Future World

[Franconicus]

Future World

Introduction

It is the year 2008 - the year of big changes! By a strange accident, simultaneously newcomers take over the power of some of the most powerful nations and organisations in the world.

People say that these new inexperienced amateurs will lead the world into chaos and prophecy that the first half of the 21st century will be even worse than the 20th. However, there are also some hoping that new leaders will overcome the hurdles of tradition and prejudges and will finally find a way to solve the problems of the world.

The first of a row of very important events was the election of a new Secretary General for the UNITED NATIONS in January. After a long discussions the Security Council (China, France, Russia, Britain and the U.S. as permanent members and Belgium, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy, Libya, Panama, South Africa and Vietnam) finally agreed on Elite Ferret.

Elite Ferret is now the leader of an organisation, representing the whole world, advocate of the poor. However, the UN do not have troops of their own, and they depend on the support of the nations, especially the rich and powerful ones. Their only power lies in immaterial values – their ideals of human rights and justice for all people as well as their neutrality and their competence. The new Secretary General has to show that the word is a powerful weapon, sometimes more powerful than guns.

The next unexpected event is the mysterious death of the Russian president in February. However, it does not take long and the Russians have a new leader – President SwordsMaster. Although he is more or less unknown in the western world, he seems to have had the punch to defeat his opponents. His predecessor solved many problems and started the comeback of the Russian giant. However, there are still problems left for the new President.

As if this was not enough change there was a political eruption in China, too. Just a couple of months before the beginning of the Olympic Games the leader of China retired and DemonArchangel, a complete unknown, was nominated as President of the People's Republic of China, Chairman of the Central Military Commission and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.

Many wonder where this change will lead to. China is not only the country with the biggest population, it has also a booming economy and is challenging the leadership of the U.S.. Although everything seems to be perfect, there are still some open issues – like the conflicts of Tibet and Taiwan. The Olympic Games may be the first test for the new President.

All these changes almost cover the events at the Western countries. After a long, dirty and exhausting campaign the candidate of the Republicans, Marshal Murat wins the U.S. election and becomes President of the United States. During his campaign he promised balancing the U.S. budget and decreasing reliance on foreign fuels.

After the victory of the cold war and an economic boom that lasted almost 3 decades, the U.S. is the richest and most powerful nation in the world. However, the former presidents missed to use these good times and so the heritage for the new president are some severe problems.

Although the economy is so incredible strong, the country is in debt. Not only the government – this debt is small compared to other countries – but the American themselves spend far more money than they earn and the trade balance is negative – not only with the oil producing countries and industrialised countries like the EU and Japan, but with almost every country – even developing countries.

Although the U.S. army is unmatched. It is tied in wars at Iraq and Afghanistan. The former president failed to keep the support of America’s allies. Many of them wonder if the U.S. acts on values that makes them worth to be the leader of the world.

But the most urgent task for President Murat may be to solve the financial crisis.

The European Union has everything to be a leading power – a strong economy, high developed technology and a huge market. However, the community is a puzzle of too many different interests and prejudges and so the Unions appears to be a powerless giant. Rarely the countries of the Union are able to adjust their policies – as seen in the issues of the Olympic Games, the Iraq War etc. . The European leaders realise this and therefore they decided to create the position of the President of the European Union. However, this new leader, Lord Winter, elected by the governments of the countries and depending on their support, has almost now real power. Many wonder how he will manage to focus the diverting interests of the Union.

Additionally, some other countries changed their leaders. Although they may not be as powerful as the U.S., China or Russia, they are also important countries:
Nigeria, the African country with oil and huge population is now under the rule of President Sarathos.
Iran, another source of oil, nominated the former director of a religious school, President Ayatollah Makaikhaan. The new president seizes power at a decisive moment in the history of his country. While the country is threatened by the worlds biggest military power, the USA, which already forced all the other Arabian countries to bow their heads, the Iran has two weapons, that will overcome this enemy. First of all, the oil, which is getting more and more important because of the raise of the eastern economies. China and even Russia are interested in that oil and they are willing to pay almost every prize. The other one is – God! There is no doubt that God is on the side of the Iran.

