Peace Through Strength - (Gameplay Thread)

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

The People's Republic of China
Early 2017

--We would be honored to continue our new friendly relationship with the government of the Philippines. Invite delegates from the nation to discuss the possible trade agreement, potential military cooperation, and the future of our two nations.

--China will also continue to fund infrastructure projects in Africa in return to payments, favorable trade, or cooperation with local governments. Contact the governments of Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and others in the area and offer them high quality Chinese roads or railways. Emphasize this could be the first step to a trade agreement and increased cooperation between China and their nations.

--We would be more than happy to host Japanese envoys to discuss a potential agreement regarding the islands of the South China Sea that are disputed between us.

--Officially begin laying the groundwork for a free trade agreement throughout the whole of Eurasia. It shall be called the Eurasian Trade Agreement (ETA). Tenatively we would like to invite the following nations to the agreement: PRC, North Korea, Mongolia, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgysztan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Syria (pending peace agreement there), Serbia, Bosnia, Belarus, and the Philippines.

Korea gratefully accepts China's invitation to enter the Eurasian Trade Agreement.

[NeverAgain]

As there has been confusion from multiple nations, we want to affirm our support of human right's around the world. This includes the right of free expression, like we have seen in our nation after a bloody coup, where 5 million loyal Turks took to the streets to show solidarity for the right's of all. We support these ideals and have worked tirelessly to ensure they are upheld around the world.

We opposed the UN resolution, proposed by the Germans as we do not believe that talk is enough to show human rights, especially when we look back at German history during the Holocaust. If the UN wants to start acting, instead of talking, then they can start by showing that the values they contend to uphold, are truly upheld by their leadership.

We do also want to say, that we have the utmost respect for Mrs. Merkel, and the German people, and hope that they learn from this unfortunate mistake. We look forward to continued dialogue on fixing human right's abuses in both our nations. Thank you.

[Lumine]

End of Early 2017:

Map Changes:
-Ukrainian offensive in Donbass makes ground
-ISIS advances against Kurdish rebels, loses ground to Iraq
-Assad makes limited ground against rebels following peace talks collapse
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the News:

Syrian Peace Deal collapses:

Despite talks having advanced more than in previous opportunities, the long-awaited peace deal for the Syrian Civil War broke down as President Assad maintains his right to remain in power, and the rebel forces are divided as ever. Fighting has resumed once again with Assad focusing his fire on the rebels in the proximity of Aleppo, making noteworthy advances beore becoming bogged down. It is believed that a peace deal may only be achieved through the mediation of another country.

Wilders triumphs in Netherlands election, Rutte remains PM:

Having led in the polls through the whole campaign the polemic and abrasive PVV Leader Geert Wilders (known for his constant attacks on Islam and his anti-Europe views) triumphed in the latest Dutch General Election with better results than expected, garnering more than 26% of the vote and 40 seats. Still, due to his inability to form consensus with enough parties it was Prime Minister Mark Rutte who returned to office with a shaky and unstable coalition of different forces in the center-right, the center and even populist parties.

Turkey goes authoritarian:

Following the passage of a constitutional reform that turns Turkey into a Presidential regime with overwhelming powers for President Ergodan the current government has taken harsh steps to cement its rule over Turkey, including media censorship, extra powers and resources for the policy, harsh repression of key opponents and attempts to force parliament into swearing loyalty to the President. This trend has made Erdogan an even more divisive figure across the country as thousands go to the streets to protest his rule, but he is close to near absolute power following these moves.

Major unrest in Japan, Abe government in crisis:

For the first time in the recent history of Japan there's been widespread outrage and protests over the concerning turn taken by the LDP-led government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. From his unexplicable approach towards North Korea (leading South Korea to recall it's ambassador from Tokyo and wage severe economic sanctions against Japan) to the economic losses caused by it, and to the decision to attempt to reform the constitution to give Japan an army his government's popularity has collapsed as large parts of Japan go to the streets to protest against the Prime Minister. Unless immediate actions are taken, it is believed the current government could collapse at any moment.

