GoobNES01: Fallout Update 19, The Tipping Point
World Weekly News, December 31st, 1985
Germany invades Czechoslovakia, Poland, Denmark, and the Hapsburg Empire
Pundits had been saying that it was bound to happen. Many expected it to happen. This year, it finally has. Germany, who has been building its army, and popular support for its Fascist regime for years, finally lashed out at its neighbours. It's targets? Poland, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, and the Hapsburg Empire. The powerful Germany army quickly and easily crushed the Danish Armed Forces, and the Czechs, but ran into more opposition from Poland and the Hapsburg Empire. Indeed, seeing the powerful German Army crush the Danish forces was, in a sense, laughable. Germany has, however, caught the world off guard, after being so seemingly docile these past few years. The international reaction was swift, as nations around the world criticized and condemned Germany. It also taught many a lesson enter into partnerships with superpowers. Poland had been negotiating with Russia to enter into a Military and Economic Alliance, but it was all for naught. However, this OPERATION ANSCHLUSS did not go quite as well as some German Generals had hoped. Yes, Germany did suddenly strike at its neighbours, and take a lot of territory, but Germany now has some violent insurgencies to contend with. In Poland and the Hapsburgs, an effective insurgency is striking at the German occupiers, who are struggling to establish interim governments for the regions. Germany also took heavier then expected military losses, but an effective recruiting campaign back at home seems to be working well. What surprised most is that Germany remains a Democracy. The German Government remains a democracy, Droeger has not taken over total control. Of course, his Heritage Front party remains firmly in control. Germans were in the streets celebrating as the Military Victories were announced. Germans remain united behind Droeger for the time being. Will they remain so, if or when the world reacts? For that matter, will the world react? The USE did not condemn the invasion, in fact, it seems to know exactly what was going on. The USA condemned it, but didn't do much else. The UIS and Russia did not react, of course, they are in a de facto state of war. It seems that Droeger has gotten away with his invasion. Now, the agenda must turn to post invasion. Will Droeger ensure that Germany remains a Democracy, or will he assume total, Hitler-like control? If Germany becomes a Democracy, will it be a USE-style, with each of the former nations being States, and their own Regional Governments, and one central Government? Many questions remain, and they must be answered, as they directly relate to Germany's future.
(Germany: +Denmark, +Czechoslovakia, +Polish Insurgency, +Hapsburg Insurgency, +International Condemnation, -415,000 Infantry, -1,100 Tanks, +130,000 Volunteers, -140,000 Volunteers, -2 Destroyers, -2 Submarines, +200 Captured Polish Tanks, +Various Captured Polish and Danish Naval Units, +Various Captured Air Units)
Benelux overwhelmingly votes to join USE
The small, struggling nation of Benelux has voted to join the USE. This referendum came after Germany invaded those 4 nations, so obviously Beneluxians were feeling very insecure, and wanted the protection of the USE. The USE's economy, already one of the best in the world, was boosted by the Industrial power of Benelux. However, this merger has left some in the USE wondering if the USE was taking advantage of Germany's invasions to take over yet another European nation. Also, as we shall describe later, some other headaches to the USE is the rising support for the Italian Independence Movement, and the split between Liberals and Conservatives in the USE.
Cold War between UIS and Russia starts
It was a war of Diplomacy, a war of words between Russia and the UIS which has led, finally, to this point. Russia and the UIS are in a de facto state of war, but it remains a cold war. Both sides have militarized their armies, but neither has crossed their heavily fortified borders. There have been some shells exchanged, and some small-scale shootings between the 2 sides, but neither wants to risk a full-blown war. So the huge armies of the UIS and Russia sit, facing each other, over their common border, both seemingly daring each other to take the first step. Experts say that if the UIS attacked Russia first, the more powerful Russian army would win, and Russians would volunteer in the hundreds of thousands to defend their homeland. If Russia invaded, they would see their economy decline, and a lack of popular support. Muslims in the UIS see the Russian Central Asia Republics, which are predominately Muslims, as being oppressed by Russia, and, although that is far from the truth, they seem to support their liberation. In fact, polls done in those regions show that only 10-15% call the Russians oppressors, and have any desire to be free of the Russian Federation. The overwhelming majority are quite satisfied being part of the RF, and its powerful economy. Regardless, polls done in the UIS show that around 80% of Muslims agree that Central Asian Muslims in Russia are repressed, and should be liberated. Clerics and Spiritual leaders throughout the UIS have been drumming home the message that the State of Emergency within the UIS must remain, since the liberation of the Central Asian Republics will require all of Allah's men to succeed. Some minor violence has broken out in those Central Asia Republics, mostly by hardline anti-Russian extremists, but it died down rather quickly once the KGB got wind of the situation. This war seems to be a cold war, with neither side actually attacking, which would draw the world into war. China and the Philippines have declared their support for Russia, and it is expected India might do the same. Nations which could possibly support the UIS are the USE, Germany, and the USA. Experts do not see the situation going into war. They say that the rhetoric might continue, and so might the angry diplomatic exchanges, but eventually, the UIS and Russia will overcome this dispute, and move forward.
