The Day of Fear

Okay, this is my first attempt at writing in this forum. My attempt is to create a fictional "what-if" scenario in the most realistic fashion. I want to stress that I do not wish for the events below to occur. In fact, I hope cooler heads will prevail. This is not in any way a prediction or prophecy. It is purely to create thought about how things can get out of control. I hope you enjoy.


The Day of Fear -

July 22nd, 2009 EVENING – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes before the people of Israel with an urgent address: “Good evening. As Israel and the world is well aware it has been the position of this nation that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear arms. I have worked with international partners in the United States and Europe to peacefully negotiate an end to this crisis. Iran possessing these weapons presents a clear and present danger to Israel, the United States, and yes the entire civilized world. Evidence has been brought to light in the last 48 hours which indicates that Iran is weeks if not days from becoming a nuclear capable nation. The time for negotiation and talk has expired. The lives of all Israel citizens are threatened and this threat cannot stand. I am asking the citizens of Israel to prepare for what is to come.”

July 23rd, 2009 DAYBREAK – CNN – Breaking News......Early reports are coming in...hang on...yes, okay....CNN can confirm that an air attack is underway in Iran. It appears that the Israeli Air Force has struck a fierce blow within the nation of Iran. No comment from the White House at this time. We will be following these events as they break....

Attack +2 Hours – CNN – Israel is claiming a complete annihilation of the nuclear weapons program as well as the destruction of numerous military bases. Iran has denounced the attacks as unprovoked and vow a swift reprisal. Reports from around the world indicate that Russian military forces have been moved to the highest state of readiness. This shocking move has led to many European nations moving into a defensive posture as troops are being called up.

Attack +6 Hours – White House – An Address from the President of the United States Barack Obama - “The events of the last few hours have sent the nations of the world into an all out military escalation, which, if left unchecked could lead the world down a dangerous path. I have been in communication with a number of nations including Russia, Israel, Iran, China, and others. During these discussions we have agree to a progressive scaling down of tensions. The attacks initiated by Israel were not.....wait...(secret service rushed in and grabbed President as screen goes black). CNN – we are being informed that the President has been moved to a secure location as a precaution only, we repeat, this is a precaution, CNN is being told that an attack on DC is not underway.

Attack +6 Hours 15 Minutes - Telephone rings in Tel Aviv. Are you prepared to do your service to Allah? Yes. Detonate the device.

Attack +6 Hours 30 Minutes – CNN....oh, oh no. new reports now and I,...It appears and this is just in, yes a nuclear event, a detonation has occurred in Tel Aviv, I think we have video. This is new video just coming in. (Cuts to video of mushroom cloud rising over Tel Aviv). And now we have to hope that something can stop the horrors of this day. I just don't know what to say.....

Attack +7 Hours – Russian press release – The nuclear attack on Tel Aviv is a horrific terrorist attack. The world must come together to end terrorism in all its forms. Russia is ready to send relief supplies and aid as soon as possible. Russia is shocked by this attack and states that it is confident Iran did not authorize or provide the nuclear material for this attack. Russia states that it stands by its ally nation of Iran and states that a nuclear attack on Iran would be considered an attack on the people of Russia.

Attack +7 Hours 30 Minutes – The US and Israel hold secure teleconference from the most secure locations deep below the surface of the earth. During the conference heated debate ensues with Obama staunchly against any form of response, instead arguing for a cooling off period to prevent a nuclear holocaust. During the discussions this CNN report flashes in.....”now new reports out of Iran, reports that the western city of Mashad has been wiped off the map by a nuclear attack from Israel. CNN cannot confirm the attack at this time.” In the teleconference Israel states that they launched no attack and that this is a set-up to provoke Russia into attacking them.

