Earthquakes in Western Canada blamed on fracking - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korean drones continue to infiltrate South Korean airspace, and they're not easy to take down, a Seoul military official said.
North Korea's military has been sending drones across central and western regions of the heavily fortified demilitarized zone, South Korean news service News 1 reported.
Seoul is looking out for any escalation of tensions across the Military Demarcation Line that bisects the DMZ due to intruding North Korea drones."
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Earthquakes
Earthquakes in Western Canada blamed on fracking - UPI.com
UPI reports: "New research suggests hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is inducing earthquakes in Western Canada. Though alarming, the correlation isn't new. Several studies have linked gas and oil operations in the Plains states to a rise in the frequency of earthquakes."
Comment: I wonder if this earthquake danger is decreasing due to the changing economics of the oil industry? The price of oil is so low now that fracking is quickly losing economic viability.
UPI reports: "New research suggests hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is inducing earthquakes in Western Canada. Though alarming, the correlation isn't new. Several studies have linked gas and oil operations in the Plains states to a rise in the frequency of earthquakes."
Comment: I wonder if this earthquake danger is decreasing due to the changing economics of the oil industry? The price of oil is so low now that fracking is quickly losing economic viability.
Pestilence
Many Americans misinformed about Zika virus - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Many Americans are woefully misinformed when it comes to understanding the risks of Zika virus, a new Harvard poll has found. [...] At this time, there has been no local transmission of Zika in the United States. But, about 273 residents have acquired Zika through travel to countries where the virus is active, primarily Latin America and the Caribbean [...] The virus, which generally doesn't cause serious illness in adults, has been associated with thousands of cases, mostly in Brazil, of a severe birth defect call microcephaly. Babies with microcephaly have abnormally small heads, and most wind up with stunted brain development, according to the CDC."
Comment: I'm sure we will be hearing more about this as the seasons change in North America.
UPI reports: "Many Americans are woefully misinformed when it comes to understanding the risks of Zika virus, a new Harvard poll has found. [...] At this time, there has been no local transmission of Zika in the United States. But, about 273 residents have acquired Zika through travel to countries where the virus is active, primarily Latin America and the Caribbean [...] The virus, which generally doesn't cause serious illness in adults, has been associated with thousands of cases, mostly in Brazil, of a severe birth defect call microcephaly. Babies with microcephaly have abnormally small heads, and most wind up with stunted brain development, according to the CDC."
Comment: I'm sure we will be hearing more about this as the seasons change in North America.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea’s foreign minister blames U.S. for tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's foreign minister said joint military exercises were bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. In an interview with TASS News Agency of Russia, Ri Su Yong criticized Washington and Seoul for raising tensions. North Korea is ready to launch a preemptive nuclear attack on the United States, Ri said, adding war on the peninsula would be brought about by the United States."
North Korea propaganda video depicts Washington, D.C., nuclear attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's newest propaganda video, "Last Chance," shows a nuclear strike on Washington, D.C., and warns the United States against provoking an attack. The four-minute video, uploaded Saturday to the North's propaganda website DPRK, includes a computer-generated scene of a submarine-launched nuclear missile striking the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. "
UPI reports: "North Korea's foreign minister said joint military exercises were bringing the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. In an interview with TASS News Agency of Russia, Ri Su Yong criticized Washington and Seoul for raising tensions. North Korea is ready to launch a preemptive nuclear attack on the United States, Ri said, adding war on the peninsula would be brought about by the United States."
North Korea propaganda video depicts Washington, D.C., nuclear attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's newest propaganda video, "Last Chance," shows a nuclear strike on Washington, D.C., and warns the United States against provoking an attack. The four-minute video, uploaded Saturday to the North's propaganda website DPRK, includes a computer-generated scene of a submarine-launched nuclear missile striking the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. "
Signs in the Stars
Scientist claims there's even more evidence of Planet Nine's existence - The Verge
The Verge reports: "More evidence is pointing toward a mysterious Neptune-sized planet lurking at the outer edges of our Solar System. One of the scientists who claimed in January to have found strong evidence for a ninth planet — temporarily named "Planet Nine" — now says there are even more clues that support the world's existence."
Comment: I know this news encourages the Nibiru fan club, but I'm not thinking of that, I'm thinking of this in terms of Luke 21:26 and Matthew 24:29.
The Verge reports: "More evidence is pointing toward a mysterious Neptune-sized planet lurking at the outer edges of our Solar System. One of the scientists who claimed in January to have found strong evidence for a ninth planet — temporarily named "Planet Nine" — now says there are even more clues that support the world's existence."
Comment: I know this news encourages the Nibiru fan club, but I'm not thinking of that, I'm thinking of this in terms of Luke 21:26 and Matthew 24:29.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Persecution
Pakistan bombing: Taliban targets Christians, kills 69 - CNN.com
CNN reports: "A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Easter Sunday, saying it intentionally targeted Christians. The suicide blast in the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore killed at least 69 people, a local government spokesman told CNN. [...] In March last year, suicide bombers attacked a Christian community, also in Lahore, setting off two blasts that killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, officials said. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for that attack too and warned of more to come."
CNN reports: "A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Easter Sunday, saying it intentionally targeted Christians. The suicide blast in the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore killed at least 69 people, a local government spokesman told CNN. [...] In March last year, suicide bombers attacked a Christian community, also in Lahore, setting off two blasts that killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, officials said. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for that attack too and warned of more to come."
Gospel
Christians in Holy Land, across world celebrate Easter - Israel News, Ynetnews:
Ynetnews reports: "Christians in the Holy Land and across the world are celebrating Easter, commemorating the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected."
Ynetnews reports: "Christians in the Holy Land and across the world are celebrating Easter, commemorating the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected."
Thursday, March 24, 2016
War
Paris police: Terror attack in 'advanced stages' foiled - UPI.com
UPI reports: "French authorities foiled a terrorist attack in the works by raiding a suspect's home in a Paris suburb, France's interior minister said Thursday. The raid was carried out Thursday morning in the suburb of Argenteuil, just 10 miles northwest of downtown Paris, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said during a news conference late in the day. Arrested was a suspect, he said, who was involved in the future plot that was in the 'advanced stages.'"
Six arrested in raids in Brussels - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Raids across Brussels on Thursday led to the arrests of six suspects thought to be connected to the airport and subway bombings that killed 31 people and injured more than 300, prosecutors said. Three of the arrests were made in front of the prosecutor's office in Brussels. None of the suspects were identified. Officials charges will be made on Friday. Police are still looking for one suspect from the airport bombing and another from the subway bombing. "
Comment: I hope the Brussels security services are taking notes and learning from their French counterparts.
UPI reports: "French authorities foiled a terrorist attack in the works by raiding a suspect's home in a Paris suburb, France's interior minister said Thursday. The raid was carried out Thursday morning in the suburb of Argenteuil, just 10 miles northwest of downtown Paris, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said during a news conference late in the day. Arrested was a suspect, he said, who was involved in the future plot that was in the 'advanced stages.'"
Six arrested in raids in Brussels - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Raids across Brussels on Thursday led to the arrests of six suspects thought to be connected to the airport and subway bombings that killed 31 people and injured more than 300, prosecutors said. Three of the arrests were made in front of the prosecutor's office in Brussels. None of the suspects were identified. Officials charges will be made on Friday. Police are still looking for one suspect from the airport bombing and another from the subway bombing. "
Comment: I hope the Brussels security services are taking notes and learning from their French counterparts.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
War
AP - IS trains 400 fighters to attack Europe in wave of bloodshed
The AP reports: "The Islamic State group has trained at least 400 fighters to target Europe in deadly waves of attacks, deploying interlocking terror cells like the ones that struck Brussels and Paris with orders to choose the time, place and method for maximum chaos, officials have told The Associated Press. The network of agile and semiautonomous cells shows the reach of the extremist group in Europe even as it loses ground in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Let's hope Belgium and other European countries are training at least 400 new security personnel to foil these jihadi attackers.
The AP reports: "The Islamic State group has trained at least 400 fighters to target Europe in deadly waves of attacks, deploying interlocking terror cells like the ones that struck Brussels and Paris with orders to choose the time, place and method for maximum chaos, officials have told The Associated Press. The network of agile and semiautonomous cells shows the reach of the extremist group in Europe even as it loses ground in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Let's hope Belgium and other European countries are training at least 400 new security personnel to foil these jihadi attackers.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
War
Police seek suspect in Brussels bombings; Islamic State takes credit - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in Brussels are searching for a man seen in surveillance footage at an airport prior to blasts that killed 30 people there and at a subway station Tuesday. Two explosions killed at least 10 people at the Zaventem airport in Brussels' outskirts at about 8 a.m. local time. Another explosion an hour later killed at least 20 people at the Belgian capital's Maelbeek metro station. Reports indicate shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the explosions. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks."
Islamic State claims Brussels suicide attacks, killing at least 30 | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Islamic State claimed responsibility for suicide bomb attacks on Brussels airport and a rush-hour metro train in the Belgian capital on Tuesday which killed at least 30 people, with police hunting a suspect who fled the air terminal. Police issued a wanted notice for a young man in a hat who was caught on CCTV pushing a laden luggage trolley at Zaventem airport alongside two others who, investigators said, had later blown themselves up in the terminal, killing at least 10 people. Officials said 20 died on the metro train close to European Union institutions."
Comment: Praying for the people of Brussels and for the diligence of the Belgian security services in preventing further attacks.
UPI reports: "Police in Brussels are searching for a man seen in surveillance footage at an airport prior to blasts that killed 30 people there and at a subway station Tuesday. Two explosions killed at least 10 people at the Zaventem airport in Brussels' outskirts at about 8 a.m. local time. Another explosion an hour later killed at least 20 people at the Belgian capital's Maelbeek metro station. Reports indicate shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the explosions. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks."
Islamic State claims Brussels suicide attacks, killing at least 30 | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Islamic State claimed responsibility for suicide bomb attacks on Brussels airport and a rush-hour metro train in the Belgian capital on Tuesday which killed at least 30 people, with police hunting a suspect who fled the air terminal. Police issued a wanted notice for a young man in a hat who was caught on CCTV pushing a laden luggage trolley at Zaventem airport alongside two others who, investigators said, had later blown themselves up in the terminal, killing at least 10 people. Officials said 20 died on the metro train close to European Union institutions."
Comment: Praying for the people of Brussels and for the diligence of the Belgian security services in preventing further attacks.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
South Korea simulates strikes against ‘key’ North Korea facilities - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Korea fighter jets simulated a precision strike against key North Korean facilities in a Seoul training exercise. The drill involved F-15K aircraft as well as the C-130H transport aircraft, Yonhap reported. [...] The jets were equipped with air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, and drills included attacks on simulated North Korea combat planes, elimination of surface-to-air missiles, and scenarios where joint direct attack munitions would guide bombs to key North Korea military facilities."
UPI reports: "South Korea fighter jets simulated a precision strike against key North Korean facilities in a Seoul training exercise. The drill involved F-15K aircraft as well as the C-130H transport aircraft, Yonhap reported. [...] The jets were equipped with air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, and drills included attacks on simulated North Korea combat planes, elimination of surface-to-air missiles, and scenarios where joint direct attack munitions would guide bombs to key North Korea military facilities."
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Earthquakes
Threat of epic California quake far greater, report says - CNN.com
CNN reports: "The San Andreas Fault has an infamous reputation, but there are other fault lines lying around California that can trigger a powerful earthquake, especially if they rupture simultaneously, a new report says. [...] Through dynamic rupture modeling, it has been discovered that the San Jacinto fault is capable of rupturing along with the San Andreas in just a single earthquake, according to Julian C. Lozos, an assistant professor of Geological Sciences at the California State University, Northridge."
CNN reports: "The San Andreas Fault has an infamous reputation, but there are other fault lines lying around California that can trigger a powerful earthquake, especially if they rupture simultaneously, a new report says. [...] Through dynamic rupture modeling, it has been discovered that the San Jacinto fault is capable of rupturing along with the San Andreas in just a single earthquake, according to Julian C. Lozos, an assistant professor of Geological Sciences at the California State University, Northridge."
Mark of the Beast
Amazon Files Patent to Let You Complete a Payment With a Selfie - ABC News
ABC News reports: "No need for a password -- the transaction of the future could be completed by simply taking a selfie. Amazon filed a patent application this month, spotted by Re/Code, for a system that would allow users to take a selfie or video of themselves to complete a transaction."
Comment: This is interesting as it suggests an advancement in image recognition software with a focus on faces as a means of completing transactions.
ABC News reports: "No need for a password -- the transaction of the future could be completed by simply taking a selfie. Amazon filed a patent application this month, spotted by Re/Code, for a system that would allow users to take a selfie or video of themselves to complete a transaction."
Comment: This is interesting as it suggests an advancement in image recognition software with a focus on faces as a means of completing transactions.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Nations in Distress - Gog Alliance
EU, Turkey agree on deal to return migrants to Turkey - UPI.com
UPI reports: "European Union and Turkish leaders reached a landmark agreement Friday to stop the flow of migrants and send thousands back to Turkey in a last-ditch effort to resolve the largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II."