Global Tensions rise, Doomsday Clock set to 2 minutes:

Widespread fears of escalation of local and global conflicts have proven accurate as experts set the so called "Doomsday Clock" two minutes out of midnight, the closest it's been since 1953. Some of the events cited include the sudden sabre-rattling over Cyprus (Turkey) and Kashmir (India), the widely condemned decision from Israel to double down on settlements in Palestine, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, and particularly, the ongoing rise of North Korea in terms of nuclear projection and international support.

Economy and Popularity:

Popularity Ratings:

President Vladimir Putin: Very High

Prime Minister Theresa May: High
General Secretary Xi Jinping: High
Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un: High
Chancellor Angela Merkel: High
President Emmanuel Macron: High

Supreme Leader Mahmoud Shahroudi: Medium
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Medium
President Recep Erdogan: Medium

President Donald Trump: Low
Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Low
Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni: Low
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Low

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Very Low
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: Very Low

Economic Performance:

United Kingdom: Strong
China: Strong
Iran: Strong
Canada: Strong
Germany: Strong
France: Strong

United States: Moderate
Russia: Moderate
Israel: Moderate
Turkey: Moderate

Japan: Weak
India: Weak
Italy: Weak

North Korea: Very Weak
ISIS: Very Weak

[Lumine]

Turn Two: Late 2017

Turn Crises:

United States:

Mr. President,

-While innovative, the decision to lift the travel ban and allow new immigration subject to a new "illegal immigrant tax" has had the virtue to emboldening the protest against your administration and bring criticism from your own base, who believe it to be far away from what was promised.

-The decision to heavily punish tax irregularities has brought a steady stream of new revenue into the federal government, although it has forced some companies (such as Apple) to move most of their assets overseas. It is yet to be seen how the updating of the tax code will affect businesses in the US, but Treasury Secretary Mnuchin expects to have an update by the end of the year.

-The budget debate nears, with several Republicans uneasy about your large infrastructure plan given its enormous cost and potential effects on the deficit. What will you push for in the budget, and can you successfully negotiate with congress?

-Lastly, a worrying development takes place in Asia as countries like the Philippines continue to sever ties to the US, and even Japan, once a reliable ally, takes hostile steps under Prime Minister Abe. Will you take action to restore US influence in Asia?

United Kingdom:

Prime Minister,

-While UKIP has proved unable to successfully challenge Labour, the Conservative Party actually makes gain in the local election and triumphs in the Copeland by-election. Prospects continue to look good for the Conservatives.

-Article 50 has been activated, passing with ease in the House of Commons and barely in the Lords (after an almost successful peer revolt led by Lord Heseltine). You now have until Early 2019 to negotiate a deal before the UK leaves the EU for good (Note: To make my job easier, you do not need to negotiate with NPC's. Only France, Germany and Italy.)

-The budget appears to be better recieved than that of past years, if George Osborne and his allies fume in private over the changes in some measures. For the time being the economy of the UK continues to do very well, although the full impact of Brexit will only hit once the UK's leaving terms are set.

Russia:

President Putin, good evening,

-The Ukrainian government has finally coordinated a large scale offensive across the Donbass, making ground across the board and placing the separatists in a critical situation. As urgent pleas of help reach Moscow, will you take action?

-The situation in Syria and Irar grows more complicated still as President Assad and the rebels fail to reach an agreement, and to make matters worse, ISIS has been successful in capturing or damaging some oil sites in the region. How will you react?

-The relationship with Turkey has been changing in significant ways, and the recent strain between Ankara and the West seems to open an opportunity for Russian influence in the region. Will you seek a closer relationship with President Erdogan?

China:

General Secretary,

-A new Congress of the ruling Communist Party is to be held in this part of the year. You have already amassed a large powerbase, and assuming your reelection to be foregone conclusion, will you seek to take further powers, or influence the renewal of the Politburo or other key institutions?

-President Duterte loudly denounces the United States and takes a firm stand with China, becoming a new ally of your nation. Reaction to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has been mixed, with key partners like Australia, New Zealand and South Korea wary to join due to continued Chinese support over North Korea. The Eurasian Trade Agreement has found more success on some of the former Soviet Republics (although Belarus and others have shown reclutance), but some main countries are yet to respond.

