ZARDS INCREASE PRESENCE IN ALDURIAKOSTANDIAN BAY HERALDZNS James Baker (a James Baker class DDG) making a port call in Zefal, Alduria
July 13, 3742On paper it is a routine visit. The ZNS James Baker was on its way to reinforce the Zardic Naval Base operating out of Selucia and it made a port call for resupply. However what is unusual and daring is the visit to Alduria. Zardic Defense Officials said it made sense since the two nations have been increasing ties and both are working to show the world a strong alliance. The visit was greeted with a welcoming party for the arriving ship with hundreds of city residents (and plenty of "friendly females" as it were) showed up to welcome the 300 member crew to the city. The city's mayor and a few regional parliamentarians greeted the captain and his crew and a very merry liberty began.
On a deeper level however, the trip showed a daring move in this part of the world. Despite Zardugal being a regional hegemony in Majatra, the Zards have always had trouble influencing events and gaining allies in Eastern Majatra. Now with Zardic vessels making regular port calls to Alduria the thinking goes a Zardic naval base in Zefal, or other cities could be soon in the offing. And a base here would allow for much easier power projection in the East Majatra, South Seleya arena. Right now there is one nation that this could be aimed against, Kafuristan.
Kafuristan and Zardugal have long been at odds over the regional balance of power and often compete against each other. With the rise of a new nationalist government in Kafuristan the Zards fears are compounded. The new military government is rumoured to be interested in strengthening ties with Dorvik as a means to counter the Zardic organized Majatran Union. A Dorvish presence is the last thing Zards want in Majatra, however both nations are off to a bad start at relations. Zardic authorities want a Kafuri criminal who helped orchestrate a fraud of Zardic investors over oil reserves south of Alduria while Kafuri authorities gave him a hero's welcome as he returned to the country. The Federal Attorney's Office in Limenostomo has filed an international arrest warrant through the Justice Ministry but it remains to be seen how the new Kafuri Government will respond to such a request.
ZARDS UP SUPPORT IN BARMENIABELGAE POSTZardic military and security advisers arriving in Barmenia
July 15, 3742As the security situation in Barmenia remains fraught and contentious, the Zards are moving in more support to the Barmenian Government. There are now some 200 Zardic advisers working to create a stable security force and government for the nation. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry authorized the release of 300 million ZAR's in emergency development aid to the embattled government which is still having trouble securing portions of the country.
Defense officials remained tight lipped about what further actions could be taken including an air campaign, boots on the ground or even sea based support. A Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that there were high level talks going on in the MSCO and the MU about an appropriate response to the issues at hand. Publicly, the Zardic effort has been focused around building and training the security forces, countering outside support for the rebels and building up areas held by the Government. To further these goals, Zardic Defense Industries announced a package (at reduced prices) of new small arms and light armoured vehicles to the Barmenian Government along with a line of credit to purchase more weapons.
Political Affiliation~ GOP (US)
Pro: Liberal Conservatism, Paleo-liberalism, Chicago Capitalism, social conservatism, neoconservative
Anti: leftist, multiculturalism, Islamic radicalism
Currently the
Zardic People's PartyStarring as
Wiendonia in NS