#Blockade Strategy

[firstoccupier]

Breaking the Blockade: Naval Surface Tactics at the Scarborough Shoal

WPS News Staff ReporterBaybay City, 12/26/2024 In the azure waters off Scarborough Shoal, tension simmers as captains of the Western Pacific Squadron (WPS) prepare to break the blockade imposed by Chinese naval forces. Drawing upon time-honored strategies and innovative tactics, these maritime leaders are gearing up for what may be the region’s most defining naval engagement of the…

[heritageposts]

[minnesotafollower]

U.S. State Department Publishes Reviewed and Updated Integrated Country Strategy for Cuba 

On May 10, 2024, the U.S. State Department published a Reviewed and Updated Integrated Country Strategy for Cuba (and other countries in the world). For Cuba It listed the following Chief of Mission Priorities: (1) Ensuring Consistent American Citizen Services; (2) Supporting Human Rights; (3) Encouraging an Empowered, Innovative, and Inclusive Cuban Society; (4) Protecting the Security of the…

[dailyanarchistposts]

Direct action, simply put, means cutting out the middleman: solving problems yourself rather than petitioning the authorities or relying on external institutions. Any action that sidesteps regulations and representation to accomplish goals directly is direct action—it includes everything from blockading airports to helping refugees escape to safety and organizing programs to liberate your community from reliance on capitalism. Here we present a step-by-step guide to organizing and carrying out direct action, from the first planning stages to the debrief at the end, including legal support, media strategy, and proper security.

There are countless scenarios in which you might want to employ direct action. Perhaps representatives of despicable multinational corporations are invading your town to hold a meeting, and you want to do more than simply hold a sign; perhaps they’ve been there a long time, operating franchises that exploit workers and ravage the environment, and you want to hinder their misdeeds; perhaps you want to organize a festive, community-oriented event such as a street party. Direct action can plant a public garden in an abandoned lot or defend it by paralyzing bulldozers; it can occupy empty buildings to house the homeless or shut down government offices. Whether you’re acting in secret with a trusted friend or in a mass action with thousands of people, the basic elements are the same.

[guerillas-of-history]

🟡 NEW: Israel has approved a plan to seize complete control of the Gaza Strip and hold it indefinitely. The plan, which was unanimously approved by the Israeli Cabinet, aims to intensify military operations in Gaza gradually.

The plan was approved despite warnings from the army chief, who reportedly told ministers that “this could endanger the hostages held there.” According to Israeli sources, the new plan will be implemented gradually after US President Trump’s visit to the region next week.

The plan also includes the forced displacement of Palestinians from the northern to the southern part of the Strip. Additionally, Israel plans to implement a new strategy for controlling the distribution of humanitarian aid, with backing from the US.

This comes as Israel continues to enforce a total blockade on essential supplies for the 65th consecutive day. The UN has already announced it will not cooperate with Israel’s new aid delivery plan, stating that “it contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles.”

[sayruq]

3 thoughts on this:

Economy - Israel's economy took a hit in October that was comparable to the economic tremors caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. It is effectively in a major recession today. The longer they drag out this war, the worse their economic condition will be. Foreign capital will continue leaving the country as it seems incapable of stabilising. While the continued use of reserves means 300,000 Israelis will be unable to work, not to mention the millions of dollars Israel has to spend to mobilise its reserve every day. The longer the war goes on, the more people will end up leaving the country. 470,000 have left in October and November with no intention of returning while over 300,000 settlers are internally displaced. Both of those numbers are bound to go up as the war continues. This means that Israel is missing hundreds of thousands of Israeli workers. A few weeks ago, Israel struck a deal with the Indian government to get 100,000 workers after tens of thousands of worker migrants fled the country. That plan fell through thanks to Indian trade unions. Now Israel is turning to African States in a desperate attempt to replace the Gazan workers it's currently genociding. We will see if that plan works as Africans are by and large pro Palestine. Plus the Yemeni naval blockade is growing more and more intense every week as a direct response to the genocide in Gaza. In short, Israel's economy can't withstand a long war. America cannot help prop up the economy as it will soon be facing its major economy issues in the coming years including a housing crisis and likely a recession.

Military defeats - Israel cannot defeat Hamas. It cannot win a war inside Gaza. It failed to do so in 2014, it's failing right now. It has lost hundreds of military vehicles including the (formerly) vaunted Merkava-4. The estimated number of injured soldiers stands at 10,000+ while the Resistance is still intact and capable of carrying out dozens of military operations against IDF and the surrounding cities and settlements every day. The IDF has never looked more weak than it is right now. Hezbollah has been employing a military strategy dubbed the escalation ladder, in which one end of the ladder is no war and the other end is total war. It has continuously escalated against Israel, attacking deeper and deeper into its territory, and it will continue until there's open war between Israel and Lebanon. The point of the escalation is to give Israel time to leave Gaza but as that's not something the Israeli government is planning on doing, we're looking at a region war in 2024 (so far we have a regional conflict and whilebits serious, it's not yet war). Just like it can't win in Gaza, Israel can't defeat Hezbollah and occupy Southern Lebanon like its leaders have been threatening to. It certainly can't take on the Ansar Allah group in Yemen.

West Bank - every week, there are clashes between Israeli forces and the Resistance in the West Bank and it's growing more and more intense. The best way to describe the region is 'powder keg.' Israel has responded to Oct 7th by detaining thousands of Palestinians and killing hundreds. There's a growing popularity of Al Qassam Brigades and other militant groups in Gaza. There also seems to be coordination between the Gazan and West Bank resistance groups, as in they would carry out operations at the same time. The longer the war on Gaza goes on, the more likely that war will also break out in the West Bank.

Many, many more Palestinians will die. This plan, more than anything, is a call for the continued slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza.

But the longer this goes on, the closer Israel gets to collapsing.

