Politics of War - Ep. 17

The Tides of Conflict

Marroco,

Earlier today, President al-Khattabi gave a speach concerning the tensions of war and almost certainty of conflict between nations in Eastern Europe:

"Brothers! You know me well, perhaps enough to know that I am considered the most 'popular' in 'Europe'. This aside, I implore you to listen to my words. Already, there have been claims upon the rowdy Balkans and Scandinavian lands. Already, so fresh in this new year, we see tensions rising that I indeed believe will culminate into war: I say this now that I condemn such wars, wars of Imperial conquest. Though I make no mention of specific cases, the Confederated Republics of the Rif decry all such actions, actions that threaten the political and military balance of Europe, the balance that has preserved peace up to now.

We, the Rif, have seen our homes consumed by the nightmarish forces of imperialism, we have lost our loved ones to the tyranny of foreign powers. And, should the monopolistic grasping of land by the European powers continue, it will only be a matter of time before the Europeans themselves will know of the terror and the horror and the despair that plagues those conquered.

And to the conquerors: do not take confidence in your military, for the stronger you are, there will always be some damn-fool coalition strong enough to bury you..."

Politics of War - Ep. 16

Reforms in Italia; Sicilian Queen Arises

Italy,

After the unification of Italy, the various kingdoms and nations that comprised the peninsula have been somewhat shakey on their status and autonomy within the Kingdom. Over the years, Italy has become a political boiling pot of emotions and stances. In Venice, the politicians are divided evenly down the split in regards to their relations with the Byzantine Empire.

One faction, lead by Senator Antonia di Costra, has called for stronger ties with the Balkans, specifically the former Venitian territories of Trieste and Zagreb along the coast near Sarajevo. They call for the reacquisition of former Western Roman Empire holdings, to not be upstaged by their Eastern Roman Empire-descended Byzantines.

However, Count Luigi Vanderas who himself is descended from both Byzantine and Roman Imperial nobles, wishes for closer relations with the Byzantines and a more cooperative ideology with their long-time brethren in Anatolia.

Nearby, the Count of Bologna, Ricardo di Basili, has started a movement to maintains strong relations with the German Empire, which was united roughly the same time as Italy under a single banner.

Bologna hosts the largest German-speaking population in Italy, having formerly been a member of the Holy Roman Empire.

Senators from Genoa and Milan, however, have taken sides with the French due to long-time relations with their Frankish neighbors.

Even as talks stir up, various embassies are being created across Italy; The French Embassy in Milan, the German Embassy in Bologna, the Byzantine Embassy in Venice.

Of the voices, one rings the loudest. Lucia Bourbon-Anzio di Sicilia has arisen to the throne of the Kingdom of Italy. Descended from the royal lines of Venice, Milan, Naples, and Sicily, Queen Lucia of Sicily has been elected to be the ruler of the peninsular nation as tensions boil across Europe. Her moderately conservative stance has thus far earned few calls of opposition, and the young Lucia Bourbon-Anzio is expected to rule for many years. Her political savvy has earned her the admiration of some, and the begrudging respect of others.

Queen Lucia of Sicily is expected to take a slightly imperialistic role as her position of Monarch to appease the many political forces in Italy, as well as maintain cordial relations with nearby nations. Already, in Cagliari, she has authorized personal funds to be used to create a proper embassy for nearby Confederated Republic of Rif nations.

Politics of War - Ep. 15

The heretic monks

Hagia Sofia, Byzantium,

"Supported by the Holy Scriptures and the Fathers, we declare unanimously, in the name of the Holy Trinity, that there shall be rejected, removed and cursed nay of the Christian Church which is made out of any material and color whatever by the evil art of painters.
If anyone ventures to represent the divine image χαρακτήρ of the Word after the Incarnation with material colors, let him be anathema!
If anyone shall Endeavour to represent the forms of the Saints in lifeless pictures with material colors which are of no value for this notion is vain and introduced by the devil, and does not represent their virtues as living images in himself, let him be anathema"

This is the declaration of Patriarch Bartolomeu, made today in Hagia Sofia; this last declaration made by His Holiness comes as the last blow in a fight between the monks of Greece and the ecclesiastical power in Constantinopolis.

