Venice declares emergency amid historic flood levels - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has declared a national state of
emergency after flood levels in Venice reached six feet above sea level,
its highest level in more than 50 years. [...] Venice Mayor Luigi
Brugnaro blamed global warming for the rising water levels, which
flooded the Veneto regional council chambers on Venice's Grand Canal
during a meeting this week - incidentally, just after it rejected a
measure to address climate change."
Comment: This is really a preview of what is to come for coastal cities all over the world. I don't think they are ready.
Showing posts with label Nations in Distress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nations in Distress. Show all posts
Friday, November 15, 2019
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Nations In Distress - Roaring Seas
Study: Rising sea levels could displace 300M people by 2050
UPI reports: "Rising sea levels could displace hundreds of millions of people before the end of this century, according to a new study. [...] If these new calculations prove true, 340 million people could be displaced by 2050 and 630 million could lose their homes by the end of this century, which is three times previous estimates."
Comment: There's no doubt that island nations and countries with large coastal cities will be severely challenged in the next few decades as sea levels rise and coastal storms become more frequent and severe. I know there is large overlap between the Bible prophecy community and the modern conservative community and we know that many modern conservatives have doubts about global warming. The effort to manipulate public opinion to the view that global warming is a hoax and an ideological conspiracy has been well documented here (and here). So, it is my hope that those in the BP community will see that global warming fits within our expectations for near-future events and is solidly based on Bible prophecy. When countries all over the world are in distress because of rising seas and coastal flooding I will count it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy, regardless of how pundits frame the debate about global warming.
UPI reports: "Rising sea levels could displace hundreds of millions of people before the end of this century, according to a new study. [...] If these new calculations prove true, 340 million people could be displaced by 2050 and 630 million could lose their homes by the end of this century, which is three times previous estimates."
Comment: There's no doubt that island nations and countries with large coastal cities will be severely challenged in the next few decades as sea levels rise and coastal storms become more frequent and severe. I know there is large overlap between the Bible prophecy community and the modern conservative community and we know that many modern conservatives have doubts about global warming. The effort to manipulate public opinion to the view that global warming is a hoax and an ideological conspiracy has been well documented here (and here). So, it is my hope that those in the BP community will see that global warming fits within our expectations for near-future events and is solidly based on Bible prophecy. When countries all over the world are in distress because of rising seas and coastal flooding I will count it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy, regardless of how pundits frame the debate about global warming.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Nations In Distress
AP - From Beirut to Hong Kong, protests evoke global frustration
The AP reports: "Recent weeks have seen mass protests and clashes erupt in far-flung places triggered by seemingly minor actions that each came to be seen as the final straw. The demonstrations are fueled by local grievances, but reflect worldwide frustration at growing inequality, corrupt elites and broken promises. Where past waves of protests, like the 2011 Arab Spring or the rallies that accelerated the breakup of the Soviet Union, took aim at dictatorships, the latest demonstrations are rattling elected governments. The unrest on three continents, coupled with the toxic dysfunction in Washington and London, raises fresh concerns over whether the liberal international order, with free elections and free markets, can still deliver on its promises."
Comment: If we had not been paying attention, this would be surprising. Breaking News: Civil unrest sweeps the globe!! Of course, we have all been paying attention and we know that things have been on a slow boil in many parts of the world for some time. From Asia and the Middle East to South America long suppressed frustrations are surfacing and resulting in mass protests in the streets of capital cities and running street battles with authorities. This above news report from the AP gives a good summary of the places and causes of protests sweeping the globe. Is the world getting ready to embrace a global peacemaker?
The AP reports: "Recent weeks have seen mass protests and clashes erupt in far-flung places triggered by seemingly minor actions that each came to be seen as the final straw. The demonstrations are fueled by local grievances, but reflect worldwide frustration at growing inequality, corrupt elites and broken promises. Where past waves of protests, like the 2011 Arab Spring or the rallies that accelerated the breakup of the Soviet Union, took aim at dictatorships, the latest demonstrations are rattling elected governments. The unrest on three continents, coupled with the toxic dysfunction in Washington and London, raises fresh concerns over whether the liberal international order, with free elections and free markets, can still deliver on its promises."
