Particracy Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Great Majatran War
7 GMW 22

A Zardic carrier strike group, above, and a burning Kafuri tank

Date December 19, 3330 - February 14, 3340
Location Kafuristan:

al'Badara

  • al-Fostat
Result
  • Signing of the Treaty of Venetium
  • Badaran and Kalopain withdrawal from Kafuri territory
  • Zardic withdrawal from Badaran territory
  • Zardic and Luthori withdrawal from Majatran waters
  • Beginning of the Republican Guard Insurgency
  • Subustantial restoration of the status quo ante bellum
Belligerents
Kafuristan and allies: al'Badara and allies: Kafuri Republican Guard*
Commanders
Kafuristan:

Zardugal:

Luthori:

  • William V
  • James Maudling-Butcher
  • Marcus Cunningham-Fortescue

Kafuri Republican Guard:

  • Samir al-Aziz

Badaran anti-government forces:

  • Mohamed al Baradii
al'Badara:

Deltaria:

Kalopia:

  • Antonio Papazoglakis
Kafuri Republican Guard:
  • Samir al-Aziz*
Strength
Total: 1890000
  • Kafuristan: 1170000
  • Zardugal: 500000
  • Luthori: 100000
  • Kafuri Republican Guard: 120000
  • Badaran anti-government forces: est. 3000
Total: 1170000
  • al'Badara: 830000
  • Deltaria: 1000
  • Kalopia: 340000
120000
Casualties and losses
Killed: 24000
  • Kafuristan: 14600
  • Zardugal: 4126
  • Luthori: 201
  • Republican Guard: est. 5000
  • Badaran anti-government forces: est. 500

Wounded: 50000

  • Kafuristan: 30500
  • Zardugal: 9731
  • Luthori: 553
  • Republican Guard: est. 11000
  • Badaran anti-government forces: est. 300

Missing: 12000

  • Kafuristan: 6900
  • Zardugal: 2273
  • Luthori: 97
  • Republican Guard: est. 3000
  • Badaran anti-government forces: est. 200

Civilian deaths: est. 45000 (All Kafuri)

Killed: 16000
  • al'Badara: 13900
  • Deltaria: 21
  • Kalopia:23000

Wounded: 28000

  • al'Badara: 23400
  • Deltaria: 47
  • Kalopia: 4900

Missing: 7000

  • al'Badara: 5300
  • Deltaria: 9
  • Kalopia: 1400

Civilian deaths: est. 1200 (All Badaran)

Killed: est. 2000

Wounded: est. 7000 Missing: est. 1000

*The Kafuri Republican Guard turned against the Kafuri government in 3335

The Great Majatran War was a military conflict between Kafuristan and its allies, Zardugal and Luthori, and al'Badara and its allies, Kalopia and Deltaria. Cildania also participated, although it did not join in actual combat or declare war. Hostilities also involved the Kafuri Republican Guard (the paramilitary force of the the National Democratic Party, the ruling party of Kafuristan), and Badaran anti-government forces, most prominently the Popular Democratic Alliance. It was caused by tensions between the Revolutionary Imperial Communist Society, which was in government in al'Badara, and the powerful Majatran state of Zardugal and its ally, Kafuristan.

The War began on December 13, 3330 after an engagement between Badaran and Kafuri troops; both sides claim that the opening shots were fired by the other. Badaran forces then invaded the Kufari muhafazah (region) of Jerze'har. The War quickly expanded, beginning with military operations against al'Badara by Zardugal, followed by Deltarian aid to al'Badara. After the failure of the Santa Alexandra peace conference in Cildania, Luthori issued a declaration of war on al'Badara. Shortly after the invasion of the muhafazah of Abi'nadi by Kalopian forces, Zardic forces executed a major amphibious landing on the beaches of al-Fostat, one of the constituent Sultanates of al'Badara. However, a ceasefire was called after al'Badara offered peace.

In November 3334, a peace conference in Venetium, hosted by Zardugal, began. This eventually produced the Treaty of Venetium two-and-half years later, and it took another further two-and-a-half years for the Treaty to enter into force, putting an official end to the conflict which had, as far as military engagements were concerned, ended in January 3334.

By the time of the end of the War, 80000 lives had been lost, over half of them civilian lives. Jerze'har suffered immense destruction as a result of the four-year occupation. Al'Badara, the site of sustained Zardic bombing, has its economic, communications and military capacities crippled. While perhaps not the costliest war in terms of human lives, the Great Majatran war had a huge economic cost to the combatant nations, and was one of the most significant geopolitical upheavals of its time.

Lead-up to war[]

The major cause of the Great Majatran war was the enemity between the Revolutionary Imperial Communist Society (RICS; later renamed the Royal Red Vanguard Society), a hardline communist party in power in al'Badara, and the nations of Zardugal and Kafuristan.

Background[]

GMW 1

Foundation of the Union of Socialist Sultanate

In July 3319, Badaran elections resulted in a RICS victory, with their candidate for Leader and Guide of the Revolution (head of state), Jalal al-e-Ahmad, successful. The RICS also won just shy of a majority of the seats in the legislature. During the next two years, radical reforms were implemented, targeting religion and the free market. Civil rights were restricted, and al'Badara moved into isolationism after withdrawing from many treaties. In February 3321, the Union of Socialist Sultantes was founded, replacing the United Badaran Emirates.

Tensions began in July 3322, with the passage of a bill for 'the Creation of Red Feudalism' through the Badaran legislature. At the end of that year and the beginning of the next, al'Badara declared its mobilization for war, while condemning Kafuristan and Zardugal for their capitalist economies and the number of personal liberties. In March 3323, al'Badara closed its borders, and in August, their legislature voted to begin pursuing nuclear ambitions. Over the next several months, the scope of government powers in al'Badara greatly increased.

Shortly after these events, the Zardic legislature voted to condemn the conduct of the government of al'Badara, in particular the RICS, and cut off all diplomatic relations with that nation in November 3323. In February 3324, al'Badara reciprocated.

In the legislative elections of August 3324, the political scene in al'Badara shifted significantly with a landslide defeat of the RICS; nevertheless, they remained the government.

The next several years were comparatively serene, with tension in Majatra seeming to decrease, with the exception of an unconstitutional declaration of war by Ikradon against Zardugal for its 'aggression' against Ikradon's ally, al'Badara. The Zardic government tried to avert war through diplomacy. These attempts failed, but elections intervened, and actual military engagements never took place.

In June 3327, the balance of power in the Badaran legislature changed once again, with the centre-left Popular Democratic Alliance winning a majority. Their leader, Dr. Mohamed al Baradii became Royal General Secretary. During the next two years, the new Badaran government liberalised the country. They also restored diplomatic relations with Zardugal, even giving an official apology for the Royal Red Vanguard Society's belligerence in January 3328. A month later, however, militants affiliated with the Vanguard stormed the Zardic embassy, making a demand for national pride. The Royal Chairman of the Socialist Sultanates, Jalal al-e-Ahmad, was placed under house arrest by Dr. Mohamed al Baradii. This incident drew strong condemnation from the Badaran, Zardic and Kafuristani government. The hostages were later released without fatalities.

In March 3329, the Popular Democratic Alliance lost seats in an early election. Although still the largest party, they lost their legislative majority and the two other parties, the Royal Red Vanguard Society and the House of Al-Majali, were able to form a coalition government.

