Overview
Ibiau, officially the Ibiau State, is a country located in Eastern Cotf Arayne. It is bordered to the west by the Unified Tribes of Waddan, and to the south by the Manist Republic of Sludderland; while to the east lies the Republic of Centralia. Ibiau is a landlocked country with the great Irdja desert comprising nearly half of the country’s land territory causing much of the population to reside within the southern regions of the country; save for a few nomadic peoples who traverse the dessert. The eastern border of country is comprised of the Qihad mountain range forming a natural barrier between Ibiau and the east. It is from the Qijad mountains and its precipitation that the Sarqan and Kunmir rivers originate flowing south into Waddan and Sludderland; crossing much of the southern regions of Ibiau and subsequently contributing to the population centralization there.

It is a common folk saying that “Ibiau is as old as the sands of the Irdja”. Though this can be debated it is largely agreed upon by historians and archeologists that Ibiau, in particular the fertile southern regions, saw habitation by humans as early as 600 BCE. It has been speculated that the dominant group of Ibiaunese can trace their origins to migrating groups from Waddan and Kodima though to what capacity remains unknown. During the 9th  century CE it is believed the Ibiauense made contact with the “exotic foreigners” of the south today recognized as Jarl Thorstein and his fellow Nordics. It’s largely believed that relations between the Ibiaunese and new Jarldom remained erratic, with one recovered account, dated to be from the early 12th century CE, describing an armed clash with a group of “southern marauders” speculated to be in reference to Ragnar Vidarsson’s campaign of expansion; though the outcome of this battle remains unknown.  By the 15th century CE much of the southern regions would fall under the dominion of a city state today known as ‘Yarkeb’ and its ruler Seutiun IV. Through their conquest of the southern Regions the Seutiun dynasty would consolidate their lands forming the first State of Ibiau. In the 19th century CE an invasion by the Irdja nomads would be met with little resistance due to a political crisis culminated with the Kunmir drying. This would see the Irdja nomads rule the country into the early 20th century as the Irdja Emirate of Ibiau. In contrast to the traditional hereditary rulership of dynasties past the Irdja rulers would select the sovereign among themselves forming an elective monarchy. Though rule under the Irdja Emirs was relatively peaceful many within the southern regions were dissatisfied and opposed to their reign seeing the nomadic peoples as” exotic and alien in culture”. In 1923 an armed rebellion known as the Manra uprising would lead to the overthrow the Irdja rulers leading to the rise of the current Ibiau State.

Ibiau is a theocratic unitary state functioning within a, self-described, congressional framework. The country is divided among 5 administrative regions, while the capital district and city of Jarkoni forms the center of political and state authority.  The Azhirani faith holds significant influence in every aspect of Ibiauanese life and is the basis for much of the legislative process. The faith is also the sole legal faith within the country though it has been known that Irdja nomads keep to folk religions, while provisions are made for ‘foreign beliefs’ to be protected within the boundaries of foreign embassies and consulates. Ibiaunese society can be described as rigid and generally uniform with others across Midarayne. Gender roles are emphasized with political and financial society often dominated by men, while familial and social society is seen as the domain of women. In contrast religious society makes no notable segregation. Notable slavery is protected and legal institution within Ibiau often on the basis of debt bondage. The official language of Ibiau is Absini though regional languages persist such as Waddanite throughout the Irdja, and Sluddlandic Persian along the Sarqan.

A landlocked country Ibiau’s economy is heavily reliant on its neighbors with both Sludderland and Waddan being the country’s largest trading partners. Agriculture and natural gas function as Ibiau’s key industries with Natural Gas Exportation becoming a nationalized industry in 1973 and overseen by the Commision of Economic and Fiscal matters since. Ibiau has an estimated GDP per capita of 8,106, with an estimated national GDP of 130.6 billion.

