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Welcome to another edition of the eRepublik Power Rankings! Here are the rules; the efforts of the top five countries this week will be recognized, and the five worst performances will be mocked, no exceptions! Countries are recognized for many things, including successful defending, securing strong alliances, and, of course, conquering rivals. Without further ado, let's begin!

Updated as of 23:45 New World Time, Day 1,726

RK (Last)

WINNERS

1 (3) Australia

Hell yeah Aussies! *hi-fives* Chant with me, guys! Aussies! Aussies! The Australians are back, my friends! Mere days after a wipe, the vigilant Australian forces got some needed backup from former Brazilian and American allies, and proceeded to attack as well, capturing its west and center, with the armies marching towards the Indonesian-controlled east of the island. Just as important is the strong commitment by questionable friends Brazil and America, who had left the alliance to pursue greater goals. As mighty as the Aussies may be, only a combined effort with strong friends can defeat the formidable Indos, and luckily for them, they have just that. Aussies! Aussies!

Week rating: 9.1/10

2 (1) Serbia

Dammit, Serbia, stop doing so well! At the expense of neighboring bastion Romania, Serbia gained even more land, moving with buddy Hungary to defeat one of the final EDEN nations in the Balkans (only Greece, Turkey, and iffy Ukraine are left). Serbia's continued expansion has given them great bonuses and fewer enemies to deal with. Now with allies Bulgaria, Slovenia, FYROM, and Hungary next to them and only cautious Ukraine as a non-affiliated neighbor, it seems that Serbia's people will be enjoying the new borders for a while, barring an attack from the sky.

Week rating: 8.4/10

3 (NR) Saudi Arabia

Who? Yes, the Saudis are in the game, but haven't been making headlines ever since their formation of CAS and wipe thanks to Greek forces. But the Saudis are back and boy, are they back! As mighty as Cyprus is, they were no match for the hometown forces of Saudi Arabia, who with Egypt's support liberated all their provinces occupied by Cyprus. With Greece unwilling to send their troops to battle the Saudis, the Israelis are all that stand between Saudis and their independence (ironic right?). The Middle East may finally offer some interest, and Saudi Arabia hopes to emerge from the scuffle victorious and free.

Week rating: 7.8/10

4 (NR) Taiwan

The Republic of China has been busy putting down South Korea as of late, but after a political crisis with Japan, the Taiwanese rushed to give them a lesson or two. And at least in the early phases, Taiwan has had a laughably easy time crushing the Japanese forces. Despite Taiwan's willing evacuation from the Japanese area a while back, the Taiwanese have had no problems going through the old motions, taking over Kyushu and Chugoku very fast and efficiently. On top of that, it appears that Taiwan has received backing from America, often thought to have Japan as a puppet. With no power stopping it, Taiwan looks to expand its Pacific might.

Week rating: 7.3/10

5 (NR) Hungary

Those Hungarians find ways to win without lifting a finger! With Serbia's support, Hungary has found a way to completely eradicate their Romanian archrivals, and the Huns took a piece of the pie as well, snatching up a few Romanian provinces. Similar to Serbia, Hungary has no enemy that can invade on land besides Ukraine, and with both Serbia and Hungary bordering the Ukrainians, Hungary is free to sip a cup of tea and stop Romanian revolts. Like Serbia, all Hungary has to fear is an aerial attack, and Hungary itself is free to attack from the air itself.

Week rating: 7.1/10

Honorable Mentions: USA, Ukraine

LOSERS

Just barely good enough: Cyprus, France

B5 (NR) Moldova

Despite Ukraine's troubles, they remain a formidable nation, and though they're not a top tier military force, they certainly have enough might to crush Moldova. And that's exactly what happened. Although attacking Ukraine in its vulnerable state was a strategically viable move, once Ukraine gave up on its provinces ceded to Russia (for now, at least), they were more than happy to take a consolation prize, crushing the Moldovans. And with Bulgaria occupied in battling Argentina to liberate Chile, Moldova is stuck under Ukrainian control. Unless Moldova frees themselves, of course, but don't count on it.

Week rating: 3.1/10

B4 (NR) Japan

A while back, Japan, under Taiwanese control, made peace with their occupiers, and were granted back their provinces. It seemed that they would be shifting back to a TEDEN-friendly thought process. ... Well so much for that, right? Toss in a few choice words and arguments and you have another full-scale war! And Japan, at least in the early rounds, are getting thrashed. Perhaps it's because Japan's puppet master America suddenly isn't too hot on helping the Japanese, but with no military might of their own, Japan won't be seeing the rising sun for much longer.

Week rating: 2.7/10

B3 (B4) Indonesia

Right about now is when Indonesia needs some allies to bail it out with airstrikes. ...No? That's fine as well. Indonesia has lost most of its foothold in Australia, and is being invaded through the waters as well. American troops have landed in Papua, and are blitzing to the west. Any success in Australia is immediately countered by a successful revolt, so any hope Indonesia has is to stop America. But with no allies within range and needing an expensive airstrike, it's not good to be Indonesia. Its blessed start has come back to haunt them. Besides, their allies are saying. "What's an airport?"

Week rating: 1.9/10

B2 (NR) Romania

Those Romans needed Croatia to hold out more than Croatia themselves needed to. Without a big war distracting Serbia, Romania was dealt a finishing blow, zerged by Hungary in the west and Serbia in the south. The Romanians simply had no chance against such vast forces. Regardless of Romania's infamous PTO groups, it undeniably was a very key nation to keep EDEN in the Balkans, so its downfall has essentially given the Fellowship control of both the ring and the Balkans. Perhaps screwed over because of a poor showing in the south, Romania will be taking a lengthy break from governing the people apparently.

Week rating: 1.1/10

B1 (B1) Croatia

Farewell, our Croatian friends! After a tightly contested but ultimately repelled assault on the Serbian Empire, Croatia wasn't let off with just a warning and a slap on the wrist. Rather, half of the Fellowship swarmed Croat-controlled provinces in Swiss-Austria, and as mighty as the Croatian army is, there was no way to stand up to 5 nations bent on crushing them into dust. And so, there goes the Croatian nation, at least for the time being. Although they've always been a pretty mighty nation, it seems that they'll need to rely on some outside help to break free this time.

Week rating: 0.1/10

NOTABLE EVENTS

Welcome back: Paraguay

Sayonara: Croatia, Pakistan, Moldova, Malaysia, Romania

Other notable events:
Spain and Portugal keep fighting
Congrats to Jacobi!
Outside Lands 2012!
Draw a circle...
EDEN in shambles
Pakistan betrayed?

MUSIC OF THE WEEK
Structure:
Japanese Music
Instrumental
Mainstream Music
Video Game Music

Hell, I just heard this song at a concert! Soothing, yet emotional, the track brings joy to the soul.

Moth's Wings

Recommendation: 10/10

Until next time, take care!