America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond

[CountDVB]

1990- Cultural Overview: Queersploitation Pt. 1


"Queersploitation (n)- a subgenre of exploitation films emerging in the mid 1980s, the films are made often made with SATMIN actors, ostensibly for SATMIN audiences and often relying on the stereotypes associated with American SATMIN culture or are derivations of preexisting works."- Merriam-Webster Dictionary [2000 edition]​

Third-wave feminism and the AIDS epidemic were two of the major factors that kickstarted the rise of SATMIN Civil Rights (or Queer Civil Rights at it was known at the time) movement over in the mid-1980s. Additionally, with the Udall administration working on it and various people in power becomign sympathetic to their plight, especially Vice President at the time Reubin Askew, they would bolster their support among the general public. The Udall administration's positive success on domestic and foreign affairs gave them a large amount of trust in the people regarding what they were doing. Thus when support was granted toward these movements, many people on the fence or not knowing of the matters became much more receptive to their plight and support would grow for it. The SATMIN Civil Rights conference in 1985 helped unify and bolster the movement even more so and 1986 would see legislation for them, granting legal protection from discrimination in employment, adoptation and many other aspects. However, the movement was only beginning there as the conflict would shift onto the cultural front. Namely in further communicating their message to the people and showing what they wanted while also wanting to take the change to show the world who they are. However, while a growing number of people were supportative, old habits die hard and the lack of inexperience for some along with the generational gap meant other issues arose.

Queersploitation would be a result of this period of time in cultural exploration and growing generational differences and the name was inspired by how a similar phenomena happened over in the 1970s with the blaxploitation subgenre.

Queersploitation is the name given to the growing subgenre of films at the time, usually with some level of influence from prominent SATMIN individuals in Hollywood. As the attitude of acceptance grew along with the possibility of profits, more of these films would be seen. For many people in Hollywood, it allowed them to come out of the closet as it was called and be able to try and do the sort of indulgences they wanted to do, especially if they could go and cater to a growing audience. Of course, the how remained a question?

The first one would be by taking famous romance stories, such as Romeo and Juliet and others and switch around the genders along with a more modern setting. It was simple and it was relatively straightforward. It also was considered a relatively safe bet in making money, especially when they would rely over on the periphery audience to go and gain more profit from these sort of films. Another would be on biopics, aimed and focused on prominent figures over in SATMIN history, being done as an educational angle to show the life stories of these people who were forced to hide who they were. Figures like Oscar Wilde and the like would get their lives explored and their time in the light to celeberate who they were. The figures were those usually of centuries prior, as more modern figures were avoided for the time being though many also believed this was to gather research and expand on such figured. Others included things such as SATMIN tragedies, focusing either on failed romances or being tragic films that would show the suffering of the protagonists or their close ones. Done as a raw expression of emotion, it framed just what some of them have gone through or the pain of what it was like, often done to promote sympathy or slander certain groups. There were even some oddballs such as an attempted buddy cop comedy though with both of the cops being attracted to one another.

The stars and often the higher-ups such as directors would be the ones making the creative decisions. However, straight people still had an influence, if mainly in financing the thing or doing the basic work though SATMIN peoples would also be seen there. Either through theatrical released film, movies made straight for television or even some television shorts, it would be coming out. However, while much of the material that was being created celebrated and even indulged in the many aspects of SATMIN culture, a backlash was gradually beginning to grow.

From the campiness to the showy flair, it was something that many celeberated and enjoyed there, feeling they could be themselves and display it. However, as the 1990s were coming, there was a growing division on who was liking it. Primarily, it seemed that most who enjoyed these were those in urban areas along with those who were on the older side, baby boomers and the like. However, for the younger folk such as the brightbangers and so on, the campiness and other aspects traditionally associated with American SATMIN culture such as theater or Broadway or whatnot began losing their charm for them after a while. For them, they felt that this was rather limiting or constraining over what films for SATMIN audiences could be like. Some even saw it as a somewhat harmful perpetuation of the stereotypes that they were associated with for awhile. Yet another complaint was feeling how a large portion of the fictional material was just rehashes of preexisting heterosexual stories, with some just blatant changes to the gender and the like. Some creators felt that it wasn't really anything that was truly theirs. And another was over on how it was somewhat exclusionary of people of color who were SATMIN though this appeared to be more a factor of scarcity and not having much luck there though for the SATMIN people of color, it was another bitter situation for them to deal with.

Despite that though, it was still a complicated history. After all, there was now SATMIN characters over in film and television that could be looked up to. Not just victims or jokes, but also protagonsits and heroes, with increasingly complicated and more well-rounded depths and most of the works did have enough effort put into it to be relatively decent. While perhaps not as controversial as blaxploitation was, it was still becoming a complicated issue, as some defended the works and viewing those against it as ungrateful or not knowing the history while those critical began upset and viewing it as limiting, stereotypical or unimaginative.

 

[CountDVB]

Winter 1991- More Bleeding Red

Royal Monogram of King Olav V (1903-1991)​

Despite a bit of the losses in House and Senate, the Askew Administraton was going strong. Rather than falter, they began pushing on various plans, some long-term and some that are more in the short term. One of which was over in education. With the growing sense of internationalism and cooperation among nations, unsurprisingly there would be a sense of comparisons between the nations. One of which would be education. Some of the comparisons over with educational system and how the US was doing with other nations prompted a further need to try and upgrade the educational system within the US. While improvements have been with funding, especially toward inner-city schools, a new approach was needing to be taken with more systemic problems and other issues. This has been leading to the Askew adminstration beginning to look into further reforms and even looking into what other nations are doing for inspiration. Rumors have been circulating to things like centralizing education and pushing for more bussing, a topic that managed to get passed through thanks to the strong support the Askew administration was having. The Democrats were mostly on-board though beginning to undergo some changes as the last of the old guard was considering retiring. The Republicans meanwhile seemed to have gotten themselves mostly together, but still seem to be somewhat lost in ideology. The Unizens meanwhile have been promoting their centralist stance and even began courting various Democrats to get in with them.

Meanwhile, across the world, the Soviet Union is still undergoing some various issues with the seeming unraveling of their nation. The Singing Revolution continues on, refusing to be silenced. Soviet forces storm Vilnius to stop Lithuanian independence, killing more than a dozen civilians hundreds more being injured. Meanwhile in Latvia, a series of confrontations between the Latvian government and the Soviet government take place in Riga. These were not the only problems they were having. The South Ossetia War would break out as a result of Ossetians in Georgia trying to break out of the natio and join up with their northern neighbors, starting a conflict within the region. [1] Gorbachev has been looking increasingly upset at the situation yet also appearing conflicted or concerned. Some have speculated that this may have something to do with the growing friction between him and his party. However, he has also been making moves toward a surprising development. Gorbachev has sent advisors and diplomats over to Lithuania to discuss a certain matter. In fact, the news would be that the Soviets were willing to discuss matters regarding Lithuanian independence albeit with an unknown caveat. What said condition is remains unknown though speculate that it may actually have to do with Kaliningrad, due to its importance over to the Soviets on a geopolitical level. According to rumor, the Soviets would buy land from southern Lithuania to maintain a route between Kaliningrad and the rest of the Soviet Union in exchange for full recognition of independence. The Lithuanians have begun debating on the matter as well as looking over the proposals.

Despite this, there was still positives over in the world. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela of the African National Congress and Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party agree to end violence between the two organizations. The United States has sent assistance over in Haiti after an attempted coup by the Tonton Macoute, a paramilitary force under former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier is thwarted and weeks later, Haiti's first democratically elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, is sworn in. Meanwhile, itnernational aid comes to Afghanistan due to a 6.4 mb Hindu Kush earthquake causes severe damage in northeast Afghanistan. The Republic is quite thankful and has been using it to improve their standing to both superpowers while further stabilizing the area, including dealing with religious reactionaries and enforcing order in some of the tribal areas.In the meanwhile, there was still some concerns over such as the increasing attacks over by the IRA on various sites, leading to concerns on what could happen if political officials would be targeted or even killed during the time period [1]. India's economc problems were worsening now and more pressure was on the government. While Rajiv Gandhi lost nearly a hundred seats, he was able to maintain a majority over back in 1989 and many wonder what would happen soon and if he could pass the reforms needed. And Norway would mourn the passing of the People's King in King Olav V with Harald V becoming the new king of Norway.

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991

 

[CountDVB]

1991- The Soviet Union: Oncoming Change​

The Soviet Union as we knew it was approaching its twilight. The economic situation has improved, ending the concerning period of stagnation and beginning the shift from the focus of heavy industry over to computing and even the service industry beginning to see more focus. However, the politics have remained unchanged and all this would show was what would push the Soviet Union to this brink was not the economic model, but what plagued it even prior to the formation of the Soviet Union: Russian behavior toward its neighbors. The nations of the Warsaw Pact have all but left. Some have been undergoing larger and radical political reforms because of the blatant corruption while the more stable ones have been balancing recaliberating themselves, with a mixed economy or market socialism in various forms and even forming new trade agreements with one another. Some have predicted that they may join the EEC or perhaps make their own counterpart to it. And then the Soviet Union itself began cracking. From the Baltic nations rebelling from being used as ports by the Russians and fear of losing their culture to the bitter rivalries of the Caucasus rising up once, the Union began cracking. And that was not including even the political problems that came with the corruption, cronyism and the growing divide between the hardliners and the reformers.

Needless to say, Mikhail Gorbachev was in a somewhat stress situation.

However, he did have some comfortwith the recovered economy over in the USSR. Additionally, the leadership in the other superpower, the United State of America, had been benign, especially compared to the antagonistic approach like with former President Reagan. As such, he would be better able to focus on the matter at hand while also taking advice over from the Americans. And one of which came over from an American diplomat, one Jack F. Matlock Jr. During a meeting, he gave a warning over to Gorbachev about the likelihood of a coup coming from within his party coming after him. It was quite surprising, but given everything that was happening with increased tensions, the growing frustration of dealing with the hardliners and them becoming more aggressive... and then he recalled discussions over such a matter with China and how the debacle over the Tiananmen Square Protests went and how violence nearly happened.

Gorbachev was a reformer. He did not see himself as the type to go and do a party purge...

But the evidence was there and he was already outlining his most ambitious plan yet to try and save the Soviet Union in some form or fashion. He knew tht if he went forward witout doing anything on the matter, he would be inviting himself to chaos, especially without a proper predecessor. With that in mind, he couldn't help but go and arrange a private meeting with China on the matter between the leaders and the concern. By now, Deng Xiaoping had successfully isolated Li Peng politically, even rooting out his supporters and would soon be ousted himself, with his replacement to be chosen by Deng and Zhao Ziyang, rumored to be Hu Qili.

He could not do anything now, but he knew what to expect and when they would come, they would find themselves trapped. Deng advised Gorbachev on something else, that if that happened, he would need to send a message to his party for the stability of his nation. And that would be by purging the party... and possibly other dissenting elements that would threaten the stability should they make their move.

But that was just for tomorrow.

Right now, he presented something to the drafting committee.

His New Union Treaty.

The idea would be to reform the Soviet Union into a more federalized state and preparing to try and gather support for it. Though it was becoming clear early on that not everyone would not be on board with this regardless. However, they could go and leave if they desired. Gorbachev focused on what he could save right here and now with his treaty. March would be when a popular referendum would be held on it though given how they were on the first draft, some additional fine-tuning would likely be needed. But if that is what it takes, then it will happen.

