Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 170 Sunset
"Click."

A UN journalist invited by the Arab world captured the scene with his camera.

The camera zooms out, including Lu Lin, who is standing to the side with a blank expression and raising his gun, as well as the Allied officers around him with various expressions.

Inviting UN journalists is a gesture by Shuangzhi to show that they are not aggressors under the banner of revenge, but a righteous army to reclaim lost territory.

Ibrahim looked at the reporter who was checking the film and said to Tamiyah beside him, "It's a pity that it wasn't that old acquaintance, the lieutenant general, who came; otherwise, the report might have been more insightful."

He was referring to Armani Press—who had almost never missed a single historic moment for Amir, from the Battle of Nukoshir to his speech at the United Nations and his medal ceremony.

Except for the one in Garnum.

However, Press is currently too busy to deal with the matter, as all his energy is focused on the United States' Watergate scandal, a scandal that has shocked the world, and there are still countless truths waiting to be uncovered.

Taimiye said, "It doesn't matter. Anyway, we have no shortage of topics on our path of advancement. Whether it's taking the Golan Heights or besieging Damascus in the future, it's never too late for him to come."

He looked at the officer Al-Iraq who was collecting Qasim's body: "I wonder how the Arab world and the Western media will evaluate you, Lieutenant General, after the news gets out. Will you be a general with strict military discipline or a dictator who acts arbitrarily?"

"Whether we win or lose is irrelevant," Ibrahim replied, arms crossed, watching Lu Lin's retreating figure. "If we win, we're a tough, heroic figure; if we lose, we're a tyrant and a traitor."

That's all. "

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Mediterranean climate is unpredictable. After several days of continuous rain, the Galilee Plain finally welcomed the blazing sun.

With the help of good weather, the Shuangzhi army's offensive pace accelerated significantly. The armored units, organized into companies and platoons, launched multi-pronged attacks and sophisticated tactical maneuvers across the vast plains.

Instead of engaging in prolonged battles with enemy strongholds, they utilized coordination between units and the long-range precision strike capabilities of artillery to efficiently eliminate enemy tanks and firing positions along their advance route.

From the air above Galilee, the armored columns of the Twins appeared like sharp knives cutting into the Zion defenses.

Before many Zion's defensive nodes could be adjusted, they found their flanks exposed to enemy fire, and the entire land was covered with charred marks, like ugly sores.

In the eyes of those Zion soldiers, the Twins forces that encountered them head-on seemed to be able to see through every weak point in Zion's defenses. It was not a simple armored assault, but a calm and efficient destructive force.

With a resolute air, they were determined to tear apart any defenses that tried to stop them.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sultan sat in a supply truck heading to the front lines, still adjusting to his new responsibilities.

After Prince Muhammad personally sent a group of logistics officers to the front lines and had his brother execute them, the escort of logistical supplies became of paramount importance.

At this point, a person with sufficient status who can win the trust of both the frontline and the Ministry of National Defense is needed to take on this position.

As Amir's older brother, Sultan was undoubtedly the best choice.

He was quickly transferred to the military headquarters and promoted directly to lieutenant colonel.

Logically speaking, Sultan should be considered to have received a promotion, but he felt somewhat heavy-hearted.

The thought of the soldiers fighting bravely on the front lines while others were making these underhanded moves in the rear, and his younger brother not only having to command the entire army group but also having to be constantly on guard against his own people, filled him with deep anxiety.

How much pressure can his older brother actually relieve for him?
At that moment, Major Fatah's voice came through the radio: "Lieutenant Colonel, I have a supplies allocation plan here that I would like your review."

To be honest, Sultan knew nothing about managing supplies, and his appointment to this position was mostly due to his status.

This Fatah was a trusted confidant sent to him by the old prince; he was someone he could rely on.

Sultan listened patiently to Major Fatah's report, then said sincerely, "Major, you and I both know that I am here primarily to coordinate and represent. Professional matters should be left to professionals. You are fully responsible for the specific scheduling and arrangements."

Sultan knew his own level of expertise and understood the principle that no layman should instruct an expert.

Major Fahad paused for a moment, then replied, "Understood, Lieutenant Colonel."

Before receiving the mission, Fahad actually thought that this Sultan would be a talented leader like his brother.

However, for Fahad, having a self-aware boss undoubtedly saved him a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

With the end of Shabamba, Shuangzhi is about to welcome its next important festival – Eid al-Fitr.

This is a festival that combines religious sanctity, family reunion, and culinary celebration. In Islamic countries, its status is no less than that of the Lunar New Year in Seris.

With the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, even the shadows cast by war and domestic and international turmoil have largely dissipated.

In accordance with ancient tradition, the King of Shams, accompanied by a large number of royal family members, went to the largest temple in the capital (QZ Temple) to hold a grand festival prayer.

