Syria – After the fall of Germany, 9th January 1946 protests erupted in Syria calling for independence, reaching its peak 18th January. France answered by force, eventually killing over a thousand Syrians by January. Shukri al-Quwatli escaped French arrest and contacted Winston Churchill. As the Conference of Foreign Ministers was held in Paris, Syria became a point of discussion also, French military action was condemned by all and by diplomatic means France was forced to retreat from Syria and Lebanon and recognise their independence (15.2.1946). Britain used the crisis to strengthen its influence, however unlike OTL did to directly occupy Syria as events in Syria are at the same time as the Conference in Paris. The British promised the French they would withdraw as well. Syrian independence was officially declared on 14 June 1946.
In 1947 Syria held its first parliamentary election, and a year later Shukri al-Quwatli was re-elected president. Syria had a rocky relationship with neighbouring Hashemite monarchies. Nationalist Quwatli manoeuvred in more and more hostile relations between powers and its interests (US, UK, USSR). Syria opposed the partition of Palestine and co-founded “Arab Liberation Army''. Defeat in Palestine heavily damaged the popularity of Quwatli, he regained some of it by refusing singing of Armistice with Israel (unlike others) and voicing support to anti-American riots (Summer 1949 due to Taft’s recognition of Israel). 28 September 1949 Quwatli demoted army chief Husni al-Za'im and replaced him by Sami al-Hinnawi. Major is shift is that due to American non-intervention the US backed 1949 coup never occurs. Under international pressure an armistice was eventually signed between Syria and Israel in November 1949. No demilitarised zone in Golan Heights as OTL. Syria adopted a neutralist policy, seeking relations both with the British, USSR, India, USA and Yugoslavia, but was most seen as a pro-British state. Syria became close to Egypt after the Egyptian Revolution. In 1952 parliamentary elections brought victory for the oppositional People’s Party and the rise of Ba’ath and SSNP. April 1953 presidential election, as Syrian constitution limited president to two terms, Quwatli handpicked Sabri Al-Asali as his successor.
Egypt – 2-3 November 1945 anti-Jewish riots in Egypt, since it was still during the war, riots were violently put down by the British forces. Since 1946 large anti-British demonstrations and riots. During 1947 negotiations about British withdrawal were held, however collapsed after Winston Churchill’s opposition to withdraw troops as response massive violent anti-British riots erupted (June 1947), forcing Churchill to agree to withdrawal to Suez Canal but keeping there large force, Churchill attempted to sign treaty that would guarantee British presence in Suez, but Egyptians rejected it. By end of 1948, British presence was limited to the Suez area. May to 20 July 1949 (signing of armistice) war in Palestine. After the war anti-British sentiments grew. 3 January 1950 victory of conservative and nationalist Wafd party, Mostafa el-Nahas became the new prime minister. His government refused to push any important reforms and was also very corrupt, further strengthening resentment amongst Egyptian people. Unlike OTL CIA is not attempting to persuade Farouk into reforms (it was codenamed “Fat Fucker” LMAO) 17 November 1951 Nahas unilaterally abrogated the 1936 Anglo-Egyptian treaty, wave of nationalism, Britian refused to leave Suez, tensions escalated into Battle of Ismailia (25 February 1952) – a violent clash between Egyptian militias and British forces. 26 January 1952 news resulted in massive anti-British protests that set Cairo on fire and greatly damaged support of the king and government. Country fell into instability, the government was dismissed and several different ones followed, as in our reality.
The Free Officers Movement (formed already in the 1940s) successfully orchestrated the Egyptian Revolution (23 August 1952). Power was transferred to nine-member Revolution Command Council (RCC), king Farouk abdicated, went into exile and was replaced with regency. RCC launched large scale reforms: land, tax, reducing privileges of government officials. First post-revolutionary prime minister Aly Maher Pasha resigned due to disagreements with the military coming from his traditional political background. He was succeeded by Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri, legal scholar promoting transition to civilian rule (10 October). Political parties were purged, however due to Sanhuri’s influence not banned. During spring 1953, conflict between Sanhuri and Naguib escalated. Camps began to develop, one was represented by Naguib and his loyalists who aligned themselves with Muslim Brotherhood, and other headed by Nasser and Sanhuri, aligned with HADITU and Wafd.
Newly created Provisional National Assembly, approved a new secular constitution, Nasser was named president (18 July 1953) with support of Wafd and HADITU. In summer 1953 Muslim Brotherhood started large riots and demonstrations against the new constitution, they gained outside CIA support, as they were sceptical of Nasser’s alliance with HADITU. Power struggle between Naguib, who still had key positions in RCC continued.
Lebanon – 7 June 1946 withdrawal of French forces, independence declared already in 1943. Around 100,000 Palestinians came to Lebanon after the war. In 1951 prime minister Riad Al Solh survived assassination attempt and remained prime minister until 1952, when he was replaced by Chamoun with Saeb Salam. 18 September 1952 first president Bechara El Khoury forced to step down after anti-corruption protests, 23 September Camille Chamoun became president, under his leadership country experience growth and stability. Chamoun also secured the majority of power in his hands.
(Trans)Jordan– Achieved independence 25 November 1946, as in our reality a large number of Palestinian refugees and annexation of the West Bank. 20 July 1951 king Abdullah was assassinated by Palestinian radical. Prior to his assassination Britain unlike OTL supported Abdullah in promoting his other son Naif to become new heir (due to Britain being more anxious about losing influence, rather favouring openly pro-British monarch) Naif is unpopular amongst people due to being seen just as a British puppet. 1 January 1952 new constitution – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Iraq – Britain wants to maintain military presence in Iraq and Nuri al-Said his power, since 1946 large left-wing protests and strikes, that resulted in massacre of workers. Government instituted severe repression, banning Communist party and arresting many communists, including leadership. 29 March 1947 Salih Jabr became prime minister, under his rule 15 January 1948 Anglo-Iraqi treaty was signed, making Iraq de-facto British protectorate, Iraqi oil controlled by Iraq Petroleum Company. To protest this treaty massive protests erupted – Al-Wathbah uprising – all Iraqi opposition joined – Communist, Independence parties, Liberal and National Democrats. Salih’s government fell, and the prime minister escaped to London, the new government under Nuri responded with martial law and massive crackdowns, numerous massacres. This timeline demonstrations got so intense that in February British troops entered Iraq to “pacify” them. Parties involved unlike OTL were formally banned after 1948 uprising and Nuri consolidated his power and firm support of Britain. In 1948 Constitutional Union Party was formed by Nuri and it became dominant ruling party. Unlike OTL Nuri remained in position of prime minister since 1948 to 1952. After Palestine war, Nuri expelled all Jews from Iraq (1950). Since 1951 terms of treaty were changed with the new Labour government and Iraq got 50% of its oil revenue.
23 September - 23 December 1952 another major protests inspired by Egyptian revolution and Iranian protests erupted – Iraqi Intifada. Nuri was dismissed by regent Abd al-Ilah and replaced by reformist general Taha al-Hashimi (30 September), who negotiated with protestors. However, under British pressure Taha was ousted and replaced by general Nureddin Mahmud (3 December), who instead rejected negotiated terms, started harsh repressions and crushed the uprising. Power was transferred into civilian leadership after the 29 March 1953 unfree election, independent Mustafa Mahmud al-Umari became the new prime minister, while Nuri still controlled the country from the shadows. In May 1953 Faisal II assumed power as king. Since 1952 the idea of unification of Jordan with Iraq was often discussed.
Saudi Arabia – Nothing to change, post-war rise due to finding of oil revenues, US keeps close relations even under Taft. 9 November 1953 reign of king Saud began.
Oman&Muscat – Nothing significant in this period.
Kingdom of Yemen –failed al-Waziri coup attempt, Iman Yahia was killed (17 February 1948), however Ahmad bin Yahya ascended to the throne instead. Autocratic rule. He was opposed to the British.
British Arab Colonies – 1952 Trucial States Council formed, British supervised body.
Iran
Long Iranian Crisis
Occupied by Allied powers in 1943. Western powers are less keen to withdraw from Iran, due to the stronger Soviet Union (and also due to Churchill). According to treaty all troops shall withdraw after 6 months after the war’s end (10 November 1946). This was approved by the Hamburg conference in May 1946. By November thanks to rising suspicions nobody starts doing that (Soviets would stay anyway as they did in our reality, major change is that West stays too). The Iranian Crisis became a key event showing those deep tensions in the early cold war and it was a great mistake to overlook it. Truman doctrine is also connected to Iran.
United Nations Resolutions pushed by Iran tried to deal with the situation (Autumn 1946), however without success. Another point that almost solved this crisis was Ahmad Qavam’s proposal to give Soviet Union oil rights in Northern Iran and official Iranian proclamation wishing withdrawal of all powers, this was approved by Stalin, but rejected by Pahlavi and the West (November 1946), Qavam was dismissed in January 1948 after election, replaced by Ebrahim Hakimi. With that crisis escalated to the creation of the Azerbaijan People's Government (20 February 1947) and Republic of Mahabad (18 March 1947).
Through 1947 Kurdish and Azerbaijan states in Northern Iran started to emancipate and establish popular support. Situation seemed to develop along the lines of Austria, talks stalled after the US occupation of Greenland. With hostile relations between powers in 1948, Iran continued to be a hotspot of tensions. The Pahlavi regime and separatists both obtained military aid.
In March 1949 US troops withdrew from Iran, during the Geneva Conference (September 1949 to May 1950), states agreed to finally withdraw all troops (Soviets agreed presumably to secure their interests in Germany during negotiations), so Soviets and British finally left in March-June 1950. In 1949 also an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Shah took place (4 February 1949), it was blamed on communists and Tudeh Party was banned and communists persecuted.
Beginning of the North Iran War and British-Iranian Treaty
As Soviets finally withdrew, Shah and prime minister Haj Ali Razmara started offensive operations towards the North (31 August 1950), however separatist states were better equipped, because they received Soviet aid in previous years and thus managed to repeal the first offensive. While fighting against what was presented as continuous Soviet occupation, utilizing nationalist wave as redirection of attention of Iranians from it, Razmara signed the AIOC-Iran agreement, which institutionalised British control over Iranian oil (7 March 1951). However, it still created massive resentment, riots and protests that led to violence. During spring 1951 massive opposition against Razmara, who sought to become a strongman leader, emerged, encompassing everyone from Islamists to liberals and communists. The National Front led by Mohammad Mosaddegh became the main opposition platform.
In April Majlis rejected Razmara’s decree granting him de-facto limited dictatorial powers, which he sought to obtain to “restore order”, so it was dissolved by Shah in response (20 April) and Razmara secured power with declaration of martial law, it was met with Ayatollah Kashani calling for holy war against Razmara and the British, leading to another massive wave of upheaval in April-May 1951, that was brutally repressed with many deaths. 9 June 1951 Razmara was assassinated and killed by radical Islamist member of Fadaiyan e-Islam, Hossein Ala was installed by Shah. Pahlavi used this crisis to boost his own power. National Front was banned in July. These events left great resentments in Iranian society against ruling regime. Tudeh started armed insurgency, it was however between 1952-1953 completely crushed. Mosaddegh escaped to France. In late 1952 to early 1953 an election was held to elect new Majlis, it was rigged and all elected were “independents”.
Through 1951 the front moved in favour of Iran, however separatists with Soviet support continued to hold on. After the Iranian-British Treaty, Stalin began to see Iranian re-conquest of the North as danger for the USSR and provided significant aid, leading to stalemate in 1952.
Afghanistan – Nothing significant in this period, tribal revolts in the 1940s.
Libya – Occupied by the UK and France. 1949 UN resolution about its independence, it was achieved 24 December 1951, it became a constitutional monarchy under king Idris I.
Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria – After the Paris Conference of 1952, voices calling for independence are stronger. Tunisian Habib Bourguiba and Farhat Hached entered negotiations with the Thorez government in June 1952, after which France agreed to immediate widespread autonomy Tunisian and pledging to give it full independence before 1954. The same agreement was reached with Moroccan sultan Mohammed V. More difficult situation was in Algeria. Political party calling for independence National Liberation Front was formed 23 April 1952 led by Ferhat Abbas. Negotiations about Algerian status started, in the next month. This topic was too sensitive in France, so agreement was limited to giving Algeria autonomy as part of France for now with further negotiations about independence being open. Algerians were unhappy, as neighbours got a much better deal. Algeria was still de-facto part of metropolitan France, more power was given to the Algerian Assembly, to which a free election was promised to be held in spring 1953.
Cyprus – After the fall of the mainland, the Kingdom of Greece advocated for union. In 1952 an unofficial referendum about unification with Greece, led by Orthodox Church was held, over 80% voted for union. Unlike OTL Britain was supportive of the idea of union (to strengthen the Greek state), but as it was a viable military base, they did not want to retreat.
British India
On 10-20 November 1945 British and Indian leaders met during Simla Conference; these talks stalled due to question of Muslims. Wavell Plan proposed to Churchill by viceroy Wavell, promoted Indianisation and postwar independence, however, was rejected by Churchill (December 1945). During 1946 elections to central administration were held. After Churchill’s victory, the British prime minister (May 1946) replaced Wavell with Louis Mountbatten (5 August 1946). Summer of 1946 was marked by massive protests for independence, mutinies and violence. In Autumn 1946 Cabinet Mission was sent to discuss granting more autonomy and dominion status. Eventually they planned to create one federal state, however it was strongly opposed by the Indian Muslim League. Hindu-Muslim tensions were escalating with 16 January 1947 “Direct Action Day'' massive Muslim riots and violence. In early 1947 provincial elections were held that resulted in victory of INC or IML according to ethnic and religious lines. Results of the provincial elections clearly show opposition towards British rule.
Inspired by events in Burma and Vietnam, Communist Party of India initiated nationwide anti-British “Indian People’s Liberation Uprising” (May 1947 to 1951), its estimated over 150,000 peasants joining it. Its strength shocked Britain, attempting to crush it; the British relied on local militants and Indian forces. In May 1947 Churchill officially announced that British Raj would be transformed into two dominions. Britain established the Radcliffe Commission that established the borders of two dominions (April to August); the demarcation line was published 18 August 1947. Population transfer in Punjab was organised by Britain from August, however mass migration (that started even before partition itself happened) in other provinces shocked British officials, however Britain quickly took over migration and regulated it (thus it is lesser humanitarian catastrophe, but still it is a huge humanitarian catastrophe, estimated from 100 000 deaths to half million), migration lasted from August 1947 to 1950.
1 January 1948 – two British dominions – India and Pakistan came to existence. British forces remained present here, and the British monarch remained its head of state. British officials spoke about “autonomy within the Empire'' while Indians spoke about Independence. The Kashmir deal proposed by India is also pushed by the UK and is successful (in real life Pakistan rejected it) – All of Kashmir is Pakistani, while Pakistan stops claiming Hyderabad, this nullifies the existence of Sino-Indian War.
Dominion of India – Mountbatten remained a powerful governor-general, and the first Indian prime minister became Jawaharlal Nehru. Radical Hindu nationalist assassinated Gandhi as in our reality (30 January 1948) during the first month of creation of divided dominions. 1948-1949 integration of princely states, in some cases with help of communist rebels. Communist rebellion continues as Dominion of India is considered by them just another British colonial state. Nehru successfully passed the Constitution of India (26 January 1951) and expelled British troops. In April 1951 an agreement was reached with communists to end (already weak) uprising and to participate in political life in democratic independent India. 25 June– 21 October 1952 democratic general election was held, victory of INC, compared to our reality CPN get more support. Neutral foreign policy.
Dominion of Pakistan – First Pakistani prime minister Muhammad Ali Jinnah (position of governor-general, that was much more powerful compared to Canada for example, remained in British hands, was held by Cyril Radcliffe) died 11 September 1948, he was succeeded by Liaquat Ali Khan. Pakistan became pro-British oriented, but also established relations with socialist states. Ali Khan wanted Pakistan to become a parliamentary democracy. Muslim League faced major leftist opposition, in March 1951 socialist attempted coup (Rawalpindi conspiracy), which was exposed and failed. He was assassinated 16 October 1951. The British governor general named Malik Ghulam Muhammad as new prime minister. In August 1951 first elections in Pakistan were held, communists and socialists were not allowed to participate, victory of the United Front (East Bengal). Urdu was the only official language, while all eastern part spoke Bengal. In March 1952 Bengali protesters were massacred by police and military. From February to March 1953 large (in reality anti-Ahmadis, this timeline against British rule) riots in Lahore, ended in bloody military crackdown. In the aftermath of riots Cyril Radcliffe was recalled by Attlee and replaced by Frank Messervy.
Burma – After the surrender of the Japanese in April 1946, military rule was reinstated in Burma. On 27 January 1947 British governor Reginald Dorman-Smith ordered the arrest of Aung San, this led into a massive rebellion of the AFPFL (Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League) and its armed wing People's Volunteer Organization with membership over 100,000 which started the Burmese Emergency. Moderates advocated for the governor to release Aung San and start negotiations, however this was shut down by Churchill, who preferred to use force. British forces failed to deal with the uprising and in 1947 large parts of Burma were controlled by AFPFL. During this uprising period and the arrest of Aung San, communist gained substantial influence. Churchill responded with increasing military presence, however after the eruption of another major anti-colonial rebellion in Malaya, British forces were with priority sent there. In 1950 AFPFL defeated colonial forces in several major engagements. Attlee decided to abandon Burma in favour of Malaya, Aung San was released (7 April 1951) and entered negotiations with Attlee, together with other leaders of the war of independence (June-September) and later negotiations between AFPFL and minorities (12 October, Panglong Agreement). Ceasefire and election on 9 March 1952, that resulted in the victory of AFPFL, Aung San became prime minister and officially declared independence of the Union of Burma (10 March 1952).
Aung San became the first prime minister, while Kyaw Nyein the first president. CPB left AFPFL and became the main opposition (Unlike OTL there is no communist insurgency against Burmese government or split in the communist party). Burma focused on social reforms, welfare state and industrialisation. Burma adopted a neutral foreign policy, however inclining more towards socialist bloc, closer relations with Yugoslavia and surprisingly Israel. Burma still has to deal with KMT remnants in the North and Karen insurgency.

