United Elias

United Elias

Flag of United Elias
Motto: "Peace Through Strength
[1]
Region	Middle East
Capital	Baghdad
Official Language(s)	English, Arabic, Hebrew
Leader	President Alexander Elias
Population	124,220,000
Currency	Elias Dinar
NS Sunset XML

General:

The Federal Dictatorship of United Elias is a large nation stretched between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf; the Capital is the ancient city of Baghdad. Other large settlements include historical Cairo on the Nile, Kuwait City and Manama on the Persian Gulf, the Holy cities of Makkah and Medina in the South Western Desert and the Ports of Abdullah and Jeddah in the North West on the Red Sea.

(In terms of RL territory, UE occupies the lands of Iraq (excluding Kurdish North East), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt.

Climate:

Mostly harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes between night and day.

Language:

While all official documents and government affairs have gradually transitioned to use English because of its international nature and the fact it favours no particular Elias ethnic group, common conversation still mostly takes place in Arabic, often mixed in with English. Learning English is compulsory and everybody now has at least some knowledge of it. All road signs are repeated both in English, Arabic and in all parts except Egypt, Hebrew as well.

System of Government:

United Elias is a Federal Dictatorship meaning that the Executive Branch of the national government is non-elected and all officials are appointed to their offices by The President. The office of President is a hereditary position and the President serves as both head of state and head of government, and it is the President who nominates his successor which has always been a family member, usually the closest immediate heir. At the national level, there is a legislative organisation called the Majlis Ash Ahura (Parliamentary Congress) comprising of all of the regional governors, governors of the colonies, senior religious figures, the military command staff and special appointees nominated by The President such as business leaders or academic figures. The Parliamentary Congress meets as a whole only twice a month, and The President or Vice-President is always present, however there are many select committees whose role it is to oversee the workings of government and report their findings to the President. The Congress itself does not have a fixed number of members and there are no term limits, each member only ceases to be a member if they resign, die or are dismissed by The President. All members of the majis ash shura are given the suffix of Pasha, originally an Ottoman title. As far as legislative power, The Parliamentary Congress has the power to bring about its own bills and vote on them although these can be vetoed by The President. The congress can also vote against a government supported bill, but this vote can be overturned. Generally the role of the Congress is not to legislate itself but advisory and consultive. One of the principal roles of the Congress, and one in which The President cannot interfere officially is that of appointing judges to Federal Courts.

Provincial Government

In addition to the National level there is also a system of governorates (also known as muhafazat, singular - muhafazah). In addition to being members of the Parliamentary Congress, provincial governors are the head of local government. Depending on the province, the position of governor is either a hereditary title or is a democratically elected position. Similarly to national government, each province has an advisory council, which is in most cases elected by the populace (rights of suffrage vary regionally) and these have considerable legislative power over the province. In addition to being tasked with appointing judges to the provincial judiciary; the Advisory Councils are responsible for appointing positions such as local Police Chiefs and city mayors.

35 Muhafazat, excluding Egypt (see below) Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Babil, Baghdad, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit, Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk, Qatar, Al Kuwayt, Al Bahrayn, Al 'Aqabah, ‘Amman

In addition there are two special provinces, the Vilayets of Baghdad and Barah. The Vilayet of Baghdad is ruled traditionally by the eldest son of the President, who is the heir to power, and the Vilayet of Basrah by the next heir of the President, usually a second son.

Egypt Administrative Region

Due to the fact that Egypt is the most recent territory to join the union, and the people's nationalistic beliefs, Egypt is given a slightly higher degree of autonomy of federal government. The muhafazat of Egypt are grouped under the Egypt Special Administrative Council in Cairo, which is elected by the advisory councils of each Egyptian Muhafazah and in turn elect The Vizier of Egypt. The powers of the Vizier and the Special Administrative Council includes control over infrastructure, economic matters and some areas which in any other province would come under the jurisdiction of the Ministries in Baghdad. Since the Vizier generally follows the advice and direction set forth by the Federal Government, many see it as an unnecessary beauraucratic level and that its role of not making Egyptians feeling occupied by a foreign government is no loger required.

