The Atlasia Dispatch-Herald

[Purple State]

Foreign News

Negotiators Expelled From Venezuela As War Resumes
Colombian and Atlasian negotiators have been forcefully removed from Venezuela, just as SoEA HappyWarrior arrived in Bogota, Colombia with a delegation of European envoys for what was hoped to be a final push for peace.

With the total deterioration of the unsteady situation in Venezuela, fighting has resumed between Colombian forces and ad hoc Venezuelan guerilla forces. Despite the conventional nature of the fighting during the early stages of the war, the subsequent Colombian occupation and reported abuses has resulted in the rise of a less centralized and more ambiguous enemy. Colombia has already ordered house-to-house searches for known threats in the Western provinces where the bulk of its forces are stationed.

Meanwhile, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has forbidden all diplomatic and humanitarian missions into Venezuela while fighting continues. This has resulted in an uproar from the human rights community, which believe that Colombia has already committed a number of abuses and predict that, without outside supervision, it is more likely that atrocities will occur.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     885  +9 (1.03%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.89546 U.S. (-0.01302)
• Crude Oil = $98.70/barrel +2.16 (2.24%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as investors expressed their confidence that President Lief would continue current policies that have helped stabilize the economy. The boost was also a result of progress made by the regions on GM recommendations to stabilize their economies.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as oil prices rose at a higher rate than any time in the past month.

Oil prices shot up as renewed violence in South America reached new heights with the forced expulsion of negotiators from Venezuela and the revitalization of the war.

[Purple State]

Foreign News

BBC: Yemenis intercept 'Iranian ship'
A boat carrying Iranian weapons destined for Yemeni rebels has been intercepted in the Red Sea, local Yemeni officials have said.

The Iranian crew and a cargo of mostly anti-tank shells were seized near Midi an official told the AFP news agency.

Iranian state television quoted "informed sources" denying the story.

The Yemeni central government has not commented but officials have long accused the rebels of receiving Iranian support, a claim Tehran denies.

Iranian state broadcaster al-Alam TV called the incident a "fabrication of the media".

Last week Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh alleged that captured rebels had confessed their funding came from Iranian dignitaries.

But he said he did not accuse the Iranian regime itself.

The AFP new agency quoted a local Yemeni official saying that from preliminary enquiries, five of the Iranians captured on Monday were "instructors" who had planned to deliver weapons and then evacuate wounded Iranians.

The rebels, known as Houthis, say they want greater autonomy and a public role for their version of Shia Islam. They complain their community is discriminated against.

They accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting Sanaa and last week said they had clashed with Saudi forces along the border between the two countries.

Yemeni officials accuse Houthis, who are the majority in the north of Yemen, of wanting to re-establish Shia clerical rule.

On Tuesday a court in Sanaa sentenced four Houthi rebels to death in the third trial of men captured during clashes with government troops north of the capital in 2008. Twelve others have been sentenced to death in earlier trials relating to the fighting.

Houthi rebels first took up arms against the government in 2004.

The government launched a fresh offensive in August 2009 which has precipitated a new wave of intense fighting.

Aid agencies say tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     885  +14 (1.58%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.88811 U.S. (-0.00735)
• Crude Oil = $99.91/barrel +1.21 (1.23%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as investors have high expectations for tomorrow's LIBOR and other economic numbers. As the government has begun providing loans to small businesses and others in need of short-term credit, businesses are stabilizing and unemployment is projected to begin to decrease as jobs are returned.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as oil prices rose and world markets are returning to equilibrium.

Oil prices approached $100 per barrel as two roadside bombs exploded in Venezuela, killing three Colombian soldiers and injuring five others.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     897  +12 (1.36%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.89820 U.S. (+0.01009)
• Crude Oil = $100.64/barrel +0.73 (0.73%)
• Libor = 2.28; OIS = 1.61
• Prime Rate = 3.25

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as investors as the LIBOR-OIS split contracted at a greater than expected rate as a result of aggressive government loan and stimulus programs to return credit to norma.

The Atlasian Dollar fell dollar as confidence in the Atlasian economy grew on today's LIBOR numbers.

Oil prices passed $100 for the second time as an explosion in Venezuela forced the temporary cessation of oil refinery at a major output plant.

The split between the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) rate is 0.67 and shrinking. The crashing LIBOR indicates that banks believe the other banks they are lending to have a lower risk of defaulting on the loans so they are charging a lower interest rate as a result. It also tells us that the credit markets are functioning much more smoothly than just a few months ago. This is mostly a result of strong actions by the government, including extending lines of credit to small businesses, as well as stimulative spending programs that were able to get off the ground quickly and effectively.

