Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 239 "Debate" (Part Two)
The ceasefire agreement is not immediately effective, and Zion's Foreign Minister Elizer Barak has already arrived in Manhattan, New York.

The bus carrying Elize stopped at an unassuming office building in Midtown Manhattan, the headquarters of the Zion National Foundation.

Although the name may not sound impressive, the Zion National Foundation has been a major supporter of nation-building since the founding of Zion, with a history of over 70 years.

In the top-floor study, Elize met the organization's chairman, Modica Rosenthal, a middle-aged man with an elegant demeanor and wearing a top hat.

"I have already heard about the situation from the United Nations."

Elizabeth got straight to the point: "The Arabs have agreed to temporarily halt the bombing of Haifa, but we only have 72 hours."

"72 hours is enough."

Rosenthal crossed his arms and gave a confident smile. "We have long prepared the transport of supplies in the ports of Barcelona in West Spania, Lisbon in Lusitania, and Liverpool in the United Kingdom."

He handed her a list. Elize glanced at it quickly, her eyes gradually brightening.

This list includes military supplies ranging from basic medical supplies and food to ammunition, artillery, and even tank parts, totaling approximately 20,000 tons.

“This is wonderful,” Elize breathed a sigh of relief. “With these, we can get through this.”

“This is just the beginning.” Rosenthal stood up and stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. “We will provide more aid—food, funds, and everything else needed to keep society running.”

He turned and gazed at Eliezer: "Zion is the promised land of our religion. Although we are scattered throughout the world, it will always be our spiritual home. We will increase our investment to support Zion's economic recovery."

The atmosphere in the study gradually became harmonious and pleasant, and what they were doing, to put it bluntly, was using resources from other countries to give back to Zion.

A knowing laugh rang out from the study.

The agreement was finalized in a relaxed atmosphere. These overseas Zion organizations would take advantage of this gap in time to transport a large amount of supplies back to Zion, enabling them to regroup in a short period of time.

Rosenthal chuckled and sighed, "To be honest, we still don't want our relationship with Amir to become too strained. Shuangzhi is an ally of the United States, and we are also citizens of the United States. Maybe one day we can become allies."

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.

"Marshal Amir, thank you for your generosity and support."

President Duleva from Masr immediately expressed his gratitude to Lu Lin over the phone: "Your decision has solved our urgent problem."

The reopening of the Suez Canal is undoubtedly a lifeline for Masr, who is heavily indebted and on the verge of economic collapse.

"You're welcome, you deserve it," Lu Lin replied calmly.

Dullwa, well aware of the principle of reciprocity, said: "Your Excellency Marshal, I know the war is not over yet. Masr's ultimate goal is not to regain control of the Suez Canal, but to liberate the entire Sinai Peninsula. Zion wants to use some petty benefits to get Masr out of the war, but years of war have also shown us the true face of our enemy. As a member of the allies, Masr is willing to fight to the last moment with his Arab brothers!"

In fact, Duleva knew perfectly well that although Zion was willing to return the Suez Canal, the main force had not yet withdrawn from the Mitra Pass.

This means that if the other side wanted to, they could drive Masr's army back to the other side of the river at any time.

We might as well fight alongside the Allies to the bitter end.

After a moment's hesitation, Dulleva reminded him, "Marshal, Marshal made a huge mistake because he wasn't decisive enough, which ultimately gave Zion a chance to recover. I hope you can learn from this."

Lu Lin replied, "I am well aware of that."

The Phoenicians were also among the countries that expressed their gratitude, but it was not Pierre, the leader of the Falange, who called, but rather his deputy, Odaro.

Of course, many countries have also offered well-intentioned reminders, after all, the bloody lessons of history are right before our eyes, and no one wants to ruin this great situation.

However, some of them reacted in a more radical way.

"What? A temporary ceasefire?"

When Colonel Lev, who was far away on the east bank of the Hashim River, heard the news, he immediately called the Allied Command.

When facing Lu Lin, he bluntly pointed out: "Marshal, are you trying to repeat the mistakes of the First and Fourth Middle East Wars?!"

Lu Lin can now pronounce the other person's name correctly: "Lev Alexeyevich Rokosov, what makes you say that?"

