Total War: 2016 (IC)

[Odin the Ignoble]

Winter 2016 (Turn 1)

Newly elected President Johnathan Cartwright takes on the mantel of the President of the United States of America. But Heavy is the brow that wears the crown. Despite eking out a win for the presidency, his opponents control the majority in both houses.

On the world stage, things are even bleaker. To the south an new communist bloc is on the rise, this one far closer to home then the previous red threat. In the middle east the Golden Coalition is gaining ground and reprisals against "decadent westerners" are on the rise. Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Israel are locked in a bizarre nuclear style Mexican stand off.

Economically, the U.S. is still strong, but shifting job markets and the strain of new green legislature are beginner to take their toll. Rising stars less concerned with environmental issues like China, India and Brazil, are beginning to gain ground, along with the might of the EU.

Other world leaders are similarly troubled.

The UCSR has to deal with not one but two hostile nuclear neighbors, now that the US, has loaned Brazil nuclear weapons.

Turkey is caught at a crossroads, on path leads to the economic prosperity of the EU, and the other the comforting traditions of it's Islamic heritage. An increase in PPK activity, demonstrates just how rough the road ahead can be.

Russia is struggling with it's own internal problems. The rise of The Church has caused a significant amount of turmoil and unrest. Just two months ago the FSB managed to stop a terrorist attack planned by a group of East Orthodox extremists, their target was none other then Anna Verisa. Complicating matters further, the rise of communist states in Central America has rekindled a small but vocal Bolshevik party.

Tensions are on the rise on the Pakistan India border, as significant Pakistani troop movements are underway. Pakistan claims the movements are part of a military training exercise.

Singapore's grand island building project begins to grind to a near halt. Funds are coming up short and the project is several million dollars over budget. At the same time overcrowding is becoming a major issue in the crowded city streets.

The whole world seems to be tensing up. Waiting for one of the worlds simmering cold wars to go hot.

[Exthalion]

United States of America

At a press conference today Speaker of the House Hernandez urged the nation to bear with the new Sustainable Futures Act. She reminded the country that things seem hard only because we are in a transition period from fossil fuels to the new green systems.

Recently released facts show that the world has already passed peak oil, and with expected diminishing production oil prices are forecasted to rise tremendously.

The US as one of the largest oil producers in the world stands ready to profit greatly from these increased prices as ever larger sectors are converting to sustainable energy.

In other news, the Hecatonchires system developed by the Air Force/ Navy partnership has been officially adopted as standard by all Armed forces...

Brazil:
Be on the look out for Communist infiltrators. If you like, we can apply our intelligence networks to help you identify insurgents or infiltrators.

Israel:
Peace be with you friends. At your earliest convince we would like a situation report in the Middle East. We worry at Egypt and this "Golden Coalition ". They seem particularly unstable.

We also have an offer we would like to propose. Our Hecatonchires system is not yet battle tested. Would you be open to a joint test, and perhaps additional troop deployment to send a stronger message to your neighbors?

Germany:
The world situation is not as stable as it once was. Since you seem to be the up and coming power in the EU we would like to partner with you for a safer and more prosperous world.

The US and the EU together represent over half the power in the world. With nations like China and India on the rise Western power is beginning to diminish. Hopefully together we can present a strong and united front against terrorism and warlords.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Brazil to US

We'd be more then happy to have any intel or personnel you're willing to spare. However, wouldn't it take an executive order to send CIA personnel?

We were led to believe that the President and your party were at odds.


Israel to the US

We'll get working on as in depth a situation report as we can, how soon do you want it? We're still waiting on some reports to come in, but we can send a rough overview immediately if that would be helpful.

How soon can we expect the joint task force? We're surprised the president ok'ed this so quickly.

[Greystone]

The new year came about with a variety of new oppurtunities for the Federal Republic of Germany. The government is actually very quiet- showing that they trust their people, and all are content.

Still, preparations are being made- and the worst is what some expect due to the current unstable political atmosphere.

United States
I am all for assuring western economic power. What do you have in mind.

[Exthalion]

United States

Minority Party
You know our intentions for Brazil and Israel. We are willing to push the date of required fuel efficiency back five years if you agree.

Will that be acceptable?

[Odin the Ignoble]

President Cartwright (LibDem) to Speaker of the House Hernandez (Both US)

It's not usually the place of Congress to decide foreign policy. But I'm fine with both the Brazilian initiative and The joint movement with Israel, if you accept my counter proposal.

If the new military system proves to be effective, I want military spending cut. If the system increases efficiency, then we won't need as much money to maintain out status as a super power. The amount we cut can be determined by just how effective he new system is.

And when I say cut I mean cut from the budget entirely, not redirected onto more unnecessary pork.

[Exthalion]

United States

GM:Cartwright
On the assumption that in so doing our relative power does not decrease.

It does us no good if the system is flawless but we have nothing to use it with.

An acceptable compromise?

[Falconer]

The UCSR

As celebrations for the New Year die down with the dawn, it's back to business as usual. Premier Salazar gives his incendiary speeches glorifying popular revolution and the workers' state. His legislation and national programs continue to build up the Socialist Confederation as an economic power. General Desperio continues to reform the UCSR's armed forces, hoping to someday bring them up on par with the great world powers. Minister Juan "El Jaguar" Bautista's secret police lurk in the shadows, occasionally asking for papers, please. Mikhail Dragomir, chief diplomat, has been ordered by the Premier to go on a goodwill tour throughout the Americas: South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and even the US and Canada, if the northern nations will have him.

A Nuestros Amigos en Greater Korea


Greetings to our socialist brothers in Greater Korea! We are anxious to establish talks with your nation in matters most important, and feel that, if you are willing to talk, it should be done via secure channels.

(In other words, shooting a PM your way, sir.)



