Merry Christmas

I'm off for my holiday break and wanted to wish you all a happy and joyous Christmas. I know that the news we link to here is often grim but I'm sure that most of you who visit this site are Christians who understand that beyond the headlines we know that God is sovereign and always in control. We know that this effort to be watchful has a purpose and a focus, and that focus is on Jesus Christ.

We watch the signs of His return, but this season is all about the First Coming and not the Second Coming, so as we turn to our families and friends to celebrate the holidays we offer thanks and praise to God and above all, celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season. I'd like to leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite holiday carols. I like this one because the words share the Good News of salvation.  Merry Christmas!

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
lyrics by Charles Wesley

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

King of the North - Gog Alliance - Doomed Damascus

Putin Welcomes U.S. Withdrawal From Syria as ‘Correct’ - NYT
The New York Times reports: "President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Thursday hailed the decision by President Trump to withdraw United States forces from Syria, calling it “correct” because the American troops were not needed. [...] The decision has been criticized, even among Republicans, as abandoning Kurdish allies in the face of a hostile Turkey and a still dangerous Islamic State, as well as leaving Syria open territory for the geopolitical ambitions of Russia and Iran."

Comment: I will leave it for the partisans in the U.S. to debate if Trump's move is in the best interest of U.S. national security. For our part, I think it's very clear that this move will be in the interests of Russia, Iran and Turkey and a strategic challenge to Israel. For the BP community, anything that boosts the Gog Alliance at the expense of Israel is a significant development and one worth noting.

Persecution

UPI - City in China bans Santa Claus, Christmas items
UPI reports: "You better watch out, you better not cry; you better not pout, I'm telling you why: A ban on Christmas decorations is coming to one town in China, according to multiple press reports. [...] Christmas is not an officially recognized holiday in China, but the holiday is associated with Christianity. The crackdown on Christmas decorations is compatible with government interference in 'unauthorized Christian worship,' according to the Post. [...] Reports of the ban come after dozens of police officers reportedly disrupted a children's Bible class in Guangzhou, a city in southern China, over the weekend. Other authorities in Beijing closed down a 1,500-member church in September."

Comment: Well, what a bunch of Grinches!  I think the Chinese Communist Party is going to get coal in their stockings this year.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

AP - Report: China is driving use of armed drones in Middle East
The AP reports: "The report by the Royal United Services Institute, or RUSI, found that more and more Mideast countries have acquired armed drones, either by importing them, such as Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, or by building them domestically like Israel, Iran and Turkey. China has won sales in the Middle East and elsewhere by offering drones — otherwise known as UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles — at lower prices and without the political conditions attached by the United States."

Comment: This report highlights the growing connection China has to the Middle East and suggests this role as an arms supplier will increase conflict in the region by changing the ways countries deploy air power. The interest in the region by eastern military powers has long been anticipated by the BP community and it is both alarming and exciting to see these links being firmly established and reported on in mainstream news media.

Persecution

North Korea named violator of religious freedom for 17 years - UPI
UPI reports: "The United States has designated North Korea, China, Myanmar, Pakistan and six other countries violators of religious freedom. The U.S. State Department included North Korea on the list of countries that conducted 'severe, ongoing, egregious, systematic violations of religious freedom' for 17 consecutive years, it said on Tuesday. [...] North Korea forbids any religious practices and considers religion a threat to the regime's existence, according to South Korea's unification ministry report on North Korea."

Comment: Please join me in praying for believers living under conditions of persecution and repression. 

Mark of the Beast

Hertz, Clear partner to speed rentals with biometric scans
The AP reports: "Biometric screening is expanding to the rental car industry. Hertz said Tuesday it is teaming up with Clear, the maker of biometric screening kiosks found at many airports, in an effort to slash the time it takes to pick up a rental car. Clear hopes it will lead more travelers to its platform, which has 3 million members in the U.S. It’s the latest place consumers will find biometric technology, which has migrated over the last 50 years from secure government facilities and banks to airports, stadiums and even smartphones that unlock with the touch a fingerprint. Hertz is the first rental car company to use the technology."

Comment: I wonder if saving a small bit of time is worth giving up biometric data to a car rental company? Perhaps frequent flyers would say yes, but I'm betting the vast majority of travelers will balk at that. 

Pestilence

Record count reported for mysterious paralyzing illness
The AP reports: "This year has seen a record number of cases of a mysterious paralyzing illness in children, U.S. health officials said Monday. It’s still not clear what’s causing the kids to lose the ability to move their face, neck, back, arms or legs. The symptoms tend to occur about a week after the children had a fever and respiratory illness. No one has died from the rare disease this year, but it was blamed for one death last year and it may have caused others in the past."

Comment:  What a strange thing. How can parents protect their children if they don't know what is causing this illness?

Wickedness Increases

Ohio woman who idolized Dylann Roof arrested for plotting 'upscale mass murder'
UPI reports: "An Ohio woman who idolized and corresponded with Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof was arrested on domestic terrorism charges, the U.S. Department of Justice said Monday. [...] Lecron frequently posted photographs and comments on social media glorifying mass murderers, including a Tumblr account that was shut down and a subsequent profile titled 'CharlestonChurchMiracle.' At one point she and an associate flew to Denver to visit Columbine High School and she also corresponded with Roof, attempting to send him Nazi literature."

Comment: There are some severely unbalanced people in this world, people consumed with evil thoughts and evil intent. I'm glad and thankful the authorities captured her. 

Covenant With Many - Jerusalem

U.S. resolution condemning Hamas fails at United Nations
UPI reports: "The United Nations failed to pass a U.S. resolution condemning Hamas and other militant groups for their activities against Israel in Gaza. While the majority of the U.N.'s general assembly voted for the resolution Thursday, the United States and outgoing ambassador Nikki Haley were outflanked procedurally, losing a vote beforehand requiring a two-thirds approval for the resolution to pass, instead of a simple majority. In the end, 87 countries voted for the resolution condemning Hamas, 57 voted against and there were 33 abstentions."

Comment: What a burden (or a burdensome stone as Zechariah said) Jerusalem is to the nations. Why can't they let it go? Why is this small little country of Israel always at the top of the international agenda, as if somehow they were a superpower or a strategic competitor? Israel has no oil like Saudi Arabia. Israel is not at the crossroads of East and West like Turkey. Yet the status of Israel is a constant issue among the nations of the entire world. It's a wonder to behold.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 7.5 quake strikes in Pacific near New Caledonia - AP
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake that struck in the southern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday sent jitters around the region after authorities warned of possible tsunamis, but there were no initial reports of destructive waves or major damage. The magnitude 7.5 quake hit in the afternoon near the French territory of New Caledonia at a shallow depth, where earthquakes are generally more damaging. It was felt as far away as Vanuatu, about 630 kilometers (390 miles) away."

Comment: Another very large quake in a sparsely populated area. I think the media should highlight the magnitude but I suppose they only highlight the big quakes with a big body count.

Wickedness Increases - False Christs

Satanic Temple statue joins Illinois Capitol holiday displays - UPI
UPI reports: "A statue created by the Chicago-area Satanic Temple joined the Illinois Capitol's holiday displays this year after the organization sought equal freedom of expression. The display features the arm of a woman holding an apple as a snake coils around her forearm. It's a reference to the biblical story of the snake enticing Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge, sparking what Christians call original sin. It sits next to other symbols marking winter holidays, including a nativity scene for Christmas and a menorah for Hanukkah."

Comment: If our society no longer understands why this is wrong them we really have become morally bankrupt.  Shame.

Rumors of War - King of the North

NATO accuses Russia of breaking nuclear treaty; Mike Pompeo threatens U.S. withdrawal UPI reports: "NATO leaders on Tuesday accused Russia of failing to abide by the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, an agreement U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to withdraw the United States from unless Moscow complies. NATO foreign ministers, who met in Brussels, issued a statement condemning Russia for developing and fielding a missile system, a violation of the INF Treaty of 1987. The treaty banned all land-based cruise missiles with a range of between 310 miles and 3,417 miles."

