Legacy of The Tenth Crusade - A Divergences of Darkness Nation Quest [Finished]

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Egyptian Syria, Spring 1919 - The Arab League Conference Part 3
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"I'm afraid I'll have to reject such a generous offer," Hakim said, smiled at the king, shook his head, and stood up. "I'll see you at the conference tomorrow."

King Harroun scoffed and threw a hand up into the air, waving away the Egyptian. "I expected such a rude remark from such a disingenuous man like yourself. Take your leave! Tomorrow history will be written and it will not be you holding the pen!"

Hakim paused at the door. He turned and laughed. "I've published more than you, so we'll see." He opened the door and left the king to fume. Egypt would not betray its allies for poisoned deals offered by snakes.

===

The day had finally come, after much anticipation and haphazard organization the conference was upon them. Nearly a dozen countries had sent delegations to attend, resulting in hundreds of people packed into the largest auditorium that could be found in the city. Hakim found himself greeting familiar faces as members of delegations came up to speak to him before it began. Much to his distaste he saw several men from the Dutch East Trading company with the Funj delegation. The "VoC" worn on their suits as a point of pride as they discussed business. They were joined by a collection of Scandinavians that accompanied Oman, Iraq, and Adal, and a few Italians that arrived with Maghbre. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, though his mood brightened somewhat once he spotted Chairman Pedro Cazalla.

"New Afrika welcomes Old Africa back to the world stage," Cazalla said with a laugh, shaking the prime minister's hand. "We'll try not to make too much of a fuss but no promises."

Hakim laughed and smiled in return. "By all means, please make a fuss, we'll need the support."

"You can count on us then Let's get this charade under way."

The countries were initially sorted alphabetically to ensure there was no favouritism in the sitting, but that was discarded quickly as delegations moved their tables around to seat with their geopolitical allies. Turkey moved with Iran, while Nejd's allies followed Harroun's delegation around like ducklings. The two Black Sea Pact members' presence was protested by a few. Memories of Ottoman domination were still relatively fresh in many people's minds.

Egypt was no exception to that. Syrian delegates had attached themselves to Egypt as well, occupying a nebulous position as nominally independent. Palestinian delegates had joined Egypt's delegation too after Hakim had accepted their requisition for annexation. It'd gathered together with Morocco and Yemen under the joint banner of a provisional United Arab Republic. The declaration of which caused an uproar before the conference officially began. King Harroun vehemently denounced it as stacking the vote in Egypt's favour.

"The founding principle is one country equals one vote, yet Egypt has seized two other votes for itself in violation of this basic principle set down by the Arab League's charter!" King Harroun shouted, jabbing his finger in Harkim's direction. "I demand that Morocco and Yemen's delegations refuse to cast their votes or be thrown out of this conference immediately!"

President Nagi from Yemen shot to his feet. "Yemen has not ceded its sovereignty, instead we have expressed it in free association with our fellow Arab republics! If we were to discount countries on the basis of having allies then I forward Hejaz and Oman should be disqualified for their dynastic ties to Nejd!" He gestured from Harroun to the assortment of royals he'd gathered around him like trophies.

The two heads of state argued back and forth, shouting over each other without pause, until a speaker from Iraq's delegation spoke up, "my brothers we should not be fighting, not when there are Turks and Persians in our midst! We are meant to be here to chart a new course for Arab cooperation, peace, and unity! We can not be at each other's throats while other threats look on with eager eyes!" The Iraqi pointed directly at the Iranian delegation.

The Iranian speaker rose without hesitation. "We are here to ensure peace in the region, and do not appreciate baseless accusations levied against us!" The cycle of arguing only continued.

Hakim felt tension build in his head and let out a sigh. It was already off to a good start. Khouri leaned over to him and muttered under his breath, "Truly we are all brothers because only family can fight this viciously."

Hakim muttered in agreement. He glanced around the room to gauge the rest of the delegates. Those assembled watched the argument unfold with intent curiosity. The poor Egyptian and Syrian speakers selected to manage the room intervened to keep the room under control. It took a few more minutes of shouting before things calmed down and the agenda for the day could begin.

===

The first issue was the status of occupied territory seized from the Crusaders. Syria was nominally independent but in essence already part of Egypt in all but name. Iraq protested it as imperialism by Egypt, demanding it be given the northern portion of the country on the basis of righting historical grievances. Barring that, creating an independent kingdom with the Iraqi king's nephew on its throne.

"It's absurd for the Egyptian delegation to claim they're respecting Arabs' self-determination when they've come here to dictate terms to the rest of us. It's an absolute farce of diplomacy. They've conquered Syria, made secret treaties, and expect us to support them," the Iraqi delegate continued at length. "The Syrian National Congress is an Egyptian front organization meant to legitimize their rule. Syria demands its independence."

