The Outcast Presidents

by Sultan Kamysbayev

  Chapter 32: Reminder from the Past

  It’s the fourth year of my presidency, February 2018. At the Presidential Headquarters, I stare at the nightly lights of the capital and drink a cup of tea. The Rebuilding Council is still the main authority until the Presidential and Parliamentary elections on April 21. The Rebuilding Council now has several more ministers new to their positions: Almaz Atabek who became one of the key advisors during my first years of presidency as my Prime Minister and Nikolai Alexeyev, another my key advisor, as my Vice Prime Minister. Yes, my path faced significant challenges from the start. Hiding in the mountains from my mother’s murderers coming straight from the government. My troubled childhood. Me persevering through all the bullying, isolation, and walks of shame in the school corridors until meeting Sabit, Zholan, Elena, and Bong Ju. Conducting business in Dalabistan to help my people, forcing myself to shake hands with the devil of Dalabistan—Anar Babayev. Overthrowing Anar when he decided to ban my company from working. However, it was all achieved because of my hard grip on power and my willingness to brutally suppress any forms of corruption and other violations. Arresting countless of Hovlyk Asker troops and ousting the entire government apparatus. Ordering the extermination of the Babayev servants in Kuldar. Hanging Anar Babayev and his accomplices. Cutting the throats of Al-Qaeda terrorists. Executing countless state-sponsored racketeers and corrupt government officials. Forcing the members of the Democratic Party of Dalabistan to choose prison or recognizing me as the legitimate head of the state.

  While nowadays, the Dalabistani people seem to oppose these tough, necessary measures after overthrowing Anar Babayev, there are no serious alternatives available to voters. Askar Askarbek and his Democratic Party of Dalabistan? No, he is a hard-core loyalist to the Babayev family. Nobody wants these assholes anymore in power, and I killed most of those who did for their corruption and crimes. Maybe old jesters and servants of the Babayev court would vote for Askar Askarbek, but they are the clear minority of just one or two electoral constituencies. In a democracy, you have the majority’s support to get anything done—and saying some odes praising the previous tyrant would definitely help in today’s Dalabistan.

  Shall Aibek Ospanov and his Liberty Party be a serious threat to my power? No, he cannot do that. While he used to make thousands of young students walk on the streets to their deaths, his best days are in the past. He didn’t participate or express support from abroad during the Revolution.

  I turn on the TV. On D+ liberal network, I see many anchors in suits argue over Aibek Ospanov’s campaign for the presidency and parliamentary elections.

  A man in a navy suit remarks, “But is Aibek Ospanov a good alternative to Alisher Karabars? No way! This disgraced oligarch betrayed liberal ideals while calling for ‘Liberty!’”

  A blonde lady in a red dress seems to agree, “This man doesn’t seem like a noble knight on a white stallion, rushing to spread democracy to Dalabistan. He is rumored to order the assassination of the incumbent President Alisher Karabars while Ospanov calls for nonviolent protest!”

  Another old man in a black suit argues, “For the last four years, the only thing he seems to be doing is betraying his old name! I guess the only good thing he was capable of was hating and smearing Volkan Babayev. Now that there is no more target for attack, I generally believe that he became a shadow of his former values and stances during the last four years.”

  I guess liberals would prefer voting for me, who made some changes, rather than for Ospanov, who just talks and does nothing. Do Zhanibek Anvarbek and the Communist Party of Dalabistan even have a chance? No, what a joke that party has become! They are crazy radicals who think that the most important action to save Dalabistanis right now is to ban the internet, eliminate the “destructive influence of the West”, and to invade the entire former Soviet Union—or at least all of Central Asia—to create the new “ideal Communist state”! Compared to that, even denying Holodomor and supporting ethnic deportations to Dalabistan and Kazakhstan like many famous Stalinist activists do in Russia seems serious enough. At least these activists also go on strikes demanding better work conditions, organize trade unions, and improve the lives of some workers.

