Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 209 Talks
In the council chamber of the Royal Palace, Muhammad, representing the two leaders, was meeting with Erich von Stern, the Secretary of State of the United States.

Erich still had those dark bags under his eyes, looking like he could die from overwork at any moment, but his eyes were still as sharp as a hawk's.

"First of all, please allow me to express my condolences on the passing of King Shams."

Erich spoke first, his tone filled with emotion: "The world is always changing in unexpected ways. Your Majesty Muhammad, in just a few months, both Shuangzhi and the United States have undergone earth-shattering changes."

Muhammad said calmly, "It's alright, just a few minor troubles."

Then Erich looked at Lu Lin: "I almost forgot, I must also congratulate you, Your Highness Amir. You have proven yourself, and you are the one we have been waiting for who can rewrite history."

Here it comes, the classic PUA from the United States.

Lu Lin didn't take the bait Erich was offering, and maintained a polite smile on the surface.

"The purpose of my visit with this delegation is to restore the in-depth cooperation between our two sides."

Erich stated frankly, "President Ford emphasized that DoubleWrite is not only an important partner of ours, but also an indispensable part of our global strategy."

King Muhammad nodded: "Both sides cherish this friendship. Since we both recognize the importance of cooperation, let's discuss some specific matters now."

The talks then entered a substantive phase, with the United States demonstrating unprecedented sincerity.

When making friends, you definitely need to bring some tangible gifts.

"Regarding the nationalization of Aramco, the United States government is willing to step in and persuade the four major domestic oil companies to accept a plan that gradually reduces their shareholding."

"Secondly, there's cooperation within the military-industrial complex. We are willing to assist Shuangzhi in establishing a standardized and complete defense industrial base, from small arms ammunition to tank engine repair and overhaul plants, and even the production of communication equipment."

Ehrlich spoke confidently: "I must emphasize that our technical standards and system integration capabilities far surpass those of Ant Group, and we will be able to cultivate a valuable pool of industrial workers for Shuangzhi."

"So what are the conditions?"

Faced with this issue, Ehrlich first put forward a series of conditions regarding the import of oil, weapons, and even military bases, ostensibly to strengthen the ties between the two sides. At the end, he added an extension: "In addition, all of Shuangzhi's oil trade must be settled in US dollars in the future."

Upon hearing this, Lu Lin unconsciously straightened his back.

All of the previous points were insignificant; only this one touched a nerve. Anyone who has studied junior high school history will be familiar with the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.

"Is this a move to change the dollar's peg from gold to oil?"

"However, isn't it a bit too early for this to happen now?"

"Could it be that the 'oil embargo' made the United States realize the value of oil, so they brought it forward?"

Lu Lin pondered to himself.

However, in any case, given the current situation, Shuangzhi has no other choice at all.

The "dollar-to-oil" system is a crucial step in the United States' strategy for the global economic system, and the United States cannot back down from it.

Of course, once accepted, Shuangzhi will be deeply integrated with the United States and will fully enter the fast lane of high-speed development.

Muhammad was very shrewd. Although it was the first time he had heard this extended meaning, he sensed the profound impact it might have. However, he remained outwardly calm and said, "It's getting late, everyone should rest for a while. I have already prepared a dinner."

Ehrlich smiled and agreed, "Indeed, there's no need to rush. We have plenty of time to continue the discussion."

At the banquet, Lieutenant General James from the United States approached Lu Lin. He was a general with ruddy cheeks and a head of white hair standing on end.

His role this time is to negotiate subsequent arms trade deals.

Lieutenant General James began, “The United States will continue to provide assistance to the Shuangzhi’s campaign against Zion. More M60 series tanks will be sent to the front in the future. You fought brilliantly in Damascus. The UN Special Envoy, Elanderson, publicly praised you. They even want to award you the Nobel Peace Prize. There is a lot of international support for you now, Your Excellency Amir.”

Can you win a Nobel Peace Prize for fighting?
Lu Lin took it as a joke and said, "Lieutenant General, there is one thing I feel very clearly on the front lines: the next phase of our battle will be more difficult. We need more effective methods than traditional armor-piercing shell countermeasures to strike the enemy's armored units, rather than simply piling up numbers."

Lieutenant General James frowned: "Oh? You mean the M60A1 isn't reliable enough?"

Lu Lin hesitated for a moment before replying, "No, that's not entirely true. Tanks are still very effective against soft targets or defensive structures, and they also have high mobility. However, more and more weapons and equipment that can counter tanks are appearing on the battlefield now."

According to our post-war statistics, in high-intensity combat, a tank without any cover has a more than 40% chance of being destroyed if exposed for more than 30 seconds. This shows that tanks are becoming increasingly difficult to survive on the battlefield, and most tank destruction is caused by anti-tank missiles. Since anti-tank missiles are far cheaper than tanks, this further reduces the cost-effectiveness of tanks.

Lieutenant General James nodded upon hearing this: "I've also heard about trenches and landmines. The Zionians have built countless fortifications on their own land, all of which pose a deadly threat to tanks."

"Yes, so I'm preparing to shift my focus to the air, and I hope to procure a large number of military and transport helicopters."

In the context of the Middle East battlefield, helicopters are undoubtedly a new force that disrupts the balance of power.

Low-altitude flight can effectively evade radar, and the addition of anti-tank missiles makes it a hunter of tanks, while tanks find it difficult to counter aerial threats.

Lieutenant General James pondered for a moment: "Currently, there are no plans to sell helicopters abroad, but this is a visionary proposal. After we return and study it, we will send someone to discuss it in detail with His Highness."

"What are you talking about?" Muhammad asked as he strolled over.

"I have benefited greatly from listening to the insightful opinions of the younger generation."

Lieutenant General James stepped back, giving Ehrlich space.

Huh?
Lu Lin didn't even notice when the Secretary of State appeared beside him.

Erich smiled and clinked glasses with the King, then said, “Your Majesty Muhammad, I must say that the modernization process you have been promoting in the country, as well as the top-down reforms, are truly impressive.”

His tone was tinged with complexity: "This reminds me of the time when President Luo was in power. We were both in a period of war, and we were both taking measures to punish the country's nobles and powerful families. Perhaps what you are doing now is not accepted by some people, but your descendants will be proud of your courage and vision today."

Lu Lin suddenly said, "Success doesn't have to be achieved by me, but I will definitely be a part of it."

These words immediately gave Erich pause for thought, and he nodded, saying, "Well said, that's right."

As the banquet drew to a close, Erich offered a subtle reminder: "The United States has always believed that a strong, stable, and unique Diz is the cornerstone of regional peace. But each Arab country has its own unique path of development. There is no need to learn from others; what is important is to find the path that best suits us and then firmly follow it."

Muhammad nodded: "That's exactly what we've been doing."

(End of this chapter)