Greater Middle EastBoard

FINNISH NEWS NETWORK
Report of the Day:

The Greater Finnish Federation goes back on its isolationist policy.

Ever since 2008, the Finnish Government has tried to be as neutral and isolationist as possible, in order to combat foreign economic dependence. Today, the Foreign Ministry has given a press statement regarding a change from the status quo:

“For too long have we limited ourselves as a nation, and as an economy, by failing to pursue international relations. In 2008, it was very much necessary for the Federation to develop its economy in a way that would allow for independence in every manner. However, since then, we have reached the limit of what isolationist policy can do to benefit us. It is well past time that we open ourselves to the world market more than the bare minimum of which we have allowed. Regarding diplomacy, we must also make moves to ensure lasting peace, both in the region and the world.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has also been assigning diplomats potential positions in embassies across the world, in the first step of his plan to “connect Finland to the world in which it exists.” He calls for any nation who wishes to establish diplomatic ties with Finland to express their interest to his Ministry so that it may be arranged.

FNN Turku

Education Reforms
_{East Timor, Jackson, and New Zealand to experience educational reforms}
^{September 8th}

East Timor Territory and Jackson will begin their own educational curriculum next year, says federal education minister Dan Tehan.

Since ETT's inauguration into the Federation, the territory has taught the South Australian curriculum for years 11 and 12. SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) is a certificate and education system that provides for years 11 and 12. The SACE is also taught in Kingsland, where it's named the Kingsland Certificate of Education and Training (KLCET), but remains identical in curriculum. In East Timor Territory, it is referred to as the ETTCET (East Timor Territory Certificate of Education and Training).

Starting next year, the ETTCET will be replaced by the ETCHE, or East Timor Certificate of Higher Education. It will put a greater empathizes on Australian values and East Timor's identity as a territory and as part of the Federation. This has been criticized by FRETILIN (Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor) party leader Francisco "Lu Olo" Guterres as 'indoctrinating children into a false sense of security and a love for a country that doesn't care about us.'

Jackson has used the Queensland curriculum (QCE) for years 11 and 12 since the 1990s, and has maintained the name of it as well. Due to recent reforms within the QCE system (which previously didn't use the ATAR score system like the rest of the country), it has been decided that Jackson's own education system would be independent from Queensland. Jackson will be adapting the new JCE (Jackson Certificate of Education) next year, which is heavily based off a combination of the QCE and VCE (Queensland and Victorian) models.

New Zealand will be adapting the ATAR system next year. It is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 which shows student’s relative position compared to all other students in the age group of 16 to 20 years and not just for the specific cohort or year of passing, an ATAR of 80.00 denotes that a student belongs to the top 20 percent of students within their current age group of 16 to 20 years. ATAR is calculated at state level, and NSW and ACT ATARs are considered equivalent to ATARs in all other states. If all students complete schooling then the average ATAR would be 50.00, but since some students quit studying early the average ATAR is 70.00.

New Zealand currently uses the NZCE (New Zealand Certificate of Education), which closely resembles Britain's GSCE. It goes over 3 years and gives scores as an overall percentage of a score instead of student achievement percentile. New Zealand will also change the names of it's year levels to coincide with the rest of Australia. The new system, the NZHSC (New Zealand High School Certificate) will last over two years, and will adapt the ATAR. New Zealand's year 1 will be renamed to prep, same as Victoria. Year 2 will become year 1, year 3 year 2, and so on. This means that New Zealanders will finish school in year 12, not year 13, like the rest of the nation.

Egyptian State Address by President el-Sisi

Hello and welcome to this important yet grand event in the Parliament. I would first like to thank Parliament for inviting me to host my speech here so that I can reach across all of Egypt and deliver my message. Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, elders and the youth, Egypt is an unpredictable nation. Our tides are always turning and our neighbors are always weary of our next moves. But, we are also diligent, hard-working, and honest. We are not like those who ruled before us. We are not corrupt. Our country is secularized, imposing some of the fairest laws in north Africa and protecting the civil liberties of all citizens. We are Egyptians. We are not Arabs.

Parliament erupts into cheering and applause.

