Devastation and Reform [ISRAEL]

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GIVE US THIS DAILY DOSE OF FAUX AFFLICTION
F O R G I V E O U R S I N S
FORGED AT THE PULPIT WITH FORKED TONGUES SELLING FAUX SERMONS
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Israel // Neria Levine

Israel is not a nation to be taken lightly. Though apparently the rest of the world doesn’t agree with that sentiment. Screw with her and she will not hold back (given the right circumstances, of course). This nation has been through hell and back, while striving to thrive in a harsh and oftentimes perplexing world.

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JUST STAY WHERE I CAN SEE YOU
D O U S E T H E L I G H T S
WE SURE ARE IN FOR A SHOW TONIGHT
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friends
Neria doesn’t expect friends. The more correct term for her would be ‘allies’, as there are even fewer that wish to be her friend let along a stable ally. She has been burned by supposed friends and allies alike in the past and she doesn’t have much hope for them in the present. Everything that she does tends to be translated as a political move on her part. Suffice it to say, she also isn’t one to take chances on another unless she knows for certain that they won’t eventually go back on every vote of confidence that they’ve ever formerly declared to have for her. Promises don’t mean much—don’t even say that word to her, actually… She despises empty promises and useless words of flattery, because all they’ve done for her is paint an unrealistic rose-tinted view of the world.

lovers
Love is a department that’s even scarcer than her list of allies. She’s ‘loved’ and ‘been loved’ by far too many in the past. Again—relationships are only as good as the intentions of the person. She’s been betrayed and broken… and quite honestly isn’t looking for it. Most of the time, she’s extremely tentative in entering into any sort of relationship, but at this point, she feels like her heart is scarred enough to the point where adding more disappointment won’t really faze her all that much. Neria is generally fine with relationships that don’t drag in heavy promises. (Hell, nations shouldn’t even be in those types of relationships, given the responsibilities that they hold.)

enemies
Ha. Yes, come one, come all. There’s quite a few here. Some might flock here because of personal issues that have been going on for centuries, some for current wars and disputes, and others just for the simple fact that she even exists as a nation. Most of these relations that she shares with her enemies are ugly and hot with controversy. Everyone has their opinion and they will either hate her or support her (for the most part).

other
Nothing really comes to mind for the ‘other’ category, but if you have any ideas, then feel free to throw them at me. I’m always open for all sorts of crazy plottage. C:

America and Israel

Yay, another immensely complicated relationship for Alfred. XD He sure does find himself in a lot of those...

One thing that can be said is that these two never really skirt into the enemies territory. While they don't always agree on everything (then again, who does?), they've never actually been enemies.

The rest of it is a bit more difficult to follow. They're definitely allies, no doubt about that, though within time I could see them becoming 'friends' as well. They are extremely close allies and trading partners, and I don't think it's a huge stretch to say that the U.S. is Israel's closest ally. So...yeah. Make of that what you will. XD They are obviously involved in each other's lives. =P

We also discussed the possibility of a relationship, although it wouldn't be an average relationship (although, like you said, they usually aren't in the case of nations XD). They both have some major issues to work through, but at the same time, that's almost a good thing, as I can't see either of them really wanting to rush the other.

America and Israel ...

Pfff yes. I suppose that tends to happen when you're on top of the world and everything becomes your business. xD

No, this nation here would prefer to shorten her enemies list. Though with her sort of luck, it would be more like taking away minuscule trimmings. Hurrah. But yes, I agree. They've never been enemies and I don't see that happening anytime soon. Neria, of course, in all her glorious pessimism, tries to believe that he will continue being her ally despite the ever mounting tensions on her side of the world. ^^;

I like your idea of a slow friendship, though. Things like this take time... especially considering everything that happened prior and after '48. Yes, U.S. is Israel's closest ally. XD He supplies her with power... weapons... and backs her up (most of the time anyway) which she is ever grateful for... XP Suffice it to say... quite involved.

Aand yes, we pretty much agreed on the unconventional parts of their relationship. XD Again, I agree that it's a good thing to come into something like that while toting their major personal issues. In a way, they're gathering up whatever's left of their damaged selves (whether it's from former relationships or broken, effed-up situations) and attempting to make something workable out of it. That's life, though, eh? Slow is good. If there's anything that these nations have, it's years. XP

[No problem. Get some rest... And yeah, Skype is always win. XD]

I'm not very sure of Scotland's more modern relations with Israel, they were probably whatever England was doing, since they're the UK. But I know he would have been involved in the Crusades. While I'm not certain how much, I do know that the Knights Templar had ties to Scotland, that the king Robert The Bruce had wanted to go crusading, and his lieutenant actually tried to carry his heart to the Holy Land before dying in battle. I also know, and this is just amusing to me, that the Pope called for the Christian nations to participate, including "Savage Scotland."

Scotland and Israel ...

Whelp... as for modern relations, Britain ruled her a little over three decades until her establishment. Overall, relations are pretty good give or take a few diplomatic tensions in recent years. But yes... ugh, the Crusades... One of the many bad moments in history for her. Even though her situation already wasn't that great during this period in time, she was far less than pleased to see a group of nations suddenly at her doorstep wreaking havoc under 'divine order' by the Pope.

Heh, 'Savage Scotland'. XD Nice.