Comment: You know, there are people who believe that there's never been a safer time to be alive.  It's a nice idea, but if we are on the verge of another nuclear arms race, they may want to rethink that notion.

Rumors of War - Persia

Benjamin Netanyahu to meet with Mike Pompeo as Iran becomes more defiant - UPI
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will fly to Brussels Monday to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss regional developments. It comes as Iran shows new signs of strength and defiance, such as testing ballistic missiles and launching what it calls a radar-evading stealth ship."

Comment: While our media remains firmly focused on serving up a daily helping of fresh outrage it is worth diverting our attention to world affairs in general and events in Iran in particular.  There is cause for concern that the chances of conflict with Iran are higher now that in the recent past.

Earthquakes

7-magnitude earthquake damages buildings, roads near Anchorage - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An earthquake with a preliminary 7-magnitude shook Alaska on Friday, damaging roads and buildings, and disrupting air traffic in and out of the state's largest city, officials said. [...] The temblor cracked walls and caused ceilings to crumble in some buildings. At some stores, products crashed to the floor, creating a mess. [...] The damage caused power outages throughout the city and at least three buildings were set ablaze."

Comment: A 7.0 magnitude quake is a very large quake, thank God there was no loss of life.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia delivers missile systems to Crimea over Ukrainian objections - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Kremlin's plans to deploy a fourth surface-to-air missile battalion in Crimea would endanger all countries in the Black Sea region, a Ukrainian official warned Thursday. Russia's Black Sea Fleet said the air defense missile systems are ready for combat in Crimea near the Ukraine border, Moscow's state-run news agency reported. [...] Moscow forcibly annexed Crimea from Ukraine in a highly controversial move in 2014, which remains a source of tension between the Kremlin and Ukrainian and Western governments."

Comment: When Hitler started his conquests in WWII he began with relatively small countries that had large German-speaking populations. He said he was simply bringing these German-speaking areas back into Germany. Putin used the same excuse when he annexed Crimea from Ukraine, reminding everyone that Crimea had been part of Russia many years ago and a great many Russian-speaking people still live there...just bringing them back into mother Russia. If the Allies had learned the lesson of history then NATO would have immediately challenged this attempt to redraw the borders of Europe by force. Instead, the Western allies imposed economic sanctions on Russia. It does not appear that sanctions are a deterrent to Putin's Russia. We can conclude with absolute certainty that this will not end well. Like other leaders in history bent on conquest, Putin will not stop until he is made to stop.

Pestilence

Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo is second worst in history - UPI
UPI reports: "At least 245 people have died from the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks, the country's health ministry said Thursday, making it the second-deadliest outbreak of the disease in history. [...] WHO said there was a high risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the DRC and other countries. Neighboring Uganda intensified preparedness activities, including vaccinations, in case of an outbreak there."

Comment: Wishing them luck in containing this outbreak. 

Gospel Preached to All Nations

Anthropologist suggests gifts in effort to retrieve body from North Sentinel Island
UPI reports: "An anthropologist who made contact several times with an isolated island tribe accused of killing an American missionary last week suggested the Indian government take gifts to ease the effort of retrieving the man's body from North Sentinel Island. John Allen Chau, 27, ignored Indian law and multiple warnings that the Sentinelese tribe resists outsiders when he paid fishermen to take him to the island in an attempt to convert the islanders to Christianity. The fisherman told Indian authorities the tribespeople shot Chau with arrows as he reached the shore and that they buried his body on the beach."

Comment: This was an unfortunate incident but it's also a great example of how brave missionaries continue to reach the farthest corners of the globe to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. 

Pestilence

Freeze-dried vaccine may help rid world of polio - UPI
UPI reports: "A freeze-dried polio vaccine that could be used in locations without refrigeration might help doctors conquer the disease, researchers report. [...] Polio is a highly infectious disease that's close to being eradicated, with just 22 reported cases worldwide in 2017. But young children are at risk in countries where refrigeration for vaccines may not be widely available."

Comment: This is good news. Let's hope the anti-vaccers don't object to this new twist on a life-saving vaccine. 

Peace and Security of Jerusalem

Leaders warn Australia about possible embassy move to Jerusalem - UPI
UPI reports: "Australia moving its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem would be a shift that could make the country a larger target for terrorists, leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia warned Friday. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison talked about moving the embassy during his recent campaign, though no firm decision has been made on the proposal."

Comment: I support Israel and reject the notion that countries should not support Israel because it only encourages terrorists. What kind of logic is that? Don't do something because it makes the terrorists angry? 

Pestilence

Nigeria cholera deaths spike more than tenfold over 2017 - UPI
UPI  reports: "There have been 1,110 documented cholera deaths in 2018, more than 13 times higher than cholera deaths in the same time period in 2017, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control said Wednesday. [...] Cholera is a bacterial intestinal infection spread by contaminated drinking water or food. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, circulatory collapse and shock, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says."

Comment: The tragedy of cholera is that the disease is easily prevented and easily treated but it requires a certain level of development to do so. As such it is a far better measure of development than commonly used economic indicators like GDP. A country that has cholera outbreaks is not developed, no matter how much oil it may sell. 

Rumors of War

DARPA issues contract proposition for hypersonic missile defense - UPI
UPI reports: "DARPA has released proposals for the development of missile defense systems called Glide Breaker fielding interceptors capable of downing the hypersonic weapons currently in development by other nations. [...] Hypersonic weapons under development by countries such as Russia and China are considered by many defense leaders a priority threat to be addressed, with current satellites, as well as sea- and land-based interceptors, being inadequate to defeat hypersonic glide vehicles and potential guided missiles that can fly lower and maneuver differently than existing ballistic missiles, evading U.S. sensors and defenses."

Comment: The logic of an arms race suggests that it will always be a game of action and reaction, of measures and counter-measures. The logic also suggests that an enemy has a small window of opportunity to deploy advanced technology before counter-measures can be deployed on the other side. These are dangerous times my friends.

Pestilence

Number of patients with paralyzing illness increasing, CDC reports - UPI
UPI reports: "A mysterious condition that causes paralysis in children continues to baffle public health officials. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 90 cases of acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, in people in 27 states. [...] The polio-like condition brings on respiratory illnesses between three and 10 days prior to the victim experiencing limb weakness. Some of those victims experience paralysis. [...] No one has died of AFM in 2018, and about half of patients fully recover from the condition. However, Messonnier said, the other half suffer from permanent disability."

Comment: Please join me in praying that the medical community will soon discover the cause of this illness and develop methods to treat and prevent it.  

Wickedness Increases - Love Grows Cold

FBI: Surge in hate crimes in 2017 the largest since 9/11 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Hate crimes in the United States in 2017 saw the largest increase -- to more than 7,000 -- since a period immediately after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, new FBI data said Tuesday. [...] The figures noted a double-digit increase in anti-Semitic crimes, the largest increase over the previous year since anti-Arab and anti-Muslim attacks spiked after the 2001 attacks."

Comment: You hear people say that antisemitism is increasing and they pass along anecdotal evidence and you're never sure quite what to believe, but there is hard data to back up that claim. 

Jerusalem Security

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza, destroys Hamas TV station - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Israeli military and Palestinian militants exchanged rocket fire Monday after a botched undercover mission over the weekend killed several people in the Gaza Strip. [...] The IDF said it built up its troops and defenses along the border with Gaza after Palestinians launched at least 300 projectiles over the fence into Israeli territory."

Comment: Here is another good example of how the news media goes out of the way to denigrate Israel while promoting the Palestinian cause. According to this UPI reporter, the Palestinians (aggrieved and wrong, btw) launched "projectiles" at Israel. You know, another word for projectiles would be missiles. But, that sounds so harsh and mean-spirited, right? Better go with the technical and almost antiseptic sounding term projectiles. It's almost Orwellian, this use of alternative terms and phrases to describe the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel.

Pestilence

FDA OKs new Ebola test for use in remote areas
UPI reports: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved emergency use of a new Ebola fingerstick test, which includes a reader that makes it possible to obtain results outside a laboratory. The DPP Ebola Antigen System makes obtaining test results possible in remote areas with limited lab resources, such as those in African nations affected by Ebola outbreaks, the agency said Friday in a news release."

