My Way News - Sinking currencies point to jitters about emerging economies
My Way News reports: "The damage spans the globe.
Thailand's baht. Kazakhstan's tenge. South Africa's rand. Peru's nuevo
sol.
In emerging markets worldwide, currencies are plunging over fears that
developing economies are on the verge of a crippling fall. Success
stories until recently, emerging economies are seen as casualties now —
of slower growth in China, plunging prices for commodities like oil and
iron ore, the prospect of higher U.S. interest rates and homegrown
threats."
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Friday, August 21, 2015
Rumors of War - War
My Way News - S. Korea, US brace for N. Korea deadline as tension mounts
My Way News reports: "With U.S. and South Korean fighter jets taking to the skies in a show of force, the two Koreas prepared for a possible military clash Saturday as the North's deadline loomed for Seoul to dismantle loudspeakers broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda across their border. North Korea has declared its frontline troops are in full war readiness and prepared to go to battle if Seoul doesn't back down."
My Way News reports: "With U.S. and South Korean fighter jets taking to the skies in a show of force, the two Koreas prepared for a possible military clash Saturday as the North's deadline loomed for Seoul to dismantle loudspeakers broadcasting anti-North Korean propaganda across their border. North Korea has declared its frontline troops are in full war readiness and prepared to go to battle if Seoul doesn't back down."
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - 6 killed in Syria after Israel retaliates for rocket attack
My Way News reports: "Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria killed six people and wounded seven, Syrian state TV reported Friday, in retaliation for a rocket attack on Israel the previous day that Israeli officials blamed on militants backed by Iran."
My Way News - Israeli former minister: 3 plans to hit Iran were blocked:
My Way News reports: "Israel's former defense minister, Ehud Barak, says three separate plans on Israel striking Iranian nuclear facilities were blocked in recent years, first by Israel's military chief and later by two ministers. [...] The report comes amid Israel's lobbying against the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that would see Tehran's nuclear program rolled back in return for sanctions' relief."
My Way News reports: "Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria killed six people and wounded seven, Syrian state TV reported Friday, in retaliation for a rocket attack on Israel the previous day that Israeli officials blamed on militants backed by Iran."
My Way News - Israeli former minister: 3 plans to hit Iran were blocked:
My Way News reports: "Israel's former defense minister, Ehud Barak, says three separate plans on Israel striking Iranian nuclear facilities were blocked in recent years, first by Israel's military chief and later by two ministers. [...] The report comes amid Israel's lobbying against the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that would see Tehran's nuclear program rolled back in return for sanctions' relief."
Persecution
My Way News - UNESCO chief: IS systematically destroying heritage sites
My Way News reports: "On Friday, witnesses said the militants bulldozed St. Elian Monastery which houses a 5th century tomb and served as a major pilgrimage site. [...] A Catholic priest, the Rev. Jacques Mourad, who had lived at the monastery, was kidnapped in May and remains missing. [...] Mourad sheltered both Muslim and Christian Syrians fleeing the fighting elsewhere in Homs province. Activists said that shortly after capturing Qaryatain, the Islamic State group abducted 230 residents, including dozens of Christians. Activists said some Christians were released, but the fate of the others is still unknown."
My Way News reports: "On Friday, witnesses said the militants bulldozed St. Elian Monastery which houses a 5th century tomb and served as a major pilgrimage site. [...] A Catholic priest, the Rev. Jacques Mourad, who had lived at the monastery, was kidnapped in May and remains missing. [...] Mourad sheltered both Muslim and Christian Syrians fleeing the fighting elsewhere in Homs province. Activists said that shortly after capturing Qaryatain, the Islamic State group abducted 230 residents, including dozens of Christians. Activists said some Christians were released, but the fate of the others is still unknown."
Fearsome Events - Future Fear
My Way News - Feeling the heat: Earth in July was hottest month on record
My Way News reports: "Earth just keeps getting hotter. July was the planet's warmest month on record, smashing old marks, U.S. weather officials said. And it's almost a dead certain lock that this year will beat last year as the warmest year on record, they said. [...] Nine of the 10 hottest months on record have happened since 2005, according to NOAA. Twenty-two of the 25 hottest months on record have occurred after the year 2000. The other three were in 1998 and 1997. This shows that despite what climate change doubters say, there is no pause in warming since 1998, Blunden said."
My Way News reports: "Earth just keeps getting hotter. July was the planet's warmest month on record, smashing old marks, U.S. weather officials said. And it's almost a dead certain lock that this year will beat last year as the warmest year on record, they said. [...] Nine of the 10 hottest months on record have happened since 2005, according to NOAA. Twenty-two of the 25 hottest months on record have occurred after the year 2000. The other three were in 1998 and 1997. This shows that despite what climate change doubters say, there is no pause in warming since 1998, Blunden said."
Nations in Distress
My Way News - US stocks tumble on global slowdown fears
My Way News reports: "Growing concerns about a slowdown in China shook markets around the world on Friday, driving the U.S. stock market to its biggest drop in nearly four years. The rout started in Asia and quickly spread to Europe, battering major markets in Germany and France. In the U.S., the selling started early and never let up. [...] Traders have been worried about slowing growth in China and its potential impact on the U.S."
My Way News reports: "Growing concerns about a slowdown in China shook markets around the world on Friday, driving the U.S. stock market to its biggest drop in nearly four years. The rout started in Asia and quickly spread to Europe, battering major markets in Germany and France. In the U.S., the selling started early and never let up. [...] Traders have been worried about slowing growth in China and its potential impact on the U.S."
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Rumors of War - War
My Way News - NKorea warns of war after exchange of fire with South
My Way News reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday declared his frontline troops in a 'quasi-state of war' and ordered them to prepare for battle a day after South Korea fired dozens of artillery rounds across the rivals' border in response to what the South said were several rounds of North Korean artillery launched at the South. [...] The Koreas' mine-strewn DMZ is a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula still technically in a state of war. About 28,500 U.S. soldiers are deployed in South Korea to deter potential aggression from North Korea."
Comment: Hopefully this will fizzle out as all the other past flare-ups have, but there is always the danger of miscalculation. Of all the conflict flashpoints in the world, the Korean border remains the most volatile and one that can go from zero to catastrophe in minutes.
My Way News reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday declared his frontline troops in a 'quasi-state of war' and ordered them to prepare for battle a day after South Korea fired dozens of artillery rounds across the rivals' border in response to what the South said were several rounds of North Korean artillery launched at the South. [...] The Koreas' mine-strewn DMZ is a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula still technically in a state of war. About 28,500 U.S. soldiers are deployed in South Korea to deter potential aggression from North Korea."
Comment: Hopefully this will fizzle out as all the other past flare-ups have, but there is always the danger of miscalculation. Of all the conflict flashpoints in the world, the Korean border remains the most volatile and one that can go from zero to catastrophe in minutes.
Signs in the Heavens
CNET - NASA says chill out, there's no doomsday asteroid next month
CNET reports: "Depending on what corners of the Internet you hang out in, you may be in rank fear of the End of Times brought about by an unavoidable asteroid sent to hurtle itself into the Earth's belly, creating an apocalyptic scenario for a good chunk of humanity. If that's the case, you can now rest easy. Don't worry. NASA is here to soothe you. There is no killer asteroid on the way."
CNET reports: "Depending on what corners of the Internet you hang out in, you may be in rank fear of the End of Times brought about by an unavoidable asteroid sent to hurtle itself into the Earth's belly, creating an apocalyptic scenario for a good chunk of humanity. If that's the case, you can now rest easy. Don't worry. NASA is here to soothe you. There is no killer asteroid on the way."
Pestilence
My Way News - Antibiotic-resistant 'superbug' found at California hospital
My Way News reports: "A Los Angeles-area hospital said Wednesday that some of its patients contracted an antibiotic-resistant 'superbug' that has been linked to a type of medical scope and infected dozens of people around the country. [...] A dozen infections were reported earlier this year at Cedars-Sinai and UCLA's Ronald Reagan medical centers in Los Angeles. Three patients died."
My Way News reports: "A Los Angeles-area hospital said Wednesday that some of its patients contracted an antibiotic-resistant 'superbug' that has been linked to a type of medical scope and infected dozens of people around the country. [...] A dozen infections were reported earlier this year at Cedars-Sinai and UCLA's Ronald Reagan medical centers in Los Angeles. Three patients died."
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - AP Exclusive: UN to let Iran inspect alleged nuke work site
My Way News reports: "Iran will be allowed to use its own inspectors to investigate a site it has been accused of using to develop nuclear arms, operating under a secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, according to a document seen by The Associated Press. [...] The agreement in question diverges from normal procedures by allowing Tehran to employ its own experts and equipment in the search for evidence of activities it has consistently denied — trying to develop nuclear weapons. [...] That wording suggests that — beyond being barred from physically visiting the site — the agency won't get photo or video information from areas Iran says are off-limits because they have military significance. While the document says the IAEA 'will ensure the technical authenticity' of Iran's inspection, it does not say how."
Comment: Could the negotiators have been any more gullible? They are going to trust Iran to inspect a site and report back to the U.N. agency with the results? I can only imagine the conclusion of the inspection report: We conducted the most intrusive and thorough inspections and found nothing amiss.
My Way News reports: "Iran will be allowed to use its own inspectors to investigate a site it has been accused of using to develop nuclear arms, operating under a secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, according to a document seen by The Associated Press. [...] The agreement in question diverges from normal procedures by allowing Tehran to employ its own experts and equipment in the search for evidence of activities it has consistently denied — trying to develop nuclear weapons. [...] That wording suggests that — beyond being barred from physically visiting the site — the agency won't get photo or video information from areas Iran says are off-limits because they have military significance. While the document says the IAEA 'will ensure the technical authenticity' of Iran's inspection, it does not say how."
Comment: Could the negotiators have been any more gullible? They are going to trust Iran to inspect a site and report back to the U.N. agency with the results? I can only imagine the conclusion of the inspection report: We conducted the most intrusive and thorough inspections and found nothing amiss.
Rumors of War - Nations in Distress
My Way News - Man in yellow shirt is focus of Bangkok bombing probe:
My Way News reports: "Thailand has seen many violent attacks in recent years, particularly in a more-than-decade-long insurgency by Muslim separatists that has left more than 5,000 dead in the country's deep south. Those attacks have never extended to the capital, however. Bangkok has seen politically charged violence in the past decade; the deadliest, in 2010, killed more than 90 over two months and was centered on the same intersection where Monday's bomb went off. But none of those attacks included a bomb that seemed intended to produce mass casualties."
My Way News reports: "Thailand has seen many violent attacks in recent years, particularly in a more-than-decade-long insurgency by Muslim separatists that has left more than 5,000 dead in the country's deep south. Those attacks have never extended to the capital, however. Bangkok has seen politically charged violence in the past decade; the deadliest, in 2010, killed more than 90 over two months and was centered on the same intersection where Monday's bomb went off. But none of those attacks included a bomb that seemed intended to produce mass casualties."
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Rumors of War - Covenant With Many
My Way News - Israeli opposition leader fears new Palestinian uprising
My Way News reports: "Israel's opposition leader on Tuesday warned that a new Palestinian uprising could be looming after a recent spate of violence and called on both sides to reduce tensions and restart peace talks. [...] Israel and the Palestinians have held on-again, off-again peace talks over the past two decades, and the latest round of U.S.-brokered negotiations broke down more than a year ago with little progress. The U.S. is not expected to resume peace efforts until after a congressional vote on the international community's Iranian nuclear deal. Netanyahu bitterly opposes the deal, and with U.S.-Israel ties suffering, the prospects for any new U.S. diplomatic initiative seem poor."
My Way News reports: "Israel's opposition leader on Tuesday warned that a new Palestinian uprising could be looming after a recent spate of violence and called on both sides to reduce tensions and restart peace talks. [...] Israel and the Palestinians have held on-again, off-again peace talks over the past two decades, and the latest round of U.S.-brokered negotiations broke down more than a year ago with little progress. The U.S. is not expected to resume peace efforts until after a congressional vote on the international community's Iranian nuclear deal. Netanyahu bitterly opposes the deal, and with U.S.-Israel ties suffering, the prospects for any new U.S. diplomatic initiative seem poor."
Pestilence
My Way News - NYC mayor signs law to combat future Legionnaires' outbreaks
My Way News reports: "New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed legislation aimed at preventing further outbreaks of deadly Legionnaires' disease. An outbreak that began last month killed 12 people in the Bronx and hospitalized more than 100 others. The legislation requires the regular inspection and cleaning of cooling towers."
My Way News reports: "New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed legislation aimed at preventing further outbreaks of deadly Legionnaires' disease. An outbreak that began last month killed 12 people in the Bronx and hospitalized more than 100 others. The legislation requires the regular inspection and cleaning of cooling towers."
Monday, August 17, 2015
War
My Way News - 9 dead as shelling increases in eastern Ukraine
My Way News reports: "A night-long artillery exchange in eastern Ukraine between government troops and Russia-backed rebels claimed nine lives on Monday, casting doubt on the already shaky cease-fire. The fighting between Russia-backed separatist rebels and Ukrainian government troops in the country's industrial heartland eased after a truce was signed in February. But despite pledges to withdraw heavy caliber weapons from the front lines, both sides seem to be engaged in recent heavy fighting."
