A National Tragedy (2011 Terrorist Attack Changes History)

[justW353]

Are you guys ready for a Constitutional crisis?  I'm thinking about it...

[SvenssonRS]

I hear those are fun nowadays.

[Mr. Morden]

Thune/Bush:  286 Electoral Votes
Clinton/Nelson:  252 Electoral Votes

You forgot to account for post-2010 reapportionment.  The EVs should reflect the 2010 census.

[yougo1000]

Results are same as 2004

[justW353]

Thune/Bush:  286 Electoral Votes
Clinton/Nelson:  252 Electoral Votes

You forgot to account for post-2010 reapportionment.  The EVs should reflect the 2010 census.

The 2010 Census hasn't been completed yet.  Seriously.

[justW353]

December 2012

December 1, 2012 - The world is shocked by the abrupt end to Hillary Clinton's term as President.  In the end, she will have served just under a year as President.  During that year, she went from the most popular President of all time at the beginning to the woman who gave the White House away in a few short months. 

December 11, 2012 - The electoral college votes to elect Senator John R. Thune and John E. "Jeb" Bush to the offices of President and Vice President, respectively.  They will be inaugurated on January 20, 2013.

December 18, 2012 - 1 World Trade Center, built to replace the destroyed World Trade Center towers, tops off at 1776 feet tall, now the tallest building in the United States.

December 31, 2012 - Over 40,000,000 people are in the New York City Metropolitan Area.  It is New Years Eve, and the most popular celebration in the world is about to begin.  As clock wound down, 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HA---

A flash of light had filled the sky of New York City.  People had no time to react.  Just three miles away, a nuclear explosion had occurred.  After a few seconds, there were no screams.  Just eerie, unsettling silence filled the night in New York City.  January 1, 2013.

What do you guys think?  It's bound to happen eventually, like it or not.

[Devilman88]

Love it!

[justW353]

January 1, 2013

12:00 A.M. -  No one outside of the vicinity of New York knows exactly why the live feed playing on every news station cut at 12.  In New York, the silence was gone.  It was filled with screams and car alarms.  Manhattan was utter chaos.  No one was quite sure exactly what had happened, but as they looked toward the East River and saw the faint outline of a mushroom cloud, they knew.  For the first time in possibly a century, the only lights in the New York Sky were stars and the Moon.

12:05 A.M. - After a call comes in from Newark, New Jersey about the explosion and cloud, CNN begins reporting that a massive explosion had occurred in New York City.  Meanwhile, helicopters were being dispatched by other news agencies to find out exactly what had occurred.

12:15 A.M. - An NBC reporter in a helicopter reports that a mushroom cloud has formed over New York City.  He says the lights are all out in the city, and as far as areas of Long Island and Connecticut have no power.  He says a major explosion has occurred somewhere along the East River.  The images from the chopper are shown live.

12:20 A.M. - The United States Military orders all civilian and media aircraft to leave the New York City area.  They refuse to comment on the situation, saying President Clinton would make a statement shortly.

12:23 A.M. - A scientist in Brooklyn phones in reporting he has detected high levels of radiation in the area.  Speculation soon arises over whether this was a nuclear explosion.

12:30 A.M. - President Clinton releases a statement live on all major news networks.  She says an explosion of catastrophic proportions occurred in the New York City Metropolitan Area approximately 30 minutes ago.  She declares a Federal Emergency for that area, as well as New York State as a whole.  Governor Cuomo cannot be reached for comment.

12:38 A.M. - The island of Manhattan has been sealed off.  Evacuations are taking place across the Henry Hudson Bridge on the norther tip of the island.  All other bridges are presumed to be sealed, although their conditions are not even known at this time.

12:51 A.M. - Scientists on CNN say this fits all the characteristics of a nuclear explosion. 

12:58 A.M. - The City of New York is declared a disaster area.  President Clinton still refuses to comment as to whether the explosion was nuclear in nature, or whether it was accidental or purposeful.