[max1461]

Asking again because I never get a satisfactory answer to this question:

In my understanding, China wants Taiwan so that they have a naval pathway to the pacific. As long as Taiwan is US-aligned, they form part of a series of choke points that keep China militarily contained and make them vulnerable to e.g. blockades. If China controls Taiwan they're no longer vulnerable in this way.

But controlling Taiwan is a sufficient and not a necessary condition. If Taiwan was strongly China-aligned, even as an independent country, you'd get the same results. After all, they're acting as a choke point on behalf of the US but they aren't part of the US; an alliance is good enough. They could do the opposite.

China is Taiwan's biggest trading partner. China is also better positioned to offer Taiwan security from any putative US aggression than the US is to offer it security from Chinese aggression, on purely geographical grounds. That is to say: seems like Taiwan would be better off as a Chinese ally experiencing beef with the US than a US ally experiencing beef with China. And in this scenario, China would be better off too.

But of course this realignment can't happen as long as China maintains a policy of aggression towards Taiwan. Obviously. Like, the ball is China's court here, almost completely it seems. They have the power to shift relations with Taiwan, to bring them into the Chinese diplomatic fold while guaranteeing them continued independence, and this would be a win-win for both parties. But instead China has chosen continued aggression. This seems like geopolitically stabbing themselves in the foot.

What is going on with this? Is there some reason China's leaders feel that the strategy I've outlined would not work? Why maintain this position?

[firstoccupier]

Under the New Moon's Shadow – Unveiling the Potential Maneuver

WPS News Staff ReporterBayBay City, Philippines | April 20, 2025 In the dim light of a moonless night lies the potential for strategic ingenuity—a plan that could reshape the narrative in the contested waters of Scarborough Shoal. Our sources indicate that under the blanket of the next new moon, whispers of a daring maneuver echo through strategic halls. The next new moon is expected on April…

[bietrofastimoff23]

It's so unfair how the show greens treat Aegon and Criston.

***They need a drink (Criston has water in a flask, because in the show he can't get anything good)/

Aegon is not the most competent politician, but he had good ideas: to break the blockade in the early stages, capture Harrenhal before Daemon, support the smallfolk, because success in the war depends on them, but everyone takes him for an idiot and eventually reaps the fruits of inaction (the KL is rioting, and Daemon gathered support in the riverlands). Not to mention the humiliation and condescension in every fucking scene.

While the others were cooling off in the castle, Criston was the only active force in the TG from the main squad for a considerable time. He proved his competence in military strategy by successfully capturing castles and forcing enemy houses to kneel before the king. But one chastises him for his "lack of loyalty" (when previously allowed their brother to tell him shit), and the other sends him on a suicide mission. His plan with the twins could have worked if it hadn't been for the plot armor in the form of Misaria, which turned out to be at the right time and place, but Otto exclaims about idiocy when he had an identical plan but even stupider.

In the essence, before the first dance of the dragons, Aegon offered more good ideas than anyone on the council, and Criston did all the work of recruiting other houses, but who cares when they don't live up to other people's expectations to be convenient puppets who should be silent and obediently nod when required?

I mean, it's clear that they are not spared from making mistakes, but they don't deserve such humiliating treatment of themselves from their team (Aegon ended up in this position because of them. wtf they have against him???).

At least they had each other's respect and support. It's not enough, but it's better than nothing.

[autumn-sweet-fae]

I like the idea that the bridge riot began as a protest march.

Like the plan was to gather the protest in Zaun and then march together across the river to Piltover and do a sit in perhaps. A big show of Zauns solidarity and its refusal to be ignored.

It would explain why Vi , Powder and their parents were there to begin with. Something like that would be an event parents might bring their kids with them to partake in.

It’s nice to think of what would happen if they were allowed to cross the bridge. The people of Zaun gathered in a Piltover square, chanting and singing their demands for rights, recognition, and independence. Refusing to leave until a councilmen comes to speak to them and hear their demands.

I could see Silco drawing out these plans in the Last Drop with Vander. Explaining strategies to hold the line and keep the protesters safely together once they’re in Piltover. He’d recognize the risk of a bottle neck crossing the bridge would be, but insist they will be able to push through with the numbers they will have.

To have so many people, normal everyday people, peacefully protesting right at Piltovers doorstep, there’s no way the enforcers could turn violent right?

But of course the enforcers do. Blockading the bridge, demanding the protests disperse, and then moving in with shields and batons to beat the protesters back.

Escalation after escalation, until the zaunites fight back and the enforcers declare it a riot and open fire.

[p0orbaby]

more Arsenal x young r please

Birds and the Bees

summary: now matter how old you are, you’ll always be a kid to the girls

warnings: suggestive themes but nothing explicit

a/n: more you say

word count: 716

-

"Hold up, what is that?"

You frustratedly swat away the hands that pull at the collar of your hoodie. "Quit poking at it, Steph”

"Is that a love bite?"

"No, Steph, it's not. It's a 'didn't duck fast enough during a corner kick' bruise. Real thrilling, I know”. The team snickers, and you continue, "Anyone else got an investigative report they want to file on my neck? No? Good, let's move on”

Steph grins, "You sure know how to kill the vibe”

"I'm here for football, not to be the subject of a teenage gossip column," you retort, the edge in your tone really showcasing your opinion on the matter.

The locker room falls into a momentary silence before Katie dares to speak up, "Alright, tough cookie. But seriously, who'd dare to leave a mark on you?"

You scoff, "Someone who I don't actually mind invading my personal space. Now, can we get back to training or are we starting a tabloid in here?"

“I’m all for tabloid. I missed Love Island last night so I’m running low on gossip” Alessia says as she settles into her cubby, arms crossed and already invested. “Spill it”

“No! My personal life is none of your businesses”

“Teammates share everything. Don’t be boring”

You shoot Beth a glare, “Teammates share strategies, not the ins and outs of my love life, okay?”

Steph smirks, “Come on, we’re practically family here. No secrets. It’s the rules”

“The rules? Since when?” You argue.

