'Cowardly act of terror': Truck driver kills 8 on bike path - AP
AP reports: "A man in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a
busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial on Tuesday, killing
at least eight and seriously injuring 11 in what the mayor called 'a
particularly cowardly act of terror.'
The driver was shot in the abdomen by police after jumping out of the
truck with what turned out to be a fake gun in each hand and shouting
what witnesses said was 'Allahu Akbar,' Arabic for 'God is great,' authorities said. [...] New York and other cities around the globe have
been on high alert against attacks by extremists in vehicles. The
Islamic State group has been exhorting its followers to mow down people,
and England, France and Germany have seen deadly vehicle attacks in the
past year or so.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it a 'lone wolf' attack and said there
was no evidence to suggest it was part of a wider plot."
Comment: Apparently in the confusion of scanning the news headlines on Tuesday night I prepared this post but saved it as a draft instead of posting it. I'm posting it now so it will go in the right space in the timeline of posts. [11/2/17]
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Persecution
Egypt diocese says 3 churches closed over attack fears - AP
AP reports: "Egyptian authorities have shuttered three Coptic Christian churches in a southern province over fears of attacks by Muslim extremists, religious officials said Monday. Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of more than 100 million, have long complained of discrimination in the Muslim-majority nation, and say authorities have often failed to protect them from sectarian attacks. The Minya Coptic Orthodox Diocese said authorities sealed off two churches in the southern province, citing harassment and attacks by extremists. A third was closed due to fear of attacks. [...]clashes broke out Friday when ultraconservative Muslims tried to attack one of the churches, adding that a Coptic woman was wounded. Later that day, the mob attacked Christian homes, the statement said."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and faithful perseverance of the persecuted church in Egypt. Do you think the Muslim people in Egypt understand that Islam is an imported religion that has nothing to do with Egypt but Jesus, the founder of the Christian religion, actually lived in Egypt when he was a child? I think this idea should be made known to the people of Egypt.
AP reports: "Egyptian authorities have shuttered three Coptic Christian churches in a southern province over fears of attacks by Muslim extremists, religious officials said Monday. Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of more than 100 million, have long complained of discrimination in the Muslim-majority nation, and say authorities have often failed to protect them from sectarian attacks. The Minya Coptic Orthodox Diocese said authorities sealed off two churches in the southern province, citing harassment and attacks by extremists. A third was closed due to fear of attacks. [...]clashes broke out Friday when ultraconservative Muslims tried to attack one of the churches, adding that a Coptic woman was wounded. Later that day, the mob attacked Christian homes, the statement said."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and faithful perseverance of the persecuted church in Egypt. Do you think the Muslim people in Egypt understand that Islam is an imported religion that has nothing to do with Egypt but Jesus, the founder of the Christian religion, actually lived in Egypt when he was a child? I think this idea should be made known to the people of Egypt.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Rumor of War - King of the North
Vladimir Putin launches 4 ballistic missiles in Russia military drill - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin himself test fired several nuclear-capable ballistic missiles during military training exercises, Moscow's government said. The training exercises by the Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces late Thursday included tests of land, air and submarine-based missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said. [...] Three missiles were fired from submarines and one was fired from a ground station at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, north of Moscow. [...] The ground-fired missile struck a practice range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia, after traveling nearly the length of the entire country."
Comment: Practice makes perfect. I wonder when it will be time to officially acknowledge that the world is once again in a nuclear arms race?
Question: I was recently told by a friend in another country that the links to UPI do not open in that country. Since UPI stands for United Press International - it has international in the name - it never occurred to me that these links were only active for U.S. users. I would like to invite comment and feedback from any site visitors outside the U.S., can you confirm that you are not able to open links to the UPI news service? Thank you.
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin himself test fired several nuclear-capable ballistic missiles during military training exercises, Moscow's government said. The training exercises by the Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces late Thursday included tests of land, air and submarine-based missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said. [...] Three missiles were fired from submarines and one was fired from a ground station at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, north of Moscow. [...] The ground-fired missile struck a practice range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia, after traveling nearly the length of the entire country."
Comment: Practice makes perfect. I wonder when it will be time to officially acknowledge that the world is once again in a nuclear arms race?
