Covenant With Many - Gog Alliance

Turkey, Iran say Israeli-UAE deal 'shameful,' harmful to Palestinians

UPI reports: "NATO ally Turkey and U.S. foe Iran on Friday denounced the normalization of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, both saying the Persian Gulf state has abandoned Palestinians in their fight for a homeland. [...] As part of the agreement, Israel agreed to suspend controversial and widely condemned plans to annex parts of West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised the annexation against the wishes of the Palestinians and much of the West. The annexation was also part of Trump's Middle East peace plan."

Comment: Have you heard that a new Mideast peace plan has been approved by the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates? It happened this week and the enemies of Israel are not happy. The above linked news report explains that Turkey, Iran and the Palestinians are the big losers in this deal while Israel and moderate Arab states are winners. As we watch the members of the Gog Alliance fall into line according to the prophecy in Ezekiel we should note the absence of Russia. What role will Russia play in all of this? 

Finally, is this development prophetically important? If we see it in light of an ascendant Israel making peace with moderate Arab states while avoiding the be-all-end-all pitfall of Palestinian peace, then yes, it is important. As one commentator put it, "The Palestinian veto power over Israel’s relationship with the Arab world has suffered a major blow." This portends an Israel growing in power and influence in the region, while malcontents like Turkey and Iran are further marginalized. In those countries, grudges will be nurtured, weapons will be purchased and peoples will be prepared for conflict down the road.

Gog Alliance - King of the North

In Libyan war, Russian mercenaries add deadlier firepower and modern tactics
The Washington Post reports: "Hundreds of Russian mercenaries, many highly trained and well-armed, are fighting alongside renegade Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter as he seeks to oust the country’s United Nations-backed government, according to Libyan military commanders and fighters, as well as U.S. military and other Western officials. [...] the arrival of these mercenaries comes at a time when Russia has been expanding its military and diplomatic reach across the Middle East, Africa and beyond, enjoying greater clout in places such as Syria where the United States is disengaging."

Comment: This news report reminds us of the ongoing and past involvement of Russia in Northern Africa. It's worth noting that the prophetic Gog Alliance includes Libya and North Africa and so it's very important to note those ongoing links with Russia.  We expect they will grow stronger over time.

Gog Alliance

Turkey, Russia agree to terror-free zone in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Ankara and Moscow have reached a "historic" deal to create a terror-free zone in northern Syria, the Turkish government said Tuesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the deal after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia's coastal city of Sochi to go over Turkey's Operation Peace Spring, state-Run Anadolu reported."

Comment: It appears that Russia and Turkey have agreed on how best to carve up Syria. The pieces are in place for Ezekiel's first battle of Gog & Magog. Most impressive. Where is the U.S. in all of this?

Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus

VP Mike Pence: Turkey agrees to cease-fire in Syria, future 'safe zone' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. officials said Thursday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to stop his offensive in Syria, signaling an end to a military campaign that has so far killed dozens of Kurdish fighters and drawn international condemnation."

Comment: This is good news for a change. I'm wondering if Turkish troops will withdraw from Syria or will they stay to monitor the new "safe zone" and thus carve out a chunk of Syria as a permanent Turkish colony?

Rumors of War - Gog Alliance

Turkey launches air, land operations against Kurds in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey launched air and land operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria on Wednesday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said. On Wednesday afternoon, Turkey's Ministry of Defense announced the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army launched a land operation east of the Euphrates River as part of the military operation."

Comment: I wonder if this is the start of a small incursion or a full-fledged invasion of northern Syria? the presence of Russia, Iranian and Turkish forces just across the border must be very disconcerting for Israel.

Gog Alliance

President Donald Trump draws backlash for move to withdraw U.S. troops in northern Syria
UPI reports: "In a highly controversial move, the White House has said it will remove U.S troops from northern Syria ahead of a Turkey military advance to expel Kurdish forces from the region."