 

[CountDVB]

Spring 1991- Growing Fires

Cover page in Time's issue: "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power"​

Spring of 1991 was proving to be a hotbed of international activity as well as domestic ones over for the Askew administration. Schooling would start having more solutions found as they would look into student inquiries and dealing with the situations. However, there was some positive progress there, such as maintaining ties with the trade schools along with working with some universities to assist in that regard. Other stuff was on restructuring schools regarding the kids of different ages along with taking their concerns in hand, such as applicability of knowledge and engagement of subject matter, though increased funding for smaller classroom sizes and the like helped out there. [1] Beyond that, the environmentalist tendencies would become more prominent as what would seem to be the final nail in Exxon's coffin. After the disaterous oil spill over in Alaska back in 1989 which would see many volunteers go and help out with wild life and the like, Exxon's fate would be decided. The U.S. Department of Justice announces that Exxon would need to pay $3 billion for the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill along with various other charges and oncoming issues. This would seem to likely spell doom for the company and a stark reminder to the American people in the dangers of reliance on petroleum as well as the need to hold large corporations in line. Other news would include an expose and exploration into one of the most secretative and concerning cults within the United States: The Church of Scientology. All while the Church itself would try and counterattack the allegations of what the article said to little avail. [1]

Despite their best attempts, the Soviets' attempts at purchasing land from Lithuania to maintain a direct land route over to Kaliningrad had failed. Analysts believed it was a combination of concerns of the Baltics being surrounded in a vice grip by the Soviets along with Lithuania still being upset over Soviet forces storming Vilnius. Additionally, the Singing Revolution would see the songs of Lativa and Estonia join Lithuania as the people would vote in favor of independence of the Soviet Union, further accelerating the seemingly inevitable end of the USSR. However, if nothing else, this further reinforce the leadership's desire to go and try and keep the nation unified together. A national referendum would be held regarding on whether to keep the USSR together. 77% of voters decided on keeping the 15 Soviet republics together. However, six of the Republics, that of Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and the three Baltic states would boycott the referendum, communicating their decisions on how they felt on whether or not to remain over in the Soviet Union. In fact, just weeks afterwards, the people of the Republic of Georgia voted to secede from the Soviets, with plans being in place to reorient themselves along with renaming themselves. While the Soviet Union would prepare for the creation of drafts for the New Union Treaty that Gorbachev was working on along with subsequent projects, likely that would flash out the plans for the further details on whtever he was working on. All while at the same time making a historic trip over to Japan, being the first visit a Soviet premier would visit the island nation. However, one of the biggest sticking point, that of the Kuril islands, remained an unsettled point between the two nations. [2]

Outside of the Soviet Union, more political change kept on coming across the world. Massive protests were being held in Yugoslavia against Slobodan Milošević in Belgrade. This would see nearly a dozen people killed and tanks are deployed in the street. Furthermore, Yugoslavia itself would finally begin to start cracking with the Croatian independence referendum. Here, voters in the Socialist Republic of Croatia would vote and decide to leave Yugoslavia. [2] The concern of a violent outbreak in Yugoslavia has the Askew Administration discussing matters with key European allies in the area on the escalation there. In fact, the growing concern of ethnic tensions had been leading to the possibility of violence or even war breaking out in the region. As such, the US was calling on all their allies to be able to help out to try and minimize the oncoming bloodshed should it break out. Perhaps one of the big surprises was the US leaning over on Iran. With trouble going on in the Caucasus, from Georgia with its conflict with the Ossetians and tensions with Abkhazians, to Armenia and Azerbaijan's war, the US was relying more on Iran for help. Iran itself was mixed on this. While the opportunity to flex its muscles and become a regional power excited Iranians, it came with plenty of responsabilities and uncertain answers. This was also because of Turkey's worsening conditions for their Kurds and the growing conflicts regarding Kurdistan, despite NATO's best attempts at curtailing them. As such, Iran would have its hands full as it would need to decide who to support with the main relief being have support of the Americans. Another big change would be seen over in Ethiopia, where the end of the Derg officially occurred. Mengistu Haile Mariam, president of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, would flee from Ethiopia to Zimbabwe and days later, the forces of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front seize the capital Addis Ababa. [2] This left the future of Ethiopia in uncertainty. The EPRDF seemed to lack a direct vision for the nation and someone wondered who would lead. There was some who even called for the return of Amha Selassie, the newly crowned emperor in exile, who accepted the legitimacy in 1989. [3]

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/culture-magazines/1990s-education-overview
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amha_Selassie

 

[CountDVB]

1991- The Referendum of the Punjab​

The Stormy Sky
India was not doing too well. Despite the emotional high that came from defeating Pakistan by helping Afghanistan, it would not last. While yes, Pakistan would no longer be a threat to India with its dissolution leaving only the Pakistan Punjab and the nation only propped up by American support and aid, this did not solve India's problems. India was still struggling with various issues. First and foremost was their economy. Slow and stagnant, it was in need of reforms to try and bring some propserity to the nation though how to replace the License Raj was a complicated question, especially with trying to balance the needs of the people and the need for growth. However, aid would need to come soon as the money was running out and the geoconomic shift away from fossil fuels meant that India would need all the help it can get, especially with electrical development.

This would not be the only issue that India would be suffering.

Over the past few decades or so, India has been struggling with some of their minoritiy groups, mainly non-Hindi folk. From the Tamil nationalist movements over in the south to the Khalistan movement in the Punjab and the various other regional struggles, it has been an effort in keeping India together. A few scholars have even become concerned if India may have to break apart or reform, similar to what the Soviets were undergoing at the time. However, this was only the talk of the minority; India was still determined to show its strength and unity to the world, even if it was trying to figure out how to proceed economically in the future. Especially since with the Soviet Union being forced to change as well as dealing with some of its constinuent nations leaving due not wanting to be under the hegemony of the Soviets or for some, not wanting to be under the thumb of the Russians anymore.

Unsurprisingly, a few people began creating parallels between India and the Soviet Union, despite the differences regarding their economy and their situation. Though the similarity regarding the strife with minority groups and being a large nation formed of many smaller historic nations with different languages and cultures, was something that was considered, especially with how attempts at centralization and unity were a bit strenuous. At the same time, there was still plenty of notable differences such as what did the unifying. Regardless, India's fate was still closely monitored by the superpowers and other notable powers, looking for opportunity or on the alert should disaster happen.

In the Punjab
The Punjab had become a hotbed of activity as of late, all because of the activities of the Khalistan movement. With Pakistan being sanctioned by most of the world by 1983 or so, it seemed like the movement would be finished as many believed it relied primarily on the outside agitation of Pakistan and downplaying the problems that the Sikhs may have felt in not feeling properly represented or listened to. Unfortunately, such thoughts would become harsher in hindsight after Operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh purges that came after Indira's assassination, which presented a stark reminder of the biases and bigotry within India. In fact, by removing Pakistan out of the equation, this forced the Khalistan movement to evolve to focus primarily on domestic support and rethinking their approach, a combination of focusing on non-violent protest, heavy focus on reforms and defensive measures to protect themselves.

Unfortunately, with reform measures having been a failure in 1985, the movement's more radical thought of seceding from India became more popular over time. However, it was not taken as a serious option until the end of the Afghan-Pakistan War. Pakistan's brutal defeat along with the seceding of its provinces leaving only leaving the other half of the Punjab region left. The Pashtun territory was annexed by Afghanistan while Baluchistan would join Afghanistan as an autonomous territory that would let it focus mainly on self-rule, but reap the benefits of security and prosperity while providing Aghanistan with opportunities for ports, especially with developments on infrastructure to better use said ports. Sindh meanwhile remained a small sovereign state though it has still be undergoing some tough spots. They have been allied with the Americans in helping the remnants of Pakistan being kept afloat.

Sikh soldiers were present on the battlefield fighting alongside the rest of their comrades in India in the war and the movement hoped they could ride the wave over to point out the importance of the Sikh people, their accomplishments and using it to push to getting those reforms in. Unfortunately, such appeals still fell on deaf ears as the Rajiv administration did little on pushing onto said reforms and rode the victory wave into reelection. To many Sikhs, this sidelining was the last straw. But even then, what really pushed the idea of seceding over to serious consideration was the remaining Pakistanis. The remains of the intelligence network came up with a bold plan that managed to get the approval of the provisional government; the idea of the two Punjabs merging. Even going with having the Indian Punjab secede, call itself Khalistan and annex the Pakistan Punjab to unite the region for the most part. It would get Khalistan what they want and would move toward stablizing the region, satisfying the requirements for the Americans. Even Sindh was open to a similar deal of autonomy yet being part of the bigger nation like Balochistan was with Afghanistan.

It was a bold and daring propsal. One that made much of the leadership practically leap from their seats. A golden opportunity laid before them, and they could not waste it. However, they knew that being reckless about it could jeopardize it so they needed to plan it. Plus, they needed to get people on board for it. Over the next several month, they began preparing over for a sort of referendum though it was more of an opinion poll than anything else. Namely on the satsification of the Sikhs and others in the area and on if it would be better to stay to leave, wanting to guage how people were feeling on the whole thing. It even asked on their feeling with their fellow Punjabi of Pakistan.

The Referendum
The Referendum, after being delayed for months, would finally be done late in the Spring of 1991. With the worsening economy and the newsreports going around the world of everything that was happening... it seemed like a perfect time. After all, who would be paying attention to them during that time? Nonetheless, they were still being pretty cautious and making sure not to try and arouse any suspicion from the time. However, despite their attempts at secrecy and maintaining the vote to be a secret endeavor, even relying on postal voting to be able to do so... it would be inevitable that information would be leaked to it.

Granted, what information it would be would be rather limited, but in such a tense time, the Rajiv government would react to it with concern. Would they actually try and do so? After all, they really did not know much on what they got and well, they had more pressing matters than what seemed like an opinion piece anyway... right?

Despite this, it would be unsurprising that federal agents would be send to try and investigate the matter. The Rajiv government, becoming a little paranoid about the situation, would have their men sent in to look at the matter and the process of voting. Given the tense political atmosphere, it would not be long before it would escalate into arguments and some resistance. Additionally, due to the somewhat sudden nature of the call, it was rather disorganized. One that would have some of them breaking into areas, harassing voters or politicians or even attempting to tear up the votes for some. Others were trying more to do their jobs though it was clear that a good portion of the people suspected that this would not be a good idea.

However, what all of this did would be that it would reinforce the sentiments that virtually most of the population had. Even a growing number of non-Sikhs had gotten sick of all of this and combined with the lousy economic condition that was being seen... the opportunity for a fresh start and closer connections with the United States was quite a pleasant idea. At the same time, not everyone was voting even if most people were. Some people did have remaining ties to India while others were uncertain about the whole ordeal, hence why turn out was not as high as expected, though still surprisingly high.

Overall, the entire thing was an intense ordeal yet thanks to the hard work of alot of people... the results were in. Due to the damages and the interception of the referendum, a true number was hard to get thought consistent reports reported anywhere from 60-70% approval in leaving, though with the details still damaged and lost. Regardless, the people have spoken and the gears have begun spinning...

The Khalistan dream was now in sight...

 

[CountDVB]

1991- The Birth of Khalistan​

A Sikh State
The news of the rough results of the referendum ended up being released hours later than expected though this was primarily due to the interception of the Rajiv government along with the organizers and leaders having sent this information forward to their allies for the upcoming operation. Before long, the morning news would be abuzz with the the secession attempt over of the Punjab and the attempted creation over of Khalistan. While this was not entirely unforeseen by the Rajiv government, they were still caught surprisingly flat-footed by the results. Some have speculated that this was due to the economic situation in India, including speculation that India wold have to start giving up some of its gold supply and concerns over the state of the Soviet Union further jeopardizing their economy future, especially with the power struggle going on regarding the leadership within the Soviet Union. With so many other reports and newstories coming out that required more immediate government consideration, it was easy to see how something like this could slip by.

However, it was still viewed as a massive failue of the Rajiv government, but what followed truly caught people off-guard. With the results tallied and confirmed, the leaders had stepped up and declared that the Punjab state of India is seceding to become a sovereign state. On how for too long, the Sikh people have felt ignored and their voices unheard by the government of India and that attempts at peaceful resolution and discourse have failed on getting the government to make concessions such as persecutions of the crimes from the anti-Sikh riots among other concerns that the Sikh population had. Additionally, the speech noted that they seek not war, but peace with India. But their grandest statement was on reuniting with their lost siblings and continuing the legacy of the Sikh Empire, the nation that valiantly fought against the British colonization efforts the longest.

The new Khalistan had sent a message to Pakistan on the latter having their territory be annexed and to reunite the Punjab.

And more shockingly, the provisional government of Pakistan agreed.


The End of Pakistan
The last few years have been rather brutal on Pakistan. With most of their region seceding, this left only the Punjab region of Pakistan standing. Additionally, the nuclear strike that was ordered by Zia-ul-Haq had broken the government. Many of the wealthy officials, land-holders and other individuals of powers would either flee Pakistan for different parts of the Middle East or other countries while others stayed to try and exploit the situation, only for them to run into infighting and a mess. A provisional government was barely made and Pakistan would only be saved by the Americans coming in to help ensure order and stability. However, the damage was done. The economy was utterly wrecked and it took international support to ensure that the basics of food, water and medical attention were being held.