[Purple State]

Quite an insane week for me. I will try to do a foreign policy thing tomorrow night. Until then, here is more financials...

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     893  -4 (0.45%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.89389 U.S. (-0.00431)
• Crude Oil = $101.65/barrel +1.01 (1.00%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell as gains were overtaken by the weekend sell-off.

The Atlasian Dollar fell dollar commodities continued to rise to record highs.

Oil prices continued to rise as the crisis in Venezuela reached a new peak and door-to-door fighting continues.

[Purple State]

National News

BREAKING: Blasts Rock New Mexico; Source Not Yet Known
Eyewitness reports have informed the Office of the GM that explosions have erupted in the state of New Mexico. It is not yet clear how many bombs have gone off, nor has any group yet taken responsibility for the attacks.

There also seems to be growing evidence that members of the New Mexico National Guard, previously deactivated, have sealed the borders into the state.

Additional details will be provided as this matter unfolds.

[Purple State]

National News

BREAKING: WMS Declares New Mexico Independence
Local news outlets in New Mexico are reporting that the attack from earlier today, in which a bomb tore through the Pacific Regional Government Offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico were orchestrated by the Revolutionary Army of New Mexico, previously believed to be defunct.

The attack has killed two and injured fifteen at the time of this report. Reports indicate that the potential attack was phoned in by an anonymous source fifteen minutes before the explosion, leading to the lower than expected casualty rate.

At the head of the RANM is suspected to be WMS, a former Senator for the Pacific region and Secretary of State, who has been in exile ever since his previous attempt to declare New Mexico independent of the Pacific and join it with the Midwest region nearly two years ago. It appears that since that time, WMS has gathered with a number of leaders from the earlier effort to form the RANM.

The group has described the attack as a "warning to the oppressive authorities of the Pacific" and declared that the borders of New Mexico have been sealed by the New Mexico National Guard, which has been activated for “security purposes.” In addition, RANM has made clear that all payments of tax revenues to the Pacific Government will cease immediately and toll roads will be established for all traffic to and from the Pacific.

It is not yet clear how President Lief will respond to this act of terror, nor how Al, who first reported WMS's return, may be implicated.

[Purple State]

Yesterday's financials...

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     878  -15 (1.68%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.90296 U.S. (+0.00907)
• Crude Oil = $99.83/barrel -1.82 (1.79%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell as investors questioned what actions President Lief would take to address the actions in Mexico.

The Atlasian Dollar fell rose as commodity prices fell significantly.

Oil prices dropped as Colombian forces routed an ad hoc Venezuela force, killing many of the top leaders of the guerilla movement. Colombian aerial attacks also reportedly killed one of the top leaders of the EA terrorist organization.

[Purple State]

National News

Acting President Bacon King Prepares To Retake NM
Just a day after RANM forces bombed a Pacific Government Regional Office in New Mexico, acting President Bacon King has stepped up pressure to defeat the group and reassert Atlasian authority in the Pacific state.

Calling New Mexico "an indissoluble part of this country," acting President Bacon King ordered Atlasian force to prepare for a possible invasion to root out RANM forces and other sympathetic groups. However, Bacon King did not only threaten to exert the fist of Atlasia; in addition, the acting President has extended an offer of amnesty to any RANM forces that lay down their arms.

Already it has become apparent that some members of RANM, especially from the New Mexico National Guard, are taking up the acting President on his offer. In fact, there are reports that local police and national guard forces are cooperating to detain or kill commanders of the movement that have entered the state since yesterday.

In addition, residents of New Mexico that still support Pacific governance have begun hanging Pacific region flags out their windows in a show of solidarity.

It is not yet clear whether WMS, the mastermind of yesterday's attack, is in the country. An investigation may also be opened soon to determine what involvement recent presidential contender Al had with RANM and WMS.

[Purple State]

Regional News

Biweekly Regional Report
Mideast
With massive unemployment and a large deficit in the region, struggling industries and diving tax revenues, the Mideast must form a financial package to help begin the recovery in the region, in addition to utilizing the billions in federal funds distributed directly to the region.

Weather experts are expecting a particularly brutal winter for the Mideast region. It is recommended that the region use parts of its stimulus funds devoted to infrastructure projects in order to partially subsidize insulation projects for homes, modeled on the Midwest's similar proposition.

Midwestt
Midwest farmers are suffering as prices for agricultural goods fall and unemployment rises. It is recommended that legislation to help farmers be considered for this round of propositions.