The Iconoclastic side has won today as Bartolomeu has received the blessing of The Basileos who has ordered all religious Icons to be removed from the Sacred Palace and all other Imperial Houses.

The Imperial army is to be Iconoclastic. We do not know the position of the Russian Church, still the Greek Church falls under the direct control of Hagia Sofia and they must accept the decree.

Politics of War - Ep. 14

Voice of Europe, head titles

Sweden, Growing Crime

The Finnish and Danish law enforcement has delivered a great insult upon the Empire. The local authorities have refused to aid the Empire in taking action of the increasingly troublesome and violent organized crime problem. These gangs are a source of illegal gambling rackets, prostitution rings, and even the kidnapping of powerful and influential members of the community. These criminals have made full use of the borders between the Empires different stats knowing that the law enforcement cannot cross the border. The Empires lawmen have proposed to government the allowance of the Empire to form a national law enforcement agency that can cross the borders after strong evidence was found that connects the Finnish and Danish authorities to several of these gangs. It has been made clear in the dialogue between the national and local governments that the Danes and Finns have very few options open to them concerning the criminal organizations and their apparent ties to them.

There wasnt yet any official announcement by the Imperial government but garrisons all over the Empire are being mobilized and reserve units called up in what might be preparations to remove by force the crime originations.

International Security Meeting in Stockholm

In these troubling times of Empires and never ending military build up war seems inevitable unless something can be changed. Tensions are growing all over the world and the Imperial Parliament of the Nordic Empire has voted in favor of holding a „peace” conference with the several other nations.
It has not been made public the goals of the conference or which nations will attended but government leaks have confirmed that both the British and Byzantine governments have been sent requests to attend. Other nations may be expected but public knowledge has been limited thus far.

Spain to patrol Tunisian waters!

Madrid,
Comodore Carlos Martines-Rodas announced a plan to patrol the Tunisian waters in the southern Mediteranian due to the verging of both Presidents al-Khattabi and Ariaga. "Tunisia is a vital lifeline to Lisbon, and through them, us," says Rodas. "I will secure a small fleet of 2 destroyers, 2 light cruisers, and 1 heavy cruiser, and our flagship in the mediteranean waters. This fleet will be crewed by 5000 total men."
Rey Alonso immediately agreed to the plan and gave it his approval, despite many objections by his ministers.

German Diplomats Move to Establish Ties

German diplomats have recently been seen leaving Berlin towards neighboring nations to establish some ties revolving around trade deals to keep the German economy going, as no nation has all the resources.
As for the situation in the Balkans, the Kaiser has not yet made an official statement as to what he prefers to see come out of any talks and or border changes.

Politics of War - Ep. 13

My Greek Brother

We the Eastern Empire have been known as the Greek Empire or the Byzantine Empire, we enjoy the name of Byzantium, it is the name of the town were our mighty Constantinopolis was built, but even if our language is Greek and our customs are Greek we are Eastern Romans.

A nation as old as ours must not be judged by the language it speaks now, but by the culture it has brought from past ages.

The Empire and the Rebels in the Peloponnesus, Larissa and Athens have been in contradiction since immemorial times.

The monks of Athos have always been the scourge of the true Church and their willingness to fight the will of the Emperor has always been known.

The three Greek nations in the mainland and the rebels in Crete and Cyprus have yet again failed to submit to the will of the Emperor regarding another ecumenical union. The fact that the monks of Greece refuse to accept the ruling of patriarch Bartolomeu and even to refuse the ruling of the Emperor has made a basis for another intervention into Greece.

By the decree of Emperor Vasilios Grekoticus in 1643 Greece must be either free or autonomous within the Empire, this is in order to keep the monks out of Imperial citizenship, and if an attack will come over Greece it will not bring a major changing in the Government of this Imperial Province.