Comment: If we had not been paying attention, this would be surprising. Breaking News: Civil unrest sweeps the globe!! Of course, we have all been paying attention and we know that things have been on a slow boil in many parts of the world for some time. From Asia and the Middle East to South America long suppressed frustrations are surfacing and resulting in mass protests in the streets of capital cities and running street battles with authorities. This above news report from the AP gives a good summary of the places and causes of protests sweeping the globe. Is the world getting ready to embrace a global peacemaker?
Friday, November 03, 2017
Future Fear - Roaring Waves
U.S. government report blames humans for climate change - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Humans are to blame to for global warming, according to the most comprehensive climate change report yet produced by the federal government. [...] The report points to the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests as the primary causes of the nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit of warming over the last century. It also blames man-made climate change for increases in extreme weather events, including larger tropical storms, rising sea levels, coastal flooding, prolonged droughts and dangerous heatwaves."
Comment: I know I get push-back every time I post one of these, but I honestly don't find any contradiction here at all with Bible prophecy. The increase in extreme weather events, coastal flooding and rising sea levels is entirely consistent with our expectations based on specific prophetic scriptures. I think part of the problem is that a certain segment of the BP community has come to accept the notion that "global warming" is part of a liberal political agenda and therefore is always suspect. Well guess what, liberals are no longer in power and global warming is still a thing. The environment doesn't vote and knows nothing of political agendas. I think it's important to untangle this issue from rival political agendas and accept that whether or not global warming is caused by human activity or is part of the natural weather cycle, or some combination of the two, it's still happening.
UPI reports: "Humans are to blame to for global warming, according to the most comprehensive climate change report yet produced by the federal government. [...] The report points to the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests as the primary causes of the nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit of warming over the last century. It also blames man-made climate change for increases in extreme weather events, including larger tropical storms, rising sea levels, coastal flooding, prolonged droughts and dangerous heatwaves."
Comment: I know I get push-back every time I post one of these, but I honestly don't find any contradiction here at all with Bible prophecy. The increase in extreme weather events, coastal flooding and rising sea levels is entirely consistent with our expectations based on specific prophetic scriptures. I think part of the problem is that a certain segment of the BP community has come to accept the notion that "global warming" is part of a liberal political agenda and therefore is always suspect. Well guess what, liberals are no longer in power and global warming is still a thing. The environment doesn't vote and knows nothing of political agendas. I think it's important to untangle this issue from rival political agendas and accept that whether or not global warming is caused by human activity or is part of the natural weather cycle, or some combination of the two, it's still happening.
Thursday, November 02, 2017
Nations in Distress - Roaring Waves
Scientists map coastal communities most vulnerable to natural disasters - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists have identified coastal communities where poverty, poor infrastructure and exposure to the elements combine to create a unique level of vulnerability to natural disasters. These varying levels of risk are showcased on a new map of the Caribbean and South America published this week in the journal PLOS ONE. [...] The 2017 hurricane season decimated many vulnerable communities in the Caribbean. To better protect populations from future natural disasters, policy makers must know where resources are needed most."
Comment: Coastal communities are being decimated. To my way of thinking, it doesn't really matter if it's caused by global warming or not...it's happening.
UPI reports: "Scientists have identified coastal communities where poverty, poor infrastructure and exposure to the elements combine to create a unique level of vulnerability to natural disasters. These varying levels of risk are showcased on a new map of the Caribbean and South America published this week in the journal PLOS ONE. [...] The 2017 hurricane season decimated many vulnerable communities in the Caribbean. To better protect populations from future natural disasters, policy makers must know where resources are needed most."
Comment: Coastal communities are being decimated. To my way of thinking, it doesn't really matter if it's caused by global warming or not...it's happening.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Roaring Waves - Nations in Distress
Global sea level rise accelerates since 1990, study shows | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The rise in global sea levels has accelerated since the 1990s amid rising temperatures, with a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet pouring ever more water into the oceans, scientists said on Monday. [...] Sea levels have risen by about 20 cms in the past century and many scientific studies project a steady acceleration this century as man-made global warming melts more ice on land. [...] A rise in sea levels will threaten low-lying coasts from Miami to Bangladesh, cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and small island states such as Tuvalu in the Pacific."
