of your friend secret, Mr. President."

Chuckling filled the vehicle as it made its way through the quiet night streets of Helsinki.

[Nea Byzantia]

Royal Summer Palace, Tabriz, Shahdom of Iran, September 2001

Ismail Manzhari, Khusrau III's Minister of Internal Affairs, the main architect behind the Kurdish genocide, walked down the large marble hallway which led into the Royal Throne room. He came to the doors which were flanked by two guards. They saluted him and opened the doors. He entered.

In the Throne room, he found that a long mahogany table had been set in the middle of the chamber. It was covered with all manner of exquisite and luxurious food as well as fine wine. Seated on both sides of the table, were various members of Khusrau III's Cabinet. These were:

Abbas Bhagratian (Royal Minister of Agriculture)

Yussuf Khanabi (Royal Finance Minister)

General Souliman Ghazni

General Selim Azbhakarian

General Abu-Bakr Devshirir

General Muhammad Ansouri (Commander of the Royal Airforce, Creator and executor of Operation Ahura-Mazda)

Manzhari had his suspicions when he received the dinner invitation a day ago, but, he knew his absence would lead to the Shah's suspicion, and such suspicion was not what one wanted to have on their backs, not right now. Manzhari took his seat and looked at the others. They all sat there in silence. Each of them knew they had received the same dinner invitation and each knew they were more-or-less compelled to be there.

Finally, after about a minute of silence, the doors were thrown open and in walked Shah Ali I in his finest suit.

"Good evening, gentlemen," said Shah Ali as he took his seat at the head of the table, "I'm so glad you all could join me for dinner."

"Thank you for inviting us, your majesty." replied Ansouri, "We are very honored."

"...And pleased." chimed in Khanabi.

"The pleasure is all mine." replied the Shah all smiles. Then they all dug in. They ate their meal and drank their wine in silence. Nobody uttered a word. Finally, came the dessert. Servants carried in the humongous chocolate cheese cake on a massive tray.

A bodyguard walked in and whispered something in the Shah's ear. The others sat there in silence, bolt upright. The Shah rose from his seat.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. I have a small personal matter to attend to. I'll return shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the dessert."

With that the Shah exited the Throne room.

"Now what?" asked Manzhari

"I don't know." replied Ansouri, "I just know I have a bad feeling about this."

"I thought he would murder us." replied Khanabi, "But it seems like he's taking his time. Who knows? Maybe he's just trying to befriend us, after all we were Khusrau's inner circle."

"But that's exactly it." replied General Azbhakarian rising from his seat, "he means to murder us!"

"Where are you going?" asked Ansouri

"I'm getting out of here." replied Azbhakarian, "I'm not just waiting around for him to kill us."

Then the bomb implanted in the floor detonated, blowing up the entirety of the Throne room.

[New Grestin]

MOSCOW | THE SOVIET REPUBLIC

There was a time, Boris remembered, when Red Square flared with the sounds of marching feet. The chorus of the Red Army as it flexed its might before the nations of the world. Now, there was only a silent square, empty save for a few homeless men and women begging for change. Russia was suffering. Even from his office, the Prime Minister could see it. Discontent had spread throughout the nation like a cancer, turning once loyal party members into backbiting plotters. Democracy had saved Russian communism, but it had merely been a bandaid measure to a far more systemic problem. Decades of autocratic abuse had created a country which wasn't just familiar with dictatorship, it seemed to demand it. Even the New Socialist Party seemed to want a return to the days of Soviet greatness, even if it meant that would bring back the days of Stalinist repression.

Boris sighed. Reform was slow to come in the Duma. Though he had exercised executive authority on some of the proposed bills, others seemed destined to die in infancy. The Conservatives wanted to completely dismantle the newly formed Communal Health Service, calling it a drain on valuable capital. At the same time, the Progressives wanted more green energy subsidies. The reactionary "United Russia" wanted to model the state on the Americans, though that idea that lost them much popularity. Russia was a democracy now, no doubt, but many shuddered at the thought of following the footsteps of the uber-capitalist America.

For now, the Communist Party was in the majority, though only be a slim margin. The New Socialists were edging them out more and more with every election cycle. It seemed clear that, if things continued this course, that the NS would either outright win or force a coalition government. That kind of political nightmare was something that the Prime Minister had no intention of handling.

He blamed the party politics for most of this. Many of the Communist Party leaders were fossils from as far back as Krushchev, and that age brought with it a certain sense of arrogance. They had commanded the Union for so long that they couldn't conceive the concept that anyone might edge them out. It was as though the idea of political campaigns and hearts and minds were foreign concepts to them. The Party desperately needed new blood. Even Boris himself was subject to this kind of thought, thinking that he could simply work to maintain a new status quo, when there simply was no status quo to maintain. They were in uncharted territory. One Party Bolshevism given way to Socialist Democracy. He could almost feel Kerensky mocking him from beyond the grave.