Katie adds, “We’ve all got our stories, kid. But yours just got a bit more interesting and we’ve still got a few minutes ‘til training starts”

Alessia, ever persistent, grins, “We won’t judge. Promise”

You relent, knowing you weren’t getting out of this, “Fine, but this stays within these four walls. Her name’s Eden. Happy now?”

The room erupts into whispers and excited murmurs. Caitlyn leans in, “Eden? And what does Eden like to do in her spare time? Other than suck the living daylights out of your neck, that is?”

You shoot her a deadpan look, “Eden happens to enjoy normal activities. Reading books, going for runs, you know, typical human stuff”

Alessia smirks, “Sounds acceptable enough. How about you bring her to one of our games?”

You roll your eyes, “She’s not into football, Alessia. Besides, I don’t want any of you to meet her”

A collective gasp echoes around the room, and you can’t help but laugh at how dramatic everyone is being.

Beth raises an eyebrow, “Why not? Afraid we’ll scare her away or something?”

You scoff, “yeah, actually. And I really like her so I don’t want you guys to ruin this for me by being all weird and annoying”

“We’re not annoying!” Katie exclaims. “We just look out for you”

Steph adds with a grin, “Exactly, like big sisters. Speaking of which, we might need to give you the talk, you know, now you’re sucking face with someone”

“No. Nope. That’s it. This conversation has officially ended” you state, mortified.

Despite your attempt to escape, the team forms an impromptu blockade, preventing you from leaving the locker room. Steph locks the door with a theatrical click.

Beth smirks, “Looks like you’re stuck with us for a little while longer”

You shoot another annoyed glare at Beth. "This is not what I signed up for today”

Katie chuckles, "Consider it an intervention. You'll thank us later”

Steph adds, "Exactly, it's time for the birds and the bees I think. Big sister style”

"No way. That's not happening," you state firmly, crossing your arms.

Caitlyn, leaning against a locker, grins mischievously. "Oh, we've got to cover all the bases. Safety first”

You roll your eyes. "I'm well aware of safety, thanks. So, for the record, I don't need 'the talk’”

Alessia smirks, "Come on, it's a rite of passage. We all went through it”

Steph raises an eyebrow, "Wait, you haven't had 'the talk' yet?"

"Of course I have, I’m not a child” you snap.

Beth nudges Alessia, "Should we give her the pamphlet?"

Alessia nods in mock seriousness, "Absolutely. And maybe some diagrams for good measure”

You groan, "this is ridiculous. Can we please stop this. You’re all insufferable”

Steph grins, "Sure we can, just not quite yet. We all missed Love Island, remember”

[dreamboundwords]

Heat of the Storm

Anakin Skywalker x Reader ficlet

---

The first time you met Anakin Skywalker, you hated him.

Cocky. Reckless. Too quick to speak, too slow to listen. You were a decorated intelligence officer in the Republic, and he was the Jedi golden boy who thought a lightsaber could solve anything. You butted heads in every briefing, every mission, every moment you were forced to share air.

“You can’t just blast your way through a Separatist blockade,” you snapped, arms crossed over your chest in the strategy room.

Anakin leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Worked last time.”

You rolled your eyes so hard your head tilted. “And nearly got half your battalion killed. Strategy isn’t just swinging a saber and praying the Force catches you.”

He stood. “And sitting behind a console barking orders isn’t the same as being on the front lines.”

“I’ve been on the front lines,” you hissed, stepping close, jaw tight. “Don’t mistake calm for cowardice, Skywalker.”

For a second—just a second—his smirk dropped, and something fierce flashed in his eyes. Respect? Anger? You didn’t care. You hated how tall he stood. How sure he always seemed.

You told yourself that for weeks.

--

The mission to Felucia changed everything.

The Council had sent you both, claiming your expertise would "complement" each other. You saw it for what it was: punishment. And maybe a test.

Day three of trekking through humid, fungal jungle, and you were done. Done with his arrogance, his silence, the way he seemed to know *exactly* how to get under your skin.

"You always this charming when you're out of lightsaber range?" you muttered as you pushed a heavy branch aside.

Anakin, trudging beside you, let out a low laugh. “You’d miss me if I stopped talking.”

You stopped walking. “Try me.”

He turned, brows raised, sweat shining on his neck. “What’s your problem with me, really?”

You exhaled sharply. “You think rules are optional. You act like you're the only one who knows how to save the galaxy.”

“And you act like you’ve never made a mistake,” he shot back, stepping closer. “Like you’d rather die than admit I might be right.”

You were nose to nose now, breathing hard. Too close. Too heated.

“And yet,” you whispered, “they keep sending us out together.”

His eyes dropped to your lips, just for a second.

“You’re not the only one who’s good at what they do,” he murmured.

The jungle went quiet.

You should have stepped back. You didn’t.

Instead, the kiss came like a lightning strike—hot, angry, desperate. His hands tangled in your hair, your fingers gripped his armor. He kissed like he fought: with everything he had. And you matched him, pull for pull, burn for burn.

When you broke apart, your chest heaved.

“That was—”

“Shut up,” you said, breathless, and kissed him again.

--

After that, things changed.

You still argued. You still challenged him. But every mission ended with whispers in the dark, with hands slipping under tunics, with confessions that neither of you would dare say in daylight.

But slowly, the sharp edges softened.

One night, after a mission gone wrong, you found him sitting alone under the stars, bloodied and silent. You sat beside him, brushing his fingers clean with shaking hands.

“You scared me,” you whispered.

He looked at you like he was seeing you for the first time. “You still hate me?”

You shook your head. “I think I might love you.”

His breath caught. “Good. Because I already do.”

---

The galaxy was falling apart.

But in stolen moments, in secret kisses and whispered promises, you found something worth saving. Each other.

[apas-95]

Idk how to feel about China opening diplomatic relations with the Taliban. Yes Afghanistan's assets should be unfrozen and the entire reason the Taliban runs Afghanistan now is the fault of the US, but they are still an extremely brutal reactionary theocracy enforcing the most extreme gender apartheid in the world. It's not China's (or anyone's) place to change that obviously, but I can't bring myself to celebrate China opening diplomacy with them as a win for the third world.

