Realistic or Modern Millennium Dawn - A 2000 Nation Roleplay

[Zillamaster55]

Millennium Dawn - A 2000 Nation RP
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As the calendars are flipped to January 1st, 2000, the entire world is ready to greet the coming new century, and new millennium, with open arms. The Cold War has come to an end, and the United States stands tall as the world’s predominant superpower. The economy is booming, the major rivalries have come to an end, and the markets are free. A new frontier of entertainment and commerce grows at an unbelievable pace as the internet becomes more and more widely available. The future is bright, and celebrations last for days after the ball drops in Times Square.

At least, that’s what it seems. Several dozen smaller conflicts still rage in the third world, remnants of the foreign meddling as the Americans and Soviets did their best to upend one another’s influence. Elsewhere, non-state actors begin to poke and prod at the major powers, including a mysterious and unsettling new organization known as “Al-Qaeda”. Despite how safe everything seems on the surface, there are things that could boil into something dangerous, something unexpected, and something that nobody is truly prepared for.

Where the world is headed is unknown. Perhaps for better, perhaps for worse. Only time will tell. History is a symphony, and new conductors take to the stage…

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WELCOME! to Millennium Dawn! In this RP, several players will take control of major, regional and minor powers and hope to shape the history of the world as we know it. The choices are theres to make! This RP is currently CLOSED, but slots may open!
PLAYERS

Joshuadim - Russian Federation
Amfleet - Republic of China
Fighting Monk - Federative Republic of Brazil
Euskalduna - Kurdish Worker’s Party
Ray Purchase - Iraqi Republic

 

[Zillamaster55]

Turn 0
January 1st, 2000

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World News

- The clock strikes midnight on December 31st, 1999, and hundreds of millions the world over take to the streets in celebration of the new year. Not just a new year, but a new century, and above that, a new millennium. With the tumultuous 20th century now officially in the rear view mirror, the world is ready to press onward, hopeful for a century of potential, peace and prosperity. Many look forward, rather than back, feeling that the trend towards peace will soon settle the world over

- The war in Afghanistan continues to drag on as the tribal relations within the Northern Alliance begin to strain under the sheer weight of the Taliban. Despite having put up a good fight for well over a decade, the Northern Alliance controls less than 10% of the country, and day by day is forced to cede kilometer after kilometer to the advancing Taliban forces. Many wonder how long this conflict will last for, while others fear the seemingly eventual Taliban victory may have severe consequences for the region

- In Somalia, the several rebel groups fighting against the central government dig in deep, as nearly twenty years of war has hardened both sides. With the United Nations having departed less than five years ago, turmoil has gripped the country once more, and few are hopeful for a peaceful resolution. The weak “peace” between the SNM occupied Somaliland and SSDF controlled northeast is at risk of breaking as both sides become more and more desperate to cement their legitimacy in the region

- Though originally having worked together to overthrow the Mobutu regime in Congo, the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire, or AFDL, has shattered in the past two years. Now, former allies have turned their guns on one another, and the recently installed Kabila government buckles under the weight of advancing RCD, MLC, UPC, Banyamulenge, and dozens of other rebel groups backed by the ever-present Rwandan and Ugandan governments, who still control swaths of the east of the nation. What this means for the huge reserves of copper, diamonds and cobalt in the country is still unknown

- The ongoing insurgency in Aceh enters a dangerous new phase as the GAM insurgents control a huge swathe of Aceh itself, receiving support from the Acehnese people, and utilizing the ongoing crisis in the Indonesian government to take a massive chunk of their claimed territories. Some fear that this could rapidly advance into a “third phase” of the rebellion, and the Indonesian government is forced to redeploy thousands of troops that were initially slated to depart the front lines, further increasing tensions

- In regards to the global economy, markets across the world see a continued explosion of growth thanks to the expansion of the internet. Brokers, originally restricted to small windows to speak with those overseas via telephone, can now instantly meet with clients via email, or even instant messaging programs such as AIM. Having beaten much of the western hemisphere to the punch, companies like Microsoft, Apple and AOL dominate the electronics communication market, and the proliferation of cell phones provides more and more opportunities