My logical homosapien brain is telling me to get a Civic/Accord/Corolla/Camry, but my lizard brain is telling me to go v6 or v8, so I am ideally looking for a car that is cheap to maintain with a decent gas mileage, however I am willing to give up either of those for something cooler such as a Chevy SS or Dodge Charger. I would like a 4 door as I have a toddler and having accessibility to the car seat is a must. I would be driving about 15-40 miles a day and would like to keep the car for at least 3 years. I also don't know how to drive stick, and I am willing to learn, but I have attempted it in a Miata and a BMW 325i, as well as gotten familiar with it in driving sims like Asetto Corsa, but I know that isn't realistic. I would also prefer something easy to work on as I want to do my own repairs so I can get familiar with the car.
I have looked at a few options but I would like some recommendations.
Cars I have considered but probably wont get but might reconsider:

• Mitsubishi Eclipse gen 3
• Toyota Solara
• Toyota Celica
• Coupe civics
• Kia/Hyundai (Kia boys and insurance rates)
• BMW z3/z4
• Nissan cars
• older Challenger

Cars I realistically would consider:

• Dodge Charger (pre facelift)
• Chrysler 300c
• XSE trim Camry
• Civic Si
• Lincoln MKZ
• BMW 328i
• Mazda 3/6
• Chevy SS
• CR-V / RAV4 / Pathfinder
• Grand Cherokee
• Accord (I like the v6 models)
• Jetta (have heard these arent too reliable)
• F150/Tacoma

Bonjour à tous,
J'ai publié ça sur Askfrance et immobilier mais je crois que c'est ce sub qui est le plus pertinent.
Ça fait quelques années que je vis dans mon appart, avec un proprio relativement colérique (2 états : normal, et colère des dieux avec 5 points d'exclamation), mais en passant par agence. De manière générale, je n'ai pas à interagir avec lui et c'est tant mieux.
Après avoir reçu un coup dans le dos de sa part sur des travaux alors que j'ai toujours été conciliant au maximum, j'ai décidé de mieux regarder mon bail et je découvre plusieurs manquements bizarres:

• le logement est noté comme n'étant pas soumis au décret fixant annuellement le montant maximum d'évolution des loyers a la relocation, NI au loyer de référence majoré soumis a arrêté préfectoral...mais n'indique pas pourquoi. Hors, je paie plus que le loyer majoré maximum possible et ce depuis le premier jour.
  
• les informations relatives au dernier locataire restent vides, alors que visiblement l'appartement était occupé, de par la bouche même du propriétaire. C'est même probablement son fils, vu que je reçois encore parfois son courrier ! (Le propriétaire insiste néanmoins que le locataire précédent n'était pas son fils)
  
• à la fin du bail, parmi la liste des annexes qui auraient dûes m'être fournies, se trouve le dossier de diagnostic technique incluant entre autre le DPE et le constat de risque d'exposition au plomb vu que l'immeuble date d'avant 1948, mais il ne m'a jamais été fourni, hors j'ai quand même payé l'établissement du bail.
  

J'ai pu avoir un contact rapide avec l'ADIL qui m'a expliqué que rien de tout ça n'était normal et que je devrais faire recours. J'ai du couper court à l'appel pour d'autres obligations, mais j'aimerais avoir votre opinion ? Est-ce qu'il y en a parmi vous qui sont passés par là avec un proprio ?
En vous remerciant par avance !

Edit: 10K max budget
Edit 2: Primarily searching craigslist and FB marketplace, NOT A DEALER!
I am ideally looking for a car that is cheap to maintain with a decent gas mileage, however I am willing to give up either of those for something cooler such as a Chevy SS or Dodge Charger. I would like a 4 door as I have a toddler and having accessibility to the car seat is a must. I would be driving about 15-40 miles a day and would like to keep the car for at least 3 years. I also don't know how to drive stick, and I am willing to learn, but I have attempted it in a Miata and a BMW 325i, as well as gotten familiar with it in driving sims like Asetto Corsa, but I know that isn't realistic. I would also prefer something easy to work on as I want to do my own repairs so I can get familiar with the car.
I have looked at a few options but I would like some recommendations.
Cars I have considered but probably wont get but might reconsider:

• Mitsubishi Eclipse gen 3
• Toyota Solara
• Toyota Celica
• Coupe civics
• Kia/Hyundai (Kia boys and insurance rates)
• BMW z3/z4
• Nissan cars
• older Challenger

Cars I realistically would consider:

• Dodge Charger (pre facelift)
• Chrysler 300c
• XSE trim Camry
• Civic Si
• Lincoln MKZ
• BMW 328i
• Mazda 3/6
• Chevy SS
• CR-V / RAV4 / Pathfinder
• Grand Cherokee
• Accord (I like the v6 models)
• Jetta (have heard these arent too reliable)
• F150/Tacoma

Stalinist period in Eastern Europe (1948/49-1953)
Basic things that apply to all socialist states in this period: Large advancements in education, healthcare, industrialisation (but unlike OTL not absolute priority of heavy industry due to different international situation) and post-war reconstruction and realative stabilisation of economies, collectivisation of agriculture, women emancipation, institution of hardline regimes with a strong role of secret police and suppression of any opponents of the regime, show trials and purges, large influence of Soviet Union in internal politics – countries forced to act as Soviet “advisors” want, socialist realism control over culture, dominance of propagandistic and ideological motives, strong censorship
Albania

• 1949-1953: Main difference is that during this era there weren't any western attempts at overthrowing Hoxha (yet). These years see successful economic development and mass modernisation of the country. Albania is strongly pro-Soviet, however its importance compared to OTL is lesser as Greece is also socialist.
• May 1949: Show trial and execution of Koçi Xoxe. Hoxha’s power strengthened, relations with Yugoslavia fell apart.

Bulgaria

• On the 15 July 1949 death of Dimitrov, Valko Chervenkov became general secretary. Hardline Stalinists Bulgaria’s “Little Stalin” – repression (large part of BKP purged), consolidation of power, Soviet inspired culture, development of heavy industry, collectivisation. Since death of Vasil Kolarov also as the prime minister (23.1. 1950)
• 1949: Traicho Kostov with other prominent moderate members of BKP executed after a show trial.
• Failure of the First Five Year Plan as it did not met all targets (1949-1953), large scale industry build-up achieved.

Romania

• Soviet economic control trough Sov-Rom companies
• 1948 leading communist politician Lucrețiu Pătrășcanu was arrested (after Soviets demanded), accused of titoism. Persecution of opposition and anti-communist resistance active in Carpathians.
• 1949 start of construction of the Danube–Black Sea Canal, start of gradual collectivisation, start of development of heavy industry (success in development of steel, petrochem and machinery industries). 1951-1955 first five-year plan.
• Power struggle between “Muscovite” and “Prisoners” faction within Romanian Workers Party – Ana Pauker a stalinist, who multiple times defied Stalin’s policy (allowing Jews migrate to Israel, opposing collectivisation efforts) was still slowly losing favour of Stalin, in January 1952 Gheorghiu-Dej requested Stalin’s approval for purge of Muscovite faction, however unlike our reality (and this is main shift) this is initiative is opposed (due to lesser extent of Stalin’s antisemitic campaign, that would be only beginning by that time, lobbing of Molotov and Beria for them ), instead Stalin pressures Romania for show trial with Pătrășcanu, which in this timeline see Stalin as failure of Gheorghiu-Dej.
• 3.6. 1952, Petru Groza stepped down as prime minister -> instead of centralising power in Gheorghiu-Dej’s hands, soviet-aligned Iosif Chișinevschi was pushed by soviet “advisors” to this position.
• Show trial with Pătrășcanu and his suspected associates 28 April to 2 May 1953.

Hungary

• 16-24 October 1949 Process with László Rajk – as in our reality, “titoist spies” influential to other trials. Inter opposition to Rákosi purged. 15 executed, 78 imprisoned. Other purges and show trials in the military during 1951. Trial with Jews is not planned.
• Rákosi builds the most repressive regime from the socialist bloc states, a cult of personality modelled after Stalin.
• Economy: focused on expansion of heavy industry, collectivised agriculture. However, like in other states without Korean war, shifts to military sector primacy doesn’t happen, resulting in more supply of consumer goods, but Hungary still faces shortages, but the economic situation is little bit better overall.
• 14.8. 1952 Rákosi further centralised power in his hands by becoming chairman of the council of ministers.