Taking a seat, the Prime Minister looked over the reports. The economy was in shambles, but that was no news. The military was in rather good shape, but this was to be expected. What was of most concern were the international reports. The Middle East had always been a concern for Russia, even during the Tsarist years. Now it came into the forefront once again, as it seemed that the very backyard of Russia had exploded into violence. Boris couldn't bring himself to look at the KGB surveillance photos, or the overhead drone scans. He knew as much as he wanted to. With one hand, he reached over and pressed a small intercom on his desk. A woman's voice came over the line.

"Yes, Mr. Samuil?"
"Tanya, I need a statement drafted for the state media."
"Of course, sir. I'll be there momentarily."

He sat back, looking back out the window once more. Iran was a problem, no doubt, but it was also the last of his concerns. There were others. News had come in of a bombing in Iran, just after the Shah had been overthrown. That would need to be addressed. The other was a plan that his Economics Minister had brought up, some grand design for a massive economic union of sorts. Though curious, he had little time to go over it. The most important matter was striking the Iranian Crisis while the iron was still hot.

---

Prime Minister issues strong condemnation of Iranian Genocide

In a stirring speech at the monthly meeting of the Duma, Prime Minister Samuil issued a strong statement of condemnation against the recent Iranian genocide. He stated that "Iran's unjustified attacks on the Kurdish people can do nothing more than propagate hate in a region which does not need more." While elements of the All-Union Communist Party have called the Prime Minister's statements "deliberately inflammatory", he has received support for the speech. The opposition New Socialist Party have, in turn, outright condemned the Prime Minister, calling the speech "an invitation to Western-style interventionism." The Prime Minister has since stated his intention to push for a formal United Nations condemnation of Iran and plans for economic embargo.

Foreign Ministry announces Iranian Refugee Initiative

Among other announcements from the Kremlin was the Foreign Ministry's "Iranian Refugee Initiative". The program, proposed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yakim Sevastyan, would see at least 2,000 Kurdish refugees being taken in by the Federal government. The plan's outline, released to the public, details "naturalization"
programs and comprehensive job training. The intention, according to the Ministry, is "to extend a helping hand to those suffering beneath the jackboot of Iranian oppression." The strong rhetoric of the Foreign ministry was countered by complaints from the United Russia party, who have frequently campaigned on an anti-immigration and refugee policy. The Initiative is intended to go into effect by January of next year.

Chechen Separatism continues; twelve dead in recent raid

Despite the best efforts of the Committee for State Security, Chechen separatism continues to persist in the Caucasus. Emboldened by Islamic fundamentalist groups from the Middle East, Chechen militants have continued to attack federal peacekeeping troops in the region. This culminated in the attack on a military transport near Grozny, leading to the deaths of twelve Russian soldiers before the militants were driven off. Head of State Security Vladimir Putin has stated to RT his full intention to bring "law and order" to the region "by any means necessary." This has fueled conspiracies of Russian suppression of ethnic Chechens in the region and the rumors of forced Russification policies, though these simply remain rumors. Updates as they become available.

[Vaquas]

September 9, 2001


Clarence House, Residence of Charles Prince of Wales.

"- And this must not leak to the post under any circumstances. I do not intend to dominate the new outlets for the forseeable future, and if any of this ends up on the BBC, I will be beyond furious." Said Charles Windsor to the assembled posse of his closest friends and family, excluding the Queen and Prince William, who where separately informed of the situation days before. His lovely Camilla, who had been by much earlier in the day without much scrutiny, was already aware of his secret, and thus not present for the reveal. Prince Harry adorned Charles' left, knowing what to expect from his father and staring hard faced at a globe in the corner of the room, the smell of cologne wafting from his collar in a rather strong quantity. "It has been discovered recently by my personal physician that I have been-" The Prince of Wales coughed into his hand, blinking a couple of times and continuing. "That I have become the unwilling victim of Cancer." Gasps filled the room, and Prince Harry's ears seized on the end of the sentence.

Cancer. It's a shock each time I hear it.

"It is a cancer of the Small Intestine, and it is currently at Stage II. I Intend to pursue treatment according to my physician's wishes, and to fight back in a manner that such a notorious affliction deserves. I wished to inform you, as I will be spending less time in public so as to avoid an episode of sorts. Is this understood?"

