In reply to USA (msg # 33):

If Russians are attacked, they will use all means neccessary to protect themselves, mr. President of USA.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Fri 29 June 2018.

In reply to Russia (msg # 34):

Yes. Exactly

That is the point

Welcome to mutually assured destruction! It's been a while since the world realised that's where we are!

Again I restate any ICBM launch will draw an immediate response with and wmds
This message was last edited by the player at 08:07, Fri 29 June 2018.

In reply to USA (msg # 35):

I see your loayalty to allies, that impresses.
But Russians are loyal too.
Any other propositions except mutual destruction or submission?

In reply to Russia (msg # 36):

Don't use nuclear weapons?

That's what we're saying, and that is all

It is, literally, not Rocket science. Indeed, it is the conscious decision not to use rocket science!

In reply to USA (msg # 37):

Following the attack against Turkey, a member of NATO and ally, a state of war exists between the USA and Armenia

OOC:
Damn. I read ODKB treaty (should did it in first place).

IC:
Due to the fact, that in attack against Turkey, Armenia broke several points of the ODKB treaty, among them:
1) ODKB protection works if its member is attacked in first place, not the other way.
2) ODKB actions must be agreed upon all its members.
3) ODKB force abroad must be in line with UN Charter.

Russia issues to Armenia ultimatum:
1) Armenia stops attacks immediately.
2) Armenia pays reparations to Turkey to compensate military losses during previous attack (10 base combat points).

If Armenia does not comply, then:
1) Russia suspends Armenia from ODKB treaty.
2) Russia attacks Armenia itself.

In reply to USA (msg # 38):


Following Armenia military intervention in Turkey, and Turkey invoking article 5 of the NATO charter, the Nordic Federation has no choice but to declare war upon Armenia.

May the Armenian government see the error of their way and come to their sense.

In that case Russia would support significant portions of the Pacific being US territory?

The EEZ would extend 200 miles from your coast but an EEZ does not equate to territorial waters or internal waters. You are acting outside the terms of UNCLOS.

What are you basing your claims on?

In reply to Russia (msg # 28):

The Nordic Federation do not recognise the Russian claim to the Arctic.  Forfeiting the UNCLOS is a very bad idea for the world security.

The Nordic Federation strongly oppose the Russian intervention in the Arctic.

In reply to Nordic Federation (msg # 42):



This:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomonosov_Ridge



Yes, as soon as USA joins UNCLOS and demonstrates proofs.



Russia does not forfeits UNCLOS but acts according to its laws.

Well, since you bring it up what proof does Russia have?

None of this has been presented to anyone and you've not presented this for review by the the bodies dedicated to dealing with this kind of thing
This message was last edited by the player at 08:14, Wed 04 July 2018.

In reply to USA (msg # 44):

Russia does not understands such anxiety of USA and Nordic Federation about unpopulated hexes 10N4-10N5 (which Russia considers as a part of Russian Continental Shelf) and does not see which international laws can be breached by Russia incorporating unpopulated area. But, Russia is ready to discuss this issue and ready to hear proposals on disputed hexes.



It has been presented already long time ago.
(OOC: IRL it was partially before 2010, partially after, but let the GM to decide if additional actions on this issue after 2010 did or did not happen in The Game).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...ntal_shelf_of_Russia
This message was last edited by the player at 09:41, Wed 04 July 2018.

In reply to Russia (msg # 45):

Ooc

The question of Russian and other territorial claims in the Arctic is such a soap opera it's hard to keep track of it all, but I believe most bordering nations believe it's part of their continental shelf and therefore should be theirs and have now for decades

IC

The question of anyone asserting territorial claims in disputed areas still nominally under international arbitration is concerning to all.

Environmental concerns also apply here.

Besides which, If this territory is so uninteresting to you then why are you paying claim to it as your territory?

UNCLOS and established international law clearly dictates that what you claim is your territory are international waters.

