News from Africa and the Middle East
COLONIAL BUSINESS AGAINST SPANISH GOVERNMENT. Douala, Spain. The Spanish Imperial Congress won a victory at home, but now face challenges to maintain their decaying empire. In Central Africa, they have faced a rising group of locals unhappy with the new regime and the alterations made to the old political system. The recent census and the thoughts of more representation to the region has made the old guard and garrisons very unhappy. With much of the local native population already stirred up by the Confederate invasion during the civil war, the talks of further reform have outraged Spanish business. The result has been an immediate rise in prices and increasing expense of doing business in the Spanish colonies. Businesses have petitioned the government to reinstitute the Viceroyalty system, and to not bother with disruptive further reform.
ISLAMIST BOMBINGS IN ALGIERS. Algiers, Spain. The Spanish are clearly weary with war and conflict, after the late conclusion of the violent civil conflict between the military and the Imperial Congress. The Islamists of Algiers have noted this and have clearly begun renewing their war against the Spanish, despite their previous defeats. The Algerians have initiated the new round of combat with a series of blasts rocking Spanish imperial outposts throughout the city of Algiers. The buildings targeted were mostly administrative and military installations, and casualties are estimated in the dozens. The attacks have served their purpose though, as it seems the local population is once more budding in support for the Muslims seeking to secure their independence from what many view to be a dying empire. Reports have already come in of the growth of local militias once again, as a new generation enlists in the fight against Spain. (-1 Stability in North Africa)
TRIBAL VIOLENCE IN AFGHANISTAN. Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan government centralized around the loosely supporting King Habibullah, a heir to the ancient Durrani royality and empire, has begun to face his first true challenge to the throne. Various outlying tribes and provinces have begun challenging the authority of the central government in Kabul, and have begun a low scale uprising. The fighting has been small but vicious, as the king's forces have tried to maintain control over the rest of the nation. The army has managed several key victories over the rebels, and in aggressive moves, have managed to crush and capture the most rebellious leaders of the uprising. The rebels have quickly been imprisoned and executed by the monarchy, as King Habibullah has begun to establish greater control over the rest of his nation. The increased stability has come at a cost of many lives, as the Afghanis fought to preserve the integrity of the nation. (+1 Stability, -5 Infantry Brigades)
ANTI-BRAZIL ATTITUDE RISES IN ANGOLA. Namibe, Angola. The recent rise of major economic restrictions, blockades, and embargoes against the Brazilians has caused an unfortunate problem for Angola. The Angolans have been economically tied to the Empire of Brazil since the formation of the Dominion and they have suffered severely by being cut off from European trade. Much of the blame has been placed upon the Brazilians for their aggressive foreign policies, which have substantially reduced the global market for Angolan resources and products. The result has been a growing sentiment and resentment against Brazilians, and the local garrison has begun facing increased hatred from all elements of the population. Events were made worse when Brazilians were implicated in rape against the local population, and the army prevented trials of the culprits. It seems that a major backlash against the Brazilians has begun to mount as the Dominion grows increasingly hateful of what they view as occupiers. (-1 Stability)
KHAZAKS CONTINUE VIOLENCE IN PERSIA. Ashgabat, Persia. New violence and rebellions have continued to erupt and escalate throughout the northeastern provinces of Persia, as the Khazak tribes have been struggling for freedom. The fighting particularly escalated this year as the main Persian army to the west in the fight against the Arabians. The result has been considerable successes and limited victory for the Khazaks, for the first time in decades against the Persians. Heavy casualties have been inflicted upon the local garrisons, as their armories have been seized by the rebels. The Khazaks have built in strength, reinforced by other tribes fleeing from the north, and have apparently rallied around a single leader and position. By all reports, open revolt and rebellion seems not very far on the horizon against the Persian empire, considerably destabilizing their rule in the east. With the northern border closed, the Khazaks continue to gain numerous reinforcements with nothing to lose and no choice but to fight for their new lands. (-1 Stability, -2 Infantry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade)