The Midwest's High School Physical Education Act is being prepared to go into effect at the start of next semester. Schools are anticipating no significant problems, although some Parent-Teacher Associations are having difficulty forming programs that balance the wishes of religious parents with those of educators.

Northeast
With many kinks worked out in their Assembly, with others currently being worked out, the Northeast's legislature seems to be humming along nicely. The region is the first to pass legislation addressing the economic recession and is likely to emerge largely unscathed.

Pacific
Despite attempts by some, the Pacific legislature, specifically, and region, in general, remains largely inactive, so far unable to begin a vote on an economic package to keep the region afloat in the economic crisis.

In addition, the region's government is beginning to face problems as it tries to pay the large number of bureaucratic institutions in the region. It is recommended that legislation be passed to allow Pacific residents to consolidate and remove various layers of local government in the region.

Southeast
The Southeast, despite an apparent jamming of activity due to a proliferation of lawsuits, is now the first region to explicitly apportion its region-specific stimulus funds. This will greatly hep the region pull through the current economic crisis.

[Purple State]

National News

Federal Troops Advance Into New Mexico
Quickly assessing the situation in New Mexico, acting President Bacon King has ordered federal troops to advance into New Mexico to defeat the Revolutionary Army of New Mexico and reestablish Atlasian sovereignty over the state.

Using easily accessible highways and thruways, Atlasian forces have surrounded Albuquerque, where RANM appears to be based, and are preparing contingency operations to root out RANM's base of operations. Nex Mexican National Guard troops and local police have laid down their arms and are reported to be providing logistical support to the Atlasian military.

Meanwhile, some experts are questioning the use of federal troops without express permission of the Senate. However, sources within the administration argue that the sudden and pressing nature of the conflict require an immediate response and that no outright military actions have yet been taken.

[Purple State]

Economic News

FT: US Factory Orders Rebound In September
New orders for manufactured goods rebounded 0.9 per cent in September, wiping out August’s decline, a day after manufacturing industry reports bolstered hopes for the global economic recovery.

“The manufacturing sector is likely to expand beyond the revival from autos and should benefit greatly from a weak dollar and a recovering global economy,” said Joseph Brusuelas, director of Moody’s Economy.com. “The fact that we observed an improvement in orders while inventories are still being slashed bodes well for future production.”

The manufacturing order gains were divided between a 1.4 per cent increase in orders for durable goods and a 0.6 per cent increase in orders for non-durable goods.

Durable goods orders were boosted by a 7.9 per cent increase in machinery, but remain below their July level after a 2.7 per cent decline in August spurred by the end of the cash-for-clunkers programme.

Manufacturing inventories extended their declines, falling by 1 per cent. Backlogs also continued to fall, with unfilled orders entering their twelfth consecutive month of declines, dropping 0.4 per cent.

Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft rose 1.8 per cent in September after falling for the previous two months.

“Today’s reported gain for September puts things back on track after the disappointing results recorded in the preceding two months,” said Joshua Shapiro, chief economist at MFR, who expects capital goods orders to recover to their year ago levels by late this year.

The numbers come a day after the Institute for Supply Management said that manufacturing activity had expanded in October at its fastest rate since April 2006, and showed a surprise increase in employment. The unexpected data bolstered the view that the manufacturing sector, and the broader US economy, may be returning to sustainable growth.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     897  +19 (2.16%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.90066 U.S. (-0.00230)
• Crude Oil = $98.79/barrel -1.04 (1.04%)

Analysis:
The ANSE got a boost as investors largely approve of Bacon King's current stint as acting President of Atlasia, especially his handling of the crisis in New Mexico. In addition, recent regional reports and economic numbers show a general uptick in the Atlasian fiscal situation.

The Atlasian Dollar fell slightly, with further losses largely scaled back by dropping commodity prices.

Oil prices continued to decline sharply as demand has dropped considerably. Meanwhile, Colombia forces continue to rout small Venezuelan resistance militias throughout the country as troops continue eastward to defeat remaining pockets of pro-Chavez groups.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     903  +6 (0.67%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.89639 U.S. (-0.00427)
• Crude Oil = $98.15/barrel -0.64 (0.65%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as prospects for the next Senate rose and the economic outlook improved. Investors continue to support acting President Bacon King as he seeks to reconsolidate Atlasian control over New Mexico.

The Atlasian Dollar continued falling as a few countries sold portions of their Dollar reserves for gold.

Oil prices declined, but at a slower pace, and demand consistently declines due to high prices.

