World in Conflict: A 1985 Nation RP

[Zillamaster55]

The Year is 1985
The "Cold War" has entered what many consider to be it's third and final act.

The western world has been enjoying nearly a decade of explosive financial growth, with economies rapidly diversifying and expanding. America and Britain, led by some of the most influential and determined politicians in years, maintain their dedication to curbing the spread of Communism.

Meanwhile, in the Soviet sphere, things begin to crumble piece by piece.

Mired in a war that has lasted nearly a decade, echoing the American involvement in Vietnam, the Soviet Union begins to experience an economic and political meltdown. The influence over the east wanes, as protests break out across the iron curtain, and the People's Republic of China rapidly cements itself as a possible "successor" to the Soviets.

Finally, in the third world, the disastrous results of foreign influence and meddling continues to rock country after country. Several civil wars, rebellions and revolutions take place seemingly every other year. The world watches intently as the Iran-Iraq War enters it's fifth year, with no sign of stopping. Either potential victor could have massive consequences for the Middle East, and potentially the globe.

Despite the changing tides of history, there is still the looming threat of war. The threat of disaster. The threat of nuclear annihilation.

These times are drastic, and could indeed lead to…A World In Conflict

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Amber902 - United States of America
demytra - Soviet Union
RayPurchase - United Kingdom
Amfleet - China
Euskalduna - Libya
Fighting Monk - Iran
A AMeklar - India

 

[Zillamaster55]

Introduction

- The People’s Republic of China, the massive political rival to the Soviet Union, has quietly entered the new decade with a completely different outlook compared to the 70s. With a massive military, economic potential, nuclear weapons, and immense regional influence, China is viewed with envy and jealousy by the troubled Soviet Union

- The late Chairman Mao Zedong has paved the way for several powerful party leaders to cement their control over China’s government. However, none are more charismatic and influential than the “Paramount Leader’, Deng Xiaoping. With a long political career stemming back to the 20s, and having outlived his rival Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping is incredibly popular amongst the military and industrial heads of China

- What Deng Xiaoping brings to the table, different from his predecessors and colleagues, is the plan to “reform” the People’s Republic of China. Recognizing the massive industrial potential of the country, Deng has made several steps to begin modernizing the Chinese economy. Most controversially, Deng has begun looking at “capitalistic methods” of production, and a more decentralized approach to the economy

- Politically, Deng is more or less untouchable. Yang Shangkun, the acting president of the nation, is subservient to the “Paramount Leader”, and swathes of PLA commanders and officers are rabid defenders of Deng. Some fear that this continued centralization of power, but decentralization of the economy, could “fly in the face of Mao’s ambitions”, but those voices are kept as quiet as possible

- The Chinese military is, numerically, one of the greatest in the world. Boasting more than a million standing soldiers, with several millions more waiting in the reserves, China has also begun taking the final steps for total independence in regards to equipment. Still making copies of Soviet weaponry, China’s military industry is capable of completely stockpiling equipment for the People’s Liberation Army, entirely without the need for importing fresh models

- Diplomatically, China is no longer the “Eastern Pariah” it once was. Having been legitimized by Nixon’s visits, as well as several overseas diplomatic missions spearheaded by Deng Xiaoping himself, China has begun to carve out a bigger and bigger place on the world stage. This, of course, has caused neighboring South Korea, Japan and Taiwan to bristle

- India stands as the world’s largest democracy. With 784 million citizens, the Republic of India has transformed itself from British colonial possession to a nation with global influence. Standing as a lynchpin of the Non-Aligned Movement, India hopes to step into a brighter future, without having to knuckle under to the Soviets or Americans, and remain an independent state from here forward

- The newly sworn in Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, has inherited an incredibly complex situation. His predecessor, Indira Gandhi, was murdered at the hands of her own bodyguards in revenge for military intervention in the Punjab region. Considered an “outsider” and “political novice”, Rajiv Gandhi will need to walk a tightrope of politics, economics and diplomacy

- Economically, India is at a crossroads. With a rapidly growing middle class, as well as having secured several crucial trade deals, Gandhi’s lack of focus on the nation’s economy has left many wanting. India can either try and outcompete the growing Chinese manufacturing wing, or focus on becoming a “service economy”, or even going towards pure raw export. Regardless, Rajiv Gandhi must make a choice, and soon, or else India will be left behind

- Militarily, India boasts a massive, if somewhat technologically behind, military. Focusing mainly on its land forces, India’s access to Soviet weaponry and advisors are crucial to maintaining defense alongside its contested borders with Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China. Of course, India’s major trump card lies in its possession of nuclear weapons, which many believe is keeping the peace for the time being

- The ongoing conflict in Punjab, launched a year prior by the late Indira Gandhi government, has led to immense controversy. Accusations of civil rights abuses, constitutional violations and violence towards civilians are rampant, with thousands of Indian troops being deployed to crush any potential Sikh rebellion. Both domestically and internationally, “Operation Woodrose” is condemned by those that have sympathy for the Sikh population

- India sits in an awkward position diplomatically. The largest democracy in the world, India has maintained generally favorable relations with the United States and United Kingdom, alongside its hostility towards neighboring China and Pakistan. However, much of India’s military equipment is supplied by the Soviet Union, of which warm relations are maintained. The United States, meanwhile, provides massive amounts of military goods to Pakistan, as a counter to the Soviet Union, though Pakistan remains allied with China. The web is tangled beyond belief

- Despite having firmly cemented the control of the Ayatollah and the new Islamic regime, the Iranian state sits on the edge of a knife. Any attempts to rebuild the nation's economy have been stifled by the ongoing war with Iraq, which has taken a massive toll on both Iran's coffers, and the lives of its soldiers

- The war has dragged on into its fifth year, with no sign of stopping any time soon. Both sides have entered a brutal slugging match along the border, with Iranian forces making minor gains to the north as Saddam is distracted by an ongoing Kurdish revolt

- Despite advancements in military technology, the front lines are eerily similar to those of the Great War. Deep trenches, barbed wire emplacements, and even gas attacks are commonplace. However, the Iranians have slowly but surely begun putting tougher and more experienced officers in the field in hopes of turning the tide against Iraq

- Politically, the Ayatollah and his allies have managed to quash the last of the Shahist and communist resistance within the country, and secured absolute authority over the Majles. This is not without its problems, of course, as there are many close to the Ayatollah who maintain their positions solely due to their allegiance to the Supreme Leader, with several incompetent ministers making disastrous choices regarding the economy

- Iran is a nation with many rivals and essentially no friends. Backed by only a handful of those in the region, who are against Saddam rather than actual support of the Iranian regime, Iran is on its own diplomatically. This could change drastically, of course, depending on the outcome of the war

- In the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Muammar Gaddafi reigns with an iron fist. Having secured power over the nation roughly a decade prior, Gaddafi has implemented a huge number of sweeping reforms to the nation’s military, economy, diplomatic and political status

- Internally, Gaddafi’s rule has been somewhat beneficial for the Libyan state. Under orders of the new socialist regime, assets of large companies and landowners were seized by the state. With these new state owned industries, Libya could guide the growth of the economy at its own pace, rather than be beholden to stockholders and foreign investments

- This new economic policy comes at a great cost, however. With control of the economy firmly in the hands of the state, it is not uncommon for government officials to quietly cut deals, seek profit, or just generally take advantage of the economic situation put in place by the Gaddafi regime