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The Occident and Orient - Regionalism and Rivalry
Civil-war in Clysperis


These are the powerful words spoken by the Pharaoh of Clysperis, Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, the (relatively) young and outspoken leader of the Clysperis Kingdom a country located in a wider region today known as “Midarayne”.  It is just one of many strong statements in an impassioned speech given by the Monarch to her people during a time of civil-strife in which Clysperis was enduring a civil war between the supporters of the Pharaoh and a rebel faction known as the Clysperis Confederation, led by the Clysperi General and proclaimed President Nekhtou.  Throughout the conflict international attention was drawn to the Kingdom eventually leading to the foreign countries voicing their support for one of the two belligerents:

“Today The Domestic General Assembly voted 92-6 to support the Clypseri Confederacy….” – DWBS News


“Illegitimate states can’t declare wars…”- President Ebston Feish in reply to Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re on supporting the Clysperi Confederation, Press office of New Derusmia,   


“The Republic and its Citoyens acknowledge the existence of an entity known as the Clysperi Confederation which is under violent fightings with the Kingdom of Clysperis…”
- Alexandre Marc Michel Debeauson, Director of Diplomatic and Commercial Affairs Fleur, Press Releases of the Directorate

“…In relation to the so called Confederation the Achkaerinese Government makes clear that there is no such nation as the Confederation of Clysperis…” - Achkearinese Press Office

“… The Empire of Tamora continues to support stability around Mundus from the region of MidAranye where it is actively involved in combating terrorism in Clysperis…” -Foreign office of the Empire of Tamora

The war in Clysperis was officially ended with the surrender of General Nekhtou and Confederation forces at the battle of Heshiken. While the fighting may have died and a relative peace restored to the Kingdom of Clysperis, the effects of civil war can still be felt within Clysperis and perhaps the rest of the Mir itself. These effects manifest itself in the concept of regionalism and now play a part of Geopolitics of the Mir. Some have speculated that it was from the Clysperi Civil war that the concept of the ‘Orient’, a term first coined by the Pharaoh in an interview with the Clysperis State Media Corporation, was adopted as a response to international interference in what leaders within the Midaryane region have declared a “strictly regional affair”. Others believe the sentiment of the “Orient” has originated long ago under various names and movements. One thing is for sure, regardless of its origins, the Orient Identity has now solidified itself in international Politics.

The Orient


Midarayne has come to be a term used to describe a Geo-political region within the Continent of Cotf Arayne. As its name suggests this region is located in the middle of the continent and has come to encompass many countries with similarities in political and societal culture. Of note, the Empire of Tamora, Emirate of Royal Seleucid and the Kingdom of Clysperis, seem to make up the “core” countries of this Geo-political bloc. All three countries are members of the organization known as ‘OPEN’ or [the] Oil (and Gas) Producing Exporting Nations, as well as having a strong political ties together, sharing the same government system, and strong identification with their faith. The three countries have also been the target of international actions that could be seen as hostile or aggressive toward them by foreign countries. It is these factors, among others, that seem to bring the three countries together and cement a regional identity in the form of Midarayne, and now the Orient.

In the words of the Pharaoh:

“…the orient maintains a steadfast loyalty and defense of their cultures and traditions, resisting not only calls but overt pressure from the occidental nations to turn their backs upon traditions dating back centuries…” – Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-R, CSMC

Some have come to identify this concept of the “Orient countries” as those which reject international movements, and international binding treaties such as the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights (MCUR), which many countries have criticized as breaching National Sovereignty. The Orient has also come to be identified with what could be considered as more “conservative and traditionalist” polices, as all three of these countries maintain a strong system centralized rule of in which the sovereign holds the ultimate authority over all political and legislative issues. Also of note is the more Patriarchic nature of the region in which Men are granted more liberty in certain aspects then women. Economically these countries inhabit a difficult region of the Mir, many of them being host to harsh dry desert with little in the way of natural resources other than Oil, and minerals. This economic situation has seen the Orient come to be identified by some as a region of less wealth than the average of the Mir as well as dawning the Label of “developing nation”.