Nods all around. Prince Harry stared silently at the red carpeted floor, his eyes refusing to turn elsewhere.

"I will announce to the public when I have decided that such an announcement is necessary, and not a moment before. I count on your discretion during this difficult time."

More nods, apologies whispered, murmurs of support.

Harry did not listen to the remainder of it. His father had been more frank in their private conversation on the matter. It was worse than he had revealed to them, and he understood his hiding it from them. His eyes appeared almost glazed, he was somewhere else. His mind was already running through the funeral. The press. The whispers of him being King some day, Were William to remain unmarried, of his need to fulfill his father's Legacy. Disgusting the lot of it. Hopefully such things where postponed for years on years to come, and not meant for the near future.

Hopefully.

Losing both his father and mother in such a short span of time would be devastating, he believed, not trusting himself to carry on in public if such an outcome where inevitable. William would handle it gracefully.

I am not particularly graceful.

When the conversation was done, when the secret was exposed, and when all others where gone, the Prince of Wales and his son watched a movie, an American one, [i]"Air Force One" with Harrison Ford. It was a few hours of normalcy, of being distanced from the royalty that had been bestowed to the both of them upon birth. It was a time to escape everything they had known, and when it was over, they resumed their everyday activities.

With one exception.

Later that night, before seeing himself off to bed, Prince Harry knelt by his bedside, prayed, and then wept.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

Yomiuri Shimbun - Nippon TV
September 2001

They have scored big times. An exclusive interview with President of Mexico, Pau Martellejarà. Even when the wildfires and insurgent and drug cartels running around and he still has time for interview. A two-way interview, with both the newspaper agency and the TV sent in their reporters for interview, with the TV broadcasted it to Japan while the newspaper will sent additional details and the interview's records on the next-day morning newspaper.

Q: What is your current actions on the wildfires in Baja?

A: Currently we are looking start evacuations of some large communities in the area. Mainly to ensure that there are as few casualties from this disaster as possible. So far the only option we have is to keep in fighting the wildfires until they die off. Right now the military has been doing an excellent job in maintain the safety of the people effected by the fires and we hope to have them contained and under control within the coming weeks.

Q: We heard that Mexico is supporting an intervention in Iran. Our government has said the same thing. Do you think there will be some sort of coalition leading an intervention into Iran with Mexico and Japan in the team?

A: In terms of an intervention, yes I do support the UN going in and conducting a more aggressive policy towards the Iranian government. I think of it as more of a expansion on the current UNMIEK currently underway in the region. Simple fact of the matter is that we've been standing by while a genocide occurred in another country and under the nose of a UN peacekeeping mission. I believe it's important that we show the world that crimes against humanity will not be tolerated and that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a formality but a document which embodies our principles as a human race. With Mexico being a Temporary Security Council member I will use my nations position to echo these values to all who are willing to listen.

In regards to Mexican-Japanese cooperation in this issue, I'd be more the willing to work with the Japanese government in regards to international policy. If the Japanese government is willing to send troops to the UN mission if in fact it does happen than I feel it is our duty to work closely with your government in order to achieve a victory in the region.

Q: How are you going to clean up the crime in Mexico? We heard the drug cartels and rebels are a problem.

A: It's no secrete that my country has been stricken by insurgencies by far-left revolutionaries and apolitical drug cartels. These are the result of the previous administrations poor policy in regards to dealing with the insurgents. We are however making progress as the Mexican military has seen several successful operations in the south. That said we will be looking to take most of what is rebel held Oaxaca by the end of the month.
As for the Cartels along the US-Mexican border. They are a more complex issue as they've arisen from a supply and demand dynamic for black market goods in the United States. While I don't think it be completely unfair to blame this all on the United States as my country is also to blame for allowing them to grow to prominence during the former administration we do need to face reality.

I will be seeking US assistance in the region as well as maintaining a continued military campaign against them. However a greater anti-drug trafficking policy will need to be applied to all of South and Central America in order for lasting change to be made. We can stop the violence be we alone can not stop entrenched networks of criminal gangs from supplying a demand.

Once military operations are over however we will need to focus on building up trust in the government in the areas afflicted by both the Leftist and Narco-terrorist conflicts. This includes extensive anti-corruption policy, infrastructure buildup, and the growth of an economy for all Mexicans. We need to open up our markets and end this culture of corporatism. We need to build a Mexico for all Mexicans. Only then can we truly defeat the insurgents.

A: Who exactly are you?, and how did you end up leading Mexico?