  There is a knock on my door. “Alisher, may I enter right now?” It is clearly Sabit’s voice.

  “Oh, Sabit! Come in, please! Here’s tea for you.” Sabit walks to my table and sits. He accepts the tea and says, “Thank you.” He takes a sip, then asks me, “Alisher, well, having these candidates releasing their campaigns made me think when you should start your campaign.”

  I should start my campaign right now in February, but I guess I would do it later when April starts since it’s going to be an easy ride on April 21 for me anyways. I don’t want to waste extra tax dollars, my time, and my nerves while trying to run for re-election.

  While we drink tea, Abzal suddenly enters the room, slams the door, and mutters with a fearful face, “Did you hear, President Karabars?”

  “What?” I reply, expecting some bad news to happen.

  Sabit asks, “Did something bad happen?”

  Abzal informs me with an alarmed, stressed-out tone, “There is a new political party that formed recently—the Progressive Party. This is the video that they released, and it is one of the most trending videos in Dalabistan right now. You have to check this out!”

  Abzal puts his laptop on my desk and plays it to us. A familiar woman dressed in a blue suit stands, speaking in a manner resembling a confident debater, and eloquently makes her point:

  “Hello. You may know me as a leader of charity foundations who is working to bridge the divide between the tribes, as well as fighting for social justice for Dalabistan to fully recover from the decades of Babayev oppression and centuries of inequality. While I personally agree that the Revolution has brought significant benefits for the people, me and thousands of other Dalabistanis feel that we have not fully accomplished everything that we sought after during the Revolution.

  “I believe history will look back on the four years of the current president and everything he embraces as a harsh but necessary series of actions. But if we give Alisher Karabars four more years in the Presidential Headquarters, he might alter the process of forming a democracy in Dalabistan—the reason why the Revolution happened in the first place on May 20, 2014. We face new challenges to our democracy and neither me, you, or him would want to see Alisher Karabars become the next Volkan Babayev. If we have another four years like this, will there even be a just Dalabistan? That’s why today I am announcing my candidacy for the President of the Republic of Dalabistan and the formation of Dalabistan’s Progressive Party that will be committed to reduce inequality and progress our country forward. We believe in equality and opportunities for all and continue to change our society for the better. Together we can be strong, so let’s unite for the best Dalabistan we can be under Elena Meyir!”

  I think I saw this woman somewhere. Her long dark hair, her skin very pale for a Dalab, her cheeks rosy from possible anxiety of such a bold announcement, and her green eyes all look familiar to me. I ask Abzal, “Do you know who formed this political party, Abzal?”

  He smiles and then comments, “Elena Meyir, a woman coming from Shyngys tribe and a prominent intelligentsia family. Her charity and social work have won the empathy of the impoverished then-called ‘Commoners’ population since you became the president.”

  I pause for a second. Is it really Elena? She changed so much since I last saw her! Her wrinkled eyes and scrawny hands make her look like a completely different person. Zuhra’s death of a martyr has rapidly aged her, even though it was only four years ago. Still, I see the same positivity and brightness in her ever-emerald eyes. These emerald eyes warmed my heart when we debated as a team in our school’s classroom. These eyes and warm hands had embraced me when I was absolutely shunned and had no one to reach to. She’s a tough debater and my mentor. Thanks to her I became interested in politics—but will I sur
pass my mentor this time? I hope that my relationship with her would not deteriorate during this upcoming campaign. It’s been ages since we last spoke, although she saw me before.

  Abzal breaks my contemplating thoughts with his sharp pat on my shoulder and a remark, “Alisher, just look what Dalabs are saying about her!” The comments under the video say contradicting opinions:

  “We are tired of Karabars’ grip! Oust him before he becomes another Volkan! Go Meyir!”

  “An incompetent, liberal, Elite Tribe woman dissing Karabars and whining about freedom? She’s a moronic whore who hasn’t even reached 35 yet. She thinks she knows how to fix everything. Yes, let her run Dalabistan during hard times of rebuilding…”

  “This woman is going to be crushed during her first debate with Karabars!”

