Talk Elections

By the power vested in me by the newly passed Game Moderator Reform Act (https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=133123.0), this will serve as my official thread for the posting of updates.  Stay tuned.

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."

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

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?

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.

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. ;)

Kudos!

Rumors are just that, rumors.

And thanks to Gustaf for stickying this so quickly :)

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."

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."

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."

This is terrible :'(

RIP

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

Oh, crap, I just said too much.

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

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.

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

Let the bodies hit the floor...

God I hate that song

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."

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

*Applause*

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

Go boys, go!

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.

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.

Ben is just looking for some little war to fight...

Apparently we're fighting two more wars than I thought we were :P

Don't blame yourself, no one really knows that :P

It is a pathetic situation.

Only in Atlasia ;)

I wonder if I was the only one who when looking at the headline wondered who would be trying to assassinate Mike.

Al Qaeda Claims Responsibility for Arch Bombing
May 8, 2011

A video released a few hours earlier today by Al Qaeda has the terror group claiming responsibility for the recent terror attack.  The video, featuring cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, has al-Awlaki attacking Atlasia for "killing the great martyr Osama" and promises "more retaliations in the future".  The video, whose backdrop is a plan white wall, lasts for just under four minutes, and is, except for the mention of Osama Bin Laden, devoid of mention to any other individual.  Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama's presumed lieutenant, who was captured earlier this year, is not mentioned at all.

That's bulls**t. I hired two drunk Alabama truck drivers to do it but damn Al-Qaeda is trying to steal my spotlight!

Bombing at Iraqi Parliament Kills Dozens
May 18, 2011

A few hours ago, during a speech by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a bomb went off in the lobby of the Parliament, killing 39 people.  Among the dead were Hoshyar Zebari, the Iraqi Foreign Minister and a Kurd; and Saadoun al-Dulaimi, the Minister of Culture.

As of now, no one has taken responsibility for the bombing.  al-Maliki, in a short statement, announced that, "As of now we have no suspects.  However, we are closely examining the situation."  al-Maliki escaped the bombing with only minor cuts.

SHAME

Yemeni President Dead
June 6, 2011

Ali Abdullah Saleh, the President of Yemen since 1990, has died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.  Saleh, who had been taken there to treat wounds suffered on June 3, reportedly suffered a heart attack, and could not be revived.

Abd al-Rab Mansur al-Hadi, Vice President since 1994, has assumed office as President.

This is getting dystopic.

Carstens named IMF Chief
June 28, 2011

Mexican central bank Governor Agustin Carstens was announced today as the next head of the International Monetary Fund, replacing Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who remains under house arrest in New York City on sexual-assault charges.

Carstens, who was regarded as an underdog right up until his appointment was announced, had vigorously campaigned for support among developing economic powers like India and Brazil.  He had also campaigned among more traditionally powerful nations, meeting with the British Foreign Minister and Atlasian Secretary of External Affairs numerous times in the days leading up to this announcement.  Carstens is the first non-European to lead the IMF.

Earlier this month at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Carstens had suggested that if his main rival, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, were appointed, she might have a conflict in dealing with European economies. "We'd have a situation where the borrowers dominate a creditor institution. I think that's an issue we should consider."  Ultimately, this line of thinking did not appear to sway major powers.  Rather, it was the strong support Carstens had among rising nations that proved the difference.  An unnamed member of the Atlasian Department of External Affairs said, "Oh, it [developing support for Carstens] absolutely played a role.  The world is changing; we cannot afford to keep pissing off small nations in favor of the Old Boys."

Carstens will officially assume office next Tuesday, July 5.

This "unnamed official" of the DEA should better realise those "small nations" will go after Atlasia's World Bank position next!

Yes, the DoEA is very much aware of this.

9 dead in Egyptian riots
July 15, 2011

Angered by the lack of progress in their nation, hundreds of Egyptians took to the streets in Tahir Square to protest.  After several hours unknown persons fired at the protesters, leading to 9 dead and dozens wounded.  The interim military government has neither confirmed nor denied that they ordered the firing.

