Pax Europa: A European AAR

[Einheit_elf]

EUROPA CABLE NEWS - NEWS NIGHT
April 2, 2006

The introductory sequence of Europa Cable News begins with images of European cities flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Céline Delpy appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of an unnamed European skyline. She smiles before addressing the viewers.

"Once again, European television screens are full of images of joyous Africans welcoming European troops. In January, the Defense Force intervened in Chad to liberate large swaths of the country from radical jihadists. In news reports from Chad, crowds yell "Vive la Europa!" as they run out to greet convoys of European soldiers. EUROCORPS troops have taken positions in N’Djamena, following the acceptance of Chad into the Federation as an ‘associate state’."

EUROCORPS on patrol
​

"Following a border dispute between Ukraine and Russia, Russian gas giant Gazprom has announced that export of natural gas to the Ukraine will be suspended pending 'friendlier relations with the government in Moscow'. The two countries had become reluctant neighbors since the failure of Operation Nesti in 1997. However Ukrainian-Russian relations took a hit with the fall of the government of Viktor Yanukovych in the Orange Revolution and the establishment of a government under opposition leader Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and President Viktor Yuschenko, both of whom are relatively anti-Russian and pro-Europe. Meanwhile, European gas companies Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Eni have announced that they would be able to supply Ukraine's energy needs at market price. Experts opine that this will end up driving a wedge between Ukraine and Russia further."

New Ukrainian Prime Minister Tymoshenko
​

"500 European Marines are on their way from the base in Noumea to assist the East Timorese authorities during this period of unrest. What began as a conflict over discrimination within the military has expanded into a full-blown coup attempt and general violence throughout the country, centered in the capital of Dili. The crisis has prompted a military intervention by Europe, Australia and Indonesia to restore order to the country."

"The Australian decision to intervene in East Timor was seen as a surprise given that a large part of the Australian Defense Force was assisting in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry, which is the costliest tropical cyclone to impact Australia, with roughly A$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion USD) in damage being dealt as well as the destruction of 80–90% of Australia's banana crop."

"Iran has announced that due to the North Korean and UAS rogue states’ nuclear programs, it will also be restarting its own nuclear research at it Bushehr facility. Iran’s nuclear program had been halted after the fall of the Khomeini government. Defense experts predict that, despite maintaining a policy of deliberate ambiguity, any possible assistance from ally Israel could help Iran be on its way to becoming the next nuclear power. "

"Following the wave of unrest sweeping the world, it was no surprise when the US Congress voted to reauthorize the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act earlier in the month. This bill reauthorized provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and also created new provisions relating to the death penalty for terrorists, security at seaports, new measures to combat the financing of terrorism, new powers for the Secret Service and other miscellaneous provisions."

"The next step towards a more integrated North American economy and security region was taken with the establishment of the North American Competitiveness Council yesterday. Composed of 30 corporate representatives from some of North America's largest companies, the North American Competitiveness Council has been mandated to act as a stable driver of the integration process through changes in government in all three countries."

"In finance, EADS has announced that it has been in talks with Japanese companies, primarily Weyland-Yutani, and the Japanese METI, to begin development of a hypersonic airliner intended to be a faster, larger and quieter replacement for the Concorde, which was retired in 2003."

"Philips, along with Nokia, Siemens, Motorola and Alcatel have all announced various breakthroughs in the field of personal electronic devices, namely cell-phones and personal gaming devices. The new products were partially funded by the federal government to propel further research into the electronics and technology sectors. A new fund to drive research into improved personal computer technology has also been announced."

"Technicians at Siemens have hinted at the creation of a new type of composite material. However details have been sketchy, possibly indicating possible classified military applications for these."