My Way News reports: "A night-long artillery exchange in eastern Ukraine between government troops and Russia-backed rebels claimed nine lives on Monday, casting doubt on the already shaky cease-fire. The fighting between Russia-backed separatist rebels and Ukrainian government troops in the country's industrial heartland eased after a truce was signed in February. But despite pledges to withdraw heavy caliber weapons from the front lines, both sides seem to be engaged in recent heavy fighting."
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Iranian hard-liner says Supreme Leader opposes nuclear deal
My Way News reports: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is opposed to a landmark nuclear deal reached with world powers, a prominent hard-liner claimed Saturday. [...] Iran's parliament and the Supreme National Security Council will consider the agreement in the coming days. The deal calls for limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions."
My Way News reports: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is opposed to a landmark nuclear deal reached with world powers, a prominent hard-liner claimed Saturday. [...] Iran's parliament and the Supreme National Security Council will consider the agreement in the coming days. The deal calls for limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions."
Signs in the Moon - Signs in the Heavens
WND - Have ‘cash on hand,’ warns ‘blood moons’ discoverer
World Net Daily reports: "The man who discovered the existence of the blood moons tetrad is warning the astronomical events are no mere coincidence but a heavenly message from God. Pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries argues signs in the sky are one way God communicates with human beings. The significance of heavenly bodies, he states, is acknowledged even by those who are not religious. 'The whole world, religious and non-religious, is fascinated about the blood moons,' Biltz told WND. 'The reasons are because they’re beyond our control, they’re heavenly objects able to speak to every tribe, nation and tongue, filling us with awe and wonder and then they also have been regarded as omens all throughout world history with ominous events happening surrounding their timing.' Biltz, author of 'Blood Moons: Decoding the Imminent Heavenly Signs,' first discovered the existence of the blood moons phenomenon in 2008, later sharing his findings with other Christian leaders, including John Hagee. At that time, Biltz says he predicted economic turmoil would correspond with the final blood moon."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how things transpire. I'm leaning towards the view that such signs are more for the people of Israel than for humanity in general and may portend great events in the Middle East. Let's be watchful.
World Net Daily reports: "The man who discovered the existence of the blood moons tetrad is warning the astronomical events are no mere coincidence but a heavenly message from God. Pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries argues signs in the sky are one way God communicates with human beings. The significance of heavenly bodies, he states, is acknowledged even by those who are not religious. 'The whole world, religious and non-religious, is fascinated about the blood moons,' Biltz told WND. 'The reasons are because they’re beyond our control, they’re heavenly objects able to speak to every tribe, nation and tongue, filling us with awe and wonder and then they also have been regarded as omens all throughout world history with ominous events happening surrounding their timing.' Biltz, author of 'Blood Moons: Decoding the Imminent Heavenly Signs,' first discovered the existence of the blood moons phenomenon in 2008, later sharing his findings with other Christian leaders, including John Hagee. At that time, Biltz says he predicted economic turmoil would correspond with the final blood moon."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how things transpire. I'm leaning towards the view that such signs are more for the people of Israel than for humanity in general and may portend great events in the Middle East. Let's be watchful.
Friday, August 14, 2015
King of the North - Gog Alliance
My Way News - Russia denies hosting top Iranian commander
My Way News reports: "A senior Russian diplomat on Friday denied claims that an Iranian general visited Moscow in violation of United Nations sanctions banning travel. [...] He said Russia had assured the United States that Soleimani had not visited Moscow and was surprised to hear the continuing expression of concern."
Comment: So, Russia and Iran are not collaborating? Good to know.
My Way News reports: "A senior Russian diplomat on Friday denied claims that an Iranian general visited Moscow in violation of United Nations sanctions banning travel. [...] He said Russia had assured the United States that Soleimani had not visited Moscow and was surprised to hear the continuing expression of concern."
Comment: So, Russia and Iran are not collaborating? Good to know.
Persecution
My Way News - France to rally aid for religious minorities targeted by IS
My Way News reports: "France is hosting a conference next month to raise money and rally support for Mideast Christians and other minorities persecuted by the Islamic State group. The conference Sept. 8 will focus on humanitarian efforts to support ethnic and religious groups in Syria and Iraq who have become key targets of IS extremists, suffering mass executions, sex slavery and other abuses."
My Way News reports: "France is hosting a conference next month to raise money and rally support for Mideast Christians and other minorities persecuted by the Islamic State group. The conference Sept. 8 will focus on humanitarian efforts to support ethnic and religious groups in Syria and Iraq who have become key targets of IS extremists, suffering mass executions, sex slavery and other abuses."
Wars and Rumors of War
My Way News - IS group accused of using chemical weapons on Iraqi Kurds
My Way News reports: "The German Defense Ministry and Kurdish fighters say the Islamic State group may have used chemical weapons in an attack in northern Iraq. A ministry statement on Thursday says some 60 Kurdish fighters suffered from breathing difficulties as a result of the attack. It says none of the German soldiers training the Kurds in the area 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of the city of Irbil were hurt or in danger."
My Way News reports: "The German Defense Ministry and Kurdish fighters say the Islamic State group may have used chemical weapons in an attack in northern Iraq. A ministry statement on Thursday says some 60 Kurdish fighters suffered from breathing difficulties as a result of the attack. It says none of the German soldiers training the Kurds in the area 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of the city of Irbil were hurt or in danger."
Thursday, August 13, 2015
War
My Way News - Truck bomb targeting Shiites kills 67 at Baghdad market
My Way News reports: "In one of the deadliest single attacks in postwar Baghdad, a truck bomb shattered a popular fruit-and-vegetable market in a teeming Shiite neighborhood Thursday, killing 67 people and wounding more than 150 others. Militants from the self-described Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing that incinerated much of the Jameela market in the district of Sadr City."
My Way News reports: "In one of the deadliest single attacks in postwar Baghdad, a truck bomb shattered a popular fruit-and-vegetable market in a teeming Shiite neighborhood Thursday, killing 67 people and wounding more than 150 others. Militants from the self-described Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing that incinerated much of the Jameela market in the district of Sadr City."
Roaring Waves - Fearsome Events
My Way News - Federal experts: This El Nino may be historically strong:
My Way News reports: "The current El Nino, nicknamed Bruce Lee, is already the second strongest on record for this time of year and could be one of the most potent weather changers of the past 65 years, federal meteorologists say. [...] In addition to California, El Nino often brings heavy winter rain to much of the southern and eastern U.S. It's also likely to make the northern winters warmer and southeastern U.S. winters a bit cooler, but not much, Halpert said. The middle of the U.S. usually doesn't get too much of an El Nino effect, he said."
My Way News reports: "The current El Nino, nicknamed Bruce Lee, is already the second strongest on record for this time of year and could be one of the most potent weather changers of the past 65 years, federal meteorologists say. [...] In addition to California, El Nino often brings heavy winter rain to much of the southern and eastern U.S. It's also likely to make the northern winters warmer and southeastern U.S. winters a bit cooler, but not much, Halpert said. The middle of the U.S. usually doesn't get too much of an El Nino effect, he said."
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
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Wars
My Way News - IS affiliate in Egypt releases image of slain Croat captive
My Way News reports: "A Croatian hostage abducted in Egypt by Islamic State militants has been beheaded, according to a gruesome image circulated Wednesday online — a killing that, if confirmed, would be the first of its kind involving a foreign captive in the country, undermining government efforts to project stability and buttress an economic turnaround. [...] this would be the first time the local Islamic State affiliate has captured and then beheaded a foreigner in Egypt, a major escalation as the country tries to rebuild its crucial tourism industry after years of unrest following the 2011 revolt that toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak."
My Way News - Iraq officials: Huge truck bomb in Baghdad market kills 54
My Way News reports: "Iraqi police officials say a massive truck bomb has ripped through a popular Baghdad food market in the early morning hours, killing at least 54 people. [...] No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, but Islamic State militants commonly target predominantly Shiite neighborhoods such as Sadr City, with the goal of sending a message to the Shiite-dominated government. The Sunni militant group currently holds territory in about a third of Iraq."
My Way News reports: "A Croatian hostage abducted in Egypt by Islamic State militants has been beheaded, according to a gruesome image circulated Wednesday online — a killing that, if confirmed, would be the first of its kind involving a foreign captive in the country, undermining government efforts to project stability and buttress an economic turnaround. [...] this would be the first time the local Islamic State affiliate has captured and then beheaded a foreigner in Egypt, a major escalation as the country tries to rebuild its crucial tourism industry after years of unrest following the 2011 revolt that toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak."
My Way News - Iraq officials: Huge truck bomb in Baghdad market kills 54
My Way News reports: "Iraqi police officials say a massive truck bomb has ripped through a popular Baghdad food market in the early morning hours, killing at least 54 people. [...] No one immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, but Islamic State militants commonly target predominantly Shiite neighborhoods such as Sadr City, with the goal of sending a message to the Shiite-dominated government. The Sunni militant group currently holds territory in about a third of Iraq."
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Earthquakes
My Way News - More than 5,000 earthquakes hit northwest Nevada
My Way News reports: "Seismologists studying a year-long swarm of thousands of mostly minor earthquakes in northwest Nevada say they could be the precursor for a "big one," although speculation that they're related to a series of extinct volcanoes can't be ruled out. The University of Nevada's Reno Nevada Seismological Laboratory announced Tuesday that there have been 5,610 earthquakes in a swarm that started in July 2014 in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge near the Oregon border."
My Way News reports: "Seismologists studying a year-long swarm of thousands of mostly minor earthquakes in northwest Nevada say they could be the precursor for a "big one," although speculation that they're related to a series of extinct volcanoes can't be ruled out. The University of Nevada's Reno Nevada Seismological Laboratory announced Tuesday that there have been 5,610 earthquakes in a swarm that started in July 2014 in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge near the Oregon border."
Pestilence
My Way News - NYC mayor: Legionnaires' outbreak has claimed 12 lives:
My Way News reports: "Two more people in the Bronx have died of Legionnaires' disease, bringing the total of fatalities to 12 in the largest outbreak of the disease in New York City history, officials said Monday. There are now 113 reported cases of Legionnaires' in the Bronx, and cooling towers in 18 buildings have tested positive for the legionella bacteria, officials said."
My Way News reports: "Two more people in the Bronx have died of Legionnaires' disease, bringing the total of fatalities to 12 in the largest outbreak of the disease in New York City history, officials said Monday. There are now 113 reported cases of Legionnaires' in the Bronx, and cooling towers in 18 buildings have tested positive for the legionella bacteria, officials said."
Monday, August 10, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - China pledges continued support for Ebola-hit Africa nations
My Way News reports: "China's foreign minister has pledged continued support to the three West African countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 11,200 people. [...] China was one of the first to fly in badly needed medical gear when Ebola spread last year. China has provided at least $121 million in cash and supplies to fight the disease in West Africa. It also sent dozens of army doctors and hundreds of army medical workers."
My Way News reports: "China's foreign minister has pledged continued support to the three West African countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 11,200 people. [...] China was one of the first to fly in badly needed medical gear when Ebola spread last year. China has provided at least $121 million in cash and supplies to fight the disease in West Africa. It also sent dozens of army doctors and hundreds of army medical workers."
Rumors of War - King of the North - Kings of the East
Space War - Brand New Russian, Chinese Hypersonic Weapons Unnerve US
Space War reports: High-ranking US military officials acknowledged that highly maneuverable, ultra-fast and elusive hypersonic arms Russia and China are developing pose a strategic threat to the United States, who lacks hypersonics at the moment, national security expert Bill Gertz said. [...] In June, military experts said that Russia was test-launching a new hypersonic attack aircraft (Yu-71) that could carry nuclear warheads and penetrate missile defense systems."
Space War reports: High-ranking US military officials acknowledged that highly maneuverable, ultra-fast and elusive hypersonic arms Russia and China are developing pose a strategic threat to the United States, who lacks hypersonics at the moment, national security expert Bill Gertz said. [...] In June, military experts said that Russia was test-launching a new hypersonic attack aircraft (Yu-71) that could carry nuclear warheads and penetrate missile defense systems."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - US demands halt to provocative South China Sea activities
My Way News reports: "In a direct challenge to China, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Thursday for all claimants to disputed territories in the South China Sea to immediately halt provocative activities that have ratcheted up tensions in some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. He also said the United States would not accept restrictions on navigation or overflights of the disputed territories."
My Way News reports: "In a direct challenge to China, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Thursday for all claimants to disputed territories in the South China Sea to immediately halt provocative activities that have ratcheted up tensions in some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. He also said the United States would not accept restrictions on navigation or overflights of the disputed territories."