-The decision to fund widescale projects in Africa has proven a success. If expensive, it also expands Chinese influence across the continent, even if such will take time to consolidate.

-It appears that the Japanese government is at last willing to discuss the situation in the South China Sea, although the instability of the Abe government is cause for doubt. How will China act here?

[Lumine]

France:

President Macron,

-Due to a savvy electoral strategy and pacts with UDI and MoDem your new coalition achieves an excellent result in the legislative elections, eviscerating the Socialist Party (as the moderates there flock to En Marche) and securing almost a third of the National Assembly for the government. The major drawback, of course, is that the Republicans and the FN combined make for almost half the seats.

-The decision to cut on military spending and raises taxes on the wealthy to finance your new programs bring cheers from the center-left, but harsh criticism from the right. As the year moves on, what will your legislative program be?

-Despite a successful mission some time ago, the Central African Republic remains in civil war, the current goverment close to collapsing due to the renewed rise of the rebels. There's some talk in the military for a second mission to return. What will you do?

Germany:

Chancellor Merkel,

-The election has arrived. Due to the improving economy and the stabilization of the migrant crisis the SPD has stalled, allowing the CDU to surpass it for a couple of points. And yet, it is believed the race will be a close one. How will you fight this election campaign?

-With the British finally invoking Article 50 they have two years until Brexit is a reality. With your large influence among member states Germany will be the key to a deal with the UK, with France and Italy also playing a significant role. Will you allow the UK to have access to the single-market and their other demands?

-The world-wide situation grows more heated, and even Germany has sustained its share of attacks in the UN despite widespread support for Germany's resolutions against North Korea. Will you stay the course and continue a diplomatic offensive?

Italy:

Prime Minister Gentiloni,

-After tough negotiations with other parties your proposals for the electoral reform of the Senate and the lower house have passed, although the 40% majority bonus is to remain in place. As the elections near, some wonder whether you'll actually try to run yourself or leave Renzi to be the candidate, particularly as the PD continues to suffer large-scale defections and intra-party fighting.

-Decisive action on the economy has brought criticism over your military spending cuts and even protests over the new carbon and gas tax, which has proved specially unpopular amongst the middle class. On the other hand, the outcome of these reforms is likely to be signaled by the end of the year of whether they'll help or hinder the ailing Italian economy.

-With President Macron surging as an alternate center of power in Europe (some would say, a counterpart to Chancellor Merkel), many wonder if the center-left will be able to retake control of Europe. Will you play a role on the process, or take sides on the matter?

India:

Prime Minister Modi,

-While India has held ties to North Korea for decades, the decision to back several North Korean initiatives and your diplomatic offensive in the UN have brought widespread criticism and protests, while the South Korean government has protested as strongly as possible.

-Despite the motion failing, Pakistan has become enraged at your sabre-rattling over Kashmir, putting their military forces into greater alert and demanding an apology from your government over your attempt to get the UN to intervene against them.

-Staying the course on demonetization has been a brave decision, but the price of it and your diplomatic actions is immediately payed as the BJP suffers a huge defeat in the local elections, signalizing a moderate revival of the INC and a rise in support for Rahul Gandhi, now unofficial leader of the opposition.

[Lumine]

Japan:

Prime Minister Abe,

-A series of unexpected decisions over North Korea, China and the military have sent your government's approval raitings into disaster, as unprecedented protests take place across the nation demanding your resignation. Only decisive action can save your government.

-As tensions calm down a bit with China it appears there is a genuine chance to discuss the situation in the South China Sea. How will you handle talks with China?

-One of the things that has baffled your advisors more is your recent aggressive rhetoric against the United States, offending a key ally at a crucial moment. Will you attempt to mend the situation with the US, or stick to your new line?

Canada:

Prime Minister Trudeau,

-The decision to press ahead with electoral reform deepens the divisions inside the Liberal Party, but ensures a positive public response as you're seen as delivering on a campaign pledge. Ranked-choice is expected to be ratified soon and take place for the next general election.