Poland

• October 1948: Gomulka and other proponents of sovereign stance purged; 1951 Gomulka arrested. March 1948 Witold Pilecki show trial.
• 22.12. 1948 creation of Polish United Workers Party.
• High soviet control: Konstantin Rokossovsky as polish defence minister (49-56), influence of “advisor” Ivan Serov
• Catholic Church keeps influential position -> conflict after 22.7. 1952 constitution that declares Polish People’s Republic as a secular state, closing of Church schools etc. Trial with Cracow Curia (1953)
• 1950-1956 Six-Year Plan – changes as in other states from our reality, it is not focused on rapid accelerated industrialisation, instead on increase in heavy industry, while also investing in services, food, construction, and consumer goods. Result is less developed heavy industry, but better economic situation of population and less shortages (but Poland would still experience some). As the plan was more modest, it was successfully completed in 1956. As in our reality, mass increase in urbanisation and general national income (that would be bit lesser due to less heavy industry being developed)
• Warsaw that was less damaged was still largely reconstructed in socialist realism

Czechoslovakia 1948-1953

• 1948-1949: wave of exile to the American zone in Germany. Due to Czechoslovakia not being (in years 1948-1956) on the Iron Curtain, there are way less cases of illegally trying to flee across borders (since the only way is to another socialist state GDR), emigrants mostly try to get to Western Austria through Eastern Austria.
• In 1948 consolidation, start of collectivisation and final wave of nationalisations (majority of industry already nationalised during the Third republic), ČSSD merged (annexed) into KSČ. Law 231/1948 (law on the protection of the people’s democratic republic) passed, enabling persecution of political opponents (6.10.1948), “bourgeois” societal organisations (like Sokol) banned.
• 1949 the first political process with general Píka. 1950: Under Soviet pressure organisation of mass political process with “Group of Milada Horáková” (31 May-8 June 1950, non-communist intelligence). 1952 process with “Green International” – catholic intelligence.
• 1949 start of construction of Stalin’s monument in Prague.
• 1949-1953: The First Five Year Plan – centrally planned economy, focused on industrialisation of Slovakia
• Massive changes due to different international situations! – first 5year plan was focused since 1951 on militarisation due to Korean War and Cold War tensions, this period is radically different and much more calm , so this doesn’t happen, instead plan remains focused on mechanisation of agriculture, growth and development of consumer industry prioritised over the heavy industry -> this has positive effect on economy and plan is successful (this has influence down the line in 1953), economic situation is better compared to our reality, more goods to buy are available. Main target of propaganda of that era is the United Kingdom and its Imperialism, TATO, Yugoslavia and in Czechoslovakia especially Western Austria and Habsburgs, not American Imperialism. Also the infamous campaign against “the American beetle” doesn’t exist, campaign against the potato beetle yes, but it is not presented as a CIA operation to destroy Czechoslovak potatoes.
• Process with a conspiracy centre of Otto Šling and Jan Šverma – 20. January 1953
  • Slánský process without Slánský. This is another major shift, the Slánský process had major antisemitic undertones and Slánský being Jew was a major factor in choosing him. This antisemitism is missing as 1952 is the year where first antisemitic campaigns only started in the USSR, instead it is focused solely on “titoists”, while other people are grouped with them. Everything was organised by Soviet “advisors''.
  • Jan Šverma, who survived during the Slovak National Uprising, served as the Deputy Prime Minister (1948-1951) and Deputy General Secretary of KSČ (1945-1951), together with Otto Šling (leader of KSČ in Brno) were accused of being heads of made-up conspiracy led by Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom. They were executed. Other people persecuted (some are different): Karel Šváb, Vladimír Clementis, Osvald Závodský, Bedřich Reicin, André Simone and Josef Frank (executions), Marie Švermová, Arthur London, Vavro Hajdů, Mikuláš Landa, Jarmila Taussigová (life sentences) and others. People who were persecuted due to them being Jewish or having ties with Israel are not affected in this timeline.
• Process with bourgeois nationalists – June 1954, it was a follow-up to the process with Šverma, delayed to the period after Stalin’s death as Husák refused to confess. He was given “only” life sentence, others 20-10 years in prison. Oher follow-up “Process with regional secretaries” doesn’t take place; these people are already convicted in the main process.
• In 1953 Stalin had died, so did Klement Gottwald (14.3.1953)

Denmark 1949-1953

• Anti-communist political leader arrested in 1949: Hans Hedtoft, H. C. Hansen and others October 1949 process with members of anti-communist MI6 affiliated group “Firmaet”, however political leaders weren’t put on trial due to Larsen’s opposition to such mass trial.
• 1949: approved the first five-year plan: focus mainly on modernisation of agriculture, shipbuilding, light industry and only in minority in heavy industry and started voluntary and gradual collectivisation, all against wishes of soviet “advisors”, continuous diplomatic relations with Nordic countries (+large immigration wave to Sweden, established tough border security) -> as we establish Stalin loses trust in Larsen already in 1947 and his further opposition to Stalin’s plans and Tito-Stalin split (even if Larsen officially denounced Tito, he himself wanted to develop “Danish Way to Socialism” as campaigned before power consolidation) leads eventually to his downfall, despite pleasing Stalin with established of several Soviet military bases in Denmark and obeying all Informbyro directives.
• 15 February 1951 Central Committee of DFSP announced resignation of Larsen from all positions “due to health and personal reasons” he was replaced by Knud Jespersen as the general secretary and by Alfred Jensen as the prime minister. Several days later, Larsen was purged from the party and secretly arrested. On 12 March statement of the CC of DFSP on “Errors and Rightist Deviations under leadership of Aksel Larsen” was released, denouncing Larsen for Titoism, working also as party’s “self-critique” and devoting its leadership to upheld Marxism-Leninism. Party was purged of “Titotists”, many of them arrested. On 4 May also president Mogens Fog was forced to resign and put under house arrest, the presidency was abolished and replaced by a collective organ.
• New directives were issued regarding collectivisation, the process was “speeded up” and peasants were forced to join collective farms by economic pressure (high quotas), but still a more moderate agricultural policy based on Germany and Austria was promoted. Those in opposition were arrested. The Five Year Plan was reworked with help of Soviet experts giving primacy to construction of new metallurgy.
• Stalin wished to stage a large show trial with Larsen, as message to other leaders in socialist bloc, so between 20 to 26 April 1952 “Trial of the Anti-Party Conspiracy Revisionist Centre headed by Aksel Larsen” was held, it became shock worldwide (and paranoia to all socialist leaders) and only time past communist leader was executed, next to Larsen another 10 people were executed and 15 sentenced to long time in prison.
• By 1953 collectivisation rates increased from 15% in 1951 to 50%, targets of the 5 year plan were not met, Danish economy was however still in a relatively good shape.

Yugoslavia - Informbiro period 1948-1953

• Worse isolation and economic hardships compared to our reality, as the non-interventionist United States don’t really want to help Yugoslavia and Britain has few resources to spare.
• 1949: Andrija Hebrang, Sreten Žujović and other pro-soviet leader purged, executed, arrested or forced to flee.1948-1950 attempted coup, insurrection of anti-Titoists in several places
• Immediately after the split, Yugoslav economy suffered problems due to the Soviet embargo, and Tito moved the country towards self-sufficiency. Investments in the military. Special measures introduced in 1948 (third shifts, mobilisation of workforce and ratios) to combat problems.
• In 1948 trade between Yugoslavia and the West was restored, soon socialist bloc imports were replaced by Western ones, but at unfavourable prices. In 1949 IMF and World Bank approved loans to Yugoslavia, however due to Americans not lobbying for Tito, interest rates were unfavourable and got Yugoslavia to huge debt. Unlike OTL, desperate Tito abandoned claims on Trieste and managed to obtain British aid in 1951.
• Economic hardship forced Yugoslav leadership to seek economic reform and thus the beginning of Yugoslav socialist self-management (market socialism) was born. Introduced by Tito, Milovan Đilas and Edvard Kardelj in 1950. It led to partial stabilisation of the dire economic situation.
• Threat of possible Soviet invasion increased in 1951 with communist victory in Greece. However, unlike in our reality Yugoslavia did not turned to United States, Greece and Turkey, but to TATO as an alliance, Yugoslavia entered negotiations with TATO that resulted into singing of the Turkish-Yugoslav Agreement on 28.12.1952, in which countries pledged to defend each other against Soviet or Greek invasion and opened possibility of Yugoslav membership, it is connected with increase of relations with USA after American “New Foreign Policy Doctrine” of 1951.
• 2.-7.11. 1952 VI. Congress of Communist Party of Yugoslavia: Party renamed to League of Communists of Yugoslavia, peak of political liberalisation, decentralisation state and of party structure, separation of party and government functions, socialist self-management officially approved as economic policy, economic and political discussion promoted, emphasis of creation of socialist democracy, “democratic centralism” abolished. Changes resulted in 13.1.1953 Yugoslavia passed constitutional reforms – Yugoslavia declared “socialist, democratic, federal state of sovereign and equal nations”, a new legislative Federal People's Assembly was established, giving more power to republics. Liberalisation also brough artistic freedom.
  GREECE
  

Hellenic People’s Republic (1951-1953)

• 1951: communist consolidation of Greece, beginning of anti-communist insurgencies (active to mid-1960s). Sweeping radical socialist reforms: nationalisation of all industries, beginning of collectivisation. Repression of suspected royalist sympathisers (Campaign Against Reactionary Saboteurs), creation of soviet-modelled powerful Ministry of Public Security (November 1951) that led these repressions. Autumn 1951 mass arrests and purges in various fields. Large wave of emigration. Paranoia and fear of British invasion, start of military build-up reorganisation of DSA into the Greek People’s Army, Airforce and Navy.
• In November 1951 Zachariadis consolidated his grip over the military by purging war hero and prominent commander Markos Vafeiadis after accusations of him being Yugoslav spy and royalist, this move was unpopular for people and regular party members. Stalinism, creation of personality cult around Zachariadis. Purge of Vafeiadis’s allies.
• 6 December 1951 “Bloody Day of Saint Nicholas” execution of many prominent “bourgeois intellectuals and politicians” that supported royalists during the civil war after a show trial.
• 1952: IX. Congress of KKE (11.3.) – position of Zachariadis confirmed, toning down of repressions, election (2.6.) – only one-party ticket and “Democratic Front for National Reunification”. Campaign for international recognition (socialist states did already before 1951), Zachariadis retreats from the position of prime minister, Nikos Ploumpidis takes this position. Creation of the People's Assembly that passes the new constitution (August). Greece joins CMEA.
• Relationship with church: As majority of Greek people are religious, approach like in Poland, trying to make agreement, however persecution of many priests, who are connected with anti-communist groups.
• The most militarised (maybe after USSR…) in socialist bloc at the time, had very tense relations with TATO.
• 1953 (later about it, since it belongs more to the 1953-1956 period): Despite the death of Stalin Greek Stalinism itself continues…

Kingdom of Greece (1951-1953)

• Rump British puppet state, wikibox accurate for now only everything is moved by a year
• September 1951 to March 1952 “Rhodos government period” – state is ruled basically by military, very unstable state, uprisings and rebellions mainly in Crete. White terror and repressions start against populations many suspected communists executed, massacres.
• March 1952 Papagos comes to power (officially), gains extraordinary powers (basically becomes a dictator) – in next month intensification of repression and eventual defeat of all insurgencies and opposition against exile Kingdom, stabilisation and formation of working authoritarian state apparatus. Seat of government moved to Crete.
• In December 1952 a fraudulent election was held, victory of Papagos’es Greek Rally against the Liberal Party -> it marks transition to façade democracy and limited liberalisation.
• Papagos' government continues to represent Greece in the UN.

GERMANY AND AUSTRIA
Austrian Democratic Republic (1950-1953)

• After its formation, several left-wing reforms were passed: nationalisation of industry, creation of a centrally planned economy (1st five-year plan 1951), moderate collectivisation of agriculture. Similar to (real and TTL) Germany, East Austria suffers problems with Republikflucht towards the Western part. In 1952 federal states were abolished and East Austria became a unitary state. General secretary and president Koplening, prime minister Franz Honner (wikibox here accurate), elected in 1951 with “National Unity Front” list.
• Fight with Catholic Church, prominent institution in Austria, seen as representation of old reactionary Empire and sympathisers with the Western part (especially after the proclamation of Archduchy). Promotion of a new Austrian identity based on the labour movement, the first Austrian republic (which DRÖ claims to be a continuation) and strongly opposed to pan-Germanism and the old Austrian Habsburg empire. East Austria presents itself as the only sole legitimate Austrian state.
• Compared to other states, political climate is lighter, there are no show trials, however in 1952 part of VSAPÖ (Vereinigte Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei Österreichs – United Socialist Workers Party of Austria – aforementioned union of SPÖ with KPÖ) is purged and catholic leaders often face persecution with many of them imprisoned

Austrian Republic and Archduchy (1950-1953)

• Head of the first West Austrian government was Julius Raab, while Leopold Figl served as State-President.
• Why the hell is Austria Archduchy again you may ask? Since 1919 Habsburgs were banished from Austria, however here Winston Churchill comes to change situation, as West Austria was created under large British influence, Churchill went to propose to Raab to restore Habsburgs in order to boost public support and to continue historical line from the Habsburg Austria and to have greater legitimacy as the true successor. As the National Council was dominated by ÖVP, Raab agreed to the proposition. From August to November (1950) discussions were held between Otto and Raab on restoration of monarchy. Newly proposed changes to the constitution were discussed in the National Council. Eventually supporters of restoration prevailed and on 11 January 1951 the Habsburg Law was revoked.
• Otto von Habsburg returned to the country already in January 1950, was greeted by cheering crowds, but also with demonstrations. Monarchy is going to remain a polarising question amongst West Austrians. In the East this was greatly condemned.
• The March 1951 election resulted in another majority of ÖVP, the new National Council drafted and approved a new constitution making the country a constitutional monarchy, 26 June 1951. 3rd December 1951 Otto’s coronation ceremony, reining name as Otto II.
• Economically and politically West Austria is close with Italy and the United Kingdom, it also took an American loan in 1952.
• In 1951 Western Austria also introduced Gruber Doctrine (after foreign minister Karl Gruber), emphasising its position as the only sole legitimate Austria state, stating that Salzburg cuts relations with any country that has diplomatic relations with East-Vienna.