A Nuestros Amigos en The United States


We feel that, in the 21st century, it is important to emphasize reconciliation and brotherhood between all nations. In the spirit of that sentiment, would the Americans find it acceptable for our diplomat, Mikhail Dragomir, to visit your nation as a gesture of goodwill?

Sincerely Yours,

Félix Salazar
Primer Ministro of the UCSR



A Nuestros Amigos en Canada


We feel that, in the 21st century, it is important to emphasize reconciliation and brotherhood between all nations. In the spirit of that sentiment, would the Americans find it acceptable for our diplomat, Mikhail Dragomir, to visit your nation as a gesture of goodwill?

Sincerely Yours,

Félix Salazar
Primer Ministro of the UCSR

[RationalGoblin]

Turkey

In Turkey, life seems goes on as usual; while the individual Turk is proud, loud, and confident, Turkey itself is quiet and thoughtful, but steady, personified by Prime Minister Karima Celik.

The usual New Year celebrations end, and the apparatus of state resumes once more, and none could ever comprehend the grand plans of the head of the Turkish government.

Quietly, several small messages are sent to all relevant nations and groups.

To USA

We'd like to help your interests in the Middle East; we have little in common with the Arab states. However, our military is not the best in the world, so Turkey would like to provide a peaceful solution to this problem, namely, bribery. We provide regional infrastructure (roads and pipelines especially) to a few of the countries in the Golden Coalition, in exchange for the ceasing of hostilities towards Israel. And we have a few peaceful ideas to ensure Israel itself isn't targeted by it's neighbor

If that doesn't work, well, we're going to be pulling troops out of Northern Cyprus soon, and we hear you have a new kind of military invention; perhaps we could set up a deal with you about that.

And all we want in return is a good word for us in the U.N, and perhaps free reign to deal with our Kurdish problem in any way we see fit. Not violently, but perhaps not in the interests of the aforementioned Arab states.

Is this acceptable?

From the desk of Prime Minister Karima Celik


To Germany

Our German friends,

We'd like your aid in a final push to help Turkey join the EU. We are prepared to do so. We've improved our human rights, been friendly towards Europe and the West, and we are even entering talks about removing Turkish troops from North Cyprus, as well as working to peacefully solve our Kurdish rebel problem. An EU or UN task force will be helpful for the Cyprus problem, by the way.

But even more, we want to peacefully solve the current standoff between the Golden Coalition and Israel. We can do it, especially with the influence of the EU behind us.

And you are the strongest force in Europe, the savior of the EU. Help us be saviors of our region by influencing our entrance into the EU; we won't disappoint you.

Sound like a deal?



@GM

To PPK

We will be short and clear in this. We're ready to give you two options: Independence or autonomy within the Turkish state.

Independence will get you completely free, but at a cost. We cannot guarantee the behavior of neighboring states. Iraq, Iran, or the states of the Golden Coalition will likely not recognize you as a sovereign nation, and you will likely be met with violence and annexation.

And we cannot guarantee Turkey's own attitude towards a free Kurdistan. While my Ankara Ascended party will try it's best to be friendly towards you, such a radical step will likely oust us, and our successor governments will never be as kind as we are. They may even re-annex your newly free nation. And the radicals within Turkey may even commit private acts of violence towards your citizens. So Kurdish independence is a choice that is not a choice.

Our other option is autonomy; you will have a large region within east Turkey to call your own. The Kurdish language will be not only allowed, but encouraged. We will occasionally sponsor paragons of Kurdish culture, and display them to the world, preserving your culture for as long as Turkey itself exists.

This autonomy means you must submit to rule from Ankara, however. All signs must be in both Turkish and Kurd, and the price of making your culture dominant within Turkish Autonomous Kurdistan will be the same taxes as everyone else, and the occasional security check to make sure no Kurd radicals commit violence on Turkish citizens.

Depending on how peacefully you integrate with Turkey proper, we may be able to arrange for your brothers in Iraq and Iran to join you as an autonomous state.

So we give you a non-choice of independence, and the option of autonomy within Turkey. Which will you take?


To North Cyprus

Join with the south side of Cyprus; we will ensure your rights are protected. We will be pulling out troops shortly, but we are working out a solution to make sure Turkish Cypriots have representation as good as the Greek Cypriots have. We shall recommend an EU or UN task force made up of countries friendly to Turkish interests be stationed until union of North and South can be finalized. You will not lose your culture, not in the slightest.


To Golden Coalition

Let's be clear. None of us especially like Israel's treatment of it's neighbors and minorities.

But that doesn't give all country the right to invade it. The Middle East is not and should not be a haven for barbaric wars like it has in the past.

Before any more hostilities resume, Turkey would like to offer a deal; cease occupying parts of Israel, and we will help provide a massive line of infrastructure from Turkey all the way down to Israel. Imagine; the rusted and antique Soviet-era buildings, roads, and pipelines replaced and upgraded. Your government buildings improved and expanded! No mere bribe like the USA offers, we'd prefer to simply build your countries to be BETTER.

And if all goes as planned, we can cause American influence to decrease in our region.

Sound like a deal?



To Greece

We'll make this simple. We will give up claims on the Aegan Islands, we will remove troops from North Cyprus (and force it to unite with the south), and we will even help build roads and other infrastructure between our two countries.

We want to lessen our mutual antagonism, and all you have to do in return is influence the non-German EU countries to allow us to join the EU, and also allow for you to send Greek soldiers in a UN/EU task force to ensure that South Cypriots do not oppress the North.

Is it a deal?

[Forum Explorer]

Canada

The people celebrate and the goverment parties with them. No fancy speechs or occasions. Those who are working in the goverment just go out and have fun in the streets with everyone else. They take the next day off as well to recover. Finally work resumes and responses are sent out.


To USCR
We of course would be willing to meet with your diplomat. A peaceful start to our relations is the best way to have a peaceful relationship.

