Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 48 Establishing a Character (Bonus Chapter)
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"About 70% of the oil we export each year goes to Western countries."

Prince Muhammad looked at his son and said, “This money will be used to support the royal family, build railways, hospitals, and your armored forces throughout the country.”

Old Muhammad's tone didn't sound like he was telling him the consequences of his actions, but rather like he was giving him a test.

If Lu Lin were in that position, what choice would he make?

“A ban is necessary, it must be an embargo,” Lu Lin replied firmly.

"why?"

"Because we need to use a strong action to deter our opponents and avoid further challenges," Lu Lin said decisively.

"If Shuangzhi loses its oil, it can simply revert to the nomadic people who once lived in the desert. It can take things in stride."

But Western developed countries cannot do that! They rely on their advanced industrial system to control the world, and industrial development is inseparable from oil.

Without our oil supply, their energy costs will skyrocket, eventually leading to inflation and economic recession…

Lu Lin clearly remembered the history of his previous life. After the Fourth Middle East War, Arab countries announced an oil embargo, which not only caused global oil prices to surge nearly fourfold, but also affected the United States.

And all of this happened in just five months.

Lu Lin continued his analysis: "Furthermore, the real adversaries that the United Kingdom and France will face are their allies in the surrounding areas. The Prosenians will not give up such a good opportunity for development."

"If we actually implement the embargo plan, I suspect it won't be long before the United Kingdom humbles itself and sues for peace."

“And what if they don’t?” Prince Muhammad asked. “Do you know how passive we’ll be if we don’t achieve our goal?”

Lu Lin was speechless for a moment. He was a transmigrator, and he could give answers directly to questions, but when it came to presenting facts, that was a bit difficult.

At present, Shuangzhi has not put an oil embargo on the agenda, and no one can guarantee what the consequences will be.

Moreover, not all Arab countries are rich in oil, and those that suffered the greatest losses in this war were not the Arab countries along the Gulf of Aryan waters.
“Just because there are some difficulties and risks, does that mean we shouldn’t do it?” Lu Lin couldn’t help but ask, “This time, the United Kingdom supported Zion in attacking Kirkuk in Al-Iraq, and we chose to remain silent. What will happen next time when their armored forces cross the Nedev Desert and their air force sounds the air raid sirens in Riyadh? Will we still have the right to resist then?”
Cowardice may allow us to linger on, but only courage will earn us respect and a chance at survival!

Faced with Western capitalism, simply yielding and turning a blind eye will only invite more blatant aggression and exploitation. Only by striking hard, even if it means inflicting heavy losses on both sides, can we make them wary.

“I didn’t expect you to be such a thorough hawk,” Prince Muhammad said.

Lu Lin: "The hawks and all that, they all call me 'the eagle of the desert' now."

“Perhaps you are right.” The prince took a sip of his drink. “But an oil embargo is not the right move to make right now.” Seeing Lu Lin’s puzzled expression, he added, “When playing face cards, do you play the two jokers right away?”

A question mark crossed Lu Lin's mind.

The question is, do we have any other cards to play now?
“I have a task for you.” Prince Muhammad tore off a check and casually filled in a dizzying string of numbers: “After you go to New York this time, spend all of this money. Don’t leave a single penny behind.”

Lu Lin took the check, and when he saw the number on it, his hand trembled involuntarily.

After a long journey of more than ten hours, the Shuangzhi royal family finally arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Three Boeing aircraft landed one after another on the runway, followed by a golden gangway bearing the royal insignia of the Shuangzhi family.

Clean water was splashed along the way, and red carpets were laid out.

Other countries' heads of state mostly use private jets for takeoff and landing. The United States arranges the meetings, and at most, reporters and press corps gather around to take photos.

On the other hand, Shuangzhi exuded an indescribable luxury from the moment the plane landed, with dozens of extended "L" brand luxury cars already prepared to pick them up, followed by an ambulance.

Both the custom-made gangways and the fleet of vehicles were prepared in advance by Shuangzhi's personnel.

Also present at the airport were Shuangzhi's traditional cavalry, riding white Arabian horses and carrying gold-inlaid scimitars; each was tall and imposing. Other national leaders were also in the airport waiting area at the time, and seeing such a spectacle, they couldn't help but look over with curiosity.

"What country is this?"

"Judging from their clothes, they seem to be from the Middle East."

White Arab robes formed a line of people at the airport, and the large retinues totaled more than three hundred people.

Such a grand procession immediately attracted many reporters to come and take pictures, but they were all stopped by the bodyguards.

"As expected, when you're traveling, you give yourself your own identity."

Lu Lin muttered to himself, Shuang Zhi rarely showed his face on the international stage, and his yellow military uniform stood out against the uniform white robes.

“Follow me in the next moment,” said Prince Muhammad.

As the two stood at the cabin door, the flashbulbs started going off. Prince Mohammed's presence at the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Shuangzhi had given the world a renewed understanding of this low-profile Arab power.

When Shuangzhi was mentioned, many people's first reaction was probably desert, backwardness, and abundant oil resources.

But things will be different from today. Such a luxurious display of wealth is overwhelming, and the image of a nouveau riche is dazzling to the reporters.

Lu Lin immediately understood what the old man was up to when he remembered the check Muhammad had just given him.

“Your Highness,” a well-dressed, middle-aged man stepped forward with a smile, “I am Clinton Ford, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United States.”

"Greetings, Your Excellency Minister." Prince Mohammed shook hands in response: "My brother, King Shams, has ordered me to represent Shuangzhi at this meeting, and I also hope that the United Nations can take the needs of the Arab people seriously and give the answers that people all over the world expect."

“Of course, the United Nations upholds a fair and impartial attitude and treats every member state equally.” Clinton’s smile remained unchanged: “A place to rest has been prepared for you here. Please take a moment to move over.”

“No need,” Muhammad said. “We’ve already booked a hotel in advance.”

Secretary Clinton glanced at the long queue and realized that the consulate could not accommodate so many people, so he sent a special car to accompany the motorcade, preparing to personally receive this distinguished guest from the Middle East.

During the conversation, the Minister and Prince Mohammed had a pleasant chat in the car. To Clinton's surprise, the prince from the Middle East spoke Saxon surprisingly well.

"You are the most fluent Saxon Arab I have ever met," Secretary Clinton said, sparing no praise.

"In fact, we are preparing to expand the domestic education system to include Saxon as our second language."

Just as the two bigwigs were discussing education issues, the convoy arrived at the Plaza Hotel in Central Park.

To Clinton's surprise, the hotel parking lot was almost completely blocked by luxury cars. These cars, which are rarely seen on the streets, were everywhere. Countless dignitaries dressed in their finest attire were chatting with each other, and he even spotted a few familiar actresses.

Are those Hollywood stars throwing another party?
As a legendary hotel in New York, it is rumored that the rooms here cost extremely high prices per night, and guests enjoy not only the service, but also the status and prestige that money brings.

"I'll have the area cleared immediately." The minister turned to instruct his secretary.

"It's alright," His Highness the Prince said with a smile. "These are all friends I invited."

Secretary Clinton was somewhat bewildered. So many people?

“If Your Excellency has the time tonight, you would be honored to attend the ball,” Prince Muhammad extended an invitation. “During the event, members of the Shuangzhi royal family will be staying here.”

Secretary Clinton couldn't help but ask, "And what about your entourage? Where do they live?"

“Of course we’ll stay in a hotel,” Prince Muhammad replied. “We’ve already booked the entire venue in advance.”

(End of this chapter)