Comment: Expect to see little mention of this in the mainstream news, but it's of huge prophetic significance. Huge. Turkey has skillfully leveraged it's geography to advance it's EU ambitions while the government of President Erdogan presses his vision of a new Ottoman Empire and abandons the modern secular state founded by Ataturk after the fall of the earlier empire. The seeds of the rift between Turkey and the West and it's eventual drift into the Gog Alliance are clear. Turkey will now be the return destination for thousands of refugees, many of whom are Muslim, and this will no doubt have an impact on the character of Turkey over time, something sure to alienate those in the EU already doubtful of Turkey's place in Europe. Turkey, eventually spurned by Europe, will find new partners in Russia and Iran. This process will no doubt take years to work out, but today was an historic day in Turkey's prophetic journey.
UPI reports: "European Union and Turkish leaders reached a landmark agreement Friday to stop the flow of migrants and send thousands back to Turkey in a last-ditch effort to resolve the largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II."
Comment: Expect to see little mention of this in the mainstream news, but it's of huge prophetic significance. Huge. Turkey has skillfully leveraged it's geography to advance it's EU ambitions while the government of President Erdogan presses his vision of a new Ottoman Empire and abandons the modern secular state founded by Ataturk after the fall of the earlier empire. The seeds of the rift between Turkey and the West and it's eventual drift into the Gog Alliance are clear. Turkey will now be the return destination for thousands of refugees, many of whom are Muslim, and this will no doubt have an impact on the character of Turkey over time, something sure to alienate those in the EU already doubtful of Turkey's place in Europe. Turkey, eventually spurned by Europe, will find new partners in Russia and Iran. This process will no doubt take years to work out, but today was an historic day in Turkey's prophetic journey.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.N. Security Council condemns North Korea launches - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned North Korea's most recent launch of ballistic missiles. The U.N. body held an emergency meeting Friday regarding Pyongyang's provocations in response to the firing of at least one ballistic missile into waters off the eastern coast of the peninsula Friday. [...] In their press statement, the Security Council condemned both the Friday launch and Pyongyang's March 10 announcement of rocket tests, calling the actions violations of U.N. resolutions."
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned North Korea's most recent launch of ballistic missiles. The U.N. body held an emergency meeting Friday regarding Pyongyang's provocations in response to the firing of at least one ballistic missile into waters off the eastern coast of the peninsula Friday. [...] In their press statement, the Security Council condemned both the Friday launch and Pyongyang's March 10 announcement of rocket tests, calling the actions violations of U.N. resolutions."
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Persecution
Kerry: Islamic State committing genocide in Syria, Iraq - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Secretary of State John Kerry called the Islamic State's assault in Syria and Iraq "genocide" on Thursday. 'Daesh is genocidal by self-proclamation, by ideology and by actions,' Kerry said at the State Department, referring to IS by another common name in reference to IS slaughter of Christians, Yazidis and Shiite Muslims. [...] Designating IS actions as genocide could prompt a referral by the United States to the United Nations Security Council to establish a tribunal specifically for crimes committed by IS in Iraq and Syria."
Comment: The Islamic State's barbaric attacks on Christians have been well documented and have included beheadings and crucifixion as well as harsh imposition of sharia law, misuse of blasphemy laws and taxes on non-muslims. Christians have been deprived of life, liberty and livelihood under their harsh and repressive rule. Diplomacy often moves at a glacial pace and these offenses have been going on for some time, but it's nice to see these facts acknowledged on the record.
UPI reports: "Secretary of State John Kerry called the Islamic State's assault in Syria and Iraq "genocide" on Thursday. 'Daesh is genocidal by self-proclamation, by ideology and by actions,' Kerry said at the State Department, referring to IS by another common name in reference to IS slaughter of Christians, Yazidis and Shiite Muslims. [...] Designating IS actions as genocide could prompt a referral by the United States to the United Nations Security Council to establish a tribunal specifically for crimes committed by IS in Iraq and Syria."
Comment: The Islamic State's barbaric attacks on Christians have been well documented and have included beheadings and crucifixion as well as harsh imposition of sharia law, misuse of blasphemy laws and taxes on non-muslims. Christians have been deprived of life, liberty and livelihood under their harsh and repressive rule. Diplomacy often moves at a glacial pace and these offenses have been going on for some time, but it's nice to see these facts acknowledged on the record.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
War
Analysis: Islamic State has lost 22 percent of territory - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State militant group has lost more than 20 percent of its territory in the last three months -- potentially turning the tide in the war against the terror group, a data analysis showed Wednesday. [...] Several contributing factors also coincided with some of the territory loss, the report said, including financial struggles owing partly due to tax increases and substantial salary cuts to Islamic State fighters. U.S. and Russian military airstrikes against oil depots have further impacted the group's revenue."
Comment: The Russians are leaving now, I wonder what impact that will have on the war against IS?
UPI reports: "The Islamic State militant group has lost more than 20 percent of its territory in the last three months -- potentially turning the tide in the war against the terror group, a data analysis showed Wednesday. [...] Several contributing factors also coincided with some of the territory loss, the report said, including financial struggles owing partly due to tax increases and substantial salary cuts to Islamic State fighters. U.S. and Russian military airstrikes against oil depots have further impacted the group's revenue."
Comment: The Russians are leaving now, I wonder what impact that will have on the war against IS?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Temple Mount
Temple Mount cameras will be installed before Passover - Arutz Sheva
Israel National News reports: "Israel and Jordan agreed that cameras will be installed on Temple Mount before the holiday of Passover, Israel Hayom reports. A senior diplomatic source said that the move will be a 'Significant form of supervising and maintaining order on Temple Mount.' According to the deal between Israel and Jordan, the cameras will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both sides will be able to access the broadcast and watch what is being recorded."
Comment: I'm not optimistic that an agreement to install, monitor and share the cameras will actually be reached in time for Passover. Still, I can't ignore the obvious prophetic implications if someday they do have constant surveillance of the Temple Mount with the video broadcast live on the internet.
Israel National News reports: "Israel and Jordan agreed that cameras will be installed on Temple Mount before the holiday of Passover, Israel Hayom reports. A senior diplomatic source said that the move will be a 'Significant form of supervising and maintaining order on Temple Mount.' According to the deal between Israel and Jordan, the cameras will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both sides will be able to access the broadcast and watch what is being recorded."
Comment: I'm not optimistic that an agreement to install, monitor and share the cameras will actually be reached in time for Passover. Still, I can't ignore the obvious prophetic implications if someday they do have constant surveillance of the Temple Mount with the video broadcast live on the internet.
Covenant With Many
Obama Seeks to Pave Way to Mideast Deal After He Leaves Office - NYT
The New York Times reports: "The White House is debating whether the president should lay down the outlines of an agreement, several officials said, perhaps through a resolution at the United Nations Security Council or in a presidential speech. The objective would not be to revive direct negotiations — almost nobody believes that is likely now — but to enshrine the proposals Secretary of State John Kerry made during his last failed effort at peacemaking in 2014."
The New York Times reports: "The White House is debating whether the president should lay down the outlines of an agreement, several officials said, perhaps through a resolution at the United Nations Security Council or in a presidential speech. The objective would not be to revive direct negotiations — almost nobody believes that is likely now — but to enshrine the proposals Secretary of State John Kerry made during his last failed effort at peacemaking in 2014."
Monday, March 14, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russian President Vladimir Putin orders troops out of Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said he will begin withdrawing troops from Syria this week as the peace process moves forward in the war-torn nation. Putin had military forces in Syria for months, primarily to fight terrorist factions, to aid the regime of President Bashar Assad. Additionally, Moscow has pummeled parts of Syria with airstrikes for months."
Comment: I wonder how many Russian troops will stay in Syria? This report doesn't say, but I'm sure a good-sized contingent will remain to keep Russian control over the port facility in Tartus.
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said he will begin withdrawing troops from Syria this week as the peace process moves forward in the war-torn nation. Putin had military forces in Syria for months, primarily to fight terrorist factions, to aid the regime of President Bashar Assad. Additionally, Moscow has pummeled parts of Syria with airstrikes for months."
Comment: I wonder how many Russian troops will stay in Syria? This report doesn't say, but I'm sure a good-sized contingent will remain to keep Russian control over the port facility in Tartus.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Earthquakes - Roaring Waves
Japan pauses for 5th anniversary of Fukushima tsunami, quake, meltdown - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Japan's emperor and prime minister led a solemn ceremony in Tokyo Friday marking the fifth anniversary of the tsunami and earthquake in Fukushima. The tidal wave and magnitude-9 earthquake killed nearly 20,000 people as it overwhelmed entire towns in northeastern Japan and triggered a partial meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Five years later more than 180,000 people remain displaced, and 100,000 people are still unable to return home because of local radiation leaks."
Comment: Has it been five years already? It's extraordinary that Japan is still recovering from this disaster, but remember, this was one of the largest earthquakes and tsunamis in recorded history. It makes sense that it would take some time to recover. There also remains the hidden danger of the radiation still being released slowly into the ocean.
UPI reports: "Japan's emperor and prime minister led a solemn ceremony in Tokyo Friday marking the fifth anniversary of the tsunami and earthquake in Fukushima. The tidal wave and magnitude-9 earthquake killed nearly 20,000 people as it overwhelmed entire towns in northeastern Japan and triggered a partial meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Five years later more than 180,000 people remain displaced, and 100,000 people are still unable to return home because of local radiation leaks."
Comment: Has it been five years already? It's extraordinary that Japan is still recovering from this disaster, but remember, this was one of the largest earthquakes and tsunamis in recorded history. It makes sense that it would take some time to recover. There also remains the hidden danger of the radiation still being released slowly into the ocean.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Report: North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for more nuclear tests - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered more nuclear tests after watching a ballistic missile launch Friday, the state news agency reported. The report comes days after the United Nations approved sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear testing in January. [...] North Korea has threatened to launch attacks on the South and the United States as the countries continue their joint military drills."
Comment: I thought we might go at least one day without some new development with North Korea...apparently not.
UPI reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered more nuclear tests after watching a ballistic missile launch Friday, the state news agency reported. The report comes days after the United Nations approved sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear testing in January. [...] North Korea has threatened to launch attacks on the South and the United States as the countries continue their joint military drills."
Comment: I thought we might go at least one day without some new development with North Korea...apparently not.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea fires two short-range missiles - CNN.com
CNN reports: "North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early Thursday, according to the South Korean military, as already heightened tensions on the peninsula continued to worsen. The two missiles were fired from North Hwanghae province, south of Pyongyang, toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The South tracked the projectiles and is monitoring the situation, it said. The launch is the latest saber rattling on the peninsula that roils with tension."
Comment: It seems not a day goes by now without some new development with North Korea. The potential for miscalculation is very high.
CNN reports: "North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early Thursday, according to the South Korean military, as already heightened tensions on the peninsula continued to worsen. The two missiles were fired from North Hwanghae province, south of Pyongyang, toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The South tracked the projectiles and is monitoring the situation, it said. The launch is the latest saber rattling on the peninsula that roils with tension."
Comment: It seems not a day goes by now without some new development with North Korea. The potential for miscalculation is very high.
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
Reuters - Iran officer says missiles designed to reach Israel
Reuters reports: "Iran's medium-range ballistic missiles are designed to be able to hit Israel, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' missile battery was quoted as saying on Wednesday as the Guards test-fired two missiles."
Reuters reports: "Iran's medium-range ballistic missiles are designed to be able to hit Israel, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' missile battery was quoted as saying on Wednesday as the Guards test-fired two missiles."
Rumors of War - Kings of the North
UPI - North Korea releases photo of miniaturized nuclear warhead
UPI reports: "North Korean state media showed off a photo of what it says is leader Kim Jong Un with a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a ballistic missile. [...] If true, this could pose a serious threat to North Korea's neighbors as well as to the United States. North Korea said it tested a nuclear bomb on Jan. 6, and has recently accelerated its belligerent rhetoric in response to recent additional sanctions imposed by the United Nations."
Reuters - North Korea fires missiles, liquidates Seoul's assets
Reuters reports: "North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, Seoul said, as South Korea and the United States conducted massive war games. The North also announced it has scrapped all agreements with the South on commercial exchange projects and would 'liquidate' South Korean assets left behind in its territory. North Korea has a large stockpile of short-range missiles and is developing long-range and intercontinental missiles as well. "
Comment: Well, that didn't take long. A day after China signaled a new willingness to enforce UN sanctions North Korea has reminded the world that not only to they have nuclear weapons, they now have warheads small enough to fit on a ballistic missile. This is a very dangerous situation.
UPI reports: "North Korean state media showed off a photo of what it says is leader Kim Jong Un with a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a ballistic missile. [...] If true, this could pose a serious threat to North Korea's neighbors as well as to the United States. North Korea said it tested a nuclear bomb on Jan. 6, and has recently accelerated its belligerent rhetoric in response to recent additional sanctions imposed by the United Nations."