Tensions escalate[]

After the formation of government in al'Badara by the Royal Red Vanguard Society and the House of Al-Majali, the tensions in Majatra quickly reached a state of crisis.

In March 3330, the Vanguard introduced a bill into the Badaran legislature that would, if passed, declare war on and invade Kafuristan. In late July, Jalal al-e-Ahmad stated that this was an attempt to 'liberate' Kafuristan from theocracy, capitalism and Zardic imperalism, and that it was retaliation against Kafuri and Zardic for having 'violently opposed the due course of the Royal Red Revolution'. At the same time, al'Badara began to prepared the military for war. It must be noted that the Badaran military, the Royal Red Amazonian Guard, is composed entirely of females.

2

Kafuri commander encourages volunteers

Just days after the announcement of mobilisation by Jalal al-e-Ahmad, the government of Zardugal stated that it 'strongly condemn[ed] the groundless militancy and aggression of the Union of Socialist Sultanates against our ally, Kafuristan' and threatened military intervention if al'Badara attacked, followed by a declaration by the government of Beiteynu that it was prepared to send peacekeepers to the region in the event of hostilities.

3

Kafuri air defences

In Kafuristan, the government placed the military on high alert, began a recruitment drive and asked citizens to be prepared to defend their homes. Kafuristan also withdrew recognition of the government of al'Badara, instead recognising Dr. Mohamed al Baradii as the legitimate Badaran leader. Military spending was increased by 22 percent. Meanwhile, the Kafuri legislature debated a declaration of war against al'Badara.

In mid-December, the Zardic government ordered the acceleration of the process of mobilisation, with large-scale exercises and the preparation of the large Zardic arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Also, with the permission of the Kufari government, three naval strike groups led by the supercarriers ZNS Belgae, ZNS Darmoth and ZNS Kalvere were deployed to Ephraim in the muhafazah of O'mer.

War breaks out[]

The invasion of Kafuristan[]

On December 19, 3330, the Great Majatran War began. The Badaran state media claimed that Kafuri troops attacked a Badaran orphange. The Kafuri government vehemently denied this, stating that no Kafuri forces were deployed to Badara, and even if there were, they would not have targeted sites like orphanages.

8

Badaran armoured units in Jerze'har

In retaliation for the alleged assault on an orphanage, al'Badara invaded Jerze'har. At the same time, Jalal al-e-Ahmad declared that Zardic preparations were the 'truest and most pure validation' of the Badaran belief that Kafuristan would be a 'battleground for the proxy wars of Zardic corporations'. He also declared that al'Badara possessed weapons of mass destruction.

11

Kafuri defences

Kafuristan responded to the invasion by deploying forces to constrain the expansion of the Badaran lodgement. The Air Force and Navy began patrolling the Kafuri coast to find and destroy Badaran vessels. Kafuri Prime Minister Zayn Nasri also urged citizens not to be hesitant about using their firearms (the possession of which is compulsory in Kafuristan) against the invaders.

On January 4, 3331, two weeks after the invasion of Kafuristan, the Zardic government declared war on al'Badara. The President of Zardugal, Karen Sosa, stated that while Zardugal did not wish to fight a war, 'world events have forced our hand', and that 'in compliance with our treaty obligations with Kafuristan', Zardugal would go to war. She urged 'all the freedom-loving and peace-loving peoples in the world' to go to war against al'Badara.

13

Zardic conscripts

Four days later, Prime Minister Michael Dowdy declared the draft for all able-bodied men between 18 and 25. Curfews were also put into place to ensure order, although martial law was not declared because Zardugal itself was not under attack.

12

A Zardic supercarrier in Ephraim

15

Zardic supply convoy

Shortly after that, the ZNS Belgae, ZNS Darmoth and ZNS Kalvere arived in Ephraim. These aircraft carriers brought with them supplies, weapons and ammunition, which were trucked to Kafuri forces on the front line.

Kafuristan counter-attacks[]

16

The destroyed munitions plant

On January 13, a Kafuri ballistic missile destoyed a large munitions plant in Ras al Ulima in the Sultanate of al Salmania. Kafuri intelligence stated that the weapons plant was also a storage area for chemical and biological weapons.

Within two hours of the attack, Badaran nuclear missile bases in Agundi City in al Baharia were put on a heightened state of readiness, while the Badaran government declared their confidence in victory and called upon other communist nations to enter the War. They also stated the Jerze'har had been 'fully liberated' and denied Kafuri claims that there was violence against the occupying forces, instead saying that the people of Jerze'har were 'enjoying their new pleasurable lives and wish to end the current government in Kafuristan'.

In early February, the Popular Democratic Alliance, Dr. Mohamed Al Baradii, called press conference. He stated that the Vanguard was an enemy of al'Badara and called for the execution of Jalal al-e-Ahmad. He also urged Terran nations to intervene to 'stop this massacre', before tearfully lamenting the breakdown of relations between 'brothers' on the day that he was scheduled to visit Kafuristan, if he was still in government.

In April, Zardic lawmakers decided to withdraw South Majatra Demilitarization and Cooperation Agreement and Lake Majatra Governance Treaty, which they believed would inhibit Zardic military operations in the War.

Despite the relatively uneventful passing of previous few months, rhetoric gave way to real fighting on May 8, when the National Republican Army (NRA, commonly known as the Republican Guard) attacked a Badaran outpost near the western-most point of Badaran control in Jerze'har. It began at 1300 hours, when infantry, backed up by two tanks and several infantry fighting vehicles, left their concealed positions in a forest, and mortars were fired at Badaran positions. After heavy fighting, the Kafuri forces were victorious and re-occupied the town. Just over a dozen Badaran troops were taken prisoner. The Kafuri government declared that while the assault was not a major victory, it was the 'the first showcase of NRA abilities in this conflict'.

16

A Badaran-occupied city after heavy fighting

17

Anti-Vanguard graffiti

On the same day, Kafuri military jets disguised as Badaran passenger planes evaded Badaran air defences and dispersed anti-Vanguard leaflets over al Salmania. As they turned to return to Kafuristan, their real identity was discovered and Badaran fighter jets were immediately dispatched to attack the Kafuri planes. All of the aircraft returned safely, including one that sustained damage. The Badarans, however, were not so lucky, with two or three of their aircraft being downed. Their crews were recovered by Zardic seamen. According to the Kafuri government, 'this mission was undertaken as a move to weaken the Vanguard from the inside'.

The war heats up[]

Zardugal intervenes[]

The Zardic Armed Forces (ZAF) commenced military operations on June 4, 3331. Under orders from General James Fulcher, Chief of Staff of the General Staff, the Zardic Air Army began 24-hour bombing of strategic sites located in Badara, such as ports, radar stations, munitions factories, arms depots and oil wells. Guided bombs were used in populated areas to minimise the risk of civilian casualties, while carpet bombing was used in more sparsely populated areas.

18

Zardic fighter-bombers

19 GMW

Dar al Badara burns

A naval exclusion zone was also established: 'All Badaran military vessels and aircraft, with the sole exception of hospital ships, will be subject to attack without prior warning if they enter this zone. Any other Badaran vessels and aircraft, will also attacked if they fail to identify themselves in a clear and timely manner, as we will consider all Badaran ships and aircraft as threats until it is demonstrated otherwise. Additionally, any vessels which are suspected of transporting arms to al'Badara, whether Badaran or not, will be subject to seizure and search, or if that is not possible, attack.' Shortly after, the first Badaran ship was attacked upon entry into the exclusion zone, and its crew had to abandon the sinking vessel.