The Kingdom of Clysperis, of which Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re is leader of, is a country in northern Midarayne bordering Safrean. The Kingdom holds its origins to the Kingdom of Abydos. Following the rise of Islam within Abydos members of the Pharaonic line fled the country to the territory that is now Clysperis, and with assistance from the Tamora, established it as their own country and preserving the centuries old Kemetic faith. The country (much like Kopsje itself) would come under the Influence of the United Soviet Rodina later becoming a Soviet Republic. In 1977 the Empire of Tamora would assist in restoring the Pharaonic government, the Foruth Kingdom of Clysperis being officially established in 1982. The Kingdom of Clysperis is notably less wealthy than its fellow Midarayne countries of Tamora and the Emirate of Royal Seleucid, partially owing to its current recovery form a civil war. However, under the leadership of Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, the country has been seen as a champion of national sovereignty the young Pharaoh, being credited for coining the term “Orient”  to describe the Midaranye region. The country has also made strides to establish close relations with neighboring Tamora.

Of note is the current construction and establishment of Setri, “the City of Dreams”. A joint project began by the Pharaoh, and now being assisted with Tamora. The city is an example of the cooperation carried out by Orient states as both the native Kemetic faith and Tamoran Manist faith will have temples in the city, Manism being declared a “peer faith" by the Pharoah. The city of Setri is meant to be a  “modern smart city” one which is to become an economic center within Midarayne and Rival cities in foreign countries such as Rokkenjima, Ui Cennslaig, and East Morland, all regarded as economic powerhouses and being labeled by the Pharaoh as countries of the “Occident”.

“Firstly, the report shows a Mundus dominated by rich countries…Uppsala Convention, MCUR and a whole series of international organizations are the creation of those powers at the top and are tools to level all developing nations and turn them into cheap copies with little identity of their own…”  Professor and Ayatollah Azad Arak of Tamora, in regards to the 2018 Benjamin-Catherine Agency (L’Agence Benjamin-Catherine) Report of International Power

The Empire of Tamora is the largest country within the Midarayne region and often seen as the de’facto leader of the “Orient”. Tamora is a union of various kingdoms who fall under the leadership of the Safavid Dynasty, currently headed by Emperor Abbas Safavid. The country traces its origins to the founding of the Manist faith within the then Kingdom of Tamora. The Kingdom of Tamora would go on to conquer neighboring polities, with the latest acquisition being the Kingdom of Attica in 1958. The largest country by land size within the Orient Region, Tamora has often been the target of international sanctions a result of the country’s policies on debt slavery. Debt slavery is the punishment of enslavement on those who’s net assests reach zero or below. This method of economic punishment is widely practiced within Tamora and the subject of international Scrutinization.  Tamora is often seen as a relatively powerful country albeit lacking in development. Organizations within Tamora have made a notable presence on the international stage and considered by some to be a source of Tomoran soft power in international politics.

Of note, The Tamora Imperial Bank (TIB) has become a pwerful international financial institution having expanded into Safrean, Clysperis, Phuebra and Zimilia. Tamora and the Heyran Republic have also come to agreement establishing the port City of Elysium. A territory under the jurisdiction of Heyra located in Midarayne.

“While Seleucids and Tamorans are not brothers so to speak we are like the cousins that spend so often visiting they may as well be your brother… the Tamoran cousins of ours are under threat and should the worse happen I hope our people shall remember the hospitality they have shown us.” – Address made to the people of Royal Selecid, following Heydar Soter’s ascension as King

The Emirate of Royal Seleucid is the southernmost country within the Midrange region and the wealthiest. The country traces its origins the Anahitaism faith and was officially united under a single banner by King Nicator Soter. The Emirate would become a powerful force in the Sea of Kyne, establishing rule over the territory that is now the Commonwealth of The Unified Iwi until the 21st century. The Seleucid Rule of Maori lands has become a source of tension between the two countries. Equally so, in 2016 an attempted coup d’etat against the government of King Akakios Soter would lead to violence gripping the country resulting in the deaths of numerous religious minorities, most notably followers of the Cult of Helus a faith native to East Moreland. The events of this civil-unrest are considered a Genocide by some and has led to the establishment of the “Celtic Protectorate” a multinational zone established in southern Royal Seleucid. Under the leadership of King Hedyar Soter the Emirate has undergone many construction projects seeing the country continue to become a notable presence on the international Stage. The Emirate has also taken steps to normalize relations with Ui Cennslaig and East Morland and established close relations with the Empire of Tamora.

