Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 240 Piercing (Part 1)

The new royal palace in Riyadh has been bustling with activity lately.

In the past, this place was mostly filled with nobles and royalty in white robes, but now it is crowded with envoys from various European countries in suits.

The purpose of these political elites is self-evident: they are all here for the oil embargo that was implemented not long ago.

The United Kingdom's Foreign Minister, Halifax, stood at the entrance to the palace, his usually calm demeanor unusually stirred.

As the first senior British official to make an official visit to Shuangzhi in nearly a decade, his experiences along the way have overturned his preconceived notions about Middle Eastern countries.

The road from the airport to the royal palace was wide and smooth, lined with billboards showcasing local brands. The streets were filled with traditional Arab markets as well as elegantly decorated cafes, and young people in traditional robes rode bicycles through the streets. This was nothing like the conservative religious country he had imagined.

While not every passerby greeted him, he could see the confidence and pride radiating from the faces of the residents of this country.

When Halifax stepped into the palace, he was even more shocked by the sight before him.

This palace, which blends modern design with traditional Islamic architecture, is just as luxurious as Buckingham Palace.

The high ceiling of the hall is a masterpiece of Islamic art, the walls are decorated with Quranic verses embroidered in gold thread, and the corridors are lined with artworks from all over the world, from Seres celadon to European Renaissance paintings.

As the foreign minister from an old empire, Halifax should have scoffed at this kind of "nouveau riche" extravagance.

However, the composure and confidence displayed by the Shuangzhi nobles made it seem as if this wealth was innate, and coupled with the inherent historical heritage of the Arab world, it all seemed perfectly natural.

In Halifax's view, Shuangzhi was not like the small Middle Eastern country he had imagined, but rather a highly developed, modern Islamic power.

"Your Excellency Minister,"

A courtier, dressed in traditional attire yet possessing an extraordinary air, gracefully bowed and said, "His Majesty now has time to see you. Please follow me."

As Halifax passed through several extremely luxurious halls, he couldn't help but take an interest in the artworks along the way. He used to look down on Islamic art, but now he found the exquisite geometric patterns and calligraphy quite charming.

In the reception room, Halifax finally met King Mohammed. He was just about to pay his respects according to Islamic tradition when the king unexpectedly extended his hand.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Halifax reacted quickly, immediately grasping the king's hand to ease the awkwardness, saying, "I thought that in your country, we all had to follow Islamic etiquette when bowing."

Muhammad responded, “It depends on you. We respect tradition, but we also embrace modernity. A handshake is a good courtesy.”

Halifax was even more surprised by this answer; he hadn't expected Shuangzhi to be more open than he had imagined.

As the talks progressed, Halifax gradually relaxed.

“Your Majesty,” Halifax carefully chose his words, “the United Kingdom has always attached great importance to its relationship with Shuangzhi, and we have noticed the remarkable achievements your country has made in modernization in recent years.”

Mohammed smiled and said, “Change is the theme of this era, Mr. Minister. We preserve the essence of tradition while embracing new things with an open mind. For example, we are now promoting some Western entertainment projects such as cinemas, while also encouraging our people to participate in traditional sports such as cricket and stick fighting.”

Halifax nodded. "This balance is difficult to maintain, especially in the context of globalization. How to maintain cultural characteristics while achieving modernization is a challenge that every country must face."

The King leaned forward, “This is precisely Shuangzhi’s development philosophy. We believe that tradition and modernity are not mutually exclusive. True wisdom lies in finding a balance between the two. Shuangzhi is willing to cooperate with countries around the world while maintaining its own cultural identity.”

Halifax astutely seized upon the key point of the conversation: "Speaking of cooperation, Your Majesty, the United Kingdom has always been committed to promoting international economic exchange, and we believe that there is vast potential for cooperation in the energy sector."

“Energy is indeed an important issue.” Muhammad nodded. “However, I am more interested in whether we can cooperate in a wider range of areas, such as education, science and technology, and infrastructure construction. Shuangzhi is promoting an economic diversification strategy, and we hope to learn from the successful experiences of other countries.”

As the conversation deepened, the topic gradually shifted to economic cooperation and common development.

Halifax discovered that the newly enthroned king was not only well-versed in international affairs, but also had unique insights into the global economic landscape.

“We live in an interdependent world, Mr. Minister,” said Mohammed. “No country can stand alone. Shuangzhi is willing to establish cooperative relations with all countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.”

Halifax smiled sincerely: "Your Majesty, the United Kingdom fully agrees with this idea. We believe that through strengthened dialogue and cooperation, we can achieve common prosperity."

The talks lasted for more than an hour in a friendly atmosphere, and on his way back to the hotel, Halifax couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

This meeting showed him a Shuangzhi that was completely different from his traditional impression—a country that both respects tradition and embraces modernity, and maintains independence while remaining open and inclusive.