-Increasing numbers of US citizens enter Canada to seek permanent residence after your decision, if the numbers still remain reasonable.

-Despite a scare by Kellie Leitch, Kevin O'Leary has been elected as the new Conservative Leader, which some believe could prove a challenging opponent.

-Although there was a degree of criticism from some areas of the country, legalization of marijuana has been finally enacted, immediately proving an interesting source of revenue for the government.

Iran:

Supreme Leader,

-Slowly but surely fear of the US continues to raise support for your rule, particularly aided by the decision of Israel to double down on settlements. Already the Palestinians ask for help, but will you meddle on this conflict?

-A concerning development continues to take place in Syria, where despite Assad's new victories against the rebels, ISIS has captured some key oil sites and taken over some degree of production. Will Iran invest even more in the fight against ISIS, or send further resources to the Assad government?

-Unsurprisingly, President Khamenei has been reelected, although conflicts between both of you have not materialized so far.

-US sanctions have failed to materialize, bringing relief to the rising Iranian economy. And yet, many in the military believe that with the US unlikely to support the Iran deal it may be time to take new steps concerning the nuclear issue. What will you do?

Israel:

Prime Minister Netanyahu,

-Doubling down on the settlements reinforces the right flank of the government, but across the world your decision has brought intense criticism. It is also believed Palestinian groups may be growing more radicalized, which could have complications of its own. Thread carefully.

-A bit of a scandal has developed recently, as investigations have been opened for supposed bribes and corruption, already a hit to your approval ratings as your political position appears weakened. How will you tackle this dangerous development?

-US President Trump has compromised his full support to Israel, bolstering your international position amidst the criticism. This has emboldened some of the most hawkish members in the government to propose more overt action to attack ISIS or intervene in Lebanon, believed to still be a springboard for many enemies of Israel.

[Lumine]

Turkey:

Evening, President Erdogan,

-As the reforms pass and your new initiatives enter into law your power grows, turning Turkey towards a far more authoritatian power in system. And yet, these decisions embolden the opposition to go the streets to protest your moves. How will you react?

-Support from the military grows after spending increases and other measures, and the particular build-up ordered is fully in place now.

-Recent declarations have raised tension in the island of Cyprus, the government there seeking international support against Turkey once again and denouncing Ankara was being an aggressor.

-Investment and economic reforms have proven broadly successful on their first weeks, although their full efect will take some time to emerge.

North Korea:

Supreme Leader,

-Your diplomatic efforts, while reviled by a large part of the world, also bring interesting new allies in India and Japan. Can you continue to build on this, despite the inevitable raise in tensions across the world?

-The situation with China appears resolved, although a more urgent issue continues to show up. Years of economic mismanagement have place the North Korean economy in permanent crisis as famine and malnutrition is a significant reality. How will you adress the food crisis?

-Some of your most fanatical generals, emboldened by your latest achievement, wonder if its not time to take further actions against South Korea now that the West appears divided. Will you be taking action?

Islamic State:

Caliph,

-While ISIS continues to lose ground to the Iraqi regime, the latest campaign against the Kurds has them hard-pressed, even if foreign support continues to allow them to resist your fighters.

-Efforts in cyber-warfare have proven successful, ISIS expanding in a significant way its group of hackers. New recruits have also been found in the region you've targeted, all too willing to strike in the name of the Caliphate.

-The latest offensive has put a few oilfields in control of ISIS, and while limited, a few of them remain productive.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Stoning is permanently removed from the books as form of executions.

[Enduro]

Stoning is permanently removed from the books as form of executions.

Iran lacks the authority to make a proclamation like this. As a nation that doesn't recognize the Caliphate, we reject their so called "law." Until such a time as the Iran government recognizes us, they're an enemy of the state.

Thus, with the authority of God, we declare the Iran government disbanded, and hereby authorize the stoning of any citizen that doesn't recognize the Caliphate and refuses to convert.