Persecution
Space War - Displaced Iraq Christians in frontline prayer for return
Space War reports: "Last year's violence led many of the newly displaced Christians to seek to emigrate, a trend clerics in Iraq and elsewhere fear could be a fatal blow to Christian presence in the country. 'Estimates are that 50,000 Christians... have left Iraq' over the past year, said Benoit Faraj Camurat, who heads the French aid group Fraternite en Irak and accompanied the prelate. He said most had gone to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, while smaller numbers had resettled in Europe and other Western countries."
Space War reports: "Last year's violence led many of the newly displaced Christians to seek to emigrate, a trend clerics in Iraq and elsewhere fear could be a fatal blow to Christian presence in the country. 'Estimates are that 50,000 Christians... have left Iraq' over the past year, said Benoit Faraj Camurat, who heads the French aid group Fraternite en Irak and accompanied the prelate. He said most had gone to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, while smaller numbers had resettled in Europe and other Western countries."
Friday, August 07, 2015
Persecution
My Way News - After capturing Syrian town, IS abducts dozens of Christians
My Way News reports: "The Islamic State group has abducted 230 residents, including dozens of Christians, from a central Syrian town captured by the extremists the day before, activists said Friday. [...] Christians make up about 10 percent of Syria's prewar population of 23 million. In February, IS kidnapped more than 220 Assyrian Christians, after overrunning several farming communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in the northeastern province of Hassakeh. Since then, only a few have been released and the fate of the others remains unknown."
My Way News reports: "The Islamic State group has abducted 230 residents, including dozens of Christians, from a central Syrian town captured by the extremists the day before, activists said Friday. [...] Christians make up about 10 percent of Syria's prewar population of 23 million. In February, IS kidnapped more than 220 Assyrian Christians, after overrunning several farming communities on the southern bank of the Khabur River in the northeastern province of Hassakeh. Since then, only a few have been released and the fate of the others remains unknown."
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Think tank: Crates, trucks at Iran site ahead of UN visit
My Way News reports: "Satellite imagery of an Iranian site possibly used for work on a nuclear weapon shows crates, trucks and construction that may be linked to a renewed attempt to clean up before an inspection by the U.N.'s nuclear monitor, a nonproliferation institute said Thursday."
My Way News reports: "Satellite imagery of an Iranian site possibly used for work on a nuclear weapon shows crates, trucks and construction that may be linked to a renewed attempt to clean up before an inspection by the U.N.'s nuclear monitor, a nonproliferation institute said Thursday."
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - Colorado resident is 2nd to die of plague there this year
My Way News reports: "A person from southern Colorado has died of the plague, the second person to die of the disease in the state this year. The unidentified adult from Pueblo County likely died of the relatively rare septicemic form of the disease, said Christine Nevin-Woods, the medical officer for the Pueblo City-County Health Department. Officials believe the person likely was infected by fleas from a dead rodent or another animal."
My Way News reports: "A person from southern Colorado has died of the plague, the second person to die of the disease in the state this year. The unidentified adult from Pueblo County likely died of the relatively rare septicemic form of the disease, said Christine Nevin-Woods, the medical officer for the Pueblo City-County Health Department. Officials believe the person likely was infected by fleas from a dead rodent or another animal."
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - NYC targets cooling systems linked to Legionnaires' outbreak
My Way News reports: "Lawmakers are rushing to draft New York's first regulations for a type of heavy-duty rooftop air conditioning equipment amid suspicions that bacteria-laden mist from these units could be the cause of the deadliest known outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the city's history. Seven people have died and at least 86 have fallen ill in the South Bronx since July 10."
My Way News reports: "Lawmakers are rushing to draft New York's first regulations for a type of heavy-duty rooftop air conditioning equipment amid suspicions that bacteria-laden mist from these units could be the cause of the deadliest known outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the city's history. Seven people have died and at least 86 have fallen ill in the South Bronx since July 10."
Monday, August 03, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran - Covenant with Many
My Way News - Gulf Arabs welcome Iran nuke deal but seek further assurance
My Way News reports: "Gulf Arab states on Monday welcomed the nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and world powers but said they would like further assurances that the U.S. would help them counter increasing Iranian assertiveness in the region. [...] Al-Attiyah, the Qatari foreign minister, said the Gulf Arabs ultimately would like to see a ban on nuclear weapons in the entire Middle East — a pointed jab at Israel which is widely believed to have the bomb — and that the Iran deal could be the first step in a process to bring one about."
Comment: I'm now convinced that the Iran deal will provide the model for the Covenant with Many of Daniel 9:27 and it will be an arms control agreement, not a peace treaty, as most pre-Trib Bible prophecy scholars assert. Peace treaties don't often have a time period (seven years, in the case of the CWM), but arms control treaties (as we see with the Iran deal) are often implemented in stages over a set period of time. The idea is starting to catch on that the Iran deal can form the basis of a "regional" security agreement that is really focused on Israeli disarmament. It will be interesting to see how this idea takes root in the region as things progress.
My Way News reports: "Gulf Arab states on Monday welcomed the nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and world powers but said they would like further assurances that the U.S. would help them counter increasing Iranian assertiveness in the region. [...] Al-Attiyah, the Qatari foreign minister, said the Gulf Arabs ultimately would like to see a ban on nuclear weapons in the entire Middle East — a pointed jab at Israel which is widely believed to have the bomb — and that the Iran deal could be the first step in a process to bring one about."
Comment: I'm now convinced that the Iran deal will provide the model for the Covenant with Many of Daniel 9:27 and it will be an arms control agreement, not a peace treaty, as most pre-Trib Bible prophecy scholars assert. Peace treaties don't often have a time period (seven years, in the case of the CWM), but arms control treaties (as we see with the Iran deal) are often implemented in stages over a set period of time. The idea is starting to catch on that the Iran deal can form the basis of a "regional" security agreement that is really focused on Israeli disarmament. It will be interesting to see how this idea takes root in the region as things progress.
Pestilence
My Way News - CDC head says Sierra Leone in strong place with Ebola
My Way News reports: "Sierra Leone is in a stronger place than it was six months ago to fight Ebola, but the new challenge is to get to zero cases, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday during a visit, as new cases emerged in the city and in an area that had not seen the deadly virus for months. Two new cases of Ebola surfaced in Sierra Leone's Northern Tonkolili District after a man died last week."
My Way News reports: "Sierra Leone is in a stronger place than it was six months ago to fight Ebola, but the new challenge is to get to zero cases, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday during a visit, as new cases emerged in the city and in an area that had not seen the deadly virus for months. Two new cases of Ebola surfaced in Sierra Leone's Northern Tonkolili District after a man died last week."
Friday, July 31, 2015
Global Community
My Way News - Facebook ready to test giant drone for Internet service
My Way News reports: "Facebook says it will begin test flights later this year for a solar-powered drone with a wingspan as big as a Boeing 737, in the next stage of its campaign to deliver Internet connectivity to remote parts of the world. [...] The project is part of a broader Facebook effort that also contemplates using satellites and other high-tech gear to deliver Internet service to hundreds of millions of people living in regions too remote for conventional broadband networks."
My Way News reports: "Facebook says it will begin test flights later this year for a solar-powered drone with a wingspan as big as a Boeing 737, in the next stage of its campaign to deliver Internet connectivity to remote parts of the world. [...] The project is part of a broader Facebook effort that also contemplates using satellites and other high-tech gear to deliver Internet service to hundreds of millions of people living in regions too remote for conventional broadband networks."
Pestilence
My Way News - Experimental Ebola vaccine could stop virus in West Africa
My Way News reports: "An experimental Ebola vaccine tested on thousands of people in Guinea seems to work and might help shut down the waning epidemic in West Africa, according to interim results from a study published Friday. There is currently no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola, which has so far killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa since the world's biggest outbreak began in the forest region of Guinea last year."
My Way News reports: "An experimental Ebola vaccine tested on thousands of people in Guinea seems to work and might help shut down the waning epidemic in West Africa, according to interim results from a study published Friday. There is currently no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola, which has so far killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa since the world's biggest outbreak began in the forest region of Guinea last year."
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Kerry off to Mideast with Egypt, Iran deal, Syria on agenda
My Way News reports: "Secretary of State John Kerry headed to the Middle East on Friday for security talks in Egypt and discussions in Qatar with Arab foreign ministers whose countries are wary of the nuclear deal struck with Iran. He will not visit Israel, America's foremost Mideast ally and the primary foreign opponent of the Iran agreement."
My Way News reports: "Secretary of State John Kerry headed to the Middle East on Friday for security talks in Egypt and discussions in Qatar with Arab foreign ministers whose countries are wary of the nuclear deal struck with Iran. He will not visit Israel, America's foremost Mideast ally and the primary foreign opponent of the Iran agreement."
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - Japan: Militarized islands would expand China influence
My Way News reports: "Japan's top naval officer says the entire South China Sea could fall under China's military sphere of influence if it uses the artificial islands it has built there for military purposes. Adm. Tomohisa Takei urged countries in the Indo-Pacific region to forge strong relations with the U.S., whose presence he said was needed for regional stability."
My Way News reports: "Japan's top naval officer says the entire South China Sea could fall under China's military sphere of influence if it uses the artificial islands it has built there for military purposes. Adm. Tomohisa Takei urged countries in the Indo-Pacific region to forge strong relations with the U.S., whose presence he said was needed for regional stability."
Pestilence
My Way News - US expects to pay farmers $191 million for birds lost to flu
My Way News reports: "The U.S. government expects to spend $191 million to pay chicken and turkey farmers for birds lost to avian flu, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday as he called for Congress to consider a disaster program for poultry producers similar to that for other livestock farmers. [...] The bird flu killed 48 million birds, mostly turkeys and egg-laying chickens in 15 states as it swept through the Midwest. Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri lost the most birds."
My Way News reports: "The U.S. government expects to spend $191 million to pay chicken and turkey farmers for birds lost to avian flu, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday as he called for Congress to consider a disaster program for poultry producers similar to that for other livestock farmers. [...] The bird flu killed 48 million birds, mostly turkeys and egg-laying chickens in 15 states as it swept through the Midwest. Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri lost the most birds."
Rumors of War
My Way News - Egypt, Saudi Arabia aim to enhance cooperation
My Way News reports: "Egypt and Saudi Arabia say they aim to boost military, economic, and social ties and pursue their common interests. In a statement released after a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, el-Sissi's office says the two leaders also will work to create a joint Arab military force."
My Way News - US delivering 8 newer F-16 warplanes to Egypt
My Way News reports: "The United States Embassy in Cairo says the U.S. is delivering eight newer F-16 warplanes to Egypt as part of an ongoing military support package. It says in a Thursday statement that the aircraft, of the current Block 52 production variant, will be flown in from the U.S. and delivered to an air base outside Cairo by Friday."
My Way News reports: "Egypt and Saudi Arabia say they aim to boost military, economic, and social ties and pursue their common interests. In a statement released after a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, el-Sissi's office says the two leaders also will work to create a joint Arab military force."
My Way News - US delivering 8 newer F-16 warplanes to Egypt
My Way News reports: "The United States Embassy in Cairo says the U.S. is delivering eight newer F-16 warplanes to Egypt as part of an ongoing military support package. It says in a Thursday statement that the aircraft, of the current Block 52 production variant, will be flown in from the U.S. and delivered to an air base outside Cairo by Friday."
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Peace and Security of Jerusalem
My Way News - Israeli bulldozers start demolishing West Bank settlement
My Way News reports: "Israeli bulldozers began demolishing a contested housing complex in a West Bank settlement on Wednesday as the prime minister's office announced the "immediate construction" of some 300 new units at another location in the same settlement and advanced plans for about 500 new units in east Jerusalem. The move, which is likely to draw international rebuke, comes amid a standoff in the Beit El settlement, to the north of Jerusalem in the West Bank."
Comment: Israel is still building in Israel. I wonder what the world will say about that? Something tells me it won't be cheers.
My Way News reports: "Israeli bulldozers began demolishing a contested housing complex in a West Bank settlement on Wednesday as the prime minister's office announced the "immediate construction" of some 300 new units at another location in the same settlement and advanced plans for about 500 new units in east Jerusalem. The move, which is likely to draw international rebuke, comes amid a standoff in the Beit El settlement, to the north of Jerusalem in the West Bank."
Comment: Israel is still building in Israel. I wonder what the world will say about that? Something tells me it won't be cheers.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Rumors of War - Fear for the Future
My Way News - Scientists worry about arms race in artificial intelligence
My Way News reports: "Scientists and tech experts — including professor Stephen Hawking and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak — warned Tuesday of a global arms race with weapons using artificial intelligence. [...] The signatories included leading figures globally in academia and business studying artificial intelligence — the idea that computer systems could replicate tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as language translation or visual perception. They were joined by philosophers, historians, sociologists and geneticists."
Comment: The first-mover advantage will likely override any sensible prohibitions they come up with. Still, they are to be commended for trying. After all, international prohibitions have worked well in limiting the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons...so far.
My Way News reports: "Scientists and tech experts — including professor Stephen Hawking and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak — warned Tuesday of a global arms race with weapons using artificial intelligence. [...] The signatories included leading figures globally in academia and business studying artificial intelligence — the idea that computer systems could replicate tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as language translation or visual perception. They were joined by philosophers, historians, sociologists and geneticists."