"Contracts have been awarded to Fincantieri and ThyssenKrupp for the construction of the NR-3/ 4, the next generation nuclear supercarriers. Intended to be a step above the Crusader-class vessels under construction, the Charlemagne-class have improved propellers, bulbous bow designs, a reduced radar signature, improved protection for ordnance magazines and other electronic and environmental upgrades. Fincantieri has also announced that the designs for a more multi-purpose version of the primarily anti-air-oriented Horizon-type destroyers have been completed. However, the Navy has announced that there is currently little need for additional surface combatants and recommends the design’s further improvement."

"That's all for tonight. Jean Girard is coming up next with the "Strasbourg Report." Good night."

 

[Ticket Cookie]

Khomeini fell, and Iran is allied to Israel?
Once again, we may need explanation

 

[Deus Eversor]

"Weyland-Yutani"

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

 

[Dr.Livingstone]

Khomeini fell, and Iran is allied to Israel?
Once again, we may need explanation

Yea, an explanation might be nice, what with all this... weirdness

 

[RaGzillha]

Khomeini fell, and Iran is allied to Israel?
Once again, we may need explanation

When in doubt.

 

[Einheit_elf]

INTERMISSION # 1

​

European Federation
From WP, the free encyclopedia

Flag:

Formal Name: European Federation
Type of Government: Federal republic
Founding Document: Strasbourg Accords
Constitution: Treaty of Lisbon

Government
Executive Branch: European Council
Legislative Branch:
-Upper Branch: European Council
-Lower Branch: European Parliament
Judicial Branch: European Court of Justice/Regional courts

Leaders:
-President of the European Council
-Supreme Chancellor of the European Parliament

Capital: Strasbourg
Largest City: Berlin

Area:

Main territories in Europe (other territories in North Atlantic, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, South Pacific, Africa)

Offical languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Danish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, Irish, Latin
Demonym: European
Currency: Euro
Motto: ‘In varietate concordia’
Anthem: ‘Ode To Joy’

Holidays: Europe Day (May 9)

HISTORY

In 1994, President Clinton proclaimed that with peace in the former Yugoslavia, there is no more need for active US involvement and declared that all US forces will be unilaterally withdrawn from the Balkans. This was greeted with cheers in Bosnia and Kosovo. However, a move for peace was instead interpreted as American weakness when details of the Vukovar massacre came to light.

In outrage, France, Germany, Italy and several other Interventionist nations, clamor for armed intervention into Serbia and prepared their own forces for action. With the US position of “pivoting to the Far East” and eager to reduce defense spending where possible, it instead organizes a peace summit between the nations of the former Yugoslavia. While the UN calls for a ceasefire, Boris Yeltsin abruptly announces that he was sending in forces to “safeguard the legitimate government of Yugoslavia” and to what stop what he calls "European warmongering". This news shocks the European nations, and puts them in a quandary. Eventually it was decided that the responsibility to protect civilians behind Serbian lines was worth risking war with Russia. Thus began the modern European Federation’s “Responsibility to Protect” Interventionist Doctrine. This started a trend for several nations, such as the successful British intervention in the Sierra Leone Civil war during 1998 and the American incursions into Liberia in 1999. Against the backdrop of war in Europe, the successful student rebellions in Iran, followed by the return of the Pahlavi dynasty into power went almost unnoticed.

As American diplomats pressure the governments of the various breakaway republics into peace accords, conflict erupted in the Middle East as radical Islamists seized power in Saudi Arabia, instituting a theocratic authoritarian state. It then went on a rampage in the Arabian Peninsula, annexing the Gulf States and Oman, while Yemen was only saved by the intervention of Persia and the United States, which sent a carrier battle group into the Persian Gulf. The new regime immediately set about ‘neutralizing’ most if not all of the sheikhs, emirs and the Saudi Royal Family. In the end Yemen became a puppet in all but name of the newly-created United Arab States. This distraction in the Middle East, as well as the increase in tensions lead to the Interventionist nations to begin formal planning into the invasion of the former Yugoslavia. It was hoped that it would be a short conflict, with operations winding down as soon as American assistance was assured. However, this would prove to be a horrible estimate, with parts of NATO including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada refusing to risk war with the Russians who held onto the former Soviet nuclear stockpiles.

