U.S., South Korean troops prepare for joint military drill - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Korea and United States troops are set to launch large-scale
joint military exercises on Wednesday.
Joint military drills involving the two countries occur annually in the
spring, but landing operations on a large scale have only occurred in
even-numbered years, including 2016, when 290,000 South Korean and
15,000 U.S. troops participated. The landing exercises will be reprised
this year, beginning Wednesday, because of rising tensions involving
North Korea, South Korean and U.S. military sources told the Japanese
newspaper Asahi Shinbum."
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Pestilence
Many Americans unaware of 'superbug' threat: Poll - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than two-thirds of U.S. adults know 'little' or 'nothing' about so-called superbugs -- bacterial infections that are resistant to many or all antibiotics. And around half believe, incorrectly, that antibiotics work against viruses. That's a concern because improper antibiotic use is considered the major driver of the superbug problem -- a problem with deadly consequences. [...] Health officials have long warned against improper use of antibiotics because bacteria that are exposed to the medications and survive can mutate to become resistant to the drugs."
Comment: This is a huge public health issue, sure, but what can you do about it right now? First, Google the difference between a viral and bacterial infection. The heart of the problem is that people simply don't know there is a difference and think that antibiotics are a universal cure. If the public is more educated about the basics it will be easier to follow medical advice and cut back on the use of antibiotics. What else can you do? Stop buying soaps and other products that are advertised as antibacterial and just use soap and water. Studies have shown that soap and water works just fine. People have been using them for thousands of years with no problems. Stick with what works.
UPI reports: "More than two-thirds of U.S. adults know 'little' or 'nothing' about so-called superbugs -- bacterial infections that are resistant to many or all antibiotics. And around half believe, incorrectly, that antibiotics work against viruses. That's a concern because improper antibiotic use is considered the major driver of the superbug problem -- a problem with deadly consequences. [...] Health officials have long warned against improper use of antibiotics because bacteria that are exposed to the medications and survive can mutate to become resistant to the drugs."
Comment: This is a huge public health issue, sure, but what can you do about it right now? First, Google the difference between a viral and bacterial infection. The heart of the problem is that people simply don't know there is a difference and think that antibiotics are a universal cure. If the public is more educated about the basics it will be easier to follow medical advice and cut back on the use of antibiotics. What else can you do? Stop buying soaps and other products that are advertised as antibacterial and just use soap and water. Studies have shown that soap and water works just fine. People have been using them for thousands of years with no problems. Stick with what works.
Persecution
Egypt's Christians flee terror in north Sinai security void - AP
AP reports: "Northern Sinai has for years been the epicenter of an insurgency by Islamic militants, and the area's few Christians have slowly been trickling out. But departures surged after suspected militants again gunned down a Christian man in front of his family [...] No militant group claimed has responsibility for the attacks. But the IS affiliate, which is based in northern Sinai, released a video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who it describes as 'infidels' empowering the West against Muslims. [...] The Christian exodus continued for a fourth day Sunday, bringing to more than 100 the number of families who have fled el-Arish, said Nabil Shukrallah, an official with the city's Evangelical Church."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of Christians in Egypt.
AP reports: "Northern Sinai has for years been the epicenter of an insurgency by Islamic militants, and the area's few Christians have slowly been trickling out. But departures surged after suspected militants again gunned down a Christian man in front of his family [...] No militant group claimed has responsibility for the attacks. But the IS affiliate, which is based in northern Sinai, released a video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who it describes as 'infidels' empowering the West against Muslims. [...] The Christian exodus continued for a fourth day Sunday, bringing to more than 100 the number of families who have fled el-Arish, said Nabil Shukrallah, an official with the city's Evangelical Church."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of Christians in Egypt.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Signs in the Sun and Moon
Rare 'Ring of Fire' eclipse expected to cross Southern Hemisphere - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The sky above parts of Earth's Southern Hemisphere will be illuminated Sunday in a 'ring of fire' during the first solar eclipse of 2017, NASA said. The annular eclipse will be mainly visible near parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile, Argentina and Angola. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse happens when the moon is too far from the Earth to obscure the sun completely, leaving the sun's edges exposed [...] On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse is expected to cross the United States as the first in the contiguous U.S. in 40 years."
UPI reports: "The sky above parts of Earth's Southern Hemisphere will be illuminated Sunday in a 'ring of fire' during the first solar eclipse of 2017, NASA said. The annular eclipse will be mainly visible near parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile, Argentina and Angola. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse happens when the moon is too far from the Earth to obscure the sun completely, leaving the sun's edges exposed [...] On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse is expected to cross the United States as the first in the contiguous U.S. in 40 years."
Friday, February 24, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China builds shelters for missile systems in South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China has built structures to house surface-to-air missile systems at three outposts in the disputed Spratly Islands, according to a U.S. think tank. [...] The presence of SAM batteries on the islands would strengthen China's defense capabilities throughout the nine-dash line, a demarcation line used by China to claim large areas of the South China Sea."
