From pbuck11 at aol.com Tue Feb 5 13:35:25 2008 From: pbuck11 at aol.com (Pat B) Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:35:25 -0700 Subject: [War] Relaunch world report Vol 2 In-Reply-To: <4786BC29.1080305@aol.com> References: <4786BC29.1080305@aol.com> Message-ID: <47A8AC6D.7050101@aol.com> WAR: World Report - For all actions since Volume 2, advancing the timeline to Jan 7-Jan 12, 2014 United Nations Security Council (Permanent Members): United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia United Nations Security Council (Non-Permanent Members): Until September, 2007: India, Egypt, Norway, Mexico, Venezuela Until October, 2007: Canada, Chile, Italy, South Africa, Japan Pending UN Security Council Actions: None Pending UN General Assembly Actions: None United Nations Secretariat: No news. ============== Ok a bit delayed, your dictator is trying to do this weekly but we try. After this WR the Olympics will begin, so if you're sending teams NOW is the time to play =============================================== ACTION RESPONSES ============================= CHINA (PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF) Population Approval: 55% Government Approval: 57% International Favor: 50% Economic Growth: 9.7%, high Inflation: 2.7% Unemployment: 10.1% -------------------------------------------------------------------- In Korea there seems to be no leads on the arrest of the car bombers however attacks on Chinese troops have increased, Improvised Explosive Devices begin to take a toll on the Chinese Military killing some 300 soldiers this last few weeks alone. Snipers continue to cause havoc killing several senior officers including commander of the 4th Shock army General Pei Xi Wang. The Army responded with full force and fury in an action that was taped and broadcast on Youtube. by a student group. The video which included Chinese Soldiers using fragmentation grenades and indiscriminate automatic cannon fire on houses and several officers were seen executing wounded civilians, and soldiers were using bayonets to interogate people to find the sniper who was hung from a tree by enraged soldiers. Independance protests in tibet continue including being outside the 'free speech zones' However one change is Buddhist monks began to take more of a lead and the protests have been peaceful, however even the nonlethal weaponry of the Chinese police took a toll on the innocent civillians. Several officers have taken head shots with rubber bullets killing monks. ============================================= FRANCE Population Approval: 59% Government Approval: 55% International Favor: 53% Economic Growth: 2% Inflation: 2.6% Unemployment: 10% -------------------------------------------------------------------- On Hiatus ============================================== GERMANY Population Approval: 55% Government Approval: 55% International Favor: 55% Economic Growth: 2.5% Inflation: 2.8% Unemployment: 9% ---------------------------------------------------------- Vacant ============================================== JAPAN Population Approval: 57% Government Approval: 55% International Favor: 57% Economic Growth: 2.8% Inflation: 0.6% Unemployment: 4% ---------------------------------------------------------- No posting..... RUSSIAN FEDERATION Population Approval: 62% Government Approval: 58% International Favor: 56% Economic Growth: 2.5% Inflation: 5.6% Unemployment: 6.2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The rioting petered out with the increased police presence, several FSB raids have caught a couple terrorist groups. The corruption crackdown has begun to show effects as honesty in business becomes paramount. Hoewever the requirement that 15% of all board members of Russian businesses be women has been greeted with derision and outrage. The breakup and sale of Gazprom has resulted in intense bidding including Many international companies. The announcement of encouraging mediation in the Georgia Azhbakia dispute has resulted from positive response in Georgia with the president announcing he would agree to mediation, to outrage in Azhbakia, with people feeling abandoned and betrayed by Russia which have resulted in Russian peacekeepers being pelted with garbage and in some cases rocks. The decision of Russia rebuilidng it's Nuclear arsenal has resulted in reactions from muted protest in the UN, to Protests in several European countries and the United States. However Several EU countries have announced they will send peacekeepers to assist and the Netherlands have offered the Hague for the talks. ============================================= UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Population Approval: 60% Government Approval: 58% International Favor: 62% Economic Growth: 2.9% Inflation: 3.1% Unemployment: 4.4% ---------------------- People are happy for the president with the birth of his son, well wishes have flown in and it seems a temporary truce is in place. However the new federal aid rules are chafing a lot of social activists, Protests in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington over the new rules calling them, 'a new plantation life.' Several prominant social conservatives are protesting the cost of new government regulations. The Chicago protests turned violent with protestors clashing with police and starting a fire in a Social Security office, damage over 150,000 dollars with 45 arrests and 10 injuries. Protests in Detroit however broke down in to rioting, Fires, looting and violence continued to burn, Police report over 100 arrests, damage has toped over 10 million dollars. The push for new manufacturing jobs has the support of the major unions, Machinsts, Teamsters to increase their rolls which had been dwindling slowly. Several major nursing organizations have jumped on board including American Nursing Association, Emergency Nurses Association, and several others, already announcing plans to reach out to high schools to encourage students for careers in Nursing, and several major hospitals have announced Student Nurse programs where they will offer employment and pay for nursing school in exchange for employment after being certified. The Emergency Services Workers association also applaud the effort to increase licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Though they did point out that the patchwork of state regulation makes things more difficult with paramedics having to retake basic training when they move states since there is no reciprocity beteween State Departments of Emergency Medicine. ============================================= ECONOMIC INDICATORS NOTE: Initial indicators were gleaned from as recent sources as possible, for the most recent term possible (annualized). In some cases, the numbers used are published estimates, but the English- speaking nations' data is more or less right from the source. Depression: Economic forces retracting uncontrolably and at a dangerous pace with little end in sight. Recession: Economic forces retracting, but more shallow than Depression and more controlably. Sometimes necessary and part of regular economic trends, although prelonged. Revision: Economic forces retracting slightly and short term, associated with economic systems refitting to accomodate new industries, concentrations, etc. Zero: No movement one way or the other. Low: Comparatively low Economic growth/activity. (miniscule to about 2%, depending) Good: Average economic activity (ranging from 2%-5% normally) High: Above average performance (Greater than 5%) Sometimes dangerous if in excess of 8% continuously. SITES OF INTEREST WAR Website: http://war.dagarcia.net/ Nova Horizon Simulations: http://www.novahorizon.com United Nations: http://www.un.org/ Central Intelligence Agency: http://www.cia.gov/ CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/ Federation of American Scientists: http://www.fas.org/ GlobalSecurity.org: http://www.globalsecurity.org/ CNN: http://www.cnn.com/ BBC: http://www.bbc.com/ New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ > From pbuck11 at aol.com Tue Feb 5 13:36:47 2008 From: pbuck11 at aol.com (Pat B) Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:36:47 -0700 Subject: [War] Relaunch world report Vol 2 In-Reply-To: <47A8AC6D.7050101@aol.com> References: <4786BC29.1080305@aol.com> <47A8AC6D.7050101@aol.com> Message-ID: <47A8ACBF.1030200@aol.com> Time has actually advanced to feb 1-14th 2008 From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com Tue Feb 5 14:06:40 2008 From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey) Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 15:36:40 -0330 Subject: [War] Russia/China: "Renwed Cooperation" Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70802051106n13fe7k1a066f893b49dc9b@mail.gmail.com> "Renewed Cooperation" President Nemerenko, Russia President Hong, China 1 Februaru 2014 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- A new meeting for a new year. President Nemerenko waited patiently in his office for President Hong to arrive after her plane touched down at Sheremetyevo International Airport. He also hoped it would be the beginning of a new pace for Sino-Russo relations, which had suffered in the past two years. Granted on the exterior the two countries still maintained