Q: That's a complex question. I think it starts out by looking at the previous administration. It took on extremely antagonistic policies towards what would later become the insurgents we see today in the south. However when it came to actually combating these radical groups he would very often apply little to no external pressure on them. He would open up negotiations only to have them falter within days because he had not political or tactical upper hand. He hamstrung the military, limiting its operational scope. This lead to an emboldened militant force as well as a frustrated military and angry general public. The military frustrated by what it felt was government tampering in its affairs and the miss use of the military as a tool of diplomacy. The civilian population was furious because they felt the government was letting violent insurrectionist operate with impunity.

I ran on a simple platform. Peace, stability, and prosperity. Using those core principles I was able to defeat the Institutional Revolutionary Party, a part which had controlled Mexico for over 70 years. I did it as a self-financed independent as well. You can't do that unless the public TrueType views you as a sign of betterment. I became leader of Mexico because I offered a viable path forward for the Mexican people. One aimed at continued democratic growth, dedicated to economic openness, and determined to create a safe and stable country for all who inhabit it.

Q: How do you feel your tenure as President is going?

A: I think that given how new me and my administration are we are doing a wonderful job at implanting our platform. Right now we are focused on ending the internal conflicts. With the greater freedom we've given the military I believe it's only a matter of time before we are able to exert full control over formerly rebel held territory. We're also moving forward with some economic reforms, mostly tax and company based policies to make the markets more competitive and to reduce the levels potential monopolization within the Mexican economy. Those are the. If things on our plate right now and I'm confident will be able to call them successes in the next year.

Q: Have the drug cartels and rebels done anything to hurt you, personally? Assassinations attempt, perhaps?

A: Not yet no, thankfully I have a personal security detail that is excellently trained and prepared.

Q: Tell us about your life.

A: I had what I could call a fairly average childhood. My father was a first generation immigrant from Catalonia, he's from Azcapotzalco and my mom was an a Maronite who came to Mexico City from Tampico. I grew up in Azcapotzalco and joined the army when I was 18. After finishing my service I started working for a telescope manufacturing company. After awhile I chose to start up my own company, I started Xipetotec when I was 29 and crafted military grade optic sights for various markets. I have a wife and two children. Although I like to keep that part of my life as private as possible.

Q: What is your opinion on current Japan - Mexico relations?

A: I think they are as strong and positive as ever. I welcome continued dialogue between our two countries and the continued cultural exchange between our countries. I look forward to continued cooperation between our two countries on international affairs.
Q: What do you hope for future relations from this point on?

A: I hope that we can continue to foster a health and mutualistic relationship in the coming future. How that will turn out is dependent on how things on the international stage play out obviously but I see nothing but strong relations for the foreseeable future

Q: Any last words?

A: I'd just like to say I'm really grateful to have been invited to do an interview. Thank you.

[Odrin]

September, 2001
Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council
Ottawa

“Prime Minister Kendrick, the Minister Of Foreign Affairs is here for your meeting.” Noah Kendrick looked up from his paperwork, giving a brief smile to his aide before straightening his tie in preparation for the upcoming meeting. The Minister quietly stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. Kendrick gave a genuine smile as he rose to greet the Minister. “Lewis, it’s good to meet with you again. What’s on the agenda today?” The Minister responded as he opened his briefcase, retrieving several files. “The feeling is mutual Noah. Shall we get on to business?” The Prime Minister nodded, both of them taking a seat before the Minister began speaking.

“Let's begin with Mexico. As you know, a wildfire has been running rampant in the Baja province, combined with the ongoing threat of insurgents, the government is ill equipped to effectively fight the fire and manage the displaced civilians. I recommend offering humanitarian aid as well as contacting the United States to discuss the possibility of them deploying "Hotshot" teams to assist with the firefighting.”

“Begin preparations for humanitarian efforts and contact the US immediately.”

The Minister nodded, before beginning to speak once more. “Next we have the situation in Iran. Although it appears the genocide was stopped with the replacement of Shah Khusrau III, the Kurdish people are now faced with mass displacement at the hands of the new Shah. There is several ideas regarding how we should respond.”

“Some in the department think it would be prudent to deal with the Chinese, as they control a significant percentage of the Iranian economy. If they can get Iran to back down, we can avoid a Middle East conflict, something I think we both agree is a good idea.”

“However, other members of the department have another approach. President al-Ghazi of Iraq has granted asylum to Kurdish refugees displaced by the genocide. If we provide aid to Iraq to assist them in taking in Kurdish refugees, we may be able to lessen the ongoing humanitarian disaster. This all hinges on President al-Ghazi accepting and implementing the aid in the intended way though. If our efforts there succeed, we not only help the displaced Kurdish population, we also stand to improve our relations with Iraq.”