Bulgarian Elections fail as accusations swirl
Bulgarian Elections have failed for the second time in a row, as the Election Commission was again found to be partial to one candidate or another as the votes were counted. Bulgarians have gone to the polls twice in one year, trying to elect their first democratically elected Government, but it has been failing, and most point to its neighbours as the regions. Yugoslavia, Greece, the USE, and Russia have all been accused of trying to bribe officials to make the Bulgarian election turn out in their favour, and the result has been, as some might say, sheer anarchy. No party has been able to win, and not have the result successfully challenged, which leaves Bulgaria in a legal limbo, and in somewhat of an anarchic state. Some say that an International Organization, like the failed UN, would be the perfect body to resolve this dispute, but none exists. This election fiasco continues, and it is the Bulgarian people who are suffering as a result.
Crackdown, executions in Albania lead to international condemnation
In Albania, one of the last remaining non-Democratic Communist nations in the world, the situation continues to turn from bad to worse. The Albanian Dictator has assumed absolute control, and, with the complete backing of the Albanian Army and Secret Police, he is a force to be feared. Executions of alleged traitors have been taking place on the streets, and tens of thousands have been killed. A Public Uprising is taking place, and Greece has announced that it is sending its forces in to retain control, and ensure peace. Albania is not so slowly slipping into a terror state, as the nation crumbles in the iron fist of its dictator.
Inspections show United Korea indeed does have Nukes
United Korea took the unprecedented step of allowing some of the first foreigners into its lands in a long time, aside from embassies, of course. Korea allowed Inspectors from Sweden, Quebec, Colombia, and Mexico to inspect and take some pictures of its Nuclear Arsenal. Of course, it did screen the pictures, but these still remain the first images the world has of the Korea Arsenal. The Inspecting Nations then fielded reports about the Korean Nukes, and found that Korea has 37 Functioning Nuclear Warheads, as Korea has been stating all along, and is building 3 more, for a total of 40. Pictures and other evidence prove this. Then Korea took the unprecedented step of pledging to freeze its Nuclear Arsenal to 35 Nuclear Warheads, provided Japan, China, and other nations provide it with 7 ecos of Aid, or the equivalent. Many were hoping that China and Japan would take Korea up on this offer, or at least discuss it with them, but they did not, so now Korea continues to arm itself with Nukes, while the world seems to idly sit by, and not encourage Korea to disarm. China has pledged some money, but none has come yet. Korea is rumored to be considering allowing some countries to set up monitoring stations inside Korea, to aid Korea in disarming itself.
China launches Space Station!
China has joined the nations of the world with Space Stations by launching its first, which is having a good effect, politically, for the Governing Party in China. China's abilities to work in Space are now much greater, now that they have a Space Station. Experts around the world are condemning nations, however, for building a space station, but not using it effectively for research, and for not sending probes to distant planets. They say that Space Stations are all well and good, but are a first step to exploring space, and no nation seems to be going beyond that first step.
Chinese Population Booms as President encourages Abortions
The Chinese population has reached the 1.3 Billion mark, and there seems to be no end in site. China is turning into one of the most heavily populated nations in the world, and it is putting a severe strain on the ability of the nation to feed itself. China is importing more and more of its food from other nations, like the USA and the USE, as its population booms, taking up more and more land in which people could farm to make more food. The Chinese Government tried to limit the number of children couples could have, but the Chinese Supreme Court overruled that on the day it passed, and the proposal faced huge opposition as well. Chinese cities are also becoming overcrowded, as the cost of living continues to rise. Pollution is another major Chinese problem, as China's population grows, and China modernizes, its thirst for power is growing more and more. Coal-fired plants, closed when China's massive Solar Plant came online, are being re-opened, and, along with more cars on the road, is meaning more smog and more pollutants to clog China's air and lungs. On the bright side, Hydrogen-powered vehicles are becoming very popular in China, especially when the Chinese Government started to subsidize them, invest in infrastructure to fuel the vehicles, and removes all tariffs and taxes on them. So China continues to improve itself, but many are calling for more, and China is still dogged by many problems, many of them old as the nation itself.
Chinese form the Military Volunteer Unit
One of the biggest criticisms of the current Chinese Army, organized into Battle Groups, much like Malaysia, is that it is simply not large enough. Critics of the Government have repeatedly slammed it for not hiring and training more Infantry. China has recently started training and hiring more Infantry, but there is another movement starting up, the Military Volunteer Unit, or MVU for short. This is a group of young Chinese who want to be part of the Chinese Military, but cannot, since China accepts far less Infantry then apply. This unit obtains no funding, but is basically to start training Chinese to be part of the Chinese Military. Critics have used this to slam the Government again by saying that a war is about to erupt between Russia and the UIS, and China must be able to help Russia. China cannot, currently, because its Military is so comparatively small, charge critics. The Chinese Government was not immediately responding, but many expect a major announcement shortly.