[Greystone]

Turkey
We have long watched your growth. Also have we considered your request to accept you into the EU. Looking over your proposal, I can tell you that we will bring your requests to the EU and the UN. Please, keep in touch.

EU
Turkey is petitioning to join our group. I for one believe that this could be a boon for us. Especially as a doorway for peace talks with the rest of the Middle East.

UN Security Council
Fellow members of the Security Council,

I have received a communique from Turkey, and they wish for UN troops to replace Turkish ones in Cyprus. I have overviewed the situation, and as long as the troops are their simply to mediate the peace, then I think that this would be prudent.

What do you think?

Secretary Sofie Schneider

UCSR
Hello. While we have little love for communism, I will be the first to say that Germany is willing to put the past behind us. If we can perhaps set up proper trading agreements, I believe that we could strengthen both the UCSR, AND improve the EU's position over its... competitors.

Greater Korea
Congradulations on becoming a country united once more. Germans can certainly understand that is an important day in your history. However, we will warn you to not mirror the actions of the previous establishment... or we will be forced to take action.

Golden Coalition
We of Germany have no quarrel with the middle east. However, we will stand by our allies in Israel. Be warned.

Israel
If you wish, we can arrange for UN peacekeepers to reinforce your forces...

[Exthalion]

United States of America

UCSR
En anglais, s'il vous plaît. Only polite after all.

Yes, you may send someone. Please understand this is not in any way an affirmation of Communism.

Turkey
Such and interesting word bribe. So many ways it can be rendered. In fact, nearly anything can be construed as a bribe, or accused of being one. In the end, they are apparently easy to offer but quickly criticized by others.

We are sorry but we don't think that plan will work. Historical hatred has proven much harder to diffuse then has been imagined. We hope for peace in the Middle East, but do not expect it, especially for such small measures.

Israel
The troops and new systems will be deployed as soon as we can get them over to you.

Be on your guard though. Our feelers indicate that Turkey may be moving to support the Golden Coalition.

[Odin the Ignoble]

PPK to Turkey

How can we not jump at a chance for a free independent Kurdish state? This seems like a pretty drastic policy change. Maybe we are just stuck in our ways, but how do we know we can trust you?

How soon could we expect the turn over? Would you allow UN forces to watch the turn over? Golden Coalition forces?


North Cyprus to Turkey

How could you do this? You're leaving us to the dogs! There's nothing we can do to stop you, we just hope your assurances are as ironclad as you claim.


Golden Coalition to Turkey

We would be more then happy to combine our efforts to revitalize the regions infrastructure.

We were ready to open negotiations with Israel, but it seems that the Imperialistic Americans have other ideas. They are moving troops in! At this point our only option is to try and establish as strong a foothold as possible, in the event of a combined military offensive.

Have you considered joining the Coalition? We might not have the economic power of the EU. But surely we are a better fit then the UN?


Greece to Turkey

It sounds like a very tempting offer. The animosity between us is an economic strain that we cannot truly afford, in this current economic environment. This administration would like nothing better then to see the hatched buried.

Unfortunately, not all Greeks feel the same. Allot of people remember lost uncles, fathers and grandfathers. We'll remove our opposition to Turkey's admission to the EU, but I'm afraid we wont be able to actually advocate on your behalf. Still, I'm sure removing forces from Cyprus will go a long way to winning over naysayers in the EU.

We can try and oversee a peaceful and equitable transition in Cyprus. But we aren't miracle workers. It's going to be a long and difficult process.


UN Security Council

China- I don't see why not.

France- Should we see if we can post pone the withdrawal until the Government of Cyprus has worked out a more detailed plan for re-integration? We'd prefer if we can make the transition go as smoothly as possible.

UK- How long of a commit met is this likely to be?



EU to Germany

We'd like to see Turkey clean up their act a little first. They don't exactly have the most spotless humanitarian record.

Of course from a purely economic stand point it, there doesn't appear to be any real issue with their joining. We've allowed stats if far worse economic straights. ((We're looking at you Greece.))


Israel to Germany

Normally we'd say yes, but the situation is a bit tense at the moment and we don't want to risk upsetting anything at the moment. Especially with the joint maneuvers with the U.S. scheduled.

We'd definitely appreciate it if you drew up a rapid response plan, in the event that things do heat up.

A public show of support would be much appreciated. Perhaps you'd like to attend a state dinner?


Israel to US.

We eagerly await their arrival.

We'll begin working on that report.

[Greystone]

Israel
Certainly on both accounts. I myself will come to a dinner whenever suits you. I will have your proposition of a fast moving task group moving to the U.N. Security Council, but if they refuse, our forces will be ready.

U.S.
Are you going to respond to my first question? Also, are you still on the UN security council?

EU
They have told us that they are trying to solve the Kurdish problem peacefully, and that they want UN troops to replace theirs in Cyprus so they can appear more neutral.

I think, once they are part of the Union, we will further be able to clean up their act economically?

UN
China- Cool
France- UN forces will help more than Turkish forces we believe.
UK- Only until they fully intergrate. As you all know, we Germans understand the importance of a united state.

[Exthalion]

United States

Germany
With the spread of Communism in Asia and the Americas an exclusory economic system would be most beneficial.

I suggest a system of preferred imports and exports, in which Western nations first import as much of a desired good from other Western nations as are available before searching for other sources.

And a commitment to impose de facto sanctions against nations with human rights violations or who restrict freedoms. This will be far more useful then unenforced or unenforceable resolutions.

UN Security Council
We must be careful in this. Our troops must be seen as temporary to all involved. Otherwise it is quite possible that we will be perceived as invaders, imperialists, or unwilling to allow local autonomy.

[nolispe]

The Church of Sacred Truth

'Greetings, world. Many of you have likely noticed the increased tension of the world, and the increasing violence that faces the virtuous. In order to explain this, we will be massively increasing the number of missionaries sent out, and will be starting a new satellite network devoted to explaining the state of the universe. May the Light guide your souls.'