At Saudi-Arabia Prince AggonyDuck became the successor of his father and new King of Saudi Arabia. A pleasant position, as one may think – great plains full of oil and huge capital in the Western countries. However, it may not be as easy as it looks like. Radical Islam is already inside the country an many Moslems are upset about the presence of Christian soldiers close to the Holy Cities.

Anyway, the world is at the crossroads and it is up to you to guide your nation into a happy future!

Rules

Each turn stands for 2.5 years. In the democratic countries there are elections every 5 years. The Secretary General of the UN keeps his job until the Security Council deselects him.

All player will get challenges. They have one week for diplomacy and answering and the board has another week to calculate the results.

If you are deselected or if you loose your position because of riots or assassination – then you are out of the game.

The winner is the one that increases the happiness of his people at the highest degree.


Players

UN - Elite Ferret
US - Marshal Murat
EU - Lord Winter
Russia - SwordsMaster
China - DemonArchangel
Nigeria - Sarathos
Iran - makaikhaan
Saudi-Arabia - Caius (successor of AggonyDuck)
Brasil - Ichigo

All unplayable factions – King Kurt
Worldreporter – Warluster

You can start your diplomatic exchange immediately. I will send you your tasks as soon as possible.

Enjoy the game and stay alive.

[seireikhaan]

As a note to the host: wouldn't India make a suitable playable faction as well? They're rising pretty darn fast in their own right, and it would enable another player to get in on the action.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

If so, I'll take India then

[SwordsMaster]

Russia is still waiting for challenges worthy of her attention.

The President announces an increase on the export tariff on all natural resources by 0.5%. This increase will be effective at the expiration of the current contracts with foreign clients.

Also the new President will adhere to the agreements made by his predecessor, and will continue the construction of the Baltic Gas Pipeline into Germany.

Russia is seeking to engage in active negotiation in order to establish closer diplomatic ties with Japan, China, Iran, and leaders of EU and USA in order to discuss current treaties.

[Franconicus]

Let`s see how the game is running, before we add new factions.

Hope you receive the challenges this weekend!

Have a good time!
Franconicus

[seireikhaan]

Let`s see how the game is running, before we add new factions.

Hope you receive the challenges this weekend!

Have a good time!
Franconicus

Aren't you giving us the challlenges?

[DemonArchangel]

Let's get it on!

At this point, China must keep a tight lid on the media, at least until the Olympic Games are over. But, it's not the government that will be doing this. The people are riled up and riding a wave of patriotism, they'll get angry if any pro-Tibet, pro-"human rights" or pro-Darfur protesters show up at THEIR Olympics. The People's Police and People's Armed Police will not restrain angry mobs if they choose to engage in some anti-hippie kicking during the Olympic ceremonies. The Chinese people should be allowed their dignity without being pushed around by old men in suits sitting at CNN or Fox News headquarters. Tibet is China's problem, and isn't an issue of the West. There are people dying ruled by the White Oligarchs

(The above is delivered solely in Chinese and is not translated for the benefit of Western audiences)

But admittedly, China does have many issues. I fully intend on tackling these issues instead of sidestepping them like my predecessor did. Issues like education, the environment and various social issues must be addressed as China makes the transition to a developed economy. I will be convening a meeting of the party in Beijing in order to find solutions to the issues that face us today and will face us in the future.

(This part was translated for the benefit of non-Chinese)

[Franconicus]

Deadline is next Saturday (10th of May!)

[Lord Winter]

The president of the E.U., reconigizes both the threat of global warming and energy dependence and thus is convinced that we must move past the obsolete system of oil into new methods of energy production. Thus I call on all countries to put aside their differencves and establish one unified scienticic community to help the members move past this challenage. Thus I call on the countries of the E.U. to give funding to a permerent commission on energy reform, for our saftey for our future and for our children. I also call on the leading universities of europe to host thinktanks between us ,our American allies and anyother country which wishes to join in this endevour, sometime this next year to share all current information and develop future goals.

