Hope on a Far Horizon, Fear on the Shore: Notes from the United Imperium

September 20, 2097 |

Imperium to Brace for Humanitarian Fallout

With the ongoing Zentekan Insurgency in Crimea, the Ground Research Center (a non-profit organization that collects data and provides policy advisements to governments, corporations, news outlets, and the American people at large) has put out an "increased gen0cide threat" alert out for the Crimea, citing the gen0cidal past of both the Soviet Federation and the Zentekan Insurgency. In response to both the gen0cide threat and the possibility of a conflict escalation in the region, the United Imperium has opted to send a Carrier Strike Group from the European Theater Command to begin exercising in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to Secretary of State Katie Soldacher, the purpose of these exercises is to maintain readiness in the event that a rapid and urgent need for humanitarian support becomes present in the region. It is unclear whether the Imperium intends to support either side in the conflict in any way, but the fact that Regan is willing to make such a massive expenditure on these exercises shows that the Imperium is preparing for some level of conflict escalation, whether that be in other nations entering the conflict or if either party begins engaging in egregious crimes against humanity. 

Pictured: Supply Helicopter Flies Towards UINS Ulysses S. Grant in the Eastern Mediterranean As Part of Humanitarian Support Exercise

Regan Backs the Kherson Plan

Last week, Raritania took it upon themselves to develop the Kherson Plan, a treaty that could potentially end the Zentekan Insurgency. President Regan was impressed with the deal, saying that “The Kherson Plan is designed to be as fair as possible for both sides, while simultaneously tying the two belligerents together in a way that will prevent a future war or ensure that any future war is short and decisive.” While the Kherson Plan no doubt could have been a crucial step towards bringing an end to the violence in Crimea, both the Soviet Federation and Zenteka rejected the terms of the treaty. In response to this, Regan has put forth the services of the Imperium's diplomatic corps to help negotiate a peace treaty alongside Raritania, the Soviet Federation, and Zenteka, arguing that "ending the loss of life in the Crimea is imperative not only to prevent the threat of egregious human rights violations but also to ensure stability on the global scale." 

Pictured: President Regan Addresses the American People on the Question of the Kherson Plan and the Zentekan Insurgency

Failures of IFAPO, Rise of United Imperium Basketball Federation

Following the failures of IFAPO to see through the 2096 World Cup as a result of internal unrest in the Union of India, administrative failures, and political challenges, a shadow of doubt has been cast on the next World Cup. As the Imperium has recently been selected to host the tournament, fans of soccer around the world are questioning whether the current IFAPO organization is sufficient to run the World Cup, especially in this era of global tension. With this in mind, the United Imperium Soccer Federation has put forth a proposal to the IFAPO Congress to improve the efficiency and transparency of running tournaments under IFAPO, and has proposed to test these changes at the 2098 Copa America and the 2099 Nations Cup. 

As a result of IFAPO's failures, soccer has dropped to becoming the third most popular sport in the United Imperium for the first time since 2071, with football retaining its position as the most popular sport for the 37th year in a row. However, basketball has now skyrocketed to becoming the second most popular sport in the Imperium. The Imperium Basketball Association (IBA), while generally overlooked by the United Imperium Football League (UIFL) and Imperium Domestic Soccer League (IDSL) due to the popularity of the former two sports, has reached record viewership and match attendance records consistently throughout the season. This newfound burst in popularity has led the United Imperium Basketball Federation (which does the same job as the United Imperium Soccer Federation, only for basketball) to send an open invite to all nations to compete with the Imperium's Basketball National Team. If another nation wishes to compete with the Imperium, all they need to do is contact the United Imperium in order to set up a match. This is the Imperium's 2097-2098 basketball lineup:

Micro Headlines

All of the Imperium's Big Three Stock Indexes report gains on the same day for the first time since the start of the recession

Defending UIFL Champions Tel-Aviville Stars to release superstar halfback Dalvin Cook due to cap space concerns

Imperium 11th Generation Fighter Program is rumored to be nearing the first order from Imperium Air Force

Soldacher-Regan feud continues over Kherson Plan, with no end in sight

Congressional Bill to restrict filibuster usage, end restrictions on construction/housing industry fails to pass by one vote

Allegiance Stadium to Host UIFL Bowl XXXVIII