Comment: If Trump draws down U.S. forces in the Middle East, who does that help? It does not help Israel. It helps Russia and Iran, who don't appear to be leaving Syria anytime soon. And now it helps the Turks, who are happy to help carve up Syria and get their piece of the pie. It's an odd situation. Plus, he is supposed to be a great negotiator, but I'm not sure what kind of deal this was in those terms. What did the U.S. get for betraying the Kurds? In prophetic terms, it looks to me that this betrayal has done something very important regarding Ezekiel 38:2-9.

I do think that even if this move in Turkey is ill-advised for U.S. interests, it can also be prophetically important in setting the stage for the strong alliance unfolding between Russia, Iran and Turkey. It's possible that this move will cause Turkey to have increased tension with Russia (because Russia backs Assad and Turkey does not), so we will have to watch out for that. In light of Bible prophecy, I suspect we will see this work out somehow to mean increased cooperation between Russia, Turkey and Iran and that the Turkish invasion of northern Syria will go well for them.

Gog Alliance

Russia offers Turkey Su-57 after failed F-35 deal with U.S. - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering his military's new Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet to Turkey, since the nation is no longer allowed to buy the new U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II. Putin made the offer to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday at the MAKS-2019 International Air Show in Moscow."

Comment: It looks like the alliance is getting stronger. How much longer will Turkey remain in NATO?

War - Doomed Damascus

Airstrikes hit near Turkish convoy in Syria, raising tension
The AP reports: "Airstrikes targeted a Turkish army convoy inside a rebel-held part of northwestern Syria on Monday, killing three civilians and wounding 12 others, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. Syria, however, said the Turkish convoy was carrying ammunition to rebels who have lost ground this month amid a government offensive to retake their last stronghold in the country. The incident ratcheted up tensions in the region, currently ground zero in Syria’s long-running civil war in which Turkish, Russian, U.S. and Iranian interests are fighting."

Comment: I find it interesting that Syria has largely dropped off our radar and yet, as the report makes clear, it remains a battlefield in which the armies of multiple countries (including the U.S.) are currently fighting. Do the American people realize they have soldiers fighting in Syria or is that lost amid reporting about Trump's latest Tweets?

Gog Alliance

Iran announces upcoming joint military drills with Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran and Russia will hold joint military drills in the Persian Gulf later this year as part of a classified agreement to expand cooperation between the two nations. Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said Sunday the agreement with the Russian Defense Ministry was signed last week in Moscow, Iran's state-run PressTV reported."

Comment: According to this report, Russia and Iran have entered into a formal agreement for military cooperation, this is significant and very noteworthy. 

Rumors of War - Gog Alliance

In Libya, a rogues' gallery of militias prepare for war
The AP reports: "Libya is on the verge of an all-out war involving a rogues’ gallery of militias, many of which are little more than criminal gangs armed with heavy weapons. The country slid into chaos after the 2011 uprising, in which rebels overthrew and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi and looted his vast arsenal. Even more weapons have flowed in since then, despite a U.N. arms embargo, as Arab states have backed local allies and Western nations have partnered with militias to combat extremists and stem the flow of migrants."

Comment: What a mess! I'm noting this because North Africa is considered an important part of the Gog Alliance that invades Israel in the future. After a period of instability we should look for North African countries (including Libya) to be headed by leaders allied with the other Gog Alliance countries and displaying anti-Israel policies. I think it would be fitting and just if after having betrayed Gadhafi the West finds Libya in the hands of Islamic State sympathizers. 

Rumors of War - Togarmah

Pompeo: There will be 'devastating' consequences if Turkey attacks Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Turkey of 'devastating'consequences if it attacks Syria. [...] The warning comes as Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack the Kurdish-led American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as it believes the Islamic State fighters are also far-left Kurdish militants who are affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which Turkey has been fighting."

Comment: This is striking. Keep in mind that Turkey is still a member of the NATO alliance, which means a formal ally of the United States, and they are threatening to attack Kurd forces allied with the U.S. in Syria. The friend of my friend is my enemy? That is apparently how Turkey sees it.

King of the North - Gog Alliance

Turkey, Russia start joint patrol of Syrian rebel stronghold
UPI reports: "Turkey and Russia began joint patrols of Syria's Idlib province Friday, the last stronghold for Syrian rebels, in an agreement meant to protect more than 3 million civilians. [...] Russia, which supports the Syrian government, is expected to patrol the edge of the province. Turkey, which backs the Syrian rebels, will protect the negotiated demilitarized zone around the province."