President Winter

[Warluster]

The New York Times

Olympics: Years old Tradition or Cover Up?

By Andrew Tier

Olympics, tradition or cover up? Following the peaceful march for independence by the Tibetan people they were violently (Or so it seems.) oppressed and forced to stop by a strong Chinese military force. The world doesn't know what happened there but news has leaked at least 10 are dead.

It hasn't been taken nicely by the people around the world who enjoy freedom of speech, with peaceful protests (Not suppressed by Police forces.) march against it.

With the incoming Olympics it seems politics have finally ruined it. Yesterday the Chinese President, (or Dictator?) announced a statement publicly. Using the Olympics he has requested that the media steer clear of Tibet, as it his problem. Why use decades old sporting competition to announce that media stay clear of Tibet? What have you actually done there? As China demonstrates with their single minded violence, perhaps we are seeing the future of China here? Violent and suppressors?

We at the New York Times would like to state there would be no problem if this wasn't blown up. Shouldn't a country have a free say? China should remember this after centuries of being kicked around by European Colonists and later by Japanese modern samurai's!

And now he draws our attention to other things China 'cares' about such as the environment when there is a bigger problem right under the Presidents nose; the suppresion of a free people.

[DemonArchangel]

An open video message to Mr. Andrew Tier, the New York Times and the Western Media in general from Premier DemonArchangel, posted on YouTube in English:

You'd be surprised at the level of freedoms the Chinese people have Mr. Tier. In case you haven't decided to wake up and smell the ing roses, we are suppressing foreign reporters who enjoy talking about our people without bothering to find out the facts. Maybe instead of ignorance, jingoism and fellating the fat right-wing evangelicals sitting on Wall Street, you can for once try and report the goddamn truth. You owe that much to your readers, don't you?

As of the posting of this message, I am dismantling the Great Firewall of China and dissolving the Minstry of Culture, in order to promote transparency in China. However, you Mr. Tier and your organization (the New York Times) are being brought to trial on charges of libel. I haven't consulted with my legal department yet, but the punitive costs are going to be astronomical for the NYT.

As for any other news organization that gets funny ideas. The penalty for libel or slander injurious to the Chinese nation and people is confinement in a re-education camp until further notice. I expect Mr. Tier to be spending the rest of his short life in a camp in Northern Xinjiang province. I hear he has a heart condition, not good for somebody that will be mining coal for 18 hours a day.

[AggonyDuck]

It is time for Saudi-Arabia to turn a new page in its history. No longer will foreign military be allowed to tread on our holy soil; No longer shall radical islam permeate our society. We will be a sovereign nation, ruled by a king with the Quran as our constitution, not a puppet of either westerners or fanatics.

To achieve this we will through diplomacy ensure the withdrawal of American military personell from Saudi-Arabia and by a program of reforms and policy changes support a moderate interpretation of Islam, while cracking down on the extremists in our society that only do harm to our cause.

King AggonyDuck I of Saudi-Arabia.

[SwordsMaster]

Due to the recent increase in violence and lack of safety on the streets, holders of foreign diplomatic and journalistic visas will be hosted in accomodation selected for them by the government for their own safety, and will be accompanied by plain-clothed security agents during the time they reside in the Russian federation. The Commission for the Safety of Foreign Personnel is created, with a board of 5 members with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FSB, and will be presided upon by the president and report directly to the president.

This will be further addressed during the next session of the Duma.

[Marshal Murat]

Message to the President of Russia.

We are confused as to your move, forcing embassy staff from offices often constructed for the purposes of housing such a staff. We hope that this offensive move will be rectified, or we shall write a strongly worded letter to the United Nations protesting such a move.

[DemonArchangel]

It is time for Saudi-Arabia to turn a new page in its history. No longer will foreign military be allowed to tread on our holy soil; No longer shall radical islam permeate our society. We will be a sovereign nation, ruled by a king with the Quran as our constitution, not a puppet of either westerners or fanatics.