By 1995, the number of Russian “advisors” had swelled to 30,000. By 1996, this had become 50,000. In addition, several squadrons of Su-27s, MiG-29s and Su-24s are sent to airbases in Serbia. At this point Serbia held a tight grip over the former Yugoslav republics of Bosnia and Macedonia. It had also secretly begun to rearm, fearing the inevitable European assault.

‘Serbian’ aircraft landing at Batajnica Air Base, Serbia​

On February 1, 1996 tension between the Russians and the Interventionist nations were at their breaking point. An ultimatum is sent to Serbia and Russia, calling for Russia to turn over Milosevic, the removal of Russian troops from Serbia and for Serbia to accept NATO troops. A reply is expected in 48 hours. With the implicit approval of Yeltsin, Milosevic ignores this, gambling that they wouldn’t try to invade while Serbia had Russian support, both military hardware as well as their nuclear arsenal.

February 3, 1996 would be the beginning of “Operation Roundup”, as the Interventionist nations engage in operations against Serbia and her Russian ally. In retrospect, the collapse of NATO was inevitable, with most of its members engaged in combat while Britain, Canada and the US declare neutrality. The Interventionist nations were promptly thrown out of NATO. Realizing the need for a unified command, the Interventionist nations form the European Security Council, to increase military cooperation between them. They also decided to engage in secret negotiations with China about a joint invasion of Russia. Given the Chinese embargo after the Tiananmen Square massacre, the temptingly close natural resources of Siberia and the severe skirmishes along the Mongolian border in the 1980s, the PRC agreed to consider the proposal.

NATO: 1949 - 1996 (de facto)​

Despite the size of the Russian Army, not enough of it could get through to Serbia, with the majority of the fighting done by Serbian military, ably assisted by the Russian Air Force. While the Europeans would overrun Serbia relatively quickly they advocated no incursions into Russian territory. The Russians would have no similar qualms, overrunning the small Baltic states. Belarus would peacefully rejoin Russia soon after. This brought the war right to Europe’s doorstep. While the neutrality of Poland would have solved the problem of fighting the war on the home front, the Russians decided to revoke said neutrality with a massive thrust by the Russian Armed Forces through Poland. Immediately ESC army units scrambled to defend Poland. Meanwhile the violation of Polish neutrality immediately brought the Czechs and the Slovaks into the war against the Russians. While they would later defer their application into the EF, this was a portent of excellent relations later.

Russian T-80 tanks moving into Lithuania. While numerically superior, Russian forces would move no further west than Poznan
​

In the wake of the European proposal, debates at the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party raged about the course of action to follow. Moderates argued that war with Russia or indeed war with anyone would undo all the improvements made on the Chinese economy, the hardliners disagreed. In the end China decided not to invade Russia but to make use of the European distraction, gambling that the United States would be honor bound to intervene in Europe.

As America prepared its forces to end the Russian-European conflict, October of 1996 saw the People’s Liberation Army’s paratroopers and marines invading Taiwan. In conjunction, North Korea was advised to strike while the Americans were distracted and immediately began an invasion of South Korea. Brutal border warfare between the Koreas erupted but North Korea would move no further than the DMZ, seemingly its only purpose was to distract America. Unpalatable as it was, America decides not to intervene in Europe, justifying that it was a European matter. The subsequent American “betrayal” would keep European-American relations rocky.

Chinese marines preparing to invade Taiwan​

US military forces weren’t idle, however. The end of 1996 saw the deployment of 3 carrier battle groups to the Taiwan Strait and the Bohai Sea. B-2 Stealth Bombers stood ready at Andersen AFB on Guam. US Marines, as well as US Army armored and mechanized brigades prepared to reinforce South Korea and Taiwan. The world seemed committed to a Third World War.