Politics of War - Ep. 12

Britain: Sir Adam Cromwell: A Womanizer

The Commonwealth State (State Newspaper), London,

Today at Trafalgar square, Sir Adam Cromwell, Lord Protector of United British Commonwealth and its colonies, had delivered an outstanding speech upon the news of the most loved and dreaded nations!

„My fellow hardworking citizens of our great country, I appear to be within held of great news for our commonwealth. The United British commonwealth is by a far land slide victory, the most loved nation of all. I cannot tell if this is due to my charisma, my looks and abilities that attract the women of other countries or just our specialized foreign policy.

Either way we have succeeded in one of our many goals which is to promote peace and prosperity, I can see can now further establish this goal as we must protect the weak and feared!

For the prosperity and sovereignty of not only our country but the other countries nearby the United British commonwealth, we shall protect the sovereignty and the neutrality of Iceland, Belgium and the Netherlands with our very heart.

If needed, it may come down to British troops fighting for justice within these nations, in order to take out any sort of regime that is against the wellbeing of the people. However we do not expect such a thing to happen but we shall be prepared in case of such acts are to be committed, acts that could very well be described as a dirty, cold blood stain upon a fresh, sterile cloth.

So let our nation prosper once more and achieve many more glories and victories for the self being of our people. We can only achieve more with the help of the British public itself, so it up to your very own decisions on how your country can go.

As a reacction, most of the Europe’s influential political analysts concluded that sir Adam Cromwell should kill his advisors imediatelly. Others reminded of his past and cocain addiction.

Politics of War - Ep. 11

Voice of Europe, head titles

The Iberian Mutual Defense Pact Signed!

Madrid,

Groundbreaking news from Iberia today: President Manuele Ariaga and King Alfonso XIII have signed a treaty uniting these two great powers.
This treaty is to be seen as a dual-monarchy type government. It should be know that any nation that goes to war with Spain is at war with Portugal, and any who are at war with Portugal are at war with Spain.

Regarding Austria Hungary, rumors are that the Spanish king expressed his interest due to its Hadsburg roots.



Austrian-Hungarian Minister Begins Preparation for Balkans Conference

Vienna,

The Foreign Minister has pledged to proceed with the preparations.

Apparently he had some discussions with the Byzantine and Russian governments over the matter. "With those three empires at the table," a renowned political analyst said, "there can be some substantive progress in deciding the future of the Balkans. Of course, this will likely mean the absorption of all the smaller nations into the larger empires."

Sources close to the Foreign Ministry can attest to the seriousness the issue is being treated.

Politics of War - Ep. 10

Nordic Suitor

Stockholm,

With the recent Italian announcement that the Queen may in fact be searching or at the very least interested in finding a suitor, Prince Wilhelm, the second oldest of Emperor Gustav’s children has begun making preparations to travel to Italy.

This has met with mixed views from the government and people. Viceroy Christian X and his staff have taken no official stance on the mater, but it is speculated that the Viceroy is at least not opposed to the mater.

The advisors of the still ill Emperor Gustav have announced that he his opposed to the possibility of a marriage between the Italian Queen and his son. His disapproval possibly stemming from hopes that the soured relationship between the Prince and Grand Duchess Maria of Russia may improve.

Also one of the popular tabloids in Sweeden has on the front page the article with the title “The Prince should be with whoever pleases”.
“These Nobles make such a dramatic and public event out of something that is a personal matter”, says Iguana `Lighioana` Thorhild, known for dating various nobles.

Politics of War - Ep. 9

Balkans Summit Proposed

Vienna,

The Austrian-Hungarian Foreign Minister intimated to reporters yesterday afternoon that he would seek the Emperor's approval to host a summit or conference over the future of the Balkans.

Speaking over cigars at one of Vienna's most exclusive clubs, the Minister said he did not want to call the conference out of a sense of emergency, but rather he believed that there was a great opportunity to build accord.

"I foresee greater cooperation between the Dual Monarchy and Russia over this matter," he remarked while gesturing with his cigar. "With issues over the Balkans settled, there stands little in the way between Austrian-Russian interchange and agreement. Let me also stress the Byzantine Empire would be an integral partner in such undertaking."