Pakistan would survive, if barely. And 2 years after the incident, not much has improved. While things have grown more stabler, it is still a rather shakey situation with the provisional government only somewhat functional. The people were a very haggard and lost folk. Additionally, due to the quasi-theocratic elements of the state and how said elements led to the collapse of it, a growing number of people found their faith shaken and or in jeopardy while others more now lost. After long months of only hanging on as such, the search for a situation was becoming desperate. After all, the Americans could not remain here forever, at least as is, and the the concern of India loomed for many people. The idea of Punjabi reunification, even if under a different state, seemed like far-fetched idea at first, but grew in popularity due to the desperation of the people and the promisies associated. Under a new state, the old sanctions and the like would be gone. A fresh start and a new opportunity to move forward and avoid the sins of the past. Additionally, it would be a unified homeland and they would gett better and more efficient backing from a superpower. This along with potential new chances, well it was more than enough. Especially since there was not much of an alternative.

Much like over in the Punjab, a referendum was held, albeit months earlier, guaging the preference on if people would be okay reuniting with the Punjab along with becoming a new state. Given the circumstances and the situation, many people were in agreement though it was not given too much attention over by India. As such, when the new Khalistan was born, Pakistan was one of the first nations to get communications in regards to this, obviously done to begin the paperwork and the transition for Pakistan to merge with Khalistan. Meanwhile, former Pakistani refugees and the like would have the option to become Khalistani citizens if they ever wish to come back to the region though many by now have likely settled into their new homes, especially in the United States and Canada. For the most part though, the people were willing to do whatever it took and while there was some concerns of religious liberty and the like, promises and assurances were being made, especially since the new nation was trying to ensure they would be supported by the other nation that would get priority on this notification... the United States of America.


Indian Reaction
The focus shifted a bit on the United States of America, due the superpower's presence over in Pakistan, now becoming Khalistan. Namely, on how aware the Americans were regarding all of this. The Askew Administration noted how they were only recently informed of such a development going in Pakistan. Additionally, when asked on what their focus was, the Americans noted they just wanted peace and stability to be restored in the region and if the people decided that this is what they wanted to do, that was their choice and thus make it. This did lead to increased tensions between the United States and India though the latter never actually outright accused the Americans of treachery of the sort. However, questions were still brought up on the lack of communication and sharing of information. The US intelligence networks responded that much of the information was public and any private stuff was focused on the region. They also pointed out that this development did not come out of nowhere, but was a growing pattern. The unspoken question the Americans asked the Rajiv government seemed to be Why didn't you do anything to resolve this issue on the matter?

In fact, that was the concensus being increasingly portrayed in the media, both by foreign television networks outside of India and somewithin India, primarily aimed at smearing against the INC. That the loss of the Indian Punjab was due to the failures of the Rajiv government and some even saying the Indira government regarding how they handled the Sikh population of the Punjab. Among Indian media, the message was had their been more capable leaders in charge, this whole situation could have been averted. Some of them even cited the various dialogue exchanges and interviews, such as the post-war attempts at renegotiation or the failed 1985 accords to prove their point. While their main objective was to paint the INC and Rajiv administration in a negative light, a prominent side effect was easing some of the potential tension and anger at the Sikh population. This was especially the case over with foreign media, including CNN and other outlets, who mentioned troubles such as Operation Blue Star and the anti-Sikh riots.

India meanwhile unsuprisingly was utterly shocked at the secession of the Punjab, especially with the growing outlets speaking against the INC in framing the story as the ultimate example of the incompetence of the INC and of the Rajiv administration. Additionally, there were little if any practical options that the Rajiv administration could have executed at this time period. While they could try and invade the so-called Khalistan, it would put them into further conflict and paint a negative light on them around the world and domestically, giving more fodder to their opponents. That is not even including the potential trouble should violence erupt with the Americans present there. Even indirect actions or decisions that could be reasonably perceived as hostile or potentially damaging would be retaliated against. They could not rely on the Soviets for assistance because of their own political issues during their reforming period. Lastly, there was the greater looming issue of the economy, one that was becoming incresingly more and more dominant outside of this.

The center could not hold.

Ultimately, the INC would hold of no confidence for Rajiv and he would be no longer Prime Minister. An emergancy election wold be called into place to find the new Prime Minister of India. While it seemed like the BJP was getting a strong showing, it would actually be the Janata Dal that would get the largest rise, especially as many of the INC defected to the Janata Dal. Eventually, V.P. Singh would become the new Prime Minister of India. While it was initially speculated that a coalition government was going to form between the Janata Dal and BJP, the Janata Dal managed to secure a majority of the seats. Some have speculated that this was due to the BJP not focusing enough on the economy and rumor had it regarding some in-fighting over the stance of the Sikhs, creating an inconsistent message that allowed the Janata Dal to gain a majority.

However, further rammifications came over with India as a whole. For some of the more radical factions, they saw this as proof that perhaps they could try and push for their own independence while more pragmatic and grounded members planned to use this as reasoning for more autonomy among regions. In particular, the southern part of India was influenced by this, who's Dravidian culture and language was different than than of their northern kin. Meanwhile, the Kashmir region, now mostly under India, was monitoring the situation closely. Gilgit and Baltistan were given the same sort of treatment as the rest of their Kashmir "siblings" regarding having their own flag and autonomy, with Gilgit in particular having been the site of a mild dispute between Indian and Afghanistan, due to the latter wanting the Karakoram Highway for the purposes of economic cooperation with China. Afghanistan was not able to secure Chinese support for it and was forced to back down, but never quite got over it. With the Kashmiri themselves, while they were optimistic, they were also incredibly wary of the political situation.

 

[CountDVB]

Summer 1991: New Governments

Flag of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia​

The summer of 1991 would prove that the year would become quite a famous for the beginning of much political activity though also the sparks for upcoming future conflicts. The formation of Khalistan immedately following the secession of the Indian Punjab and the annexation of the Pakistani Punjab caught much of the world by surprise. While foreign offices were working overtime for this, the new Khalistani provisional government assembled help from various nations, including the Canadians, Americans, British and others for financial investment, aid and the like. The new Khalistan political system would become a federal parliamentary republic seemed to be the case, though some news would come from which system it would use. While initially, the "first past the post" system was considered, some of the Khalistani officials looked intrigued by the Irish's electoral system, namely their use of instant run-off voting for the election of their president and for their legislation, (least their lower house), a single-transferable vote system. Many suspected that this was from how it could potentially ensure some level of peace and representation among the minority groups and in fact, even the Askew Administration found it encouraging for Khalistan to use. Other questions remained such as Sindh's integration into Khalistan (likely as an autonomous territory with special privilages), the language, flag and so on, to be decided throughout the upcoming months.

While India could do little except deal with their own election along with the upcoming economic concerns, especially with the Rajiv government's final action, namely securing gold from the IMF albeit by having to mortage a good portion of the nation's gold, airlifting it out of various locations, much to public shock and outcry. However, as a new Indian Prime Minister would come into power, other nations saw as an opportunity for potential investment, especially as the Janata Dal would begin various economic program, including loosening various restrictions and likely scrapping the "License Raj". Though the details as to what to replace India's economic model was being examined. Interviews noted how India's large skepticism toward capitalist ventures was due to the centuries' long history of being exploited by the British, especially regarding the East India Company. As such, it would be a slow process of looking over what could be privatized and looking at various economic models that could work. Gorbachev's NEP 2.0 program was one key source that was being examined and India even examined the notes of other nations' such as Yugoslavia, do see what they could learn from their successes and failures regarding economic policy, what could be privatized and so on. Foreign investors were also of note into here, especially Europe. At the same time, the Americans were also keen on working with India, though primarily also to ensure peaceful cooperation with Khalistan. The main focus with them along with help from Canada was expanding nuclear power usage, to ween India off of coal usage, much in the same way the US is beginning to work on with China.

Fatos Nano would resign as Prime Minister of Albania following a nationwide strike. President of Albania Ramiz Alia appoints Ylli Bufi as his successor. Just days later, the Party of Labour of Albania is dissolved and succeeded by the Socialist Party of Albania, marking the end of communist rule in Albania. [1] Regarding the strike itself would remind nations around the world regarding the power of the people. One prominent group that was paying attention to this was none other than the Turkish Kurds, who continued their mobilization against the Turkish government. Tensions have gotten worse, especially with Halil Turgut Özal's loss, as his attempts at compromise with the Armenians and Kurds cost him points with his own party and the military and it was also worried that NATO may suspend Turkey's membership, especially with it looking like it will be less needed given the situation with the Soviets. Continuing on with what is going on in Yugoslavia, Croatia and Slovenia declare their independence from them. On a brighter note though, the beginning of June would see South Africa repeal the last legal foundations of apartheid, and thus really set the stage for the election next year. [1] Meanwhile, in more political news, Ethiopia would finally begin its transition to a new form of government though already concerns have been popping up with how the EPRDF would conduct matters, especially how the requirement of ethnic-based parties was bringing to mind matters regarding Yugoslavia and how a lack of cooperation o focus led to the events of Khalistan. The US did not give any support over to the EPRDF, showing concern over the restrictions that the EPRDF, in their "National Conference on Peace and Reconciliation" was trying to shape matters in their direction without giving say to the people. [2] This led to the US attempting to give pressure over to the new Transitional Government of Ethiopia to remove their restriction on the participation on ethnic-based parties. One party that was wanting on this was that of Moa Anbessa, a monarchist party for the restoration of the crown and the creation of a consitutional monarchy, with supporters for Amha Selassie being gathered over in the area and forming a coalition of sorts, including some growing support of foreign nations. [3]

But perhaps most of all would be in August, with the big bit of news coming over from Moscow...

----------------------------------------------------------------

[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transitional_Government_of_Ethiopia
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amha_Selassie

 

[CountDVB]

1991- The New Union Treaty​

The threat of a coup from his own party or out of it grew further in Gorbachev's mind as the New Union Treaty project was continuing to unfurl. By the beginning of the summer, the feedback had changed it. Rather than just reforming the USSR, it would be forming a successor state to it. It would turn the former USSR into a confederate republic of sorts, with the details still being hammered out on governance, resource distribution and other factors that would need to be considered. All while he needed to deal with a growing chaotic opposition against him, especially one that is coming from multiple sides. For example, he would end up clashing with rising political star Boris Yeltsin, who had his own political ambitions, including trying to assume a potential presdiency over in Russia. However, despite gaining reputation as a defiant rebel within the political sphere of Russia, Gorbachev's continued success, especially with the NEP 2.0 program as it would be called, would allow him to maintain power in the people and he would eventually manage to side-line Yeltsin to where his influence and popularity would begin to decline. All the while he wa trying to balance out the various issues, such as with the media. While freedom of the press was granted and there was a growing plan to restructure the public media, it was also trying to balance it with trying to keep the nation stable. A trend noted was how more inflammatory for-profit newsmedia worked, mainly for the sake of selling more papers and grabbing attention, something both the US and USSR once discussed as part of a subject on growing media interconnectivity.

Regardless, this connection would prove invaluable over to Gorbachev. Armed with the information he was given by the Americans, he would began accelerating his program in reforming the USSR and waiting for the would-be coup plotters to come out. Perhaps the only thing that caught him off-guard was how unorganized the coup attempt would be, at least in its planning. The group of individuals would be caught thanks to recording equipment and they would be charged heavily with treason, with trying overthrow the government and keep him from enacting his plans. However, out of concern that they were not acting alone, Gorbachev would have his men press them for any and all info on anyone else who would've shared such sentiments as they did. Though going beyond just the hardliners, he also pressed for further information, namely on anyone who would be a potential threat. Before long, they would crack and give out various names and what they knew, to anyone that could possibly be linked. Gorbachev would use this to cast out his fishing net and widening his search.

Not just politicians, but other persons of interest who would possess a threat to his plans such as "buisnessmen" who smuggled things via a black market or imported goods illegally for ill-gotten gains during the early years of his attempts at reform. These figures, Gorbachav surmised, would become threats to the stability to the new nation through potential financial scheming or the like. As such, he would beginning outlining a plan to try add find and search for these individuals before they would put any large sway over onto the USSR's successor state.

However, despite the disorganized coup attempt, it would still be notified and with it,Gorbachev's efforts to try and investigate the whole of the Party, looking for the names given by the would-be conspirators or those that would be suspected of being accomplices for such a means. The surprising show of Gorbachav was enough for a good chunk of the hardliners and others not in alignment or agreement with him to jump ship or take deals, with the goals of being left alone by the state, albeit with the caveat of no longer having involvement with politics. This along with a few other groups would be kept up in the sweeping. For some, this had a substantial boost of popularity for Gorbachev for providing some form of safety and promise. For others though, especially on the fence, they would begin planning their own leaving attempts.