To achieve this we will through diplomacy ensure the withdrawal of American military personell from Saudi-Arabia and by a program of reforms and policy changes support a moderate interpretation of Islam, while cracking down on the extremists in our society that only do harm to our cause.

King AggonyDuck I of Saudi-Arabia.

The People's Republic of China supports your nation's sovereignty and vows to protect you against American Imperialism.

[Marshal Murat]

I was unaware that the People's Republic of China was Moslem, nor that I was going to invade the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or failed to comply with their requests.

[SwordsMaster]

Message to the President of Russia.

We are confused as to your move, forcing embassy staff from offices often constructed for the purposes of housing such a staff. We hope that this offensive move will be rectified, or we shall write a strongly worded letter to the United Nations protesting such a move.

A strongly worded letter is hardly going to disencourage street violence, and strong words are no match for racist gangs with molotov cocktails.

Embassies will not be physically displaced, or their functions affected in any way except for an increased security around the premises, and compulsory identity checks, and also checks for controlled substances and weapons.

Personnel that due to their position can be targets for violent groups will be escorted and protected. Russia values its diplomatic ties, and does not wish to see them severed. However, for as long as violence persists, security must be upheld.

Russia will host an economic conference: Energy for a Milennium, in the city of Odessa, from August 23rd to August 30th this year. This conference will be hosted by the president, and the leaders of these countries are invited to participate: China, USA, Germany, France, UK, Iran, Kazakhstan, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, India, Mexico, Finland and Japan.

The president and the Duma will await confirmations from these nations in order to prepare a more detailed plan for the negotiations.

[DemonArchangel]

I was unaware that the People's Republic of China was Moslem, nor that I was going to invade the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or failed to comply with their requests.

I was not aware that it mattered. Whatever the Saudis do is their business, and more importantly, it's none of yours. I'm just warning you.

[Marshal Murat]

I was confused by your wording, but I thank you for the clarification. I will also be more than happy to attend this 'Millennium' Meeting.

[seireikhaan]

Message From Ayatollah Makaikhaan:

First and foremost, I gladly accept the invitation to the summit in Odessa on behalf of the Iranian people. I hope that meaningful progress can be made.


Second of all, I hereby issue a proclamation to all that the nation of Iran has full intention to harness nuclear power for domestic energy.

Third, I warn the Americans stationed in neighboring territories to stay on their own soil, and that interference in the affairs of Iranians will not be permitted. Iran is a sovereign nation, with our own rules and affairs. Disregarding our independence will not be treated lightly. Further, we applaud the new Saudi Monarch on his new stance of independence, and refusing to be puppets of foreign rulers, being faithful to the Quran and the Quran only.

[Warluster]

The Times

False or Full?

By Frederick Sunderland

A new day has proposed many things for many countries. Recently the King of Saudi Arabia emerged from his bomb shelter, or so it seems, to announce it will no longer allow any foreign troops on its soil.

This comment was most likely aimed at the US, though not directly, but the Chinese leader underlined this quite clearly with his statement

The People's Republic of China supports your nation's sovereignty and vows to protect you against American Imperialism.

This damaged comment was not received well in the US, as shown by the US Presidents reply, and he cemented that America has no interest in Arabian politics.

Ever eager to prove he is happy with China, the US President released this to The Times today:

China is acting as they act, and I cannot nor will I attempt to divine any activity on their part.

Though he did quickly add, in somewhat response to scandolous Mr. Tier's New York Press article:

I believe that freedom of speech is required in a fully-functioning democratic society.

This conflict over Arabian oil and the Kingdom is proving that China and America both, obviously, have interests regarding the Middle East. But will this escalate to the war of our time?

Our Foreign Affairs Reporter thinks so, stating stoutly that it is most likely either this will cause a war, or a issue in Tibet. Can the world afford a new war? It seems President Murat wants none, as proven by a comment to The TImes:

My view of the Tibet issue is that the nation of China has full claim to the region of Tibet. It is not my business to decide whether someone should be free, only their choice.