- Politically, there is little to no resistance to Gaddafi outside of pockets of radical cells, either Islamist, Marxist or otherwise, that at most carry out graffiti. There are whispers of foreign support for these groups, but with the growth of Libya’s economy and the cult of personality surrounding Gaddafi, there is little to be done against the Brotherly Leader

- Meanwhile, to the south, Libya’s support of the GUNT in their war against Chad enters its 7th year. With no sign of stopping, the Libyans continue to pour weapons into the hands of the GUNT, providing air support, armor, artillery and reconnaissance. The attempts by the French to counter the GUNT push have proven to be indecisive, and the French departure from the area has ignited a sense of pride amongst Libyan soldiers serving alongside the GUNT

- Diplomatically, Libya sits in a strange place. Gaddafi has made it very clear his support and friendly attitude towards the Soviet Union and China, and condemning the west. However, Gaddafi is different from many other Arab leaders, due to his “Afrocentric” views, focusing on “Arabizing” the region. Much more militant in regards to Arab Nationalism, Gaddafi has “lost touch” with his Ba’athist neighbors

- Muammar Gaddafi and his allies are “persona non grata” to much of the western world. Openly supporting radical groups both regionally, like the Islamic Legion and Palestinian radicals, as well as overseas, Gaddafi has made many enemies. However, Gaddafi remains “untouchable” for now, as Libya’s significantly sized military and unique political position in the region make it difficult to carry out any full scale intervention, leaving Gaddafi firmly in power over Libya

- Under the leadership of the both charismatic and imposing Margaret Thatcher, British politics has entered a new and unfamiliar flow. Similar to President Reagan, Thatcher is part of a “new brand” of “old conservatism”, pushing for a heavily deregulated economy, slashed public spending, and a more robust military

- Thatcher’s popularity has been incredibly polarizing. Conservative voters rally around Thatcher as a strong willed, level headed and resolute leader who is unwilling to . Labour voters, meanwhile, view Thatcher as the devil incarnate, and several strikes have broken out in recent years demanding better treatment and increased protections for the trade unions

- The greatest thorn in Thatchers’ side at the moment, more than the strikes, is Northern Ireland. The violence in the region has escalated in recent years, with Thatcher herself narrowly escaping the wrath of the Provisional IRA at a bombing in Brighton just a year ago. The situation is on the verge of crumbling, and progress made over the last decade could be lost should Thatcher be too heavy handed in dealing with it

- Militarily, the United Kingdom has made significant advancements in regards to air and naval technology. Rapidly modernizing the equipment of the Royal Navy and Army, the British have decided to follow a more American model of massive redundancies in equipment, and the idea of “modular” vehicles for use in the field. Most notably, the British have continued to work on the “Trident” nuclear weapons program as the “ultimate deterrent” against Soviet expansionism

- Having crushed the Argentinians in a conflict over the far off Falklands Islands, the British military has shown its teeth once again. What impressed the world was the rapid deployment of both air and naval assets, and the ease of which the British were capable of “tossing the Argentinians back into the sea”. Thatcher hopes that, in time, Britannia will stop playing second fiddle to the Americans, and Rule the Waves once again

- Diplomatically, the position of the British hasn’t shifted much. Thatcher has taken numerous steps to make it quite clear that even though the British Empire has retreated from its colonies, that British influence hasn’t gone away forever. Thatcher works hard to draw the dominions closer together, and hopes to maintain the fragile peace between Pakistan and India by reminding them of their membership in the Commonwealth

- The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave is standing stronger than ever. Under the leadership of president Ronald Reagan, celebrating his annihilation of Walter Mondale, and the beginning of his second term

- Running on a campaign of economic deregulation, military expansion, and continuing the "War on Drugs". Reagan's hard-line stance against Soviet and Chinese influence has garnered him popularity amongst the increasingly right wing Republican party, while also causing his opposition to become more and more wary

- Reagan's economic policies have led to an explosive growth of the economy, recovering rapidly from the crises of the previous decade. Unemployment is decreasing, while the GDP balloons at an unprecedented rate. Of course, this boom comes at a cost, with many in the middle and lower classes lagging behind their richer peers

- Reagan has also doubled down in recent years on maintaining both trust with and a military presence in America's allies. Huge expansions have been made to air bases in West Germany, Italy, Norway and the recent NATO ally of Spain

- Overseas, the United States continues to have its fingers in every proverbial pie. Several conflicts in the third world, many involving anti-communists, are either openly supported, or under the table, something painfully obvious when backwater rebels are seen with the latest in military equipment

- America, unsurprisingly, boasts the strongest military on the planet. From nuclear aircraft carriers to swathes of supersonic bombers, as well as a military presence on every continent, the American Eagle's talons are sharp and ready

- The Great Red Bear, once a titan on the world stage and rival to the entirety of the Western World, is dying. Mired in a grueling war in Afghanistan, which has entered its sixth year, the Soviet economy is on the verge of outright collapse. Mikhail Gorbachev, a relatively fresh faced politician, has been thrust into the mind numbingly difficult position of General Secretary after the late Konstantin Chernenko died unexpectedly early into his tenure

- The Soviet economy is in tatters. With nearly 14% of the nation’s GDP being spent on the military, massive sectors of the nation’s economy is left neglected. The massive centralization that took place over the last two decades has started to show its flaws, as factories are left to produce useless goods in order to meet quotas, and workers’ wages are pitifully behind the horrendous inflation

- As the Soviet economy begins to stumble drunkenly towards oblivion, so too does Soviet politics. Gorbachev has rubbed shoulders with influential Soviet leaders in the past, securing himself several key positions of power, most notably over Stavropol in the mid 70s. However, much of his old allies are either dead or retired, and it is up to Gorbachev to keep the increasingly strained Soviet government in one piece

- The war in Afghanistan has proven to be disastrous. For six, long years, the Soviet military has tried to crush the ongoing rebellion in the rural regions to no avail. Thousands of men have been killed or wounded, and the Soviet control over the country is relegated only to the major cities, which are still rife with bombings and guerrilla attacks almost daily. There are many that draw concerning parallels to the war in Vietnam just a decade prior

- Gorbachev is met with the greatest challenge a leader could tackle. The choices are to either continue the war in Afghanistan, redoubling the efforts and doing whatever it takes to crush the Mujaheddin, spending more lives and even more money in the process. The other choice is to end the war, which would be seen as a massive embarrassment and blow to the pride of the Soviet Union, but could prevent further losses

- Diplomatically, the Soviet Union has begun to find itself backed into a corner. Though supporting several successful rebellions overseas, much of the “Third World” has begun shifting towards trade and political relations with the West, or worse, the Chinese. There are murmurs of unrest within the Eastern Bloc, with several small scale protests cropping up in places like East Berlin

- Despite the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the troubles faced there by the Soviet Union, the Soviet military is still a force to be reckoned with. With soldiers stationed across the members of the Warsaw Pact, and with military installations on the edges of two continents, the Soviets are more than capable of fighting a full scale war for as long as it takes. Most notably, the gigantic stockpile of nuclear weapons, acts as the greatest deterrent to directly interfering with Soviet affairs

 

[Zillamaster55]

Thread Music
Turn One
January - June, 1985

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World Events

Europe
- After numerous debates between the government of Greenland, Denmark, and the European Economic Community, the territory of Greenland is officially withdrawn from the organization. This comes after many see the situation in Greenland to not be beneficial to the EEC, with critics of its membership viewing it as a “drain on Danish resources”. Unfortunately for those in Greenland, aid from the EEC is cut off, and the region is once again entirely dependent on Denmark