Somaliland begins consideration of gay rights bill
July 31, 2011

On Friday, the Parliament of Somaliland began consideration of legislation that, if passed, would remove all penalties on homosexuality.  The decision to introduce this legislation, which has the support of President Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo, came in response to the call by GTO Ambassador Tmthforu94 on all nations applying to join the GTO to remove their laws on homosexual behavior.

An Islamic country doing this...interesting...

It's not exactly far-reaching.  It really only decriminalizes being a homosexual.  Sodomy laws are still in place.

Somaliland passes gay rights bill
August 15, 2011

Today, the Somaliland House of Representatives, by a vote of 69-13, passed legislation removing all penalties on homosexuals.  This overruled the decision by the House of Elders, which failed the bill by a vote of 9-73.  This law, which was seen as necessary for Somaliland to be allowed into the GTO, was celebrated by SoEA Ben as a "great step in the history of Somaliland, and opens many doors for the nation."

South Sudan begins consideration of gay rights bill
August 19, 2011

Following the recent action of Somaliland, South Sudan has begun consideration of a bill that would decriminalize homosexual behavior.  South Sudan, which has expressed interest in joining the GTO, basically took Somaliland's bill word for word, and it is expected to narrowly pass in the next few weeks.

You do realize that homosexuality is a big no-no in Dinka society, yes?  Any government that passed this would be overthrown.

The stories aren't really believable, I agree.

Passage isn't a guarantee.  It's being considered.


Thanks for the input.

I'm not trying to be overly critical, I just wanted to point that out :)

I'd consider it within the realm of believability for Somaliland. Definitely not for Nigeria, which isn't under consideration as far as I've talked to Ben.

And also, we're talking about decriminalization. They're not all turning gay friendly overnight. Ben has my fullest confidence on these stories.

As great as it would be, I really don't see them changing their ways like this. A lot of people in those parts hate themselves some gays. 

State-run media has its flaws alright.

Alright now, let's not go Benbashing.  I just wanted to mention that one thing.

I didn't bash Ben. Hello.

Certainly, and on a local level they'll continue to do so. But consider this: Somaliland is a baby nation, recognized only by a handful of nations in our reality, here. They've struggled for years to get any recognition and build their economic and social infrastructure. South Sudan was officially born merely weeks ago. As a condition for entry into the GTO, certain human rights standards must be met.

If you were these two fledgling nations, struggling for relevance in the modern world, and your only condition for entry into a well respected international organization is decriminalization of homosexuality, would you turn away just because of homophobia, or would you be pragmatic and made that comparatively small compromise?

In our estimations, South Sudan and Somaliland would, if pushed, make that pragmatic concession. Nigeria, will not. And I support Ben's stories here wholeheartedly.

I think a great many Somaliland leaders would consider it pragmatic to not feed into al-Shabaab's talking points about their supposed infidelity to Islamic law.  Local politics and tradition trumps strategic global concerns all the time.

Especially in...Islamic nations!

I love how we're arguing over realism in who makes efforts to join the fictional international organization.

That's off base.  This is reporting of fact; it's not as if the AIJ is reporting protests in foreign countries because of legislation you introduced, Senator.  And don't pretend for a minute this isn't a deliberate attack at me.  I produce the stories, so attacking the stories attacks me.

Lol, so every time I write a bill (meaning you come attack the bill) is your way of personally attacking me?

No.  What I meant was it would be a "state run media" type problem if I did that.  I disliked your terminology, which I view as unfair.

My criticism was at the policy that allowed this.

I find that criticism invalid.  The legislation that allowed this news organization has breathed life into foreign policy, giving us a background to work on, and informing other aspects, like GTO expansion in general.  This is a good thing, Senator.

A policy that gives the legislature things to do is a bad thing?!

These stories haven't really given me anything to do but if I may say so I think I've found things to do without this...I respect your opinion but my perspective of this law is that it disperses power in an awkward way...

Like just reintroducing your failed legislation?

I think it's valid to critique or defend the stories in this journal, but no need to get personal here or bring up things not related to international affairs.

It will pass the next session. I wrote the bill after a conversation with homelycooking. It is important legislation. If you don't like the policy, find a new way to criticize t.

How so?  Marokai and I have had no issues working together, and I had not had any issues working with Badger.  Your conclusions don't match up with what's actually going down.