Reuters - North Korea fires missiles, liquidates Seoul's assets
Reuters reports: "North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, Seoul said, as South Korea and the United States conducted massive war games. The North also announced it has scrapped all agreements with the South on commercial exchange projects and would 'liquidate' South Korean assets left behind in its territory. North Korea has a large stockpile of short-range missiles and is developing long-range and intercontinental missiles as well. "
Comment: Well, that didn't take long. A day after China signaled a new willingness to enforce UN sanctions North Korea has reminded the world that not only to they have nuclear weapons, they now have warheads small enough to fit on a ballistic missile. This is a very dangerous situation.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Roaring Waves - Nations in Distress
Scienmag - Sea level rise threatens larger number of people than earlier estimated
Science Magazine reports: "More people live close to sea coast than earlier estimated, assess researchers in a new study. These people are the most vulnerable to the rise of the sea level as well as to the increased number of floods and intensified storms. By using recent increased resolution datasets, Aalto University researchers estimate that 1.9 billion inhabitants, or 28% of the world's total population, live closer than 100 km from the coast in areas less than 100 meters above the present sea level."
Comment: Thinking of selling your beachfront property? Now's the time!
Science Magazine reports: "More people live close to sea coast than earlier estimated, assess researchers in a new study. These people are the most vulnerable to the rise of the sea level as well as to the increased number of floods and intensified storms. By using recent increased resolution datasets, Aalto University researchers estimate that 1.9 billion inhabitants, or 28% of the world's total population, live closer than 100 km from the coast in areas less than 100 meters above the present sea level."
Comment: Thinking of selling your beachfront property? Now's the time!
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - China to block North Korea ships from returning home
UPI reports: "China could soon be blocking the return of North Korean ships in Chinese ports from returning to their country of origin. After supporting the adoption of a sanctions resolution in early March at the United Nations Security Council, China is getting ready to enforce the new laws at its ports [...] any North Korean ships already docked at Chinese ports are to be banned from leaving for home, starting Thursday."
UPI - China signals interest in denuclearization talks
UPI reports: "China's foreign minister said Beijing would be 'open' to five-party talks that could work toward North Korea denuclearization. Wang Yi's statements Tuesday mark a change in position, Yonhap reported. South Korean President Park Geun-hye had proposed on Feb. 22 the resumption of five-party talks without the North, but Beijing had promptly declined the offer."
Comment: We are again left to wonder what crazy reaction will come from North Korea. In the past, the North could count on China to say all the right things at the UN but do nothing on the ground, that seems to be changing. This could either signal the end of the long simmering crisis or cause it to flash anew.
UPI reports: "China could soon be blocking the return of North Korean ships in Chinese ports from returning to their country of origin. After supporting the adoption of a sanctions resolution in early March at the United Nations Security Council, China is getting ready to enforce the new laws at its ports [...] any North Korean ships already docked at Chinese ports are to be banned from leaving for home, starting Thursday."
UPI - China signals interest in denuclearization talks
UPI reports: "China's foreign minister said Beijing would be 'open' to five-party talks that could work toward North Korea denuclearization. Wang Yi's statements Tuesday mark a change in position, Yonhap reported. South Korean President Park Geun-hye had proposed on Feb. 22 the resumption of five-party talks without the North, but Beijing had promptly declined the offer."
Comment: We are again left to wonder what crazy reaction will come from North Korea. In the past, the North could count on China to say all the right things at the UN but do nothing on the ground, that seems to be changing. This could either signal the end of the long simmering crisis or cause it to flash anew.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - North Korea threatens 'nuclear strike
UPI reports: "U.S. and South Korean troops launched large-scale military exercises on Monday, a move that drew condemnations from North Korea. The exercises Key Resolve and Foal Eagle are to be held until April, CNN reported, and, according to The Washington Post, are to include rehearsals of surgical strikes on Pyongyang's weapons facilities. They are the largest-ever joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. [...] Pyongyang also stated a 'preemptive and offensive nuclear strike' could be made in response to the joint drills."
UPI reports: "U.S. and South Korean troops launched large-scale military exercises on Monday, a move that drew condemnations from North Korea. The exercises Key Resolve and Foal Eagle are to be held until April, CNN reported, and, according to The Washington Post, are to include rehearsals of surgical strikes on Pyongyang's weapons facilities. They are the largest-ever joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. [...] Pyongyang also stated a 'preemptive and offensive nuclear strike' could be made in response to the joint drills."
Saturday, March 05, 2016
Gog Alliance
Reuters - Rivals Turkey and Iran seek to 'manage differences'
Reuters reports: "Turkey and Iran, two countries on opposite sides of Syria's civil war, agreed they must cooperate to end sectarian strife, including support for a fragile ceasefire, in the region after their leaders met in Tehran on Saturday. Iran, along with Russia, has stood by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the five-year war, providing him with military and financial support, while Turkey is his most outspoken critic and has backed opposition forces. [...] Turkey will serve as a key transit route for Iranian energy supplies to Europe and wants to integrate high-speed rail projects to connect ports on its Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts with Iran, Davutoglu said."
Comment: Could the Syrian Civil War be responsible for driving Turkey into the prophetic Gog Alliance with Russia and Iran? Turkey already has a president determined to destroy the secular republic and impose Islamic rule and the country becoming more authoritarian by the day. And while it may seem counter-intuitive that a vital member of the NATO alliance would drift over time into an alliance with Russia and Iran, it's clear that many of their values and interests are now aligned.
Reuters reports: "Turkey and Iran, two countries on opposite sides of Syria's civil war, agreed they must cooperate to end sectarian strife, including support for a fragile ceasefire, in the region after their leaders met in Tehran on Saturday. Iran, along with Russia, has stood by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the five-year war, providing him with military and financial support, while Turkey is his most outspoken critic and has backed opposition forces. [...] Turkey will serve as a key transit route for Iranian energy supplies to Europe and wants to integrate high-speed rail projects to connect ports on its Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts with Iran, Davutoglu said."
Comment: Could the Syrian Civil War be responsible for driving Turkey into the prophetic Gog Alliance with Russia and Iran? Turkey already has a president determined to destroy the secular republic and impose Islamic rule and the country becoming more authoritarian by the day. And while it may seem counter-intuitive that a vital member of the NATO alliance would drift over time into an alliance with Russia and Iran, it's clear that many of their values and interests are now aligned.
Friday, March 04, 2016
Rumors of War
UPI - Cold war prep: Canadian tests Army vehicles in the Arctic
UPI reports: "Canada is conducting trials with two types of vehicles to determine the specific features and capabilities needed for Army operations in Arctic terrain."
Comment: Are you ready for war in the Arctic? The major powers bordering the frozen region are now building up their capacity even as climate change puts more land and resources in play.
UPI reports: "Canada is conducting trials with two types of vehicles to determine the specific features and capabilities needed for Army operations in Arctic terrain."
Comment: Are you ready for war in the Arctic? The major powers bordering the frozen region are now building up their capacity even as climate change puts more land and resources in play.
Thursday, March 03, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - Kim Jong Un orders use of nukes at moment’s notice
UPI reports: "Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to be ready to use nuclear weapons at a moment's notice, two days after the adoption of a tough sanctions resolution at the United Nations Security Council, and days away from a large-scale joint military exercise involving U.S. and South Korean troops."
Comment: Well, as tantrums go, that's pretty good.
UPI reports: "Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to be ready to use nuclear weapons at a moment's notice, two days after the adoption of a tough sanctions resolution at the United Nations Security Council, and days away from a large-scale joint military exercise involving U.S. and South Korean troops."
Comment: Well, as tantrums go, that's pretty good.
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
Earthquakes
UPI - 7.8-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia triggers tsunami warnings
UPI reports: "A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of western Indonesia's Sumatra region on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning. [...] The earthquake struck at 6:49 p.m., local time (12:49 GMT), the U.S. Geological Survey said."
UPI reports: "A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of western Indonesia's Sumatra region on Wednesday, triggering a tsunami warning. [...] The earthquake struck at 6:49 p.m., local time (12:49 GMT), the U.S. Geological Survey said."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - U.N. Security Council passes sanctions on North Korea
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council adopted sweeping sanctions against North Korea on Wednesday, introducing the toughest measures against Pyongyang in a bid to bring an end to its controversial nuclear weapons development. The vote was unanimous, adopted by the council 15-0."
Comment: Given the North's history, the only real question know is, how will Kim act out his anger?
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council adopted sweeping sanctions against North Korea on Wednesday, introducing the toughest measures against Pyongyang in a bid to bring an end to its controversial nuclear weapons development. The vote was unanimous, adopted by the council 15-0."
Comment: Given the North's history, the only real question know is, how will Kim act out his anger?
Tuesday, March 01, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - China expected to increase military budget
UPI reports: "China could soon announce a significant increase in its military budget in order to accommodate the army's reorganization and continue its defense of disputed territories in the East and South China Seas. The proposed budget, to be made public Saturday during the annual National People's Congress, could increase as much as 20 percent, according to an unidentified source who spoke to the South China Morning Post."
UPI reports: "China could soon announce a significant increase in its military budget in order to accommodate the army's reorganization and continue its defense of disputed territories in the East and South China Seas. The proposed budget, to be made public Saturday during the annual National People's Congress, could increase as much as 20 percent, according to an unidentified source who spoke to the South China Morning Post."
Monday, February 29, 2016
Pestilence
AP - 1st evidence that Zika may cause temporary paralysis
The AP reports: "Scientists may have the first evidence that Zika can cause temporary paralysis, according to a new study of patients who developed the rare condition during an outbreak of the virus in Tahiti two years ago. [...] Since the Zika outbreak in the Americas began last year, it has sparked epidemics in about 40 countries, of which eight have reported cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome possibly connected to Zika."
The AP reports: "Scientists may have the first evidence that Zika can cause temporary paralysis, according to a new study of patients who developed the rare condition during an outbreak of the virus in Tahiti two years ago. [...] Since the Zika outbreak in the Americas began last year, it has sparked epidemics in about 40 countries, of which eight have reported cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome possibly connected to Zika."
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Famine
UPI - Dwindling bee, butterfly populations pose agriculture threat
UPI reports: "Important invertebrate pollinator species, like the honeybee and butterfly, are under a threat of extinction due to a number of environmental pressures, many of them man-made, a new study found. [...] The threat against such animals also threatens the health of the world's agricultural food supply, which includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and oils. A slowdown in production of these important nutrition sources may have detrimental effects on the population, including increased malnutrition and the loss of up to $577 billion globally, the IPBES warned."
Comment: This is one of those stories currently flying under the radar. Experts are now aware of the danger, but I don't think the general public has absorbed the severity of the threat.
UPI reports: "Important invertebrate pollinator species, like the honeybee and butterfly, are under a threat of extinction due to a number of environmental pressures, many of them man-made, a new study found. [...] The threat against such animals also threatens the health of the world's agricultural food supply, which includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and oils. A slowdown in production of these important nutrition sources may have detrimental effects on the population, including increased malnutrition and the loss of up to $577 billion globally, the IPBES warned."
Comment: This is one of those stories currently flying under the radar. Experts are now aware of the danger, but I don't think the general public has absorbed the severity of the threat.
Temple Mount
The Times of Israel - Disputes delay video surveillance at Temple Mount
The Times of Israel reports: "Video surveillance of Jerusalem’s holiest site was meant to be a quick
fix to lower tensions that have driven months of Israeli-Palestinian
violence, but disputes over who controls the footage and what the
cameras may or may not film are holding up the project. Underlying the seemingly technical arguments is a fundamental
disagreement over who is in charge of the 37-acre Temple Mount, which is
central to the competing national and religious narratives of Israelis
and Palestinians, Muslims and Jews.[....] Azzam Khatib, in charge of Jordanian-run
Muslim endowment, or Waqf, which is in charge of the mosque compound,
said the surveillance cameras should be managed by Muslim authorities 'without interference from the Israelis.' 'As the king has said, there will be a control
room for the cameras under the sole responsibility of the Waqf, and the
images will be broadcast to the world through the Internet around the
clock,' said Khatib, a Palestinian."
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Persecution
NYT - Egypt Sentences Coptic Teenagers to Jail for Insulting Islam
The New York Times reports: "An Egyptian court sentenced four Coptic Christian teenagers to up to five years in prison on Thursday after finding them guilty of insulting Islam, the latest of a series of high-profile blasphemy convictions that have drawn sharp criticism of Egypt’s judicial system. "
Comment: How many teenagers to you know that make silly videos and post them on YouTube or Vine? Well, if they do that as Christians in a predominantly Muslim country, they'd better be careful!
