Yahoo News - Israel slams UNESCO over 'Occupied Jerusalem'
Yahoo News reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted UNESCO for holding a vote Thursday on 'Occupied Palestine' saying the Paris-based UN cultural body has lost its legitimacy.
The resolutions put forward by several Arab countries including Egypt, Lebanon and Algeria, were adopted at committee stage and are to be submitted Tuesday to UNESCO's executive body.
Participants said 24 votes were cast in favour and six against with 26 abstentions and two absentees.
The resolutions refer to 'Occupied Palestine' and aim to 'safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of East Jerusalem', according to a text seen by AFP. [...] The status of Jerusalem is the thorniest issue of the decades-long Palestinian conflict.
Israel captured east Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it -- in a move not recognised by the international community -- declaring all of the city its unified capital.
The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised future state."
Comment: Once again the UN's anti-Israel bias is evident for all to see. To deny the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount flies in the face of history, archeology and culture. That they couldn't even use the term "Temple Mount" is an example of the extreme political agenda at work. As for east Jerusalem, in all of human history when a country or kingdom wins territory in war then it's settled. That's why they fight wars, to settle territorial claims. This concept is apparently not applied to Israel even though they won the territory fair and square, somehow it's still "contested" and "claimed" by the Palestinians. There's nothing to say that Israel couldn't give it to the Palestinians in a final peace agreement, but until they do, the territory belongs to Israel. Not that the UN will ever recognize that.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Rumors of War
Missiles fired at U.S. warship of coast of Yemen for second time this week - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A U.S. Naval destroyer off the coast of Yemen was targeted by missiles for the second time in a week, and military commanders are now threatening retaliation as it becomes apparent rebel forces in the country are responsible for the attacks."
UPI reports: "A U.S. Naval destroyer off the coast of Yemen was targeted by missiles for the second time in a week, and military commanders are now threatening retaliation as it becomes apparent rebel forces in the country are responsible for the attacks."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Seoul strengthening plan to remove North Korea leadership in case of strike - UPI.com
UPI reports: South Korea's military is planning to significantly enhance operational capabilities to strike the North Korean leadership should Pyongyang be first to launch a nuclear attack. [...] The disclosure of Seoul's latest plans comes at a time when more U.S. North Korea experts are arguing in favor of pre-emptive strikes against the Kim Jong Un regime, if there is evidence North Korea was preparing an attack against the United States or its allies, according to Yonhap."
UPI reports: South Korea's military is planning to significantly enhance operational capabilities to strike the North Korean leadership should Pyongyang be first to launch a nuclear attack. [...] The disclosure of Seoul's latest plans comes at a time when more U.S. North Korea experts are arguing in favor of pre-emptive strikes against the Kim Jong Un regime, if there is evidence North Korea was preparing an attack against the United States or its allies, according to Yonhap."
Pestilence
Zika virus can damage fetal brain late in pregnancy: Study - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Zika virus may harm a baby's brain even if the mother is infected just before giving birth, a new study suggests. It had been believed that Zika infection posed a threat to a baby's brain only if the mother was infected during the first trimester. Since the Zika outbreak began in Brazil in April 2015, thousands of babies have been born with the devastating birth defect known as microcephaly, in which the head and brain are abnormally small."
UPI reports: "The Zika virus may harm a baby's brain even if the mother is infected just before giving birth, a new study suggests. It had been believed that Zika infection posed a threat to a baby's brain only if the mother was infected during the first trimester. Since the Zika outbreak began in Brazil in April 2015, thousands of babies have been born with the devastating birth defect known as microcephaly, in which the head and brain are abnormally small."
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Pestilence
U.N. raising funds to stop post-hurricane cholera outbreak in Haiti - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United Nations made an emergency appeal for $120 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti, devastated last week by Hurricane Matthew. [...] Among the fears is a renewed outbreak of cholera, which severely impacted the country in 2010. Thirteen people have died of cholera in Haiti since the hurricane, Interim President Jocelerme Privert said. The disease is spread through water or food contaminated with bacteria, and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to extreme dehydration. Medical officials in the southwestern part of the country say they have run out of anesthetics and antibiotics."
UPI reports: "The United Nations made an emergency appeal for $120 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti, devastated last week by Hurricane Matthew. [...] Among the fears is a renewed outbreak of cholera, which severely impacted the country in 2010. Thirteen people have died of cholera in Haiti since the hurricane, Interim President Jocelerme Privert said. The disease is spread through water or food contaminated with bacteria, and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to extreme dehydration. Medical officials in the southwestern part of the country say they have run out of anesthetics and antibiotics."
Monday, October 10, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North - Doomed Damascus
Russia to build permanent naval base at Tartus, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A supply base for the Russian navy at Tartus, Syria, will be expanded to a permanent naval base, Russian Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said Monday. The current facility, on the Mediterranean Sea between Turkey and Lebanon, has only a single pier, dates to 1977 and the Soviet era, and is used as a repair station and supply center for the Russian navy, its only base in the Mediterranean. [...] the upgraded base will have comprehensive defense systems and other capabilities lacking in the current supply post. An advanced anti-missile system already arrived at Tartus to protect the port and warships from airstrikes, Russia confirmed last week.
Russia: U.S. actions a threat to our national security - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Tensions continue to rise between the United States and Russia as the Russian foreign minister said Sunday recent actions and statements threaten his country's national security. [...] The relationship between leaders in Russia and the United States has gotten rockier in the last several weeks as the two countries have publicly disagreed over how to intervene in the civil war in Syria.
Comment: I remember a time when the idea that Russia was the "King of the North" and would have a strategic interest in the Middle East was mocked. Now, it seems like Russia's presence and power in the Middle East grows on a daily basis. It's extraordinary. Time to go back and read Ezekiel.
UPI reports: "A supply base for the Russian navy at Tartus, Syria, will be expanded to a permanent naval base, Russian Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said Monday. The current facility, on the Mediterranean Sea between Turkey and Lebanon, has only a single pier, dates to 1977 and the Soviet era, and is used as a repair station and supply center for the Russian navy, its only base in the Mediterranean. [...] the upgraded base will have comprehensive defense systems and other capabilities lacking in the current supply post. An advanced anti-missile system already arrived at Tartus to protect the port and warships from airstrikes, Russia confirmed last week.
Russia: U.S. actions a threat to our national security - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Tensions continue to rise between the United States and Russia as the Russian foreign minister said Sunday recent actions and statements threaten his country's national security. [...] The relationship between leaders in Russia and the United States has gotten rockier in the last several weeks as the two countries have publicly disagreed over how to intervene in the civil war in Syria.
Comment: I remember a time when the idea that Russia was the "King of the North" and would have a strategic interest in the Middle East was mocked. Now, it seems like Russia's presence and power in the Middle East grows on a daily basis. It's extraordinary. Time to go back and read Ezekiel.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Away Message
I'll be off for a week or so as a storm rages. Looking forward to returning when the sea is calm. Mark 4: 35-41
Monday, September 26, 2016
War - Nations in Distress
Three bombings in Baghdad kill eight people - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least eight people died and 25 were injured in Baghdad on Sunday after three bombing attacks, including one claimed by the Islamic State. The deadliest attack, in which six people died in western Baghdad's Iskan district when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt, was carried out by the Islamic State."
Islamic State feels the heat as showdown over Mosul nears - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As the showdown approaches with the Iraqi Army, backed by the Shia-dominated militias and Kurdish Peshmerga with aerial support by the U.S.-led coalition forces, Islamic State militants are preparing for a protracted war over Mosul. Residents said trenches were dug around the city and neighborhoods on the corners were cleared of residents. All areas on the city border were said to have been booby-trapped. "
Comment: The war against the Islamic State is moving along on multiple fronts, but the bloodiest battle is going to be the battle for Mosul.
UPI reports: "At least eight people died and 25 were injured in Baghdad on Sunday after three bombing attacks, including one claimed by the Islamic State. The deadliest attack, in which six people died in western Baghdad's Iskan district when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt, was carried out by the Islamic State."