Nuclear-armed stealth bombers landing in Andersen AFB, Guam. Nuclear warfare thankfully did not break out during this period.​

1997 began with a ultranationalist coup being launched in Russia by Vladimir Putin, who believed that for now, at least, war with the European nations was not in Russia’s best interest. Russia would get bogged down in Europe and would eventually be defeated, he said. With this in mind, Putin contacted the European Security Council and asked for a ceasefire, with peace accords to be hammered out in time. Weary after the surprisingly long conflict, the Europeans assented. The only provisos being that the Europeans acknowledge the annexation of the Baltic countries. The Russians would then agree to pay reparations to Poland and the European nations. European authorities requested that their original ultimatum to Serbia be recognized. Russia flatly denied this, leaving Serbia one of the few countries in Europe still independent. Thus did Serbia become a virtual pariah state in Europe, with Russia as its only friend. Finally, with the defeat of Chinese expeditionary forces, the decimation of the People’s Liberation Army Navy and massive discontent at home, the Chinese would also sue for peace, status quo ante.

Unidentified PLAN destroyer crippled and sinking
​

The USA would mediate peace in East Asia, with status quo ante all around. With peace and non-aggression pacts with the Europeans, Putin was ready to unleash his plan to rebuild Mother Russia. Codenamed Operation Nesti (Bear), it was the Russian plan to invade the Caucasus and Central Asia. Russian forces strengthened its control over the Baltic states, conquering the breakaway Central Asian republics and Mongolia once more. Belarus would later petition to join the Russian Federation. By 2000, while Russia had achieved most of her major war aims, it also caused the remaining former members of the USSR to fear it. Finland would end up applying for admission to the European Security Council, while the Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia (sans South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which would be annexed by Russia) all maintain heavily armed neutrality, their independence guaranteed by the EF, the US, Persia and Turkey.

In the wake of these wars, collective security seemed like a pragmatic way to keep the peace. A trend of new alliances and power blocs would follow. The earlier cooperation of Israel and Persia against the United Arab States would lead to the Collective Security Organization of the Middle East, with Lebanon and Jordan also being applying to join. The United Arab States would counter with its own organization, the Riyadh Pact, with Syria and puppet state Yemen as co-members. India maintained an unsteady peace with both the Pakistanis and the Chinese, attempting to maintain its neutrality. The UK would revitalize its waning power with the return of several former colonies and territories in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.

The end of the decade would see the formalization of the union between the members of the European Security Council, with the signing of the Strasbourg Accords. With this the signatory nations (which now also included Greece, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Portugal) agree to unify and form one of the largest and most powerful political entities ever created - the European Federation.

State of the World In 2006​

____________________________

Okay there it is. The long promised, long-ish, possibly plausible timeline explaining the world as this timeline knows it. Hopefully this explains most of the questions you guys have. Feel free to shoot me some more questions though, in case anything is unclear.

With regards to the format, I really like how trekaddict does his intermissions giving a glimpse into the alternate world he's creating so I hope no one minds that I did something similar here.

 

[Dr.Livingstone]

Thanks for the timeline. Though I do think the map needs more blue

 

[Winner]

Wow, that's far more turbulent than I expected. I didn't know there was actually a war with Russia.

In any case, the EF needs to get ready for the liberation of the Baltic countries...

 

[Einheit_elf]

EUROPA CABLE NEWS - NEWS NIGHT
June 27, 2006

The introductory sequence of Europa Cable News begins with images of European cities flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Céline Delpy appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of an unnamed European skyline. She smiles before addressing the viewers.

"The Foreign Ministry and the Defense Force have announced the establishment of new military bases in Djibouti and the completion of a defensive pact guaranteeing the independence of allies in the Horn of Africa following the unrest in Somalia. The Defense Force has deployed a battle group, Battlegroup 16 (Light) to be exact, to EFAFRICOM to protect its allies in Djibouti, Somaliland and Kenya, with one brigade at any given time present at army bases in Djibouti. Funds to improve Ambouli Air Base have also been announced, in preparation for the 3 EAF squadrons to be stationed, the 566 Squadron’s Mirage 2000s and the Naval Aviation’s mixed force of prototype Airbus A319 maritime patrol aircraft and Super Etendards equipped for anti-shipping strikes. The news comes after the fall of Mogadishu and with it, the Transitional National Government, bringing the state of Somalia back into anarchy. In the meantime, Ethiopia has made announcements that they will support the Islamic warlords currently vying for control in Somalia."