To the USCR
Greetings. We would like to request a formal alliance between our nations - we are both under threat from imperialist powers, and we could both benifit from stopping our respective wings from stiring disocntent. If you saw fit to join with us in our quest, we could both banift hugely.

[Gunther]

Greater Unified Korea

"Do you know what caused my father's downfall, Agent Blake?" Kim asked, as he sat behind the oak desk. Situated within the rather large roller chair, which was boxed in by a triangle made from desks of the same material, the young man fancied that- by sheer dint of integrating himself in so many functions of government- he knew much more about the world than his predecessor. The young man was wearing a crisply pressed tan dress uniform, his hair carefully trimmed and combed. His hands were manicured, though the fingertips were calloused from long hours of typing and writing.

His eye subconsciously drifted to the framed photo of himself and his father, standing atop the prow of the submarine Un's Pride. They had fished from its prow off the shores of the nation, a year before North Korea had been invaded, and the Palace- currently being rebuilt- was destroyed.

So much fire, so much death. The Pride had been sunk, and eventually resurfaced before being salvaged. Kim was not sentimental- he knew that a destroyed submarine was little better than scrap.

Across from him, standing with his palsied hands behind his back, was a man aging rather gracefully. Medicine did wonders these days, and though the elderly man still had enough cracks and lines along his face to look like shattered porcelain, he still was healthy in mind and- pardoning the occasional coughing fit- healthy.

"Knowledge, sir." The man replied, which received a nod from the young man. It was a statement, not a question- they had, in depth, discussed the fall of countless regimes. Their own included.

"Yes. Now, I am a busy man- I am a person who enjoys to know just what his nation is thinking and feeling, what their needs are- and what their vital wants are. While we cannot afford to be seen as invasive, neither can we afford to let the wants and needs of our people go unaddressed."

He lowered his hands, unmeshing his fingers as he began to- instead- drum them on the desk. He rifled through several well-organized folders, picking out various operational plans he had written up in a fervor of dreaming.

The former KGB agent took the file, rifling through it and staring at the various notes attached through paper clip and nail. How far this country had come in the last few years since the war. Their impromptu command post, situated in some renovated office building, had since evolved into...

This.

"'Weatherman'." The former KGB agent commented after a moment, before closing the vanilla folder. "Apt. I believe I have some experts in just the fields. I'll keep things as much in-house as possible, sir."

Kim nodded at this, turning his back to the man as he began clicking away at the roll-out keyboard of his desk. "Then do not let me detain you- Korea must remain active."

Operation Weatherman is in effect.
Envoy request sent to the UCSR, with a very positive response being received.
Envoy request sent to Germany.

[RationalGoblin]

Turkey


To USA

It seems both you and the Golden Coalition want Turkey on your respective sides for a coming war.
They claim you're beginning to move against them, while you claim that the peaceful measures will not work.

We are placed perfectly to interfere either way. We'd like regional stability.
Neither the Golden Coalition nor American influence gives the needed stability.
What we want is peace, and with or without you or the Coalition, we will get it.

But we're more inclined to support you, as you are friendly with most of the EU states, and you aren't a mass-murdering dictatorship. Still, they do have a point about Israel. The Palestinians are being denied rights, and while their violence is unacceptable, so is the Israeli reaction to it.

We Turks believe we've got a solution, however. You are Israel's greatest ally, yes? You are basically sworn to protect Israel from all enemies in the Middle East. So remove the greatest justification for their enemies. Make the Gaza Strip an independent Palestinian state. This will remove a large portion of justification for anti-Israeli feelings from the Arab dictatorships.

As peacemaker in this region, we will repay Israel for it's loss of the Gaza Strip, will rebuild infrastructure in free Palestine AND Israel, and help raise Palestine out of poverty.

We only require two concessions from the USA in return: One, if it comes to war regardless, allow us to invade the offending states, and (as we will win) impose whatever peace conditions we desire, short of complete dissolution of the offending states.

Two, provide us with a small bit of economic aid to conduct the war.

That is all we ask. We can ensure peace in the Middle East by Turkish efforts, if you'll work with us.


To North Cyprus

Do not worry; We will be an EU member soon enough, and it shall be as if we never left; there will be pro-Turkish (and thus pro-Turkish Cypriot) countries providing troops to protect.

We will ensure your voice; we only leave because occupying your territory is a liability for us, and indeed, for you. As long as we occupy North Cyprus, you are treated as our puppets, but you are truly part of a greater Cypriot state composed of Greeks AND Turks working together.


To PPK

Just an update; You're in luck, you may get a fully independent Kurdistan through Turkish diplomacy, without the need for autonomy. If all goes as planned, you will get an independent nation outside of Turkey, with your brothers in Iraq and Iran.

EU or UN troops will watch over the transition, with only enough Turkish troops to protect our workers; for you see, we'll be building the infrastructure in your new state. Roads, government buildings, all of it. All paid for by us. All built by us.

As for why the PPK can trust us; you can't, but what other nation is open to helping you? The Golden Coalition is made up of mostly reactionary dictatorships who would massacre you as soon as look at you, and the Western nations aren't interested in your plight.

We want to improve our reputation among the world, we want to be seen as a more progressive and kind nation, as one worthy enough to join the EU and it's economic benefits. And our biggest obstacle to that? You Kurds. Our mistreatment of you is what's stopping us from becoming the most prosperous nation in the Middle East. If it means that you must be separated from Turkey to do it, so be it.


To the Golden Coalition

If we ensure that Palestine is free from Israel, will you back down? Or do we have to smash some sense into your tyrannical skulls? We can be the peacemakers, but if you do not back down, we won't have to be.

Your choice.

[Forum Explorer]

Canada

To UN
"It seems that the world is in a state of change. In such instability its best if the nations keep things calm between each other. For that I propose a renewed commitment to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty as well as increased disarmement of nuclear weapons from all member nations as a gesture of peace and goodwill."