Question: I was recently told by a friend in another country that the links to UPI do not open in that country. Since UPI stands for United Press International - it has international in the name - it never occurred to me that these links were only active for U.S. users. I would like to invite comment and feedback from any site visitors outside the U.S., can you confirm that you are not able to open links to the UPI news service? Thank you.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Rumors of War
Pentagon chief accuses NKorea of threatening 'catastrophe' - AP
The AP reports: "U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea on Friday of building a nuclear arsenal to “threaten others with catastrophe” and said the Trump administration remains committed to compelling the North to accept complete nuclear disarmament. Calling the North a threat to global order, Mattis stood inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas and pledged solidarity with the South. [...] Mattis is emphasizing the Trump administration’s push for a diplomatic solution to the problem. But he also has said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if the North does not halt its development of missiles that could strike the entirety of the United States, potentially with a nuclear warhead."
Comment: I can't help but wonder what further diplomatic efforts they might have in mind?
The AP reports: "U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea on Friday of building a nuclear arsenal to “threaten others with catastrophe” and said the Trump administration remains committed to compelling the North to accept complete nuclear disarmament. Calling the North a threat to global order, Mattis stood inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas and pledged solidarity with the South. [...] Mattis is emphasizing the Trump administration’s push for a diplomatic solution to the problem. But he also has said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if the North does not halt its development of missiles that could strike the entirety of the United States, potentially with a nuclear warhead."
Comment: I can't help but wonder what further diplomatic efforts they might have in mind?
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Persecution
Most of world lacks real religious freedom, UN official says
The AP reports: "Three-quarters of the world’s people live in countries that either restrict the right to religion or belief or have “a high level of social hostility involving religion or belief,” the U.N. special investigator on religious rights said Tuesday. Ahmed Shaheed told the General Assembly’s human rights committee that religious intolerance is prevalent globally — and rising around the world. He said over 70 countries currently have anti-blasphemy laws that can be used to suppress dissenting views, in violation of international human rights standards. Shaheed, a former politician and human rights expert from the Maldives, urged those countries to repeal the blasphemy laws. He also called for the repeal of all laws that undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief — or discriminate against that right."
Comment: Did you know there are no churches in Saudi Arabia? None. If you moved there and decided that you might like to have Sunday services for your particular Christian denomination at a local community center, that would be illegal. You would get into a great deal of trouble. It makes sense though, because Saudi Arabia is officially a Muslim country and was never intended to be an open and pluralist society. It says so on the brochure.
The AP reports: "Three-quarters of the world’s people live in countries that either restrict the right to religion or belief or have “a high level of social hostility involving religion or belief,” the U.N. special investigator on religious rights said Tuesday. Ahmed Shaheed told the General Assembly’s human rights committee that religious intolerance is prevalent globally — and rising around the world. He said over 70 countries currently have anti-blasphemy laws that can be used to suppress dissenting views, in violation of international human rights standards. Shaheed, a former politician and human rights expert from the Maldives, urged those countries to repeal the blasphemy laws. He also called for the repeal of all laws that undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief — or discriminate against that right."
Comment: Did you know there are no churches in Saudi Arabia? None. If you moved there and decided that you might like to have Sunday services for your particular Christian denomination at a local community center, that would be illegal. You would get into a great deal of trouble. It makes sense though, because Saudi Arabia is officially a Muslim country and was never intended to be an open and pluralist society. It says so on the brochure.
Friday, October 20, 2017
War
U.S.-backed forces celebrate liberation of Raqqa, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S.-backed coalition fighting militants in Syria formally announced Friday that the city of Raqqa - the onetime capital of the Islamic State in the country - has been entirely liberated. [...] Earlier this week the SDF declared its major military operations in Raqqa had concluded, though pockets of resistance remained in the city nearly destroyed by aerial bombardment."
Comment: This is a milestone in the war, to be sure, but is it a turning point? There is a chance that Islamic State will relocate to Yemen or any one of a number of lawless failed states in Africa and regroup. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "The U.S.-backed coalition fighting militants in Syria formally announced Friday that the city of Raqqa - the onetime capital of the Islamic State in the country - has been entirely liberated. [...] Earlier this week the SDF declared its major military operations in Raqqa had concluded, though pockets of resistance remained in the city nearly destroyed by aerial bombardment."