"Citizens all over Europe bear witness to the deployment of the Wingback antiballistic missile system. Officially known as SAMP/T (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain), the system is composed of radars by Eurosam and Aster 40 surface-to-air missile launchers and are able to provide ground-based area air defense for the European Federation."

"Unrest in Sri Lanka continues to grow worse following the assassination of Parami Kulatunga, the third highest army official in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities believe that the renegade group LTTE are to blame, making this the latest in a string of attacks after the LTTE pullout from peace talks. The LTTE are also allegedly responsible for the Kebithigollewa, Vankalai, Gomarankadawala and Allaipiddy Massacres, as well as the failed assassination of Sarath Fonseka, a General of the Sri Lanka Army and leader of the Sri Lankan Army’s efforts to defeat the Tamil rebels. India has expressed 'deep interest in helping to protect the beleaguered minorities in Sri Lanka'."

Troops surrounding the site of a bomb blast that killed Kulatunga
​

"Elevator maker Schindler Group’s stocks have dropped to their lowest levels in years following the death of a high school student in the Minato Ward of Japan due to a faulty Schindler elevator. The news has also negatively affected European-Japanese relations and has triggered a wave of public concern questioning the safety of elevators in Japan."

"Rebels have taken control of the city of St. George, reestablishing the independent state of Grenada, formerly a British territory following annexation in the 1990s. A British military deployment to quell unrest in Grenada is under discussion. US President George Bush has agreed to assist its ally’s expeditionary forces as needed."

"The People’s Republic of China is ecstatic over the completion of several high profile mega-projects like the Three Gorges Dam, a hydroelectric dam spanning the Yangtze and the world’s largest power station, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, connecting the Tibet Autonomous Region to the rest of China. The news of these great feats have produced a surge of patriotism throughout the country."

"Riding the wave of patriotism created by the news of these great feats, the Chinese government has announced the institution of an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea. The announcement of the zone has drawn attention and international criticism, including from most of China's East and Southeast Asian neighbors such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and as well as from the European Federation and the United States. These responses focused on two related aspects: while hitherto zones had only covered territory that was undisputed at the time of their establishment, China's ADIZ in the East China Sea covers the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands in the PRC) and also includes Socotra Rock, which is claimed by South Korea. Secondly, China's zone overlaps with other countries' ADIZ and imposes requirements on both civilian and military aircraft regardless of destination."

Chinese Air Defense Zone overlapping Japanese and Korean Air Defense Zones​

"Meanwhile, there has been rampant speculation among concerned nations in the region regarding upcoming North Korean ballistic missile tests. North Korea initially caused a stir following the fueling of its Taepodong-2 missiles, necessitating the American deployment of Patriot missiles and US Navy warships to Okinawa. The U.S., Japan, and others have warned North Korea that such a test would be construed by those nations as a provocative act."

"Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel are at their breaking point, following a Hezbollah rocket strike at several Israeli border times. Israel has pledged to finally eliminate Hezbollah, which would necessitate an invasion of Lebanon. While this could simply be Israeli bluster, European intelligence services have noted an increase in both Riyadh Pact and CSOME forces. Whether this was conducted as a precursor to offensive operations or simply as a precautionary measure is unknown at this time."

Aftermath of Hezbollah rocket attacks​

“That’s all for tonight. This has been News Night. Jean Girard is up next with the ‘Strasbourg Report’. Good night.”

After the nightly news broadcast, the viewer got up and deposited his dirty dishes in the sink, missing the brand new recruiting drive infomercial for the Defense Force. The Defense Force Battle March can be heard in the background.

