The Atlasian-International Journal

[Senator Ben]

By the power vested in me by the newly passed Game Moderator Reform Act, this will serve as my official thread for the posting of updates.  Stay tuned.

[Senator Ben]

Netanyahu considering sending supplies to Libyan Rebels
April 6, 2011
Jerusalem, Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, increasingly concerned about the situation in Libya and its implications for Israeli security, is reportedly considering sending supplies to help bolster the rebels fighting against Colonel Gaddafi.  Netanyahu had earlier expressed concern during the Revolution in Egypt, worrying that the rebels replacing Hosni Mubarak would be anti-Israel from the get-go, partly because Israel was seen as helping the Mubarak regime.  In an attempt to prevent this from happening in Libya, Netanyahu is reportedly sending Israeli supplies and Israeli soldiers into Libya, to work with the Rebels in anticipation of a protracted civil war.

The office of Prime Minister Netanyahu, when asked for a comment, declined to respond.  An aide to the Prime Minister, however, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that, "[aiding the rebels] is something we are looking into.  After all, it's not like Gaddafi has been a particularly good friend to Israel."

[crypto-fascist superhero]

Well, that'd be a way to win the hearts and minds of the Libyan people.

[Yelnoc]

Speaking of Israel, did you hear the noises Hamas was making about shooting 40,000 rockets out of schools, hospitals, etc. in Lebanon and Syria into Israel?

[shua]

I don't know what the sources are for this report, but I find it quite implausible that an Israeli Prime Minister would be naive enough to send troops under the Star of David to fight in an intra-Arab civil war hundreds of miles away.

[Senator Kalwejt]

I don't know what the sources are for this report, but I find it quite implausible that an Israeli Prime Minister would be naive enough to send troops under the Star of David to fight in an intra-Arab civil war hundreds of miles away.

That's one. Secondly, considering Israeli fear of revolutions in Arab world being eventually overtaken by Islamist (we saw it regarding Egypt)...

Sorry, Ben, but this is really impausible.

[Jayhawker]

I congratulate Ben for creating a story that is getting such a response. One of the hopes in making these reforms is getting discussion geared towards actual policy, and I think we're suceeding in that department.

I do find this story actually going into effect hard to believe, but it didn't really surprise me to see Ben's first story being related to Israel.

[Badger]

Kudos!

[Senator Ben]

Rumors are just that, rumors.

And thanks to Gustaf for stickying this so quickly

[Senator Ben]

Japan Continues to Rebuild, Seeks Atlasian Help
April 7, 2011

Nearly a month after the tsunami and earthquake of March 2011, Japan is rebuilding slowly.  Despite concerns about another earthquake, today passed without such an episode.  Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, in a letter to Atlasian Secretary of External Affairs Ben dated April 6, 2011, thanked Atlasia for its initial help, and praised the legislation currently before the Senate, saying, "It is our sincere hope that the Senate of Atlasia will pass the aid legislation presented to it at the next convenient time, so that Japan can continue to rebuild."

[Senator Ben]

France, UK to send more bombers to Libya
April 10, 2011

Motivated by recent gains by Colonel Gaddafi's army in Libya, the United Kingdom and France both opted to send in more planes to begin bombing Gaddafi strongholds and troops.  An unnamed French military officer in NATO said, "We have to do something.  At this point, allowing Gaddafi to mow down rebels is no longer an option."  Another added, "Hopefully, the influx of Atlasian bombers and supplies will help turn the tide again."

[Senator Ben]

Five Atlasians killed by Mexican Drug Cartel
April 12, 2011

The bodies of five missing Atlasians were discovered early today in Santiago, Mexico.  The missing were a family from Richmond, Virginia, Mideast.  They had been reported as missing nearly two weeks ago, after having been kidnapped.  No ransom note was ever sent; it is assumed that the family was killed after being kidnapped.  The father, Joseph Brye, 49, was an attorney known for prosecuting drug cases.

Mexican authorities have not commented officially, although an anonymous source said, "We have no doubt that this was connected to [Brye's] anti-drug activities."

[Big Wiggly Style]

This is terrible

RIP

[Senator Kalwejt]

Hahaha, it was worth to hire those Mexican hitmen...

Oh, crap, I just said too much.

[Yelnoc]

Hahaha, it was worth to hire those Mexican hitmen...

Oh, crap, I just said too much.

IMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Senator Ben]

3 Atlasians Killed in Libyan Bombing
April 16, 2011

Earlier today, three Atlasians sent to help rebels in Libya were killed by forces of Colonel Gaddafi.  The three were James Haverbrook, 60, a weapons technology expert from Dallas, Texas, Southeast; Michelle Brock, 34, an Arabic translator from Chicago, Illinois, Mideast; and Harold Katzenbaum, 53, a military adviser from Portland, Maine, Northeast.

The three were part of a group of twenty-five Atlasians working with this contingent of Libyan rebels near Benghazi.  They were part of nearly 300 Atlasians sent to aid the rebels as per President Tmthforu94's orders in early April.  Two more Atlasians, unnamed as of now, were in critical condition, while one more, identified as Frank Grimes, 45, of Springfield, Illinois, Mideast, was wounded but recovering.

[Senator Kalwejt]

That what happens when you're deciding to take a part in a war.

[Big Wiggly Style]

Let the bodies hit the floor...

[Big DaddyTX]

Let the bodies hit the floor...

God I hate that song

[Senator Ben]

Al Qaeda Leader Captured in Damadola
April 21, 2011

One of the main leaders of Al Qaeda was captured today by a joint force of Afghani and Pakistani security forces in the city of Damadola, in Pakistan.  Ayman al-Zawahiri, described as the "operational leader" of Al Qaeda, had been in hiding for years.  After an anonymous tip informed members of the Pakistani ISI where al-Zawahiri was hiding, he was quickly apprehended.

"There were signs that al-Zawahiri was attempting to flee; thankfully, we captured him before that," said Mustafa al-Nabeel, who led the operation.  "I thoroughly expect this to be the beginning of the end for Al Qaeda."

[Jayhawker]

We're entering uncharted territory right now in Iraq and Afghanistan, as there has been hardly any coverage of the wars...ever, in Atlasia.

[A-Bob]

*Applause*

[Big Wiggly Style]

This is great news. Perhaps we're closer to withdrawl then ever!

Go boys, go!

[Senator Ben]

Protesters, Former Legislators Gunned Down Today in Damascus
April 23, 2011

Protests continued today against the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.  182 Syrians were killed in Damascus today by security forces belonging to the regime of Assad.  Among the dead were two former MPs from Deraa, Naser al-Hariri and Khalil al-Rifaei.  They had both resigned on April 22 in protest against the killings.

[Senator Ben]

Assassination attempt on Assad
April 27, 2011

An assassination attempt was made today in Damascus on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.  Assad was leaving the Tishreen Palace in Damascus when a young man of around 25 years old charged the President, yelled "Death to the monster!", and fired three shots at Assad.  The first two missed, while the third one grazed his arm (the President was bandaged by otherwise unharmed).  The gunman, upon seeing that Assad had not been felled, turned the gun himself, and shot himself in the temple, dying instantly.  He has not been identified.