We’re all well aware of the previous call for a ceasefire on Floseswin having been disastrously handled. I think it goes without saying that merely asking for a ceasefire while providing no terms or concessions was doomed to failure to begin with and I think that the leaders in this conflict know that. Honeyed words with zero substance are nothing but.
Taking a step away from Floseswin after the Republic militia forces re-secured control of the space has given me pause for consideration - stereotypical of an Intaki, perhaps, but it nevertheless occurred. Brokering peace between the Empire (especially in contemporary) and the Republic (especially in contemporary) is, of course, fated for ill. On the other hand, we as capsuleers can target discussions to reduce the conflict. Probably moreso and better than the Inner Circle who I imagine the approval ratings have waned considerably in recent years.
Ultimately a ceasefire must have compromises. That much is a given. Realistic and tenable compromises are another subject altogether, but not outside the realm of possibility. It merely needs a public backing that wants a closure of the conflict more than they want to hand nothing to their enemy. I think we’re at that point. On both sides.
The Floseswin crisis ultimately started after the warzone treaty and it is without a doubt augmented by recent events in Kahah with the economic sanctions that followed. I’m under no illusion that this is not the case. This is a subject that, like a tight rope, isn’t easy to balance out. The Kahah massacres polarized individuals and the economic sanctions that followed antagonized the Empire into action: the Floseswin PoWs are no doubt being put to work in areas harmed by those very sanctions. That in mind, it is possible that the Federation and the Republic’s respective response toward said sanctions was… harsh. It is of my personal opinion that sanctions should have and yet still can be levied against the appropriate entities while not also affecting civilian industrial sectors. This is difficult, given how integrated all facets of the Empire are, but nonetheless important to be reconsidered with some level of discretion.
If I had to make a suggestion, an important area of consideration would be with the Ammatar Mandate, who, whilst a part of the greater Empire, are arguably less heavy handed in their application of “justice” than their Khanid counterparts. Given the discussions held between Governor Salaf and Commandant Filmir, I don’t think it is impossible to relaxing sanctions (if any) on the Mandate. In turn, the Ammatar and their proximity to the Ardishapur-assigned Heimatar region become an important throughput of trade between the Republic and the Empire with the Ammatar acting as an important middleground. As previous intelligence trading between the Republic and the Mandate in respect to piracy has already been established as of the last six months, it seems only right to continue that trend. The Republic and the Mandate should work together to quell acts of piracy on behalf of the Yulai conventions and there is certainly no lack of Blooders or Seykal extremists to exercise exactly that. This seems like a logical choice: There is no losing party in that agreement. Save maybe Chakaid and the Kingdom who I’m sure will bitch as long as the Nefantar still draw breath.
Make no mistake: I am not calling for a cease of all economic sanctions against the Empire. I am calling for controlled, focused, and targeted sanctions that affect those entities that refused to act in the wake of the Kahah massacres, who should rightly be held accountable and shamed ad perpetuum until they ■■■■■■■ get the point.
Through relaxed economic sanctions with the Ammatar, the Empire is less egregiously affected; their cassus belli for the Floseswin Reclaiming is certifiably lessened. By now the effects of the changes to the warzone are already taking effect and the purpose of the warzone treaty has been fulfilled: Mutineers and traitors in the eyes of Sarum are ultimately the responsibility of the Ministry of Internal Order at this point and there is not much reason yet to continue to pursue a full reclaiming on Floseswin in light of reduced economic sanctions. With this in mind: Sarum should leave and the Republic should allow them their leave.
We’re all tired. We’re all done with this conflict. A ceasefire was already called but without a foundation it was immediately disregarded because the desire for blood is greater than a vapid truce. This in mind, the PoWs and clearly enslaved citizens of the Republic should be returned. Whether already loaded to bear with Vitoc or dead, they, as unwilling participants in this game, should be returned to their families within the Republic. I say this with the utmost certainty: This is the only way that Sarum and the Amarr leave Floseswin without a fight. If the warlords can agree to that, this conflict can be resolved, and we can move on to the next god forsaken problem.
In short, (draft) terms of a realistic ceasefire include::
- The Republic should reduce economic sanctions to targeted, focused sanctions against those entities responsible for the Kahah massacres and the negligence therein, making note to remove unaffiliated entities such as the Ammatar Mandate who would act as a throughway of Republic and Imperial trade.
- Both the Republic and the Mandate should push for greater cooperation against piratical agents such as the Blood Raiders, who affect both the Republic and the Empire equally.
- The PoWs Sarum has already taken as part of the Floseswin Reclaiming returned to the Republic; no matter their state.
- The Sarum military circuit should leave Floseswin IV, and the Republic grant them that leave without conflict.
I look forward to the coming discourse and obligatory derision from warmongers. Say what you must.