Young people all over Europe are joining up to serve something much larger than themselves. Everyone's doing their part. Are you? We have the ships. We have the tanks. We have the planes. We need soldiers. Make a difference. Join the Defense Force. Would you like to know more? [1]​

New propaganda poster released​

NOTES:

[1] That’s right, the Defense Force is open to recruiting mid- to higher-tier officers for all three services! If you want to become a commander in the EFDF, please write your name, branch, rank, traits, skill level and a picture, either from the MDS mod files or from elsewhere (resizable to 36x50 please). Air Force people get their own squadron (air superiority/cas/strike fighter/multirole), Army people get their own brigade (armored/mechanized/motorized/aircav/specops/marine/para) and Navy commanders get their own ship(missile submarine/destroyer/frigate/attack submarine)!

 

[Doctor Stein]

Making officers you say?! Well I can't leave myself out of that!

Name: Jackmier Karkaff (Yes, he's Deutsche)
Branch: European Federation Defense Force Ground Army
Rank: Lieutenant General
Traits: Panzer Leader, Offensive Doctrine
Skill Level: 7

(Do you want me to resize the image myself or would you do it? I've seen it at 36x50 and it looks fine but that little bit confused me.)

 

[Dr.Livingstone]

Hmm, does it need to be from MDS? Or can we just make our own/ take it from real life?

 

[Julius Clonkus]

Aw, too bad it probably needs to be a photo - then again, whatever I'd suggest would be ludicrously overpowered and hideously anime in nature.

 

[Einheit_elf]

Making officers you say?! Well I can't leave myself out of that!

No it's fine. Expect to see your command in a couple of weeks, General.

Hmm, does it need to be from MDS? Or can we just make our own/ take it from real life?

You could also upload one you want

Aw, too bad it probably needs to be a photo - then again, whatever I'd suggest would be ludicrously overpowered and hideously anime in nature.

I guess the only conditions are that they be human and European

 

[RaGzillha]

I guess the only conditions are that they be human and European

Ah darn, so the French cat girl officers are out of the question.

Anyways, I do wonder how the EU will react to a possible invasion of Lebanon by the Israel.

 

[Einheit_elf]

EUROPA CABLE NEWS - NEWS NIGHT
September 5, 2006

The introductory sequence of Europa Cable News begins with images of European cities flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Céline Delpy appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of an unnamed European skyline. She smiles before addressing the viewers.

“The Indian government has announced the deployment of an additional 5,000 troops to Sri Lanka, bringing total numbers under Operation Poomalai II, the Indian intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War, to 12,500 troops. Intended to act as a peacekeeping contingent, the Indian Army force will attempt to enforce the ceasefire agreed to in the UN. Failing that, its mandate is to ‘maintain order in Sri Lanka by any means possible’, a mandate that some defense officials believe the Indian Army is deliberately to prolong. Conspiracy theorists have postulated that India wishes to annex Sri Lanka.”

“In response to the large gap between the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the United States Navy, as well as the recent buildup of the European and Canadian navies, the Chinese government has announced the Zheng He Plan, allocating funds for a massive expansion of the PLAN. Aside from the construction of nuclear submarines and surface combatants, the centerpieces of this buildup are the unknown numbers of aircraft carriers of the Shi Lang-class, which defense insiders speculate are based on various ex-Russian and Australian aircraft carriers which had been acquired during the '80s and '90s.”

“The news of a renewed Chinese naval construction plan was not received with warmth in several of its East Asian neighbors, most notably Japan under new Prime Minister Taro Aso, who replaced former PM Junichiro Koizumi following his resignation. The new LDP government followed suit with an announcement of its intentions to begin construction on two more helicopter destroyers and to take measures to increase recruitment for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Meanwhile, India has announced an indigenous aircraft carrier development program. European Supreme Chancellor Romano Prodi have warned against the naval arms race beginning in earnest in the region, urging nations in Asia to think back to Europe at the turn of the century and in the 1930s.”