[Odin the Ignoble]

Spring 2016 (Turn 2)
((Spring in the Western Hemisphere))

In North Cyprus, Turkish troops are with drawn, UN Peacekeeping forces are dispatched to ensure the peaceful reintegration of North Cyprus. There are several jubilant celebrations by Greek Cypriots, but as of yet no violence from either side.

Inside of Turkey, elements of the PPK are beginning talks with Turkish leadership. The end goal is to establish and autonomous Kurdish state.

The European Commission, has presented an opinion to The Council that Turkey is in fact ready to enter the EU. The Council is now debating on whether to accept the recommendation or not. If they agree with the commissions recommendation, negotiations will in earnest.

The Golden Coalition has issued an ultimatum to both the U.S. and Israel. They have demanded that U.S. troops be removed from Israel by the end of June or they will take military action.

Talks have begun between Israel and Iraq. It is believed that a mutual defense pact is the topic of discussion.

Several Harvard Sociologists have reinstated the Doomsday Clock. They site the growing tensions between nuclear powers in the middle east as sufficient reason to re-open the cold war era Clock. It is currently set at 15 minutes to midnight.

In the Western Hemisphere, several prominent Communist party members in non UCSR states have died of natural causes. Several media sources in Central America have claimed that these were not natural deaths but direct CIA actions aimed at stopping the spread of communism in the region. One pundit went as far as to say. That the US was trying to suppress the people's freedom of choice, and the Communist Party was the only power capable of ensuring Latin America's freedom from tyranny.

Canada has proposed that the UN recommit itself to Nuclear Disarmament. The proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Brazil being one of the most outspoken opponents of the proposal.

NPC Responses:

PPK to Turkey

How soon can we expect at turn over? There are definite concerns about the troops you want in the region to protect the road builders.

There are definite fears the the entire idea of a Kurdish states is to isolate us to allow for more effective ethnic cleansing. And demanding troops be stationed in the new Kurdish state doesn't do much to put those fears at ease.


The Golden Coalition to Turkey

As much as we would like to back down, we cannot. The Israel has shone on multiple occasions that they are expansionistic. The presence of US troops in the area is only likely to embolden them.

This goes beyond the ensured sovereignty of Palestine. An hostile nuclear armed Jewish state is a threat to the safety and prosperity of the entire Arab world.

[Exthalion]

United States

Israel
Our sources indicate that Turkey is attempting to establish itself as a regional hegemon and dominate you in some form or another.

So long as you are committed to your own freedom, we will support you.

[Falconer]

UCSR
International Worker's Day

All over the world, people march. On the main streets of small towns to the main districts of major cities, countless citizens show, carrying signs and banners. At the head of every march is a red flag fluttering proudly in the breeze. A show of strength for the Communist International.

In the UCSR, the celebration is especially vibrant. In a grand speech, Premier Salazar consoled the families and followers of the slain Communist leaders, and provided hope for the Party in the nation, in Latin America at large, and in the wider world. The following address was broadcast and seen all over the Western Hemisphere:

"...and as we remember those fine men, we must remember that they were many things: good sons, proud fathers, and faithful husbands. But most of all, we must remember the ideal for which they thought: International Socialism."

The Premier is quiet for a moment, as if overcome and collecting himself.

"It is a sad truth that in this day and age, the world fights the same battles it always has: with poverty, with hunger, with injustice, with inequality. Those who fight for socialism fight for a roof every impoverished head, food for every starving stomach, justice for those who cannot get it for themselves, and an equal voice for all peoples, regardless of race, religion, language, gender, or any other factor. This is our fight, and those good men who died would remind us that it is far from over, but at last: we. are gaining. ground. The very fact that I can stand at this podium, giving this speech, in a nation united and ruled by the workers is a testament to how far we have come. But we are not finished, and so I say to you at home, especially the workers of Latin America: Onwards, comrades! When you honor the socialist ideal, you honor the same cause as those noble martyrs."

The crowd bursts into applause.

"Onwards to freedom!

The crowd cheers, raising their arms and chanting.

"Onwards to Liberty! To Equality! To Socialism!"

The crowd goes wild, thousands of people chanting the same phrase: ¡Socialismo! ¡Socialismo! ¡Socialismo!

GM/Odin



The UCSR secretly flies a diplomat over to China, who personally discusses a matter with the Chinese of the utmost importance: The UCSR would like China to help train and equip the UCSR's military. Furthermore, the UCSR would like China to give them a few nukes to counterbalance the obvious threat posed by a nuclear Brazil. What would China like in return? Name a price, and we'll talk.

[Exthalion]

United States of America

"The United States is publicly denying all involvement in the recent deaths of several prominent members of the Communist party.

They were people, with lives and families. We are each more then the sum of our ideology and backgrounds. Assassination, torture, oppression; these things are never acceptable. They deny the basic dignity and decency of every person, the one committing them most of all.

It is obvious, to everyone we hope, that those who did this had an agenda. They sought to create strife and discord among the people and nations of the world, and the New World most especially.

Just as with the tragedy of nine-eleven we intend to strike them a harder blow then simple punishment. We will continue to live, seeking reconciliation and friendship. This does not destroy those who committed these brazen and horrible acts, it trivializes them. It takes away the recognition and result they sought to achieve.

We are going to publicly admit that the United States does not condemn Communism in principle or in practice. However as is so often the case, those who wave the banner of ideology do so only to divert attention from their own agenda. This is what we condemn, the willful deception of the hearts and minds of men and women.

That is what we fight."

Turkey
We understand your position, and respect your intentions.

However, we as a nation have decided to protect the nation of Israel for a very specific reason. They have shown them selves to be tenacious and determined, but they must be so.

We do not, and have never supported some of the things they have done. However, they are surrounded on all sides by enemies. The Golden Coalition is right on their doorstep and they are not the first union formed with intentions to destroy Israel.