Comment: This is a milestone in the war, to be sure, but is it a turning point? There is a chance that Islamic State will relocate to Yemen or any one of a number of lawless failed states in Africa and regroup. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Pestilence
Is a dangerous bird flu on the horizon? - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists have found new evidence that the H7N9 bird flu, currently confined to China, has the potential for a widespread outbreak. Public health experts have long been tracking the bird flu strain, which emerged in humans in 2013. Since then, nearly 1,600 cases have been confirmed in China -- with a death rate of about 40 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [...] influenza viruses constantly mutate, and it's possible for a strain to become more virulent, more resistant to drugs or more easily transmissible."
UPI reports: "Scientists have found new evidence that the H7N9 bird flu, currently confined to China, has the potential for a widespread outbreak. Public health experts have long been tracking the bird flu strain, which emerged in humans in 2013. Since then, nearly 1,600 cases have been confirmed in China -- with a death rate of about 40 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [...] influenza viruses constantly mutate, and it's possible for a strain to become more virulent, more resistant to drugs or more easily transmissible."
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Persecution
Nigerian militants kidnap four believed to be British missionaries - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Nigerian police said suspected militants kidnapped four people believed to be British missionaries in the country's southern Delta state. Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said officials believe militant group Karowei are behind the kidnapping, which took place Friday. A local police chief told BBC News that the victims had been providing medical aid and preaching in Nigeria for up to 10 years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and quick release of these abducted missionaries.
UPI reports: "Nigerian police said suspected militants kidnapped four people believed to be British missionaries in the country's southern Delta state. Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said officials believe militant group Karowei are behind the kidnapping, which took place Friday. A local police chief told BBC News that the victims had been providing medical aid and preaching in Nigeria for up to 10 years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and quick release of these abducted missionaries.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
War
Islamic State defeated in Raqqa after four-month siege - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday it has cleared Raqqa, the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital, of all militant fighters -- ending a fight that began early this summer. The Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed rebel force, said the four-month fight in the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital ended Tuesday -- with about 300 remaining militant holdouts confined to a narrow section of the city. [...] The Islamic State lost Mosul, its largest city in Iraq, three months ago -- and now controls only a small strip of Syrian territory in the Euphrates Valley, south of the city of Deir Ezzor."
Experts: Islamic State 'death spiral' most dangerous part of fight for U.S. coalition - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Experts on the Middle East, terrorism and the Islamic State say that while the terrorist organization is in a "death spiral," the U.S.-led coalition battling the group is likely entering its most dangerous phase. The early signs of victory are beginning to circulate as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, drive IS out of its proclaimed capital of Raqqa, Syria. [...] The battle of Raqqa comes more than two months since the bloody, nine-month campaign to liberate Mosul, Iraq, from IS militants. [...] Several other experts told UPI they fear Yemen will be the main area of interest as IS attempts to regroup and exert influence."
Comment: This was an historic day in the fight against the Islamic State. The capital of their so-called caliphate, Raqqa, has been liberated. The war is not over, of course, and it's always possible that they could regroup, but we should take this moment to appreciate the victory and those who lost their lives making it happen.
UPI reports: "The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday it has cleared Raqqa, the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital, of all militant fighters -- ending a fight that began early this summer. The Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed rebel force, said the four-month fight in the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital ended Tuesday -- with about 300 remaining militant holdouts confined to a narrow section of the city. [...] The Islamic State lost Mosul, its largest city in Iraq, three months ago -- and now controls only a small strip of Syrian territory in the Euphrates Valley, south of the city of Deir Ezzor."
Experts: Islamic State 'death spiral' most dangerous part of fight for U.S. coalition - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Experts on the Middle East, terrorism and the Islamic State say that while the terrorist organization is in a "death spiral," the U.S.-led coalition battling the group is likely entering its most dangerous phase. The early signs of victory are beginning to circulate as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, drive IS out of its proclaimed capital of Raqqa, Syria. [...] The battle of Raqqa comes more than two months since the bloody, nine-month campaign to liberate Mosul, Iraq, from IS militants. [...] Several other experts told UPI they fear Yemen will be the main area of interest as IS attempts to regroup and exert influence."