Comment: Should I expect the usual pushback from the anti-global warming crowd after I post this? I take the rare position that it does not matter if global warming is part of the natural inter-glacial period or man-made (or both), it's to be expected in light of Luke 21:25. In my opinion, Christians need not fear accepting the reality of global warming and have the option of seeing it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
Reuters reports: "The rise in global sea levels has accelerated since the 1990s amid rising temperatures, with a thaw of Greenland's ice sheet pouring ever more water into the oceans, scientists said on Monday. [...] Sea levels have risen by about 20 cms in the past century and many scientific studies project a steady acceleration this century as man-made global warming melts more ice on land. [...] A rise in sea levels will threaten low-lying coasts from Miami to Bangladesh, cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and small island states such as Tuvalu in the Pacific."
Comment: Should I expect the usual pushback from the anti-global warming crowd after I post this? I take the rare position that it does not matter if global warming is part of the natural inter-glacial period or man-made (or both), it's to be expected in light of Luke 21:25. In my opinion, Christians need not fear accepting the reality of global warming and have the option of seeing it as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
War - Nations in Distress
Michigan airport stabbing suspect identified as Canadian citizen - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Authorities on Wednesday identified the suspect in an airport stabbing attack on a Michigan police officer as Amor M. Ftouhi, a native of Canada. [...] Prosecutors said before starting the attack, Ftouhi shouted an Arabic phrase meaning 'God is great.' The Canadian citizen now faces federal charges in the attack, a criminal complaint filed in District Court Wednesday said."
Comment: Wow, what an amazing example of the lengths reporters go through to avoid mentioning that once again an act of violence has been perpetrated by a follower of that Religion That Shall Not Be Named. They even take care to translate the religious slogan followers chant before killing people in the name of their god so as to remove any hint of actual context. What the attacker actually said was "allahu akbar" which is a reference to the god worshiped by the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and not God in the Judeo-Christian tradition or any other religion. If you doubt that distinction you need only ask one of the followers of the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and they will explain it to you.
UPI reports: "Authorities on Wednesday identified the suspect in an airport stabbing attack on a Michigan police officer as Amor M. Ftouhi, a native of Canada. [...] Prosecutors said before starting the attack, Ftouhi shouted an Arabic phrase meaning 'God is great.' The Canadian citizen now faces federal charges in the attack, a criminal complaint filed in District Court Wednesday said."
Comment: Wow, what an amazing example of the lengths reporters go through to avoid mentioning that once again an act of violence has been perpetrated by a follower of that Religion That Shall Not Be Named. They even take care to translate the religious slogan followers chant before killing people in the name of their god so as to remove any hint of actual context. What the attacker actually said was "allahu akbar" which is a reference to the god worshiped by the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and not God in the Judeo-Christian tradition or any other religion. If you doubt that distinction you need only ask one of the followers of the Religion That Shall Not Be Named and they will explain it to you.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
War - Nations in Distress
Suspect shot after explosion at Brussels train station, officials say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "One suspect was shot by police in Belgium on Tuesday night after a small explosion at the main train station in Brussels, authorities said. The Belgium Crisis Center posted on Twitter the 'situation is under control' after the after the military "neutralized" the suspect. [...] A platform worker at the station said he heard a man shout 'Allahu akbar' ("God is Great in Arabic") before the blast and saw him try to enter an office carrying a rolling suitcase. The unidentified suspect was wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt, several Belgian officials told ABC News. But authorities didn't confirm the report."
Comment: I know these are all isolated incidents, but after several over as many days, it does appear to be more than random. I suppose that is the mind looking for patterns.
UPI reports: "One suspect was shot by police in Belgium on Tuesday night after a small explosion at the main train station in Brussels, authorities said. The Belgium Crisis Center posted on Twitter the 'situation is under control' after the after the military "neutralized" the suspect. [...] A platform worker at the station said he heard a man shout 'Allahu akbar' ("God is Great in Arabic") before the blast and saw him try to enter an office carrying a rolling suitcase. The unidentified suspect was wearing what appeared to be an explosive belt, several Belgian officials told ABC News. But authorities didn't confirm the report."