This should be known to our allies and to our adversaries; we are not Arabs. Our identity lies with our ancestors, the true Egyptians, not Arabs. Hence, why, we will not meddle with our Arab neighbors and intervene in conflicts that do not concern Egpyt and its Egyptians. What is going on in Sahuria? Huh? Can somebody tell me the reason we would intervene? What about in Yemen? Is there any reason for us to be concerned about issues that lie outside of our foreign policies? I think not. Look at what is going on in Sahuria, it is a mess. What do you think would happen if we were to intervene and help? Do you think it would make the situation any better? For them? For us? It should be the people of Egypt that concern us first!

Parliament erupts into cheers and applause again.

Our concerns should be localized, regional, focusing on rebuilding and developing our nation for future generations. It should not be our issues to be concerned with the Arab world, because we are not Arab. Our only issues lie with our neighbor, who is illegally occupying Egyptians land!

Screems and cheers are echoed throughout the building and they last for at least a minute.

The Zionist state of Union of Israel remains Egypt's biggest geopolitical enemy to this day. For fifty years, we have engaged in a tense standoff, both diplomatically and militarily. This must end, for the better. Israel should realize that occupying Egpytian land is not tolerated by the state and requires serious repercussions. Not only that, but the cooperative efforts have fallen short despite Egyptian persuasion. Do you see who is the enemy here? It is not us, we ask for a simple request. It is them. Since 1971, our Sinai Border Forces have been millimeters away from starting yet another war with Israel do to increasing Israeli tensions in the region. The state of Israel's aggressions is a by-product of its allies, persuading them to grasp their borders tighter and rule with an Iron fist. This is unacceptable and is not progressive in maintaining the status quo of the region. The fact of the matter is that Israel's actions do not just affect us, but the whole of the Middle-East, North Africa, and the West. They are harborers of evil, who do not wish to solve their issues diplomatically and resort to military actions. What else should Egypt do? Sit back and watch as Israel destroys what it conquers? No! We push back against its evil regime and liberate our lands!

My people, the state of Israel should be scared. They should be scared because we are getting stronger as the days go by. We are acquiring new weapons and exceeding in our technological prowess, intimidating our enemies. I just completed a ninety-four million pound deal with Central hindustan in agreement for ten, Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles. This deal not only strengthens our ties with the Indians, but it also strengthens the S.B.F., so that it shows Israel that Sinai is not a playground for their government. Those missiles are not decors for our soldiers.

However, ladies and gentlemen, there lies another threat in the region. Something which is not Arab nor Israeli. The Afsharid Persia remains another threat to the stability of the Middle-East and North Africa. They rule with an iron fist and propagate lies to generate millions of Rials in their effort to undermine the status quo of the Middle-east and North Africa. I have made my stance clear. We want to distance ourselves from the Arab problem so that we may focus on the Egyptian question. However, how can we possibly attempt to distance ourselves when there are countries such as Persia who seek to pull us back? This is why they remain a threat to our foreign policies and to the foreign policies of our neighbors.

Egyptians, do not worry. Under my administration, you will see Egypt reach great height to the likes of which you have never seen before. Trust our process, it is for your own safety and well-being. Thank you and goodnight!

As el-Sisi left parliament, he shook hands and hit high-fives. The entire building was engulfed in a roar of cheering and clapping, likely audible from the outside.

September 9th, 2020
_{Palais de l'Élysée}

CHARACTERS

_{• Emmanuel Macron , President of The French Republic}

_{• Marie Lavigne , Interviewer}

【 Macron's Interview With France 24 】

 President Emmanuel Macron sits down with France 24 journalist and interviewer Marie Lavigne. This anticipated interview is to cover highly talked about issues such as his potential reelection campaign, the Sahurian conflict, and a changing political climate throughout France and how can La République En Marche adapt to the green wave throughout southern France. Macron and Lavigne meet in The Salon des Portraits (Portrait Room. This room was used by the Emperor Napoleon III for portrait medallions of the most important sovereigns of the time, replacing earlier portraits of the Bonaparte family installed by Joachim Murat. The portraits are of: Pope Pius IX, Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria-Hungary, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, King Frederick William IV of Prussia, Queen Isabel II of Spain and King William I of Württemberg. Previously a dining room, President Nicolas Sarkozy used the room as his second office. Practicing social distancing, both Macron and Lavigne sit 6 feet from each other. 