Attack +9 Hours – All out nuclear war ensues. Israel realizing that it has been set-up launches 30% of their arsenal at Iran and 50% at Russia with over 10 warheads aimed for Moscow. Just minutes after the nukes have been launched over 100 nuclear warheads rain on Israel destroying the sacred land. At this point with Obama's hand forced he launches a full scale nuclear attack on Russia. Bombs fall on all the major cities of Europe, Russia, and the United States. The US missile shield deflects 35-40% not nearly enough to prevent complete destruction.

Attack +24 Hours – China, India, Austrailia, and Japan release a joint message to the remaining world. The horrors of the past 24 hours will never be repeated, relief operations are to begin immediately. The leaders call for a nuclear free world, they call on the remaining governments to help the people who remain in the war torn nations. The coalition for peace vow to pull the leaders responsible for this holocaust from their bunkers and try them for crimes against humanity.

It's OK, I'll give you that.

Still, from the part where Russia says that an attack on Iran is to be seen as an attack on Russia it kind of fails.
I don't think ever that anything such would happen.
But maybe if you evolve the story a little bit you could streach it far enough to make it plausible, maybe a longer prologue of events leading up to strengthened ties between Russia and Iran.

I dearly hope that any nation would be extremely reluctant to engage a nuclear attack.
There are better items in their arsenals to deal with threats; bunker busters, MOAB's, Special Forces...

Nice writing nontheless!

reply to post by Raud


Thanks. Yeah this was my first stab at it. I wanted to try to keep it short so people would take the time to read.

I might work on expanding the details.

Thanks for the review.

No probs.

I have worked for a long time on a similar story (world ending up in global conflict) but I run into problems all the time.

For one, the world has reached a level of globalization that makes the super powers less interested in war and more keen on co-operation. That is mainly because the planet is to a much bigger extent governed by commercial interests than political ideologies.

Also, the US are having enough problems providing their troops already abroad with both the economy and manpower to engage in any full-scale conflict. Thus, they have to be more or less bound to interact.

Israel is however a barrel of gun powder, and it will go off in one way or another. Their ties to the US makes the situation more delicate, but a nuclear assault on Iran by Israel would most likely gain strong critisism rather than support from the White House. I think...

Still, there are other places for sparks to light the fire; India and Pakistan is not to be forgotten. Both are packing nuclear heat and both have been on the brink of total war for many, many years.

North Korea could be a good candidate as well, as long as China takes their side. Maybe a invasion in Taiwan would lit the apocalypse?

Not to forget the future battle grounds; the Arctic... Submarines and spy planes...

Would be really nice to be part of your future expansion of this thread.
My father was in the military for 36 years so he has pretty good insight in how the nature of conflict works. Can always check with him.

Rock on!

That's a pretty fun read. It sounds like John Titor plus/minus a few years. Could be made more interesting if it wasn't so focused on Obama sitting there doing nothing.. I'm pretty sure he would do some crazy stuff in that kind of situation.

reply to post by Raud


I see things the same way. Israel has been a hot spot for so long it is destined to be the center of a major event. Although I hope not soon as I would love the opportunity to visit the country one day.

Another hot spot is the complete destabilization of nuclear Pakistan.

Originally posted by MegaCurious
That's a pretty fun read. It sounds like John Titor plus/minus a few years. Could be made more interesting if it wasn't so focused on Obama sitting there doing nothing.. I'm pretty sure he would do some crazy stuff in that kind of situation.

Maybe. I have a lot of respect for Obama, and I think in a real world situation he might be able to diffuse an event like the one in the story. I guess we will learn more about how he would react to events as his presidency moves forward.

You know what is really scary about this? We trained for a few events like this in 2007, these events were deemed highly likely, with one exception China moblized its forces to take one remaning US and allied forces, and Russia was completed destroy by Isreal Nukes.

Originally posted by poedxsoldiervet
You know what is really scary about this? We trained for a few events like this in 2007, these events were deemed highly likely, with one exception China moblized its forces to take one remaning US and allied forces, and Russia was completed destroy by Isreal Nukes.