Comment: I know these are all isolated incidents, but after several over as many days, it does appear to be more than random. I suppose that is the mind looking for patterns.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Persecution - Nations in Distress
Philippines terror: Americans warned after church hostage-taking, policeman beheaded | Fox News
Fox News reports: "The United States Embassy issued a warning to U.S. citizens in a southern Philippine city on Wednesday after terrorists linked to the Islamic State swept through the region, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of ISIS, officials said. The embassy suspended mission personnel travel to Mindanao as they analyzed the chaos that has left at least 21 people dead."
Comment: The anti-Christian agenda of ISIS was on full display in the Philippines today. Praying for Christians there as they face continued unrest and possibly more attacks.
Fox News reports: "The United States Embassy issued a warning to U.S. citizens in a southern Philippine city on Wednesday after terrorists linked to the Islamic State swept through the region, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of ISIS, officials said. The embassy suspended mission personnel travel to Mindanao as they analyzed the chaos that has left at least 21 people dead."
Comment: The anti-Christian agenda of ISIS was on full display in the Philippines today. Praying for Christians there as they face continued unrest and possibly more attacks.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Nations in Distress
Report: China building new military base near North Korea border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China is building on its military presence at its border with North Korea, a source in North Korea tells Radio Free Asia. [...] North Korea is responding to the new measures by deploying about 20 soldiers to monitor the situation [...] 'The Chinese leadership seems to preparing for the collapse of the North Korean regime,' the source said."
Comment: The collapse of the North Korean government would prompt both a humanitarian and military crisis for the region. China probably has a plan to make sure that such collapse did not benefit South Korea and their U.S. ally.
UPI reports: "China is building on its military presence at its border with North Korea, a source in North Korea tells Radio Free Asia. [...] North Korea is responding to the new measures by deploying about 20 soldiers to monitor the situation [...] 'The Chinese leadership seems to preparing for the collapse of the North Korean regime,' the source said."
Comment: The collapse of the North Korean government would prompt both a humanitarian and military crisis for the region. China probably has a plan to make sure that such collapse did not benefit South Korea and their U.S. ally.
Monday, September 26, 2016
War - Nations in Distress
Three bombings in Baghdad kill eight people - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least eight people died and 25 were injured in Baghdad on Sunday after three bombing attacks, including one claimed by the Islamic State. The deadliest attack, in which six people died in western Baghdad's Iskan district when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt, was carried out by the Islamic State."
Islamic State feels the heat as showdown over Mosul nears - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As the showdown approaches with the Iraqi Army, backed by the Shia-dominated militias and Kurdish Peshmerga with aerial support by the U.S.-led coalition forces, Islamic State militants are preparing for a protracted war over Mosul. Residents said trenches were dug around the city and neighborhoods on the corners were cleared of residents. All areas on the city border were said to have been booby-trapped. "
Comment: The war against the Islamic State is moving along on multiple fronts, but the bloodiest battle is going to be the battle for Mosul.
UPI reports: "At least eight people died and 25 were injured in Baghdad on Sunday after three bombing attacks, including one claimed by the Islamic State. The deadliest attack, in which six people died in western Baghdad's Iskan district when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt, was carried out by the Islamic State."
Islamic State feels the heat as showdown over Mosul nears - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As the showdown approaches with the Iraqi Army, backed by the Shia-dominated militias and Kurdish Peshmerga with aerial support by the U.S.-led coalition forces, Islamic State militants are preparing for a protracted war over Mosul. Residents said trenches were dug around the city and neighborhoods on the corners were cleared of residents. All areas on the city border were said to have been booby-trapped. "
Comment: The war against the Islamic State is moving along on multiple fronts, but the bloodiest battle is going to be the battle for Mosul.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Nations in Distress
11 bombings in Thai resort town kill four people - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least four people died in Thailand after 11 bombings rocked five different provinces, authorities said Friday. The bombings began on Thursday about a half hour apart in the southern coastal resort town of Hua Hin. Officials said it appeared the bombs were hidden in two plant pots about 150 feet apart and detonated by cellphone. At least eight more bombings took place on Friday morning. [...] No terror group initially claimed responsibility for the attack."
