Author Topic: Free Mundus  (Read 46091 times)

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Online Achkaerin

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #90 on: November 08, 2022, 03:29:47 PM »


TROYES: CITY IN NEED OR NEEDING TO BE LET GO?
an opinion piece by Crown Princess Serenity Azurewind of the Holy Empire of Achkaerin

The Marseilles crisis of 2015 will go down in history as a successfully resolved incident by members of the international community, that put an end to the terrorist threat posed by the Sorority of Materna, the success of the various operations involved is all the more remarkable when the litany of failings surrounding the incident is considered - I won't list all of them as that is not the focus of this article but we're looking at lack of communication, empty promises and a failure of leadership right at the top of the international coalition force. The success therefore is perhaps better attributed to the resilience, adaptability and determination of the troops involved across the board rather than anything else, and the aftermath bears this out a fair amount as well consider how the Aquitaine situation was originally dealt with by some and then we come to the Troyes situation, a port city, a Marseilles city one day and Seaforthian protectorate the next, and so stood the clock in 2017.

The basis of Troyes being under Seaforthian protection, between 2015-2017, has been cited as a need to provide sanctuary for the nobility of Marseille the implication of this being that there was a threat to them posed, that might be a valid perception in December 2015 or early 2016 as tensions are typically still on a knife edge in the weeks following a crisis of this nature but beyond that point? I wouldn't agree with an assessment without proof and to date there has been no indication of any threat posed against the remaining nobles of Marseilles. However I would also question why a special case for Troyes needed to be made in that period because as per the ten point plan put in place by the then leader of the Real Marseilles and agreed to by the international community Marseilles was to all intents and purposes still under the international community at that point, the referendum on the Marseilles Constitution did not happen until late 2016 so CTOMM forces were still in country, the only outside circumstance affecting Troyes in the 2015-2017 period is that the city became sanctuary to approximately three million Seaforthian refugees following the fall. So it appears that the initial point of a Seaforthian presence is in keeping with what was agreed following the crisis.

It's important to take a moment to explain why the date of 2017 is important in this context - it goes to back to the ten point plan mentioned above, it lays out that within six months of conflict ending the Provisional Government must hold elections for the council, that this council would then elect a President and draft a constitution that would be put to the people in a referendum within a year. All of these steps occurred between December 2015 and December 2016. The year 2017 becomes important because point eight of the plan states "Once the constitution has been established all CTOMM forces to leave upon the request of the President." given that the constitution was approved by referendum in December 2016 it was very practical and understanding of President Papin to wait until mid January 2017 to make that request, practical because the time allowed for the implementation steps to be done and understanding because December is culturally speaking a very heavy month especially towards the back end of it. In any event the withdrawal of CTOMM forces happened on schedule in 2017.

The incorporation of Troyes as a protectorate is one of those decisions best described as a head scratcher, it doesn't appear to add up, certainly not in a legal sense as I find it hard to believe that the Government of Marseilles would sign away its own sovereign territory especially without a very good reason. The foundation of Seaforth's decision is the return of the former Grand Duchess of Marseilles Alys Arsenault, so accepting that as grounds for the moment I would firstly suggest that the recent arrest of Miss Arsenault would appear to satisfy the Seaforthian concerns, I would then secondly ask a simple question - Alys Arsenault is wanted for crimes covered by both the Uppsala Convention and the Historical Crimes Treaty, why wasn't she arrested in 2018 when she turned up in Troyes? Surely she should have been, but it matters not for if she truly be the basis of the 'Troyes problem' then her arrest surely makes the continued need for protectorate status unneeded. Mundus is full of nations that have championed international law and norms, we've seen how they've stood their ground through crisis after crisis, how they've championed self determination time and time again, so why are the people in Troyes denied this? A lot of blood was shed to free Marseilles from the Sorority of Materna, I don't believe the people of Troyes assisted that effort to trade Sorority terror for rule by a foreign power. Alys Arsenault sits in custody while things are worked out in regards to any extradition, the stated basis for Troyes as a protectorate territory of Seaforth no longer appears to hold, now is the time for the people of that city to have their say on their future, so that this question can finally be resolved one way or the other.