“After months of turmoil, the Republic of China has announced the end of the Red Shirts Movement. Formed to force unpopular Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian to resign, Taiwanese independence activist Shih Ming-te called for various prominent Taiwanese (Republic of China) politicians to join in demonstrating for the resignation of Chen Shui-bian. However, although the demonstration was attended by all the major pan-Blue (KMT, pro-Chinese reunification) politicians, no prominent Green (pro-Taiwanese) politicians appeared. This follows a string of incidents culminating in Red Shirt protesters surrounding the very office of the President of Taiwan.”

“Four Russian officers have been arrested on charges of espionage in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Western and Georgian media sources report that relations between the two have significantly deteriorated following the separate Georgian talks with the EF, the CSOME and the United Coalition regarding possible closer relations.”

“A committee examining what will become the dominant combat doctrines for the Army has been formed. One side advocates a small, technologically advanced force with superior firepower and integral air support. The other side advocates using the massive manpower and industrial resources available to the Federation to form a large and well equipped conscripted force, akin to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. With both schools of thought having very influential proponents, which side will be found favorable by the Army is anyone’s guess.”

"Aside from the minor border skirmishes, the Middle East seems to be settling down following the Israeli incursion into Lebanon in July. With the UN-mandated ceasefire in place, the Riyadh Pact and CSOME forces move into antebellum positions. However while Persia, Syria, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to demobilize their armed forces and bring alert levels down, both Jordan and the United Arab States maintain their militaries continue to keep their reservists under arms, each justifying their actions as cautionary measures and citing the refusal of the other."

The humanitarian situation in Somalia has improved following the recapture of several towns in the north of Somalia, namely Adado, Beletweyne, Buulo Barde, Harardhere, and Hobyoof. However the peace in Somalia is threatened by the recent attacks in Jubaland, in the south of Somalia, again perpetrated by the Islamic Courts Union fighters. Meanwhile, the reconstituted TNG, now based in the north has received a boost to its viability with the arrival of UN peacekeepers.

"Japan and Russia are once again at a stalemate following a diplomatic row. Russian security forces captured Japanese fishermen in what they allege was their national waters. However, despite the protests and demands of apology of the Japanese government, the Russian government continues to detain the Japanese nationals captured and ignored calls to apologise."

"State of the art computers created by RUAG Electronics and partially funded by the federal government have been provided to the European Directorate of Intelligence - Cryptography Division, allowing it to decrypt and encrypt files faster than before. EDI Director Max Peter Ratzel has called it “a quantum leap for research.”

"The European Parliament has agreed to allocate funds for 24 of the new Defender-class guided missile cruisers. The Defender-class, designed by a team of engineers from all over Europe, are a new class of ship which are possibly the most powerful surface combatants in the world. Armed with SYLVER launchers employing the Aster surface-to-air missile family and fitted for but not with the upcoming Sea Storm surface-to-surface cruise missile, these multi-mission ships are expected to be capable of sustained combat operations in anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface and strike warfare environments. Navy officials have said that they were built to be employed in support of the new carrier strike groups and surface action groups.

"Finally, in sports, citizens of Europe were ecstatic over the European victory against the United States in the Ryder Cup. Team Europe won the competition by a commanding score of 18½ to 9½ points, equalling their record winning margin of 2 years earlier. This was the first time Europe had achieved three successive victories."

"I'm Céline Delpy, this is has been News Night. Jean Girard is coming up next with 'The Strasbourg Report'. Goodnight."

 

[KaiserWilhelmI]

I'm joining the game!

Name: Peter de Rigny (Born in Geneva, Switzerland)
Branch: European Federation Defense Force Navy
Rank: Vice Admiral
Traits: Superior Tactician, Old Guard
Skill Level: 6

 

[whatguts]

who is Celine Delpy?