I can see that. I tried to end the story on a positive note with some hope for the future for those that survive. Of course, that is why it is fiction. lol

reply to post by Ace High


Hee, why be so "Christian" about it?
Make it more of a "Rangarök" scenario, no happy ending. There is total apokalypse and then- only ashes remain...

If you are going for nuclear holocaust, that is what you will have. Even though some surface of the planet would be spared from direct hits, there will still be a severe aftermath to deal with for the whole lot of us...
Nuclear winter, radioactive dust clouds, massive migration of survivors, post-apocalyptic anarchy...

OK, how about this;

The reason for the silence from Hamas and Hezbollah since the last war is because they are planning, and putting into action, a nuclear detonation inside Israel.
This is a plan they've had for a long time and finally the time has come. After Israel's last attempt to more or less destroy the Palistinian resistance, there is no lack of anger and urging for retalliation.

To gain access to all the bits and pieces to gather a nuclear device, the terrorists have gone through great lengths.
Iran has contributed with most material, but also China, who can see benefits in this, have contributed. Their contribution, on the other hand, is not confirmed to be sanctioned by their state leaders, but such a great vast country holds many hiding places, and the growing corruption that has come hand in hand with their economical uprising makes it more or less easy to buy and ship such materials and technologies.
Also from the Caucasian republics and enclaves, Muslim fanatics smuggle out some needed assets for the purpose they see as "the Final Blow" and the starting of the "Last Global Intifada" or "Ultimate Jihad".

The Chinese do however have a hidden sinister agenda in this.
They see USA crumbling under the preassure of economical collapse. All they need is a little push, then they will be over the edge.
Tensions over Taiwan has risen lately and the Chinese military have now finally constructed a navy and marine force, strong enough to take the island and keep it, once and for all. Their growing economy needs this expansion.
Japan, South Korea and the US are watching the events develop with dread. All US pacific installations are at high alert as Chinese populations in the South-east Asian countries, provoced by secret Chinese agents start demonstrating and assulting US military installations all over the area.

In these turbulent times, the work to complete the NAU has accelerated and is more or less the cutof a velvet ribbon away. The South Americans are outraged about this. Some of their socialist governments have noticed and uncovered several attemps of infiltration by "foregin agents", and the links to what the US did back in the 70's and 80's are apparent.
The formation of the NAU is just the final drop for them and they impose a oil-export blockade upon the US. This leads to armed tension and nation wide demonstrations and manifestations.

In Europe, everthing is all but calm. Putin has become president once more, and this time, it's for life. During his initial period in office, he makes sure that the world knows that play time is over. All territories that have been screwing with him the last years gets to know what is their place. But above all, it is suddenly realized that Russia and Belarus have a long gone plan of merging the two countries.
This is met with panic from the EU, who can see the rise of their old enemy of the East. The Baltic countries shivers in their boots, they know that their day can come at any given moment...

But this is not the only radical change in territories about to happen.
As the leader of North Korea dies, after some time of unhealth, his final will is exposed:
To remain "the Last Leader of North Korea" in history, and to help his country from famine and starvation, worsened by the climate change, he turns over his nation to China... It is later revealed that this plan had been worked upon, in greatest secrecy for the last 10 years (about the time Kim realized he was fatally ill).

So, the bomb goes off in Tel-aviv, Israel, which is not late to realize the ties to Iran, retalliates swift and hard, and the US are more or less forces to dispatch their forces into Iran. While occupied in the true "Mother of all Battles", China strikes at Taiwan with combined Chinese and (fromer) North Korean forces. Major unrest throughout South-east asia erupts. Russia and Belarus merges, making the EU freak out totally and both sides rush forces to their borders. Russia seems hell-bent on provocing an attack to show their polital "martyrdom".
Extremist groups in Pakistan, that have been thriving more than ever due to the increase in US military activity in their lands, see the bomb in Israel as a divine call to arms and launch a major offensive. State coup after another makes India very anxious and they launch pre-empive attacks into sensetive areas in the Pakistani-Inidan border- war breaks out and Pakistan falls into helpless turmoil.