Islamic State feels the heat as showdown over Mosul nears - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As the showdown approaches with the Iraqi Army, backed by the Shia-dominated militias and Kurdish Peshmerga with aerial support by the U.S.-led coalition forces, Islamic State militants are preparing for a protracted war over Mosul. Residents said trenches were dug around the city and neighborhoods on the corners were cleared of residents. All areas on the city border were said to have been booby-trapped. "
Comment: The war against the Islamic State is moving along on multiple fronts, but the bloodiest battle is going to be the battle for Mosul.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Unrest in Kashmir after clashes between protesters and armed forces - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Indian armed forces and protesters continued to clash after soldiers shot and killed 19-year-old Waseem Ahmad on Friday amid unrest in Kashmir. Ahmad was shot by soldiers who were firing back against protesters who reportedly threw stones at an army convoy, police said. Witnesses to the incident disputed official's response saying Ahmad was not demonstrating when government forces opened fire. [...] Eighty-seven people have died in the region since the conflict began on July 9."
Pakistan military prepares for a possible Indian attack - The Washington Post:
The Washington Post reports: "Military officials are calling it a routine exercise, but the thunderous spectacle of Pakistani fighter jets touching down on a major highway Wednesday and Thursday, with commercial flights suspended and traffic blocked for hours, has fueled public speculation that something much more ominous is afoot. The display of military readiness, which included a late-night jet flyover Thursday above this capital city, has come amid an unusually tense showdown with India, Pakistan’s nuclear-armed rival, following a militant attack Sunday that killed 18 Indian soldiers in the disputed border region of Kashmir. [...] Indian officials have accused Pakistan of sending the armed attackers across the de facto border into the Indian portion of Kashmir."
Comment: One of the word's major-war tripwires is not settling down.
UPI reports: "Indian armed forces and protesters continued to clash after soldiers shot and killed 19-year-old Waseem Ahmad on Friday amid unrest in Kashmir. Ahmad was shot by soldiers who were firing back against protesters who reportedly threw stones at an army convoy, police said. Witnesses to the incident disputed official's response saying Ahmad was not demonstrating when government forces opened fire. [...] Eighty-seven people have died in the region since the conflict began on July 9."
Pakistan military prepares for a possible Indian attack - The Washington Post:
The Washington Post reports: "Military officials are calling it a routine exercise, but the thunderous spectacle of Pakistani fighter jets touching down on a major highway Wednesday and Thursday, with commercial flights suspended and traffic blocked for hours, has fueled public speculation that something much more ominous is afoot. The display of military readiness, which included a late-night jet flyover Thursday above this capital city, has come amid an unusually tense showdown with India, Pakistan’s nuclear-armed rival, following a militant attack Sunday that killed 18 Indian soldiers in the disputed border region of Kashmir. [...] Indian officials have accused Pakistan of sending the armed attackers across the de facto border into the Indian portion of Kashmir."
Comment: One of the word's major-war tripwires is not settling down.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Earthquakes
6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes 80 miles from Japan's east coast - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck about 80 miles off the east coast of Japan at a depth of about 6 miles on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The Japanese city nearest to the quake is Katsuura with a population of about 22,300. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning related to the earthquake."
UPI reports: "A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck about 80 miles off the east coast of Japan at a depth of about 6 miles on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The Japanese city nearest to the quake is Katsuura with a population of about 22,300. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning related to the earthquake."
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Famine
AFP - Five million Somalis now going hungry
AFP reports: "Five million Somalis, or more than two out of five people in the country, do not have enough to eat, the United Nations said Tuesday, calling for extra funds for food aid. The latest figures represent an increase of 300,000 food insecure people since February, said the UN's humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. [...] Harvests have been hit this year by a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which occurs every five to seven years. Worst hit by hunger are the estimated 1.1 million people displaced from their homes by conflict, some of them forced to move several times during the past two decades."
Comment: People don't really talk much about famine anymore. That's doesn't mean it's not happening.
AFP reports: "Five million Somalis, or more than two out of five people in the country, do not have enough to eat, the United Nations said Tuesday, calling for extra funds for food aid. The latest figures represent an increase of 300,000 food insecure people since February, said the UN's humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. [...] Harvests have been hit this year by a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which occurs every five to seven years. Worst hit by hunger are the estimated 1.1 million people displaced from their homes by conflict, some of them forced to move several times during the past two decades."
Comment: People don't really talk much about famine anymore. That's doesn't mean it's not happening.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Pestilence
More must be done to fight 'superbugs': U.S. gov't report - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" remain a major public health threat, and only a multipronged attack can address the problem, a new U.S. government report warns. [...] Scientists have long known that bacteria have ways of thwarting the drugs designed to kill them. But in recent decades, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have fueled a global spread of drug-resistant bugs, which include Clostridium difficile, or C-diff, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA."
Comment: It's pretty scary to think that our antibiotics might fail. I'm glad they are working on the problem. Let's hope they have both the time and the funding they need.
UPI reports: "Antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" remain a major public health threat, and only a multipronged attack can address the problem, a new U.S. government report warns. [...] Scientists have long known that bacteria have ways of thwarting the drugs designed to kill them. But in recent decades, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have fueled a global spread of drug-resistant bugs, which include Clostridium difficile, or C-diff, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA."
Comment: It's pretty scary to think that our antibiotics might fail. I'm glad they are working on the problem. Let's hope they have both the time and the funding they need.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
India scrutinizes Pakistan after 18 soldiers killed in Kashmir - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Demands are growing in India for a response to Pakistan for the killing of 18 Indian soldiers in the disputed province of Kashmir. Initial reports said four gunmen believe to be members of Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based militant group, stormed an army base Sunday in Uri, near the Pakistan-India border in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 17 soldiers. An eighteenth died of his injuries after he was transferred to Delhi. Senior government leaders in New Delhi blame Pakistan's military for helping launch the attack, the BBC reported Monday, and are urging retaliation. A response will likely escalate tension between the countries."
Comment: Kashmir does not make the news as often as other tripwires like North Korea, the South China Sea, or the Persian Gulf, but it remains just as volatile. It's a place where a small spark could lead to war between the two nuclear powered neighbors and the results could be catastrophic.
UPI reports: "Demands are growing in India for a response to Pakistan for the killing of 18 Indian soldiers in the disputed province of Kashmir. Initial reports said four gunmen believe to be members of Jaish-e-Muhammad, a Pakistan-based militant group, stormed an army base Sunday in Uri, near the Pakistan-India border in Indian-administered Kashmir, killing 17 soldiers. An eighteenth died of his injuries after he was transferred to Delhi. Senior government leaders in New Delhi blame Pakistan's military for helping launch the attack, the BBC reported Monday, and are urging retaliation. A response will likely escalate tension between the countries."
Comment: Kashmir does not make the news as often as other tripwires like North Korea, the South China Sea, or the Persian Gulf, but it remains just as volatile. It's a place where a small spark could lead to war between the two nuclear powered neighbors and the results could be catastrophic.
War
Minnesota mall attacker identified as American born in Kenya - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The man who stabbed nine people at a Minnesota mall before being fatally shot has been identified as an American born in Kenya. CNN identified the suspect as Dahir A. Adan, 22, according to federal law enforcement sources and two Somali community leaders in contact with Adan's family. [...] The Amaq News Agency posted a statement online Sunday, saying, 'The executor of the stabbing attacks in Minnesota yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State and carried out the operation in response to the citizens of countries belonging to the crusader coalition.'"
Suspect is shot and captured in New York-area bombings - AP
AP reports: "A New Jersey police officer responding to a call about a hoodied vagrant curled up asleep in a bar doorway roused him and quickly recognized the bearded face of perhaps the most wanted man in America. Ahmad Khan Rahami — identified in an FBI bulletin just hours earlier as a man wanted in the weekend bombings in New York City and New Jersey — pulled a gun, shot the officer and triggered a running gun battle in the street that ended with Rahami wounded and in custody Monday, authorities said. "
Comment: As difficult as it is to deal with lone wolf attacks, the authorities did an admirable job in apprehending the suspects with little loss of life.
UPI reports: "The man who stabbed nine people at a Minnesota mall before being fatally shot has been identified as an American born in Kenya. CNN identified the suspect as Dahir A. Adan, 22, according to federal law enforcement sources and two Somali community leaders in contact with Adan's family. [...] The Amaq News Agency posted a statement online Sunday, saying, 'The executor of the stabbing attacks in Minnesota yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State and carried out the operation in response to the citizens of countries belonging to the crusader coalition.'"