- Concerns grow over the possibility of “Global Warming”, involving the continued emissions of CO2 and other “Greenhouse Gasses”. Several summits have been held over the years, and climate scientists urge world leaders and companies to “take charge in this new century”. Alongside this, fears over overfishing, deforestation, water shortages and other natural hazards are made clear in numerous articles in papers the world over. Governments ignore these, and companies do their best to skirt legislation wherever possible

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- Brazil, the largest country in South America and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, sits at a crossroads. Despite the relative calm since the 1993 referendum, and with former president Collor de Mello finally having been charged with embezzlement, the political future of Brazil is somewhat uncertain. Still recovering from decades of military rule, the political atmosphere of Brazil is rife with both suspicion and apathy, with many Brazilians seeing politics as secondary to day to day life

- The Brazilian military, though large considering the nation’s economy, is in a lackluster state. Many new recruits have joined solely to escape the poverty-stricken “favelas” that smatter the large cities of Brazil, while others are trying to avoid being wrapped up with the enormous elements in said favelas. Equipment, across the board, is in need of modernization. Outdated small arms, old tanks and armored vehicles, a small number of planes and a pathetically outgunned navy means that Brazil will need to undergo massive changes if it hopes to compete in any significant capacity should there be a regional, or international, conflict

- Economically, Brazil is in an odd state. With the explosive growth of computing technologies, Brazil sits upon an absolutely enormous reserve of “Rare Earth Metals” that are necessary for the creation of electronics. Not only that, but Brazil has a strong backbone in the agricultural industry, exporting beef, coffee and fruits in huge numbers to customers overseas. However, this wealth has come with a significant cost, as more and more of the Amazon Rainforest is needed to be cleared in order to extract this wealth. Alongside environmental concerns, the wealth gap in Brazil is stunning, with highrise condos and sprawling favelas separated by brick walls

- In regards to Brazilian politics, the scandals of the early 90s and the decades of harsh military rule have led the Brazilian people to be suspicious of the government. Political participation is somewhat low, and apathy during elections is at an all time high. The government itself has been able to shed some of the more undesired elements, such as ministers from the dictatorship that still clung onto power for one reason or another, but there is still much work to be done. Corruption, embezzlement and fraud of the highest orders still stain the government, and as a result, little progress can be made

- Despite all these issues, Brazil’s future is undetermined. With the right steps, Brazil could enter the new millennium with a massive head start on its competitors, able to introduce reforms that help close the wealth gap, exploit the nation’s resources, as well as protect the massive natural beauties of the country. With the wrong steps, Brazil could easily slide back into a state of playing second fiddle to just about everyone, and the possibilities of another authoritarian government hang over these choices like a storm cloud

- Iraq, having already struggled throughout the mid 20th century with coups and internal conflicts, as well as the brutal and wasteful Iran-Iraq war, has been nailed to the proverbial wall. A crumbling economy, several international laws and sanctions, a crippled military, and a complete lack of allies has led Saddam Hussein’s government to be deeply isolated. Strife racks the everyday Iraqi civilian, and there are whispers of factionalism within Saddam’s government that grow louder and louder by the day

- After the disastrously unnecessary war with Iran, which drained Iraq of both skilled soldiers and billions of dollars, the Iraqi military was ripped to shreds just years later. After the invasion of Kuwait, Iraq saw its armies crushed by the United States in less than 7 months. The casualties were enormous, and huge sanctions have forced the Iraqi military to be a pathetic shadow of its former self. Old, rusted equipment is brought out of storage to replace what was lost, skilled officers are in short supply, and faith in the armed forces is at an all time low

- The Iraqi economy is a complete joke. Having relied on international monetary support for nearly a decade during the Iran-Iraq War, Iraq has become increasingly dependent on its only worthwhile export: oil. However, after the flood of sanctions and international condemnation, Iraq is forced to sit back and watch as the other “Petrostates” like Saudi Arabia, Russia and Venezuela export several orders of magnitude more oil than Iraq. As a result, Iraq’s economy has fallen to pieces, and poverty is rife in the major cities like Baghdad and Mosul