_{| Lagive |} Bonsoir monsieur. Emmanuel Macron. I want to thank you for having the time to meet today, and allowing us to have this rare interview here in The Salon des Portraits. |

_{| As both nod their heads, since they cannot shake their hands |}

_{| Macron |} t’s my pleasure to have you here. |

_{| Lavigne |} I first want to speak about your re-election bid as president of the republic. As you know Marine Le Pen, Président de Rassemblement National has announced her bid once again for President. Her platform has always been isolation for France in terms of pulling out of both NATO and the EU, while also getting rid of the Euro and replacing it with the original currency the Franc. She has recently condemned your recent military intervention in Sahuria, calling the Middle East conflict a waste of time as it serves no purpose for France or anyone to get involved in endless wars in the region. I know I said a lot, but what is your response to her statements? |

_{| Macron |} : Well she represents a France a majority of people do not want, a regression of France on the world stage, the fall of the French economy in order to achieve this nationalist ideal which quite frankly will never happen so long as I’m president. I say this because her ideals contribute nothing more than baseless rhetoric to fuel her far right constituents. Let’s label them for what they are, fanatic behaviour. As for Sahuria, our mission has been clear since day 1 which is to assist the Lebanese people in their fight against a government that they believe have neglected their needs as I point to the Beirut explosion where we saw little to no governmental response from Damascus. France remains committed to the Lebanese resistance as long as i'm president. |

_{| Lavigne |} She is currently the only other candidate in the race thus far. We can expect a socialist challenger and a republican challenger very soon, which these two are the if not mainstreamed parties in the country. These two parties despite scandal after scandal are still prevalent in both houses of parliament and in local constituencies. Do you still think you have the enthusiasm back in 2017? |

_{| Macron |} You say this as I’ve made a decision on whether I’ll run for re election. |

_{| Macron scoffs |}

_{| Lavigne |} Well I’m sure it’s crossed your mind? |

_{| Macron: |} Well it has, but I am not ready to make a public announcement whether I’d officially run. I believe it’s still early and I still have work to do in my current tenure in office. |

_{| Lavigne: |}Speaking of your last 2 years. Recently you have appointed a new prime minister, Nathan Cailloux a member of your party. Will we see more government positions be changed as we enter the new year and what was the reason for this change? |

_{| Macron: |}Well Mr. Phillipe and I had a tremendous working relationship from the beginning of my term up until the end. Talks of finding a new prime minister was a joint conversation for us, and we came to the conclusion that he ought to step down from his position, willingly, and that he will continue his political career as mayor of his home town. As for any more changes, shaking up my administration seems to be in order for me, this is mostly due in part because we want to show the people of France that we can adapt as a party. |

_{| Lavigne: |} Speaking of adaptability, I wish to transition to the ongoing conflict in Sahuria. As of almost 3 weeks ago you have ordered an official intervention into the Sahurian conflict in response to the tensions between Lebanon and the Sahurian ruling government. The European Parliament has voted in favour of your intervention pledging diplomatic support, and also 65% of the country supports the move. However you have been met with a lot of international backlash, but mores specifically and primarily the Turkish foreign representatives. Which have labeled France’s intervention into Lebanese independence as “imperialistic”. You have remained quiet on these attacks by Turkey, would you care to respond to these statements? |

_{| Macron gives a chuckle before answering the question |}

_{| Macron: |}I was wondering when you were going to ask me this. Well.. Quite frankly, I don’t. All I hear from them is noise, and I dismiss them as cruel chatter and fabrications. I close my eyes when they decide to speak on France’s operations in regards to Lebanon, because I am not interested in having a war of words over discontentment. They tried and failed to rally the Arab states against us, and just until recently they just recognised the Free Sahurian Army as the legitimate government, while un-recognising the government in Damascus. Watching their state media and their government try to slander France is a disservice to the very Arabs they wish to rally against us. If that were the case they should be for Lebanese resistance as much as we are, but they aren’t supporting them, instead they advocate for us to be kicked out. It’s hearsay.” |

_{| Lavigne: |} Well to be fair Mr. Macron Iraq’s President has come out and denounced the so-called “European Imperialism” by raising oil prices to nearly 400 hundred dollars a barrel for the European Union. In quote from its local newspaper it reads “The price of oil barrels to Europe will be increased by ten times in collective retaliation for French intervention in Sahuria.” The European Union has come out to denounce this, and also already dumped Iraq as a supplier citing other partners to do business with. |