And we have yet to hear the view of Europe? Will they stand by the US if such a war breaks out, or perhaps aid China, fi they deem it fair? And through all this; does the King of Saudi Arabia, really want a war?

[AggonyDuck]

To clarify; I do not accuse the Americans of imperialism. Their support has been welcome, but currently I see no reason for American military bases in Saudi-Arabia when Iraq offers more than enough of bases for them in the Middle East. Additionally the Cold War is over and there is no Soviet juggernaut threatening the Middle East. Hence I feel that it is time to take away the main cause of extremists in my country, thus undermining their power and influence and allowing me to shift influence to the less radical members of society.

As to China, we thank you for your support, but as there is absolutely no threat from American imperialism against us, it is in the end unnecessary.

[Ferret]

the UN hopes to solve any World Conflict through peaceful means, war should be a last resort.

[DemonArchangel]

My apologies for appearing to overreact. The new US President appears to be somewhat more moderate than his bombastic predecessor and his cabinet, and I was reacting to that kind of individual. I just assumed that as a Republican, the new US President was merely just another Dick Cheney guided puppet.

-Premier DemonArchangel

[SwordsMaster]

Russia proposes to expand the membership of the G8 to include China, as we believe it has become important enough in the world scene as to merit inclusion.

[Marshal Murat]

The United States would also recommend that the G8 accept Brazil, India, South Africa, and Spain as well, expanding the group, and be retitled G13 to reflect the increased participation.

[seireikhaan]

Iran fails to see how Spain and South Africa deserve membership into the G8. If Spain and South Africa attain membership, Iran demands inclusion as well.

[Warluster]

Auto Vitrina
The environment?

By Ivan Petrov

So; is some countries in this world, really, actually worried about our planet?

It seems not with the way several important countries have used their political and economical powers to side step and disadvantage other countries. With the incoming G8 (Or G13 depending on the source.) already it is dominated by superpower US. Using their political powers they have, forgotten, Iran.

Or have they?

Iran themself, after China and the US made tempoary peace with words, has launched a verbal offensive against the US. A delcaration, similar and more dangerous then the false one President DemonArchangel made, seemed to push Iran into the Anti - US group.

So is Iran getting to powerhungry? They prove evidence increasingly that the rich oil fields of Saudi Arabia are a good prize, and now their bringing politiics into a convention about, and complaining that their not going to be attending, when they are as drafted by Russian President Swordsmaster:

Russia will host an economic conference: Energy for a Milennium, in the city of Odessa, from August 23rd to August 30th this year. This conference will be hosted by the president, and the leaders of these countries are invited to participate: China, USA, Germany, France, UK, Iran, Kazakhstan, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, India, Mexico, Finland and Japan.

Auto Vitrina, and I, wonder if any more of these 'mistakes' just might ruin our world rather then Global Warming. So it comes to the original question; do some countries, really care about our planrt? I'll leave that question to you.

[Marshal Murat]

While the President of Iran may wish inclusion in the G13, the United States sees no reason to include the nation of Iran. The extremist, dangerous, violent rhetoric often heard from the Iranian nation, while not reflecting Iranian feelings, does cast some doubts as to why you should be included. Spain and South Africa, despite having a mixed past, have both risen from fascism or apartheid policies to become leaders in this world. They have shown their willingness to co-operate with other nations, provide assistance, and initiate reforms that show their dedication to providing for humanity. This contrasts to other countries who would seek to expand their nuclear power program or inciting violence against fellow countries. That is why the United States believes that these two countries should be given membership in the group of 8 (maybe 13).

[SwordsMaster]

The United States would also recommend that the G8 accept Brazil, India, South Africa, and Spain as well, expanding the group, and be retitled G13 to reflect the increased participation.

Russia opposes the inclusion of these members. Brazil has taken steps to improve its economic situation, but with the large HIV prevalence, and proportion of population living below the poverty line, I do not think her access to the G8 is warranted. The same goes for India and South Africa. Spain has a strong economy, but without EU support it would crumble, and it thereofre lacks the robustness necessary to belong to the G8.