GLOBAL NEWS FLASHES EXCERPTS (w/c: 05APR21)
SOURCED BY: Fox News
- Hyperinflation feared in Finland, Presidents Virtanen and Basuda to meet to discuss bi-lateral military and trade deal; West, IMF silent
For one of the first times in recent history, a modern West democracy – indeed one of the most stable of all, before the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 knifed nearly all economic global growth – is under scrutiny for the beginning signs of a severe fiscal deficit. Finnish President Virtanen, to the consternation of economists and anger of political allies and opponents alike, refused to engage her party in talks of an economic stimulus package at a time when supply of basic goods and services – including wheat, petrol, and, in some places, electricity - has withered due to prolonged or broken supply chains and demand is nonexistent as a result of a series of highly restrictive lockdowns enforced throughout the pandemic. Preliminary research suggests, nearly overnight, inflation rose 24%, likely a result of President Virtanen’s flagging response to the pandemic’s destructive toll on rural industries in the south and southwest.
Sources within the administration have stated that several emergency meetings were made at the Capital overnight, at least two of which were to the Russian President Basuda. Basuda hosted the Finnish, Belarussian, and several other heads of state over the past month, with the main topic on how to stabilize the sudden surge of socioeconomic turmoil that has unseated many of the governments of Eastern Europe over the past year, primarily due to the pandemic. Rumors abound that President Virtanen has asked for additional talks with President Basuda, with speculation around the possible sale of coastal territories, such as Oviaukko Island, for the exploration of oil and gas deposits in the sea floor, offering a much needed injection into the troubled economy.
- Amphibious task force, 7th Fleet, under steam towards Myanmar
Over the weekend, the military junta in control of Myanmar enacted government control over all wireless internet services. The move comes as an attempt to interdict continued efforts from pro-democracy groups to coordinate additional protests, which erupted across the country over the past week since a stray bullet from a military convoy killed a 4-year old girl. At least 555 people have been killed since the junta overthrew the elected government earlier this year.
American President Richardson justified the potential provocative maneuver “in the face of Chinese indifference to suffering of patriots, and defenseless women and children” in Southeast Asia. The task force consists of a hospital ship, an Australian corvette, and two littoral combat ships – capable of deploying resources including humanitarian supplies but also munitions and Marines at a moment’s notice. Many commentators are wary of any military action in the region – under the umbrella of the growing Chinese monopoly – but granted the American President that the order is rather restricted and reserved.
- Military build-up on border of Ukraine, Russia; NATO discusses response
“More than any time in the past two decades,” NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said early on Easter morning, “Russia has again mobilized nearly 20,000 soldiers and positioned them in offensive positions to the Ukrainian north, east, and south.” The number amounts to nearly 28 Russian tactical battalions, stretching the already porous Ukrainian military to anxiety-inducing levels.
In response to the dangerous game of showmanship, British and French heads of state jointly released a statement, promising “defense of our Ukrainian allies, irrespective of this Cold-War-like Russian game of brinkmanship and reminiscent of earlier twentieth century bullies.” To back up their statements, both countries – along with German supporting assets – are preparing to deploy nearly 10,000 soldiers to the region.
The American President Richardson, although calling on all heads of state to ensure diplomatic channels remain open, provided unequivocal support for his European allies. Although still keeping all options on the table, it currently seems that the U.S. is content to allow the British and French governments to lead the response to this particular instance of Russian aggression. The policy move has been received poorly, interrupted as both unwillingness and inability of the American government rather than a deliberate move to hand over additional autonomy to local allies – and focus attentions at home and to the Pacific.
These published news excerpts are the fictional works of the S-2 Intelligence Team of the 506th IRRU.