So, in a word: non-interference.

You're right that the Taliban are a reactionary organisation, and you're right that they're in power because of US interference and invasion. Furthermore, you correctly point out that China should not attempt to change the internal political structure of Afghanistan, but the reason for that is much more than an abstract notion of sovereignty or respect - it is moreso a matter of practicality.

The Taliban are in power because they are the Afghan-nationalist group most favourable to US interests. The US would prefer its puppet government be in power, but failing that, there are groups it very much does not want to take power, such as Afghan communist organisations. The US directs more resources to undernining those groups than it does the Taliban. In any case, the Taliban are still better for Afghanistan than the US-comprador government is, but they are still ultimately in power due to continued US intervention. The US refusal to recognise the Taliban is an element in a continuum of intervention, attempting to tip the scale towards US-favourable groups - it is, counter-intuitively, an element of the exact strategy that is keeping the Taliban in power.

China's non-interference policy not only does not influence the internal affairs of other countries - inherently, it actively *weakens* US influence in those countries. If the threat keeping US-favourable groups in power is sanctions, blockade, and international non-recognition, then the credible promise that China, an incredibly useful partner, will engage with *whichever* domestic group takes power, no matter their ideology, allows for organic Afghan interests to express themselves and bring about organic Afghan political goals. Similarly, the provisioning of no-strings-attached investment, infrastructure, etc, makes US support of preferred groups less effective, as Afghanistan is both less desperate for support, and also has less incentive to take aid packages that include 'restructuring' demands.

In essence: refusing relations with the Taliban, like the US is doing, is part of the exact gradient of political-economic pressures that keeps the Taliban (the group least threatening to US interests, other than an unsustainable puppet) in power. Opening non-judgemental relations to *whoever* achieves power weakens that gradient, and strengthens the ability for the genuine interests of the Afghan people to determine who achieves and retains power. China refusing to open relations with the Afghan government because they do not align ideologically would not change that gradient at all, and could only add yet another set of foreign interests overriding those of the people (interests which could not be more commanding than those of the US military empire, in any case). Free and non-judgemental relations with a reliable trading partner is precisely the environment that weakens the political base of reactionary organisations, and strengthens genuinely revolutionary ones.

[littlefireball]

ᴊʜ|ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ (ᴍ)

ᴍᴀꜰɪᴀ ʙᴏꜱꜱ ᴊᴏɴɢʜᴏ x ᴍᴀꜰɪᴀ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇꜱꜱ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ꜱᴍᴜᴛ|ᴜɴᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇx|ɢᴀᴍʙʟᴇ|ᴄʀᴇᴀᴍᴘɪᴇ|ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀɪɴɢ|ʀᴏᴜɢʜ ꜱᴇx|ᴅᴏᴍ & ꜱᴜʙ|ᴇʏᴇꜱ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 3ᴋ

Summary: As your gang was suppressed by your enemies, you decided to seek help from Choi Jongho, one of the strongest mafia bosses. It’s just a little gamble at first. But you didn’t expect it to turn out to be a bet. And you were the reward.

"You're not belong here, bunny." The man before you wore a sneer that twisted his lips into a mocking smile, a façade of charm laced with contempt. He reclined in his chair, fingers dancing over the cards as if they were mere toys, feigning an air of superiority. His gaze swept over you, lingering from your head to your toes, as if he were cataloging every detail. Deep down, he couldn't deny your stunning looks, a stark contrast to the casino's usual crowd, igniting a flicker of desire within him.

You brushed aside his taunts and the jeers of those around you, confidently striding to the seat across from him. With a deliberate motion, you crossed your arms, pushing your chest forward to draw his attention, challenging him to look away.

"What makes you think I don't belong here, Mr Choi?" You propped yourself against the table, holding your chin. "Sometimes a bunny can kill a bear. Don't you know?"

"Is it? Are you that bunny?" "You guess?" Jongho's sneer twisted further as he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You're not one of us, girl. You're a rabbit trying to play in the big leagues. Just go back to your father, doll."

His words made everyone laugh but you remained unfazed, your eyes meeting him with a steady gaze. "Then let's see if you can prove me wrong, Mr.Choi." You tossed your hair back and a smug smile curled on your lips. "How about we play a little game? If you end up losing, you'll have to sign the contract and join my crew."

"Sounds good to me," Jongho replied with a nod. "But what happens if you lose? That doesn't seem fair since you're the only one with something to gain."

"What do you want then?"

"I'm not a fan of leaving everything to just one game; I prefer a few rounds." Jongho leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "How about this: if you lose once, you take off an item of clothing. Lose ten times, and you're down to nothing. Of course, if you win ten times, I will sign the contract."

The crowd awed and your heart skipped a beat as his words lingered in the air. You didn't expect he would have such advice. But you had no choice. Yet, you found yourself with no alternatives. Your father was unwell, leaving you to manage nearly all the mafia stuff. It wasn't the worst, but rival gangs were seizing the opportunity, launching relentless attacks on your crew—economic blockades, suppressing your allies—everything aimed at your downfall. The only path to rescue your gang lay in securing the backing of Jongho, one of the strongest mafia bosses in the city, a man no one dared to bother.

"Deal." you replied, making the crowd shock again. But you didn't care. Jongho studied you for a moment, he never expected you would say yes instead of running away, but then he chuckled. "Alright, bunny, let's see what you're made of." He signaled to the dealer to shuffle and deal the cards.

The game began, and the tension in the air grew thicker with each pass of the cards. The crowd watched in anticipation, their breaths held as they waited for the outcome.

You focused on the game, using all the skills and knowledge you had garnered to fight against him. You knew that every move you made would determine the fate of your crew and your father's legacy.

You had no way but to win.

Jongho, however, was much more difficult to defeat than you can imagine. He was a seasoned gambler, with a keen eye for strategy and a cool head under pressure. It was clear that he was enjoying the challenge of facing off against you.