Suspect is shot and captured in New York-area bombings - AP
AP reports: "A New Jersey police officer responding to a call about a hoodied vagrant curled up asleep in a bar doorway roused him and quickly recognized the bearded face of perhaps the most wanted man in America. Ahmad Khan Rahami — identified in an FBI bulletin just hours earlier as a man wanted in the weekend bombings in New York City and New Jersey — pulled a gun, shot the officer and triggered a running gun battle in the street that ended with Rahami wounded and in custody Monday, authorities said. "
Comment: As difficult as it is to deal with lone wolf attacks, the authorities did an admirable job in apprehending the suspects with little loss of life.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Pestilence
Zika virus: Miami Beach transmission zone expands - CNN.com
CNN reports: "The Zika virus transmission zone in Miami Beach has tripled in size, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday night. [...] The new zone was set after the Department of Health identified five people, two males and three females, in the area who all experienced Zika symptoms within one month of one another. The virus poses a particular threat to pregnant woman due to its link with neurological disorders in unborn children."
Comment: Did you notice how they release this information on a Friday night? It's picked up by news media and reported on Saturday but really, how many people are paying close attention on a busy almost-Fall weekend? Announcing bad news on a Friday is a tried-and-true tactic recommended by PR people but you would think that news relating to public health and safety would be treated a bit better than your average scandal or damage-control spin.
CNN reports: "The Zika virus transmission zone in Miami Beach has tripled in size, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday night. [...] The new zone was set after the Department of Health identified five people, two males and three females, in the area who all experienced Zika symptoms within one month of one another. The virus poses a particular threat to pregnant woman due to its link with neurological disorders in unborn children."
Comment: Did you notice how they release this information on a Friday night? It's picked up by news media and reported on Saturday but really, how many people are paying close attention on a busy almost-Fall weekend? Announcing bad news on a Friday is a tried-and-true tactic recommended by PR people but you would think that news relating to public health and safety would be treated a bit better than your average scandal or damage-control spin.
Friday, September 16, 2016
War
U.S. forces face unexpected backlash from allied rebels - UPI.com
UPI reports: "American special operations troops have arrived in Syria to help Turkish forces fight the Islamic State, but it appears that some of the U.S.-backed rebel fighters there aren't too happy about that support. Several videos appeared on social media channels by Friday, showing allied members of the Free Syrian Army -- fighters the Pentagon has propped up with financing and logistical support -- expressing a multitude of contempt for American troops who came to help. American commandos, in fact, were reportedly forced to flee in some areas when they encountered severe abuse and insults from FSA members."
Comment: I know the "fog of war" can be bad, but how is it that the fog would stretch all the way to Washington and the decision-makers at the Pentagon who thought backing the FSA was a good idea to begin with? Right, that's not fog, it was the cool aid. Perhaps now the Pentagon will understand that giving such groups arms and financing didn't turn them into "moderate" jihadists. I'm almost glad the American people are too busy to pay attention to this, it's a real mess.
UPI reports: "American special operations troops have arrived in Syria to help Turkish forces fight the Islamic State, but it appears that some of the U.S.-backed rebel fighters there aren't too happy about that support. Several videos appeared on social media channels by Friday, showing allied members of the Free Syrian Army -- fighters the Pentagon has propped up with financing and logistical support -- expressing a multitude of contempt for American troops who came to help. American commandos, in fact, were reportedly forced to flee in some areas when they encountered severe abuse and insults from FSA members."
Comment: I know the "fog of war" can be bad, but how is it that the fog would stretch all the way to Washington and the decision-makers at the Pentagon who thought backing the FSA was a good idea to begin with? Right, that's not fog, it was the cool aid. Perhaps now the Pentagon will understand that giving such groups arms and financing didn't turn them into "moderate" jihadists. I'm almost glad the American people are too busy to pay attention to this, it's a real mess.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Wickedness Increases
New Mexico mother sought out men to rape her daughter - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A New Mexico mother admitted she sought out men to rape her daughter in the weeks leading up to the girl's eventual killing, police said."
Comment: I think we sometimes get so desensitized by the media that "evil" as a concept no longer registers. The average person now personally witnesses more evil acts than people ever did in past ages. Does it matter that the murder you witnessed tonight was on a police procedural on TV? You watched another human being getting killed. But, that's ok, it was fake, all in good fun. Fun? When did watching someone being killed get equated with fun? How is it that we can call that entertainment? But for all of that, true evil still exists and from time to time we hear of actions so evil they shock us despite our jaded sensibilities. The above news story is one such event. You'll note that I'm only quoting one sentence of the news report with this word of caution: it's really shocking. Read it if you dare but remember your mind will go there and you will be forced to think about what that mother did to her child.
UPI reports: "A New Mexico mother admitted she sought out men to rape her daughter in the weeks leading up to the girl's eventual killing, police said."
Comment: I think we sometimes get so desensitized by the media that "evil" as a concept no longer registers. The average person now personally witnesses more evil acts than people ever did in past ages. Does it matter that the murder you witnessed tonight was on a police procedural on TV? You watched another human being getting killed. But, that's ok, it was fake, all in good fun. Fun? When did watching someone being killed get equated with fun? How is it that we can call that entertainment? But for all of that, true evil still exists and from time to time we hear of actions so evil they shock us despite our jaded sensibilities. The above news story is one such event. You'll note that I'm only quoting one sentence of the news report with this word of caution: it's really shocking. Read it if you dare but remember your mind will go there and you will be forced to think about what that mother did to her child.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Ten Kings - Final Kingdom
EU permanent military headquarters proposed by Jean-Claude Juncker - UPI.com
UPI reports: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker proposed on Wednesday the EU establish a military headquarters to build toward a permanent common defense force. Juncker made the comments in Strasbourg, France, during the annual state of the union address, which was partly devoted to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the 'Brexit' vote. He said the U.K.'s departure should increase the necessity for greater European cooperation in defense."
Comment: We all know that NATO is the most successful military alliance in history. Why then does the EU leader think his organization needs a military wing? Wouldn't an EU military wing undermine the Western alliance by diverting funds away from NATO and dividing the loyalties of member countries? Who benefits from such an arrangement? More importantly, what does it mean for the grater Euro-Med region?
UPI reports: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker proposed on Wednesday the EU establish a military headquarters to build toward a permanent common defense force. Juncker made the comments in Strasbourg, France, during the annual state of the union address, which was partly devoted to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the 'Brexit' vote. He said the U.K.'s departure should increase the necessity for greater European cooperation in defense."
Comment: We all know that NATO is the most successful military alliance in history. Why then does the EU leader think his organization needs a military wing? Wouldn't an EU military wing undermine the Western alliance by diverting funds away from NATO and dividing the loyalties of member countries? Who benefits from such an arrangement? More importantly, what does it mean for the grater Euro-Med region?
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Global Government
U.S. tech firms urge Congress to allow internet domain changeover | Reuters:
Reuters reports: "Major technology companies including Facebook, Google and Twitter are urging Congress to support a plan for the U.S. government to cede control of the internet's technical management to the global community, they said in a joint letter dated on Tuesday. The U.S. Commerce Department has primary oversight of the internet's management, largely because it was invented in the United States. Some Republican lawmakers are trying to block the handover to global stakeholders, which include businesses, tech experts and public interest advocates, saying it could stifle online freedom by giving voting rights to authoritarian governments."
Comment: Letting the UN take over administrative control of the internet is a very bad idea. The U.S. hosts the admin side of internet governance and this has meant that techies run it. It's not political. If they turn it over to the UN it will become political and most likely a tool for repressive regimes to exert greater control over internet traffic. It will be a sad day for freedom and for the original promise of the internet if that happens. In my opinion this is all part of the anti-American, anti-Israel and anti-Western spirit at work in the world.
Reuters reports: "Major technology companies including Facebook, Google and Twitter are urging Congress to support a plan for the U.S. government to cede control of the internet's technical management to the global community, they said in a joint letter dated on Tuesday. The U.S. Commerce Department has primary oversight of the internet's management, largely because it was invented in the United States. Some Republican lawmakers are trying to block the handover to global stakeholders, which include businesses, tech experts and public interest advocates, saying it could stifle online freedom by giving voting rights to authoritarian governments."
Comment: Letting the UN take over administrative control of the internet is a very bad idea. The U.S. hosts the admin side of internet governance and this has meant that techies run it. It's not political. If they turn it over to the UN it will become political and most likely a tool for repressive regimes to exert greater control over internet traffic. It will be a sad day for freedom and for the original promise of the internet if that happens. In my opinion this is all part of the anti-American, anti-Israel and anti-Western spirit at work in the world.
Pestilence
Engineers battle superbugs with star-shaped 'peptide polymers' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Engineers in Australia have discovered a new way to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new antibacterial weaponry is called peptide polymers. According to a new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, the short, star-shaped chains of proteins hold promise as a substitute for antibiotics."