Do not let this be misconstrued, our God is patient, and we allow Iranian citizens every opprtunity to convert, but infidels will only be tolerated for so long.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The so-called "caliphate" is nothing more than a criminal gang formed by the worst kind of enemies to Islam there is: those attempting to use Allah as a justification for their sick and positively heathen deeds. Let those dogs bark before we break their necks.

[Dr. Cynic]

CANADA

- In order to ease the divisions in the party over the decision to move to Ranked Choice voting, I'll hold private meetings with opponents to bring them around to the idea by providing some reasonable political favors. The government will also launch a nationwide campaign to help educate voters on the changes before the next election.

- We will continue to welcome Americans who wish to become Canadian citizens. We will also launch a program to encourage (but not force) them to settle in underpopulated areas to stimulate local economies that are struggling.

- Immediately begin preparing to debate O'Leary when he takes a seat. Use every possible opportunity to use his own words on programs like Dragon's Den and Shark Tank against him. Portray him as harsh, self-centered, and arrogant... Tie his personality to Donald Trump, and in Quebec, strongly play up the fact that he cannot speak French.

- Use the revenue from marijuana legalization to fund infrastructure programs where possible. Appear in the media frequently to bring attention to the new sources of revenue for the government, which are in turn funding improvements across Canada.

- I've instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to offer to mediate a peaceful resolution to the current tensions between Pakistan and India.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Reserved for Russia post incoming tonight.

[DKrol]

From the Office of the Prime Minister

The Government will introduce the following bill in the House of Commons in the coming days, to allow the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Further, the Prime Minister has announced she is willing to open up the United Kingdom to the negotiators in the Syrian Civil War to assist in finding a peaceable solution to the conflict that has taken so many lives. She hopes the appropriate people in positions of power will heed her request for calm and take the steps towards peace.

[GoTfan]

President Macron intends to take a state visit to Germany to reinforce their nation's ties. He hopes that Chancellor Merkel will be willing to receive him.

[DKrol]

From the Office of the Prime Minister

In 2011, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, in order to preserve the Coalition Government and keep that Government in power, agreed to the Fixed-term Parliaments Act. This bill, while noble in intention, is of questionable quality. It detracts a power from both the Sovereign and the Prime Minister that has been the bedrock of British democracy for centuries, expanded upon in the 1950s with the Lascelles Principles. After speaking with Cabinet and various Members of Parliament from all parties, front bench and back bench, the Prime Minister has decided that the Government will pursue the repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in the coming weeks.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet feel that the decision to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act is in the best interests of the nation, as it allows the Government far greater freedom to respond to matters as they arise. With the stipulations set by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, it is much harder for the Government to respond to crises in confidence among the British people. This weakens any government in power, for it may have lost the confidence of the British people but the Prime Minister could be denied the opportunity to rectify this with new elections by a small but vocal group of out-of-touch MPs. The repeal of Fixed-Term Parliaments Act will strengthen any government that may come to power, be it a Conservative, Labour, or SNP government, or any other party.

[GoTfan]

-Jean-Christophe Lagarde, President of the UDI, Deputy for Seine-Saint-Denis and Mayor of Drancy, is hereby nominated for Prime Minister of France.

-President Macron will undertake a state visit to Germany, intending to meet with Chancellor Merkel.

-Plans for a second mission to the Central African Republic are to be drawn up without delay. We must be prepared to bring this to a floor vote at the Assembly and to take it to the UN.

-Major items on the legislative agenda include a 1% tax reduction for the middle and working class population; enhancing the quest for renewable energy with the construction of additonal wind farms; a law permanently prohibiting the privatization of public services, such as the Post Office La Poste (the privatization is also opposed by Le Pen and the National Front); and finally, President Macron will pursue a vigorous defence of the bill legalising same-sex marriage, with the aim of making that bill permanent law.

[Pragmatic Conservative]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

1. I will hold meetings with China in hopes to negotiate a peace treaty in hopes of ending the conflict in the South sea Islands. I also hope to begin talks on opening negotiations on a free trade deal with China.