August 27, 1991 would be when the treaty would be signed. Over the next 8-16 months, a transition would begin from the old state of things to a new state, from moving the capital to the decentralization to the restructuring of the government along with some plans for voting on leadership to even things like flag designs... While Azerbaijan and Ukraine would leave because of their second thoughts, the others would remain together and the former two could even rejoin easily back during the transistional period.

Gone was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics... and in its place was the State Union of Sovereign Republics...

Now was the time of the Sovereign Union

 

[CountDVB]

Autumn 1991- The End of the Cold War

New Flag of Russian Federation [constinuent country of State Union of Sovereign Republics]​

With the reformation of the USSR to the SUSR, this did not stop various nations from leaving. The Baltics were an unsurprising result as well as the exit of Armenia, Moldova and Georgia, all of whom would start the process of their own governments and voting on new systems and even names. Ukraine and Azerbaijan meanwhile would have their referendums with a likelihood that they too will be leaving. The rammifications of such a notion would be quite enormous in terms of the geopolitical sphere, including casting a bit of doubt on the future of NATO. Would such an organization be needed, at least as needed anyway? In other results, the SUSR would give two major announcements to the world. First, that Volgograd would become the capital of the new State Union of Sovereign Republics. The city was chosen because of its importance in history, primairly the victory back during World War II; in fact, it was for this reason that the city would be renamed to Triumfgrád, to commemorate the glorious history and the start of a new tomorrow. Speaking of, that was tied into the second announcement; the first major action that the SUSR would do would be the signing of the START I treaties between themselves and the United States, done to reduce the number of warheads in the world, especially with the reminder of the horror from back during the Afghan-Pakistani War. [1] As such, television screens were watched with hope and promise as Gorbachav and President Askew signed the treaties, signifying a new beginning and for historians, as the end of the Cold War. History was moving forward, with Gorbachav announcing his plans to run for the new Russian Federation when the period of transition was done and SUSR opening connections and diplomacy with various nations including Israel while maintaining ties with nations such as Cuba. The Communist parties would begin rebranding themselves as either Socialist parties or similarly named parties, with even the Communist Party of Russia renaming itself the New Russian Workers' Party. However, while some were championing a new era of peace and prosperity, others pointed out that the troubles were far from gone, pointing to the troubles of Yugoslavia and the Middle East as for areas of increased conflict and having political rammifications.

After the so-called Ten Day War over in Slovenia, it was becoming clear that the dissolution of Yugoslavia would not be peaceful. The leaders of Serbia and Croatia would begin their nationalist goals and it would become clear these "Yugoslavic Wars" would be another issue for the world to intervene. While the idea of sending soldiers for the purpose of peacekeeping was not entirely out of President Askew's mind, he hoped it would not come to that. Depite that, it would be unsurprising that later that fall, the UN Security Council (with the SUSR having the place of the USSR) unanimously adopts a resolution opening the way to the establishment of peacekeeping operations regarding Yugoslavia. [2] Other talks that were being discussed included the troubling developments in Ethiopia, especially with how the growing multiethnic protests that were being held against the EPRDF. At the same time, many of the new nations like the Baltics were now applying for UN membership and talks were being held for international blocs, especially with the concern on whether or now NATO would remain together. The Baltics have begun pursuing talks with Poland and the Nordic nation on the potential establish of a defense bloc and even an economic bloc, not unlike how the EEC functioned. After all, Poland was in such talks already Czechoslovakia and Hungary for such a plan and given what else was going on, such a plan may be expanded. At the same time, with the United States still trying to keep track of the changes over with the SUSR, the growing changes over in China and the plans for Yugoslavia among other issues, they were relying on more of their allies for assistance in maintaining the peace. One such example was Iran, especially now that Azerbaijan and Armenia were no longer part of a larger nation. Iran, having grown strong and powerful, including a growing nuclear power sector had secret talks over with the US and other nations like the British regarding certain concerns of foreign security and what may be needed. All of this while the Baathists have begun making raids over on the Gulf states while others have been said to have been spotted over in Syria.

The United States itself has been buzzing with plenty of news. The 1992 elections were coming up and while Askew and Chisholm would be running unopposed, concerns over who would represent the party in the future were being raised. Chisholm discounted running for president herself in 1996 as she noted she would be too old to run as a proper candidate and that it would be up to the newer generation to do so. As for the Republicans, they would begin finally to give some strong candidates over. They were the various reformers and the like, showing a willingness to support the modest ambitions of their counterparts. There was a joke that it was the return of the Rockefellar Republicans given how most of them were from New England. That being said, it did make the only one not of New England stand out and becoming the most likely candidate to win the Republican candidancy: Mark Andrews, former Republican Senator of North Dakota. Touting experience and his record of moderate-to-liberal voting, he seemed to definitely be quite a solid choice for the Republican presidential candidate. Meanwhile, the United Citizens Party would be running with Ross Perot as their only candidate though a couple potential challengers were showing some interest, if not as president than as vice president. However, President Askew would be kept busy still. Beyond the growing international adjustments, back at home, many projects were being overseen. More and more of the expanded American rail network was being electified with synchronzied public transportation system becomng more common. The first of the nuclear power stations to take the place of coal were starting to come online and the the oncoming GEN III reactions were having the finishing touches. He would also follow up with emergency relief over from those suffering from the so-called Perfect Storm/Halloween Blizzard that would hit the nation around the time. Thurgood Marshall would announce his retirement, thanking everyone for all the hard work. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a person of color would take his place. And within a couple weeks of decision making, a worthy replacement would be found: Amalya Lyle Kearse, who would accept becoming the newest Supreme Court Justice. And lastly, the computer world would start gaining interest when someone new would successfully post messages to the Usenet newsgroup comp.os.minix, regarding the new operating system kernel he had developed. A new operating system that would spread throughout the large international network of GNU-associated enthusiasts, especially in Eastern Europe, predominantly in Finland. That of Linus Torvalds' Linux system. [2]

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[1]- Phrasing and information from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/START_I
[2]- Phrasing and information from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991

 

[CountDVB]

1991- The Ukrainian Referendum​

A Referendum of Independence
Out of all the nations that were voting to leave, Ukraine was the one most people looked into, because they, along with Azerbaijan, were the most on the fence. While the latter would end up leaving due to a growing closeness with Turkey and suspected irredentist movements that was leading to growing friction between them and Iran, Ukraine was a bit more fascinating. While they were one of the bigger influences toward pushing for the "confederation" based model of government that would become the SUSR, they were still rather cautious if not skeptical on the whole ordeal. Many would attribute this due to the past history Russia has had with its Eastern European neighbors, especially with Belarus and Ukraine. Both of these nations have been more part of Russia proper rather than their own state and Ukraine in particular has a past of trying to go and create their own state, including prior to the formation of the Soviet Union.

As such, perhaps it wasn't as big as a surprise when Ukraine would decide to rather try and hold a referendum over on whether or not to be independent.

As many people as possible was encouraged to go ot and vote over whether or not for Ukraine to finally be independent. It was all meticulously counted and double-counted to make sure. The general concensus was that it would most likely pass because of historical reasons. While relationships have improved considerably, especially because of the economic reforms and liberalization of certain aspects during the reforms, more than a bit of bad blood remained and Ukraine wanted to test if their people truly wanted to be fully independent of Russian influence.

Gorbachev could not do anything to stop it though noted some concerns regarding some potential territory issues, mainly that of Crimea. However, when the results got back, things were a little more interesting than expected.

While Ukraine did ultimately vote to leave, it was closer than expected. However, the truly interesting part was the distribution of who wanted to stay and who wanted to leave. While the western half was very insistent on leaving, it was fairly more split over on the eastern side of the country though still edging out closer to independence. However, one region of the nation was very much for remaining... Crimea.

Enter the Tatars
Even at their most optimistic, with Crimea, it was likely to be a close call, maybe 55% at most. It was somewhat unsurprising that they would vote to remain over in the SUSR, though their gap was larger than that of the others, showing that they were pretty serious on the matter. While the other parts of the nation could potentially settle for not being with Russia, the gap with Crimea meant that it was a big enough matter that it may need to be taken seriously over their faith.

However, matters were complicated even more with a wild card of a people: the indigenous people of Crimea, the Crimean Tatars.

Back in 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union would condemn the removal of Crimean Tatars back from their homeland. The whole ordeal being declared inhumane, it began a process of the Crimean Tatars slowly coming back to their homeland. However, the growth of various activists and leaders such as Yuri Bekirovich Osmanov and Mustafa Abduldzhemil Jemilev were promoting for the Crimean Tatar people to have a say on the matters, trying to speak to both sides on the matter. However, the two men had different approaches and ideals, with Jemilev have a seperatist approach compared to Osmanov's more reconciliatory approach regarding resettling the Crimean Tatar people. Both of their parties were in a quasi-competition and would get the spotlight shined on them thanks to various groups in the media, foreign and domestic, pointing it out.

Especially given how the predominance of the people voting to remain in Crimea were Russian and there was some growing tension growing there with the Tatars coming in to their homeland. And each side saw an opportunity to go for their advantage. Ukraine appealed to the Crimean Tatars and noted their shared past of having dominated with Russia and extending an olive branch of peaceful prosperity in their homeland, with some would-be legislators even considering an "autonomous territory" deal with them.

Meanwhile,the Russians had their own reasons for wanting Crimea, primarily because it was the site of the Black Sea fleet for them and thus, an improtant strategic point. The fact that a majority of the people there in Crimea would want to remain over with the SUSR is also a considerable point to take. However, there was also the issue of the Tatars to consider, especially now that attention was brought to it. There was also the Ukrainian popuation there and of course, others who would've preferred just staying in Ukraine. And so they were forced to go to the table to negotiate to try and nip this situation in the bud.

Cracking Crimea
The Russians, being the de facto head of the SUSR and Gorbachev was somewhat stuck on the situation. Ukraine meant alot over to Russia and has historic and tradtional ties. However, at the end of the day though, Gorbachev and his growing faction believed that it was up to the people of Ukraine to decide what they wanted to do. While they were an influence in the treaty becoming more confederal in execution, the fact they kept pushng for it while the other nations were more okay with the original plan gave the notion that they were really wanting more to be independent. It was the end of the USSR, but moreso than that, it was addressing that issues and thought patterns that led to the USSR collapsing in the first place, mainly an inability to change and moving on from the troubles that haunted them since the days of the Tsardom. Gorbachev and the transitional of Ukraine were discussing potential solutions to the issue on the matter.

Ukraine was not willing to give up Crimea, at least without compensation and the Russians knew that paying could upset the populace. More aggressive actions were immediately taken off the table for it. Another idea was on possibly ceding some land over to Russia from Crimea in exchange and have them live there but while the eastern oblasts, mainly the Luhansk & Donetsk oblasts, were the ones that did have the biggest suport for remaining, it was still not even half the population. Additionally, they did not show much interest in actually breaking off from Ukraine itself. Of course, as tensions were increasing on the matter, someone proposed a simple solution.

Dividing Crimea.

Between a roughly Ukrainian west and a Russian east, with the former becoming a state for the Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars and the latter becoming one for those who wihed to remain. It was simple enough though it would no doubt require efforts on both sides to cooperate. Neither side was entirely happy about the situation, but they did not have many other options. The Crimean Tatars were willing to accept this under the condition that they also get Bakhchysarai, the city that held Crimean Khans' palace and the only major monument left due to Soviet destruction. The Russians agreed though they also wanted Sevastopol, or at least most of it, as they were willing to divide it up, just as long as they got the bigger share. This was a pragmatic choice and despite a bit of tension, it would be agreed.

To help further ease up, Ukraine and Russia offered to help settlers from Ukraine's side to move to Russia itself even regarding funds and transportation. Given the growth going on with the cities, a fait bit of people took up on the offer. All while Russia's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Ukraine's Autonomous Oblast of Qırım would be born. Despite the tenseness, both nations used to try and move forward with their relationships, avoiding much if any bloodshed.