The first few rounds were evenly matched, with neither of you gaining a significant advantage. But as the game progressed, you began to notice a pattern in Jongho's play. He seemed to have a sixth sense for predicting your moves, and he always seemed to have the right card at the right time.

It was clear that he was playing to win, and you were beginning to feel the pressure. You took a deep breath, trying to calm your racing thoughts and focus on the game at hand.

But it was just your hope. Despite your best efforts, Jongho always seemed to have the upper hand. By the fifth round, you had lost four times and you had taken off your earrings and shoes.

As the rounds went on, you managed to turn the tide of the game, using a move that caught Jongho off guard. He realized that he could no longer afford to relax his vigilance and focused intently. It was astonishing to recognize that you possess a greater intelligence than he ever imagined, and you were far more resilient than the delicate blooms sheltered within a greenhouse. Despite the immense pressure, you managed to triumph in several games.

Yet, Choi Jongho is Choi Jongho. He was adept at reading the subtle cues of your abilities. It didn't take long for him to pinpoint your weaknesses, dismantling them piece by piece, as he removed your adornments one by one. First came the necklaces, then the bracelets, followed by the rings, and even the hairpins that adorned your hair… Now, you stand completely bereft of jewelry.

Sometimes you really hate why you didn't wear more jewelry.

"You're not as good as you think, bunny." Jongho taunted, his smirk grew wider as he watched you struggle. "Give up now and save yourself the embarrassment."

"It's not over, sir." You refused to back down. "Let's continue. Don't you want to play a few more rounds?"

"But you have no jewels left."

"Maybe I'll win in several rounds."

"Is it? Then let's see, bunny."

Perhaps the divine wishes to witness your journey from hope to despair. Just when you won in one round, another slipped through your fingers. Now, Jongho stood on the brink of victory, needing just one more win, and soon you'll find yourself naked before him, not even securing a contract.

"Willing to admit defeat, doll." Jongho's voice resonated with a sultry undertone, sending a thrill through the air. "Remove one more piece," he commanded, his deep timbre igniting a spark of anticipation within you. A shiver danced along your spine, and your hand trembled slightly, but you masked it with determination.

With a swift motion, you reached for the slit of your dress, grasping the waistband of your panties and pulling it down in a single, decisive action. Jongho's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of your black lace panties dangling from your finger, his heart pounding as vivid images of your bare form flooded his mind.

It must be beautiful.

"One more round, and you'll be completely bare, my dear," Jongho murmured, leaning closer, a playful smirk gracing his lips. "It's perfectly fine to feel regret now. I won't hold it against you."

"No," you replied, forcing a smile even as your heart raced with anxiety. "I won't stop until I get what I want."

"Up to you, lady." Jongho waved his hand, taking a sip from his drink. "Just don't cry if you lose."

To be honest, you have to face the truth: victory seems out of reach. Yet, you haven't squandered every opportunity to push back. Imagine if you managed to win in the final moments! Of course, the thought of surrendering crossed your mind, and you considered alternative solutions. But were there any real paths? No. The answer is clear.

The game had reached its climax, and the tension in the air was palpable. You could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on you as Jongho revealed his final card.

"Any last words?" You raised your eyebrow, then your heart sank as you realized what he meant. "You lose, bunny." Jongho's cold voice sent shivers down your spine, making you freeze as he showed his card in front of the crowd─its number is higher than yours. You couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and regret. You had come so far, and now it seemed like all your efforts had been for naught.

"Remember the promise?" He inquired, tilting his head slightly while gesturing for the others to exit. Rising from his chair, he approached you with deliberate steps, each one making your heart race as the sound echoed in your mind. "Or do you want me to help you?" he murmured, leaning closer until his warm breath brushed against your ear.

"No." You said, your voice firm despite your nervousness. "I-I'll do it myself." As your hand reached the top of your zipper, he stopped you. His fingers brushed against your bare back, the mix of cold and itchy sensation stirring a fire within you.

"But I love you wearing this dress." He shifted away from your spine, rummaging through your bag until he unearthed a contract.

"Here's the contract?" He opened the file, settling into a chair as he began to peruse its contents. Your eyes were glued to him as he crossed his legs, flipping through the pages and nodding occasionally.

"Ye-Yes. That's the contract."

"You drafted this?"

"Yes, sir."

"It looks fine."

"Th…Thanks." You two fell in silence as you had no idea what to do but only clenching your fist, waiting for his response.

"What about we make another bet?" He suddenly broke the stillness, pulling you back from your thoughts.

"Huh?"

"Give me the pen." You immediately found a pen and handed it to him, not considering what he was going to say.

"If I sign…" He said while signing the paper. "You do whatever I say." He made a dot on the paper once he finished his words, raising up to meet your widened eyes.

"Understand what I said?I already signed it."

"But I…"

"You hand me the pen." Wrapping his arm around your waist, he suddenly pulled you into his embrace, making you staddle on him. "Do you want to cheat?" Before you could utter any words, his fingers found their way to your lower core, slipping inside to caress your sensitive clit.

"Oh fuck…!" You found yourself instinctively pressing your face into his neck, overwhelmed by the intensity of his every movement. He palmed your fold, brushing along its curve with his fingertips. With a firm grip on his shoulder, you clenched your fist into the fabric, sensing him accelerate, oblivious to the tremors beginning to ripple through your legs. A small whimper left your lips, as if a beautiful melody rings in Jongho's ears. He let out a playful smirk, making his way to your soaked cunt.

"Try to relax, dear." His long fingers inserted smoothly after aiming at your entrance. With a graceful arch of your back, you pressed your thighs firmly against Jongho's waist. Your walls clenched around his finger, drawing a gasp from him as he reveled in the heat and tightness you offered. The thought of him being deep within you must be a good sensation. His move was gentle and slow at first, finding your sweet spot as he exploded inside. He pushed deeper each time he withdrew a bit and slid back, curling the tip when he reached the deepest. You encircled his shoulders with your arms, eyes closed, surrendering to the waves of pleasure he brought you, allowing desire to engulf you completely. Perhaps the promise you never made had slipped your mind, but the thought of stopping never crossed your mind either. Everything felt just right; a perfect balance of intensity and tenderness.

