Lots of Irons in the Fire:
Prime Minister the "Most Active" in more than a GenerationBier Qassem, Marakesh
March 20, 4547Local Hammid Abdulaziz Holds up the likeness of the Prime Minister, his new heroThe current Prime Minister, Omar Shabaz is a busy man these days. Its been a mere four years since the beginning of the Revolution and the establishment of the Ahmadi Sultanate, and already the Prime Minister is the most active Prime Minister in more than a generation. Under his watch, sweeping reforms to the institution and the methodology of the State have taken place, carefully and cautiously shepheded through the Majliis by a very conservative, and for the most part, underspoken man, the chief acolyte and proponent of His Majesty the Sultan.
"Omar never sleeps these days," said his mother, Aesha Shabazz. "I worry about him so. But I suppose it is a mother's lot to always worry about her son, no matter how old he gets. I know he is doing the work of Akim, and following the commands of Ahmad, Peace Be upon Him. And he is doing so much to help His Majesty. And for this, I know my son will go to Heaven."
Prime Minister Shabaz has, to date, moved legislation that changes the way politics happens in the nation, abolished the decadence of the old Absentee Republic, and began to oversee the relaunch of the Badaran energy sector. He has also promoted peace and independence in foreign affairs, moved a tax system which fairly adjusts the burden of revenue onto the shoulders of those most able to pay, and built a strong social safety net designed to allow the economy to take off once it begins receiving the fuel of investment. Shabaz has over seen the launch of a delegation to Vanuku, and will soon be welcoming delegates from Dorvik to the Kingdom.
But he is an impossible man to reach. We rescheduled our interview with the Prime Minister three times before his staff called to regrettably cancel due to scheduling conflicts. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Osama al'Khalid informed us of the cancellation in the following manner: "Peace brothers and sisters in the News media. The Prime Minister regrets that he is not able to allow an interview to be conducted. While the Government wrenches itself from atrophy of the old democratic system, some growing pains are being experienced, and we are learning on the job. There will be more time in the near future, but in the meanwhile, we are preparing for the new rollout of the revalued Badaran currency, which is long overdue and putting the finishing touches on the charter for the Royal Bank of Badara. These tasks must be accomplished this year, or we will drop back into stagnation. Please bear with us, and the Prime Minister promises that your interview will be rescheduled."
A busy man indeed!
Badaran Diplomatic Corps readies itself for Dorvish Visit
First State Visit under regime of His Majesty, The SultanBier Qassem, Marakesh
March 21, 4547Badaran Delegation, headed by Dr. Samia Hafiz (Center, in Blue) to meet Dorvik counterpartsJune this year will mark an important landmark in the short history of the Kingdom. It will be the first time that Badara will be visited by foreign emissaries. The Dorvish Republic will send several high level dignitaries to the Kingdom to meet with representatives of His Majesty the Sultan. Primary among the Badaran delegation will be Dr. Samia Hafiz, who is the head of the Foreign Ministry's Development Council. Dr. Hafiz is an award winning economist, who has recently published a paper on the necessity of social spending to offset the inevitable and destructive phases of the business cycle inherent in market economics.
She and her team will be charged to discuss development of the Kingdom in a responsible and sustainable way, as per the Will of His Majesty the Sultan, and the direction of Foreign Minister Abdulrahman. Dr. Hafiz's appointment to greet and discuss matters with the Dorvish visitors is the highest appointment for a female in the four year history of the Ahmadi Sultanate of Badara, and signals important steps toward political equality between men and women.
Said Dr. Hafiz of her appointment: "I thank His Majesty and the Foreign Minister for this opportunity to represent our country in these historic negotiations, the first for our nation. My experience in economics and development strongly recommended me for the position, and I hope to do His Majesty's positions justice before the foreign visitors."
Conservative members of the Hizb Al'Sultan expressed cautious optimism at handing a woman such a position. Farouk Jafarri, from Al'Samarya Emirate said, "We shall see. We the faithful know that Akim created men and women with different talents. But even the Prophet's Wife, Peace Be upon Her, was known to be very savvy with business. We hope that Dr, Hafiz is able to draw upon her expertise, and represent the Sultan with dignity and wisdom."
The Dorvish delegation will be housed at the Alfunduq Assad, one of the most lavish accommodations open to guests in all of Badara. Meetings will take place at the foreign Ministry in downtown Bier Qassem.