a close economic relationship and Russia did operate several medical camps in North Korea. Those were issues of mutual gain. Everybody liked money, and it was in Moscow's interests for China to succeed in stabilizing the former DPRK. The relationship between the two Presidents was mutually antagonistic. The unwillingness of the PRC to sign a non-aggression pact with while offering such proposals to Japan and South Korea had greatly heightened Nemerenko's attitudes towards his (increasingly powerful) Far East neighbor and their designs upon Siberia. "But then again they are so occupied with Korea, would they have the resources to attacks us?" he asked Miniter Denemetov as he turned away from his window and the view of Red Square. "Nuclear powers do not go to war with nuclear powers," observed the Foreign Minister. "Trade with China has been beneficial. Continuing an atmosphere of low-level antagonism is bad for business. Improving our..... your working relationship with President Hong is logical, simply for purposes of trade." "That's why I invited her here," replied Nemerenko. An FSO agent stuck his head into the office, indicating that the Chinese leader would arrive in a few moments. "As you said, we could both use the trade and our continued cooperation over North Korea benefits the external security of both our countries. Necessity makes strange bedfellows." "Like President Williams?" asked Denemetov. "Let's not mention him, shall we?" whispered Nemerenko as Hong entered. Xia and her associate, a member from the Chinese Ministry of State and rated interpreter entered the room. Although Xia spoke perfect American English in addition to several dialects of Chinese, she barely had a grasp on rudimentary Russian, and there were some things that could get lost in translation that you really didn't want to. Xia gave Nemerenko a warm, congenial smile. "Mister President, it's good to see you." And for once they weren't either at each other's throats, on the brink of a major catastrophy or war, or dealing with territorial disputes. "Moscow is indeed a beautiful a city." "I can speak English," said Nemerenko. The language of their 'enemy,' it was common for educated Russians to pick it up, especially for one with a diplomatic background like the President. His English wasn't as good as his Japanese and had a heavy Slavic accent, but not to the point that he couldn't be clearly understood. "I hope you enjoy your stay. Sochi has more activity buzzing around it with the Olympics coming up, but Moscow always has its own special charm." He exchanged handshakes with Hong and offered here one of the seats near the coffee table placed in the center of his office. "Let me begin by saying that I am pleased by your progress in North Korea," continued Nemerenko once they were both seated. "I know you and I have had our differences in the past, but in this instance I think Russia owes your country a debt. By moving into North Korea you have prevented a major military and humanitarian crises in the Far East. And your administration of the country has gone reasonably well. Minor incidents of violence are to be expected, but China has still done an admiral job. To that end, I would like to inquire about the future development of the North Korean economy and the possibility of Russian investment?" "I'm sure North Korea will be open to foreign investment relatively shortly." Xia offered with a polite smile, rather surprised by the thus far amicable nature her Russian counterpart was showing. So far, she'd done her best to keep the North Korean economy not so much isolated, but protected from the vultures that were foreign businessmen. Chinese investors had naturally been required to begin the modernization of North Korea, but the Chinese President had been 'mostly' successful in giving North Koreans with the means and ability first shot at rebuilding their own economy. "I'm sure you understand the need to allow North Koreans themselves to be afforded the opportunity to buy into their own future first. I can see to it that China presses North Korea to allow Russia to be among the first foreign nations invited, however." And with the influence she had in North Korea, it was a better offer than a guarantee. "The Russian government might be interested in investing into local companies," explained Nemerenko. "Depending on how things develop over the next few years of course. Providing investment capital, equipment and expertise to North Korean-owned companies as they arise." He was pleased that the Chinese would allow Russia to be one of the first foreign economies, other than their own, to invest into North Korea. He considered it payment for Russia being the first world power to endorse China's occupation and remain a vocal proponent in the UN. "It goes without saying that we will continue to operate our humanitarian and medical camps for the foreseeable future." "I will of course extend your courteous offer through our embassy to the North Korean government." If it would benefit the Korean people, she saw no reason to allow for that kind of interaction. The North Koreans, if they were to remain an independent and sovereign nation, would require allies to counter the prevailing western philosophy of 'reunification'... code for western dominance of the Korean peninsula. "Our nations' strategic interests seem to be paralleling each other, mister President. Though you've previously rejected the offer of an East-Asian alliance along the lines of the European Union, I believe we can all see the benefit of a common security directive. Whether it be against piracy, terrorism, or rogue nations, unfortunately our geographical area of the world is fraught with peril." "In 2001 Putin and Zemin signed the 'Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation,' or the 'Friendly Cooperation Treaty' for short," explained Nemerenko. "The FCT contained all the provisions that both of us desire. Economic, security and technological cooperation, as well as a provision for non-aggression. A subject that my government is very interested in, as you are well aware. Unfortunately due to the economic and political troubles both our nations went through around 2010, the treaty fell apart. I propose we renew it for another ten years from the point onward." "I'm not particularly sure renewing the treaty, precisely as it was written, would be fair to either side. Situations have by necessity, changed." Xia knitted her hands together in her lap. "However I would be amenable to working on altering the text of the agreement to better suit the current global climate, with you." "Fair enough," replied Nemerenko. "What alterations would you like to see?" "If I may quote from Article 7... In accordance with the current agreements, the contracting parties shall adopt measures to increase trust between their militaries and reduce military forces in the border areas. The contracting parties shall expand and deepen confidence building measures in the military field so as to consolidate each other's security and strengthen regional and international stability." She looked up from her copy of the treaty. "Clearly military exercises conducted with a potential adversary could be seen as violating this article as it would imperil the trust between our militaries." "The wargames we held with the Americans last year," said Nemerenko. It wasn't that hard to read between the lines in this instance. "I am not going to deny that I intend to foster good relations with the West, the Americans in particular. Not an alliance, not like what they have with your mutual ally Pakistan or some such thing, simply friendship. This is a policy you have also pursued, such as your own exercises with the French Navy. I am willing to agree never stage military exercises with any nation of the NATO bloc in Siberia." "War games on the open sea, and war games in adjacent national territories with broader alliances are two very different things." Xia commented before adding "there is more to Russia than Siberia, mister President. Might I suggest a mutual military exercise regimen?" "As I said, no NATO military exercises in the Siberian or Far East Military Districts," reiterated Nemerenko. "That is everything past the Urals, over half of Russia, an area the size of Canada. I can't make a buffer much bigger than that. I, by no choice of my own, must share Europe with the North Atlantic alliance and the EU. And because of this we have mutual security concerns in Eastern Europe I must be willing to cooperate over. Unlike the Soviets, I can't just role the Red Army out if something occurs in one of our European border states, many of whom are either in NATO or the EU. So as I said, no NATO military exercises in Siberia or the Far East districts. But security cooperation in the European theater can and will continue." Nemerenko was worried. He had misgauged just how paranoid Hong was in regards to the US and NATO. But she was in no position to dictate how the Federation dealt with its European neighbors. If she was smart she wouldn't push this. Article 8 of the FCT also stipulated neutrality if on party should engage in hostilities with a secondary power and would forbid Russia from every allowing NATO or the Americans for using its territory to stage military