Offline Lakhzovia

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #91 on: March 18, 2023, 09:01:50 PM »



Rhand's Crown Prince Unveils Bold Reforms, Drawing Both Praise and Criticism


Crown Prince Laurenz Hajioff of Rhand

In a surprise move, The Ardiapur Palace in Rhand has announced a series of significant economic reforms aimed at liberalising its economy and opening it up to foreign investment. The reforms, which were unveiled by Crown Prince Laurenz, have been met with mixed reactions from both domestic and international observers.

Supporters of the reforms have lauded them as a long-overdue step towards modernising the Rhandian economy and boosting its competitiveness on the global stage. The Crown Prince has been keen to emphasise that the reforms will create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, as well as attracting investment from abroad. In particular, the move to reduce tariffs on food imports has been seen as a positive step, potentially increasing the availability of affordable food for ordinary Rhandians.

However, critics have been quick to point out that the reforms also carry significant risks. Some fear that the reduction in tariffs will lead to a flood of cheap imports, putting Rhandian farmers and manufacturers at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the potential for foreign firms to dominate key sectors of the economy, potentially leading to the exploitation of local labour and the extraction of profits from Rhand without significant reinvestment.

These concerns are compounded by the fact that Rhand remains an absolutist state with significant inequality, widespread poverty, and underdevelopment being placed in the bottom of the Human Development Index scores for Mundus. Some commentators have warned that the reforms may exacerbate existing tensions, particularly if they lead to widespread job losses or other economic hardships. Others have expressed skepticism over the Crown Prince's ability to push through such radical changes in the face of opposition from entrenched interests.

Overall, the reaction to the Rhandian reforms has been mixed, with many unsure of what the future holds for the country. While some see the changes as a positive step towards a more open and modern economy, others fear that they could lead to increased instability and inequality, further fueling social and political tensions. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Crown Prince's vision for Rhand can be realised, and whether the country can navigate the challenges that lie ahead.


Offline Daitō

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #92 on: May 12, 2023, 04:05:58 PM »



As Kalasin Heads to the Polls, Some Ask: "Will Peace Return to the Troubled Nation?"


RANONG: Vast crowds gather around polling stations across the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Kalasin, intending to vote for who will lead the country into the future. These elections mark the first since the conflict in 2018 which saw a military intervention by the Empire of Daitō and which left close to one thousand civilians dead as well as many more internally displaced. Scenes around the capital, as well as in major cities across the country, are noticeably tense, under the watchful eye of local security forces, whose presence there is, per a source within the country's Ministry of Defense, meant to maintain peace and order on this important day. As it stands, the current front-runners in the race for Prime Minister are Arun Kaikaew, representing the left-leaning Prachāṭhiptịy (Democratic) party, and Prawat Krairiksh, the leader of the right-wing Kxb Kū Chāti (National Salvation) party. Per opinion polling, it is suggested that Prawat Krairiksh is likely to win in these elections, however, it is still too soon to be certain. Other candidates include the Nạk S̄ạngkhmniym's (Socialist Party) Kanchana Chearavanont and the various leaders of regionalist parties across the country.

No matter who attains victory in this election, however, there are some things which they will all have to face. Most notably, they have to contend with both rampant corruption and the continued prominence of militia groups operating across the country. In 2022, the country scored 23 on the Corruption Perception Index, making it the sixth most corrupt country on the planet. The leaders of the major parties participating in the election have vowed to combat this corruption, which has limited the country's economic growth as well as foreign investment for years. As for the continued presence of armed militias across the country, that is a far bigger issue, one which some experts worry may not be possible to resolve at this time due to the state of the country's military, the Kalasinese Defense Force. The largest of these militia groups, such as the "Vax National Army" and "Antawsai Revolutionary Army", have forces numbering in the tens of thousands and in some cases, such as the VNA, even operate aircraft and govern in their local regions. Some suspect that if Arun Kaikaew's Democratic party wins, it may move to invite foreign forces into the country to assist in putting down these militia groups, however, others remain skeptical that they will succeed. After all, when the outgoing Prime Minister, Xiao Nap Lai, requested the support of Daitōjin forces in 2018 against forces operating in the country's Ka-hki territory, the ensuing power vacuum only led to more violence after the operation came to a close.