The Prime Minister pondered the official’s words for a moment before opening his mouth to speak. “I want you to do both. Make some quiet overtures to China to see what they would want in response for their assistance in Iran. Have our ambassador in Baghdad arrange a meeting with President al-Ghazi. I expect you to iron out the details of the agreement and have it delivered to me as soon as possible once it’s completed to your satisfaction.”

The Foreign Ministers rose, bidding the Prime Minister farewell as he departed to begin his work.

[Pasong Tirad]

President to Kurds: Come to the Philippines

In a speech, President Raul Roco declared
an open immigration policy for Kurdish refugees.

In a speech made at the Malacañan last night, the President addressed both the nation and the world live with a statement announcing that he had just signed an executive order declaring an open immigration policy for Kurdish refugees seeking sanctuary.

"The Philippines has had a history of opening its doors to anybody who needed it," said the President in his statement. "We opened our doors to White Russian émigrés, to European Jews, to Chinese Nationalists, and the list goes on: Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian. The Kurds are no different, and now we the Filipino people shall once again prove to the world that Filipino hospitality is boundless by opening our doors for the Kurdish people. I have signed an Executive Order making sure that the Philippine government shall abide by my words."

Executive Order No. 109, "Reinstating the Philippine Refugee Processing Center for the Entry of Kurdish Refugees," was signed yesterday, reinstating the old Philippine Refugee Processing Center in anticipation of the inevitable arrival of Kurdish refugees. Estimates of how many refugees will arrive number to several thousand to the low ten thousands. The President failed to specify whether the open immigration policy would only be limited to Iranian Kurds, or whether all Kurds - Turkish, Syrian, or Iraqi - would be welcome. Some senators and congressmen have already raised concerns that the sudden influx of refugees entering the Philippines might pose a security risk.

One Senator's aide spoke about how the senator the person is representing is concerned about the sudden influx of what they called "Muslim refugees,"
and how this might be a concern for the majority Christian population of the Philippines. A secretary from the President's Office also spoke about how even the President's cabinet is divided on the issue of the refugees, but that the President was adamant in opening the Philippines to the refugees.

This is a developing story.

[Insaeldor]

Sargento Segundo Vladímir Saavedra
Santa Catalina Quierí

"Want a light?" Asked Cantú our medic offering up a small, hand rolled cigarette. I nodded and took the small white stick of Tabasco from him.

"Gotta light?" I asked, to which I was greeted with a small worn zippo lighter he pulled from his left rest pocket. I lit the cigarette and took in the first breath of field ecstasy. For a second I forgot I was shin deep in a rice paddy. I rested my free arm on my HK21 which guns off it's strap from my shoulder. Me and Cantú stood quietly as we looked out from the paddy out into the woods, just 45 meters away at most.

"Why couldn't the wildfires burn this fucking place to the group?" Cantú said only half joking, I chuckled mainly for the fact that I shared much the same sentiment. We were just 3 months into a year long combat deployment out here. Sure we got to take breaks every so often, but I feel it made it more unbarrable. We'd get to go out to Oaxaca once in awhile only to be sent back here. And now with pretty much the whole backline out in Baja we didn't have a chance to even explore that torturous luxury.

"Hear about the sanction? Guess Mally's getting serious about that Iran issue." I said through a cloud of exhaled smoke.

"Good, fuck those salvajes. bunch of disgusting murder whores over there." He said with a fair degree with contempt. The news wasn't lost on us, in all honesty we were probably more aware of world news then anyone else in Mexico, sgt. Salamanca enjoyed keeping the units radio set to the news.

"Couldn't agr-" just before I could get out my response I could feel the air on the left side of my head distort accompanied by a slight twirlling whistling sound. Only fractions of a second later did we hear the distinct pop of an AKM assault rifle ring out from the tree line. It was accompanied by a series of other rifle going off in full and semi automatic.

"Fuck fuck fuck, get to the dyke and hold there until the rest of the platt on can make it here!" Cantú said, in reality we were both launching ourselves across the paddy to get to the earth an dyke that enclosed much of the paddy itself. I struggled to get across the fairly deep water with the mud sucking me in every chance it got. But I finally made it to the dyke and ran up that fucking thing with the speed and grace of an Olympic sprinter.

On the other side I collected myself for a moment. It was then that I noticed the two bullet holes in my uniform, one just under the left arm, the second on my left side just below where my rib age was. I jeched myself really quick to make sure I wasn't hit or bleeding. I was good. The machine gun was in fighting mode, a round in the chamber and a full 250 round belt were in and ready to go. I reached to my small radio attached to the shoulder strap of my chest rig.