Comment: The fact that the U.S. has left 200 soldiers in Syria does not take away from the fact that the big winners in Syria are Russia, Turkey and Iran.  The losers, it would seem, are the U.S., Israel and the Kurds. Its not a good situation and suggests increasing military tension along Israel's northern border.

Gog Alliance - Doomed Damscus

Netanyahu to meet with Putin to discuss Iran, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday he plans to travel to Russia later this month to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Feb. 21 trip, the first formal meeting between the two leaders in about a year, is expected to address Iranian efforts to establish a military presence in Syria."

Comment: Will be watching this closely. Would Russia have gone to all that effort and expense to secure the Assad regime and then turn Syria over to Iran? That is doubtful. Still, it's possible that Russia would acquiesce to a small permanent Iranian presence. I'm sure that is something Israel will go to great lengths to prevent.

Gog Alliance - King of the North

Intelligence community raises alarm on Turkey
UPI reports: "It is uncertain how Trump will approach Turkey, a historic ally that has grown friendlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years. [...] The alliance between the United States and Turkey could fracture without a shared fear for the Soviet Union that bonded the two countries during the Cold War [...] Further endangering relations is Turkey's growing alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey signed a deal with Russia to receive an S-400 missile defense system, which has prompted senators to try and prevent Turkey from receiving F-35 jets from the United States should it purchase the Russian missiles."

Comment: This editor continues to be shocked that we are living in a new normal in which Russian, Turkish and Iranian military forces are one border away from Israel.  This news report talks about the deteriorating relationship between Turkey and the U.S. and ignores what I think is the far more important development. The operational links required to manage troops on the ground are creating strong bonds between Russia, Turkey and Iran at every level, from troops on the ground to head of state, as they work to manage ongoing operations in a complex war zone. As this continues the West will have to wonder how much longer they can continue to consider Turkey a NATO member?

King of the North - Gog Alliance

Russia, Turkey Mull Next Steps in War-Torn Syria - VOA
VOA News reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Wednesday to coordinate their moves in Syria as their governments bargain over zones of influence in the war-torn country. The leaders share strong opposition to the U.S. military presence in Syria, seeing it as an obstacle to their clout in the country. The Kremlin meeting marked their first encounter since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the pullout of American troops in a Dec. 19 tweet. [...] Putin emphasized Moscow's readiness to respect Turkey's interests, but encouraged it to talk to the Syrian government to help stabilize the border areas."

Israel: Advanced missile defense system successfully tested - The Washington Post: Israel said Tuesday that it has successfully tested the country’s advanced missile defense system capable of defending against long-range ballistic missile threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured an Israeli aerospace facility following the test and leveled a thinly veiled warning at Iran, just days after Israel struck Iranian military targets in neighboring Syria. [...] The test came amid mounting tensions between Israel and Iran along its northern border with Syria. Israel is concerned about Iran establishing military bases in neighboring Syria as the eight-year civil war winds down."


Comment: Strange to think of Russia, Turkey and Iran carving up Syria like old colonial powers. The loser in all of this is Assad. Does he really think he "won" his civil war? And the U.S. pulling out, that was unexpected. The wild card remains Israel. Netanyahu has already stated on the record that Iran keep troops based permanently in Syria is a non-starter and Israel recently raised the public profile of their frequent military strikes at Iranian targets inside Syria. The message has been delivered. What happens next?

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.

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! 

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.

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. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Benjamin Netanyahu visits Vladimir Putin in Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Russia Wednesday to meet with Kremlin President Vladimir Putin, for visit he called a 'very important.' Netanyahu said he planned to discuss Syria, Iran and Israeli security needs with the Russian leader. [...] Talks also are expected to concentrate on Israel's fight against Iranian presence in Syria."

Comment: It seems that Russia's relationship with Iran is coming under increased pressure from Israel and the U.S. as both countries press to have Iranian troops booted out of Syria.  Will Russia value it's relationship with Israel (including trade and tech deals) over the relationship with Iran?