Whilst we will be happy to arrange talks on the future of the Arctic we maintain at current these are international waters and will support freedom of navigation in these waters.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Wed 04 July 2018.

In reply to USA (msg # 46):



OOC: Then this is even better :)



IC:
UNCLOS dictates that Russian claim is EEZ by the very least. It is not international waters.
And Russia does not limits freedom of navigation in EEZ.
Anyway, Russia is ready for discussion about Arctic future.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Wed 04 July 2018.

>>The disadvantages of the limited forces of a MR4 nation, NPC or not, is entirely
>>represented by the column shifts to combat. What happened in previous turns: the
>>numbers, the choices, the balances, the GM rulings, the rules, etc, means exactly
>>nothing to a current turn.
>True, but Player Countries are double penalized for this.
I know. The objection would be important if realism, consistency for consistency's sake and game balance were of the same priority as the ease for the GM to run this game. They are not. There is no procedure that could be made which is easier for the GM then to pick out of thin air some number for available Base Combat Strength which he feels is appropriate to the situation. There is no number which the GM could pick out of thin air which is easier than the maximum.

>but let the GM to decide if additional actions on this issue after 2010
>did or did not happen in The Game).
I would refer all of you to the FAQ section of the main website.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:22, Thu 05 July 2018.

OOC: Gotcha Boss, Q4 in the FAQs is pretty clear

IC:

Well then, given no significant actions have been taken these past decades on this matter then the USA is happy to arrange talks with all involved nations regarding the future of the Arctic and finding a resolution that is equitable to all.

As you have stated you are happy for such talks to occur to decide what will happen then we will assume that you will accept these areas are not your territory and will withdraw your claim so we can begin these negotiations and reach agreements with everyone involved.

I trust this is correct and will be done for negotiations to happen

OOC : I will start a private thread in a bit to prevent our wrangling filling up the international and turn threads - Nations to be included are Canada, Nor Fed, Russia and USA - anyone I've missed from that list?

OOC: Well, ITTR that Japan had also interests there...

I cannot tell what claims they had or if they keep on them, but I guess you should invite them too...

In reply to Germany (msg # 50):

Japan has only had an arctic policy since 2015 from a quick google and only became a recognised observer on the arctic council in 2013, and has no territorial claims I can find

In reply to USA (msg # 51):

while I talked OOC as Germany has no interests on it, I talked about the game, IIRC the past news

In the news 2030-34 (last news piece) it is said they closed their operations i nthe Arctic, but even so I guess hey keep interests. Justa ask him

See the OOC part of your own msg#49 on this thread.

In reply to Referee (msg # 54):

Yes, that was what I meant - should be clearer - I was pointing out I couldn't find anything from before the divergence date and I can't remember anything in game. Though apparently there was.

Does Japan wish to be involved - does it profess a claim to the arctic?

"IISS published Military Balance as of the beginning of 2045, with following results:"


                     Military expenses in 2045             % of budget
South Korea                  171*                            150%*
UK                           749                              85%
Saudi Arabia                 345                              37%
France                       193                              27%
Nordic Federation            210                              23%
Canada                       283                              20%
India                        300                              20%
USA                          836                              20%
Persia                       208                              18%
Australia                    238                              17%
China                        762                              16%
Indonesia                    105                              13%
Germany                      191                              12%
Nigeria                       44                              11%
Russia                       349                               8%
Japan                         70                               5%
Argentina                     20                               5%
Brazil                        58                               3%
*Information on Korea is considered to be unreliable

Russia and Syria attacking Syrian rebels:

Russian unit#MH-5, MINF-8
-As per section 8.5 of the rules, Reserve units may be part of a Defense, but not part of an attack. As there are now no units belonging to a PC in this attack, it will be conducted by GM fiat
Syria: 168 Base combat strength
Mil Rank 3, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 168, Final Combat Strength: 9450

Syrian rebels: 2 Base combat strength
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 2, Final Combat Strength: 112

Syrian rebels losses:
Reduced to 1 Base combat strength

Russia and Syria losses:
None

Syrian rebels forgo the opportunity to Attack

Syrian rebels surrender/disband. There will be no further combat in this conflict.