Colonel Lev replied, “In my opinion, the most serious problem you Arabs have in fighting Zion is that you’ve given them a chance to breathe! Zion is a country with very little depth. If you just press on, you can completely crush them. But this war has dragged on for twenty years because every time you gain the upper hand, you let them receive aid!”

Is this what it means to be a second-generation military officer?
Lu Lin couldn't help but feel a headache when facing Lev. On the one hand, the other party often talked back to him, and on the other hand, Ant was standing behind him.

"At least this time you know to address me as Marshal, instead of calling me by my first name."

Lu Lin replied, "Do you want me to explain the tactics to you separately?"

Colonel Lev was speechless for a moment.

Because so far, he has personally witnessed the enemy's intricate plans. Facing Zion, this marshal not only strategizes on the battlefield but also utilizes the enemy's psychology and political maneuvering. It can be said that he has truly studied his opponent to the core.

Could it be that I made a mistake in my judgment?
"I wouldn't dare, it's just..."

"No, just execute the order and wait for further instructions."

Lu Lin interrupted him directly: "After the war, you'll have plenty of time to ask any questions you may have."

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.

Inside the Zion Treasury, Faisal Andy looked at the list of supplies, unable to hide his joy: "Excellent! This batch of supplies has arrived just in time. Food, medicine, and equipment needed for reconstruction. We can finally ease the tension at home!"

Over the past six months, Zion's economy has been on the verge of collapse due to full mobilization and resource control.

Seventy percent of the nation’s fiscal revenue is invested in defense, and the social atmosphere is extremely oppressive. The failed coup attempt led by the Likud party was the eruption of long-standing contradictions.

Hilbert scanned the documents, his face grim.

He was well aware that this was a policy shift involving exchanging resources for Zion.

"Overseas compatriots" are gradually increasing their interference in the affairs of their own country in the manner of saviors. Although not explicitly stated in the memorandum, the clauses on appropriately opening up political participation and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of donors undoubtedly lay the groundwork for the division of benefits after the war.

“How many options do we have left?” he asked wearily.

“The front lines need supplies, and the citizens need food. Without these, we will collapse even faster,” Andy said in a low voice. “Besides, they’ve already prepared the propaganda for us.”

Hilbert remained silent for a long time, then finally waved his hand as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders: "Let's do it their way this time." Soon, the new broadcast began playing on a loop throughout the streets of Tel Aviv.

At the same time, the government announced the lifting of some restrictions, including the resumption of Sunday worship services, the reopening of liquor stores, and the removal of food purchase limits.

The long-lost aroma of bread began to return to the streets, and the rich fragrance of coffee wafted from coffee shops once again.

This scene, which had not been seen for several months, finally reappeared on the streets of Tel Aviv.

People gathered around the radio, eating the sweet bread they had just bought, listening to messages of support from their families overseas: "Dear compatriots! When war burns in our homeland, when the enemy tries to isolate us from the world, please believe that you are not alone."

The anxiety or solemnity on many people's faces turned into bewilderment, which made them seem to see the coming spring after the war ended.

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.

However, just two days later, a bombshell announcement spread like wildfire throughout the world.

A year later, the Arab Petroleum Union, led by Shuangzhi, announced another oil embargo.

The scope of this embargo is unprecedented—any country that facilitates the transportation of supplies to Zion or has a large pro-Zion lobbying group within its borders is included in the sanctions list.

The United Kingdom, France, West Spania, Lusitania, and other countries were prominently listed, and even the superpower United States was not spared.

Has Shuangzhi gone mad?
Most countries can understand the sanctions imposed on other countries, but the United States?
Aren't you allies?
Regardless, as soon as the news was released, international oil prices surged within just four hours.

After the last oil crisis, international oil prices had stabilized at $12 per barrel, but now they have broken through the $18 mark and the upward trend shows no signs of slowing down.

For developed European countries, last year's oil price surge still haunts them like a nightmare, especially the United Kingdom and France, two old colonial empires. How long ago did they take Arab countries seriously? Now they have to hold an emergency cabinet meeting overnight to deal with this economic storm at the highest level of alert.

At the same time, they cried out that they were wronged.

