Kafuristan

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
January 5120 Edition

Insurrection in Solentia Escalates

Abadi insurrectionists rebelling against the government of General Azmaray Tauqi have continued their attacks against Solentian military positions in northern Solentia. An ambush in Saspain Wilayat is one of the most recent, and major, attacks to be seen in the recent conflict. Solentian news sources state that the nation's military has suffered "increasing losses" due to "intensified attacks". The Tauqi government is also concerned that "Abadi insurgents were using safe havens inside Kafuristan to conduct their attacks across the border".

The Reformed Ba'ath Party has denied permitting Abadi insurrectionists to use Kafuristan territory as a "safe haven" to conduct attacks. Military checkpoints have been placed along the border with Solentia, albeit largely isolated to key roads and routes of transportation. Lieutenant General Husain al-Mansouri, who recently stepped down as Acting President, has assumed command of the troops stationed along the border, and has stated that more troops will be deployed as necessary. He likewise replied to the Solentian move to increase troop presence along the border, saying that increasing troop presence would only cause unnecessary hostilities between the two countries.

Within Kafuristan, prominent Abadi leaders have begun to call for greater support of the Abadi insurrection. Abadi cleric Masood al-Younan has stated that this is a brave struggle against oppression, noble enough to be counted among the most notable Abadi leaders of the past. Some Abadi clerics have had talks of raising funds to give to the insurgents, while others are concerned that Abadi Kafuri will be joining the insurrection.

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
October 5120 Edition

Relations Normalized with Badara

The office of Foreign Affairs Minister Sadeeqa al-Farag has announced plans to normalize relations with the nation of Badara, the island nation to Kafuristan's north. Last year, the Ahmadi National Front (ANF) took power of the government, and instituted a new constitution. Farag has stated that the goals of the Reformed Ba'ath Party and ANF are very similar, and there are hopes that greater Majatran unity will be shown by this move. Currently there are talks of representatives from the Kafuri Foreign Ministry being hosted in Badara, with further agreements.

Government Pushes "Protest Against Kalopian Tyranny"

In the National Assembly, Prime Minister Arafaat al-Awan declared the "Protest Against Kalopian Tyranny" bill. Citing "efforts to promote Metzist and leftist elements against family and traditional society", as well as "actions taken against protesters", Arafaat stated that Kafuristan would be withdrawing from the Kalopian Official Neutrality and Diplomatic Treaty. He likewise said that they would be "closely monitoring" the border with Kalopia, and "stemming media influences from the country into Kafuristan." The prime minister's office added afterward that the values being pushed in Kalopia do not reflect what the Ba'ath Party desires to see spread within Kafuristan. A Ba'ath Party spokesman said that this sort of uncontrolled leftism is what the Ba'ath Party and military rebelled against with the previous regime, and they do not desire to see it return.

Earlier this year, in August, protests began to spring up in Kalopia, largely by right-wing elements, against the Ministry of Equality and the largely female cabinet of Prime Minister Herakles Kalliades. Protesters accusing the government of pushing feminism, while the Kalliades government has stated it is doing nothing more than it did when it had a majority male cabinet.

Kafuristan shares a western border with Kalopia. Currently, local police forces have increased checkpoints along roads and pathways into and out of either nation. Some military units were seen being transferred in that direction. Some critics have said that Arafaat is already doing a better job with the Kalopian border than he is the Solentian border.

[Aethan]

"Kafuristan should make a full revision before pointing fingers" Kithara Prefect says

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
January 5122 Edition

New Flag Unfurled

A new flag for the country has been presented before the public. It was released in the middle of 5120, and has now come to be commonplace across the Republic.



The flag replaces the older flag, which was a leftover from the monarchist government. The Reformed Ba'ath Party chose this flag as it represented the colors of Majatran identity, as well as the general Ba'ath revolutionary movements which have popped up across the region in past history. A RBP spokesman said that the colors represented "white for our acts, black for our battles, green for our fields, and red for our swords".

Government Responds to Kalopian Criticism

Following the declaration of the "Protest Against Kalopian Tyranny" bill, as well as the monitoring of the border with Kalopia, criticism came from Kalopian government officials about the Party's action. The governor of the Kalopian region of Kithara, which borders Kafuristan, claimed that this action will require "a proportional response from the central government", which included not only expelling the Kafuri ambassador, but also the "cut of all diplomatic ties with their neighbors". He likewise said that if Kafuristan continued this route, then "Kalopia will have no option but to retaliate".