You just fell for this.

Suddenly, he found your whole body trembling when he touched one spot. "Oh, here?" Hit it, again. "Ahh…shit…" You murmured softly, barley above a whisper, feeling a rush of pleasure flood your mind. A playful grin wore on Jongho's lips as he looked at your expression, colliding with the same place at a great force.

"Jong…jongho…" "It's not my name, dear. It's sir." He tucked your hair at your nape, whispering against your ear as he battered the sweet spot over and over again. A long throaty moan and curse flew from your mouth, your thighs and wall squeezed harder against him, pulling him deeper to give you a harsh push. His face landed on your neck, inhaling your lovely scent while licking and leaving a broken kiss on that, as if tasting you like a dessert. "Smell so good, darling." His dirty words made you somehow excited, a knot forming in your stomach that urged release. He knew you were at the edge and he finger-fucked you faster and harder until you saw stars. "Cum, honey. I know you want to come so badly." "Fuck!" His words were just like triggers, making you break through all the barriers that stop you climax. You released it all with a curse, catching your breath as you collapsed on him.

"Already tired?" Jongho pulled back his fingers, sucking them and producing a pop sound when he left. "So sweet, dear." The way he licked away your juices turned you on harder, you subconsciously swayed your hips against him, hoping he would fill you full once more.

"Good girl." He pressed his lips gently against your cheek, then lowered his hands to unfasten his belt and slide down the zipper of his pants. The sight of his arched crotch sent your heart into a frenzy, warmth flooding your cheeks. Watching your lustful eyes, he couldn't help but chuckle. You were not as innocent as he thought. Maybe he needed to spend more time to understand you. But that's okay as he will have a long, long time.

"Want more?" Jongho held your chin, squeezing your cheeks so that you could look at him. "Words, bunny."

"Yes, sir. Please."

"Now," His strong arm wrapped around your waist, drawing you close to his chest. "We need to get the work finished." With ease, he lifted you, causing a surprised gasp to escape your lips as he set you down on the table. "You'll enjoy it, trust me, sweetheart." He clasped your wrists together, tying it with his belt, tightening it as he pulled it. Gripping the middle, he pushed your wrist above your head, pressing them down to the table. "Don't put them without my permission. Understand?" "Yes, sir." A smile played on his lips as he pulled out his fat cock from his panties, pulling away the hem of your dress before tapping your clit. "Want it?" You raised your head a little to look at his cock, then gazed back to his lustful eyes. "Ye…yes, please sir." Before you finished your words, he made his way to push his cock inside your warmth. Your mouth formed an 'O' shape as you arched your back, feeling literally full.

That was totally different between his cock and fingers; the former was much bigger and thicker. His hands settled on your waist firmly, withdrawing a bit before shoving your sweet spot at a quick motion. "Fuckk!!" The legs you wrapped around his waist tightened, drawing his cock meet your spot fully. "Sucking me in, huh? What a slut?" He then repeated the hard thrusting without feeling tired. There was nothing left but only your moan and skin slapping sound bounced off the wall, making your head spin in pleasure. He clutched the belt, hovering you as he kept rolling his hips into you. His cock rubbed against your wet, tight wall deliciously, hitting your sweet spot dead on. "You feel too good, bunny. I should claim you as mine earlier. Oh fuck~" His cock twitched so bad each time you sucked him in, your juices made him easy to reach your depth. Listening to your moan was his favourite, he loved how you naturally losing control when he fucked you hard.

Everything about you drove him crazy. You were so stunning, so beautiful and different from the girls he met before─clever and bold. Oh, maybe you were made for him, his own perfect paradise.

Your toes curled tightly, and every muscle in your body felt like a coiled spring. Each time he pressed in deeper, you found yourself instinctively holding your breath. Your thoughts spiraled into a chaotic frenzy, caught in a tempest of desire. Getting laid with a mafia boss? Well, it's not like you haven't thought about it, just didn't expect that it would be Choi Jongho.

Thrusting after thrusting, you both lost count on time. Climaxes were approaching; his trusting lost its rhythm and pace, became more sloppy and harder. "Oh babe, I'm cumming. Cum with me, show me what you've got." He ripped off the fabric on your collarbone, the sudden cold sensation made you gasp as your hardened nipples exposed in the air. His head divided into your chest, sucking hard while his tongue licked along the curve of your nipple.

"Gosh, fuck!! Sir, too…too much…!" "Good for me, bunny. Cumming mess on my cock!" "Ah!Fuck!" Your back arched, both your chest pressing together as he pulled you up, fucking you at a new angle. A sudden change made you reach the limit, creaming his cock with your hot juices. As the warmth wrapped around his cock, he shoved into the deepest, releasing all to fill you fully. You collapsed on him, not wanting to leave his embrace as you held him tight. He caressed your bare back, soothing you with a gentle pat.

"I haven't promised you…"

"What?I signed the contract and do you want to cancel it?"

"No!I…fine. Just forget it."

"Bunny," He said gently as he nudged you back, meeting your gaze. "You'd get what you want. That's my promise" He left a peck on your lips before you could utter a word. Gazing into his eyes revealed a mix of desire and, more significantly, a perilous ambition that sent chills down your spine. His smile was disarming, yet it stirred an unsettling feeling within you, making you question if you’ve crossed a line. You mustered a smile and said, "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Choi."

This is how the game of pulling starts between you two.

[sayruq]

Here's more of what's been happening on the ground. (Once again I'm not an expert in war).

Palestinian fighters are still waging war on the state of Israel

It is clear that Hamas and other groups have access to anti aircraft weaponry and long range missiles, partly from looting Israeli bases but partly from (and this is unconfirmed) from the Russia-Ukraine war. It's not unexpected for weapons to end up smuggled into other countries during a war.