operations against China. "Well I certainly understand Mister President, however you'd asked which parts of the treaty may require re-writing." Xia opted to refocus the conversation back on the original question. "My point however stands, if we both wish to pursue operations that could be conceived as violating the treaty as it is written, the obvious course of action is to re-write it so those operations are no longer in violation, correct?" The President nodded. "Agreed. I would also like to make clear the Russia is not and has no intention of every being an ally of the United States. I do seek better relations with them and cooperation in our mutual European theater, but well... you probably know quite a bit about the American mentality. Vietnam, Iraq, to name some of the more dramatic examples. Russia was not the only party guilty of imperialism and meddling during the Cold War. We are fortunate that the US has been somewhat more benign as of late, but that can change. "As for a standard training regime, I suggest we let the General Staffs of our respective military forces work out the details." "Certainly a reasonable course of procedure." Xia nodded in agreement. "May I suggest we also include language regarding cooperation in scientific discovery and humanitarianism in Asia and Eastern Europe?" "I see no reason to refuse." --- Actions: 1) Russia and China agree to renew the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty for 10 years, pending modification by boths sides 2) Russia agrees to cease holding exercises with NATO countries in the Siberian and Far East Military Districts 3) Russia will be given preferential treatment in investments in North Korea 4) Russia and China will agree to better humanitarian cooperation in Asia and Eastern Europe From john.penta at gmail.com Tue Feb 5 16:57:24 2008 From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta) Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 16:57:24 -0500 Subject: [War] US: Ah, teenagers. Message-ID: "Ah, teenagers" 4 January 2014 President John Williams USA ================== The President had to bite his lip to keep from laughing as, unnoticed and unrecognized (it was amazing what a heavy parka could do), he watched the Secret Service Uniformed Division checking IDs and tickets of the group gathered for the White House tour. It had been one of those unheralded little things John had insisted upon, turning down security at the White House from "obscenely high" to "firm, thorough, but unobtrusive". Among that was loosening up on the security restrictions for tours - and, frankly, on getting the detail away from keeping their protectees (IE, him and his family) in a bubble. Things were looser. But this was, at the end of the day, the White House. Some searches were par for the course, as was an ID check. The security officer posted at the check station today, a Corporal Jimenez, seemed to have things loose. Security was important to him, it seemed, but not worth being an ass about. Williams appreciated that attitude. Usually. However, as two teenagers went through the check, his trained ears couldn't help but hear their names as Jimenez read their IDs. "Lee Harvey Oswald" and "Leon Czolgosz". Thus why the President was trying not to laugh. Keeping inconspicuous, Williams kept a quiet eye on things as he saw the tour go by. Then, to surprise everybody, before they reached the exit point, Williams slipped out of his parka and stood off to the side. The two teenagers were there, along with the rest of the tour group, and Corporal Jimenez. They were maybe 12 or 13, looked like the bookish, quiet type. Also there, beside Williams, was Lieutenant Jorgenson, the watch commander for the Uniformed Division. Quietly, the President stepped to where everybody could notice him. As the reactions subsided, he smiled. "Welcome to the White House, everybody. Hope you enjoyed the tour. Please be careful in disposing of any trash you might have - Luke likes to go grabbing at things, for one, and he also likes putting things in his mouth. So please, help us keep him safe - dispose of your trash properly." That got some laughs, and as people left, Williams kept an eagle eye on the two boys. Before the two of them knew it, as they were quietly celebrating having outwitted the White House's security, both boys felt a firm hand on their shoulder - they'd come by without their parents, it seemed - not common, but not a violation of any rules. As they turned to see where the grip on their shoulders was coming from, they went pale as they saw the size of the hand on their shoulder, and even more so when they looked up and saw the hand's owner. "Mr. Oswald, Mr. Czolgosz. You look awfully young and fit for two assassins who've been dead for decades," POTUS commented dryly. As the other tourists watched, amazed, Williams went into soldier mode. "Corporal, direct these boys to the Oval!" his voice boomed. "If they even *think* about trying to escape from custody, you -are- authorized to use lethal force." Now the kids were seriously frightened as the Corporal nodded, saluted, and led the boys off. "Now, are the parents or other associates of those two young gentlemen present?" An angry looking mom stepped forward. "How dare you touch my children like that, and speak to them like that! What gives you the authority to manhandle them?" Her face was red. "Ma'am...How dare I? How *dare* I?" Williams replied calmly. He -knew- someone was going to put this all on YouTube, so he may as well defend himself. "What gives me the authority? Uh, ma'am, you may have forgotten, but I happen to have sworn an oath to, among other things, 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed'. In case you don't get what that means: I have *every* right. Your boys BROKE at -least- 3 laws. And need I remind you, around here, unauthorized intruders TEND TO GET SHOT AT!" His voice boomed calmly, full 'command voice' in effect. Now, more than a few of the tourists looked scared, as his eyes bored into the woman's eye sockets. "I do not really care if your 'little angels' are on the honor roll or have 4.0 GPAs or are absolute paragons of virtue, Ma'am. None of that matters to me in the least. They *will* respect the law, and you *will* remember where you are, to whom you are speaking, and how an *adult* acts in public!" At that, there was something surprising to Williams: Applause. From every member of the tour group. Then, looking to the Lieutenant in command of the watch, Williams barked, "Lieutenant, direct this woman and anyone who may have accompanied her and her boys to a suitable location. They will wait until I am done speaking with our young intruders, at which point I *will* be speaking with her and them. Also, after I am done with all of them, Corporal Jimenez is to report to me. I want his file on my desk before he does. Clear?" "Yes sir!" replied the Lieutenant. The mother was red with anger, fear, embarrassment, as she went off - apparently there was nobody else - with the Lieutenant, as another Uniformed Division officer took up the exiting tour group. 10 minutes later, the two young intruders were in the Oval Office, looking quite terrified as they sat in two chairs facing the Resolute Desk. At that point, from an inconspicuous door in the side of the room, Williams entered. The boys surprised the President, by rising as they heard the door open, and turning towards the Commander-in-Chief. "Sit down, boys." Williams instructed quietly; his voice was gentle, his whole manner paternal. They did so, looking at the Leader of the Free World with wide eyes. "Now, first. Tell me your real names, tell me where you're from, how old you are...And what you've learned about the two assassins whose identities you decided to assume?" Williams asked as he sat behind the desk, hands making a pyramid. They werre really Kevin Brown and Sean Dumfries, from Libertyville, Illinois. Both 13, they'd learned about their subjects from school, and from the Internet - they recited a rather large amount of information they'd found. Then, without prompting, they nervously sputtered out their plan. They'd decided to pull their little scheme a few weeks ago - they'd gotten cheap fake DLs from a high school kid, whose sister they'd wanted to impress. She was 13, in their homeroom, and was a hottie with great boobs. That last got a raised eyebrow...And then a smile from the POTUS. "Yeah, I remember what that was like." Pause. "This really, really, really wasn't the way to try to impress her. You two both broke a few laws - impersonation, trespass, use of fake identification. They're federal, and 2 out of 3 are felonies - meaning at least a year in prison. "Now, I'm feeling merciful, so I'm going to say...Eh, misdemeanor trespass. Plead guilty to that, I'll tell the US Attorney to have you just pay a $200 fine - you, not your parents. In exchange for that, if you get at least Bs in all of your classes this year and don't wind up on -anybody's- radar, we'll dismiss the charges and, legally, this will have never happened." The kids looked at him, looked at each other, looked at him...Then it dawned on them. "I'll take that, sir," Sean said. "Me too, sir," Kevin added. "Okay then." Williams wrote out the deal in 6 copies - 1 each for the boys, 1 each for their parents, one