 

[Einheit_elf]

EUROPA CABLE NEWS - NEWS NIGHT
December 18, 2006

The introductory sequence of Europa Cable News begins with images of European cities flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Céline Delpy appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of an unnamed European skyline. She smiles before addressing the viewers.

"Barring any other major changes, it seems like the Directive on services in the internal market, more commonly known as the Bolkestein Directive, is set to be approved by Parliament by the end of the year. A law aiming to establish a single market for services within the European Federation, the directive had been harshly criticized by left-wing politicians and has since been substantially amended."

"The European Federation, as well as the United States and several East Asian allies have begun to enforce the trade embargo against North Korea, following their first nuclear test in October. Although experts believe the test failed and that the explosion resulted in a nuclear fizzle, the European government has insisted that the blockade and other economic sanctions were necessary in the face intransigence shown by the North Korean government in developing nuclear weapons despite the clear reservations of European, American and Russian governments. Finally, the North Korean government has been invited to resume six-party talks. No response from Pyongyang as yet."

"The Russian government has recalled its ambassador to Georgia, following the Duma resolution to cut links with the Georgian government. Meanwhile, elements of the 56th Guards Air Assault Brigade have been reported on the Russian-Georgian border. Experts predict that a clash is inevitable. Supreme Chancellor Romano Prodi has remarked that the breakdown in diplomatic relations was ‘regrettable’."

"Sharia law continues to be imposed in the south of Somalia, as Islamist militants maintain control over most of the Jubaland region. Meanwhile, Ethiopian government officials announce a new thrust into Lower Juba, following the failure of the Ethiopian Army offensives in October which were aimed at Kismayo, the temporary capital of the Islamic Courts Union government. The United States has announced that they are prepared to provide aerial and logistical support to friendly state Ethiopia as they ‘root out rebellion in a neighboring state’. However, the decision of the Transitional Federal Government to allow Ethiopian troops to enter Somalia was viewed with derision by most Somalis, who accuse Ethiopia of wanting to annex Somalia. The TFG’s recent instability was only worsened with the news that the fledgling government would be outlawing khat, an herbal stimulant widely used in the countries in and around the Horn of Africa."

"In a surprise development, the recent elections in the United States resulted in a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party which captured the House of Representatives, the Senate, and a majority of governorships and state legislatures from the Republican Party. Reasons for the Democratic party takeover include the decline of the public image of George W. Bush, the dissatisfaction of the handling of both Hurricane Katrina and the resurgence of Taliban insurgencies in the War in Afghanistan, Bush's legislative defeat regarding Social Security Reform, and the culture of corruption, which were the series of scandals in 2006 involving Republican politicians."

"Sea trials for the recently completed Adenauer-class ballistic missile submarines are underway in the Mediterranean Sea. Navy Chief of Staff Karl Holluba has called the 8 new vessels “the next step in sea-based deterrence”. Roughly equivalent to the Improved Ohio-class of the US or the Borei-class submarine of Russia, the submarines are equipped with nuclear power plants connected to pump-jet propulsion on a modified Triomphant-class hull. Armament carried includes torpedoes and Exocet missiles which may be launched underwater. However the most important feature of these ships are a new modular missile compartment system with 16 weapons emplacements available. Weapons mounted could be any combination of Seahawk sea launched ballistic missiles and vertical launch system canisters, with each canister containing 6 Sea Storm cruise missiles. Although their final dispositions are subject to change, the new vessels will most likely be assigned to Naval Base Lisbon, Naval Base Malta and Naval Base Kiel."

Lead ship FS Konrad Adenauer on sea trials near the Balearic Islands​

"Finally, massive celebrations have broken out in Romania and Bulgaria following the announcement that these countries will be joining the European Federation effective next year."

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"That's all for now. This has been 'News Night'. Jean Girard is up next with the 'Strasbourg Report'. I'm Celine Delpy, good night."

 

[Winner]

Are there SSBNs in the game?

 

[Einheit_elf]

Are there SSBNs in the game?

No, any SSBNs IRL are modeled in-game as SSGNs.