Of note, a Gigafactory along the Tamoran-Seleucid, a joint project among OPEN nations headed by Royal Seleucid and Tamora, has recently opened and meant to produce rechargeable vehicle batteries. This project is seen as a potential foreshadowing of Midarayne nations trying to diversify their economies to avoid dependence on the Oil industry. The Emirate of Royal Seleucid and Empire of Tamora are also hosting the first Jointly-Hosted Mundus Games.         

The Occident

“…the occident, nations such as East Moreland (including its CNN allies and partners further afield), Rokkenjima, Tytor; essentially, the representatives of the liberal, internationalist rose-coloured glasses Mundus…” – Pharaoh Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, CSMC

The Occident, Internationalists, Imperialists, all labels given by leaders in Midarayne to describe a supposed coalition of foreign powers that they (Midarayne leaders) view as hostile to the Midarayne or Orient region. It is unclear where the “Occident” begins and where it ends, as countries from Alba Kayrina, Ardia and Albion have all fallen under this label. To this end some speculate whether the “Occident” truly exists as an identity or whether it is a mere catch all term to describe those countries viewed negatively within the Orient region. However, a clear pattern among those countries given this label, are a series of harsh political and economic actions taken against the Orient countries. There are certain countries that have taken a stance of stark opposition to one or more of the Midarayne countries:

“In an announcement from the Imperial Palace Emperor Benson II has announced that he intends to formally request all nations of Albion to begin a boycott of goods and services originating from Tamora…” – The Island News, Paracambi

“…regardless of their culture or tradition the news from Royal Seleucid of the birth of a new Prince is something that urges me to write an appeal...We urge the nations of the world to shun this invitation and send the Soter family a direct message that their long history of evil is no longer to be tolerated on Mundus…” - Royal Press Office of Emperor Benson of Paracambi, in response to the birth of Prince Aali Akakios Soter of Royal Seleucid   

“…We've seen it supported by the Tamoran Empire and, recently, other states of Midaranye. The spread of this vile institution, as well as the overreaching Tamoran foreign agenda, presents very real challenges to the world we've worked so hard to build… It is prudent that we do not allow the Tamoran Empire to rise to the capabilities we saw the USR able to field…”  – Empress Evanthe of Rokkenjima, Rokkenjima Broadcasting Corporation

“…Tamora routinely denounces internationalism, specifically as it affects Midaranye, which the government in Djerb appears to believe is its exclusive sphere of influence… I wish to emphasize that in this modern age all nations are interconnected.  That which affects one affects all, no matter what politicians and diplomats may say to the contrary… Blame for the instigation of the present crisis in the Sea of Kyne can and should be placed firmly upon the government of Royal Seleucid…” – Prime Minister Madaline Thatcher, Press office of the Prime Minister of Tytor

“…all sanctions and travel advisories leveled at the Empire of Tamora will remain in place.  In addition, the following nations continue to practice slavery or indentured servitude: the Unified Tribes of Waddan; the Empire of Socram; the Kingdom of Clysperis; and the Emirate of Royal Seleucid.  Each of these will also have sanctions placed upon them…” - Prime Minister Madaline Thatcher, Press office of the Prime Minister of Tytor 

Official statements such as these as well as harsh political and economic actions taken against the targeted countries, displays a clear connection, intentional or not, between these countries and their leadership’s opposition to the Midarayne states. Whether justified or not, the actions taken by these governments and others around the Mir in scrutinizing the Midarayne nations has come to be identified as the prime example of the Proclaimed “Occidental Nations”.  Recently the Kingdom of Tytor has announced an official boycott of the Mundus 2020 games, jointly hosted by the Countries of Tamora and the Royal Seleucid, as well as stricter political actions against the two nations, and many other countries within the region for grievances over the policies of Slavery and indentured Servitude within the mentioned countries. In the words of Tytorian Prime Minister, Madaline Thatcher, their government has taken these actions in response to what the Government of Tytor sees as, “…violate that most fundamental of all God-given rights: the right of a human being to choose his or her own destiny…”

This action was seemingly followed by the countries of Paracambi, and Rokkenjima, who have both announced their own  respective boycott of the 2020 Mundus Games.  Whether intentional or not these actions could be perceived as a coalition of countries targeting the Orient nations over political grievances potentially giving a more understandable reasoning behind the Orient country’s criticism of the international environment and actions.