_{| Macron: |} Well yes, but Europe doesn’t rely heavily on Iraqi oil imports, i’m sure if we did we wouldn’t be making steps to completely dump our investments as you stated. I don’t see losing investments to the largest economic bloc in the world as a show of strength. |

_{| Lavigne: |}Well also you say that, but Germany recently came out and said they won’t support any intervention in Sahuria, a very close ally to France, and the USA has remained mute since this began. Without much international backing, can you see this mission to liberate Lebanon from Sahuria in positive standing? |

_{| Macron: |}Of course. France is capable of conducting its own foreign policy agendas, let's be clear. Although I can respect our allies' decisions not to intervene, lets of course not diminish the influence of the European Union for which they have had our back diplomatically since the beginning. Also let’s be also clear that the Turkish Government doesn’t even acknowledge the government that we are helping the Lebanese liberate themselves from, their rebuttal by pushing the European “imperialism” narrative is baseless. |

_{| Lavigne: |}Well the Lebanese people are resilient in their fight against the Sahurian government, with French intervention they have managed to advance from Tyre to neighbouring cities in their conquest for a free state. However with Isis still prevalent in the region, and possible Turkish infringement on Lebanese resistance, are you concerned that things will get more complicated as they acquire more territorial advances? |

_{| Macron: |}It is very possible, and French military command and the Lebanese resistance on the ground must remain vigilant. The resistance to secure independence is paramount in this ongoing operation, as we aren’t here to fight any other faction, but to supply our resources to help the Lebanese people. However I say will support their cause by any means for the casus belli is legitimate. |

_{| Lavigne: |}So fighting ISIS as well if it comes down to it? |

_{| Macron: |}Of course. |

_{| Lavigne: |}Mr. President it's been an honour. |

_{| Macron: |}Why thank you for these questions. |

_{| Lavigne: |}It was my pleasure Mr. President. |

_{| Both were seen nodding in approval before the cameras faded out. |}

CNN - The Most Trusted Name in News
United Provinces to intervene in Sahuristan
September 9th, 2020

Washington D.C. - Just moments ago, President Robert Bowman announced the United Provinces would be intervening in the Sahuristan Civil War, joining the fight against Daesh and backing the Free Sahuri Authority as the legitimate government of the State. Representatives from the White House, notably Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany have stated the decision for the United Provinces to take action in Sahuristan has come after much consideration on the part of the President, his advisers, and allies.

Rumors from sources inside the West Wing have stated the President had numerous daily phone calls with President Meral Akşener of Turkey over the past several weeks.

During the press conference announcing the American intervention, President Bowman said 'It's time for the cancer that is daesh to be eradicated and removed from the region permanently. Today, I make a commitment to the American people, and to the people of the world that I will not rest until the threat that is daesh has been neutralized and the Free Sahuri Authority, the legitimate government of Sahuristan, have secured the region and their people."

President Bowman, told the press towards the end of the press conference that American involvement would be largely Air Support to the Turkish and Free Sahuri Forces on the ground. American F-16 Fighters and F-35 Fighters Based at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan would be mobilized and begin conducting strikes against daesh targets in the region. A number of Military Medical Personnel will also be deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and parts of the base will operate as a Hospital and Recovery centre for American aligned forces on the ground.

When asked by a reporter from CNN if he had received approval from congress or would seek approval from congress for the use of military force in Sahuristan, the President simply replied "Authorization for Use of Military Force 2001, issued on September 18th, 2001 is what were are presently operating under. No further question, have a good day everyone."

President Bowman publicly condemns North Korea

Washington D.C. - Earlier today, following the North Korean testing of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile President Bowman publicly and vocally condemned the North Korean regime, and proclaimed them a threat to regional security and stability. Although the part of today's condemnation that caught the worlds attention was the Presidents twitter, where he 'reminded' Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un American could eradicate the Kim regime if it was required.

This statement caught the attention of supporters and opponents of the President alike, and even attracted the attention of Beijing. Supporters of President Bowman were quick to praise the President for his strong and committed position against the North Korean regime, while his detractors called the comments harsh, unnecessary, and inflammatory.

The government in Beijing was quick to respond to Presidents comments, stating the Presidents comments "did more to inflame tensions than solve them."

