Tamoran Imperial News Service (TINS)

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 11, 1441 Al-Jum'ah (Friday)

Imperial palace releases statement: Prince Naser presumed dead in plane crash
 

TINS news anchor

The Imperial place has released a statement informing the nation that Prince Naser was on board the Clysperi plane that crashed in Abuqiya. The plane also had on board Pharaoh Beketaten who is also presumed dead.
The news came as a shock to the nation. Seven days of mourning have been announced in the Imperial Enclave with the rest of the federated kingdoms announcing similar arrangements. It is hard to express into words the loss the nation feels in these moments. The nation has lost one of its princes and at the same time with the loss of Pharaoh Beketaten the entire MidAranye has lost one of its most outspoken voices. Pharaoh Beketaten touched the hearts of many in Tamora, her speeches always made headlines and she enjoyed a popularity that no foreigner has ever had in the Empire and likely never will for a long time.

Tamorans all across the Empire took to their places of worship to pray for Prince Naser and Pharaoh Beketaten

Outside the Clysperis embassy in Djerb the whole boulevard had to be closed because of the thousands of candles and flowers left for Pharaoh Beketaten

The Supreme Ayatollah has this to say about the tragic incident:
“God, I ask you not why you have taken them from us, but instead thank for giving them to us in the first place.”

The Foreign Office has announced it is working closely with Abuqiyan and Clysperi authorities in order to understand what the cause of the plane crash was and decide the proper course of action. For now however, the nation mourns.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 11, 1441 Al-Jum'ah (Friday)

Iwi attack Seleucid killing 6 and injuring 20, Mundus is instead worried about Royal Seleucid
 

TINS news anchor

In a shocking act of aggression the Iwi have admitted to attacking Royal Seleucid killing 6 and injuring 20. The naked act of aggression has yet to be condemned by other countries outside of MidAranye which so far have been too busy to flex their navel muscles near MidAranye waters. The First Empire of Rokkenjima was of course the first to jump and announce that they will be sending ships (which they later canceled) then motioned the Ardian Assembly to ask the whole continent to stop buying oil from Royal Seleucid and their friends and instead buy from Seaforth. In laymen terms, Rokkenjima is asking the whole continent to stop buying oil from poor nations and instead buy from rich ones like Seaforth showing exactly what Rokkenjima’s priority are. East Moreland of course couldn’t let a crisis go to waste and sent assets to Kyne after complaining nonstop when Rokkenjima sent ships to the Illuminc and Mhorish. The Morelanders were of course there to embolden the Iwi to take more aggressive actions. Lastly, the Empire of Achkaerin also showed concern about their vessels for some reason and laid the blame on the Royal Seleucid.

Had those nations not jumped the gun to condemn Royal Seleucid and support the Iwi then mostly likely the Iwi would never have had the courage to commit such a crime. This should make the people in those nations ponder if Iwi assets are more precious than Seleucid lives. We say that people from those nations should ponder and not the people in charge because looking at the actions of their governments we already know that they believe.

According to Ipsus, the Royal Seleucid Ephiphes aircraft carrier and its destroyer escort have left for the Kyne. Shortly after, the Tamoran Imperial office has announced that they will be joined by the TNS Princess Thekla amphibious ship and two destroyers.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 11, 1441 Al-Jum'ah (Friday)

The wrong side of history
 

TINS news anchor

When Tamora came out of isolation, Mundus was not kind to us and our people. One of the criticisms against our people was that we are on the wrong side of history and that slavery has no place in the XXI century.  However, as more and more nations emerged from isolation like Clysperis, Abuqiya we have seen that slavery is not just a Tamoran institution but is part of many cultures. Furthermore, we have seen Pramoria emerging from isolation and having indentured servitude in law and Royal Seleucid adopting similar laws for debtors.

Now with the recent emergence from isolation of Zerchea which also has slavery in its laws a new question emerges, is the anti-slavery group on the wrong side of history? Will the XXI century see the institution spread across the majority of Mundus countries?  The honest answer to that is that we do not know, what we do know however is that our detractors were wrong. And if they are wrong on something so basic as slavery how can they be trusted when they make other claims?

As six families in Royal Seleucid bury their dead whom were killed by the Iwi, we also see the nations that criticize other countries for allowing slavery are also wrong on who is the aggressor in the Iwi –Seleucid conflict. Because they all had a knee jerk reaction to send naval troops in Keyne to protect “their ships” from Royal Seleucid when the aggressor was right there, near them.

The Prophet teaches us that those that are fools cannot be blamed for their actions but what if those nations that constantly sanction Tamora, that always jump the gun against Royal Seleucid are not just fools who happened to be wrong? What if they are actually purposely trying to sabotage Tamora and the MidAranye region? The late Pharaoh Beketaten was the harshest critic of the internationalist cartel and many, even in the capitals of MidAranye, believed she was exaggerating. I think the six dead in Seleucid should perhaps make many in the high positions in MidAranye wonder: what if Pharaoh Beketaten was 100% right?

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 13, 1441, Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Nation rejoices as prince Naser and Pharaoh Beketaten are confirmed to be alive and well
 

Pharaoh Akasha Safavid (previously known as Beketaten) has resumed her duties as Pharaoh

In a stunning turn of events, Pharaoh Beketaten went on air announcing to Clysperis, Tamora and the whole of MidAranye region that she is alive and well, and that the plane crash was an assassination attempt. The moving speech also brought more news as the Pharaoh confessed her love for Prince Naser and their intention to marry. Also, following a revelation from divinity the Pharaoh now has a new name: Akasha which will soon become Akasha Safavid after the marriage with prince Naser.

To say the Tamoran people were surprised by the news is an understatement, a feeling of relief and then joy swept across the nation.

But for Clysperis the struggle was just begun and as Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re resumed office she has to manage what now appears to be a civil war, as forces unloyal to the Pharaoh have banded together under the name of Free Clysperi Army and control at least once city in south. Fighting has already been confirmed with the Royal Clysperi Armed Forces and it remains to be seen just how support the rebel elements have within Clysperis. 

Emperor Abbas has issues a statement in regards to the latest news about Prince Naser and Pharaoh Akasha:

“I thank God and the Prophet that my son Naser and Pharaoh Akasha are safe. To those that say they are glad that might son survived but regret that Pharaoh Akasha did, I remind them that Pharaoh Akasha is family and such statements make no sense to us.”

Emperor Abbas has also added that Tamora will provide whatever support is needed to Pharaoh Akasha in her fight against the Free Clysperi Army. 
According to sources, the Foreign Office has sent a request to the government of Abuqiya to allow the Tamoran Airforce to use their airspace in the case the Clysperis government would request help from Tamora against the rebel elements in the South of Clysperis.

Analysts are now speculating on the possible agenda and outcome of the Clysperi civil war. According to analysts, the rebels seem to want a more religiously homogenous Clysperis arguing that the Pharaoh’s unprecedented close relations with the Manist faith goes against established traditions and also want a Clysperis that is less critical of the international order claiming that the Pharaoh’s harsh criticism of the major foreign powers of Mundus is having a detrimental effect on the prosperity of the nation. Furthermore, the same analysts say that at least for now the rebels seem to promote the idea that when it comes to the Midaranye region they are friendly to both Tamora and Royal Seleucid.

As far as the most likely scenarios go, the analysts have stated that the three most likely scenarios are:
-   50% percent chance of Pharaoh Akasha crushing the rebellion and restoring order. With most of the Clysperi forces on her side and with Tamora as an ally the Pharaoh is in a good position to win the civil war especially since the rebel strongholds are in the south so internationalist powers will find it hard to provide support to them.
-   35% percent chance a de facto two state Clysperis. In this scenario the rebel prove to have much more support among the population than previously expected and the Clysperis armed forces while loyal to the Pharaoh on paper they will remain reluctant to give their their lives in a prolonged war with the rebels.  Furthermore, in order for Pharaoh Akasha to avoid the perception that she is closer to Tamora then her people she refuses most help from Tamora.
-   15 % percent chance of rebel victory. This unlikely scenario is based on the assumption that the rebels have in fact infiltrated the armed forces and the Clysperis bureaucracy to a much higher degree than is apparent now  and because  Pharaoh Akasha was quick to make public the fact that she survived the assassination attempt, the rebelx have not had the chance to reveal their true power. Under this scenario the rebels prove to be much more powerful than anticipated and also manage to convince the internationalist powers to intervene in exchange for them pledging that Clysperis will become a republic like Phuerba with an Achkaerin governor to manage the affairs for an unlimited period of time.   

The same analysts have said that the next couple of weeks are crucial and it is during this time that we will see just how much power and support the rebels enjoy among the Clysperi people and Armed forces.

Pharaoh Akasha doubles down on her criticism of King Heydar despite urges to relent   

Pharaoh Akasha did not only make headlines because she survived the assassination attempt but also because the renewed her criticism of King Heydar in the context of the current Seleucid crisis.  Queen Aisha of Pramoria had said earlier this week that “a time of reflection” should come after the crisis is over arguing that now Midaranye countries should stand united against the “wolfs on our door” but  Pharaoh Akasha insisted that now was a time to discuss these issues.

The Foreign Office has not issued any statements in regards to Pharaoh Akasha’s statements of King Heydar. Many in Djerb and across Tamora wondered why the Pharaoh would insist on criticizing King Heyder at a time when Clysperis is in a civil war. One analyst explained that:

“  Pharaoh Akasha first wants to show to her people that she is in control of the country and government and that it is business as usual, while the fighting in the south is nothing more than a nuisance at worst.

Aside from that we also see Pharaoh Akasha is not only critical to the current international order in Mundus but also be critical on how things in MidAranye are run. Clysperis, despite its small economy and relatively small population, is growing in influence in Midaranye thanks to Pharaoh Akasha’s diplomatic efforts and with her soon becoming a Safavid, that influence will only grow. And while the MidAranye region grows as more countries emerge from isolation, Pharaoh Akasha doesn’t seem content to just follow the Djerb-Ipsus line. We will see if this incident will lead to a larger rift between Clysperis and Royal Seleucid or if this remains an isolated incident. For now we see a rift in  MidAranye geopolitics, on one hand we see that Tamora-Royal Seleucid and Pramoria are standing together against the foreign forces that have gathered near MidAranye, on the other side we have Pharaoh Akasha and lastly we also have Aquqiya that seems to promote a middle ground between North and South MidAranye. ”

According to sources, Pharaoh Akasha has managed to block a potential decision by OPEN to not sell oil and gas to the Commonwealth of the Unified Iwi following their attack on Royal Seleucid. The measure was asked by King Heydar and supported by Tamora but sources say that Pharaoh Akasha was vehemently opposed and that encouraged Quintelia to also reject the measure. Djerb has not commented on this so far but analysts say that this is seen as a first win in the current diplomatic war that is taking place between Pharaoh Akasha and King Heydar.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 13, 1441, Al-Ahad (Sunday)

The Supreme Ayatollah starts his visit in Clysperis
 

The Supreme Ayatollah praying outside  Qutb (ooc saint) Arzin Mokri temple in Clysperis

The Supreme Ayatollah of Tamora, the head of the Manist faith, has started his visit in Clysperis. The visit was announced and planned months before the recent events that have affected the Clysperi nation and have now lead to a civil war in that country. It also the first foreign visit of a Supreme Ayatollah in more than a century.

The Supreme Ayatollah chose Apne as his first city to visit, there he met with twelve imams and one ayatollah that spent between five and ten years in the prison for their faith during the time that Clysperis was under Soviet rule which ended approximately 42 years ago. He then proceeded to pray outside of what was previously a Manist temple but now is in a dilapidated condition. According to the local Manist community the temple which is almost two hundred years old had been confiscated by the soviet government during the occupation of Clysperis, used as a storage facility and purposely left in a poor condition. After the liberation of Clysperis, the temple was returned to the Manist community but they have yet to raise the funds necessary to renovate it and return it to temple service.