On the other hand, Israel went from swearing it would invade Gaza on the ground to doing just about anything but that

It's understandable why Israel would hesitate even with its 300,000 strong army

IDF is made up of mostly conscripted soldiers who normally act as civilians once they've served their 2.5 year mandatory conscription. Not only that, IDF acts more like a police force than an army. Its soldiers simply don't have the training or mentality to fight militia groups in their home turf.

America itself doubts its capabilities no matter how it words it. This is a country that has yet to win against a guerilla army so it has experience when it comes to this

Edit:

Edit 2: above Hamas states the obvious

In my previous post I highlighted how disorganised the Israel military was in response to Operation Flood Al Aqsa.

This hasn't changed in the days. Israel is behaving more like a cornered animal lashing out than the so called 'strongest army in the Middle East.'

It has been dropping bombs on Syria, Lebanon and Egypt aimlessly, more out of anger than calculated strategy

Its efforts to pushing back against the Palestinian militia isn't going well either

in addition to naked, barbaric cruelty towards Gaza because it is not producing results elsewhere

The tweet below is important as Russia is an Israeli ally. The Israeli right wing has been very favourable towards Putin, even willing to disagree with the US and EU policies on Russia. However Israel repeatedly bombing Syria is quickly souring Russia on the country. While Putin doesn't want to go against Israel at this point, he has become increasingly critical of the country in the past couple of days.

Saudi went from making a half-hearted 'both sides need to stop statements to cutting ties with Israel (ties Israel and America have worked very hard to form) to outrightly condemning Israel's treatment of the people of Gaza.

Naturally, with all of this happening, Israel has responded, not with ceasing the bombardment of Gaza, but by killing and assaulting journalists covering the genocide.

so that it could committ war crimes without it being documented and seen by the world. War crimes such as announcing that they'd bomb a hospital in Gaza and giving doctors and nurses just hours to evacuate their patients.

This, btw, is part of the reason they cut electricity so that Palestinians can't post their own genocide on social media. Israel brutality is costing them allies but they have no intention of stopping.

Despite all of this, there has been a great deal of support for Palestinians globally

In short, this war is not going the way Israel thought it would. They didn't crush Hamas and the other Palestinian military groups immediately after the battle of Re'im. In fact, they're still struggling against those groups right now. They've been humiliated in front of the world after being revealed to be paper tigers and as such, they're going after Palestinian civilians in increasingly horrific ways.

The Palestinian resistance is still optimistic and they're still carrying out their plan. There's still hope for a future without apartheid.

[oddmawd]

THE ART OF QUEEN SACRIFICE - A Dark Doflamingo Romance

SUMMARY: In chess, a player commits “queen sacrifice” by intentionally giving up their queen to gain a significant strategic or material advantage upon the board. But life is not a game of chess, and such strategies are easier prescribed than practiced — a lesson the princess of Mary Geoise will personally learn when she offers her hand in marriage to the infamous pirate warlord Doflamingo in order to spare her beloved kingdom from his wrath. [Pirate!Doflamingo x Princess!OC. Unnamed/undescribed OC for x-reader fans.] [Pirate AU. Yes, a pirate AU for One Piece. It makes sense in context, promise.]

TAGS & CONTENT WARNINGS

AO3 Link - This fic is hosted in its entirety exclusively on AO3

FANDOM: One Piece

PAIRINGS: Doflamingo x OC (can be read as Doffy x Reader)

RATING: E(xplicit)

WORD COUNT: 8 chapters total, 75k+ words

GENRE: Dark Romance

TAGS: Alternate Universe - Pirate, Alternate Universe - Royalty, Stalking, Manipulation, Emotional Manipulation, Intrigue, Corruption, Chess, Chess Metaphors, Strategy & Tactics, Yandere, Yandere Donquixote Doflamingo, Pirates, Princes & Princesses, Eventual S m u t, Romance, Dark Fantasy, Non-Linear Narrative, Fairy tale vibes, Cis Female Reader, Cis Female OC

WARNINGS: Canon-typical violence, s m u t in chapters 6-8, Doflamingo is a manipulative bastard

CHAPTER 1 - EXCERPT

The princess of Mary Geoise stood upon the balcony to watch her beloved kingdom burn.

She dressed plainly for the occasion. No finery, no frills, no fuss. That night she wore but a simple gown and plain shoes, bare of all regalia but the bauble she never took from around her pretty neck. She clutched this necklace in her shaking hands for comfort. Most days she hid it beneath her clothes, tucked under modest necklines and away from the prying eyes of her maids and watching father, but the time for such caution had passed.

They were almost at the end, now. Her father could levy no punishments graver than what awaited her come dawn.

“My lady.”

The third and newly appointed general of her father’s armies — for their enemies had slain the first and his replacement alike — bowed upon the flagstones at her feet. Distant fire reflected in the depths of his worried eyes. The princess could not remember his name, though she recalled the black tattoos upon his hands well enough. She bade him stand with a nod, gaze returning to the tableau of destruction playing out before her. Fire had not yet touched the noble quarter, but sparks rose to the stars at the city’s edge, spreading inward through the other districts in a sullen, rust-red ring.

“What news?” she asked with the taste of ash upon her tongue.

“Our blockade has fallen. Pirate forces breached the city walls.”

She closed her eyes. “How many?”

“A-all of them.” The general swallowed. “The Pirate Warlord sent them all.”

From his rightful place atop the conquered throne, her weary father murmured, “Don’t…don’t call him that.”

The wan-faced king sat slumped, mouth slick with wine, fingers clasped around the neck of the seventh bottle he’d downed since news broke of the pirates reaching his kingdom’s shore. He did not look like a king that night. Tonight, he was just a man, the dignity of his station crumbling in the face of imminent defeat.

And like a diamond that had lost its luster, he was ignored. “Pirate ships block the harbor,” said the general. He answered to her, now — a princess in name but the kingdom’s queen in practice.  Especially after the secrets that had recently come to light. “There can be no escape. Not anymore.”