But the fiery twitter responses from the administration did not end there, following the release of the statement by the Chinese government, Vice President Carly Fiorina came to the defense of the President, stating the government in Beijing is only committed to Korean Peace and Unification so long as its under " a totalitarian, evil, communist, concentration camp operating regime that does as Beijing commands."

When asked for comment at a press conference later in the day, President Bowman stated he stood by his comments, further calling the government in Beijing "A godless communist regime, that cares little for the suffering of its own people, and seeks only to further its own wealth and power."

Bowman further stated during the press conference he would be working closely with UN Ambassador Niki Haley and the American UN delegation to draft a Security Council resolution against North Korea, aimed at decreasing international aid provided to the hermit kingdom.

Air Pacific
_{Keeping Australia Connected}
^{September 10th}

Richard Harold Smith is an Australian entrepreneur, record-breaking aviator, philanthropist and political activist. Best known for his consumer electronic store Dick Smith Electronics, which has become solely online since 2016, Dick Smith (as he is better known) holds many aviation records, like first solo trans-Atlantic flight by helicopter (1982), first solo circumnavigation by helicopter (1983), first helicopter to the North Pole (1987), first circumnavigation landing at both poles (1989), first non-stop balloon crossing of the Australian continent (1993), first east-west circumnavigation by helicopter (1995), and first Trans-Tasman balloon flight (2000).

It would only make sense, then, that Smith would open up an airline and commercialise his passion. Air Pacific aims to connect Australia's Pacific Airlines with each other, the mainland, and the world. Air Pacific will serve 59 domestic airports, and 15 international airports. The airline will consist of 65 aircraft, mostly built by ATR and Bombardier. Air Pacific will also use a modified Sikorsky S-76 to fly in and out of Tokelau, which doesn’t have an airport. The flight will not be direct, with the helicopter having to stop in Samoa to refuel. Smith admitted it ‘sounds a bit silly’ but hopes that the flights ‘will catch on’ and encourage an airport in the small island territory.

Domestic Destinations:

MAINLAND AND TASMANIA

Cairns Airport, Cairns
Townsville Airport, Townsville
Rockhampton Airport, Rockhampton
Archerfield Airport, Brisbane
Brisbane International Airport, Brisbane
Coolangatta Airport, Gold Coast
Coffs Harbour Airport, Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie Airport, Port Macquarie
Newcastle Airport, Newcastle
Bankstown Airport, Sydney
Sydney International (Mascot) Airport, Sydney
Nganbra Plains Airport, Nganbra Plains
John Quick International Airport, Albury
Melbourne International (Tullamarine) Airport, Melbourne
Avalon Airport, Geelong
Bendigo Airport, Bendigo
Mildura Airport, Mildura
Devonport Airport, Devonport
Flinders Island Airport, Flinders Island
Hobart International Airport, Hobart

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Airport, Auckland
Wellington International Airport, Wellington
Christchurch International Airport, Christchurch
Queenstown International Airport, Queenstown
Dunedin International Airport, Dunedin
Nelson Airport, Nelson
Hamilton Airport, Hamilton
Palmerston North Airport, Palmerston North
Invercargill Airport, Invercargill

JACKSON

Jacksons International Airport, Port Jackson City
Boram Airport, Parkes
Vasey Airport, Vasey
Nadzab Airport, Port MacArthur
Tokua Airport, Mackay
Mt. Hagan Herrington Airport, Herrington
Honiara International Airport, Lungga

FIJI

Nadi International Airport, Nadi
Nausori International Airport, Suva
Matei Airport, Matei
Rotumba Airport, Rotumba
Labasa Airport, Labasa
Savusavu Airport, Savusavu

OTHER

Norfolk Island Airport, Burnt Pine (Norfolk Island)
Rarotonga International Airport, Avarua (Cook Islands)
Nauru International Airport, Yaren (Nauru)
Hanan Niue International Airport, Huihui (Niue)
Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Dili (East Timor Territory)
Atafu Heliport, Atafu (Tokelau) - through Niue via Samoa only

International

PACIFIC

Chuuk International Airport, Chuuk (Micronesia)
Kosrae International Airport, Kosrae (Micronesia)
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, Airai (Palau)
Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, Tamuning (Guam)
Amata Kabua International Airport, Majuru (Marshall Islands)
La Tontouta International Airport, Noumea (New Caledonia)
Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila (Vanuatu)
Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tongatapu (Tonga)
Faleolo International Airport, Apia (Samoa)
Funafuti International Airport, Funafuti (Tuvalu)
Bonriki International Airport, Tawara (Kiribati)
Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, Saipan (Northern Marina Islands)