Syria's delegates began shouting in disagreement. Maghreb's delegation interjected to suggest a joint occupation of the region and a plebiscite to ensure fairness. "So that no party may dominate the region it should be split between Iraq, Nejd, and Egypt." The idea was poorly received by the members of the UAR, Syria in particular, but embraced by Nejd and Iraq. Turkey suggested it could be involved in the occupation as a third party, but that was shouted down by nearly everyone else out of fear of Turkey re-establishing its dominance.

"The suggestion that we should carve up Syria against its own wishes in the supposed name of self-determination is a bad joke," Hakim retorted, slamming his hand down on the table. "The people of Syria have spoken. They've said 'United Arab Republic!' Nothing more needs to be said."

"They are not a defeated people but our brothers and sisters, and I suggest members of this conference remember that fact," Khouri added, glaring at several delegations around the room. "We are not dismembering League members to suit the whims of a cowardly kingdom unwilling to help us in the fight against the Crusaders."

"Our liberation of Assyria was halted by Iran-"

"I'll make myself clear!" Hakim interrupted the Iraqi delegate. "Any attempt to partition Syria against its wishes will be taken as an act of war against the entire United Arab Republic! That should be the end of the discussion regarding Syria."

The Iraqi delegation looked between themselves, before the previous speaker said, "we'd like to rescind the proposal." The was mumbling throughout the room, an awkward pause in the discussion before moving on.

===

The Palestinians stated quite clearly that they had willingly joined Egypt. The issue therefore was settled. There were some minor protests from Oman and Hejaz, though nothing serious. The cost of rebuilding the country deterred most from contesting Egypt taking control over the country. The status of Jerusalem however was heavily contested.

Everyone either wanted it or to be part of the rebuilding process. Many words were spent on proposals on how to rebuild the city, with many waxing poetically about how it should be turned into a truly Muslim city. Salaam was an outspoken proponent of the idea, insisting that any surviving Christian churches should be torn down to pave the way for the future. Historic churches would have to go too. The city would be turned into a city of a thousand mosques, each grander than the last. Bricks recovered from destroyed mosques would be used as final touch stones in the process too. The status of Jewish sites of worship were glossed over by many Islamists and Royalists gathered there.

Jerusalem would therefore fall under the administration of Hejaz. The kingdom was a self proclaimed caliphate and the guardian of Mecca and Medina, therefore it only made sense for it to receive the city. That idea was not well received by members of the UAR or Black Sea Pact. Hakim insisted quite clearly that Palestianians had chosen to join Egypt, so it would be under Egypt's control. It was a simple matter of self determination. The people had spoken. The League had no place to make dictates.

Maghreb proposed the city be placed under joint administration by the Arab League. A council drawn from members would oversee the city, making it an international zone open to all members of the Arab League. It was floated as a compromise between multiple parties. Funj and Adal delegations spoke in approval of the idea, though not too strongly. They were gauging Nejd's reaction before coming down on one side or another.

"I'd hope our brothers from Egypt are willing to be reasonable in sharing the city. It would be selfish of them to hold it themselves when it belongs to all of Islam and all of us," King Harroun declared, sweeping a hand across the room. "I find myself agreeing with the wise suggestion that it be turned into an international zone. It should be run by a council with a single delegate sent every member of the Arab League, barring our friends from Iran and Turkey. I find this is a reasonable proposal, one that few could find fault in."

Salaam turned to Hakim and whispered, "it's a good idea. It makes us look reasonable."

Khouri interjected, gripping the minister firmly by the shoulder. "I can't help but wonder why you're over here and not over there."

"He has a point," Issa spoke up, motioning for his colleague to relax. "The city needs to be rebuilt and we've got our hands full with the rest of the country. It appeases them without conceding much."

"It all but cedes Jerusalem to Harroun. It's difficult to imagine a worse fate besides returning it to the Crusaders," Khouri curtly replied.

Hakim found himself nodding in agreement with Khouri. The numbers favoured Nejd more than it did Egypt. Harroun wanted the city for prestige. He'd have the ability to rewrite history by shaping the future city to his will. Thousands of years of history would be swept aside in an instant to suit the whims of a wannabe caliph. It'd finalize the damage done by the Crusaders, ensuring Jerusalem would remain a husk of itself forever.

It'd also be establishing an administration drawn from members he fully intended to go to war with in the coming months. Any international council wouldn't survive when three of its members were dissolved. Hakim could only imagine that Funj and Adal would withdraw from it if that happened. If put to a vote he was fairly confident the fence sitters would vote with Nejd's bloc to prevent Egypt from keeping the city, if it was put to a vote and not blocked.