Comment: How about some good news for a change! Scientists are making progress in the race against superbugs.
UPI reports: "Engineers in Australia have discovered a new way to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new antibacterial weaponry is called peptide polymers. According to a new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, the short, star-shaped chains of proteins hold promise as a substitute for antibiotics."
Comment: How about some good news for a change! Scientists are making progress in the race against superbugs.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea warns United States after air force bomber exercise - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea issued a warning after the United States flew two B-1 bombers over South Korea on Tuesday. The B-1B Lancers, part of a U.S. plan of 'extended deterrence' against North Korea provocations, flew with U.S. F-16 and South Korean F-15 fighters over Osan Air Base, CNN reported. But the supersonic bombers may be rattling the North Korean leadership. [....] The Air Force has previously deployed strategic bombers to South Korea in response to North Korea provocations, and the deployment is taking place after North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday."
Analyst: North Korea has enough material to make 20 nuclear bombs - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea may be adding seven nuclear bombs to its arsenal annually and could have about 20 bombs by the end of 2016, according to a U.S. analyst."
Comment: Another day, another rumor of war from North Korea.
UPI reports: "North Korea issued a warning after the United States flew two B-1 bombers over South Korea on Tuesday. The B-1B Lancers, part of a U.S. plan of 'extended deterrence' against North Korea provocations, flew with U.S. F-16 and South Korean F-15 fighters over Osan Air Base, CNN reported. But the supersonic bombers may be rattling the North Korean leadership. [....] The Air Force has previously deployed strategic bombers to South Korea in response to North Korea provocations, and the deployment is taking place after North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday."
Analyst: North Korea has enough material to make 20 nuclear bombs - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea may be adding seven nuclear bombs to its arsenal annually and could have about 20 bombs by the end of 2016, according to a U.S. analyst."
Comment: Another day, another rumor of war from North Korea.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
AP - China, Russia launch South China Sea naval war games
AP reports: "The Chinese and Russian navies launched eight days of war games in the South China Sea on Monday, in a sign of growing cooperation between their armed forces against the backdrop of regional territorial disputes. The 'Joint Sea-2016' maneuvers include ships, submarines, ship-borne helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, along with marines and amphibious armored vehicles who will conduct live-firing exercises, according to a Defense Ministry statement Sunday. Tasks will include defensive and rescue drills, anti-submarine exercises and the simulated seizure of an enemy island by marines from both sides."
AP reports: "The Chinese and Russian navies launched eight days of war games in the South China Sea on Monday, in a sign of growing cooperation between their armed forces against the backdrop of regional territorial disputes. The 'Joint Sea-2016' maneuvers include ships, submarines, ship-borne helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, along with marines and amphibious armored vehicles who will conduct live-firing exercises, according to a Defense Ministry statement Sunday. Tasks will include defensive and rescue drills, anti-submarine exercises and the simulated seizure of an enemy island by marines from both sides."
Friday, September 09, 2016
War
U.S. sends 500 more troops to help fight Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States has increased its deployed forces by more than 500 troops to assist Iraqi security forces in the operation to claim Mosul from Islamic State control. Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for the United States' Operation Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State, on Thursday said the increase in deployed troops is to help Iraq seize the Islamic State's Iraqi stronghold, Mosul -- where he estimates there are up to 4,500 IS militants remaining. U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi both hope to seize Mosul before the year's end [...] The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, captured Mosul as part of a land grab in 2014 that saw to the militant group's peak in terms of land acquisition."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? Well, they hope to retake Mosul by the end of the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the past, didn't the harsh winter months slow down operations considerably? Of course, that may have just been a reflection of using so many tribal fighters, they tend to be seasonal workers at best. Now that we have a "professional" Iraqi army, that may no longer be the case.
UPI reports: "The United States has increased its deployed forces by more than 500 troops to assist Iraqi security forces in the operation to claim Mosul from Islamic State control. Col. John Dorrian, spokesman for the United States' Operation Inherent Resolve mission against the Islamic State, on Thursday said the increase in deployed troops is to help Iraq seize the Islamic State's Iraqi stronghold, Mosul -- where he estimates there are up to 4,500 IS militants remaining. U.S. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi both hope to seize Mosul before the year's end [...] The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, captured Mosul as part of a land grab in 2014 that saw to the militant group's peak in terms of land acquisition."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? Well, they hope to retake Mosul by the end of the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the past, didn't the harsh winter months slow down operations considerably? Of course, that may have just been a reflection of using so many tribal fighters, they tend to be seasonal workers at best. Now that we have a "professional" Iraqi army, that may no longer be the case.
Thursday, September 08, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea conducts fifth and largest nuclear test | Reuters
Reuters reports: "North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday, setting off a blast that was more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and said it had mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile. Its most powerful explosion to date follows a test in January that prompted the U.N. Security Council to impose tightened sanctions that increased North Korea's isolation but failed to prevent it from accelerating weapons development."
Comment: It's time for the Security Council to once again open the box of Strong Words of Condemnation and hurl them at North Korea. It's clear that once they find the right mix of words the North will be stopped in their tracks and all will be well.
Reuters reports: "North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on Friday, setting off a blast that was more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and said it had mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile. Its most powerful explosion to date follows a test in January that prompted the U.N. Security Council to impose tightened sanctions that increased North Korea's isolation but failed to prevent it from accelerating weapons development."
Comment: It's time for the Security Council to once again open the box of Strong Words of Condemnation and hurl them at North Korea. It's clear that once they find the right mix of words the North will be stopped in their tracks and all will be well.
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Pestilence
Zika virus may linger in the eyes, researchers find - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Genetic material from the Zika virus is present in the tears of infected mice, which suggests the virus may linger in the eyes, researchers say. The discovery from tests on mouse fetuses, newborns and adults may help explain why some people infected with Zika develop eye disease that puts them at risk for permanent vision loss."
UPI reports: "Genetic material from the Zika virus is present in the tears of infected mice, which suggests the virus may linger in the eyes, researchers say. The discovery from tests on mouse fetuses, newborns and adults may help explain why some people infected with Zika develop eye disease that puts them at risk for permanent vision loss."
War
France sending artillery, aircraft carrier to fight Islamic State in Mosul - UPI.com
UPI reports: "France's Ministry of Defense announced it would deploy artillery forces and an aircraft carrier to support Iraqi security forces in their fight for the city of Mosul against the Islamic State. [...] The Islamic State launched an attack in Paris in November in which 130 people were killed."
UPI reports: "France's Ministry of Defense announced it would deploy artillery forces and an aircraft carrier to support Iraqi security forces in their fight for the city of Mosul against the Islamic State. [...] The Islamic State launched an attack in Paris in November in which 130 people were killed."
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran vessel 'harasses,' sails close to U.S. Navy ship in Gulf: U.S. officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "A U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship changed course after a fast-attack craft from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came within 100 yards (91 meters) of it in the central Gulf on Sunday, U.S. Defense Department officials said on Tuesday. It was at least the fourth such incident in less than a month. U.S. officials are concerned that these actions by Iran could lead to mistakes. Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran in January after a deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. But serious differences still remain over Iran's ballistic missile program, and over conflicts in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Did anyone think that the Iran nuclear deal would stabilize relations between the U.S. and Iran? Not you, of course, my readers are far too smart, but I really do think many people did, like Iran was a checked-off agenda item, it was done, and time to move on to other things. I don't think Iran has moved on. This is what happens when you have an entire generation of Iranians raised on a steady diet of anti-American propaganda. Will the U.S. Navy leave the Persian Gulf? No. Will Iran continue to make an issue of the U.S. presence off their shores? Yes. It's only a matter of time before a deadly incident occurs, one that could spark a larger conflict.
Reuters reports: "A U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship changed course after a fast-attack craft from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came within 100 yards (91 meters) of it in the central Gulf on Sunday, U.S. Defense Department officials said on Tuesday. It was at least the fourth such incident in less than a month. U.S. officials are concerned that these actions by Iran could lead to mistakes. Years of mutual animosity eased when Washington lifted sanctions on Tehran in January after a deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. But serious differences still remain over Iran's ballistic missile program, and over conflicts in Syria and Iraq."
Comment: Did anyone think that the Iran nuclear deal would stabilize relations between the U.S. and Iran? Not you, of course, my readers are far too smart, but I really do think many people did, like Iran was a checked-off agenda item, it was done, and time to move on to other things. I don't think Iran has moved on. This is what happens when you have an entire generation of Iranians raised on a steady diet of anti-American propaganda. Will the U.S. Navy leave the Persian Gulf? No. Will Iran continue to make an issue of the U.S. presence off their shores? Yes. It's only a matter of time before a deadly incident occurs, one that could spark a larger conflict.