At the outset of the war, both countries announced their separation from Zion and the cessation of official aid, yet they are still subject to sanctions.

In desperation, the hotlines of world leaders attempted to connect to Riyadh, hoping to meet with King Muhammad of Saji.

However, the Royal Office's response was remarkably consistent: His Majesty is busy with state affairs and will not be receiving foreign guests at the moment.

But the political elites of these old empires were shrewd, and they quickly realized the hidden meaning behind it. The Arab move was aimed at countries that used it to transport supplies to Zion.

Now, if they want Arabs to change their tune, they must sever ties with the Zionist groups within the country.

Privately, Shuangzhi had already made arrangements with the United States.

King Mohammed and President Fdal personally spoke by phone and reached a new "deal" on the oil embargo.

Among these, the measures, such as "boosting the president's approval rating," "winning over the support of energy groups and agricultural states in the Midwest," and "expanding oil exports to Europe," are direct and crucial benefits for President Ford and the United States at present.

Furthermore, given that the United States and Shuangzhi were at a crucial juncture in their discussions on "pegging the dollar to oil," the two sides quickly reached an agreement.

Those Zionites in the country used to make empty promises and smuggle national supplies overseas, and everyone turned a blind eye. Now they should all stand at attention and wait to be reprimanded.

As a result, a purge of overseas Zion organizations was quickly launched.

Almost on the same day the embargo was announced, Zion offices from New York to London, from Paris to Madrid, were subjected to surprise inspections by tax, customs, and financial regulators.

Previously unimpeded "patriotic supplies" are now being detained at the port on grounds such as "incomplete documentation" and "need for further verification".

Funds being wired to Zion were also frozen en route.

It's estimated that the review will be completed after the war is over.

Only a small portion of supplies can still be transported to Zion, but compared to the current predicament facing China, it's just a drop in the ocean.

This sudden change forced Zion to tighten its previously gradually opening economic and political policies again, causing prices to soar like a runaway horse.

That brief period of leniency was like a fleeting moment.

-

On the front lines, recruit Conrad stared at his plate, his brow furrowed.

"Didn't they say we'd have beef stew with potatoes today?" He poked at a few wilted vegetable leaves on his plate with his fork. "Last night, the platoon leader said that the aid supplies from our overseas compatriots had arrived, and we'd be able to improve our meals today."

The quartermaster distributing the food threw his spoon into the bucket with a jarring thud: "That's all. If you don't eat, you'll go hungry."

Conrad shrank back and muttered softly, "But..."

“But what?” the quartermaster interrupted coldly. “Do you think I want to give you this? The last batch of canned goods in the warehouse was distributed yesterday. Take it or leave it, this is an order from above.”

After the quartermaster pushed the food cart away, the veteran Mosh came over, broke a compressed biscuit in half, and handed one to Conrad.

"It seems something serious has happened."

Mosh lowered his voice, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily. "I bet none of those overseas supplies have been brought in. Did you notice the shelling this morning? It was much sparser than usual. Even the artillerymen were conserving ammunition."

Just then, the familiar roar of engines came from the sky. Conrad instinctively tried to crawl into the bunker, but Mosh grabbed him.

“Wait a minute,” Mosh listened intently, “that sound sounds like a transport plane.”

Sure enough, flyers rained down like snowflakes. Conrad reached out and caught one; it had the following words printed in bold black letters:

[A Letter to All Zion Soldiers: Following an agreement reached between the Arab League and the Zion government, Zion's armed forces have completely withdrawn from the Sinai Peninsula, and sovereignty over the region has reverted to the Republic of Masr; all Zion troops have withdrawn from southern Phoenicia, and the region has been placed under the jurisdiction of the legitimate Phoenician government.]

These were all the truths, but to these soldiers, they were being heard in a completely different way.

A deathly silence fell over the position. The soldiers who had been holding the line for days looked at each other blankly, and even veterans like Mosh looked bewildered.

They had endured days of bombing on this front and witnessed the casualties of countless comrades, but now, all of that seemed to have lost its meaning.

Conrad looked at the beautifully printed flyer in his hand and began to wonder for the first time: Who exactly were they fighting for?

(End of this chapter)