Comment: This is very encouraging news and certainly something that will make it easier for those countries in Africa to combat the outbreak.

Famine

U.N.: 8 million people in Yemen nearing starvation:
UPI reports: "Efforts to avert mass starvation in war-ravaged Yemen will be doubled, the United Nations' World Food program announced on Friday. About 8 million people in Yemen are in an 'emergency situation,' a category recognized as a step below famine, the WFP said Friday. It added that an upcoming assessment, later in November, is expected to show that as many as 14 million people will be in an emergency classification. It indicates that half of Yemen's population is a step away from starvation, the WFP's Francis Mwanza Head said. In October the WFP warned that Yemen could face "the worst famine in 100 years."

Comment: The UN  has been running refugee camps and aid camps for decades, if the parties to Yemen's civil war would let them do their jobs, they know how to distribute aid and help civilians caught in the crossfire.

Persecution

Woman freed in blasphemy case still in hiding in Pakistan - AP
The AP reports: "A week after Pakistan’s Supreme Court acquitted her of blasphemy, a Christian woman who had been on death row for eight years was freed from detention Thursday, but her whereabouts are a closely guarded secret following demands by extremists that she be hanged in public. The case of Aasia Bibi has become a political minefield for Prime Minister Imran Khan. He is trying to placate the Muslim extremists who have threatened to topple his government, while keeping the 54-year-old mother of five safe from a lynch mob and also finding a way to allow her to leave Pakistan without bringing rioters into the streets. Bibi has been offered asylum by the European Parliament, which championed her case after she was convicted in 2010 under Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy law."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of Aasia Bibi and her family and their quick escape to Europe. Can you imagine how sad it is that this one Christian women can bring rioters into the streets and potentially bring down a government? And what of the other Christians in Pakistan, surely this must be a very difficult time for them as well. Please join me in praying for the church in Pakistan, that they may persevere in faith and meet persecution with love, compassion and forgiveness.

Pestilence

Uganda health workers get pre-emptory vaccinations against Ebola - UPI
UPI reports: "Vaccinations of front line healthcare workers have begun in Uganda to stop an outbreak of the Ebola virus, officials said Wednesday. [...] Officials fear the epidemic will spread from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and are implementing the plan so healthcare workers don't catch the virus and spread it. The current Ebola outbreak in DRC is the country's second in 2017. The last outbreak, contained in July, sickened 53 people and killed 33."

Comment: Wishing them the best of luck in containing this outbreak. Vaccinations work.

Wickedness Increases

Florida teen charged with killing mother, burying her body over poor grade - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Florida teenager was charged with murder after confessing to killing his mother over a poor grade report, authorities said. The 15-year-old boy confessed to strangling his mother, 46-year-old Gail Cleavenger, with a rope in their family's home early Friday then using a wheelbarrow to load her into her van and bury her beneath a fire pit, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said."

Comment: A 15-year old sociopath killed his mother over a bad grade. Love grows cold indeed. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran president warns of 'war situation' as sanctions resume
The AP reports: "The U.S. re-imposed all sanctions Monday on Iran that once were lifted under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, grinding further down on the Islamic Republic’s already-ailing economy in what President Hassan Rouhani described as a “war situation” now facing Tehran."

Comment: Well, there it is, the Iranian Nuclear Deal is officially over and sanctions have been re-imposed. Does it appear that Iran will now take corrective action? No, not really. What I'm not seeing is the Trump team signalling a way for Iran to back down gracefully, to save face, and get out of this. Trying to humiliate another country rarely works, especially with a country as proud as Iran. It would be wise to think carefully about strategy and tactics...and not just Twitter. 

Famine

U.N.: Fighting could turn Yemen food crisis into world's worst famine - UPI
UPI reports: "Severe hunger in Yemen could devolve into the worst famine in world history - and threaten the lives of more than a million mothers, a new United Nations report says. [...] The Yemeni civil war, now in its fourth year, has made it difficult to get humanitarian aid into the country [...] Earlier this week, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis urged the Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthis to stop their attacks within 30 days so peace talks can begin."

Comment: Hopefully they can get the humanitarian assistance where it is needed even if the civil war continues. There are ways of doing that, Syria and Iraq have shown that. 

Persecution

Pakistan court acquits Christian on death row for blasphemy - AP
The AP reports: "A Christian woman who spent eight years on death row under Pakistan’s blasphemy law was acquitted and ordered released Wednesday by the country’s top court, a ruling that raised fears of violence by religious extremists who held angry protests over the verdict. Asia Bibi was in an undisclosed location for her safety, and her lawyer said he expected that she would soon leave the country. France and Spain have offered asylum to the 54-year-old mother of five, who is a Roman Catholic. [...] The verdict was seen as a hopeful sign by Christians in Pakistan, where the mere rumor of blasphemy can spark lynchings. Religious minorities, who have been repeatedly targeted by extremists, fear the law because it is often used to settle scores and to pressure minorities. [....] Pakistan has about 2.5 million Christians. Along with Shiites, Ahmadis and other minorities, they have been targeted by religious extremists."

Comment: Prayers of of thanksgiving for the release of Asia Bibi. I hope she will quickly escape Pakistan, as I fear her life will constantly be in danger as long as she stays here. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Pakistan, as they may face a backlash and dangerous times in the wake of this court ruling. 

Earthquakes

6.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off Greece coast
UPI reports: "An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck off Greece's west coast early Friday near the island of Zakynthos. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 20 miles south of the island's southern tip of Mouzaki. [...] The earthquake could be felt as far away as Athens, about 175 miles northeast of the island, the Evening Standard reported. While no significant damage reported on the island, the island's capital did lose electricity."

Comment: That was a pretty big quake with very minimal damage.

Famine - Pestilence - War

Famine 'imminent' in Yemen as civil war drags on, U.N. official says - UPI
UPI reports: "Nearly half the Yemeni population relies entirely on humanitarian aid for survival and the country is on the verge of a widespread famine, a United Nations leader said Wednesday. [...] Yemen's civil war has so far killed at least 10,000 people and led to a humanitarian crisis of starvation and cholera."

Comment: This is a great tragedy. Strategically, I support Saudi Arabia in this proxy war against Iran. Iranian hegemony over the Middle East would be a far greater tragedy. Still, more can and should be done to get humanitarian assistance to civilians.

Kings of the East

China offers competing vision of international security at Xiangshan Forum:
UPI reports: "China is wooing countries with an alternative vision of security partnerships across Asia at the eighth Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where more than 500 representatives from 67 countries are in attendance. Chinese organizers of the security conference said Wednesday China is 'proposing a new security partnership' that is inclusive and not challenging 'existing alliances' among nations in the region, state newspaper People's Daily reported.:"

Comment: Reading between the lines here it would seem they are offering a rival vision that does indeed challenge existing alliances. 

Covenant With Many

PLO threatens to pull out of agreements with Israel - UPI
UPI reports: "The Palestine Liberation Organization could repeal agreements it made with Israel, including the Oslo Accords that established its relationship with the nation. 'We are going to put all the agreements between us and the Israelis on the table and we will ask them to stop violating each agreement,' PLO President Mahmoud Abbas said on Palestinian TV Tuesday. 'I am not saying this is an easy issue; it is a dangerous issue. Perhaps we will arrive at the point of abrogating a lot of what is between us and the Israelis.' The Palestinian Central Council will meet in Ramallah Oct. 28 and 29."

Comment: The Palestinians never fail to impress me with their sincere actions in pursuit of peace with Israel.  ;>

Pestilence

6 children killed in adenovirus outbreak in New Jersey - UPI
UPI reports: "At least six children died from an adenovirus outbreak at a pediatric medical center in New Jersey, officials confirmed Tuesday. [...] Adenoviruses are a common group of viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and pink eye, and are most common in young children."

Comment: While this is tragic it's also encouraging that the wider population is likely not at risk.

