Irish Independence Campaign heats up!
The voices calling for unity in the USE was certainly not heard by the Irish, and by the Irish Republican Army, in their campaign for an independent Ireland. Sinn Fein, the political party closely allied with the IRA, walked out of the USE parliament, refusing to sit there, and have started a Government in Exile in Boston, in the USA, where there is a large population of Irish ex-pats. The attacks by the IRA have grown more vicious, and more bloody, by the day, with bombs going off, killing USE soldiers and police, almost daily. The USE army has increased its presence in Ireland a lot, but this has not seemed to help. About 89% of Irish demand their own state, and they are willing to kill themselves to achieve independence. Many Irish are sending their wives and children overseas, the vast majority to the USA, in order to keep them safe from the fighting. Funding for the IRA is mostly coming from Irish ex-pats in the USA, and no action has, or really can, be taken against that. The best efforts of the USE seem incapable of stopping this insurgency, and many in the USE are starting to feel that giving Ireland independence would be the easiest thing to do, to get this problem to go away.
(-4,000 USE infantry, -3,000 Guardos Civile)
Republic of Crete formed as UIS-USE war ends!
Crete is now an independent nation, and is the result of a peace treaty between the UIS and USE, ending the Cretian War, in which the UIS tried and failed to take over Crete for Turkey. This island is small, and its people bitterly divided, with 2/3 being Greek, and 1/3 being Turkish. The Parliament contains that same balance, and so the Greeks have had control of this nation. But ethnic tensions continue to boil over, with Bombs going off in the Greek side, which threatens the stability of this small and volatile nation. Analysts widely blame Turkish Hardliners, who opposed the fact that Greece controls, essentially, Cyprus. The new Crete Government has been very close to the Greek Government, dependent upon it for aid. This new nation remains very weak, but should survive, provided stability reigns once more here.
Finland headed towards Civil War as violence, assassinations start!
In Finland, things did not get much better. In fact, they got a lot worse. Finland is now headed towards Civil War, experts say, and that can directly be blamed on some high-states assassinations of right-wing leaders, who want Finland to be allied with Germany. Those assassinations triggered right-wing extremists to counter by killing the President of Finland, and his Cabinet members. This plunged Finland into several months of anarchy, until things calmed down enough to have elections. Russia publicly stepped in, and, along with International observers, held elections in Finland which saw a new parliament come along, with a 1 seat right-wing majority. This Government lasted for 2 months, until Socialists, unhappy with the policies of this Government, assassinated the president, yet again. Finland is now in the control of a Provisional left-wing Government, but is rapidly slipping into Civil War. The idea of a united Independent Finland seems not to be, and it seems that the country will split. Many expect Russia to take over Finland, or at least the Socialist half, but that would be a dangerous provocation to the right-wing forces, say experts. Whatever happens, the Finnish future looks dim, unless an agreeable compromise can be worked out.
Calls for Italian independence slow as propaganda hits home
In Italy, the forces calling for Italian Independence seem to be dissipating, as a massive Military Parade was held across Italy. With hundreds of thousands of soldiers marching through the streets, followed by tanks, planes, and marching bands, it was a day where National Pride seemed to take root in Italy. New Polls show that only 50% of Italians want Independence, as compared to 60% a couple years ago. That is a high number, but clearly it is slipping. One major factor might be London, and that nuke which has showed Italians that being their own nation might be a bit riskier then thought.
China joins the ranks of the Superpowers!
China has joined the elite club in the world, of achieving Superpower status. Experts agree that China has transformed itself successfully from a Communist Regime into a fully democratic nation. China's economy is booming, and China's cities rival those of Madrid, Rome, Moscow, or New York. China has a large Military, a huge landmass, and the world's largest population. China does face problems, particularly its millions of poor substance farmers that live in China's inland. They have felt left behind of the economic boom, but China is trying to start initiatives and projects to ensure that they can enjoy the new Chinese Productivity. China also faces continuing turmoil along its Indian Border, as India and the UIS go to war, this could destabilize the Indo-Chinese border. Another thorn in China's side is Korea, the secretive regime that borders China. But, China is the land of promise, and has nowhere to go but up. China does not face any active insurgencies, or violence, but does face a continuing strong Communist presence. Communist Groups in China have been hammering home the message to poor voters in China's Central regions that they will be better off under a Communist China. this is worrisome to Business, however, which would lose out if China became Communist again. The recent peace agreement between China and India is also being hailed by the Government as a step forward on the path to true peace in Asia.
Grecians protest against flood of Bulgarian Refugees!
Greece, who is still recovering over the Cyprus affair, faces a continuing problem that only seems to get worse. The flood of people fleeing the conditions in poverty-stricken Bulgaria continues, with about 30,000 people crossing the border illegally every year, and that number just continues to rise. Greeks are demanding action by the Greek Government, saying that Bulgars are taking away jobs from Greeks, albeit the lower-paying Jobs. Greeks are also demanding that the Grecian Government do more to help the poor in Greece. Poverty in Greece has never been exceptionally bad, but it is growing worse, and Greeks are demanding that something be done.
