Glad to hear! Hope action on climate change will become a bipartisan issue for the Democrats and Republicans in TTL moving forward
America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
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1989: Afghan-Pakistani Postwar– Fallout
1989: Afghan-Pakistani Postwar– Fallout
War Prizes
When the smoke cleared and reinforcements came in to accept the surrender of the Pakistani troops (or to capture those who haven't successfully escaped into certain nations), the questions now remained on what to do. The shock of Pakistan managing to create a nuclear weapon, albeit a very old school one, who would lead to accusations over who dropped the ball on this, especially given the sanctions and the like on Pakistan with that. However, some evidence pointed to the Reagan administration provided some assistance albeit less than even modest estimates. Despite that, once the capital was secure and order was mostly reastored, it now began to figure out what happens now after the war. The victors of the war, Afghanistan and India, had their terms and conditions, with Afghanistan wanting the Northwest Province of fellow Pashtunis along with the end of the quasi-theocratic regime. Besides that however, they were relatively content since they were easily able to secure what they wanted. In fact, with Baluchistan having seceded from Pakistan, this presented Afghanistan the opportunity to try and get a coveted border. Of course, the question now remained on the actual details of the arrangement. While the nationalist sentiment did flare up, the truth was that many of the people were uncertain of pure sovereign statehood. Most just wanted more autonomy for their way of life and culture while still maintaining stability and the basic necessities.
Ultimately, while the former Northwest Province of Pakistan would be annexed over by Afghanistan and recognized as theirs, the former Pakistani province of Baluchistan would be holding elections on whether they wish to be annexed by Afghanistan as an autonomous region or to be a sovereign state in an economic and customs union over with Afghanistan being the most prominent choices, the elections to be held over sometime in the year. Beyond this though, Afghanistan was relatively satisfied. They would get virtually everything they wanted and decided it would be best to consolidate their accomplishments. After all, the nation had not increased their population and would likely do it moreso depending on how the Baluchistan elections would go. Meanwhile, they would now have to try and deal with placating Iran regarding the concerns over the Balochi peoples though with the additional notes that Iran's Balochi region was underdeveloped and in poverty, which was a factor in some of the issues there. Iran meanwhile was concerned that this could lead to potential uprisings over, but as part of their plans to further increase relations with the Americans, they would go and prioritize peaceful relations, with both nations genuinely hoping for relative peaceful outcomes and solutions here.
India meanwhile was more complicated. They came in to help their ally, but they also coveted to further extend their control over in the Kashimir region by annexing the Gilgit-Baltistan province. However, unlike the NW Province who would simplify matters by them having seceded and requesting to join Afghanistan in the last days of the war, no such simplicity came over here. This would be compounded by further issues of India, namely that the areas of Kashmir India already controlled, that of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir were seeing increasing seperatist movements. Said feelings of seperatism were believed to be caused by the accusations of the 1987 Assembly elections being rigged, religious tensions from the Muslims feeling marginalized by the Hindu and of course, general economic concerns, with the overall feeling of the people living there that only India cared about irredentism rather than any real care. These sentiments were having large affects on the decision-making of the people in charge of Gilgit-Baltistan, but at the same time, there was not much loyalty left toward Pakistan either, especially from the earlier issue of the Shia. Additionally, the earlier years of rule eroded any care or sympathy toward the "Islamist" ideals. The discussions over the situation would continue on for a few more months though many expected that nothing too major would arise for it, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Sindh meanwhile would be in a similar situation. While on more positive relations with India, there were other reasons for them not exactly wanting to join up and indeed, one of the bigger issues that would need to be handled with India. For now however, it exists as a sovereign state though still part of the conversations over regarding the entire subcontinent.