A different path
Economic Sanctions against the Midarayne Region and in particular, Tamora, is seen by some as a potentially dangerous action to engage in. The Tamoran Economy being the second largest, below the Emirate of Royal Seleucid, in the region is heavily integrated with other countries around the region and to some extent the greater Mir as a whole. Caution has been raised by international commentators that continued sanctions against the Tamoran economy could have unintended consequences, most pressing a large economic collapse of the Midarayne Region. A reality that has already affected Tamora in the form of an economic recession. This situation has led some to question if harsh action by Foreign States against Midayrne countries is truly jusitifed and wise. The Sanctions have also managed to garner criticisms by some international observers as only furthering the very issues the Sanctions seek to address. In contrast others have praised the actions taken by these Governments as a necessary means to, “combat a vile inhumane systematic institution”.

“ …2019 has already seen the Rokkenjima [Empire], the second largest economy in Mundus,  break all economic relations with Tamora further hurting the Empire’s economy. They were followed by further sanctions from East Moreland, Seaforth, Xaeth, Krimeon and New Derusmia among others…Enslavement as a result of bankruptcy skyrocketed with 120 thousand people being enslaved last year as a result…Families with four or more children were most affected by debt enslavement as they often hard only one bead earner in the family. In the first two months of 2019, the courts have already sentenced to slavery 30 thousand individuals, with economic analysts expecting the number to reach 240 thousand by the end of the year if the current recession continues…” Tamoran Imperial News Service

Of note is the actions taken by the Kingdom of East Moreland.  Falling under the label of Occident by Pharaoh Aksaha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, East Moreland has been criticised for establishing a “Helusian Empire” through the wide spread of the countries faith, the Cult of Helus, seen by some Midarayne leaders as a proxy with means of exerting Morland control over world affairs especially in regards to Bakkermaya and the Celtic Protectorate. The actions carried out by the East Morland government have been considered more tame and effective in regards to addressing their grievances with Midarayne Policies, by some international observers.     
 
“We live in an age when people buy products for a whole range of reasons…People need to realise they think global but act local.” – Melissa Lusk of East Morland, Northfort News

Melissa Lusk, Chairmen of the CTO Refugee Council (now the [https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1226.msg10370#msg10370] The International Refugee Support Agency (IRSA))   and Tim Carpenter of East Moreland, have jointly revitalized an organization known as the Freestone Abolitionist Society. Originally founded in the 18th century the, FAS as it is commonly referred to, has been an organization of East Morland known for addressing the Country’s grievances with the practice of slavery. In this newly revitalized state, Ms. Lusk and Mr. Carpenter, re-introduced the “Freestone Mark” a method of identification for goods and products that “told their customers they did their business without causing human suffering…. This more, calculated, and detailed, method of handling the country’s grievances has been seen by some international observers as a more effective method in avoiding more unintended consequences, while others have described it as being “too soft, and lenient” describing the Freestone Mark as unable “to make any real impact.”

The Merina Situation
The Commonwealth of Merina , is a country located in the southern continent of Albion and currently enduring its own civil strife involving armed conflict between government forces led by President Olumbe Nguessa, and various separatist and rebel factions. International Observers have come to see the conflict in Merina as the first situation which could lead to a potential Cold-War between Orient countries, in particular Tamora, and those opposed to them. The empire of Tamora had officially voice its support for the Government of Merina and with agreements made between the Empire and President Olumbe Nguessa, has deployed forces into Merina.

“The Tamoran Empire formally announces its full support for the government of Merina…has pledged to work closely with the Merinan government to see an end to the current loss of life taking place and restore tranquility in the country” -    Foreign office of the Empire of Tamora

This announcement was met with harsh criticisms from the Governments of Tytor and Rokkenjima:

“…the Kingdom of Tytor denounces the Empire of Tamora and its imperialistic actions. This deployment…is considerably more likely to bring about greater instability and further suffering…”- Prime Minister Madeline Thatcher, Press Office of the Prime Minister of Tytor

“…regarding the deployment of Tamoran troops to Merina, a development which will most certainly increase the instability within Merina…” - Office of the Imperial Media Liaison, Rokkenjima

Of note the Repblic of Fleur made an official statement in which the Republic states its intention to support, financially, the National Liberation Army, led by Diakame Bemba, a faction of the conflict that is feircly opposed to the Current Government and President Olumbe Nguessa. This development will put the Republic of Fleur at odds with Empire of Tamora.   