Comment: This was an historic day in the fight against the Islamic State. The capital of their so-called caliphate, Raqqa, has been liberated. The war is not over, of course, and it's always possible that they could regroup, but we should take this moment to appreciate the victory and those who lost their lives making it happen.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
NATO conducts annual nuclear defense drill in Western Europe - UPI.com
UPI reports: "NATO countries on Monday kicked off its annual nuclear drill at two bases in Western Europe -- part of a three-week event to test defenses. Military leaders conducted the nuclear defense drill, called 'Steadfast Noon,' at Kleine Brogel in Belgium and Buchel in Germany -- two bases where the U.S. military stores nuclear weapons. Details of the exercise were not made public but NATO officials privately said it was the military alliance's primary nuclear deterrent drill. [...] Russia conducted similar military exercises last month on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, which included a nuclear deterrent drill and the firing of a ballistic missile."
Comment: It never hurts to be prepared for the worst.
UPI reports: "NATO countries on Monday kicked off its annual nuclear drill at two bases in Western Europe -- part of a three-week event to test defenses. Military leaders conducted the nuclear defense drill, called 'Steadfast Noon,' at Kleine Brogel in Belgium and Buchel in Germany -- two bases where the U.S. military stores nuclear weapons. Details of the exercise were not made public but NATO officials privately said it was the military alliance's primary nuclear deterrent drill. [...] Russia conducted similar military exercises last month on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, which included a nuclear deterrent drill and the firing of a ballistic missile."
Comment: It never hurts to be prepared for the worst.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
War - Gog Alliance
Turkish troops set up observation posts in Syria's Idlib province - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkish forces on Friday began crossing into Syria's Idlib province in order to monitor de-escalation zones, the Turkish military said. The troop movement is part of a joint mission between Turkey, Russia and Iran to observe de-escalation zones and remove a stronghold of former al-Qaida militants from the area. The three countries agreed in May to be guarantors of a cease-fire to help end the six-year civil war in Syria. Turkey backs groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia and Iran support the leader."
Comment: We can't overestimate the bonds that are formed at all levels when countries wage war together. Turkey, Russia and Iran are working together in Syria and this means that links are being forged at the top level of head of state all the way down to the infantry. I have no doubt that the foundations of the Gog alliance are being formed now and will only strengthen with time.
UPI reports: "Turkish forces on Friday began crossing into Syria's Idlib province in order to monitor de-escalation zones, the Turkish military said. The troop movement is part of a joint mission between Turkey, Russia and Iran to observe de-escalation zones and remove a stronghold of former al-Qaida militants from the area. The three countries agreed in May to be guarantors of a cease-fire to help end the six-year civil war in Syria. Turkey backs groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia and Iran support the leader."
Comment: We can't overestimate the bonds that are formed at all levels when countries wage war together. Turkey, Russia and Iran are working together in Syria and this means that links are being forged at the top level of head of state all the way down to the infantry. I have no doubt that the foundations of the Gog alliance are being formed now and will only strengthen with time.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Donald Trump imposing new sanctions on Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Friday he won't certify that Iran is complying with the terms of a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, and instead announced new sanctions against the regime in Tehran. [...] Though he said the United States is not unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump emphasized concern about Iran's ability to "sprint" toward nuclear proliferation when certain aspects of the deal "sunset," or expire. He also cited western powers' inability to quickly inspect sites in Iran."
Comment: Ok, so now the ball is in Iran's court, how will they react? They could interpret this action as merely bluster from Trump and understand that it really changes nothing. The U.S. has not withdrawn from the nuclear deal.
On the other hand, hard-line forces within the Iranian government and military may have just found the reason they needed to withdraw from the deal, blame Trump, and go nuclear as quickly as they can. After all, Trump did just impose new sanctions, a move not likely to be interpreted as business as usual in the context of the deal.
The stakes are very high now, let's watch carefully to see if this moves the Mideast closer or further away from a regional war.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Friday he won't certify that Iran is complying with the terms of a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, and instead announced new sanctions against the regime in Tehran. [...] Though he said the United States is not unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump emphasized concern about Iran's ability to "sprint" toward nuclear proliferation when certain aspects of the deal "sunset," or expire. He also cited western powers' inability to quickly inspect sites in Iran."