for the Secret Service and US Attorney, and one copy for himself - with old-fashioned carbon paper, then dated it, presenting the sheaf to the boys, along with 2 pens. "If you would sign and date it?" The boys did so, then handed it all back. "Eh, keep the pens." Williams grinned, then looked at his watch. "Wow, only 5 minutes." "Longest of my life!" Sean blurted out, then blushed. POTUS chuckled. "Trust me, there -will- be longer. Still, though, 5 minutes looks like we were sloppy. So, stay for a while, talk to me. Want anything?" All they wanted were Cokes, which Williams pulled from the minifridge behind the desk and tossed to em, along with one for himself. "This place is a lot smaller than it looks on TV," Kevin noted, looking around as he calmed down. "Yeah. Every President redecorates it a bit, and I tried to make it feel bigger when I did, but the dimensions don't change much - it always looks huge on TV, and it always looks huge in people's imaginations, whether you're 12 or 36 or 60, but it isn't." "What's that?" Sean pointed at a wall. "Who are those people?" Williams got solemn then. "A...reminder. I used to be a soldier, I imagine you've heard...Those are the guys who were under my command that didn't make it home. It's not hard, at this level, for everything to get...abstract. It reminds me that, at the end of the day, I'm not dealing with abstracts when we discuss foreign affairs. Fortunately, none yet since I became President - nobody's died on operations, anyway." Nods from both boys. "No names," Kevin noted. "I memorized them, years ago. Names, ages, hometowns, units of assignment, how and where they died." "You still see them, don't you, sir?" Sean asked, quietly. There must have been something in his voice for the kid to pick up on. "In my dreams, yeah. In my dreams, I still hear them talking, laughing, joking around. Most weren't much older than you - 18, 19." "Why they join up?" Kevin asked. "All sorts of reasons; Sergeant Wilson, 2nd from the left, 3rd down - he grew up in the Army, his dad was a tank officer. Private Ostov, 3rd down, last on the right? Emigrated from Russia when he was a kid, felt it was his duty to serve. PFC Nance, 4th on the right, seconnd down? No real reason. Army was going to pay for college." The kids nodded as they sipped their cokes, then noticed something else - a tiny little contraption on the floor. "What is *that*?" Sean asked. "Toy for Luke. You didn't see Elmo?" Williams grinned. "I'd let you meet him, but he's napping at the moment - Thank God." Chuckles at that. As it talked, it became clear. These kids were, to be understated, geniuses. Genius kids who'd gotten bored, who were too young for AP classes...Who were messing around because they got everything so quick. Soon enough, POTUS was grabbing his laptop, typing out a recommendation letter for each boy. "I'm changing the deal. I want you to sign up for college courses - whatever you like, try them out. I'll be talking to Loyola Chicago to see about letting you both take some there as scholarship students. However, deal between us is that you pull at least a 3.0 GPA in all courses, *and* keep your grades up in your normal classes." The kids gaped. Then looked at each other and high-fived. "How...*why*, Mr. President?" Sean asked, his bright blue eyes blinking with shock. "I'm an alum of Jesuit schools, for one - why you two? Simple. I see talent, I work at developing that talent. Can't do it for everybody, but when I find someone who isn't noticed, I have ways of testing and training them, of polishing diamonds in the rough. "There's a catch here, though. I'll accept screwing up, that's part of learning. But you don't slack off, you don't mess around. Get in trouble with the authorities, I'll know, and you'll be out. I pick you two because I see leaders in both of you - you may not recognize that yet, but that's there. Not merely leaders, but exceptional leaders, in whatever you might choose to do with yourself. I expect you to conduct yourselves as leaders, though. Plain and simple. You're still kids, you'll do stupid things - but I have a very limited tolerance for fools." Williams scribbled some modifications onto the agreements they'd signed. "Now then. Let's go talk to your parents." The parents were just slightly amazed. What, why, how...? That described their reactions. Williams laid it out. One of the problems, as he saw it, was that the size of the country, of the population, meant that, inevitably, some of the brightest minds, the best people, would go entirely unnoticed. That was life - there was little that could be done to fix it, not if one wanted to keep American society free, and he wasn't the type to like large-scale social engineering or Asian-style pressure cookers for kids (which he personally thought tended to be destructive of talent generally, even if they did produce the occasional specimen of excellence). But when they could be found while still kids, it was the nation's responsibility to assist the development of those potential key individuals - not in some elite boarding school, though those had their place, but in their communities, when it was possible. These would still be kids, hopefully normal, well-adjusted kids...But kids who would be spotted early as having talents of note, and trained, quietly, to improve their abilities and screen them for potential leadership. No obligation, no catch beyond what had been explained to the boys. They wouldn't be expected to serve in government, or the military, or do anything in particular...But they would be expected to train, to develop their abilities. "So we'll be like Battle Schoolers from Ender's Game?" Kevin asked, blinking curiously. That got a grin. "Not quite. No nullo, no battle room, no space station. On the other hand, no Buggers, either," Williams replied. And that ended that situation - the kids got his email address upon swearing not to give it out, and would be contacted later regarding their training. Next, though, came the more official side. Corporal Jimenez was waiting the Oval Office when the President walked back in. The Lieutenant was beside him, as was a grumpy-looking Secret Service Director. "At ease," Williams ordered as he walked in. "Corporal, I imagine both the Lieutenant and Director have been ripping you a new asshole. I have nothing to add to that. However, I'm going to exercise my prerogative and determine your punishment personally. "You are to be suspended, with pay, for 2 weeks. At the end of that period, you will report for refresher training in guard duties, and identification procedures. Also, you will be on probation for 6 months - if you are evaluated successfully at the end of those 6 months, the matter will be dropped and will not remain in your file. If not, you'll be dealt with at the discretion of the Secret Service," Williams stated. "Director, Lieutenant...I do not accept your resignations. I will not. This happens; there will be no falling on swords. "However, I want every Uniformed Division officer reviewing their training on guard duties within the next 30 days." Nods. "Okay then, you're all dismissed." After they left, POTUS's attention turned to other...mishaps. DHS was causing problems, again. A brief memo dealt with that situation: TSA screening procedures were to be revamped. No more idiotic bans on sippy cups or baby shampoo - TSA was to focus on bombs, guns, and obvious sharp objects - there's no way anyone is going to be able to do harm with some of the objects that were banned. No resignations would be accepted - however, all Homeland Security personnel responsible for security checkpoints were to be retrained on identifying false documents, as well as their supervisors. In addition, DHS was instructed to work on devising a system of screening behavior, not just randomly...But a system that would, while preserving security, also pass court "strict scrutiny" tests and, generally speaking, not torture civil liberties. A headshake from POTUS then, as he signed off on a Health and Human Services proposal to implement a system for national reciprocity for emergency services licensure. It was days like this that made people cynical about government. --- Actions: 1. Deal with those kids. Mercifully but firmly. 2. Since they're geniuses, by all appearances, it would seem wise to encourage their further training. Enlist the assistance of friends and contacts to enable such. 3. TSA screening procedures to be revamped, cutting down on the bans. 4. DHS to work on devising a system of behavioral screening that would pass legal muster, not torture civil liberties, and be effective. Yes, it is possible to do all 3 at once, and we'll prove it. 5. HHS to implement a system of national standards and national reciprocity for emergency services licensure, such as EMTs and nurses. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://esteroic.com/pipermail/war_esteroic.com/attachments/20080205/c3f3ea43/attachment-0001.html From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com Thu Feb 7 20:45:42 2008 From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey) Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 22:15:42 -0330 Subject: [War] Russia: "See No Evil" Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70802071745j711930ecq222f0c5ad6c070f0@mail.gmail.com> "See No Evil" President Leonid Nemerenko, Russian Federation 3 February 2014 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "It seems we could have picked better partners," mused Kalugin as he browsed through a copy of the Washington Post, the picture of PLA troops shooting civilians lain out on the ground plastered on the front page. "Oh shut up," mumbled Nemerenko as he walked past the seated Interior Minister and casually pulled the paper out of the man's hands as he went, tossing it into a nearby waste basket. "This is Hong's problem, not ours." "It can become our problem if the Americans or EU decide to cause a stir, which they certainly will," cautioned Foreign Minister Denemetov. "Williams has already expressed his trepidations over the Chinese occupation. This will only add fuel to that fire." "And we'll just bring up Saudi Arabia, Israel and Pakistan as examples of America's humane and peace-loving allies," shot back Nemerenko with a faux smile. "You have to understand the American mentality. If you're a poor brown person, or Asian in this case, you'll get a few days on CNN and everyone will shake their heads and go 'that's sad' until some local news catches their attention. Remember when all those people got shot in Iran back in 2009 and then Britney Spears died?" "We have been going to great pains to craft to the EU and to the world that Russia isn't the unstable boogeyman it was under Putin," emphasized the FM. "European mediation will be critical in bringing peace to the South Caucasus region and if they view our treaty with China as a formal alliance with a murderous neo-Soviet Union then that effort will be wasted." "As I have said, we are partners of China, not allies," said Nemerenko, slightly irritated, as he sat behind his desk. "What goes on in North Korea is not our doing nor is it within our control. We've been operating aid and medical camps there since the occupation began! Giving aid, technical help to the locals. What are we doing that Japan isn't?" "And what if the Americans or the EU ask us to condemn China?" "They won't do that," replied the President simply. "They are wise enough not to drag Russia into this. Nothing we say, good or bad, will change the situation or China's actions. We've just gotten a commitment of non-aggression from China with the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty and asked the EU to help us peacefully mediate the end to a violent civil war in Georgia! I think we'll catch a break with this." Denemetov was clearly not swayed by the argument and Kalugin was as hard to read as ever. The President knew what they were thinking, he was just trying to ignore the problem and hoped it went away. And was that such an unreasonable strategy? Russia truly was uninvolved in any of the events transpiring in North Korea. They had not precipitated the country's collapse, the subsequent Chinese invasion or the current state of the PLA's bloody crackdown. "We have no comment on any of this," said Nemerenko after a moment of thought. "Not to the Duma, to the media, to the Americans or the EU. Not one word. If anyone asks, point them to the Chinese embassy. That's where all their answers are." --- Actions: 1) Russia has nothing to do with the events in North Korea and has no intention of becoming involved. 2) Give absolutely no comment on anything, point any questions from the Duma, press, EU or USA to the Chinese. From john.penta at gmail.com Fri Feb 8 21:18:10 2008 From: john.penta at gmail.com (John Penta) Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 21:18:10 -0500 Subject: [War] US: The Riot Act Message-ID: "The Riot Act" 1 February 2014 President John Williams USA ==================== Sometimes, John Williams did not understand people. He knew his plan for dealing with welfare would get protests. Protests were really good things. Protests were fine. He wasn't hesitant to invite the leaders of the protest in Washington in to talk - they'd not come to an agreement, but they'd agreed to disagree, and hopefully it was recognized he had good intentions. Violence, however, was not acceptable. Chicago's spate of violence seemed well under the control of local cops and Illinois state police, so there was no need to get federal assets involved - the US Attorney was, however, instructed to prosecute offenders both in civil and criminal cases for the trashing of the Social Security office. Detroit, though? Detroit was another matter. Detroit was a riot. 3 cops were dead, and it seemed likely that the situation was not going to get better soon. The Michigan National Guard was deployed, but had had no luck taking control. Meanwhile, Governor John Cherry had so far refused, publicly, to ask for Federal assistance. Thus, Williams was in the Situation Room, joined by SECDEF Abbot, Attorney-General Harris, and (via VTC) the Commander of US Northern Command, General Curtis. MG Cutler, Michigan's Adjutant General, was due to report 15 minutes prior. "Cutler here." "We hear you, General. What's the status?" Williams asked. "Even more fucked than before, sir, pardon my language." "Oh?" "The gangs have control of the violence. They've moved up from small arms to heavy weapons - one of them had a LAW, and attacked a DPD patrol. No casaulties, thank God, and they were neutralized by Guard QRF, but. It's not likely to get better." "Governor Cherry, do you need federal support?" It wasn't exactly a fair question. Cherry was in an election year, and couldn't be seen losing face to the Feds. "No, Mr. President. We can handle it," Cherry responded. All the Feds looked at each other. "General, do you concur with Governor Cherry's assessment?" Willaims asked. Again, it was hardly fair - Cutler was stuck with two masters, the President (who expected an honest answer, his tone of voice made clear) and the Governor (who expected the "right" answer). "No, sir, I do not. My professional evaluation is that we cannot handle the situation." Abbot quietly put away the relief order he'd pulled out. The honest answer had been obvious. "I understand. Governor, do you need assistance?" Williams hardly needed to ask - he didn't *have* to; he could, Constitutionally, deploy federal troops regardless. But it was marginally more respectful to get the Governor's assent. "...Yes, I do, Mr. President," replied the Governor, his tone of voice that of a man who could see his political future dying before his eyes if he said otherwise. "I understand. Gentlemen, I am going to write this speech personally. We go on TV live in 45 minutes," Williams said. --- The cameras had been set up in a hurry. To the President's right, on camera, in front of the Presidential flag there, was something the Smithsonian had only recently discovered in its collections, and had delivered to the White House a few weeks before: The sword carried by George Washington during his command of the forces suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion. The President looked over the speech, which had been hastily written by him and the speechwriting staff, one last time. Then, he nodded to the pool producer, from NBC today. "My fellow Americans," he began. No "Good Morning" today; instead, an air of grave solemnity hung over the White House. "Over the past 24 hours, we have all seen the violence in Chicago and Detroit. The disturbances in Chicago were resolved quickly by the Chicago Police Department; those involved in violence and destruction of property in those events will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney for that district, and he has indicated to me that the full measure of the law will be brought to bear upon those charged, should convictions be achieved. "Events in Detroit, however, have not been so limited. I do not need to explain the full nature of the events; you see the same images, hear the same reports through the media, as I do. I have been briefed by the Adjutant General of the State of Michigan as to the full details of the situation in that city, which I shall elaborate upon shortly. Already, 5 officers of the Detroit Police Department have been killed in gunfights with gang members. To the families, friends, and comrades of the fallen officers, I extend my condolences and the condolences of the people of the United States. "In addition, 45 minutes ago, I was informed by the Adjutant General of the attack upon a joint Detroit Police and Michigan Army National Guard patrol of a criminal force armed with heavy weapons - specifically, anti-armor weapons. No personnel were injured, and the attacking force was neutralized by Quick Reaction Forces of the Michigan Army National Guard. However, such an incident underlines the level of violence present in the City of Detroit at this time. "As a result of these events, Governor Cherry has requested federal assistance. Based upon such a request, the following proclamation is issued:" Then, with a solemn tone of voice that might, in an earlier age, have been used to convey news of an excommunication, the President began to read. "By the President of the United States of America, A Proclamation "WHEREAS, I have been informed by the Governor of Michigan that conditions of domestic violence and disorder exist in and about the City of Detroit, the County of Wayne, and other