Argentina The world's next Superpower?
Argentina is set to become the world's next superpower, say many. It's economy is red-hot, as profits continue to pour in from Hydrogen Vehicles, which can only be manufactured in Argentina, according to Argentinian Law. Argentina invented the Vehicles, and the profits from their sales, which are increasing exponentially, is making the government, and the nation, very rich, and is giving them more and more power.
Indian attempt to ban public displays of Religion backfires
The Indian Government, who has been so successful in their recent Reforms, and attempts to make India a Superpower, recently enacted a series of laws banning public displays of Religion, making India an officially secular state. The fact that the Bill even got passed was amazing, the vote was razor thin, and caused great controversy. When the public became aware of it, well, there was an uproar. In this deeply religious nation, all religions broadcast prayers, hold massive parades, and do other public displays of religion. Well, the Indian Government suddenly closed the lid on that, and the Public reacted. Citizens broke the Law in record numbers. Nearly 10 million hit the streets in cities all across India publicly disobeying the Law. After intense pressure, the Government quickly nullified the Law, but anger remains. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs united in opposing this law. Legal Experts say that intent was not necessarily bad, but the interpretation in such a religious nation meant it was doomed to fail. This event has overshadowed all the other good that the Indhira Ghandi Government has done, like alleviating poverty among much of India, tough anti-discrimination laws, subsidizing agriculture, anti-hatred laws, a Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which Amnesty International recently said that India belongs with Quebec in the league of the best nations in the world, in respect to Human Rights, and many other things. India's economy has grown by another level recently, but many warn that Government spending must be kept in check, as the Government was forced to borrow 2 eco to carry out some of its great plans.
India and Pakistan start Peace Talks!
The conflict between Pakistan and India seems over for good. India and Pakistan have begun to heal their relationship, both by opening embassies in each others capital, and starting to allow trade and travel between the 2 neighbours once more. The process is moving slowly, but has been helped with the Indian Prime Minister, Indhira Ghandi being very public about healing the rifts, pledging money to rebuilt damaged mosques, and compensating those Muslims in India who were abused or had relatives killed as a result of former Indian Governments. The anger between India and Pakistan, and the resentment between Hindus and Muslims in India is still present, but is diminishing, and just about everybody agrees that is a very good thing. Negotiations are ongoing about completely demilitarizing the border, allowing total trade, perhaps a Trade Route. Talks of a standard currency, and perhaps an economic union are expected to be held next year, but this will be a slow and careful process. The violence in Pakistan is not aiding the situation at all.
Tribal Violence in Pakistan threatens fragile peace
Pakistan is a nation made up of various ethnic groups, and it is a well-known fact that hostilities, tensions, and violence can break out between certain groups. Well, In the Eastern regions of Pakistan, that exact thing is occurring. Minority tribes are taking up arms against the Government, and demanding a separate nation. Pakistan has responded by closing the region, and sending in the military, and many Pakistanis think that the Indians are behind it, which is hindering the peace process. The violence has dropped since the Pakistani Military went in, but Amnesty International is raising the issue of Human Rights abuses, and calling upon India to put pressure on Pakistan to treat its minorities fairly.
Oil, Natural Gas finds to fuel Bolivian Economy
Bolivia is on the road to recovery, after being liberated from its Communist times. Thanks to Argentina, its Economy is starting to pick up, and it recently had a stroke of good luck in the East of the nation, large amounts of Oil and Natural Gas have been found. The Bolivian Economy is expected to do better after this find. Of course, Oil is not in such a high demand now, but, well, this will still have a good effect for the Bolivian Economy as the Oil will be cheap and easy to pump out of the ground.
Chile withdraws from SADETO, restricts communications!
Chile,. under the control of the Fascist Dictator Augusto Pinochet, is quickly turning into a third world state, thanks to their leader. Pinochet gained control as a right-wing Nationalist in elections held 6 years ago, but has since seized total control, after polls suggested that he would be ousted for being too strong-armed with his military. Now, Pinochet is seeking to remove Chile from the international stage, withdrawing from SADETO, and restricting communications with most nations. Pinochet has aggressively targeted his opponents, political and otherwise. Amnesty International claims about 12,000 have been killed outright for opposing him, and another 40,000 are in jail. Amnesty is also claiming a genocide is occurring against the southern Mapuche people, but there has been no confirmation one way or another. The only thing that is clear is that the Chilean economy is being run to the ground, and the Chilean people are suffering as a result. Chileans are being drafted into the Army, and there are rumors that Chile might have Nuclear Weapons, but no confirmations yet. Chile is reminding many of Hitler's Germany, and many are calling upon SADETO to remove Pinochet from power.
SADETO removes Brazil as its head, nominates Argentina
In a shocking move, but one that was long expected, SADETO has removed Brazil has the leader of its organization, and elected Argentina to be leader instead. In a very, very tight vote, Argentina came out in the lead. If Argentina does not accept, then Venezuela is next on the list.