Prime Minister Arafaat al-Awan replied to the criticism from Kalopia by stating that, contrary to Kalopian claims, Kafuristan is likewise a functioning democracy, ruled by a party which serves the will of the people. He went on to say that while Kalopia claims to be a "solid democracy", the recent stepping down of both the Prime Minister and President of that nation betrays the shaky foundation.


Prime Minister Arafaat, speaking to reporters on Kalopia. (Source: The Guardian)

He added that in response to the Kalopian threats for retaliation, borders will be even more tightly controlled, and elements from the Kafuri military will be transferred there for defensive purposes. He also called on other nations in the region to condemn Kalopia's threat of cutting diplomatic ties not only with Kafuristan, but with her neighbors as well.

[XanderOne]

Istalia invites to ease tensions in east Majatra

[Aethan]

Kalopian government makes its position clear: no retaliation, disappointment on declarations and explanation of international policies of the treaty

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
July 5122 Edition

Foreign Ministry Speaks on Kalopia

Sadeeqa al-Farag, Foreign Affairs Minister, spoke today on the issue facing Kafuri-Kalopian relations, as well as the calls for mediation from the Istalian Empire. Kafuri-Kalopian relations have been strained recently due to the Kafuri government protesting the treatment of right-wing protestors and the institution of "leftist elements" within the government and society. After withdrawing from the diplomatic treaty with Kalopia, a Kalopian regional governor spoke out in favor of "retaliation" against Kafuristan. The Kafuri government replied by restricting border security and transferring some units of the Kafuri armed forces to the border with Kalopia.


Sadeeqa al-Farag at a ministry meeting last month. (Source: The Guardian)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Istalian Empire, Antonella Mercalli, made a statement that her government was "more than willing to intervene in order to mediate between Kalopia and Kafuri and assist both Governments to find a satisfactory solution for both parties and avoid further forms of escalations." She offered both Kalopia and Kafuristan a chance for mediation.

Shortly after this, Kalopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kyriake Muteli spoke to the Kalopian press to clarify the government position. Muteli gave her support for the government of the Kithara region, and accused the Kafuri government of supporting "a far-right movement that wants women like [her] to stay in [their] homes, serving [their] husbands and keeping [their] mouths shut against any injustice." She likewise said that if Kafuristan decides to withdraw from the treaty, they may do so, but also while "accepting the consequences that derive from it".

Farag, speaking in a press conference of her own, clarified the Kafuri position on the matter.

Let me say first and foremost repeat what I have said through private channels to my colleagues in the Istalian Foreign Ministry. We are thankful to them for their offer of mediation, and will welcome any attempt to ease tension between ourselves and the government of Kalopia. We do not desire a conflict here. Contrary to what many critics of the Party have said, we have far more troops along the border with Solentia, where a major insurgency is going on, than we do on Kalopia, where no such conflict is seen. Our desire is only for peace and the defense of Majatran culture and faith. The decision to move troops was made by Prime Minister Arafaat al-Awan and Defense Minister Nader Farooqui in response to the calls for "retaliation" from certain voices within Kalopian politics. Kafuristan wishes to make known that we do not take any such threats likely. We do not want to rattle sabers, but we do want to make it clear they are ready to be drawn.

As such, I must gently contradict some of the accusations coming from my colleague within the Kalopian Foreign Ministry. For one, the Party does not support a "far-right movement" which would like to see Kalopia "step backwards in time decades". As you can tell, I am a woman, [laughter in the audience] therefore I think it is silly to presume that the Party holds erroneous views regarding women. What the Party has condemned is not only the treatment of those protesters - right-wing or not - which were expressing their right to protest the moves by the government, but also the push towards uncontrolled Metzist egalitarianism which is contradictory to true ideals of equality. There are elements within Kafuri which might wish to see a greater limiting on the rights of women, and while we respectfully disagree with them, we do agree with them that women being in power simply for the sake of women being in power is not a proper form of government or the goal of society. While some may call it progress, we believe that the proper goal for advancement is through the development of thought, and not by government enforced, man-made, leftist views of gender roles.