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Jerusalem

Allow a vote on its status to occur? It is Palestinian, so Egypt would be within its rights to reject a motion by the Arab League to mediate in it.

[ ][JER] Yes

[ ][JER] No

Jerusalem's Status

If voting for yes above, please vote for how the UAR will vote.

[ ][SAT] Jointly administered by the Arab League

[ ][SAT] Remains under Egypt's control

===

The following matter on the agenda was the status of borders. It was supposed to be relatively straightforward. All members of the Arab League would respect each other's current borders and any border disputes would be handled diplomatically through the League. It was a step forward compared to unilateral and bilateral treaties done between single nations, or more often than not dictated to weaker nations.

Arguments began immediately as Iraq demanded the return of its territory. It had been seized by a Persian dynasty which had been defeated and conquered by the Azerbaijani Shaki Khanate, which unified Iran. The question of returning territory was a constant issue between the two countries. As a monarchy, Iran refused the demands on the grounds it was strong and Iraq was weak. It was theirs by right of conquest and as a historical region of Persia. As a republic, Iran refused to cede territory to an autocratic kingdom, especially since the people in the border territory enjoyed equal rights as other Iranians. The revolution had been kind to them, seeing money from oil sales poured back into their communities.

It also didn't help matters that significant oil reserves had been found in the border regions in Iran. Iraq was desperately surveying for its own deposits of crude oil, which was an expensive and ongoing project. If it was given former Iraqi territory it'd receive the infrastructure for free, even if the pipes to bring it to port would still be on Iran's side. Oman too had demands for Iran to hand over territory. It was still pressing its claims on Qeshm.

Iran's delegation did not appreciate being painted as the villains of the region. Turkey was equally upset when Iraq demanded that Assyria be turned over to it. Iraq's delegation was insistent it be given its pound of flesh. Egypt has refused to recognize Oman's claims and respect Turkey and Iran's borders. That was non-negotiable as far as the entire delegation, save Salaam and his Islamists, were concerned.

There would be no betrayal of their allies. The UAR and New Afrika fell in line behind Egypt. Issa spoke up against the motion put forward by Iraq and Oman. While he was a believer in diplomatic arbitration in principle, he would not stand by as reactionaries used it as a cudgel to justify land claims.

"We are all members of the Arab League, which entails respect for each other's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It may not make decisions which violates that principle without the consent of the affected party," Issa passionately stated, finger raised and hand shaking as he spoke. "What our friends from Iraq and Oman propose is nothing short of imperialism. We are seeking to free ourselves from arbitrary rules made against our wishes, yet here assembled in a free Damascus our brothers wish to dismember two of our members for their own gain…"

It came to a vote, in which a majority voted against recognizing Iraq and Oman's claims. Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and New Afrika voted against, compared to Nejd, Hejaz, Oman, Iraq, and Adal voting in favour. Maghreb and Funj abstained. It was a test of the conference as Iraq's delegation made a fuss about walking away but relented after allowing themselves to be talked down by King Harroun.

In the following vote on respecting current borders, it won. In a similar voting pattern as before, Nejd's bloc voted against it as they saw the border issues unresolved, which was defeated by Egypt's bloc.

===

On a lighter note was the matter of trade. It was agreed across the board that there had to be more integration between Arab economies. They were too focused on inward development and exporting to European, Indian, and Asian markets, rather than trading with each other. In a move to combat that, multilateral trade agreements between all Arab League members was put forward. It wouldn't be a customs union, but would lower barriers to trade and tie the economies between members closer together.

It was generally well received as a proposal. It'd establish a new organ attached to the Arab League: Arab Economic Council. The exact details of what any trade agreement would entail would be worked out by it at a later date. Issa supported the idea, saying it'd give Egypt access to even more markets, while Khouri was hesitant about the proposal. The establishment of the UAR and taking their place in the Comintern after the conference meant Egypt had plenty of options for trade.

Left unsaid was that Khouri expected non-socialist members of the Arab League to leave after Egypt's war with Nejd. He didn't expect Funj, Adal, or Iraq to stick around when the dust settled. In his mind the lines in the sand had already been drawn. The conference then was diplomatic posturing between them and little more. It was a view shared by a few others, Hakim included.

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Trade

Does Egypt vote in favour of creating the Arab Economic Council? It'd give the Arab League another institution and tie together everyone's economies once it's created. The war between Egypt and Nejd will happen before its up and running.

[ ][TRA] Yes

[ ][TRA] No

===

It was morning, the one of the last days of the conference, when rapid knocking came on Khouri's door. The general had set up his quarters on the first floor of the hotel, guarded by a few officers. It was further away from the barracks but close to the delegations. He rose quickly, worried it was urgent news.