UPI reports: "At least four people died in Thailand after 11 bombings rocked five different provinces, authorities said Friday. The bombings began on Thursday about a half hour apart in the southern coastal resort town of Hua Hin. Officials said it appeared the bombs were hidden in two plant pots about 150 feet apart and detonated by cellphone. At least eight more bombings took place on Friday morning. [...] No terror group initially claimed responsibility for the attack."
Saturday, July 30, 2016
War
Brothers arrested on suspicion of plotting terror attack in Belgium - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police arrested two brothers who are suspected of plotting a terror attack in Belgium. According to the BBC, the two men, identified as Nourredine H and Hamza H, were arrested during house searches in the Mons region and the city of Liege. [...] Sky News reports that the French version of the statement indicated that multiple attacks were being planned."
Comment: Score one for the security services! I know that in the U.S. the domestic security services don't often announce it when attacks are foiled but it certainly helps promote public confidence when we can see that they are being successful at stopping attacks.
UPI reports: "Police arrested two brothers who are suspected of plotting a terror attack in Belgium. According to the BBC, the two men, identified as Nourredine H and Hamza H, were arrested during house searches in the Mons region and the city of Liege. [...] Sky News reports that the French version of the statement indicated that multiple attacks were being planned."
Comment: Score one for the security services! I know that in the U.S. the domestic security services don't often announce it when attacks are foiled but it certainly helps promote public confidence when we can see that they are being successful at stopping attacks.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Nations in Distress - Gog Alliance
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares state of emergency - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday declared a state of emergency after the country's failed military coup. Erdogan told the nation the state of emergency would last three months and that 'all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed.' The Turkish government under Erdogan has now arrested, fired or suspended a total of more than 50,000 people in its post-coup d'etat attempt crackdown."
Comment: Wow, that's just scary. This guy is a dictator and an ego-maniac for sure. Whether he staged the coup or not, the end result is the same, Turkey is now under an Islamic dictatorship and the trend lines suggest a path toward becoming anti-U.S. and anti-Israel. Forget about EU membership, the question now is, how quickly will the new Axis be officially formed?
UPI reports: "Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday declared a state of emergency after the country's failed military coup. Erdogan told the nation the state of emergency would last three months and that 'all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed.' The Turkish government under Erdogan has now arrested, fired or suspended a total of more than 50,000 people in its post-coup d'etat attempt crackdown."
Comment: Wow, that's just scary. This guy is a dictator and an ego-maniac for sure. Whether he staged the coup or not, the end result is the same, Turkey is now under an Islamic dictatorship and the trend lines suggest a path toward becoming anti-U.S. and anti-Israel. Forget about EU membership, the question now is, how quickly will the new Axis be officially formed?
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Nations in Distress - Gog Alliance
Turkey suspends 15,000 educators, forces resignation of 1,500 university deans - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey's Ministry of Education has suspended more than 15,000 education staff on accusations of having links to a cleric living in the United States who the Turkish government alleges organized last week's coup d'etat attempt. [...] Turkey's high education board has also forced the resignation of more than 1,500 university deans. Since the coup attempt, Turkey's army, judiciary, security and civil services have been targeted by the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 6,000 military personnel have been arrested, including more than two dozen generals awaiting trial; 9,000 police officers have been fired; and 3,000 judges have been suspended."
Comment: The scope of this purge is really quite massive and far in excess of the number of actual soldiers who attempted the coup. It's sad to see that no one in Turkish civil society is standing up for all the people whose lives are being ruined. The people defended their democracy from a coup by taking to the streets but it seems they won't defend it from a dictator. Do they not care or see what is happening or are they too afraid to act?
UPI reports: "Turkey's Ministry of Education has suspended more than 15,000 education staff on accusations of having links to a cleric living in the United States who the Turkish government alleges organized last week's coup d'etat attempt. [...] Turkey's high education board has also forced the resignation of more than 1,500 university deans. Since the coup attempt, Turkey's army, judiciary, security and civil services have been targeted by the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 6,000 military personnel have been arrested, including more than two dozen generals awaiting trial; 9,000 police officers have been fired; and 3,000 judges have been suspended."
Comment: The scope of this purge is really quite massive and far in excess of the number of actual soldiers who attempted the coup. It's sad to see that no one in Turkish civil society is standing up for all the people whose lives are being ruined. The people defended their democracy from a coup by taking to the streets but it seems they won't defend it from a dictator. Do they not care or see what is happening or are they too afraid to act?