- Saddam Hussein retains control over Iraq with an iron fist, despite having been forced to withdraw forces from the Kurdish areas in the north and acquiescing to western demands. Hussein has continued his reign of terror in the Iraqi parliament and military, regularly ousting, arresting or outright purging those that are deemed disloyal. However, in recent years, there are rumors that high ranking members of the Iraqi military, government, and even Saddam’s own family, are plotting to wrestle control from him. As a result, Saddam has become increasingly more paranoid, and lashes out with more ferocity than ever

- The future for Iraq looks incredibly bleak. Should Saddam maintain control over the country, the economy and social status will be dragged through the dirt until some sort of change appears. If Saddam is replaced or ousted, his successor will be faced with significant challenges and hurdles that could lead to a complete collapse of the country. There is a glimmer of hope, however. There are numerous opportunities where Iraq can prosper, but the right minds are needed to tap into it

- The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, is an odd and controversial group. Having been running a guerilla campaign that has seen both peaceful resistance and incredible violence since the 1970s, which has lead to the deaths of tens of thousands. The Turkish government has done its best to quash the influence of the PKK in the Kurdish regions of the southeast, deploying hundreds of thousands of troops to combat the rebels. Despite these efforts, the PKK remains ever present in those that hold more radical views on Kurdish independence, and the PKK vows that it will continue its mission to release an independent Kurdish nation

- The “economy” and “governance” of the PKK is a myriad of underground cells and quiet overseas support. Everything from petty theft to embezzlement and smuggling, the PKK does whatever it can to get its hands on legal tender to convince Kurds to join the movement, pay off politicians to turn a blind eye, and purchase illegal weaponry from around the region. Despite the “peace” signed the previous year, several battles have led to the deaths of hundreds of people, many of which were innocent civilians on either side

- With the use of suicide bombers, vehicle-born IEDs, and massed shootings, the PKK has made a mark on southwestern Turkey, and gathered many enemies. Though more or less ruling “in absentia”, Abdullah Öcalan continues to do what he can to direct the PKK to do what it can against the Turkish government. The unsteady peace is at risk of snapping at any moment, and the PKK’s status as a “terrorist” group causes it to remain incredibly controversial overseas. Finally, the PKK’s future is uncertain, as Öcalan’s imprisonment has caused several rifts within the leadership of the PKK. It’s “now or never” for the PKK to do what it can to fight back against Turkey yet again

- On the first day of the new millennium, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is sworn in after the resignation of President Boris Yeltsin. With the deeply unpopular and oafish Yeltsin out of office, Putin promises to introduce sweeping reforms to revive the Russian national identity, end the ongoing recession, and restore trust in the Russian government. Already, the former KGB agent is accused of immense corruption, mainly in regards to cooperation with the newly reborn oligarchy

- Humiliated by the defeat in the Chechen War in 1996, the Russian military faces several challenges made apparent by the victory of the meagre Chechen forces. With memories of the war in Afghanistan still fresh in their minds, the old Soviet styled structure and organization of the Russian armed forces are called into question. As the Russian economy stumbles into the new millennium, many wonder if the government could even afford such reforms, or if massive disbandments are required to skirt budgetary concerns

- The Russian economy is in absolute shambles. Decades of mismanagement by the Soviet government of the 70s and 80s were made even worse during the apathetic Yeltsin administration. As a result, huge portions of Russia’s population struggle to make ends meet, and a dreary atmosphere of depression and forlorn has overshadowed any meagre progress made during the end of the Yeltsin years. Meanwhile, giant corporations such as Gazprom, Rosneft and Lukoil dominate the exports of Russia, and put a stranglehold on natural gas and crude oil being shipped overseas

- Politically, Russia’s government is surprisingly stable. Putin, despite the criticisms levied by his opponents and fears over his connections to the oligarchs, is a strong figurehead. Both charismatic and terrifying, Putin’s stoic demeanor is a sharp contrast to Yeltsin’s outgoing and laissez faire attitude. As a result, critics of the Russian government turn to begin praising Putin, hoping that the new president keeps his promises to restore strength to Russia. However, there are those that launch incredibly caustic attacks on Putin’s image and reputation, and some of these critics seem to mysteriously die of unknown accidents