As to when the summit or conference might be held, the minister stated that he would like to discuss with other governments first.

Politics of War - Ep. 8

Nordic People Unified

Stockholm,

Today a dream centuries old has been made to come true. Nordic Unity has been made a reality for the first time since the collapse of the Kalmar Union centuries ago.
The Monarchs of Denmark and Sweden-Norway as well as representatives from Finland have met in the Swedish capital city of Stockholm.

Gustav V, Karl Knutson and Christian I, the three leaders of the Nordic countries world have come together and declared the formation of the Nordic Empire!

The negations’ have taken nearly a decade. This long wait has been nothing compared to the centuries already waited but as of now the entire Nordic world from Greenland to Finland will fly under one banner, the Nordic Banner!

The concessions have been many for all. The dual Swedish-Norwegian throne will be divided. The wildly popular younger brother of Christian X will take the Norwegian throne. Finland a historic part of Sweden shall remain separate as a Grand Duchy under the rule of now Grand Duke Christian I.

Economically the Danes and Finns will adopt the Swedish Krona and previously restricted national waters will be opened to merchant and fishing vessels from their now fellow Imperial States. These compromises were not made without gain however for Swedish Kong Gustav V and his decedents shall take up the mantle as Emperor of the Nordic Empire.

Upon the taking of the title of Emperor Gustav’s younger brother Prince Oscar shall be crowned Kong of Sweden.

Combined the Kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden with the Grand Duchy of Finland shall hold elections every four years to elect a supreme parliament. The electoral majority winner will then be ‘appointed’ by their respective Monarch or Duke.

While today is a true day of celebration Kong Gustav V is has taken gravely ill and is unable able to take part in the celebrations. With what has not been made public. Until Gustav can recover however Christian X shall rule in his place as Viceroy.

Internationally a storm may already be brewing as the Russians have proclaimed some form of Lordship over Finland. This has been seen as situation that could spark conflict should the Russians attempt to exert control over Finland or attempt an incursion of their own into our united Nordic lands.

North Recognize Rif and Varangian Guard

Stockholm, Sweeden

With the emergence of the CRR on the international stage Konge of Denmark and Viceroy of the Empire announced the formal recognition of the Confederated Republic of the Rif after consulting the ill Gustav and the parliament. This is seen merely as a formality however as the governments of and Sweden and Denmark both held relations with the Rif which included trade and embassies having been built in Stockholm and Copenhagen in 1910 and 1911 respectively.

With the unification however the embassy of the Rif will be moved to a recently renovated building on the same street that holds a number of other nations embassies.

With the recent accumulation of records from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark it has been announced that approximately 10,000 citizens of the Norden Empire are currently serving as the personal guard of Basileos Alexandros I of the Byzantine Empire. It is a time honored tradition dating back as far as 911 AD and the tradition will continue to live on under our united Empire. In the same announcement the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Finance stated the services of the Varangian Guard will be open to any nation. Employment agreements may be done through Minister of Foreign Affairs Andres Borg.

Politics of War - Ep. 7

The Legacy of the Cromwell Order

Britain,

The year is 1651, Sir Oliver Cromwell and the roundheads defeated Charles I and his royalists, soon after Charles I was founded guilty of high treason and sentenced to an execution. His son, Charles II was assassinated by a roundhead later on in the year in the home he resided in France. This meant that there was no more opposition left to establish the commonwealth so therefore Sir Oliver Cromwell officially established the Commonwealth of England.

Oliver Cromwell expected that sooner or later the other nations of the British Isles would join the Commonwealth with no resistance if he was to not conquer and force the other nations into the commonwealth.

The state of England experienced a very prosperous age as Sir Oliver Cromwell ruled England till his very last breath. However as his heir, Sir Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector, picked up the leadership of England, the time of reforms began. As Sir Richard Cromwell was a far more tolerant character than of his father, Sir Oliver Cromwell. Sir Richard Cromwell removed the strict laws of Protestantism which were placed by his father.