Qutb (ooc saint) Arzin Mokri temple in Apne, Clysperis

The Supreme Ayatollah along with tens of thousands of faithful prayed outside the temple and then held his first sermon in Clysperis:

“Brothers and sisters in faith, thank you for the generous welcome you have given me. It has touched me to see that my presence here could bring you so much joy. But above all I want to thank our brothers, the imams, the ayatollahs and the regular faithful that have chosen to spend years in the prisons of the Soviet beast rather than betray the word of the Prophet. Thanks to you and the thousands that died in prison we still have a Manist community in Clysperis. Each of you has inspired countless believers to not give in to despair and choose to follow the faith. I also thank the mothers that have taught the faith to their children when our temples were being closed one by one. Your sacrifice is something that obliges us to protect and preserve our faith now that we have to freedom to worship as we please.

Despite the fact that more than 40 years have passed since the Soviet calamity has finally ended in this land, the scars remain in many places. Behind me is just one example of the legacy that the Soviet regime has left in our community. If our brothers spent years in prison to protect the faith then it is our duty to restore every temple in the country, to rebuild every one that was destroyed until the legacy of the Soviets will no longer be seen. That is when we would have truly defeated them, when everything they sought to destroy would have been restored.
I also want to talk to you today about another responsibility we have. When we are young we have a roof over our head, food on the table and clothing to wear. We never realize the effort that requires and we take that for granted, we do not realize the sacrifice our parents make each day for us. When we grow up however and do understand that we then have to show eternal gratitude to our parents just as our parents show gratitude to our grandparents and so on. But when we are adults we often take for granted that the husbands have a job to provide for the family, that the church or the government provides for the education of our children and that we can worship in our temples without fear. We take that for granted without realizing who keeps the wolf at bay, who protects us from the countless dangers and enemies that lurk outside our homes and our communities. We do not see that it is the monarch that keep the order in the country, that works tirelessly so that those outside our borders do not get to impose their way on us, sometimes by the force of arms as we have seen the Soviets do in the past. It is the duty of the Church and every imam in it to remind the faithful that they are to be eternally grateful to their monarch for all that just they are grateful to their parents for raising them.

And this brings be to the current events. It is no secret that the monarch of Clysperis is not of our faith yet she has elevated our religion to that of Congregation. She has ensured that we can practice without any fear of persecution and has kept those at bay those that seek to raise to the ground our traditions and way of life. For that we have to be grateful just as we are grateful to our parents. Right now as I speak there are some in Clysperis that seek to dispose Pharaoh Akasha. We, as followers of the Prophet, are bound to show gratitude and support her in her struggle. Let me be clear that this is not a favor we dobecause we do not do a favor when we help our parents. We are morally obligated to return some of the support she has given to our community. It is for this reason that I publicly announce that anyone of our faith who takes up arms against Pharaoh Akasha will be excluded from our church and our community. By that I do not mean that we just no longer welcome them in our temples but also each one of us must not welcome them in our house and in our families. We will treat them as if they have taken up arms against our parents and grandparents. Furthermore, I ask the imams our parishes to use all the donations we collect from now on to help the war effort. The money will be used to help the families whose sons and fathers volunteer to serve in the Clysperi army and when God calls them at his side we will use the money provide for their families.

Before I departed to Clysperis I watched the news and I saw at TINS how analysts were talking about what chances there are of success in the war and such speculations. I will have no such thing in our temples. I ask you to follow the example of those that spent years in prison without any hope that they could ever defeat the Soviet leviathan. As followers of the Prophet we will join the struggle against those that seek to dispose Pharaoh Akasha because it is our duty to do so regardless of the chances for victory.

In the end, I would like to encourage each and every one to be optimistic for I believe that despite the current turbulences both Clysperis and Tamora have bright future ahead.

God bless Tamora and Clysperis. May God aid Pharaoh Akasha in her struggle.”

The Supreme Ayatollah will continue his visit in Clysperis and we will keep you updated with more news.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 15th Safar, 1441h (Monday)

The Supreme Ayatollah continues his tour in Clysperis and visit an ex-soviet prison
 

One of the many ex Soviets prisons in Clysperis where the brutal regime used to detain those that did not conform to the their ideology

The Supreme Ayatollah continued his visit in Clysperis and has visited on ex-soviet prison where enemies of the Soviet regime were incarcerated and tortured. According to the local Manist community several thousand political prisoners were detain there in the brutal years of the Soviet occupation, many of them Manists who opposed the regime.
The Supreme Ayatollah also heard the testimonies of those that suffered from persecution during the Soviet persecution. Afterwards, the Supreme Ayatollah, together with the rest of those gathered, publicly prayed and then delivered another sermon during which he said he wants to see the place transformed by adding a religious component to the prison and having regular religious service “so that the generations to come will that faith, which the Soviets tried to destroy, has emerged triumphant.” His holiness also added that “the Soviet beast still lingers in the Aranye continent” adding that until is it totally defeated “there is always the chance that the Soviet beast will try again to occupy Clysperis”.

The Iwi issue threats against MidAranye and also prove they are great at acting   

The commonwealth of Iwi released a statement where they have threatened Tamoran, Seleucid and Pramorian ships saying they will fire upon them. The statement goes on in great detail to explain how the Iwi did not  violate the Fair Seas Concordat all while ignoring the six Seleucid they murdered in cold blood and the twenty they have inured. But perhaps the best show they put on was when they criticized Ui Cenneslaig. The Iwi want us to believe that their CNN allies and friends are somehow pro Seleucid. We admit that the the fake outrage they put on display could get them an Ozzie nomination. For years the CNN has bombarded us with news about their latest weapons, military exercises and have time and time again said they are not a military organization but a club of friends who have a lot in common. We are now expected to believe that the Iwi are somehow an independent voice and that the proposal made by the Ui Cenneslaig is so neutral that even their allies, the iwi, have a hard time accepting it. For those familiar with Helusian manipulations this is laughable but no doubt there are plenty of naïve individuals out there who will honestly believe that the Iwi are genuinely outraged and that  Ui Cenneslaig is a neutral side in this crisis who just happens to be allied with East Moreland and the Iwi, two nations that have a long history of antagonism and violating the sovereignty of MidAranye nations.

Sheik Ahmad al-Afifi to attend the falconry festival in Abydos     

Sheik Ahmad al-Afifi, the ruler of the federated kingdom of Altai, has announced he will be attending the falconry festival in Abydos. The Sheik has just recently returned from his visit in Phuebra and has said that he is looking to forward to visiting the “country of Mecca”. No information was provided if Sheik Ahmad al-Afifi, who is a devout Muslim, will also visit Mecca.

Disagreement between Clysperis and Royal Seleucid grows     

Disagreement between Clysperis and Royal Seleucid seems to be growing as both King Heydar and Pharaoh Akasha made a series of statements criticizing each other position over the Iwi-Seleucid crisis. Furthermore, it has now been confirmed that OPEN has failed to reach a consensus on sanctioning the Iwi. On the other hand, the Abuqiyan government has announced publicly their willingness to support the joint naval task should they be asked to do so. That raises to four the number of MidAranye nations that are now actively working together to oppose the Iwi and their aggression against Royal Seleucid.   

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 17, 1441 Al-Khamees (Thursday

Abuqiya refuses to recognize the Celtic Protectorate, should more MidAranyre states do the same?
 

TINS news anchor

Crown of Abuqiya has announced that it does not recognize the Celtic Protectorate in Royal Seleucid as a legitimate entity and views the UC troops there as an occupation. So far the Crown of Abuqiya is the only MidAranaye country to take that stand but is it perhaps time that more MidAranaye reconsider the stance on the Celtic Protectorate? We asked Ayatollah and Professor Azad Arak about this, here is what he had to say:

“The Celtic Protectorate is a relic of the past with has long outlived its purpose. It is very similar in this regard to the Rokkenjiman bases which are spread across Mundus from the time of the USR and which  now serve only to extend Rokkenjima’s influence as the threat is long gone.
The Celtic Protectorate is a means for CNN to maintain their foothold in MidAranye and it serves no other purpose today. It might have been necessary a long time ago but now when the political landscape of the region is totally different that is no longer the case. One only needs to look at King Heydar and the relations he has with the Cultist minority in his kingdom. Can anyone even begin to imagine the previous incident repeating? “

We also asked professor Azad Arak if the Celtic Protectorate is no longer needed then why is not discontinued:

“Because as I have previously stated it is useful to the CNN. But it’s also because the Cult of Helus is the religion of special needs as I like to call them. There is always the need for them to get special treatment otherwise they start complaining. One only needs to look at Phuebra, is there a Protectorate for Muslims there now? Have there been discussions to have a protectorate for Manists in Slava Lavosk? No but everyone is to just accept that the Cultists here need one. If we look at Rokkenjima, we see that their overseas bases often create dissatisfaction among other nations and even their allies and that is perfectly understandable. Yet nobody criticizes the existence of the Celtic Protectorate despite all the changes that have taken place in the region, despite the fact that Royal Seleucid has a new king, despite the fact that it creates special treatment for Cultists and sends the message that they are more important than the other religions. “

Lastly we asked the professor what he think will happen to the Celtic Protectorate:

“It is hard to say. So far King Heydar has showed he is overtly protective of Cultists to the point of criticizing other MidAranye leaders over statements that not even the Cultists themselves protested. However, the recent crisis with the Iwi attacking Royal Seleucid has exposed the problem. There is a joint naval taskforce of MidAranye nations set to protect the region against the Iwi but their allies and friends are stationed backhome in Royal Seleucid. Does that make sense? How long can UC pretend it has a” unique bond with the Maori and the Seleucid people” as one of the Helusian leaders keeps claiming? How they can they claim that with a straight face when the UC are allied and friends with the Iwi and UC can hardly be remembered to ever speak positively of the Seleucid people or any MidAranye nations for that matter.  So I am optimistic that the Celtic Protectorate will be questioned more once the crisis is over. MidAranye nations are showing more and more that they are not afraid to stand up to those that seek to harm our region and I believe they will also show Mundus they can also stand up to the relics of the past that bring us great injustices today.”

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 19, 1441, As-Sabt (Saturday) (Thursday

The war in Clysperis and what it means for Tamora and MidAranye
 

TINS news anchor

The Royal Clysperi Press Office has announced that it has killed 76 fighters in the ongoing civil war in Southern Clysperis. While so far the Clysperis Royal Army seems to have the upper hand in the conflict it is no doubt that the Clysperi Free Army has the support and resources to continue the conflict at least in the short term.

The fighting in Clysperis shows among many other things the price that Pharaoh Akasha is paying in order in to continue the current agenda of fighting the internationalist powers as well as maintaining and even returning to the ancient traditions of Clysperi. So it comes to no surprise that Djerb has shown its full support for the Pharaoh since the current fighting going on in Clysperis is part of the large ongoing war with the forces that seek to put down Tamora and the rest of MidAranye every time we do not conform to foreign dictates or expectations. 

But the Clysperi civil war also shows that, unlike in many other cases in Mundus, intervention from the internationalist cartel is not wanted or needed. There have been no calls for an “international force” to intervene and should Pharaoh Akasha need help she has friends in MidAranye, Tamora being among them, that can help her.

Relations between the Clysperis and Royal Seleucid see no improvement     

The rift that has been seen in the recent OPEN meeting where Clysperis has voted against the proposal of Royal Seleucid to sanction the Iwi appears to consolidate rather than heal as Pharaoh Akasha seems to have confirmed from a recent interview where is has criticized King Heydar for not offering guarantees that in the future he will  “consideration the implications and potential for harm its actions shall have on its Midaranye neighbors”.

The Pharaoh has praised Tamora and the role in plays in the stability fo MidAranye. Shortly after the interview the Imperial Palace has released a statement in relation to Pharaoh Akasha's interview where Djerb has praised the special relationship between Tamora and Clysperis , reconfirmed “Djerb’s commitment to more economic integration with the Kingdom of Clysperis” and has thanked the Clysperi government for the efforts made in ensuring the flow of good through MidAranye is affected as least as possible by the current civil war. 