AMERICAS

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu (United States)
Hilo International Airport, Hilo (United States)
San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco (United States) - through Honolulu only
Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles (United States) - through Honolulu only
San Diego International Airport, San Diego (United States) - through Honolulu only

ASIA

Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (Indonesia)
Changi Airport, Singapore (Singapore)

Potsdam

This is a private recorded conversation between Chancellor Angela Merkel [ CAM ], Inspector General Eberhard Zorn [ IGZ ] and Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer [ MDK ] in Cecilienhof Palace. Time of recording start [14:08]

[ IGZ ] "How was lunch Chancellor?" Asked Inspector General Zorn.
[ CAM ] "Yes very good thank you, I did not get to finish breakfast so I was a bit hungry still."
[ IGZ ] "Ah yes, better now though?"
[ CAM ] "Yes much better now." She laughs.
[ MDK ] "Very good chancellor" Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (AKK) added
[ MDK ] "Shall we start then?" She continued.
[ CAM ] "Yes, let us." The Chancellor then responded

AKK handed the two a folder each containing about a dozen pages.

[ MDK ] "So the first once chancellor is about our proposal for the usage of several military facilities in Yugoslavia so we can extend our defensive perimeters around the Balkan and the Middle East. What we've done is spoken with the Yugoslavians and have requested the cooperative management of around four facilities in the country nearing the border with Turkey and the Black Sea. What they have offered instead is our use of Camp Bondsteel, a current American facility - essentially asking us to share. Then in our naval base, they have offered a port in the city of Split, I believe ..." AKK checks her briefings "Yes in Split, the port of Lora. Belgrade has offered that. All we need to do is accept the offer and everything will be officiated."

[ CAM ] "One aerial facility near the black sea will be sufficient enough to contain Russian advancement?" the Chancellor asked, looking at the General, queuing him to speak on his expertise.
[ IGZ ] "No Chancellor, it will be unlikely to do anything other than to send a message. But we have assured our Yugoslavian partners that our existing presence in the region will be more than enough to ensure Russian advancement are never serious."
[ CAM ] "Very good, but the concerns are there."
[ IGZ ] "Yes of course, but technological superiority is what we are relying on the most when it comes to dealing with Russian forces. We are also not intending on fighting a war or even provoking them."
[ CAM ] "Yes, yes, of course not. I am just saying that would this be enough to have them back up?"
[ IGZ ] "Well unlikely, they will still play up in the region. But the Turks have been manoeuvring very harshly against anyone that tries to cross the Bosphorus. Which essentially just blocks the Russians in the Black Sea."
[ CAM ] "Should we fear retaliation?"
[ IGZ ] "No Chancellor, worst case scenario would be the Russian navy facing off combined NATO forces in the Bosphorus. We do have concerns as the Russian navy is very formidable, but many of their vessels are of large signatures and would be like shooting fish in a barrel within the Baltic sea, using our u-boats. We would be able to keep them at bay if it came to some large scale conflict in Baltic. In the Mediterranean we would expect the conflict to spill out into the Aegean."
[ CAM ] "The Turks would not stop them?"
[ IGZ ] "They would attempt to do so, with relative success. But you cannot expect to bottlenose conflict in such a small area without a break through."
[ CAM ] "Would this not occur in the Baltic also?"
[ IGZ ] "Fortunately, Russia would be much more dispersed in the Baltic, allowing us more leeway. We also expect a greater level of technological superiority towards the Russian navy. Our submarines would be virtually impossible to find amidst a large Russian naval invasion. What we fear though is an arial attack into Poland and a land invasion. But most likely scenario is we expect Russia to be posturing up and then in the Black Sea we'll see Turkey and Russia eyeing each other with drills and all of that. In the Baltic, Russia will do the same, but nothing of concern. All just to show off."
[ CAM ] "Very well. Right now, we do not want to posture up too much." She turns to AKK "Annagret we'll keep the numbers of stationed personnel in Yugoslavia limited."
[ MDK ] "Yes Chancellor, will do. Do we want to press on?"
[ CAM ] "Yes, let's go on with our discussions with the Central Americans."
[ MDK ] "How was that Chancellor?"
[ CAM ] "It was very well, the talks were good yes. We successfully closed the deal on two u-boats, and I believe that the military is a field we can really get going with the Central Americans."
[ MDK ] "Absolutely, we will look in more detail as to how we can initiate defense cooperation with Central America. But currently, as I am aware, they are undergoing a modernisation of their armed forces. So we do have the avenue of a being an arms provider, very lucrative as the Central Americans are some of the most influential in the region, just under Brazil and Mexico. Would be a very good partner in the region."
[ CAM ] "Yes, we'll start looking into that better, for now we're going to focus more on economic and cultural relations."
[ MDK ] "Wonderful Chancellor. Now, we have received requests from the EU in participating in the bombings of ISIS targets in Sahuria, what is the position we want to take Chancellor?"
[ CAM ] "No we are not going to be participating, but what do you both think?"
[ MDK ] "We have other intentions in the region ma'am, that perhaps would best be given priority."
[ IGZ ] "I often would push forward for German involvement in armed campaigns as to better our standing amongst our allies, but we do want to pursue our intentions in the region first. The Lebanon issue that Belgrade has taken a position on, will likely just jeopardise future endeavours."
[ MDK ] "Yes and just to add to that. The Turks have greatly made their concerns heard in regards to this matter, Ankara is still an important partner in the region. It is better to have them working with us rather than against us."
[ CAM ] "Yes, agreed."