The Economy
All three nations had their economies in varying levels of trouble. Afghanistan would be the least economically damaged though still poured in plenty of funds and likely in need of assistance. However, they did have prior established relations with the US and USSR to try and utilize. While the government was still trying to sort the details regarding outside investment coming in with private enterprises, they were still unified in being able to try and acquire aid to start helping with the economy, especially with the new population they now had along with rebuilding the wartorn areas. Rumors also speculated that Afghanistan was also communicating with China on potential further economic arrangements and deals. Unsuprisingly, at least a few nations' business showed some interest though it was unknown what Afghanistan could provide regarding resources or services though some also considered investing if mainly to provide a potential counter to Iran. The Soviets were at the very least still having some interest in the region, especially thanks to their connection.
India meanwhile would be in bigger issues. They were entering the war with their economy in dire situation, but the opportunity was deemed worth to go to and the hope was that they could try and stave off some of the short-term issues. However, the issues of overvaluing their currency, the current account deficit caused from their need to import many things, especially during the war, with petroleum being of special note (due to the unstable prices of petrol as a result of the revelation of climate change and how to best deal with it), and ultimately, it being the trade balance deficit and the fiscal deficit of the government itself. Despite the victory of the war and the patriotic fervor from it, the rush of news over financial situation turned that energy into concern, especially the rumors of the Indian government potentially defaulting on it. This served as another reason that would deter Gilgit-Baltistan from joining India along the same with Sindh. In fact, the concerns over India potentially defaultng was enough for it to serve as a prominent detour of the treaty discussions and helped expand it into an overall discussion over the state of the subcontinent, especially on what could be done order to help. Even worse, the concern over the economic crisis that could come agitated many more groups, especially the lingering insurgencies, which remained dormant to bide their time and resources, though remained prominent, such as the Tamil nationalists and the Khalistan insurgency, who had become notable for defending the people over in the area, serving more as peacekeepers or whatnot, especially with the trying need to remain calm and stable, the leadership having clamped down on their violent members for the sake of their message.
Pakistan would, unsurprisingly, be in a colossal mess. While global aid has come for the people there, they were still the defeated in a war which they were considered responsible, especially one for using a nuclear weapon. Despite that, the relative distance of the war from any major sites meant that there wasn't too much issue over Pakistani refugees fleeing toward nations like the United States and Canada, especially with the newsmedia being influenced to portray the people fleeing from a harsh militaristic autocracy. Of course, beyond just that, with an unstable government, Pakistan was on shaky ground and people were not sure on who trust with power and what will happen there. While some form of order has been restored under a temporary government, it left many major questions, especially with Pakistan now much more shrunken down and still reeling from the sanctions as a result. There was also the fact that aid was incredibly unlikely given the circumstances.
Ultimately, while Afghanistan would walk away with practically everything they wanted, India and Pakistan were left in a lutch, the former almost on a pyrrhic victory and the latter ruthlessly defeated and without hope. It was a time of danger... and opportunity,
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I'd see both Secretary of State Carter and Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze, if he's Carter's counterpart condemning Pakistan's move.
Yeah, both the US and USSR are trying to figure out how to fix the scenario here, especially since India being close to considering defaulting could potentially escalate violence in the era and trying to figure out what could be done to find a solution.
But yeah, what ae your thoughts with Baluchistan? You think it would join Afghanistan as an autonoous province or would it just be basically a special arrangement?
All right that’s fair. Anyone else have any feedback or thoughts with the end of the war and the ongoing fallout?
I apologise in advance for sharing a WatchMojo video (/j), but what happens to these movie tropes from the 1980s ITTL with Mo Udall in office instead of Ronald Reagan?
No worries, I'll see this:
10- Well, AIDS & HIV was handled alot better ITTL obviously. As such, the topic be handled better in film and television. It would still be treated seriously, though namely because it is a rather difficult disease to deal with, but it won't be stigmatizing.
9- The expansion of medical care for everyone, especially the disabled, would indirectly lead to the word usage being phased out sooner, especially as people would grow up with them and more people would be kinda shamed into stop using the word.
8- Well, as an example Mr. Mom ITTL handles it better so women in the workplace, things do improve, though definitely more notable in latter half, especially near the end because of the growing cultural shift and the accusations/arrests of men in high positions of power for sexual abuse and so on.