According to sources more than two hundred Tamoran havea applied to jobs at the HARP in Royal Seleucid 

The Haniyah Agricultural Reserve Project( HARP) which seeks to transform an old cargo vessel into a a hydoponics bays has opened application for the 100 crew positions of the ship to anyone in MidAranye who speaks Parthian. Since the  yearly salary is approx. 10 thousand dinars/usd and offers free accommodation and lodgings it is of little surprise that the project has received hundreds of applications from Tamora. The fact that Parthian is spoken in both countries is a great help for candidates.

The Foreign Office announces that several restrictions in regards to foreign students from Euirasia   

The Foreign Office has announced today that foreign students from Euirasia seeking to study in Tamora will see most of the legal restrictions lifted with applicants having to only pass a background check in order for the government to allow them to study in Tamora. However, foreign students will still need to pay for their education in Tamora and be accepted by a university in order to get the visa for studies. Compared to most universities in Mundus, the cost of studies is rather low in our country however because of the particular system of education that most of our universities have, the Foreign office has said it doesn’t expect a high influx of Euirasian students to Tamora. According to analysts, the Faculties of Medicine are likely to be the ones receiving the most applications from Euirasia.

The move comes after the Head of Foreign Affairs, Alya Safavid, went on a state visit to the Commonwealth of Euirasia where she discussed several issues with her counterpart, Foreign Secretary Tobias Mathers. According to business analysts since the visit to Euirasia there is a growing interest among Tamoran large businesses regarding the Euirasian market.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!   

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Safar 19, 1441, As-Sabt (Saturday) (Thursday

The Supreme Ayatollah concluded his visit to Clysperis
 

Thousands gathered in the city Bespl to hear the Supreme Ayatollah speak one last time before he left the country

The Supreme Ayatollah concluded his visit to Clysperis where he spent a week touring the kingdom and visiting many of the Manist community around the country. During the last day of his visit he made the announcement that the he is elevating the leader of the Manist community in Clysperis to Grand Ayatollah and thus he will be sitting in the Supreme Council of Djerb alongside the Supreme Ayatollah and the five Grand Ayatollahs from the other Tamoran kingdoms. It is for the first time in the history of the Church that the leader from a jurisdiction outside the Empire will have the title of Grand Ayatollah and be allowed sit on Supreme Council of the Church. According to many of the clerics the changes come as the Church is fast expanding aboard and is no longer just a Tamoran church.

   The Supreme Ayatollah also visited Soraya Danesh and her parents. Soraya Danesh has been described by the Clyperi Pharaoh as her best friend. The Supreme Ayatollah visit comes in the context that Soraya Danesh is from the Southern city of Hesikhen where there has been heavy fighting but she and her parents have left the city before the fighting took place.
During his last speech before leaving the kingdom he said:
“I ask you all to continue to walk the path of your ancestors. It is up to each one of us to reject alien influence in our lives, how we pray, how we dress, what we eat and how we act. We must be a beacon for others so that they will follow our ways.”
In the conclusion of the speech he also urged the faithful to do everything in their powers to ”preserve the unity of the kingdom”.

Imperial Palace announces that date of Crown Prince Jamshid  to Princess Thekla   

The Imperial Palace has announced today that next month Crown Prince Jamshid is set to marry Princess Thekla in the Great Temple of Djerb. The Imperial palace has not yet informed what foreign guests will be attending the wedding but sources say they expect several sovereigns from MidAranye to be attending the event.

Foreign Office confirms that Alya Safavid will be having a state visit to Abydos     

The Foreign Office has confirmed that Alya will be visiting the Kingdom of Abydos next week. According to the Foreign Office the purpose of the visit is to increase the cooperation on cultural and social matters as both countries have similar cultural norms with part of Tamora, in the federated kingdom of Altai, following sharia law in many areas. Furthermore, during the visit, talks will be held regarding on the possibility of creating a working group that will seek to create an Islamic and Manist perspective on human rights.
Lady Alya Safavid had this to say about the proposed working group:

“The Empire of Tamora believes that Mundus Convention on Universal Rights is a document that fundamentally flawed and does not take into account the Manist and Islamic traditions. In fact Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re has publicly criticized the document and almost all of MidAranye countries have refused to sign it. We will try to see if the kingdom of Abydos is interested in exploring the possibility of having Manist –Islamic scholars work together towards producing a document that is in line with our traditions.”

The Foreign Office warns against non Mindaranye involvement in Clysperis     

The Foreign Office has issued a statement that the Safavid doctrine remains in place and that the involvement of foreign governments from outside MidAranye in the Clysperi civil war will be seen as a hostile action against Tamora and that the Empire will respond to such actions. The statement comes us there has been speculation that the rebels in Clysperis may be getting support from Rokkenjima. 

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 12th Rabi ul Awal, 1441h (Saturday) (Thursday

Interview with Lady Safavid regarding the latest events
 

Lady Safavid was interviewed by Ayatollah Azad Arak in the complex of the Great Temple of Djerb

TINS is proud to broadcast the interview of Lady Safavid, First Wife of the Emperor and Head of Foreign Affairs. Ayatollah Azad Arak had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Lady Safavid on Sunday, after religious service.

-Not long ago Emperor Abbas was announcing to MidArnaye and the whole of Mundus what is now referred in Tamora as the Safavid doctrine, that Tamora will deem as aggressive action foreign government intervention on the internal affairs of MidAranye states. Since then we have seen a civil war CLysperis begin and extend far beyond what many expected. Many in Tamora see that as a failure of our government, are they right?

-The Safavid doctrine is meant to ensure the protection of MidAranye states against unwanted foreign government intervention. The situation in Clysperis is not the fault of the Tamoran government but we do have a responsibility in helping our ally, Pharaoh Akasha, and the government fully supports her.


-The New Derusmian parliament has voted 92-6 to support the rebel forces in Clysperis clearly ignoring the Safavid doctrine. How will the government react to that?

-New Derusmia actions are seen as hostile action against Tamora. Their legislature has decided that they will be supplying the rebels of Clysperis with funding to continue their insurrection against the Clysperis government. We have informed their government of our position and asked them to reconsider their position before relations between the two countries are irreversibly broken. The Tamoran government is patient and understands that their legislature may have acted considering more their elections races rather the situation on the ground. I am convinced that their executive will think twice before supporting the rebels that have publically admited to an assassination attempt against Pharaoh Akasha and my son, Prince Naser, as well as being responsible for a campaign of rape and summary executions in their controlled territories as well as terrorist attacks targeting the Manist community.


-The rebels in Clysperis have made a public appeal to the Tamoran government asking to no longer support Pharaoh Akaska. Under what circumstances will the Tamoran government support the Clysperi rebels over Pharaoh Akasha?

-Under no circumstances.


-Even if, God forbid, the rebels win the war?

-There were times in Clysperis history, like the decades long soviet occupation, when it seemed like the rightful rulers will never return to the throne of CLysperis and yet Tamora still did not recognize the soviet occupiers. Tamora does not abandon its allies nor does it despair when things are not going our way. We have faith in God and its plan for us.


-With the Clyperis rebellion rapidly spreading and having reached some 20% of the territory of the kingdom many are wondering will the civil war spread in other MidAranye countries? Is there a risk of contagion? Can it spread to Abuqiya, Royal Seleucid and even Tamora?

-I do not believe there is any risk of that. In fact we see that MidAnraye countries or their people are not sympathetic to the rebels. It is often those outside the region that look to them in a sympathetic manner. 


-Part of the Manist community in Clysperis has banded together and formed Common Defense League and is now fighting the rebels. What is the position of the government regarding this?

-All members of the government feel what every Tamoran is feeling, a sense of pride. They are fighting for the unity of their country and to restore order.


-Moving from one crisis to the next: the Seleucid crisis. Many have been affected by this crisis already as it negatively affects trade and tourism among other. When and how will the crisis stop and things will return to normal?

-First of all, I do not believe it is correct to call this the “Seleucid crisis” it is a “Maori crisis” since it is the actions of their government that have turned a disagreement into a crisis by attacking Royal Seleucid and killing six Seleucid citizens and injuring several others. The actions of the Maori government are the ones causing the crisis and the hardship for our people in Tamora and MidAranye. We are only taking measures to ensure that doesn’t happen again. I have also heard that some in Tamora are unhappy that the joint response of Tamora-Seleucid-Pramoria-Abuqiya to the current Maori crisis, believing that is creating insecurity in the region. I disagree with that perception. The Maori government is creating the insecurity by killing Seleucid citizens, not us. We are trying to stop that. 


-In recent months we have seen several economic projects launched by Clysperis and Royal Seleucid: a new city and trade zone in the case of Clysperis, a MidAranye trade zone and an enterprise platform in the case of Royal Seleucid. Is Tamora planning to do something similar in the future?

-No, our laws are incompatible with the idea of a free trade zone. However, we have supported and continue to support the development of MidAranye whether it is though building of infrastructure like the Midaranye Economic Corridor or through financing joint projects like the join OPEN battery factory or the funding of the Clysperi new city.


-Since you mentioned such funding, earlier this year the government announced the first investment of public funds outside of Tamora. The government used 1 bln dinars/USD to invest in Clysperis’ infrastructure and a further one billion dinars/usd was announced for the new city. With the civil war raging in Clysperis it is safe to safe that a good part of the money invested in Clysperi infrastructure has been wasted and the new city now seems like a distant dream. Is Tamora still willing to support with public money such projects instead of investing the money at home?

-There are risks when investing aboard just like there are when investing at home. The investments in Clysperis have not turned out as we had hoped but it is important to note that is not because of the failure of the CLysperis authorities or the Tamoran ones in fact. We prefer to look at the long term, and in the long term supporting our allies with brings benefits to both our countries as well as MidAranye.


-Since we are talking about MidAranye, you have been to Safraen recently and also to Abydos with the latter being a state visit. What do these visits mean for Tamora and MidAranye?

-The two were very different. In Safraen I attended the memorial service while the one in the kingdom of Abydos I went on a state visit. We are looking to develop relations with both countries through obviously the relations Tamora has with each of these countries is different in nature. Safraen has been though a devastation following the Kaju virus in 2014. At that time we were in isolation so naturally Safraen looks more to the nations that help their country during those times. On our part we are looking to work with them in the new geopolitical context. Safraen is part of Midaranye and the region has changed a lot, there are new challenges and opportunities that can only be explored with the neighboring countries and those close by. I believe that we can work with Safraen to prepare for a potential refugee crisis coming from Clysperis. While we hope that never happens, the civil war might continue for quite some time and the local population will then start to seek refuge in Safraen. While Safraen is not obligated to receive those refugees we believe that as a nation that has been helped in the past they will not refuse to help Clysperi refugees.
Regarding Abydos, our relation has a different foundation we have strong cultural and religious links that bring us together. There aren’t many nations that share our particular cultural norms. We will seek to develop those relations in the future.   


-What does the government think of the latest attacks against the Manist community in Lakhzovia? And what actions if any will it take?

-We are closely monitoring the situation in Lakhzovia. The government strongly condemns the attacks against the Manist community. As most people are aware Lakhzovia has no formal diplomatic relations with Tamora and as such we have few avenues to help the local community in Lakhzovia. We believe this attacks are in part caused by the anti  Tamoran rhetoric displayed by the Lakhzovian government which fuels religious tensions. However, the Lakhzovian government has taken steps to protect the local Manist community and we have not received any information that the government is turning a blind eye on these attacks. So while they are not addressing the cause of the violence, which is the anti Tamoran rhetoric, they are making an effort to treat the symptoms which is the religious violence against Manists.

That was the first part of the interview which dealt mostly with foreign matters. We will show you the second half tomorrow.


Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Awwal 12, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Juglander civil war: the forgotten civil war?
 