Saturday, September 03, 2016
Global Government - Ten Kings
World leaders gather in China for G20 summit - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Leaders from various countries throughout the world have gathered in China to discuss global issues at the G20 summit. The Group of 20 assembly held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, on Sunday and Monday, will feature leaders from the world's leading industrialized and emerging economies."
UPI reports: "Leaders from various countries throughout the world have gathered in China to discuss global issues at the G20 summit. The Group of 20 assembly held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, on Sunday and Monday, will feature leaders from the world's leading industrialized and emerging economies."
Earthquakes
5.6-magnitude earthquake reported in Oklahoma, felt across 6 states - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oklahoma Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, tying the record for biggest quake in state history. The USGS said the earthquake was felt across Oklahoma and into parts of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa."
UPI reports: "A 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook Oklahoma Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, tying the record for biggest quake in state history. The USGS said the earthquake was felt across Oklahoma and into parts of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa."
Thursday, September 01, 2016
Earthquakes
7.1 earthquake hits northern New Zealand - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 7.1 earthquake rocked the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, knocking out power to thousands, closing schools and rail lines and triggering a tsunami warning, authorities said. The quake struck just before dawn and was felt over much the country."
Comment: A 7.1 magnitude quake is a big one, no loss of life is a miracle. Looks like the "ring of fire" is getting active.
UPI reports: "A 7.1 earthquake rocked the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island Friday, knocking out power to thousands, closing schools and rail lines and triggering a tsunami warning, authorities said. The quake struck just before dawn and was felt over much the country."
Comment: A 7.1 magnitude quake is a big one, no loss of life is a miracle. Looks like the "ring of fire" is getting active.
Pestilence
Three Miami Beach mosquitoes test positive for Zika virus - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Three mosquitoes tested positive in the South Beach neighborhood, where a 1.5-square mile active transmission zone was designated. It is the first time in the United States that a mosquito has tested positive for the Zika virus."
Comment: Good thing we are headed into Fall and Winter, that should help curb the spread of Zika and give scientists more time to work on a cure.
UPI reports: "Three mosquitoes tested positive in the South Beach neighborhood, where a 1.5-square mile active transmission zone was designated. It is the first time in the United States that a mosquito has tested positive for the Zika virus."
Comment: Good thing we are headed into Fall and Winter, that should help curb the spread of Zika and give scientists more time to work on a cure.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Report: North Korea assembling rail-based missile launchers - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea is constructing a mobile long-range missile launcher that can be transported on rail tracks, according to multiple sources in North Korea. The new system is being assembled at North Korea's June 4 vehicle factory and production began in 2016, Radio Free Asia reported Wednesday."
Kim Jong Un cracking down on elites after diplomat's defection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of North Korean dissidents said Wednesday that under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's elite class is losing their privileges, a revelation that provides some insight into the defection of Pyongyang diplomat Thae Yong Ho."
UPI reports: "North Korea is constructing a mobile long-range missile launcher that can be transported on rail tracks, according to multiple sources in North Korea. The new system is being assembled at North Korea's June 4 vehicle factory and production began in 2016, Radio Free Asia reported Wednesday."
Kim Jong Un cracking down on elites after diplomat's defection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of North Korean dissidents said Wednesday that under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's elite class is losing their privileges, a revelation that provides some insight into the defection of Pyongyang diplomat Thae Yong Ho."
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
War
Reports: Islamic State spokesman killed in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A senior Islamic State leader who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head has been killed in fighting in Syria, the Amaq News Agency reported Tuesday. Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who also acted as the group's spokesman, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, which had been an insurgent stronghold for months before government forces and other rebels retook control recently."
Comment: It looks like the war is going well, right? Eliminating a senior Islamic State leader is a major achievement. I mean, what are the chances that they have another jihadi waiting to take his place? I feel like telling the media, don't bother me until they take back Raqqa.
UPI reports: "A senior Islamic State leader who had a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head has been killed in fighting in Syria, the Amaq News Agency reported Tuesday. Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who also acted as the group's spokesman, was killed in the northern city of Aleppo, which had been an insurgent stronghold for months before government forces and other rebels retook control recently."
Comment: It looks like the war is going well, right? Eliminating a senior Islamic State leader is a major achievement. I mean, what are the chances that they have another jihadi waiting to take his place? I feel like telling the media, don't bother me until they take back Raqqa.
Signs in the Stars
Scientists point telescopes at 'strong signal' from HD 164595 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Astronomers are turning their telescopes to a very strong signal coming from a star about 94 light years away in the constellation Hercules. Scientists with the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) are following up on a signal recently detected by a Russian telescope at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. The signal was coming from a star named HD 164595. Researchers are trying to identify the signal's origin. [...] Scientists don't know yet what made the signal the Russians detected, but theories about the star system 94 light years away are already being formed."
Comment: If this signal was so impressive, why didn't they report it last year when they found it?
UPI reports: "Astronomers are turning their telescopes to a very strong signal coming from a star about 94 light years away in the constellation Hercules. Scientists with the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) are following up on a signal recently detected by a Russian telescope at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. The signal was coming from a star named HD 164595. Researchers are trying to identify the signal's origin. [...] Scientists don't know yet what made the signal the Russians detected, but theories about the star system 94 light years away are already being formed."
Comment: If this signal was so impressive, why didn't they report it last year when they found it?
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.N. Security Council condemns North Korea missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned a ballistic missile launch by North Korea this week, saying it is a violation of an international ban on long-range missile testing. A statement approved by all 15 members of the security council called North Korea's actions a 'grave violation' and a 'flagrant violation' of security council resolutions calling on North Korea to halt their intercontinental ballistic missile system."
Comment: Looks like they are hitting North Korea with their arsenal of strong words, no damage reports yet, but I'm sure the North is chastened.
UPI reports: "The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned a ballistic missile launch by North Korea this week, saying it is a violation of an international ban on long-range missile testing. A statement approved by all 15 members of the security council called North Korea's actions a 'grave violation' and a 'flagrant violation' of security council resolutions calling on North Korea to halt their intercontinental ballistic missile system."
Comment: Looks like they are hitting North Korea with their arsenal of strong words, no damage reports yet, but I'm sure the North is chastened.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia investing heavily in new ships, naval bases 'to project its power' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Since October 2015 the Russian Navy has been conducting combat operations against the Islamic State militants in Syria. Today the fight against terrorism is becoming one of the navy's priorities and unprecedented funds are being invested in the construction of new ships, bases and infrastructure. But the story is not just about Syria. Moscow has been aware for some time of the need to modernize its aging fleet, which was allowed to fall into stagnation in the two decades following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. [...] new aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers will help Moscow project its power, like Washington, in any place on Earth."
UPI reports: "Since October 2015 the Russian Navy has been conducting combat operations against the Islamic State militants in Syria. Today the fight against terrorism is becoming one of the navy's priorities and unprecedented funds are being invested in the construction of new ships, bases and infrastructure. But the story is not just about Syria. Moscow has been aware for some time of the need to modernize its aging fleet, which was allowed to fall into stagnation in the two decades following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. [...] new aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers will help Moscow project its power, like Washington, in any place on Earth."
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Covenant With Many
Russia's Vladimir Putin offers peace talks for Israel, Palestinians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering to host peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in his latest effort to become the Middle East's top power broker. Following Putin's recent meeting with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin posed the idea first to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Monday."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this develops. It's difficult to play an impartial broker in the Middle East. Maybe they will trust Russia?
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin is offering to host peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in his latest effort to become the Middle East's top power broker. Following Putin's recent meeting with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin posed the idea first to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and talked with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Monday."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this develops. It's difficult to play an impartial broker in the Middle East. Maybe they will trust Russia?
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia starts drills near Ukraine amid Crimea tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Amid political tension between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow is making certain its armed forces are ready to fight, if necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered his military to conduct practice drills on the country's western edge, near Ukraine and the embattled Crimean Peninsula, to test troops' readiness. [....] Some critics dismiss the drills as more saber-rattling by Putin in the face of escalating tensions over Crimea, which Moscow annexed two years ago."
Comment: One the one hand, you could say this is nothing unusual. Most great powers conduct military drills on a regular basis, it's standard operating procedure. But on the other hand, Ukraine is a flashpoint, a place where accident, miscalculation and or hubris could instantly spark a wider conflict.