7- Even before the case of the US government versus Big Tobacco, smoking would be in decline a bit due to being viewed as an expensive habit. But man, after Udall administration goes after them, it really is seen much less in films, though we do see some characters that are clearly former smokers and trying to find ways to cope.
6- This one is a bit complicated. It was definitely something of the times and an expression of how adults felt at the times along with reflecting ther experience. That said, the tougher economic times would lead to a bit more solidarity. Additionally, the success from greater regulation by the Udall administration would have people have some trust in authority though at the same time, the brightbangers and their successors would have a prominent need to stand out and rebel more from their predecessors and exist a need for the support. Probably some films would have a teenager call out an adult or authority figure for being a bully or for not doing much of anything on it. This would be a late 1980s and early 1990s thing, especially as the children of the 1980s are born and growing up (yeah, the terminology will be different, so will need help there.)
5- Yeah. Third wave feminism would definitely have a prominent voice with this, though also because of the rise of SATMIN + civil rights. Revenger of the Nerds probably wouldn't have been made for various reasons and alot of these sort of scenes wouldn't be seen unless it was to make a point.
4- This trope wouldn't be seen much if at all. There's not a provactive president, and after the crapshow that was the Panama incident, not much case for wanting to get involved more than needed. So the focus on domestic policy over foreign would see this trope seen much less, especially with the time of peace.
3- Probably the same as OTL, though more focus on serious than comical bents.
2- Would definitely vanish alot faster as the times caught up and well, given the greater prominence of people in color in the SATMIN+ movement. Soul Man wouldn't be mad or if it was, it'd be a whole lot different, sharing only the name... and probably the law school environment.
1- The jokes and slurs would definitely vanish a whole lot faster there, unless you're trying to make a villain. As for the stereotypes... that's more complicated. While there would be stereotypical portrayals, alot of them would be more nuanced and with depth to them. At the same time, the SATMIN folk of Hollywood would have to wrestle with this, especially when queersploitation films would be released, similar to the complicated history of blaxploitation films
Boy they did. Their population nearly doubled with the annexation of NWFP but contrary to what you say Balochistan b would increase their population significantly. Balochistan can be an ally but not a part of Afghanistan since the Baloch have no desire to replace their Punjabi masters with Pashtun ones.
Your timeline has enough butterflies to both take away the rigging and alter the conditions prior to the elections. And the insurgency is in Kashmir only and there was never any insurgency in Ladakh and Jammu. Kashmiris despite the rigging were supportive of India untill the repression carried out in retaliation in the early 90s became too much for the people.
However the inclusion of Azad Jammu and Kashmir means that rise of insurgency there is certainly possible but it wouldn't spread to the valley ITTL.
And if Zia was such an ultra extremist the Shia people of Gilgit Baltistan would be rather grateful that India saved them.
Tamil nationalists were never for insurgency or secession but only wanted more autonomy. Khalistanis were religious fundamentalist terrorists STOP. Painting them as protectors of the people and peacekeepers is outrageous and ridiculous at the same time.
Mo Udall and earlier Reagan means that the butterflies are strong enough to benefit the Indian economy and provide more confidence to reforms.
Will Pakistan rename itself Pa as only West Punjab remains of the acronym? I wonder what will happen to the Indus water treaty.
Can someone give me Tldr of the Timeline
(Now I wouldn't have jumped into the TL like this but your statement is entirety incorrect from an OTL perspective)
before i reply to this.
(Now I wouldn't have jumped into the TL like this but your statement is entirety incorrect from an OTL perspective)
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Yet OTL they don’t have any desire for independence, just more autonomy, especially given how their underdevelopment would mean going on their own would be concerning.
I don’t think much from what I put so far would get rid of the riggings. And India being close to Soviets would mean they’re not gonna be close to the Reagans and Udall was more focused on domestic policy. So not sure how much would change there.