20

The Badaran cruiser sinks

Additionally, Zardic artillery was deployed near the front lines to support Kafuri operations. They shortly began targeting Badaran positions.

26

Badaran propaganda

On June 10, the Badaran state media stated that Jalal al-e-Ahmad appeared before a defiant crowd after the news of Zardic intervention. He stated that 'I must tighten my belt by one loop so I don't feel hunger pains, and the rest of the nation will have to do the same. But I am confident we can outlast this aggression'.

The war gets dirty[]

23

The camel flu virus

After a brief encounter in mid-June between Zardic naval forces and a number of Badaran fishing boats, twenty-three Zardic seamen fell ill with camel flu; five eventually died. The foreign media stated that this was a biological attack by the Union Center For National Intelligence And BioChemical Safety, while the government of al'Badara claimed that it was a coincidence. Nevertheless, Badaran Defense Minister Jarmen Kell Al-Ahmad reminded the international community that al'Badara would not be adverse to the use of weapons of mass destruction in defence, and that nuclear missile bases were on alert.

In retaliation for attacks on Badaran infrastructure, the Badaran government announced also that 17 Kafuri soldiers and 4 Zardic pilots were summarily shot, much to the condemnation of the international community.

According to the Badaran state media, within Jerze'har, the Badaran military had drafted females into the Amazonian Guard, while men were sent away on vacation. The government declared that all of Jerze'har could be 'liberated' within a week.

24

Al-Aziz being rushed to hospital

On the evening of June 14, Kafuri Foreign Minister Samir al-Aziz fell 'violently ill' and was rushed to a hospital in Abi'nadi after his wife made a call to emergency services. National Democratic Party loyalists gathered on the streets in crowds as an ambulance lef the al-Aziz residence. Rumours spread that al-Aziz had died after being poisoned by Badaran operatives. His rumoured death sparked pogroms against ethnic Badarans. It was announced the next morning that al-Aziz had actually survived. According to the Kafuri government, the General Intelligence Directorate of Kafuristan that the attempted organisation was in fact carried out by Badaran agents.

On the same day, the Republican Guard launched a daring attack on Badaran positions in western Jerze'har, where heavy fighting had recently taken place, and made significant advances. Shortly after, the Kafuri military joined the assault to secure the region.

Early next morning, Count Kristov II of Beluzia declared that Beluzia would not become involved in the War, but called for the combatants to observe the conventions of war, and offered asylum to children in the War zone: 'Beluzia will open doors to as many children as we can, if the governments ask. This is a neutral move; we will not be biased. Children from both sides of the conflict are welcome to Beluzia until the conflict is over.'

On morning of June 17, the Lake Majatra Area Control Centre lost contact with the Zardic passenger plane, Arkon Air 302. There were 389 fatalities and no survivors. Three days later, the Zardic government made a statement accusing the Badaran military of the shoot-down of the airliner: 'Investigators from the Department of Air Accidents Investigation have found evidence that strongly suggests that the aircraft was shot down by Badaran military pilots. We condemn this appalling act in the strongest possible terms.' The Badaran government denied having shot down the airliner.

The Badaran legislature approved a bill to increase income tax in July 3331 to 'raise the coin for war and country'. After several months of reduced activity, the Badaran Foreign and Defence Ministers made a highly publicised arms deal with Dr. Yirmiyahu Ben-Taoma III, the Foreign Minister of Cildania, on November 8. The purchase included 100 F-1 fighter jets and over 300 hundred naval vessels, according to the Badaran government. The ZAF attempted to intercept the convoy, resulting in heavy fighting. The Badaran state media claimed that during the engagment, the Badaran cargo ship Working Class carrying UNICEF funds and rescued child slaves from Kafuristan, was sunk by Zardic naval forces. The Zardic government stated that the ship did not in fact carry either UNICEF funds or slaves, and further claimed that the ship's crew failed to identify the vessel.

27

Cildanian fighter jets

Santa Alexandra[]

The peace conference begins[]

On November 13, 3331, the nation of Cildania opened a peace conference in the city of Santa Alexandra, the capital city of the Imperial Archduchy of Hebilon. Al'Badara declared that it was willing to cease military operations in an attempt to aid the negotations; Kafuristan refused, because, 'As long as Badaran troops occupy sovereign territory we will fight the forces that maintain the occupation'.

Shortly after the opening of the conference, al'Badara declared that it was sending Jalal al-e-Ahmad as its representative, and Kafuristan sent Zayn Nasri. Cildania had four representatives: Ba’al sel Safot (head of state) Jaffer Ziyad, Shoftim (head of government) Fred Castellan and the Foreign and Defence Ministers.

As the conference began, Jalal al-e-Ahmad told those present that 'We shall show, before all Terra, the injustices and injunctions of injury inflicted by imperial impositions. Zardugal shall stand before world court for its actions'.

On November 24, Kafuristan presented its demands to al'Badara. The Kafuri government stated that the Vanguard had to stop all terrorist activity like murdering foreign expatriots and storming embassies, 'end attempts at influencing Kafuri politics', make a 'total withdrawal from Jerze'har, along with the return/release of all Kafuri captured or forced into Badaran service' and hand over Cildanian arms.

Prior to a Badaran reply to these terms, Zardugal dispatched their delegation to the Santa Alexandra peace conference with the approval of the Cildanian government. Prime Minister Michael Dowdy and Foreign Minister Darren Nicholson represented Zardic interests. Meanwhile, all Zardic military operations were temporarily suspended.

28

Jalal al-e-Ahmad speaks to the conference

On December 15, Jalal al-e-Ahmad stated that Kafuristan's haste to make demands did not 'bode well for the Majatran cause nor for peace', and also that the situation had 'gotten entirely out of hand'. He urged his enemies to be patient. His terms were that Kafuristan would scrap its alliance with Zardugal and join the Pan-Majatran Union, led by himself. He also condemned the Zardic response to the invasion of Kafuristan, and demanded unconditional aid from Zardugal to repair and rebuild destroyed Badaran infrastructure. In exchange, al'Badara would withdraw from Jerze'har and establish medical centres in Kafuristan for those injured by Badaran action.

The Zardic Prime Minister reacted angrily to the Badaran demands, saying thatm 'we utterly reject your terms. They are extreme and humiliating', and that 'We will not compensate you for damaged infrastructure, because you are the aggressor. Nor will we accept the degredation of our ally in such a manner. We ask you to reconsider your terms and make them more reasonable.'

While still condemning the Zardic government for 'meddling' in Majatran affairs, the Badaran government withdrew its demand that Zardugal compensate al'Badara for the damage that the Zardic air campaign had caused. When Zardugal refused to allow al'Badara to coerce Kafuristan into joining the Pan-Majatran Union, the Badaran government changed its terms to make Kafuristan join the Majatran Union III instead.

On December 23, Jaffer Ziyad declared that he had used his authority to halt arms sales to al'Badara, saying that selling arms to a combatant nation could be considered a declaration of war. He also stated that he had introduced legislation into the Cildanian legislature that would more tightly regulated the sale of weapons in future.