  “Vote for Elena! It’s the best opportunity for us to install true democracy in Dalabistan! Now or never!”

  “Only corrupt Elite Tribes and immature libtards would vote for her. Real Dalabs vote for Karabars!”

  “She made so many useful things for the Commoners. I hope she will rule Dalabistan just like she rules her successful charities.”

  “So dumb… Karabars would destroy her soon!”

  “Karabars, better lock this bitch up before she ruins this country!”

  “I love the lengths Karabars supporters will go to defend him. It’s hilarious and pathetic.”

  “Alisher’s done.”

  “We Dalabistanis are very fortunate to have this empathetic woman. She is truly an inspiration and role model to those that hear her wise words. She is such a breath of fresh air.”

  “Elena 101: Step 1, hijack the economy for her corrupt agenda. Step 2, call everyone a racist dictator who disagrees.”

  “I’m not even Dalabistani, but goodness she screams nothing less than president to me.”

  “She is another liar and propagandist of the West who will fight for legalization of sodomy and prostitution. God forbid she actually becomes our President.”

  “With her true democracy will begin in Dalabistan. She will be the first, but not the last.”

  “While Meyir is swallowing grants from the West and the Three Elite Tribes, Alisher Karabars is a self-made man who lifted himself out of poverty, then did the same for us and Dalabistan. He has my vote.”

  “I just don’t want Karabars to murder her like he murdered these pro-Babayev rebels.”

  “What a great lady! I will vote for Elena Meyir. Hope she wouldn’t get banned from running or arrested.”

  “She is shameful… destroying Dalabistan one step at a time, be careful what you wish for, compatriots.”

  “Shut the fuck up, woman! You know nothing!”

  “Soon everyone will forget about her! After Karabars will certainly win, nobody would care about this disposed material!”

  “She is such an inspirational figure! Let’s hope she will treat Dalabistan as she treated the poor children she helped during her charity work.”

  “Let’s see how it would work out. As long as Meyir and Karabars are not as bad as Babayev, everything will be fine.”

  “In your America such provocateurs get locked up for 15 years, but everyone is silent! Who the fuck is Elena Meyir? A potential traitor, or a future prisoner?”

  “Alisher Karabars should not mansplain, let her show him how shit gets done!”

  “Yeah, Karabars was necessary for the first few years of the new Republic, but in my humble opinion Meyir would be a far better candidate for the future.”

  “Too much attention for such a mediocre blogger.”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t take anything this woman takes seriously. I’m tired of her hysterical nonsense!”

  “I WILL vote for her! And nobody should dare to endlessly lie to me that some Westerners or Elite tribesmen have interfered in my choice and paid me for my vote.”

  My heart sinks. I murmur, “It is no longer an easy race. I have a decent opponent after all.”

  Abzal chuckles, “Wait, that whore from the Shyngys Elite Tribe? Are you fucking kidding me?”

  Sabit stands up and walks to Abzal and says, “Well, Elena Meyir has some serious chances because she is strong in humanities, has hands-on experience in social justice and people’s popularity, and has empathy for the people.”

  I take my last sip of tea before saying, “I absolutely agree with Sabit here. We knew her for a long time already.” Of course, I would never insult her publicly during this entire campaign. After all, she is my strongest love I ever had and gave in my life. She treated me well when I thought I didn’t even deserve her unaware kindness. Her positive and empathetic nature made me inspired me to help fellow Dalabistanis. The people seem to be right—the country needs a transition to democracy, and we are becoming ready to accept democracy in our affairs. Maybe it’s time to start decreasing my authoritarianism before I would lose my seat and reputation?