Koala Debacle
_{A 100-year coalition in as much danger as Australia's beloved koalas}
^{September 12th}

In 1923, the National Country Party and the Australian Republican Party merged to form the National Republican Party. While the Republicans focus on urban areas and the Nationals on rural areas, the two parties have been widely regarded as a single party to compete against Australia's largest and most established party, the Democratic Socialist Party. It is important to mention that, while the parties seem to have merged, the NRP is not a merger, but instead an incredibly close alliance.

But 100 years of history may be thrown out the window if the New South Wales Nationals and Republicans can't agree on one small issue. Koalas.

After the devastating bushfires that burnt through 46 million acres of the country last summer, as well as increases in deforestation and the spread of Chlamydia within the koala community, the number of Australia's favourite marsupials has dwindled to so somewhere between 43 to 100 000. The population has been hit so hard that they are expected to be extinct in NSW by 2050 if something isn't done. Koalas have taken such a huge blow that many suspected that they were 'functionally extinct' during this year's bushfires. Thankfully, however, this was found to be a claim exaggerated by Climate Change Activists and the Australian Greens.

Premier and Republican Party leader Gladys Berejiklian has been pressing for legislation to stop farmers from clearing habitat for koalas back in March, although tensions are now reaching boiling point. As the ABC put, "Among other things, the laws increase the number of tree species which trigger a planning policy requiring the seeking of exemptions to show it is not koala habitat — and that development will not adversely affect koala habitat — before it will be approved. To be clear, the laws are really only seen to be a problem if you are planning significant clearing which, for example, would see rural land transformed into new subdivisions on the outskirts of cities and towns — which of course is exactly where a lot of the loss of habitat is occurring."

While the Republicans want to make sure that our koalas stay alive past the next thirty years, the Nationals believe that this will strongly limit what farmers are allowed to do with their own land. However, tensions between John Barilaro's NSW branch of the National Party and his political counterparts have become inflamed this week.

Federal National Party leader ‎Michael McCormack has sided with the Federal and State Republican Party. This week, he claimed that there 'must be a compromise,' or he will 'not endorse' his NSW branch. National leaders in other state and territory jurisdictions, as well as many federal and even NSW members calling for the National Party to 'drop the act' and 'protect Australia's natural beauty.' Many farmers, such as those in the Eastern Riverina area of the nation, have claimed that koalas and farmers can 'easily coexist' and that many 'actually side with the Republicans' on this issue.

While McCormack wants the legislation passed or at least or the two parties to find a compromise, Barilaro has threatened to 'tear the party apart' over the issue, with many colleagues agreeing. "We are not the Republicans," Barilaro claimed, "We are the Nationals. This is our turf, so we play by our rules." Despite this, McCormack has stated that the coalition will survive 'regardless of what happens.' The worst case scenario, according to the Vice President, is a 'split within the Nationals,' but has reiterated that 'the National Republican Coalition will survive this ordeal.'