Sir Richard Cromwell grew tired of the delayed unification of the nations of the British Isles and blamed the long parliament which later, in 1668 he officially disestablished and banished from the state. Surprisingly Sir Richard Cromwell met no resistance as the people of the British Isles were tired of fighting civil wars, one after another and also the fact the majority of the British isle were in support of Sir Richard Cromwell’s actions.

After the news of a more tolerant and prosperous leader, in 1676 the Scottish officials had agreed on to join the English commonwealth, this was followed by Wales and the British island states in 1684 and last but not least, Ireland agreed to join in 1698. This meant that Great Britain was unified, Sir Oliver Cromwell's goals were reached but in a altered and far more peaceful way than he would of done himself.

In 1703 the head of states of each nation of the British Isles agreed in Westminster, London to a full unification. This meant that after over 40 years of fighting, talking and diplomatic actions, a full unification of the British Isles was established. This is the birth of the United Kingdom, leaded by Sir Richard Cromwell and his fellow head of states of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

In 1712, Sir Richard Cromwell passed away but had accomplished many glories and victories that no one else ever could. The Cromwell dynasty grew and by 1845, all head of states were of the Cromwell dynasty.

1914, the year of Sir Adam Cromwell, a full descendant of Sir Oliver Cromwell and Sir Richard Cromwell, a man who has the courage to accomplish and furtherer process what his ancestors have accomplished. On the other hand, by this time the United Kingdom was a very tolerant nation, So both Catholics and Protestants lived with each other in peace and harmony with no social boundaries blocking them.

Politics of War - Ep. 6

Dual Monarchy Recognizes Moroccan Confederation; Emperor Warms to Russian Overtures

Vienna,

The independence of the North African territories now confederated as the Rif, or Morocco, is a accomplishment. They are free from their former European rulers. With this in mind, the Dual Monarchy has extended full recognition and honors to Moroccan diplomats and envoys.

An Austrian-Hungarian Embassy has opened in Fez; a large bank building on a prominent corner has been purchased and is being renovated and furnished as this paper went to press. Experts on foreign policy and trade are quite eager to begin a commercial relationship with the Moroccans. Indeed, the news helped fuel a rally on the Vienna Bourse today as stocks and bonds rose, especially those of banks and merchants who would handle future commerce between the two nations. It is stated several prospectuses are being drafted to form companies in Morocco.

A source close to the Kaiser's court can confirm that Russian attempts to redesign a new League of Emperors or a similar pact were well received. "The Emperor warms at the proposal and the Czar," remarked the informant. "The Emperor and his ministers hope for only stability vis-a-vis the Russian Empire and the wider arena of Eastern Europe." Relations could be derailed over the future of Serbia and Romania, however. The former nation is supporting separatist cells in provinces of the empire whilst the latter nation also has territorial claims. There is fear Russia might place its relations with Serbia above those of Austria-Hungary.

Politics of War - Ep. 5

Russian Empire Seeks Diplomacy, Trade and Cooperation.

St. Petersburg,

The Imperial Capital was abuzz with excitement and energy this afternoon as His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II, announced reform for political policy. Missives, telegrams and the such were exchanged between the Foreign Office workers and the Embassies of the great powers. According to the Foreign Minister, Russia and its Empire seek cooperation, diplomacy and trade with the nations of Europe.

Russia, the World's largest Empire, is hopeful to establish and maintain friendly and cooperative relations with the nations of Europe.

St.Petersburg made special emphasis on Russian interests in Poland and more notably Finland. Finland, particularly Viborg, remains a area of "Incredible interest" by St.Petersburg. Incursion into the Finnish and Polish nations will not be ignored or tolerated, the latter depending more on the circumstances. Russia also continues to uphold its sacred role as the great Slavic progenitor and protector, and will work towards the betterment of the Slavic peoples.

Russia maintains its outstanding relations with its smaller Slavic brethren, such as nations like Serbia.

