Militarization in Himynamistan

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WORLDSTRAT BULLETIN

Copyright 2010, WorldStrat Publications. For subscriber use only. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

The nation of Himynamistan has recently expanded the size of its military forces, and they are no longer a defensively postured force. WorldStrat observers have witnessed the launching of several coastal patrol vessels that now make up the beginnings of the Himynamistani Navy. Our observers have also noted that Himynamistan has expanded both its armored forces and its rifle divisions, giving it an exceptional land-based force projection capability.

Of particular note is the quality of the Himynamistani military: compared to its immediate neighbor, the Holy American Empire, the Himynamistani forces are much more technologically advanced, possibly due to their possession of a WRC - although such reports remain unconfirmed. Although the HAE forces are larger than the Himynamistani ones, the military of Himynamistan is concentrated in Mesoamerica, while HAE forces have to be positioned in multiple theaters. Himynamistani forces also possess extensive mountain fighting capabilities, perhaps equal to those of the HAE's Andean legions. In the event of a Himynamistan-HAE conflict, it is evident to WorldStrat that Himynamistan possesses an advantage in both quality and concentration of forces, which could lead to rapid victories in the Mesoamerican theater. Himynamistan, however, does not possess the ability to project its power much beyond Mesoamerica, due to a lack of both a blue water navy and the bases to support it. The HAE territory in Mesoamerica is also some of its most densely populated areas, so any potential conflict there would become extremely bloody as forces moved from rural zones to urban ones.

There is also the question of nuclear arms. Both nations possess nuclear weapons, but only Himynamistan possesses an SDI system, which would limit the ability of the HAE to threaten a one-off nuclear strike. It would have to launch a broader strike in order to penetrate Himynamistani defenses, something which the HAE may be unwilling to do, as such a move would guarantee a return launch from Himynamistan - and the Himynamistan weapons are of a higher degree of technical sophistication.

Existing tensions over the Veracruz region are currently being negotiated, so it is unlikely a war would flare up over that issue. However, WorldStrat has learned that Zapatista commandos have set up bases in Himynamistan territory along the border with the HAE. Himynamistan officially denies their existence, so any hot pursuit operations from HAE units could trigger a border skirmish. Whether or not such skirmishes would develop into war would depend more upon the diplomats than the generals at this time, given the cordial nature of relations between the nations.

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(OOC: WorldStrat is a third-party service. It's not affiliated in any way with Himynamistan or its government. Just FYI...)

WORLDSTRAT BULLETIN

Copyright 2010, WorldStrat Publications. For subscriber use only. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Himynamistan continues its naval buildup. That, coupled with their recent diplomatic gains in acquiring rights to commercial port facilities in Kuutsmil and the HAE - and an outright gain of Tampico in the Chihuahua Conference - point to Himynamistan's continued development as a regional power. This puts it in competition with established nations along the Gulf-Atlantic coast, but Himynamistan has so far maintained good relations with Atlantis, Louisiana, Kuutsmil, and the HAE. Himynamistan has also offered unilateral assistance and protection declarations to the emergent nations of The Zapatistas, Amerikanisches Reich, and Dominican Republic.

WorldStrat analysts hold the view that Himynamistan, although peaceful, holds ambitious goals for the Gulf region. Given the turmoil within Himynamistan in the wake of its sweeping nationalization and land reform policies going into force, it is quite likely that Himynamistan is seeking to develop commercial ties with its neighbors in order to prevent a foreign crisis from exploiting divisions at home. Himynamistan has not sought ties with Tahoe or the USA: it may be possible that it might seek a conflict with one or the other as a means of galvanizing the home front. A conflict with Tahoe would put Himynamistan on the same side as both Atlantis and the HAE and could lead to further influence of Himynamistan in the region.

WorldStrat analysts have also learned of a new generation of the Himynamistani H-109 155mm self-propelled howitzer is ready for deployment. The H-109 is light and able to traverse many varieties of difficult terrain. It also uses GPS-guided shells: they require 80-90% less ammunition than non-GPS guided rounds to do the same job, which means much less wear and maintenance worries for the H-109.

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WORLDSTRAT BULLETIN

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The collapse of the Tahoe Republic, while expected, contained a surprise: The United States of America (USA), entered Colorado and annexed it. While it is holding a plebiscite to determine if the people there desire union with the USA, WorldStrat believes the voting will deliver a victory for the USA.

The repercussions of the USA's move will be felt in the capitols of its neighbors, particularly to the south. Himynamistan and Atlantis are currently conducting high-level negotiations, and Himynamistan has made no secret about where the edges of its nuclear umbrella extend to - currently to the south bank of the Rio Grande, along the border between the USA and Amerikanisches Reich (AR). The USA's decision to occupy Colorado led to New Palma canceling a treaty. Interestingly enough, Himynamistan is in negotiations with New Palma regarding a mutual defense treaty.

WorldStrat analysts note that the AR may at some point choose to revive claims to the southern part of the USA, particularly Texas. Should that happen, WorldStrat sources have indicated Himynamistan might choose to intervene on behalf of AR to weaken the USA's position in North America. Himynamistan itself would not choose to annex any part of the USA, but may instead prefer to hamstring it and let pieces fall to its proxies in the region.

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WORLDSTRAT BULLETIN

Copyright 2010, WorldStrat Publications. For subscriber use only. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Himynamistan recently purchased five aircraft carriers from the now-defunct Tahoe Republic Navy. Himynamistan plans to refurbish the carriers with their own brand of high technology and will deploy HF-35 fighters on the carriers.

The HF-35 weighs in at 27 tons, and is armed with an internal 25mm cannon and four internally mounted "Durango" air-to-air missiles. It also carries four externally mounted smart bombs and two, heavier "Torreon" air-to-air missiles. When carrying only internally mounted weapons, the HF-35 has an exceptional stealth capability.

Himynamistan also unveiled its new standard infantry rifle, the Cuauhtemoc 200. The C-200 fires a 5.45mm round and can be fitted with 30, 45, or 60 round magazines. It has a burst mode of two rounds and can fire up to 650 RPM on full automatic. It can be fitted with modular "building block" accessories, including telescopic sights, laser guidance, grenade launcher, bipod, and other specialized accessories. The design is a further development of the C-191 rifle and continues the tradition of the Cuauhtemoc line's standards of simplicity and durability.

Edited June 6, 2010 by zzzptm