"This is Barcalona 1-3, we are taking fire at the northern rice paddies. Requesting backup." I yelled into the radio as I propped my self on the crest of the dyke. I looked over the large paddy to get my barrings and to figure out where the hell these guys were shooting from. As I scanned the tree line I saw the pattern of a BDU on the bottom left edge of my sight. I focused in on it and it only took me a second to realize who it was. Cantú was hit, he was laying face down in the water with his blood swirling and mixing into the light brown water.

"Shit Cabo Cantú is down, I repeat ever have a man down!" I yelled into the radio hopping for something. Get shit at DID nothing but trigger whatever training I could remember. Seeing Cantú face down like that activly shot up my adrenaline levels.

"hold position we are heading you're way" a voice said through the radio.

"Cantú you'll be alright! The platoons heading this way!" I yelled out to him screaming over the sound of gunfire, the only response I got was a loud grunt.

I took up my aim at the tree line where they most likely were shooting from. I could see where there bullets were disrupting the foliage, that all I had to go on. I pulled the trigger and kept it depressed for a good 8 seconds. Painting much of the foliage ahead of me with lead. I kept this up for awhile, I could hear the bullets passing above me but I didn't have really any idea of their physical presence.

I held off on the leaning of the bursts now, I started doing 3-5 seconds bursts with about two seconds to cool off each time. I just needed to hold them off until the rest of our guys got here. Everywhere I saw a branch move I assumed it was from rifle fire and I fired bursts in that general direction. Soon the cacophony of gunfire was added too by more gun fire, this time however it came from behind me. I shot my head around to see who it was, the rest of the platoon had made it.

"We're here, where is Cantú!?" Yelled our Platoon Leader Villalobos.

"He's in there in a rice paddy." I said pointing over to where his body lay, now the blood pooling and displacing much of the water around him.

"Maldición!" I he said looking over at Cantú's body.

"Do you know if he's alive?" He asked me.

"He was responsive just a little bit before you got here. I think he can make it." I said trying to yell over all the gunfire.

"Alright." He paused for a second, then turned to face a signifigent portion of the newly arived group.

"Holguín! We're gonna give you covering fire, I need you to drag Cantú out of the paddy alright!" He told Benito Holguín, made sense to me. Holguín had the least geaevstapped on so he could make it in and out faster than any one of us. Holguín just nodded and switched magazines so he had a fresh 20 rounds to work with. I looked over at Holguín as he got himself prepped to run of the top of the dyke, looking over to check where Cantú was. We nodded and as soon as he went over the top I stood up on the crest of the dyke and butt of the rifle right on my bicep and started to fire in the enemies who had slowly started to edge out of the rainforest. The first half second was rough but I eventually go a hand of it. I was sure why I was standing up like ass, I figured it offer enough of a distraction so Holguín wouldn't get hit. A bullet struck right below my foot and caved the loose soil below my foot. I slipped but kept my self mostly straight up catching myself with my other leg. I could see Holguín dragging Cantú out of the bloody much, I let off one more burst. I'd heard the district click that signified that I was empty. I pulled the rest of the belt out and tried to grab a new belt. Only then was I thrown onto my back and down the dyke from the violent force of a bullet hitting my helmet. I force myself to stop sliding down the dyke and crawled my way back up.

"Fuck Holguín is down!" I heard Zapata yell. Fuck... son of a bitch.

"What do you mean he's down!" I said franticly.

"He's WIA man." He replayed.

"No fuck that! We need to go get them, they're out there in the open!" I yelled attempting to grab my ammunition, fully intent on racing back out to the rice paddy.

"Stand down Saavedra! We're going to hold the dyke until the fighting ends." PL Villalobos grabbing me by my shoulder. I violently shrugged him off me.

"Fuck you they'll die out there." I responded.

"I said stand down!" He yelled back.

"But sir it's our job to keep them safe... we have to make sure they make it back!" I screamed at him, I started to crack, break down. My job out here wasn't to kill off those fucking Maoístas, it was to make sure by squad members made it back. We were trained to kill in order to defend, we weren't suppose to leave our brothers behind... but here we were.

"I'm sorry... we can't have you getting stuck out there though." Villalobos said with a slightly more paternal tone. I quietly started to sob. I'd failed my brothers and now they're dead. Our only hope was to retrieve the body's after the battle.

"Sir we've got a message coming in from Francia Cáceres" yelled out our radioman Crespo to Villalobos.

"Shit" he said.

"Yes?"

"We're currently engaged in combat with the enemy at a small rice paddy on the northern edge of Santa Catalina Quierí."

"Okay..."

"Sir we've got two WIA that we can't reach. I can't follow through without some sort of medical assistance."