On the other hand, Russia continues to toast the fair treatment of Habsburg Hungary by Vienna. Tsar Nicholas II also personally commented on his hope for a return of the League of Three Emperors--A union between the German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. The Tsar informed state press through his secretaries that he will write to the leaders of Vienna and Berlin regarding the matter. The Tsar is also hopeful for reconciliation and understanding with the Byzantine Empire.

More news is expected to follow from the Imperial Capital as the day progresses.

Politics of War - Ep. 4

Germany Seeks Strong Diplomatic Relations with Neighbors and a Bright Future

Berlin,

Though Germany is a relatively new nation in comparison to others around it, we are a proud and powerful people. With a strong but gentle hand, the Kaiser will guide the German people to greatness and properity. With new leaders and nations emerging throughout Europe this very moment, it is important for us to establish strong diplomatic relations with our neighbors and other nations in Europe. Germany will be a powerful economic force in trade, and a strong and deadly ally in times of war.

The first nation we have established relations with are the North African people. Germany stands for their independance, and an embassy to serve their ambassadors will soon be constructed in Berlin. Though unnamed officials have expressed intrigue in the idea of the alliance proposed by the Russians, no official comment has been made by the Kaiser, and no dialogue between the two nations has occurred.

Politics of War - Ep. 3

Varagian Guard new Recruits

Constantinopole, Byzantium

Every year, the Varagian Guard celebrates the day of the new recruits. This year the celebrations will be of special significance as this new line of recruits are for the first time drafted, with legal aprovement from the Scandinavian nations.

The Varagian Guard has changed over the years, ever since 911, for over 1000 years they have protected and died at the side of the Emperor's of Byzantium. We must remember always the great battle of Mazinkert, or the Great Battle of Constantinopolis 1453, and all other battles were the Guard was present. They are the most enduring Imperial Guards of all The Roman Empires.
Glory to the Varagian Guard!

Bizantine policy and etiquette

Nova Academia, Byzantium

This is written by me Claudio Francicso Moreno Delapietra scribe and councilor to the Light of the World the heir of Julius Caesar; Alexandros I of the Anghelos Dinasty.

My family is Italian from the city of Genoa, but we have called the Jewel of the East, the mighty city of Constantinopolis our home for many hundreds of years.
This is a small essay to be read by the leaders of the world, so that in their communications with the „Ivory Throne” will know the correct etiquette and customs.

Alexandros the 42th emperor of the Angelos line is 29 years old, he was born a Profirogenetos (born in purple) as his father and his father’s before him. He is the head of the church and the head of the empire. Byzantium has no government apart from the word of the Emperor.

In 32 years in service under Ioan X Angelos and under Alexandros, I have never seen the Emperor send a personal letter to any heads of state or to met a head of state, the Emperor has servants that talk to the others in his name, his life is a ritual, since early morning when the servants of the Sacred Palace sing "The sun has awaken" reffering to the Emperor.

Any of you that will have the chance to see him will be trained in the ways of the Sacred Palace. Understand this is not because he is vane or arrogant, but because the institution of the Caesars is older than all your houses put together, the Byzantines take great pride in the fact that they are the oldest civilization in Europe, and that during the Dark Ages when the west was only about sickness and war, poetry and art called them home.

The Empire

The tide changed in 1453; right as Basileos Profirogenetos Constantine XII was about to be the last Emperor, of an Empire that for 1000 years since the IV century stood alone from his brother in the west, salvation came.

The history books tell of mighty ships appearing in the Golden Horn, the Genovese ships bringing food and soldiers came, in the great naval battle of May 1453 admiral Balthogu of the Ottoman Empire lost his fleet and the tide turned. Only days later Belisarius of the Bucellarii, smashed in Nicaea Hassan’s army.

The day of our rebirth came with Theodosius of the Angelos family. In the night of 29 May 1453 came the night attack on the Ottoman camp, demoralized by the defeat in the Golden Horn and the sinking of their fleet the Turks ware defeated. Three days later Mehmet II faced again the byzantine army led by Belisarius in a pitched battle.

The defeat was an utter disaster.