2. I will end the ban on American travel to Japan, however will remain cautious when dealing with the USA.

Japan also announces it will join the current western  coalition to fight against ISIS.

[Spamage]

--We too are eager to enter discussions with Japan over disputes in the South China Sea.

--As President I will seek reelection, but will not push for additional executive powers. Too much power can lead to too much blame.

--Counter the "Brain Drain" by providing incentives for Chinese scientists and intellectuals  to return home by offering incentives to them.

--President Xi will undertake a state visit to the African nations we are funding. The trip will include visits in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Mozamblque.

[NeverAgain]

Turkish Turn Orders:

- Increase Economic Infrastructure Programs

- Decrease Corporate Tax to 15%, and lower income taxes to 15%, 25%, and 30% over the next 5 years.

- Allow free and open journalist criticism of their governmental parliament, along with banning and fully prosecuting journalist attacks

- Start decreasing tensions with Greece and Cyprus (Will be proposing plan to UN on Cyprus next turn, but start the deescalation of tensions with the "Cyprisian Government".

- Allow protests, demonstrating our freedom of expression, but do increase police and armed forces to keep both the public and the protesters secure.

- Authorize new ISIS bombing missions on select terrorist areas.

- Standardize nation to follow EU protocols to enter EU negotiations next turn

[leonardothered]

United States:

Mr. President,

-While innovative, the decision to lift the travel ban and allow new immigration subject to a new "illegal immigrant tax" has had the virtue to emboldening the protest against your administration and bring criticism from your own base, who believe it to be far away from what was promised.

-The decision to heavily punish tax irregularities has brought a steady stream of new revenue into the federal government, although it has forced some companies (such as Apple) to move most of their assets overseas. It is yet to be seen how the updating of the tax code will affect businesses in the US, but Treasury Secretary Mnuchin expects to have an update by the end of the year.

-The budget debate nears, with several Republicans uneasy about your large infrastructure plan given its enormous cost and potential effects on the deficit. What will you push for in the budget, and can you successfully negotiate with congress?

-Lastly, a worrying development takes place in Asia as countries like the Philippines continue to sever ties to the US, and even Japan, once a reliable ally, takes hostile steps under Prime Minister Abe. Will you take action to restore US influence in Asia?

=============

-Continue with the program and use the taxes to continue vetting all immigrants with higher security and attentiveness

-If a company is moving their assets overseas to avoid US taxes, then make some very plain threats; if you continue to a course that deprives US of revenue and continue practices that take advantage of the people and institutions of the united states, we will come at you with everything we've got. We will us government agencies to take what is rightfully ours and let the free market get a healthy speed ramp by giving replacement companies tax breaks and even low level subsidies in some cases.

-Cut the fat off of the EPA and DOE to allow for greater revenue, and direct the defense budget towards RandD in priority while cutting funds in order to help pay for the infrastructure plan. Have the Dakota pipeline rerouted around standing rock to appease the hipsters and skin bangers on the condition of getting good PR work from the Sioux people with Trump.

-None whatsoever. We are pursuing a policy of isolation info the rest of the world realizes how badly we are needed

-Enact tax credit spikes for the lowest classes for refund season and call it "Trump credit". Help bring in the peons.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The Russian Federation

-The Ukrainian conflict has been ongoing ever since the neo-Nazi Euromaiden coup; we continue to maintain our opposition to the Kiev regime and will continue to monitor the situation as we have been doing so far; we encourage the Ukrainian government to seek a ceasefire before further blood can be shed.

-Russia will continue to lead the fight against the so called "Islamic State" until the genocidal vermin are completely eradicated. We will continue to conduct an aerial campaign directed towards any confirmed weapons caches, leadership headquarters, or significantly sized gathering of known ISIS fighters. The Russian Air Force will also target any infrastructure that could be of strategic advantage to the Islamic State's operations, should it be necessary-the Syrian government shall be compensated for this in the future. Russian special forces may, in conjunction with the Syrian government, 

-At this juncture, the Russian Federation believes that a coherent and consistent strategy will be needed to contain and eradicate radicalism in the region. We are inviting Turkey and Iran to send delegations in the near future to Moscow to formalize an agreement for future counter-terrorism efforts and other security concerns that effect the Caucasus and the Black Sea. We further invite Japan and China to future talks should our network of mutual cooperation be expanded to work towards a constructive resolution to Asian hotspots.