26 Egyptian AR muhafazat: Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj

System of Justice:

The laws of United Elias are not religiously based but have their origins in Sharia, consequently criminals are treated in a very harsh manner. The penalty for murder, treason, narcotics dealing or terrorism is usually death by firing squad but the President may approve this punishment for lesser crimes in some circumstances. Alcohol is not banned but it is highly expensive and overuse is dealt with by harsh fines and prison sentences, so its use is usually limited to wealthy families. Gambling is officially banned in most of United Elias although several Egyptian provinces do allow it. Depending on the case, cases are either dealt with on the provincial or federal level, with the Federal Supreme Court being the highest judicial authority. Every criminal defendant is entitled to legal representation but only if they are able to afford it and all court cases are decided by a panel of professional judges, 3 in an average criminal case and 5 in the case of a capital or federal case. The Chief Executive of the Federal Security Bureau has the right to not give a defendant a trial, and even hold them indefinitely should they be considered a risk to National Security. Civil law in United Elias is designed to avoid a compensation culture and damages are rarely awarded except when evidence is unconditional. In the case of divorce, the system tends to favour the husband unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Religion:

United Elias is a strictly secular country, everybody is free to worship or not to and it is never used to discriminate against peopl,e however Islam is considered a source of legislation. No law that contradicts the universally agreed tenets of Islam, Judaism or Christainity is enacted without specific cause and justification to do so.

Travel:

Travel is easy in Elias, in spite of the long distances due to wide highways that cross the desert where there is no speed limit and special express lanes which can be used by those willing to pay. Also there is a large rail network that is mainly used for movement of freight but passenger services are available. The main way of travel to other nations in the region is by aeroplane. Every major city has a large international airport and Elias National Airlines (ENA) is a safe and reliable carrier which has a massive route network domestically, in the greater Middle East and all over the world. Major Ports are located in Kuwait, Port Said, Aqaba and Abdullah as well as Bahrain.

Immigration:

Anyone from any nation is allowed into Elias upon approval by an immigration officer and attainment of a valid visa (usually valid for no more than 30 days) from an Elias Embassy or consulate. Citizens/Subjects from Catholic Europe, Patrua and Paradise can enter United Elias without a visa for a period of up to sixty days. Anyone can be legally deported at any time upon request by an immigration or law enforcement officer. Upon entry to United Elias everyone's finger prints are taken in addition to a digital photograph.

Economy:

United Elias is one of the most economically powerful nations in the world for several key reasons: Firstly there are huge reserves of crude oil as well as other resources including natural gas. However there is also have an enormous industrial sector, particularly in hi-tech areas like computer technology, aerospace and defence as well as traditional industries such as auto manufacture, shipbuilding, metalworking and obviously petroleum refining. The economy of United Elias is dominated by large corporations or business alliances such as the influential National Agriculture Forum, and the free-market system is encouraged by very low tax rates and incentives for business to employ and expand.

Health Care:

Hospitals and Doctors in United Elias are some of the best trained and equipped in the region and there is a large pharmaceutical industry. However it is essentially a three tier system, where the top medical facilities and personnel are essentially just for members of the government and corporate leaders who can afford the huge insurance premiums. The second tier is what the majority of the populace must use and while it still retains reasonably good facilities, the levels of luxury and comfort are not as good as more expensive care. In order to qualify for this, patients must have medical insurance (normally paid by employers) or pay for individual sessions. In some circumstances state sponsorship is awarded. The third tier is much more basic where a state run system attempts to give vaccines and basic emergency care to all people for free, this does not include any form of surgical operation and the facilities are normally just small community clinics.

Education:

In United Elias education until 16 is paid for by the government and a reasonable standard is achieved with an emphasis on career related education. However nearly all upper middle class to wealthy families send their children to private schools where a much better education is given and pupils are almost certain to go to University. As far as higher education is concerned, it is up to the individual to pay for his education and for the top three Universities: Kuwait, Baghdad and Cairo this can be up to $60,000 annually. Most applicants however go to technical colleges or apprenticeships which are much cheaper and relevant to the nation's business and industry.

Federal Holidays:

• January 1st - New Year's Day
• March 22nd - Unity Day
• April 16th - Victory Day
• November 9th - President's Day
• December 11th - Inauguration Day

Numerous Religious holidays are also celebrated but are not decreed by law as state and religion are kept strictly separate. In some provinces other holidays are celebrated in accordance with local law.