Comment: Ok, so now the ball is in Iran's court, how will they react? They could interpret this action as merely bluster from Trump and understand that it really changes nothing. The U.S. has not withdrawn from the nuclear deal.
On the other hand, hard-line forces within the Iranian government and military may have just found the reason they needed to withdraw from the deal, blame Trump, and go nuclear as quickly as they can. After all, Trump did just impose new sanctions, a move not likely to be interpreted as business as usual in the context of the deal.
The stakes are very high now, let's watch carefully to see if this moves the Mideast closer or further away from a regional war.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Covenant With Many - Peace of Jerusalem
Hamas, Fatah reach deal on Palestinian reconciliation - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Rival Islamic factions Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the West Bank's Fatah agreed Thursday to a reconciliation deal allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume control of both areas. Palestinians in each area have been ruled separately since 2007, when a split developed between the two Islamic groups. [...] The presence of the Palestinian Authority is a key element in convincing Egypt and Israel to lift economic blockades of Gaza, Haaretz reported."
Comment: After all the celebrating is over I'm wondering if Hamas will radicalize Fatah or if Fatah will moderate Hamas? There is also the possibility that both will retain their distinct identities (and sponsors) and that this is all for show so they can get Egypt and Israel to lift the blockade. Time will tell. One thing is certain, a united front by the Palestinians puts increased pressure on Israel to return to negotiations and as we know, for most of the world, "negotiations" means what more Israel can give.
UPI reports: "Rival Islamic factions Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the West Bank's Fatah agreed Thursday to a reconciliation deal allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume control of both areas. Palestinians in each area have been ruled separately since 2007, when a split developed between the two Islamic groups. [...] The presence of the Palestinian Authority is a key element in convincing Egypt and Israel to lift economic blockades of Gaza, Haaretz reported."
Comment: After all the celebrating is over I'm wondering if Hamas will radicalize Fatah or if Fatah will moderate Hamas? There is also the possibility that both will retain their distinct identities (and sponsors) and that this is all for show so they can get Egypt and Israel to lift the blockade. Time will tell. One thing is certain, a united front by the Palestinians puts increased pressure on Israel to return to negotiations and as we know, for most of the world, "negotiations" means what more Israel can give.
Persecution
Egyptian Coptic priest killed in Cairo attack - AP
AP reports: "Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church says a priest has been killed in a knife attack in a poor Cairo district, the latest deadly assault on members of the country’s Christian minority. [...] Attacks on Egypt’s Christians, who account for about 10 percent of the country’s 94 million people, have surged in recent months, with a series of suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group killing more than 100 since December."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
AP reports: "Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church says a priest has been killed in a knife attack in a poor Cairo district, the latest deadly assault on members of the country’s Christian minority. [...] Attacks on Egypt’s Christians, who account for about 10 percent of the country’s 94 million people, have surged in recent months, with a series of suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group killing more than 100 since December."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Rumors of War
USS Tucson, supersonic bomber deployed to South Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Los Angeles-class attack submarine made a stop in the South Korean port of Jinhae, the U.S. Navy and South Korean officials confirmed Wednesday. The USS Tucson, based in Hawaii, is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, Stars and Stripes reported. [...] The submarine deployment to Korea occurred around the same time the United States deployed a B-1B bomber, with two F-15K fighter jets, to the peninsula for joint drills, South Korean news service Money Today reported Wednesday."
Trump Wanted Tenfold Increase in Nuclear Arsenal, Surprising Military - NBC News
NBC News reports: "President Donald Trump said he wanted what amounted to a nearly tenfold increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal during a gathering this past summer of the nation’s highest-ranking national security leaders, according to three officials who were in the room. [...] Revelations of Trump’s comments that day come as the U.S. is locked in a high-stakes standoff with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and is poised to set off a fresh confrontation with Iran by not certifying to Congress that Tehran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal."