UPI reports: "Amid political tension between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow is making certain its armed forces are ready to fight, if necessary. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday ordered his military to conduct practice drills on the country's western edge, near Ukraine and the embattled Crimean Peninsula, to test troops' readiness. [....] Some critics dismiss the drills as more saber-rattling by Putin in the face of escalating tensions over Crimea, which Moscow annexed two years ago."
Comment: One the one hand, you could say this is nothing unusual. Most great powers conduct military drills on a regular basis, it's standard operating procedure. But on the other hand, Ukraine is a flashpoint, a place where accident, miscalculation and or hubris could instantly spark a wider conflict.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Earthquakes
6.8-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar, kills at least 3 - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Chauk, Myanmar, on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least three people. The city, with a population of about 180,000, is near the ancient capital of Bagan, near the center of the country formerly known as Burma. The epicenter of the quake was 15 miles west of Chauk at a depth of about 52 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday. The earthquake hit at 4:34 p.m. in the Southeast Asian nation. The quake was felt several hundred miles away in Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Laos and China."
Italy earthquake death toll rises to 247: regional officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The number of people killed in the earthquake that devastated parts of central Italy on Wednesday rose to 247 on Thursday morning, regional and national officials said. The Civil Protection department in Rome said a tally by local officials showed that 190 people were killed Rieti province and 57 in the province of Ascoli Piceno."
UPI reports: "A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Chauk, Myanmar, on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least three people. The city, with a population of about 180,000, is near the ancient capital of Bagan, near the center of the country formerly known as Burma. The epicenter of the quake was 15 miles west of Chauk at a depth of about 52 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday. The earthquake hit at 4:34 p.m. in the Southeast Asian nation. The quake was felt several hundred miles away in Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Laos and China."
Italy earthquake death toll rises to 247: regional officials | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The number of people killed in the earthquake that devastated parts of central Italy on Wednesday rose to 247 on Thursday morning, regional and national officials said. The Civil Protection department in Rome said a tally by local officials showed that 190 people were killed Rieti province and 57 in the province of Ascoli Piceno."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Kim Jong Un hails North Korea launch as 'success' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's Kim Jong Un hailed the Wednesday test-launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile 'the success of all successes' as the United Nations Security Council called for an urgent meeting in response to the provocation. The SLBM, which traveled more than 300 miles and entered Japan's air identification zone early Wednesday, is a victory for Pyongyang, Kim said according to KCNA. [...] The United States and Japan are reportedly in discussions on a response that would hold Pyongyang accountable for the provocation, South Korean news network JTBC reported."
Comment: Another month, another missile test from North Korea. If they keep this up, they're bound to get pretty good at this missile launching thing. After all, it's not rocket science. Oh wait...
UPI reports: "North Korea's Kim Jong Un hailed the Wednesday test-launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile 'the success of all successes' as the United Nations Security Council called for an urgent meeting in response to the provocation. The SLBM, which traveled more than 300 miles and entered Japan's air identification zone early Wednesday, is a victory for Pyongyang, Kim said according to KCNA. [...] The United States and Japan are reportedly in discussions on a response that would hold Pyongyang accountable for the provocation, South Korean news network JTBC reported."
Comment: Another month, another missile test from North Korea. If they keep this up, they're bound to get pretty good at this missile launching thing. After all, it's not rocket science. Oh wait...
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Earthquakes
6.2 earthquake shakes Rome and central Italy - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has shaken Rome and central Italy, destroying some buildings and trapping people under rubble, officials said early Thursday. The quake struck at 3:36 a.m. with the epicenter 47 miles from the city of Perugia, at a depth of just six miles, according to the USGS. No casualties have been reported, however, the USGS expects there could be many, given conditions."
Comment: That's a pretty big quake, glad there have been no casualties.
Update: At least 6 dead in 6.2 Italy quake - UPI.com: At least six people have been reportedly killed after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has shaken Rome and central Italy, destroying some buildings and trapping people under rubble, officials said early Thursday.
UPI reports: "A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has shaken Rome and central Italy, destroying some buildings and trapping people under rubble, officials said early Thursday. The quake struck at 3:36 a.m. with the epicenter 47 miles from the city of Perugia, at a depth of just six miles, according to the USGS. No casualties have been reported, however, the USGS expects there could be many, given conditions."
Comment: That's a pretty big quake, glad there have been no casualties.
Update: At least 6 dead in 6.2 Italy quake - UPI.com: At least six people have been reportedly killed after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has shaken Rome and central Italy, destroying some buildings and trapping people under rubble, officials said early Thursday.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Covenant With Many
VOA - Poll Shows Most Israelis, Palestinians Still Seek Peace
The Voice of America reports: "A new poll of Israelis and Palestinians released on Monday found that a slim majority on both sides still favor a peace settlement establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel, despite years of conflict and deadlock in negotiations. The results of the joint poll may provide some small signs of encouragement when peace prospects appear bleak. The last round of negotiations broke down two years ago, and a resumption of talks, much less progress between the sides, at this point seems unlikely."
Comment: It does not seem that a peace agreement is high on the international agenda. I credit the Islamic State with taking over as the #1 Mideast agenda item. There is also a perception that the Palestinians have rejected several well-crafted Mideast peace efforts over the years and nothing better is on offer.
The Voice of America reports: "A new poll of Israelis and Palestinians released on Monday found that a slim majority on both sides still favor a peace settlement establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel, despite years of conflict and deadlock in negotiations. The results of the joint poll may provide some small signs of encouragement when peace prospects appear bleak. The last round of negotiations broke down two years ago, and a resumption of talks, much less progress between the sides, at this point seems unlikely."
Comment: It does not seem that a peace agreement is high on the international agenda. I credit the Islamic State with taking over as the #1 Mideast agenda item. There is also a perception that the Palestinians have rejected several well-crafted Mideast peace efforts over the years and nothing better is on offer.
Gog Alliance - King of the North - Persia
Russian use of Iranian airbase to fight Islamic State ends - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Russian use of an Iranian airbase to launch airstrikes on targets in Syria has ended, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday. Use of the airbase near Hamedan, Iran, began a week ago, but the mission is complete, spokesman Bharam Ghasemi noted. He said Russia could seek Iranian consent to use the airbase again, but that no Russian troops were stationed within Iran, except for the airbase. [...] The use of the airbase was seen as strengthening military ties between Russia and Iran, which are both allied with the Assad government."
Comment: It looks like the alliance between Russia and Iran may not be the full alliance we thought, more of a convenience or a concession. I think pending weapons sales may have had more to do with it than a true commitment to a formal alliance. Time will tell.
UPI reports: "The Russian use of an Iranian airbase to launch airstrikes on targets in Syria has ended, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday. Use of the airbase near Hamedan, Iran, began a week ago, but the mission is complete, spokesman Bharam Ghasemi noted. He said Russia could seek Iranian consent to use the airbase again, but that no Russian troops were stationed within Iran, except for the airbase. [...] The use of the airbase was seen as strengthening military ties between Russia and Iran, which are both allied with the Assad government."
Comment: It looks like the alliance between Russia and Iran may not be the full alliance we thought, more of a convenience or a concession. I think pending weapons sales may have had more to do with it than a true commitment to a formal alliance. Time will tell.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Gog Alliance - Kings of the East
Russian defense official Komoedov proposes non-NATO anti-terror coalition: Russia, China, Iran, India - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The chairman of the Russian Duma's defense committee said this week the time has come for Russia, China, India and Iran to form an anti-terrorism coalition that is not aligned with the 'aggressive' NATO. Speaking to journalists in Moscow on Friday, Adm. Vladimir Komoedov said the four nations working together could defeat the Islamic State in a year. [...] Komoedov said the four countries he mentioned have common interests in the Middle East, as well as an understanding that 'peace and security in the Middle East is needed.'"
Comment: This is a interesting development. For the moment, it appears to be merely aspirational, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
UPI reports: "The chairman of the Russian Duma's defense committee said this week the time has come for Russia, China, India and Iran to form an anti-terrorism coalition that is not aligned with the 'aggressive' NATO. Speaking to journalists in Moscow on Friday, Adm. Vladimir Komoedov said the four nations working together could defeat the Islamic State in a year. [...] Komoedov said the four countries he mentioned have common interests in the Middle East, as well as an understanding that 'peace and security in the Middle East is needed.'"