[Purple State]

National News

Atlasian Forces Begin To Retake Albuquerque
As promised, acting President Bacon King ordered the Atlasian military, which had been surrounding New Mexico's largest city, to enter the city and kill or detain RANM leaders cooped up within.

The offensive came after hours of leafletting by the military to alert any potential combatants of the amnesty initiative launched by the acting President. Throughout the day-long siege of New Mexico, streams of residents and a number of RANM militants exited the city, laying down their arms.

So far the Atlasian troops have met little resistance, although a few firefights have broken out as they move towards the West side of Albuquerque, where the majority of RANM forces are believed to be in hiding. There have been no casualties reported, while a number of militants have been killed so far.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     911 +8 (0.89%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.89247 U.S. (+0.00392)
• Crude Oil = $96.95/barrel -1.20 (1.22%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose for the third straight day as the new Senate swears in today for what many hope to be a productive term.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as commodity prices continued to plummet and as investors gained renewed confidence in the economy.

Oil prices continued their sharp decline as reality has set in and demand continues to crumble. Meanwhile, the situation in Venezuela seems to have calmed once again as Colombian forces have defeated the last known stronghold of resistance fighters.

[Purple State]

Foreign News

Biweekly International Report
Asia
Japan's government has tabled a new military basing agreement with Atlasia, citing neglect by President Lief.

New Indian forces were seen heading towards the Kashmir border, as officials cite Pakistani provocations and the need for self-defense.

Middle East
Saudi Arabian forces have responded with air strikes against Yemeni terrorist forces that crossed the border to avoid confrontations with Yemen's military. In addition, there are reports of Saudi forces entering the mountainous border region to root out persistent pockets of militants.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he will not seek re-election when his current term expires. He cited lack of Atlasian follow-up after the passage of the Middle East Peace Act of 2009, which resulted in no clear progress on even the most minor issues of the peace process.

Europe
European heads of state have continued to voice their disappointment at the lack of outreach by Atlasian diplomats and officials, stressing the need for more cooperation between developed nations. Some experts note the decline of Atlasian soft power throughout the world as the nation is shrouded in isolationism.

Africa
A joint operation on the coast of Somalia is believed to have disrupted one of the largest pirate networks in the country. Officials warn against complacency, stressing the persistence of such groups even after attacks said to be devastating to their infrastructure; however, other experts are indicating that this could be a turning point in the fight against piracy in the region.

Americas
Reports indicate that elite Colombian forces have surrounded the underground bunker of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, cutting off all electricity, water and communication with the outside. Colombian sources said that they have been prepared to take Chavez for weeks, but only moved recently due to new evidence linking the Venezuelan leader to the EAA terrorist organization.

[Purple State]

National News

Atlasian Forces Clear Most Of Albuquerque
After a weekend of fighting in New Mexico's largest city, Atlasian forces have cleared almost 80 percent of the streets and buildings and are closing in on the RANM stronghold in the west of the city.

With continued support from President Lief, soldiers have systematically cleared portions of Albuquerque with relatively little resistance. At many points, RANM forces laid arms on the street, awaiting the arrival of Atlasian forces to surrender and ask for amnesty. In a few areas, brief fighting has broken out with staunch RANM forces, but it appears that the militants are poorly trained.

The Atlasian military is reporting that five soldiers have been killed and 32 wounded during the operation.

Now troops approach the more RANM-supporting areas of the city. There has been some talk of laying siege to the remaining areas, waiting out the RANM leadership. Others note that almost five hundred innocent civilians remain in that portion of the city, while others point to the massive stores of food and water that RANM was able to establish before their attack.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     906 -5 (0.55%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.88209 U.S. (-0.01038)
• Crude Oil = $95.92/barrel -1.03 (1.06%)

Analysis:
The ANSE fell after an up week as some regions seemed to have had false starts on acting to fix their economies. The Mideast has yet to unveil its economic package, while the Pacific continues to battle inertia on its own measures.

The Atlasian Dollar fell as a group of developing nations called for the end of "dollar hegemony" on the world stage.

Oil prices declined as Atlasians have clearly begun to move away from record-high prices at the pump. The fall has also been bolstered by reports coming from Venezuela, which indicate rapid movement by Colombia to put in place a new government under Vice President Ramón Carrizales, seen to be far less radical than President Hugo Chavez, who has been detained by Colombian elite forces.