"But sir.."

"Yes sir..."

He put the radio up. He looked somber and melancholy. I started to regain myself slightly. I wiped the snot an tears from my face. I still had 40 other men who were counting on me... i need to compose myself and fucking do something. I need to do it for them. If we were going to have two death today we better try our hardest to make sure it wasn't three. I started to run the new belt through my rifle before Villalobos grabbed me by m upper arm.

"Don't worry about it." He said before standing up straight and in an authoritative posture.

"Cease fire!" He yelled, some stopped, those who did repeated the command to those who had not. Soon thevwhole platoon had stopped.

"Sir recon just came in, Madrid Antinio has us flanked on both ends. Were to retreat to the town of Miahautlán de Porfirio Díaz and establish a defensive line there." His demeanor changed. He didn't give off the slightest hint on emotion upon announcing our retreat.

"What about Halgaín and Cantú sir?" Asked Zapata.

"We don't have any air assistance and they're expecting a larger contingent force to press further north. We're gonna have to leave them." My heart sank into the deepest pits of my body. I couldn't say much, what was I to do? Just defy my orders? What reprocussions would that have? Not just for me but all the men in the platoon. I simply nodded in agreement. I had no other choice in the matter.

"Grab everything you can. I'm going to go take care of HQ, Álvez, Campos go start up the M35 so we can get the hell out of here. The rest of you keep you're fire up until the M35 comes." He said as he retreated to do what he needed. We all positioned ourself back on the dykes crest I finally pulled the belt into place waiting for the click. I looked out over the paddy to see that the enemy had taken the advantage of the lull to move up on our position. It felt like everyone fired at the same time. Most of the enemy had made it halfway across the paddy before we started firing on them. Almost all of them went down into the water which grew red stained with the blood. It was hard to tell if some were dead or prone so we made sure to go over a few times just be sure.

My hearing went deaf, only a tenitus like buzz followed by a rain of dirt and grass. I looked to my side to see a smiley crater in the front side of the dyke. Everyone seemed shocked but no one looked hurt. The gun fire persisted in this moment. Hell I'd even forgotten to let of if the trigger.

"They've got AA rockets!" Crespo yelled out right as the rain of dirt finished. We continued our fire on the enemy, turning the rice paddy into a soup of water, blood, bullets, and flesh. I'm not gonna lie, it felt good to know that if we could save Halguín and Cantú we at least got to do this. I'd never enjoyed the act of killing... I'd always felt pity and sadness for the dead. But never guilt nor pride for it either. It was sort of a warriors understanding, you know that if you didn't kill him he'd kill you, that's the understanding between two men in the opposite side of a war. But the though of these men killing my brothers, and us not being able to do anything about it made this whole thing a bit more cathartic than I'd like to admit.

"M35's here!" Yelled out Zapata. We all ceased our fire and ran to the truck and boarded it as fast as we could. First guy on. A kid named de la Grec was the first in and so he turned out so that he could fire if anyone started to close in on us from behind. I could see Álvez and Campos in the drivers and passengers seat. Villalobos was hanging on to the side of the back of the large truck.

We all got in, Villalobos was in lastvand we made our way out of the town. We passed the town head quartet we'd set up in an old church. It was now ablaze with dancing flames and bellowing smoke erupting from it. No we'd have to set ourselves up again at a new city and hope the same thing didn't happen. The atmosphere was cold and heavy, everyone was wondering if this would happen again. I took it in a whispered a prayer to myself.

"Dios nuestro Padre,
Su poder nos lleva al nacimiento,
Tu providencia guía nuestras vidas,
Y por tu orden volvemos a polvo.

Señor, los que mueren todavía viven en Tu presencia,
Sus vidas cambian pero no terminan.
Rezo en esperanza para mi amigos,
Y por todos los muertos conocidos a Ti solo.

En compañía de Cristo,
Que murió y ahora vive,
Que se regocijen en tu reino,
Donde todas nuestras lágrimas son borradas.
Uníos juntos de nuevo en una familia,
Para cantar Tu alabanza por los siglos de los siglos.

Amén."

---

MILITARY ON THE RETREAT IN OAXACA AS MILITANTS MOUNT A LARGE OFFENSIVE

By: Yvette Dominguez

Early this morning Military lines in the currently manned State of Oaxaca were attack by what's reported to me the largest and most highly coordinated insurgent offensive of the war. Members of the Ejército Maoísta Indígena launched major assaults on Mexican Army positions through the state of Oaxaca. Nearly 5,500 soldiers have retreated a total of 3,174 km2 with the enemy making major gains. Currently casualties have been low for the Mexican Army with a total of 74 casualties repoerted, compared to an estimated 590-750 casualties for the EMI.

