Crucible:Yatakang
Yatakang is a troubled central Asian republic, located north of Afghanistan and east of Uzbekistan. Most of Yatakang's terrain is arid desert, but the country holds rich oil and mineral reserves.
Yatakang was founded by the Mongols during their westward drive towards Europe, and the nation is still proud of their Tatar heritage.
The country has been divided by factionalism for decades: between Tatar groups, Islamic fundamentalists, Russian nationalists, Chinese immigrants, and foreign oil companies. Several years ago, the US military intervened in the civil government there, in an attempt to keep the peace. As a soldier at the time, the vigilante Manhunter was involved in the conflict. The war was fought over many years and proved very unpopular with the American public.
For a time, the country was ruled by a dictator, former mercenary general Judas Trih, before he was deposed by PHASE II forces led by the superhero Rebel.