Due to the Zardic government's insistence that Kafuristan not be forced into any treaty organisation, the Cildanian government called for a neutral treaty, also on December 23, which Jalal al-e-Ahmad began drafting that night. However, four days later, Zayn Nasri declared that Kafuristan would not join any Majatran organisation, 'especially not one led by Jalal al-e-Ahmad'. He also stated that it was ironic that while the Badaran government criticised foreign nations for attempting to influence Kafuri affairs, Jalal al-e-Ahmad wanted 'to be the one pulling the strings of Majatran governments', and that 'A nation of Majatra does not have to prove how "Majatran" it is by joining some international or regional government'. When the Cildanian delegation asked Zayn Nasri to 'at least look over what is written', he replied that 'We are coming here with outright refusal to sign into any kind of Majatran Union'.

Zardugal then responded to the situation by refusing to agree to any treaty that did not have the approval of the Kafuri government. Cildania raised the possibility of a union which did not interfere with the internal affairs of its member nations, but Kafuristan stated that it feared that even a 'watered down' union would be a 'stepping stone' to a loss of sovereignity.

Kafuristan attacks during negotiations[]

29

A Deltarian stealth bomber

On January 4, 3332, the Badaran government announced that it had international support for its war against Kafuristan, after the Deltarian government decided to send 1,000 medical personnel to help wounded Badaran soldiers, as well as two advanced fighters, an early warning aircraft and a stealth bomber, which Jalal al-e-Ahmad jokingly referred to as a 'flattened toy'.

30

A Kafuri sentry stands guard

Just one day later, Kafuri troops, and Zardic soldiers put under the command of Kafuri officers, jointly launched a midnight pincer attack on the flanks Badaran area of occupation. Their thurst along the coast severly threatened Badaran supply lines and also significantly reduced their occupied territory in Jerze'har. With the coastal area where Badaran forces could unload supplies greatly reduced, the Kafuri government hoped that the Zardic navy would find it easier to block convoys from al'Badara, leaving the Badarans 'one method of bringing in new supplies and that is by air, which poses just as much [sic], if not more, problems as naval supply routes', according to the Kafuri government.

The Kafuri Prime Minister, Zayn Nasri congratulated the military for its success, although he did acknowledge that a war of attrition was developing because the Kafuri government had refused to order the bombing of its own territory. He also urged civilians 'to assist the military in the resistance against the Badaran invaders and in weakening their strength'.

The Cildanian government reacted angrily to the surprise attack, saying that while Cildania and Zardugal were committed to peace, al'Badara and Kafuristan were merely cynically exploiting the situation. Cildania called for a peace treaty that did not interfere in the internal affairs of any of the signatories, asked the combatant nations to withdraw from each other's territory and for Zardugal to cease its bombing campaign against al'Badara. Cildania also stated that, at the very least, the parties to the conflict agree to refrain from the use of nuclear weapons.

On January 16, the Zardic government presented its terms for peace. They stated that all nations had to withdraw from each others territory and cease military engagements. In addition to the end of hostilities, al'Badara was to end its practice of executing prisoners of war, the combatant nations would have to a 50-year non-aggression treaty during which none of the signatories was to interfere with the affairs of the other nations. Zardugal stated that the offer would expire at the end of May.

Zardugal also expressed its surprise and irritation that its government had not been informed of the participation of Zardic troops in the Kafuri offensive on January 5, stating that it did not want its military 'dragged into a battle without our prior knowledge or consent'. The Zardic government also asked Kafuristan to suspend military action for the duration of the peace conference. Shortly after, the Kafuri government responded with an official apology and stated that it was not aware that Zardic troops were observing a ceasefire.

The conference continues[]

The Cildanian and Kafuri delegations to the peace conference praised the moderation and reasonableness of the Zardic terms, and quickly agreed to it. However, the Badaran response was different, with Jalal al-e-Ahmad demanding that the peace treaty had to include a clause mandating that Kafuristan break off diplomatic relations with Zardugal. The Cildanian delegation criticised this stance.

On April 17, 3332, Deltaria shut down the Kafuri embassy after Kafuri diplomats contacted the Deltarian government with regards to the provision of military aid to al'Badara. On June 2, Deltaria apologised to the nations attending the Santa Alexandra conference, in particular, Kafuristan, and sent a representative to the talks to explain the fact that the provision of aid was not officially sanctioned.

Meanwhile, on April 24, the Kafuri religious and political leader Grand Ayotollah Abu Bakr al-Hashem issued a fatwa against the Badaran government and called for a jihad against the invaders. During a massive rally in the Abadi holy city of Helem in Abi'nadi, Abu Bakr al-Hashem condemned Jalal al-e-Ahmad, and stated that the Badaran government had 'continued, and even intensified, their bloody crimes against humanity and demonstrated total infidelity to the guidance of Akim and His beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. This renders them undeserving of any obedience or support, and makes rebelling against them by all means possible a divinely ordained duty upon every able Abadi.' He asked Badaran soldiers to disobey orders and try to assassinate Jalal al-e-Ahmad, and urged the Kafuri people to kill the invaders and 'expel them from our sacred lands'. {C}On June 5, Gerard Redmayne, the Foreign Secretary of Luthori, said that it was a 'profound error of judgement' not to have invited a representative from Luthori to the conference. Cildania stated that Luthori could send a representative, but only if they were genuinely committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.

31

Elite Luthori troops

On June 9, after a 'tense vote in Parliament', according to official sources, Luthori declared war on al'Badara. Field Marshal Marcus Cunningham-Fortescue, the Grand Duke of Yodukan, was appointed to lead the Luthori task force, including three aircraft carriers, six destroyers and more than 100,000 troops. Cunningham-Fortescue told reporters that he would refrain from making 'idle predictions', but announced that he wished to 'give the Badaran devils hell'.

32

Jalal al-e-Ahmad speaks to the Badaran people

Two weeks later, the Badaran government released a statement commenting that 'diplomatic attempts to end the War peacefully for the Union have been rocky at best'. Jalal al-e-Ahmad commented that Zardugal had been insistent on making demands, and stated that Zardic desperation to keep a stranglehold on the Majatran economy had led to the bombing of Badaran infrastructure and the killing of civilians. He stated also that al'Badara remained strong despite the international pressure, and that Kafuristan was a puppet state of Zardugal and Luthori, both of which we willing to let their soldiers die just for capital. He said that the 'weak and ineffectual government' of Kafuristan was composed of 'those impotent theocrats, those misguided Clerics and Ayatollahs and all manner of false prophets clamoring for my death while they slowly kill their own Nation', and asked the Kafuris to question Zardic motives. He declared that al'Badara would not agree to any peace 'until these Zardic and Luthori dogs leave this side of the Majatra'.

Shortly after, the Cildanian Foreign Minister, Dr. Yirmiyahu Ben-Taoma III attended the conference and stated that Cildania had the right to sell arms to whoever it wished, and also urged all nations to join the Majatran Union III. The Kafuri government stated Cildania, which claimed neutrality, should not have sold weapons to a belligerent, because 'one cannot claim neutrality while giving one side in a war the equipment required to kill the other side'.

On June 30, the Cildanian government repudiated their Foreign Minister's statements, stating that they only represented his personal views and those of his political party. It also stated that the Santa Alexandra peace conference was set up to find a treaty to end the War, not to create a Majatran union. A week later, the Cildanian Foreign Minister stated that he was wrong to support the arms deal.

Meanwhile, the Kafuri government told the conference that it suspected that the Badaran government was 'delaying in order to simply re-organize and strengthen his military for a continued war' and expressed its concern that 'these negotiations may fall apart'. Cildania then stated that if Jalal al-e-Ahmad continued to push for a Majatran union, the talks would fail. On July 16, Kafuristan set a deadline of November for a Badaran response, and announced that its delegation would leave.

