Jan-March 2018 (9/14-9/21)

Reports of Drone Strikes in Antigua

Following a brutal terrorist takeover in Antigua, reports have streamed in from eyewitness reporters and national government agencies that unidentified forces have successfully deployed drone strikes against critical terrorist targets, with some civilian casualties. Early intelligence indicates the drones were of Israeli make, specifically the Heron series, made available to several national governments. In the wake of the strikes, Canada has urged the United States and Mexico to take more proactive roles in Caribbean politics.


Mongolia Tensions Rise in Wake of Abductions

12 hostages have been taken in the past three months in the Mongolian Steppes, including members of an elite Russian military squad operating an investigative mission as well as a team of Chinese pipeline engineers. The abductions come only months after unidentified militants caused a pipeline explosion, severely disrupting the flow of natural gas and oil from Russia to China. So far, no demands have been made, nor has any group publically claimed credit for the attacks or kidnapping. Russia has called for international assistance in tracking the militants, with several national governments, including South Korea and Turkey, offering assistance.



Investors Flock to Tokyo

Recent corporate tax cuts in Japan have spurred development and investment in the island nation, prompting South Korean, American, and European companies to increase Japense-oriented production and workforces.

Russia Struggles to Pass New Tax Code

Russian President Valentina Terenkhova faces early-term struggles as her ambitious reform of the current tax code faces stark opposition from Russian oligarchs. Currently, her proposed bill is stuck in legislature, and her popularity has dropped in recent months.



Ground Broken on Rebun-Sekotum Energy System on Hakkido Island, Japan

Following aggressive funding drives and a zealous public relations campaign, President Abe broke ground at an official state ceremony on the Rebun-Sekotum Energy System on Hakkido Island, Japan. Part of Abe’s long-term initiative to bolster Japanese energy production capabilities, the Rebun System will host a oil and natural gas redistribution center. Abe hopes to begin oil importation from Russia via a pipeline connecting to Sakhalin, where precious mineral and natural gas production are set to skyrocket, beginning in September 2019.
The groundbreaking ceremony also marks a seminal transformation in Japanese energy politics, as the centerpiece of the System will be a series of ten state-of-the-art Hitatchi ABWR Nuclear Reactors. The plant is estimated to come online March 23rd, 2023.

Global Green Update

Several nations have recommitted to pursuing green energy policies, aiming to transform significant sectors of their energy economies to domestically produced sustainable options in the coming decades. Such campaigns have been met with mixed success. Britain’s Prime Minister announced intentions to see the nation become energy self-sufficient by 2030, though an emphasis on wind and solar has made the project unpopular among the Scots and their Labor Party allies. Canada has taken an alternative tact, dispatching scientists and remote research labs into critically threatened pacific island nations.
Turkey, facing critical funding and logistical shortfalls in its hydroelectric, oil, and nuclear power programs has also turned to green energy, with recent success coming from the GE Turkey Innovation Center. Following a national energy innovation challenge, plans for a Green complex, including over 20,000 megawatts of wind production and 600 megawatts of geothermal production have been enacted, with expected production to be completed by 2023.

Mercury Runoff Cleared

The Canadian watershed faced a critical disaster last month, when mercury runoff from Canadian Shield logging operations caused unprecedented levels of environmental damage. Quick-thinking and innovative Canadian scientists quickly cured the problem, by introducing a new chemical agent that has quickly scoured public water sources of the toxic metal. Scientists view this innovation as a major breakthrough, and are quickly looking to large-scale industrial applications in fisheries, public health, and water.

South Korea Campaigns Against Food Waste

South Korean government officials have launched a new campaign aiming to reduce food waste and increase agricultural efficiency. All signs point to positive progress as the campaign gets off the ground.




Global Space Exploration Surge

The Eden Project’s manned mission to Mars has spurred on space programs throughout the world, with Japan, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom all recommitting to their space programs. Prime Minister Abe of Japan has lobbied the Diet for doubled funding into an asteroid mining program, though many remain skeptical of the practicality of the plan. Likewise, in Russia, the Space and Automation Innovation Challenge has delivered interesting, whimsical, but generally impractical results. In Turkey, a proposed concept for a EU-supported Launchpad has met major fundraising hurdles. However, the United Kingdom has made major leaps forward in its own exploration capabilities, constructing a major space exploration laboratory that seems to be making incredible progress in developing long-term manned mission capabilities. Finally, South Korea will be sending astronauts to the International Space Station, in pursuit of their own independent space program.

Japanese RFP Produces Results

A request for proposal to American corporations for advanced strike capability systems and radar operations has garnered some success, with American military developer ManTech agreeing to a ten-year development contract, over the course of which they will provide the Japanese with cutting edge missile detection and military response technology.

Gabonese Plague Intensifies

The outbreak of a new, highly contagious strain of sleeping sickness in Gabon continues unabated, despite Canadian intervention. WHO scientists cite a lack of funding and international involvement or cooperation.




Turks Vote for EU Membership

Turkey has successfully hosted a referendum on EU membership, with over 75% of the country voting for ascension.

Canadian NDP/Labour Alliance Set to Win

Current polls show the NDP/Labour coalition that has emerged in recent months is set to win this year’s fall elections, with over 65% of the country aiming to vote for one of the two parties. The Bloc Quebecois and Conservative parties have fallen severely out of favor, and Canada seems to be rallying towards the new, more liberal, government.




The Dragon’s Fire Fizzles

In what some are calling an ill-timed series of remarks, President Abe has begun a three-nation tour of the Pacific, decrying China’s increased military spending. Abe’s remarks come immediately in the wake of terrorist bombings in the Mongolian steppes, as well as the abduction of Chinese civilian personnel in the same region. Despite the nature of his remarks, Abe enjoyed warm welcomes in Singapore, India, and Australia, securing a recommitment to vigilance and continued prosperity in the East China Sea and broader Pacific region.

Portuguese Negotiations Break Down in London

Negotiations over the construction of world-class naval ships in Portugal have broken down, as the Portuguese refuted British demands for basing rights, allowing easy access to the Mediterranean.

Green Islands Initiative Sees Some Success

Britain’s efforts to invite Ireland into the United Kingdom have been met with significant success, with current poll numbers showing 47% of Irish citizens in favor of full membership with the United Kingdom. One major stumbling block to unification seems to be the monarchy, which the British government has been emphasizing in recent months, featuring the royal family in news, tourism programs, and official speaking events. Republicans make up a significant portion of the Irish electorate, and many are categorically opposed to the institution of the Crown.