TINS news anchor

Three thousand miles west of the Empire, a brutal civil keeps raging on without any ending in sight. Reports say that just in what has been called  "the battle of Ngeingta" more than two thousand people have died, many of them civilians. If analysts are right then the situation is likely to only get worse. The authorities say this is the largest humanitarian crisis in recent years.
The Imperial government has released a statement saying medical supplies will be sent there and that there is willingness on the Tamoran side to send more relief depending on the needs of the government of Jugland.

Tamoran analysts have said that there is risk of a refugee crisis and considering the racist policies of its Northern neighbor, Hassfurt, it is unlikely that Hassfurt will help. “The government of Jugland is under immense pressure, it is facing at a same time a war against a very well organized force and a humanitarian crisis which is has to manage. If it fails then the humanitarian crisis could spread beyond its borders” has said one analyst.

The Foreign Office has refused to give more details regarding the Jugland civil war saying that “there is very little information available” adding that the Tamoran government supports “a stable Kingdom of Jugland”. Some analysts have speculated that there is the risk that CNN or Rokkenjima will take advantage of the situation in Jugland and try to place the country in their sphere of influence. “We have recently seen the First Empire of Rokkenjima spreading its influence by opening a new base in the contested islands of Nurashima, they already have Lakhzovia firmly under their sphere of influence so naturally they would like to add Jugland to their sphere and also isolate Hassfurt. It’s unlikely that CNN will just sit by and let that happen so it is expected that they will try and bring Jugland to their side, probably by selling the government or even the rebels weapons since EMAC, the East Moreland company, is knowing Mundus wide for never passing on an opportunity to sell military equipment” has said one Tamoran analyst.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 3, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Interview with Lady Safavid: domestic affairs
 

Lady Safavid was interviewed by Ayatollah Azad Arak in the complex of the Great Temple of Djerb

Last week we showed you the first half of the interview with Lady Safavid which dealt mostly with foreign policy matters. We will now show you the second half which deals with domestic issues.

"-We are now back after a break which allowed us to do our regular prayers. I think many Tamorans would like to know, what does the First Wife of the Emperor pray for?

-I thanked God for blessing Tamora and I asked God to bless my future daughters in law  with many children.


-Your future daughters in law, Pharaoh Akasha and Princess Thekla are both outstanding women with impeccable reputations but they are also not Tamorans. Are you concerned that their non Tamoran background will affect the religious education of the future children?

-I am not concerned, firstly because both are very religious persons and secondly because I personally will do my best to help with the education of my future grandsons and granddaughters.


-I would like to move on to one of the issues that affect Tamora and its people and that is emigration. While the population is growing and it is growing fast some choose to leave Tamora for other countries. A study was done among Tamorans who chose to emigrate aboard and aside from reasons like a better standard of living or higher wages one reason that was cited and that amazed me was “to recover my dignity as a human being”. What is your opinion on that and what can be done about it?

-We have an old saying “blood does not turn into water”, you are Tamoran by blood and you can’t change that, it doesn’t matter where you go. As far as what can be done about it, I think each of us can try to do a better job of explaining our history and traditions but also not give up on those that perhaps do not share our views. They might feel this now but opinions change and they must always know that Tamora is always there for them to come back to.


-My next question is related to the previous one. Tamora is growing though a recession. When do you think we will finally get through it?

- I think that is hard to say and that is because the recession has been caused by foreign countries that have chosen to sanction us in the hope that a poorer Tamora would be a more subservient one. That hasn't happened, on the contrary it has I believe only strengthen our resolve and determination. I have tried, together with the rest of the government, to open new markets for Tamoran goods, one such example is Zimalia. We have also managed to convince other countries such as Jugland that the sanctions are counterproductive. We also see that more and more of our businesses have managed to adapt. All these make me hopeful that we will overcome the current recession soon.



-Perhaps not many outside of Tamora know, but many of our church parishes have organized collections for the Manist community in Clysperis in particular and the Clysperi refugees in general.  That has created a heated debate in our society between those that believe in solidarity with those outside our borders and those that believe that solidarity should be first among those closest to us, in Tamora, before moving on to other places. You have chosen to take a side and personality donate money during the collections. Why did you feel the need to do that?

-Because I strongly believe that our Church in Clysperis is desperate need of support from all of us. There are parts of Clysperis where religious services are banned and yet the faithful still attend religious service despite risk of repercussions. I believe each of us that professes the word of the Prophet is morally obligated to support our brothers and sisters in faith anyway they can.


-I would like to stay on the topic a bit more. You mentioned our moral obligation to those who follow the Prophet and are currently persecuted for their faith. But I believe the imperial government has gone beyond that support. We have seen a surge in work permits given to Clysperi wishing you to come here. We know that many are not coming here to work but for refuge, the government has also pledged to financially help Vanora, Safraen and Abuqiya pay for the refugee centers. What some in Tamora are asking is why we should use our resources for that when we ourselves are going through hard times economically. How do you answer those concerns?

-I can confirm that the imperial government is very preoccupied to about the faith of the Clysperi refugees. We have also made is so that those Clysperi that want to and can afford the trip to Tamora can do so with minimum hassle regarding paperwork.  Regarding the concerns that some expressed I think it is important to remember that Clysperis is not just any country for Tamora, we have a history together that goes back a long time. Some of them speak our language while others know from their parents the times of the Protectorate and many more understand our culture and ways.  The Clysperi fleeing the fighting and the persecution of those that call themselves the “Confederation” are seeing Venora, Safraen and Abuqiya closing their borders and have only Djerb as a place of refuge and they naturally look to us for help. I want to assure the Clysperi people that their faith in Tamora is not misplaced, Djerb will not turn its back on the Clysperi people now or ever.


-Fleur has opened several schools in the federated kingdoms of Vojvodina and Attica. Some have raised concerns that the schools are promoting atheism and unTamoran ways of life. Should the imperial government intervene regarding those schools?   

-The decision to open those schools lies with the respective federated kingdoms and their monarchs, the imperial government will not intervene unless it’s a matter on national security or foreign relations. I would like to say that while the Republic of Fleur seeks to promote their customs through those schools, I believe that they will see through those schools or better said their students that the Republic will receive Tamoran influence. Tamorans care deeply about their ways and culture and I have no doubt that not only will they preserve it while attending those schools they will also influence the foreign staff at those schools.   


-   Mundus games have reached their conclusion with Tamoran athletes performing admirably yet again despite having a record number of nations attending the games. This has reopened the debate regarding the Tamoran Games Committee. For the international viewers I will mention that the Tamoran Games Committee allows for athletes to represent Tamora only in games that are according to religious standards, this is why Tamora does not have athletes competing in sports like swimming or gymnastic. The Games Committees from the federated kingdoms of West Seleucid, Vojvodina and Attica are now asking for that rule to be changed. Where do you stand on the issue?


-I share the opinion of those that believe that wearing the Tamoran flag comes with privileges but also obligations. If you one wants to compete under the Tamoran flag then one has to respect what that flag represents. Tamora has never competed in sports that are unbecoming of a follower of the Prophet and I pray it never does. Competing at the games is also a celebration of being Tamoran, we cannot celebrate by giving up exactly what makes us Tamorans.


-Lastly, I know that in your capacity of Head of Foreign Affairs you visited many countries. Where did you feel most at home or you enjoyed yourself the most?   

-In every country I’ve been I have been very well received and I enjoyed the great hospitality of the hosts. Each country is different and no country can be like Tamora. I’ve had an excellent time in Royal Seleucid and the Soter family has always been excellent hosts and I hope I will get the chance to visit Clysperis soon. For me personally, the country that has left the most profound impact remains Abydos.


-Thank you so much for your time. God bless Tamora!"


That concludes the second half of the interview with Lady Safavid.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 3, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Is a MidAranye sharia compliant international bank in the works?
 

Islamic banks are common place in three of the Tamoran kingdoms: Imperial Enclave, Altai and Akkar

The Foreign Office has released a press statement saying that it is looking for partners to create a MidAranye Sharia compliant international bank and has invited the governments of Abydos and Pramoria to join the project of creating such a financial institution. Sharia compliant private banks are nothing new in MidAranye with more than half of the banking sector in Tamora and the entire banking sector in Pramoria being sharia compliant. The proposed bank which could have the backing of the governments of Tamora, Abydos and Pramoria will aside from not charge interest also only finance projects that are in accordance to sharia law (ex: does not sell alcohol, the food sold must be halal etc). The Foreign Office has stated that depending on how the discussions go the bank could finance projects in other countries with important Islamic populations like Phuebra and Zimalia as well as provide funding to private Islamic banks in MidAranye.

The Foreign Office has given the Haghighi Dam in Zimalia as an example of the projects that might receive financing abroad and has stated that depending on how talks go with Pramoria and Abydos the proposed bank could also finance projects in Clsyperis once the situation in the kingdom stabilizes.

“Mundus international financial institutions are completely detached from the morality of the Koran or the Book of Mani and indirectly promote irresponsible and immoral behavior through their exclusive drive for profit. The proposed international bank will seek to give Islamic and Manist faithful living outside of MidAranye an alternative to finance that is in accordance to their religious beliefs as well as help grow businesses and banks that follow sharia law” said the statement of the Foreign Office.

It remains to be seen if the Pramorian and Abydos governments will show interest in the project. The Foreign Office has not answered questions regarding what it will do if the two mentioned governments will not be interested in the proposed bank. 

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 5th Rabi Al-Akhar, 1441h (Monday)

Church raises 10 million dinars(usd) in donations for the Manist community in Clysperis
 

A Clsyperi Manist girl in an area torn by the war started by rebels 

A spokesperson for the Church has said that last week donations raised for the Manist community in Clysperis has reached 10 million dinars and that the donation drive will continue “as long as it is necessary”. The money will he given to the Manist Association of Clysperis to distribute according to the needs of the community. Sources say that some of those money will most certainly reach the Common Defense League witch has been fighting and even pushing back the rebels in Clysperis and protecting the Manist community from attacks by the rebel backed forces.

Clysperi coming to Tamora in increasing numbers     

A statement released by the Foreign Office has said that the number of Clysperi coming to Tamora following the start of the civil war has increased significantly. Under the current agreement between the Tamora and Clysperis, Clysperi citizens can come to work in Tamora after obtaining a work permit. Since the start of the hostilities Tamoran authorities have relaxed the work conditions allowing Clysperis to come to Tamora and provide proof of employment 30 days after arriving to Tamora. Sources say that so far Tamoran authorities have made no effort to deport Clysperi that have not complied with the employment requirement.

Tamoran airlines will continue to operate routes to Clysperis     

Tamoran airline businesses have said that they will continue to provide flights between Djerb and Khemnen despite the current civil war in Clysperis. One airline has said that they will continue to fly to and from Clysperis “as long as security risks allow it”. The civil war in Clsyperis has not only affected the economy of the country but also the willingness of the foreign airlines to continue to service routes to Clysperis because of security risks. So far Tamoaran airlines remain committed to keep the routes active despite the risks.

Theocracy shooting team invited to train alongside the Tamoran one   

This year’s Mundus games have seen the Theocracy compete for the first time. Not only that but the Theocracy women shooting team has managed to win two gold medals surprising many by outperforming athletes with tradition in the sport. Some of those athletes were Tamoran and unlike in the previous year, this year stiff competition, including from the Theocracy, has seen the women’s shooting team earn fewer gold medals.

   The Tamoran Shooting Association(TSA) has extended an invitation to their counterparts in the Theocracy via the Theocracy Embassy in Djerb:

“We would like to invite the Theocracy shooting team to train with us. They had an incredible performance during the Mundus Games and many of our girls would be honored to train with them” has said the spokeman for the TSA.

It remains to be seen if the Theocracy team will accept the invitation but the Tamoran Shooting Association is optimistic that the Theocracy team will find the time sooner or later to train in Tamora.