Santa Alexandra fails[]

Zardugal attacks[]

34 GMW

The aftermath of a Zardic airstrike on Dar al Badara

On July 17, 3332, the Zardic President, Karen Sosa, stated in a press release that 'the Badaran government has been actively trying to thwart peace negotiations by making unreasonable demands and belligerent threats', and that 'we regret that it has come to this, but we will have to resume military operations immediately.' The exclusion zone around Kafuri shores was re-established, and the bombing of al'Badara began again with increased intensity.

35

A destroyed Badaran airfield

On the first night of resumed operations, a fleet of Zardic fighter-bombers attacked several Badaran airfields. Taken by surprise due to inadequate preparation, the counter-attack mounted by Badaran forces was badly organised and soon fell apart. Two thirds of the Badaran Air Force was destroyed. According to the commander of the Zardic Air Army, General Robert A. Anderson, 'the Badarans' ability to disrupt our operations is now limited to being a minor nuisance. It's also a great bonus for our naval and ground forces, which can now operate without the threat of being bombed.'

36

Armoured troops lead the Zardic offensive

37

Zardic troops advance behind the armoured spearhead

On the same night, the First and Fourth Zardic Armies, directly commanded by General James Fulcher, launched major assault against Badaran ground forces. Careful preparation and intelligence-gathering meant that the Badaran military was, once again, unready to face such an attack. The left flank of the Badaran line was pierced, and an entire division was routed. Although it was a costly success with several thousand Zardic casualties, the cost to the Badarans was several times higher. Shortly after the two victories of that night, General Fulcher triumphantly declared in front of the press, 'let's go kick a Badaran ass!'.

The day later, Kafuri Prime Minister Zayn Nasri appeared at Santa Alexandra by video link, and told the assembled delegations that the November deadline was now void, and stated that the peace conference had failed. He placed the blame on the stalling tactics of the Badaran government.

38

Kafuristan shows off its strength as it leaves Santa Alexandra

In a lengthier statement to his nation, Zayn Nasri stated that the Kafuri government was suspicious from the beginning about the motives of the Badaran government: 'All along the Badarans planned for the conference to fail', and 'the Cildanian conference was a masquerade by Jalal al-e-Ahmad. Everything was an attempt at a Majatran super-state controlled by Badara. Once all the talk of super-states were shut down, al'Badara resorted to its usual verbal attacks against Kafuristan and Zardugal'. He stated that the negotations had given the Badarans a chance to rearm and reorganise, but that it did not pose a problem, as Kafuri forces had had an opportunity of rest as well, and had also received support from another major power, Luthori. He said that Jalal al-e-Ahmad would never be forgiven for his actions as a terrorist and war criminal, and demanded that he be brought to justice.

The war continues in Kafuristan[]

On July 28, 3332, Popular Democratic Alliance leader Dr. Mohamed al Baradii disappeared without any explanation. Surprised at his failure to attend a party conference, party members decided to contact him by phone. When there was no answer, a party member went to his house to investigate; he was missing.

In the same month, Badaran lawmakers approved two bills, one to put Badaran nuclear launch sites on full alert, and another to ratify the Majatran Union III. The Pan-Majatran Union was ratified the month after.

On August 14, the Zardic legislature approved a bill to form a new coalition cabinet including ministers from both major parties, the governing New Democratic Party and the Conservative Republican Party. The Zardic government announced that the national unity government was intended to last until the end of hostilities.

After the Badaran government had already stated that he was dead, the Kafuri General Intelligence Directorate stated on November 26 that, contrary to the claims of Badaran state media, Dr. Mohamed al Baradii was in fact alive. The Kafuri government explained that he 'was faced with the danger of assassination or imprisonment by the Vanguard' when he was still in Badara, and that he was still co-ordinating his party. It stated that Dr. Mohamed al Baradii was not dead or being held hostage, to prevent that Vanguard from making such claims.

39

Badaran vehicles hit by artillery

40

Urban warfare

Meanwhile, the Zardic offensive against Badaran forces in Jerze'har continued. The Badaran position in the occupied territories was greatly weakened by the capture of multiple strategic points and the defeat of massive units. By the end of November, there were only two roads of any significance that the Badarans could bring in supplies by. The ZAF decided to emplace large numbers of artillery pieces beside the two roads, greatly limiting their abilities to resupply and bring in reinforcements. However, Zardic forces advancing into cities faced costly urban battles, especially where Badaran troops had turned cities into fortifications.

In December, the legislature of Kafuristan officially endorsed Grand Ayotollah Abu Bakr al-Hashem's fatwa and call to jihad against the government of al'Badara, which he delivered in April.

41

A Zardic light tank burns after a Badaran attack

Several days later, Badaran armoured units attacked Zardic troops in Jerze'har. The Badaran government claimed that they had overrun crucial Zardic positions and had successfully destroyed advanced Zardic tanks; however, the government of Zardugal stated that the positions that had been successfully assaulted were merely minor outposts, and the destroyed tanks were actually light tanks, not the most advanced battle tanks. The Badaran government also stated that 'we aren't leaving this place like some 3rd world gang', as al'Badara now had international aid. The Badaran government also stated that it had begun to 'organize communal farming measures, collectivized food rationing, and general residential pantry nationalization following a closure of supply lines in peripheral areas outside Jerze'har.

Controversy over Cildania[]

Shortly before the Badaran attack, the Cildanian Ba’al sel Safot, Jaffer Ziyad, attacked Kafuri Prime Minister Zayn Nasri for being the sole reason of the failure of the conference at Santa Alexandra, although he took care to emphasise that despite their unfriendly stance towards Kafuristan, they were still officially neutral. The Jaffer Ziyad stated that Zayn Nasri was 'completely incompetent as a leader', and had used to conference as a 'manipulative tool for his own gain while blaming others of doing the same'. He recanted his apologies for selling arms to al'Badara, stating that the sale of weapons to al'Badara would continue, and declared that Cildanian trade with Kafuristan would cease.

At the same time, the Zardic coalition cabinet collapsed amidst acrimony between ministers from two rival parties. From then on, the government would be composed solely of members of the New Democratic Party.

42

Kafuri lawmakers vote to condemn Cildanian conduct

On December 10, the Kafuri legislature voted unanimously, according to the government, to denounce Cildania for its criticism of Prime Minister Zayn Nasri's handling of the peace talks. The bill stated that 'Cildania keeps asserting neutrality while acting and talking in quite a different manner. We would like to point out that Kafuristan does not even recognize Cildanian neutrality', and that 'It is absolutely appalling that a nation that claims to be neutral would act in the manner that Cildania has'. The Kafuri government claimed that the failure of the negotations were the fault of the Badaran government, and stated that Cildanian was guilty of 'distortions and lies'.

43

Violent protests in Kafuristan

44

Jaffer Ziyad being burned in effigy

The Kafuri public acted with more violent anger, with large protests occuring around the country. The crowds were reported to be chanting slogans such as 'Death to Cildania!' or 'Down with the Badaran Prostitutes!'. Cildanian flags and effigies of Jaffer Ziyad were burnt, and the Cildanian embassy was destroyed. The Kafuri government said that this was the most violent protest in the recently history of their nation, and sent police to control the violence.