China opposes U.S. naval patrols in South China Sea - Reuters
UPI reports: "China said on Tuesday it opposed action by other countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation that undermined its sovereignty, after a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group began patrols in the contested South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the strike group, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson, began "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday amid growing tension with China over control of the disputed waterway. [...] Beijing last week warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. It claims almost all of the resource-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea that command strategic sea lanes and have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits."
Comment: It's scary to realize that war in the South China Sea is inevitable. It may not happen for years, but it seems like China is set on this course.
UPI reports: "China has built structures to house surface-to-air missile systems at three outposts in the disputed Spratly Islands, according to a U.S. think tank. [...] The presence of SAM batteries on the islands would strengthen China's defense capabilities throughout the nine-dash line, a demarcation line used by China to claim large areas of the South China Sea."
China opposes U.S. naval patrols in South China Sea - Reuters
UPI reports: "China said on Tuesday it opposed action by other countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation that undermined its sovereignty, after a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group began patrols in the contested South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the strike group, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson, began "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday amid growing tension with China over control of the disputed waterway. [...] Beijing last week warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. It claims almost all of the resource-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea that command strategic sea lanes and have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits."
Comment: It's scary to realize that war in the South China Sea is inevitable. It may not happen for years, but it seems like China is set on this course.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Pestilence
'Alarming' superbugs a risk to people, animals and food, EU warns | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Superbug bacteria found in people, animals and food across the European Union pose an 'alarming' threat to public and animal health having evolved to resist widely used antibiotics, disease and safety experts warned on Wednesday. [...] Drug resistance is driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which encourages bacteria to evolve to survive and develop new ways of beating the medicines."
Comment: Antibiotics were one of the most important discoveries of the last century. It would be a shame if we lost that protection in this century. Can you imagine going back to a time when even a simple paper cut could be deadly?
Reuters reports: "Superbug bacteria found in people, animals and food across the European Union pose an 'alarming' threat to public and animal health having evolved to resist widely used antibiotics, disease and safety experts warned on Wednesday. [...] Drug resistance is driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which encourages bacteria to evolve to survive and develop new ways of beating the medicines."
Comment: Antibiotics were one of the most important discoveries of the last century. It would be a shame if we lost that protection in this century. Can you imagine going back to a time when even a simple paper cut could be deadly?
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Persecution
Islamic State posts video of man it says was Egypt church bomber - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Islamic State published a video on Sunday threatening Egyptian Christians and showing the last statement of a man it said was responsible for the deadly bombing in December of a Coptic cathedral in Cairo. [...] At least 28 people, mostly women and children, were killed in December when a bomb exploded in a chapel adjoining St Mark's Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic papacy. Orthodox Copts, who comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are the Middle East's largest Christian community. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, its deadliest attack in Egypt outside the Sinai Peninsula, where it has been waging an insurgency since 2013."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Reuters reports: "Islamic State published a video on Sunday threatening Egyptian Christians and showing the last statement of a man it said was responsible for the deadly bombing in December of a Coptic cathedral in Cairo. [...] At least 28 people, mostly women and children, were killed in December when a bomb exploded in a chapel adjoining St Mark's Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic papacy. Orthodox Copts, who comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are the Middle East's largest Christian community. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, its deadliest attack in Egypt outside the Sinai Peninsula, where it has been waging an insurgency since 2013."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Rumors of War
Middle East, Asia biggest arms importers: SIPRI - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said Monday the arms import figures for the Middle East accounted for 29 percent of global imports during the 2012 to 2016 period, while Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global imports during that period. [...] According to the SIPRI report, India was the world's largest importer of major arms during the 2012 to 2016 period, accounting for 13 percent of the global total. During that period it increased its arms imports by 43 percent. [...] The world's top arms exporter was the United States, accounting for one-third of total arms exports during the 2012 to 2016 period. Russia accounted for a 23 percent share."
Comment: It's always been one of the ironies of world affairs that diplomats work for peace as their defense industries sell weapons to all sides. Fortunately, the arms marketers have stumbled upon a brilliant sales strategy, as long as they maintain a constant low-level of conflict in peripheral countries, no one will care. Now if we could just get the insurance industry to sell refugee policies for those poor civilians living in top markets we might score a perfect PR coup.
UPI reports: "The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said Monday the arms import figures for the Middle East accounted for 29 percent of global imports during the 2012 to 2016 period, while Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global imports during that period. [...] According to the SIPRI report, India was the world's largest importer of major arms during the 2012 to 2016 period, accounting for 13 percent of the global total. During that period it increased its arms imports by 43 percent. [...] The world's top arms exporter was the United States, accounting for one-third of total arms exports during the 2012 to 2016 period. Russia accounted for a 23 percent share."
Comment: It's always been one of the ironies of world affairs that diplomats work for peace as their defense industries sell weapons to all sides. Fortunately, the arms marketers have stumbled upon a brilliant sales strategy, as long as they maintain a constant low-level of conflict in peripheral countries, no one will care. Now if we could just get the insurance industry to sell refugee policies for those poor civilians living in top markets we might score a perfect PR coup.