Crimean Consequences
While nothing serious came out of it, it did establish a tension between Ukraine and the SUSR. Soon afterward, they would begin communicating more with their neighbors, especially Poland, on alliances and economic support. They along with Europe in general began sending aid over to the Ukrainians moreover. While Ukraine struggled with te decision, they would join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, though they would destory only most of their supplies. Additionally, they would keep the infrastructure of design and production it inherited from the USSR, though it would be utilized primarily for nuclear power creation. Many claimed that the Crimea situation made Ukraine more cautious on trusting Russia. After all, while Gorbachev did possess a very good reputation in Ukraine, they had to think of the long term. At the same time, they welcomed in the growing Crimean Tatar population from across the world, notably from Uzbekistan and Turkey.

Russia meanwhile did walk away rather unscathed and relieved violence did not occur though did note this damage relations with Ukraine for a bit. Not to mention having to make sure the splitting was done well and the population was as well. Granted, Russia and the SUSR's growing economic opportunities did intrigue people to go more to the mainland, not just from Crimea, but from also the border regions of Ukraine and Russia. President Askew did congratulate Gorbachev on peace and offered assstance if need be. Some of this did come in how some of the people took the offer to immigrate to the US.

Despite the tensions, the hopes were that matters could continue to settle and become peaceful.

 

[CountDVB]

1991 Overview​

1991 was quite the busy and memorable year to say the least. In the United States, it would see the Askew Administration begin to oversee the transition of the United States from the Cold War to beyond it. He would also begin to oversee some of the final steps that his predecessor had laid down and the hopes that he would see it through if he were elected for the next term. While he did follow up on alot of what his predecessor began doing and continuing it, he also went on his own route and followign what some of the newcomers are doing. For example, he would sign a bill that would establish postal banking over for the United States, a bill that was pushed foward by newcomer House Rep Bernie Sanders of Vermont. It was not a far-off thing and in fact, a similar system did exit until the 1960s, though now it was being returned, a launch by some of the new blood, seeing it as a positive alternative for for-profit banks and would enable people to better save and handle their money. Other places such as Germany had their own systems like it and the US returning it would inspire Canada to begin a movement to restore a modern form of it. Many saw that this was likely the result of increasing funds among people as well as a growing concern about the potental unchecked power of banks while others wanted an alternative to have basic services and not pay fees. This would lead to an increase in employment among post offices. Beyond this, it was a continuation of the previous developments laid so far, such as expansion and updates of education and other fields. Meanwhile, reelection is coming up and it is expected that Askew will have a fair chance of winning reelection though beyond the traditional competition from the GOP, there was also the Unizens becoming a growing political party and many wonder what the impact would be.

However, the true example of change came internationally. The Cold War officially ended with the signing of START I and the New Union Treaty, which would see the beginning of the transition of the USSR to the SUSR, a confederated republic with a greater sense of autonomy among the constinuent countries. While the details and the minutae were still being hammered out, especially in balancing matters like elections, representation and the like, the reforms and effort put in by Gorbachev seemed to indicate that the doom of nuclear destruction and paranoia is being phased out and ending. At the same time, as one thing ends, more things begin. The states that refused to remain over with the SUSR would go off on in their own directions. Some, like the Baltics, would pursue peace, but also work on their own alliances and goals together. Others would go and end up in wars from tensions that have been boiling up prior, much like the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan or the growing conflicts in Georgia. Efforts are being made to try and find solutions to these without too much bloodshed. Meanwhile, in a bold and daring move, the Punjab region of India seceded and would even annex Pakistan, namely what was left of it, the other part of the Punjab, to create the Republic of Khalistan, a Sikh homeland, though would be open and supportive of all faiths. They would soon also annex Sindh into making it into an autonomous territory, done to have access to the sea while Sindh would benefit from the oncoming American investment and financing. India meanwhile would suffer political shockwaves from this as they would be forced to try ad confront the issues coming from this, but also the necessary economic changes to tr and adapt, though getting help from the SUSR here with the success of their NEP 2.0 along with other scientific knowledge and investment is providing plenty of assistance there. China has been observing the situation and taking a few notes for their own sort of reforms, especially with how Yugoslavia has been falling apart from ethnic strife and it becoming a matter of "when" rather than "if" regarding international involvement, including the likelihood of peace missions there. Ethiopia has seen the end of the Derg's power, but the struggle has become complicated with the questionable legitimacy of the front, especially in their demand of ethnicity-based parties and their clashes against other parties, including the monarchists. And of course, other various movements and political actions across the world; the Labour party have resurrected the idea of further devolution of powers for the Scottish, after the failure in implementation in 1979 due to the low turnout and was shelved due to more concerning matters. This time though, there appears a greater amount of support for the notion. Cuba will have strong relations with the SUSR, but the reforms have made them a bit nervous and while relations with the Americans have become alot better thanks to President Udall's efforts and continued with President Askew, they have begun making plans to further amicable relations.

Films meanwhile continued to be a bit mixed, even as the controversies regarding Hollywood and third-wave feminism have been quieting down, at least for the time being and leading to the beginning of "decentralization" of the entertainment industry within the United States. The film of the year would be the delayed Dances With Wolves, though while having been fairly successful, it would face some serious competition. While one of the first big rivals was the psychological horror film known as Silence of the Lambs, the surprise was none other than Beauty and the Beast, Disney's next big hit and a long-awaited adaptation. One of the positive news was on Howard Ashman, who would come out and be supported by the company. Having dodged a close call with AIDS, he has noted to be excited to be working on the next big Disney film, an adaptation of Aladdin, with the team apparently planning to visit Baghdad even for research on the development. Others noted that it would note some of the growing in-fighting within the House of Mouse, prominently the butting of heads between Katzenburg and Henson. Disney would also release the film The Rocketeer, a rather fun film that paid homage to the two-fisted tales and the visual effects along with the art. While the film did modestly well in the theater, Henson would help supplement this by using connections with TSR and create a boardgame based off of The Rocketeer, which would expand over to be an homage to the old-school pulp stories of yesteryear. It would also include other characters of the time there as well as inspirations or promiennt roles such as Nick Carter. Other notable films included, JFK, Hook, and The Addams Family. Meanwhile, video games would see more growth and interest with the rise of SEGA and the release of their hotshot rebellious speedster of a hero, Sonic The Hedgehog, stopping the plans of Dr. Eggman. Beyond his rebellious streak and having an attitude, the environmentalist themes of the game were subtle yet ntoed. Other ground-breaking releases including Street Fighter II, Final Fantasy IV, Mega Man 4, and The Legend of Hyrule: A Link to the Past. Music would see the continued growth of grunge and other more underground genres with pop music's decline. Meanwhile, the world mourned the loss of legendary musician and SATMIN+ icon Freddie Mercury, dying of AIDS related complications. This would lead to a resurgence of popularity for his music as well as the surprise for various people on Freddie being multi and would inspire others to be more confident in themselves. Other releases including the Nevermind album by Nirvana and the mainsteam rise of hip-hop, especially borrowing elements of what is going on in the world.

 

[CountDVB]

New Country Profile: Republic of Khalistan
ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਦਾ ਗਣਰਾਜ [Khālisatāna dā gaṇarāja]

Flag of Khalistan & Emblem of Khalistan (The SIkh Khanda) ​

Motto: Sarbat da bhala "May everyone prosper"
Anthem: Khālisatāna dā gīta "Song of Khalistan"
Capital: Amritsar, Lahore
Largest City: Karachi
Official Language: Punjabi, Hindi-Urdu, English
Regional Languages: Sindhi, Saraiki, Pahari-Pothwari
Ethnic Groups: Punjabis, Sindhis, Saraikis, Others
Religion: Sikhism [Special status], Islam (majority), Others
Demonym: Khalistani
Government: Federal parliamentary republic
Legislature: Khalistani Congress [Upper House- Senate, Lower House- National Assembly]
Currency: Khalistani rupee

National Facts:

• Despite being founded in the name of the faith, Sikhism is technically not the offical state religion. That said, Sikhism holds a special place over in Khalistan. Over in the Khalistani constitution, the government supports Sikhism and also encourages Sikhism teachings and traditions. It alsoa ssists in the building of Sikh temples and the nation is recognized as being founded for being a homeland for the Sikhs while also promising freedom of religion to all followers of all kinds.
• Amritsar was chosen due to its significance in Sikhism to become the nation's new capital though there were concerns over regarding Lahore. Ultimately, a compromise was made. Amritsar would become the executive and judicial capital while Lahore would be the legislative and administrative capital of the nation.
• The head of state of Khalistan is the president.
• Sindh holds the status of "Special Autonomous State", having a large bit of homerule though still participate in various federal affairs and election.
• Khalistan was inspired by Ireland regarding its electoral model. The President of Khalistan is voted in a direct democracy via instant-runoff voting (or as known in the US and here, ranked choice voting) while the legislative elections uses the single-transferable vote model for the Senate and National Assembly.
• While Islam was the majority religion during the found of Khalistan, trends showed a growing conversion rate from Islam over to Sikhism. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, mainly the disillusionment with the faith as caused by the Islamist regime of Pakistan combined with the support of the Sikhs in the region. Another factor is said to be a sense of national pride and the creation of a distinct identity.
• Hindi-Urdu remains an official language while the nation transitions to Punjabi as the first official language of Khalistan. As such, it is predicted that Urdu will be demoted to a regional language within the next couple of decades or so.
• Sindhi is the official langage over in the "Specal Autonomous State of Sindh" alongside English and Punjabi.
• The golden-yellow represents joy and clearing of the mind, referring to the new beginning. White represents peace and prosperity while the deep blue refers to the warrior past of the Sikhs. The colors were also chosen from that of the Nishan Sahib and including the khanda.
• Beyond their newfound close relationship with the United States, Khalistan has been pursuing peaceful relations with many nations within the Anglosphere due to the shared history, especially Canada and the British. Other nations they have increasing positive relations include Israel, out of solidarity of creating a homeland for their faith.
• Economy could best be described as a potential mixed economy, with inspiration coming from the German social market economy among other factors. It is unknown which direction economically will go though it does possess many public services, including a universal healthcare system based off of the British NHS and American NBH. Additionally, the idea of worker-managed employment, inspired by that of the Israeli kibbutz or the Yugoslavic system was being considered.
• Americans and Khalistanis have been discussing if a second port city for Sindh could be done, mainly by investing and enlarging the city of Keti Bandar.
• Many of the former Zia-ul-Haq regime are wanted over to face war crimes over in Khalistan.
• Khalistan's presence in the American sphere has led to the rise of the awareness and popularity of Sikhism in the US.
• They were able to make cordial ties with Afghanistan surprisingly quick, as they were just wanting reassurance in that the Pashtun lands were Afghanistan's, a term which was agreed upon. Meanwhile, relations between them and India remain... frosty and complicated though not hostile.
• Khalistan has become one of the fastest growing sites of the technology sector, thanks to US investment.
• The remaining nuclear development of Khalistan has been geared toward a singular usage in power generation.

 

[CountDVB]

New Country Profile: International City of Jerusalem
Internationalis Civitas Ierusalem​

העיר הבינלאומית של ירושלים​

مدينة القدس الدولية​

Anthem: Unity of the Faithful
Official Languages: Hebrew, Arab,
Recognized Languages: Latin
Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, other Abrahamic faiths
Demonym: Jerusalemite
Government: Unitary directorial republic
Legislature: Unified Assembly
Currencies: New shekel, Jordanian dinar, American dollar

National Facts:

• Jersualem is ruled by a directorial republic, not unlike what is present over in Switzerland. The heads of government and state are known as the Jerusalem National Council, the seven-member executive council that constitutes the executive branch of Jerusalem. The head of the council is known as Archcouncillor. The seven are chosen between 2 Christian members, 2 Jewish members, 2 Muslim members and 1 independent member. The independent member can be of any faith or even irreligious or secular. This would be expanded to nine members, with 2 additional independent members over in 2000.
• Latin as a recognized language started as a joke among the visiting Catholics there that somehow ended up becoming part of the legislature. Whether this was done as a show of goodwill, the recognition of the influence of the Catholic Church and Latin culture or because a large portion of the population and governing body found it that amusing, it is now present.
• The unofficial fourth language of the nation is English, due to the large historical influence of the British and later the Americans. Certainly has made things easier with the tourism industry.
• The national anthem "Unity of the Faithful" is a prayer in song, coming in Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic versions, all three are considered the official versions. Though the "prototype" of the anthem was transcribed in English. Attempts are made to create a unifed version of the anthem consisting of all three languages.
• Due to the international status and importance of the city, many diplomats, ambassadors and bureaucrats have made an impact on the city directly and indirectly as a hub of travel. To where some having jokingly began calling Jerusalem the Holy City of Bureaucracy.
• The various peoples living in the area are encouraged to live and interact with one another peacefully. UN forces serve to bolster the local police to ensure that no fights or chaos breaks out and to maintain a sense of equality and fairness.
• The flag was designed to incorporate the various symbols associated with Jersualem from each of the major faiths along with a corresponding color associated with them such as the Green Islamic Star, the Blue Star of David and the Gold cross of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• It's believed a major UN office may be constructed in Jerusalem.
• Given the growing importance of the city-state, Israel and Jordan have both pledged plenty of security and support for the nation along with plenty of additional security provided from abroad.
• The International City of Jerusalem have confirmed that they will particpate in the Olympics and likely will be sending some particpants over starting in the 1992 games and beyond. Some have speculate that it may consist of surplus Israeli and Jordanian players under the Jerusalem flag.
• The Unified Assembly legislature uses the proportional voting system, specifically that of party-list proportional representation, with a mix of parties focusing on various factors. Humorously enough, even socialist parties are allowed.
• Jerusalem citizenship is a bit complex, including on organizing it between Israel and Jordan's own systems.
• Another joke among the population is that a communist can always find work as a police officer, namely off the premise that the secular nature of communism means they will be harsh on everyone equally and unbiasedly.