The New York Times reports: "An Egyptian court sentenced four Coptic Christian teenagers to up to five years in prison on Thursday after finding them guilty of insulting Islam, the latest of a series of high-profile blasphemy convictions that have drawn sharp criticism of Egypt’s judicial system. "
Comment: How many teenagers to you know that make silly videos and post them on YouTube or Vine? Well, if they do that as Christians in a predominantly Muslim country, they'd better be careful!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - Japan tests indigenous stealth fighter aircraft
UPI reports: "Japan is developing an indigenous stealth fighter jet, the X-2, which completed a ground test Wednesday, according to local reports. [...] Tokyo has been taking steps toward bolstering its defense after a bill was passed in 2015, which would allow its Self-Defense Force to fight overseas. The changes come at a time when Japan is growing wary of China's maritime activities in the South China Sea, and North Korea continues to conduct tests of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles."
UPI - China building radar on Spratly Islands
UPI reports: "China could be constructing high-frequency radar on disputed islands in the South China Sea, a think tank in Washington, D.C., stated in a recent report. [...] The islands in question are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, but China has continued construction despite protests from non-claimant countries, including the United States and Japan."
Comment: What are the chances that China will stand down and stop their activities in the South China Sea? The chances are probably close to zero. This means that armed conflict between China and one (or all) of the rival claimants in the future is nearly certain. China has a new generation in charge of their military, a generation that has grown up in prosperity in the era of "China's peaceful rise" and they are, bluntly, spoiling for a fight. It's not really their fault, this generation of military leaders has only known increasing defense budgets coupled with increasing nationalism. There's really only one way that ends. We may hope that cooler heads will prevail and conflict will be avoided, but I'm not optimistic.
UPI reports: "Japan is developing an indigenous stealth fighter jet, the X-2, which completed a ground test Wednesday, according to local reports. [...] Tokyo has been taking steps toward bolstering its defense after a bill was passed in 2015, which would allow its Self-Defense Force to fight overseas. The changes come at a time when Japan is growing wary of China's maritime activities in the South China Sea, and North Korea continues to conduct tests of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles."
UPI - China building radar on Spratly Islands
UPI reports: "China could be constructing high-frequency radar on disputed islands in the South China Sea, a think tank in Washington, D.C., stated in a recent report. [...] The islands in question are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, but China has continued construction despite protests from non-claimant countries, including the United States and Japan."
Comment: What are the chances that China will stand down and stop their activities in the South China Sea? The chances are probably close to zero. This means that armed conflict between China and one (or all) of the rival claimants in the future is nearly certain. China has a new generation in charge of their military, a generation that has grown up in prosperity in the era of "China's peaceful rise" and they are, bluntly, spoiling for a fight. It's not really their fault, this generation of military leaders has only known increasing defense budgets coupled with increasing nationalism. There's really only one way that ends. We may hope that cooler heads will prevail and conflict will be avoided, but I'm not optimistic.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Roaring Seas and Waves
UPI - Forecast: Sea levels to rise 22 to 52 inches by 2100
UPI reports: "Sea levels are rising faster than they have at any other time in modern history. Between the founding of Rome and the Industrial Revolution, sea levels never rose or fell more than 1.5 inches in a given century. During the 20th century, sea levels rose an average of 5.5 inches. By 1993, sea level rise had accelerated to a pace of a foot per century. Since then, accelerated sea level rise has continued. If seas continue to rise at the same pace, levels will rise between 22 and 52 inches by 2100. [...] The study comprised that largest analysis of historical sea level records yet. The results largely confirmed the results of previous models, but scientists say the size and scope of the new research will improve future studies."
Comment: I sometimes get push-back from climate-change deniers after I post something like this, but I'm convinced that such changes are consistent with Bible prophecy, specifically Luke 21:25.
UPI reports: "Sea levels are rising faster than they have at any other time in modern history. Between the founding of Rome and the Industrial Revolution, sea levels never rose or fell more than 1.5 inches in a given century. During the 20th century, sea levels rose an average of 5.5 inches. By 1993, sea level rise had accelerated to a pace of a foot per century. Since then, accelerated sea level rise has continued. If seas continue to rise at the same pace, levels will rise between 22 and 52 inches by 2100. [...] The study comprised that largest analysis of historical sea level records yet. The results largely confirmed the results of previous models, but scientists say the size and scope of the new research will improve future studies."
Comment: I sometimes get push-back from climate-change deniers after I post something like this, but I'm convinced that such changes are consistent with Bible prophecy, specifically Luke 21:25.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Persecution
NYT - IS Gets Millions in Ransom for Abducted Christians
The New York Times reports: "The Islamic State group has collected millions of dollars in ransom for a group of Assyrian Christians it kidnapped in Syria a year ago, Christian officials and an opposition group said Monday, as the last of the 230 hostages were freed. The release ended a yearlong saga for the Christians — many of them women and children — during which families had no news from their loved ones."
Comment: It's good news that they have been released from captivity but let's not forget that such abductions are still standard operating procedure for the Islamic State. It's a near certainty that it will happen again. Please join me in praying for the safety all Christians living in the regions controlled by IS.
The New York Times reports: "The Islamic State group has collected millions of dollars in ransom for a group of Assyrian Christians it kidnapped in Syria a year ago, Christian officials and an opposition group said Monday, as the last of the 230 hostages were freed. The release ended a yearlong saga for the Christians — many of them women and children — during which families had no news from their loved ones."
Comment: It's good news that they have been released from captivity but let's not forget that such abductions are still standard operating procedure for the Islamic State. It's a near certainty that it will happen again. Please join me in praying for the safety all Christians living in the regions controlled by IS.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Fearsome Events
UPI - Cyclone battering Fiji not expected to weaken
UPI reports: "A damaging category 5 tropical cyclone has made landfall on the Pacific nation of Fiji as the most powerful storm to make landfall on record in the Southern Hemisphere. The Fiji Meteorological Service predicts the storm will remain a category 5 as it churns westward over the islands, home to 900,000 people."
Comment: The thing that caught my eye was the fact that it's the most powerful storm to ever make landfall in the entire Southern Hemisphere. That's quite a storm! I know there has been a lot of talk about "wild weather" lately but I tend to pay attention most to weather that breaks records. Does it seem like record-breaking weather events are happening more often?
UPI reports: "A damaging category 5 tropical cyclone has made landfall on the Pacific nation of Fiji as the most powerful storm to make landfall on record in the Southern Hemisphere. The Fiji Meteorological Service predicts the storm will remain a category 5 as it churns westward over the islands, home to 900,000 people."
Comment: The thing that caught my eye was the fact that it's the most powerful storm to ever make landfall in the entire Southern Hemisphere. That's quite a storm! I know there has been a lot of talk about "wild weather" lately but I tend to pay attention most to weather that breaks records. Does it seem like record-breaking weather events are happening more often?
Final Kingdom
AP - Cameron: Britain's referendum on EU membership to be June 23
AP reports: "It's been three years in the making, but a June 23 date has finally been set for the momentous 'in or out' British vote on whether to abandon the 28-nation European Union. [...] Britain has always remained somewhat apart from the European project, preferring to keep its own currency rather than adopt the euro and declining to join the passport-free Schengen zone in place in much of Europe. The June vote will come as the EU struggles to cope with a sustained immigration crisis that last year brought more than 1 million people fleeing war and poverty to its shores."
AP reports: "It's been three years in the making, but a June 23 date has finally been set for the momentous 'in or out' British vote on whether to abandon the 28-nation European Union. [...] Britain has always remained somewhat apart from the European project, preferring to keep its own currency rather than adopt the euro and declining to join the passport-free Schengen zone in place in much of Europe. The June vote will come as the EU struggles to cope with a sustained immigration crisis that last year brought more than 1 million people fleeing war and poverty to its shores."
Friday, February 19, 2016
King of the North - Kings of the East
UPI - Russia to supply first four Su-35 fighters to China in 2016
UPI reports: "Russia plans to supply China with the first four of its ordered Su-35 fighter jets by the end of 2016. [...] The Russian air force plans to acquire 24 of the upgraded fighters, while Indonesia has signed a contract for 12 of the aircraft. The Su-35 is marketed by the United Aircraft Corporation as a fourth-plus generation fighter with capabilities comparable to the Lockheed Martin F-16V."
UPI reports: "Russia plans to supply China with the first four of its ordered Su-35 fighter jets by the end of 2016. [...] The Russian air force plans to acquire 24 of the upgraded fighters, while Indonesia has signed a contract for 12 of the aircraft. The Su-35 is marketed by the United Aircraft Corporation as a fourth-plus generation fighter with capabilities comparable to the Lockheed Martin F-16V."
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - Obama signs bill hitting North Korea with new sanctions
UPI reports : "President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation to levy new sanctions against the North Korean government -- a move designed to "neutralize" potential threats and ratchet up international and economic pressure on Kim Jong-un's regime. [...] The new sanctions were spurred by a series of 'provocative' acts from North Korea in recent weeks -- which have included missile tests and a reported test of a nuclear bomb."
UPI reports : "President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation to levy new sanctions against the North Korean government -- a move designed to "neutralize" potential threats and ratchet up international and economic pressure on Kim Jong-un's regime. [...] The new sanctions were spurred by a series of 'provocative' acts from North Korea in recent weeks -- which have included missile tests and a reported test of a nuclear bomb."
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Kings of the East - Persia
UPI - China revives 'Silk Road' trade with train
UPI reports: "China is one step closer to realizing its revival of the ancient Silk Road after a cargo train arrived in Iran. The train ended a 14-day journey that began in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, then crossed into Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan before arriving in Tehran on Monday, The Guardian reported. The journey spanned more than 6,400 miles, and took one month less than a sea route that extends from Shanghai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas."
Comment: There are many students of Bible prophecy who believe, having been persuaded by an entire generation of prophecy teachers, that the "kings of the east" prophecy of Revelation 16:12 refers exclusively to China. I suggest they take into account geography and then reconsider their interpretation. If it helps, think of China as an island, surrounded on one wide by water and on the other, by very high mountains. If it helps more, remember the prophecy is plural with respect to the kings, as in, more than one kingdom is involved in the fulfillment of this prophecy. The prophecy then, broadly interpreted, refers to every great military power east of the Euphrates River. The revival of the ancient trade routes will no doubt promote the development of both the economic and military might of all of the countries in the region.
UPI reports: "China is one step closer to realizing its revival of the ancient Silk Road after a cargo train arrived in Iran. The train ended a 14-day journey that began in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, then crossed into Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan before arriving in Tehran on Monday, The Guardian reported. The journey spanned more than 6,400 miles, and took one month less than a sea route that extends from Shanghai to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas."
Comment: There are many students of Bible prophecy who believe, having been persuaded by an entire generation of prophecy teachers, that the "kings of the east" prophecy of Revelation 16:12 refers exclusively to China. I suggest they take into account geography and then reconsider their interpretation. If it helps, think of China as an island, surrounded on one wide by water and on the other, by very high mountains. If it helps more, remember the prophecy is plural with respect to the kings, as in, more than one kingdom is involved in the fulfillment of this prophecy. The prophecy then, broadly interpreted, refers to every great military power east of the Euphrates River. The revival of the ancient trade routes will no doubt promote the development of both the economic and military might of all of the countries in the region.
Wars & Rumors of War
UPI - Many killed in car bomb 'terror attack' on Turkey base
UPI reports: "Numerous people were killed in an explosion Wednesday from a suspected terrorist car bombing that targeted military personnel at a barracks in Turkey's capital, government officials said. The blast occurred at about 6:15 p.m. local time, the peak of rush hour, on Wednesday in Ankara near the Turkish Parliament and targeted a convoy of military personnel, officials said."
UPI reports: "Numerous people were killed in an explosion Wednesday from a suspected terrorist car bombing that targeted military personnel at a barracks in Turkey's capital, government officials said. The blast occurred at about 6:15 p.m. local time, the peak of rush hour, on Wednesday in Ankara near the Turkish Parliament and targeted a convoy of military personnel, officials said."
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
Reuters - U.S. planned major cyber attack on Iran if diplomacy failed: NYT
Reuters reports: "The United States had a plan for an extensive cyber attack on Iran in case diplomatic attempts to curtail its nuclear program failed, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing a forthcoming documentary and military and intelligence officials. Code-named Nitro Zeus, the plan was aimed at crippling Iran's air defenses, communications systems and key parts of its electrical power grid, but was put on hold after a nuclear deal was reached last year, the Times said."
Comment: I'm sure that hardliners in Iran will make much of this, but really, it's old news. The U.S. military has contingency plans to attack any possible threat, they would be foolish not to, but that doesn't meant an attack will be forthcoming. The really interesting question is, why is this being reported now? Perhaps to remind Iran that the U.S. still has options to induce Iran to abide by the agreement? Because, seriously, no one believes in those "snap back" sanctions.
Reuters reports: "The United States had a plan for an extensive cyber attack on Iran in case diplomatic attempts to curtail its nuclear program failed, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing a forthcoming documentary and military and intelligence officials. Code-named Nitro Zeus, the plan was aimed at crippling Iran's air defenses, communications systems and key parts of its electrical power grid, but was put on hold after a nuclear deal was reached last year, the Times said."