Comment: The first-mover advantage will likely override any sensible prohibitions they come up with. Still, they are to be commended for trying. After all, international prohibitions have worked well in limiting the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons...so far.
Monday, July 27, 2015
War Update
My Way News - US, Turkey plan for 'safe zone' free of IS in northern Syria
My Way News reports: "Turkey and the United States have agreed on the outlines of a plan to rout the Islamic State group from a strip of Syrian territory along the Turkish border — a plan that opens the possibility of a safe haven for tens of thousands of displaced Syrians but one that also sets up a potential conflict with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces in the area. The move further embroils Turkey, a key NATO ally, in Syria's civil war, and also catapults it into a front-line position in the global war against IS."
Comment: This is an interesting development as it has the potential to involve NATO in the Mideast conflict. I suspect that once NATO arrives, it will never leave, which has profound implications for the Covenant With Many.
My Way News reports: "Turkey and the United States have agreed on the outlines of a plan to rout the Islamic State group from a strip of Syrian territory along the Turkish border — a plan that opens the possibility of a safe haven for tens of thousands of displaced Syrians but one that also sets up a potential conflict with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces in the area. The move further embroils Turkey, a key NATO ally, in Syria's civil war, and also catapults it into a front-line position in the global war against IS."
Comment: This is an interesting development as it has the potential to involve NATO in the Mideast conflict. I suspect that once NATO arrives, it will never leave, which has profound implications for the Covenant With Many.
Friday, July 24, 2015
War
My Way News - Reports: Turkish jets hit IS targets in Syria, Kurds in Iraq
My Way News reports: "Turkish jets flying from a base in Turkey's southeast have struck Islamic State group targets across the border in Syria for the second straight night, Turkish news reports said Saturday. The fighter jets also hit camps of Kurdish PKK militants in northern Iraq, the reports said."
My Way News - Turkey allows US to use key air base to strike Islamic State
My Way News reports: "Turkey has agreed to let the U.S. military launch airstrikes against the Islamic State from a key air base near the Syrian border, senior U.S. officials said Thursday, giving a boost to the U.S.-led coalition while drawing Turkey deeper into the conflict."
My Way News reports: "Turkish jets flying from a base in Turkey's southeast have struck Islamic State group targets across the border in Syria for the second straight night, Turkish news reports said Saturday. The fighter jets also hit camps of Kurdish PKK militants in northern Iraq, the reports said."
My Way News - Turkey allows US to use key air base to strike Islamic State
My Way News reports: "Turkey has agreed to let the U.S. military launch airstrikes against the Islamic State from a key air base near the Syrian border, senior U.S. officials said Thursday, giving a boost to the U.S.-led coalition while drawing Turkey deeper into the conflict."
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Wickedness Increases
My Way News - Official: 3 dead in movie theater shooting, including gunman
My Way News reports: "A gunman opened fire at a movie theater in Louisiana on Thursday evening, killing three people and injuring at least seven others before shooting himself, officials said."
Comment: The usual talking-heads will no doubt start blaming guns for this, but we know it's a heart problem. There's only one way to save a lost heart and soul.
My Way News reports: "A gunman opened fire at a movie theater in Louisiana on Thursday evening, killing three people and injuring at least seven others before shooting himself, officials said."
Comment: The usual talking-heads will no doubt start blaming guns for this, but we know it's a heart problem. There's only one way to save a lost heart and soul.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Fearsome Events
My Way News - Eruptions of ash at 5 volcanoes shroud skies in Indonesia
My Way News reports: "Eruptions of ash at five volcanoes shrouded the skies over parts of the Indonesian archipelago Wednesday, forcing three airports to close. [...] Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile flood-prone plains, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin."
My Way News reports: "Eruptions of ash at five volcanoes shrouded the skies over parts of the Indonesian archipelago Wednesday, forcing three airports to close. [...] Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile flood-prone plains, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin."
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - Japan annual defense paper shows heightened worry over China
My Way News reports: "Japan emphasized China as a threat in escalating regional tensions in this year's annual defense report as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government tries to convince the public of the need to pass legislation to give Japan's military a greater role [...] to fight for foreign militaries even when it is not under attack, while expanding its role in international peacekeeping."
My Way News reports: "Japan emphasized China as a threat in escalating regional tensions in this year's annual defense report as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government tries to convince the public of the need to pass legislation to give Japan's military a greater role [...] to fight for foreign militaries even when it is not under attack, while expanding its role in international peacekeeping."
Roaring Waves and Seas
My Way News - Annual checkup of Earth's climate says we're in hotter water
My Way News reports: "The report said ocean surface temperatures were the warmest in 135 years of records, with the seas holding record levels of heat energy down to 2,300 feet below the surface. Sea level also hit modern highs, partly because warmer water expands."
My Way News reports: "The report said ocean surface temperatures were the warmest in 135 years of records, with the seas holding record levels of heat energy down to 2,300 feet below the surface. Sea level also hit modern highs, partly because warmer water expands."
Signs in the Stars
My Way News - Searching for ET: Hawking to look for extraterrestrial life
My Way News reports: "The search for extraterrestrial life received a major boost Monday with the launch of an ambitious $100 million program, backed by famed physicist Stephen Hawking and tech billionaire Yuri Milner. [...] The project will be 50 times more sensitive than earlier searches, and will cover 10 times more of the sky, organizers say."
My Way News reports: "The search for extraterrestrial life received a major boost Monday with the launch of an ambitious $100 million program, backed by famed physicist Stephen Hawking and tech billionaire Yuri Milner. [...] The project will be 50 times more sensitive than earlier searches, and will cover 10 times more of the sky, organizers say."
Monday, July 20, 2015
Covenant with Many
My Way News - EU seeks new format to help revive Mideast peace process
My Way News reports: "The European Union's top diplomat is looking for a fresh formula to revive the now moribund peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Federica Mogherini, who chaired negotiations that led to a deal on Iran's nuclear program, said Monday she's working on fleshing out an idea for 'an international support group.' The group would build on the existing 'quartet' of the EU, United States, Russia and the United Nations."
Comment: A group of ten countries might be workable, with a mix of great powers and regional powers combining their efforts to get a Mideast peace deal.
My Way News reports: "The European Union's top diplomat is looking for a fresh formula to revive the now moribund peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Federica Mogherini, who chaired negotiations that led to a deal on Iran's nuclear program, said Monday she's working on fleshing out an idea for 'an international support group.' The group would build on the existing 'quartet' of the EU, United States, Russia and the United Nations."
Comment: A group of ten countries might be workable, with a mix of great powers and regional powers combining their efforts to get a Mideast peace deal.
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Iran FM criticizes US, Israel over threat of military action
My Way News reports: "Iran's foreign minister on Monday criticized the United States and Israel for not taking the threat of military action against Tehran off the table following the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. [...] U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said during a visit to Israel that the accord imposes no limits on what Washington can do to ensure the security of Israel and U.S. Arab allies."
My Way News - UN endorses Iran nuclear deal with 6 world powers
My Way News reports: "The U.N. Security Council on Monday unanimously endorsed the landmark deal to rein in Iran's nuclear program and authorized measures leading to the end of U.N. sanctions, but also approved a provision that would automatically reinstate the harsh measures if Tehran reneges on its promises. European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels immediately followed suit, endorsing the agreement between Iran and six major powers and taking the first step to lift EU sanctions."
My Way News reports: "Iran's foreign minister on Monday criticized the United States and Israel for not taking the threat of military action against Tehran off the table following the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. [...] U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said during a visit to Israel that the accord imposes no limits on what Washington can do to ensure the security of Israel and U.S. Arab allies."
My Way News - UN endorses Iran nuclear deal with 6 world powers
My Way News reports: "The U.N. Security Council on Monday unanimously endorsed the landmark deal to rein in Iran's nuclear program and authorized measures leading to the end of U.N. sanctions, but also approved a provision that would automatically reinstate the harsh measures if Tehran reneges on its promises. European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels immediately followed suit, endorsing the agreement between Iran and six major powers and taking the first step to lift EU sanctions."
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Rumors of War - War
My Way News - Iran supreme leader: Nuclear deal won't change policy to US
My Way News reports: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday a landmark nuclear deal won't change his country's policy toward the "arrogant" U.S., making his first public speech since the Islamic Republic's historic pact with world powers."
My Way News - Saudi Arabia says it stopped Islamic State attacks; 400 held
My Way News reports: "Saudi Arabia announced Saturday it has broken up planned Islamic State attacks in the kingdom and arrested more than 400 suspects in an anti-terrorism sweep, a day after a powerful blast in neighboring Iraq killed more than 100 people in one of the country's deadliest single attacks since U.S. troops pulled out in 2011. "
My Way News - Militants kill 5 at military checkpoints in Egypt's Sinai
My Way News reports: "Militants in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula attacked two military checkpoints, killing at least five soldiers Saturday in the latest violence there targeting security forces, officials and state media said. [...] An Egyptian navy vessel was targeted Thursday by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, who claimed they destroyed it with a rocket while it was anchored off the Sinai's Mediterranean coast."
My Way News - Police: Militants ambush Algerian army, kill 11 soldiers
My Way News reports: "An Algerian police commander says Islamic militants have ambushed an Algerian army convoy in a forest west of Algiers, killing 11 soldiers. [...] Algeria, home of al-Qaida's North African branch, has long fought an insurgency of Islamic radicals who hide out in the country's rugged forests and mountains."
My Way News - 3 Frenchmen charged in alleged plot to attack military base
My Way News reports: "A French investigating judge has filed terrorism charges against three young Frenchmen for allegedly plotting an attack on a military base in southern France. [...] Prosecutors say the men, who were arrested Monday, admitted under questioning that they plotted to attack the Mediterranean military base Fort Bear on orders from an Islamic State group contact in Syria."
My Way News - Military site shootings crystallize FBI terrorism concerns
My Way News reports: "The FBI has not detailed a motive, but Thursday's attacks that killed four Marines and one sailor are under investigation as a potential act of terrorism, with authorities combing through the gunman's past to look for travel, contacts and online writings. [...] One federal law enforcement official said investigators did not immediately find an extensive online presence involving the gunman, 24-year-old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, or evidence that he was directly influenced or inspired by the Islamic State."
Comment: I'm starting to notice a trend. I'm fairly certain that if we give the mainstream media more time, they will also notice this trend.
My Way News reports: "Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday a landmark nuclear deal won't change his country's policy toward the "arrogant" U.S., making his first public speech since the Islamic Republic's historic pact with world powers."
My Way News - Saudi Arabia says it stopped Islamic State attacks; 400 held
My Way News reports: "Saudi Arabia announced Saturday it has broken up planned Islamic State attacks in the kingdom and arrested more than 400 suspects in an anti-terrorism sweep, a day after a powerful blast in neighboring Iraq killed more than 100 people in one of the country's deadliest single attacks since U.S. troops pulled out in 2011. "
My Way News - Militants kill 5 at military checkpoints in Egypt's Sinai
My Way News reports: "Militants in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula attacked two military checkpoints, killing at least five soldiers Saturday in the latest violence there targeting security forces, officials and state media said. [...] An Egyptian navy vessel was targeted Thursday by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group, who claimed they destroyed it with a rocket while it was anchored off the Sinai's Mediterranean coast."
My Way News - Police: Militants ambush Algerian army, kill 11 soldiers
My Way News reports: "An Algerian police commander says Islamic militants have ambushed an Algerian army convoy in a forest west of Algiers, killing 11 soldiers. [...] Algeria, home of al-Qaida's North African branch, has long fought an insurgency of Islamic radicals who hide out in the country's rugged forests and mountains."
My Way News - 3 Frenchmen charged in alleged plot to attack military base
My Way News reports: "A French investigating judge has filed terrorism charges against three young Frenchmen for allegedly plotting an attack on a military base in southern France. [...] Prosecutors say the men, who were arrested Monday, admitted under questioning that they plotted to attack the Mediterranean military base Fort Bear on orders from an Islamic State group contact in Syria."
My Way News - Military site shootings crystallize FBI terrorism concerns
My Way News reports: "The FBI has not detailed a motive, but Thursday's attacks that killed four Marines and one sailor are under investigation as a potential act of terrorism, with authorities combing through the gunman's past to look for travel, contacts and online writings. [...] One federal law enforcement official said investigators did not immediately find an extensive online presence involving the gunman, 24-year-old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, or evidence that he was directly influenced or inspired by the Islamic State."
Comment: I'm starting to notice a trend. I'm fairly certain that if we give the mainstream media more time, they will also notice this trend.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Earthquakes
My Way News - Tsunami threat canceled after mag 6.9 quake in South Pacific
My Way News reports: "A tsunami threat was canceled Saturday after a strong earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Islands in the South Pacific and no damage or casualties were reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake measured 6.9, down from a preliminary magnitude of 7.5. It hit at a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles) and was centered undersea 75 kilometers (47 miles) northwest of Lata in the eastern Solomon Islands, where the Santa Cruz Islands are located."