 

[CountDVB]

Winter 1992- Death of a President

Former US President Mo Udall (June 15, 1922 – Febuary 28, 1992)​

The Cold War was over, formally proclaimed ove by President Askew and Gorbachev over at visit in Camp David, as further arrangements regarding nuclear weapons and the like were signed and carried out. What fate awaited the world, many wondered? While the SUSR was still in its transitional phase, this left the US as the predominant superpower and now in an awkward position of trying to act as a force of order and maintain some form of peace while balancing domestic issues. However, while much of the world would come to embrace peace and transition into the oncoming new global system, some parts of the world were not so lucky. With the proclamation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is proclaimed by the Armenians of the region, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is escalating into full-blown war. A war that is quickly seeing outside involvement with Turkey sending aid and supplies over to Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the US has informed their allies, including Iran, to do what is needed to maintain the peace. In fact, Iran's Prime Framadār has arranged a meeting with President Askew over the potential measures that Iran has been seriously considering and informing their ally over to it. The US would look over these plans and send to their key allies in the region along with discussing upcoming peacekeeping plans in addition to other issues. Such as the continuing break up of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In fact, Slovenia and Croatia would gain independence and begin getting international recognition in some Western countries. This only accelerated concerns over the likelihood of greater bloodshed and thus the United Nations Security Council would approve of Resolution 743 to send a UNPROFOR peacekeeping force to Yugoslavia along with potential further preparations. [1]

At the same time, positive movements were still going on in the world. Khalistan has become open to the world while the new Indian government would be arranging for growing cooperation with the rest of the world with investment along with restructuring in the hope of financial growth and prosperity. Algeria would finally have proper elections outside of its one-party state and despite the concerns of a reactionary party over with the Islamic Salvation Front, the past several years regarding the failues of combining Islam with politics have soured their prospects. Additionally, the party would not last long soon after their loss, they would dissolve into in-fighting caused by the various leaders. As such, Algeria would manage to maintain some level of peace as it would try and balance out the liberal reforms with what was it that the people are wanting and figuring out the way forward. Other notable events included how more than 100,000 attend protests in Nairobi, Kenya demanding an end to one-party rule by the Kenya African National Union and Japan apologizeing for forcing Korean women into sexual slavery during World War II. While the Winter Olympics would be going on this year over in France, more progress was being on some grand project over in Europe, albeit one that has run into some last-minute trouble. The Treaty on European Union had hit some delays caused by a few issues, namely on the economic angle and on how to handle the various approach, especially with the success of more progressive angles and how the actual economic structure should be set up. The Maastricht criteria remained in being in discussion and trying to handle the modern way of handing the Keynesian economic model along with other macroeconomic structures, but the hope was that such an answer would be reached soon. [1] Another reason for the delay was on talks on the future of NATO, namely on how it was supposed to exist in a post-Soviet world and moreover on the involvement of the former Soviet countries. Some were concerned that them joining could be seen as antagonistic to the SUSR while others pointed out that there was always the policy that someone more authoritarian than Gorbachev could come in along with taking into consideration into what the eastern European nations actually want. Interestingly enough, it was the Americans who came up with a novel solution: Have the former Eastern European powers come up with their own defensive bloc/alliance with said bloc having the option to call upon for NATO assistance if need be and vice versa through a contract. It would provide reassurance of western support for eastern Europe, but in an indirect manner. Suggestions for the plan were being sent to prominent eastern European nations for it, like Poland, on the idea.

However, the last bit of news would be the saddest. The passing of former American president Mo Udall at the age of 69. Over the past decade or so, he has been wrestling with Parkinson's and many believed that the intense amount of stress that came with being the President had notably worsened the problems and strains on him though it was often difficult to notice due to the sheer grit and determination that President Udall had displayed in his time in office. Matters were a bit to difficult when he left office as the age and stress seemed to have caught up with him. A nasty fall over in 1991 that led to some serious injuries really highlighted and ultimately, Mo Udall would quietly pass away in his sleep over in 1992 after the long fight with Parkinson's. The news was a massive gut punch to the nation; President Mo Udall enjoyed high favorable ratings as his time in the presidency, known for having implemented plenty of reforms, especially the creation of the NBH and guiding the nation out of the economic recession back from the late 1970s. With the news coming out, President Askew would declare a national day of mourning, ordering all flags within the nation and associated territories lowered to half staff for 30 days after his death. Udall's state funeral would be the official funerary rites conducted by the Government of the United States, occuring over in first few days of March with various world leaders and prominent figures attending it, including Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping. Additionally, preparations were announced over for the Morris King Udall Library and Museum to be established and built over in his hometown of St. Johns, Arizona. It would give a bit more prominence to the town along with a bit of conflict given how former President Udall cut ties with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, with one reason due to the church's comments on people of African descent. Despite that, the popularity of the former president, especially among the young, would override the concerns there. As the nation mourned, many recalled how the 1980s was defined over by the efforts of President Udall and even how now in the 1990s that is being felt with his successor in President Askew. He is survived by his wife Ella Royston (who has become a spokesperson regarding suicide as she noted to have wrestled with suicidal thoughts for a period of time) and their 5 children.

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992

 

[CountDVB]

1992- A Coup in Qatar​

Middle East Tensions
While the ideaology that has been called "Islamism" or "Neo-Munafiqism" had become discredited in the past decade, especially with the fall of Pakistan, reactionary elements associatated with the faith in Muslim countries continued to prove to be volatile breeding grounds for dissent and rebellion. This would be best seen over in Saudi Arabia. Ever since former President Ronald Reagan recommended the King to suppress the growing reactionary elements within his nation, seeing it as a threat to American interests, the results have been mixed. On the one hand, the heavier repressive tactics on there while maintaining the process of liberalization would lead to a growing radical group within the nation. On the other hand, the downfall of the quasi-theocratic Pakistan and the end of the Palestine goal delivered brutal blows to the numbers of these groups such as the Salafists and like-minded groups. This was reinforced by the success of the secular Iran government. For many of the young people and disaffected, the end of the reactionary movements caused by their internal struggles, unfeasability of their goals and other flaws inherent in them would disillusion them to those ideas. In fact, after a few years of unpopularity toward the Sauds' affinity to the west, they would bounce back up with the realization that in repressing these reactionary elements, they prevented the nation from succumbing to what has become an outdated form of thinking.

That being said, the pendulum swung the other way and the anger would be replaced with a secular one. After all, several Arab states were still ruled by absolute monarchies that are not held accountable to the people and without much of a voice. Additionally, the troubles and issues from said royal families has led to further isolation and tensions. What made it more tense was the success of other Muslim countries. The constitutional monarchy of Jordan has continued to thrive while reforming at their own pace while secular Iran has become a regional power matching Saudi Arabia and Turkey in influence and likely begin surpassing them in importance on the global stage. While Saudi Arabia was the main focus of these newly-shifted tensions, the other Arab nations wold be targeted. After all, they shared many a similarity in function, being monarchies that gained their power through being petrolstates. However, with the growing need to shift the economy away from the usage of fossil fuels for various reasons, there was now a ticking clock over the value of this resource. Coal was being shifted out, gradually accelerating over time while natural gas would become more tightly moderated and modified. Oil would see its decline in the gradual shrinking usage of automobiles as personal transportation, the plans of urban infrastructure shifting toward public transportation primarily and even its indirect usage such for the creation of plastics was becoming more and more regulated, especially in combating what was seen as wasteful usage of a finite resource and plastic pollution on various levels. While this did affect things much on the short term, the people were growing more anxious about the future. Specifically, regarding what happens when the petrol-based economy no longer becomes relevant. These anxieties brought some fresh fuels to the preexisting frustration people were feeling toward their governments for one reason or another.

All it needed was a spark to ignite it.

The Baathists' Man In
The Baathists have slowly crawled out of the pit of near-irrelevancy that they fell into as a result of the rise of Islamism and the splintering of their movement by people like Saddam Hussein or Hafez al-Assad who spun it into their own directions. It was a new world now. One that saw the end of the Cold War and the changes coming from it. They too had to chance or be swept into irrelevancy for good. However, beyond trying to making the changes needed to fit in with the changing world and prove that they possess the superior ideaology, they realized they would need to find a way to prove it while establishing a headquarters for themselves. As such, they would finally strike after a year or so of preparation.

Qatar had been on their radar for the past several months. The increasing tensions between father and son have become more noticeable and in the past years, some representatives from the Baathists have begun meeting with Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the crown prince. Ever since the early 1980s, he set Qatar's basic economic and social policies by leading the Supreme Planning Council. As such, he would begin showing more Baathist sympathies by them getting close to him and supporting future attempts at power. Additionally, the concerns of the monarchy could be passed over by following the example set over in Afghanistan; Sardar Mohammed Daoud Khan, the cousin of the King of the time and thus member of the Royal family, would stage a coup and establish a form of republic though with him in charge. As such, Hamad could do the same, additionally purging any family members loyal to his father and cement his rule through ideology. While other parties could exist, they could still maintain control through the idea of a "loyal opposition", creating the appearance of democracy while holding dominant power and influence through the shadows.

Afghanistan had in particula become a backer for these Baathists and even channeled supplementary support to them through ties with the former Soviet. A form of soft power and influence to set the foundation for future arrangements should this endeavor succeed. The Baathists were now pretty capable and having spent the last several months giving support and backing Hamad, the time was now. The arguments and tensions were getting worse now between father and son and eventually, the father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, would not only refuse to give his son control regarding the day-to-day operations, but talks were had over whether or not he wold even lose his seat over in the Supreme Planning Council.

That was the straw that broke the camel's back.

The Change in Leadership
While Khalifa was out of the nation, his son would go and launch his coup behind his back, relying on the support of the Neo-Baathists along with the army and various members of his family, becoming the new Emir. However, the bloodless coup would becoming shocking when Hamad announced that it would be the end of the monarchy, bringing in a republic, much to the shock of many. While his closest family members and those he trusted would be informed, others were quite surprised. Despite this, Hamad would nonetheless still offer a chance for those to come in and embrace the new implemented system.

Unsurprisingly, it did not fare well though Hamad would maintain support of the army and reinforced with the Baathists, was able to curtail most resistance from the beginning. However, to appear maganimous and maintain support, exile would be chosen to all but the harshest, opting for imprisonment instead. The Baathists along with Hamad knew full well a counter-coup was possible, but the appearances of legitimacy were important. Additionally, they also knew that should a counter-coup occur, they could crush it easily in the name of self-defense and further cement their hold. Additionally, if their neighbors would support any counter-coup, they could use it as a potential casus belli for war and spread their influence.

Right now though, it was stabilizing their power. Qatar would officially no longer be a monarchy. It was now a unitary presidential republic.

Additionally, the Baathists would now call themselves the Jadid (Arabic for new) Baathists. These new Jadid-Baathists would assmble under the Qatari New Arab Rebirth Party or the Qatari NAR Party for short. While other parties would be permitted, the Jadid-Baathists worked to ensure that any party would not be too much of a threat against them. They would enforce civil law as the law of the land and Qatar becoming a secular state, noting the success of seperating religion from the state. They would also do away with various punishments, banning flagellation and stoning as punishments along with the process of legalizing some of the various matters and instituting reforms down the line, including the plans for women to vote. All of this was being done to quickly acceptance of the transition of power from foreign powers and jumpstart investment, especially away from petrol. This would include discussing potential US bases in the area along with go to establish closer ties with Afghanistan and even make efforts of peace with Iran, who are quite wary of them due to a good portion of them being veterans of the Iran-Iraq War though them being quite disillusioned with Saddam's leadership and ideology helped a bit there.