If we withdraw our protection from Israel, we believe they will be destroyed. Then no dialog, no healing can happen. I advise that you try to broker peace with them not through bribes or showy displays, but by helping their neighbors and them to come to terms.

You cannot have meaningful discourse at swordpoint. We understand they sometimes use our help as a shield against reprisals, but you know very well they feel threatened. As well they should.

You cannot unspill blood with new roads. Words are needed here, bot things. Words to change the hearts and minds of people.

Canada
I am uncomfortable communicating this, but the UCSR strikes us as dangerous and unstable. We believe they may turn to violence in their need for expansion.

As we are among the most powerful nations on Earth, and the most Western nations in the Americas, we would like to propose an agreement to act in concert should the UCSR become aggressive.

This is not a request to go to war against them. It is a resolve by both of us to stop a war from occurring or spreading if they start one.

What do you think?

Mexico
It is a plane fact that there are a lot of Mexican citizens living in the United States. Their status is a matter for a different discussion.

However you our our neighbor, and we hope to make you an ally. We would like to propose an intensive program of aid to your impoverished people, heavy investment in your industries, and joint military operations for dealing with the drug cartels that are resiting in the north of your country.

In exchange, you would be required to root out corruption in all levels and locations of your government and pledge to remain a free and democratic country.

We are willing to negotiate the terms, but we would like to open a discourse. That people so close to us suffer so much is not acceptable for North America. We want to make the New World everything the Old is and more.

OOC Note: Upon reading this, this comes off as a little heavy handed. Would it be okay to assume this was written a bit more graciously?

GM: Regarding Mexico
Can we start using our espionage to begin working our way in to the Mexican government? It is so massively corrupt it shouldn't be too hard.

We want to start influencing their policy to ironically enough, remove corruption, and more or less bring them up to first world levels of standards of livings and income levels.

Japan
We would like to propose an economic alliance between our two great nations. We are already two of the largest economies in the world. With a unified stance on economic matters we will be able to stabilize the world market and insure we stay as the two largest economies in the world.

What do you think?

China
We understand your dedication to your people and your principles. We also understand you are not stupid. The UCSR is dedicated to their own interests.

Forgive us if this is too bold a claim, but we thought your aim was the benefit of China. Thus I propose that we, as reasonable people, come to an arrangement.

We would like you to stay out of New World affairs politically. Would a very favorable trade policy be an acceptable offer for such an appreciated favor?

[Odin the Ignoble]

Israel to the US

We're not overly concerned with Turkey at the moment. At least at the moment they haven't threatened out nations existence.

The Golden Coalition on the other hand is another matter. Are you sure this new system will work as well as you think it will?


China to the USCR

We'd be more then happy to help train and organize your military. We're a little concerned about sending you nuclear weapons. At the moment, we have very close economic ties to the US. And given their recent trend towards isolation, we think it's possible they would set up an embargo.

While an embargo would certainly hurt them more then us, we'd still rather avoid a direct confrontation, at least for now.

However, we could send you enrichment supplies and nuclear technicians. So that you can establish your own functional nuclear power plants. ((They don't go so far as to say it out loud, they they imply they're are willing to help you build your own.))

[Forum Explorer]

Canada to USA
We will of course stand by you as we have in the past. Still the best way to go would be to make sure it never happens in the first place.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Mexico to US

We'd be more then happy to take whatever assistance you're offering.

And we're working on cleaning up corruption ourselves. The people aren't likely to like the idea of foreigners entering the country to "clean up corruption" most likely they'd see it as an attempt to set up a puppet government, with the US's interests put above our own.

We fully acknowledge that there is corruption in out government, but at the moment there is also a growing communist movement. Outside interference is likely to just add additional fuel for their rhetoric.


Gm To Exthalion

Not a problem. It shouldn't be to hard to get in, especially if you have the money to throw around.

However as time goes on and the corruption decreases, it'll become tougher. Existentially the job becomes harder the better you're doing at it.


Japan to the US

It depends on what you mean by closer economic ties. We're all for lowering trade restrictions.

But if you are implying that we should give preferential treatment to the US, or join in embargoing other nations we are less enthused.


China to the US

The Monroe doctrine is an outdated system designed to curb European Imperialism. And it has no place in the 21st century.

We are free to conduct business with any entity we please.

[Exthalion]

USA

Mexico
Of course, we understand completely. Non interventionist aid may help the situation, since you find few revolutionaries among those with full bellies.

GM: RE Mexico
True, but my hope is that once the gate of corruption closes I will have already integrated myself. In short, I want to set up a puppet government that doesn't appear to be a puppet government.

Canada
We agree completely. It is our great hope that peace be maintained in the Americas.

Japan
Oh, nothing of the sort. What we mean is investment in developing nations such that we control the means of production along with a joint monetary and fiscal policy designed to improve our exchange rates relative to other currencies. Reduction of trade barriers would of course be a component.

The growing economic strength of China worries us, and we want to make certain that they do no broker economic gains into political, or worse, territorial gains.

Brazil
Would you consider a joint economic package designed to improve the general living conditions of your people? Say, a reduction on trade restrictions, especially as relates to sugar.

In exchange, would you consider the following two reciprocations?

Establishment of US military bases along your border with Communist nations and a preferential import system? The second would not require you to change your import quantities, but would represent a promise to fulfill American demand before looking into other buyers?

If the trade deal is not enough, tell us what would make this work.

GM Note:
The sugar deal is actually a very big thing, since right now the US has a sugar quota.


All NON communist nations in North and South America who are not Canada, Mexico, or Brazil
We are committed to your independence from domestic and foreign powers. We would like to establish a New World Economic Advancement Program (NWEAP) designed to halt the spread of Communism by improving the lives of people and securing the military and societal freedom from communist overtures.