- Despite having only just been made president, Putin now faces an election against two strikingly different opponents. First, Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party, hopes to “undo” the new “reactionary” government and restore full government control to the economy. Second is Grigory Yavlinsky, head of the underdog Russian United Democratic Party, or Yabloko, who seek to implement a more liberal and progressive government, and draw closer to Europe. Few expect Putin’s opponents to put up much of a fight, but Putin still works hard to ensure that he retains his position for as long as he can

- Riding on the wave of the “Taiwan Miracle”, the Republic of China takes steps to enter the new millennium in stride. With an ever strengthening economy, surpassing that of its neighbors, the Republic has managed to keep a tight enough leash on companies to prevent them growing out of control, stumbling, and being picked apart by their western competitors, a fate that has been experienced by both South Korea and Japan. Though, despite the economic optimism, a rapidly expansionist People’s Republic poses a major threat

- Militarily, the Republic of China keeps its soldiers in tip top shape. Supported by the United States, the Republic possesses important equipment for keeping the forces of mainland China away, including HARPOON and patriot missile batteries, attack helicopters, and even coastal warships. Training drills are conducted regularly, including joint exercises with the United States for training pilots. However, even with these weapons and preparations, the Republic understands that they are outnumbered nearly 10:1 by the ever-growing army and navy of the People’s Republic

- The Republic’s economy is a sight to behold. Despite being much smaller in both population and size to countries like South Korea, Japan and the People’s Republic, the Republic of China boasts a significantly strong private sector and rapidly expanding middle class. Everything from basic agricultural goods to high quality consumer electronics are exported worldwide, and its growth seems to be continuing at a breakneck speed. However, there are some that fear such rapid growth could come to a screeching halt if left unchecked, and many fear a possible recession should global markets shift even slightly

- The situation for the general public in the Republic is somewhat calm. Though the upcoming election has caused some rifts between left, right and center, the introduction of direct democracy in 1996 has led to a growth in political participation, and a growing sense of confidence in the government. Despite the meddling of the People’s Republic, and the ever-present influence of the United States, most of the everyday in the Republic is occupied with work, family, and leisure. Should the politics of the Republic shift in any direction, such changes would do little to upset the general day-to-day life of its citizens

- In regards to Taiwanese politics, President Lee Teng-hui prepares to send vice president Lien Chan to represent the age-old Kuomintang party. However, a tight race is expected in the followup to the upcoming March elections, as the Democratic Progressive Party of Chen Shui-bian and the independent former governor James Soong. This is a crucial election for the Republic, as the Kuomintang has led the country for more than 70 years. Should the Chen or James take power, the Republic will be sent on a new and significantly different path than before

 

[Zillamaster55]

A Pair of Elections

Just days apart, two of the most crucial elections of the new century take place in the Russian Federation and the Republic of China. In the former, new president Vladimir Putin faces off against a litany of smaller opponents who, despite their best efforts, seem to be doomed at the polls. Meanwhile, president Lee Teng-Hui’s Kuomintang prepares to go toe-to-toe with two enormous parties, with the possibility of a three way tie looming over the horizon. On the 18th of March, 2000, the people of the Republic make their voices heard…

Results of the 2000 Chinese Presidential Election
After more than 15 million Taiwanese citizens take to the polls, energized by the possibility of a shift in the political balance, the ballots are counted late into the night. On the morning of the 19th, it is announced that candidate for the Democratic People’s Party, Chen Shui-bian, is the victor. Despite only having 40% of the popular vote, the DPP is able to overcome both the Kuomintang and independent James Soong. For the first time in the history of the Republic, Lee Teng-hui honors his commitment to Taiwanese democracy, and steps down as president. On the 20th of May, at a huge celebration in Taipei, Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu are sworn in as president and vice president respectively. A new future for the Republic is born


Results of the 2000 Russian Presidential Election
In an unsurprising turn of events, incumbent president Vladimir Putin crushes the opposition at the polls. Despite facing off against both the Communists and Yabloko, Putin’s United Russia dominates with more than 53% of the popular vote. With a turnout of 68% of the voting population, Russians are still willing to take time to vote and decide the country’s future. And decide it they have.