Asia and Oceania
- Despite the Sino-Soviet Split of the 1960s harming relations between the Soviet Union and People’s Republic of China, diplomats from both nations meet in Beijing to sign the Sino-Soviet Joint Defense and Mutual Protection Treaty. This new treaty cements a defensive alliance between China and the USSR, which means that one nation will come to the other’s aid should they be attacked. However, offensive actions carried out will not be supported with this treaty, unless specifically stated otherwise

- The Vietnamese-Cambodian war draws closer and closer to finally ending. Only small pockets of resistance remain from the Khmer Rouge, forced into the jungles in the northwest. With help from the Vietnamese, the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation begins taking the shaky and arduous task of reforming a new government. Regardless of their victory, Pol Pot’s reign of terror has irreversibly scarred the nation

- Eight people are killed in a bombing in Kathmandu, Nepal. The first of its kind in the nation, the country is stunned by the wanton violence. Days later, the leftwing radical group known as the Nepal Democratic Front claims responsibility for the attacks. The NJM has begun to escalate its efforts against the government, demanding the abolishing of the monarchy and pushing for closer relations with the Soviet and Chinese blocs


Middle East and Africa
- The Soviet Union begins the slow and mind numbing process of withdrawing from the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Drawing down on its active duty troops in the country, the Soviets put a stop to offensive operations against the Mujahideen, and instead begin to dump huge amounts of surplus equipment and advisors into the hands of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This process will take more than a year to complete, but many see this as the beginning of the end of the conflict

- CNN reporter Jeremy Levin, captured by Hezbollah in 1984, is released after several months in captivity. President Reagan publicly denounces Hezbollah, stating that a “group of terrorist cowards cannot gamble with the lives of Americans any longer.” In response to this statement, Hezbollah associated groups burn American flags in the streets. A wing of strike aircraft is moved to Crete to keep a “close eye” on Lebanese affairs

- After having involved itself in the grueling Israeli-Lebanese War, the Israeli military finally begins to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Though several areas of the country remain under direct occupation by Israel, only paltry numbers remain to keep the peace. The international community is wary of this move, and several Arab and African states demand that Israel exit the country entirely, though these demands are ignored by the Israelis outright

- Despite the exit of the Israelis, the Lebanese Civil War enters its 10th year, with little gains being made. Several deadly bombings are carried out by the newly created Shia Islamist group “Hezbollah”. Three Israeli border guards are killed in a car bombing by Hezbollah, immediately followed by a horrendous suicide bombing in Beirut that kills 93, and wounding over 200. Some believe that this is only the beginning of “Radical Islamic Terrorism”, and intelligence agencies the world over watch the situation intently

- Numerous rebellions continue unimpeded in Africa and the Middle East. Several guerrilla campaigns are escalated in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Somalia. Eritrea’s war of independence against the communist government of Ethiopia, having been going on for nearly 25 years, enters a brutal stalemate as assistance to both sides dwindles. Tens of thousands of refugees continue to flee the conflict into surrounding countries in Africa, with some of the luckier ones making it to southern Europe

- As a Kurdish rebellion continues to cause the Iraqi state a headache, Saddam Hussein takes several steps to crush the ongoing insurrection. Peeling off units from the front line with Iran, intense gun battles take place in some of the larger cities as the Iraqi military desperately tries to get a hold on things. With the Iranians having pressed slightly over the northern border, there are many in the Iraqi military fearing that a poorly performed counterinsurgency could cause a breach in the Iraqi lines

- Libya’s war against Chad comes to an inconclusive end. After a short meeting with French diplomats, Libya agrees to withdraw any and all military support for the FROLINAT and GUNT, but will maintain control over the Aouzou Strip, stationing troops to keep a “close eye” on the continuing conflict. The Pro-Libyan forces, though left on their own, continue their war against the Chadian government, agreeing to form the “Democratic National People’s Chadian Republic”, or DNPCR


The Americas
- In both Brazil and Uruguay, democracy is restored as both nation’s dictatorships come to an end. These two presidents, both from centrist and moderate liberal parties, are set to usher in a new era of republicanism in South America. Meanwhile, in Chile, Pinochet maintains an iron grip on the country, escalating his suppression of socialists and communists. Still supported by the west, Pinochet remains comfortable to do as he pleases, much to the dismay of both his citizens and the international community

- Argentina officially terminates any and all “administration” of the Falkland Islands, bringing an end to the “mini cold war” over the territories after having been defeated by the British. However, this move does nothing to change Argentina’s claims over the islands. There is little chance of further fighting over the islands in the future, but the Argentinians are adamant about Las Malvinas and their desire to take what they consider rightfully Argentinian territory

- In Nicaragua, several police officers of the Sandinista regime are found dead in a shallow grave. Clearly tortured to death, all evidence points to the anti-communist guerilla group known as the Contras. This is just one incident in a string of atrocities attributed to the Contras, whose efforts against the Nicaraguan government are becoming increasingly brutal and unrestrained. The US government is largely silent on this, while much of the international community condemns these actions

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- Despite the Sino-Soviet Split of the 1960s harming relations between the Soviet Union and People’s Republic of China, diplomats from both nations meet in Beijing to sign the Sino-Soviet Joint Defense and Mutual Protection Treaty. This new treaty cements a defensive alliance between China and the USSR, which means that one nation will come to the other’s aid should they be attacked. However, offensive actions carried out will not be supported with this treaty, unless specifically stated otherwise

- Several steps are taken by the Chinese government to ensure NATO and its affiliates in Asia that this move is entirely defensive. Regardless, the governments of India, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan become increasingly nervous from the announcement. With guaranteed military support from the Soviet Union in the event of a defensive war, the Chinese military begins adjusting its doctrines and pulling some troops away from the Soviet border
- Deng Xiaoping unveils a plan for a massive railway project to link the nation’s major cities together. Known as the 占天有铁路 (Zhàn Tiān Yǒu Tiělù) [Zhan Tianyou Railway] project, this enormous undertaking of infrastructure is to be a “twin railway” that is built to serve two purposes. Primarily, as Chinese industry continues to rapidly expand, a new freight system is necessary to ensure that production of goods is streamlined. Secondarily, this railway is planned to carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a daily basis, with the ultimate goal being a completely synchronized public rail system

- To complete such a task, Deng takes a surprising step and looks outward. Sending out representatives to several European companies, seeking contracts and advisors with those more experienced with such projects. The companies of Alstom and Siemens are quick to jump on such a deal, and nearly a billion Euros are already spent on bringing in foreign advisors, equipment and workers to get started on the project, which will take many years to be finally completed

- With the announcement of the new railway project, the Chinese government condemns the “capitalist temptation” of using personal automobiles amongst the working class. Massive taxes are levied on car owners as the government pushes for the continued use of bicycles, trams, buses and other modes of public transport. The new railway project will, upon its completion, hopefully reduce the need for automobiles and large, western styled highways

- With nuclear energy continuing to grow within China, the government recognizes that the expansion of Chinese industry will rapidly overtake the output of these plants. After brief negotiations with Électricité de France, the Chinese government secures several contracts to begin a massive expansion of China’s “nuclear backbone”. Deng Xiaoping makes an ambitious promise, and hopes to triple the number and output of these power plants before the end of the decade