Despite many of these reforms, the newly sworn in President Hamad would still have a powerful and authoritarian hand. Political resistance was still disorganized while he and his allies were all too prepared to crush any that would try rising now. Additionally, there would be various prohibitions and restrictions done regarding the new regime, all done in the shadows and presented in the name of national security. Military reforms would also be added in the name of security and in the preparation for a potential counter-coup. Reactionary resistance against the massive changes was dealt with a strong-armed form of ruthlessness with Preident Hamad using the collapse of Pakistan as an example of what he wished to avoid. He also worked with the Jadid-Baathists to appeal with the youth and representing the better future and contrasting against the dogma and antiquated notions of the Islamists and those who thought similarly.

As Qatar would undergo their large change, various watching nations suspected that this would not be the last time such an event would occur...

 

[CountDVB]

Spring 1992- Bosnian Conflict

Flag of European Union​

By Spring 1992, the stage was set over for the American political battleground. For the Democrats, most of the support was thrown behind the incumbent President Askew and Vice President Chisholm regarding their reelection. However, perhaps out of a sense of competition or for spreading the name, a serious challenger went up against Askew, that of Bill Clinton, Governor of Arkansas. Being over on the rightwing side of the Democrats and a member of the small faction of neoliberals, he ran over and relied on being a fresh face along with something new. It was a remark over on the relative quiet of the Askew administration regarding the domestic front and that it was time for a change of pace with the end of the Cold War. While he did go and give a somewhat serious shot at the debate, many speculated that he was more focused on guaging public attention and direction for a potential presidential run afterwards. While he did win his home state of Arkansas and a few others, President Askew was able to easily win over reelection to become the candidate of the Democratic Party. Interestingly enough, one final question asked was thoughts on the Unizens and Bill Clinton spoke positively on them and noted the importance of growing options in the American democracy. Meanwhile, the Republicans were also quite the keen eye to watch over with what is coming with them. Namely with them finally being treated as a potentially serious contender. North Dakotan Senator Mark Andrews would become the Republican Party candidate for the presidential race of 1992. After standing out among his contemporaries for his experience(and as some joked, for not being a New Englander), he would choose his running mate in none other than Arlen Specter, Senator of Pennsylvania. Arlen initally considered a run, but declined due to thinking it was a bit of a crowded field. However, he would still become rather popular and thus increase the prestige. Lastly, there was the Unizens, would be announcing a run though the focus would likely be more over on the legislative side. Nonetheless, there would still be the appearance of founder of the United Citizens Party with Ross Perot and his running mate over with Pat Choate. While they were still trying to find their political footing, they were still accepting various facets and ideas from other parties, including a few from the Libretarians, who were undergoing their own hemorrhaging as a result of polticial in-fighting, namely over lack of popularity of economic issues and accusations of corruption.

Meanwhile, the Bosnian War was starting, causing some of the various UN members to consider further reinforcing their peacekeeping forces there in the area. It all started when the Bosnian independence referendum would be held at the beginning of the month. Most of the Bosniak peoples along with the Bosnian Croat communities, would vote for for Bosnia-Herzegovina's independence. However, the whole referendum would be boycotted by the Bosnian Serbs. A month later, as the Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina proclaims independence from Yugoslavia, it would be done without the presence of Serb political delegates. Following this, Serb troops would be part of a mass rebellion of Bosnian Serbs, being against the declaraton of independence and they would begin by sieging the city of Sarajevo. This quickly prompted a meeting needed over what should be done, especially with the peacekeeping. The ethnic maps were showing there would be more than some difficulty in dividing up the region into potential sections. And well, while the two remaining constituent republics of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – Serbia and Montenegro – would form the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, it was not much of comfort. It was pretty much the end of Tito's Yugoslavia, torn apart by the ethno-nationalist sentiments that have been flared up over the past several years or so. While the US and Europe would go to acknowledge the independence of the nations, the SUSR has remained absent for the most part over with Yugoslavia, being more focused on domestic affairs though would send be open to discussions from the Security Council regarding further peacekeeping. Meanwhile, while NATO and the SUSR have been focusing on potential issues regarding the new Yugoslavia, including plans for economic sanctions to try and weaken them and stop the issues, other conflicts continue to rage on. [1] The war between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh continues on and with an Azerbaijani election coming up, the hope was new leadership could bring in a chance for peace. However, it did not seem likely and Iran would be especially cautious. Namely since the popular candidate, Abulfaz Elchibey, have expressed irredentist ideals toward Iran along with a pan-Turkist ideology, which could lead to further Turkish support in the war. With Iran and Turkey's relations already near rock-bottom due to the latter's treatment of the Kurds along with general power struggle, it could escalate into greater hostilities.

Yet despite all of these tensions and problems, there was still some positives left to be enjoyed over in the world. The People's Republic of China would ratifiy the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while also continuing their plans for not just economic reforms, but political reforms as well, especially with the increased sight of young people and activists focusing more efforts on the local level. White South Africans would vote in favour of political reforms to go and end the apartheid regime, all with the upcoming elections over with the African National Congress now permitted to run and many expecting to win. In a large celeberation, especially for SATMIN+ folk, the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, would be held at Wembley Stadium, London. Being televised live to over one billion people in the world, it would help in raising millions of dollars for AIDS research along with support for SATMIN+ folk across the world. Additionally, the biggest news would come out of Europe. After delays regarding the economic policies, including extensive changes to the so-called "Maastricht criteria" due to its original monetarist policies, disagreements coming from there and the rewrites for a more Keynesian approach along with more safeguards and protections for people, the paperwork would be finished and thus would be the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. With this done by the various twelve nations, the founding of the European Union would be announced to the world. [1] A political and economic union of twelve European nations starting out, it would be done to further bring peace and prosperity to the continent. While some were concerned about the sovereignty and the like with the nations, the extra time did allow for some reforms to be able to adjust these rules as needed, especially as more members come in and they continue to develop this. Unsurprisingly, this would have some pretty fascinating developments politically. Such as in the British, the discussions over the European Union would let Geoffrey Howe win reelection with his coalition with the LibDems though the changing of the zeitgeist meat they may lose that. Meanwhile, the Labour Party was also undergoing their own chances. Roy Hattersley maintained a hold along Kinnock, especially as Peter Shore found himself sidelined by the EU developments and his autarkic stances clashing against it while the Bennites were seemingly rising once more.

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992

 

[CountDVB]

1992- Kingslain​

Despite being free of the Derg, troubles continued on with Ethiopia and their transitional government. The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, despite having won against the Derg, were losing the support of the people. Being a coalition of various ethnically-based political movements, they would try and impose onto the people a form of ethnic federalism and dividing the nation among such lines. Mainly, that in the "National Conference on Peace and Reconciliation", any political organizations that wanted to attend was required to be centered around ethnic identity. Unsurprisingly, this led to several organizations were quickly created for that purpose, resulting in the rapid development of urban elite-led ethnicity-based movements. [1] However, many saw it as a potential power-play in dividing the people up and ensure the coalition could maintain their power. Before long, the comparisons to Yugoslavia were presented and used to show why this was a terrible idea. Tensions were flaring up and even some of the members of the coalition were considering leaving.

This did not stop some groups from continuing to push in spite of it and the EPRDF did not have support from any of the major powers, including the US or the SUSR. This lack of any real outside recognition made it easier for opposing forces to be taken more seriously, especially as it provided them with the opportunity to court the major powers for support and recognition. And one of those would be none other than Moa Anbessa. Formed by the Ethiopian Emperor in exile, Amha Selassie, this monarchist party would be vying for the restoration of the crown and the creation of a consitutional monarchy, with the intent on gathering supporters. While still vying for federalism, Moa Anbessa was not going for ethnic divisions and in fact embraced the ethnic diversity, cooperation and harmony. They touted the long lasting history of the nation and the success they all had with one another. Public and foreign pressure would let Amha Selassie go and tour the naton. While rumors speculated it may be postponed due to issues regardng the disinterment of the remains of Emperor Haile Selassie, Amha decided to let the issue drop for now in favor of visiting the nation. Going over to as many major cities as possible along with some rural areas, the return of the king was becoming pretty popular around the region. He was also growing his political support by having sympathizes and political agents meet up over with some of the disaffected parties of the coalition. Perhaps even most surprising was the Emperor's meeting with the Eritrean People's Liberation Front. This was done over and apologizing in regards to when fomer Emperor Haile Selassie unilaterally dissolved the Eritrean parliament and annexed the area decades prior. Despite still some of the bad blood, the EPLF was still cordial with the Emperor and were caught off-guard by the apology along with the promises of reparation of bonds and unity. If nothing else, it was still an appreciated sentiment.

However, such positivity would not last.

One of the largest danger over in the visit of Amha Selassie was the potential for assassination. After all, the Derg had only been in power since 1974 and many still had memories of the monarchies. Additionally, the changing of the times and promises of consitutional monarchy was growing appealing to alot of people, especially combined with the sense of unity unlike what the EPRDF was giving. While he lacked backing from any political power aside from some support from European states, it would still be viewed as a threat. However, Amha Selassie did not care. He was an old man by now and sickness would be catching up to him. Being 76, he knew that even if he was crowned, his reign would not be a long one. Nonetheless, he would carry on as best he could... and face what may come with all the dignity and gravitas he can muster.

During a speech over in Addis Ababa regarding the need to be unified and stand together for peace and prosperity ... loud shots would be heard. A shocked yet also perhaps resigned look appeared on the kings' face as he fell on the podium, the sounds of panic filled the area and security swarming all over the place, both of the nation and the private security of Amha Selassie...

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Amha Selassie I, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah and King of Kings of Ethiopia... was now dead at 76, the target of an assassination.

However, this would not kill his movement... indeed, he would become martyred and Moa Anbessa would become charged with a new fervor. Conspiracy theories began flying about as to how security could be lax and fingers would be pointed. Before long, a growing great deal of suspicion among the populace would begin viewing the EPRDF as the main party behind the assassination. Large sympathy and support would fall into the hands of the Crown Prince, now the new Emperor-in-Exile, Zera Yacob Amha Selassie. Spurred by his father's death, he would become the new leader of the Moa Anbessa movement, now reinforced and with growing public supporting, standing off against an increasingly cracking EPRDF and their plans, especially along with that of some similar groups. The Eritrean People's Liberation Front would begin cracking on whether to maintain support behind the EPRDF, the damage this would have to their potential independence efforts and other personal conflicts.


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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transitional_Government_of_Ethiopia

 

[CountDVB]

Summer 1992: A New South Africa

Nelson Mandela, the 1st President of South Africa​

Spring was quite an eventful period and summer would not stop there. The formation of the European Union heralded a new possibility moving forward with Europe, especially with the discussions over the fate of NATO. After all, was such a defense treaty really needed now that the Cold War was over? At the same time, it was not exactly a period of peace as seen with the Yugoslavic Wars. Additionally, the preexisting framework was quite convienent in organizing other matters and discarding the totality of it would seem rather impractical. There was also the discussions with the nations of the former Warsaw Pact, which have showned a desire to join NATO, especially as some were not that trusting of the SUSR, citing historical treatment of Russia with them as well as if it could last outside of Gorbachev's time in power. To that end, an old idea was being brought back over in Poland and being discussed with some of the other nations to serve as a counterpart to NATO and or their successor with the option that the two organizations can easily cooperate should the need arise, with some proposing the Western European Union should absorb NATO and take its place, or at least merge aspects of the two organizations into a new one to take the place of NATO.