History:

The nation of United Elias came about in the nineteenth century and the process started in 1831 when a severe flood and plague devastated Baghdad, enabling the Ottoman sultan, Mahmud II, to reassert Ottoman sovereignty over Iraq. Ottoman rule was unstable; Baghdad, for example, had more than ten governors between 1831 and 1869. In 1869, however, the Ottomans decided to appoint a native of Mesopatamia, Eliahu-Ezra Elias Pasha, who was also the first jew as well as the first non-turk to hold the post. Eliahu-Ezzra Elias immediately set out to modernize Baghdad and later other regions on the Western model. The primary objectives of the reforms, called the tanzimat, were to reorganize the army, to create codes of criminal and commercial law, to secularize the school system, and to improve provincial administration. He created provincial representative assemblies to assist the governor, and he set up elected municipal councils in the major cities. Consisting of largely prosperous businessmen and personal friends with no strong ties to the masses, the new offices nonetheless helped the region to spawn a sense of unity and for the first time, tribal and religious differences were left behind.

The Ottoman Exit

Seeing the dangers of the progress towards independence, the Ottoman Empire attempted to remove Eliahu-Ezra Elias from his position as governor and seeing this as an attempt to gain complete control over the country, the Army and a great majority of the populace remained loyal to their leader. This combined with military aid from Great Britain which saw the Ottoman Empire as a competitor, forced the Ottomans out. On April 16th 1876 Eliahu-Ezra Elias proclaimed himself as President of a new and independent nation which took the name of its founder.

In the wake of the death of Faisal Al Saud in Arabia, and the resurgence of conflict between the Al Saud and the Al Rashid, President Elias used the military to unite much of Arabia into the Republic, and more crucially to permanently weaken the influence of strict Wahhabi Islamic principles. Whilst known as a whole as the 'War of Unification', it can be separated into distinct events, the Najd Campaign (1886-9) and the Jabal Shammar Campaign (1888-9). Despite the Elias Army being well trained and equipped in modern warfare, the fanatacism of the Arabian forces and skill in using the terrain made this a costly and protracted though ultimately succesful war.

On December 11 1898, after 21 years of rule and twelve years of being President, Eliahu-Ezra Elias died of natural causes. Immediately, his son Abdullah Eliahu Elias, 38 at the time, took over as President. From 1898 to 1914, more progress was made ,and again with British help, more territory became part of the nation, including most of the arabian peninsular. During the Great War, the Elias Army and later the Air Force assisted the British Empire in fighting the remnants of the Ottomans, achieving much success but at a high cost. In return, the British awarded Elias with The Seychelles that have been run semi-autonomously ever since.

After the Great War

In the post war period the Economy in Elias was considerably better than most Western Powers at the time and this was when the emergence of an oil driven economy came about. This period of apparent prosperity led to industrialisation and factories were starting to produce more complicated products such as cars and railway engines. In 1939, after forty one years as President, Abdullah Eliahu Elias died and was replaced by his younger brother Meir Eliahu Elias because Abdullah's son, who was conceived at an old age, was deemed too young to be President.

Immediately President Meir faced the threat of Nazi Germany who immediately despised the nation of Elias both because its ruling dynasty were of Jewish descent and moreover because ethnic and religious differences were seemingly irrelevant in Elias society. In January 1941, under the terms of the 1930 treaty with Britain, Elias declared war on the Axis powers. Elias cooperated completely with the British and the nation became a major staging base for the military occupation of Iran and of Palestine, operations in which Elias forces also took part in to limited success and at great expense. At this time, the mandate over Egypt was ceded by the British to Elias, after anti-British sentiment had developed. The incorporation of Egypt was not without problems, and resulted in a protracted guerilla war against the elusive muslim brotherhood.

Post WWII

World War II once again dragged Elias's social problems to the surface. The spiraling prices and shortages brought on by the war increased the opportunity for exploitation and significantly widened the gap between rich and poor; thus, while wealthy landowners were enriching themselves through corruption, the salaried middle class, including teachers, civil servants, and army officers, saw their incomes depreciate daily. Even worse off were the peasants, who lived under the heavy burden of the 1932 land reform that permitted their landlords (shaykhs) to make huge profits selling cash crops to the British and other nations. This is widely regarded as the weak point of the nation and a time when revolution or a dissolution of the state became distinct possibilties.