German Democratic Republic (1950-1952)

• Last time we left, the German Democratic Republic was proclaimed in May 1950 and occupational troops started to leave the country, that wouldn’t be finished until late September. Until that time DDR could not fully project its authority outside the Soviet zone. As Germany was disarmed it had to rely on its Volkspolizei.
• Some reforms were already started by the German Economic Commission and Occupation Authority, like nationalisation of nazi and pro-nazi owned industries and expropriation of various assets. In May 1950 a major nationalisation decree (that affected all parts of Germany, excluding the UN zone) was issued by the Reiman government, together with promised land reforms and voluntary formations of collectives.
• In September Länderat was dispersed by German authorities. During October CSU was forced to join Democratic Bloc, while Bavarian Party was banned for promoting separatism, many right-wing parties for its real or imaginary connection with Nazism. By the end of the year control over the American zone was achieved, however the governments of Baden and Wurttemberg still opposed the government. In March 1951 administrative reform was passed by SED, weakening the power of opposition by merging Baden with Wurttemberg and changing the borders of Franconia. New election was declared for October 1951, both state and federal (justified by “need to take into account political and legislative changes”), despite vocal protests of many deputies Democratic Bloc, now renamed Democratic Front for National Unity (DFE) put only one united candidate with possibility of a blank ballot. Democracy ended (29 October 1951). As elections were also held in the UN zone, here the blank ballots actually won 76% of the votes as part of a large protest initiative. Before the election on 5th of May 1951 III. SED congress was held, Walter Ulbricht was elected general secretary, major reorganisation on the lines of socialist bloc mass parties.
• 1952: The First Five Year Plan was launched focused on reconstruction, collectivisation of agriculture – everything like in real life East Germany (thus also similar to East Austria). Plan set high targets, resulting in high quotas for workers. (Germany economy was still in very bad state), persecution of opposition (connected with Nazism and declared saboteurs), Stasi created and eventually by end of the year thanks to facing large exodus (similar to East Germany) inner-German border (with UN) was closed (December 1952).
• Germany internationally still appeared as a neutral state and also had relations with Yugoslavia, however, they took pro-Soviet positions all the time: recognition of PRC and Greece.
• Nazi resistance existed in very limited numbers, some soldiers hiding in the woods and fighting long-lost war, no mass nazi underground. But as German propaganda pushed that idea and it also entered popular discourse.

United Nations Mandate in Germany (1950-53)
What was happening in the UN zone and what changed with the creation of Germany? It becomes more complicated. Next to the Allied Control Commission (ACC) under control of the UN Trusteeship Council and local state governments, a new position was established by the 1950 Peace Treaty – Authority of High Representative of the German Democratic Republic – so a representative sent by Berlin government, see UNMG was officially part of Germany. You will not see it on any maps. This High Representative had some powers, and he oversaw relations and implementation of common policies, elections, but the vast majority of German laws did not apply here, if these laws weren’t approved by UNMG, which they weren’t as this organisation was dysfunctional. UNMG became hub for German dissent and target of emigration, however, unlike GDR x FRG living conditions (in terms of economics, income, workers’ rights etc.) in UN zone sucked even more than in Germany proper, as it exited purely to exploit German labour, resources and industry in profit of Western companies. UNMG was the main point of German propaganda, criticised, as well what it was, Western exploitation of Germany, and strikes were organised against, it was the worst presentation capitalism can give. The 1951 election was met with protests as we mentioned above, it led to increasing opposition to the GDR government. Before 1953 it was common to travel between zones, but as the border was closed UNMG and GDR divided even more (so yes, it was part of Germany, but majority Germans cannot enter it and it is not ruled by the German government). If it is not complicated enough, it will get later in 1953.
FRANCE
Important in France is that CIA involvement in the country ended in 1949 (important is that CGT-FO despite being formed doesn’t gain any support and remains very marginal, while CGT itself is pro-communist). As the Marshall Plan aid is cut, economic situation worsens and living conditions fall and as government prioritises financing of Indochina War, post-war reconstruction drags on, rations continue, people are increasingly unhappy and PCF gains more and more support, right-wing turns towards Gaullists. This period is marked with numerous strikes, protests, unrest and general chaos. Also like in Italy, France takes many IMF loans and gets into debt.
Political chaos: 26 August 1948, Ramadier replaced as prime minister by André Marie, Marie forced to resign in 11 October 1948, replaced by Henri Queuille, who was replaced by Georges Bidault who served until 20 July 1950, replaced by Henri Queuille (again) just for a month, 23 August 1950 René Pleven became prime minister, government collapsed after formation of PSIF (and effectively lost parliamentary majority) 28 June 1951, new government head by Robert Schuman that and stayed in this position to the election in 1952, but was not able to pass anything including electoral reform that helped Third Force in our reality.
Since 1950 PCF has used a “popular front strategy” and attempted to sway the left-wing faction of SFIO to support them, instead of Third Force. There are changes, instead of the pro-government group headed by Mollet being splinter, instead the splinter group is forced by anti-government sections of SFIO and Parti Radical, French Socialist Independent Party (Parti Socialiste Indépendant Français PSIF) 26 June 1951, formation of PSIF which first leader become by popular Pierre Mendès France, who vocally opposed continuation of the war in Indochina. PSIF formed the “Popular Front” with PCF.
Before 17 January 1952 election, large political polarisation. Massive “New Year Strike” in 1952 – General Strike organised by PCF, mostly as part of political campaign. There is also increasing radicalisation of anti-communist right. Government attempts a massive anti-communist campaign that ends up being unsuccessful, while Gaullists are mainly attacking the government and PCF second. Wikibox needs overhaul (actually even those before it, there are too many seats for election), election results into majority of the Popular Front, Gaullists became the second strongest party and Third Force parties ended up decimated. Maurice Thorez became French Prime Minister; communists took key ministries (21 January 1952).
Maurice Thorez government (1952-1953)
First acts are several major left-wing reforms: shortening of workday, workers’ rights, approval of massive social programs and public works to reduce unemployment. During spring and summer several major nationalisations are drafted and approved by the government. End of financing of the colonial war. Early policies of the government are popular amongst people and somehow improve the economic situation. France petitions the USSR for aid in April 1952.
Franco-Vietnamese talks February – April 1952, ceasefire is declared, delegates including Ho Chi Minh and representatives of Laos and Cambodia, but not Bao Dai, are invited to Paris (Paris Conference 5 March – 6 April). France withdraws from Vietnam and recognises Democratic Republic of Vietnam as a legitimate Vietnamese government. French troops also began to transfer authority to locals in Cambodia and Laos and leave the area completely by January of 1953. This initiates debates about the future of colonies Thorez announces that in the future France would set all colonies on the way of independence. This generates large opposition from the right, but also liberals.
PCF also works on taking control over the French security apparatus and military. As we mentioned, there was conflict between “eastern” and “western” branches of Free French Forces, 1947-1951 communist sympathisers were removed from important positions, during 1952 the opposite happened. Communist aligned officers from the French Legion in the USSR take important leadership positions in the military. As communists controlled the Interior ministry before, several pro-communist officials survived there and now were empowered or re-instated, anti-communists removed. This was attacked by opposition, however communists augmented they do the same thing as the Third Force did before.
Major fight was about SDECE, which was dominated by anti-communists and closely connected with MI6 and CIA. In late January 1953 PCF publicly attacked SDECE as an organisation controlled by “imperialist spies and reactionaries, that plot subversion against the French people'' after the “Le Havre Affair”, where many weapons were found hidden by local Gaullist political leader (30 January 1953). Another major political weapon for communists was the publication of the French war crimes in Indochina in L’Humanité by Vietnamese correspondents (September to November 1952), Thorez government announced that all perpetrators would be punished, leading to large police investigation and arrests of many officers that participated in war in Indochina including many SDECE agents, serving also a purge. Back to Le Havre Affair, after this evidence war presented by ministry of interior that SDECE agents collaborating with Britian and America were responsible, leading to SDECE being dissolved (27 February 1953) and instead new communist dominated General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) was formed, organisation started to investigate SDECE, military and opposition parties, DGSI started to cooperate with MGB. Thorez gets reports that there were preparations for counter-revolutionary activity. Truth is that SDECE had been collaborating with CIA and MI6 since November in preparation of what would become Salan’s Coup.
Benelux - Netherlands, Luxembourg nothing to expand. Belgium Julien Lahaut survives assassination attempt unlike OTL, there is a mistake I never realised in the wikibox, bad despite Van Acker shown correctly as candidate, wrong person is shown as elected president.
Italy - Since better result De Gasperi’s DC rules alone without coalition. This results into lesser number of left-wing policies. Cutting of the Marshall Plan has serious implications for Italy, a much worse economic situation, with living conditions falling in the early 1950s. Italy thus took large IMF loans between 1951-1952, that put country into a huge debt. These both factors result into even larger popularity of PCI. DC began to massively fall at polls. To improve its standing, electoral law was changed to gain a supermajority bonus (2/3 of seats) to party or coalition, that obtains over 50% votes, communist protests.
Ireland - The 1951 election resulted in gains for Fine Gael (even though Fianna Fáil did still win), so Costello’ Labour-FG coalition continued to govern.
Nordics - integration

• First attempted customs unions from 1951 failed, but a free trade agreement (3.8.51) between Norway and Sweden was signed, this treaty also established open borders. Upon free travel was expanded in 1952 and later in 1954 with creation of Nordic Passport Union (SWE, NOR, FIN, ICE, later Faroe Islands joined too) – open borders and free movement.
• 1.7. 1951 Swedish-Norwegian Defence Treaty was signed (negotiations began already in 1949 after change of American foreign policy) – countries established a military alliance.
• 12.2.1953 Nordic Council – largest project – was created between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Faroe Islands.

Sweden focused further on development of its military in light of American “retreat”, alliance with Norway. End of several social reforms by the Ohlin coalition government proved unpopular and election resulted in victory of Social Democrats, who also needed to form a coalition with Farmers Party (that also participated in the previous one). Tage Erlander returned to the post of prime minister, returning to previous social democratic policies. 1952 “Catalina Affair” did not occur, due to lesser Cold War tensions.
Norwegian 1949 election victory of Labour, Gerhardsen remains PM and doesn’t resign in 1951 as in our reality. Same policies, economic recovery and prosperity. Military strengthening.
Finald 1950 Paasikivi re-elected president. 1951 parliamentary election victory of Social Democrats, continuation of Kekkonen government. Increasing Nordic Cooperation. Everything as in our reality. July-August 1952 Helsinki Olympic games – last international event without major tensions
Iceland – American military withdrawal from Iceland, TATO seen as pointless. 23-24 Oct. 1949 parliamentary election results in victory of coalition government between Progressive and Social Democratic Party (government is supported by Socialists, who also see electoral success, while Independence suffers major defeat). Hermann Jónasson becomes the new prime minister. 1.8.1952 Ásgeir Ásgeirsson elected president. 1952 fishing disputes with UK: “Cod Wars”, this also contributes to that 30.8.1952 Iceland suspends its TATO membership. US bases continue to operate on Greenland as before.
In Turkey 14.5.1950 first free multiparty election are held, victory of the Democratic Party, Adnan Menderes becomes prime minister, Celal Bayar becomes president. Pro-Islam policy, economic growth after encouraging business, strongly pro-British policy. Turkey helps with Operation Poseidon, Kingdom of Greece becomes increasingly reliant on Turkey, while relations with mainland Greece collapse. After 1951 rise of anti-Greek sentiment in Turkish society, Red Scare and suspicion towards Greeks. Investment in military strengthening, taking US loans.

1985 Chrysler LeBaron coupe
1986 Toyota Camry (manual)
1979 Porsche 924
1988 Honda Civic 4-door
2000 Honda Civic Si
1993 Honda Nighthawk (CB750)
2004 Mazda Protege5
2003 Nissan Frontier
1976 Honda CB750F
1973 Honda CB450
1998 Toyota Camry
2004 Nissan Frontier

Communist Securing Power (almost same as in reality, minor changes in timeline) without Denmark
Romania

• Michael’s coup 24th of August 1945 -> the government led by Constantin Sănătescu joins the war on the Soviet side, communist hold important ministerial positions. Soviet military presence in Romania. The Romanian military fights against Germany in Hungary and Czechoslovakia, later in Germany. After losing the confidence of liberals and agrarians, he was replaced by Nicolae Rădescu 10th of December 1944.
• Tensions rise as Rădescu is defiant against Soviet demands, communist paramilitaries (Patriotic Defence Guards) form and enter conflict with the government in January Rădescu orders its dissolution. Deputy prime minister Groza initiates land reform against the wishes of the prime minister. On 27th of February 1945 large communist demonstrations -> military opened fire on demonstrators and several killed.
• After a large campaign against Rădescu and Soviet pressure, he resigns, and communist-dominated government led by left-wing agrarian pro-communist politician Petru Groza is formed on 8th of March. Communists de-facto control the government, but it is presented as a democratic coalition. Socialist reforms: land reform, women’s suffrage, also persecution of fascists. Several opposition media under pretext of being pro-fascist.
• 15-24 July 1945 Bucharest Conference -> Western criticism of Romanian government, Romania had to include opposition ministers (PNT and PNL) into government on 17th of August in order to gain western recognition (Yes it the last post this issue was missing). Agreement to hold elections in spring 1946. Eventually it is prolonged to autumn of that year.
• January 1946 new legislature and election procedures are approved by the government, senate abolished, unlike OTL Groza did not remove majority bonus for the party obtaining more than 40% of the vote. Supporters of the former fascist government were not allowed to vote.
• 22nd November 1946 election – victory of Bloc of Democratic Parties (BPD), BDP gained 56% of the votes (lesser amount than OTL due to not such widespread fraud, actually TTL only minor as real result was 45%, due to government relying on the old provision instead of fraud. It changes nothing to legitimacy or result; you can argue both it makes government more and less legitimate. I think it is just neat to choose a little different way) Due to still existing irregularities, state support and army for the BPD, while acting against opposition. The West refuses to recognise election results.
• After the election , securing of power is almost completed, and the government starts work quickly to liquidate the opposition. July 1947 Tămădău affair -> the PNT leadership arrested after they attempted to flee to the West. Party leaders were then convicted in a show trial. In 1948 the opposition faction PNL was also dissolved.
• The People's Republic of Romania was proclaimed 30 December 1947 as king Michael I. is forced to abdicate.