With Adrianopolis in Christian hands and rebellions in Bulgaria, Walachia, Moldavia, Serbia and Albania, the Ottomans had to retreat to Anatolia with great loss of life.

100 years we have waged war under the Angelos Dynasty to push them out of our lands. In the end the Empire of Eastern Rome was victorious.

We now are older than any of the nations in Europe and only China is a nation older than us, 1900 years have passed and the line of Rome is unbroken, we have been here since before any other nation was even imagined, and we will be here long after all will be forgotten.

Politics of War - Ep. 2

The Confederated Republic of the Rif, "Morocco"

Fez,

The Confederated Republic of the Rif (CRR), more plainly known as ‘Morocco’, was born on September 18th of 1908, when the people of the people of the Rif, known as the ‘Riffians’, declared independence from the occupational forces of Spain and it’s puppet Moroccan Sultanate. Spain had initially planned to commit to a struggle to regain their lands, but French intervention, in the forms of various arms and munitions shipments to the capital, Fez, sent a clear message to Madrid that Paris supported Moroccan Independence.

Due to mounting pressure from Paris and an upper-class unwilling to commit to a costly war that would have taken decades to pay itself back before being advantageous, Madrid conceded the independence of Morocco and the dissolution of the Moroccan Sultanate. The nobility and aristocracy, for the most part, immigrated to Spain, while the people rejoiced in their new leader. However, the growth of the Confederated Republic of the Rif did not stop there.

Later, as similar tensions rose in French Algeria, Paris realized that the advanced weapons it had sold to Morocco would come back to haunt it, for it was well-known that Fez supported their African brothers in independence from the mother country. Realizing that it was best to retain cordial relations with their colony, Paris, in the Spring of 1910, granted French Algeria formal independence.

Unsurprisingly, in the Summer of that same year, 1910, the former colony of French Algeria merged with the Confederated Republic of the Rif, making it the most powerful independent nation in all of Africa.

It is now four years later, in the year of 1914. The Confederated Republic of the Rif has managed to maintain cordial relations with Paris and Madrid, and according to statements out of Fez, wishes for peace and cooperation among all European powers, especially nations possessing materials needed for the industrialization of the Republic of Rif.

It has maintained it’s same leader since the Revolution, Muhammad Ibn ‘Abd al-Karim al-Khattabi, who before the Revolution was a simply court judge. He became the leader of the Berbers in the Rif, Having created this command and power structure, Abd al-Karim created a stable state for the Berbers, and lobbied favor from the European nations that would be able to safeguard Riffian Independence.

Politics of War - Ep. 1

Italian Queen is Kingless

Venice, Italy

The Queen of Italy, officially styled La Regina di Italia, recently made her way from Palermo in Sicily to the ancient city of Venice, the capital of one of the longest-lived Italian nations since the fall of Rome.

She had meetings with both Senator Antonia di Costra and Count Luigi Vanderas to discuss various agendas she has in store for Italy, as well as wishing to learn more on the stances the two politicians hold. Rumors were that Queen Lucia was possibly going to Venice to meet with possible suitor Count Vanderas were squashed when it was shown that Count Vanderas had in his presence a woman of his own.

Queen Lucia of Sicily has become a recent target for media attention and political scrutiny for her lack of a consort. James Whitworth, edittor for the London Times, recently wrote an article stating how the Queen was quickly becoming a role model for single and independent women in Italy, much as Queen Elizabeth I had been for Great Britain. Amoung a list of possible suitors was given: Count Ricardo Guillido of Milan; Duce Victor Antonio of Naples; Count Emmanuel Luisido of Genoa; Prince Osckar of Prussia, fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II; and Basilieos Alexandros of Byzantium.

So far the Queen of Italy has spurned all questions regarding potential suitors. "The Kingdom of Italy is my first priority. When Italy's priority has become whom shall become my consort, then will I consider," stated Queen Lucia near the end of her trip to Venice.
The Queen's travels will soon take her to Genoa, Milan, and Rome before she makes her first international visit to Switzerland.