Comment: I'm sure that hardliners in Iran will make much of this, but really, it's old news. The U.S. military has contingency plans to attack any possible threat, they would be foolish not to, but that doesn't meant an attack will be forthcoming. The really interesting question is, why is this being reported now? Perhaps to remind Iran that the U.S. still has options to induce Iran to abide by the agreement? Because, seriously, no one believes in those "snap back" sanctions.
Pestilence
Reuters - Genes, bugs and radiation: WHO backs new weapons in Zika fight
Reuters reports: "Countries battling the Zika virus should consider new ways to curb disease-carrying mosquitoes, including testing the release of genetically modified insects and bacteria that stop their eggs hatching, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. [...] The WHO also highlighted the potential of releasing sterile irradiated male mosquitoes, a technique that has been developed at the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
Comment: I'm glad they are taking the threat seriously and considering a range of strategies to combat the virus, as long as they are honest about the fact that genetic modifications may have unintended consequences.
Reuters reports: "Countries battling the Zika virus should consider new ways to curb disease-carrying mosquitoes, including testing the release of genetically modified insects and bacteria that stop their eggs hatching, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. [...] The WHO also highlighted the potential of releasing sterile irradiated male mosquitoes, a technique that has been developed at the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
Comment: I'm glad they are taking the threat seriously and considering a range of strategies to combat the virus, as long as they are honest about the fact that genetic modifications may have unintended consequences.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Reuters - China sends missiles to contested South China Sea island: Taiwan
Reuters reports: "China has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system to one of the disputed islands it controls in the South China Sea, Taiwan and U.S. officials said, ratcheting up tensions even as U.S. President Barack Obama urged restraint in the region. Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Major General David Lo told Reuters the missile batteries had been set up on Woody Island. The island is part of the Paracels chain, under Chinese control for more than 40 year but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam."
Comment: If you were wondering how China might react to her neighbors becoming more assertive about protecting their rights under international law, I think we just received the answer. It's starting to seem rather inevitable that all these conflicting claims will eventually lead to armed conflict. I hope we area ready. As for the optics, it's hard not to interpret this as an intentional snub of Obama and his ASEAN summit guests.
Reuters reports: "China has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system to one of the disputed islands it controls in the South China Sea, Taiwan and U.S. officials said, ratcheting up tensions even as U.S. President Barack Obama urged restraint in the region. Taiwan defense ministry spokesman Major General David Lo told Reuters the missile batteries had been set up on Woody Island. The island is part of the Paracels chain, under Chinese control for more than 40 year but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam."
Comment: If you were wondering how China might react to her neighbors becoming more assertive about protecting their rights under international law, I think we just received the answer. It's starting to seem rather inevitable that all these conflicting claims will eventually lead to armed conflict. I hope we area ready. As for the optics, it's hard not to interpret this as an intentional snub of Obama and his ASEAN summit guests.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
UPI - Kim Jong Un to scientists: 'more satellites'
UPI reports: "North Korean news agency KCNA reported Monday Kim said Pyongyang must shoot more satellites into space to raise the level of scientific research and for the future of a 'self-reliant North Korea.' Prior to delivering his speech, Kim inspected the North's ground, naval and air forces. North Korea's recent provocations, including its fourth nuclear test in January and the more recent satellite launch, have accelerated the passage of new sanctions against Pyongyang in the United States, Japan and South Korea."
UPI reports: "North Korean news agency KCNA reported Monday Kim said Pyongyang must shoot more satellites into space to raise the level of scientific research and for the future of a 'self-reliant North Korea.' Prior to delivering his speech, Kim inspected the North's ground, naval and air forces. North Korea's recent provocations, including its fourth nuclear test in January and the more recent satellite launch, have accelerated the passage of new sanctions against Pyongyang in the United States, Japan and South Korea."
Friday, February 12, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
UPI - Russian troops conduct military drills near Ukraine
UPI reports: "Russian troops conducted drills in the Black Sea and on land this week near the border with Ukraine -- deploying more than 8,500 troops, 50 warships and 200 aircraft. The move comes as NATO, also this week, announced it would have a larger presence in the region. Video obtained by Sky News showed fighter jets dropping bombs, ground troops and army helicopters involved in drills."
Comment: This comes in the same week that NATO announced new plans to build up defenses in the Baltics. The danger of miscalculation is high.
UPI reports: "Russian troops conducted drills in the Black Sea and on land this week near the border with Ukraine -- deploying more than 8,500 troops, 50 warships and 200 aircraft. The move comes as NATO, also this week, announced it would have a larger presence in the region. Video obtained by Sky News showed fighter jets dropping bombs, ground troops and army helicopters involved in drills."
Comment: This comes in the same week that NATO announced new plans to build up defenses in the Baltics. The danger of miscalculation is high.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
AP - US deploys more Patriot missiles in South Korea
The AP reports: "The United States temporarily deployed an additional Patriot missile battery in South Korea in response to North Korea's nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch, ahead of talks next week to set up an even more sophisticated U.S. missile defense in a move that has worried China and Russia."
The AP reports: "The United States temporarily deployed an additional Patriot missile battery in South Korea in response to North Korea's nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch, ahead of talks next week to set up an even more sophisticated U.S. missile defense in a move that has worried China and Russia."
Persecution
AP - 'Finally': Pope meets Russian Orthodox leader
The AP reports: "With an exclamation of 'Finally,' Pope Francis embraced Patriarch Kirill on Friday in the first meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a brief but historic encounter held during a stopover in Cuba before the pope flew on to Mexico. [...] Francis and Kirill also called for political leaders to act on the single most important issue of shared concern between the Catholic and Orthodox churches today: the plight of Christians in Iraq and Syria who are being killed and driven from their homes by the Islamic State group."
Comment: While I doubt this meeting will lead to a real ecumenical movement between the Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity, the two leaders are shining an important light on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
The AP reports: "With an exclamation of 'Finally,' Pope Francis embraced Patriarch Kirill on Friday in the first meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a brief but historic encounter held during a stopover in Cuba before the pope flew on to Mexico. [...] Francis and Kirill also called for political leaders to act on the single most important issue of shared concern between the Catholic and Orthodox churches today: the plight of Christians in Iraq and Syria who are being killed and driven from their homes by the Islamic State group."
Comment: While I doubt this meeting will lead to a real ecumenical movement between the Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity, the two leaders are shining an important light on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
Earthquakes
AP - Death toll in Taiwan earthquake rises to 109
The AP reports: "The death toll in a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan's oldest city of Tainan a week ago rose to 109 on Saturday with an estimated nine people missing. All but two of the dead were pulled from the ruins of the collapsed Weiguan Golden Dragon residential complex, a 17-story building. [...] Authorities detained the building's developer Lin Ming-hui and two architects this week on suspicion of negligent homicide amid accusations his firm cut corners in the construction."
Comment: So, this was a powerful earthquake but most of the deaths were likely preventable and due entirely to human greed.
The AP reports: "The death toll in a powerful earthquake that struck Taiwan's oldest city of Tainan a week ago rose to 109 on Saturday with an estimated nine people missing. All but two of the dead were pulled from the ruins of the collapsed Weiguan Golden Dragon residential complex, a 17-story building. [...] Authorities detained the building's developer Lin Ming-hui and two architects this week on suspicion of negligent homicide amid accusations his firm cut corners in the construction."
Comment: So, this was a powerful earthquake but most of the deaths were likely preventable and due entirely to human greed.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Wars and Rumors of War
UPI - Officials reach agreement aimed at ending Syria civil war
UPI reports: "International officials meeting in Germany to work toward a ceasefire in Syria and end the 5-year civil war reached an agreement toward halting hostilities, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday. [...] The agreement, however, does not address ongoing fighting between government and coalition forces and terror groups, including the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front."
Comment: I wish them well but I think the agreement is premature. These kinds of agreements only work when the parties fighting feel they have either accomplished most of the want they want or will never accomplish most of what they want and are therefore ready for a ceasefire agreement. I don't think either applies in this case.
UPI reports: "International officials meeting in Germany to work toward a ceasefire in Syria and end the 5-year civil war reached an agreement toward halting hostilities, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday. [...] The agreement, however, does not address ongoing fighting between government and coalition forces and terror groups, including the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front."
Comment: I wish them well but I think the agreement is premature. These kinds of agreements only work when the parties fighting feel they have either accomplished most of the want they want or will never accomplish most of what they want and are therefore ready for a ceasefire agreement. I don't think either applies in this case.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
AP - NATO ministers approve new reinforcements for eastern Europe
The AP reports: "NATO defense ministers on Wednesday approved new multinational reinforcements to beef up defenses of frontline alliance members most at risk from Russia, the alliance's secretary-general announced. Jens Stoltenberg said the plan adopted by the United States and NATO's 27 other members calls for the use of troops from multiple countries who rotate in and out of eastern European member states rather than being permanently based there."
Comment: Nice to see NATO taking Russia seriously. Still, this is the kind of thing that may look good on paper but will be very difficult to implement at a time when many European countries have been cutting back on their military budgets.
The AP reports: "NATO defense ministers on Wednesday approved new multinational reinforcements to beef up defenses of frontline alliance members most at risk from Russia, the alliance's secretary-general announced. Jens Stoltenberg said the plan adopted by the United States and NATO's 27 other members calls for the use of troops from multiple countries who rotate in and out of eastern European member states rather than being permanently based there."
Comment: Nice to see NATO taking Russia seriously. Still, this is the kind of thing that may look good on paper but will be very difficult to implement at a time when many European countries have been cutting back on their military budgets.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Final Kingdom
Reuters - Founding members say European Union is in bad shape
Reuters reports: "The European Union faces 'critical times' and all its members should set aside selfish interests to tackle problems such as immigration and terrorism, the bloc's six founding nations said on Tuesday. A week after the EU accepted that some members may never go further in sharing sovereignty, as part of the price for keeping Britain in the club, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg pledged to pursue 'ever closer union' at a meeting in Rome, where they founded the bloc in 1957."
Comment: An external threat is always helpful when unity is threatened.
Reuters reports: "The European Union faces 'critical times' and all its members should set aside selfish interests to tackle problems such as immigration and terrorism, the bloc's six founding nations said on Tuesday. A week after the EU accepted that some members may never go further in sharing sovereignty, as part of the price for keeping Britain in the club, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg pledged to pursue 'ever closer union' at a meeting in Rome, where they founded the bloc in 1957."
Comment: An external threat is always helpful when unity is threatened.
Monday, February 08, 2016
War - Persia - King of the North
Reuters - Russian firepower helps Syrian forces edge toward Turkey border
Reuters reports: "The Syrian army advanced toward the Turkish border on Monday in a major offensive backed by Russia and Iran that rebels say now threatens the future of their nearly five-year-old insurrection against President Bashar al-Assad. [...] The Russian-backed Syrian government advance over recent days amounts to one of the biggest shifts in momentum of the war, helping to torpedo the first peace talks for two years, which collapsed last week before they had begun in earnest."
Reuters - Russia having success in hybrid war against Germany
Reuters reports: "Stoking outrage in Germany’s Russian-speaking community is not an end in itself, but a means to exploiting cracks in German society exposed by the refugee crisis. [...] Propaganda was only one element in the so-called 'hybrid warfare' that Russia directed against Ukraine. Long before the Kremlin deployed “little green men” — Russian troops without insignia — to Crimea, it had used other non-military measures such as playing pipeline politics, buying politicians, and backing fringe parties with radical agendas. Those same measures are being used in Germany and other European countries."
Comment: How odd that Russia isn't taking as many Syrian refugees as Germany. Or not.
Reuters reports: "The Syrian army advanced toward the Turkish border on Monday in a major offensive backed by Russia and Iran that rebels say now threatens the future of their nearly five-year-old insurrection against President Bashar al-Assad. [...] The Russian-backed Syrian government advance over recent days amounts to one of the biggest shifts in momentum of the war, helping to torpedo the first peace talks for two years, which collapsed last week before they had begun in earnest."
Reuters - Russia having success in hybrid war against Germany
Reuters reports: "Stoking outrage in Germany’s Russian-speaking community is not an end in itself, but a means to exploiting cracks in German society exposed by the refugee crisis. [...] Propaganda was only one element in the so-called 'hybrid warfare' that Russia directed against Ukraine. Long before the Kremlin deployed “little green men” — Russian troops without insignia — to Crimea, it had used other non-military measures such as playing pipeline politics, buying politicians, and backing fringe parties with radical agendas. Those same measures are being used in Germany and other European countries."
Comment: How odd that Russia isn't taking as many Syrian refugees as Germany. Or not.
Pestilence
Reuters - Race to fast-track Zika trials as 12 groups seek vaccine
Reuters reports: "At least 12 groups are now working to develop a Zika vaccine and health authorities said on Monday they were working to ensure development proceeded as rapidly as possible. [...] With no approved Zika vaccines or medicines and none even undergoing clinical studies, scientists and drugmakers are on the starting-block in fighting the mosquito-borne disease suspected of causing a spike in birth defects in Brazil."
Comment: I wonder if they will also look into better ways of fighting mosquitos? After all, they would not need to cure Zika if the primary disease vector was eradicated.