At the same time, he also saw a rising star.

Although further investigation is needed, the country already possesses many of the necessary factors for economic take-off and has passed through the initial "primitive accumulation" stage.

Capitalist countries have always pursued interests, so how could Halifax, as the special envoy of the United Kingdom and a representative of them, not be tempted?

“Perhaps it’s time to turn the page on history,” Halifax murmured.

He secretly resolved that his first task upon returning home would be to promote the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the royal family and Shuangzhi, and to set up the United Kingdom's embassy in Shuangzhi as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, similar meetings were also taking place in the palace.

In addition to the United Kingdom, Mohammed also met with envoys from France, Proscenica, and Southern Scandinavia. During the talks, the parties held in-depth consultations on future development plans and energy cooperation.

Almost every visitor who initially looked apprehensive left with a renewed glow, having not only received answers that exceeded their expectations but also witnessed unprecedented opportunities at Shuangzhi.

As for the Zion issue, it seems to have been forgotten by everyone long ago.

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.

Shuangzhi Expeditionary Force, Frontline Command Post.

Lu Lin is reviewing documents related to weapons and reserve troop deployments.

He basically just draws a circle and considers that as enough.

The main problem is that the handwriting is not good, and the name is too long, making it inconvenient to write.

Shortly after the oil embargo, most developed countries in the world began to voluntarily restrict the "free overseas aid" provided by Zion organizations within their own borders. This resulted in the number of cargo ships heading to the port of Tel Aviv not only not increasing, but decreasing significantly to less than a quarter of the original number.

According to an assessment by the Tel Aviv bureau of the International Financial Review, Zion's foreign exchange reserves have fallen below the safety line, forcing the government to reactivate the emergency rationing system, further damaging the already fragile economic structure.

This has led to a new wave of public protests in Tel Aviv, which are now escalating.

However, faced with these positive news, Lu Lin did not rush to act, but instead chose to let the situation develop further.

"marshal."

Ibrahim reported: "The reconnaissance brigade has sent back intelligence that the Fifth Army has begun looting Haifa, which indicates that their wartime reserves are running low."

Lu Lin stopped writing; this was the signal he had been waiting for.

He stood up and slowly stretched: "It's about time. Call Bandar over."

A moment later, a travel-worn Bandar strode into the command post and saluted Lu Lin: "Marshal! All units are ready and can launch a general offensive at any time! I assure you, give me twelve hours, and we will definitely break through the enemy's Fifth Army's defenses!"

"They're preparing to launch a full-scale offensive."

Lu Lin looked at the eager Bandar with a hint of pity: "But I called you here to inform you that you are handing over command of the front lines to me."

Bandar's face instantly fell.

No, didn't you already have your fill of fun before? Why isn't it over yet?

How could a marshal take over the job of an army group commander?
But he swallowed his protest in the end and replied sullenly, "I know."

Lu Lin tossed a calligraphy copybook to Bandar, a remnant from his recent practice of Rus' Arabic calligraphy: "Here you go."

Previously, apart from the first day, the operations were all small-scale and low-intensity, but this time they are finally going to get serious.

“Before we begin,” Ibrahim said, “should we say something to boost morale?” It’s an old tradition.

After so much groundwork, the time to reap the rewards has finally arrived, and even Lu Lin feels a bit excited.

These past few days have been agonizing not only for the soldiers of Zion, but also for him, though he had to endure it without sending troops.

Lu Lin said, "Notify the entire army that the headquarters has moved forward."

"Let them handle it."

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.

Haifa front, Fifth Army, Zion position.

New recruit Conrad chewed on the wilted greens in his mouth and couldn't help but complain, "Why do these leaves smell musty?"

"Be content." Veteran Mosh rummaged through his lunchbox without looking up. "In a few more days, I'm afraid we won't even be able to eat this."

Vegetables were considered a luxury on the front lines because they were difficult to preserve, so most of them were canned or stewed.

A few sporadic gunshots rang out from the position. Conrad mechanically raised his gun and fired a burst into the distance before skillfully retreating back into the trench.

This had become his daily routine. Whether he hit the target or not was not important; what mattered was using up the ammunition and meeting the shooting quota.

"Will the Arabs attack again?" Conrad asked after the battle.

Mosh picked the dirt out of the soup: "What difference does it make whether they attack or not? To be honest, I don't care anymore. Look at us now. Just a couple of days ago, the army was telling us we would receive aid and support from overseas, but look at us now! Our food and fuel are all 'stolen' from Haifa because the residents have all been evacuated! They've cut off our communication with home, saying it's an emergency, but it's clearly just a way to keep us from knowing the situation back home. It's probably not good news."

A soldier with a face covered in grease chimed in, "That's right. I heard the logistics department was trying to repair the oil pipeline to the port, and it was bombed as soon as it was finished. It's like the Arabs have eyes in the sky; we're guarding an empty city here, and we can't even manage our logistical supplies."