Tamoran government lists “National Army” of Jugland as a terrorist organization   

“Tamoran-Jugland relations can only improve” said Head of Foreign Affairs Alya Safavid following the announcement that Jugland has removed the sanctions it had on Tamora. The Tamoran has also listed the paramilitary organization called “National Army” as a terrorist organization. The Foreign Office has stated that the ““National Army” just like the “Confederacy” in Clyperis is waging a campaign of violence against the government of the country” and has stated that Tamora supports the stability of the region which can only be achieved by having the legitimate government of Jugland restore control of the country. 

“Mundus is plagued by violence from terrorist uprisings in Clysperis and Jugland to terrorist attacks in Tytor and popular unrest in Euirasia and Nueva Ardia. In times like these it is necessary for governments to set aside their differences and work together to defeat common threats and ensure a stable and peaceful Mundus” said the official statement of the Foreign Office.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 9, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

Opinion piece: Arrogance and double standards  in the treatment of Clyperis
 

The terrorists rebels of Clysperis have killed 57 in their latest attack on a mosque. Acts such as these have not put a dent on the support they enjoy from New Derusmia and Fleur

We Tamorans and people all over MidAranye know full well that when it comes to how foreign powers treat us only double standards are applied. And in recent weeks we have seen that unfold yet again in hideous ways.

A few weeks ago we have seen the nation of Tytor being attacked by terrorists in the worst possible way. Nation after nation offered their condolences and support to the government of Tytor, New Derusmia being among them. No government in Mundus asked the Tytorian government to immediately begin negotiations with the terrorists in order to stop the bloodshed and violence. Had any government asked for such an absurd thing, it would have rightfully been labeled as either insane or anti Tytor.   

Yet this is exactly what some nations like New Derusmia and Fleur are asking of Pharaoh Akasha, they are pressuring her to enter negotiations with those that put bombs in Manist temples and Islamic mosques, killed priests, raped women and engaged in other despicable crimes. While those governments rightfully condemn the terrorists who committed the attacks in Tytor, they have no problem with offering support or engaging in talks with the terrorists of Clysperis.

So now we must ask ourselves why are they treating Clysperis differently than Tytor? Well for one Clysperis is poor and thus they cannot afford the vast military of a nation such as Tytor. The second reason is that Tytor is friends with other rich powerful nations while Clysperis has only Midaranye nations as friends. The truth is that nations such as New Derusmia and Fleur act like this since they believe they can do anything in relation with Clysperis and get away with it.

However, in their arrogance, New Derusmia, Fleur and others like them underestimate both the conviction and determination of Pharaoh Akasha and the Clysperi as we have seen in the recent statements coming from Clysperis where Pharaoh Akasha has ruled out any negotiations with terrorists. And they also ignore another aspect: MidAranye solidary. Clysperis and Pharaoh Akasha are not alone in their struggle, Tamora and other nations of Midaranye stand by them.


God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

Professor and Ayatollah Azad Arak

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 9, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

New movie: “A time of darkness” set to be the best selling domestic film of the year
 

A scene from the movie "A time of Darkness" showing the USR flag during the Soviet occupation of Clysperis

“A time of darkness” has been released in theaters all over Tamora. The movie made by Samira Hanifnejad, Tamora’s most acclaimed filmmaker whom also won an Ozzie last year for her movie Silence, details life in Clysperis under the Soviet occupation as seen through the eyes of children living in the country.

(The trailer of the movie begins playing on television. The trailer is in black and white.).

Spoiler: A time of darkness trailer • show

The first moments show an early XX century train making its way along the empty country side.



The camera moves showing two children who are both defenseless and do not comprehend what is happening. “Perhaps we are too small to even make a footnote in the history books.”


As the train moves in front of them, it becomes clear that it carries Soviet(USR) tanks.


Then an imagine from the train shows Stalin( the leader of the USR) looking through the window not noticing the kids.
“… a history written by others from a foreign land.”



The clip then shows countless war planes filling the sky and solders running behind the scared children.
“… a history most unfair to us.”



The picture returns to the train and it shows carts filled with gold.
“They stripped us of our wealth.”




Then a new train is showing carrying the USR flag, political slogans written in Cyrillic alphabet.
“… and in “return” for that wealth they gave us a new language and a new ideology so that we felt strangers in our own country.”



Another train is then shown passing by.
“So it is no wonder that the ones that could get away did…”



“..until they took even that away from us by turning our country into a prison.”


(The last moments show one last train arriving, this time no Soviet symbols are present. Unlike the other trains this one stops, a woman dressed in traditional Tamoran garments and hijab motions to the children to approach her).
“…but we survived and eventually Divinity listened to our prayers."

The movie is expected to be a hit in the country with producers hoping to distribute the movie in Clysperis and as well other Parthian speaking countries. 

Samira Hanifnejad has never been shy about expressing her political views, as recently seen in East Moreland during her acceptance speech for winning the Ozzie.

We also had the chance to ask Samira Hanifnejad a couple of questions:

-First of all, let me start by asking why did you choose to make a movie about Clysperis since you focus almost exclusively on Tamoran history and culture.
-The two countries have a common history so in a way that is also part of our history. The second reason is educational, it shows what is at stake for Tamora, for our faith and for our culture. If the foreign powers have their way, Tamora would be experiencing the same thing that happened to Clysperis during Soviet times.

-What is your opinion on Tamora’s decision to send troops to Clyperis to fight the rebels?
-I strongly believe their mission is nothing less than holy.

-Some foreign nations have asked Pharaoh Akasha to negotiate with the rebels. Do you think that is a reasonable approach?
-You don’t negotiate with Evil, you wipe it out from the face of Mundus.

-You have mentioned several times that despite the fact the movie details the Soviet occupation of Clysperis, which took place between 1949 and 1977, it is as valid and actual as ever. Could you detail that a bit?
-While the Soviets were defeated in 1977 their legacy still leaves on. The so called “Confederation” is nothing more than a mutation of the same Soviet ideology. You see the signs everywhere: they are against religion, they want to wipe out Clysperi culture, let foreigners plunder the resources of the country, introduce foreign ideologies, are engaged in a campaign of crimes against the population and the first country that jumped to support them is Socialist New Derusmia.

This is all for today dear viewers. We hope you find the time to see the movie. It is not just worth watching, in fact critics believe it is one of the best Samira Hanifnejad has ever made so far.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 17, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Opinion piece:  The new Christian Pope is from Midaranye, what does that mean for us?
 

Christians from all over Mundus went to the Ecclesiastical State to celebrate the election of the new Pope

We have seen this week a change in the Catholic leadership with Pope Peter II resigning and a new Pope Francis assuming the leadership over the three hundred million faithful spread all over Mundus. The previous pope was from Achkaerin and thus had little understanding of our ways or of the Midaranye region. He was also a pope that sought more to lead like a king rather than a holyman. It is perhaps one of the reasons why Catholic Church and the Christian religion in general is in such free-fall all over Mundus, the collapse of the Ecclesiastical State and its While League allies being a great example of this.

The new Pope already shows his Midaranye roots by mentioning the great work out Church has done in Zimalia. He also seems more focused on looking after the poor and this will have an impact for our faithful. If one looks at the poorer states or regions of Mundus: Socram, Zimalia, Phuebra, Clysperis they all have significant Manist and Muslim populations so any effort to alleviate poverty is one that will benefit our faithful.
 
However, one must also curb too much enthusiasm regarding the new pope. While he is from MidAranye one need not forget that he is from Vanora, a country which maintains an invisible wall at our border, choosing to distance itself from the majority of the MidAranye states. The new pope will no doubt share that attitude regarding us.

To conclude, the new pope is likely an improvement over his predecessor. We now have a Pope in the Christian world who, while not necessary liking us, understands us or at least does so better than his predecessor. It also shows that the Midaranye region remains a prime religious center of Mundus, especially of monotheist religions, whose influence is growing. 
 
God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

Professor and Ayatollah Azad Arak

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 17, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Interview with His Excellency Tous Kodia, Ambassador to Nueva Ardia
 

His Excellency Tous Kodia, Ambassador to Nueva Ardia, was live with TINS from his residence in Nueva Ardia

The Republic of Nueva Ardia is going through a crisis. After President Tero Melos has won a referendum allowing him to stay in power for another term, the National Alliance of Farms has annouced a strike together with National Fishing Council aimed at forcing President Tero Melos to resign. The planned strike could paralyze the country’s economy and destabilize the entire country.

We have asked His Excellency Tous Kodia, our ambassador to Nueva Ardia, what is happening in the country, what this means for Tamora and will likely happen in the future. 

-Your Excellency thank you for agreeing to this live interview. Please tell us how Nueva Ardia got to the current crisis.

-As you probably know, Nueva Ardia is a republic and as such it lacks the typical stable government structure that a monarchy offers. The reason why Nueva Ardia has this rather rare system of governance is related to its history and I will not go into detail. Aside for the elections, Nueva Ardia has a further restriction put in place on its President, the leader of the country, it that it cannot be elected by the people more than twice or two terms as they call it here. President Melos, the current leader of the country, has organized a referendum asking the people if they want him to serve another term. The majority of the people said yes and now a small part of the people who voted against him, the National Alliance of Farms  and the National Fishing Council, are trying to overturn the result of the referendum by threatening with economic blackmail.


-   What have they stated they will do exactly?

-   The National Alliance of Farms have said they will refuse to sell food to anyone but private individuals thus destroying the food supply chain of the major cities, they have also announce they will block their roads, claiming they are theirs, so they  will paralyze traffic. All this while the National Fishing Council has threatened to block ports and paralyze commerce with the rest of Mundus, including import of foods that could alleviate the potential food shortage the country will face if the National Alliance of Farms will proceed as announced. 



-   Should the two organizations actually proceed to implement their announced actions, how bad will it be for Nueva Ardia and its people?
   
-   I would argue that things would be very bad and depending on how long they keep it up it could resemble the Seleucid food crisis.


-   As ambassador to Nueva Ardia you represent the Tamoran government in that country. What is the government position on the issue?

-   The government of the Tamoran Empire strongly supports the stability of the country which is in the best interests of both the people of Nueva Ardia and Tamora. President Melos has brought stability to the country that experience genocide and the people have returned that service by asking him to serve another term. The Tamoran government’s position is that the will of the people should be respected and that President Melos should be allowed to serve his people for as long as the people desire for him to do so. The Tamoran Empire is an exporter of food and can thus export food to Nueva Ardia should the need arise but, unfortunately, should the National Fishing Council block the ports there will be little that we or the Tamoran businesses can do to help.


-   What can the government of Nueva Ardia do to solve this crisis?

-   Unfortunately, the government’s options are extremely limited. Should President Melos resign, he would effectively give the two organizations a veto over the leadership of the country. It will no longer matter who the people elect since the two organizations can always threaten to paralyze the country’s economy and therefore force the winning candidate to resign. I believe President Melos knows this and will not abandon the people of Nueva Ardia to the arbitrary whims of these two interests groups, it would go against everything he has worked and struggled to build in Nueva Ardia. So the only other option President Melos has is to declare a national emergency in the event of the strike and nationalize the farms and boats of those famers and fishermen that proceed with their plans. Food security is a national security issue, should certain groups attempt to threaten the national security of the nation, in this case Nueva Ardia, then the government has to intervene to stop the aggressors.   



-   Won’t such a measure lead to violence?

-   I would argue that it will limit the potential violence that will come to the country should the two interest groups proceed with their plans. The Tamoran public is not aware but only recently a group of farmers forced their way into the mayor’s office, physically assaulted him and then dragged him through the streets tied to the back of one of their pickup trucks. These are the kind of people President Melos is facing. Should the country go through a food crisis then most likely, violence would ensure so President Melos has no option but the protect the overwhelming majority of Nueva Ardians, whom are decent, God fearing people, against being taken hostage by groups who would result to violence to push their agenda.



-   The situation seems dire indeed. Is there anything else Your Excellency would like to add before we conclude this interview?