Openly critical of the liberalisation and “weak handedness” of the Yeltsin administration, Putin promises to strengthen both the spirit of the Russian people, and bring Russia back onto the world stage as a major player. What this means for the future of the country both inside and out is unknown, and foreign observers watch with bated breath to see the first moves of the Putin administration.

 

[Zillamaster55]

Blood on the River Tigris
In the early morning of Wednesday, the 9th of February, 2000, the streets of Baghdad seemed normal. Men and women go about their daily business, cars attempt to maneuver the narrow streets filled with pedestrians. The sounds of shops opening up fills the air, and the din of the work day echoes across the buildings of the capital city, both new and old. An Adhan, the daily call to prayer, reverberates over the city, as thousands pack the numerous mosques across Baghdad. Everything is calm, everything is normal. The scars of the Gulf War are beginning to heal, and things seem to return to what they should be.

Then the gunshots start.

Cracks of rifle fire are heard in the distance, and people stop what they are doing, turning their heads left and right to try and figure out the sound. An explosion. Several explosions. Yelling, shooting, and the sound of grinding engines turns the streets of Baghdad into a chaotic mire. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a T-55 tank rolls through the streets, causing many to frantically scatter out of its path.

Hundreds of soldiers rush behind it as it snakes its way through the streets...across the bridge...and towards the presidential palace.

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10:26 AM EST, Updated Regularly, CNN.com
By Wolf Blitzer

--Please note that this story is developing--

At roughly 8:40 Baghdad Time, several hundred soldiers of the Iraqi 11th Infantry Division seized several areas of the city and tried to seize the Presidential Palace in an apparent coup attempt. Fighting started an hour in, as Republican Guard troops managed to hold off the initial advancements and destroy several armored vehicles belonging to the attackers. Reports are coming in of casualties, with at least thirty reported dead on either side and hundreds wounded.

Saddam Hussein is reported to have fled Baghdad alongside hundreds of loyalist soldiers, alongside his son Uday. The exact location and status of his second sun, Qusay, is unknown and is believed to be in the custody of the rebellious forces.

--UPDATE, 12:10 PM EST--

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -

A speech has just been given by Iraqi exile Sharif Ali bin al-Hussein, a claimant to the Iraqi throne after the death of his maternal cousin Faisal II, who was deposed in 1958. Alongside him, Ahmed Chalabi, founder of the Iraqi National Congress, both announce their plans to “reinstate a new Iraq”, and overthrow the Saddam regime. Several dozen military leaders that were imprisoned by the Saddam regime have recently been broken out of prison by rebellious forces, who now fly under the banner of the “Free Iraqi Army”.

Current responses from President Clinton, Prime Minister Blaire and President Putin have yet to be made. It is reported that American forces present in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are on high alert, and several hundred troops from Turkey have begun moving to the Iraqi-Turkish Border.

This is ongoing.

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The Iraqi Civil War
After a surprise attack launched by both the Monarchists and Republicans of the Iraqi National Congress, huge portions of the Iraqi Army have flocked to the banner of the Free Iraqi Army. Though the initial plot to arrest or kill Saddam and his two sons have failed, the southern half of the country is now under the control of revolutionary forces. In the south, the FIA digs in deep to try and hold off against counterattacks by the loyalist forces, while simultaneously struggling to keep a hold of its pocket in Baghdad, and slither its way towards Basra.

Unfortunately for the FIA, even with the guidance of Ali Ghaidan Majid and Wafiq al-Samarri, two high ranking military officials imprisoned by Saddam after the Gulf War, the Ba’athists still maintain control of the air, sea and armor. For now, the FIA is reliant on captured equipment and foot infantry, and the fight will be one that will be fought either by decisive battles, or a brutal slugfest. Only time will tell.

In the north, the Kurdish Federation officially declares independence in the chaos, and breaks away from Iraq. Saddam Hussein, more focused on the rebellion, does nothing to counteract the Kurds, and instead sends paltry forces to secure the existing border and prevent any incursions by the Kurds into places like Tal Afar, or the border with Syrian Kurdistan. The Turks are quick to react, and send forces to keep an eye on the Kurds and any potential interaction between the new Federation and the PKK.

The future of the Middle East is about to be decided. No longer in ink, oil and diplomacy, but in blood, bodies and flames. The world watches.