My Way News reports: "A tsunami threat was canceled Saturday after a strong earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Islands in the South Pacific and no damage or casualties were reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake measured 6.9, down from a preliminary magnitude of 7.5. It hit at a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles) and was centered undersea 75 kilometers (47 miles) northwest of Lata in the eastern Solomon Islands, where the Santa Cruz Islands are located."
Signs in the Stars - Knowledge Increases
My Way News - 'Beautiful eye candy': Frozen plains in Pluto's heart
My Way News reports: "Vast frozen plains exist next door to Pluto's big, rugged mountains sculpted of ice, scientists said Friday, three days after humanity's first-ever flyby of the dwarf planet."
My Way News reports: "Vast frozen plains exist next door to Pluto's big, rugged mountains sculpted of ice, scientists said Friday, three days after humanity's first-ever flyby of the dwarf planet."
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wickedness Increases - War
My Way News - 4 Marines and gunman die in attack on 2 military sites
My Way News reports: "A gunman unleashed a barrage of fire at a recruiting center and another U.S. military site a few miles apart in Chattanooga on Thursday, killing at least four Marines and sending service members scrambling for cover as bullets smashed through the windows. The attacker was also killed. Federal authorities said they were investigating the possibility it was an act of terrorism, and the FBI took charge of the case. Authorities identified the gunman as Kuwait-born Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, 24, of Hixson, Tennessee, though the spelling of his first name was in dispute, with federal officials and records giving at least four variations."
My Way News reports: "A gunman unleashed a barrage of fire at a recruiting center and another U.S. military site a few miles apart in Chattanooga on Thursday, killing at least four Marines and sending service members scrambling for cover as bullets smashed through the windows. The attacker was also killed. Federal authorities said they were investigating the possibility it was an act of terrorism, and the FBI took charge of the case. Authorities identified the gunman as Kuwait-born Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, 24, of Hixson, Tennessee, though the spelling of his first name was in dispute, with federal officials and records giving at least four variations."
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - Liberia confirms 2nd Ebola death in resurgent outbreak
My Way News reports: "A second person in Liberia has died from Ebola in the latest resurgence of the deadly disease in the West African nation, an official said Wednesday. The woman in her early 20s who died on July 12 was linked to the 17-year-old boy who died last month, Deputy Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah told The Associated Press. Three other confirmed cases are being treated in Monrovia, he said."
My Way News reports: "A second person in Liberia has died from Ebola in the latest resurgence of the deadly disease in the West African nation, an official said Wednesday. The woman in her early 20s who died on July 12 was linked to the 17-year-old boy who died last month, Deputy Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah told The Associated Press. Three other confirmed cases are being treated in Monrovia, he said."
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Iran nuclear deal: Fine 'new chapter' or 'historic mistake'?
My Way News reports: "Overcoming decades of hostility, Iran, the United States, and five other world powers struck a historic accord Tuesday to check Tehran's nuclear efforts short of building a bomb. The agreement could give Iran access to billions in frozen assets and oil revenue, stave off more U.S. military action in the Middle East and reshape the tumultuous region. The deal sets in motion a years-long test of Iran's willingness to keep its promises to the world — and the ability of international inspectors to monitor compliance."
My Way News - Embattled Israeli leader faces tough task fighting nuke deal
My Way News reports: "The U.S.-led nuclear deal with Iran on Tuesday dealt a heavy personal blow to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, leaving him at odds with the international community and with few options for scuttling an agreement he has spent years trying to prevent. [...] Netanyahu said the agreement would lift painful economic sanctions against Iran — bringing in a much needed influx of funds — without stopping it from developing a capacity to produce nuclear weapons."
My Way News - After nuke deal, Saudi warns Iran against inciting turmoil
My Way News reports: "Saudi Arabia's state news agency says the kingdom has warned Iran against abusing funds that will follow from the landmark nuclear deal to incite turmoil in the region. "
My Way News reports: "Overcoming decades of hostility, Iran, the United States, and five other world powers struck a historic accord Tuesday to check Tehran's nuclear efforts short of building a bomb. The agreement could give Iran access to billions in frozen assets and oil revenue, stave off more U.S. military action in the Middle East and reshape the tumultuous region. The deal sets in motion a years-long test of Iran's willingness to keep its promises to the world — and the ability of international inspectors to monitor compliance."
My Way News - Embattled Israeli leader faces tough task fighting nuke deal
My Way News reports: "The U.S.-led nuclear deal with Iran on Tuesday dealt a heavy personal blow to Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, leaving him at odds with the international community and with few options for scuttling an agreement he has spent years trying to prevent. [...] Netanyahu said the agreement would lift painful economic sanctions against Iran — bringing in a much needed influx of funds — without stopping it from developing a capacity to produce nuclear weapons."
My Way News - After nuke deal, Saudi warns Iran against inciting turmoil
My Way News reports: "Saudi Arabia's state news agency says the kingdom has warned Iran against abusing funds that will follow from the landmark nuclear deal to incite turmoil in the region. "
Monday, July 13, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Diplomats: Iran nuclear agreement likely Tuesday
My Way News reports: "An Iran nuclear agreement appeared likely within hours, diplomats said late Monday after a day in which American and Iranian negotiators appeared to be struggling to clear final obstacles and looking like they'd miss their fourth deadline in less than two weeks. [...] The proposed pact would impose long-term and verifiable limits on Iran's nuclear program and provide the Islamic Republic tens of billions of dollars in relief from international sanctions."
Comment: This will be a bad deal, that outcome is simply inescapable. Why? When this all started the goal was to prevent Iran from being in a position to build a nuclear bomb. Iran was able to change this goal over the long period of negotiations by letting the normal process of negotiations reach their logical conclusion. In a negotiation, all sides give ground and compromise until a mutually agreed solution is reached. We are now nearing that end stage in which the final deal emerges. The deal will leave Iran with working centrifuges, enriched uranium, and the infrastructure and expertise to resume an active nuclear program at some point in the future. Sanctions will also be lifted and trade deals will then allow an influx of capital that Iran can devote to all their economic and military plans. This deal cannot be described as a deal that ended Iran's nuclear program. At best, it can only be described as a deal that put their nuclear program on hold for a period of time. Is that a win? I suppose it depends on how you spin it. The U.S. and Iran will call it a win. I'm sure Israel and Saudi Arabia will use other terms to describe it.
My Way News reports: "An Iran nuclear agreement appeared likely within hours, diplomats said late Monday after a day in which American and Iranian negotiators appeared to be struggling to clear final obstacles and looking like they'd miss their fourth deadline in less than two weeks. [...] The proposed pact would impose long-term and verifiable limits on Iran's nuclear program and provide the Islamic Republic tens of billions of dollars in relief from international sanctions."
Comment: This will be a bad deal, that outcome is simply inescapable. Why? When this all started the goal was to prevent Iran from being in a position to build a nuclear bomb. Iran was able to change this goal over the long period of negotiations by letting the normal process of negotiations reach their logical conclusion. In a negotiation, all sides give ground and compromise until a mutually agreed solution is reached. We are now nearing that end stage in which the final deal emerges. The deal will leave Iran with working centrifuges, enriched uranium, and the infrastructure and expertise to resume an active nuclear program at some point in the future. Sanctions will also be lifted and trade deals will then allow an influx of capital that Iran can devote to all their economic and military plans. This deal cannot be described as a deal that ended Iran's nuclear program. At best, it can only be described as a deal that put their nuclear program on hold for a period of time. Is that a win? I suppose it depends on how you spin it. The U.S. and Iran will call it a win. I'm sure Israel and Saudi Arabia will use other terms to describe it.
Nations in Distress
My Way News - Greece strikes deal with creditors, avoids chaotic euro exit
My Way News reports: "After grueling, often angry negotiations that tested the limits of European unity, Greece struck a preliminary rescue deal with its creditors Monday that should avert an imminent financial catastrophe but also guarantees years more hardship and sacrifice for its people."
Comment: The sad reality is, the turmoil is not over. European-style austerity looks good on paper and it does help improve national accounts, but it kills economic momentum. People without money can't pay more taxes and or buy goods that have higher sales taxes. As for business expansion and hiring new workers, forget it. Austerity only works if the car is accelerating, but if it's merely idling, it will stall. This was a rescue package for the creditors, not the borrowers.
My Way News reports: "After grueling, often angry negotiations that tested the limits of European unity, Greece struck a preliminary rescue deal with its creditors Monday that should avert an imminent financial catastrophe but also guarantees years more hardship and sacrifice for its people."
Comment: The sad reality is, the turmoil is not over. European-style austerity looks good on paper and it does help improve national accounts, but it kills economic momentum. People without money can't pay more taxes and or buy goods that have higher sales taxes. As for business expansion and hiring new workers, forget it. Austerity only works if the car is accelerating, but if it's merely idling, it will stall. This was a rescue package for the creditors, not the borrowers.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Iran's leader calls for continued anti-US struggle
My Way News reports: "As negotiators at Iran nuclear talks labored to make headway, the country's supreme leader called Saturday for the struggle against the U.S. to continue, in comments suggesting that Tehran's distrust of Washington will persist no matter what the outcome of the talks. [...] Although it was unclear whether Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was preparing the ground for the failure of the talks, his comments were likely to add to skepticism over the outcome at the negotiating table."
Comment: This hardly seems the attitude one would expect from a country returning to the family of nations after being "rogue" for such a long time. It appears that their national narrative may not allow for peace with the West in general and with the U.S. in particular.
My Way News reports: "As negotiators at Iran nuclear talks labored to make headway, the country's supreme leader called Saturday for the struggle against the U.S. to continue, in comments suggesting that Tehran's distrust of Washington will persist no matter what the outcome of the talks. [...] Although it was unclear whether Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was preparing the ground for the failure of the talks, his comments were likely to add to skepticism over the outcome at the negotiating table."
Comment: This hardly seems the attitude one would expect from a country returning to the family of nations after being "rogue" for such a long time. It appears that their national narrative may not allow for peace with the West in general and with the U.S. in particular.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Rumors of War - Iran
My Way News - Thousands of Iranians march in annual pro-Palestine rallies
My Way News reports: "Tens of thousands of Iranians chanted 'Down with America' and
'Death to Israel' during annual pro-Palestinian rallies nationwide on Friday, as a top leader said the U.S. would be making a "strategic mistake" if it pulled out of ongoing negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program. [...] Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said at Friday prayers following the rally in Tehran, addressing the U.S. , 'And its outcome will not benefit you since Iran's nuclear staff are ready to accelerate nuclear technology at a higher speed than before.'"
Comment: And they wonder why we think it would be a problem for them to have nuclear weapons.
My Way News - Iran talks at impasse amid bickering, extended for 3rd time
My Way News reports: "The Iran nuclear talks shifted Friday to a blame game, as Iran's foreign minister accused the United States of shifting its demands and dismissed a warning that the U.S. was ready to quit the negotiations. [...] The scope of access to U.N. inspectors monitoring Iran's nuclear program remains one of the sticking points in the talks. The Americans want no restrictions, whereas Iranian officials say they are concerned that unrestricted monitoring could be a cover for Western spying."
My Way News reports: "Tens of thousands of Iranians chanted 'Down with America' and
'Death to Israel' during annual pro-Palestinian rallies nationwide on Friday, as a top leader said the U.S. would be making a "strategic mistake" if it pulled out of ongoing negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program. [...] Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said at Friday prayers following the rally in Tehran, addressing the U.S. , 'And its outcome will not benefit you since Iran's nuclear staff are ready to accelerate nuclear technology at a higher speed than before.'"
Comment: And they wonder why we think it would be a problem for them to have nuclear weapons.
My Way News - Iran talks at impasse amid bickering, extended for 3rd time
My Way News reports: "The Iran nuclear talks shifted Friday to a blame game, as Iran's foreign minister accused the United States of shifting its demands and dismissed a warning that the U.S. was ready to quit the negotiations. [...] The scope of access to U.N. inspectors monitoring Iran's nuclear program remains one of the sticking points in the talks. The Americans want no restrictions, whereas Iranian officials say they are concerned that unrestricted monitoring could be a cover for Western spying."
Earthquakes
My Way News - Strong quake rattles Solomon Islands; no damage reported
My Way News reports: "A powerful earthquake rattled the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific on Friday, but officials said there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The 6.5-magnitude quake struck about 165 kilometers (100 miles) west of the capital, Honiara, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami."
My Way News reports: "A powerful earthquake rattled the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific on Friday, but officials said there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The 6.5-magnitude quake struck about 165 kilometers (100 miles) west of the capital, Honiara, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a tsunami."
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Rumors of War
My Way News - US: More than 21 million affected by government data breach
My Way News reports: "Hackers stole Social Security numbers, health histories and other highly sensitive data from more than 21 million people, the Obama administration said Thursday, acknowledging that the breach of U.S. government computer systems was far more severe than previously disclosed."
Comment: Cyberwarfare is no longer in the shadows. It will become increasingly difficult for governments around the world to conduct such operations as business-as-usual when their citizens start to feel violated in a very personal way. People will expect a response from their government and that can lead to the kind of tit-for-tat escalation that may trigger actual conflict.