districts of Michigan, endangering life and property and obstructing execution of the laws, and that the available law enforcement resources, including the National Guard, are unable to suppress such acts of violence and to restore law and order; "WHEREAS, such domestic violence and disorder are also obstructing the execution of the laws of the United States, in the affected area and "WHEREAS, the Governor of Michigan has requested Federal assistance in suppressing the violence and restoring law and order in the affected area. "NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Williams, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including Chapter 15 of Title 10 of the United States Code, do command all persons engaged in such acts of violence and disorder to cease and desist therefrom and to disperse and retire peaceably forthwith. "IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this Fourth Day of February, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth." With a pen taken up from his desk, he signed the proclamation. "With this proclamation, let me make certain things clear," Williams resumed. "Firstly: The opposition which has been expressed to recent changes in federal policy is entirely legitimate and protected, rightly, under the First Amendment to the Constitution and the laws of this nation. However, that protection applies only to *peaceful* protest. The use of violence to effect change in policy or government action must not be, and will not be, tolerated, ever. "Second: Those who think violence will elicit a change in policy are completely, utterly mistaken. There will be no change. The measures I have proposed for the amendment of the regulations covering the payment of government assistance may seem harsh; they are not easy, I will grant that. But they are not, at all, a desire for a 'plantation society', as has been accused of me. Personally, I find such accusations to be deeply, incredibly hurtful and untrue, essentially declaring me to be a racist, a bigot. Those who have known me know that I have never once consciously measured anyone by the color of their skin, the accent of their voice, their background, their gender, or their religion. If you don't believe me, ask the soldiers I led as an Army officer. Ask my employees from the business I founded. Ask my staff, in Congress and in the White House. Such may be what others look for; it has never once been what I look for, it has never once been how I decide about people, and so far as I can help it, it will *never* be a part of how the United States Government does business under my leadership. "Nonetheless, while such comments have hurt deeply, I recognize the sentiments behind them. I realize, and regret, that my plans and the intentions behind my plans have been explained poorly, in some cases by myself. So I would like to take some time to lay out my intentions, why I proposed the measures I did. My plan is this: The previous way of giving benefits, of ascertaining eligibility, awarding a benefit, and then hoping someone will graduate to a point where they don't need it, is optimistic. For not a small number of people, it has proven correct. Giving them the resources, cutting a check, and leaving the rest up to them *has* worked...In some cases. But, for a variety of reasons, there is a certain proportion of recipients, of every race and every background, of the inner city or the rural areas, in all parts of this nation, who have been recipients of benefits for extreme periods of time - in some cases, generations. That creates an enormous wall, creates a psychological dependence on government support that can be enormously hard to overcome, despite a person's best efforts. Even for those new to recieving government benefits, in many instances it is *not* because of any fault of their own that this occurs; mental illness, substance abuse, alcoholism, disability are more common reasons for poverty, for joblessness, than many would like to admit. And the stigma upon such conditions is not a small obstacle to the progress of those receiving benefits. Recovery from mental illness, from substance abuse, from alcoholism are all incredibly difficult, painful, long-term processes - worth much, as the great number of those who have reached sobriety from alcoholism and substance abuse, as the great number of those who successfully undergo treatment for mental illness, can testify; but, seeing that 'light at the end of the tunnel' can be difficult, most especially, and most painfully, while one is still fighting the battle. "Thus, my plan. Where those who are receiving benefits are motivated to improve their situation, are functioning, and are able to set realistic plans to achieve independence from government support, my intention is that the programs and services will be there to help them do just that. Where that motivation is lacking, or has been lost, we do as friends do, occasionally: Gruffly tell you that you *will* help yourself; Not that we know what's better for you, but that when you sit down and tell us what you plan to do to improve yourself, as part of applying for benefits, you do in fact make a promise to us. We expect you to keep that promise, as any person would hope another would; we'll do what we can to help you keep it, but the main effort driving things must be yours, the recipient's, effort. "The United States Government cannot be the crutch that people rely on when they can walk on their own two feet - we are committed to supporting you, we *will* support you, when you cannot, but when you can work to improve yourself, it would be foolish for the Government to give you a reason not to. "I hope that, even if my explanation here does not create approval where there was opposition, it creates understanding where once there was only anger. "Thirdly, I would like to speak to the many who are forgotten at this time: Namely, those citizens of Detroit and the surrounding region, most particularly in those areas currently in disorder, who are generally not spoken of, because they *have* obeyed the laws, because they *have* kept the peace; Many of you are, as it were, living amidst the events to which the attention of the nation, and indeed the world, has been drawn. "Many, no doubt, may try to paint a neighborhood, a city, a county, a state with a broad brush. May try to 'write you off', say that 'conditions in Detroit haven't improved in 40 years, and they'll never change'. It's easy, it's simple. It seems to 'solve' the problem, or at least to score political points. It's also wrong. Many of you have been caught in the tides of economic dislocation, of social and cultural and poltical change, in some cases from long ago. "I will not say what these events will bring; I cannot say that things will change for the better; These events draw attention to you, to your community, that you can use *to create* positive change, but I cannot guarantee that change will come. I cannot promise what the future will hold, and I will not be so rash as to try. But I want you to know: Just because you have *not* acted does not mean we fail to notice you, or your struggles. We *do* see those struggles, and we *see* your strength in choosing what is sometimes the harder path, of peaceful respect for the law, of trying to make the best of the situation life has handed to you. For making that choice, you have my thanks and my appreciation. "My fellow Americans...Good day." ---- Actions: 1. Accept Michigan's request for Federal Assistance. 2. Speak to the nation about the events in Detroit. It's okay if you don't like the President's plan, it's okay to peacefully protest against it. Use violence, however, and we will come down on you like a ton of bricks. Those who *have* followed the law, though, shouldn't think they'll be forgotten: We do notice. You're the better ones for making the choice to follow the law. Thanks. 3. Per the Constitution and applicable laws, issue Presidential proclamation commanding those involved in violence and disorder to cease and desist therefrom, and to disperse and retire peaceably forthwith. (Factoid: Title 10, Chapter 15 US Code is basically the US version of what is known in Britain and the Commonwealth as the Riot Act.) 4. JTF Detroit to be organized, composed of: A. Michigan National Guard (called to Federal Service by Presidential order); B. 10th Mountain Division; C. Such local and federal law enforcement agencies as may currently be involved; D. Such combat support and combat service support assets as may be necessary to support the forces previously mentioned. E. Rules of Engagement: 1. Civilian Law Enforcement will have lead of all arrests, detentions, etc. Military forces are there to support the civilians. 2. The idea is to never have to fire a shot; however, the goal of the mission is the restoration of Constitutional authority and public order. If that requires a battalion on parade in battle rattle with fixed bayonets and bagpipes and drums as a show of authority, okay (though try to avoid looking totalitarian). If that requires walkabouts unarmed but for pistols, okay. If that requires troops on street corners, then, regrettably, okay. Avoid using force unless necessary; when you have to use force, use the minimum necessary to resolve the situation and enable civilian LEOs to take offenders into custody. 