Trump expected to decertify Iran nuclear deal Friday- CNBC
CNBC reports: "President Donald Trump's decision on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal could come on Friday, and experts say the "writing is on the wall" that the administration won't recertify the landmark agreement and he likely will turn his attention to getting European support on fixing it. [...] some experts told CNBC that decertification will undermine the international deal and encourage hardliners in Tehran to push for nuclear weapons. Also, they said nixing certification of the Iran deal and trying to renegotiate it will discourage North Korea from ever considering a denuclearization accord."
U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan in September - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan during the month of September, the highest number in five years, according to data recently released by U.S. Air Forces Central Command. [...] So far this year, the U.S. has deployed 3,238 bombs in Afghanistan."
Comment: The American military buildup continues are Trump seeks to confront North Korea and Iran....at the same time? It seems to me that a wise leader would pick his battles. If Iran is at all limited by the nuclear arms deal (and it is) then it would be best to accept that as the status quo while attention is focused on North Korea. I don't know of any military leader who would recommend military engagement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and North Korea all at the same time. These are dangerous times my friends.
UPI reports: "A Los Angeles-class attack submarine made a stop in the South Korean port of Jinhae, the U.S. Navy and South Korean officials confirmed Wednesday. The USS Tucson, based in Hawaii, is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, Stars and Stripes reported. [...] The submarine deployment to Korea occurred around the same time the United States deployed a B-1B bomber, with two F-15K fighter jets, to the peninsula for joint drills, South Korean news service Money Today reported Wednesday."
Trump Wanted Tenfold Increase in Nuclear Arsenal, Surprising Military - NBC News
NBC News reports: "President Donald Trump said he wanted what amounted to a nearly tenfold increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal during a gathering this past summer of the nation’s highest-ranking national security leaders, according to three officials who were in the room. [...] Revelations of Trump’s comments that day come as the U.S. is locked in a high-stakes standoff with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and is poised to set off a fresh confrontation with Iran by not certifying to Congress that Tehran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal."
Trump expected to decertify Iran nuclear deal Friday- CNBC
CNBC reports: "President Donald Trump's decision on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal could come on Friday, and experts say the "writing is on the wall" that the administration won't recertify the landmark agreement and he likely will turn his attention to getting European support on fixing it. [...] some experts told CNBC that decertification will undermine the international deal and encourage hardliners in Tehran to push for nuclear weapons. Also, they said nixing certification of the Iran deal and trying to renegotiate it will discourage North Korea from ever considering a denuclearization accord."
U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan in September - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan during the month of September, the highest number in five years, according to data recently released by U.S. Air Forces Central Command. [...] So far this year, the U.S. has deployed 3,238 bombs in Afghanistan."
Comment: The American military buildup continues are Trump seeks to confront North Korea and Iran....at the same time? It seems to me that a wise leader would pick his battles. If Iran is at all limited by the nuclear arms deal (and it is) then it would be best to accept that as the status quo while attention is focused on North Korea. I don't know of any military leader who would recommend military engagement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and North Korea all at the same time. These are dangerous times my friends.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Earthquakes
6.3 magnitude earthquake hits northern Chile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Chile early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The quake had a depth of 51 miles and its epicenter in Tarapaca was 45 miles east of the port city of Arica, and 54 miles southeast of the Peruvian city of Tacna, the USGS said. Analysts said preliminary data indicates the quake to be a typical subduction earthquake, meaning the seismic event was probably triggered by a portion of the Pacific plate sliding under the South American plate."
Comment: This seems to be pretty average for a strong quake, just the Ring of Fire being the Ring of Fire.
UPI reports: "A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Chile early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The quake had a depth of 51 miles and its epicenter in Tarapaca was 45 miles east of the port city of Arica, and 54 miles southeast of the Peruvian city of Tacna, the USGS said. Analysts said preliminary data indicates the quake to be a typical subduction earthquake, meaning the seismic event was probably triggered by a portion of the Pacific plate sliding under the South American plate."
Comment: This seems to be pretty average for a strong quake, just the Ring of Fire being the Ring of Fire.
Monday, October 09, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran official: New U.S. sanctions would bring 'harsh' response - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An Iran foreign ministry official said Monday Tehran would respond in a "harsh" and "decisive" manner to any new sanctions from the United States -- or if Washington designates Iran's security force as a terrorist organization. The Trump administration is reportedly considering decertifying Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact next week, at which time Congress could impose sanctions."