Pestilence
Study finds new genetic mutations behind antibiotic resistance - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Massachusetts, have identified new genetic mutations that cause high-level antibiotic resistance. According to a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant infections kill at least 23,000 people in the United States annually."
Comment: If you are taking antibiotics, follow your doctor's advice and take all of them until the treatment is complete. If you stop taking your medicine when you start to feel better but before your treatment is over you are giving the strongest bacteria a chance to grow. Don't be part of the problem.
UPI reports: "Scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Massachusetts, have identified new genetic mutations that cause high-level antibiotic resistance. According to a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant infections kill at least 23,000 people in the United States annually."
Comment: If you are taking antibiotics, follow your doctor's advice and take all of them until the treatment is complete. If you stop taking your medicine when you start to feel better but before your treatment is over you are giving the strongest bacteria a chance to grow. Don't be part of the problem.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Famine
Famine declared in South Sudan; U.N. says more than 5M at risk - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Sudan on Monday declared a famine is affecting 100,000 people while U.N. agencies report another 1 million people are on the threshold of starvation. [...] South Sudan has seen a three-year war between the government and rebel factions, leading to the displacement of 3 million people and the disruption of farming."
Comment: That's a sad situation. Hopefully the government and rebel factions can set aside their differences long enough for aid workers to get in there and provide some humanitarian assistance.
UPI reports: "South Sudan on Monday declared a famine is affecting 100,000 people while U.N. agencies report another 1 million people are on the threshold of starvation. [...] South Sudan has seen a three-year war between the government and rebel factions, leading to the displacement of 3 million people and the disruption of farming."
Comment: That's a sad situation. Hopefully the government and rebel factions can set aside their differences long enough for aid workers to get in there and provide some humanitarian assistance.
Covenant With Many
Ex-officials: Israeli leader spurned secret peace offer - AP
The AP reports: "Two former top aides to Kerry confirmed that the meeting took place secretly on Feb. 21, 2016. According to the officials, Kerry tried to sweeten the 15-year-old 'Arab Peace Initiative,' a Saudi-led plan that offered Israel peace with dozens of Arab and Muslim nations in return for a pullout from territories captured in the 1967 Mideast war to make way for an independent Palestine. Among the proposed changes were Arab recognition of Israel as the Jewish state, recognition of Jerusalem as a shared capital for Israelis and Palestinians, and softened language on the 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees to lost properties in what is now Israel, the former officials said. [...] the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders reacted positively to the proposal, while Netanyahu refused to commit to anything beyond meetings with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. One of the officials said the main purpose of the meeting was to start a regional peace process that Netanyahu said he wanted. [...] other Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, along with the Palestinians, the Europeans and the Russians, were also consulted as part of the process."
Comment: This is a noteworthy report because it reminds us of two very important things. First, the basic outline of a Mideast peace agreement is well established. From the Clinton plan, to the Bush plan, the Saudi plan and this latest Obama-era plan, the contours of a final status agreement have already been hammered out over the years. There is very little doubt about what a Mideast peace deal would look like. The plan is not the problem, the issue is political will. For many years it was the Palestinians who said no to every plan put on the table. Each successive plan gave them more and more of what they wanted and under the duplicitous leadership of Yasser Arafat, they always said no. Still, the U.S. and the West persevered. Arafat though was not in a position to say yes. His people and his patrons did not want peace. This became clear after his death and the ensuing leadership struggle between rival Palestinians factions. The Palestinians tried to continue with the "peace process" as they fought each other, deceiving the West and/or each other with a long game of good-cop/bad-cop in which the Fatah faction played good-cop and became the public face of the Palestinians. They were there "political wing" and they negotiated with Israel even as the "militant wing" of Hamas continued the fight, armed and supported by Iran. How could Israel negotiate with one Palestinian faction for peace while the other faction was dedicated to Israel's destruction? The U.S. was willing to ignore this contradiction, Israel was not. So it came to be that under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel finally shattered the illusion and admitted to all that they did not have a peace partner in the Palestinians and it became Israel's turn to say no to a Mideast peace deal. That seems to be where we are now.
The second important thing to note about this report is that this insight into Mideast peace negotiating was leaked by a former Obama Administration official. Why leak this now? There seems to be a concerted attempt both inside Israel and out to undermine Netanhayu. The knives are out. Why? Netanyahu is seen as an impediment to peace and they believe that if they could only get rid of him there would be a real chance to achieve the goal of Mideast peace.
The AP reports: "Two former top aides to Kerry confirmed that the meeting took place secretly on Feb. 21, 2016. According to the officials, Kerry tried to sweeten the 15-year-old 'Arab Peace Initiative,' a Saudi-led plan that offered Israel peace with dozens of Arab and Muslim nations in return for a pullout from territories captured in the 1967 Mideast war to make way for an independent Palestine. Among the proposed changes were Arab recognition of Israel as the Jewish state, recognition of Jerusalem as a shared capital for Israelis and Palestinians, and softened language on the 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees to lost properties in what is now Israel, the former officials said. [...] the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders reacted positively to the proposal, while Netanyahu refused to commit to anything beyond meetings with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. One of the officials said the main purpose of the meeting was to start a regional peace process that Netanyahu said he wanted. [...] other Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, along with the Palestinians, the Europeans and the Russians, were also consulted as part of the process."