My Way News reports: "Hackers stole Social Security numbers, health histories and other highly sensitive data from more than 21 million people, the Obama administration said Thursday, acknowledging that the breach of U.S. government computer systems was far more severe than previously disclosed."
Comment: Cyberwarfare is no longer in the shadows. It will become increasingly difficult for governments around the world to conduct such operations as business-as-usual when their citizens start to feel violated in a very personal way. People will expect a response from their government and that can lead to the kind of tit-for-tat escalation that may trigger actual conflict.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
King of the North - Kings of the East
My Way News - Putin: Russia and China can overcome any difficulty together:
My Way News reports: "Welcoming China's leader to two summits in a Russian city, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia and China can overcome their countries' difficulties by working together. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both arrived Wednesday in the Russian city of Ufa for summits of the BRICS trade group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."
My Way News reports: "Welcoming China's leader to two summits in a Russian city, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia and China can overcome their countries' difficulties by working together. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both arrived Wednesday in the Russian city of Ufa for summits of the BRICS trade group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."
Rumors of War
My Way News - Bad day for geeks: Tech disruptions plague United, NYSE, WSJ
My Way News reports: "It was a rough day for tech: The nation's biggest airline, its oldest stock exchange, and its most prominent business newspaper all suffered technology problems that upended service for parts of the day. Government officials said that it did not appear that the incidents were related, or the result of sabotage, counter to an endless stream of jokes and conspiracy theories posted on Facebook and Twitter — and even the suspicions of FBI director James Comey."
Comment: Chalk this up as a rumor of war - cyberwar. It may well have been a coincidence that these glitches all happened on the same day, but it's also a good warning that we need to be more prepared. By all accounts, cyberattacks happen every day on a much smaller scale, but experts say it's only a matter of time before vital systems are hit.
My Way News reports: "It was a rough day for tech: The nation's biggest airline, its oldest stock exchange, and its most prominent business newspaper all suffered technology problems that upended service for parts of the day. Government officials said that it did not appear that the incidents were related, or the result of sabotage, counter to an endless stream of jokes and conspiracy theories posted on Facebook and Twitter — and even the suspicions of FBI director James Comey."
Comment: Chalk this up as a rumor of war - cyberwar. It may well have been a coincidence that these glitches all happened on the same day, but it's also a good warning that we need to be more prepared. By all accounts, cyberattacks happen every day on a much smaller scale, but experts say it's only a matter of time before vital systems are hit.
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Nations in Distress - Final Kingdom
My Way News - Greece gets until Sunday for proposals to stave off collapse
My Way News reports: "Frustrated and angry eurozone leaders fearing for the future of their common currency gave the Greek prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to finally come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin. [...] Underscoring the gravity of the challenge, European Union President Donald Tusk decided to call all 28 EU leaders to Brussels, because, for the bloc, it 'is maybe the most critical moment in our history.'"
My Way News reports: "Frustrated and angry eurozone leaders fearing for the future of their common currency gave the Greek prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to finally come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin. [...] Underscoring the gravity of the challenge, European Union President Donald Tusk decided to call all 28 EU leaders to Brussels, because, for the bloc, it 'is maybe the most critical moment in our history.'"
Monday, July 06, 2015
Persecution
My Way News - Day of extremist violence across Nigeria kills more than 60
My Way News reports: "A day of extremist violence against both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria killed more than 60 people, including worshippers in a mosque who came to hear a cleric known for preaching peaceful coexistence of all faiths. [...] Militants from Boko Haram were blamed for [...] a suicide bombing earlier at an evangelical Christian church in the northeastern city of Potiskum, and attacks in several northeastern villages where dozens of churches and about 300 homes were torched."
My Way News reports: "A day of extremist violence against both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria killed more than 60 people, including worshippers in a mosque who came to hear a cleric known for preaching peaceful coexistence of all faiths. [...] Militants from Boko Haram were blamed for [...] a suicide bombing earlier at an evangelical Christian church in the northeastern city of Potiskum, and attacks in several northeastern villages where dozens of churches and about 300 homes were torched."
Rumors of War - Persia
My Way News - Iran pushes for end to arms embargo in nuke deal
My Way News reports: "A day before the new deadline for a nuclear accord, Iran pushed on Monday for an end to the U.N. arms embargo on the country — a parallel deal that the United States opposes as it seeks to limit Tehran's Mideast power and influence. [...] After world powers and Iran reached a framework pact in April, the U.S. said 'important restrictions on conventional arms and ballistic missiles' would be incorporated in any new U.N. guidelines for Iran. It also said 'a new U.N. Security Council resolution ... will endorse' any deal."
Comment: You can generally get a sense for how negotiations are going by observing which side feels they have gained enough already that they can push for more, knowing that they already have all they needed out of the deal. It would appear that Iran's sudden move to put an end to the arms embargo on the table suggests that they are in that strong position. That's not a good sign. They should come away from this deal with cake, but no icing.
My Way News reports: "A day before the new deadline for a nuclear accord, Iran pushed on Monday for an end to the U.N. arms embargo on the country — a parallel deal that the United States opposes as it seeks to limit Tehran's Mideast power and influence. [...] After world powers and Iran reached a framework pact in April, the U.S. said 'important restrictions on conventional arms and ballistic missiles' would be incorporated in any new U.N. guidelines for Iran. It also said 'a new U.N. Security Council resolution ... will endorse' any deal."
Comment: You can generally get a sense for how negotiations are going by observing which side feels they have gained enough already that they can push for more, knowing that they already have all they needed out of the deal. It would appear that Iran's sudden move to put an end to the arms embargo on the table suggests that they are in that strong position. That's not a good sign. They should come away from this deal with cake, but no icing.
Nations in Distress
My Way News - What's next, as Greece stumbles toward euro exit
My Way News reports: "Without a deal on more bailout loans, the heavily indebted country faces looming financial hurdles in the coming days. If it stumbles, it could leave the shared currency in a chaotic mess. [...] Chancellor Angela Merkel from Germany meets French President Francois Hollande on Monday evening. That's followed by a meeting of eurozone finance ministers on Tuesday, and a full summit of the leaders of the 19 euro countries that evening."
My Way News reports: "Without a deal on more bailout loans, the heavily indebted country faces looming financial hurdles in the coming days. If it stumbles, it could leave the shared currency in a chaotic mess. [...] Chancellor Angela Merkel from Germany meets French President Francois Hollande on Monday evening. That's followed by a meeting of eurozone finance ministers on Tuesday, and a full summit of the leaders of the 19 euro countries that evening."
Friday, July 03, 2015
Rumors of War - King of the North
My Way News - Russia mulls new selective sanctions against Western nations
My Way News reports: "Russia will consider new selective retaliatory measures against some specific Western countries, the nation's security chief said Friday, pointing at Finland as a possible target. The tough statement appears to herald a new round in spiraling Russia-West confrontation over Ukraine."
My Way News reports: "Russia will consider new selective retaliatory measures against some specific Western countries, the nation's security chief said Friday, pointing at Finland as a possible target. The tough statement appears to herald a new round in spiraling Russia-West confrontation over Ukraine."
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Earthquakes
My Way News - China says 6.5 quake hits far western region of Xinjiang
My Way News reports: "A magnitude 6.5 earthquake shook buildings in China's far western region of Xinjiang on Friday, sending people out onto the streets, but there were no immediate reports of casualties from the sparsely populated area surrounding the epicenter."
My Way News reports: "A magnitude 6.5 earthquake shook buildings in China's far western region of Xinjiang on Friday, sending people out onto the streets, but there were no immediate reports of casualties from the sparsely populated area surrounding the epicenter."
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
Mark of the Beast
CNN - MasterCard will approve purchases by scanning your face
CNN reports: "This fall, MasterCard will start experimenting with a new program: approving online purchases with a facial scan. At checkout, you'll be asked to hold up your phone and snap a photo. MasterCard's thinking? It's easier than remembering a password."
Comment: This is an interesting convergence of biometrics and purchase approval, it will be interesting to see if this catches on.
CNN reports: "This fall, MasterCard will start experimenting with a new program: approving online purchases with a facial scan. At checkout, you'll be asked to hold up your phone and snap a photo. MasterCard's thinking? It's easier than remembering a password."
Comment: This is an interesting convergence of biometrics and purchase approval, it will be interesting to see if this catches on.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Nations in Distress
My Way News - IMF: Greece misses $1.8 billion loan payment
My Way News reports: "The International Monetary Fund says Greece missed a $1.8 billion debt payment Tuesday, becoming the first developed country to default on a loan to the lending agency. [...] Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called a referendum Sunday in which Greek voters can decide whether to approve a deal proposed by the country's creditors. A 'No' vote would likely force Greece to stop using the euro currency."
Comment: Well, that's that then. It's a virtual certainty that the "No" vote will win and Greece will exit the eurozone. The real question is, will this lead to the unraveling of the common currency, or will the EU be able to contain the damage? We don't know the answer to that question yet, but we do know that Europe's financial markets are about to become very turbulent.
My Way News reports: "The International Monetary Fund says Greece missed a $1.8 billion debt payment Tuesday, becoming the first developed country to default on a loan to the lending agency. [...] Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called a referendum Sunday in which Greek voters can decide whether to approve a deal proposed by the country's creditors. A 'No' vote would likely force Greece to stop using the euro currency."
Comment: Well, that's that then. It's a virtual certainty that the "No" vote will win and Greece will exit the eurozone. The real question is, will this lead to the unraveling of the common currency, or will the EU be able to contain the damage? We don't know the answer to that question yet, but we do know that Europe's financial markets are about to become very turbulent.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Rumors of War - Persia
My Way News - For world, limited options if Iran talks fall apart
My Way News reports: "The Iranian nuclear talks are playing out in classic fashion: A self-imposed deadline appears to have been extended due to stubborn disputes, with the sides publicly sticking to positions and facing internal pressure from opponents ready to pounce on any compromise. Should the talks actually collapse, the alternatives are not appealing. The war option that the United States has kept on the table has few fans, and the world community does not seem willing to impose truly crippling sanctions. A dangerous period of uncertainty looms."
My Way News reports: "The Iranian nuclear talks are playing out in classic fashion: A self-imposed deadline appears to have been extended due to stubborn disputes, with the sides publicly sticking to positions and facing internal pressure from opponents ready to pounce on any compromise. Should the talks actually collapse, the alternatives are not appealing. The war option that the United States has kept on the table has few fans, and the world community does not seem willing to impose truly crippling sanctions. A dangerous period of uncertainty looms."
Nations in Distress
My Way News - Tsipras defiant as banks shut, markets rocked
My Way News reports: "Anxious pensioners swarmed closed bank branches Monday and long lines snaked outside ATMs as Greeks endured the first day of serious controls on their daily economic lives ahead of a referendum that could determine whether the country has to ditch the euro currency and return to the drachma. [...] Greece's bailout program ends Tuesday, when the country is unlikely to make a 1.6 billion euro ($1.8 billion) repayment to the International Monetary Fund. But Athens and creditors from the IMF and the eurozone failed to agree on the terms of an extension."
Comment: Things are not looking good for the eurozone. Will this rock the foundations of European unity or will the EU emerge from this stronger than ever? Stay tuned!
My Way News reports: "Anxious pensioners swarmed closed bank branches Monday and long lines snaked outside ATMs as Greeks endured the first day of serious controls on their daily economic lives ahead of a referendum that could determine whether the country has to ditch the euro currency and return to the drachma. [...] Greece's bailout program ends Tuesday, when the country is unlikely to make a 1.6 billion euro ($1.8 billion) repayment to the International Monetary Fund. But Athens and creditors from the IMF and the eurozone failed to agree on the terms of an extension."
Comment: Things are not looking good for the eurozone. Will this rock the foundations of European unity or will the EU emerge from this stronger than ever? Stay tuned!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
War
My Way News - Tunisia pledges tough security post-attack, as tourists flee
My Way News reports: "Tunisia's prime minister announced on Saturday a string of new security measures including closing renegade mosques and calling up army reservists as thousands of tourists fled the North African country in wake of its worst terrorist attack ever. Tourists crowded into the airport at Hammamet near the coastal city of Sousse where a young man dressed in shorts on Friday pulled an assault rifle and grenades out of his beach umbrella and killed 38 people, mostly tourists. [...] The attack came the same day that a suicide bomber killed 27 people in a Shiite mosque in Kuwait and a man in France ran his truck into a warehouse and hung his employer's severed head on the gate."
My Way News - Kuwait conducts mass funeral as police question suspects
My Way News reports: "Thousands of people in Kuwait took part in a mass funeral procession Saturday for 27 people killed in a suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite mosque a day earlier. Police in Kuwait said they are interrogating a number of suspects with possible links to the suicide bombing, which was claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State group. [...] The bombing, which also wounded more than 200 male worshippers who were taking part in midday Friday prayers, was the first terrorist attack in Kuwait in more than two decades."