Comment: If we accept that Iran is waging a proxy war with Saudi Arabia for control of the Arab and Muslim world we might be able to come up with some kind of regional strategy with like-minded allies (including Israel). A cooperative effort that goes beyond merely calling the Obama-era nuclear pact a "bad deal" might be a more productive strategy.
UPI reports: "An Iran foreign ministry official said Monday Tehran would respond in a "harsh" and "decisive" manner to any new sanctions from the United States -- or if Washington designates Iran's security force as a terrorist organization. The Trump administration is reportedly considering decertifying Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact next week, at which time Congress could impose sanctions."
Comment: If we accept that Iran is waging a proxy war with Saudi Arabia for control of the Arab and Muslim world we might be able to come up with some kind of regional strategy with like-minded allies (including Israel). A cooperative effort that goes beyond merely calling the Obama-era nuclear pact a "bad deal" might be a more productive strategy.
Saturday, October 07, 2017
Pestilence
WHO acting to contain Madagascar plague outbreak - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization issued a warning about a worrisome outbreak of plague on the African island of Madagascar that has caused 200 infections and 33 deaths since September. [...] The outbreak is similar in some respects to the deadly Ebola outbreak that ravaged parts of west Africa in 2014. Similar to Madagascar's outbreak, a single individual infected in an isolated area traveled to a population center, sparking a deadly outbreak."
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization issued a warning about a worrisome outbreak of plague on the African island of Madagascar that has caused 200 infections and 33 deaths since September. [...] The outbreak is similar in some respects to the deadly Ebola outbreak that ravaged parts of west Africa in 2014. Similar to Madagascar's outbreak, a single individual infected in an isolated area traveled to a population center, sparking a deadly outbreak."
Friday, October 06, 2017
Signs in the Sun
Scientists propose space shield to protect Earth from solar storms - UPI.com
UPI reports: "If governments and their space agencies are serious about protecting Earth from solar storms, one team of researchers argues a giant space shield is the most logical solution.[....] Solar storms -- intense waves of high energy particles flung into space during coronal mass ejection -- aren't so much a threat to life. But they could seriously damage satellites, electric grids, communications systems and a variety of modern technologies."
Comment: They say it's only a matter of time before a 1859-like solar storm happens.
UPI reports: "If governments and their space agencies are serious about protecting Earth from solar storms, one team of researchers argues a giant space shield is the most logical solution.[....] Solar storms -- intense waves of high energy particles flung into space during coronal mass ejection -- aren't so much a threat to life. But they could seriously damage satellites, electric grids, communications systems and a variety of modern technologies."
Comment: They say it's only a matter of time before a 1859-like solar storm happens.
Thursday, October 05, 2017
Rumors of War
Analyst: North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul, Tokyo could kill 2M - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul and Tokyo could claim more than 2 million lives, a U.S. website monitoring Pyongyang said Thursday. The website, 38 North, released the report at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and the U.S. threat of using its military force. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have also traded bellicose rhetoric, stoking fears of an armed clash on the divided peninsula."
Comment: Longtime observers of international affairs are aware that war games and military estimates going back decades have calculated the loss of life in the millions but it's good that this is starting to become widely known. One of the reasons the "military option" has not been seriously considered by previous administrations is that it is almost unthinkable. It would be tantamount to initiating a third world war on purpose, all to depose a tinpot dictator. There are better options. I hope and pray those options are receiving proper consideration.
UPI reports: "A North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul and Tokyo could claim more than 2 million lives, a U.S. website monitoring Pyongyang said Thursday. The website, 38 North, released the report at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and the U.S. threat of using its military force. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have also traded bellicose rhetoric, stoking fears of an armed clash on the divided peninsula."
Comment: Longtime observers of international affairs are aware that war games and military estimates going back decades have calculated the loss of life in the millions but it's good that this is starting to become widely known. One of the reasons the "military option" has not been seriously considered by previous administrations is that it is almost unthinkable. It would be tantamount to initiating a third world war on purpose, all to depose a tinpot dictator. There are better options. I hope and pray those options are receiving proper consideration.