Comment: This is a noteworthy report because it reminds us of two very important things. First, the basic outline of a Mideast peace agreement is well established. From the Clinton plan, to the Bush plan, the Saudi plan and this latest Obama-era plan, the contours of a final status agreement have already been hammered out over the years. There is very little doubt about what a Mideast peace deal would look like. The plan is not the problem, the issue is political will. For many years it was the Palestinians who said no to every plan put on the table. Each successive plan gave them more and more of what they wanted and under the duplicitous leadership of Yasser Arafat, they always said no. Still, the U.S. and the West persevered. Arafat though was not in a position to say yes. His people and his patrons did not want peace. This became clear after his death and the ensuing leadership struggle between rival Palestinians factions. The Palestinians tried to continue with the "peace process" as they fought each other, deceiving the West and/or each other with a long game of good-cop/bad-cop in which the Fatah faction played good-cop and became the public face of the Palestinians. They were there "political wing" and they negotiated with Israel even as the "militant wing" of Hamas continued the fight, armed and supported by Iran. How could Israel negotiate with one Palestinian faction for peace while the other faction was dedicated to Israel's destruction? The U.S. was willing to ignore this contradiction, Israel was not. So it came to be that under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel finally shattered the illusion and admitted to all that they did not have a peace partner in the Palestinians and it became Israel's turn to say no to a Mideast peace deal. That seems to be where we are now.
The second important thing to note about this report is that this insight into Mideast peace negotiating was leaked by a former Obama Administration official. Why leak this now? There seems to be a concerted attempt both inside Israel and out to undermine Netanhayu. The knives are out. Why? Netanyahu is seen as an impediment to peace and they believe that if they could only get rid of him there would be a real chance to achieve the goal of Mideast peace.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. Navy deploys USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy said it has deployed its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to conduct training operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer is joining the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson along with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing for the 'routine operations' that began Saturday, the U.S. Navy said. [...] Carrier Strike Group 1 is expected to sail near China's artificial
islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence."
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy said it has deployed its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to conduct training operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer is joining the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson along with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing for the 'routine operations' that began Saturday, the U.S. Navy said. [...] Carrier Strike Group 1 is expected to sail near China's artificial
islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence."
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Global Community
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg opposes isolationism in statement - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a 5,700-word statement lamenting the rise of isolationism and saying fake news creates polarization in beliefs. In the Building Global Community statement, Zuckerberg said Facebook was launched in 2014 to support a more connected global community. [...] Zuckerberg urged for the world to become more accepting and connected to the idea of globalization. 'Progress now requires humanity coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community,' Zuckerberg wrote."
Comment: Social media is an amazing fulfillment of Bible prophecy, allowing people to instantly see and respond to global news events. For the first time in history, ordinary people can be alerted to breaking news on the other side of the world or across the street and instantly send their personal reaction to their friends, followers and the public. The concept of "going viral" is something prophecy commentators in the past could scarcely have imagined. It's clear now that major prophetic events will be witnessed by the whole world (Rev 11:9-12), not as passive spectators (as TV viewers in the past related to events), but as active participants, sharing in the events, commenting on them and joining in as a global community of people experiencing a personal connection to what they see.
UPI reports: "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a 5,700-word statement lamenting the rise of isolationism and saying fake news creates polarization in beliefs. In the Building Global Community statement, Zuckerberg said Facebook was launched in 2014 to support a more connected global community. [...] Zuckerberg urged for the world to become more accepting and connected to the idea of globalization. 'Progress now requires humanity coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community,' Zuckerberg wrote."
Comment: Social media is an amazing fulfillment of Bible prophecy, allowing people to instantly see and respond to global news events. For the first time in history, ordinary people can be alerted to breaking news on the other side of the world or across the street and instantly send their personal reaction to their friends, followers and the public. The concept of "going viral" is something prophecy commentators in the past could scarcely have imagined. It's clear now that major prophetic events will be witnessed by the whole world (Rev 11:9-12), not as passive spectators (as TV viewers in the past related to events), but as active participants, sharing in the events, commenting on them and joining in as a global community of people experiencing a personal connection to what they see.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Pestilence
"Superspreaders" caused more than 60% of infections during the Ebola epidemic - ScienceAlert
Science Alert reports: "The catastrophic Ebola epidemic in West Africa that began in 2013 resulted in almost 29,000 cases of the disease and claimed more than 11,000 lives. Now, scientists say the majority of those cases were caused by a very slim minority of those infected – people called 'superspreaders'. According to a new study, these superspreaders amounted to just 3 percent of those infected during the epidemic – but they were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases of the disease."
Comment: Note to self, try to avoid contact with superspreaders.