-   I would like to make an appeal to the National Alliance of Farms and the National Fishing Council to give up their announced plans and support President Melos. It is not too late for them to avoid sending the country into a crisis out of which the people of Nueva Ardia will needlessly suffer. Thank you.


-   Thank you , Your Excellency.


That concludes our interview with His Excellency Tous Kodia, our ambassador to Nueva Ardia. We can only pray that Nueva Ardia will not go through a crisis like the recent Seleucid food crisis or worse, the Clysperis civil war because of the selfishness of a group of individuals who would put their personal interests above those of the people.  Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 17, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

What is wrong with Rokkenjima?
 

TINS news anchor

The First Empire was managed to deteriorate relations with another of its neighbors. This time it is Toshikawa, where border tensions between the two countries have reached a new high with Rokkenjima issuing veiled threats against the much smaller Toshikawa. This make it the second of its neighbors after Euriasia, that Rokkenjima has an issues with. That is not to mention the strained relations with New Derusmia and SICR. Our viewers still remember that those two countries were forced to enter a state of emergency for fear of a Rokkenjima attack and the people SICR burned effigies of Empress Beatrice not long ago.

So that makes us wonder, what is wrong with Rokkenjima? And why is their leadership and its diplomatic corps unable to peacefully coexist with its neighbors and the nations close by? We have talked with several Tamoran foreign policy experts and they all agree that Rokkenjima is almost exclusively oriented towards military expansionism rather than diplomacy which naturally makes neighboring countries cautious when it comes to Rokkenjima. One foreign policy expert has said that after the fall of the USR you would have expected Rokenjimans to enjoy a peace dividend, a reduction in military expense and a better use of those funds towards more peaceful means. However, there has been no such move from the Rokkenjiman government. Even UC, a member of CNN which is an alliance more addicted to military spending than any in Mundus, still has announced it is scarping its excess carriers. On the contrary, Rokkenjima is continuously talking about expanding and is now building new military bases aboard. Its neighbors and the countries in its vicinity are not naïve, they understand that this military expansion is a threat to them and are seeking means to protect themselves against Rokkenjima. This is why SANE was founded and it is likely the reason why it will expand as Rokkenjima grows ever more belligerent.

If we want a more peaceful Mundus, than Rokkenjima will need to focus more on its diplomacy and less on its military, less on building relations with far always countries like TC and instead try to build bridges with countries that are closer to home. Our Foreign Affairs has already asked Rokkenjima to do so.  We pray that Rokkenjima will listen but if history is any indication then Rokkenjima will likely not do so.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 23, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

East Moreland offers to take in Clysperi refugees and why that is not a good thing
 

TINS news anchor

East Moreland, through the Morelander controlled IRSA, has offered to take in 10.000 Clysperi refugees. Many of us were pleasantly surprised to see the Morelanders willing to give help and we thought it was a noble gesture, one aimed at alleviating the conditions of those that are now forced to flee their homes because of the rebel government’s violence and the fighting going on.

We therefore wanted to see the Morelanders’ track record on the issue and what conditions can they provide for the refugees. East Moreland press as well as officials constantly praise themselves at every opportunity for taking in 50 thousand Lakhzovian refugees. So we decided to talk to a couple of refugees in East Moreland to see what conditions they offer. Our investigative team spent days talking to refugees there and analyzing the conditions in which they lived. What they found was overcrowded facilities, poor maintenance of the facilities most likely caused lack of sufficient funding and staff that cared little for the refugees. The Morelander press said at one point that” some worry about an influx of more refugees and already some facilities in the nation are s struggling to cope.” Our team can confirm that was the understatement of the century, the problems facing the refugees at those centers was at times heart breaking.  We will show you a couple of highlights from the interviews our team made with some of the refugees:

-   How do you find life in the refugee center?
-   It is better than the conflict I fled.

-   Our teams have reported among other serious overcrowding of the facilities, poor maintenance and a whole series of other issues?
-   We have no complaints, we are grateful for what East Moreland is doing for us. We know we are a burden to them and how much effort they are putting towards helping us by allowing us to stay in the country. We are very, very thankful for the generosity of the Morelander authorities.     


As our team talked to refugees, they often got that same answers over and over again. The refugees were often reluctant to admit even the slightest of problems which were obvious from a mile away. So our team investigated further and eventually managed to convince one refugee to be more open to talking with the team. At his express request we will not show you his face and we have modified his voice:

-   When we interview people here, they often seen reluctant to openly talk about problems in the refugee center. Why do you think that is?
-   That is because people are afraid of repercussions. Complaining to the media can get you in trouble with the staff and with condition as bad as they are, you really don’t want any more trouble than you already have.   

-   Why do you think the Morelander authorities and staff are not doing more to help? East Morelander is after all a very rich country.
-   They see us as a burden, something that the staff is not shy of saying to our faces. The Morelander government wants us to leave as soon as possible. We have served our purpose as far as they are concern. 

-   What purpose do you think that is?
-   To show the world they as a rich country doing something to help.

-   East Moreland has offered to take in 10 thousand Clsyperi refugees. What do you think about that?
-   You can look around, there is no space even to house us properly, the ones already here, and the building is in dire need of repairs. There is just no space. But as a refugee myself I cannot say they would not be welcomed here. I know what it means to flee hell and wishing to be somewhere safe. So if the Clysperi refugees have nowhere to go then they will definitely we welcomed here by us. Only someone who had to flee his home can truly understand what a refugee has to go through. 


Our team proceeded to investigate further and several other refugees confirmed the accounts related: overcrowded facilities, lack of funding and, with notable exceptions, staff that lacked the motivation to help. It became more and more clear that the offer made by East Moreland to take in refugees was just a political move to trick Mundus into believing the narrative that their code “says we must protect those who cannot defend themselves” without adding that the code is only applicable to Helusian faithful and not anyone. After all, if that were the case, East Moreland would protect Zimalia and not attack it as it has done in the past.

While the journalistic investigation revealed what many of us feared about the refugee camps in East Moreland, it also left us disappointed. East Moreland, being as rich as they are thanks in part to selling weapons all over Mundus, could have provided adequate funding to those facilities and also make use helping refugees to paint themselves as the savior as they currently do. It might not have been moral to brag but at least it they would have been truthful. However, East Moreland sadly has chosen to paint itself the savior of the downtrodden but it is not willing to actually bare the cost of that role. Maybe they haven’t sold enough weapons through EMAC or maybe their “code” has a different definition of help. Regardless of the reasons, East Moreland’s deception proves once more the sad state of affairs of today’s Mundus. We can only pray that things will improve.
 

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

OOC: This was made possible with the help of Lakhzovian agents claiming to be refugees as agreed in this thread.

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rabi Al-Thani 23, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

Opinion piece: Has Pharaoh Akasha abandoned the dream of an independent MidAranye?
 

Pharaoh Akasha's decision to bring in tens of thousands of non MidAranye troops to her kingdom has raised concerns in many MidAranye capitals

With an unprecedented deployment of foreign troops in MidAranye, troops which have come at the invitation of  Pharaoh Akasha, First Minister al-Nour, of Abuqiya, has expressed his opposition to the idea:

“The question must be asked however is this something Abuqiya can truly support? Can we tolerate the violation of the Tajdid idea, and the Midarayane dream? The answer is no. This Pharaoh has betrayed the trust of Midarayne, but the Qiyadi State shall not comprise our values for a false sense of security, we shall continue to sucure the sovereignty of Abuqiya and promote the greater liberation of Midarayne. Even if the north has abandoned this dream.”

While First Minister al-Nour has expressed the harshest crticism so far, he has not been alone in expressing his doubt about Pharaoh Akasha’s decisions to bring in troops in MidAranye, with the government of both Safraen and Vanora expressing concerns over the very large numbers of foreign navy ships affecting the Gulf of Safraen.

Pharaoh Akasha has retorted at length to the statement of the First Minister talking about “a truly global struggle against a status-quo which has hampered the interests of developing countries” yet somehow failing to truly explain how having tens of thousands of troops in Clysperis and therefore in MidAranye will change that. But perhaps more surprising than even the change of heart regarding Achkaerin  is that the Pharaoh has resorted to putting in opposition the statement of Emperor Peter of Pharaoh with that of a regional governor of Abuqiya and concluding that she finds more understanding and friendship abroad than among her neighbors. While watching the interview one could almost have the impression that either Pharaoh Akasha wished Clysperis was in a different region, preferably further to the North, or that she was talking about a different MidAranye then the one we live in. She now finds herself in disagreement with King Heydar of Royal Seleucid over the Iwi caused crisis, with the First minister of Abuqiya and has managed to also raise concerns in Safraen and Vanora. In fact, outside of Djerb, the Pharaoh seems to have very few friends in MidAranye and yet she seems to dedicate more and more time to forging relations with nations outside of MidAranye. 

Not long ago, Pharaoh Akasha gave the famous speech “A Midaranye Declaration Of Independence”, it now seems hard to believe that Pharoh Beketaten, as she was called back then, is the same person as Pharaoh Akasha. Something has changed, the new Pharaoh Akasha is growing increasingly displeased with the nations of MidAranye and its leaders and finding more and more understand for foreign leaders. Since MidAranye is famous for its unchanging positions and attitudes, even when having to pay a harsh price for it, we can be sure it wasn’t MidAranye that changed but Pharaoh Akasha. What has caused that change to take place we do not know. It might be the civil war taking place in her kingdom or maybe the ambition to leave a legacy on the whole of Mundus rather than just Midaranye or something else. What we do know is that she is trying to drag the whole of MidAranye towards her plans betting that the Khemnen-Djerb axis is strong enough to pull the whole region without breaking the axis.
 
 
God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

Professor and Ayatollah Azad Arak

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Jumada Al-Awwal 2, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Head of Foreign Intelligence Service resigns amid the largest intelligence failure in recent years
 

Mr. Rahbar Mehin presented his resignation to the Imperial Palace and was swiftly accepted

Rahbar Mehin, Head of Foreign Intelligence Service(FIS), has presented his resignation to the Emperor shortly after the it was announced that prince Isaac of Achkaerin had been assassinated by terrorists connected to the rebels of Clysperis. Mr. Rahbar Mehin gave a brief statement saying he takes full responsibility for the failure and that the fiasco should not be seen as a failure of the institution. The news of the assassination of the Achkaerin prince at the hands of Clysperi rebels has shocked many in the government with sources saying that not only was FIS unable to stop the attack but that it was fully unaware of the attempt by the terrorists or the extent of their capabilities. The FIS, along with its counterpart, the Imperial Secret Service, receives billions of dinars/usd every year as budget and has access to extensive resources. The fact that FIS was unable to prevent such attack from happening when the terrorists are not just operating from MidAranye but from a country as close politically as Clysperis is a massive failure of the Tamoran intelligence service.

One foreign policy expert said that “the Clysperi rebels have managed to not only mount an insurgency against the Pharaoh of Clysperis but also extend their operations outside of Clysperis and even outside of MidAranye and have managed to attack high profile targets such as prince Isaac of Achkaerin. It is a big blow to Tamora’s position as a provider of security in MidAranye when such a terrorist organization managed to build up such an extensive operation and do it mostly without the FIS even knowing about it. The Foreign Office will have a tough time  explaining to the other MidAranye leaders how is Djerb crucial for the security  of the  region when such a thing happened under its watch. ”

Ms. Melissa Lusk complains that she is not allowed to help refugees     

Ms. Melissa Lusk gave an extensive interview to the Morelander press criticizing MidAranye countries that have refused the work with International Refugee Support Agency, an organization she leads. The high point of the interview was when she said:

“Its the smell of hundreds if not thousands of unwashed bodies mixed with the toilets of a music festival. People, even when there is no need to be are fearful of being victims of crime and assault. They fear the worse and are experiencing a future of uncertainty and need to protect what they have.”