South Sudan passes gay rights bill
August 30, 2011

The South Sudanese legislature, by narrow margins in both Houses, has officially passed a bill decriminalizing homosexuality.  The bill, which is almost identical to the one recently passed by Somaliland, passed the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan (the lower house) by a vote of 86-84.  It then passed the upper house, the Council of States of South Sudan, by a vote of 21-20.  Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of South Sudan, has indicated that he will sign the legislation.

During the votes, protesters took to the streets singing homophobic songs and waving homophobic signs.  However, those protests do not appear to have influenced the votes in anyway.

Why on earth would Somaliland overwhelmingly support a bill decriminalizing homosexuality and South Sudan barely passing it?

That's actually not totally what happened.  The bill failed 9-73 in one house, and the other needed a high margin to override, which they decided to do.

exactly, assuming the second house was more reflective of the democratic society (opposed to elders)

The lower house fell sway to the idea that Somaliland needs to become a part of the international community, and the GTO is the best way to do it.  They really fear becoming isolated and falling to Al-Shabaab, and hope that being in the GTO can protect them.

Netanyahu: UN better not ratify Palestinian Statehood
September 18, 2011

In a shocking display of arrogance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to threaten the United Nations on Sunday, saying there would be “significant trouble” if the bill for Palestinian Statehood was passed.  Netanyahu elaborated, noting that “the idea of Palestinian Statehood being ratified against Israel’s wishes is preposterous.  Israel will not stand for it.”

The international reaction to Netanyahu’s statement was universally negative.  British Foreign Minister William Hague called Netanyahu “completely out of line.”  Ahmet Davutoğlu, the Turkish Foreign Minister, called the statement “further evidence of Israeli bellicosity.”  Atlasian SoEA Ben said that Netanyahu “must understand that he has done nothing to help the peace process along.  He will have to deal with the consequences.”  An official at the DoEA, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that “[Ben] is livid with Netanyahu, because he is making [Ben]’s job more difficult.”

The UN is expected to soon begin discussing the Palestinian resolution, and it is unclear if the resolution will be vetoed by the Security Council; SoEA Ben categorically denied that Atlasia would exercise its veto, although he said that “no decision has been reached yet.”

Protests in Yemen over Awlaki death
October 2, 2011

Protesters have taken to the streets throughout Yemen, criticizing the Yemeni and Atlasian governments for the killing on terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki by a drone strike.  The protesters focused on Awlaki's Yemeni heritage, arguing that the government should have "protected one of their own", as an anonymous protester said.  The protesters were generally peaceful, although several arrests were made.

Awlaki, considered the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was an Atlasian born Imam who relocated to Yemen after 9/11.  A previous attempt in May to kill Awlaki had resulted in killing two other Al-Qaeda operatives.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Captured
October 26, 2011

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his second wife Safia Farkash, as well as the dead Colonel's presumed successor, was captured today by NTC rebel forces.  al-Islam was nearing the border with Niger when he was apprehended, apparently with a leg injured during the raid that killed his father late last week.  Contrary to earlier reports, both of his arms remained intact.

al-Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity, will be extradited once he is deemed medically fit to stand trial.  Ali Tarhouni, the interim Prime Minister of Libya, announced the intention to extradite al-Islam in a short statement, noting that, "Libya will follow international law.  We must live up to the ideals we have set for ourselves."

South Sudan, Somaliland, officially enter GTO
November 8, 2011

South Sudan and Somaliland, two nations which had earlier been approved for entry by Atlasia into the Global Treaty Organization, officially became members today.  The GTO met in full session in New York City today, and officially voted on the two petitions for membership.  Both countries met the 4/5 majority.

Somaliland was unanimously admitted, while South Sudan faced a more difficult vote.  "[Secretary of External Affairs] Ben had to work hard to convince enough countries to let South Sudan in.  He really stuck his neck out for them" said an anonymous DoEA official.

Somaliland vote tally (40 for, 0 against):
Atlasia
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portgual
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

South Sudan vote tally (34 for, 6 against):
Atlasia
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portgual
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

Britain Considering Leaving EU
December 9, 2011

Following Prime Minister David Cameron's veto of a new EU treaty, which forced the EU to restrict its passage to only the 17 member Eurozone, as opposed to the full 27 member European Union, anonymous sources within the British government let slip that Mr. Cameron is considering abandoning the EU altogether.