Bulgaria

• 9th September 1944 “People's Uprising of 9 September”, Fatherland Front coup. Even at the same time as in reality. Government of Kimon Georgiev. The Bulgarian army joins the Red Army, eventually fighting in Germany. February 1945: Tsardom official arrested and executed for war crimes, mass arrests of collaborators.
• 15th April 1946 multiparty election to constitutional assembly, connected with referendum about monarchy. Same results as in reality. 53% for BKP, 95% for republic. After the election Georgi Dimitrov became the prime minister.
• During 1947 talks with Yugoslavia, Bled Accord, failure after Tito- Stalin split
• In 1947 the most prominent opposition member, leader of ZVENO, Nikola Petkov, was arrested and executed after a show trial.

Yugoslavia

• Tomašević 1944 rebellion created large tensions between British and Tito with Stalin, but also Yugoslav exiles and had to be terminated. After the Moscow conference any plans of possible creation of separate Croatia were abandoned.
• Belgrade was liberated 20th October 1944 by Soviet forces, Zagreb by Yugoslav forces after fierce fighting on 29th May 1945.
• November 1944 Tito–Šubašić Agreement -> creation of coalition government in post-war Yugoslavia.
• By June 1945 Yugoslavia was mostly liberated, already on the 7th May the Provisional Government of the Democratic Federal Yugoslavia (PGDFY) was formed by Tito as a coalition government. Tito had however issues with restoration of monarchy that was pushed by exiled king Peter II. and also Churchill. Tito is pushed into accepting the monarchy, by form of regency council. This council recognised PGDFY. Royalists and representatives of pre-war parties, like OTL are eventually part of PGDFY, but unlike OTL thanks to different situation, they remain part of this government for much longer. As the war drags on, Tito postpones elections until the final victory over Germany, as Yugoslav soldiers still fight in Austria. The election shall be connected to plebiscite over monarchy or republic. Royalists and Britain reacted negatively to push for postponement.
• Rule of PGDFY is marked by a lot of tensions and conflicts between partisans (their political organization JNOF) and royalist “coalition partners”. Exiled Peter II. and Tito also often attacked each other.
• On 11th March 1946 a multi-party election was held, unlike OTL pre-war parties that did not boycott it. In free secret ballot elections, the KPJ led People’s Front (NOF) representing partisans completely dominates with over 70% of the vote. 83% voted for establishment of a republic. Opposition denounced the results and left the government, during 1946 these parties were dissolved.
• On 29th March 1946 Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia was proclaimed by the Federal Assembly.
• To British disappointment, early socialist Yugoslavia became a firm ally of other socialist movements. Yugoslavia also pushed for its claims on Istria and Carinthia. The West, even more than OTL frustrated with development in Yugoslavia, strongly went against them. All what in our reality was the Free Territory of Trieste remained part of Italy after the Paris Peace Conference (5th December 1946 to 10th March1947), Yugoslav-Western relations extremely deteriorated.
• Tito offered significant assistance, even larger than in our reality, to Greek communists. Ending with the Tito-Stalin split, as KKE refused Yugoslav aid, Yugoslavia stopped supporting them.
• Spring 1948 – Tito-Stalin split, culminating on 28th June 1948 with the expulsion of Yugoslav communists from Informbiro (Cominform). Continuation during the Second Cold War phase.

Albania - There is not really anything different compared to reality. Liberated a bit later, 9th December 1944, by its own partisan forces. Hoxha has been in control since.
Poland

• Last time, we addressed the Warsaw Uprising and liberation of Warsaw on 18th August 1944 and arrest of leadership of Polish resistance during the so-called “Night of Betrayed Heroes”, we should expand more on it.
• After liberation of Warsaw, 20th August 1944 Lublin Committee relocated to Warsaw, officially claiming title of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland on 25th August.
• However, next to the Lublin Committee there was also the Government Delegation for Poland and the Polish quasi-parliament Council of National Unity. These were completely ignored by the Soviets.
• On 30th August 1944, representatives of Polish resistance were invited by Ivan Serov to discuss future governance of Poland and formation of coalition government, however they were arrested by NKVD and forced to sign an order to disband the Polish Home Army. Others were kidnaped by NKVD. Then the members of Polish resistance were taken to Moscow, where they were convicted of collaboration with Nazi Germany and actions against the Red Army in a staged trial in July 1945 (Trial of 26).
• Many members of the Home Army refused to disarm and continued to fight against Soviets and the Polish communist government as the Armed Forces Delegation for Homeland (DSZ), later transformed into “Freedom and Independence” in 1946.
• International repercussions were discussed last time, but there is change. I made a mistake (it was too late). Question of Poland shall be solved already in Istanbul. Result is the creation of the Provisional Government of National Unity (TRJN) on 28th June 1945. Exiled prime minister Stanisław Mikołajczyk (PSL) becomes deputy-prime minister. (Like in reality). Part of the exile government refused to support it. TRJN gains international recognition.
• History then continues as OTL, even without timeline changes. 30.6.1946 3xYES referendum, victory of communists by rigging (68%), strong campaign against opposition. 19.1.1947 victory of “Democratic Bloc” 80% in rigged election, month later socialist (“small”) constitution passed.
• 1947 amnesty for majority of cursed soldiers
• 1948 creation of Polish United Workers Party

Hungary

• Same as in our history, but with timeline shifts. Budapest falls on 20th March 1945
• Hungary is an occupied country, under the Allied Control Commission, dominated by Soviets and headed by Voroshilov. Hungarian government headed by general Béla Miklós.
• 19th January 1946 free election – victory of FKGP, communist poor showing, after Soviet pressure Rajk and Rákosi given key positions in the government. Implementation of the “salami tactics” via control over security services. Prime Minister Zoltán Tildy (until May 1946, where he becomes president of newly created republic) -> Ferenc Nagy
• April 1947 Bela Kovács kidnapped to Moscow by NKVD, June 1947 Ferenc Nagy forced to resign while in Switzerland, new prime minister more pro-communist Lajos Dinnyés.
• In October 1947 another election, despite widespread fraud and massive campaigns, MKP failed to win a majority. Through 1948 great pressure towards opposition, July 1948 new prime minister István Dobi, August 1948 MKP merged with MZSDP to form MDP, in September Árpád Szakasits was elected president after another forced resignation.
• March 1949 Mindszenty process, June one party election and proclamation of Hungarian People’s Republic in August.

Czechoslovakia

• After success of Slovak uprising, Czechoslovak government from London returns to Czechoslovakia as the so called Prešov government (5th December 1944), headed by President Edvard Beneš and social democratic prime minister Zdeněk Fierlinger (a Soviet agent), government drafts the Prešov Program – announcing number of leftwing reforms (democratic revolution and creation of “people's democracy”, but not in the communist sense) and political system in liberated Czechoslovakia. In winter 1944/45 debates raged over the future of Slovakia, eventually Beneš had to accept widespread Slovak autonomy (as OTL).
• 2nd of July 1945 liberation of Prague after its failed and brutally repressed uprising (number of dead in original wikibox was too high, changed to), military actions on Czechoslovak territory until end of July 1945, in June with advance of the Czechoslovak forces to Sudetenland “wild” deportation of Germans starts: some Germans are forced to march alongside Czechoslovak forces to Germany, common atrocities in revenge of German brutal occupation. Majority of the German population of Sudetenland fled to Germany already during summer of 1945 from fear of advancing Soviet and Czechoslovak forces or was forcefully deported.
• The Czechoslovak army continues to fight in Germany.
• Organized deportations of Germans had to wait until the end of the war, when during the Paris Conference of Foreign Ministers in January 1946, Czechoslovakia was given green light to deport remaining Germans, now in much better conditions.
• July 1946 election: What changes from our history (and also old lore) several things: 1, thanks to success of Slovak National Uprising and role of communists in it, KSS gains more support in Slovakia, 2, communists succeed in splitting vote in Slovakia due to creation of separate catholic party (Christian Republican Party)as the April Agreement in which DS secured support of catholic Slovak nationalists never happen.
• 15th July 1946 election: victory of KSČ.Klement Gottwald becomes the prime minister, Slovak legislature is dominated by democratic opposition (who form majority against KSS). All parties govern together as part of the National Front, no other parties are allowed. Despite being a democratic state, wanting to become a bridge between two East and West, Czechoslovakia does pro-soviet foreign policy, after Czechoslovak support for USSR during the Paris conference it loses American loans.
• Czechoslovakia initially wanted to accept the Marshall plan, but was forced by the USSR to also reject it.
• Since summer 1947 KSČ-KSS start to attack SSL of harboring fascists, collaborators and luďáks (members HSLS). Eventually in November KRS was purged and the Slovak government reconstructed in favor of communists, Ján Kempný, leader of KRS, who even ended up being arrested.
• Other issues were several communist provocations that caused tensions through 1947.
• In 1948 12 ministers for democratic parties resigned as part of protest against communist control over Prague’s SNB, wanting to collapse the government this way. Gottwald used the situation to his advantage, wanting to reconstruct the government with communists and pro-communist ministers. After demonstrations in favor of communists (+also it would be unconstitutional to do what ministers wanted, as one minister was missing for this to be possible), president Beneš gave in to their demands. Gottwald proclaimed victory and KSČ secured control over the country. Soon after foreign minister Masaryk, one of these who refused to go against Gottwald in February, was found dead under his window (nobody knows what actually happen to him, whatever it was suicide or murder), in May new constitution was passed by Gottwald, in June 1948 one-party election was held. Old president Beneš left political life after February and died quietly in September, Gottwald became president. So everything is the same.

Paris Conference of Foreign Ministers
1.2.1946 to 15.2.1946
Discussed: Soviets again agree to join war against Japan, deportation of Germans, occupation zones in Germany established together with Allied Control Council, Rhineland established as “Joint Occupation Zone” before the UN control can established, Soviet agreed to quickly withdraw from Benelux and not interfere in its politics, aforementioned guarantee of Lowlands and Denmark sovereignty and territorial integrity happens already here.
Occupation of Germany
We are back in Europe.9th January 1946 war finally ended. The Red Army stands victorious, and evils of fascism are defeated. As millions celebrate, the mood in Washington and London is however tense. In Stalin now the West sees a new foe and Soviet strength frightens them, the West now tries to do everything to contain him, but until the fall of Japan the West must keep good relations. Already in January, Soviet forces retreated from southern Germany, giving administration to the British and American forces. Allied Control Council established. But the majority of valuable assets were already confiscated by the Soviets as the Western forces arrived, causing tensions. Retreat from Bavaria is viewed negatively by Red Army soldiers, who suffered heavy losses there. Soviet Unions begin to lobby for splitting Bavaria between Soviet controlled Franconia and US controlled Bavaria, this proposal is refused, however, influences US in changing borders in their zone, splitting Bavaria up. International Territory is controlled by Soviets for now, Western powers are invited there and are present together with them (“Joint Occupation Zone”)
Between 3rd and 17th May, the Hamburg Conference is held.

• UN zone is officially set up, in incoming month both Soviet and Western troops leave area replacing it with UN troops from Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Netherlands and Poland (+ France in Pfalz EEZ)
• Further agreements about Germany: Lusatia is given as occupation zone to Czechoslovakia, South Schleswig to Denmark (this was mainly pushed by the West as they wanted to give control of Kiel canal away from Stalin’s controlled Germany, USSR supported it to gain influence in Denmark), Netherlands annexed several territories (borderland villages and East Frisian Islands) and minor annexations by Belgium.
• Neutrality of Korea and quick Soviet withdrawal
• Future of Germany's occupation isn’t agreed upon. Both sides present different visions: the USSR wants a unified Germany, while Western powers express a desire to form a separate South German state.