- A major reform is made in the Chinese government as Deng and his allies move to officially separate the Chinese Communist Party from the government. The CPC is now given charge over the creation of legislation and doctrinal changes, of which the Chinese central government will execute. This separation of powers serves to strengthen both the CPC and the government as a whole, cutting redundancies and eliminating several useless offices

- The forced administering of intrauterine devices for women who have had their one child is officially halted. This process is incredibly painful, intrusive, expensive and seen as unnecessary by Deng’s reformist ideals. However, the “One Child Policy” put in place by Mao Zedong is still very much maintained. Fines given to families that have an unsanctioned second child are increased by a quarter. Of course, the government cannot have total control over births, as families in the rural regions of Xinjiang, Qinghai and Inner Mongolia slip under the radar due to a lack of administration

- Seeking to catch up to the rapid technological advancements of the west, the Chinese government begins a massive restructuring of the country’s education system. Several large universities in Beijing, Harbin, Guangzhou and Chongqing are converted into academies for science and mathematics. The best graduates of secondary schools and universities are either encouraged or assigned to attend these schools, and are put through rigorous classes to be able to produce a “smarter, stronger minded generation of scientists”

- Other schools are either converted or expanded to begin the creation of elite technical academies, focused entirely on machinery, electronics, communications and engineering. These schools are reserved for the best of the best, and are heavily propagandized by the Chinese government. Students at these universities are publicly praised, with the top graduates awarded the title of 著名学者 (Zhùmíng Xuézhě) [Prestigious Scholar], and are personally congratulated by Deng Xiaoping

- Recognizing that any major naval landing operations against China’s enemies will be a “Million Man Swim” without the proper preparation, the People’s Liberation Navy commissions the construction of more than two dozen heavy transport ships, capable of carrying hundreds of men and their landing crafts. Alongside this, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force begins the production of nearly a hundred aircraft capable of air operations

- Drills are conducted by the PLN’s existing landing craft, using the recently purchased Sovremenny-class destroyers to synchronize the usage of these light ships with landing troops. An important aspect of modern naval operations is discovered, with these ships hopelessly exposed to enemy cruise missiles, anti-ship weapons and aircraft. The PLN searches for new weaponry to fill the gap in their defenses, lest a landing group be completely annihilated

- The PLAAF begins an expansion of its paratrooper wing, using the newly built and purchased transport aircraft to conduct several paradrop drills. The number of paratroopers is nearly tripled, with more than 20,000 personnel undergoing refitting and more intense exercises. Much of these exercises focus on high altitude, rough terrain drops, mainly using the rocky and difficult to traverse Himalayan Mountains. This, expectedly, causes Indian observers to watch with suspicion

- Recognizing the importance of intercepting enemy missiles, artillery and rockets, the Chinese military begins testing a copy of the Russian AK-630. This single barreled Close In Weapons System (CIWS), known as the Type 4 云雀 (Yúnquè) [Lark] is capable of firing more than 4,000 rounds per minute, with an effective range of a stunning 5 kilometers. The Type 4 is able to intercept most western-styled weaponry, and several older ships of the PLN are retrofitted to have these aboard to support future naval operations

- A graduate of one of the new technical universities presents a new compact disc player, nicknamed “Little Lotus”. Essentially a copy of the Sony D-50 “Discman”, this system is much cheaper to produce, and is perfect for export overseas. Though somewhat less powerful than the D-50, and clearly made of cheaper parts, the “Little Lotus” is incredibly popular in poorer countries where Sony has yet to make export licenses to

- Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, only recently sworn in, immediately boards a plane overseas to visit Australia. In a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Robert Hawke, several important trade deals are made. Importing Australian coal for the construction of Indian power plants, Indian companies begin forming ties with Australian industrial heads to begin producing consumer goods in India. The hopes of this move is to try and get ahead of the “reformist” minds in China, who could quickly outproduce the growing Indian economy

- Several overtures are made to the Bangladeshi government as Rajiv Gandhi reaffirms India’s dedication to protecting the country. Having dislodged the country from Pakistan but a decade before, India and Bangladesh are tightly knit. With China continuing to act as a powerful rival to India, and India’s nearby friend of the Soviet Union beginning to crumble, India must maintain its current allies, and seek out more in the near future

- The controversial “Operation Woodrose”, an effort by the previous administration to prevent further unrest in the embattled Punjab and Chandigarh regions, continues. Gandhi makes moves to curb the intensity of the suppression, knowing that going overboard could lead to further violence, while outright withdrawing would make the Indian government look weak. At the current moment, no further troop deployments are to be made, and non-violent offenders outside of Punjab and Chandigarh that are associated with the All India Sikh Students Federation are ordered released

- With full control over India’s parliament, Rajiv Gandhi and his allies move to pass the “Anti-Defection Law”, which prevents the changing of parties until the next election. This is done in order to prevent corrupt officials from randomly switching sides in order to force an “unnatural” majority. Opponents of the INC rail against this law, but thanks to the existing INC majority, little can be done. With this law in effect, India’s government can now look to the lower rungs to begin rooting out corruption

- In the massive oceanside cities of Mumbai and Surat, the Indian government diverts hundreds of millions of rupees to begin constructing massive port facilities. With a rapidly growing economy, and trade opportunities the world over, the Gandhi administration recognizes that it is crucial to build up a strong oceanic infrastructure. Tens of thousands of unemployed Indians are given the opportunity to work these construction projects, allowing many to get off the streets and begin making an income for themselves

- Alongside these new ports, several coal fired power plants are constructed throughout the nation, focusing on the larger cities like the aforementioned Mumbai and Surat, as well as New Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad. These power plants are fed primarily by imported coal, and though India has a small and burgeoning coal industry of its own, the Gandhi administration feels it is absolutely necessary to continue forging trade relations overseas with raw materials exporters, such as Australia and the United States

- On the eastern coastline near the city of Puri, large scale military exercises are conducted, focusing primarily on air-to-air combat. Using the latest imported Soviet fighter models, several different scenarios are played out, such as enemy incursions, bombings or surprise attacks. These aerial maneuvers are crucial to maintaining security over India’s massive airspace, as both China and Pakistan field thousands of aircraft, and a two front conflict would be brutally difficult to fight without a competent air force

- Alongside these aerial maneuvers, the Indian air force begins constructing large numbers of domestically produced MiG-21 fighter jets. Though outdated by the standards of the day, these jet fighters will still be capable of intercepting enemy planes and plugging holes present in India’s airspace. Imports from the Soviet Union continue in large numbers, and the creation of a large surplus of aircraft is necessary in the eyes of the Indian military

- With Operation Woodrose continuing, the Indian military begins a sweep of Sikh officers and soldiers that continue to serve in the armed forces. With Indira Gandhi having been assassinated by her own bodyguards, the new administration will “not take any chances” with a similar situation occurring. Several officers and low ranking soldiers are found to have sympathies for the Sikh population in the northeast, and are either dishonorably discharged or outright imprisoned for their inability to uphold their oath

- With armor technologies becoming more and more capable of withstanding infantry operated anti-tank weapons, the Indian military seeks out new ways to counteract armored vehicles fielded by those like China and Pakistan. Seeing the effectiveness of the American TOW-II missile, and similar Soviet designs, the Indian army begins testing a design of its own. Using a tandem warhead and wire guidance system, the newly produced भारीपैदल सेनाराकेट 85 "बाज़" (Bhaaree Paidal Sena Raaket "Baaz") [Heavy Infantry Rocket-85 "Falcon"] is capable of penetrating up to 600mm of armor. What puts the RPSR-85 above its contemporaries is the fact that is produced entirely within India, cutting out the middleman, and allowing the Indian military to have a surplus of its own