Whatever the case may be, whether this conflict is resolved by military means or by diplomacy, it is unclear whether peace will return to Kalasin.

Offline Daitō

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #93 on: July 22, 2023, 11:08:42 PM »



Arrest Attempt Made Against Kasidej Rangsitpol


PATTANI: The sound of gunfire could be heard throughout the night as forces belonging to the Kalasinese Presidential Guard fought off a combined force of Union Police and loyal military units as they tried to detain the country's de-facto leader, "President" Kasidej Rangsitpol. Rangsitpol, aged 64, was elected to his current position in 2021 following what has been noted as an "upturn in nationalist sentiment" among the population of the country, which is claimed as a part of the Union State by the government in Paechon. Just a few days ago, he initiated a vote to secede from the Union State, an act which was considered illegal by the central government in Ranong. As a result, the newly-elected President of the Union, Arun Kaikaew, reportedly ordered Rangsitpol's arrest, which has resulted in a firefight in the city of Pattani, the capital of Kalasin. As of this time, casualty figures are unclear, however it is believed that at least six soldiers belonging to Union forces have been killed alongside one member of the Presidential Guard. The remaining would-be captors of President Rangsitpol have reportedly dispersed among the local population, an a manhunt for these men, believed to be between six and eight in number, is ongoing at this time.

President Rangsitpol, in an address to the country following the arrest attempt, claimed that the "attack" constituted an act of war against Kalasin, and that his government would respond in turn. Already, reports that Kalasinese forces have been deployed to coastal regions, ostensibly to ward off a potential landing, have been made, while the country's air and naval forces are reportedly on high alert at this time. However, there are also reports of fighting behind Kalasinese lines, presumably between those loyal to the Union and secessionist forces. As one observer noted, it may be necessary that international peacekeepers be sent in to stop the conflict from further escalating and to prevent a needless loss of life as a result of the crisis. Some have also looked to other nations for a chance of mediation, but as of this moment, the fate of Kalasin and of just over 46 million people rests on a knife-edge. FMN will continue to monitor the situation in Kalasin as it evolves.

Online paralipomena

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #94 on: November 18, 2023, 01:23:45 PM »



Asadal: Armed Forces ends military campaign in eastern region


SOBURISANSEONG, ASADAL: The Armed Forces of the Great Kingdom of Asadal ended their two-month military campaign in Hayanttangam, the eastern region of the kingdom, against the forces of the so-called Free Commonwealth of Thajav.

For this campaign, the kingdom mobilized thousands of men, participating troops from the four military branches, including the Grand Royal Guard. The government forces had about one thousand casualties. It has been reported that the Free Kevisbtham Army could have lost about 1/3 of their forces during the conflict. It has been reported as well that at least two hundred civilians lost their lives. It was the largest offensive of the government forces against the rebel group in more than a decade.

Sim Paskalswe, leader of the Free Thajav Movement since 1992 and the most senior member of the Free Commonwealth of Thajav leadership, has been confirmed dead, the rebel group announced last week. It was not clear, however, if he had died as consequence of fighting between government and rebel forces, as it was not confirmed the causes of his death. It has not been announced who will be Paskalswe's successor. The Free Thajav Movement is considered the de facto ruling political party in the rebel "Free Commonwealth" since 1970. However, others have claimed that the political party is simply the political wing of the Free Kevisbtham Army.

The Free Commonwealth of Thajav controls a large territory in the eastern region, although with a low density in population. The Free Commonwealth was officially established in 1959, although insurgency started in the 1940s. Most of their militants are members of the Gaxhong ethnic group. The Free Commonwealth of Thajav has described itself as "an independent state", although without international recognition. While the Free Thajav Movement claims to be a secular movement, most of the population belongs to an syncretic form of Christianity.

As the military campaign ended, government forces withdrew from Paskheon, the second largest town of the region. The move in itself is not considered meaningful, as government forces often leave the town during Winter, due to the poor communications and the harsh Winter, to avoid exposure to attack from the insurgency until the next Spring.