Tamil nationalists would still be viewed as potential insurgency concerns by higher powers and the Khalistan movement has less militancy groups than OTL, especially since the war has led to a good chunk of violence.
I don’t want this to devolve into massive trouble, so if you wanna speak further, please just do convo/PM.
TLDR would be Reagan beat Ford in primary in 1976 and would then beat Carter. Cue Reagan screwing up and setting up for major progressive comeback with Mo Udall getting voted on, who was more focused on US domestic politics
meant it more on the side of sub continent, what are the changes that have occured?
I don't know enough about US politics to guess that?
Well, US-Pakistan relations stagnated in the early 1980s. Then the discovery of the nuclear weapons program led to sanctions. Afghanistan never had the Soviet war. And of couse, Afghanistan goes to war against Pakistan; casus belli was on the discovery of Pakistan arming some of the tribal folk along with the nuclear program. Also wanting the Northwest province.
significant butterflies. very significant.
Afghanistan will get absolutely butchered in a conventional war against Pakistan. Honestly I am doubting the sanity of Afghan ruler here. Honestly the better idea would have been to incite rebellion in FATA areas. But with declaration of war, the turf will sooner or later shift to Afghanistan but since Pakistan isn't a superpower, It might be pressured into ending the war. Afghanistan might give some concessions but after which it will be Afghanistan for the foreseeable future inciting rebellions in FATA areas.
Anyway yeah, it is going to have significant impact on kashmir. the concept of armed insurgency existed as far back as 1967. But how extensive the armed insurgency became in 1989 was because of Pakistan's significant support which is believed to have happened after seeing the success of Afghan mujahideen against Soviets. so with no Soviet invasion, pakistan may not have backed the armed insurgency till later on (in OTL, they made the deal with JKLF around 1986) And the added fact is that most of the kashmiri militants were armed through the excess of arms due to Soviet invasion which won't be there.
But the other side of the coin was that while 1989 armed insurgency exploded loudly, it exploded prematurely and haphazardly.
So yeah without Soviet invasion, armed insurgency won't start till later on. (militancy did exist before 1989 but very few in numbers and 1987 elections was the final straw that made insurgency inevitable) but that time might allow the anti India movement to became a far more coherent force than OTL.
and as far as Khalistan goes. IIRC it was the deal between Rajiv Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto where she cut off Pakistan's support for Khalistan's militants so that might continue for some time.
There's also the fact that Afghanistan had India as their ally, but you did say you didn't actually read the timeline...
And meanwhile, I was just discussing in the terms of general sentiment, not actual rebellion. As in, these are what the leaders are worried about, not what is actually happening.
I like the input, but I hope you're interested in the actual timeline instead of just this because I don't want my timeline to get sidetracked by any debacles.
It's a two front war? Then oof.
And yeah, the general sentiment is heavily anti India.
Haven't picked up new TL in a while and Don't know much about American policies. Nonetheless I will give it a try.
Yup. Classic pincer manuever, with a weakened sanctioned Pakistan in the middle with a stableish Afghanistan and their new friend India.
That's just the case. No actual activity yet but just alot of clamoring; the economic situation also lends to that.
All depends on what you wanna do.