1:21 A.M. - CNN reports that President-Elect Thune and Vice President-Elect Bush were attending a celebration on the Upper West Side at the time of the explosion.  These are not confirmed reports.

1:29 A.M. - President Clinton releases a statement saying that the military has confirmed the explosion was nuclear in nature, but declines to say whether it was an attack.

1:34 A.M. - The first post-explosion call from Manhattan is taken by CNN.  The caller describes being in Times Square at the time of the explosion, and saying that she could not see what happened after the initial, blinding flash.  She says that she is trapped in a subway station with ten other individuals, and there are no noises outside.

1:34 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. - The media continues to follow the explosion, but little new information is given.  The military has the area locked down, and there is no confirmation of whether it was an attack.

7:14 A.M. - A video tape from Osama bin-Laden is released on Al Jazeera.  In it, bin-Laden takes credit for the attack.  He says that it was not difficult to infiltrate a Pakistani missile base and take what was needed.  He doesn't say how al-Qaeda got the supplies into the United States, but says it was easier than he predicted.  He states the United States brought the attack on themselves.  By siding with "the Jews and Hindus", Pakistan had focused less on protecting their weapons and more on protecting their interests.

7:46 A.M. - Explosions are reported in Pakistan.

8:14 A.M. - Troop movements are reported in eastern Afghanistan.

8:25 A.M. - Explosions are reported in Iran.

8:30 A.M. - Troop movements are detected in Kashmir.

8:44 A.M. - President Clinton releases a statement on national television, calling for a Declaration of War against Pakistan. 

8:49 A.M. - India declares war on Pakistan.  Pakistan follows suit less than twenty minutes later, as does Iran.

9:31 A.M. - Israel declares war on Iran.  Both Pakistan and Iran return the Declarations.

10:24 A.M. - Iran and Pakistan declare war on the United States.

11:42 A.M. - Explosions are reported in Islamabad.

12:59 P.M. - Massive explosions are reported in Tehran.

1:34 P.M. - Suicide attacks in Israel have surged.

1:48 P.M. - India threatens nuclear force against Pakistan if they do not surrender.  Soon, Iran and Pakistan reciprocate.

2:10 P.M. - There is still barely any information out of New York City, however photos taken from across the East River reveal a city covered with smog and buildings covered with soot.

3:30 P.M. - FEMA releases a brief statement about the condition of Manhattan.  They say that most buildings are intact, but many have suffered extensive damage.  They say that at least three quarters of Manhattan was in some way effected by the attack.  They also state that the Chrysler Building has completely collapsed, and the Empire State Building is currently leaning at a very severe angle.  They suggests it will collapse soon unless moves are made to save it.  However, at the same time the officials doubts there is anyone left inside.  They estimates that over 95% of all glass panes in the city were broken, and regretfully say that anyone in major skyscrapers most likely flew out the windows after the explosion.

4:13 P.M. - A joint session of Congress overwhelmingly approves a Declaration of War against Pakistan.  Shortly after, U.S. troops are moving into the country.

6:56 P.M. - It is reported that US bombers have destroyed almost every known location where Pakistan held nuclear weapons

7:21 P.M. - It is confirmed President-Elect Thune and Vice President-Elect Bush were at a private party in the Upper East Side at the time of the explosion.  Their conditions are unknown.

9:12 P.M. - Iran threatens to use nuclear force against Israel if they do not abandon their attacks.

9:30 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. - Extensive bombings throughout Pakistan by the US and India take place.  Meanwhile, Israel continues bombing runs over Iran.

[Devilman88]

Great, love it! LOVE IT!! Keep it up!

[justW353]

January 2, 2013

3:44 A.M. - The Empire State Building collapses upon itself.

6:30 A.M. - Reports say the explosion took place on Roosevelt Island in the middle of the East River.

8:38 A.M. - Indian forces pass into Pakistan.  Pakistan is now fighting off invasions on both sides; on the west by the United States, and on the east by India.