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Nations in Distress
Nearly 3,000 arrested after failed Turkey coup - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkish government officials declared an attempted military coup in the country had been put down as nearly 3,000 soldiers were arrested and 265 people, including civilians and coup plotters, were killed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke publicly Saturday, less than 24 hours after the military coup was squashed, saying the government remained in control after rival factions of the Turkish military attempted to forcibly seize power of government buildings in Ankara and Istanbul. [...] Turkish television reported about 2,745 judges and five High Judiciary Court Board were removed from duty as a result of the failed coup."
Comment: So the coup failed and the purge has begun. Note that not only have soldiers been arrested (as we might expect) but that also thousands of members of the judiciary have also been punished. That is most unexpected and can only mean that President Erdogan is moving fast not only to punish the coup plotters but to consolidate his own power by removing anyone he considers a threat to his rule. Turkey may be a democracy, but I'm betting Erdogan will find a way to become president-for-life.
UPI reports: "Turkish government officials declared an attempted military coup in the country had been put down as nearly 3,000 soldiers were arrested and 265 people, including civilians and coup plotters, were killed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke publicly Saturday, less than 24 hours after the military coup was squashed, saying the government remained in control after rival factions of the Turkish military attempted to forcibly seize power of government buildings in Ankara and Istanbul. [...] Turkish television reported about 2,745 judges and five High Judiciary Court Board were removed from duty as a result of the failed coup."
Comment: So the coup failed and the purge has begun. Note that not only have soldiers been arrested (as we might expect) but that also thousands of members of the judiciary have also been punished. That is most unexpected and can only mean that President Erdogan is moving fast not only to punish the coup plotters but to consolidate his own power by removing anyone he considers a threat to his rule. Turkey may be a democracy, but I'm betting Erdogan will find a way to become president-for-life.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Nations In Distress
Martial law declared in Turkey after coup attempt - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Civil unrest took hold in the streets of Turkey late Friday after members of the nation's military attempted to forcibly seize power in a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime. The coup attempt occurred in the capital, Ankara, and in Istanbul around 10 p.m. local time Friday -- plunging the nation into a chaotic power grab for control of Turkey's government. Hours into the overthrow attempt, both sides claimed the upper hand in the struggle."
Comment: I'm not sure how the media will spin this, but from my perspective, a military coup in Turkey could be a GOOD thing. Let me explain.
As I've noted in past blog posts, the elected government in Turkey is led by a man who is taking Turkey down an Islamist path and he has become increasingly autocratic and authoritarian. This is noteworthy because modern Turkey was founded as a secular republic even though Turkey is a majority Muslim country. To many observers, President Erdogan has done everything he could to undermine secular institutions (like the free press) and promote Islam.
The military in Turkey, on the other hand, has long considered itself to be the guardian of secular rule and has a history of stepping in from time to time. So, if this is a course correction, a return to the traditional secular character of modern Turkey, this is indeed a good thing.
Let's also consider that President Erdogan has not joined the war against the Islamic State with the enthusiasm that his NATO partners would like and has allowed Turkey's border with Syria to be a porous border for Islamist fighters going to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq and also returning and going into Europe to plot attacks. It's very likely that a military government, even an interim junta, would would be much more assertive in attacking the Islamic State than the Erdogan government.
This is a fluid situation and we should watch carefully as events unfold.
UPI reports: "Civil unrest took hold in the streets of Turkey late Friday after members of the nation's military attempted to forcibly seize power in a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime. The coup attempt occurred in the capital, Ankara, and in Istanbul around 10 p.m. local time Friday -- plunging the nation into a chaotic power grab for control of Turkey's government. Hours into the overthrow attempt, both sides claimed the upper hand in the struggle."
Comment: I'm not sure how the media will spin this, but from my perspective, a military coup in Turkey could be a GOOD thing. Let me explain.
As I've noted in past blog posts, the elected government in Turkey is led by a man who is taking Turkey down an Islamist path and he has become increasingly autocratic and authoritarian. This is noteworthy because modern Turkey was founded as a secular republic even though Turkey is a majority Muslim country. To many observers, President Erdogan has done everything he could to undermine secular institutions (like the free press) and promote Islam.