3. Media should be given open access to the greatest extent possible (within reason and OPSEC), and combat cameramen should accompany every patrol. We have nothing to hide. 4. When in doubt, listen to the locals. However, keep detailed records; if the locals make the decision, they take the consequences. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://esteroic.com/pipermail/war_esteroic.com/attachments/20080208/27d5716c/attachment-0001.html From Chazenesq2b at aol.com Fri Feb 8 22:40:00 2008 From: Chazenesq2b at aol.com (Chazenesq2b at aol.com) Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 22:40:00 EST Subject: [War] China: "The Korean Issue... Again" Message-ID: "The Korean Issue... Again" President Xia Hong The People's Republic of China February 4, 2014 =========================================== (President's Office- Executive Mansion) "I thought we had Korea ready for transition!" Xia shouted as she slammed her fairly slender (but none the less hard) fist against the heavy wooden desk. "They have been given food, water, medicine, shelter... we were 'leaving'! What the 'hell' went wrong?!" "Nothing has 'gone' wrong." Bing tried explaining calmly. He kept going despite the glare he was receiving from his boss. "There are ebbs and flows of success with 'every' mission. It was a matter of time before an organized resistance took route, as although we're leaving in stages it's not going to be fast enough for everyone. It is important to remember, Madame President, that we have in fact spend considerable effort in standing up the North Korean government. Even as we speak, most of the leg work being done is by North Korean Police and Military forces. We are merely supplying rapid reaction forces and combat support." "In the form of death squads by the way the West is seeing it!" She whipped, gesturing to one of several televisions in the room. On it, CNN had an in depth report regarding the 'ongoing' War in North Korea... with Mr. Anderson calling it a 'Sino-Iraq'. Xinhua's coverage was fairer, but certainly not positive on what was happening. Xia shut the television off just before a Chinese 'officer' shot a captured insurgent execution style in front of several witnesses. "I am appointing an oversight committee on North Korean operations. We will revamp our training methods, and re-emphasize civil service techniques 'again' until even the most dim-witted soldier understands their responsibilities!" The PLA was supposed to be an army of liberators, not conquerors. She certainly understood the rush that came with combat and the increased feelings of danger, but damnit the reason you trained was to avoid letting it get the best of you. Bing nodded. He'd known her for quite a long time, but Xia was never 'this' worked up. Not since... well... "I will handle it, and we will continue to work on retraining the police in Tibet, and give a public statement as well." "See to it that you do." ================================================== Actions 1. Re-re-educate soldiers and police on the finer points of Civil Affairs until the lessons stick. 2. Appoint a civilian oversight committee for North Korean Operations, complete with investigative powers, etc. 3. MoJ and MoD to continue to coordinate and investigate misconduct. 4. Support indigenous North Korean military and police with containing and defeating the insurgency. **************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025 48) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://esteroic.com/pipermail/war_esteroic.com/attachments/20080208/984f0cdf/attachment.html From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com Sun Feb 10 16:35:16 2008 From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey) Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:05:16 -0330 Subject: [War] Russia: "Suspicion of Intent" Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70802101335y452829f0h8886af2ca49cb77d@mail.gmail.com> "Suspicion of Intent" President Leonid Nemerenko, Russian Federation 6 February 2014 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Machiavelli had advocated that a state be based upon to concepts: the rule of law and a strong military. Both were important but a ruler should always tend to the military first because if the rule of law failed then he could utilize his army to restore it. But if the army failed, the realm was doomed. And with the longest border in the world and numerous hot spots fairing all along it, not to mention being sandwiched in between the powerful NATO bloc to the West and PRC to the East (which would always be uncomfortable, regardless of whatever pieces of paper were inked with pledges of non-aggression) it was suitably prudent for the Kremlin to take careful steps to restore and maintain Russia's military strength and address all military concerns with due diligence. "With the addition of EU peacekeepers into the Abkhazia zone, we can expect a gradual stabilization to a fully peaceful status," reported Defence Minister Yoselev. "There has been some negative reaction to our decision to remand the future of the region to multiparty talks and cease our support for Abkhazia's de facto independence, but nothing more than some stones thrown at our troops. No violence and no injuries." "See to it that our own soldiers do not inflict any injures," warned the President. Russia was more skilled at occupation than peacekeeping and he did not want to see Abkhazian civilians being beaten or shot by Russian Army soldiers. "We must remember that we have permanently committed ourselves to this endeavour of peaceful reconciliation," spoke up FM Denemetov. "It is absolutely out of the question to simply pick up and leave if Abkhazia becomes violent, especially now that the EU had agreed to contribute to our peacekeeping mission. It would make us loses a tremendous amount of face on the world stage and earn us the ire of the Western Europeans for leaving them holding the bag." "Our forces have been entrenched in that area for several years and we know who to keep an eye on," assured Yoselev. "I'm not saying there won't be violence but if there is I am sure our military forces can respond with haste and eliminate the instigators before any serious flare-ups can occur." "The talks at the Hague?" asked the President. "Only starting," said Denemetov. "The Netherlands agreeing to help us mediate adds credibility to the conference. Georgia has been completely willing to attend by the Abkhazian delegation has come only at considerable insistence at our part. Abkhazia will cooperate insofar as they have no choice." "They relied upon us to throw the Georgians out, to keep them out, and to keep their economy afloat," mused Nemerenko. "In the end Abkhazia is a small and insignificant speck of land with only limited strategic value. Georgia is much more useful to us in a reconciled fashion and by acting so benignly we can curry respect and an easing of tensions with the EU." "That brings us to the ongoing problems in North Korea," jumped in Yoselev. "The Chinese have responded adequately but the speed and scale of the violence leads us to conclude that this is a highly organized and well-armed resistance group, not ragged insurgents as seen in Iraq." "Are you suggesting an external source of support?" asked Denemetov. "It is entirely possible. The KPA devoted a considerable amount of resources into training their SF detachments and kept them relatively well-funded and supplies, by North Korean standards at least. An early outbreak of coordinated resistance to the Chinese military would not have been too unusual but this wave of violence has occurred almost on year after the fact. By now the PLA has secured all former KPA military instillations, armoires and impressed the bulk of the former KPA into the new national military force. So, an exterior source of support is likely." Nemerenko closed his eyes. He'd washed his hands politically of North Korea but was still dogged by the spectre of the state collapsing. Not that they were at that point yet, but it still worries him. The prospect of a foreign power supporting the North Korean resistence added a factor of foreign aggression against China that could provoke an international crisis. "Do we have suspects?" he asked. "At first we thought the Americans but the GRU has concluded that they are likely not responsible," said the Defence Minister. "They have been too quiet over this whole state of affairs. No official press releases from either the White House, Department of State or Defence Department. There has been some agitation in Congress but that is not reflective of the Williams Administration." "An unstable North Korea does keep China occupied and drain their military strength," pointed out Denemetov. "That is motive. It worked against us in Afghanistan." "True," agreed Yoselev. "But think of the physical differences. It was easy for the Americans to supply and support the Afghan rebels through numerous land access routes. North Korea is highly isolated. It only borders the South, China and us. Our border is miniscule and at the moment heavily fortified. We obviously have no part in this and I can assure you no illegal arms are flowing in from our territory. How would the