Our viewers probably expect for her to be referring to the victims of the anti Tamoran policies she had helped promote and have resulted in thousands of Tamorans falling into slavery. However, that is not the case. She was instead talking about refugees and acting as if being blacklisted by MIACHD for the harm done to Tamora had nothing to do with why the Tamoran government would never work with her. She instead alluded to the possibility that “Pharoah's anti-Cult of Helus rhetoric” might have played a part in the decision to decline to work with the organization she leads. We wish we could tell you that we were surprised by her lack of understanding of the situation or the lack of empathy for the victims of the policies she promoted but sadly we are not.

Pharoah Enna Amenei's (of Abydos) decision to introduce new safety measures Hajj causes massive controversy       

The federated kingdom of Altai, Tamoran’s Muslim majority federated kingdom, has seen protests from clergy  and  the faithful alike against the announcement made by  Pharoah Enna Amenei which seeks diminish the importance of Hajj by introducing new security measures aimed at reducing the challenge of the pilgrimage. The head of the Islamic community of Altai has already sent a request to Pharaoh Enna Amenei to reconsider his decision saying that the measures take away the challenge of Hajj and break away from  an ancient tradition without any consideration for the implications. The public request also adds that as custodian of Mecca, Pharoah Enna Amenei, should also consult the rest of the Muslim world before making such changes.


Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 28th Jumada Al-Akhirah, 1441h (Saturday)

Safraen chooses the path of isolation says Tamoran ambassador
 

Mr. Nazim Ghambhir, Tamoran ambassador to Safraen during a press conference

The Tamoran ambassador to Safraen, Mr. Nazim Ghambhir, criticized the latest announcement from the government of Safraen which says it is planning to ban the sale of new cars by 2035.  Our ambassador said that “Safraen has chosen to ban cars without any regard to the implications it has on the oil and gas industry of the region of MidAranye which has been blessed by God with plenty of those resources. Safraen is free to choose its path, if it’s one thing we all value in MidAranye it’s the fact that our nations serve no master than God. However, we are also the region of Mundus which is constantly developing new ways to work together and to overcome obstacles like the food crisis of last year and defend our sovereignty as we have done against the government of Iwi. I understand that Safraen has a different history and because of that history it has friends far away rather than at home. However, I believe that if Safraen goes on the path of ignoring its neighbors’ concerns than in the long wrong it is Safaren  that it will stand to lose. Sooner or later, God will test Safreen again and when He does He will want to see if Safraen has friends among its neighbors. I pray that the government of Safraen will open its eyes and see that choosing isolation is not a path that will lead the Republic to good times in the future”.

The criticism offered by the ambassador was unusually harsh and shows the irritation our government has with the foreign policy direction the Republic has which is one that looks to distant lands for cooperation and inspiration rather than the MidAranye region where it is a part of.

The Supreme Ayatollah takes a stand against the proposed rail in Venora       

The Supreme Ayatollah joined other religious figures in voicing his opposition to the proposed construction of the rail in the holy city of Jerusalem by saying during the Sunday sermon that “Venora is caretaker and not master of one of the holiest cities in Mundus. As caretaker their job is to preserve the holy city and not risk ruining it for potential material gain. The millions of tourists travel to Jerusalem because of its historic buildings, lose the buildings and the tourist will stop coming. For centuries tourists came and visited the sites and had no issue with waiting a bit. I see no reason why the tourists of today or tomorrow cannot do the same. “


Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Jumada Al-Thani 28, 1441,Al-Ahad (Sunday)

A Time of Darkness wins the Ozzie making it a two in a row for Samira Hanifnejad
 

Samira Hanifnejad made history as the first Director to winback to back Ozzies

This year’s Ostlake Film Festival Awards in East Moreland awarded last year’s domestic box office hit, A Time of Darknessm the award for the best international movie making it two in a row that Samira Hanifnejad gets the Morelander prize.

Samira Hanifnejad was present at the awards ceremony and gave a brief acceptance speech:

“I first want to thank God, without whom nothing would be possible, my country and my family. The award I just received I take with the full acknowledgement that it is not for me but for the Clysperi people and its ancient and troubled history of which only a glimpse is presented in the movie. This award is for them and for the Tamoran soldiers risking their lives each day fighting to liberate the country from the terrorists. I also have a message for the governments of Rodina and Kaitaine that banned the film in their countries. Just like the USR, you have tried to ban God in your countries and now you are trying to ban truth but just like the USR, you too will go to the dustbin of history.”

TINS was of course in East Moreland to cover the event and got the chance to ask Samira Hanifnejad a few questions:

    -This is the second time you win an Ozzie. There has been some speculation that because of your increasing popularity there are discussions about making a movie with production studios aboard. Are the rumors true? Are you considering that?
    -No, never.

    -Why not?
    -Because I would rather starve than prostitute myself to foreign interests. I want to continue making films about the greatness of Tamoran culture, its history and the value it promotes. I am not looking to make entertainment movies by the dozen.

    - You have always talked a lot about Tamoran cinema and how it is an important part in the struggle to resist the cultural homogenization taking place in much of Mundus. Does this second award vindicate you?
    -Perhaps in a way it does. These awards confirm that Tamoran cinema is not just an alternative for the average international movie that floods the markets of MidAranyre but that also it is an alternative of quality. It has also brought an increased interest in Tamoran cinema outside MidAranye. However, there is still much work to do before the Tamoran cinema can effectively compete with foreign films outside MidAranye, in fact we still have to improve our visibility in MidAranye.

    - You’ve recently announced that you will be donating your share of the income the movie brings to the Manist Church in Clysperis. Tell us a bit why you decided to do that.
    -My husband and I have always believed that whatever money we have is not ours but God’s. All the money we made off the movie is thanks to the history of the Clysperi people so we decided that it should go to them and so we are donating it all to the Manist Church of Clysperis which not just did not bow when the USR persecuted it for decades but even today is heavily engaged in pushing back against the terrorists, because that’s what they are terrorists, that are ravaging Clysperis.

We here at TINS join the millions of Tamorans in congratulating Samira for her achievement and keep her in our prayers.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

Spoiler:  Highlights from the Ostlake Movie Awards Ceremony • show

Samira Hanifnejad and her husband arriving at the ceremony.


Samira during the interview with TINS.


This year Samira Hanifnejad popularity was much greater and many members of the showbiz industry looked forward to talking to her.

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 13th Rajab, 1441h (Sunday)

United Tribes of Waddan emerges from isolation and announces its rejection of international treaties
 

TINS news anchor

Recently a new MidAranye nation has emerged from isolation: the United tribes of Waddan. Its leader has already announced its opposition to having his country sign the myriad of treaties the current international order requires of countries that emerge from isolation. Unlike other nations, the 12 million nation is not afraid to reject the treaties and choose to keep faithful to their traditions instead.

The courage displayed by Waddan leaders as well as the religious links via Islam makes Waddan a welcome voice of MidAranye.

Ahmed al Salem becomes the first foreigner to lead a major Tamoran bank

Ahmed al Salem has been announced as the new Head of Nasslad Islamic Bank. Ahmed al Salem is a citizen of Abydos and has worked in the Sharia compliant banking sector of Abydos for over thirty years. Nasslad Islamic Bank is the second largest bank in the federated kingdom of Altai and has been trying for years to increase its operations in order to become the leading bank in Altai.

"Abydos and Tamora are among the few Mundus nations where Islamic banking is widespread. So recruiting from Abydos made since we are planning to expand aboard in other MidAranye countries " said a representative of Nasslad Islamic Bank.

Lady Eman, the new head of the Royal Seleucid tourist board, is invited to the Imperial Palace

The Foreign Affairs Office has announced that it extended an invitation to Lady Eman of Royal Seleucid to come to Djerb for talks regarding her plans to promote tourism and establish cooperation with other MidAranye states in order to attract more foreign tourists.

If Lady Eman accepts the invitation she will be meeting with the Head of Foreign Affairs, Alya Safavid and then several key players in the Tamoran tourism industry. The agenda will include:

•   Looking for ways to further develop the existing religious tourism of the major religious sites of Midaranye.
•   Exploring the possibility of making tourist visa more accessible to foreign tourists by agreeing to a minimum standard in terms of requirements for both countries so that a tourist gains a visa in Royal Seleucid it is also likely to be accepted in Tamora and vice versa.
•   Looking for ways to attract religious tourists from abroad from the growing Manist and Anahitaist communities.

According to statistics tourism in Tamora is mostly domestic with rather few foreign tourists visiting the country.  Of the foreign tourists that do, most are from other MidAranye countries and come to Tamora for business or religious tourism.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): 13th Rajab, 1441h (Sunday)

The Foreign Office announces that is does not recognize the provisional government of the Federation of Izhitsa
 

Ayatollah Azad Arak was kind enough  to explain to our viewers the position of the Imperial government

The Foreign Office has issued a statement saying that the Tamoran government does not recognize the legitimacy of the provisional government of Federation of Izhitsa arguing that much of the country is under occupation by forces hoping to impose their legitimacy over the country by force. Because of the decision the Tamoran government has declined to open an embassy in Izhitsa or to allow Izhitsa to open an embassy in Djerb.  Furthermore, direct trade between the two countries will be all but impossible with the Tamoran imperial government denying any paperwork issued by the government of Izhitsa.

Furthermore, the Tamoran government has declined any cooperation with the provisional government of Izhitsa on the matter of the missing nationalist fighters,  some of which have fled abroad and some may have found refuge in the Empire. While experts say that it is unlikely that a potential high number of nationalist fighters are seeking refuge in Tamora adding that the move is largely symbolic, it does mean however that in the future an increasing number might consider Tamora for refuge because of its refusal to cooperate with the provisional government of Izhitsa.

Sources close to the Imperial Palace say that Djerb is concerned about the spread of the Communist ideology in Izhitsa and sees the Communist half of Izhitsa as a direct threat now more than ever as rebels in Clysperis threaten the rule of Pharaoh Akasha. Furthermore, there are also concerns that Izhitsa will become an ally of the Rodina-Kaitaine communist alliance threating Midaranye interests and cohesion from both East and West.

Ayatollah Azad Arak, the nation’s renowned foreign policy expert, has commented on the recent announcement saying that:

"Djerb was satisfied with the containment of Communism to Rodina and Kaitaine. In fact it was pleased to see the Theocracy of Kaitaine gaining ground in Kaitaine and has done a diplomatic effort to push for the Theocracy of Kaitaine to be recognized as the legitimate government of Kaitaine despite virulent opposition for countries such as Rokkenjima. However, the outbreak of the civil war in Clysperis has shown that even decades after the Soviets have been defeated and Clysperis was liberated, their Communist ideology is still threatening the cohesion of the country and has led to civil war.

To make matters worse for us, we now see communism in Izhitsa controlling essentially half the country. “

When asked what is the next step for Djerb the Ayatollah had no easy answer:

" The Imperial government is in a difficult position. It is clear that the provisional government of Izhitsa will not give up their power just because Tamora does not recognize them. It will need a much more sustained effort in order to be able to contain communism in Izhitsa. Abydos is a country that is friendly to Tamora and they may be inclined to see the threat communism poses for them but they of course would want to see an alternative, a path forward for Izhitsa and right now that is where Djerb is lacking. Izhitsa is essentially split in two, one is basically a godless state like Kaitaine with the other half is a generic democracy ready to sell itself to the international agenda. None of them can be partners of Tamora. And with Izhitsa being thousands of miles away from Tamora and I can see few avenues open for the Tamoran government. The international powers of Mundus have always opposed us and they will no doubt jump to support Izhitsa and recognize their government. Culturally Izhitsa is very different from Tamora and finding allies on the ground will be hard. However, one must not look at this as an impossible task but a challenging one. With faith in God and his Prophet, Tamora has managed to overcome much greater challenges in the past. "

It will remain to be seen what how the situation in Izhitsa will develop in the coming weeks and months.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rajab 19, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

Lady Eman of Royal Seleucid arrives in Tamora for talks about joint plans to promote tourism
 

TINS news anchor

Lady Eman of Royal Seleucid has arrived today in Djerb and was greeted by lady Alya Safavid. The two will be talking at length about ways that the two countries can work together to promote truism across the  MidAranye region. According to sources agenda for talks is packed with various proposals some of which sources say would surprise many.
It is expected that the talks will conclude by the end of the day with the public being informed then on the decisions made.