Furthermore, the goal of the Party is the defense of Majatran identity. To put it simply, Majatran views of women have traditionally often been traditional, and while we respect that, we also recognize what may be seen as part and parcel with the Majatran identity may not be seen as the same in other countries. What Kalopia views as part of their culture may be far different than what someone among the Hutori views as an inherent cultural value. The Party also believes that it must protect its people from those influences which would seek to undermine our values. Our nation experienced this not too long ago under the regime of the so-called "Taylor's Party", which went so far as to make it a law that only women could serve in combat. Such legislation was what undermined our government, and what led to the August Coup.

At the same time, I want to repeat what I told my Istalian colleagues: we wish to contain the leftist error to Kalopia, and merely keep it out of Kafuristan. We have no interest in pursuing incursions into Kalopia any more than we do seeking incursions into Durndorf or any other foreign nation. Our desire is to preserve the society within Kafuristan and the Majatran people at large. We seek peace and stability. That is why we again welcome the efforts of the Istalian Empire to ease any tensions. While my Kalopian friend may wish to make remarks about Istalia's current government, we welcome any negotiation from any party who wants to see peace within the region.

Thank you.

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
February 5124 Edition

Ba'ath Passes Narcotic and Alcohol Bill

The National Assembly has voted to approve a new bill which will revise Kafuri laws regarding recreational drug use, as well as the sale and consumption of alcohol. It was presented by Minister of Internal Affairs Sahl el-Shariff earlier today. Shariff clarified that this bill would serve two different purposes: first, it would make the sale and use of "recreational drugs" illegal within Kafuristan; second, it would place the legalization of alcohol within control of local governments. The intention here is that majority Ahmadi cities and governates can limit or restrict the sale of alcohol, while minority Ahmadi cities and governates may, if they wish, allow greater freedom.

Analysts believe that this is another move by the Reformed Ba'ath Party to appease many Abadi voices that have called for stronger Ahmadi policies from the more secular Party. Members of the Party are quick to point out that while they hold the Ahmadi faith in high regard as the religion of the Majatran people, and while they consider themselves a party for faith, they are nonetheless not a party of faith. Strong leaders within the Abadi community - which makes up the majority faith in Kafuristan - have called for stronger laws to be passed to preserve the faith and do away with imperialist politics. This recent bill has been hailed by more moderate voices as a proper action, while others have said that it still permits evil to exist within the country.

Abadi Leader Insults Kalopian Prime Minister; Aurorian Arch-Patriarch

Abadi cleric and political activist Masood al-Younan, while delivering his khutbah at his mosque, made reference to Kalopian Prime Minister Aspasia Miskiadi. Mentioning her death, he remarked, "Shaytan is most happy - his whore has returned to the hellfire with him." Younan had previously been openly critical of the feminist policies in Kalopia, especially when there was increased tension between Kalopia and Kafuristan regarding the Protest Against Kalopian Tyranny bill. He likewise commented on Paulus XI, the Aurorian Arch-Patriarch who recently passed away, saying that he too is in the hellfire, for he taught the shirk of polytheism.


Masood al-Younan speaking at a political rally. (Source: Twitter)

When asked about the cleric's statements, Sadeeqa al-Farag, the Kafuri Foreign Affairs Minister who made a press release explaining the Kafuri position regarding Kalopia, stated that, just as Kalopia said that governors do not dictate government policy, neither do "isolated Abadi clerics" dictate government policy. The prime minister's office, when asked about Younan's comments, stated that while the prime minister disagreed with the "tone" of the statements, and he wished the very best for Miskiadi's close family, he also hoped that Kalopia would now move on from many of Miskiadi's left-leaning policies. Previously, the Prime Minister had spoken publicly about the death of Paulus XI, wishing sympathy and affection towards the nation's Aurorian minority.

Younan made the news a few years ago when he called the insurgency in Solentia "a brave struggle against oppression, noble enough to be counted among the most notable Abadi leaders of the past".