“The Republic is glad to announce that the Commonwealth of Merina, as represented by the Armée de Libération de Merine, with as his head Monsieur Bemba… shall benefit from the funds we put at the disposal for the development of their country, and their defense…” – Alexandre Marc Michel Debeauson, Director of Diplomatic and Commercial Affairs of Fleur, Press Releases of the Directorate

The council of Albion has called for a temporary ceasefire between the various factions, where it is believed the Council will try to mediate the situation and come to a peaceful resolution through currently held peace talks. Present at these peace talks are Alya Safavid, the Head of Tamoran Foreign Affairs, Thomas Sandrock, the Tytorian representative to the Council of Albion, Roger Hastings , representing the Empire of  Paracambi, and Alexandre Marc Michel Debeauson, Director of Diplomatic and Commercial Affairs of Fleur, among others.  As the situation continues to unfold many speculate whether the new decade shall see the creation of an “Orient-Occident” Cold-war.

Your Majesty,

It is with pleasure that the Parliament of Kopsje receives your invitation. Though our country has been something of a minor note on the international stage, the new decade is an open path that may lead to many avenues. In this Kopsje would be delighted to establish relations with the Realm of Cassiopeia and, by the will of the Parliament, has appointed Kubatbek Otunbayev as our Ambassador. May this be start of new and everlasting mutual relationship.

Secretariat of Foreign Relations,
Bakhtiyar Musaev       

     

Can you remove Baetulo

Could Abuqiya be removed in the next update?

 

Sanction Name: Occupation of Royal Seleucid
Target: Celtic Protectorate in Royal Seleucid
Imposer: Crown of Abuqiya
Type: Recognition: Abuqiya refuses to recognise the Celtic Protectorate as a legitimate entity
Motivation: Abuqiya refuses to acknowledge the Celtic Protectorate as anything but a faux-entity and a front for what it sees as foreign intervention in the affairs of Midaryne. Furthermore Abuqiya is concerned with the presence of foreign soldiers stationed within the Midarayne region and views their presence as an occupation. Lastly Abuqiya does not have any faith in Ui Cenneslaig due to their close relationship with the Rouge state of the Iwi and views them with suspicious caution.

Your Reverence, Nimue Jowenys

It is with grand tidings I write to you that His Excellence, Hakim, Mujahid bin Baaqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari, wishes to extend his congratulations for this monumentous occasion and is confident his prayers to the Azhiran, that the reign of Her future Majesty are both fruitful and will usher in an age of prosperity, will be answered. However His Excellence also extends his apologies for not being able to attend this celebration himself. Instead a delegation lead by myself will attend this Joyous occasion on his and Abuqiya's behalf. I look forward to meeting both Your Reverence and Her Majesty in the days to come.           

On behalf of His Excellence, Hakim, Mujahid bin Baaqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari
Signed, Shaykhah, Humaina ibnat Baqqir el-Majid Al Ghaffari.

Name of Business:- Hered Roasts
Company Ownership:- Qisdju & Heredjed family.
Nation of Origin:- Abuqiya
Nature of Business:- The Heredjed farm seeks to establish a Café Lounge, selling coffee beverages and cuisine using their farm's crop as the main ingredients. If permitted we should also like to host nightly musical entertainment, inviting aspiring musicians and singers to perform.     
Number of People Employed by the Business:- Nine
Number of People to be based on KHELP:- Four
Expected Length of Stay on KHELP:-  36 months
Special Requests:- Ease of access between KHELP and mainland Royal Seleucid for the purpose of restocking supply and ingredients. 
Are you interested in Reduced Rent in Return for Equity:- No


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Nation Name: Abuqiya

Nation Link: Link

Provinces you wish to claim:
1: P-25
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:

Proposed colour of your nation on the map: Any is fine.

I, _Abuqiya_, have read the rules set down above, and agree to follow them.