Reuters reports: "At least 12 groups are now working to develop a Zika vaccine and health authorities said on Monday they were working to ensure development proceeded as rapidly as possible. [...] With no approved Zika vaccines or medicines and none even undergoing clinical studies, scientists and drugmakers are on the starting-block in fighting the mosquito-borne disease suspected of causing a spike in birth defects in Brazil."
Comment: I wonder if they will also look into better ways of fighting mosquitos? After all, they would not need to cure Zika if the primary disease vector was eradicated.
Friday, February 05, 2016
Earthquakes
Reuters - Quake fells Taiwan apartment building, at least five dead
Reuters reports: "A powerful earthquake toppled a 17-story apartment building in southern Taiwan on Saturday, killing at least five people, including a 10-day-old girl, and triggering frantic efforts to rescue about 35 people feared trapped inside. [...]
Taiwan lies in the seismically active 'Pacific Ring of Fire'. Television quoted Tainan residents as saying the quake felt worse than the 1999 tremor, centered in central Taiwan.
Taiwan's defence ministry said 810 soldiers had been mobilized for rescue efforts."
Reuters reports: "A powerful earthquake toppled a 17-story apartment building in southern Taiwan on Saturday, killing at least five people, including a 10-day-old girl, and triggering frantic efforts to rescue about 35 people feared trapped inside. [...]
Taiwan lies in the seismically active 'Pacific Ring of Fire'. Television quoted Tainan residents as saying the quake felt worse than the 1999 tremor, centered in central Taiwan.
Taiwan's defence ministry said 810 soldiers had been mobilized for rescue efforts."
Thursday, February 04, 2016
Persecution
AP - Egyptian Christian students stand trial for insulting Islam
AP reports: "Three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers, one of a series of court cases that reflect lingering religious intolerance and Muslim-Christian tensions in Egypt. [...] Christians make up approximately 10 percent of Egypt's population. They have long complained of discrimination by the Muslim majority."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of these students and their families.
AP reports: "Three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers, one of a series of court cases that reflect lingering religious intolerance and Muslim-Christian tensions in Egypt. [...] Christians make up approximately 10 percent of Egypt's population. They have long complained of discrimination by the Muslim majority."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of these students and their families.
Wickedness Increases
AP - Prosecutor: Girl texted with college man before stabbing
AP reports: "Two Virginia Tech students carefully planned the kidnapping and killing of a 13-year-old girl, arranging a pre-dawn rendezvous online after buying cleaning supplies and a shovel at separate Wal-Mart stores, a prosecutor alleged Thursday."
Comment: I don't often link to local crime news and prefer to focus on global news but I'm making an exception in this case. This appears to be one of those crimes categorized as "thrill killings" in which criminals kill someone just to see what the experience is like. It's a crime without any real motive except for depraved indifference to the value of human life. These are truly evil people.
AP reports: "Two Virginia Tech students carefully planned the kidnapping and killing of a 13-year-old girl, arranging a pre-dawn rendezvous online after buying cleaning supplies and a shovel at separate Wal-Mart stores, a prosecutor alleged Thursday."
Comment: I don't often link to local crime news and prefer to focus on global news but I'm making an exception in this case. This appears to be one of those crimes categorized as "thrill killings" in which criminals kill someone just to see what the experience is like. It's a crime without any real motive except for depraved indifference to the value of human life. These are truly evil people.
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Pestilence
Reuters - Florida governor declares health emergency in four counties over Zika
Reuters reports: "Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a public health emergency in four counties with travel-related cases of the Zika virus on Wednesday, and ordered state officials to increase mosquito control efforts in some of the most populous parts of the state."
Reuters reports: "Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a public health emergency in four counties with travel-related cases of the Zika virus on Wednesday, and ordered state officials to increase mosquito control efforts in some of the most populous parts of the state."
Rumors of War
Reuters - North Korea's mobile missile launcher seen moving: Japan's NHK
Reuters reports: "North Korea's mobile missile launcher, carrying a ballistic missile, has been seen moving near the east coast and activity has also been seen at a long-range rocket launch pad on the west coast, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday. International pressure has grown on North Korea to call off a planned rocket launch, seen by some governments as another missile test, since Pyongyang told U.N. agencies this week it would launch what it called an 'earth observation satellite'. Japan has put its military on alert to shoot down any rocket that threatens its territory."
Reuters reports: "North Korea's mobile missile launcher, carrying a ballistic missile, has been seen moving near the east coast and activity has also been seen at a long-range rocket launch pad on the west coast, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday. International pressure has grown on North Korea to call off a planned rocket launch, seen by some governments as another missile test, since Pyongyang told U.N. agencies this week it would launch what it called an 'earth observation satellite'. Japan has put its military on alert to shoot down any rocket that threatens its territory."
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Pestilence
AP - Sexually-transmitted Zika case confirmed in Texas
AP reports: "Health officials on Tuesday reported that a person in Texas has become infected with the Zika virus through sex in the first case of the illness being transmitted within the United States amid the current outbreak in Latin America. [...] The CDC says it will issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus, focusing on the male sexual partners of women who are or may be pregnant."
AP reports: "Health officials on Tuesday reported that a person in Texas has become infected with the Zika virus through sex in the first case of the illness being transmitted within the United States amid the current outbreak in Latin America. [...] The CDC says it will issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus, focusing on the male sexual partners of women who are or may be pregnant."
Rumors of War
AP - South Korea warns North Korea not to launch satellite
The AP reports: "South Korea warned on Wednesday of 'searing' consequences if North Korea doesn't abandon plans to launch a long-range rocket that critics call a banned test of ballistic missile technology. [...] North Korea on Tuesday informed international organizations of its plans to launch an Earth observation satellite on a rocket between Feb. 8 and 25, and if North Korea's past patterns are any clue, angry warnings by its neighbors and Washington probably won't dissuade a coming launch."
Comment: Time to unpack the harsh words of condemnation and ready them for use.
The AP reports: "South Korea warned on Wednesday of 'searing' consequences if North Korea doesn't abandon plans to launch a long-range rocket that critics call a banned test of ballistic missile technology. [...] North Korea on Tuesday informed international organizations of its plans to launch an Earth observation satellite on a rocket between Feb. 8 and 25, and if North Korea's past patterns are any clue, angry warnings by its neighbors and Washington probably won't dissuade a coming launch."
Comment: Time to unpack the harsh words of condemnation and ready them for use.
Monday, February 01, 2016
Pestilence
AP - WHO declares global emergency over Zika virus spread
The AP reports: "The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects in the Americas, calling it an 'extraordinary event' that poses a public health threat to other parts of the world. The U.N. agency took the rare step despite a lack of definitive evidence proving the mosquito-borne virus is causing a surge in babies born with brain defects and abnormally small heads in Brazil and following a 2013-14 outbreak in French Polynesia."
Comment: Will WHO do a better job with Zika than they did with Ebola? Stay tuned!
The AP reports: "The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects in the Americas, calling it an 'extraordinary event' that poses a public health threat to other parts of the world. The U.N. agency took the rare step despite a lack of definitive evidence proving the mosquito-borne virus is causing a surge in babies born with brain defects and abnormally small heads in Brazil and following a 2013-14 outbreak in French Polynesia."
Comment: Will WHO do a better job with Zika than they did with Ebola? Stay tuned!
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Covenant With Many
NYT - France Plans Mideast Peace Effort, and Recognition of Palestine if It Fails
The New York Times reports: "France said Friday that it would organize an international conference aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that France would recognize Palestine as an independent state if that effort failed. [...] 'France will engage in the coming weeks in the preparation of an international conference bringing together the parties and their main partners — American, European, Arab — notably to preserve and make happen the two-state solution,' Mr. Fabius said. Should that effort fail, he said, 'We need to face our responsibilities by recognizing the Palestinian state.'"
Comment: I can't help wonder which Palestine the French would like to recognize? The Palestine represented by Fatah in the West Bank or the more radical (and armed by Iran) Palestine of Hamas in Gaza? Perhaps France sees no distinction between the two competing Palestinian factions? If so, they really have no business in meddling in things they don't understand.
The New York Times reports: "France said Friday that it would organize an international conference aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that France would recognize Palestine as an independent state if that effort failed. [...] 'France will engage in the coming weeks in the preparation of an international conference bringing together the parties and their main partners — American, European, Arab — notably to preserve and make happen the two-state solution,' Mr. Fabius said. Should that effort fail, he said, 'We need to face our responsibilities by recognizing the Palestinian state.'"
Comment: I can't help wonder which Palestine the French would like to recognize? The Palestine represented by Fatah in the West Bank or the more radical (and armed by Iran) Palestine of Hamas in Gaza? Perhaps France sees no distinction between the two competing Palestinian factions? If so, they really have no business in meddling in things they don't understand.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia - Peace and Security of Jerusalem
AP - Hamas says it continues to build tunnels to attack Israel
AP reports: "A senior leader of Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, says its gunmen continue to build attack tunnels into Israel. [...] Hamas has built a sophisticated network of tunnels that it has used to penetrate Israel to carry out attacks on civilians and soldiers. Israel destroyed dozens of the tunnels during the 2014 Gaza war."
Comment: It goes unstated, so perhaps we should state it, that Iran funds and arms Hamas to advance a proxy war against Israel even as the West hails the "new" Iran.
AP reports: "A senior leader of Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, says its gunmen continue to build attack tunnels into Israel. [...] Hamas has built a sophisticated network of tunnels that it has used to penetrate Israel to carry out attacks on civilians and soldiers. Israel destroyed dozens of the tunnels during the 2014 Gaza war."
Comment: It goes unstated, so perhaps we should state it, that Iran funds and arms Hamas to advance a proxy war against Israel even as the West hails the "new" Iran.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Pestilence
AP - UN health chief: Zika virus is 'spreading explosively'
The AP reports: "The Zika virus is 'spreading explosively' in the Americas, which could see up to 4 million cases over the next year, international health officials said Thursday, announcing a special meeting next week to decide if they should declare an international health emergency. The warning from the World Health Organization came amid a call to arms by officials on both sides of the Atlantic over the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to a spike in a rare birth defect in Brazil. Brazil's president — noting there is no medical defense against the infection — called for a crusade against the mosquitoes spreading it."
Comment: It's very worrisome that the virus is spread by mosquitoes, which seem abundant despite efforts to eradicate them.
The AP reports: "The Zika virus is 'spreading explosively' in the Americas, which could see up to 4 million cases over the next year, international health officials said Thursday, announcing a special meeting next week to decide if they should declare an international health emergency. The warning from the World Health Organization came amid a call to arms by officials on both sides of the Atlantic over the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to a spike in a rare birth defect in Brazil. Brazil's president — noting there is no medical defense against the infection — called for a crusade against the mosquitoes spreading it."
Comment: It's very worrisome that the virus is spread by mosquitoes, which seem abundant despite efforts to eradicate them.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
AP - Iran warns US warship to leave naval drill area
The AP reports: "Iran's navy warned a U.S. warship to leave an area where Iran has been conducting a naval drill near the narrow Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Wednesday. The U.S. Navy denied that its operations in the region were affected. [...] It is the first Iranian naval exercise since 10 U.S. sailors were briefly captured by Iran earlier this month after drifting into Iranian territorial waters."
Comment: Critics of the Iran nuclear deal say it has emboldened Iran. I wonder if we can say this incident is proof of that?
The AP reports: "Iran's navy warned a U.S. warship to leave an area where Iran has been conducting a naval drill near the narrow Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Wednesday. The U.S. Navy denied that its operations in the region were affected. [...] It is the first Iranian naval exercise since 10 U.S. sailors were briefly captured by Iran earlier this month after drifting into Iranian territorial waters."
Comment: Critics of the Iran nuclear deal say it has emboldened Iran. I wonder if we can say this incident is proof of that?
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
AP - US, China spar over North Korea, South China Sea
AP reports: "China claims sovereignty of much of the territory in the South China Sea. It rejects claims from countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam and has bristled at U.S. warnings that its activities threaten the freedom of navigation in some of the world's busiest commercial shipping lanes. Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the strategically vital sea, through which around $5 trillion in world trade passes each year. The U.S. says it takes no position on the claims but says developments in the South China Sea are a national security interest. It has urged that the disputes be settled peacefully and that a binding code of conduct be established for the area. Tensions have been especially high since Beijing transformed seven disputed reefs into islands, where it is now constructing runways and facilities that rival claimants say can be used militarily."
AP reports: "China claims sovereignty of much of the territory in the South China Sea. It rejects claims from countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam and has bristled at U.S. warnings that its activities threaten the freedom of navigation in some of the world's busiest commercial shipping lanes. Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the strategically vital sea, through which around $5 trillion in world trade passes each year. The U.S. says it takes no position on the claims but says developments in the South China Sea are a national security interest. It has urged that the disputes be settled peacefully and that a binding code of conduct be established for the area. Tensions have been especially high since Beijing transformed seven disputed reefs into islands, where it is now constructing runways and facilities that rival claimants say can be used militarily."