Comment: This is a interesting development. For the moment, it appears to be merely aspirational, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China carries out ‘routine’ naval drills in Sea of Japan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese navy carried out drills in the Sea of Japan, days after Japan's coast guard released a video of Chinese vessels near disputed islands. The state-owned People's Liberation Army Daily reported the exercises took place in a 'certain area of the Sea of Japan' but did not give a specific location, according to The Japan Times. [...] A handful of the vessels were returning from RIMPAC, the U.S.-hosted Rim of the Pacific exercise that took place in Hawaii. The drills come after an event on Aug. 1, when the Chinese navy performed live-fire exercises in the East China Sea."
UPI reports: "The Chinese navy carried out drills in the Sea of Japan, days after Japan's coast guard released a video of Chinese vessels near disputed islands. The state-owned People's Liberation Army Daily reported the exercises took place in a 'certain area of the Sea of Japan' but did not give a specific location, according to The Japan Times. [...] A handful of the vessels were returning from RIMPAC, the U.S.-hosted Rim of the Pacific exercise that took place in Hawaii. The drills come after an event on Aug. 1, when the Chinese navy performed live-fire exercises in the East China Sea."
Friday, August 19, 2016
Pestilence
AP - Officials: Zika found in South Beach; spraying not practical
The AP reports: "South Beach has been identified as a second site of Zika transmission by mosquitoes on the U.S. mainland, and containing it there will be difficult because high-rise buildings and strong winds make it impractical to spray the neighborhood from the air, officials said Friday. Five cases of Zika have been connected to mosquitoes in Miami Beach, bringing the state's caseload to 36 infections not related to travel outside the U.S., Florida's governor and health department announced Friday. The discovery prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to announce that it was expanding its travel warning for pregnant women to include an area in Miami Beach known for nightclubs, pedestrian thoroughfares and beaches."
Comment: They made such a big deal about Zika and the Olympics, isn't it ironic that it seems more of an issue now in Florida?
The AP reports: "South Beach has been identified as a second site of Zika transmission by mosquitoes on the U.S. mainland, and containing it there will be difficult because high-rise buildings and strong winds make it impractical to spray the neighborhood from the air, officials said Friday. Five cases of Zika have been connected to mosquitoes in Miami Beach, bringing the state's caseload to 36 infections not related to travel outside the U.S., Florida's governor and health department announced Friday. The discovery prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to announce that it was expanding its travel warning for pregnant women to include an area in Miami Beach known for nightclubs, pedestrian thoroughfares and beaches."
Comment: They made such a big deal about Zika and the Olympics, isn't it ironic that it seems more of an issue now in Florida?
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the North
Seoul conducts massive military drill as North Korea condemns U.S. bombers - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Korea conducted a massive artillery drill near the demilitarized
zone in a bid to warn the North against any future provocations as
Pyongyang slammed the United States for deploying stealth bombers to
Guam. [...] South Korea deployed 300 pieces of artillery from 49 artillery
battalions. K-9, K-55 self-propelled howitzers participated in the
exercises, according to Seoul's defense ministry."
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Pestilence
Fears of global yellow fever outbreak spur vaccination effort - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An outbreak of yellow fever in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown so significant in recent months that international officials are now moving to vaccinate large numbers of people to stem the spread of the disease. [...] More than 400 people have died and thousands more have been sickened since the start of the outbreak, which has led officials to ramp up a vaccination campaign much faster than would normally be done."
UPI reports: "An outbreak of yellow fever in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown so significant in recent months that international officials are now moving to vaccinate large numbers of people to stem the spread of the disease. [...] More than 400 people have died and thousands more have been sickened since the start of the outbreak, which has led officials to ramp up a vaccination campaign much faster than would normally be done."
Gog Alliance - Persia - War
Behind Russia-Iran cooperation over Syria, a larger goal - CSMonitor.com
The Christian Science Monitor reports: "Russian strategic bombers launched from Iran struck rebel positions in Syria on Wednesday, in a second day of attacks that multiply Russian firepower in the Middle East and underscore unprecedented military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and a foreign power. [...] the high-profile move allows both nations to ease their isolation, imposed by the US and the West, while spreading their regional influence through the use of hard power. [...] while both sides have downplayed any greater regional ambitions, others see a larger strategy at play. 'There could be more, and the possibility of spreading the Russian air campaign to Iraq,' says Felgenhauer. 'The thing is not about Syria per se. Syria is important, but there is more: Russia wants to spread its influence over the entire region, have bases all over, push the Americans out and become the dominant power in the region.'"
The Christian Science Monitor reports: "Russian strategic bombers launched from Iran struck rebel positions in Syria on Wednesday, in a second day of attacks that multiply Russian firepower in the Middle East and underscore unprecedented military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and a foreign power. [...] the high-profile move allows both nations to ease their isolation, imposed by the US and the West, while spreading their regional influence through the use of hard power. [...] while both sides have downplayed any greater regional ambitions, others see a larger strategy at play. 'There could be more, and the possibility of spreading the Russian air campaign to Iraq,' says Felgenhauer. 'The thing is not about Syria per se. Syria is important, but there is more: Russia wants to spread its influence over the entire region, have bases all over, push the Americans out and become the dominant power in the region.'"
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Gog Alliance
Russian bombers launch airstrikes in Syria from Iranian airbase - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia is using an Iranian airbase for the first time to attack targets in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday. It said in a statement its Tu-22M3 and Su-34 bombers took off from Iran's Hamadan air base to bomb the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front -- which now calls itself Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. The airstrikes targeted ammunition dumps, training camps, command posts and "numerous militants" in Syria before returning. [...] The announcement to expand the air war came after Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed anti-terrorism matters with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani when they met last week in Azerbaijan. Russia and Iran each are backing Assad's Syrian army."
Comment: This is a significant development that displays unprecedented military cooperation between Russia and Iran, now joined in common cause against the Islamic State in Syria. Operational links are being forged between the two countries that make future cooperation (Ezekiel 38:2-9) against other countries much easier to imagine now than in times past.
UPI reports: "Russia is using an Iranian airbase for the first time to attack targets in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday. It said in a statement its Tu-22M3 and Su-34 bombers took off from Iran's Hamadan air base to bomb the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front -- which now calls itself Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. The airstrikes targeted ammunition dumps, training camps, command posts and "numerous militants" in Syria before returning. [...] The announcement to expand the air war came after Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed anti-terrorism matters with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani when they met last week in Azerbaijan. Russia and Iran each are backing Assad's Syrian army."
Comment: This is a significant development that displays unprecedented military cooperation between Russia and Iran, now joined in common cause against the Islamic State in Syria. Operational links are being forged between the two countries that make future cooperation (Ezekiel 38:2-9) against other countries much easier to imagine now than in times past.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Earthquakes
5.4-magnitude earthquake in Peru kills at least 9, injures 40 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least nine people have died and 40 have been injured in southern Peru after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck near the town of Chivay. One of the victims was a U.S. citizen. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles at about 10 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Emergency aid, including mobile shelters, has been deployed to affected areas."
UPI reports: "At least nine people have died and 40 have been injured in southern Peru after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck near the town of Chivay. One of the victims was a U.S. citizen. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles at about 10 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Emergency aid, including mobile shelters, has been deployed to affected areas."
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Fearsome Events
At least two dead, one missing in 'unprecedented' flooding in Louisiana, Mississippi - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least two people are dead and one person remains missing as heavy rains in Louisiana and Mississippi continue to cause floods that Louisiana Gov. Bel Edwards called 'unprecedented.' [...] Officials have no frame of reference for how bad the flooding could get because Edwards said there is no similar weather event to compare it to."
Comment: Does it seem like record-breaking weather events are becoming more common?
UPI reports: "At least two people are dead and one person remains missing as heavy rains in Louisiana and Mississippi continue to cause floods that Louisiana Gov. Bel Edwards called 'unprecedented.' [...] Officials have no frame of reference for how bad the flooding could get because Edwards said there is no similar weather event to compare it to."
Comment: Does it seem like record-breaking weather events are becoming more common?
Friday, August 12, 2016
War
U.S. airstrike killed Islamic State leader in Afghanistan, Pentagon says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The top leader for the Islamic State's Afghanistan branch was killed by U.S. forces in a strike last month, the U.S. Department of Defense said Friday. Hafiz Sayed Khan was killed in the July 26 airstrike, the Pentagon announced, in the nation's southern Nangarhar province. Officials said U.S. and Afghan special forces carried out the operation."