In 1956 President Meir, looked to the USSR for assistance, as a feud with the British over the 1930 treaty, which had now become deeply damaging because of the economic climate in Elias. Although President Meir never saw eye to eye in ideology with the Soviet Government, he was the ultimate pragmatist and the Russians were more than willing to assist Elias in return for oil and more importantly for agreeing not to export oil to the West. Being a minor ally of the USSR also played well with the lower classes and further decreased the likelihood of religious in-fighting and also made the economy much less dependant on those of the West and therefore was convenient at the time. During this period, the government temporarily nationalised many infrastructure related industries partly to show it maintained control over the increasingly powerful corporations that were emerging.

During the presidency of Meir Eliahu Eias, the military also made massive increases and transformed from an increasingly incomptetent defence corps to a major middle-eastern power, mostly with Soviet equipment. From 1957-1963 an ongoing series of skirmishes with Southern neighbour Al-Ahzad highlighted the need for military reform and during this period, the Elias forces strengthened, in later stages winning most engagements, in stark contrast to embarassing defeats earlier in the campaign. In 1968 Elias forces conducted a military invasion of parts of Syria, in support of rebel leader Sabir who suceeded in overthrowing the Kurdish backed government. This operation was tactically skillful and demonstrated a high level of proficiency and proffesionalism, characteristics that have remained with the military ever since. President Meir was also responsible for making Elias a nuclear capable nation in 1971 with the opening of a Russian built reactor. The curious and somewhat ill fated relationship with the USSR lasted until 1975 when President Meir died after 36 years as President.

His successor President Victor, President Abdullah's son and Meir's nephew immediately set about a change of course and was embraced by the West. The frist crisis faced by President Victor was in 1978, when he ordered a military force into Jordan after calls for assistance from the Hashemite monarchy in fighting a republican revolution. However, some say purposefully, the Elias forces arrived too late to save the Royal family which went into exile after the assasination of the King and crown prince. After stabilsing the country, the Kingdom of Jordan was disbanded and became part of Elias in 1981. Due to extensive trade and economic liberalisation, the economy was in a period of massive expansion which continued right up until the 1990s. As a reward for changing allegiances in the cold war, Belize. a former British colonies, became an Elias protectorate. During this period, the position of the Elias dynasty was reaffirmed in society by major reforms in every area of government. President Victor was responsible for setting up the Federal Security Bureau in 1987 and in 1988 the Federal Intelligence Bureau, two agencies which replaced the Ministry of State Security which had acquired a reputation of corruption and incompetence. After the worldwide recession of the early 1990s, President Victor made massive investments in infrastructure and industry and successfully diversified the Elias economy making the nation less reliant on petroleum exports. Some also allege that during the 1990s many dissenters disappeared and that opposition was dealt with more severely, and in the most serious way since Ottoman rule.

The Modern Era

President Victor died in 2002 of natural causes and on November 9th, his eldest son was inaugurated as President Alexander. The transition of power was less than easy, partly because President Victor had been loved by the people and widely regarded as one of the most successful leaders of Mesoptoamia in history, and partly because of concern because President Alexander took power at the young age of 31. Therefore from January to March a period of what has become known as the 'nine week civil war' followed. However its name is somewhat misleading and it was more a question of street riots and several atrocities allegedly committed by the Army when martial law had to be declared in Baghdad and other cities. During these actions most opposition was crushed and order was quickly restored.

On 21 March 2003, President Alexander declared that the nation was united, and from that day on the nation has been known as 'United Elias'. Since then the nation has moved on in the spirit of President Victor and President Alexander has risen quickly to the challenges his job has brought. Also a stabilisation force has been used to control anarchy after the collapse of the Egyptian government. A plebiscite in the occupied territories then included Egypt part of United Elias. In this new era the military has grown significantly and extraordinary amounts of money have been given to ensure that the military is properly trained and equipped to defend its citizens and protect the nation's interest. More peaceful progress has been made and United Elias now has one of the largest economies in the Middle East and has used its power to help people all over the world such as with the removal of a tyrannical regime in Gabon. The Kingdom of Brunei also became an Elias protectorate. The President has also followed a program of Federalisation, giving more power back to the various regional governorates which is seen as a necessity to maintain control over a rapidly increasing population, and a throwback to the system of government of the late nineteenth century.