France and Israel

*shoves in another ally for Israel* XD

Anywho. Since Israel's reinstatement, France has maintained fairly close relations with her, militarily and politically. He provided her with weapons in the 60's, but that stopped during the Six-Day War. Throughout, their relations improved, strained, then improved again according to whoever was France's boss at the time, but overall, they've been pretty strong allies. I'm sure Neria would have particularly liked Sarkozy, as he refused to greet any world leader who didn't recognize her right to exist. XD I also found out that France is the second-leading tourist destination for Israelis after the US. Kinda interesting.. XD Similarly, the number of French visitors to Israel has increased a great deal in the last years (despite the growing tensions, apparently. XD)

Also, Scottie already brought this up, but the Crusades.... Oh man. XD France would be one of those nations at her 'doorstep' for sure... and probably would have been like "Oh Hello there..." *France-like creepy wink* BD

There's some info that I randomly gathered. Could be fun to rp them out a bit.

France and Israel ...

-takes another rare ally- hua! ;D

Yes, Neria would have greatly appreciated the support in the 60's.. when the rest of the world was either occupied with eh, other things, or still hadn't recognised her. Probably all looking at her like some weird little creation that just popped up out of nowhere. Anyway, I can see her greatly appreciating Sarkozy for his gutsy behaviour. That's her kind of man! XD Cool to know about the whole tourist thing. It kind of gives an idea of how they may perceive each other.

Aaagh Crusades. Neria wouldn't have put up with Francis's nonsense. She would have slapped him upside the head if he so much as looked at her in a way that she didn't like. Though, that's a more forseeable reaction nowadays. Fair warning, love.

France and Israel

PFF -france pout- Nah, glad to hear it. France's antics are... well they're just him. Someone needs to let him know not to do that shiz. Not that it'll make him stop, but yeah. XD

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Greece and Israel seems to have a wavy and questionable, if not somewhat cold, relationship in the past but it seems they're getting a bit warmer in the present time, so assuming depends on the timeline would also determine how Athens will react with Israel.

Since the Israel embassy is located in Athens, I assume that she (Athens as the present one) will have a good, if not somewhat childish outlook on Israel and maybe pester her here and there but mostly just for the hell of it. In the past, maybe she'll pretty much stay her distance with her and let Greece do the interacting with the other female, but I'm pretty much sure that in the present Anastasia will be chatty enough to come near Neria, poke her here and there, talk to her, and then run away to hide. But pretty much that's it; In the past, Athens wasn't exactly that talkative to Israel since she's just trying to be cautious (and because of Greece), but in the present she'll be like that next-door neighbor's daughter fleeting once in a while after a few talks and pokes here and there.

I mean, Athens IS pretty old, but you got to give her credit for doing a great job acting like a kid on sugar rush and alll

Ten cents of thoughts? Pretty much basing this on a Greece-Israel relationship, y'know.
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Athens and Israel ...

Cool. More ancient Mediterraneans. xD Yep, it depends on the time period. But overall, I don't think Neria will be that bothered by Athen's... well, exuberant behaviour. xD She has very few good acquaintances/friends, so she tries to remain friendly if anyone's generally friendly to her. I think Neria would like her odd quirky-ness, actually. xD Overall, she will tolerate the pokes.

IRELAND and ISRAEL

This relationship has always been a rocky one. They have positives and negatives throughout the history of their political and economic relations. They are huge economic traders but also have great tourism for one another. Yet, despite that Ireland wouldn’t allow an Israeli embassy until December of 1993. Also, Ireland provides millions in aid to Palestinians and we all know that won’t sit well. Between 1978 – 2000 there were tensions over mistreatment of Irish forces by Israel Defense forces. Then there was the threats made to Israelis by the Irish over treatment of Irish Peacekeepers in the 80s to 90s.

Then there was that whole blow up in 2010 over an Israeli being assassinated by a team that had fake passports including Irish ones. That led to the Irish government kicking the Israeli Embassy out.

Most of the bad things have been Ireland’s fault for over-reacting and mistreating Israel with more support being given to Palestine. This means there will be tensions politically. That becomes socially when we add in the fact that Neria is in a relationship with Alfred, someone Erin is very possessive of.

Overall, relations are not good here. I would argue its dislike, but tolerance?

NEW ZEALAND and ISRAEL

FINALLY! I have a character who has a reason to like and get along with Neria! New Zealand has a long history of supporting Israel beginning in 1947. New Zealand was one of the forefront countries to recognize Israel in the United Nations resolution of 1948. Over all there are good political reasons for them to be “friends” or by Neria’s standard’s Allies. The two of them trade millions of dollars in goods each year. Both of them allow tourists from each other’s country to work for three months without an additional Visa.

Roa would love the chance to get to know Neria and actually become friends with her. Of course whether Roa is let in is up to Neria. Roa is not one to give empty promises usually, but as we all know politics are dumb. Roa would be as frank and honest as possible with Neria once it was realized that Neria has an issue with empty words. Roa loves a rose-tinted view of the world, and usually has that somewhat dreamer/optimistic view. I think Neria could benefit from a little positivity...if it doesn’t drive her mad first.

Ireland and Israel ...

Ooh yes. I’ve read up a bit on their relations and some of the issues that they’ve endured… yeeah, not the best. xD Neria normally doesn't place much regard towards nations that pour a substantial amount of aid towards those who disregard her existence as a nation… so the political strains are definitely more important to her over any personal/social issue, as that’s where her peoples’ welfare is concerned. So the threats against her people is definitely more of a concern to Neria over personal issues (as she’s completely protective over them, considering…) As for Erin socially, Neria doesn’t dislike her. She feels that she doesn’t have a reason to, as they haven’t interacted too much aside from the strained politics... and she has a shit ton of others to worry about… so yes. Tolerance with some instances of dislike.

New Zealand and Israel ...

Yuuuuus XD She’s more than happy to know someone else who doesn’t completely despise her… or call her a “Zionist regime” instead of a country… or want her to wiped from the map… hurrahs. She definitely needs someone who can provide a bit of positivity in her life, as she’s in constant survival/fucktheworld mode. XD So, I like the friends route. Awesomestuff.