Science Alert reports: "The catastrophic Ebola epidemic in West Africa that began in 2013 resulted in almost 29,000 cases of the disease and claimed more than 11,000 lives. Now, scientists say the majority of those cases were caused by a very slim minority of those infected – people called 'superspreaders'. According to a new study, these superspreaders amounted to just 3 percent of those infected during the epidemic – but they were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases of the disease."
Comment: Note to self, try to avoid contact with superspreaders.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus
Pentagon considers sending ground troops to Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military has worked with anti-Islamic State groups in Syria by providing training and assistance as they battle the militant group, but the United States may soon start taking a more active role in the country. The Pentagon is reportedly working on plans to potentially send traditional ground troops into Syria to help clear Islamic State militants from the country."
Comment: Well, this is unfortunate. Trump has said he wants to rebuild the U.S. military and after years of war and constant deployments, that's a worthy goal. I would hope he would go into that rebuilding phase for at least two years before sending troops to yet another country. From a purely practical perspective, why not stay out of the way and let the Russians continue to support Assad? He seems to be winning his war against those he calls "terrorists," and with any luck, the situation should go back to what it was before the Islamic State was active in Syria. The U.S. never really had any problems with the Assad family dynasty in Syria before the young dictator took over and ran it into the ground, and as there are no alternatives at the ready, a strategy that imposes costs on Russia, undermines IS and seeks a return to the status quo ante seems as good a plan as any. I would only support more American ground forces in Syria if it was part of a Grand Bargain with Russia to ease tensions and increase cooperation between the two former Cold War rivals. I don't really see that happening though. Time will tell.
UPI reports: "The U.S. military has worked with anti-Islamic State groups in Syria by providing training and assistance as they battle the militant group, but the United States may soon start taking a more active role in the country. The Pentagon is reportedly working on plans to potentially send traditional ground troops into Syria to help clear Islamic State militants from the country."
Comment: Well, this is unfortunate. Trump has said he wants to rebuild the U.S. military and after years of war and constant deployments, that's a worthy goal. I would hope he would go into that rebuilding phase for at least two years before sending troops to yet another country. From a purely practical perspective, why not stay out of the way and let the Russians continue to support Assad? He seems to be winning his war against those he calls "terrorists," and with any luck, the situation should go back to what it was before the Islamic State was active in Syria. The U.S. never really had any problems with the Assad family dynasty in Syria before the young dictator took over and ran it into the ground, and as there are no alternatives at the ready, a strategy that imposes costs on Russia, undermines IS and seeks a return to the status quo ante seems as good a plan as any. I would only support more American ground forces in Syria if it was part of a Grand Bargain with Russia to ease tensions and increase cooperation between the two former Cold War rivals. I don't really see that happening though. Time will tell.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Covenant with Many
Trump: 'I can live with either' 1-state or 2-state solution with Israel, Palestinians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump said he 'can live with either' a one-state or two-state solution as long as Israel and the Palestinians are 'happy.' 'The United States will encourage ... a great peace deal. We'll be working on it very, very diligently,' Trump said, adding that both sides 'will have to make compromises.' Trump was not expected to push for a two-state solution during Netanyahu's visit, something the Obama administration prioritized. Trump said his administration will work to broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians but said such negotiations must be held directly between the two parties, something Israel has supported in the past."
Comment: The big meeting at the White House between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was today and it's clear that the embassy will not be moved for some time, if at all.
UPI reports: "During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump said he 'can live with either' a one-state or two-state solution as long as Israel and the Palestinians are 'happy.' 'The United States will encourage ... a great peace deal. We'll be working on it very, very diligently,' Trump said, adding that both sides 'will have to make compromises.' Trump was not expected to push for a two-state solution during Netanyahu's visit, something the Obama administration prioritized. Trump said his administration will work to broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians but said such negotiations must be held directly between the two parties, something Israel has supported in the past."
Comment: The big meeting at the White House between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was today and it's clear that the embassy will not be moved for some time, if at all.
Some
other things I noticed about the meeting: unlike Obama, Trump will not
pressure Israel into a "two-state solution" to Mideast peace and will
let Israel and the Palestinians decide how they want to resolve the
issues; and the most important take-away, Trump said he is personally
interested in a Mideast peace deal and he will work diligently for that.
So,
although the campaign promise to move the embassy will not be acted on
quickly, we can't discount a push for a new Mideast peace agreement
(maybe Covenant with Many?) during Trump's term of office. This is not
good news because there is no way a Mideast peace agreement under
current conditions can favor Israel. Why? Because it would necessarily
imply Israel giving up more land to the Palestinians in exchange for
peace. This has not worked out in the past (look what the Palestinians
did when Israel gave them Gaza) and there is little reason to hope it
would work out in the future.
That
said, I'm not too worried about this because I'm more and more
convinced that the Psalm 83 war will happen before a peace agreement.
The war will see Israel victorious over neighboring countries (while
stoking hatred in Iran and Russia, who probably have a few losses in the
war but decide not to directly intervene) and Israel's victory and
expansion in territory will be recognized in the peace treaty that ends
that war, and THAT will be the Covenant with Many of Daniel 9:27. Then,
finally, Israel will live in peace and tear down the walls they built
and be that land of unwalled villages, setting the scene for the Ezekiel
39 invasion by Gog's military alliance.
