EuroTimes Edition I
(For those of You who have never played this Game before, the EuroTimes is a report that comes out every few days detailing the actions of all the players (that are known to the general populous) as well as events around the world; it is good to draw inspiration from EuroTimes, as well as to keep yourself informed on the actions of your enemies and allies)
European News
England, Scotland, NU Take Charge of European Economic Scene
London, England (AP)
The new European political scene appears to be just as jumbled as it was before the recent round of elections which placed several nations into the hands of new, often inexperienced leaders. Perhaps, in some ways, more so. This is most evidenced by Europe's total lack of economic progress, especially in the area of fund allocation for the year 2001. Thus far, nearly every major European nation is gridlocked, unable to decide upon exactly how much to spend in each of the thirteen major spending areas. In fact, the only nation in Europe with a trillion-dollar economy to have submitted a final budget proposal thus far, is England! Scotland, too, has swiftly passed her first budget proposal, and the Nordic Union passed their latest budget proposal with surprising ease given the conditions of the alliance.
In a time of economic crisis, England increased deficite spending by pouring new funds into social welfare programs, and economic subsidies intended to create more revenue and jobs in the workplace for the growing unemployment problem in England. The forecasters predict, however, that these increases may bring in foreign competition for English jobs, thus harming England as much as helping her. The English parliament contends, however, that the new budget's advantages (increased revenue, decreased unemployment, and the paying off of external debts) far outweigh the disadvantages possibly posed by the new plan.
Scotland, one of only two nations in Europe to have a budget of spending less than the allocated revenues, has made several increases. Most notable among these are the 200% increase in industrial subsidies, intended to boost employment rates, and increase reveneus. Among other increases, which include social welfare programs, intelligence, etc. is a large increase in military spending.
Scotland: A Military Power?
Glasgow, Scotland (AP)
Who would have thought, even last year, that Scotland would be, by the beginning of 2001, an autonomous state with the full-fledged rights that go along with it? More importantly, who would have thought that Scotland would become a military power so quickly? Already we have uncovered contracts to Scottish shipyards to begin construction of Scottish ships for a national navy. These contracts include several frigates, as well as the plans for a new class of destroyer.
Aside from naval weapons proliferation, Scotland has also instated a mandatory one-year service term for all Scottish lads upon reaching the age of 18, keeping the Scottish military tradition on-par with the rest of Europe. It is interesting to think of Scotland as having a major role in European politics, given the fact that she did not exist as an independant state for so long. Only time will tell what Scotland will bring to the table of discussion in the European Community.
Germany Recalls Airforce Squadrons
Berlin, Germany (AP)
The German Air Force Tactical Command (GAFTC) in Berlin is rife with reports today of recalled German planes. The official military and government position cites decreased reliability in aging craft. An entire squadron of F-4F fighters, and Tornado ground-attack fighters, were recalled to be reequipped with newer electronics and radar, to increase the safety and reliability of these craft.
The issue raises some important questions about the safety of European aircraft in general. Given the economic pressures of the past year, and the aging of most planes in the service to European nations, many experts believe that European aircraft are becoming obsolete. Germany, England, Italy, and France hope to remedy this problem, increase their military influence, and perhaps boost their foreign market prospects, by introducting the EuroFighter 2000. The newest fighter jet to hit the market, the EuroFighter is already being compared to the F-16 and the proposed replacement for the Fighting Falcon, the F-22H. Experts agree that the EuroFighter will represent a formidable weapon to intimidate even Russia.
World News
India Detonates Nuclear Blast
New Delhi, India (AP)
The uneasy cease fire between Pakistan and Indea was even further unnerved today by further nuclear tests by the Indian government near the Pakistani boarder. Western governments are outraged, and Pakistan promises retaliation by detonating nuclear bomb tests of their own. Diplomats are already hard at work trying to diffuse the situation, but their problems are being compounded by the intense religious, political, and ethnic issues which have existed between the two nations since their split some fifty years ago.
Chinese officials report that India's increased nuclear testing program is alarming to the PRC (Peoples Republic of China), and that China will resume nuclear tests of it's own. The uneasy Sino-Soviet Alliance will be further strengthened by increased Chinese nuclear capability, as well as the increase proliferation already taking place within the boarders of Russia.
Iran Demands Cession of Kuwaiti Lands
Brussels, Belgium (AP)
The already heated situation in the Middle East was further disturbed by Iranian claims to Kuwaiti lands. Kuwait, a small nation incapable of defending itself against such a military power as Iran (which is, comparatively, like the United States attacking Spain), has sought aid from Europe. Egypt has, however, thrown it's support behind Iran's demands, and has issued threats to Israel and Europe to "Stay out of Islamic affairs which do not concern the West."
United States Economy on the Rebound
Washington D.C. (AP)
The United States economy, after spending several months on a constant slide, is back on the rebound. For the past week, the American economy has climbed by at least one hundred points each day. The increased economic strength of the US gives hope to Western Europeans that the Soviet threat can be countered without the need for force.
Japan Launches Aircraft Carrier Hiroto
Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese government, just a handful of months after beginning the construction of a new military machine, has officially unveiled a massive naval project. The new Hiroto-class aircraft carrier is similar in design to the Russian Kiev-class carrier, with a total of three ships scheduled to be produced. The new Japanese planes, M-18's, are scheduled to be stationed on these carriers as soon as production of the planes is complete.
The rise of the Japanese military order in the East has thrown much of the eastern balance of power out-of-whack. No one is exactly sure with whom the Japanese will seek to align themselves, but it is expected that, given a proper Western approach to the matter, the Japenese government will have a much greater interest in joining the Western cause than in joining the Eastern cause.
Worldwide Economics
Europe:
Germany 5,000
France 4,000
England 5,500
Nordic Union 2,750
Scotland 500
Italy 4,600
Spain 3,400
Portugal 1,200
Poland 1,100
Ukraine 750
Greece 1,000
Asia:
Israel 2,300
Iran 2,100
China 6,200
Japan 6,700
Russia 3,300
India 2,100
Pakistan 1,850
Indonesia 1,200
Americas:
United States 6,100
Canada 3,300
Brazil 2,400
Mexico 1,250