Spring 1989- Pactcracking
Spring 1989- Pactcracking
Mass demonstration at the Hungarian state television headquarters
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Mass demonstration at the Hungarian state television headquarters
While the fallout of the Afghan-Pakistani War would be processed by the superpowers and the growing concerns of a potential refugee crisis and the hope for a solution, the world continues to go on forward. And this was not the only part of the world experiencing major change right now. Beyond just the legalization of the Solidarity movement, the Polish government would make a deal with them to go and hold elections over in the summer, known as the Polish Round Table Agreement. These massive steps that were taken seemed to be threatening the hold over of the Soviet-aligned party. Hungary would having mass protests for democracy while their dismantling of barbed wire seemed to show the cracks forming over in the Iron Curtain. Then there was the Tbilisi massacre, where Georgian demonstrators are massacred by Soviet Army soldiers in Tbilisi's central square during a peaceful rally, leading to civilian deaths and more injured, sparking further protests. And even with the Soviet Union itself, there was some changes coming. With the Soviet economy managing to get under control thanks to Gorbachev's modernized NEP-like reforms, he could try and focus more on the political reforms. However, it was becoming clear that the hardliners of his party were not too keen on these changes, including for the USSR submitting to the jurisdication of the Supreme Court. [1] The big one was the attempts at legislative reform, namely in the Soviet parliament, known as the Congress of People's Deputies of the Soviet Union. Frustrated by the old guard's resistance to his attempts to liberalise, Gorbachev changed his tactics and embarked upon a set of constitutional changes to try and separate party and state, and thereby isolate his conservative opponents. Hence having worked on this project since the previous year, it was meant to try and replace the old Supreme Soviet. While the electorate would have a choice between multiple candidates per constituency, all the candidates would still have to be members of the CPSU as part of a way to remain a one-party communist state. It did seem like a promising idea though concerns over accurate representations continued to linger. [2]
Despite these concerns, there was also other developments that people were more positive about. One was over in early Spring, with Gorbachev's meeting with Zhao Ziyang over in Beijing. While the Sino-Soviet split had been healing during the Udall administration, it was here that it really showed that the split was over. [1] Both men talked about various things with their nations, including their attempted reforms. Zhao Ziyang showed interesting in Gorbachev's method of circumventing the hardliners. Another one was the follow-up meeting with the two having their first formal discussion with new US President Reubin Askew, who met up with them days later, with Deng Xiaoping also present there. While the talks were of promoting peace and stability, including the concerns of renewable energy, another one was Askew's concern on security, expressing to Ziyang and Gorbachev that some of their colleagues may attempt to sabotage or worse because of their reforms.
Further developments would be more varied and fascinating. Iceland would end its prohibition on beer. Million of people were left without power for several hours in Quebec as a result of a geomagnetic storm, with other places in the US and Sweden were affected as well, along with intense northern lights. Warner Communications would merge with Time Inc, creating Time-Warner and gaining the attention of plenty of media companies, especially with the work being done over with the upcoming Batman film. Though speaking of the entertainment industry, the 61st Academy Awards would be held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, with Rain Man winning Best Picture, and Jodie Foster wins her first award for Best Actress. [1] Granted, all of this was still coming as Hollywood was still dealing with the various accusations of sexual assault and abuse that many women were making, resulting in further investigations. More often, it was also pressure being put on and continuing to show a bit of the ugly side that people do not want to face. However, it would be needed to do so. It seemed like more and more the news channels would be filled with all sorts of phenomenal events going in the world and cemented more just how much things were changing.
[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Soviet_Union_legislative_election
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1989- The Protests of Tiananmen Square
1989- The Protests of Tiananmen Square
Background
Historians and scholars of the 21st century will often reflect on the last decade, a period of great change. Special interest fell on the so-called 'Second World', a term given for the "communist" aligned nations during the Cold War. Namely for how it seemed to more or less come apart by the time. The communist parties of the various nations found themselves falling apart from internal fighting or from the anger of the populations. While a few have taken this to discredit communism, many scholars noted that most of the tensions were particularly ethnic-based more than anything else. The Communist Party of Russia's failure to address these tensions along with Russian predominance over the others led to major changes as more and more nations tired of being Russian puppet states. Of course, internal fighting and an inability to change and adapt with the times was also a predominant reasons. And one examination of this clash of values and its after-effects came over in the Spring of 1989 in the People's Republic of China.