So,
for the time being, I honestly don't expect much at all to happen with
Mideast peace except for the Trump administration to go through the
motions and for Israel to keep doing what they are doing. If I'm right,
we are in a pre-war period that is both a holding pattern and a
slow-moving escalation of anti-Israel sentiment in her proximate
neighbors.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia sends spy ship near U.S., deploys banned missiles at home - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Russian spy ship was spotted off the East Coast of the United States Tuesday, the same day the Trump administration confirmed the Kremlin had secretly deployed banned cruise missiles inside its borders. The New York Times first reported that the Obama administration learned in 2014 the missiles were a violation of a 1987 treaty between the United States and Russia that banned ground-launched intermediate-range missiles. A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Russia had deployed the cruise missiles to two sites in December."
Comment: I wonder how President Trump will deal with a Russian treaty violation? After all, Trump is a stickler for sticking to the terms of the deal.
UPI reports: "A Russian spy ship was spotted off the East Coast of the United States Tuesday, the same day the Trump administration confirmed the Kremlin had secretly deployed banned cruise missiles inside its borders. The New York Times first reported that the Obama administration learned in 2014 the missiles were a violation of a 1987 treaty between the United States and Russia that banned ground-launched intermediate-range missiles. A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Russia had deployed the cruise missiles to two sites in December."
Comment: I wonder how President Trump will deal with a Russian treaty violation? After all, Trump is a stickler for sticking to the terms of the deal.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. Navy to propose stronger South China Sea presence - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy may be planning a freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, near disputed islands in the South China Sea. Several Navy officials told the Navy Times both the Navy and the U.S. Pacific Command are to propose sailing near China's artificial islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence. China's neighbor Vietnam is also a claimant to the Paracels. FONOPS is viewed by many in the Navy's leadership as a standard mission, according to the report."
Comment: Eventually what the China considers a standard naval mission and what the U.S. considers to be standard will be out of sync and the likelihood of conflict will be high.
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy may be planning a freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, near disputed islands in the South China Sea. Several Navy officials told the Navy Times both the Navy and the U.S. Pacific Command are to propose sailing near China's artificial islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence. China's neighbor Vietnam is also a claimant to the Paracels. FONOPS is viewed by many in the Navy's leadership as a standard mission, according to the report."
Comment: Eventually what the China considers a standard naval mission and what the U.S. considers to be standard will be out of sync and the likelihood of conflict will be high.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea test fires missile, South says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea test-fired a missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, according to South Korean military officials. [...] North Korea also carried out two tests of a nuclear weapon last year, though they have not shown the capability of shrinking a nuclear weapon to a small enough size needed to deliver it using a missile system."
Comment: It would appear that the young dictator of North Korea is testing the new American president. I can't wait to see what happens.
UPI reports: "North Korea test-fired a missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, according to South Korean military officials. [...] North Korea also carried out two tests of a nuclear weapon last year, though they have not shown the capability of shrinking a nuclear weapon to a small enough size needed to deliver it using a missile system."
Comment: It would appear that the young dictator of North Korea is testing the new American president. I can't wait to see what happens.
Earthquakes
At least six dead, more than 100 injured in Philippines earthquake - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least six people died and more than 100 people were injured when a powerful earthquake rocked the southern Philippines late Friday, knocking out power to thousands and damaging buildings. The earthquake, centered near the city of Surigao, measured as a magnitude 6.7. The quake was at a depth about 6.8 miles. Dozens of aftershocks followed. Surigao is about 430 miles southeast of Manila and has a population of about 140,000. Officials said the number of dead and injured could increase as the recovery efforts continue."
Comment: That was a big one, but it could have been much worse if it hit the capital or other highly populated area.
UPI reports: "At least six people died and more than 100 people were injured when a powerful earthquake rocked the southern Philippines late Friday, knocking out power to thousands and damaging buildings. The earthquake, centered near the city of Surigao, measured as a magnitude 6.7. The quake was at a depth about 6.8 miles. Dozens of aftershocks followed. Surigao is about 430 miles southeast of Manila and has a population of about 140,000. Officials said the number of dead and injured could increase as the recovery efforts continue."
Comment: That was a big one, but it could have been much worse if it hit the capital or other highly populated area.
Persecution
Report: China arrests four Christian missionaries near North Korea border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities recently arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border, but reasons for their arrest were not provided. A local resident in Yanji, a city in the Yanbian region of Jilin Province, said the arrests were made at a hotel in the town on Thursday, Radio Free Asia reported. All four missionaries appear to be of Korean descent, but carried different passports."
China expels dozens of South Korean missionaries - FT
The Financial Times reports: "Dozens of South Korean missionaries have been expelled from China following a raid on residences and farmhouses in the country’s impoverished north-east, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on Christianity. [...] There are thought to be about 100m Christians in China — more than the 86.7m-strong membership of the ruling Communist party. If the religion continues to spread at its current pace, China is likely to be home to the world’s largest Christian population within the next 15 years."