From April 1946 to March 1947 Nuremberg Trials were held Difference to OTL: Göring is already dead, Speer is executed.
United Nations Mandate in Germany (to 1950)
Last time we spoke about its formation and ideas behind it, but how did it work in its first days. UNMG was governed by the Allied Control Commission (not to be confused with Allied Control Council, that governed the rest of Germany) which was overseen by the United Nations Trusteeship Council. ACC was made up of the USSR, US, UK, and France. UNTC of the same states + Republic of China. To make decisions all sides had to agree, because every member can veto anything. Thus, no important decisions were made. UNMG was made up of 5 states (länder) that worked as other German states during the occupation with their own autonomous government. Devastated industry was controlled by Western powers. UNMG is politically part of Germany and thus later under political influence of the German government.
Truman Doctrine
Announced already in August 1946, Truman openly criticized “soviet expansionism”. Reasons: election of communist governments, Soviet pressure to open Turkish straits to their ships, Greek and unlike OTL also Chinese civil wars. The USSR abided by previous agreements and didn’t intervene in Greece until 1947 US intervention in China.
Paris Peace Conference – from December 1946 to April 1947, as OTL, only Italy got better terms, getting all of what became in reality the Trieste Territory. Result is worsening of Yugoslav relations with the West for some time. Faroe Islands independence.
1947
Denmark (1945-1949)
The Soviets really wanted to control Denmark to get access to the Atlantic from the Baltic, also possible bases for submarines in Denmark’s overseas territories. Western powers also wanted Denmark on their side, to prevent the Soviets entering the Atlantic. To stop the Kiel Canal being controlled by Soviet occupied Germany, Britain and the United States supported Danish claims on Southern Schleswig. Denmark became a major battleground of the early days of the Cold War.

• Denmark was liberated by Soviet forces in July 1945. During this offensive Sweden thought about intervention to prevent Soviet presence in Denmark, while backed by Allies, the majority of Swedish government considered this move to be too provocative and forsake it.
• Soviet authorities gave authority to Danish resistance Danish Freedom Council that formed the government under Arne Sørensen including even politicians that collaborated with Germans on the 29th of July 1945. Soviet military authorities did not approve of the presence of such ministers, including former prime minister under occupation Vilhelm Buhl. After Soviet pressure and demonstrations organized by Communists, who played key role in liberation and resistance, the government was reconstructed on 10th August. Britain and the United States condemned Soviet involvement, communist gained key positions in the reconstructed government – interior, justice, labor.
• Communists successfully utilized tactics similar to Hungary, accusing opposition of collaboration and fascist sympathies. In December 1945 the Social democrats broke into two parties, one cooperating with DKP and criticizing the collaborating with the Germans (Socialist Worker’s Party) and other anti-communist (Social Democratic Party of Denmark), other parties were also weakened. DPK and SWP eventually merged into DFSP, promoting the creation of the Danish way to socialism.
• Results of 30 June 1946 (circa): DFSP: 42%, Venstre 25%, Conservative 17%, Social Liberals 8%, Social Democrats 3%, Danish Unity 3% Justice 2%. DFSP formed a coalition with Unity, Social Liberals and Justice as minor coalition partners. DFSP campaigned against other parties and had a major presence in the media, opposition attacked by security services under control of DFSP.
• Christian X died in April 1947; he was succeeded by Frederik IX., while DFSP started to promote a new constitution and advocated for republic, this was opposed by conservative opposition.
• Economic situation in Denmark, as in the rest of Europe, was dismal, however there was no possibility of accepting the Marshall plan, Denmark called it an insult. Communist adopted the slogan “You are not going to buy Greenland with your Marshall plan”. Greenland crisis increased power of communists, politicians with American sympathies were ostracized from political discussion and compared to nazi collaborators.
• Communists managed to push for a referendum on the declaration of republic. This was key in power consolidation; the referendum held on 30 January 1948 was rigged and thus 89% voted for declaration of the Republic. The Danish People’s Republic was proclaimed in March 1948. However, communists were still far from complete power consolidation. DKF and Vestre were still strong political rivals of DFSP and the judiciary wasn’t completely controlled also, Stalin started to be impatient with Larsen, who himself wanted to preserve the current system. In May 1948 the Danish Front for National Unity was created, which all parties were forced to join and only members of DFNU were allowed to participate in election, parties that refused were banned. Through 1948 communists worked to secure control and subjugate other parties. The June 1949 election was still multiparty, but now was rigged in favor of the DSFP, after which communists turned on opposition and arrested several major figures.

Faroe and Greenland Crisis
24 September 1946: Faroe Islands independence referendum votes in favor of Independence, with a larger margin than OTL (68%), and the island declares independence. Denmark wanted to ignore it, king even dissolved its parliament, however UK and USA pressured Danish government into accepting islands self-determination (mostly due to fears of Denmark being controlled by communists), this issue was brought (in what was seen in Denmark as a degrading move) to the Paris Peace Conference, where powers agreed to Faroese Independence. The Republic of Faroe Islands was officially recognised on the 10th of March 1947.
The United States had bases stationed in Greenland since WW2, even though territorial administration was de-jure returned to Denmark, the US was still more or less controlling and occupying it. Denmark protested several times and Americans, first in January 1946. Americans then wanted negotiations about bases there, Denmark rejected, so the US promised to withdraw by the end of 1946 in the American-Danish agreement of 1946. American troops however still stayed there in 1947 and had to intentions of leaving. Denmark put a motion to UN and Paris negotiations, but nothing happened, the US only promised to withdraw in no time. This behavior distanced Denmark from the West. On the 28th of March 1947, Denmark signed a treaty with the Soviet Union, in which countries established diplomatic alliance, and the treaty had a secret part about Soviet bases in Greenland. This treaty was a nightmare for the United States. On 2nd of April 1947 Danish representatives were expelled from Greenland and the United States Greenland Administration Authority was proclaimed. Denmark was furious, US diplomats were expelled from the country and diplomatic relations ceased, motion was put to the UN, but was blocked by the USA. Occupation of Greenland led to massive condemnation from the socialist bloc. USSR (and rightfully so) condemned such action as violation of Hamburg Agreements about territorial integrity. Invasion was justified by Truman as necessary to protect US security and as an act to support self-determination. As together with the US occupation, declaration of Greenland Independence was issued, but the US had in reality no interest in the creation of any Greenland state.
Marshall Plan
As OTL US worked on the Marshall plan for European recovery, with goals of weakening of communist in mind. Relatively sooner compared to OTL the plan was proposed in June 1947, but was rejected by what is to become socialist bloc, citing US occupation of Greenland as one of reasons. The Marshall plan was limited as we will see later, but still somehow contributed to development. The Soviet response was the Molotov plan, it was not enough. The USSR itself lacked resources and in 1947 experienced a famine. Europe was still in very bad condition during this era.
TATO
Formed on 4th August 1947 initially between the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom (that’s why it is called Trans-Atlantic Treaty!). During August several countries joined: Faroe Islands, Portugal, Italy, Norway and Iceland (where it was met with widespread protests). Benelux countries and France refused. France however signed the TATO-French Treaty in 1948, securing friendly relations and opening the possibility of military cooperation, this worsened French relations with USSR (on the other hand France did indirectly condemn the occupation of Greenland with communique denouncing usage of force in international relations). We will return to France eventually, now only based on the French view of postwar international relations. France wanted to continue their cooperation with the USSR in the framework of the 1944 treaty, at the same time cooperating with the West. France wants to position itself as a third power in Europe. Ireland, Greece and Turkey established close relations with TATO. Sweden signed a treaty similar to the French, this was vocally criticized by the USSR.
Greek Civil War (to 1949)

• Well, again the majority of events are like in OTL. Late 1944 liberation of Greece by British forces. December 1944: Dekemvriana. Government wants to disarm left-wing militias, while not disarming the rightist ones – major clashes -> victory of royalists EAM forces to demobilize. White Terror.
• March 1946 election: boycotted by KKE -> fighting resumes (DSE – democratic army)
• DSE gains support from Yugoslavia and Albania, governments from the West. Both the US and USA react quickly.
• Major change compared to OTL happens when DSE does not decide to turn to conventional warfare, instead they continue to gain ground as guerrillas, however they have to face tough battles against British and American units that start to directly intervene in October 1947.
• After US intervention in China (and also occupation of Greenland) Stalin decided to enter the Greek conflict and provide (via Bulgaria and Albania) support to DSE. This was vital for them. Soviet support to DSE led to even greater American involvement in 1948. This Soviet involvement led to the confidence of DSA, who formed the Provisional Democratic Government on March 22 1948. DSA forces remained in defensive and guerrilla positions.

1948
German Crisis
Back in Germany. Through 1946 allied cooperation in Germany somehow worked. In the Soviet zone KPD united with SPD and formed SED, this alliance did not happen in the South and UNMG. On 20 February 1947 local elections were held, separately in each state. In Soviet ones these were dominated by SED, in the south by CDU, results in UNMG were mixed. Political parties in the Soviet zone unified into a Democratic bloc.
Since 1947 there have been efforts to lay foundations of a separate south German state by western allies, this is vigorously opposed by Soviets. In the aftermath of the election Deutsche Wirtschaftskommission (DWK) was formed, a proto-government controlling the zone and claiming the rest. Separate government emerged in the south (unified since summer 1947 as “bizonia” ) the Länderrat based in Stuttgart. In March 1948 the Deutscher Volkskongress, de-facto German parliament was formed.

• In March 1948 German leadership got so-called Leipzig Notes from the Soviet military leadership, Soviet commands for formation of unified Germany.
• All-German election in 1949 to elect the Constitutional Assembly. The Constitution has to be first approved by the Soviet governor and then submitted by the People’s Congress to the states.
• All parties shall candidate separately, but only Democratic bloc parties are allowed to compete.
• German representatives shall negotiate with southern states separately not as a unit.
• Creation of new currency for all of Germany.

Negotiations about Germany in Paris (August 1947) – no agreement, London conference (February to May 1948) also no agreement. USSR criticizes Marshall plan for south Germany. In May 1948 USSR decided to push more aggressively for a unified Germany. In May a new Deutsche Mark was introduced in the Soviet zone, Bizone refused its circulation as it was done without their consent, instead introducing its own currency in July. This leads to a similar situation as in reality, as West Berlin is blockaded by the USSR in August. US airlift is less effective as they now have fewer corridors. Tensions rose, many feared the war may break up.
During the crisis Churchill proposed to Truman the declaration of South German state, this was rejected as too confrontational.
Austria
Borders changed in favor of the West. Already during the war in September 1945 a provisional government under Karl Renner was proclaimed. The UK and USA refused to recognise it, viewing it as a puppet state. Important change to OTL, in the Soviet part election was won by KPÖ, due to them merging with Social democrats, March 1946. New government headed by communists is formed, Renner becomes head of state. There is not much cooperation and communication between Allied powers. Later in 1946 a second government in Salzburg emerged (based on results from the western zone) headed by ÖVP. Both claim to be only some legitimate government of Austria. What is worse is that both governments have formed their own (para)military forces since 1948.
And with that we will leave.

The Great Disillusionment
​
Atomic Month would have a profound effect on the American psyche. Seeing important symbols
of America like the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall reduced to ruins would demoralize
the population, not helped by the feeling of being forced to accept defeat just as they were
turning the tide.
​
The events that came after would not help matters. A botched demobilization process resulted
in inflation and a recession at the same time and the government's refusal to give pensions to
non-white veterans resulted in major riots and a full blown uprising from the Navajo.
The result of all this was something known as the Great Disillusionment, where many Americans
lost faith in the government and the ruling class.
​
This Disillusionment resulted in numerous ideologies and movements rising up. Some notable
nationwide movements were Henry A.Wallace Progressives, Technocracy Inc, and the GI
League led by Marine general Alexander A. Vandegrift. In addition to these there were
numerous regional movements, separatism became popular in Texas, California, Hawaii,
Alaska, and Puerto Rico and in Utah Mormon Fundamentalism exploded. However, without a
doubt the most popular movement was Earl Browders Communist Party.
​
The 1948 Elections
​
For the 1948 elections after some negotiations the CPUSA and the Progressive Party would
form a unified ticket with Earl Browder being the president and Henry A.Wallace being vice
president. Negotiations however would fail with the Technocrats and GI League so they ran their
own candidates.
​
In response the Democratic and Republican parties would form the Democratic-Republican
coalition in a bid to unify the establishment against this threat but their efforts were undermined
by Dixiecrats breaking off due to feeling that the establishment was too moderate on race
issues.
​
In addition to all these the Texan and California National parties would run protest candidates
and the Mormon Redemption Party would also run a candidate.
​
Election Day came and these were the results:
Communist-Progressive alliance: 305 Electoral votes
Democratic-Republican Coalition: 122 Electoral votes
Dixiecrats: 59 Electoral Votes
Texan National Party: 23 Electoral votes
GI League: 12 Electoral votes
Technocracy Inc: 6 Electoral votes
Mormon Redemption Party: 4 Electoral votes
​
MacArthur's Coup and the Counter-Coup
​
The ruling class, however, would not go down without a fight and a coup was organized.
On January 6th, just as congress was set to confirm Earl Browder as president and Henry
Wallace as vice president, General Douglas MacAuthr would launch his coup. Soldiers stormed
the capitol building at a gunpoint forced the House of Representatives and Senate to reject the
results and make MacArthur president and declare martial law.
​
This move was met with almost immediate outrage. Riots and protests began immediately and a
general strike was called. Numerous Communist and Progressive controlled state governments
rejected MacArthur's authority and instead supported Browder's rival Chicago government.
Technocracy Inc and the GI league also angered by the coup would also join the popular front.
Texas also outright seceded.
​
To make matters worse for MacArthur several military units, who had been radicalized, went
AWOL, with the entire Air Force defecting. In addition to this some establishment figures such
as actor John Wayne and Senator Harry Truman would reject the coup and joined the rival
government.
​
The end finally came for the Military Junta on January 19th when General Omar Bradley, who
had become a socialist due to the Great Disillusionment, led the AWOL military units into
Washington D.C. After a one hour battle the Junta collapsed and MacAruthr was arrested.
A Temporary emergency authority led by Bradley was established. This lasted eleven days
before Browder was inaugurated as President of the United States of America.