There's your war!

Originally posted by Raud
OK, how about this;

The reason for the silence from Hamas and Hezbollah since the last war is because they are planning, and putting into action, a nuclear detonation inside Israel.
This is a plan they've had for a long time and finally the time has come. After Israel's last attempt to more or less destroy the Palistinian resistance, there is no lack of anger and urging for retalliation.

To gain access to all the bits and pieces to gather a nuclear device, the terrorists have gone through great lengths.
Iran has contributed with most material, but also China, who can see benefits in this, have contributed. Their contribution, on the other hand, is not confirmed to be sanctioned by their state leaders, but such a great vast country holds many hiding places, and the growing corruption that has come hand in hand with their economical uprising makes it more or less easy to buy and ship such materials and technologies.
Also from the Caucasian republics and enclaves, Muslim fanatics smuggle out some needed assets for the purpose they see as "the Final Blow" and the starting of the "Last Global Intifada" or "Ultimate Jihad".

The Chinese do however have a hidden sinister agenda in this.
They see USA crumbling under the preassure of economical collapse. All they need is a little push, then they will be over the edge.
Tensions over Taiwan has risen lately and the Chinese military have now finally constructed a navy and marine force, strong enough to take the island and keep it, once and for all. Their growing economy needs this expansion.
Japan, South Korea and the US are watching the events develop with dread. All US pacific installations are at high alert as Chinese populations in the South-east Asian countries, provoced by secret Chinese agents start demonstrating and assulting US military installations all over the area.

In these turbulent times, the work to complete the NAU has accelerated and is more or less the cutof a velvet ribbon away. The South Americans are outraged about this. Some of their socialist governments have noticed and uncovered several attemps of infiltration by "foregin agents", and the links to what the US did back in the 70's and 80's are apparent.
The formation of the NAU is just the final drop for them and they impose a oil-export blockade upon the US. This leads to armed tension and nation wide demonstrations and manifestations.

In Europe, everthing is all but calm. Putin has become president once more, and this time, it's for life. During his initial period in office, he makes sure that the world knows that play time is over. All territories that have been screwing with him the last years gets to know what is their place. But above all, it is suddenly realized that Russia and Belarus have a long gone plan of merging the two countries.
This is met with panic from the EU, who can see the rise of their old enemy of the East. The Baltic countries shivers in their boots, they know that their day can come at any given moment...

But this is not the only radical change in territories about to happen.
As the leader of North Korea dies, after some time of unhealth, his final will is exposed:
To remain "the Last Leader of North Korea" in history, and to help his country from famine and starvation, worsened by the climate change, he turns over his nation to China... It is later revealed that this plan had been worked upon, in greatest secrecy for the last 10 years (about the time Kim realized he was fatally ill).

So, the bomb goes off in Tel-aviv, Israel, which is not late to realize the ties to Iran, retalliates swift and hard, and the US are more or less forces to dispatch their forces into Iran. While occupied in the true "Mother of all Battles", China strikes at Taiwan with combined Chinese and (fromer) North Korean forces. Major unrest throughout South-east asia erupts. Russia and Belarus merges, making the EU freak out totally and both sides rush forces to their borders. Russia seems hell-bent on provocing an attack to show their polital "martyrdom".
Extremist groups in Pakistan, that have been thriving more than ever due to the increase in US military activity in their lands, see the bomb in Israel as a divine call to arms and launch a major offensive. State coup after another makes India very anxious and they launch pre-empive attacks into sensetive areas in the Pakistani-Inidan border- war breaks out and Pakistan falls into helpless turmoil.

There's your war!

Very interesting! I think that fits well in the story.

Thanks for your interest.

Thanks dude!

Better late than never

But now, as tension rises in Iran, maybe the story could get yet another twist?

Finish your story and let us develop it! It's fun!