The military in Turkey, on the other hand, has long considered itself to be the guardian of secular rule and has a history of stepping in from time to time. So, if this is a course correction, a return to the traditional secular character of modern Turkey, this is indeed a good thing.
Let's also consider that President Erdogan has not joined the war against the Islamic State with the enthusiasm that his NATO partners would like and has allowed Turkey's border with Syria to be a porous border for Islamist fighters going to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq and also returning and going into Europe to plot attacks. It's very likely that a military government, even an interim junta, would would be much more assertive in attacking the Islamic State than the Erdogan government.
This is a fluid situation and we should watch carefully as events unfold.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
War - Rumors of War - Nations in Distress
FAA suspends U.S. flights to, from Istanbul airport after attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The airport was rocked by gunfire and bomb explosions in what appeared to be a coordinated militant attack, witnesses and authorities said. At least 36 people were killed in the terror attack said Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, with early signs suggesting the Islamic State might be behind the attack, though no group has claimed responsibility."
Islamic State video calls for San Francisco attacks akin to Orlando massacre - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State has released a video praising the massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and calling for similar attacks to be carried out in San Francisco and Las Vegas. The video shows several San Francisco landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Financial District and Powell Street -- locations in which a voiceover in the video encourages attacks."
UPI reports: "The airport was rocked by gunfire and bomb explosions in what appeared to be a coordinated militant attack, witnesses and authorities said. At least 36 people were killed in the terror attack said Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said, with early signs suggesting the Islamic State might be behind the attack, though no group has claimed responsibility."
Islamic State video calls for San Francisco attacks akin to Orlando massacre - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State has released a video praising the massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and calling for similar attacks to be carried out in San Francisco and Las Vegas. The video shows several San Francisco landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Financial District and Powell Street -- locations in which a voiceover in the video encourages attacks."
Friday, June 24, 2016
Nations in Distress - Final Kingdom
AFP - Brexit pitches world into uncharted terrain
AFP reports: "Slowing growth, a return to protectionism, questioning of free trade agreements and doubts over the stability of the EU: the world economy is entering a period of deep uncertainty following Brexit. [...] Britain on Thursday voted by 52 percent to 48 percent for their country to leave the EU despite dire warnings from world leaders and economic experts. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) had warned in the months and weeks leading up to the ballot of the dangers for the world economy, especially elsewhere in Europe, should Brexit come to pass. [...] European leaders and markets fear a domino effect as people across Europe lose faith in the supranational project."
AFP reports: "Slowing growth, a return to protectionism, questioning of free trade agreements and doubts over the stability of the EU: the world economy is entering a period of deep uncertainty following Brexit. [...] Britain on Thursday voted by 52 percent to 48 percent for their country to leave the EU despite dire warnings from world leaders and economic experts. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) had warned in the months and weeks leading up to the ballot of the dangers for the world economy, especially elsewhere in Europe, should Brexit come to pass. [...] European leaders and markets fear a domino effect as people across Europe lose faith in the supranational project."
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Nations in Distress - Final Kingdom
BBC: Britain votes to leave EU - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The decision to leave is the biggest jolt to the European political establishment in decades. Reaction to the vote was negative in currency markets, with the British Pound plummeting to a 31-year low. It also puts the future of both prime minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in jeopardy. Jeremy Cook, chief economist and head of currency strategy at WorldFirst was pessimistic, saying 'Sterling has collapsed ... It can go a lot further as well.'"
Comment: I wonder if this is the beginning of the end of the EU or will they bounce back by possible adding a new member. Time to talk Turkey?
UPI reports: "The decision to leave is the biggest jolt to the European political establishment in decades. Reaction to the vote was negative in currency markets, with the British Pound plummeting to a 31-year low. It also puts the future of both prime minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in jeopardy. Jeremy Cook, chief economist and head of currency strategy at WorldFirst was pessimistic, saying 'Sterling has collapsed ... It can go a lot further as well.'"
Comment: I wonder if this is the beginning of the end of the EU or will they bounce back by possible adding a new member. Time to talk Turkey?
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