This is not a scheme to increase our influence, or make you indebted to us. We plan to profit from improved trade relations and investment directly, and do not wish to create puppet states. Better firm friends then cowed servants.

This Program would include direct aid in the form of food, medicine, and the efforts of the Army Core of Engineers in the worst off regions. Reduced barriers to trade and a comprehensive investment program in new and developing industries would also be included.

All nations in the Americas, including the Communist ones
The United States would like to partner with all nations in the New World to establish a scholarship fund designed to promote excellence and to provide equal opportunity to students of all backgrounds and origins.

Our goal is twofold, first to raise literacy to 100% in all nations in the Americas. An informed and literate people are better able to make decisions about their futures. The second goal is to improve the material and social conditions in all countries.

Scholars would be able to attend the best universities in the United States, or an equivalent school in any participating country. They would bring with them their unique cultures and talents and would return to their homelands able to contribute to their communities and countries with the skills they have learned.

OOC: I leave the specifics to Odin, but I think it would work like every nation in the program would contribute some amount of Temp Econ and get a bonus to the approval stats like reduced suicide rate or the like.

Australia and New Zealand
First, we would like to apologize to New Zealand for our attitude regarding their refusal to allow nuclear powered vessels to enter their ports.

In light of the unstable world climate we would like to renew our mutual defense pact and friendship with both of you.

Odin PM level:
Throw some of my offensive espionage at the Middle East. I want to create dislike for Turkey.

Also, I have IRL become aware of something. The US has a deposit of oil known as the Bakken_Formation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakken_Formation) This thing has over 5 billion barrels. Saudi Arabia has something like 2.5. Tap that! Make Me Rich(er)

Edit: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911 Just because this is one of those things that sounds sensationalist.

Edit 2: Will this be enough to help out my national debt? The value of the oil is several trillion dollars. It is also mostly government land.

Edit: After that last comment, start carefully monitoring transactions between China and the UCSR.

[RationalGoblin]

Turkey

To PPK

The turnover will be three months after we finish the preparations necessary for your independence.

And rest assured, the troops we want placed will not be enough to conquer Kurdistan once again. They are only to protect our workers in your country. We have no desire to cleanse your culture.


To Golden Coalition

So be it. Turkey will not stand for your aggression, nor for the imperialism of the U.S.

We offered to be peacemaker between your two factions. We offered to stave off a ruinous war. We tried to be peaceful.

Know this; if you declare war against Israel and the U.S., we shall declare war on you. But we shall do it on our own terms; what we want is directly opposed to the American's desires. However, both of our desires are opposed to you.



To USA

You do not understand. We want to militarily help you against the Coalition, but we want to make sure that at least one of the justifications for war are removed.

An independent, free Palestinian state would do that. We have already offered to pay Israel for the loss of a very small piece of it's land. We have already offered to support Palestine financially to ensure they do not turn to radicalism.

We are offering to nullify a source of headaches for all the regional nations, and to fight against the Golden Coalition.

We will fight against the Coalition regardless, but if you want direct help in the region, it will be on our terms, not yours.

[Falconer]

USA



Certainly. The UCSR would be happy to take part in the education of the peoples of the Americas.

OoC: I...really dunno if a scholarship fund is big enough to impact national stats even a little, honestly. Maybe PR, a little?



Odin



More than fair. Enrichment supplies and technicians would more than suffice. Would blueprints be more reasonable? That would be much harder to pin down on China, even if the US were to discover their existence.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Gm To Exthalion

Controlling an entire government in secret is a colossal task. Getting that many agents in that many key positions is difficult, since allot of the position are elected positions.

At a minimum it would take several major elections to get your people in power. All the while you'd need to spend an incredible amount of money and manpower to keep it all secret.

When the conspiracy is huge, it means allot of people stumble over it accidentally, which means you have to divert a large amount of resources to silencing them and anyone they talked to.

Even if one of them just tweets, or blogs about the information, suddenly the cat is out of the bag.

Covertly stamping out corruption is allot easier.

The main reason that the Balkan Formation hasn't been tapped is that while it's possible to extract oil, there are still other places around the globe where extraction is easier. While the deposit is worth trillions, only the profit from the endeavor isn't sufficient of itself to end pay off the national debt, although it'd pay for a couple trillion, which is a large chunk. And paying off that chunk would take quite a few years as it can only be paied off at the rate the oil can be extracted.

You could get the cash faster by selling the land to oil corporations.But you'd make less money.

Japan to the US

The whole thing seems a bit mercenary. And we're not sure that China is the threat that you think it is.

The more the grow in economically the less reason they have to hold on to outdated nationalist imperialism. If they are allowed to flourish, their communist ideals will wither.

However if you want to try and stop their growth, you only foster resentment and give them more reasons to revert to a more communist state.


Brazil to the US

This is a pretty big thing you ask. While we'd like to be able to sell more of our goods in the U.S. we're not sure it's worth what you are asking.

We will consider the offer. Please just give us a little time to discuss our options.

Gm spoiler

They want a little time to decide on what course to take.

Also you should know that the reason for the quota is to protect American corn producers. The sugar and corn syrup both fill the same refined sugar need of other industries.

Dropping the quota is going to cause a economic backlash. And a pretty major political backlash too.



American Nations to the US

Both proposals are pretty much universally accepted.


New Zealand and Australia to the US

We'd both be happy too join a defense pact, but we don't know how much militarily we can help given your military might.

New Zealand wants you to know that the ban on nuclear craft will still stand, and it applies to all nations nut just the US.


GM to Falconer

Since Puppy is taking over China. You'll have to do the bargaining with him.

[Exthalion]

GM: PM Level

Mexico:
Sorry, I was unclear. I want to make the people of Mexico so pro America that the government acts like a puppet government. My eventual plan is a North American Union sort of thing.