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

Here To Help#2

Brazil and Venezuelan allies forgo the opportunity to Attack Venezuela

Venezuela Attacks Brazil and Venezuelan allies

Venezuela: 21 Base combat strength,
Mil Rank 3, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 21, Final Combat Strength: 1181

Brazil: units #001,003, 004, 007,008, 027, 028, 029 ,030,031,032, 033,034,040,041,042,043,044,045, 046,047,048,049,062,063,069 ,070 ,074 ,076 ,077 ,079 ,080 ,059,071,072,073,085
105 SU required, 0 SU available, 0 SU used, 0 SU final
–Insufficient supplies, combat will be resolved 1 column worse and final losses are increased by 500%
Venezuelan allies: 7 Base combat strength
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 65, Final Combat Strength: 3600


Odds are 1181/3600=0.328 which becomes 1:4 odds, shifted 2 to right for the difference in Mil Rank, final odds 1:2
15:04, Today: Referee, on behalf of Brazil, rolled 10 using 1d10.  Here To Help#2.
Results: 20%/5=4% loss to Attacker, 20%=20% loss to defender,

Venezuela losses: 0.04 X 21 available hits =0.84=1
Reduced to 20 Base combat strength

Brazil and Venezuelan allies losses: 0.2 X 65 available hits = 13
Venezuelan allies: Reduced to 6 Base combat strength
Brazil: Unit 003, 004, 007, 040, 041, 042, 043, 044 destroyed

Columbia Attacks Venezuela and Venezuela Neutral

Columbia : 35 Base combat strength are available
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 7.2, Sum Basic Strength: 35, Final Combat Strength: 1814

Venezuela: 20 Base combat strength
Venezuela Neutral: 9 Base combat strength
Mil Rank 3, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 29, Final Combat Strength: 1631

As there are no units belonging to a PC in this attack, it will be conducted by GM fiat

Venezuela losses:
Venezuela:Reduced to 19 Base combat strength
Venezuela Neutral: none

Columbia losses:
Reduced to 30 Base combat strength

Venezuela and Venezuela Neutral forgo the opportunity to Attack Columbia

Military analysts have concluded that Venezuela now has insufficient supplies needed to completely fulfil its requirements for the next Quick Combat Round and is asking for international help.

Faction ‘Venezuela Neutral’ has now formally joined with faction ‘Venezuela’,
Mil Rank 3, Mil tech 7.5, Sum Basic Strength: 28

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

“We Leave or Die”: Forced Displacements Under ‘Reconciliation Agreements’
This report is based on interviews and testimony from 134 people, both in person and via VR between April and September 2047, after the fall of the last major Islamic Caliphate stronghold. Interviewees included displaced residents who lived through sieges and attacks, humanitarian workers and experts in the region, journalists and UN officials. Amnesty International also reviewed dozens of videos, linkcasts and social hive-nodes - as well as analysing satellite imagery to corroborate witness accounts. Comments on these findings were sought from local authorities, many of which did not reply. People subjected to these horrific violations of International and Humanitarian law had no choice but to leave their homes en masse. As a result, thousands of families are now living in makeshift camps with limited access to aid and other basic necessities and scant opportunities to make a living.
-Amnesty International report 2047/11/12

Occupation Duty#5

Iraq forgoes the opportunity to Attack Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia forgoes the opportunity to Attack Iraq


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

A Call to Arms#2
Armenia  forgoes the opportunity to Attack Turkey

Turkey, Canada, France attack Armenia and Russia

Armenia: 68 Base combat strength
Russia: units: 021, 022, INT-6, INT-7, INT-8, INT-9, SEC-3, SEC-4, MINF-10, MINF-11, TNK-4, ZIP-1
10 SU required, 70 SU available, 60 SU final
-As per 10.11 par#3 sent#5 of the rules, GM notes that the Russian task force is *almost* entirely made up of Reserve quality units, similar to a Mil Rank 4 type nation and will be treated as such.
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 8.1, Sum Basic Strength: 234, Final Combat Strength: 15352