- Agricultural scientists begin experimenting with new ways to feed the exploding Indian population. With staple crops like rice remaining the “top dog” of the Indian diet, there are those that fear the demands for water may soon outpace the ability to reliably grow rice in large enough quantities. After long periods of trial and error, a new strain of rice is unveiled for the market. Dubbed “Iron Rice”, this hearty breed is capable of surviving much drier conditions, without sacrificing nutritional value. Iron Rice’s biggest drawback is that the plants produce far less seeds than standard forms of rice, and is thus reserved mainly for only the most desperate regions, but is nonetheless a massive step forward

- Several massive, pitched battles take place around Mousiyan in Iran as the Iraqi army punches through a weak point in the Iranian lines. Both sides take heavy losses, and the city itself comes under fire from Iraqi artillery, killing dozens of civilians and destroying numerous homes. As the city is evacuated, the Iranian forces in the region regroup, and are just barely able to push the Iraqis back towards their side of the border

- Iraqi bombers continue to indiscriminately bomb Iranian cities with impunity, though the Iranian air force and anti-air emplacements are slowly but surely turning the tide. Roadways and power stations in cities like Arak and Kermanshah have been hopelessly damaged, and many civilians continue to flee towards the more protected center of the country. Frustrated, but determined, the Iranian army holds the line, giving it their all against the Iraqis

- A massive change of doctrine takes place, directly ordered from the highest ranking Iranian generals. Seeing that the “human wave” assaults, and massed charges into entrenched enemy positions have done nothing to break the stalemate, a new form of attack is devised. The Iranian army, still in possession of precious tanks and artillery pieces, begins to prepare to use proper “combined arms” attacks. Though much of the fighting is still carried out by foot soldiers, these newly organized divisions are prepared to act as “spearheads” to conduct proper maneuvers against the Iraqis, and perhaps find a break in the lines

- Hundreds of officers who have shown exemplary service in combat are hastily promoted as the Iranian army struggles to find truly competent leaders. Luckily, several men stick out, and are ordered to begin working with higher ups to help adjust to new doctrinal reforms. Rather than the enormous, disorganized units that move as a single entity, these officers push for the adoption of squad based and infiltration tactics. As Iranian forces grow closer to urban environments, such reforms are necessary to continue any sort of momentum that may be gained

- A series of probing attacks are launched near Basra as infantry units move southward southward along the Tigris river. Utilizing a combination of small combined arms groups, alongside recently reorganized infantry battalions, the Iranians are capable of pressing over the border and capturing the village of Jaykur. To the horror of the Iraqi military, Iranian artillery guns are now well within range of the outskirts of Basrah, and the Iraqis dedicate a huge number of men to hold the line and prevent any further advancements

- To the dismay of both military higher ups and soldiers in the field, surplus quickly begins to dry up. As Iran is essentially isolated diplomatically, and Iraq continues to receive military equipment from overseas, Iran has only a few years until resources are exhausted. Hoping to counteract this immediately, the Ayatollah himself orders the conversion of civilian factories to produce military equipment, and exclusively military equipment. Canneries churn out basic rifles, steel mills produce artillery guns, and clothing factories begin making uniforms

- Factories capable of producing gas masks and filters are ordered to do so en masse as the Ayatollah announces a plan for “great national defense”. Gas masks are distributed for all civilians, men, women and children, located 150 kilometers from the front line. After several devastating Iraqi chemical weapons attacks, which continue on a disturbingly frequent occasion, these masks are a lifesaving tool for thousands of innocent lives, and their full distribution is hoped to be met before the end of the year

- After intense discussions with members of the Combatant Clergy Association and numerous Islamic scholars, the Ayatollah announces that the act of usury is “only sinful when conducted by proper Muslims”, in this case those that follow the Shi’ite branch. This causes some upset amongst the hardcore conservative Islamic leaders, who feel that this move is more interpretive of the Quran than most Muslims are allowed to be, and some criticism is lodged at the Ayatollah as a result

- Regardless of internal squabbles, the Iranian government immediately turns outwards to begin borrowing large sums of money in order to offset impending financial collapse. Pakistan, despite having a majority Sunni population, is willing to give some financial aid to Iran, seeing Iraq as the more belligerent individual. This warms the initially cold post-Revolution relations between the two countries significantly. South Africa, shockingly enough, also gives some money to Iran, though expects immediate payment upon the completion of the war. Desperate for cash, the Iranian government accepts

- A synthetic rubber engineer, at one of the few remaining plants within Iran, unveils an eccentric invention. Using a rubber bladder stuffed into a backpack, with a long rubber tube leading outwards, several ounces of water can be stored and easily transported. This tube can then be placed inside the mouth, giving the wearer the ability to drink while freeing up their hands. This بازگشت شتر (Bazegushet Shetr) [Camel's Back] is immediately produced in huge numbers for the Iranian troops at the front line, who could find themselves in hours-long engagements in the blistering desert sun

- Knowing full well that a strong air force is crucial to countering the technologically superior Iraqi military, Iranian aircraft engineers begin seeking out a cheap, reliable airframe capable of fighting Iraqi planes, while also being easier to produce in converted factories. Taking pages from the Czechoslovak L-39 ‘Albatros’, engineers begin a test flight of a similar design. Using a single engine, the I-1 ‘جاروبرقی’ (Jarewberqa) [Viper] is a swift interceptor capable of reaching 700km/h. Though somewhat sluggish compared to some of the newer Iraqi planes, the I-1 can easily overwhelm enemy aircraft with a flurry of air-to-air missiles, and if Iran’s military industry can keep pace, sheer numbers

- Libya’s war against Chad comes to an inconclusive end. After a short meeting with French diplomats, Libya agrees to withdraw any and all military support for the FROLINAT and GUNT, but will maintain control over the Aouzou Strip, stationing troops to keep a “close eye” on the continuing conflict. The Pro-Libyan forces, though left on their own, continue their war against the Chadian government, agreeing to form the “Democratic National People’s Chadian Republic”, or DNPCR

- As Libyan troops present in Chad begin to withdraw, Gaddafi sends thousands southwards to follow closely behind. In their wake, roadways in and around cities are quickly patched up by Libyan engineers. These roads are crucial to maintaining the military logistics of the DNPCR, and several small asphalt roadways are added to lead towards the Aouzou Strip. Should the DNPCR be successful in its revolution, Libya will have direct access to a crucial southern ally

- After consulting his top economic advisors, Gaddafi announces his plans to continue the exploitation of Libya’s large oil reserves. However, unlike many of the other “Petrostates”, Gaddafi drives the point home that Libya will also begin to refine its own oil. Other states that focus on the exportation of crude are “at the mercy of imperialists”, and should Libya succeed in fostering its own refining industry, Libya could quickly become entirely independent in regards to its main economic sector

- Looking outwards, Gaddafi meets with skilled refinery engineers from Iraq and, surprisingly, Japan. Though the political differences between these nations are enormous, both the Iraqis and Japanese recognize that Libya could be a rich and powerful friend in the region. Six massive refineries are planned in key areas of oil production, but Gaddafi makes it clear that all materials, workers and construction will be done directly by Libyans to avoid “foreign entanglements”. As a result, this sets back the refining project significantly, and these refineries will take much longer to complete without outside assistance