POLITICAL REFORM IN PONTUS. Trebizond, Pontus. The Pontic government has undertaken new reform and developments as they work to reorganize the lower infrastructure of the nation. They have reorganized the nation into eighteen new provinces and regions, though they had to do some significant reshuffling due to some areas lower population densities. The new provinces have been deemed somewhat arbitrary and nonsensical, as it seems the government was fixated upon the number eighteen with no rational reason why. Furthermore, the new position of Vice President has been created as an office which could only be held by Turks. This move has created outrage from both Turks and Greeks, for different reasons and purposes. The Turks have become angered that their position is subordinate to a Greek and divided from national politics. The Greeks have been outraged that while the presidency can be held by any ethnicity, the vice presidency will be dominated by the Turks. The effort has only divided local politics more, creating a growing divide between Turk and Greek. The result has been growing violence between the ethnicities, particularly in the wake of the Turkish victory over Kurdistan. Many have advocated that the Pontic region will be the next to be liberated by the Turkish democracy. (-1 Stability)
WAR ESCALATES IN ARABIA. Riyadh, Arabia. The vicious struggle between Arabia and its southern neighbors has enlarged into a much more enflamed battle as new opponents enter the fray in the region. Persia, honoring its decades old alliance with Oman and Yemen, has entered the war, invading the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates. Meanwhile, the two southern states have succeeded in inviting a European intervention into the region. The United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy have launched an effort to engage the Arabians and preserve the freedom of the other two states. Many cynically claim that this is simply an empire building scheme and has little to nothing to do with the independence of Yemen and Oman. Others have stated that it is a sign of a possible detente situation between the British and Germans, who have had strained relations since the end of the Great War and the Russian occupation of Poland. The fighting has been heavy and the Arabians are besieged on numerous fronts, as casualties mount for all sides. The war is large enough to the extent that it merits a special section all to itself, provided below. Furthermore, the fighting has clearly resulted in the improvement of involved military forces and the changes to their quality grade are listed here:
HOLLANDIA SECURES DOMINION STATUS. Mombasa, Hollandia. The Hollandian War for Independence has at last come to an anti-climatic close. After valiantly holding back the waves of Dtuch forces over two full years, the Hollandians have entered an agreement which has led to them still remaining essentially a part of the larger empire. With threats of Kongo's intervention being bandied about diplomatic halls, it was viewed as the only hope to save the settlers of Hollandia. The Dutch have retained full control of Hollandia's foreign affairs and larger position on the international stage, while the Hollandians have been granted limited control over their own domestic status. The treaty has proven immensely unpopular in Hollandia itself, while it has allowed the Dutch government to save some face and turn a defeat into a marginal victory. With domestic independence secured, the Hollandians have immediately begun work on a new constitution, limiting the rights of all but white settlers to the territory. The proper constitution has yet to be enacted, but it is clear that the power will be retained by the white militias and colonial government.
ANGOLA BEGINS INFRASTRUCTURE WORK. Namibe, Angola. Faced with the problems of a vast nation with a stagnated economy, the Angolan government has begun to look towards possible solutions. The current goal has been to construct a modern new system of infrastructure and mass transportation across the frontiers of the nation, an ambitious endeavor. Though the Spanish had made strides towards such a project, they were abandoned in the late nineteenth century due to troubles in Europe and throughout the empire. The Angolans are hoping for more success, but some politicians balk at the probable expense of the project. As tensions mount between Brazilians and native Angolans, some fear that this project could wind up exacerbating the situation, while Angola should focus on acquiring more foreign trade and commerce. The military supports the proposal, as many are concerned about the ability of Angolan armed forces to hold the interior in case of a war or uprising.
KONGO LAUNCHES NEW SURVEY. Haraldsholm, Kongo. With a new emperor upon the throne of the Empire of Scandinavia, the Kongo Colonial Society has sponsored the performing of a new survey of the colony's interior lands. Seeking out new wealth and potential in the more isolated regions of the nation, the census has unfortunately remained mostly incomplete and ineffective. Though the more civilized and open areas like Abyssinia and Somalia have been easily analyzed, the interior continues to remain a mystery. Attempts to locate rare minerals and materials have been less than fruitful, as they struggle to locate new goods. The Colonial Society has still applauded the noble attempt, but so far no new information or useful minerals have been discovered by the survey effort.