9:17 A.M. - Iran threatens to use nuclear force if Israel does not end their bombings.  Israel responds by intensifying their strikes.

12:05 P.M. - It is confirmed that the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where the party that President-Elect Thune and Vice President-Elect Bush was located, collapsed during the explosion.

3:12 P.M. - President Musharraf of Pakistan says that Pakistan still has some hidden nuclear silos, and they will use their weapons on India and the United States if they do not stop their invasions.  Indian troops are facing heavy resistance, US troops are facing barely any.

5:00 P.M. - After the explosion, power went out as far away as part of Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire and Quebec.  Power is now largely restored in these regions.

8:12 P.M. - The severely damaged Manhattan Bridge collapses into the East River.

10:45 P.M. - Iranian bombings are reported in Tel Aviv.

11:21 P.M. - Reports say that Manhattan's residents have mostly evacuated, and those remaining on the island likely require assistance.  FEMA announces that search and rescue, as well as recovery missions will begin at 7:00 A.M. the next day.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

More.

[Devilman88]

LOVE IT!

[AndrewTX]

Great, I'm probably dead now. Good Timeline though.

[Mr. Morden]

I forget, did you mention which party won a majority in the House, and who is expected to be the incoming Speaker?

[justW353]

I forget, did you mention which party won a majority in the House, and who is expected to be the incoming Speaker?

No.  I will right now.

Senate is 51-49 in favor of the Democrats

The House is 224-211 in favor of the Democrats

[justW353]

January 4, 2013

7:00 A.M. - Search and rescue missions begin on Manhattan Island.  They begin in Harlem, gradually working their way south. 

8:12 A.M. - FEMA says that their initial calculations place the loss of life at more than 250,000.  They estimate the actual numbers may be in the millions. 

9:42 A.M. - A Chinese satelitte image reveals why helicopters are not allowed to get a good view of Manhattan; the streets are littered with bodies and rubble from collapsed buildings.  One Times Square, the building the New Years Ball drops from, collapsed into Times Square.  The United Nations Building has collapsed. 

11:43 A.M. -Indian planes begin intense bombing on Islamabad.  Reports say President Musharraf has been moved to a secure location.  Pakistan's military is largely disorganized, most planes pass through without issue.  The scenario is completely different in India, where most Pakistani planes have been shot down while they passed into India.

12:45 P.M. - United States agents begin searching the rubble of the Waldorf-Astoria for President-Elect Thune and Vice President-Elect Bush.  The interior of the building is burning from a gas leak that ignited.

1:56 P.M. - The fires at the Waldorf-Astoria are subdued enough for recovery groups to begin searching for survivors.

2:31 P.M. - Iran reiterates it's stance to use nuclear force against Israel if they continue.  Reports that the Ayatollah was killed when his palace was bombed go unconfirmed.

3:50 P.M. - Unconfirmed reports say US troops are moving into Iran from Iraq and the Persian Gulf.

5:32 P.M. - Iran says they will fire nuclear weapons toward Israel unless all foreign forces immediately leave Iran.  Israel counters by finally admitting their nuclear weapons program, and saying they will unload their weapons upon Iran.

8:20 P.M. - China remains mum on the issue of Iran.

11:34 P.M. - Iran says that invaders have 24 hours to end all strikes and leave or there will be consequences.

[justW353]

January 5, 2013

12:00 A.M. to 8:28 A.M. - Fighting continues in Pakistan and Iran.

8:29 A.M. - While rescuers are searching the ruined main ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, they find over 1200 bodies.  Over the night, 29 survivors were found, 11 of whom died of their injuries soon after being rescued.  Both the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect are not found.  The searches continue.

12:04 P.M. - FEMA releases an adjusted death toll, estimating anywhere from seven hundred thousand to two and a half million people died.  The reason for this change is a realization of the damage in mid Manhattan, specifically Times Square.