- The Great Manmade River Project, a gigantic undertaking by the Libyan government to create the world’s largest irrigation network, is still very much underway. Daily, tons upon tons of concrete are poured to cement massive water pipes, with thousands of poorly paid workers undergoing backbreaking labor to finish their job. However, Gaddafi realizes a major issue with this project, and calls together a meeting to change its design. The Libyan desert is, unsurprisingly, largely inhospitable and holds essentially no arable land whatsoever. Consulting with ecologists flown in from overseas, Gaddafi chooses to redirect the GMR closer to the more urban areas of Libya in a two pronged approach

- First, these pipes are to ensure that the rapidly growing cities of the Libyan coastline are given access to fresh water on a daily basis, and prevent the possibilities of having to ration the life giving liquid. Secondarily, Gaddafi orders the outskirts of major cities be mapped out and scoured by engineers to begin preparing huge “Urban Agriculture” projects on a “macro and micro scale”. Everything from massive irrigation for crops such as cereals and rice, and small scale greenhouses for fruits and hearty vegetables, are on the drawing board

- Much of Libya’s population is spread out amongst the expansive northern coastline, stretching nearly 1200 kilometers from end to end. Cities like Tripoli, Benghazi and Sirte lie hundreds of kilometers apart, and the rapidly growing population is beginning to buckle the fledgeling transportation system. Seeing highways and personal automobile ownership as “luxuries of the western imperialists”, Gaddafi moves to sequester funds for the construction of a massive country-wide railway. Using both domestic and foreign contracted designers, this “Grand People’s Railway” will cover much of the northern coastline, linking the major cities of Libya together. However, this undertaking, much like the GMR, is atrociously expensive and will take several years to fully finish

- In a surprising move, the Libyan military invites several veteran soldiers of the Rhodesian Bush War to begin training Libya’s special forces on counter-insurgency and close quarters combat. Despite Gaddafi’s Afro-Islamist centric views, Gaddafi reassures his compatriots that these men are simply “guns without hands to use them”. These veterans are happy for their new employment, but are kept under heavy guard and watched with intense scrutiny to ensure that they do not try and subvert the Libyan government

- With a push for more advanced, reliable and robust farming, several agricultural engineers begin testing their latest design. Though hydroponics are not a new concept, this new system takes a more unique approach. Utilizing several “tiers”, nutrient-demanding crops are placed on top, and hollow tubes transport excess water and nutrients to lower levels and so on, until the heartiest and more robust crops gather the last of it. Waste products, dead plants and decaying matter are placed in composters, and used to restart the cycle. This “Tiered Urban Farm” can be placed within a city center, saving up huge amounts of both land and water

- Knowing that threats to the Libyan state lie around every corner, the Libyan military begins searching for a way to better defend the nation’s shores. Using equipment purchased from the Soviet Union in years prior, Libyan military engineers begin experimenting with a stronger, more reliable Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS). After tinkering with several Soviet and Chinese designs, a new weapons system is decided upon. Dubbed the موسيقي (Musiqiun) [Scimitar], this weapon uses not one, but four small missiles that lock on to a single target. Fired one after the other, these missiles then move to intercept a target, even if they are firing flares. The largest drawback to the Scimitar is its immense weight, weighing a brutal 15kg

- A diplomatic meeting is held in Dublin between Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Irish Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. Officially bringing the Republic into the equation regarding Northern Ireland, Thatcher makes it clear that the conflict is “strictly a British affair”. Requesting that the Irish government take more steps to stop the support of the Irish Republican Army, Thatcher proposes the withdrawal of troops from several garrisons in Northern Ireland, which has been a sticking point between the two countries. The Irish accept the deal, and the British begin a slow and careful removal of a number of troops

- However, in order to make up for the shortfall of enforcement, the Royal Ulster Constabulary is bolstered to meet “man for man”. This move is seen by nationalists as a “betrayal” of the treaty made with the Republic, and demand that the RUC be drawn down. The IRA takes this into their own hands, and uses a smuggled mortar to launch a deadly attack on the Newry RUC outpost. Eleven RUC officers are killed, and more than one hundred are wounded in the deadliest attack on the RUC to date. This infuriates Thatcher, who is quick to demand the perpetrators of the act be brought to justice

- The powers of the mayors in northern England are strengthened, primarily in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham. With aid from the government, several new infrastructure projects are launched to begin improving transportation to and from the cities. With miners continuing to strike, these projects open up new opportunities for employment, and the unions are horrified to see a number of less enthusiastic miners quit their jobs to seek better conditions and payments

- Hoping to kickstart the British agricultural industry and ensure that Britain’s consumption of beef and lamb is entirely domestic, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs is strengthened and given a series of new powers. The DEFRA is tasked with observing and enforcing a number of new standards for animal farming, including the mandatory inoculation of animals from several diseases, cleaner conditions for processing and distribution, and mandatory reporting of disease outbreaks

- Working primarily with engineers from Britain, while also skimming some of the top minds from the United States, the British government finally begins to directly tap into the North Sea Oil fields. Several million pounds are invested into a fund for expanding British domestic oil production, and several rigs undergo construction. Should things go according to plan, Britain will be able to be somewhat energy independent, and can utilize the North Sea Oil for several infrastructure and energy projects

- A massive expansion of the communications infrastructure of London begins. Focusing on Lloyds of London and the London Stock Exchange, this project will introduce new radio towers, power lines, computers and stronger access to the nation’s communications arrays. With computer and telecommunication technology rapidly advancing, the British government hopes to keep Britain ahead of the curve, and using these two massive organizations to spearhead the charge into the new millennium

- With the “Right to Buy” scheme being fully introduced by the British government, the delay on planning approval times is slashed significantly. Applications for government subsidies for housing are made much easier to attain, and cities are encouraged to relax their zoning laws to allow for the construction of new houses. As council housing stocks plummet, and the demand for more housing increases, the British government hopes to stay ahead of a possible housing market crash, and maintain a large supply of available living spaces for Britain’s citizens

- Seeing the success of the combined efforts of the army, navy and air force, several small scale exercises are conducted to further streamline their interaction. A new doctrine is introduced that “blends” the three branches together, making them more closely reliant on one another. These exercises include things such as utilizing carrier launched aircraft to support naval landings, or land-based engagements to knock out coastal defenses or dockyards

- Britain’s carriers are the Royal Navy’s greatest strength, and an expansion of their capabilities is planned. Hawker Harriers are commissioned in huge quantities, and several smaller helicopter carriers undergo construction to support the larger carriers. These helicopter carriers, however, need a newer model of anti-ship vehicles that can easily be launched and conduct both anti-submarine and anti-surface missions. Regardless, the British seek to rule the waves once again, and stop playing second fiddle to the Americans

- Despite Thatcher’s push for more and more privatisation of Britain’s numerous national interests, the British military moves to re-purchase several stakes in British Aerospace to ensure that British military supplies and production
remain in “peak condition”. British Aerospace is immediately tasked with bringing in engineers and aircraft researchers to begin producing equipment for existing planes and helicopters, as well as introduce new vehicles to be utilized in the navy, army and air force

- Working alongside Hawker and Westland Helicopters, British Aerospace unveils their latest design. Similar to the Sikorsky MH-53, the new BA-4 “Jackdaw” is the latest in British helicopter design. Purpose built for use upon a helicopter carrier, the BA-4 is capable of carrying several weapons, such as air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship rockets and anti-submarine weaponry. The BA-4’s unique advantage over other helicopters is a special rotor design that allows it to hover very close to the water line, making attacks against enemy ships much easier