Turkey: 135 Base combat strength, only 70 can be brought to bear at this time
Canada: units 004, 008
50 SU required, 187 SU available, 137 SU final
France: units 001, 002, 009, 012, 013
105 SU required, 214 SU available, 109 SU final
Mil Rank 2, Mil tech 8.0, Sum Basic Strength: 178, Final Combat Strength: 11392

Odds are 11392/15352=0.7420 which becomes 1:1.5 odds, shifted 4 to right for the difference in Mil Rank, final odds 3:1
22:35, Today: Referee rolled 3 using 1d10.  A Call to Arms#2.
Results: 20%/5=4% loss to Attacker, 40%/5=8% loss to Defender,

Turkey, Canada, France losses: 0.04 X 175 available hits =7
France: Unit 009 destroyed

Armenia and Russia allies losses: 0.08 X 256 available hits = 20.48=20
Armenia: Reduced to 64 Base combat strength
Russia: Unit INT-6 destroyed


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

la amitié


Nigeria and Togo allies attack Togo


Togo: 4 Base combat strength
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 6.6, Sum Basic Strength: 4, Final Combat Strength: 174

Togo allies: 2 Base combat strength
Nigeria: units 043, 101, 102
5 SU required, 42 SU available, 37 SU final
Mil Rank 4, Mil tech 6.5, Sum Basic Strength: 7, Final Combat Strength: 295

Odds are 295/174=1.695 which becomes 1.5:1 odds, final odds 1.5:1
23:54, Today: Referee rolled 3 using 1d10.  la amitié#1.
Results: 60%/5=12% loss to Attacker, 20%/5=4% loss to Defender,

Nigeria and Togo allies losses: 0.12 X 7 available hits =0.84=1
Nigeria : Unit 102 destroyed

Togo losses: 0.04 X 4 available hits = 0.16=1
Togo : Reduced to 3 Base combat strength

Togo forgoes the opportunity to attack Nigeria and Togo allies

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

    You will have until July 21 1200 UTC to post to me in the appropriate threads about what your nations are going to do in response before I start Round #3.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

In reply to Referee (msg # 56):

The United States is please to announce that it has successfully brokered a peace agreement between Turkey and Kurdistan. Terms and a finalised border between both nations have been agreed by both sides and the final agreements are now being put in place - the USA will assist both sides in recovering from the aftermath of this conflict and will be helping to build dialogue between these neighbours to ensure future peace between them

As a result of this, and in response to the situation in Armenia and the deteriorating situation in the region, the United States announces that it has agreed a mutual defence agreement with Kurdistan, which will last for a minimum of 25 years

During this time the United States will guarantee the territory and independence of Kurdistan and will treat any attack against Kurdistan as an attack against the United States

Any attack against Kurdistan is an attack against the United States

German Police raids Greenpeace offices: Berlin, Germany: After German diplomacy achieved the release of the Arctic Sunrise by the Russian authorities  and the ship reacted by ramming against a Russian oil drill, German police has searched Greenpeace offices all around Germany to look for evidences to know if this was a planned action or just an impromptu action by its crew. No statement about the results have been done by German authorities to date.

“This ship has crossed the red line of violence this time” stated a German spokesman. “We really believed Greenpeace was a peaceful organization and so our diplomacy supported them and achieved their release, and we now have been betrayed by this attack. If we find any evidence it was a planned action, Greenpeace could be considered a terrorist organization. For now, Greenpeace assets are frozen by the German government to pay the reparations for the damages and any effect of any oil slick it can produce, as they are responsible of the actions of their members, and any ship working for them will have German ports closed until further notice” he added.

Another spokesperson for the German diplomacy stated that the crew of the Arctic Sunrise is now on their own to face any charges Russia makes against them.