Bomb takes out Indian Embassy in FRSEA!
In a startling series of events, a Bomb, of fairly large size, has demolished the Indian Embassy in the FRSEA Capital City, totally taking it out. This has dramatically raised tensions between the 2 Indian neighbors, who were recently taking steps towards reducing tensions. About 60 Embassy Staff died in the Bombing, but some think that the Bomb might have been meant for the Government Building next to the Embassy, which looks quite similar. This was not the only violent attack in the FRSEA, a string of bombings and attacks against FRSEA buildings and Troops has been carried out by a shadowy Cambodian group demanding Independence. Pol pot, the accused leader, was released from Jail, but, after he made some anti-Burmese speeches, and demanding that the Cambodian Workers rise up against the Burmese Oppressors, he was quickly found guilty of Terrorism, and thrown back in jail. Cambodians have continued to protest, and demand his release, and demand their own nation. The FRSEA has tried to essentially bribe Cambodians by spending Billions to improve the Infrastructure in the Cambodian Region of the country, and jobs and the like, but this is creating a backlash by Burmese who accuse the Government of neglecting them. The situation is tense, and appears to be going towards Civil War between the 2 ethnic groups.
[size=]Iran condemns Israel as Israeli Economy Improves[/size]
The Hardline Iranian Government of Ayatollah Khomeini has officially condemned the nation of Israel as occupying land that rightfully belongs to Muslims, and demands that Israel return the land that it illegally occupies. Anger towards Israel has been growing recently by Hardline Muslims, who see Israel as not only occupying their land, but also making money off trade between the UIS and Europe that should rightfully go to the UIS. Nobody expects any actions to be taking place against Israel, however, as the UIS is generally on good terms with this Jewish state, and the majority of Muslims have no problem with Israel, in fact, many credit Israel with being an Arab Ally, as interesting as that might sound. Most say that the Hardliners merely want the land that Israel sits on, and Israel's fertile and prosperous cities and industries. Meanwhile, the economy of Israel continues to go up, as investors return to this small and prosperous nation following the end of the Cyprus War. The continuing threats by hardline Arabs is pretty much the only challenge facing Israel, that and some hardline Jewish groups who claim that Israel, according to the bible and other Religious Texts, should have much more land, all the way to the Euphrates in some cases, and have been quietly pushing the Government to acquire that land. The vast majority of Israelis are against that, however, not wanting a potentially devastating war over some vague references in centuries old religious texts.
Yugoslavians demonstrate for more Reforms, Democracy
In Yugoslavia, something that has not happened in a long time occurred recently protests and demonstrations calling for more Democracy, and more Reforms. These protests did not actually condemn the Yugoslav Government, they merely called for the Government to introduce Democracy, and more Social and Economic Reforms. They pointed to Russia and China as 2 countries that shed their Communist past to become Democratic Powerhouses. The protesters only numbered about 100,000 strong, but it was a demonstration of how Yugoslavia seems to be shedding its Communist past, and embracing Democracy.
Korean, Japanese navies clash as Refugees try to escape Korea!
Another war seems to be on the horizon in Asia as the Korea and Japanese Navies clashed over the issue of refugees. The number of refugees fleeing the isolated Stalinist Communist Regime has almost stopped, but about 5 boatloads a year still try and make it, usually in foggy conditions. The Japanese navy has adapted a policy of rescuing those refugees, while the Korean navy has a policy of killing them in full site. Well, these policies clashed recently, as Korean ships, pursuing a Boat full of Refugees, ran into some Japanese ships, who rescued them. The Koreans demanded their return, but the Japanese ships refused. Koreans fired in the Japanese ships, who returned fire. When the dust settled, the superior Japanese ships sank 3 Korean Destroyers, and 2 of their Battleships, as well as 4 Submarines. The Koreans managed one of the Japanese elite Shurikens, at a heavy cost, and a Japanese Destroyer. Hostilities remain high, and the 2 Navies have backed off, but the situation is very tense. Koreans claim the Japanese are preparing for an invasion of Korea, and have increased their readiness. Korea says they will detonate a Nuclear Bomb sometime soon to show their resolve, and are demanding 2 ecos in compensation from Japan. Japan is refusing, which caused the Koreans to start putting out propaganda promising that Japanese would soon feel what it is like to abused in War time by Korean troops, indicating that Korea might try an invasion of Japan. Japanese are reacting by demanding that their Government stand up to the cowardly Communists, and ensure that the Japanese Army and Navy is able to meet the Koreans, and be ready for a battle. It seems that these 2 nations might be on the course to a long, and bloody, war. Investors have not reacted to the move, but many expect them to leave Japan if a war breaks out, which could have a negative effect for the Japanese Economy.