PEACE IN ANATOLIA. Cizre, Kurdistan. The brutal three year war between Kurdistan and Turkey has been brought to an end after fighting stalemated along the Euphrates River. As Kurdish attempts to reclaim the territory lost to the Turkish rebellion and invasion have failed miserably, calls for peace from Russia and the Roman Empire have at last been answered. With external pressure mounting, the Kurdish government has been forced to recognize the de factor Turkish rule over the territories. The Kurdish navy has been officially turned over to the Turks, who have rejoiced in the victory. The new treaty has affirmed the full resurrection of the Turkish state which fell as a result of the Great War. The success has allowed the Turkish people to rebuild their status and nation, and look towards a brighter future. Prime Minister Atay has stated that this is the first success for the Turkish people and further victories are inevitably in the future. Meanwhile, the treaty has led to further deterioration of the stability of the Kurdish monarchy, which faces a growing republican movement and internal dissent against the crown. (-1 Stability for Kurdistan; +1 Stability for Turkey)
TURKEY BEGINS RECONSTRUCTION. Konya, Turkey. The victory over the Kurds has at last brought about the restoration of the borders of the Turkish state before the invasion which took place during the Great War. The damages to the region were mostly recovered by local efforts and military necessity during the war itself, leading to a fairly minor amount of overall destruction by the war's end. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Atay has pledged substantial funds for the reconstruction of the area's damaged ports and villages, pledging to reverse the tyranny of the Kurdish king. The effort is not anticipated to take more than two to three years, as it remains overall fairly inexpensive and well within the means of the Turkish government. The Turkish people admire the devotion of the Prime Minister to the well being of his people and this is likely to further cement his position as the head of government in future elections.
AZERBAIJAN BEGINS NEW DEFENSIVE WORK. Baku, Azerbaijan. Seeking to establish new security against the Russian bear, the Azerbaijani government has authorized major expense towards the construction of modern fortifications along the northern border. The military has been influenced by the apparent success of the Mannerheim Line, and they believe that substantial funding could render the nation invulnerable to Russian attack. Extensive funds have already been dedicated towards the project, and massive new bunkers now cover the most obvious approaches across the Russian border into Azerbaijan. While critics of the monarchy have claimed that such an expense could bankrupt the small nation, it is argued that the new Rasulzade Line will be essential should a war erupt against the massive beast to the north.
SPECIAL: War in Arabia
PERSIA ASSAULTS MESOPOTAMIA. Dezful, Persia. The Persians opened the year with a massive artillery barrage, having been moving into position as the Arabians had first attacked Oman and Yemen. The attack decimated the Arabian artillery corps, which was overwhelmed both by numbers and superior Persian firepower. The Persians then unleashed a massive attack, far outnumbering the Arabian positions, and soon sweeping across them, though they did inflict considerable casualties. The victory in the south, destroying the main Arabian defenses, has led to a major rout for the northern Arabian forces. Though the arrival of reserves and reinforcements did allow them to stabilize the front south of Baghdad, the Persians simply halted, brought up their massed artillery and decimated the Arabian forces once more. Baghdad fell to the Persians by the beginning of July, leaving the rest of Mesopotamia under their control. Further advances have been made throughout the area, as the Persians were delayed by the uprising further east and the need to consolidate the territory.
Casualty Lists
Arabia: 15 Conscript Brigades, 16 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 5 Artillery Brigades
Persia: 42 Infantry Brigades, 6 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
DUMYAT ATTACK. Suez City, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The intervention of Britain into what many considered an Arabian affair has turned into a brutal bloodbath on the Sinai Peninsula. With the British treachery apparent, the Arabians launched a major assault on the colony of Dumyat, facing the minute British garrison. The British immediately began reinforcing the garrison, but this turned out for the worst. The British were only able to reinforce in trickles, as most of the shipping capacity of the nation was directed towards the Omani front. The reinforcements were thus destroyed piecemeal by the Arabians, who retained a numerical advantage through the whole campaign. The British were then forced to retreat from the unfinished port of Suez City, falling back onto the seas in a humiliating withdrawal, forced to leave behind an extensive amount of supplies, and even the wounded. The fighting was vicious in the last few days, as the British struggled to maintain any foothold. Much was attributed to the superior Arabian artillery, which far outmatched the skill and abilities of the British gunners. Unfortunately for the Arabians they had less than a day to enjoy their spoils, as the landing of the Germans to the east threatened to cut them off and they had to beat a hasty retreat. The Arabians were able to serve against the German forces, as the British bloodlessly retook the colony towards the end of the year.