Lady Alya Safavid, the Head of Foreign Affairs, comments on the recent Izhitsa developments and address international critiques 

The press statements organized with the occasion of Lady Eman of Royal Seleucid arriving in Tamora for talks were dominated mostly by questions regarding the recent developments in Izhitsa as well as the latest critiques expressed by various foreign powers.

Lady Safavid was asked to comment on the recent statements form the leaders of the illegitimate government of Izhitsa:

“I believe the statements made by those that have illegitimately assumed the mantra of the government of Izhitsa show that the Tamoran government was right in denying their legitimacy. Their statements have attacked now just our domestic institutions but also our core religious beliefs. And I agree fully with Her Majesty Pharaoh Akasha when she described them as bordering on Manistphobia. To see such individuals illegitimately assume power in Izhitsa is indeed worrying for all Tamorans. I want to assure the Tamoran people that the imperial government takes the Izhitsa threat seriously and will do its best to protect the Tamoran people.

One of the first measures we are talking is to offer haven to those that have fled the persecutions in Izhitsa and are labeled as “fighters”. The Tamoran government will launch an investigation, will record their testimonies and will seek to understand if indeed they are “murderers” of if the current illegitimate government of Izhitsa is using them as scape goats to hide their crimes against the people of Izhitsa.”

Lady Safavid was also asked to comment on the statements made by the head of the government of Tytor.

“We agree with the Tytorian prime minister when she says that all nations are interconnected and that we cannot isolate ourselves from Mundus. In fact I would argue that MidAranye has been leading the way when it comes to cooperation and working together. And since what happens in one nation affects us all then I hope the Tytorian prime minister understands why the Tamoran government has to react when there is a threat to MidAranye.

The Tamoran government has learned from its mistakes, we used to believe that being in isolation would help us avoid the calamity that USR brought upon our continent; we believed that allowing Slava Lavosk to follow its course would result in peace. We were wrong, and now Tamoran soldiers are fighting in Clsyperis against terrorists that are inspired by the ideology of the communist states. Our beloved Dilara had to be crucified by Slava Lavosk to finally make us understand that if Tamora does not act that only emboldens those that seek to harm our people because their harbor fear, hate and resentment towards us.

Where we disagree with the Tytorian prime minister is that it is the responsibility “the international community” to interfere. Where was this so called international community when the first Empire of Rokkenjima was threating the nation of Zimalia? Then a handful of nations, and am proud to say that Tamora was one of them, jumped to help Zimalia against the behemoth that was threating them. Tamora was also there and offered help to Ardian countries that were threatened by Rokkenjima. We see the Tytorian prime minister quick to jump and criticize Tamora for taking the threat of communism seriously and yet it does nothing when Aschlon announced its intention to support the terrorists in Clysperis. It is examples such as these that prove to the Tamoran government that “the international community” has a biased agenda that is more concerned with preserving their power on the world stage and attempting to put MidAranye countries down rather than help the nations of Mundus.” 

The casualties for Tamoran troops fighting in Clysperis keeps rising

The latest data from the Ministery of War states that 50 Tamoran soldiers were killed and a further 157 were injured during the fighting in Clysperis. The Tamoran soldiers have been on the front lines helping the Clysperi Army fight the terrorists who attempted a coup d’état against Pharaoh AKasha. With heavy fighting continuing in Clysperis it is expected that the number of casualties will continue to rise.

Joint military exercise announced: Midaranye Shield

The Ministry of War has announced that it will organize a joint military exercise with elements of the Army, Air force and navy participating. The Ministry of war has also stated that the exercise will feature elements of the  Armed forces from other countries and that invitations to participate were sent to: Royal Seleucid, Clysperis, Abuqiya, Waddan, Socram, Vanora, Safraen, Abydos, Heyra.  The press statements says that more details will be provided in the coming days.

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rajab 19, 1441 As-Sabt (Saturday)

Breakings news: Tamora and Royal Seleucid to launch joint bid to host the Mundus Games 
 

Tamoran soccer team during last year's Mundus games in New Derusmia

After the conclusion of the meeting between Lady Alya Safavid and Lady Eman, the two have announced in a joint press statement that Tamora and Royal Seleucid will launch a joint bid to host the 2020 Mundus Games.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Tamora and Royal Seleucid will make MidAranye history by launching a joint bid to host the Mundus Games. Our Seleucid friends and us are both in agreement that hosting the games will bring a much needed boost to the tourism industry of our two countries and to the MidAranye region as a whole. It will also put us on the spotlight for the world to see our two countries as they are rather than what some portray us to be. Preparing to host the games will be challenge but we are ready to meet the requirements and allocate the necessary funds. “

As soon as Lady Safavid concluded her speech all cameras focused on Lady Eman:

“Our nations past has in the eyes of many given us a reputation I feel we do not deserve. Similarly Tamora are tarred negatively by many across Mundus. In truth though we are nations that pride ourselves on hospitality and warmth to guests. What better way is there to show the world just how wrong they are about us. The Mundus Games are all about friendship and breaking down barriers and I can think of no better people to do that than the Seleucid and Tamorans."
 
After the press the joint press statement, the press had the chance to ask a few questions:

-Lady Safavid , it is no secret that many in Tamora have issues with the Mundus Games as they at times seems to promote a lack of modesty. Where in Tamora will the games be held and are the local authorities in agreement over hosting them?
-I am well aware of these concerns and they have been taken into account. It is for this reason that the games, on our side, will not be held in Djerb and will instead be held in Volos, in the federated kingdom West Seleucid, and in Alaverdi, in the federated Kingdom of Attica. I have been in close contact with the heads of both those kingdoms and they both are enthusiastic about hosting the games. 

- Lady Eman, should Royal Seleucid and Tamora win the bid, will Royal Seleucid allow Iwi athletes to compete on Seleucid ground after their government is responsible for killing Seleucid citizens such as their last year’s attack on the tanker?
- "Naturally these matters will need to be looked at. Just as how we can not blame all Seleucid for the rash actions of those that wished to harm the Cultists we can also not blame the Maori for the rash actions of their monarch. It is true our people do not see eye to eye and the chances of us becoming friends are limited however I can assure the world that we would stand by our duties as a host and any Maori competing would find they are welcome."

-Lady Safavid, you mentioned that the necessary funds will be allocated. Would you please tell us how much do you expect the bid to cost Tamora?
- We have yet to finalize the bid but it is clear that the costs will be in the billions. Both heads of the kingdoms have agreed to pay for the costs relating to hosting the infrastructure. The Imperial government will of course help with security.

- Lady Eman, both Royal Seleucid and Tamora have been criticized by foreign media and foreign capitals, most of the time unfairly, for a wide range of issues. Do you worry that the Mundus Games committee will not accept the joint bid or if they do that they won’t give us a fair chance?
-"It is up to us to put a bid together that no foreign nation can compete with. Beside the process see's each nation given a vote to determine the host and I would hope we could count on the support of our Midaranye neighbours. We are as unified a region as any on Mundus and our bonds can only get stronger, we need to begin to realise the strength we as a group of nations have. All we need then is the opportunity to show the people just how wrong they have been."

Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

OOC: joint post with Dave.

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rajab 20, 1441 Al-Ahad (Sunday)

Opinion piece: Clysperis refuges could shift the geopolitics of MidAranye
 

The Environmental Minister of Safraen, Julia Moreski, announcing government measures that will impact MidAranye without consulting any MidAranye states. Will such arrogance eventually cost them?

As the Clysperis civil war drags and it becomes ever more clear that a quick resolution to the war is not possible, we have to begin to think about the implications of what a long civil war means for Clysperis and the whole MidAranye region.

The prewar population of Clysperis was almost 33 million people. If we look at other civil wars in history we see that if the war risks to last for years then as many as 25% of the population could flee to the neighboring countries, that means more than eight million people! Eight million people going aboard! But where would these people go? The most likely places are its neighbors: Safraen, Vanora, Abuqiya and Waddan. Tamora will continue to take in refugees but the number will remain small compared to its neighbors. Of these countries, the bulk of them will most likely  go to Safraen and Abuqiya and if I were to make a prediction around three quarters of these refugees, or a little over 6 million people, will go to these two countries.

One might be tempted to ask at this point what does all this have to do with geopolitics. Please bear with me a little longer. Let us look at Safraen. It is no secret that Safraen’s values more often than not do not align to the rest of MidAranye. They are a parliamentary democracy, they believe that each citizen regardless of how competent they are should have a say in government by electing their leaders, their allies are mostly among non MidAranye countries and the policies they pursue, like the misguided banning of cars, go against MidAranye interests. They often act as if they are not part of MidAranye. Why they do this and the reasons for this geopolitical shift are many and are not the scope of this article. What we should consider however is this: Safraen has a total population 5.7 million people, how would Safren be affected if it got an influx of 3 million Clysperi refugees? Would Safren still pursue their radical isolationist agenda with three million Clysperis voting in their elections? Especially since the Clergy (the religious ruling body of the native religion of Clysperis) is known to have asked the members of their religion to vote. This shows of course the ludicracy of democracy and why many of the states of MidAranye have wisely chosen not to embrace such a foolish system. However, it is the system which Safren has chosen to embrace. Perhaps then the government of Safren will understand how foolish it is to be looking outside of MidAranye for allies and solutions rather than embrace the path put forward by Djerb which has always looked for cooperation. 

Critics of the analysis I laid out will of course point out that the civil war on Clysperis might  not last many years and so the refugees numbers might be smaller, that Safraen might choose to take harder measure to stop the flux of Clysperi refugees and that even if it takes in that many it might never give them the right to vote (ironic for a democracy to do that I would say). These are of course all fine points and only God and his Prophet knows how this will turn out but if I an adviser to the leaders of Safraen  I would advise them to change their foreign policy course now before it is too late and they have to face the consequences. Djerb and its allies have been patient when dealing with Safraen but anyone’s patience is finite and time is not on the side of Safraen.



God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!

Professor and Ayatollah Azad Arak

[Markus]

Local date in Tamora (Islamic calendar): Rajab 21, 1441, Al-Ithnayn (Monday)

Head of Foreign Affairs Alya Safavid issues harsh criticism of Achkaerin's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs   
 

The Head of Foreign Affairs Alya Safavid

The Head of Foreign Affairs Alya Safavid held a press conference where she criticized in an unusually hash manner the statements made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray:

“I would like express in the name of the Tamoran Empire our dismay and consternation of the statements made by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray which went so far to call a long a longstanding policy of a MidAranye state as immoral and to use the same word to describe the statements made by His Majesty Sultan Yahya IV. We are not aware what standard of morality the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray used but we assure her Excellency that nothing said by His Majesty Sultan Yahya IV can be described as immoral according to the book of the Prophet Mani which stands as the foundation of the Tamoran society.

We find the statements made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray not only offensive but reckless. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray is well aware that Achkaerin solders are currently stationed in Clysperis. Those soldiers rely to a great extent on the support of the local population. Messages such as the ones made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray lower the trust and support of the local population and hurt the war effort. It also affects the cohesion of the collation force in Clysperis.
We urge the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray to put the interests of the collation’s effort in Clysperis above the need to have other societies conform to Achkaerin standards of morality.”

According to the Foreign Office a formal letter of protest was sent to the Achkaerin embassy in Djerb and Tamora asking for Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chloe Murray to issue a public apology or present her resignation. The Empire of Achkaerin is part of the collation in Clysperis and has station approximately five thousand soldiers there. The Foreign has not issued any statements whether and how the offensive statements made by  the Achkaerin Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs could jeopardize the cooperation among the elements of the  collation force in Clysperis.


Until next time: God bless the Emperor! God bless Tamora!