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
June 5125 Edition

Tensions Along Solentian Border

Concerns have grown regarding the Kafuri border with Solentia, related to the ability for the Solentian government's ability to contain the Abadi insurrection against General Azmaray Tauqi's government. With the insurrection having started in 5111, it is now in its fourteenth year, with no end in sight. This is especially problematic given the signs that the Tauqi government has collapsed, and Solentia's political infrastructure is weakening. This has especially been exacerbated since the outbreak of civil war once again in 5122.


Kafuri soldiers patrol a road leading into Solentia. (Source: Jordan Times)

Prime Minister Arafaat al-Awan has recently come out saying that there is concern about Solentian military activity along the border. There are accusations of atrocities against the Abadi civilians, and many of the Solentian attacks seem to be happening near the border. The Defense Ministry has confirmed that it has been building up Kafuri troop bivouacs near the area, and has not ruled out the potential for a military response. They were quick to clarify, however, that any military response would be not only defensive but limited in scope.

Lieutenant General Husain al-Mansouri, who assisted in the August Coup, is still in command of Kafuri military units within the border. He has been seen making many visits to the Defense Ministry. Contacts with the Defense Ministry say that he has been given greater freedom in recent years, as far as the Solentian question is concerned.


LTG Husain al-Mansouri at a military event. (Source: Task and Purpose)

Critics of the Reformed Ba'ath Party continue to claim that it is favoring the Abadi rebels and allowing them to act across the border, which both the Prime Minister and Defense Ministry have explicitly denied. Abadi clerics and political leaders within Kafuri have continued to give vocal - and some say monetary - support for the insurgency, calling on them to fight against tyranny as all faithful Abadi are commanded to do.

[Nasrudin]

Kafuri Majatran News Agency
December 5125 Edition

Ultimatum Given to Solentian Tribes

The Reformed Ba'ath Party gave an announcement this month directed towards those elements in the Solentian Civil War currently in combat with the Abadi tribes of Northern Solentian. What some have dubbed the "Second Solentian Civil War" has been raging since 5122, when the central authority in Oda collapsed in the face of mounting leftist and Abadi insurgencies. Majority Abadi tribes dominate the border with Kafuristan, which is likewise majority Abadi.


Prime Minister Awan speaking on television. (Source: Expressive Info)

Speaking to both the Kafuri nation and those within Solentia, Prime Minister Arafaat al-Awan stated that the Kafuri military would be deployed across the Solentian border in order to secure the territory held by the Abadi insurgents.

"For some time now, Kafuristan has had to watch as the Abadi Solentians fought against a government which gave harsh measures against their people. Now, they are at war from various tribalist elements, both those within the Solentian military, other tribesmen, and those from within Metzist circles who would see Solentia become a Metzist state. The Majatran people in Solentia see themselves at war with one another, which is a sad state. That Abadi people specifically are being targeted is likewise a sad state. The Party has been very patient in coming to this decision, and it is not one we make easily.

The goal of Kafuristan will be clear: we are not looking to obtain land, but we are looking to ensure that the conflict across our border is ended. Therefore, those elements at war with the Abadi tribesmen must now come to a ceasefire, or withdraw their forces from the northern provinces. If this does not happen in a timely fashion, then Kafuristan will be forced to launch measures in defense of our borders, as well as in defense of Abadi faithful in Solentia. When this threat is removed, and the Abadi are left alone, then we shall withdraw.

This conflict shall not be one against the Solentian people as a whole, nor whatever remnant of a central government remains in Oda, desperately trying to bring back unification. Rather, this is for the protection of the Kafuri people and our Abadi brothers across the border."

Critics of the Party state that the concern is more over foreign influence in Solentia, although the Prime Minister's office denied this. For many years, the Party has been accused of either aiding and abetting, or at best turning a blind eye, to the activity of Abadi insurgents, which the Solentian government under General Tauqi believed were using Kafuristan as a safe zone for conducting insurgency operations.

Increase in Defense, Industrial Funding

Minister of Finance Abdul Noor al-Haq presented a budget proposal which saw significant increases for the ministries of Defense and Trade and Industry. Each ministry saw an increase in 50-billion KAF, which put them both as high as Education and Culture in terms of funding.

The reason given for the increases as continued modernization and upkeek of the military, as well as an attempt to further modernize the Kafuri industry. Major Kafuri industries, including energy, were nationalized under the Centralization Bill of 5115.


Kafuri factory in Jerze'har. (Source: EKurd Daily)