Rumors of War

Trump confirms U.S. to abandon nuclear arms treaty with Russia - UPI
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States will pull out of a decades-long nuclear deal signed between Washington and Moscow during the Cold War. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, signed between former President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, bans all land-based cruise missiles with a range between 310 and 3,417 miles. Before a campaign rally in Nevada, Trump told reporters unless other countries quit violating the INF, the United States will terminate the agreement. [...] The New York Times reported on Friday the Trump administration will tell Russian leaders next week about the plan to exit the landmark treaty, partly to enable the United States to counter a Chinese arms buildup in the Pacific."

Russia condemns U.S. plan to withdraw from INF treaty - UPI
UPI reports: "Russia condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to pull out of a decades-long nuclear deal signed between the two countries during the Cold War. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Russia's state-run Tass news agency it would be a 'very dangerous step' for the United States to back out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. [...] Ryabkov told Sputnik that Russia would adopt a number of retaliatory measures if the United States continues to unilaterally withdraw from agreements."

Comment: From what I understand, the Russian violations had been well documented under the Obama Administration and so this move makes sense. It's no less alarming for that, but it makes sense as a negotiating tactic. I think it unlikely that Russia really wants to end the treaty and so we might expect this to lead to some serious negotiating to salvage the treaty. Time will tell. As the article hints, China is a new strategic reality that did not exist when the treaty was signed in 1987 and that will no doubt play a part in determining the outcome.

Earthquakes

3 large earthquakes strike off Pacific coast of British Columbia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Three large earthquakes were recorded near Vancouver Island off the British Columbia coast late Sunday night by the U.S. Geological Survey, but it did not set off any tsunami warnings. The earthquakes happened over a one-hour period, the USGS stated."

King of the North

Putin: Russia 'ahead of competition' with latest weapons - AP
The AP reports: "The Russian leader also warned that new hypersonic missiles his country developed give it a military edge. [...] Russia already has deployed the Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Putin said that another new weapon, the Avangard, is set to enter service in the next few months. Earlier this year, Putin said the Avangard has an intercontinental range and can fly in the atmosphere at a speed 20 times the speed of sound, making it capable of piercing any missile defense system. His blunt talk Thursday comes as Russia-West relations remain frosty over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential vote."

Comment: Hypersonic missiles are an interesting development as they would seem to undermine existing countermeasures. I need to read more about this.

Roaring Seas & Waves

Rising seas threaten dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites - AP
The AP reports: "To better characterize the risks facing sites of historic and cultural significant in the Mediterranean, scientists surveyed the exposure of 49 low-lying UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. Of the 49 sites, 37 would be affected by a 100-year storm surge. Another 42 are threatened by coastal erosion. As sea levels rise, the risk of a storm surge capable of damaging world heritage sites is expected to increase by 50 percent."

Comment: Will sea level rise become more real to people if they see major tourist sites like Venice impacted? Possibly. It's good that they are planning for this, although I think (re a previous post) new re-development strategies for populated coastal areas are a higher priority. 

Pestilence

Mysterious paralyzing illness found among kids in 22 states - AP
AP reports: "U.S. health officials on Tuesday reported a jump in cases of a rare paralyzing illness in children, and said it seems to be following an every-other-year pattern. At least 62 cases have been confirmed in 22 states this year, and at least 65 additional illnesses in those states are being investigated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Similar waves of the same illness occurred in 2014 and 2016. [...] About 90 percent of the cases are children who have suffered muscle weakness or paralysis, including in the face, neck, back or limbs. The symptoms tend to occur about a week after they had a fever and respiratory illness."

Comment: That's really scary, praying they will quickly find a vaccine and a cure. 

Persecution

Egypt Sentences 17 to Death in Attacks on Christians - The New York Times
The New York Times reports: "An Egyptian military court handed down death sentences on Thursday to 17 people convicted in a series of fatal attacks on Christians that started in December 2016 and left more than 80 people dead and 150 wounded. Egyptian state media said the defendants were accused of belonging to the Islamic State and of plotting attacks against Christian churches and a police checkpoint."

Comment: Thankful that justice has been done and that the government of Egypt has taken this matter seriously. Despite the cynical reporting of the NYT (in which the reporter spent the bulk of the article questioning the integrity of the judicial system rather than discussing the particulars of the attacks, the motives of the attackers and the response of the Christian community), it is certainly encouraging to belivers in Egypt to see justice prevail after these barbaric attacks. 

Persecution

Turkey releases U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson after 2 years in captivity
UPI reports: "Longtime Turkish captive Andrew Brunson was released from house arrest Friday, allowing the pastor to return to the United States after two years in captivity. Brunson has been in Turkish custody since October 2016 when he was arrested on charges that he spied on the government and aided in a military coup attempt."

Comment: Please join me in offering thanks that Pastor Brunson has been released from imprisonment. He had been arrested on trumped up charges, part of the drama surrounding the failed coup attempt and Turkey's efforts to secure the arrest of the U.S. based Islamic cleric they blame for it.  They had in mind a prisoner swap that apparently has not happened. Good news indeed!

Earthquakes - Roaring Waves

Indonesia Tsunami: Experts Warn of More Deadly Disasters | Time
Time Magazine reports: "Indonesia is facing a long and painful recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami of two weeks ago, but scientists say that this latest calamity could simply be a warning of more deadly and destructive disasters ahead. [...] The reasons are clear: more humans are moving into more densely populated cities, and surrounding themselves with infrastructure — roads, bridges, and buildings — that become deadly hazards during a disaster, and expensive to repair when it subsides."

Comment: It's time for all countries to carefully reconsider development in disaster prone areas. They must counter the emotional "we will rebuild" sentiment people so often express. It's not brave to rebuild when you know it's a flood/quake/tsunami/typhoon/hurricane/tornado zone.  At the very least, insurers should no longer pay to rebuild in such areas and opt instead to pay for relocation.

Pestilence

DNA vaccine shows promising, long-term results against Ebola virus
UPI reports: "A synthetic DNA vaccine is showing immediate and long-term promising results against the Ebola virus in preclinical animal research. [...] The Zaire Ebolavirus infection causes a severe hemorrhagic fever with a 50 percent fatality rate. Ebola, which is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission, first appeared in 1976 in what is now, Nzara, South Sudan, and in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo."

Comment: I wish them luck with the vaccine, Ebola is one of the scariest diseases we track in this category. 

Earthquakes

Magnitude-6.3 earthquake rocks Russia's Kuril Islands
UPI reports: "A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Russia's Kuril Islands Tuesday three days after the nearby Ebeko volcano erupted on Paramushir Island. The earthquake's epicenter was located 90 miles east of Onekotan Island at a depth of 34 kilometers, according to the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk seismic station, according to Russia's state-run Sputnik News. [...] The earlier volcanic eruption spewed ash as high as 4.5 kilometers in the air."

Comment: Scientists continue to say that there's nothing unusual going on and that quakes are not increasing in frequency and severity.  While it's true that we have better monitoring and reporting procedures now than in the past and this contributes to the misconception that they are, I do hope they will quickly let us know if the trend lines ever change.

Fear for the Future

UN climate report calls for immediate action to curb global warming - UPI
UPI reports: "The latest report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes" to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The IPCC report, which was produced with the help of 91 authors and review editors from 40 countries, was approved over the weekend at a meeting in South Korea. [...] The UN report warns the most serious impacts of climate change could arrive as early as 2030 if carbon emissions aren't significantly reduced."

Comment: Most governments are run by ideologues and not pragmatists and since all of this costs money and there are other more immediate and tangible things to spend money on, nothing will be done about this. This means we will be able to look back in the future and confirm that the climate-change skeptics had it wrong. It's not the best way to win an argument.  

Covenant With Many

As Gaza worsens, Palestinian leader controls fate of US plan - AP
The AP reports, "Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been sidelined, isolated and humiliated by the Trump administration. But the embattled Palestinian leader may have the final say in determining the fate of the White House’s long-awaited vision for Mideast peace."

Comment: This is another good example of the news media exaggerating the power of the Palestinians over the peace process.  Has there ever been a peace agreement they have accepted? If there is power is saying no, then they have that. But if there is power and influence in negotiating and promoting a deal for the betterment of their people, then they have demonstrated that they have no power.