Brazil:
I just reread my post to Brazil. It should have read export instead of import. The idea was supposed to be that if America wants what they are selling then they sell it to America until America doesn't want any more then sell the rest. It isn't that they have to buy our things.

Remember, they can propose changes to the deal. The goal of this is to get them friendly to me, not make them feel backed into a corner.

Note:I know the quota is in place to protect corn producers, but quite frankly, it doesn't work. It hurts consumers and results in a dead weight loss for the economy as a whole.

And start easing back on farming subsidies. Increase funding to agricultural research though. Use expected returns from development, such as more productive crop strands and insect resistant traits to schedule the removal of subsidies. The goal is to keep food prices about where they are, but increase productivity and ease of production.

Japan:
This isn't aimed at China per say. That was just tacked on the end. The real point is to stifle the growth of non allied nations through control of trade and financial systems. Thus nations on good terms with us are allowed to grow while the crazy oil barons and Communists end up like North Korea; that is poor and starving.

Which is bad for the World as a whole, but good for the United States and Japan. Ironic, I want to create a dead weight loss in the World's economy but remove them in my own.

All Americas Scholarship Fund:
The real aim of this program is to create a sort of brain drain to use the outdated term. At least some of these people are going to stay in the US which helps me due to the increased number of skilled professionals.

Non Communist aid packages:
This is more or less the same deal as Mexico. I just didn't want to do research on all those countries. This is part of the opening maneuvers of an EU like arrangement designed to lock out the Communists from further growth, secure my Hegemony in the New World, and provide me a stable base for exerting even more global influence.

Australia and New Zealand:
Oh, it isn't what they contribute, but where they contribute. With them on board I can use their ports as resupply stations and plant military bases of my own. This means the South Pacific is more or less an American lake.

[Odin the Ignoble]

UN to Germany

Both The UK and France are on board.

((You might want to message Puppy. That way he can decide whether he wants to change China's stance on sending peacekeepers to Cyprus or not. The EoT Post assumes that the forces where already sent.))


Gm To Exthalion

Okay, I misunderstood about Mexico.

I understood about Brazil. They're not sure they want a semi-permanent US military presence. ATM they are fairly confident that they can handle the UCSR.

The Subsidies and the Quota are dead weight. But at the moment they are dead weight that the market has adjusted for. If you remove them too fast, then the market spazzes out for a bit as it re-adjusts.

The political fall-out is pretty significant. Historically cutting farm subsidies has been difficult.

[puppyavenger]

People's Republic of China

Spy: 7

Mongolia Greetings to our esteemed Neighbors to the North!

Although we can only applaud the resilience of your economy and people in the after so many years of governance from Moscow*, we understand that setting up long-term infrastructure that can survive harsh steppe weather is difficult. We'd therefor like to offer a large investment to improve your infrastructure, and specifically your road networks.

In return all we ask is the opportunity for our state mining company to place a bid for development rights for a few deposits, most importantly the coal at Tavan Tolgoi.

* Yes I know it was never actually annexed into the USSR, it was still a complete puppet.


Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan Greetings, to put it simply, we'd like to negotiate a free trade agreement between our respective nations, interested?

(this is accompanied by as much bribery as needed for the answer to be "yes")

Taiwan In the interests of continued peace and the mutual prosperity of all the Chinese people, we'd like to propose a trade deal to allow goods free access between the mainland and the province of Taiwan.

Best Korea Greetings, Congratulations from rising like a phoenix from the American invasion and finally uniting the Korean people. We're wondering if you might be interested in an arms deal?

Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea Russia In the interests of encouraging regional peace and prosperity, we'd like to propose a regional trade conference between our nation to discuss lowering barriers to trade in the North Pacific.

Pakistan We see that you might be facing a conflict soon, would you be interested in purchasing some modern weaponry and armor?

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Okay, to be quick, I'm offering favorable deals on arms and weaponry, in exchange for favorable deals on various valuable or strategic resources

Odin Yep, gonna get some use out of the military complex I've got :smallbiggrin:

[Exthalion]

Odin:


I said I would relax them, not drop them. We are all about gradual change, that is why the Green thing is taking so long.

IRL Brazil agreed to host at least one base near Rio de Janeiro which allowed the US to patrol the south Atlantic for drug trafficking among other things. They could negotiate down to that. And it helps to secure my Oceanic Hegemony.

Edit: Do you get the feelings I am going down the list of every country that isn't played by or strongly aligned with another player and getting them on my side?

Oh, and all this talk of investment, I expect them to produce dividends and tilt the balance of foreign debt in my favor. For the smaller countries, it might be enough to more or less control the economy. Some of the South American nations and Liberia for example have microscopic economies compared to the US. - econ would be too high in some cases.

Finally, I am using my espionage to begin raising support for the pro US annexation movements in the countries I am helping or founding such movements. I am focusing most heavily on Mexico.

And if the climate is just not good for it, then support the pro American elements.

May I ask OOC: how long and how much espionage would be required to get Mexico to join the union?

Liberia
We are greatly pleased by the course your country has taken these last few decades. We are interested in closer economic and political ties.

To that end, we are interested in lowering barriers to trade and investing in local industries and infrastructure projects.

South Africa
We openly acknowledge the good work you have done ending Apartheid policies and your work in stabilizing the region. You have made great progress in the cause of equal rights and security for all people.

We would like to strengthen our economic and political ties. Would you consider joint action in suppressing or resisting warlord and rebel activity in southern Africa? We would also like to remove barriers to trade and invest in your local industries and infrastructure projects.

[The_JJ]

India

Indian military forces begin their own crash 'exercises.' A tired General Singh told a reporter passive aggressively asking him how long the military had been planning such exercises that it was "an exercise in speedy mobilization in the face of simulated provocative action by foreign powers."

India to Pakistan:
Diplomatic overtures are made, mostly conciliatory and calling for calm thinking, but maintain a hard edge.

India to Singapore:
We might be interested in extending you loans, should you need it.