Other issues were also requiring alot of diplomacy and discussion. The murder of Amha Selassie I would cause a surge in popularity for the monarchist movement in Ethiopia and the EPRDF was now on the backfoot. They let the king in as a sign of goodwill as not doing so would've spurred some more frustration on the populace. However, it seemed they were now in trouble regardless of their decision. Attempts at clamping down on it were making the people angrier and the coalition of parties making up the EPRDF was starting to crack, not just fighting with each other, but within the parties and the support, including the EPLF beginning to have problems and cracking. More support would go over to Moa Anbessa with the deceased king growing to become a martyr of sorts and spurring the hopes of a return to greatness over for Ethiopia. Other conflicts were also in the region, such as Somaliland trying to be recognized for its independence while at the same time willing to reconcile with Somalia and have a federal system of government. Speaking of delegating rule, the United Kingdom would see some fresh conflict after the election. Despite the Labor Party capturing more seats through the promotion of bringing Scottish home rule, their waffling with the European Union did cost them from getting the majority and the Liberal Democrats remained with the Tories. However, this did not stop momentum for a Scottish devolution referendum and in fact, some were wondering on how prominent the power balance of the LibDems were, especially with the Scottish there. Some even were wondering what would happen if the Tories kept putting it off.

News kept coming across the world. Sweden would host the UEFA Euro 1992 football tournament, which is won by Denmark. Krifast, a new road system connecting Kristiansund to the mainland of Norway, opens while Hurricane Andrew attains Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale and, at 2100 UTC, hits Eleuthera and the Bahama Banks. [1] The 1992 Summer Olympics would be the first Olympics since the Cold War. It would also show that the SUSR, being a confederated republic, meant that each one of its current constinuent nations, that being Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrghzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan would send their own teams though while most have designed their own flags, a SUSR flag has not yet been decided, resulting in a second flag being white with SUSR written on it. Khalistan and Jerusalem would also be newcomers over for the Olympics of 1992 held over in Spain, with the next one being held over in Atlanta in 1996. It would also be the last time that Czechoslovakia would be competing as the Slovak National Council declares Slovakia an independent country, signaling the breakup of Czechoslovakia, though this would not stop positive relations with the competition. Speaking of Russia, some surprising news would come on how the two skeletons that were excavated in Yekaterinburg are would be identified as none other than Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Tsarina Alexandra. Georgia, formerly part of the USSR, would formalize its freedom, even renaming itself Kartvelia (referring to its endonym Sakartvelo) and join the United Nations, only to deal with Abkhazia trying to declare its independence and increasing the strife there. [1] Iran itself has noted that it would likely begin plans to try and bring a peaceful solution to the conflict, but aware that it may not go. Meanwhile, Iran's concerns over Azerbaijan have been justifed as Abulfaz Elchibey would become the new president of Azerbaijan and begin seeking closer relations with Turkey, further causing trouble with Armenia and further damaging Iranian-Azerbaijani relations due to his pan-Turkist views (which were surprisingly not popular over in the Turkic SUSR natons) and anti-Iranian views along with Azerbaijani irredentism.

However, perhaps the biggest bit of news came over from South Africa. The elections would finally be held, this time under the new system. Beyond the end of apartheid and the allowance of the ANC, there was also on shifting how matters were done to create the office of presidency. Despite the concerns on how well the ANC would do, the support from plenty of people across the world, including the United States, would see the ANC claim a majority of the seats, more than 2/3rds of them. The new National Assembly's first act was to elect Nelson Mandela as President, making him the country's first black chief executive. [1] The nation celeberated as Mandela would become president, outlining plans to balance the preexisting liberal system with more socialist-inspired ideals along with various reforms such as massive land reform plans for better representation and the like. Despite some of the troubles, it ws looking that things would be looking up well.

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992

 

[CountDVB]

1992: An Interview- 20 Years After Watergate​

Few incidents linger in the hearts and minds of Americans as the infamous Watergate scandal. Starting from 1972 and concluding at 1974, it would lead to the resignation of President Nixon and dramatically shakeup the faith Americans had in their government. The scandal stemmed from the Nixon administration's continual attempts to cover up its involvement in the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Washington, D.C. Watergate Office Building back in June of 1972. After the five perpetrators were arrested, the press and the U.S. Justice Department connected the cash found on them at the time to the Committee for the Re-Election of the President. [1] After various investigations and revelations, it would be revealed the Nixon administration's role in trying to cover up the affair and would lead to near-impeachment, only failing because of Nixon resigning beforehand, as they would have been enough votes to impeach him. The whole affair would have qute a profound effect on politics as many believed that the stigma in Ford stung enough for Reagan to squeeze out a victory in the Republican primaries in 1976. After defeating Jimmy Carter in the general election, he would become President and be remembered for for his bad domestic policies and mixed foreign policies, setting up the rise for further New Deal style politicians like Mo Udall and Reubin Askew.

It was now the summer of 1992, 20 years since that break-in and as some people were looking back with newstations reflecting on how much has changed, others went further and planned articles or essays on catching up with what happened. Others believed that this was further spurred on by the passing of former President Mo Udall and presented the need to further find and interview these individuals before they would be lost to time. And perhaps also more into why this all happened. Of course, this was all still rather on the small cale and no one was sure if they would get too far. After all, former President Nixon was still alive and there was still some sentiment of respect against him in that regards. Nonetheless, the interviews could still be gathered and prepared for release later down the line in a few years or so. As people were going around and trying to find some of these figures and hearing what they said. And some had alot to say. While many stood out for one reason or another, one in particular would lay the foundation for upcoming shockwaves and decisions, casting a long and dreadful shadow.

And that one was a man named John Daniel Ehrlichman.

Ehrlichman was the Counsel and Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs back under Nixon. In fact, he was an important influence on Nixon's domestic policy, coaching him on issues and enlisting his support for environmental initiatives. However, he would also become infamous for another reason. He was a key figure in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and the ensuing Watergate scandal. He would ultimately be convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury and served a year and a half in prison. [1] Over the past several years or so, he kept mostly his head down though he had alot to say on the subject matter.

During an interview with the journalist Dan Baum, various question came up in comparison to back then and now. And one of those questions would actually be on the War on Drugs. Having been escalated by Nixon, his approach on handling drugs, possession, distribution and so on had been discarded for more reconcilatory responses and treating as an illness rather than criminalizing it. When noting this, Ehrlichman would give a quote to Baum that would reshape the narrative, all with "the bluntness of a man who, after public disgrace and a stretch in federal prison, had little left to protect":

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“You want to know what this was really all about? The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.” [2]​

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In fact, when a shocked Baum asked on more on details and how it could be true, Ehrlichman noted to have paused before he merely pointed to the infamous Southern Strategy started by Goldwater and would be continued on in varying forms until 1988, where Anderson left the party as a result of its attempted reusage and the abysmal performance of the Dole/Bush ticket. The authenticity of the quote has remained debatable, especially since ultimately the article that the quote was considered wouldn't be published as is. That being said, it would remain among Baum's mind and before long, the quote would find its way across various papers, especially during the political season. Ehrilichman's name would remain anonymous on the subject matter though the words would remain and find their way across on the political spectrum.

Pundits and talk show hosts repeated this in various forms and flavors. The questions and comments would unleash further questions, debates and discussions with the word on the Southern Strategy coming back, the comparisons to how the aggressive stance on the War on Drugs has failed compared to treating it as an illness and of course on the matters of race and so on. Some of the other former staff members and people in there understandably refused to talk about that subject matter, wanting to put it behind them, a sentimentality that was respected. Though it was noted how Nixon himself would be unwilling to speak on the subject matter outside of noting his own hatred for drugs. This also spilled over some of the other unpleasant aspects that would be associated with Nixon and the like, including that Richard Nixon was anti-semetic, with rumors of certain comments spilling over. Perhaps unsurprisingly, African-Americans and American Jews, having long struggled with tense relations that were being smoothed overtime found even more common ground on this and even helped with the growing amicability.

All in the background of the general election.

While the Andrews/Specter ticket itself was not that affected (as they didn't have much of a known stance on this and would note that the evidence on what approach worked better spoke for itself), it served as a fresh coat of distrust, wariness and concern for the Republican Party. Even with it merely beinge hearsay and anecdotal evidence, the preexisting anger that existed was enough for people to take this and add fuel to the fire. After all, many still recalled the lean times from the Reagan era along with the frustration from 12 years of the GOP White House and the change from Eisenhower-inspired conservatism to a new shift in kind, one that became a dead end for the party and one that may have never truly recovered from. People do not like being lied to and the revelations that the people were lied to as a result of political chicanery? Not something to be liked.

Beyond that, the Unizens used it to further promote themselves as a more trustworthy path than the GOP and the Dems did the same though with a step further. Namely in reinvestigating the actual hazard of some of these drugs and further reforms to help people affected by this.

The return of a casting long shadow and that even 20 years later, they were haunted by the ghost of 1960s neoconservatism and its trappings. Some of the younger politicians even expressed concern if the Republican Party could ever shed that image. And even if it did, how could they move forward from it?

An answer to that question would come over in an RNC special guest to speak, the author of the The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot, Russel Kirk.

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[1]- Information and phrasing coming from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_scandal
[2]- Information and phrasing coming from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ehrlichman

 

[CountDVB]

Autumn 1992- Cracks in the Catholic

Hurricane Iniki​

The 1992 US elections were now abuzz. The Republican Party has now seemed to climb back up over from the deep troublesome period they were in. The Liberal Republicans have reasserted themselves and seemed to have gotten themselves organized. However, Watergate had now return to the talk, albeit now under the revelation on what the War on Drugs brough forth by Nixon had yielded and what seemed to be the actual intentions. People did not like being lied to and the questions on the viabiltiy of the GOP now returned. The Unizens meanwhile pounced on this opportunity. They were coalescing and growing their voter base, exploiting the distrust fom the GOP along with being the new option for people to choose over being Democrats. The Democrats for the most part had been focusing more the stabiltiy and prosperity that President Askew had brought, but even they were having cracks form in them. The old guard was preparing to retire and leave, having stuck around to help Askew or prepare the foundation for a pair of projects Askew had been preparing for a long while, one that would his current trend of legislation implemented to restrict the flow and influence of money on politics on multiple levels. The new blood was rising and while some wished to scale back a bit, others wshed to go further. But these divisions have not turned ugly unlike within the GOP.

However, a new controversy would be shined upon, serving as a new surge of energy for reformers, protestors and radicals. Irish musician Sinéad O'Connor would perform a song protesting and accusing the the Catholic Church, to where she even rips up a photo of Pope John Paul II on the US TV programme Saturday Night Live. [1] The controversy came not just from the bold act, but from the news developemnt on the accusations. Starting from the Mount Cashel scandal in Canada back in 1989, it began growing and more were looking deeper into the Church. Unsurprisingly, this did illict in angry reactions from several "religious reactionaries", but that would lead to another discussion, one that had begun growing and signaled a resurgence of activity for third wave feminists: child brides. While initially of not much importance (if mainly due to being unaware of the phenomena), the trickles of information when people found out were enough for shock to grow, especially in the volatile atmosphere here. With it being election season, the issue would be brought up in debates, with many asserting positions to outlaw the practice within states and on the federal level, legislation was being created to address marital age concerns. There was also the surprise of some trying to defend the practice or downplay the effects, part of a trend of a minor but radical set of people who have become increasingly agitated by the state of things.

Other mattes were coming and changing. Despite the spotlight growing increasingly uncomfortable on the Vatican, Mexico would establish diplomatic relations with Vatican City, ending a break that lasted over 130 years. While the War on Drugs is still focused on helping the addicts and those affected, those involve in the trade still are being targeted as law enforcement officials in the United States, Colombia, and Italy announce that they have arrested more than 160 people on money laundering charges related to cocaine trafficking. The government of Mozambique signs a truce with leaders of RENAMO, ending the 16-year-old Mozambican Civil War. [1] Over in China, the Communist Party of China would go and promote several market-oriented reformers to the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, showing the power of the reforms. In fact, they would also begin promote some political reforms, such as elections on the local level in China, such as with mayors, which would also help check on the populations' sentiments of the party and nation. The Armenian-Azerbaijani War has worsened as Azerbaijan under Abulfaz Elchibey has turned away from Iran, especially when Iran began sending aid to Armenia, albeit in the form of food, medical attention and electricity as a response to the Turks trying to isolate Armenia. Both the US and SUSR were now pushing further for peace between the sides though the SUSR had let the US focus here since the SUSR would also be having to focus on peace with Kartvelia's conflicts wth South Ossetia and Abkhazia though Iran has also begun sending talks there to with Iran. Some positive news would be on the Church of England votes to allow women to become priests while there were protests in Germany due to the neo-Nazi attacks over on refugees and immigrants. A coup attempt in Venezuela is thwarted as the nation wrestles with their reliance on oil though have been managing to gradually rebuild and stabilize themselves, especially as they have now been forced to invest in other venues such as tourism and even the rise in computer technology.

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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992