In a duel press congress the Secratariat of National Defense and the Secratariat of the Interior reassured the public that this wasn't a situation to be concerned over.

"The EMI has taken atvantage of the national disaster in Baja to its advantage. We issues a massive retreat order not because we are loosing but because we minimize the lose of life in the area. We're looking at new strategies to combat the current situation and we're not going to overstep ourselves." Said the Secratariat of National Defense in the meeting. It was also announced at this conference that the President has authorized the Mexican Air Force to use explosive munitions of Insergent positions, the first such act in Mexicos history.

----Thus story is developing, we will update the article more information is realeased----

[Nea Byzantia]

The Iranian Times

Islamist Terrorist Attack on Royal Summer Palace!


Royal Secret Police searching for Terrorists in Tabriz

Tabriz-Several nights ago, while His Most Serene Majesty, Shah Ali I was hosting a private dinner for several members of the Royal Cabinet at the Royal Summer Palace, when a bomb detonated in the Palace's Throne room, where dinner was being served. By sheer luck and as some would have it, the Blessing of Allah the Merciful, His Majesty was not present when the bomb detonated. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the Shah's dinner guests who all perished in the explosion. Amongst those dead are Ismail Manzhari (Royal Minister of Internal Affairs), Yussuf Khanabi (Royal Finance Minister), Abbas Bhagratian (Royal Minister of Agriculture), General Souliman Ghazni, General Selim Azbhakarian and General Muhammad Ansouri (Commander of the Royal Air Force).

His Majesty has laid the blame for the attack at the feet of Al-Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban regime and the Islamist leadership who fled there after our nation's 1993 Revolution. "We will not cower in the face of such barbarous attacks against our nation and its leadership." said the Shah during a statement following the attack, "Those who seek to overthrow the progress of the Glorious Revolution in 1993, will be sorely disappointed. Rest assured, justice will be served and those responsible will suffer the final judgement of Allah the Merciful."

The Royal Secret Police have made several arrests across the nation, apprehending those believed to "have connections or sympathies to underground Islamist movements such as Al-Qaeda or the Taliban." according to Chief of the Royal Secret Police, Commander Ruhollah Iminejad.

The Iranian Times

Rioting Kurds Destroy Royal Monuments in Mahabad, Riots and Street Battles Ensue!



Mahabad-Yesterday evening, the Kurdish population of Mahabad showed their faces for the first time in 4 years and it wasn't to be friendly. Armed with pitchforks, paving stones and molotov cocktails, the Kurds tore down statues of His Majesty, Shah Khusrau III (reigned:1995-2001), who just abdicated two weeks ago. They furthermore, broke into the Royal Art Museum in Mahabad and smashed painting depicting His Majesty the Shah and the Royal Family, all the while shouting "F*ck Khusrau!" as they did.

When the Royal Police attempted to arrest the troublemakers, all hell broke loose. Dozens of policemen were killed and just as many others were hospitalized. The Mayor of Mahabad, Astyages Sassanidian declared a State of Emergency in the city and Riot Police were deployed. Street battles have ensued and the most recent reports are that Sassanidian has called on His Most Serene Majesty, Shah Ali I to dispatch the Royal Army to Mahabad as soon as possible.

[Imperialisium]

Germany

Germany was at the turn of a century at an interesting crossroads with its Germanic neighbor. Austria. The Austrians following the Second World War had vowed neutrality and to preserve their Austrian Republic. But as a sagging economy, emigration from the country, and an immigration problem that could potentially become an unstoppable wave within a decade or two. It was at a crossroads. Once more the Austrians people looked to the glory and prosperity of their cousins across the border. Germany was on the up and up. The Bundeswehr was growing and the nation was rearming rapidly to fulfill various new NATO commitments. Its economy was keeping a healthy 45 degree angle in projected growth for the next fifty years. Not to mention the explosion in renewable resource jobs that would see Germany move to fifty percent green energy fifteen to twenty years if current trends continue.

Austrian conservatives and Pan-Germanic nationalists held daily marches and demonstrations in Vienna, Linz, and Salzburg. While the Chancellor of Germany herself even talked about increased Germanic integration and unity. Ultimately, this ended in the Pan-Germanic Union Party, a small party in the 90's to growing to majority and winning the Austrian election. Allied to the Bundeskanzlarin's party the inevitable would come to the world in the form of Austrian and German police removing border crossing posts and gates. All the while proclaiming free trade and flow of labor for Austrian and German citizens. The first phase of German-Austrian integration was finished.