  Given the comments, I need to win back my people before they would choose Elena Meyir. While I am confident in Elena’s ability to rule this country, I am afraid that her empathetic nature may be altered by the world of politics unless she will actually lead Dalabistan to prosperity with compassion like Mahatma Gandhi effectively did in India. I need to use her methods against her to win the presidency for the next four years. Maybe I could appease the swing voters by appointing Elena Meyir as part of my future Cabinet of Ministers, or even make her participate in the Rebuilding Council now?

  Then I vividly remember Elena embracing Erzhan after he turned my face into a bloody mush mixed with bones, cooked and whipped with fists and a metal chair. And this political whore now claims to be the defender of the oppressed?! I turn my head, and I bury my face inside my palms, “This may be the end of me…”

  Sabit is confused, “What do you mean, Alisher?”

  Abzal cannot hide his laughter, “Come on, you really think she is the one who could beat you in the elections?”

  I stand up and drop my notes on the table, “I should have fucking killed her along with all of the corrupt parasites from the Three Elite Tribes, maybe on the same day I hanged Erzhan! Why and how did she disappear from my eyes for these last four years!”

  Sabit gets angry, and his palms turn into fists. He raises his voice, “Alisher, I do not understand why you are saying this. I thought you did not want to see Elena’s face… And I saw Elena Meyir when you asked me to report her on Zuhra’s death and different executions.”

  “You are right, Sabit. I did not want to see the face of a traitor and a hypocrite. Fifteen years ago she told me the following words, ‘If I didn’t care about you, I would have ignored you and told you a long time ago to stop talking to me, but I didn’t! I care about you!’ She has said these words one minute, and the very next minute, she ignores me and indirectly states my real place for her to me.”

  Sabit scratches his chin and looks down. Then, he comes up with a lengthy answer, “Alisher, before I tell you my opinion, let me know that I deeply respect you as a close friend, as a high school classmate, as a colleague, and as a loyal comrade-in-arms. But I would advise you to accept the past and the present if you really respect Elena. It is as it is. She is your friend and never wanted to be anyone else and accepting this truth will make you feel more comfortable.”

  “How so? Since when did accepting the loss make me more comfortable? Since when did respecting betrayals was a sign of maturity? Remember when you saved me from death?”

  Sabit places his right hand on his chest. “Yes, I do.”

  “Elena could have stopped this attack! Zuhra was warning her! But she was busy kissing and making out with Erzhan, who was the perpetrator of this attack! If she really respected me, then she would not allow this to happen to me!”

  Sabit takes a deep breath and gives another tirade, “Well, have you realized that you are disrespecting Elena with your attitude? She was trying to be a friend but didn’t know how to satisfy your expectations! She
didn’t fucking know what to do to make sure you are not hurt! I understand that you are bitter. You got friendzoned. But your hate for her will only kill you inside! You would hurt yourself and will set yourself to your own self-destruction. I understand that you wanted her attention. You wanted her to be near you. But unfortunately, it would never be like that. And there’s nothing you could do to make her behave a certain way, the way you want her to be. If you really were a friend of hers, you would understand that you must respect the decisions and relationships of that friend, of our friend.”

  “That day she betrayed me, I doubted that I was really a friend of hers. If I was really a friend of hers, she would at least do something about me against Erzhan, not kiss the man who almost killed her friend seconds after the blow!”

  Sabit angrily shakes his head, “You know, I am still a friend of hers. When we met after various Rebuilding Council meetings over a cup of coffee in a small cafe, she told me how she misses you and how you are one of the finest men she ever met. She wishes to meet you soon, one-on-one, because she desires to reconnect after a long pause in communication. She frequently stated that she significantly regrets her decision to choose Erzhan over you…”

  I take a breath. Maybe it is time to start forgiving her. Perhaps it is a chance to revive my love for Elena? After all, Sabit’s loyalty demonstrated that I can easily and safely trust my life in his hands! He would not tell me such information out of nothing. However, the Alisher who loved and cherished Elena is a different person from the Alisher who overthrew Anar Babayev and became the President of Dalabistan.