Comment: While not discounting the danger faced by these missionaries, this Chinese action seems to be directed more at South Korea that at Christians in particular. Christians in China would do well to remember Romans 13 and respect national authorities.
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities recently arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border, but reasons for their arrest were not provided. A local resident in Yanji, a city in the Yanbian region of Jilin Province, said the arrests were made at a hotel in the town on Thursday, Radio Free Asia reported. All four missionaries appear to be of Korean descent, but carried different passports."
China expels dozens of South Korean missionaries - FT
The Financial Times reports: "Dozens of South Korean missionaries have been expelled from China following a raid on residences and farmhouses in the country’s impoverished north-east, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on Christianity. [...] There are thought to be about 100m Christians in China — more than the 86.7m-strong membership of the ruling Communist party. If the religion continues to spread at its current pace, China is likely to be home to the world’s largest Christian population within the next 15 years."
Comment: While not discounting the danger faced by these missionaries, this Chinese action seems to be directed more at South Korea that at Christians in particular. Christians in China would do well to remember Romans 13 and respect national authorities.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Signs in the Moon - Signs in the Stars
Friday night: See lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Rest up backyard astronomers, Friday's night sky will feature a full slate of astronomical events: a penumbral lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon. The moon will cross into Earth's shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST and re-emerge at 9:55 p.m. EST. It will be visible everywhere on Earth except Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and East Asian nations bordering the Pacific. [...] The astronomical magic will continue in the predawn hours of Saturday morning, when Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova makes its closest approach to Earth. The green comet won't be visible with the naked eye, but can be spotted using binoculars or a small telescope."
Comment: I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sky show.
UPI reports: "Rest up backyard astronomers, Friday's night sky will feature a full slate of astronomical events: a penumbral lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon. The moon will cross into Earth's shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST and re-emerge at 9:55 p.m. EST. It will be visible everywhere on Earth except Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and East Asian nations bordering the Pacific. [...] The astronomical magic will continue in the predawn hours of Saturday morning, when Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova makes its closest approach to Earth. The green comet won't be visible with the naked eye, but can be spotted using binoculars or a small telescope."
Comment: I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sky show.
Thursday, February 09, 2017
War
Al-Qaida veteran Abu Hani al-Masri killed in airstrike, Pentagon says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A veteran al-Qaida member with ties to Osama bin Laden died in a U.S. airstrike near Idlib, Syria, the Pentagon reported. Defense Department spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis described Abu Hani al-Masri as a 'legacy al-Qaida terrorist' with links to bin Laden and current al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Al-Masri was among 10 people killed Feb. 3 when an airstrike hit a building used as a meeting place, Davis' statement said Tuesday."
UPI reports: "A veteran al-Qaida member with ties to Osama bin Laden died in a U.S. airstrike near Idlib, Syria, the Pentagon reported. Defense Department spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis described Abu Hani al-Masri as a 'legacy al-Qaida terrorist' with links to bin Laden and current al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Al-Masri was among 10 people killed Feb. 3 when an airstrike hit a building used as a meeting place, Davis' statement said Tuesday."
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Jerusalem Peace & Security
Palestinian groups challenge Israel's West Bank settlement law - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Palestinian groups said Wednesday they will challenge a new law authorizing the seizure of West Bank territory to build settlements in Israel's courts. The Israeli Knesset passed the Settlements Bill on Monday. The legislation allows the construction of 4,000 new homes for Israelis on privately owned Palestinian property in the West Bank, with compensation to the landowners. It also retroactively legalizes 50 outposts already built in the West Bank. The bill allows seizure of Palestinian territory for the construction of Israeli settlements, a breach of international law."
Comment: This is a slow moving storm, but a storm nonetheless.
UPI reports: "Palestinian groups said Wednesday they will challenge a new law authorizing the seizure of West Bank territory to build settlements in Israel's courts. The Israeli Knesset passed the Settlements Bill on Monday. The legislation allows the construction of 4,000 new homes for Israelis on privately owned Palestinian property in the West Bank, with compensation to the landowners. It also retroactively legalizes 50 outposts already built in the West Bank. The bill allows seizure of Palestinian territory for the construction of Israeli settlements, a breach of international law."
Comment: This is a slow moving storm, but a storm nonetheless.
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Jerusalem Peace & Security
Yahoo News - Israel settler law angers world powers, but US silent
Yahoo News reports: "Israel faced mounting international criticism Tuesday over a new law allowing the appropriation of private Palestinian land for Jewish settler outposts, but the United States remained notably silent. The United Nations, Britain, France and Israel's neighbour Jordan were among those coming out against the legislation passed in parliament late Monday. [...] The law legalises dozens of wildcat outposts and thousands of settler homes in the occupied West Bank, and prompted a Palestinian call for the international community to punish Israel."