Famine - War

Key battle in Yemen's war risks tipping country into famine - AP
AP reports: "With American backing, the United Arab Emirates has resumed an all-out offensive aimed at capturing Yemen’s most vital port, Hodeida, where Shiite rebels are digging in to fight to the last man. Thousands of civilians are caught in the middle, trapped by minefields and barrages of mortars and airstrikes. If the array of Yemeni militias backed by the UAE takes the city, it would be their biggest victory against the rebels, known as Houthis, after a long stalemate in the three-year-old civil war. But the battle on the Red Sea coast also threatens to throw Yemen into outright famine."

Comment: Throughout history famine and war often go hand in hand. Yemen, it seems, has not escaped that pattern. 

Earthquakes - Roaring Waves

Death toll from Indonesia quake-tsunami hits 1,420 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The official death toll from last week's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia rose to more than 1,420 Thursday, with over 100 missing as some aid arrives. The 7.5-magnitude quake hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi Friday and triggered a tsunami wave, soil rivers, and a continuously-climbing death toll. As of Thursday morning, the official death toll was 1,424 people though some on the ground say it's much higher. Indonesia's military authority, KOREM, said that 1,558 people have been confirmed dead and 113 are missing, TIME reported."

Comment: Such a terrible tragedy.  It's unfortunate that the current news cycle devotes more time to scandal than to natural disasters.

Mark Update

Biohacker Who Implanted Transit Chip in Hand Evades Fine – Futurism
Futurism.com reports: "In April 2017, Meow-Meow implanted a chip in his hand. The chip is from his Opal card, needed to ride public transportation in Sydney, and it essentially functions as a debit card — users add money to it, then whenever they use a bus, train, or other transportation service, they swipe their card to pay the fee. Thanks to his new implant, Meow-Meow no longer had to worry about losing his card. The biohacker could just place his hand near the Opal card reader and be on his way. All this was presumably working out OK for Meow-Meow until August 2017. That’s when the New South Wales transport authority, which issues the Opal cards, charged him with traveling without a ticket and failing to produce a ticket for transportation officials."

Comment: It doesn't surprise me that bureaucrats would be petty and not really grasp the concept. I think the real story here is the use of an implanted chip as a payment device and access device. As a proof of concept, that is very compelling. I think that early adopters like this guy have clearly demonstrated that an implanted chip is a practical means of combining identity verification, access control and mobile payments. It's possible. Whether the MOTB turns out to be a chip is still up for debate but for now, it's clear that this tech is here now.

Persecution

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan says jailed U.S. pastor tied to terrorism - UPI
UPI reports: "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he rejects U.S. President Donald Trump's call to release an American pastor jailed in Turkey. Erdogan, addressing Turkish Parliament in Ankara on the start of its legislative year, said pastor Andrew Brunson has links to terrorism. He also called the Brunson case a pretext for U.S. sanctions on Turkey."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson. Turkey says he has "links" to terrorism. The real truth is that he is being held a pawn to be exchanged for Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based cleric that Erdogan blames for the 2016 coup attempt.

Earthquakes

Tsunami sweeps away homes on Indonesian island of Sulawesi - AP
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-meter-tall (10-foot-tall) tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. [...] The region was rocked by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake Friday and numerous strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.7. An earlier magnitude 6.1 quake in central Sulawsi killed several people, injured 10 and damaged dozens of houses. [...] Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because of its location on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin."

Comment: I wanted to be sure and note this because I'm not sure our American visitors will see it, as it has nothing to do with the Washington drama that has dominated the news of late.  It's noteworthy because a 7.5 magnitude quake is a very large quake.

Rumors of War

Dutch police arrest 7, foil twin terror plot
UPI reports: "Police in the Netherlands arrested seven men Thursday, breaking up what the country's public prosecutors said was plans for a major terror attack. [...] The officials said the men allegedly planned to attack a large event that would yield many victims."

Comment: It is a good thing when the authorities describe the plots they have foiled. It's a deterrent to future attacks and encourages the public to see the security services actively protecting the public.

Pestilence

Officials push flu vaccine after most deadly season in four decades
UPI reports: "One year after a severe flu season, medical personnel are giving it their best shot to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by giving a boost to vaccines. [...] Last year there was an estimated 900,000 hospitalizations, and more than 80,000 deaths, according to new data released by the CDC on Thursday. The previous high for regular flu season deaths was 56,000. The number of people vaccinated dropped last year by 1.1 percentage point to 57.9 percent -- far below the goal of 80 percent."

Comment: Thank you for the encouragement, I'll be sure to get vaccinated. 

Covenant With Many

AP - Trump, at UN, backs separate states for Israel, Palestinians
AP reports: "For the first time since taking office, President Donald Trump endorsed a two-state solution as the best way to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as he met Wednesday at the U.N. with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. [...] In his earlier comments, Trump said his much anticipated but still unreleased Mideast peace plan could be presented in the next two to four months, but was not specific as to timing."

Comment: It will be interesting to see how Trump's peace plan differs from those proposed by his predecessors. Expecting big things from a great deal-maker!

Pestilence

WHO warns of 'perfect storm' in Congo Ebola outbreak
UPI reports: "The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could become worse due to a 'perfect storm' of challenges that are allowing the disease to spread, a World Health Organization official warned. A WHO health chief said ongoing violent disputes between armed groups, community resistance to public health officials advice and spread of the disease in broader area are making the Ebola crisis worse [...] Ebola is spread through infected blood and bodily fluids with symptoms including unexplained bleeding or bruising, vomiting, muscle pain, and severe headaches, according to the CDC."

Comment: The words "perfect storm" are not what you hope to hear from medical professionals about a disease outbreak. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran vows revenge for parade attack that killed 29
UPI reports: "Iran warned the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel Monday that Tehran would take revenge for an attack on a military parade in Iran. The Saturday attack in southern Iran killed at least 29 people and injured 70, including military personnel and civilians spectators. The gunmen attempted to make their way to a grandstand that contained government officials. The Revolutionary Guard has accused Saudi Arabia of supporting the attack."

Comment: Whoever perpetrated this attack should be ashamed of themselves. It was indeed a cowardly act to attack civilians at a public parade. What were they thinking? This kind of thing does not suggest a regime in disarray. It doesn't undermine the trust in the government. To the contrary, heroic pictures of military personnel protecting women and children by shielding them with their own bodies only encourages support for the regime. Now Iran is lashing out at the likely suspects and they include the U.S. in that list. I would like to think that no matter how much the Trump team may dislike the Iran nuclear deal, they would never stoop so low. I think it more likely that the Saudis paid some mercenaries to do this with very little guidance as to strategy and tactics.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia to provide Syria with new missile system, over Israeli opposition
UPI reports: "Russia will supply Syria with an S-300 surface-to-air missile system within two weeks, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday. The announcement came after Syria, which now uses the Soviet-era S-200 system, inadvertently shot down a Russian military plane on Sept. 17. All 15 people aboard were killed. [...] Shoigu also said Russia will begin suppressing communications systems of military aircraft 'attacking objects on Syrian territory.' While the reference to Israeli combat planes is evident, it could also include planes of a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Syria."

Russia blames Israel for downed plane because misleading on airstrikes - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia said Sunday the Israeli government is solely to blame for the downing of one of its aircraft by Syria last week because it deliberately was misleading on planned airstrikes. [...] A Russian Il-20 military aircraft crashed near Syria on Sept. 17, killing 15 Russian airmen when the airplane was mistakenly shot down by Syria's air defenses soon after an Israeli strike near the coastal Syrian city of Latakia."

Comment: Have you been wondering how long the friendly relationship between Russia and Israel will last? There are now evident strains in the relationship. 

Pestilence

Scientists eradicate malaria-carrying mosquitoes in lab tests
UPI reports: "For the first time, scientists have successfully used "gene drive" technology to block female reproduction and eliminate malaria-carrying mosquitoes in lab experiments. [...] Several hundred thousand people die every year as a result of malaria infections. The majority of infections and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa."