On December 24, the controversy over Cildanian conduct increased after a representative of the Kafuri National Democratic Party was arrested in Cildania, apparently for attempting to 'illegally sabotage Cildania's parliament'. He was 'arrested on the spot' and held as a prisoner of war. The Cildanian government stated that he was being detained in humane conditions. The Kafuri government stated in response that '[Cildania is] not neutral. You mobilize your military and take non-combatants as prisoners of war. We urge any nation that does recognize Cildanian neutrality to abandon that label. Cildania is full of plots and lies, they cannot be trusted by anyone'.

45

Dr. Mohamed al Baradii makes a recorded speech

On the next day, Dr. Mohamed al Baradii delivered a speech from Kafuristan. Beginning by wishing peace upon 'friends in Badara', he refuted Vanguard claims that he had betrayed his country, and stated that the communist regime had robbed the Badaran people and used their money to fund a war against allies. He declared to the Badaran people, in particular, his party, that 'If you didn't [sic] stop [the Vanguard] now , they will be never stopped', and asked them to 'continue their struggle'.

Victory in Jerze'har[]

46

Zardugal counter-attacks

Zardugal began a major counter-attack against Badaran forces on January 4, 3333. The Zardic government claimed that 'Badaran troops were convincingly routed' and that 'large Badaran units were enveloped, and most subdued, although a few pockets of resistance still remain. Infantry units were trying to destroy the pockets of resistance, while powerful armoured units... rolled forwards, overwhelming Badaran troops'.

47 GMW

Badaran convoys grind to a halt

A second attack beginning at the start of February successfully captured a number of strongly defended Badaran positions. Despite the cost to Zardic forces, the Zardic government declared the attack victory due to the even greater loss of life and materiel on the Badaran side, and the reduction of Badaran supply lines to one road. This reduced the progress of Badaran convoys to less than five kilometres an hour. At the same time, an offensive in another area of the front breached the Badaran front line at two points, and General James Fulcher ordered two synchronised advances by armoured forces through the two gaps. The forces linked up behind Badaran lines, leading to the envelopment of between a quarter and a fifth of the Badaran troops deployed in Jerze'har. The encircled Badaran forces were now completely cut off, and were suffering from intense shelling.

By late July, the Kafuri government had the confidence to state that 'victory appears closer than ever'. Kafuri military commanders and analysts predicted that the Badaran areas of control in Jerze'har could be completely re-occupied withing several months. The new Kafuri Chief Minister, Samir al-Aziz, stated on July 22 that there was a possibility of 'operations on Badaran soil'. He also thanked Zardugal for its intervention, and stated that Kafuristan would prevail with the assistance of Luthori as well as Zardugal, despite the sale of arms of al'Badara. He also declared that 'Jalal al-e-Ahmad's days are numbered. Either his own people are going to bring him down, or we will. Kafuristan and its allies will prevail'.

48

Destruction of a Badaran airfield

49

Kafuri airstrikes against al'Badara

Later that week, the Kafuri military continued pushing forwards in Jerze'har, liberating a number of villages and towns. The Badaran area of control was significantly reduced, and a crucial airfield occupied by Badaran forces was destroyed by bombing. Airstrikes were also launched against the southern island of al'Badara to weaken their capacity to resupply and defend against an invasion.

On August 11, the Badaran troops in the encircled pocket, now constituting a third of Badaran forces in Jerze'har after several withdrawals and surrenders, laid down their arms. Unable to gain access to supplies, and subjected to constant artillery attack, the commanders of the encircled troops surrendered their units. The Zardic government declared that it was a day 'of national humiliation for Badara, whose citizens have been deluded as to the might of their military in relation to ours by the state-run media. For Zardugal and Kafuristan, on the other hand, it is one step closer to the removal of the Badaran invaders from Jerze'har.'

Captured Badaran soldiers revealed the horrid state in the Badaran lines due to their supply problems. After interrogation, a member of the Amazonian Guard stated that 'We were starving. There was no food coming because all the trucks had stopped. We had to eat the rats, and bark from the trees, even the rotten bodies of our dead comrades. This war is terrible. I don't even know why we invaded Kafuristan'; another said that 'I don't think this war is winnable. It was stupid to start it. Chairman Jalal al-e-Ahmad should have known that. How can you win a war against enemies that are so powerful? How can you win a war against any enemy, when you don't have ammunition, weapons that actually work, air support, medical supplies, nothing. Not even food and water'. Meanwhile, Zardic intelligence showed the dire economic situation in al'Badara itself - industrial output had 'dropped to just 20% of its prewar production, clearly showing the effectiveness of the air campaign'.

The Foreign Ministry of Zardugal also released a statement in response accusations of Zardic imperialism and an attempt by the Badaran government to prosecute Dr. Mohamed al Baradii. It stated that 'We are not [imperialists]', and '[the Vanguard] will attempt to increase their power over Majatra. Is this not imperialism of the worst kind? This is hypocrisy, and this is evil. We condemn this bill and we condemn the government of Badara, a group of power-hungry, terrorist rogues who seek to oppress not just their own citizens but the entire world'. The Zardic government also said that Dr. Mohamed al Baradii was not being prosecuted, but persecuted, and that 'the real traitors are the extremists - the Royal Red Vanguard and their serfs, the House of Al-Majali'.

The endgame[]

Kalopia declares war[]

50

Kalopia goes to war

In July 3333, the Kalopian legislature unanimously passed a bill to reform the military. It allowed the military to use weapons of mass destruction for any reason, and also mandated the enslavement of captured prisoners of war. Then, on August 25, Kalopia joined a military alliance with al'Badara and declared war on its enemies.

The Zardic legislature responded to the Kalopian declaration of war by making its own declaration of war against Kalopia, as well as Deltaria, which had provided arms to al'Badara.

61

The Republican Guard enter Abi'nadi

Meanwhile, the Kafuri government, not expecting a Kalopian declaration of war, released an angry statement to the press, stating that it was 'outraged to have learned of Kalopia's involvement. They have no basis for this, no casus belli, nothing. It is becoming a sad year, as more and more traitorous nations are popping up all across Majatra. These nations are rallying to defend a communist dictatorship which is responsible for the outbreak of war, the one who made the declarations of war. Kafuristan will still prevail. We will not stand for another occupation of Kafuri soil, just as we are ending the first.' The Republican Guard, largely engaged in operations in Jerze'har, flooded into Abi'nadi and immediately began setting up 'impenetrable' defences on the 'relatively short Kalopian border'. The Kafuri government also stated that as soon as Jerze'har was secure, reconstruction would begin.

In December, 3333, Zardugal withdrew its forces in Jerze'har and moved them back to Zardugal to defend Zardugal itself against a possible invasion by Deltaria.

The invasion of al'Badara[]

63

Zardic missile launchers

In mid-August, 3333, Zardic missiles, emplaced on the Kafuri coast, were aimed at al'Badara in an attempt to persuade them to surrender quickly to avoid further destruction. Short-ranged ballistic missiles were aimed at cities to further disable their infrastructure, while surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) with shorter ranges were pointed at beaches. While the Badaran government believed that these SSMs were intended to back up a Zardic attack of the southern islands, they were in fact a part of an elaborate deception plan; the acutal invasion occured on the northern islands.

Zardugal, whose intelligence agency somehow failed to notice the developments in Kalopia, was taken by surprise when Kalopia declared war. A joint emergency meeting of the Cabinet and the General Staff of the Zardic Armed Forces was called late on August 25. Hoping to knock out one adversary before a new one could begin actual hostilities against Zardic forces, the Cabinet and General Staff agreed to launch the invasion of al'Badara immediately. The invasion plans which had been under preparation since early on in the War were put into action.