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Future Fear
AP - Scientists to announce "Doomsday Clock" time
AP reports: "Rising tension between Russia and the U.S., North Korea's recent nuclear test and a lack of aggressive steps to address climate change are putting the world under grave threat, scientists behind a 'Doomsday Clock' that measures the likelihood of a global cataclysm said Tuesday. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that the minute hand on the metaphorical clock remained at three minutes-to-midnight. The clock reflects how vulnerable the world is to catastrophe from nuclear weapons, climate change and new technologies, with midnight symbolizing apocalypse."
AP reports: "Rising tension between Russia and the U.S., North Korea's recent nuclear test and a lack of aggressive steps to address climate change are putting the world under grave threat, scientists behind a 'Doomsday Clock' that measures the likelihood of a global cataclysm said Tuesday. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that the minute hand on the metaphorical clock remained at three minutes-to-midnight. The clock reflects how vulnerable the world is to catastrophe from nuclear weapons, climate change and new technologies, with midnight symbolizing apocalypse."
Pestilence
AP - Health minister: Brazil is 'losing battle' against mosquito
The AP reports: "Brazil's health minister says the country is sending some 220,000 troops to battle the mosquito blamed for spreading a virus suspected of causing birth defects — but he also says the war is already being lost. Marcelo Castro said that nearly 220,000 members of Brazil's Armed Forces would go door-to-door to help in mosquito eradication efforts ahead of the country's Carnival celebrations. [...] But the minister also said the country has failed in efforts against the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever."
The AP reports: "Brazil's health minister says the country is sending some 220,000 troops to battle the mosquito blamed for spreading a virus suspected of causing birth defects — but he also says the war is already being lost. Marcelo Castro said that nearly 220,000 members of Brazil's Armed Forces would go door-to-door to help in mosquito eradication efforts ahead of the country's Carnival celebrations. [...] But the minister also said the country has failed in efforts against the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever."
Monday, January 25, 2016
Wars & Rumors of War
AP - EU police warn that more attacks by IS militants are likely
The AP reports: "Europe's top police agency issued a stark warning Monday: Islamic State extremists will keep attempting lethal attacks on soft targets in Europe as the militant group increasingly goes global. [...] Hours before the report was issued, a new video was released by the Islamic State group celebrating the killers who carried out the Nov. 13 attacks in the French capital — while also threatening fresh bloodshed."
The AP reports: "Europe's top police agency issued a stark warning Monday: Islamic State extremists will keep attempting lethal attacks on soft targets in Europe as the militant group increasingly goes global. [...] Hours before the report was issued, a new video was released by the Islamic State group celebrating the killers who carried out the Nov. 13 attacks in the French capital — while also threatening fresh bloodshed."
Pestilence
AP - Spreading Zika virus a new economic strain for Latin America
The AP reports: "Brazilian health officials said Wednesday that the number of cases of microcephaly, a rare brain defect in babies, has risen to 3,893, since authorities began investigating the surge in cases, in October. Fewer than 150 such cases were seen in all of 2014 — before Zika began to spread across the country. The outbreak comes as about 1 million people, a third of them foreigners, are expected to flood Rio de Janeiro in the coming month to celebrate Carnival. And hoteliers and others have invested billions of dollars in anticipation of a flood of visitors to the Summer Olympics in Rio in August."
The AP reports: "Brazilian health officials said Wednesday that the number of cases of microcephaly, a rare brain defect in babies, has risen to 3,893, since authorities began investigating the surge in cases, in October. Fewer than 150 such cases were seen in all of 2014 — before Zika began to spread across the country. The outbreak comes as about 1 million people, a third of them foreigners, are expected to flood Rio de Janeiro in the coming month to celebrate Carnival. And hoteliers and others have invested billions of dollars in anticipation of a flood of visitors to the Summer Olympics in Rio in August."
Friday, January 22, 2016
Pestilence
Yahoo News - Health officials probe tie between Zika, paralyzing syndrome
AP reports: "Two Latin American countries are investigating whether outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Zika virus are behind a rise in a rare and sometimes life-threatening nerve condition that can cause paralysis and leave victims on life-support."
AP reports: "Two Latin American countries are investigating whether outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Zika virus are behind a rise in a rare and sometimes life-threatening nerve condition that can cause paralysis and leave victims on life-support."
Kings of the East - Persia
Reuters - Chinese leader in Iran to discuss economy, regional crisis: state TV
Reuters reports: "Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Tehran on Friday to discuss improvement of economic and political ties after lifting of international sanctions because of Iran's disputed nuclear program, state TV said. Xi will meet top Iranian officials, including the country's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Hassan Rouhani. He has also visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt during his Middle East tour, which started on January 19."
Reuters reports: "Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Tehran on Friday to discuss improvement of economic and political ties after lifting of international sanctions because of Iran's disputed nuclear program, state TV said. Xi will meet top Iranian officials, including the country's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Hassan Rouhani. He has also visited Saudi Arabia and Egypt during his Middle East tour, which started on January 19."
Mark of the Beast
AFP reports: "Syrian refugees in Jordan will get faster access to United Nations cash
aid through an iris-scanning ATM network, removing the need for bank
accounts and cards. [...] Under the project dubbed 'EyeCloud, the refugees receive cash in less than 30 seconds from
machines equipped with biometric technology. Around
50 specially-adapted ATMs have been set up across Jordan, in
cooperation with a local bank, to provide refugees quicker access to
money."
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Pestilence
AP - CDC: Ask pregnant women about trips to Zika outbreak areas
The AP reports: "U.S. health officials issued new guidance Tuesday for doctors whose pregnant patients may have traveled to regions with a tropical illness linked to birth defects. Doctors should ask pregnant women about their travel and certain symptoms, and - if warranted - test them for an infection with the Zika (ZEE'-ka) virus [...] The virus is spread through mosquito bites, and there have been outbreaks in parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. There is no medicine or vaccine for it. [...] CDC officials said pregnant women should consider postponing trips to 14 destinations - Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela."
The AP reports: "U.S. health officials issued new guidance Tuesday for doctors whose pregnant patients may have traveled to regions with a tropical illness linked to birth defects. Doctors should ask pregnant women about their travel and certain symptoms, and - if warranted - test them for an infection with the Zika (ZEE'-ka) virus [...] The virus is spread through mosquito bites, and there have been outbreaks in parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. There is no medicine or vaccine for it. [...] CDC officials said pregnant women should consider postponing trips to 14 destinations - Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela."
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Signs in the Stars
BBC News - Case made for 'ninth planet'
BBC News reports: "American astronomers say they have strong evidence that there is a ninth planet in our Solar System orbiting far beyond even the dwarf world Pluto. The team, from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), has no direct observations to confirm its presence just yet. Rather, the scientists make the claim based on the way other far-flung objects are seen to move. But if proven, the putative planet would have 10 times the mass of Earth. The Caltech astronomers have a vague idea where it ought to be on the sky, and their work is sure to fire a campaign to try to track it down."
Comment: I was once asked the difference between "signs in the stars" (Luke 21:25) and "signs and wonders in the heavens" (Joel 2:30; Luke 21:11; Acts 2:19). I tend to think the difference is simply where you are looking. If you can see if in the sky (like a shooting star or eclipse) then it's a "sign in the heavens" and if we are talking about stellar phenomena that can be observed by telescopes (or inferred by observations of planets using telescopes, as in this news report), then it's a "sign in the stars." Remember, Paul accepted that there are three heavens (2 Corinthians 12:2–4) , the first is the sky and atmosphere, the second is space, and the third is heaven, the abode of God.
BBC News reports: "American astronomers say they have strong evidence that there is a ninth planet in our Solar System orbiting far beyond even the dwarf world Pluto. The team, from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), has no direct observations to confirm its presence just yet. Rather, the scientists make the claim based on the way other far-flung objects are seen to move. But if proven, the putative planet would have 10 times the mass of Earth. The Caltech astronomers have a vague idea where it ought to be on the sky, and their work is sure to fire a campaign to try to track it down."
Comment: I was once asked the difference between "signs in the stars" (Luke 21:25) and "signs and wonders in the heavens" (Joel 2:30; Luke 21:11; Acts 2:19). I tend to think the difference is simply where you are looking. If you can see if in the sky (like a shooting star or eclipse) then it's a "sign in the heavens" and if we are talking about stellar phenomena that can be observed by telescopes (or inferred by observations of planets using telescopes, as in this news report), then it's a "sign in the stars." Remember, Paul accepted that there are three heavens (2 Corinthians 12:2–4) , the first is the sky and atmosphere, the second is space, and the third is heaven, the abode of God.
Final Kingdom
Reuters - End of Europe? Berlin, Brussels' shock tactic on migrants
Reuters reports: "Merkel, facing trouble among her conservative supporters as much as from opponents, called Europe 'vulnerable' and the fate of the euro 'directly linked' to resolving the migration crisis -- highlighting the risk of at the very least serious economic turbulence if not a formal dismantling of EU institutions. [...] with efforts to engage Turkey's help showing little sign yet of preventing migrants reaching Greek beaches, German and EU officials are warning that without a sharp drop in arrivals or a change of heart in other EU states to relieve Berlin of the lonely task of housing refugees, Germany could shut its doors, sparking wider crisis this spring."
Reuters reports: "Merkel, facing trouble among her conservative supporters as much as from opponents, called Europe 'vulnerable' and the fate of the euro 'directly linked' to resolving the migration crisis -- highlighting the risk of at the very least serious economic turbulence if not a formal dismantling of EU institutions. [...] with efforts to engage Turkey's help showing little sign yet of preventing migrants reaching Greek beaches, German and EU officials are warning that without a sharp drop in arrivals or a change of heart in other EU states to relieve Berlin of the lonely task of housing refugees, Germany could shut its doors, sparking wider crisis this spring."
Kings of the East
Reuters - China offers support for Yemen government as Xi visits Saudi Arabia
Reuters reports: "China has signaled its support for Yemen's government, which is fighting an Iran-allied militia, on the first day of a visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will also be heading to Tehran later in the week. [...] China relies on the region for oil but has tended to leave Middle Eastern diplomacy to the other four permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Britain, France and Russia. However, China has been trying to get more involved, especially in Syria, and recently hosted its foreign minister and opposition officials."
Reuters reports: "China has signaled its support for Yemen's government, which is fighting an Iran-allied militia, on the first day of a visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will also be heading to Tehran later in the week. [...] China relies on the region for oil but has tended to leave Middle Eastern diplomacy to the other four permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Britain, France and Russia. However, China has been trying to get more involved, especially in Syria, and recently hosted its foreign minister and opposition officials."
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Wars & Rumors of War
Reuters - North Korea nuclear test did not increase technical capability: U.S.
Reuters reports: "North Korea's Jan. 6 nuclear test did not expand its technical capability, but the U.S. government is keeping a close eye on Pyongyang's efforts to develop a thermonuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States, the head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said on Tuesday. [...] North Korea has shown off two versions of a ballistic missile that appear to be of a type that could reach the U.S. West Coast, but there is no evidence the missiles have been tested."
Reuters reports: "North Korea's Jan. 6 nuclear test did not expand its technical capability, but the U.S. government is keeping a close eye on Pyongyang's efforts to develop a thermonuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States, the head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said on Tuesday. [...] North Korea has shown off two versions of a ballistic missile that appear to be of a type that could reach the U.S. West Coast, but there is no evidence the missiles have been tested."
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Believers Persecuted
The Washington Post - Wife of pastor Saeed Abedini, jailed in Iran for his faith, explains the ‘shock’ of his release
The Washington Post reports: "American evangelical pastor Saeed Abedini is among the four Americans Iran who were released on Saturday, according to U.S. and Iranian officials. For more than three years, evangelical activists have pressed President Obama to push for his release, arguing that it should be part of a larger nuclear deal. Abedini, 35, of Boise, Idaho, is a convert from Islam to Christianity and pastor who had been imprisoned since 2012 for organizing home churches. [...] His case put a face on the issue of persecution, especially in the Middle East, for Christians across the globe, and his release comes on 'religious freedom day' in the U.S."
The Washington Post reports: "American evangelical pastor Saeed Abedini is among the four Americans Iran who were released on Saturday, according to U.S. and Iranian officials. For more than three years, evangelical activists have pressed President Obama to push for his release, arguing that it should be part of a larger nuclear deal. Abedini, 35, of Boise, Idaho, is a convert from Islam to Christianity and pastor who had been imprisoned since 2012 for organizing home churches. [...] His case put a face on the issue of persecution, especially in the Middle East, for Christians across the globe, and his release comes on 'religious freedom day' in the U.S."
Friday, January 15, 2016
Pestilence
AP -
Pregnant women told to avoid countries with Zika outbreaks
AP reports: "Pregnant women should avoid traveling to Latin America and Caribbean countries that have outbreaks of a tropical illness linked to birth defects, health officials said Friday. The illness is caused by the Zika virus which is spread through mosquito bites. [...] U.S. health officials said pregnant women should consider postponing trips to 14 destinations - Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela."