Demolition of Jewish outpost at Amona, West Bank begins - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's Defense Ministry began the demolition of the West Bank outpost of Amona, four days after police evacuated 42 families. The razing of the community Monday came after years of legal dispute. The Israeli Supreme Court determined the Israelis illegally constructed on proven in court to be owned by Palestinians. It was one of dozens of Jewish outposts in the West Bank. "
Comment: Israel continues to build in Israel. Cue the outrage. Note, however, the second report that reveals that Israel is removing illegal settlements at the same time. I wonder which development will get covered more in the international news media?
Yahoo News reports: "Israel faced mounting international criticism Tuesday over a new law allowing the appropriation of private Palestinian land for Jewish settler outposts, but the United States remained notably silent. The United Nations, Britain, France and Israel's neighbour Jordan were among those coming out against the legislation passed in parliament late Monday. [...] The law legalises dozens of wildcat outposts and thousands of settler homes in the occupied West Bank, and prompted a Palestinian call for the international community to punish Israel."
Demolition of Jewish outpost at Amona, West Bank begins - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's Defense Ministry began the demolition of the West Bank outpost of Amona, four days after police evacuated 42 families. The razing of the community Monday came after years of legal dispute. The Israeli Supreme Court determined the Israelis illegally constructed on proven in court to be owned by Palestinians. It was one of dozens of Jewish outposts in the West Bank. "
Comment: Israel continues to build in Israel. Cue the outrage. Note, however, the second report that reveals that Israel is removing illegal settlements at the same time. I wonder which development will get covered more in the international news media?
Monday, February 06, 2017
Signs in the Heavens
Meteor lights up sky over Midwest - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Several hundred people reported a glowing meteor over the Chicago area early Monday, seen in at least six states, meteorologists said. The blue-green fireball, traveling southwest to northeast, was sighted at around 1:30 a.m. The American Meteor Society, which monitors such events, reported 185 calls about it. [...] Several police and civilian dashboard cameras, as well a camera atop the University of Wisconsin's Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences building in Madison, captured video footage of the meteor traveling across the sky and then burning out."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a good meteor sighting.
UPI reports: "Several hundred people reported a glowing meteor over the Chicago area early Monday, seen in at least six states, meteorologists said. The blue-green fireball, traveling southwest to northeast, was sighted at around 1:30 a.m. The American Meteor Society, which monitors such events, reported 185 calls about it. [...] Several police and civilian dashboard cameras, as well a camera atop the University of Wisconsin's Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences building in Madison, captured video footage of the meteor traveling across the sky and then burning out."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a good meteor sighting.
Friday, February 03, 2017
Pestilence
New Zika vaccine candidate provides powerful protection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A single dose of an experimental Zika vaccine protected mice and monkeys from the virus, researchers report. Following Zika virus outbreaks in Latin America and some parts of the southern United States, scientists have been trying to develop a vaccine against the virus. Several vaccines have been tested in animals, but this is the first one to show strong and long-lasting protection without the use of a live virus, the researchers said."
Comment: That's great news, wishing them much success with the clinical trials.
UPI reports: "A single dose of an experimental Zika vaccine protected mice and monkeys from the virus, researchers report. Following Zika virus outbreaks in Latin America and some parts of the southern United States, scientists have been trying to develop a vaccine against the virus. Several vaccines have been tested in animals, but this is the first one to show strong and long-lasting protection without the use of a live virus, the researchers said."
Comment: That's great news, wishing them much success with the clinical trials.
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran hits back after U.S. adds more sanctions for missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's administration imposed new economic sanctions against Iran on Friday - punishment for a ballistic missile test this week that many consider a violation of a U.N. security resolution. [...] Iran's missile test doesn't violate the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and Western powers, but critics say it violates U.N. Resolution 2231, which was passed a few days after the historic pact."
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's administration imposed new economic sanctions against Iran on Friday - punishment for a ballistic missile test this week that many consider a violation of a U.N. security resolution. [...] Iran's missile test doesn't violate the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and Western powers, but critics say it violates U.N. Resolution 2231, which was passed a few days after the historic pact."
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran confirms ballistic missile test launch - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran confirmed Wednesday it conducted a ballistic missile test launch, and rejected criticism of the launch from Israel and the United States. [...] U.S. officials said the test launch occurred Sunday near Semnan, Iran, 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded. The launch was seen by Israel and the United States as a violation of a United Nations resolution, passed in 2016 after the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, plus the EU, prohibiting Iranian missile tests for eight years."
Comment: I think most observers realize that there are few reasons for a country to have ballistic missiles. They could well be planning to boost their space program, launch satellites and maybe go to the Moon. All worthy goals. Or they want to launch nuclear missiles.
UPI reports: "Iran confirmed Wednesday it conducted a ballistic missile test launch, and rejected criticism of the launch from Israel and the United States. [...] U.S. officials said the test launch occurred Sunday near Semnan, Iran, 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded. The launch was seen by Israel and the United States as a violation of a United Nations resolution, passed in 2016 after the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, plus the EU, prohibiting Iranian missile tests for eight years."
Comment: I think most observers realize that there are few reasons for a country to have ballistic missiles. They could well be planning to boost their space program, launch satellites and maybe go to the Moon. All worthy goals. Or they want to launch nuclear missiles.
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