Comment: Why don't we start this week off with some good news for a change. According to this report, scientists are close to eradicating malaria. They way they are doing this is very interesting. Instead of curing the disease they are blocking the way the disease is spread. We know that malaria is spread by mosquitoes so this new effort eradicates the disease by killing off the most common malaria-carrying mosquito species. No more mosquito bites, no more malaria!

Persecution

Vatican, China make breakthrough deal on bishop appointments - AP
The AP reports: "The Vatican and China said Saturday they had signed a 'provisional agreement' over the appointment of bishops, a breakthrough on an issue that stymied diplomatic relations for decades and aggravated a split among Chinese Catholics. The deal resolved one of the major sticking points in recent years, with the Vatican agreeing to accept seven bishops who were previously named by Beijing without the pope’s consent. [...] With the status of the seven bishops now reconciled, the Vatican said all bishops in China are now in communion with Rome — even though the Catholic community in China is still split between Catholics who belong to the official Chinese church and those in the underground church who remain loyal to the pope. [...] This spring, a 5-year plan regarding Christians was introduced, along with new rules on religious affairs. Over the last few months, local governments across China have shut down hundreds of private Christian 'house churches.' The Vatican spokesman indicated there was still some ways to go for better relations between the Catholic Church and China."

Comment: Interesting development. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.

Persecution

Religious Leaders: China’s Campaign Against Christians Intensifies
The Voice of America reports: "Officials in central China are increasing pressure on unregistered religious groups and religious centers, including churches for Christians. Observers say Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to contain the growth and spread of Christianity in the country. China’s government tightly controls the activities of religious groups."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.  One of the best books I've ever read on the spiritual life was by a Chinese Christian by the name of Watchman Nee. It is sad to see that not much as changed in China since his time.

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran, Lebanon take steps against Israel nuclear 'threat'
UPI reports: "The Iranian government asked the United Nations Thursday to censure Israel due to what Tehran perceives a significant nuclear threat. [...] The letter also demanded the United Nations not only condemn Israel's threat, but also make the country join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and open its nuclear program to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections. In Lebanon Thursday, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said his country possesses precision rockets that are capable of hitting targets in Israel."

Comment: I'm sure there is a proper word or phrase to describe the absurdity of Iran complaining to the United Nations that they fear a nuclear threat from Israel. How many times has Iran threatened to wipe Israel off the map?

Mark of the Beast

Amazon considering opening up to 3,000 cashierless stores by 2021: Bbg
Reuters reports: "Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) is considering a plan to open as many as 3,000 new Amazon Go cashierless stores in the next few years, Bloomberg reported here on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. [...] The Amazon Go store, which has no cashiers and allows shoppers to buy things with the help of a smartphone app, is widely seen as a concept that can alter brick-and-mortar retail."

Comment: Ok, let's get this out of the way first: I'm not saying this is the MOTB and I don't claim to know what the MOTB will be. That said, I think it is worthwhile to note trends and technologies that may become the MOTB.

I think this is a noteworthy development because it suggests a level of technology that allows people to shop without cash or traditional payment methods. They do, however, need to scan an app before entering the store. In other words, if you don't have the app, you can't buy anything. Commentators have been anticipating the rise of a cashless society for many years now and although we are not there yet, this development is bringing that day closer.  Let's keep an eye on this.

Wickedness Increases

'Vicious" needle scare now includes apples, bananas in Australia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The needle scare in Australia has grown worse -- moving from strawberries now possibly to apples and bananas, authorities said Tuesday. Officials said an apple and banana in Sydney have been found to contain needles, and 20 new cases involving strawberries have been reported in New South Wales. In one case, a man was hospitalized."

Comment: I know that I don't make many posts under the "wickedness increases" tag. That's not because I can't find news reports that relate to that. It's more like there are too many news reports that might fall under that category and I don't want it to be the only thing I post. That would be depressing after a while, right? We all understand this is a fallen world and evil people will act out the evil that is in their hearts. We see it in the headlines every day. But there's just something about this needle scare that is so horrible, more than just your run of the mill story of inhumanity, this is a very cold, calculating and malicious act. Praying that they catch the culprit!

Gog Alliance - Doomed Damascus

Russia, Turkey agree to establish demilitarized zone in Syria's Idlib
UPI reports: "Russia and Turkey agreed Monday to establish a demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib amid concerns of a potentially catastrophic offensive against rebels in the area. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced they would create the demilitarized zone by Oct. 15 during a meeting in Sochi."

Comment: The levels of cooperation between Russia and Turkey are really very high now. What a change from only a few years ago when they were shooting planes down! 

Covenant With Many

Palestinian official says U.S. will never present Middle East peace plan | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The United States will not present its long-awaited plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace any time soon and is instead trying to unilaterally change the terms of reference for any future proposal, a senior Palestinian official said on Saturday. Echoing deep scepticism among the Palestinians, Arab countries and analysts, Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian chief negotiator, said that the Trump administration was siding with Israel on the core issues of the decades-old conflict, burying all chances for Middle East peace."

Comment: Here is an interesting news report that illustrates Palestinian rejection of any Trump peace plan...even before it's announced.  They will now probably fire off more missiles at Israel to demonstrate their sincere desire for peace.

Famine

Isolated and unseen, Yemenis eat leaves to stave off famine - AP
The AP reports: "At least 20 children are known to have died of starvation already this year in the province that includes the district, more than three years into the country’s ruinous civil war. The real number is likely far higher, since few families report it when their children die at home, officials say. [...] The worsening hunger in Aslam is a sign of the gaps in an international aid system that is already overwhelmed and under pressure from local authorities. Yet outside aid is the only thing preventing widespread death from starvation in Yemen. The conditions in the district may also be an indication that humanitarian officials’ warnings are coming true: In the face of unending war, hunger’s spread is outstripping efforts to keep people alive."

Comment: Famine can be natural or man-made. In this case, it appears to be a man-made famine caused by war and neglect.  The neglect arises because international aid is provided but it is not reaching the poorest living in remote areas.

Roaring Waves

'Catastrophic' rains, floods expected as Hurricane Florence hits Carolinas
UPI reports: "Hurricane Florence slowed as it approached land Thursday afternoon, making catastrophic flooding more of a threat for the Carolina coast, the National Hurricane Center said. [...] Though the storm has weakened as it approached land, its biggest threat was expected to be heavy rainfall and storm surges."

Comment: This is welcome news, the storm is slowing and perhaps weakening?

Persecution

Franklin Graham says 'Christians in Nigeria Are Being Brutally Slaughtered', Urges Church Not to Turn 'A Deaf Ear to Their Cries' | CBN News
CBN reports: "Evangelist Franklin Graham is making an impassioned plea on behalf of Nigeria's persecuted Christians. 'Christians in Nigeria are being brutally slaughtered, and they feel like the rest of the world is turning a deaf ear to their cries,' the 66-year-old head of Samaritan's Purse wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend. It comes as ongoing violence between Christians and Muslim farmers in Nigeria's central Plateau state continues to escalate. [...] The central Nigerian state has been the epicenter of vicious violence between Christian and Muslim farmers for months."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Nigeria.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia includes China in biggest war games in decades
UPI reports: "Russia began its war games -- the largest show of military force since the height of the Cold War nearly four decades ago -- Tuesday, amid heightened tensions with the United States. [...] About 3,200 Chinese troops, more than 900 pieces of weaponry and 30 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters will participate in joint training to conduct fire strike and counterattacks, the Chinese Defense Ministry said. China's participation will enhance its counterattack abilities and reinforce ties with Russia, Chinese government officials said Tuesday."

Comment:  Most great powers stage war games on a yearly basis, so this is nothing new, but the addition of China does indeed make this noteworthy. There was a time when Russia and China were more competitive but that has changed greatly over the last decade or so. Their mutual anti-American sentiment seems to have formed a strong bond between them but I wonder, is it too late to undermine that alliance?

Persecution

Reuters - China to crack down on 'chaotic' online religious info: media
Reuters reports: "China has drawn up new draft guidelines to crack down on the 'chaotic' and illegal online promotion of religion, the official Global Times reported on Tuesday, part of a tough state campaign to bring religious worship into line. [...] Chinese citizens are theoretically free to practice any religion as long as it is officially recognized by the government. It has repeatedly cracked down on unauthorized religious activity, with authorities in Beijing shutting down a large Protestant church on Monday."