Ever since the end of the Cultural Revolution with the death of Mao and the arest of the "Gang of Four", the Chinese Communist government has moved away from its hardline stance and began embracing pragmatic reforms to help develop their nation, especially after the damage by the Cultural Revolution. These reforms have proven successful in restoring and incresing productivity as well as decrease poverty. Despite this, issues began rising from all this. From the accusastions of corruption and nepotism from within the party and the various companies, to trying to figure out the optimal way of stabilizing the economy without threatening the so-called "iron rice bowl" that a large percentage of the population relied on. With the job marketing becoming more limited, a growing number of intellectuals found themselves becoming more mired in political issues, especially over on universities. After all with a dismal job market and not many opportunities to be able to go abroad, they turned tot hat over in the hope for change. The education system was not able to produce highly skilled graduates to meet up with the demands. Even the socialist legitimacy of the party and nation was being questioned at the introduction of further capitalist practices.
Meanwhile, the pragmatic policies were driving a wedge over in the party, with two factions appearing. The reformers, led by the former Hu Yaobang, favored political liberalization and a plurality of ideas as a channel to voice popular discontent and pressed for further reforms. The hardliners meanwhile were led by Chen Yun said that the reforms had gone too far and advocated a return to greater state control to ensure social stability and to better align with the party's socialist ideology. However, the main mover and shaker was still Deng Xiaoping, who was considered the "paramount leader" of China. While he was a reformer, he was also quite pragmatic with his followers and allies. As such was his relation with Zhao Ziyang thought the two would have an improved relationship thanks to the US opening more with China and with the USSR also mending ties, the two would often travel more together, with the exchange of ideas giving further clues to try and implement. All while the party was struggling further with finding a solution and some of the hardliners becoming more and more intimidated by protestors, to where Hu Yaobang would be ousted due to his suppsoed mishandling the protests and leading to the undermining of social stability.
All in all, a clash seemed inevitable.
The Student Protests
The spark for what would lead to the protests would be the sudden death of Hu Yaobang. Given his sudden death after his forced resignation, it led to quite a strong reaction. The student protestors began gathering together in larger numbers, putting posters to eulogize Hu Yaobang and what would start as public mourning would begin to morph into a larger and larger group, becoming a protest as they would martyr Yaobang and champion his ideals. To where the group would go and draft the Seven Demands that they were wanting from the government.
- Affirm Hu Yaobang's views on democracy and freedom as correct.
- Admit that the campaigns against spiritual pollution and bourgeois liberalization had been wrong.
- Publish information on the income of state leaders and their family members.
- Allow privately run newspapers and stop press censorship.
- Increase funding for education and raise intellectuals' pay.
- End restrictions on demonstrations in Beijing.
- Provide objective coverage of students in official media.
Normally, there was planned visit to North Korea around the time, but it would be pushed back for differing reasons. One reason was over to the visitation of Mikhail Gorbachev, which would occur over right before the start of the protests. The men discussed various matters and patching the Sino-Soviet relationship. Zhao and Deng congratulated Gorbachev on his the success of his economic reforms and gathered information on how to perhaps finetune their own reforms, hoping that an optimal solution could be that would not only fix the economy, but do so to appear at least some of the hardliners. The other surprise that would come would be Gorbachev visiting once more as part of a different meeting, though this time it would not just be Gorbachev and some of his folk... but also that of newly elected American President Reubin Askew. It was both exciting and nervous for the Chinese as it wold led prestige to China becoming a greater power in having the two superpowers speak as if equals with them.
The US-Sino-Soviet Summit
The American government grew increasingly aware of the situation going on in China. Unsurprisingly, support laid for the student protestors though while some, including the Askew Administration had it out of genuine empathy and support for the students, others just enjoyed the Chinese government ending up in trouble. That said, concerns were still had over the visitation, but President Askew felt it was important to go anyway, especially with the growing unrest in the world and the likelihood that further involvement in foreign affairs will become increasingly common during his administration.
By the time he and Gorbachev arrived in China, the protests had continued. While the earlier concessions had yielded some results early on, the concern from some of the leaders over whether the government could be trusted to deliver any of their promises. As such, to try and ensure the momentum gathered, a hunger strike would be organized by the students. Early success was modest until Chai Ling made an emotional appeal on the night before the strike was scheduled to begin. Unsurprisingly, the hunger strikes were gathering the support of many and there was a concern at a potential loss of face over said protests happening and would begin fracturing further some of those on the part for it happening, with Zhao wanting to go for concessions and discussions and Li Peng wanting a more hardline stance involving the military.