[Purple State]

Regional News

Biweekly Regional Report
Mideast
The Office of the GM has acquired leaked copies of the pending Mideast financial package, to be proposed sometime in the next week. An analysis of the measures indicate a substantive move to address unemployment and crumbling consumer demand, as well as the use of most of the $32 billion in direct stimulus funds in the first year of the package.

Midwestt
The likely passage of the Farmer Tax Relief Act is a step in the right direction for addressing the stumbling agricultural industry of the Midwest. However, a more comprehensive and nuanced package, one that can serve as a long-term measure, rather than a short-term patch, should be hashed out for the next proposition round.

The Keep Our Houses Warm Act, which will likely pass in the coming days, will greatly help residents of the Midwest cope with the coming winter, which experts are predicting will be the most brutal in decades.

Northeast
While passing substantive reforms for regional governance, the Northeast's Assembly seems to have become bogged down recently in substance-less discussion and debates over protocol. The Office of the GM recommends a revision of the legislature's SOAP to both ensure clarity and efficiency.

A new study released shows the Northeast badly trailing the other regions in both the number of green initiatives being funded, as well as the number of pending environmental and green projects. It is recommended that the region focus some funding towards incentives for the creation of so-called "green" jobs.

Pacific
The region could benefit from legislation to allow Pacific residents to consolidate and remove various layers of local government in the region to remove the heavy tax burden imposed by overlapping bureaucracy.

Formerly known as the center for livestock production, many slaughter and meat-production factories, specifically Kosher and Hallal, have closed shop in the Pacific due to legal restrictions imposed by the Humane Farming Practices Act. This had led to the loss of thousands of jobs as plants move to the neighboring Midwest to continue operations.

Southeast
The region is most in need of legislation to prepare for the next hurricane season, as various safety measures in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico coast states are outdated and are in need of repair or reconstruction.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     914 +8 (0.88%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.87617 U.S. (-0.00592)
• Crude Oil = $96.28/barrel +0.36 (0.38%)

Analysis:
The ANSE rose as the economic outlook for Atlasia improved and investors have expressed greater confidence than anytime in the last year. Overnight futures have responded especially strongly to the leaking of the Mideast's proposed recovery measures.

The Atlasian Dollar continued to fall, sparking international worries that it was becoming increasingly costly to export to Atlasia.

Oil prices rose slightly as Saudi Arabia escalated attacks against Houthi militants crossing the border from Yemen. Some worried that the violence could spread to other areas of the country, possibly disrupting oil production.

[Purple State]

Financial News

Financial Indicators

• ANSE     925 +11 (1.20%)
• $1 Atlasian = $0.88363 U.S. (+0.00746)
• Crude Oil = $94.46/barrel -1.82 (1.89%)

Analysis:
The ANSE got a large boost due to high expectations for tomorrow's housing numbers, as well as the official introduction of the Mideast's economic recovery package.

The Atlasian Dollar rose as commodities fell sharply and economic prospects for Atlasia improved.

Oil prices continued to plummet as tensions in Venezuela seemed to have once again eased and global demand continues to wane at such high prices at the pump.

[Purple State]

For reference to previous numbers, click here

Economic News

Housing Data Shows Mixed Bag

Housing Starts	Units (in thousands)
September 2009	31.9
October 2009	39.8
November 2009	42.7

New One-Family Houses Sold	Units (in thousands)
September 2009	24
October 2009	29
November 2009	31

New One-Family Houses for Sale	Units (in thousands)
September 2009	340
October 2009	324
November 2009	311

Price of New One-Family House	Median ($A)	Average ($A)
September 2009	208,600	245,200
October 2009	209,700	258,600
November 2009	205,100	259,800

2009 Q3 Price of New One-Family House by Region	Median ($A)	Average ($A)
Pacific	274,300	311,000
Northeast	314,800	370,600
Mideast	193,200	219,600
Midwest	187,100	227,900
Southeast	189,300	234,500
National	208,400	257,000

[Purple State]

National News

RANM Defectors Leave Besieged Albuquerque

AP: Atlasian soldiers lead away members of RANM after the militants laid down their arms.

Atlasian forces have laid siege to a square mile in the Western side of Albuquerque as they seek to flush out RANM leaders holed up inside. The strategy, seeking to minimize military and civilian casualties, has so far seemed to work, as a steady stream of militant defectors have surrendered to Atlasian soldiers.

The choice for a more prolonged, yet cautious strategy comes on the heels of a less confrontational Atlasian government, which will soon need to begin considering how to restore the war-torn city at the heart of New Mexico. A collaborative effort by the federal and Pacific government is necessary to ease the return of residents to their homes, as well as ensure lasting security.