Casualty Lists
Arabia: 10 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 31 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 7 Artillery Brigades, 1 Cannock-Type Recon Squadron
GERMANS INVADE THE ARABIAN NORTHWEST. Suez City, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The Arabians have faced major defeat even in the wake of their great victory against the British in Dumyat. Not long after they once more reached the edge of the Suez Canal, they were forced to retreat from the British possession as German forces landed throughout the Holy Land and the Middle East. Landing both in eastern Dumyat and in the Levant, the Germans quickly crushed the local garrisons with overwhelming numbers and firepower. The Arabian armies from both Mesopotamia and Dumyat rushed to the region and the heavy fighting ensued as the Germans attempted to cut off the Arabians from the Dumyat region. The Germans and their Italian allies engaged and decimated the Arabians through sheer numbers, though they did manage to put up a substantial fight. The victory routed the Arabian armies and the German forces have since managed to push far south while still consolidating control over the Holy Land. The Germans have marched into Jerusalem triumphantly, demonstrating once more their martial prowess and successes in battle.
Casualty Lists
Arabia: 18 Conscript Brigades, 9 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 9 Artillery Brigades, 1 P-16 Fighter Squadron
Germany: 14 Infantry Brigades, 1 M1916 VB Brigade, 7 Artillery Brigades, 1 Verband FTA1-2 Fighter Squadron, 2 ADF100 Bomber Squadrons
Italy: 19 Infantry Brigades
MUTINY IN OMAN. Muscat, Oman. The Omanis have faced a internal threat as the mass mobilization of conscripts has been less than popular, particularly considering the nation's new allies. The arrival of British forces in Oman has spurred elements in the military to oppose the threat of European imperialism over Oman, particularly when allied against the Arabians. The result was a mass mutiny behind the front lines, and British and Omani forces were called in to restore order among the soldiers. The conflict was scattered and brutal, and many Omani soldiers simply deserted rather than fight any longer. The local British military has installed supporting leaders among the Omani forces and even offered their own officers to assist in the command of the united army. It is claimed that the sultan could well be a prisoner in his own household, though he continues to state that Oman and Britain are allies, and Oman is no one's puppet.
Casualty Lists
Oman: 11 Conscript Brigades, 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 5 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades
THE OMANI FRONT. Muscat, Oman. The largest armies available have so far been on the Omani front as the armies of Britain and Oman fought against the Arabians along the coast. The front is narrow and dense, as both sides' flanks are anchored by an impassable desert on the west and the sea on the east. The result has been a vicious stalemate, as advances are barely made and the struggle has become a brutal slogging match. The Omanis, skilled artillerymen to a tee, have managed to crush Arabian artillery positions, putting their British allies to shame. The Arabs on the other hand have managed to claim the skies, easily bringing down every plane the British have dared to put in the air, as their fighters easily sweep the skies clean. This proved decisive when the time came for a major allied offensive, and the Arabians were able to deftly move reserves into key positions, using airborne reconnaissance to outmaneuver and defeat the attacking forces. The allied nations' armies were devastated while the Arabians barely sustained a scratch on the battlefield.
Casualty Lists
Arabia: 19 Conscript Brigades, 4 Infantry Brigades, 9 Artillery Brigades, 1 P-16 Fighter Squadron
Oman: 17 Conscript Brigades, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 4 Artillery Brigades
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 37 Infantry Brigades, 6 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 1 Cannock-Type Recon Squadron, 2 Plymouth-Type Fighter Squadrons
THE YEMENI FRONT. Sana'a, Yemen. While vicious power struggles and fighting were taking place further east and north, a less significant, but just as large battle raged between Arabia and Yemen. Like with Oman, both sides have had concentrated lines with ocean and desert anchoring their flanks and preventing complex assaults. The resulting slogging fest began with an Arabian offensive, which was bloodily repulsed by Yemen's army. The Yemenis then launched an offensive of their own, with considerably more success. Unfortunately, the Arabs never broke under Yemen's relentless pressure, and the retreat slowed as the year progressed. By the end of the year, Yemen's armies have once more been forced to a halt, as they push further north towards Mecca. Lower level negotiations have begun about the city, as it seems plausible that Yemeni forces could capture it from the Arabian defenders, and no one involved wish to see severe damage done to Islam's holiest city.
Casualty Lists
Arabia: 31 Conscript Brigades, 17 Infantry Brigades, 14 Artillery Brigades
Yemen: 23 Conscript Brigades, 9 Infantry Brigades, 6 Artillery Brigades