The rebel group exclusively operates, besides a few isolated attacks against government groups in nearby provinces, in the region of Hayanttangam, a high mountainous region and the poorest region of the country. It is estimated the GDP per capita in the region to be around $1,000, several times smaller than the national average. Most of the population lives in rural settlements. Agriculture is the main, if not only, source of income for most of the local population, which almost exclusively lives of subsistence farming. The military campaign also caused displacement of population in the area, with at least twenty villages to be abandoned as their inhabitants took refuge in areas closer to the Yeogaehanam region.

Asadal government's recent decision of remove remaining restrictions to agriculture production, including coca leaf and opium poppy, which are largely produced in the Nolanpul Valley, has been also understood a move aimed to reduce the mistrust toward the government as well as aimed to increase the standards of living of the population. Experts believe the move may be also motivated to drop the prices of these goods, which were reported as a source of income of the rebel group in the past. 

It is expected that hostilities are likely to cease until the end of Winter. However, while it is unclear if the government plans to launch a similar campaign in the future, it seems clear that peace is still in a long way in this region.

Offline Beatrice

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Re: Free Mundus
« Reply #95 on: January 19, 2024, 12:56:18 AM »



Can Kusan Be Blamed?


An oil refinery in Kusan following Rokkenjiman bombardment, 1949.

Can Kusan truly be blamed for its hatred of Rokkenjima and her allies, especially as the Anselmo regime did not take advantage for the chance of reconciliation with Kusan?

It is estimated that, during the Republican campaign upon Kusan, conventional weapons such as explosives, incendiary bombs and napalm destroyed roughly the entirety of Kusanese towns and cities including upwards of 85% of Kusanese buildings. Some 32,600 tons of napalm was dropped upon Kusan, killing indiscriminately between civilian and Kusanese official alike. With figures such as this, with some suggesting that the Rokkenjiman campaign against Kusan saw levels of destruction not realized beyond atomic bombings, can we really remain surprised that Kusan views a robust military as its only resort to ensure that Rokkenjima, and I would remind you that the Anselmo Crown has not renounced the violence against Kusan nor has it apologized, can we remain surprised that Kusan has transformed itself into a nation capable of inflicting untold horrors upon any nation that would tempt invasion or even mere intervention into its affairs?

Much is misunderstood about the so-called "hermit kingdom" that Ri Sang-Hee inherited following the concerns of her father that Ri Chŏng-jun was "wholly unfit for leadership....the bastard would lead us into wars which would prove capable of overwhelming the DPRK," he penned in his reported journal which is why, in 2023 on his deathbed, he anointed his daughter over her elder brother to continue the Ri dynasty in Kusan. The memories of Rokkenjima's attempted conquest in Kusan may have been overlooked in the history books of the Federal Republic and even the First Empire which displaced it, with even Empress Sutāraito posting an ill-informed meme against the Kusanese, almost rubbing salt into an open wound even, reigniting the flames of Rokkenjiman-Kusanese tensions when she could have instead taken the opportunity to apologize and recognize the crimes against Kusan by the Federal Republic. Instead she chose to ridicule Kusan and, in doing that, I feel she claimed the actions of the Federal Republic against the Democratic People's Republic as legitimate actions of Rokkenjima. This is an error I certainly hope she recovers from and recognizes that we, as Rokkenjimans, have harmed the Kusanese and does what no one before her has been capable of: normalizing relations and making up for past crimes.

Let no one be mistaken, we absolutely leveled Kusan under the Federal Republic and yet, somehow, they persisted. We hit all of our targets and yet we lost the war; Kusan lived to fight another day to become a satellite of Warsaw and, later, as a last voice or echo, if you will, of the Warsaw Pact. As they once again enter the public consciousness I would ask our readers, as a professor of history myself,  to put aside biases you might hold and to instead view Kusan as we did East Moreland when it ended its isolation all whilst looking in the mirror. Kusan doesn't hate Rokkenjima for being Rokkenjima, no. Kusan hates Rokkenjima because the Crown inherited, foolishly, the Republican ideas about Kusan and instead of cutting them from the soul of our nation, they instead doubled down. We created the enemy of Kusan, we fed it and raised it, and when we had the opportunity to bring an end to that and actually talk to them, we didn't. It's as simple as that; the demon is of our own creation."

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis