America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
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1997- The Question of North Korea
1997- The Question of North Korea
The Starving Hermit
It was only barely a few days and President Arlen Specter would already would he be having to deal with quite an interesting developing situation. He would be called over to meet up over with the Zhao Ziyang of the People's Republic of China and Chief Director of the SUSR, Georgy Arbatov. While it was a meeting of congratulations for his election and for the two leaders to get to know him, there was something else on why it was the three of them here. The two in particular was interested in speaking with Specter on account of one issue that they realized needed to be solved: North Korea. Askew did leave behind a couple notes over regarding the observations and the growing troubles of North Korea, but now President Specter would be thrust into a meeting of great powers to figure out a solution given how much of the situation has esculated.
With the death of Kim Il-sung back a few years prior, his son Kim Jong-il would take over the nation along with inheriting the cult of personality. Jong-il would declare his father as the Eternal President of North Korea, all but abolishing it while its position would be divided into three different positions, with Jong-il himself being head of the military alongside with the other positions of the premier and parliament chairman. Unfortunately, fortune was not favorable to Jong-il. While the Sovereign Union would still be willing to help out North Korea, the transistion period of the SUSR itself meant that assistance was going to be pretty limited for the first few years. In addition, a flood back in 1995 would lead to famine because of the crops and infrastructure being heavily damaged, marking Jong-il's first years as potentially disasterous and a potential omen of what was to come. This would be reinforced when Jong-il would use it to try and consolidate power and forcing more of the military up front to handle the situation. In fact, some of the intelligence reports would note that this would be the development of a new political philosophy known as Songun. Literally meaning "military first", it was meant to synch up with the preexisting "Juche" policy that North Korea was running under right now. Beyond just focusing on military expenditure more than anything else, it would allow Jong-il to maintain power, given how there was an increasing pressure to try to change.
However, the larger concern was on nuclear weapons. The fall of the USSR and rebirth into the SUSR along with PROC's political reforms concerned the Kim dynasty and it was becoming increasingly clear that they were determined to try and obtain nuclear weapons for what they claimed would be deterrence of foreign aggression, but if one would read between the lines, it would be done to try and prevent the Americans or the Chinese from toppling the government. The Yongbyon nuclear reactor remained a prominent target for them and while it seemed that discussions would be making headway, President Specter believed that it was kicking the can down the line. The fact that North Korea would rather focus more on arming themselves rather than trying to deal with the crisis going on in their country showed a large lack of trust. One of the policy counselors in particular described one meeting as some "extortion attempt" regarding additional aid in the exchange of no nuclear development, but worded in a very roundabout matter. Ultimately, an answer had to be reached...
Korean Reunification
Reunifying Korea has been on the talking board ever since the Germans did so. The Koreans maintained some desire for it, but it was becoming clear that it would be alot more difficult to achieve. A major factor making matters difficult was North Korean leadership; the objectives they were putting with Songun was incompatible with what South Korea was wanting. While Juche was a bit more appealing to the descendent of the Joseon hermit kingdom, it was very unlikely to be taken seriously due to economic realities rendering it unfeasible. The SUSR was somewhat impartial over to what happened to North Korea as long as change did happen since they would likely not want to help a volatile ally. China was a bit more complicated. Their goals regarding the Koreas could be described in six words: "no war, no instability, no nukes."
President Specter would become aware of the geopolitical situation. While China was willing to be more flexible with North Korea, they had their own situation to think about and naturally, anything like a war or invasion would be against the nature. That said, Specter noted how North Korea would likely cross the line at some point or may decide to flout the authority against them. However, it was here that Arbatov noted something... that the problem was with the North Korean govenment... or perhaps more specifcially, the Kim dynasty. Arbatov brought up the legacy of de-Stalinization and how such a process may be needed to stabilize North Korea and make reunification possible. However, it was pretty clear that the Kim family would need to be taken care of in some form or fashion for this plan to be possible.
And thus, dirty business would need to be done. Specter was not too happy with this, but realized it needed to be done. It would also give a bit of breath to the SUSR as it would be easier to justify preparing aid to a friendlier and more managable government. Ziyang saw it the same though he also saw this as a chance for the PROC to make further deals with the west. After all, a unified Korea would bring peace and South Korea was not that close over to the west to where a sort of neutrality or favorability could be reached. Of coruse, this was easier said than done... after all, this was just some conversation and an informal arrangement. Of course, this did not mean the goal could not be done...
After all, the Kim family wasn't entirely unified in the rulership...
Kim Out, Kim In
There were two people of prominent interest over in the Kim family: Vice President Kim Yong-ju and Kim Pyong-il. Yong-ju was Kim Il-sung's younger brother and thus Jong-il's uncle. The two were not on good terms with relations falling out over in 1974 due to a power struggle between him and Jong-il. One large reason was because of Yong-Ju having a more orthodox view of Marxism and thus was opposed to the cult of personality forming. As such, he would be a good candidate for the Sovereign Union to try and reach out for a potential alliance. The other candidate was Kim Pyong-il, the paternal half-brother of Jong-il. While Jong-il fell out of favor thanks to his behavior and being seen as a threat to the cult of personality. Pyong-il was easier to reach given how he was North Korea's ambassador to Finland and thus he would be able to communicate over to the SUSR on a potential offer.
The time to act was now.
Jong-il would be invited to one more meeting for a sort of ultimatum during talks over with the Chinese: for UN staff to come in for thorough investigations regarding the nuclear research along with a stronger deal to go and secure more aid. At this more hardline offer, Jong-il would refuse to budge along with the pulling back of the military expansion and the deal would fall apart soon afterwards.
Only hours later... Kim Jong-il would be killed in a large explosion over within along with several staff members. Chinese investigators with some North Korean support would reveal that this was the result of a gas leak and someone lighting up something in a tragic accident. And thus, Jong-il's reign would end before it would really begin, especially with no decided line of secession or at least an heir from him.
North Korea's leadership would be sent over into a massive shake-up, especially when the news would come out. However, to fill in the void would be Vice President Kim Yung-Ju, ascending to power and securing deals over to deal with the famine and flooding going on with China. Loads of aid would start coming in and as Chinese officials came in to help their ally, they also used the chance to purge any loyalists to Jong-il and even II-Sung. Kim Yung-Ju noted he would remain in power for 5 years before passing it off over to his planned successor, that of Kim Pyong-il.
North Korean Aid & Change
Jong-il's family meanwhile would be cared for though it was clear that there were large changes happening, including on leadership. Kim Jong-nam, Jong'il's oldest son, noted he nor his family had little interest in power and would support his grand-uncle to do what is needed in the wake of this horrid tragedy. While the people mourned, it was a rather strange and quiet affair... Yung-Ju would would become Grand Secretary of the Workers' Party in Korea and would begin purging the party of those who would be against the upcoming reforms, based by the Chinese and SUSR programs to help the economy recover. In the meanwhile, to help rebuild relations with the Americans, North Korea and the United States would arrange a deal that would provide large foreign aid to help out with the famine over in North Korea along with medical attention, with the approval of the new leadership.
It was quite an overwhelming bit of change for North Koreans, but with such a disaster in the famine and the death of Jong-il, such support and kindness was welcomed, a major first process in what the new government would unofficially call "de-Kimification", referring to undoing the cult of personality. One way was to encourage the people to embrace more orthodox faiths to fill the void, especially among the older generation with Korean Buddhism and Chondoism becoming the most prominent of the faiths being promoted by the North Korean government. For the youth, the hope was with the gradual opening, that they would overcome it on their own. Lastly, as part of another plan over to further give hope to North Koreans, the new government would announce peace talks with South Korea along with new opportunities to be done.
It would be the beginning of a transition process for quite a different North Korea...
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Yup, hope everyone likes the update on North Korea. I figure with the famine and flooding, someone would want to make a move, especially given the different situation. Even with the SUSR being there, I did gather North Korea may still try something if because juche principle along with also some of the people on the inside.
But yeah, here it's the beginning of the twilight era for the Kims, especially since Yung-ju and Pyong-il would both dismantle and disregard the cult of personality formed, though how will it go will be... interesing to see.
But yeah, de-Kimification would be alot like "de-Stalinization", which would include reversing a fair bit of the policies with no explanation, something like "Khrushchev's "Secret Speech" happening, removal of monuments in lieu of older Korean figures or Buddhist statues and so on.
But yeah, here it's the beginning of the twilight era for the Kims, especially since Yung-ju and Pyong-il would both dismantle and disregard the cult of personality formed, though how will it go will be... interesing to see.
But yeah, de-Kimification would be alot like "de-Stalinization", which would include reversing a fair bit of the policies with no explanation, something like "Khrushchev's "Secret Speech" happening, removal of monuments in lieu of older Korean figures or Buddhist statues and so on.
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Cool update regarding North Korea, many of who's political figures I know little about.
Spring 1997- Red River Regulation
Spring 1997- Red River Regulation
Comet Hale-Bopp, making closest approach to Earth after discovery in 1995
Comet Hale-Bopp, making closest approach to Earth after discovery in 1995
President Specter would get plenty of prestige for helping out over in North Korea with aid regarding the famine there along with the loss of leadership. While the President suspected of what may have happened, he said nothing over on the matter and announced a new age of peace and cooperation over with North Korea along with the potential hope of Korean unification one day. While such plans had been considered, the leaders of both nations have decided that it would require time along with the people's input. For now, there was just relief at the growing disarmament on both sides along with relief and support for the North Koreans who were slowly encouraged to go to the outside world and see for themselves how is it like. The economic reforms would allow for the economy to recover, but there was not much outside investment going on. Additionally, it was unsure how much influence would be present, especally with leadership looking forward. After all, the arrangement would have Kim Yong-ju resign after 5 years and Kim Pyong-il take power for 5 years, but aftewards, some sort of election would need to be have, even if influenced by the party, who was changing alot. Juche was being removed from prominence and various policies and stances reversed. The process of "de-Kimification" would be attempted as quickly yet thoroughly as possible. One venue was shifting the focus of veneration to orthodox religions or the ideals of socialism. While Yong-ju would be getting SUSR and Chinese support, Pyong-il would be focusing more abroad in diplomacy, especially over in South Korea along with the western world as well.
Of course, while there was peace developing over in North Korea, other places were having conflict with mixed success in dealing. A potential war over in Zaire would manage to be averted thanks to the cooperation of the US and SUSR regarding the end of the Mobutu regime with Étienne Tshisekedi becoming prime minister and assistance from both powers to stabilize his reign and to deal with cooperation over in Zaire. Outside violence spilling into the region was avoided thanks to the efforts of the mercenary group hired by Ethiopian and South Afican forces and they along with France would finish up in Rwanda, including capturing RPF leaders such as Paul Kagame as suspects for the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana. Papua New Guinea would be dealing with the Sandline affair as questions were raised over by the status of Bougainville Island and tensions would see the mercenaries of Sandline International being arrested. [1] Tensions were still mounting over in Yugoslavia... it was quite busy over in foreign policy with its ups and downs to say the least. Even at home there were problems, with the stunning news of a mass suicide by a strange religious group known as "Heaven's Gate". [2]
Yet despite all of these issues, the people pressed on. The Red River flood would be quite the deluge over for the communities along in Minnesota, North Dakota and even southern Manitoba. However, despite the massive waves, a good chunk of the damage was diverted thanks to the dikes and flood systems created. Manitoba had theirs done back in 1968 and while initially viewed pejoratively, it would now be redeemed. [3] North Dakota and Minnesota would end up developing their own systems to deal with flooding over during the last years of the Udall administration and early years of the Askew administration, thanks to federal aid, environmental concerns and increasing popularity of progressive ideas. As such, the flood damage was less worse than it could have been and rebuilding and financial assistance of the people would follow up with the people of the states along with Canada helping out further in Manitoba. In a fair bit of news over for the world of computing, IBM's Deep Blue computer would defeat Garry Kasparov in the last game of the rematch, the first time a computer beats a chess World champion in a match. [2] Many saw this as showing further the potential of computers and if it could plan chess strategies better than humans, what else could it plan, especially in 5 years or 10 years? Russia in particular would be interested in this possibility as some of the old guard were revisiting an old idea...
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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_in_the_United_States
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_Red_River_flood
1997- The Iranian-Turkish War Pt 3
1997- The Iranian-Turkish War Pt 3
Death of a Leader
The missile crisis with Cyprus. The Susurluk scandal. The economic sanctions. Turkey has not been faring well as the war kept dragging on. What started as a patriotic fervor fueld by the fear of Sèvres Syndrome began falling apart as the war dragged on. Turkey's military forces were formidable, but so were Iran's who had spent the last several years preparing for the war while also having veterans from their previous war. Meanwhile, they had their allies in Iraq, Kurdistan forces, the Turkish Kurd freedom fighters and later Kartvelia and Armenia while Turkey was suspended from NATO. As such, Iran did have the advantage here. Over time, that advantage grew larger as more and more misfortune was piling over for Turkey. While they expected that Turkish Kurdistan would be overrun relatively quickly given they'd have the support of the people there along with the Kurdish uprisings, the invasion of the northeastern lands caught them offguard along with the inclusion of Armenia and Kartvelia into the fight. Despite that, they still had the support of the people and the nationalist sentiments fueled them into rejecting a surrender over when all of Turkish Kurdistan was now occupied.
And then the Susurluk scandal broke out. The revelations of the connections of the Turkish deep state, mafias and especially the Gray Wolves and their activities caused quite a backlash among the Turkish people and especially over on the world state. From their ultranationalist sentiments to their covery operations abroad, including fueling a coup attempt over in Azerbaijan after joining the SUSR, the association with the Gray Wolves gave a large blow to the Turkish government and the world powers responded in turn. The SUSR would enact sanctions on them while Greece would resubmit their proposals to the EU on what should be done over to Turkey, with said proposals being taken more seriously now. The political sphere over in Turkey, once unified in standing against the war, began cracking considerably as people began speaking out and organizing, and in turn, the Turkish government began suppressive policies over in the name of national security. However, this reactionary zeal and nationalist sentiment would lead them into further trouble when they would try to antagonize Cyprus when they would attempt to purchase missiles from the Russians. In trying to bully the island nation, they would sink Turkey's reputation even lower within the nation and abroad. Greece began pressing harder for the EU to do something and even began considering for war while the SUSR took a moment to flex their might with the implication that further escalation attempts would get them involved as well. All of this just kept Iran's resolve going as each new incident would fresh fuel to the fire to do so, but even they knew they would need to end it soon, especially since they would achieve all of theri objectives.
And then Alparslan Türkeş, founder of the Nationalist Movement Party (which would later merge with the Welfare Party to become the Nationalist Welfare Party) and the Prime Minister of Turkey would pass away in early April from a heart attack. And days prior to this, Deputy Prime Minister Tansu Çiller of the True Path Party would resign. from politics. With this loss of leadership would also shatter the ruling coalition of Turkey. The nation would be sent into a panic as all the issues vomited out violently. The Nationalist Welfare Party began turning on each other while the True Path party was desperate to do damage control over everything that has been happening. People finally reached their limit.
Turkey's Surrender
With the death of Alparslan Türkeş along with the resignation of Tansu Çiller, snap elections needed to be held to try and fill in the power void that was lost. It alos provided Iran with another opportunity to get Turkey's surrender. After a few weeks of debates and discussions, the voters would go to the polls and choose. Eventually, a new coalition would be chosen with the True Path Party aligning over with the Motherland Party and leading to Ahmet Mesut Yılmaz becoming Prime Minister, having the unenviable task of dealing with all this. The nationalist sentiment cracked from ther weight of the economic sanctions on them along with the political scandals and the surmounting defeats. And days later, Iran would invite the Turkish government for talks.
Iran made clear on what objective they were wanting: Turkey's surrender and with it, the following major demands:
- The surrender of the occupied lands designated as Turkish Kurdistan over to the nation of Kurdistan, recognition of Kurdish independence and sovereignty and renouncing claims on those lands.
- The surrender of the lands occupied by the Armenian and Kartvelian forces to be annexed and thus fulfilling most of what was due to Armenia from the Sevres Treaty. This along with renouncing Turkish claims on those lands.
- Turkey's acknowledge of the Armenian genocide and their responsability for it
And thus, Turkey completely surrendered.
The New Status Quo
The Turks had been feeling from the occupied lands for a while now though for some places it was easier than others. For some of the most difficult spots, it would be in the cities that Armenia gunned for the hardest and coveted, that of Erzincan, Erzurum, Kars, and Trabzon. Plenty of Turkish citizens fled as it was becoming clear the war was lost. Despite the ferocity the Armenians gunned for these coveted cities, they were surprisingly magnanimous over with the Turkish people regarding the occupation and te upcoming annexation. While it was not that surprising that the Armenians would close to the Kurds and some of the other minorities in the area such as the Pontic Greeks, it was surprising to see the level of restrain though many figure it was because of influence from Iran, practicality and other reasons. That being said, it was made very clear that Armenia got their land back and would not be giving it up.
Armenia and Kurdistan were the most jubilant over in their triumphs though Kartvelia would also be quite happy. Despite the somewhat troubled history between both nations, they had grown very close during the war and with this victory, would strengthen the relations between them. Iran meanwhile indulged in the wave of victory that had been brought with them. Beyond just gaining further support from Armenia and Kurdistan with their loyalty, they would also increase the size of their sphere of influence and moreover, through Kurdistan, gain a port over to the Mediterranean Sea. Iran would begin plans to scale over regarding the military, transferring the money over into things like infrastructure development, especially with rumored plans of a rail network connecting them over with Kurdistan and their new port they got in Antakya. Kurdistan would be putting the finishing touches on updating their political system to account for the reunion of the Kurdish peoples, including having two capitals along with opening up for investment and support, which included the United States and European nations over for it. Additionally, Kurdistan was rumored to be planning to negotiating purchasing land from Syria, specifcially two small regions, namely because of Kurdish population and practical reasons.
Turkey meanwhile was very bruised and beaten. Painfully humbled, the new government had to work in stomping down any lingering reactionary elements along with the potential return of nationalist fervors. The only positive was that the sanctions and pressures on Turkey were lifted thanks to the new government negotiations and the end of the war. That said, it would be a while before Turkey's suspension from NATO may be lifted and especially consideration over for the European Union. The Sovereign Union have considered potentially lending financial aid and assistance and rebuilding though have been quiet on the possibility if mainly because of the new government. Turkey's admittance over with the Armenian genocide was a brutal if necessary reality check that Turkey needed, especially with the reminders of an earleir treaty proposed earlier regarding the Turkish Kurds and even prior to the war, the oppression of the Kurds over by the Turkish government. Turkey's political sphere was in flux and the nation a sick man once more. However, as Iran and their allies celeberated, peace in the region for now has returned and a new status quo set in place.
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Thank you very much! And yup, the war is over. Kurdistan will be getting a country profile soon (and Iran should too thinking about it in retrospect.)
Summer 1997- Pathfinding Mars
Summer 1997- Pathfinding Mars
Sojourner rover on Mars on sol 22
Sojourner rover on Mars on sol 22
The Iranian-Turkish War has ended with victory to Iran and their allies. Kurdistan was now whole and began pushing on rebuilding and development, welcoming in investment to help spin the wheels of the economy while preparing for a renaissance of Kurdish culture. Their political system has been expanded and to ensure a sense of fairness, Kurdistan would have a second capital in Diyarbakir alongside Hewler (formerly Erbil). Meanwhile, Armenia was encourging Armenians to come home and help rebuild their reacquired ancestral lands. While they were happy with the support from the Armenian Kurds, they were wanting more help to bring in with rebuilding the Armenian identity. At the same time, they were also willing to embrace the various minorities, including an open invitation for the Pontic Greeks to come back to their homeland (a jab at the Greco-Turkic population exchanges) and other groups, especially said Armenian Kurds. As both nations were building and rebuilding, Iran basked in its victory of bringing peace and showing it was indeed a strong regional power though it now came with shifting to peace time, especially to take advantage of said victory. Various world leaders, including President Specter, would take trips over to Armenia, Kartvelia, Iran and Kurdistan to note on their victories and discussions on the future. And as for Turkey, they also began slowly rebuilding, a humbled and defeated nation. The world sighed and relaxed a bit, hoping they could be afford some level of peace.
Summer was proving to be pretty eventful and the United States would not be the only place where a surprise flood would catch people offguard. Over in Central Europe would be what would be called the 1997 Central European Flood. Extensive rainfall would lead to the overflow of the Oder and Morava river basins in July 1997, leading to flooding beginning in the Czech Republic before spreading over to Poland and Germany, leading to the deaths of over a hundred people and over $3 billion dollars in damage. It would be a political test of those in charge and the people coming together to mitigate and rebuild the damage, all while various charities would come to provide aid in various forms. [1] On a more unfortunate side, a massive eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano on the island of Montserrat leads to evacuation and eventual abandonment of the capital, Plymouth. [2] However, when it would come to stunning news, most of all would be the sudden and tragic death over of Diana, Princess of Wales. Over in the early hours of 31 August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died from the injuries she sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, France. Dodi Fayed, Diana's partner, and Henri Paul, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was severely injured, but survived the crash. The reactions were quite shocking as there was a profound sadness in the isles and in the world. Various world leaders gave their condolences while the British would proceed to go and mourn. [3]This would also cause a political disruption, including having to reschedule various events and talks, including discussions regarding the LibDems' proposal on changing the electoral system of the United Kingdom, moving beyond the "first-past-the-post" system.
Despite these negative news, there was still plenty to be optimistic about. India would be celeberating 50 years of independence over from British rule and despite being a younger state, Khalistan would also have similar celeberations at the same time. NASA would be taking a major step over with the Mars Pathfinder. Launched over in December 1996, the American robotic spacecraft would land a base station with a roving probe on Mars this year. Consisting of a lander, renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station, and a lightweight, 10.6 kg (23 lb) wheeled robotic Mars rover named Sojourner, said rover would become the first to operate outside the Earth–Moon system. [4] Other bits of positive news including the successful transfer of Hong Kong over from the United Kingdom over to PROC, which would be serving as a fascinating experiment and provide aid in accelerating the democratization process of the Chinese political system. Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have been making serious steps into joining NATO along with development of another organization at the same time. India would elect their next president over in Kocheril Raman Narayanan, notable for being the first president coming from the Dalit (known as the "untouchables) caste to hold this office. [2]
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[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_Central_European_flood
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997
[3]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Diana,_Princess_of_Wales
[4]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Pathfinder
Nope, tragically. While things are certainly more optimistic and so on, there will still be some of the bad stuff.
If airing the dirty laundry is being used to tear down some of the bigots and misogynists, then a side effect would unfortunately be the growth of tabloids and paparazzi to reveal those stories.
Somewhat though at the same time, there would be increased protections against paparazzi out of a growing sense of protection against harassment. As for tabloids, bit harder there since there's libel and likely lines being drawn there. At some point, I will be trying the decades compared to our own, but would appreciate questions or what ya'll want me to address there regarding a decade?
After all, I was born in 1993 so I don't know much regarding te 1980s and don't remember much of the 1990s regarding the day to day stuff or other experiences.