"Perhaps I should announce to the people our victory on the plains of Galilee—we have thwarted the 'invincible' Zionist army. There is no more exciting news than this!" King Shams said with great enthusiasm.

Prince Mohammed, standing beside him, nodded in agreement: "You are right. This victory will also pave the way for our modernization reforms."

Not only members of the royal family, but also tens of thousands of ordinary people gathered in the square outside the temple, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

The Great Mufti smiled and greeted the King, who, dressed in a simple and clean traditional white robe, stepped forward and exchanged brief greetings with the representative of the highest royal and divine authority in the country.

"May peace be with you, Your Majesty."

"You too, Your Excellency Mufti."

The Grand Mufti gestured for him to proceed, and the King of Shams stood at the very front, facing the direction of Mecca, his expression solemn.

Sunlight bathed the magnificent temple rooftops and devout worshippers; this prayer was not only a religious ceremony but also an important demonstration of national unity and the legitimacy of the monarchy.

Standing behind him, amidst the vast royal crowd, Ziad gripped a pistol tightly.

Ziad himself suffered from mental instability and an extremely biased personality, which led him to blame his brother's death entirely on the reforms brought about by the "Progressives" and the inaction of his adoptive father, Shams. Moreover, the leader of the "Progressives" was King Shams.

After being rejected that day, this radical young man struggled for weeks before finally seeking answers and revenge in the most intense way.

"We follow the will of God and heed His teachings," King Shams said, leading the princes in prayer from the platform. Ziad watched his adoptive father's retreating figure, wondering whether aiming for the head or the torso would be more prudent.

Or perhaps he could just fire a shot into the sky and make sure everyone remembers what he looks like as the Avenger?

His marksmanship was terrible, but he only had one chance.

He simply didn't intend to go back alive.

Just as Ziad was in turmoil, the prayers stopped. King Shams looked around and finally pointed at Ziad.

All eyes turned to him.

Ziad's hand holding the gun immediately froze.

"Come here," King Shams said with a smile, beckoning him.

One part of the ceremony requires the king and a chosen minister to kiss the Quran. This honor usually belongs to a young prince or the most outstanding prince—for example, it was Amir last year, now the commander-in-chief of the Arab Allies.

As for who to choose, it all depends on the king's mood.

Ziad didn't know why his adoptive father had chosen him.

But he suddenly realized that this was a golden opportunity.

He suppressed his excitement, lowered his head, and walked step by step toward the king on the high platform.

This is an opportunity that you absolutely cannot afford to miss.

The imam in charge of assisting the ceremony pulled Ziad by the arm to guide him to his position, but he found that the young man's muscles were very stiff.

Although it was a bit strange, he simply assumed it was because the other person was too nervous.

He then told Ziad when to bow his head, when to follow the chanting, and adjusted his posture and gestures.

Ziad's mind was now entirely focused on finding an opening to draw his gun and fire.

The Great Mufti declared to the entire assembly: "Now, let us silently repent and purify our hearts before the Most Gracious and Most Merciful God."

Everyone bowed, closed their eyes, and bowed their heads in prayer.

Ziad stood up straight, opened his eyes, and drew his pistol.

He silently pointed the gun at his adoptive father.

He also heard the other person's final prayer: "May the Lord forgive me, for through my negligence I have lost a son."

Now you know how to repent?
Ziad was so angry he wanted to laugh. He tried to pull the trigger, but found his index finger wouldn't obey him.

Hesitant?
What am I hesitating about?
He gritted his teeth and questioned himself.

The imam standing nearby twitched his ear, and Ziad immediately put away his gun and pretended to pray.

At the same time, cold sweat broke out.

That was way too risky.

He looked around nervously, and his gaze met that of a man.

The man looked at him.

He looked at the man.

"He must have seen it," Ziad thought to himself.

But the next second, the man pulled out a gun from under his white robe and aimed it at him.

"Bang!" The gun rang out.

The gunshot startled everyone present, including the princes, who looked up in bewilderment.

Ziad's heart clenched, but he felt no pain.

"Bang! Bang!"

Then two more rapid gunshots rang out!
But at this critical moment, he felt himself being pushed away with all his might!

"His Majesty!"

"Protect the King!"

"Catch the assassin!"

Only then did the religious police realize that an assassination attempt had been made and began to arrest the assassin.

The scene instantly descended into extreme chaos, with panicked shouts mingling in a jumbled mess. The guards frantically rushed towards the man who had fired the shot, quickly subduing and disarming him.

Ziad, who was lying on the ground, turned his head and saw that King Shams was lying straight on the ground.

Blood quickly stained the other person's white robe; everything happened so suddenly.

Immediately afterwards, princes, guards, doctors... countless people surged forward, their chaotic figures forming a curtain that completely separated him from his father.

A fear greater than death gripped his heart.

He opened his mouth, but found that he couldn't make a sound.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: My brother won't die.

(End of this chapter)