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Welcome back to the Reformed UPG of the Week!
Gonna leave this here because reddit is still a massive pain these days

Slight update, the new reddit UI has made it almost impossible for me to quickly do these, like I used to be able to do. Thus, theres a chance it becomes UPG of the every other week until the problem is fixed. I can't spend every one of my entire Monday mornings working on this for hours with stupid formatting issues.

Now, please meet the Jordanian Arabs of Jordan!

Region: Jordan

map
Stratus Index Ranking (Urgency): 34
It has been noted to me by u/JCmathetes that I should explain this ranking. Low numbers are more urgent, both physically and spiritually together, while high numbers are less urgent. The scale is 1-177, with one number assigned to each country. So basically on a scale from Afghanistan (1) to Finland (177), how urgent are the peoples physical and spiritual needs.

The Stratus Index - Synthesizes reliable data from different sources to clearly display the world’s most urgent spiritual and physical needs.The vast majority of missions resources go to people and places already Reached by the Gospel, while only 3% of missionaries and 1% of missions money are deployed among the Unreached. This is the Great Imbalance. As a result, there are more people without access to the Gospel today than a decade ago. Stratus seeks to equip the global church with fresh vision to accomplish the Great Commission by addressing some of the factors that perpetuate the Great Imbalance. We hope this tool allows the church to better understand what steps will be required to overcome the barriers that prevent needs from being met, spurring informed and collaborative missions strategy. Stratus Website

Amman, Jordan
Climate: The climate in Jordan varies greatly. Generally, the further inland from the Mediterranean, there are greater contrasts in temperature and less rainfall. The country's average elevation is 812 m (2,664 ft) (SL). The highlands above the Jordan Valley, mountains of the Dead Sea and Wadi Araba and as far south as Ras Al-Naqab are dominated by a Mediterranean climate, while the eastern and northeastern areas of the country are arid desert. Although the desert parts of the kingdom reach high temperatures, the heat is usually moderated by low humidity and a daytime breeze, while the nights are cool. Summers, lasting from May to September, are hot and dry, with temperatures averaging around 32 °C (90 °F) and sometimes exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) between July and August. The winter, lasting from November to March, is relatively cool, with temperatures averaging around 11.08 °C (52 °F).Winter also sees frequent showers and occasional snowfall in some western elevated areas.
Wadi Rum
Terrain: The east is an arid plateau irrigated by oases and seasonal water streams. Major cities are overwhelmingly located on the north-western part of the kingdom due to its fertile soils and relatively abundant rainfall. These include Irbid, Jerash and Zarqa in the northwest, the capital Amman and Al-Salt in the central west, and Madaba, Al-Karak and Aqaba in the southwest. Major towns in the eastern part of the country are the oasis towns of Azraq and Ruwaished. In the west, a highland area of arable land and Mediterranean evergreen forestry drops suddenly into the Jordan Rift Valley. The rift valley contains the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, which separates Jordan from Israel. Jordan has a 26 kilometres (16 mi) shoreline on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, but is otherwise landlocked. The Yarmouk River, an eastern tributary of the Jordan, forms part of the boundary between Jordan and Syria (including the occupied Golan Heights) to the north. The other boundaries are formed by several international and local agreements and do not follow well-defined natural features. The highest point is Jabal Umm al Dami, at 1,854 m (6,083 ft) above sea level, while the lowest is the Dead Sea −420 m (−1,378 ft), the lowest land point on earth.
Village in Jordan
Wildlife of Jordan: Carnivorous mammals in Jordan include the striped hyena, caracal, jungle cat, sand cat, African wildcat, Arabian wolf, golden jackal, fennec fox, Arabian red fox, Blanford's fox, Rüppell's fox, Egyptian mongoose, least weasel, caucasian badger, honey badger and European otter. There are about twenty species of bat and a similar number of rodents including the Caucasian squirrel, Asian garden dormouse, Euphrates jerboa, Middle East blind mole-rat, and various voles, jirds, mice, rats, spiny mice, gerbils and hamsters. Other mammals found in suitable habitat are the wild boar, European hare, cape hare, Indian crested porcupine, rock hyrax, European hedgehog, long-eared hedgehog and desert hedgehog. Approximately 426 species of bird have been recorded in Jordan. Some of these are the Atlantic petrel, northern bald ibis, Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture, lappet-faced vulture, Pharaoh eagle-owl, barn owl, golden eagle, steppe eagle, greater spotted eagle, eastern imperial eagle, MacQueen's bustard, Siberian crane, sociable lapwing, saker falcon, marbled duck, aquatic warbler, Syrian serin, short-toed snake eagle, long-legged buzzard, Barbary falcon and Bonelli's eagle. Five species of turtle are known from Jordan and there are a variety of snakes, mostly colubrids and vipers, but with representatives of seven snake families. The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, a fenced off area in the deserts of central Jordan, has since been used in a breeding and reintroduction programme for the Arabian oryx, as well as other species such as the Somali ostrich, the Persian onager and gazelles. Other animals that have been released into the wild are the Nubian ibex, wild boar, fallow deer and roe deer
I cannot figure out if there are monkeys in Jordan but it doesn't appear to be the case. Praise the Lord!
The Arabian Oryx
Environmental Issues: Jordan is considered one of the countries most affected by environmental changes, especially those caused by the climate crisis and the resulting drought, desertification and loss of arable lands.
Languages: The official language is Modern Standard Arabic, a literary language taught in the schools. Most Jordanians natively speak one of the non-standard Arabic dialects known as Jordanian Arabic. Jordanian Sign Language is the language of the deaf community. English, though without official status, is widely spoken throughout the country and is the de facto language of commerce and banking, as well as a co-official status in the education sector; almost all university-level classes are held in English and almost all public schools teach English along with Standard Arabic. Chechen, Circassian, Armenian, Tagalog, and Russian are popular among their communities. The Romani people, though they may speak Arabic, speak Domari.
Government Type: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