Muslim Insurgency in Philippines boils over as Philippines allies with India
Just when the world thought that the Muslim insurgency in the Philippines was over, or at lest dying down, they were proven wrong. Very wrong. When the Philippine Parliament voted to declared war on Pakistan, and ally themselves with the Indians, whom the Muslims detest with a vengeance. While the President didn't sign the decree, it didn't matter to the Muslims. They were incensed anyway that this proposal was even being considered. Hardline Muslim Clerics in the Philippines quickly fanned anti-Filipino anger and hatred, which caused Millions of Muslims in the Philippines to take up arms, and fight against the Filipino Oppressors. They are demanding their own state, and promise bombs, bricks, and Bullets if that doesn't happen, and fast. Already, they have started a very violent campaign of attacking Philippine Officials, which has caused the Filipino Army to increase their presence in the majority Muslim areas.
(-10,000 Filipino Soldiers, -1 Filipino Economy Level, -1 Filipino Stability level)
Ivory Coast AIDS Drug Finished!
In a very positive development for the Ivory Coast, they have completed their long-awaoted AIDS Drug. This is an Anti-RetroViral Drug, which does not cure AIDS, but slows it down, and allows those who takes it to lead a more normal life, although they must take large quantities of these very expensive Pills for the effects to be noticed. Also, very few can afford these Pills, and their effects are worthy, but, for the cost, not affordable for many Africans. Also, large Drug Companies hold the patents to these drugs, and can charge exorbitant fees for them. but, all in all, this is a positive achievement for the War on AIDS.
Pope calls Contraceptives Tools of the Devil
Pope John Paul II, known for his Conservatism within the Roman Catholic Church, has made a bold and controversial stand on the issue of contraceptives, particularly condoms. He has denounced them as Tools of the Devil meant to halt the natural birth of children on Earth. This has fairly wide-spread support in the Roman Catholic Community, but many others condemn his stand, denouncing him for helping to spread AIDS. One of the most common ways that AIDS is spread it through unprotected sex, along with using dirty needles. AIDS continues to spread throughout Africa, killing hundreds of thousands a year.
AIDS Spreads to South America, Asia!
AIDS has spread to Asia and South America! In startling news, doctors have found that AIDS is showing up in impoverished areas of Brazil, and Argentina, and in Russia, India, and China. It is most common in the poor areas, where drug users are found, and brothels, and prostitutes. This virus spreads through the Blood, and essentially shuts down the Immune System, making the infected person susceptible to other vaccines and ailments. No cure has been found, but Anti-RetroViral Drugs can slow down the rate of infection, and extend the infected persons life.
Crime, Drugs, Gangs, Corruption continues to haunt Russia
Russia is facing an ongoing problem of crime. Crime continues to rise, especially violent crime, and robberies, making some parts of Moscow, and other large cities, very scary places to be at night. Gangs, like the Mafia, haunt Russia as well, selling Drugs like Heroin and Cocaine, to infect increasingly large numbers of Russians, especially the youth. They initially hand the drug out for free, and then charge exorbitant fees for it once the person is addicted. Then the addicted person must resort to crime to pay for the drug, since the average Russian cannot afford the fees by the Gangs and Criminals. Russian politicians have been slow to act, mainly due to corruption, many say. The Gangs can bribe Russian officials to turn a blind eye to the drug trade with the massive profits they make. Especially Regional Governments are very corrupted by the wealth available to these Gangs, and thus slow to crack down.
Anti-Russian anger in USA continues to build
In the USA, the political times are very turbulent, as anti-Russian anger continues to build over the continued Russian Restrictions on the size of the American Military, and continued Russian Occupation of Alaska. Democrats have taken up the anti-Russian cause, which has caused popular support for them to skyrocket, while public support for the governing Republicans continues to drop ahead of next years election. Democrats are demanding that America take a hard line with Russia, and accept nothing less then Alaska back, and all restrictions lifted on American Armed Forces. If the election was held today, Democrats would win by a landslide. The proposed Treaty between the USA and Russia would see the USA pay 10 eco for Alaska, not be able to station troops there, and allow Russia to maintain troops on Alaska. Americans are against that by a wide margin, stating that Russia already sold Alaska to America under the Treaty of Alaska, signed back in the 1800s. In fact, the Democrats have used that Treaty to their advantage by pressing Republicans on the issue, and stating that a Democrat Government would not let Russia dictate to America what America will do. Americans are also bitterly opposed to the clause in the agreement stating that the USA cannot interfere in Middle East actions. They demand that this be removed, and that Russia stop imposing her will on America. While the polls say that Americans, by over 80%, are against the Russian Restrictions, and Occupation, far less, about 50%, want a war to remove those Restrictions, remembering what happened the last time that occurred. The situation remains tense, and a backlash against the Americans is occurring in Russia, as Russians state that Americans cannot be trusted to have WMDs, or a large military, and that Alaska was never sold to the USA, merely leased, and that lease is now over. Russians are opposed by about 70% to giving back Alaska or lifting the Restrictions on the USA.
. Getting out of the solar system in light speed doesn't take several years, because it would take 4 yrs at light speed to get to Alpha Centauri. Who says you can't move in lightspeed? Just because it hasn't been discovered doesn't mean it is impossible.