- Knowing that enemy missiles threaten Britain’s ships, and hoping to reduce the Royal Navy’s reliance on American equipment, naval engineers unveil a domestically produced Close In Weapons System (CIWS). The Royal Ordinance “Longbowman” Mk.I is a 25mm gatling gun with a firing rate of a jaw dropping 8,500 RPM. Capable of engaging targets up to 3.5km away, the Longbowman can intercept some of the fastest Soviet missiles in the field, and are a crucial defensive system to avoid losing Britain’s precious carriers

- Seeing the failures of the Soviet military in Afghanistan, and taking pleasure in seeing Gorbachev “have his own little Vietnam”, President Reagan orders the expansion of Coleman Army Airfield in Mannheim, Germany. Two massive airstrips are constructed, built to service American strategic bombers. This construction is unpopular amongst the people in the surrounding area, as several roadways and even some residential areas are demolished to make way for the base’s expansion

- President Reagan goes on an “international whistlestop tour”, meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan. These meetings, held in Busan, are done to reassure both countries of America’s commitment to their defense, as well as to secure further trade deals. These meetings are also a fantastic photo-op, and Reagan makes several speeches in Busan to the South Korean public, hoping to rally local support for the United States

- A bill pushing for the reduction in environmental regulations for American industry squeaks past congress, much to the horror of environmentalists the world over. Immediately signed into law by Reagan, companies are once again allowed to conduct the disposal of waste in more “public” areas, such as waterways and fields. Some regulations remain, as the Environmental Protection Agency is still capable of fining companies that are found to do this dumping in residential zones, or go over a “Waste Threshold”

- In a surprising move, Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill meets with several Republican legislators to discuss a new, all-encompassing series of drug regulations. Convincing enough Democratic congressmen to his side, the Anti-Drug Abuse and Distribution Act is signed into law. This law includes massive fines for the possession of controlled drugs, as well as introducing mandatory minimum sentencing for those arrested selling, possessing over a certain amount, or breaking probation

- These new drug regulations prove to be incredibly damaging to inner city communities, as police are given carte blanche to do “whatever is necessary” to combat the spread of drugs. Several controversial raids take place in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, and there is a growing concern over the violence exercised by police to achieve these ends. However, several large drug rings are broken up, and the spread of opiates and cocaine is halted in parts of the south where the initiative is put into full effect

- CNN reporter Jeremy Levin, captured by Hezbollah in 1984, is released after several months in captivity. President Reagan publicly denounces Hezbollah, stating that a “group of terrorist cowards cannot gamble with the lives of Americans any longer.” In response to this statement, Hezbollah associated groups burn American flags in the streets. A wing of strike aircraft is moved to Crete to keep a “close eye” on Lebanese affairs

- President Reagan, hoping to reduce American dependence on foreign oil and coal, proposes the “Glowing Sky Initiative”. Strikingly similar to China’s nuclear expansion, this initiative hopes to quadruple the number of nuclear power plants across the United States by 1999. Almost immediately afterwards, several new nuclear power plants are commissioned in California, New York and Texas as state governments recognize the benefits of a strong nuclear sector

- As the Strategic Defense Initiative continues to work on ways to counter nuclear, biological and chemical weapons that could be deployed against America and its allies, several billion dollars are spent on its expansion. Though no major breakthroughs have been made yet, this expansion allows for the testing of more complex systems, including a possible ground-based laser system. This move is considered to be incredibly provocative, and some fear that America’s nuclear armed rivals could take this as a threat

- The United States Air Force restarts the Strategic Bomber Initiative, and begins building new air bases across the country. Twelve new B-52 “Stratofortress” bombers are commissioned, alongside nearly twenty F-111 “Aardvark” bombers. These bombers, capable of reaching targets thousands of kilometers away, are deployed to several key areas in America’s allies, especially in Spain and France. These bombers are easily capable to deliver tens of thousands of kilograms of bombs on a target, including the possible deployment of nuclear weapons by the B-52

- Massive naval exercises are conducted with Denmark and Canada in the far northern Arctic ocean alongside the coast of Greenland. These exercises focus on a combined surface and submarine fleet doctrine, using nuclear attack submarines to cut off and force enemy squadrons to detach themselves from the main fleet, where they can be more easily engaged by carrier groups. The “New Wolfpack” is devastatingly effective, and is purposefully created to counter the small squadrons of powerful missile cruisers in the hands of the Soviets and Chinese

- With the new Strategic Bomber Initiative in full swing, the United States Air Force turns to private companies for a better, faster bomber. Rockwell International, creator of several military aircraft, including several experimental planes, unveils their latest design. Designated as the B-1 “Lancer”, this new bomber is a stunning leap forward from the B-52. A variable swept wing design, the B-1 is capable of going supersonic, and delivering a variety of payloads up to 23,000kg of ordinance. With a maximum range of 9,400km, and a service ceiling of 18,000m, the B-1 Lancer is a terrifying new weapon in America’s ever expanding arsenal

- An adjustment is made to the A-10 “Thunderbolt II”. Recognizing the importance of close air support, and the difference between “soft” and “hard” targets, the newly refitted A-11A “Rainstorm” is purpose built for “soft” target destruction. Replacing the massive GAU-8 with twin M-61 “Vulcan” chainguns, the A-11A uses its hardpoints to carry a variety of cluster munitions, or several more guns for anti-infantry engagements. Similar to how the A-10 received the name “Warthog”, the A-11A is given the moniker of “Razorback”, due to its higher top speed and “snarling anger” when using its “Aerial Gun Platform” loadout of a whopping twelve fully loaded M-61 chainguns

- Despite the Sino-Soviet Split of the 1960s harming relations between the Soviet Union and People’s Republic of China, diplomats from both nations meet in Beijing to sign the Sino-Soviet Joint Defense and Mutual Protection Treaty. This new treaty cements a defensive alliance between China and the USSR, which means that one nation will come to the other’s aid should they be attacked. However, offensive actions carried out will not be supported with this treaty, unless specifically stated otherwise

- Several attempts are made by the new Gorbachev regime to try and repair relations with the west, and try to improve the Soviet’s image overseas. Unfortunately, much of these efforts are in vain, and only minimal gains are made in more neutral countries, like Finland, Austria and Ireland. Disappointed, Gorbachev still hopes to work towards the reduction of tensions worldwide, and maintain the ongoing peace between NATO and the Warsaw Pact

- An important meeting is held in Belgrade between Gorbachev and Tito, regarding the diplomatic, economic and military relationship between Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. Having been at odds for decades, Gorbachev lends an olive branch to Yugoslavia in the hopes of bringing the two socialist nations closer together. Still incredibly distrustful of the Soviets, Tito agrees to the importation of surplus Soviet equipment, and several photo ops, and little more. Many consider this to be an important step forward

- Across the Warsaw Pact, the Soviet Union announces its plans to reduce its presence in countries like Czechoslovakia, Poland and Hungary, and instead encourage these nations to begin raising armies of their own. As the Soviet Union begins to empty its stockpiles of old and outdated equipment, huge amounts of important military supplies are given to these nations in order to kickstart their militaries. This serves two purposes, as this allows for the Soviets to reduce the strain on their economy, while also reducing tensions between Soviet troops and the local populace