On the night of August 28, the Zardic Air Army stepped up operations, bombing at firing missiles at Badaran infrastructure such as 'supply depots, communications centres, military headquarters, railways, roads and fortifications', according to an official press release, which also claimed that amount of explosives used in the next several hours [was] equivalent to over a quarter of the explosives used during the entire duration of the war prior to that'.

52

Zardic paratroopers

At midnight, paratroopers and airmobile units landed in al'Badara to secure strategic zones. Despite navigational difficulties, the operations generally went smoothly. Meanwhile, Zardic operatives and anti-government forces began a sabotage campaign. Shortly after, Zardic naval vessels began shelling the landing beaches, as well as several beaches further south to continue the campaign of deception for a little longer. Minesweepers were deployed to clear the coastal waters of al'Badara.

54

The first wave lands

55

The second wave arrives

56

The invaders break through

The XI and XII Corps of the Third Army participated in the landings. As dawn broke at about six in the morning, elite Zardic forces landed on three Badaran beaches, Camel, Llama and Alpaca, as a first wave. They were shortly reinforced by more troops, including armoured units. The second wave, consisting of amphibious tanks and tens of thousands of infantry, landed half an hour later. Zardic troops on Llama beach began to experience difficultly after being pinned down by heavy Badaran fire. Within an hour of the landing of the second wave, however, Zardic forces on Alpaca beach broke through the Badaran defences, and were ordered to move north towards Llama beach. Shortly after, a third wave of reinforcements landed, and by eight o'clock, Badaran defences on Camel beach began to fail.

57

Badaran anti-government fighters celebrate the arrival of Zardic troops

Within half an hour, Zardic troops linked up with paratroopers and airmobile units, as well as Badaran anti-government fighters. Just an hour later, the beleaguered Zardic troops on Llama beach began to push forwards as Badaran troops retreated to avoid imminent envelopment by Zardic troops advancing from Alpaca beach.

58

Zardic troops enter a Badaran town

59

Zardic supply ships sail towards the beaches

At around the same time, the first Badaran villages and towns were occupied, or, as the Zardic government stated, 'liberated'. Half an hour later, a sizeable, but not large, coastal airfield was stormed. Supply planes began to land yet more supplies and reinforcements. By early afternoon, some Zardic forces were some two kilometres inland, and the landing beaches were completely cleared on any Badaran troops. Prefabricated harbours were towed into place, and supply ships began moving towards the beaches to unload their cargoes.

64

Ships unloading at a prefabricated harbour

By the beginning of December, the Zardic area of control was over thirty kilometres inland, meaning that Badaran artillery could no longer reach the beaches, which Zardic forces were using to unload cargo and reinforcements. The remainder of the Third Army, and the entire Seventh Army, were by now ashore. The Zardic Armed Forces begn to prepare another major offensive against the Badaran defenders.

On December 3, the Zardic Foreign Minister, Darren Nicholson, called upon Cildania to cease its trading of arms with al'Badara: 'Cildania claims to be a neutral nation, but it insists on selling arms to and giving other aid to Badara. This is not neutrality. This is as close to declaring war as a nation can go without taking that final step'. He stated that if Cildania did not stop trading arms with al'Badara, it would have to choose sides in the conflict.

On December 13, Luthori entered the War in earnest. The Luthori fleet moved to cut off the retreat for the remaining Badaran troops in Jerze'har, which the Badaran military was attempting to hastily evacuate. Luthori also began its participation in the ground war by assisting Kafuri forces in Abi'nadi in their fight against the Kalopian invaders. Kalopian troops, unable to match Luthori's technological superiority, were forced to retreat.

Venetium[]

Badara offers peace[]

65

Badaran biological and chemical weapons

As a result of the deteriorating Badaran situation, the members of the Badaran cabinet met with Royal Chairman Jalal al-e-Ahmad on January 3, 3334, to determine their response to the developments. The cabinet decided to put nuclear missile bases outside Agundi City on full alert. At the same time, though, they offered an olive branch. The Badaran government stated that although al'Badara had entered the War with 'noble intentions, [we] have nevertheless faced against the ever-present forces of Global Politics, of imperialism, of capitalism, of death and destruction', it was in an untenable situation and that all Badaran force in Kafuristan would be withdrawn. It also called for a ceasefire, but threatened nuclear strikes against forty-five Kafuri cities and a 'devastating biological attack' on Belgae City, the capital of Zardugal, if hostilities continued.

66

The Zardic Foreign Minister, Darren Nicholson, accepts the Badaran offer

Four days later, the Zardic Foreign Minister replied that 'Zardugal believes that it is time to make peace'. He stated that the belligerent nations had to cease hostilities for the duration of new negotiations 'so that we can construct a lasting peace that will bring security and prosperity to the nations of Majatra'. However, the Foreign Minister also stated that fighting would resume in the event of hostile action. Additionally, due to suspicions of Badaran motivations, the Zardic President, Karen Sosa, ordered the evacuation of major cities and shut down all borders, ports and airports to prevent an epidemic resulting from a biological attack. Prime Minister Michael Dowdy also warned the Badaran government that 'there will be grave consequences' if weapons of mass destruction were used - Zardugal was prepared to release its arsenal of several thousand nuclear weapons after such an event.

The Kafuri government followed suit on January 8, suspending military engagements. However, the Kafuri military remained on high alert. The Kafuri government expressed hopes that 'the current circumstances will result in successful talks' that would prevent future conflict, while also highlighting its concerns 'about the overall stability and security of southern Majatra'.

On January 15, the Badaran state media reported that nuclear arms had been used against Zardugal, and that Zardugal had been completely annihilated as a result. Mass panic spread throughout the bunkers in which Zardic residents were sheltering. However, the situation normalised after they were informed that it was Jalal al-e-Ahmad's idea of a joke.

A day after the erronous new reports were broadcast, the Luthori government agreed to a ceasefire, stating that it 'considers peace among the highest goals a government can work toward' and that it was taking the Badaran proposal seriously. However, like Zardugal, Luthori warned that 'if a single nuclear warhead detonates in Kafuri territory, Luthori will reciprocate against Al'Badara tenfold', and asked al'Badara to withdraw its threat of using weapons of mass destruction.

The Treaty of Venetium[]

67

Chaos after the attempted assassination

The Republican Guard's relationship with the Kafuri government became strained due to their opposing stances on making peace, with the Republican Guard advocating the complete destruction of the Vanguard, while the government supported negotiations.

On January 20, just after the beginning of the ceasefire, the Kafuri Chief Minister and Republican Guard commander Samir al-Aziz assaulted the President, Zayn Nasri, at a heated meeting. Shortly afterwards, Guardsmen began harrassing local officials. The tensions between the Guard and the President culminated in two assassination attempts against the President. The first was an attack on the Presidential Palace; the Guardsmen involved were either fatally shot or arrested. Later that day, the President's motorcade was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and rockets. After the failure of the second attempt, al-Aziz resigned his government positions, and the Republican Guard was subsequently declared a terrorist organisation.

For nearly a year, the militaries of the combatant nations stood idle. Peace negotiations did not begin until late November. However, during that eleven-month period of military dormancy, significant domestic events occured. Zardic lawmakers reduced the powers of the presidency in April, and Badaran lawmakers ratified the Majatran Union in July. Then, in August, al'Badara celebrated the 57th birthday of Jalal al-e-Ahmad.

Then, on November 20, Zardic Prime Minister Michael Dowdy invited representatives from all of the belligerent nations, and Cildania, to a peace conference in Venetium in the Zardic state of Ingomu. The conference began two days later. The Zardic government sent Michael Dowdy and Foreign Minister Darren Nicholson to the conference to represent it.

68

Zardic Prime Minister Michael Dowdy at Venetium

70

Kafuri President Zayn Nasri at Venetium

On November 27, Kafuristan appointed President Zayn Nasri as its representative. Three days later, Autokrator Antonio Papazoglakis was selected to represent Kalopia. On December 3, Jalal al-e-Ahmad and Royal General Secretary Baltazar Gaines arrived in Venetium followed by the Cildanian Ba’al sel Safot, Jaffer Ziyad, three days later. Monique Petrie, the Deltarian Foreign Minister and legislative Speaker, as well as the leader of the largest party, was dispatched to the conference by the Deltarian government on January 28, 3335. On April 28, the new Deltarian President, Tom Borowski, and new Speaker, Petraus Latan, decided to attend the conferences as well as Monique Petrie.

On May 24, negotiations began in earnest, with Zardugal asking nations to offer their terms. The nations were asked to clearly state which terms were considered essential, and which terms they would never agree to. On the next morning, Zardugal set out its own terms - essentially the same as those offered at Santa Alexandra. Zardugal also stated that it would not accept any attempt to coerce Kafuristan to abandon diplomatic relations with Zardugal, or force Kafuristan into a Majatran union.

On May 26, Vara LeStrange replaced Monique Petrie as the Foreign Minister of Deltaria. Hours later, the Kafuri delegation responded to the Zardic terms, stating that Kafuristan would accept them, although they pointed out that due to the change in the circumstances since Santa Alexandra, some clauses were largely irrelevant. The Badaran government, however, rejected the terms on June 15, and offered a counter-proposal, with the non-aggression pact shortened to just 20 years instead of 50 years. By March 10, 3336, all nations involved in the War, except for Luthori, which was not in attendance, accepted the terms. On March 18, the Luthori representative, Harold Ffoulkes, arrived at the conference and agreed with the terms.

69

Darren Nicholson, the Zardic Foreign Minister, presents the Treaty of Venetium

However, on May 24, the Zardic delegation provided modified terms, more suited to the current situation. No objections were raised, and on June 2, 3337, Zardugal drafted the official version of the Treaty of Venetium. The final draft of the treaty was completed by June 13, and submitted for ratification shortly after.

The return of peace[]

Zardugal was the first country to ratify the Treaty of Venetium, with both major parties voting in support of it in February 3338, resulting in a unanimous vote. In Octover, the Kalopian majority party, the Guardians of Kalopi, were able to force the Treaty through the legislature despite the minority party's abstention due to its massive supermajority. Luthori followed suit in November. In Deltaria, the Treaty was ratified unanimously in March 3339.

Meanwhile, the Kafuri government had difficultly ratifying the Treaty; instead, they opted to pass a resolution declaring that they supported it and would consider it as law. The Badaran legislature did the same.

In April 3339, a majority of the Cildanian legislature voted against the Treaty. The Cildanian government told the combatant nations that the failure of the ratification bill was due to the fact that it allowed the Kafuri government to 'bully [Cildania] into doing whatever he wishes'. The Cildanians further stated that they 'refuse to play along with his games and we do not fear his silly threats if we do otherwise', and that they would continue their arms trade. Kafuristan responded by stating that its government had not written the treaty, and that the Cildanians were suffering from 'paranoia and delusion. Or perhaps they're just bitter that their own conference did not award Jaffer the ability to call himself the peacemaker'.

Nevertheless, despite the Cildanian disagreement, the other signatory nations, as well as Cildania itself, decided that the Treaty would become effective and binding anyway. On February 14, 3340, the War ended, after ten years of fighting, with the entry into force of the Treaty of Venetium.

Badaran territory had been occupied by Zardic troops since the invasion of al-Fostat. With the entry into force of the Treaty of Venetium, Zardugal was given 14 days to withdraw from al-Fostat. The withdrawal was completed by February 18.

Impact and aftermath[]

The Great Majatran War had a significant, if not immense, human cost, and resulted in severe economic repercussions. Kafuristan suffered the most, with 14600 soldiers killed and just over double that number wounded, as well as some 45000 civilian deaths, largely in the muhafazah of Jerze'har. In addition to this, the War caused extensive damage in Jerze'har, with its economic value significantly decreased. Abi'nadi suffered also, but only 15% of the Kafuri fatalities took place there. The Kafuri government is currently working to rebuild the destroyed war zones.

62

The aftermath of war in Jerze'har

Al'Badara also suffered the destruction of large amounts of infrastructure. Due to the Zardic attempts to prevent civilian casualties, only 1200 Badaran non-combatants were killed during the War. However, the destruction of a major source of Badaran revenue, oil wells, the annihilation of some 85% of Badara's industrial capacity, and the targeting of busy transport and communication arteries crippled the Badaran economy. On the front lines, al'Badara suffered casualty numbers fairly similar, although slightly lower, than those suffered by Kafuristan.

The other combatant nations were less affected, with their economies and infrastructure largely untouched. Zardugal lost just over 4100 troops, and Kalopia lost approximately 2300. Luthori and Deltarian casualties were negligible, totally little more than 900.

Two major non-government forces participated in the War, the Republican Guard and anti-government forces in al'Badara. The Republican Guard suffered 7000 losses during the War, of which 5000 were suffered during fighting against Badaran troops, while 2000 men were lost after the Republican Guard turned against the Kafuri government. Badaran anti-government forces lost some 500 men, as significant proportion of their total strength of 3000.

71

Al-Aziz extradited to Kafuristan on a military transport

The geopolitical implications of the Great Majatran War were also significant, and nowhere were they felt more than in Kafuristan. As a result of the peace process and the two assassination attempts against the Kafuri President Zayn Nasri, the Republican Guard began a five-year insurgency against the Kafuri government. With the conclusion of actual hostilities as a result of the War, the Kafuri government devoted full resources to the fight against the Republican Guard. In the summer of 3339, the Republican Guard was destroyed when its headquarters was discovered and overrun. Its leader, Samir al-Aziz, managed to escape, but was arrested in Zardugal after attempting to fly to Ikradon. He was extradited, tried in Kafuristan and sentenced to imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole.

In al'Badara, political upheaval also ensued. The Vanguard's popularity was reduced as a result of the War. By the end of 3335, the Vanguard was reduced to 13% of the seats in the Badaran legislature, although three years later they did recover - although only slightly - from the electoral defeat. The Vanguard, while still retaining ministries, was significantly marginalised on the Badaran political scene.

Significant elements of the pre-war situation also remained despite the changes as a result of the War. National borders did not shift, and no nation was compelled to actually surrender, although both sides claimed victory. Zardugal and Luthori maintained their positions as major powers on the international stage. Major reforms took place, with a complete overhaul of Kafuristan's economic system and the significant liberalisation of al'Badara. A twenty-year non-aggression pact entered into force to ensure 'the establishment of order, security, prosperity, the restoration of the status quo ante bellum, and a just and enduring peace on the Majatran continent', as the Treaty of Venetium stated.

Advertisement