[Lumine]

End of Late 2017:

Map Changes:
-Ukrainian offensive in Donbass finds great success
-ISIS counterattacks, recovers ground on Iraq
-Assad continues to win battles against the rebels
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the News:

Terror Attacks in Atlanta and New Orleans:

Having found new numbers of radicalized recruits, ISIS sponsored a large-scale suicide bombing campaign across parts of the American South. While the FBI was able to thwart almost a dozen different attacks, suicide bombings in Atlanta and New Orleands have killed dozens of Americans and placed the nation into panic. Most of the country looks at the White House for the response to this national tragedy.

Merkel survives, wins another term:

A hard-fought campaign closes in Germany as Angela Merkel survives the threat of Martin Schulz and the rising SDP with 35% of the vote and 241 seats against Schulz's 31% and 207 seats. Desoite the Left, Greens, FDP and particularly the rising AfD (12%, 70 seats) all returning members to the Bundestag, numbers suggest the only possibilities that can win a majority are a returning Grand Coalition (with a stronger SDP) or an unlikely CDU-FDP-AfD effort.

Prime Minister Abe resigns following breakdown:

Months of political drama in Japan close to an end as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is forced to step down. Reports from medical specialists and the LDP leadership indicate the Prime Minister had been suffering from poor health that caused an unexpected nervous breakdown, which some blame as a reason for his sudden turn in policies. A leadership election is underway, with LDP heavyweights Shigeru Ishiba and Tomomi Inada as the main contenders to become Japan's next Prime Minister. Mr. Abe is believed to be in a health clinic while he recovers.

Protests in Turkey turn violent:

An apparent turn towards conciliation in Turkey has failed as the anti-Erdogan protests have seen increasing amounts of violence, leading to several army units being attack and soldierds wounded as some protesters have also died as a result. A large part of the population appears further convinced of their support for Erdogan as the alternative to chaos, but the divide in the Turkish society appears greater than ever.

Poroshenko claims victory in Donbass:

After a months-long offensive and an apparent lack of interest by the Russian Federation to step in, the Ukrainian military has finally smashed through the Donbass rebel forces, capturing most of the disputed area and pushing the retreating forces towards the Russian border. President Poroshenko has claimed victory in the conflict in a speech in Kiev, proclaimng that Ukraine will stay the course and not cower to further aggression.

Economy and Popularity:

Popularity Ratings:

President Donald Trump: Very High (post-attack bonus)

President Vladimir Putin: High
Prime Minister Theresa May: High
General Secretary Xi Jinping: High
Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un: High
Chancellor Angela Merkel: High
President Emmanuel Macron: High

Supreme Leader Mahmoud Shahroudi: Medium
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Medium

President Recep Erdogan: Low
Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Low
Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni: Low
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Low

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Very Low

Economic Performance:

United Kingdom: Strong
China: Strong
Iran: Strong
Canada: Strong
Germany: Strong
France: Strong

United States: Moderate
Russia: Moderate
Israel: Moderate
Turkey: Moderate

Italy: Weak

India: Very Weak
North Korea: Very Weak
ISIS: Very Weak

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Islamic Republic of Iran wishes to express its outrage following the cowardly attacks in Atlanta and New Orleans. There are no words to describe those behind this and no other response, as our swords and bullets.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Official Statement of the President Vladimir Putin on the American attacks.

The government, armed forces, and people of the Russian Federation wish to extend our deepest condolences to the American people in the aftermath of the heinous attacks in Atlanta and New Orleans. The Russian Federation is ready and willing to do all in our power to bring the barbaric monsters behind the attacks to justice, and we will continue to stand by our American friends in their crusade to bring the menace of radical Islamist terrorism to a final and permanent end.

OOC: I'll get my update up tonight or tomorrow; I'm on break right now, so I have the time.