The door opened, revealing a soldier sweating heavily on the other side. He mumbled that he had a message for the general and reached into his breast pocket, glancing at the guards on either side of him. They looked away for a moment, distracted by other people in the hallway and missed it as a gun was pulled out of the soldier's pocket.

It barked loudly as a round tore through Khouri's torso, blood splattering the floor behind him. The second missed as the assassin's arm was knocked aside as he was tackled to the ground. Shouting began as soldiers rushed to the scene to find Khouri tightly clutching his side. Hissing in pain, the general collapsed onto a chair as people called for a medic. The guards gave first aid, attempting to stem the heavy bleeding. The bullet had struck his side, near the kidney, and blood flowed freely from the gaping torso wound. An officer ordered that the hotel be locked down and that army doctors be rushed to the building.

Medics arrived at the hotel room as quickly as they could, taking control of the situation. They ordered around the soldiers to be an extra pair of hands as the hotel room was turned into an operating room. Space was cleared as the bed was stripped bare and the general's body moved onto it. He was conscious, if in serious pain. The gruesome work began almost immediately, scrambling to clean up the wound and access the damage. Bleeding out became less likely as more time went by, and he was moved to a field hospital where the army doctors could perform surgery on him.

===

Harkim was alerted of the attack when he was woken from his own room by his guards. For a split second he thought it was a coup, but the soldiers asked him for orders and he shamefully shoved that thought aside. Security around the Egyptian delegation increased and Khouri's Red Guards made their presence known, throwing looks of distrust at their fellow soldiers. Their commander had been laid low by an assassin dressed in an Egyptian uniform. They refused to let it happen again to their other charges.

"Can I see him? Is he alive?" Hakim asked his bodyguards.

"He's still being operated on," a guard solemnly said. "He'll survive, God willing."

Issa meanwhile muttered a prayer for Khouri. He was shaken by the news.

Unable to do help, Hakim was in a restless limbo. The conference was going to begin in a few short hours. Someone had shot Khouri, an Egyptian general, minister, and now war hero. It didn't bode well, his stomach turning into knots. Hakim rounded on the nearest officer. "You took the assassin alive, right? Find out who's behind this, immediately! They must be arrested."

The officer nodded. "At once, sir."

The news was worse as a telegram was received from nearby garrisons. Elsewhere in Palestine and Syria, several other assassination attempts were made on Red Guard officers. They were sloppy, haphazard, and uncoordinated, but widespread, like a plot gone off too early in a panic. Every triggerman scrambled to kill their targets before anyone caught onto the fact there was a plot at all. They were unfortunately successful in a few cases, as several officers were cut down by an assassin's bullets.

The assassins in turn were gunned down by their fellow soldiers, the unlucky few captured alive and dragged off for questioning. It was grim news that cast a grim shadow over the conference

"We… we have to postpone it. We can't go forward with it with potential assassins in our ranks," Hakim muttered, looking up from the floor to face Issa. "I'm afraid it's all been a waste of time anyway. We knew how it would go before it even began."

"Perhaps, but our allies have stood behind us on our side of the sand. That counts for something," Issa quietly assured his friend, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I believe you're right. The last week has accomplished very little, unfortunately."

Hakim solemnly nodded. "You're right. We've grown the League." He suspected by that time next year the only members would be socialists. He didn't expect Adal, Funj, and Iraq to stick around after the war against Nejd.

'War without its minister or general,' Hakim bitterly thought. Khouri wasn't the only man capable of command, the general had made sure of it. He'd be insulted if the entire military's operational ability hinged on him. The general staff he had organized were more than capable of managing it without their commander, and from their ranks a new minister could be chosen should the need arise. 'Ari's not dead,' he reminded himself.

===

The conference ended that day because of security concerns. All attendants understood the necessity and a few took time to make public statements about the matter. Many delegates wished him a speedy recovery. King Harroun was among them, hoping the general recovered, before remarking how unfortunate it was Egypt's own soldiers would turn against their commander, implying it was done by a Copt. Salaam meanwhile did more than imply, calling for the expulsion of all Copts from the army, blaming them entirely for killing Khouri. The general was still alive undergoing surgery at the time of Salaam's statement.

The other attacks elsewhere in Egypt had not become news. They were lower profile targets compared to the instant war hero that Khouri had become. The fact that the assassin had been taken alive was deliberately kept out of public knowledge. The interrogation of the captured assassins was underway when Hakim received good news.

After a few tense hours, the operation was over and Khouri was alive, sans a kidney. The identity of his would-be assassin was also uncovered. He wasn't a Copt. He was an Islamist. The order was given and a crackdown against them began.

===

Voting by plan is not required.