Conrad couldn't help but interject, "Why don't we just give Haifa to the Arabs?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

The recruit's words revealed the thoughts that everyone dared not touch in their hearts.

Just then, the familiar sound of artillery fire rang out again.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The soldiers instinctively lay down, waiting for the routine bombing to end; as usual, the shelling would stop after half an hour.

But this time it seems to be taking a bit longer.

Veteran Mosh suddenly looked up and, amidst the continuous explosions, caught a strange sound. He then risked leaning out of the foxhole and raising his binoculars.

“Mosh, you’re insane!” Conrad exclaimed.

Mosh remained unmoved, but the sight in the telescope caused his pupils to shrink sharply.

On the distant horizon, countless tanks advanced in dense formation, with armored vehicles following behind, and armed helicopters like falcons soaring overhead.

Leading the charge were dozens of main battle tanks adorned with blue flags, breaking through the front-line defenses at an astonishing speed.

Behind these tanks, the rest of the troops charged like madmen.

The sound was as powerful as the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart.

Mosh's heart sank into an icy abyss. He grabbed the radio and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Final offensive! The Arabs' final offensive has begun!"

The entire position was thrown into chaos. As everyone hurriedly returned to their positions, the steel torrent of blue flags swept towards the crumbling Zion Line like a flood bursting its banks.

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.

From the air, the torrent of steel surged toward the densely packed, multi-tiered defensive lines.

The two sides began exchanging fire from a distance, with self-propelled guns deployed on the flanks firing in unison.

Countless scorching bullet marks streaked across the sky above the battlefield, and sparks of fire exploded across the vast expanse of land.

As they closed the distance between them, the main guns of the vanguard tank group spat fire, the coaxial machine guns roared, and a dense rain of bullets pelted the enemy's front-line positions, kicking up clouds of dust. Smoke grenades fired by anti-aircraft vehicles created moving barriers along the route of the charge.

Immediately afterward, the pre-buried anti-tank mines exploded one after another, but the following troops did not hesitate to bypass the wreckage and continue to crush it.

Zion's defenses have fully awakened, but their opponents' offensive speed has not only not decreased, but has become even faster.

The distance between the two sides is getting infinitely closer.

In the end, the raging tide clashed with the defensive line.

At that moment, it seemed as if the whole world was shaken.

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.

"Yes, the Twins have launched a full-scale attack on our forces." Altra held the receiver; the other end of the line was Zion's headquarters.

Yesavishin's voice came through the electricity: "The General Staff originally planned to send the 7th Army as reinforcements, but all logistical lines have been cut off. Without fuel and ammunition, even if the 7th Army arrives, it will only be another isolated force trapped in the city. We can only send two reserve divisions into Haifa city first, at least to maintain control of the port and main streets."

Oltra listened in silence, the subtext of which was clear: they could only rely on themselves.

“Haifa is Zion’s most important industrial center and strategic port,” Yeshavishen’s tone turned stern. “You must hold out to the last man and not retreat a single step.”

Ortra took a deep breath, his voice unusually calm: "The Fifth Army and I will fight to the very end."

After hanging up, he immediately connected with Lieutenant General Eitan, commander of the Sixth Army, and the sound of artillery fire was deafening on the other end of the line.

“The Surrians are also pressing forward on all fronts,” Ethan’s voice was punctuated by the noise of explosions. “It seems the Arabs are determined to devour us this time.”

“They never fight unprepared battles,” Oltra said. “The timing and intensity of this attack speak for themselves.”

Both men fell silent on the phone, knowing that there was likely no turning back in this battle.

“Etan,” Oltra suddenly spoke, “it is an honor to fight alongside you.”

A deep male voice came through the receiver: "Me too."

-

[November 17, 06:00, Shuangzhi Expeditionary Force artillery group began bombarding the defensive lines of the Fifth Army in Zion.]

[November 17, 06:45, the vanguard of the 11st Armored Division of Shuangzhi made contact with the outer perimeter of Zion, and an initial skirmish broke out.]

[November 17, 12:20 PM: The first line of defense at the foot of Mount Zion Karmel was breached.]

[November 17, 19:15, Zion's second line of defense was breached.]

[November 18, 8:50 AM: Shuangzhi's army completed the cutoff of the coastal highway, severing communication between the Fifth and Sixth Armies of Zion.]

[November 18, 14:40, Zion's Fifth Army suffered a complete rout, and Shuangzhi's forces completed the encirclement of Haifa.]

【.】

That evening, at the Fifth Army Headquarters in Zion, Lieutenant General Oltra announced the loss of positions outside the city and ordered all remaining troops to retreat into the city of Haifa, turning the battle into street fighting.

(End of this chapter)