However, Reubin Askew was unsurprisingly sympathic and he would do his best to maintain optimism and a positive view during the meeting, even assuring Zhao and Deng on the matter. President Askew noted how it reminded of the protests back in America decades prior over for such civil rights and how important they were for the well-being of all. He congratulated Zhao on his approach for reasoning along with giving his respect to Deng. Meanwhile, as the various members and agents talked, one concern that was brough up over to Zhao and Deng as well as Gorbachev was on the possibility that the hardliners may try and push for more radical action that would only lead to destabilization over in the long run.
Said warnings would become more prophetic than realized when Li Peng would attempt to try and circumvent Zhao to rally support for the hardliners. If not declare martial law and involve much of the military, increased crackdown and some force to be showed. However, with this coming just after Zhao tried to set up for further discussions. Said actions were not taken due to the concerns some of the military had and would even check up with Deng. Deng would reveal he did not support such an action and would grow rather upset that Li Peng would try and do such a thing, especially during such a situation right now ehre.
However, perhaps one of the more fascinating bits of the summit was an urban legend that would arise. Apparently, on the last hours of the final day, rumor had it that during a talk between Askew and his folk, he was asked on the protestors. While sympathetic, one comment in particular stood out. Namely, he noted that for the accusations that some of the party hardliners were giving toward the protestors on "bourgeois liberalism", that the party themselves would actually be closer to the real "bourgeois", on account of being the ones in charge. The urban legend stated that this would be overheard by a sympathizer within the government who would then spread it down to the protestors where it would grow and evolve, becoming the idea that the Community party was becoming corrupt. Given the growing accusations of cronyism, nepotism and the like, it was a sentiment that spread rapidly, along with the notion of the students being the "true" proletariat. This would further unite the varying factions of the movement, now unified as being "anti-corruption" and "pro-Communist", with the more radical elements detailing that the ruling party was communist in name only, filled with members who have lost touch with their ideals and become drunk on their own power.
Aftermath
While Li's actions were prevented, it permanantly dmaged relations with Deng, who kept in mind the words exchanged regarding trouble within his party. Additionally, after more than a week of the hunger strike, Zhao would go to the protestors and give a final speech over to them:
"Students, we came late. We are sorry. You talk about us, criticize us, it is all necessary. The reason that I came here is not to ask you to forgive us. All I want to say is that students are getting very weak. It is the 7th day since you went on a hunger strike. You can't continue like this. [...] You are still young, there are still many days yet to come, you must live healthily, and see the day when China accomplishes the Four Modernizations. You are not like us. We are already old. It doesn't matter to us anymore. You are the future and you will become its builders. "
Zhao's emotional speech was applauded by many of the students present there. Moreover though, this along with the news that would be overheard with what was going on in the Soviet Union and the rumors of Li Peng's actions regarding potential military movement, the hunger strike would cease, with the credit being attributed to Zhao's speech of compassion and concern, something of the students noted while others said that they would switch tactics, focusing on local politics though noting that they will not let up on this continued corruption and will keep coming. Despite this, the end of the strike and protests on the larger level would serve as a final point for Deng.
When the PSC met with military leaders and party elders, Deng noted on the crisis being averted and congraulted Zhao for doing everything needed and not escalating to violence. However, the same would not be said over to Li Peng, as his attempts of going behind Deng's back was not appreciated. Deng would make his stance clear in that he could not trust Li Peng and resolved to have him step down from his position over from premier along with targeting his supporters over the next upcoming months, giving a second wind over to the reformers with some of the hardliners now in growing concern.
Meanwhile, the protests going on in China against corruption, cronyism and so on would influence those even beyond its borders, including those over in their neighbor south of them in India...
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Information and phrasing coming from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Tiananmen_Square_protests
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