"We're damn sick of all these problems.  We're being asked to give up our own sovereignty because of problems caused by irresponsible nations.  We are being punished for no reason," said an anonymous source within the Cameron Government.

While the move was popular with Cameron's conservative constituency, it was less popular outside the UK.  A source close to French President Sarkozy, in addition to releasing a stream of expletives, called Cameron's move "politically motivated and shortsighted."

In Atlasia, there is also displeasure.  A source close to the SoEA, who will be leaving on a trip to Brussels on Monday, said that the SoEA "cannot believe that [Cameron] did this.  The SoEA will, while in Brussels, attempt to change Cameron's mind.  However, it's a difficult position for [the SoEA], because of his relationship with Cameron, and his personal ideas about the EU."

Let's hope the EU meltdown is handled realistically :)

Iraqi Prime Minister Killed
December 18, 2011

Earlier today, 7 months to the day after a failed assassination attempt, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was shot dead while leaving the Iraqi Parliament.  Al-Maliki, who less than two weeks ago oversaw the departure of the final Atlasian troops stationed in Iraq, received four bullet wounds; two in the head, one in the left shoulder, and one in his right knee.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  His assailant was unidentified and fled the scene, blending in with onlookers.

Secretary of External Affairs Ben, from Brussels, called the shooting, "a tragedy.  Nouri al-Maliki was a good man, and it saddens me to learn of his passing."  He did not mention Atlasia's recent departure, and when asked, commented, "Now is not the time to discuss this."  He also said that he intends to remain in Brussels in order to continue hammering out a deal with the Eurozone nations and the United Kingdom, who have experienced friction of late.

I'm joining all Iraqi patriots in celebrating demise of an infamous traitor

SoEA leaves Brussels, heads to Seoul
December 20, 2011

Secretary of External Affairs Ben, despite previously announcing an extended stay in Brussels to help hammer out an EU compromise, has flown to Seoul, South Korea following the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il.  An aide, speaking anonymously, noted, "He [Ben] is deeply concerned.  He sees Kim's death as an omen of instability, and wants to make sure South Korea is ready."  The aide also noted, "Between this an al-Maliki's death on Sunday, it's going to be a stretch of upheaval coming up; Ben is terrified of that prospect."

Source: UK to hold vote on leaving EU
January 15, 2012

An unnamed member of David Cameron's Cabinet has informed the A-IJ that Cameron will propose a vote in the House of Commons within a month on leaving the EU entirely.  While nonbinding, the vote signals Cameron's growing disenchantment with the EU.  In early December anonymous sources had hinted at just this - and those rumors have not died down.

European Union close to adopting radical changes
February 12, 2012

In a new treaty to be potentially announced this week, the European Union will see the most radical changes made in its history.  These changes would include shifting a significant amount of control to the European Central Bank, including giving it veto power over any budget in the EU that is not running a budget surplus for the upcoming fiscal year, as well as forcing every nation in the European Union to adopt the Euro, which would require Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to all switch over to the new currency.

Serbia likely to join EU soon, says Source
February 26, 2012

Serbia, which has spent years trying to get into the EU, will likely be admitted within the next few months, a source within the EU tells the A-IJ.  In light of Serbia's recent agreement with Kosovo over Kosovo's status, a major block to Serbian membership has been lifted, the source says.

This may be the lesser of two important changes in EU membership to come, as it appears increasingly likely that Great Britain will be leaving the EU, especially if the organization ratifies the changes mentioned in the 2/12 edition of the A-IJ.

Atlasia will not name new World Bank President
March 27, 2012

Despite traditionally having appointed each leader of the World Bank, Atlasia will not be naming a successor to Robert B. Zoellick, who has led the Bank since 2007 and is stepping down.  This opens the position up to a member of the increasingly powerful BRIC nations, or someone like Mehmet Şimşek, the Turkish Finance Minister.

Iran to make major announcement in coming days
April 23, 2012

Later this week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is expected to make a major announcement in a speech to Iran's Parliament.  The nature of the announcement is unknown, although some believe it has to do with the recent conflict between President Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollah.

Will the UK vote to leave the EU?

It's especially doubtful now that I'm out of office :P