Comment: Hundreds and maybe even thousands of Christian house-churches are under threat from this new crackdown.  Please join me in praying for the church in China, that the government will realize they have nothing to fear from Christians.

Earthquakes

Japan quake toll up to 20 as rescuers dig through landslides
AP reports: "The toll from an earthquake that rocked Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido rose to 20 on Friday, and 19 others remained unaccounted for in one small town after an entire mountainside collapsed on their homes. [...] Rescuers were using search dogs, backhoes and shovels as they dug through tons of mud and debris from the landslides triggered by the magnitude 6.7 quake that struck before dawn Thursday."

Comment:  That was a big quake, best of luck to the rescuers. I though this was noteworthy to post, after all, you may not have heard about it since it has nothing to do with sensational news and scandals.

Gog Alliance

Syria summit in Iran may decide Idlib military offensive
The AP reports: "The presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey will meet in Tehran to discuss the war in Syria, with all eyes on a possible military offensive to retake the last rebel-held bastion of Idlib. The summit Friday, the third between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, may determine whether diplomacy halts any military action."

Comment: The military alliance depicted in Ezekiel 38 is taking shape.

Covenant With Many

Paraguay moving Israeli embassy back to Tel Aviv, after 4 months
UPI reports: "Paraguay said Wednesday it's moving its Israeli embassy back to Tel Aviv, just weeks after moving the consulate to Jerusalem. [...] In response, Israel closed its embassy in the South American nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu on Wednesday raised concern about the move's impact on diplomatic relations. [...] The Palestinian Authority said it convinced newly-elected Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez to reverse the decision to move away from Tel Aviv, which was made by his predecessor."

Comment: This is an unexpected diplomatic victory for the Palestinians, one that underscores how easy it is to manipulate opinion against Israel. 

Pestilence

Topical cream tested as way to enhance bird flu vaccine
UPI reports: "A clinical trial is underway to determine the effectiveness of a topical cream to enhance the immune response to a 'pre-pandemic' influenza vaccine. [...] H5N1 causes severe respiratory illness in birds and, in rare circumstances, humans have contracted the flu through direct or indirect contact with infected birds, such as poultry. The World Health Organization reported 860 cases of H5N1 influenza, including 454 fatal ones, from 2003 through July 20."

Comment: Good news, I wish them success with the study. 

Earthquakes

UPI - 6.6-magnitude earthquake shakes Japan
UPI reports: "A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake shook the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido early Thursday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake struck at about 3 a.m. and was centered about 17 miles east of the city of Tomakomai, with a depth of about 21 miles, the USGS said. There was no threat of a tsunami following the quake."

Comment: The "ring of fire" seems to be very active lately. 

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

UPI - Syrian government forces attack rebel-held city
UPI reports: "Syrian government warplanes struck the last rebel-held province of the country Tuesday. The Syrian government's attack on Idlib, located in northwestern Syria, was assisted by the Russian military, which called the area a 'cradle of terrorism,' the BBC reported. The attacks were carried out after the U.S. government urged the Syrian government, which is assisted by Russia and Iran in its civil war, not to attack the rebel stronghold where approximately 3 million people live."

Comment: I wonder how many observers are secretly hoping for a quick and successful offensive that ends the civil war and restores the status quo ante? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Israel signals it could attack Iranian weaponry in Iraq | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Israel signaled on Monday that it could attack suspected Iranian military assets in Iraq, as it has done with scores of air strikes in war-torn Syria. Citing Iranian, Iraqi and Western sources, Reuters reported last week that Iran had transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Shi’ite allies in Iraq in recent months. Tehran and Baghdad formally denied that report. Israel sees in Iran’s regional expansion an attempt to open up new fronts against it. Israel has repeatedly launched attacks in Syria to prevent any entrenchment of Iranian forces helping Damascus in the war."

Report: U.S. tells Israel 'please leave Iraq to us' - Israel News - Jerusalem Post
The Jerusalem Post reports: "US officials have warned Israel not to strike Iraq after officials signaled that the IDF could target Iranian military positions in the country. According to a report on Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, Washington asked Israel several weeks ago to not carry out any air-strikes in Iraq, weeks before reports surfaced that Tehran had deployed ballistic missiles capable of hitting Saudi Arabia and Israel."

Comment: I was away for the holiday weekend but did not want these reports to escape notice. I think this is a pretty significant development. Would Israel attack  Iranian forces in Iraq while Iraq is technically under the military protection of the U.S. and UN forces? What would it do to the close relationship between Israel and the U.S. if they did?

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia to hold its biggest war games since fall of Soviet Union | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Russia will next month hold its biggest war games since the fall of the Soviet Union, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday, a massive military exercise that will also involve the Chinese and Mongolian armies. The exercise, called Vostok-2018 (East-2018), will take place in central and eastern Russian military districts and involve almost 300,000 troops, more than 1,000 military aircraft, two of Russia’s naval fleets, and all of its airborne units, Shoigu said in a statement. [...] The war games, which will take place from Sept. 11-15, are likely to worry Japan, which has already complained about a Russian military build-up in the Far East, something Moscow has linked to Tokyo’s roll-out of the Aegis U.S. missile system. [...] When asked if China’s involvement meant Moscow and Beijing were moving towards an alliance, Peskov said it showed that the two were cooperating in all areas. China and Russia have taken part in joint military drills before but not on such a large scale."

Comment: This is an interesting development. I think it's noteworthy that Russia is including China in these war games. I think their alliance is strong and they are not afraid to let the world (and especially the U.S.) see it.  

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

Russia gathers ships near Syria against U.S. threat over chemical weapons
UPI reports: "The Russian military has amassed a fleet of at least 10 warships and two submarines off Syria's northwest coast in preparation for a possible assault on militants in Idlib province, NATO and Syrian military officials said. [...] Russia said the buildup was in response to possible airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition against Syrian government forces. Spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told Sputnik, a Russian state-run news outlet, that rebels in Idlib province were preparing to stage chemical weapon attacks on civilians and blame the regime of President Bashar al-Assad."

Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Do you think the American public would be surprised to learn that U.S. troops are still on the ground in Syria?

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran has control of Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Navy chief says - UPI
UPI reports: "Iran is in full control of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a top Iranian Navy commander said Monday. [...] His comments suggest that Iran believes it is capable of blocking all shipping through the waterways, notably the shipment of oil. Tehran has suggested it could take military action in the Persian Gulf to retaliate for U.S. sanctions preventing the transport of Iranian oil, including blockades against countries delivering oil through the Gulf. Last month, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei, Iran's senior leader, said he supports a policy by which no country can export oil through the Gulf if Iran cannot."

Comment: Iran is in the process of salvaging the European side of the Iran Nuclear Deal and so this may be mere posturing, but I'm of the opinion that the threat to shipping is real and that they are not bluffing. Time will tell. 

War

North Korea calls for end of Korean War ahead of possible Mike Pompeo visit - UPI.com UPI reports: "North Korea is using a propaganda outlet that targets the South to promote the signing of a declaration to end the Korean War. The call for an end-of-war declaration comes ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's possible fourth trip to Pyongyang, Seoul Pyongyang News reported Thursday."

Comment: It's a bit sobering to realize that the Korean War never officially ended. There was a ceasefire agreement but no official peace treaty. Technically, the the peninsula is still at war. Perhaps the leaders would be wise to negotiate peace and conclude the war while they still have time. Events can always spiral out of control.

Covenant With Many

U.S. not discussing recognition of Israel's Golan hold: Bolton | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Trump administration is not discussing possible U.S. recognition of Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said. [...] Palestinians seek other territories that Israel occupied in 1967 - the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem - for a future state. U.S.-backed talks on that goal stalled in 2014. The Trump administration has tried to restart the diplomacy but has been cold-shouldered by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas since it recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December."