- Huge amounts of Soviet surplus is pulled out of storage and prepared for export. Outdated tanks, transport vehicles, planes, rifles, and logistics equipment is given a price tag and sold off to those willing to buy. Several of these buyers include Ethiopia, Angola, North Korea and Vietnam. Much of this equipment is horribly outdated, and serves little to no purpose in the hands of the Soviet military, but could easily be utilized by smaller countries. The payments are immediately gathered in the Soviet coffers and prepared to be spent on the nation’s crumbling economy

- The war in Afghanistan has been a devastating drain on the Soviet economy and the morale of the Soviet people at large. Thrust into command over the conflict, Gorbachev immediately begins taking the steps towards a “dignified” withdrawal. Immediately, a halt is placed on all new deployments to Afghanistan save for crucial logistics, such as medical supplies and communications equipment. Troops stationed in Afghanistan for more than two years are recalled over a period of three months, leaving significant gaps in the few rural regions under Soviet control

- As the withdrawal begins, the Soviet Union redoubles its efforts to support the ailing government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Several hundred veteran officers are ordered to remain behind in order to act as advisors for the Afghan military. Weaponry and materials that can be spared are left behind and given to the Afghan government, as well as surplus equipment being donated in droves. The Soviets, putting their faith in the Afghan government, are prepared to officially end the conflict by the winter of 1986, leaving behind 10,000 dead, and the pride of the once-believed to be invincible Soviet army

- A major change is made to the Soviet military that stuns both commanders and observers alike. The current 5.5 million soldiers of the standing army is dramatically slashed to 3.5, with all men given a regular or honorable discharge and sent home with their pensions. No branch is spared, and the Army feels the brunt of this as several divisions stationed in places like the Sino-Soviet border are outright dissolved. This bolsters the workforce significantly, though tens of thousands of men still return home, unable to find work

- Gorbachev’s first order of business in regards to politics is a massive anti-corruption sweep. This action focuses on those that are in office purely through nepotism or having party connections, and Gorbachev demands that this investigation go all the way down to the local level. Several dozen officials are forced out of office, while a number of high ranking Soviet leaders are imprisoned for “crimes against the Soviet people”. Gorbachev uses this to cement total control over the Soviet government, though he makes enemies in doing so, and many anti-corruption investigations mysteriously find absolutely nothing wrong in some sectors

- Despite pushback against his anti-corruption campaign, Gorbachev moves forward with reforming the Soviet Union. Plans are drawn up to begin increasing the autonomy of the Soviet Republics, giving them more control over their production, infrastructure and economy. Gorbachev makes it clear that Moscow will still have final say in any major decisions, and will be capable of overriding the Republics should the need arise. Republics like Ukraine and the Baltics chomp at the bit to be given such an opportunity, while others like the Turkmen and Kazakh SSRs are fearful of losing support from Moscow

- Military spending, which takes up a whopping 13% of the Soviet Union’s GDP, is cut by 2%. Though it doesn’t seem like much to the average Soviet citizen, this decrease frees up millions upon millions of rubles that can be spent on infrastructure, education, medicine and manufacturing. With several shortages in Soviet consumer goods, this money is given to farms and factories to reduce the presence of штурмовщина (shturmovshchina) [Storming], an incredibly inefficient practice of frantic overtime and poor production in order to meet unnecessarily demanding quotas

- Throwing out the previous administration’s programs, Gorbachev introduces a new 5 Year Plan, this time focused entirely on improving the quality of life for the people of the Soviet Union. Important sectors such as consumer goods, infrastructure and education are given a boost in funding. Several new highways are planned for construction to link the cities of the USSR, and rationing is somewhat relaxed, even with shortages. This plan is ambitious, and must be followed closely and carefully, or the Soviet Union could risk plummeting into an economic disaster

- A major medical breakthrough is made at a hospital in Moscow. Using a new combination of medicines, Soviet surgical researchers successfully produce powerful immunosuppressive drugs. These new drugs are much more effective, and have less severe side effects, making it far easier to conduct organ transplants. Success rates of surgeries and recoveries skyrocket, and these doctors are given several awards

- Engineers at Mikoyan-Gurevich begin testing a new attack aircraft for the Soviet military. Similar to the British Hawker Harrier “Jump Jet”, the new MiG-44 “Лягушка” (Lyagushka) [Frog] is a step above the Yak-38. Using much more effective jets, and a sleeker airframe, the MiG-44 is capable of reaching speeds of 1,400km/h when not hovering. The MiG-44’s main purpose is to provide close air support from “any position necessary”, and is purpose built to nestle itself in hastily built runways in forests, as it can use its VTOL capabilities rather than rely on a standard airstrip size

 

[Zillamaster55]

National Security Council member Lt. Colonel Oliver North testifies before congress

On the evening of July 2nd, 1985, editors at the Washington Post, New York Times and Chicago Tribune are alerted to a massive scandal involving the Reagan administration. Delivered by unknown channels, a senior official in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp by the name of Mehdi Hashemi reveals deals put forward by the United States government to sell weapons to Iran under the table. Alongside these weapons sales, which were done without the authority of congress, the United States would use Israel as a middleman, deliver the weapons to Iran, and then send the money to the United States. With these weapons deals, the US hoped to have the Iranian government influence Hezbollah to free several Americans held hostage in Lebanon. The greatest and most scandalous aspect of this, is that the Reagan administration is accused of then funneling this money to the anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua, known as the Contras.

Immediately in the morning of July 3rd, newspapers and television broadcasters alert the entire country to the news, and all eyes are placed on the US government. Reagan, with little option, moves to begin launching an investigation into the claims of illegal weapons sales, denying any and all involvement. Many in congress are infuriated with Reagan, and demand that he and his advisors answer to a bipartisan panel, and that those accused be brought to trial.

After days of bickering within the White House with both his own advisors and members of the house and senate, Reagan agrees to form a three part commission to head the investigation. Made up of Senator John Tower of Texas, former Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, and former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, the “Tower Commission” sets to work with federal agents to break down the chain of events and find those guilty.

Shockingly, Lt. Colonel Oliver North, an acting member of the National Security Council, is accused of orchestrating the monetary transfers to the Contras after several documents are leaked by unknown sources. Brought before a panel in congress, North testifies and professes his innocence, claiming that any evidence is “falsified and illegitimate”. Eventually, North sits before a grand jury alongside nine other accused, nicknamed the “Gang of 9” by the American media.

For three weeks, sessions are held in both congress and in the grand jury to go over evidence and accusations regarding the “Iran-Contra Affair”. Meanwhile, the US public becomes incredibly divided. Right wing media outlets side with the Reagan administration, while liberal papers and stations claim that the US government is entirely at fault. The affair itself drives a wedge deeper and deeper between Republican and Democratic voters, and several congressmen lodge protests demanding that Reagan himself testify.

The nation is stunned as the grand jury finds five of the nine accused guilty, while the other four are let off on technicalities or appeals, including Oliver North. Citing the means of how the evidence against North was gathered, the defense manages to claim that North’s 5th Amendment rights were violated. The entire affair sends the American news media into an uproar, and the ripple effects are expected to be felt in next year’s midterm elections.

Regardless of his innocence, North is forced to resign in disgrace, alongside several other high ranking government officials associated with North. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the hostages held by Hezbollah are released after brief negotiation. With the revealing of America’s “underground” involvement with the Contras, public opinion in Nicaragua turns against the Contras entirely, who begin to lose ground as their popular support evaporates seemingly overnight.

What this means for the Reagan administration going forward is unknown.