My Way News - Beheading, attack at US factory in France; suspect detained
My Way News reports: "A truck driver once under surveillance for radical Islamic ties crashed into an American-owned chemical warehouse in southeastern France on Friday and hung his employer's severed head on a factory gate, along with banners with Arabic inscriptions. The attack, which triggered an explosion that wounded two people, came on a day of violence that spanned three continents. [...] The severed head appeared to mimic the Islamic State group's practice of beheading prisoners and displaying their heads for all to see, and came days after the militants urged attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan."
Comment: In case you missed it, Islamic terrorist were staged attacks across three continents on the same day, many were killed.
My Way News reports: "Tunisia's prime minister announced on Saturday a string of new security measures including closing renegade mosques and calling up army reservists as thousands of tourists fled the North African country in wake of its worst terrorist attack ever. Tourists crowded into the airport at Hammamet near the coastal city of Sousse where a young man dressed in shorts on Friday pulled an assault rifle and grenades out of his beach umbrella and killed 38 people, mostly tourists. [...] The attack came the same day that a suicide bomber killed 27 people in a Shiite mosque in Kuwait and a man in France ran his truck into a warehouse and hung his employer's severed head on the gate."
My Way News - Kuwait conducts mass funeral as police question suspects
My Way News reports: "Thousands of people in Kuwait took part in a mass funeral procession Saturday for 27 people killed in a suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite mosque a day earlier. Police in Kuwait said they are interrogating a number of suspects with possible links to the suicide bombing, which was claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State group. [...] The bombing, which also wounded more than 200 male worshippers who were taking part in midday Friday prayers, was the first terrorist attack in Kuwait in more than two decades."
My Way News - Beheading, attack at US factory in France; suspect detained
My Way News reports: "A truck driver once under surveillance for radical Islamic ties crashed into an American-owned chemical warehouse in southeastern France on Friday and hung his employer's severed head on a factory gate, along with banners with Arabic inscriptions. The attack, which triggered an explosion that wounded two people, came on a day of violence that spanned three continents. [...] The severed head appeared to mimic the Islamic State group's practice of beheading prisoners and displaying their heads for all to see, and came days after the militants urged attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan."
Comment: In case you missed it, Islamic terrorist were staged attacks across three continents on the same day, many were killed.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - Ebola cases not slowing in Guinea, Sierra Leone
My Way News reports: "Despite hopes that the deadly Ebola outbreak could soon be contained in West Africa, it shows no signs of abating in Guinea and may be flaring up once more in Sierra Leone as people are flouting rules limiting travel meant to stop it."
My Way News reports: "Despite hopes that the deadly Ebola outbreak could soon be contained in West Africa, it shows no signs of abating in Guinea and may be flaring up once more in Sierra Leone as people are flouting rules limiting travel meant to stop it."
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Kings of the East - Rumors of War
My Way News - US chides China but avoids clouding cooperation
My Way News reports: "The United States voiced deep concern Tuesday over state-sponsored cybertheft and tension in the disputed seas of East Asia but did not let the sharp disagreements with China on pressing security issues cloud the outlook for cooperation between the world powers. [...] Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of the need to 'reduce tensions rather than add to them' in the South and East China Seas, where China's assertive behavior and land reclamation to advance its territorial claims has rattled its Asian neighbors, U.S. allies among them. China says the disputed areas are its sovereign territory. U.S. officials said they voiced concern over the possible militarization of artificial islands China is building."
My Way News reports: "The United States voiced deep concern Tuesday over state-sponsored cybertheft and tension in the disputed seas of East Asia but did not let the sharp disagreements with China on pressing security issues cloud the outlook for cooperation between the world powers. [...] Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of the need to 'reduce tensions rather than add to them' in the South and East China Seas, where China's assertive behavior and land reclamation to advance its territorial claims has rattled its Asian neighbors, U.S. allies among them. China says the disputed areas are its sovereign territory. U.S. officials said they voiced concern over the possible militarization of artificial islands China is building."
Monday, June 22, 2015
Earthquakes
My Way News - Study: Mega injections of wastewater triggers more quakes
My Way News reports: "The more oil and gas companies pump their saltwater waste into the ground, and the faster they do it, the more they have triggered earthquakes in the central United States, a massive new study found. [...] Studies have linked the increase in quakes to the practice of injecting leftover wastewater into the ground after drilling for oil and gas using newer technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing."
My Way News reports: "The more oil and gas companies pump their saltwater waste into the ground, and the faster they do it, the more they have triggered earthquakes in the central United States, a massive new study found. [...] Studies have linked the increase in quakes to the practice of injecting leftover wastewater into the ground after drilling for oil and gas using newer technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing."
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Final Kingdom
My Way News - Greek officials meet, prepare proposals for Eurozone summit
My Way News reports: "Two days before a crucial summit of Eurozone leaders, Greek ministers are huddling to discuss strategy and assemble a new package of proposals, officials say."
Comment: Is Greece about to destroy the Eurozone? Stay tuned!
My Way News reports: "Two days before a crucial summit of Eurozone leaders, Greek ministers are huddling to discuss strategy and assemble a new package of proposals, officials say."
Comment: Is Greece about to destroy the Eurozone? Stay tuned!
Friday, June 19, 2015
Gospel Preached to All Nations
My Way News - Charleston church victims' families forgive suspect in court
My Way News reports: "They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK." Relatives of the nine people shot down during a Bible study session inside their historic black church confronted the 21-year-old suspect Friday during his initial hearing. They described their pain and anger, but also spoke of love."
Comment: Out of this great tragedy has come a living witness to the power of the Christian virtues of love, forgiveness and mercy. So great is their love that the secular news media is amazed and leads their newscasts and headlines with this astonishing new narrative of forgiveness. Is there something different about Christianity? When other religions are attacked they respond with calls for vengeance, for revenge, for retribution. It's not unusual for other religions to meet violence with violence, an "eye-for-an-eye" according to the old code, but where does that lead? There is indeed something different about Christianity because there was something different about the founder of the religion. That difference is revealed daily in the lives of those who follow Him and it was on display today in that courtroom. What a powerful witness!
My Way News reports: "They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK." Relatives of the nine people shot down during a Bible study session inside their historic black church confronted the 21-year-old suspect Friday during his initial hearing. They described their pain and anger, but also spoke of love."
Comment: Out of this great tragedy has come a living witness to the power of the Christian virtues of love, forgiveness and mercy. So great is their love that the secular news media is amazed and leads their newscasts and headlines with this astonishing new narrative of forgiveness. Is there something different about Christianity? When other religions are attacked they respond with calls for vengeance, for revenge, for retribution. It's not unusual for other religions to meet violence with violence, an "eye-for-an-eye" according to the old code, but where does that lead? There is indeed something different about Christianity because there was something different about the founder of the religion. That difference is revealed daily in the lives of those who follow Him and it was on display today in that courtroom. What a powerful witness!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Persecution
My Way News - Israel church set ablaze in possible Jewish extremist attack
My Way News reports: "A fire ripped through one of the most famous Catholic churches in the Holy Land on Thursday, damaging the roof and burning prayer books in what authorities believe is an attack by Jewish extremists. [...] The church marks the traditional spot of Jesus' miracle of the loaves and fish, and is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. It is one of the most popular stops for Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. [...] In recent years, mosques and churches have been targeted by vandals in similar attacks. They are often attributed to extremist Jews from West Bank settlements."
My Way News reports: "A fire ripped through one of the most famous Catholic churches in the Holy Land on Thursday, damaging the roof and burning prayer books in what authorities believe is an attack by Jewish extremists. [...] The church marks the traditional spot of Jesus' miracle of the loaves and fish, and is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. It is one of the most popular stops for Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. [...] In recent years, mosques and churches have been targeted by vandals in similar attacks. They are often attributed to extremist Jews from West Bank settlements."
Pestilence
My Way News - WHO chief reassures South Korea as its MERS deaths reach 24
My Way News reports: "The head of the World Health Organization has praised beleaguered South Korean officials and exhausted health workers, saying their efforts to contain a deadly MERS virus outbreak have put the country on good footing and lowered the public risk. Margaret Chan said it's a good sign the disease has so far been confined to a handful of hospitals and isn't spreading in the wider community."
My Way News reports: "The head of the World Health Organization has praised beleaguered South Korean officials and exhausted health workers, saying their efforts to contain a deadly MERS virus outbreak have put the country on good footing and lowered the public risk. Margaret Chan said it's a good sign the disease has so far been confined to a handful of hospitals and isn't spreading in the wider community."
Wickedness Increases
My Way News - White gunman caught in killing of 9 in historic black church
My Way News reports: "It was an act of 'pure, pure concentrated evil,' Charleston's mayor said — a black community's leading lights extinguished in a spray of bullets, allegedly at the hands of a young white man who was welcomed into their Bible study session. And so the nine victims at The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church joined the ever-lengthening list of America's racial casualties."
My Way News reports: "It was an act of 'pure, pure concentrated evil,' Charleston's mayor said — a black community's leading lights extinguished in a spray of bullets, allegedly at the hands of a young white man who was welcomed into their Bible study session. And so the nine victims at The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church joined the ever-lengthening list of America's racial casualties."
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - UN: Spread of MERS in South Korea isn't global emergency
My Way News reports: "The World Health Organization says the spread of a mysterious virus from the Middle East to South Korea doesn't merit being declared a global emergency despite infecting more than 160 people in the biggest outbreak outside the Arabian peninsula. In a statement Wednesday, the U.N. health agency called the epidemic 'a wake-up call' and warned all countries to prepare for potential outbreaks of the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS."
My Way News reports: "The World Health Organization says the spread of a mysterious virus from the Middle East to South Korea doesn't merit being declared a global emergency despite infecting more than 160 people in the biggest outbreak outside the Arabian peninsula. In a statement Wednesday, the U.N. health agency called the epidemic 'a wake-up call' and warned all countries to prepare for potential outbreaks of the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS."
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Rumors of War - King of the North
My Way News - Russia to add 40 new intercontinental missiles this year
My Way News reports: "Russia's military will add over 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles this year alone that are capable of piercing any missile defenses, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday in a blunt reminder of the nation's nuclear might amid tensions with the West over Ukraine. [...] The three Baltic members of the alliance, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have asked NATO to permanently deploy ground troops to their nations as a deterrent against an increasingly assertive Russia. And Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak says he and U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter have held talks about placing U.S. heavy army equipment in Poland."
Comment: For many years people have expressed a hope that the world was slowing stepping back from the brink of nuclear war by gradually reducing the number of nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Russia had pledged to do that in a series of treaties that had been, for the most part, successful...until now. The media will not give this the wall-to-wall coverage that it deserves (no celebrities are involved), but this is a major milestone in history: a major nuclear power is adding a significant number of nuclear missiles to an already well-developed arsenal. These are not short-range missiles, they are the big ones, the ICBMs, that can hit any city in Europe or North America. This is a major development, one that makes the world a much more dangerous place.
My Way News reports: "Russia's military will add over 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles this year alone that are capable of piercing any missile defenses, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday in a blunt reminder of the nation's nuclear might amid tensions with the West over Ukraine. [...] The three Baltic members of the alliance, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have asked NATO to permanently deploy ground troops to their nations as a deterrent against an increasingly assertive Russia. And Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak says he and U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter have held talks about placing U.S. heavy army equipment in Poland."
Comment: For many years people have expressed a hope that the world was slowing stepping back from the brink of nuclear war by gradually reducing the number of nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Russia had pledged to do that in a series of treaties that had been, for the most part, successful...until now. The media will not give this the wall-to-wall coverage that it deserves (no celebrities are involved), but this is a major milestone in history: a major nuclear power is adding a significant number of nuclear missiles to an already well-developed arsenal. These are not short-range missiles, they are the big ones, the ICBMs, that can hit any city in Europe or North America. This is a major development, one that makes the world a much more dangerous place.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - WHO: MERS not spreading outside S. Korea hospitals
My Way News reports: "After a weeklong review of the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome, experts from WHO and South Korea told reporters Saturday there was no evidence to suggest the virus, currently confined around health facilities, is spreading. It has been occurring among hospital patients, visiting family members and medical staff."
My Way News reports: "After a weeklong review of the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome, experts from WHO and South Korea told reporters Saturday there was no evidence to suggest the virus, currently confined around health facilities, is spreading. It has been occurring among hospital patients, visiting family members and medical staff."
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - Officials say deeply personal information in hackers' hands
My Way News reports: "Deeply personal information submitted by U.S. intelligence and military personnel for security clearances — mental illnesses, drug and alcohol use, past arrests, bankruptcies and more — is in the hands of hackers linked to China, officials say. [...] Nearly all of the millions of security clearance holders, including some CIA, National Security Agency and military special operations personnel, are potentially exposed in the security clearance breach, the officials said. [...] two people briefed on the investigation disclosed Friday that as many as 14 million current and former civilian U.S. government employees have had their information exposed to hackers, a far higher figure than the 4 million the Obama administration initially disclosed. American officials have said that cybertheft originated in China and that they suspect espionage by the Chinese government, which has denied any involvement."