Comment: It's interesting to note that Mideast peace talks are continuing far from the glare of the cameras. From what I've been able to piece together, Trump's policy impresario Jared Kushner and he has been making the round of Mideast capitals sounding out leaders and pitching specifics tailored for each audience and in this way a larger plan is starting to take shape. Of course, the Palestinians have already rejected the Trump peace plan even as it is still in the works. The Hamas faction rejections all peace plans while the Fatah faction is usually more considered and diplomatic about their rejections but the end point is the same. It's clear now that the Palestinians are not all that interested in an agreement that requires each side of give a little and get a little. The only real hope I can see is that Arab countries pressure them into a negotiated settlement that will be better for them in the long-run, even if it's not something they can sell to their radical wing. Is that likely? Time will tell.

Rumors of War

U.S. concerned Russian satellite could be space weapon - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Just days after the Trump administration proposed a Space Force as a new branch of the military, U.S. officials say they're concerned about 'very abnormal behavior' involving a Russian satellite. The satellite, launched in October, is displaying behavior 'inconsistent' with the kind of satellite Russia says it is, said Yleem D.S. Poblete, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance ."

Comment: Welcome to a new arms race. Is it really so surprising? Humans take weapons with them everywhere we go, why would space be any different?

Roaring Waves

Sea level to increase risk of deadly tsunamis - UPI.com
UPI reports: "New research suggests sea level rise caused by manmade global warming is likely to increase the risk of devastating tsunamis. Just 12 inches of sea level, scientists at Virginia Tech found, would put coastal communities in greater danger. Climate change isn't altering the planet's tectonics, so tsunami-generating earthquakes aren't likely to become more frequent. But rising global temperatures are melting Earth's glaciers, accelerating sea level rise, which amplifies the impact of extreme flooding events."

Comment: I'm entirely persuaded the sea level rise is consistent with BP and not something to be dismissed by the anti-climate changers.

Wars & Rumors of War

U.N.: Up to 30,000 Islamic State members remain in Iraq, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As many as 30,000 members of the Islamic State terrorist group remain in Iraq and Syria, a U.N. report indicates. The report released Monday states that a core of between 20,000 and 30,000 IS members, including leadership and other branches, remains intact and distributed roughly equally between the two countries. [...] U.N. experts said the group -- also identified as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh -- rallied in the early parts of 2018 after being militarily defeated in Iraq and most of Syria the year prior and will continue to survive as a 'covert network' in both countries with supporters spread throughout Libya, Southeast Asia and West Africa."

Comment: How's the war against the Islamic State going? Well, according to this report, they staging something of a comeback after having been defeated in Iraq and most of Syria. I'm wondering how they are funded? I distinctly remember the allied effort to defeat them going after their funding and then as they lost territory they found their options and ability to strike back had greatly diminished. I wonder what's changed?

Gog Alliance - Persecution

Turkish lira hits new low as U.S. conflict deepens - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey accused the United States of a 'stab in back' Monday as its currency hit a new record low amid escalating tensions that have heightened an already dire economic crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks Monday after weeks of a conflict over the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson. [...] Russia said Monday it's planning to use national currencies in trade with Turkey, instead of dollars or euros, to aid the Turkish government."

Comment: This spat appears to be driving Turkey away from the U.S. and towards Russia. Of course, Russia is only too happy to welcome Turkey into their rebel alliance. 

War

Taliban launches attack in Afghanistan; U.S. forces respond - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Taliban launched an attack Friday on one of Afghanistan's key cities, seizing buildings and exchanging fire with security forces during an air and ground battle that led to U.S. forces' assistance. [...] U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell said U.S. forces responded using attack helicopters and drones."

Comment: So in this unending Afghan War, the Taliban are once again staging a comeback? How many times have they been declared defeated only to return?  I wish this was more on the national agenda instead of the sensational issues we seem to be obsessed with. An aimless war that costs lives and treasure seems like it should be an issue up for discussion.

Pestilence

New Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo kills 37 in first week - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The strain of Ebola virus in Democratic Republic of Congo's latest outbreak has killed at least 37 people in its first week, the country's health ministry reported on Thursday. It is the 10th outbreak since 1976 for the central African country, and was discovered on Aug. 1 in North Kivu province, hours after the World Health Organization declared another outbreak, in Equateur province, over. The newer outbreak has no connection to the prior one, but involves the deadlier Zaire strain of the virus."

Comment: Hope they get that under control quickly. I thought they had a vaccine ready to go?

Rumors of War - Jerusalem Security

AP - Hamas says Gaza cease-fire reached with Israel
The AP reports: "Gaza’s Hamas rulers said late Thursday that a truce had been reached with Israel, ending an intense two-day burst of violence that had pushed the region closer to war. But the deal did not appear to address the deeper issues that have prevented the bitter enemies from reaching a longer cease-fire arrangement. [...] the agreement merely ended the latest round of violence, in which Gaza militants fired some 200 rockets at Israel and the Israeli military carried out a similar number of airstrikes in Gaza. He said Egypt, which often serves as a mediator between the sides, would continue the more difficult task of brokering a long-term cease-fire. [...] Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007."

Comment: There is a very important difference between now and when the last three wars were fought between Israel and Hamas. Today we don't know what will happen in the north if Israel fights a war in the south. If Gaza erupts into a full fledged war, what will those Iranian troops and Islamic militias do just over the international border in Syria? Will they be tempted to open a second front and challenge Israel in the north to support Hamas? I know there are many who think that if Israel and Hamas have another war that's not a very big deal, but the situation has changed greatly and I think it will indeed be a very big deal.

Rumors of War - Persia

AP - US braces for possible cyberattacks after Iran sanctions
The AP reports: "The U.S. is bracing for cyberattacks Iran could launch in retaliation for the re-imposition of sanctions this week by President Donald Trump, cybersecurity and intelligence experts say. Concern over that cyber threat has been rising since May, when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, under which the U.S. and other world powers eased economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. The experts say the threat would intensify following Washington’s move Tuesday to re-impose economic restrictions on Tehran."

Comment: Praying that this does not get out of hand. 

Persecution

AP - For God or party? China's Christians face test of faith
The AP reports: "Under President Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, believers are seeing their freedoms shrink dramatically even as the country undergoes a religious revival. Experts and activists say that as he consolidates his power, Xi is waging the most severe systematic suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedom was written into the Chinese constitution in 1982. The crackdown on Christianity is part of a broader push by Xi to 'Sinicize' all the nation’s religions by infusing them with “Chinese characteristics” such as loyalty to the Communist Party."

Comment: China has a long and well established history of Christianity and it has been a positive force in Chinese life and culture. Watchman Nee would be very sad to see how the persecution he endured has not abated for his countrymen. The government of China should understand that they have nothing to fear from Christians who are instructed to be peaceful law-abiding citizens (see Romans 13:1).

Rumors of War - Persia

AP - Once-eased US economic sanctions against Iran back in effect
The AP reports: "The first set of U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been eased under the landmark nuclear accord went back into effect early Tuesday under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, targeting financial transactions that involve U.S. dollars, Iran’s automotive sector, the purchase of commercial planes and metals including gold. U.S sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector and central bank are to be reimposed in early November."

Comment: I wish Trump did a better job of explaining exactly why he is doing this. A very good argument can be made that Iran remains a rogue actor and a danger to the Middle East but so far this very good argument has not been well articulated by Trump or his team.  I would like to think that Iran will now decide to seek a better deal with Trump. Somehow though, I don't think that will happen. From everything I've read, the "moderates" are not in power in Iran and this kind of move only boosts the hard-liners who will allow no compromise with the Great Satan.

Pestilence

Midwest universities join to fight antibiotic resistence - UPI
UPI reports: "In an effort to slow the increasingly rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States, a group of Midwestern universities plans to unite to research the troubling trend. [...] Today, bacteria are evolving ways to resist new kinds of antimicrobials almost as soon as scientists develop them. Health professionals fear that without intervention, bacteria will become resistant to antimicrobials faster than humans can create new ones. If this happens, humans may lose the ability to treat many bacterial infections. That would have profound impacts on human health worldwide."

Comment: I'm glad they are calling attention to this problem, I don't think this is one that on the public's radar.