Americans physically get any supplies to the North Korea insurgents? The Chinese would immediately detect any shore landings by the US Navy." "Then who?" "Japan shares our quiet approval of a *successful* Chinese occupation for purposes of regional stability," continued Yoselev. "That leaves only South Korea. Beijing has made it clear that so long as they rule North Korea, there will never be a reunification of the two nations. This had absolutely incensed the South Koreans and gives them considerable motive to support a resistance to Chinese rule. If the situation were to grow too far out of hand and the Chinese were to withdraw or at least ask for international assistance, it would be a convenient window for the ROK to move in. They have had years to makes contacts and develop smuggling stratagems for just such a purpose." "And what does the GRU say?" questioned the President. "Again, information is limited," admitted Yoselev. "Neither the old KGB or the SVR and GRU have been able to develop much of an espionage apparatus in either Koreas. All we have is suspicions based on ability and motive, no hard fact." "Then we have no choice but to continue on and hope that the new security measures being implemented by the PLA are effective in quelling the violence," said Nemerenko. You could never truly make a country a totally obedient puppet. There would always be resistance, both from those who openly despise you and those who claim to be collaborators. The Soviets had learned that the hard way on numerous occasions and now it seemed China would as well. He knew in his heart that the Chinese would never leave North Korea, just as the Soviets had never really left Eastern Europe after the end of the Great Patriotic War. And while he had no moral qualms about that, the fear of instability concerned him. "Ensure that security at our medical camps is strong enough to prevent any violence there," he instructed Yoselev. "And begin making preparations to close them and withdraw our aid workers should that indeed occur. Coordinate with the Chinese on the former but do not inform them of the latter." The current administration in Beijing was very paranoid, even by Russian standards, and incessantly confrontational. The last thing he needed was giving them an excuse to antagonize Russia yet again. "That's everything, thank you both." The LCD screen with the dual images of Denemetov, currently in the Hague, and Yoselev over at the MOD dimmed and went black. --- Actions: 1) Continue to support a peaceful reconciliation by Abkhazia and Georgia and encourage the discussions at the Hague. 2) Ensure that Russian soldiers in Abkhazia behave properly. 3) Coordinate with Chinese authorities to increase security at the Russian medical camps in North Korea 4) Quietly make plans to close the camps and withdraw all Russian personnel should the camps be subject to violence. From michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com Fri Feb 15 11:01:41 2008 From: michael.michaeldowney at gmail.com (Michael Downey) Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:31:41 -0330 Subject: [War] Russia/Japan: "An Enticing Offer" Message-ID: <6b6ab8a70802150801q1204cf30k4d5e1b57a5c5e5fa@mail.gmail.com> "An Enticing Offer" Ambassador Gushoev, Russian Federation Prime Minister Sato, Japan 7 February 2014 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Good relations with Japan had always benefited the Russian President. His hand in getting the formal Peace Treaty signed back during Nemerenko's days in the Foreign Ministry had earned him status in the Severov administration and the recent free trade treaty had benefited the Russian economy. Not to mention the armed forces were happy with the Japanese-made UAVs and robotic scout drones and benefiting from Japan's newfound appetite for Russian missile equipment. Indeed, they had found a useful friendship in the island nation. And perhaps a bulwark against their mutual friend and foe, China? Ambasador Gushoev considered all these things as his limousine weaved through the heavy Tokyo traffic. There was no real thoughts of courting Japan as an ally back in Moscow, but you could never have too many friends. For the moment he had a specific item he wanted to speak with Prime Minister Sato about. He arrived exactly on time, as was expected in this country, for his appointment with the PM. As this was not a formal visit his entourage was limited simply to a driver and a bodyguard, both of whom Gushoev left down on the lower levels of the building. "The Prime Minister will see you know, Gushoev-san," said the secretary. The Ambassador nodded. As the Ambassador entered Sato rose from his desk and smiled. It was an honest smile. Sato liked the Russians and he especially liked their oil which flowed freely into Japan now thanks to the free trade agreement that his predcessor had signed. The resulting effect on the price of oil in Japan was one of the reasons the Japanese ecconomy enjoying an upturn in the last year. The same upturn had provided Sato's Democratic Party of Japan with a majority in the upper house last July. So when Sato greeted the Ambassador with a bow and an offer of his afterwards, he was sincere in the warmth of his welcome. "A drink Mr. Ambassador?" Sato offered as he moved to the sideboard while his guest was seated. "Yes, thank you," replied Gushoev. Russians liked their alcohol, even in a formal setting. "President Nemerenko sends his regards and looks forward to the coming conference with you and President Hong here in Tokyo in the coming months. However I am here on a different matter. As you are away, the Federation is attempting to reconcile Georgia with it's breakaway province of Abkhazia and has asked for the assistance of the European Union both in mediating talks and creating a multinational peacekeeping force in the Abkhazia region. To that end, the President has dispatched me to inquire about the Ground Self Defence Force contributing a contingent of troops to this new PKF that the EU has already agreed to." Sato poured himself and the Ambassador a finger of his family's brand of whiskey and then returned to the Ambassador and passed him one of the glasses. "Hmmm," Sato said as he rounded to his desk and sat down. "I must admit Ambassador, that my knowledge of that situation is limited. What level of risk does your government forsee to troops sent to the region?" "Virtually none, the area is rather clam." That was a half truth. There had been several border shooting incidents with the Georgians over the years and even helicopters shot down; all done by Russia. That was the whole reason the Federation was eager to have foreign troops join their own peace keepers, to add legitimacy for the talks in face of past Russian indiscretions. "We make this proposal because we know the JGSDF has been looking to train itself in more exotic environments." The JGSDF had been training for most of the year with the Canadians at considerable expense, however they were still complaining about the amount of attention the JMSDF, Japan's navy, was getting by taking part in the anti-piracy actions in the Straight of Malacca. This mission would balance the scales. "How many troops does your government have in mind?" Sato asked sipping from his glass. "Perhaps a full battalion?" suggested Gushoev. "I don't think you'd need to send any heavy combat units such as armor, but perhaps light infantry or mechanized units." Sato had just the unit for this mission. After speaking with the Canadians, the GSDF had begun developing a peacekeeping unit of mechanized infantry for a Kosovo style mission. It had only just been granted operational status but the troops were vetrans and eager to prove themselves. "How long do you forsee this mission continuing?" he asked, at this point Sato was almost sold on sending troops but he knew he would also have to sell this mission to the cabinet and then the Diet, in order to get approval of a foreign deployment. For that any information would be helpful. "One year, at maximum," answered the Ambassador. "That's the longest period of time we hope talks between both sides at the Hague will take. Once a peaceful solution, for either independence or reunification, occurs then Russia plans for a fairly rapid scaledown and withdrawl." It seemed like a perfect test of his country's new unit, Sato nodded. "As I am sure you know I cannot make any promises, but, I feel confident that if a resolution was put before the Diet on this matter, it would pass and we could contribute one of our new peacekeeping battalions of mechanized infantry to the efforts in Georgia." "I am very happy to hear that, Mr. Prime Minister," said the Ambassador. "And I am sure the European Union will as well." Sato smiled. "Yes I hope so," he said. Things had not been cordial with the eastern most portions of the EU after signing the military technology agreement with Russia. He doubted that taking part in a Russian led peacekeeping mission in their neck of the woods would change that much but he'd take what he could get. "Well Mr. Ambassador," he said picking up his scotch and raising it to the Ambassador. "To our futher cooperation." --- Actions: 1) Japan will contribute one battalion of JGSDF mechanized troops to the Russian-EU peacekeeping force on Abkhazia.