He needn’t have said it. The princess already knew. A game of Monarchic Chess sat behind her, half complete, tiles of the board arranged in the shape of her kingdom, the game of this attack splayed out upon them in perfect, miniature detail. But although the game was not yet finished, she could already predict the outcome. The number of ships, the element of surprise, the pirate warlord’s tactics…her forces were outgunned, and with no warning to aid them, they were outmaneuvered, too. The blockade had been naught but a desperate, last-ditch effort to repel his forces, her final attempt to save them — to save not only herself and the monarchy, but to save the people she had vowed to protect. Her people were the ones who truly mattered in this scenario. She had known her efforts would fail from the outset, and that she acted on their behalf in vain, but hope compelled her try for one last chance at victory.

A chance now slipping through her fingers, as impossible to grasp as hope itself.

“Thank you, General.” She turned from him, and from her father, and returned her attention to the kingdom she had failed. “You are dismissed.”

But he did not leave. Instead he said: “There’s more.”

Bitter laughter charred her throat. “What more could there possibly be?”

“Messengers from the Pirate Warlord — from the enemy.” He corrected himself with a sideways glance at her father. “They came to tell us citizens have been taken hostage.”

Her blood ran cold. “How many?”

“Hundreds. Our operatives have confirmed it. They are gathered in groups, held at gunpoint.”

She considered this for a time. “And the Warlord’s demands in return for their safe release?”

“He…” The general looked as stunned as she felt. “He hasn’t made any.”

“So far,” the princess murmured. “There is still time yet.”

And so she waited. The general left. In his absence, advisors slinked from their hiding places in the shadows of the throne room to stand about like carrion, black-cloaked and beady-eyed, waiting for the corpse to pick clean with their sharp beaks. They wrung their hands, watching her. Whispered in her father’s ear, though he was too drunk to heed them. Many though they numbered, and brilliant in their own right, they were no help to the princess. They never had been, she ruefully mused. She alone had been their savior for many years, unknowing all the while, fighting their battles for them atop the Monarchic Chessboard. But now, even with eyes at last open to the truth, she was helpless to deliver them from this hell on earth.

It was over. It was well and truly over.

High in her tower above the city, the princess’s eyes burned as she gazed at the burning kingdom, lids heavy and thick in their struggle to remain open. So many sleepless nights. So many games played. So many tears spilled that evening, and in the many evenings before the Pirate Warlord attacked her borders outright. But all had been for naught, and now he marched upon her shores. Her enemy, her foe, her villain — he would be here soon. Soon, she would look the devil in the eye, and fall.

Unable to resist, she allowed her tired eyes to close. Smoke and ash rose from the burning city. Wind caressed her cheeks, her throat, even her hands as they clutched the necklace she loved so much. But the cold comfort of the jewel on her palm could not guard against the distant screams of her people as they were menaced by the pirates who had laid her father’s armies to waste. There could be no comfort for the princess as the noose prepared to pull tight around her throat. There could be no stopping the ring of fire sweeping toward her.

Closing her eyes was an insult to the citizens she had failed to protect. They did not have the luxury of awaiting their fate from the impersonal height of a palace tower. 

Thus, she opened them again to stare into the heart of her burning, beloved capital…but to her surprise, the image before her did not match the horrors in her head. The fiery horizon had not moved. The ring of fire had not closed. No, it somehow held steady, a constant halo of destruction that had moved not an inch deeper into the capital city and the palace waiting at its heart. The onslaught had been held at bay by…she knew not what. Had the invasion halted? But why?

What was the pirate warlord waiting for?

Her hands left the stone parapet along the balcony as she whirled to face the throne room.

“You there,” she asked, but the advisors scattered like crows under the stone of her gaze. She turned instead to the guard at the door. “Where is the general?”

“I can find him, Princess,” the guard said, scrambling. “I can — ”

He vanished through the huge oak doors. She returned her stare to the line of fire. Her knees ached from standing on the cold flagstones for hours on end. The princess had not moved since they received word of the unified pirate army’s invasion of the capital, but she refused to sink into despair alongside her wilting father. The bauble in her hand gave her strength. Oh, that beloved pink jewel she wore on its delicate chain — it gave her courage even when weariness clawed her eyes and dug sharp teeth into her psyche. She rolled it through her fingers, weighing it on her palm and giving the sparkling gem the smallest kiss when she thought no one was looking. The diamond held more than mere glitter or monetary value. It held the very core of her dreams in its facets, glinting back at her with a thousand possibilities and all the lives she might have lived had the unthinkable not occurred.

But the unthinkable had occurred. The war had been lost. The pirates had won. She would never be able to tell the person who had given her the gem how much his words had haunted her since their parting. She would never be able to tell him she wanted to reconsider the offer she had rejected. She would never be able to take his hand and say yes as she so longed to. That possibility had gone dark the moment the fires lit. If only she had met him in some other life, perhaps — 

The door opened, and the general said: “He has stopped advancing, Princess.”

She spun in a tangle of skirts. Once again the general knelt upon the stones behind her. Her father moaned atop the throne, but she hardly heard his cry of despair.

“Have our forces rallied?” she asked, but there was no hope in her heart. “I did not think they would be capable — ”

“No. They are not capable.” He passed a tattooed hand over his weary face. “He could press forward again at any time. He has the forces to destroy us in an instant.” But here he paused. “And yet.”

“And yet he has not.” Her hands fisted, fingernails scraping soft skin. “Why has that monster — ?” She shook her head. “He is just a man.”

“Princess?” asked her general.

“Never mind.” She dropped her hands and turned, head held high, tired eyes unyielding as they dragged her scattered advisors from the shadows. “Tell me again. Tell me everything you know about him.”

“We have told you everything already, Princess,” they whispered.

“Then tell me again,” demanded the princess, “about the Pirate Warlord Doflamingo.”

READ THE REST OF CHAPTER 1 ON AO3. CLICK HERE!