Comment: They keep dribbling out bits of additional details about this but I wonder if instead of provoking outrage, each new revelation desensitizes the public to the scope of the data theft. The revelation that the Social Security numbers were not encrypted is just stunning, that's criminal incompetence on the part of some database administrator who deserves to be prosecuted for that negligence. The real question not even addressed in this report is, in an age of cyberwarfare, how will the U.S. respond to repeated attacks on national security data?
My Way News reports: "Deeply personal information submitted by U.S. intelligence and military personnel for security clearances — mental illnesses, drug and alcohol use, past arrests, bankruptcies and more — is in the hands of hackers linked to China, officials say. [...] Nearly all of the millions of security clearance holders, including some CIA, National Security Agency and military special operations personnel, are potentially exposed in the security clearance breach, the officials said. [...] two people briefed on the investigation disclosed Friday that as many as 14 million current and former civilian U.S. government employees have had their information exposed to hackers, a far higher figure than the 4 million the Obama administration initially disclosed. American officials have said that cybertheft originated in China and that they suspect espionage by the Chinese government, which has denied any involvement."
Comment: They keep dribbling out bits of additional details about this but I wonder if instead of provoking outrage, each new revelation desensitizes the public to the scope of the data theft. The revelation that the Social Security numbers were not encrypted is just stunning, that's criminal incompetence on the part of some database administrator who deserves to be prosecuted for that negligence. The real question not even addressed in this report is, in an age of cyberwarfare, how will the U.S. respond to repeated attacks on national security data?
Rumors of War - Persia
My Way News - Rouhani: Final nuclear deal 'within reach'
My Way News reports: "President Hassan Rouhani said a final nuclear deal is "within reach" as Iran and six world powers face a June 30 deadline for an agreement. Rouhani told a press conference Saturday that negotiations between Iran and the six-nation group - the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - are making progress, although some gaps still remain."
Comment: Wasn't it just two weeks ago that Iran said no inspections of military facilities would be allowed? I don't see how any deal is possible without intrusive treaty verification inspections being agreed upon. If the U.S. and Russia could agree to that during the Cold War, certainly the Six and Iran can agree on that now. If not, there's really no hope that a treaty will stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
My Way News reports: "President Hassan Rouhani said a final nuclear deal is "within reach" as Iran and six world powers face a June 30 deadline for an agreement. Rouhani told a press conference Saturday that negotiations between Iran and the six-nation group - the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - are making progress, although some gaps still remain."
Comment: Wasn't it just two weeks ago that Iran said no inspections of military facilities would be allowed? I don't see how any deal is possible without intrusive treaty verification inspections being agreed upon. If the U.S. and Russia could agree to that during the Cold War, certainly the Six and Iran can agree on that now. If not, there's really no hope that a treaty will stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - Philippines airs program about sea disputes with China
My Way News reports: "The Philippine government broadcast a television program on Friday aimed at boosting public opposition to China's increasingly assertive moves to press its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea. [...] Rising military deployments in the disputed region have heightened fears of possible confrontations and accidental clashes that could escalate into a major conflict."
My Way News reports: "The Philippine government broadcast a television program on Friday aimed at boosting public opposition to China's increasingly assertive moves to press its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea. [...] Rising military deployments in the disputed region have heightened fears of possible confrontations and accidental clashes that could escalate into a major conflict."
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Pestilence
My Way News - South Korea reports 10th death from MERS virus
My Way News reports: "South Korea reported a 10th death from the MERS virus on Thursday, although officials say they believe the disease has peaked. The victim was a 65-year-old man who had been treated for lung cancer and was hospitalized in the same facility as another MERS patient, the Health Ministry said. The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome has caused panic in South Korea. It has infected more than 120 people since the first case, a 68-year-old man who had traveled to the Middle East, was diagnosed on May 20."
My Way News - Health officials tell US doctors to watch for MERS
My Way News reports: "Health officials are advising U.S. doctors to be on the lookout for people sickened by Middle East respiratory syndrome, also called MERS, following an outbreak in South Korea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reminded doctors to ask patients with severe respiratory illness if they recently traveled. Officials are now urging testing for MERS in very sick patients who had visited a South Korea hospital within two weeks of falling ill."
My Way News reports: "South Korea reported a 10th death from the MERS virus on Thursday, although officials say they believe the disease has peaked. The victim was a 65-year-old man who had been treated for lung cancer and was hospitalized in the same facility as another MERS patient, the Health Ministry said. The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome has caused panic in South Korea. It has infected more than 120 people since the first case, a 68-year-old man who had traveled to the Middle East, was diagnosed on May 20."
My Way News - Health officials tell US doctors to watch for MERS
My Way News reports: "Health officials are advising U.S. doctors to be on the lookout for people sickened by Middle East respiratory syndrome, also called MERS, following an outbreak in South Korea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reminded doctors to ask patients with severe respiratory illness if they recently traveled. Officials are now urging testing for MERS in very sick patients who had visited a South Korea hospital within two weeks of falling ill."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
My Way News - Union: Hackers have personnel data on every federal employee
My Way News reports: "Hackers stole personnel data and Social Security numbers for every federal employee, a government worker union said Thursday, asserting that the cyber theft of U.S. employee information was more damaging than the Obama administration has acknowledged. [...] Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic leader, said on the Senate floor that the December hack into Office of Personnel Management data was carried out by 'the Chinese' without specifying whether he meant the Chinese government or individuals. [...] U.S. officials have declined to publicly blame China, which has denied involvement."
My Way News reports: "Hackers stole personnel data and Social Security numbers for every federal employee, a government worker union said Thursday, asserting that the cyber theft of U.S. employee information was more damaging than the Obama administration has acknowledged. [...] Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic leader, said on the Senate floor that the December hack into Office of Personnel Management data was carried out by 'the Chinese' without specifying whether he meant the Chinese government or individuals. [...] U.S. officials have declined to publicly blame China, which has denied involvement."
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Rumors of War - War
My Way News - US orders more troops to Iraq, but no overhaul of strategy
My Way News reports: "President Barack Obama ordered the deployment of up to 450 more American troops to Iraq on Wednesday in an effort to reverse major battlefield losses to the Islamic State, an escalation but not a significant shift in the struggling U.S. strategy to defeat the extremist group."
My Way News reports: "President Barack Obama ordered the deployment of up to 450 more American troops to Iraq on Wednesday in an effort to reverse major battlefield losses to the Islamic State, an escalation but not a significant shift in the struggling U.S. strategy to defeat the extremist group."
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Peace and Security of Jerusalem
My Way News - Dempsey reassures Israel it will keep military edge
My Way News reports: "The top U.S. military officer reassured Israel on Tuesday that it will maintain a military edge over potential adversaries, including Gulf Arab states, regardless of whether Washington completes a nuclear deal with Iran. [...] Dempsey said the U.S. intends to continue helping Israel improve its air and missile defenses and will be talking to the Israelis about ways to improve their cyber defenses, their maritime security and their means of countering the military use of tunnels such as those from Gaza. Dempsey said he understands why Israelis believe a nuclear deal will give Iran room to accelerate its funding of surrogate Shiite groups like Hezbollah and to put more resources into its own military."
My Way News - Israeli PM says Arab leaders also weary of Iran nuclear deal
My Way News reports: "Israel's prime minister said Tuesday that Arab leaders agree with him that an emerging nuclear deal with Iran won't stop Tehran from getting atomic weapons. [...] Netanyahu told the prestigious Herzliya conference, an annual gathering that draws speakers from around the world, that he is not the only voice in the Middle East against the deal."
Comment: Welcome to the new Mideast arms race, it will certainly be good for the defense industry.
My Way News reports: "The top U.S. military officer reassured Israel on Tuesday that it will maintain a military edge over potential adversaries, including Gulf Arab states, regardless of whether Washington completes a nuclear deal with Iran. [...] Dempsey said the U.S. intends to continue helping Israel improve its air and missile defenses and will be talking to the Israelis about ways to improve their cyber defenses, their maritime security and their means of countering the military use of tunnels such as those from Gaza. Dempsey said he understands why Israelis believe a nuclear deal will give Iran room to accelerate its funding of surrogate Shiite groups like Hezbollah and to put more resources into its own military."
My Way News - Israeli PM says Arab leaders also weary of Iran nuclear deal
My Way News reports: "Israel's prime minister said Tuesday that Arab leaders agree with him that an emerging nuclear deal with Iran won't stop Tehran from getting atomic weapons. [...] Netanyahu told the prestigious Herzliya conference, an annual gathering that draws speakers from around the world, that he is not the only voice in the Middle East against the deal."
Comment: Welcome to the new Mideast arms race, it will certainly be good for the defense industry.
Rumors of War - Persia
My Way News - US finds peeling back the Iran sanctions onion no easy task
My Way News reports: "The Obama administration may have to backtrack on its promise that it will suspend only nuclear-related economic sanctions on Iran as part of an emerging nuclear agreement, officials and others involved in the process tell The Associated Press. [...] Administration officials vehemently reject that any backtracking is taking place, but they are lumping sanctions together differently from the way members of Congress and critics of the negotiations separate them. [..] Negotiators hope to conclude a final nuclear deal by June 30."
Comment: Appeasement by any other name would smell the same.
My Way News reports: "The Obama administration may have to backtrack on its promise that it will suspend only nuclear-related economic sanctions on Iran as part of an emerging nuclear agreement, officials and others involved in the process tell The Associated Press. [...] Administration officials vehemently reject that any backtracking is taking place, but they are lumping sanctions together differently from the way members of Congress and critics of the negotiations separate them. [..] Negotiators hope to conclude a final nuclear deal by June 30."
Comment: Appeasement by any other name would smell the same.
Monday, June 08, 2015
Wars and Rumors of War
My Way News - Obama: US lacks 'complete strategy' for training Iraqis
My Way News reports: "Acknowledging military setbacks, President Barack Obama said Monday the United States still lacks a 'complete strategy' for training Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State. He urged Iraq's government to allow more of the nation's Sunnis to join the campaign against the violent militants."
Comment: I can't help but think that it's not entirely helpful to announce that your strategy is lacking. Sure, it may be true, but to go ahead an publicly announce it, seems like it may undercut the effort, to say nothing of the morale and confidence of those actually doing the fighting.
My Way News reports: "Acknowledging military setbacks, President Barack Obama said Monday the United States still lacks a 'complete strategy' for training Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State. He urged Iraq's government to allow more of the nation's Sunnis to join the campaign against the violent militants."
Comment: I can't help but think that it's not entirely helpful to announce that your strategy is lacking. Sure, it may be true, but to go ahead an publicly announce it, seems like it may undercut the effort, to say nothing of the morale and confidence of those actually doing the fighting.
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Global Government - Ten Kings - Rumors of War
My Way News - Behind tough talk on Russia, G-7 leaders face tough reality
My Way News reports: "Behind the tough talk on Russia expected from President Barack Obama and other leaders gathering in Germany this weekend is a stark reality. None of the world powers believes the economic and diplomatic punishments levied on Russia for its alleged aggression in Ukraine are changing President Vladimir Putin's calculus, yet there are no plans to shift strategies."
Comment: The G7 Summit is here and it reminds us how much the world has changed. It used to be called the G8 before they kicked Russia out and even though Russia will not be represented at the gathering in Bavaria, it will still be at the top of the agenda. What to do about Russia?
My Way News reports: "Behind the tough talk on Russia expected from President Barack Obama and other leaders gathering in Germany this weekend is a stark reality. None of the world powers believes the economic and diplomatic punishments levied on Russia for its alleged aggression in Ukraine are changing President Vladimir Putin's calculus, yet there are no plans to shift strategies."
Comment: The G7 Summit is here and it reminds us how much the world has changed. It used to be called the G8 before they kicked Russia out and even though Russia will not be represented at the gathering in Bavaria, it will still be at the top of the agenda. What to do about Russia?
Pestilence
My Way News - 5th person dies of MERS in South Korea
My Way News reports: "A fifth person in South Korea has died of the MERS virus, as the government announced Sunday it was strengthening measures to stem the spread of the disease and public fear. Sixty-four people have been infected by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome since last month in the largest outbreak outside the Middle East. Hundreds of schools have closed and hundreds of people quarantined."
My Way News reports: "A fifth person in South Korea has died of the MERS virus, as the government announced Sunday it was strengthening measures to stem the spread of the disease and public fear. Sixty-four people have been infected by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome since last month in the largest outbreak outside the Middle East. Hundreds of schools have closed and hundreds of people quarantined."
Kings of the East
My Way News - China, Japan hold finance talks stalled amid tensions
My Way News reports: "Chinese and Japanese finance ministers held talks Saturday to deepen economic cooperation that had been delayed for about two years over strained relations between the Asian giants. [...] Saturday's talks were the fifth round of dialogue between the finance ministers from the world's second- and third-largest economies."
My Way News reports: "Chinese and Japanese finance ministers held talks Saturday to deepen economic cooperation that had been delayed for about two years over strained relations between the Asian giants. [...] Saturday's talks were the fifth round of dialogue between the finance ministers from the world's second- and third-largest economies."
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