2:12 P.M. - Iranian Officials say that nuclear ICBMs will be fired in 12 hours at Israel unless they abandon their attack.

4:48 P.M. - Pakistan launches a counter assault against India, forcing their way into India. 

5:32 P.M. - President Clinton says the United States will terminate it's invasion if Pakistan allows airstrikes and troop attacks to continue against terrorist groups in the mountains and surrenders all nuclear materials.  President Musharraf quickly rejects these terms.

7:15 P.M. - Iran stands by their statement that missiles will be fired at Israel at 12:00 A.M. if they do not stop their bombings.  United States troops have already pulled out of Iran, but remain close by.

9:12 P.M. - Vice President-Elect John Ellis "Jeb" Bush is found dead in the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.  His body is badly mangled, and was one of the initial ones found.  He was identified by various items on his person.  President-Elect Thune is still unaccounted for.

11:48 P.M. - President Ahmadinejad states that nuclear ICBMs will be fired at Israel in 12 minutes unless they immediately declare the end to their bombings.  Israel responds by almost completely destroying Tehran less than three minutes later in a group of massive bombings.

11:56 P.M. - Iranian officials prepare an unspecified number of missiles for launch.

[Mr. Morden]

Good timeline so far.  A couple of questions:

1) Is the US troop presence in Iraq still large, or did the scheduled 2010/2011 withdrawal go forward as planned?  According to current agreements with Iraq, I think basically all troops are supposed to be out by the end of 2012.

2) What is the disposition of the Iraqi and Syrian governments towards Iran leading up to this crisis?  Is Syria still in Iran's political orbit?  Is Iraq still kinda close to both Iran and the US?

[justW353]

Good timeline so far.  A couple of questions:

1) Is the US troop presence in Iraq still large, or did the scheduled 2010/2011 withdrawal go forward as planned?  According to current agreements with Iraq, I think basically all troops are supposed to be out by the end of 2012.

2) What is the disposition of the Iraqi and Syrian governments towards Iran leading up to this crisis?  Is Syria still in Iran's political orbit?  Is Iraq still kinda close to both Iran and the US?

1).  US troops have mostly pulled out.  There are still about 1000 left, some training Iraqi troops and others operating Predator bases. 

2).  I haven't gotten to Syria yet.  I will soon.  They are still under Iran's influence.  Iraq is trying to stay neutral, but with limited success.

[justW353]

January 6, 2013

12:05 A.M. - Israeli radars detect 12 unidentified objects traveling over Iran near the Iraqi border.  They are moving at speeds of more than 8,000 miles per hour, more than 30 miles in the air.  Thirty seconds later they are confirmed as missiles, and they will strike Israel in less than 10 minutes.  Missile Defense Systems have been online in Israel over the last three days, and United States naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and Mediterrian Sea are also equipped to bring down ICBMs.  The Prime Minister is quickly evacuated from Jerusalem.  The US Navy will attempt to bring down the missiles, as will Israel, but with such a short amount of time the chances of success are slim.  

12:07 A.M. - United States Naval Vessels attempt to shoot down the ICBMs.  The vessels are:  USS Decatur, USS Lake Erie, USS Port Royal, USS John S. McCain, the USS Cole, and USS Fitzgerald.  

[America™]

I joined just to say: great TL, keep it up.

[justW353]

I joined just to say: great TL, keep it up.

Thanks...

I can't do an update tonight, but you can expect a few tomorrow.

[Bo]

So good.............

[izixs]

I wonder when we should start singing a certain R.E.M. song in this time line. Assuming of course the moment hasn't already passed.

[Historico]

Wow...This is one Wonderfully well-written Dystopia...If President-Elect Thune is shown to be killed as well...Im not sure who will be sworn in on January 20th...Have the Speaker elections already taken place because I guess they would be next in line. If the Democrats are still incontrol of the house, We could see our first Hispanic President(Maybe from the CHC) as a postivie outlook to this incredibly dismal situation