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Pestilence
'Moderate risk' of Madagascar plague outbreak spreading in region: WHO
AFP reports: "The World Health Organization said Tuesday there was a 'moderate risk' that a plague outbreak in Madagascar would spread to other countries in the region, but advised against travel restrictions. The outbreak of both bubonic plague, which is spread by infected rats via flea bites, and pneumonic plague, spread person to person, has infected 133 people, killing 24 of them, since August 1, according to WHO numbers."
Comment: Well, ok then, as long as it's only a moderate risk I won't worry about that. I suppose if we have to have deadly outbreaks it should be confined to islands way off the beaten path far from major ports and tourist destinations.
AFP reports: "The World Health Organization said Tuesday there was a 'moderate risk' that a plague outbreak in Madagascar would spread to other countries in the region, but advised against travel restrictions. The outbreak of both bubonic plague, which is spread by infected rats via flea bites, and pneumonic plague, spread person to person, has infected 133 people, killing 24 of them, since August 1, according to WHO numbers."
Comment: Well, ok then, as long as it's only a moderate risk I won't worry about that. I suppose if we have to have deadly outbreaks it should be confined to islands way off the beaten path far from major ports and tourist destinations.
Monday, October 02, 2017
Covenant With Many - Peace of Jerusalem
Rami Hamdallah visits Gaza to begin reunification with Ramallah - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday visited Gaza for the first time in two years to begin the process of reunifying Hamas-controlled Gaza with leadership in Ramallah. Hamas, a fundamentalist governing body, took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, but last month dissolved and invited the PA to take control."
Comment: So the Palestinian civil war is coming to an end. On the surface it appears that the "political wing" won and the "militant wing" lost. But why would Hamas cave when their Iranian sponsors now have troops just one border away in Syria ready to lend them a hand? I know the Egyptian and Israeli blockade of Gaza was a factor, but they've been dealing with that for years. What I fear is that the political leadership of Fatah is weak (and let's not forget the generational factor, they are the old guard) and out of touch and may find themselves suddenly on that outs. We may find that in a few short weeks Hamas is fully in control of the PA and eager to dictate terms to Israel.
UPI reports: "Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday visited Gaza for the first time in two years to begin the process of reunifying Hamas-controlled Gaza with leadership in Ramallah. Hamas, a fundamentalist governing body, took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, but last month dissolved and invited the PA to take control."
Comment: So the Palestinian civil war is coming to an end. On the surface it appears that the "political wing" won and the "militant wing" lost. But why would Hamas cave when their Iranian sponsors now have troops just one border away in Syria ready to lend them a hand? I know the Egyptian and Israeli blockade of Gaza was a factor, but they've been dealing with that for years. What I fear is that the political leadership of Fatah is weak (and let's not forget the generational factor, they are the old guard) and out of touch and may find themselves suddenly on that outs. We may find that in a few short weeks Hamas is fully in control of the PA and eager to dictate terms to Israel.
Wickedness Increases
58 dead, hundreds hurt at Vegas concert in deadliest mass shooting in U.S. - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than 58 people were killed and hundreds were injured late Sunday at an outdoors country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip -- in what is now the deadliest shooting attack in modern U.S. history. The gunfire began around 10 p.m. on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard during the Route 91 country music festival. Authorities said the shooter fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. [...] The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history, surpassing the 49 killed by a gunman last year at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. [...] A U.S. official told CBS News there were no early signs of any ties to radical Islamic groups or signs of radicalization."
Comment: Such a tragedy. How can we even begin to get a handle on these kinds of things without acknowledging the wickedness in the human heart. It's not guns that did this, not the fault of society or the environment, but one very wicked and depraved heart.
UPI reports: "More than 58 people were killed and hundreds were injured late Sunday at an outdoors country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip -- in what is now the deadliest shooting attack in modern U.S. history. The gunfire began around 10 p.m. on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard during the Route 91 country music festival. Authorities said the shooter fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. [...] The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history, surpassing the 49 killed by a gunman last year at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. [...] A U.S. official told CBS News there were no early signs of any ties to radical Islamic groups or signs of radicalization."
Comment: Such a tragedy. How can we even begin to get a handle on these kinds of things without acknowledging the wickedness in the human heart. It's not guns that did this, not the fault of society or the environment, but one very wicked and depraved heart.
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