AP reports: "Pregnant women should avoid traveling to Latin America and Caribbean countries that have outbreaks of a tropical illness linked to birth defects, health officials said Friday. The illness is caused by the Zika virus which is spread through mosquito bites. [...] U.S. health officials said pregnant women should consider postponing trips to 14 destinations - Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela."
Wars & Rumors of War
AP - Forces try to retake Burkina Faso hotel attacked by al-Qaida
AP reports: "Al-Qaida militants struck an upscale hotel and nearby cafe late Friday that are popular with Westerners in Burkina Faso's capital, taking an unknown number of hostages and forcing others to hide for their lives as gunfire and explosions rang out. The country's troops backed by French forces were still trying to retake control of the building eight hours later."
AP reports: "Al-Qaida militants struck an upscale hotel and nearby cafe late Friday that are popular with Westerners in Burkina Faso's capital, taking an unknown number of hostages and forcing others to hide for their lives as gunfire and explosions rang out. The country's troops backed by French forces were still trying to retake control of the building eight hours later."
Fearsome Events
AP - Stock market slides again; worst two-week start to a year
AP reports: "Never before has Wall Street gotten off to a worse start to a year. The stock market capped the first two weeks of 2016 with a steep slide Friday that sent the Dow Jones industrial average down nearly 400 points. All three major stock indexes - the Dow, the Nasdaq composite and the Standard & Poor's 500 - are now in what's known as a correction, or a drop of 10 percent or more from their recent peaks."
AP reports: "Never before has Wall Street gotten off to a worse start to a year. The stock market capped the first two weeks of 2016 with a steep slide Friday that sent the Dow Jones industrial average down nearly 400 points. All three major stock indexes - the Dow, the Nasdaq composite and the Standard & Poor's 500 - are now in what's known as a correction, or a drop of 10 percent or more from their recent peaks."
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Earthquakes
AP - Strong earthquake shakes northern Japan; no tsunami warning
The AP reports: "A strong earthquake struck just off the coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan. No tsunami warning was issued. The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit about 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) Thursday, near the Urakawa town on the southern tip of Hokkaido, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It said the quake's center was located at a depth of 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the sea surface. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage."
The AP reports: "A strong earthquake struck just off the coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan. No tsunami warning was issued. The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit about 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) Thursday, near the Urakawa town on the southern tip of Hokkaido, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It said the quake's center was located at a depth of 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the sea surface. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage."
Rumors of War - Nations in Distress
AP - Explosion in Jakarta leaves at least 1 dead; gunfire heard
The AP reports: "A massive explosion rocked downtown Jakarta in front of a popular shopping mall on Thursday and an Associated Press reporter saw at least one dead body. Gunshots were heard after the midmorning explosion in front of the Sarinah shopping mall and a police station. The area also has many luxury hotels, and offices and embassies, including the French. It was not clear who was shooting but police had cordoned off the area, preventing reporters from going near the scene. Witnesses said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, but there was no immediate confirmation of the claim. Indonesia has been a victim of several bombing attacks in the past, claimed by Islamic militant groups."
The AP reports: "A massive explosion rocked downtown Jakarta in front of a popular shopping mall on Thursday and an Associated Press reporter saw at least one dead body. Gunshots were heard after the midmorning explosion in front of the Sarinah shopping mall and a police station. The area also has many luxury hotels, and offices and embassies, including the French. It was not clear who was shooting but police had cordoned off the area, preventing reporters from going near the scene. Witnesses said the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, but there was no immediate confirmation of the claim. Indonesia has been a victim of several bombing attacks in the past, claimed by Islamic militant groups."
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
AP - Pentagon: 2 US Navy boats held by Iran but will be returned
The AP reports: "Iran was holding 10 U.S. Navy sailors and their two small boats that drifted into Iranian waters after experiencing mechanical problems. Iran accused the sailors of trespassing but American officials said Tehran has assured them that the crew and vessels would be returned safely and promptly. The sailors, nine men and one woman, were being held overnight at an Iranian base on Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf, and were expected to be transferred to a U.S. ship in the region on Wednesday morning local time."
The AP reports: "Iran was holding 10 U.S. Navy sailors and their two small boats that drifted into Iranian waters after experiencing mechanical problems. Iran accused the sailors of trespassing but American officials said Tehran has assured them that the crew and vessels would be returned safely and promptly. The sailors, nine men and one woman, were being held overnight at an Iranian base on Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf, and were expected to be transferred to a U.S. ship in the region on Wednesday morning local time."
Monday, January 11, 2016
Wars & Rumors of War
AP - IS claims responsibility for Baghdad mall attack
The AP reports: "The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Baghdad mall attack that killed 18 people on Monday. Gunmen stormed into the Jawhara Mall after setting off a car bomb and launching a suicide attack at its entrance. Iraqi officials say the attack which lasted over an hour, killed at least 18 people and wounded 50 in the city's mainly Shiite east."
The AP reports: "The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Baghdad mall attack that killed 18 people on Monday. Gunmen stormed into the Jawhara Mall after setting off a car bomb and launching a suicide attack at its entrance. Iraqi officials say the attack which lasted over an hour, killed at least 18 people and wounded 50 in the city's mainly Shiite east."
Saturday, January 09, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
US Navy releases video of 'provocative' Iran rocket fire - Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune reports: "The U.S. Navy on Saturday released footage it said showed Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels firing rockets near warships and commercial traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz late last month, a move raising tensions between the two nations despite the recent nuclear deal. [...] The 45 seconds of black-and-white Dec. 26 footage, which the Navy said was shot from a Seahawk helicopter, shows what appears to be an oil tanker passing by. A flash appears on the left side of the video and after zooming in, it shows small boats the Navy said were Iranian firing rockets. The Navy has said the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, the USS Bulkeley destroyer and a French frigate were nearby at the time, as well as commercial vessels."
The Chicago Tribune reports: "The U.S. Navy on Saturday released footage it said showed Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels firing rockets near warships and commercial traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz late last month, a move raising tensions between the two nations despite the recent nuclear deal. [...] The 45 seconds of black-and-white Dec. 26 footage, which the Navy said was shot from a Seahawk helicopter, shows what appears to be an oil tanker passing by. A flash appears on the left side of the video and after zooming in, it shows small boats the Navy said were Iranian firing rockets. The Navy has said the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, the USS Bulkeley destroyer and a French frigate were nearby at the time, as well as commercial vessels."
Friday, January 08, 2016
Rumors of War
North Korea says South's propaganda broadcasts push situation to 'brink of war' - Reuters
Reuters reports: "South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea push the rivals to the 'brink of war,' a top North Korean official has told a propaganda rally, in the isolated country's first official response to the sonic barrage across its border. North Korea's fourth nuclear test on Wednesday angered both the United States and China, which was not given prior notice, although the U.S. government and weapons experts doubt the North's claim that the device it set off was a hydrogen bomb. In retaliation for the test, South Korea on Friday unleashed a ear-splitting propaganda barrage over its border with the North. The last time South Korea deployed the loudspeakers, in August 2015, it triggered an exchange of artillery fire."
Reuters reports: "South Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea push the rivals to the 'brink of war,' a top North Korean official has told a propaganda rally, in the isolated country's first official response to the sonic barrage across its border. North Korea's fourth nuclear test on Wednesday angered both the United States and China, which was not given prior notice, although the U.S. government and weapons experts doubt the North's claim that the device it set off was a hydrogen bomb. In retaliation for the test, South Korea on Friday unleashed a ear-splitting propaganda barrage over its border with the North. The last time South Korea deployed the loudspeakers, in August 2015, it triggered an exchange of artillery fire."
Wickedness Increases
Demand for reprint of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' overwhelms publisher - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Heavy demand for the first edition of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' to be printed in Germany since his death is taking its publisher by surprise, with orders received for almost four times the print run. The two-volume political treatise, which was written between 1924 and 1926 and posits a global Jewish conspiracy, is regarded as one of the Nazis' main propaganda tools. It has been re-issued as a 2,000-page annotated version after its 70-year copyright expired."
Comment: This will not end well. I wonder if historians will look back on this as a perfect storm of unrelated events leading to a spike in xenophobic violence? First Germany is flooded with thousands of refugees and migrants from the Middle East, many of whom are unfamiliar with European culture and mores. Then, quite unexpectedly, the academic community publishes Hitler's manifesto for the first times in years, exposing a public filled with millennials unfamiliar with the raw power and Satanic appeal of racial hatred. The people who decided to publish Hitler's book are not the people who manage the migrant crisis, there is no coordination or subversive agenda at work. The timing, though, is unfortunate and will no doubt lead to a resurgence in antisemitism and xenophobia. The only real silver lining is that the German economy is strong and there is no worry that economic hardship will lead to a new era of nationalist sentiment. Right?
Reuters reports: "Heavy demand for the first edition of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' to be printed in Germany since his death is taking its publisher by surprise, with orders received for almost four times the print run. The two-volume political treatise, which was written between 1924 and 1926 and posits a global Jewish conspiracy, is regarded as one of the Nazis' main propaganda tools. It has been re-issued as a 2,000-page annotated version after its 70-year copyright expired."
Comment: This will not end well. I wonder if historians will look back on this as a perfect storm of unrelated events leading to a spike in xenophobic violence? First Germany is flooded with thousands of refugees and migrants from the Middle East, many of whom are unfamiliar with European culture and mores. Then, quite unexpectedly, the academic community publishes Hitler's manifesto for the first times in years, exposing a public filled with millennials unfamiliar with the raw power and Satanic appeal of racial hatred. The people who decided to publish Hitler's book are not the people who manage the migrant crisis, there is no coordination or subversive agenda at work. The timing, though, is unfortunate and will no doubt lead to a resurgence in antisemitism and xenophobia. The only real silver lining is that the German economy is strong and there is no worry that economic hardship will lead to a new era of nationalist sentiment. Right?
Thursday, January 07, 2016
Fearsome Events
Dow, S&P off to worst four-day Jan start ever as China fears grow - Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Dow has lost 5.2 percent since the end of 2015 in the worst first four trading days since the 30-stock index was created in 1928. The S&P 500 is down 4.9 percent since Dec. 31, its worst four-day opening in its history, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices, while the Nasdaq is down 6.4 percent."
Reuters reports: "The Dow has lost 5.2 percent since the end of 2015 in the worst first four trading days since the 30-stock index was created in 1928. The S&P 500 is down 4.9 percent since Dec. 31, its worst four-day opening in its history, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices, while the Nasdaq is down 6.4 percent."
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany - AP
AP reports: "Wednesday is Epiphany, a major holiday in much of Orthodox Christianity celebrating the birth and baptism of Jesus. Religious services are held as well as Blessing of Water ceremonies at lakes, rivers and seafronts. But in Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other Orthodox countries that observe a different religious calendar, it is Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics and Protestants, meanwhile, celebrate the story of the Wise Men who followed a star to Jesus' cradle."
AP reports: "Wednesday is Epiphany, a major holiday in much of Orthodox Christianity celebrating the birth and baptism of Jesus. Religious services are held as well as Blessing of Water ceremonies at lakes, rivers and seafronts. But in Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other Orthodox countries that observe a different religious calendar, it is Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics and Protestants, meanwhile, celebrate the story of the Wise Men who followed a star to Jesus' cradle."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
US, S. Korea and Japan vow tough response to N. Korea - AP
AP reports: "The United States, South Korea and Japan agreed to launch a 'united and strong' international response to North Korea's apparent fourth nuclear test, as experts scrambled Thursday to find more details about the detonation that drew worldwide skepticism and condemnation. It may take weeks or longer to confirm or contradict the North's claim that it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, which would mark a major and unanticipated advance for its still-limited nuclear arsenal. Even a test of a less sophisticated atomic bomb would push its scientists and engineers closer to their goal of building a warhead small enough to place on a missile that can reach the U.S. mainland."
AP reports: "The United States, South Korea and Japan agreed to launch a 'united and strong' international response to North Korea's apparent fourth nuclear test, as experts scrambled Thursday to find more details about the detonation that drew worldwide skepticism and condemnation. It may take weeks or longer to confirm or contradict the North's claim that it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, which would mark a major and unanticipated advance for its still-limited nuclear arsenal. Even a test of a less sophisticated atomic bomb would push its scientists and engineers closer to their goal of building a warhead small enough to place on a missile that can reach the U.S. mainland."
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea says tested hydrogen nuclear device - Reuters
Reuters reports: "North Korea said it had successfully conducted a test of a miniaturized hydrogen nuclear device on Wednesday morning. The announcement on North Korean state TV followed detection of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake near its known nuclear test site earlier on Wednesday. The nuclear test is the fourth by the isolated country, which is under U.S. and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs."
Reuters reports: "North Korea said it had successfully conducted a test of a miniaturized hydrogen nuclear device on Wednesday morning. The announcement on North Korean state TV followed detection of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake near its known nuclear test site earlier on Wednesday. The nuclear test is the fourth by the isolated country, which is under U.S. and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs."
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