People: Jordanian Arabs

Jordanian Arab woman
Population: 4,717,000
Estimated Foreign Workers Needed: 94+
Beliefs: The Jordanian Arabs are 2.5% Christian, but only 0.3% Evangelical. That means out of their population of 4,717,000, there are roughly 14,151 believers who share their faith. Thats less than 1 believer for every 333.
The state religion in Jordan is Islam. Nearly all of Jordanians are Muslim. The great majority of Arabs practice Sunni Islam. Shi'ites living in the East make up the remainder. Christians account for a small percentage of the population, but the largest churches are Orthodox and not evangelical. There are also a few small Muslim groups who desire to see a more extreme Islamic government. The Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood is gaining support in Jordan. This is an illegal political organization who are known for terrorist actions and violence against Christians.
King Abdullah I Mosque is the most famous Masjid in Jordan. Completed in 1989 as a memorial by the late King Hussein to his grandfather, King Abdullah I Mosque is the largest Masjid in the state.
History: Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire in 332 BC introduced Hellenistic culture to the Middle East. After Alexander's death in 323 BC, the empire split among his generals, and in the end much of Transjordan was disputed between the Ptolemies based in Egypt and the Seleucids based in Syria. The Nabataeans, nomadic Arabs based south of Edom, managed to establish an independent kingdom in 169 BC by exploiting the struggle between the two Greek powers. The Nabataean Kingdom controlled much of the trade routes of the region, and it stretched south along the Red Sea coast into the Hejaz desert, up to as far north as Damascus, which it controlled for a short period (85–71) BC. The Nabataeans massed a fortune from their control of the trade routes, often drawing the envy of their neighbours. Petra, Nabataea's barren capital, flourished in the 1st century AD, driven by its extensive water irrigation systems and agriculture. The Nabataeans were also talented stone carvers, building their most elaborate structure, Al-Khazneh, in the first century AD. It is believed to be the mausoleum of the Arab Nabataean King Aretas IV.
Roman legions under Pompey conquered much of the Levant in 63 BC, inaugurating a period of Roman rule that lasted four centuries. In 106 AD, Emperor Trajan annexed Nabataea unopposed, and rebuilt the King's Highway which became known as the Via Traiana Nova road. The Romans gave the Greek cities of Transjordan—Philadelphia (Amman), Gerasa (Jerash), Gedara (Umm Quays), Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) and Arbila (Irbid)—and other Hellenistic cities in Palestine and southern Syria, a level of autonomy by forming the Decapolis, a ten-city league. Jerash is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the East; it was even visited by Emperor Hadrian during his journey to Palestine.
In 324 AD, the Roman Empire split and the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to control or influence the region until 636 AD. Christianity had become legal within the empire in 313 AD after Emperor Constantine the Great converted to Christianity. The Edict of Thessalonica made Christianity the official state religion in 380 AD. Transjordan prospered during the Byzantine era, and Christian churches were built everywhere. The Aqaba Church in Ayla was built during this era, it is considered to be the world's first purpose built Christian church. Umm ar-Rasas in southern Amman contains at least 16 Byzantine churches. Meanwhile, Petra's importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after a 363 earthquake destroyed many structures, it declined further, eventually being abandoned. The Sassanian Empire in the east became the Byzantines' rivals, and frequent confrontations sometimes led to the Sassanids controlling some parts of the region, including Transjordan.
In 629 AD, during the Battle of Mu'tah in what is today Karak Governorate, the Byzantines and their Arab Christian clients, the Ghassanids, staved off an attack by a Muslim Rashidun force that marched northwards towards the Levant from the Hejaz (in modern-day Saudi Arabia). The Byzantines however were defeated by the Muslims in 636 AD at the decisive Battle of Yarmouk just north of Transjordan. Transjordan was an essential territory for the conquest of Damascus. The first, or Rashidun, caliphate was followed by that of the Umayyads (661–750).
Byzantine Madaba Map showing the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Dating to the 6th century AD, it is the oldest surviving depiction of the Holy Land
Under the Umayyad Caliphate, several desert castles were constructed in Transjordan, including: Qasr Al-Mshatta and Qasr Al-Hallabat. The Abbasid Caliphate's campaign to take over the Umayyad's began in a village in Transjordan known as Humayma. A powerful 749 AD earthquake is thought to have contributed to the Umayyads defeat to the Abbasids, who moved the caliphate's capital from Damascus to Baghdad. During Abbasid rule (750–969), several Arab tribes moved northwards and settled in the Levant. As had happened during the Roman era, growth of maritime trade diminished Transjordan's central position, and the area became increasingly impoverished. After the decline of the Abbasids, Transjordan was ruled by the Fatimid Caliphate (969–1070), then by the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem (1115–1187).
The Crusaders constructed several Crusader castles as part of the Lordship of Oultrejordain, including those of Montreal and Al-Karak. The Ayyubids built the Ajloun Castle and rebuilt older castles, to be used as military outposts against the Crusaders. During the Battle of Hattin (1187) near Lake Tiberias just north of Transjordan, the Crusaders lost to Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty (1187–1260). Villages in Transjordan under the Ayyubids became important stops for Muslim pilgrims going to Mecca who travelled along the route that connected Syria to the Hejaz. Several of the Ayyubid castles were used and expanded by the Mamluks (1260–1516), who divided Transjordan between the provinces of Karak and Damascus. During the next century Transjordan experienced Mongol attacks, but the Mongols were ultimately repelled by the Mamluks after the Battle of Ain Jalut (1260).
In 1516, the Ottoman Caliphate's forces conquered Mamluk territory. Agricultural villages in Transjordan witnessed a period of relative prosperity in the 16th century, but were later abandoned. Transjordan was of marginal importance to the Ottoman authorities. As a result, Ottoman presence was virtually absent and reduced to annual tax collection visits. More Arab Bedouin tribes moved into Transjordan from Syria and the Hejaz during the first three centuries of Ottoman rule, including the Adwan, the Bani Sakhr and the Howeitat. These tribes laid claims to different parts of the region, and with the absence of a meaningful Ottoman authority, Transjordan slid into a state of anarchy that continued until the 19th century. This led to a short-lived occupation by the Wahhabi forces (1803–1812), an ultra-orthodox Islamic movement that emerged in Najd (in modern-day Saudi Arabia). Ibrahim Pasha, son of the governor of the Egypt Eyalet, rooted out the Wahhabis under the request of the Ottoman sultan by 1818. In 1833 Ibrahim Pasha turned on the Ottomans and established his rule over the Levant. His policies led to the unsuccessful peasants' revolt in Palestine in 1834. Transjordanian cities of As-Salt and Al-Karak were destroyed by Ibrahim Pasha's forces for harboring a peasants' revolt leader. Egyptian rule was forcibly ended in 1841, with Ottoman rule restored.
Only after Ibrahim Pasha's campaign did the Ottoman Empire try to solidify its presence in the Syria Vilayet, which Transjordan was part of. A series of tax and land reforms (Tanzimat) in 1864 brought some prosperity back to agriculture and to abandoned villages; the end of virtual autonomy led a backlash in other areas of Transjordan. Muslim Circassians and Chechens, fleeing Russian persecution, sought refuge in the Levant. In Transjordan and with Ottoman support, Circassians first settled in the long-abandoned vicinity of Amman in 1867, and later in the surrounding villages. The Ottoman authorities' establishment of its administration, conscription and heavy taxation policies led to revolts in the areas it controlled. Transjordan's tribes in particular revolted during the Shoubak (1905) and the Karak Revolts (1910), which were brutally suppressed. The construction of the Hejaz Railway in 1908–stretching across the length of Transjordan and linking Damascus with Medina helped the population economically, as Transjordan became a stopover for pilgrims.
Increasing policies of Turkification and centralization adopted by the Ottoman Empire in the wake of the 1908 Young Turk Revolution disenchanted the Arabs of the Levant, who came to adopt Arab nationalism. These changes led to the outbreak of the 1916 Arab Revolt during World War I, which would end four centuries of stagnation under Ottoman rule. The revolt was led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca, scion of the Hashemite family of the Hejaz, and his sons Abdullah, Faisal and Ali. Locally, the revolt garnered the support of the Transjordanian tribes, including Bedouins, Circassians and Christians. The Allies of World War I, including Britain and France, whose imperial interests converged with the Arabist cause, offered support. The revolt started on 5 June 1916 from Medina and pushed northwards until the fighting reached Transjordan in the Battle of Aqaba on 6 July 1917. The revolt reached its climax when Faisal entered Damascus in October 1918, and established an Arab-led military administration in OETA East, later declared as the Arab Kingdom of Syria, both of which Transjordan was part of. During this period, the southernmost region of the country, including Ma'an and Aqaba, was also claimed by the neighbouring Kingdom of Hejaz.
The nascent Hashemite Kingdom over Greater Syria was forced to surrender to French troops on 24 July 1920 during the Battle of Maysalun; the French occupied only the northern part of the Syrian Kingdom, leaving Transjordan in a period of interregnum. Arab aspirations failed to gain international recognition, due mainly to the secret 1916 Sykes–Picot Agreement, which divided the region into French and British spheres of influence, and the 1917 Balfour Declaration, in which Britain announced its support for the establishment of a "national home" for Jews in Palestine. This was seen by the Hashemites and the Arabs as a betrayal of their previous agreements with the British, including the 1915 McMahon–Hussein Correspondence, in which the British stated their willingness to recognize the independence of a unified Arab state stretching from Aleppo to Aden under the rule of the Hashemites.
The British High Commissioner, Herbert Samuel, travelled to Transjordan on 21 August 1920 to meet with As-Salt's residents. He there declared to a crowd of six hundred Transjordanian notables that the British government would aid the establishment of local governments in Transjordan, which is to be kept separate from that of Palestine. The second meeting took place in Umm Qais on 2 September, where the British government representative Major Fitzroy Somerset received a petition that demanded: an independent Arab government in Transjordan to be led by an Arab prince (emir); land sale in Transjordan to Jews be stopped as well as the prevention of Jewish immigration there; that Britain establish and fund a national army; and that free trade be maintained between Transjordan and the rest of the region.
Abdullah, the second son of Sharif Hussein, arrived from Hejaz by train in Ma'an in southern Transjordan on 21 November 1920 to redeem the Greater Syrian Kingdom his brother had lost. Transjordan then was in disarray, widely considered to be ungovernable with its dysfunctional local governments. Abdullah gained the trust of Transjordan's tribal leaders before scrambling to convince them of the benefits of an organized government. Abdullah's successes drew the envy of the British, even when it was in their interest. The British reluctantly accepted Abdullah as ruler of Transjordan after having given him a six-month trial. In March 1921, the British decided to add Transjordan to their Mandate for Palestine, in which they would implement their "Sharifian Solution" policy without applying the provisions of the mandate dealing with Jewish settlement. On 11 April 1921, the Emirate of Transjordan was established with Abdullah as Emir.
In September 1922, the Council of the League of Nations recognized Transjordan as a state under the terms of the Transjordan memorandum. Transjordan remained a British mandate until 1946, but it had been granted a greater level of autonomy than the region west of the Jordan River. Multiple difficulties emerged upon the assumption of power in the region by the Hashemite leadership. In Transjordan, small local rebellions at Kura in 1921 and 1923 were suppressed by the Emir's forces with the help of the British. Wahhabis from Najd regained strength and repeatedly raided the southern parts of his territory in (1922–1924), seriously threatening the Emir's position. The Emir was unable to repel those raids without the aid of the local Bedouin tribes and the British, who maintained a military base with a small RAF detachment close to Amman.
The Treaty of London, signed by the British Government and the Emir of Transjordan on 22 March 1946, recognised the independence of the state upon ratification by both countries' parliaments. On 25 May 1946, the day that the treaty was ratified by the Transjordan parliament, Transjordan was raised to the status of a kingdom under the name of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Arabic, with Abdullah as its first king; although it continued to be referred to as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan in English until 1949. 25 May is now celebrated as the nation's Independence Day, a public holiday. Jordan became a member of the United Nations on 14 December 1955.
On 15 May 1948, as part of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Jordan intervened in Palestine together with many other Arab states. Following the war, Jordan controlled the West Bank and on 24 April 1950 Jordan formally annexed these territories after the Jericho conference. In response, some Arab countries demanded Jordan's expulsion from the Arab League. On 12 June 1950, the Arab League declared that the annexation was a temporary, practical measure and that Jordan was holding the territory as a "trustee" pending a future settlement. King Abdullah was assassinated at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1951 by a Palestinian militant, amid rumors he intended to sign a peace treaty with Israel.
Abdullah was succeeded by his son Talal, who would soon abdicate due to illness in favour of his eldest son Hussein. Talal established the country's modern constitution in 1952. Hussein ascended to the throne in 1953 at the age of 17. Jordan witnessed great political uncertainty in the following period. The 1950s were a period of political upheaval, as Nasserism and Pan-Arabism swept the Arab World. On 1 March 1956, King Hussein Arabized the command of the Army by dismissing a number of senior British officers, an act made to remove remaining foreign influence in the country. In 1958, Jordan and neighbouring Hashemite Iraq formed the Arab Federation as a response to the formation of the rival United Arab Republic between Nasser's Egypt and Syria. The union lasted only six months, being dissolved after Iraqi King Faisal II (Hussein's cousin) was deposed by a bloody military coup on 14 July 1958.
Jordan signed a military pact with Egypt just before Israel launched a preemptive strike on Egypt to begin the Six-Day War in June 1967, where Jordan and Syria joined the war. The Arab states were defeated and Jordan lost control of the West Bank to Israel. The War of Attrition with Israel followed, which included the 1968 Battle of Karameh where the combined forces of the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) repelled an Israeli attack on the Karameh camp on the Jordanian border with the West Bank. Despite the fact that the Palestinians had limited involvement against the Israeli forces, the events at Karameh gained wide recognition and acclaim in the Arab world. As a result, the time period following the battle witnessed an upsurge of support for Palestinian paramilitary elements (the fedayeen) within Jordan from other Arab countries. The fedayeen activities soon became a threat to Jordan's rule of law. In September 1970, the Jordanian army targeted the fedayeen and the resultant fighting led to the expulsion of Palestinian fighters from various PLO groups into Lebanon, in a conflict that became known as Black September.
In 1973, Egypt and Syria waged the Yom Kippur War on Israel, and fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line. Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to attack Israeli units on Syrian territory but did not engage Israeli forces from Jordanian territory. At the Rabat summit conference in 1974, in the aftermath of the Yom-Kippur War, Jordan agreed, along with the rest of the Arab League, that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people". Subsequently, Jordan renounced its claims to the West Bank in 1988.
At the 1991 Madrid Conference, Jordan agreed to negotiate a peace treaty sponsored by the US and the Soviet Union. The Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace was signed on 26 October 1994. In 1997, in retribution for a bombing, Israeli agents entered Jordan using Canadian passports and poisoned Khaled Meshal, a senior Hamas leader living in Jordan. Bowing to intense international pressure, Israel provided an antidote to the poison and released dozens of political prisoners, including Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, after King Hussein threatened to annul the peace treaty.
On 7 February 1999, Abdullah II ascended the throne upon the death of his father Hussein, who had ruled for nearly 50 years. Abdullah embarked on economic liberalization when he assumed the throne, and his reforms led to an economic boom which continued until 2008. Abdullah II has been credited with increasing foreign investment, improving public-private partnerships and providing the foundation for Aqaba's free-trade zone and Jordan's flourishing information and communication technology (ICT) sector. He also set up five other special economic zones. However, during the following years Jordan's economy experienced hardship as it dealt with the effects of the Great Recession and spillover from the Arab Spring.
Al-Qaeda under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's leadership launched coordinated explosions in three hotel lobbies in Amman on 9 November 2005, resulting in 60 deaths and 115 injured. The bombings, which targeted civilians, caused widespread outrage among Jordanians. The attack is considered to be a rare event in the country, and Jordan's internal security was dramatically improved afterwards. No major terrorist attacks have occurred since then. Abdullah and Jordan are viewed with contempt by Islamic extremists for the country's peace treaty with Israel, its relationship with the West, and its mostly non-religious laws.
The Arab Spring were large-scale protests that erupted in the Arab World in 2011, demanding economic and political reforms. Many of these protests tore down regimes in some Arab nations, leading to instability that ended with violent civil wars. In Jordan, in response to domestic unrest, Abdullah replaced his prime minister and introduced a number of reforms including: reforming the Constitution, and laws governing public freedoms and elections. Proportional representation was re-introduced to the Jordanian parliament in the 2016 general election, a move which he said would eventually lead to establishing parliamentary governments. Jordan was left largely unscathed from the violence that swept the region despite an influx of 1.4 million Syrian refugees into the natural resources-lacking country and the emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
King Hussein on 21 March 1968 checking an abandoned Israeli tank in the aftermath of the Battle of Karameh.
Culture: Typical qualification that all people groups can't be summed up in small paragraphs and this is an over generalization.
In the villages, Jordanian Arabs are usually hospitable and friendly. It is common for them to welcome traveling strangers into their homes. A woman's public presence is more accepted than in other Arab countries. However, restaurants may still only welcome men or show the women to a "family room," where ladies and children are allowed.
Education of children begins at five years old and is free. There is a secondary school system for both boys and girls. The brightest students attend one of three Jordanian universities or study abroad.
The economy is centered around the production of phosphates, fertilizers, agricultural products, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
Jordanian folklore band playing bagpipes in Jerash.
Cuisine: As the eighth-largest producer of olives in the world, olive oil is the main cooking oil in Jordan. A common appetizer is hummus, which is a puree of chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Ful medames is another well-known appetiser. A typical worker's meal, it has since made its way to the tables of the upper class. A typical Jordanian meze often contains koubba maqliya, labaneh, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, olives and pickles. Meze is generally accompanied by the Levantine alcoholic drink arak, which is made from grapes and aniseed and is similar to ouzo, rakı and pastis. Jordanian wine and beer are also sometimes used. The same dishes, served without alcoholic drinks, can also be termed "muqabbilat" (starters) in Arabic.
The most distinctive Jordanian dish is mansaf, the national dish of Jordan. The dish is a symbol for Jordanian hospitality and is influenced by the Bedouin culture. Mansaf is eaten on different occasions such as funerals, weddings and on religious holidays. It consists of a plate of rice with meat that was boiled in thick yogurt, sprayed with pine nuts and sometimes herbs. As an old tradition, the dish is eaten using one's hands, but the tradition is not always used. Simple fresh fruit is often served towards the end of a Jordanian meal, but there is also dessert, such as baklava, hareeseh, knafeh, halva and qatayef, a dish made specially for Ramadan. In Jordanian cuisine, drinking coffee and tea flavoured with na'na or meramiyyeh is almost a ritual.
Mansaf, the traditional dish of Jordan, originates from Bedouin life and is a symbol of Jordanian hospitality.

Prayer Request:

• Pray for the work among other unreached peoples living in Jordan - Egyptian and Iraqi Arabs.
• Ask God to protect the small number of evangelical believers and help them to grow strong in Him.
• Pray that Jordanian Arab Christians would be willing to sacrifice their time, and even their lives, to bring the Gospel to neighboring countries.
• Pray against Putin and his insane little war.
• Pray for our nation (the United States), that we Christians can learn to come alongside our hurting brothers and sisters and learn to carry one another's burdens in a more Christlike manner than we have done historically.
• Pray that in this time of an upcoming election and insanity that the needs of the unreached are not forgotten by the church. Pray that our hearts continue to ache to see the unreached hear the Good News.

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)
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Here are the previous weeks threads on the UPG of the Week for Reformed from 2023 (plus a few from 2022 so this one post isn't so lonely). To save some space on these, all UPG posts made 2019-now are here, I will try to keep this current.

People Group	Country	Continent	Date Posted	Beliefs
Jordanian Arabs	Jordan	Asia	04/29/2024	Islam
Bouyei	China	Asia	04/22/2024	Animism
Arab Libyans	Libya	Africa	03/25/2024	Islam
Gafsa Amazigh	Tunisia	Africa	03/18/2024	Islam
Hindi	South Africa	Africa	03/04/2024	Hinduism
Arabs	Iraq	Asia	02/26/2024	Islam
Bagirmi Fulani	Central African Republic	Africa	02/12/2024	Islam
Gujarati	Portugal	Europe	02/05/2024	Hinduism
Western Cham	Cambodia	Asia	01/29/2024	Islamc
Yadav	India	Asia	01/22/2024	Hinduism
Thai (updated)	Thailand	Asia	12/18/2023	Buddhism
Bayad	Mongolia	Asia	12/11/2023	Buddhism
Bedouin (Suafa)	Algeria	Africa	12/04/2023	Islam
Aboriginal (Reached)	Australia	Oceania	11/27/2023	Christian

a - Tibet belongs to Tibet, not China.
b - Russia/Turkey/etc is Europe but also Asia so...
c - this likely is not the true religion that they worship, but rather they have a mixture of what is listed with other local religions, or they have embraced a liberal drift and are leaving faith entirely but this is their historical faith.
Here is a list of definitions in case you wonder what exactly I mean by words like "Unreached".
Here is a list of missions organizations that reach out to the world to do missions for the Glory of God.