Comment: I'd like to say that it's nice to have some good news to report on the war in Afghanistan. I suspect that the Islamic State will have little difficulty replacing Khan. The real good news is in between the lines of this report. If it's true that U.S. and Afghan special forces carried about the operation together and the Afghan forces were true partners in the effort and not merely training or observing, then that is indeed good news.
UPI reports: "The top leader for the Islamic State's Afghanistan branch was killed by U.S. forces in a strike last month, the U.S. Department of Defense said Friday. Hafiz Sayed Khan was killed in the July 26 airstrike, the Pentagon announced, in the nation's southern Nangarhar province. Officials said U.S. and Afghan special forces carried out the operation."
Comment: I'd like to say that it's nice to have some good news to report on the war in Afghanistan. I suspect that the Islamic State will have little difficulty replacing Khan. The real good news is in between the lines of this report. If it's true that U.S. and Afghan special forces carried about the operation together and the Afghan forces were true partners in the effort and not merely training or observing, then that is indeed good news.
Nations in Distress
11 bombings in Thai resort town kill four people - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least four people died in Thailand after 11 bombings rocked five different provinces, authorities said Friday. The bombings began on Thursday about a half hour apart in the southern coastal resort town of Hua Hin. Officials said it appeared the bombs were hidden in two plant pots about 150 feet apart and detonated by cellphone. At least eight more bombings took place on Friday morning. [...] No terror group initially claimed responsibility for the attack."
UPI reports: "At least four people died in Thailand after 11 bombings rocked five different provinces, authorities said Friday. The bombings began on Thursday about a half hour apart in the southern coastal resort town of Hua Hin. Officials said it appeared the bombs were hidden in two plant pots about 150 feet apart and detonated by cellphone. At least eight more bombings took place on Friday morning. [...] No terror group initially claimed responsibility for the attack."
Earthquakes
7.2 earthquake off Fiji spurs tsunami warning - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A large 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck off the Pacific island nations of Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanautu, authorities said Friday. The quake was centered about 330 miles off Vanautu, the US Geological Survey said, prompting a tsunami warning for New Caledonia, Vanautu and Fiji from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. The warning was eventually canceled and there are no reports of casualties or damage."
UPI reports: "A large 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck off the Pacific island nations of Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanautu, authorities said Friday. The quake was centered about 330 miles off Vanautu, the US Geological Survey said, prompting a tsunami warning for New Caledonia, Vanautu and Fiji from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. The warning was eventually canceled and there are no reports of casualties or damage."
Mark of the Beast
MIT created a temporary tattoo that can control your connected devices - TNW
The Next Web reports: "In the future, your tattoos could be as functional as they are expressive. MIT, in partnership with Microsoft, created a new touch interface, DuoSkin, that allows temporary tattoos to interact with smartphones or computers, display output based on body temperature changes and even transmit data using NFC."
Comment: It's been a while since I've come across an interesting Mark-related news report. This high tech tattoo looks like a way of combining the cool factor of tattoos (so popular these days) with the functionality of a tech interface. A word of caution, I'm not saying this is the MOTB, it's just some interesting tech to keep an eye on. I always like to emphasize that because I'm aware that past generations went a bit nuts in tagging emerging tech as the MOTB. I think all we can really do is watch tech trends and see where things are going.
The Next Web reports: "In the future, your tattoos could be as functional as they are expressive. MIT, in partnership with Microsoft, created a new touch interface, DuoSkin, that allows temporary tattoos to interact with smartphones or computers, display output based on body temperature changes and even transmit data using NFC."
Comment: It's been a while since I've come across an interesting Mark-related news report. This high tech tattoo looks like a way of combining the cool factor of tattoos (so popular these days) with the functionality of a tech interface. A word of caution, I'm not saying this is the MOTB, it's just some interesting tech to keep an eye on. I always like to emphasize that because I'm aware that past generations went a bit nuts in tagging emerging tech as the MOTB. I think all we can really do is watch tech trends and see where things are going.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
Ukraine's president orders military on high alert following Putin comments - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday ordered all military units near the border of Russian-annexed Crimea to be placed on the highest alert of combat preparedness. [...] Poroshenko's move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused the Ukrainian military of launching attacks into Crimea, attacks that he said killed two Russian service members, as part of repeated efforts to reclaim the peninsula. Poroshenko on Wednesday dismissed Putin's allegations as provocations."
Comment: It's hard to tell what's real in all of this bluster and posturing...just keeping an eye on it.
UPI reports: "Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday ordered all military units near the border of Russian-annexed Crimea to be placed on the highest alert of combat preparedness. [...] Poroshenko's move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused the Ukrainian military of launching attacks into Crimea, attacks that he said killed two Russian service members, as part of repeated efforts to reclaim the peninsula. Poroshenko on Wednesday dismissed Putin's allegations as provocations."
Comment: It's hard to tell what's real in all of this bluster and posturing...just keeping an eye on it.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Persecution
State Department criticizes blasphemy laws in Muslim nations - The Washington Post
The Washington Post reports: "Anti-blasphemy beliefs and laws have led to the imprisonment and death of religious minorities and women, particularly in Muslim countries, the State Department said Wednesday. In its annual religious freedom report, the State Department singled out Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Pakistan and Mauritania as being among the countries where deviating from the religious norm carries harsh penalties. [...] In March, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq is committing genocide against religious minorities, specifically Yazidis, Shiite Muslims and Christians."
Comment: Please join me in praying for those suffering persecution.
The Washington Post reports: "Anti-blasphemy beliefs and laws have led to the imprisonment and death of religious minorities and women, particularly in Muslim countries, the State Department said Wednesday. In its annual religious freedom report, the State Department singled out Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Pakistan and Mauritania as being among the countries where deviating from the religious norm carries harsh penalties. [...] In March, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq is committing genocide against religious minorities, specifically Yazidis, Shiite Muslims and Christians."
Comment: Please join me in praying for those suffering persecution.
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
Gog Alliance - King of the North
Putin mends broken relations with Turkey's Erdogan - BBC News
BBC News reports: "The leaders of Russia and Turkey have patched up a damaging quarrel, pledging to restore close economic relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian trade sanctions on Turkey would be phased out 'step by step'. [...]
Speaking in St Petersburg Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Putin, saying a call from the Russian leader after the coup 'meant a lot psychologically'. He said 'the Moscow-Ankara friendship axis will be restored'. [...] The dispute put two major joint energy projects on hold - the TurkStream gas pipeline across the Black Sea and the Akkuyu nuclear plant being built by Russia's Rosatom in Turkey. In St Petersburg both leaders pledged to restart those projects."
BBC News reports: "The leaders of Russia and Turkey have patched up a damaging quarrel, pledging to restore close economic relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian trade sanctions on Turkey would be phased out 'step by step'. [...]
Speaking in St Petersburg Mr Erdogan thanked Mr Putin, saying a call from the Russian leader after the coup 'meant a lot psychologically'. He said 'the Moscow-Ankara friendship axis will be restored'. [...] The dispute put two major joint energy projects on hold - the TurkStream gas pipeline across the Black Sea and the Akkuyu nuclear plant being built by Russia's Rosatom in Turkey. In St Petersburg both leaders pledged to restart those projects."
Pestilence
First Zika-related death confirmed in Texas - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The first death related to the Zika virus in Texas -- a newborn girl -- and the second in the United States was confirmed Tuesday by Houston-area officials. The baby's mother traveled to Latin America during her pregnancy, where it is believed she became infected, the Harris County health department announced in a release."
UPI reports: "The first death related to the Zika virus in Texas -- a newborn girl -- and the second in the United States was confirmed Tuesday by Houston-area officials. The baby's mother traveled to Latin America during her pregnancy, where it is believed she became infected, the Harris County health department announced in a release."
Monday, August 08, 2016
King of the North - Gog Alliance
Turkish and Russian presidents meeting makes the West nervous - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in St. Petersburg, Russia on Tuesday in Erdogan's first trip abroad since the failed coup in July. The leaders are expected to discuss Syria and other subjects in a highly symbolic meeting that will likely make western governments nervous, because it's a U-turn for two governments who were insulting each other just two months ago. Turkish relations with the U.S. and European Union countries have suffered in that time as well."
Comment: Even though this has been a long-time coming, it still feels kind of sudden to me. It's amazing to watch Turkey accelerating towards its prophetic destiny.
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet in St. Petersburg, Russia on Tuesday in Erdogan's first trip abroad since the failed coup in July. The leaders are expected to discuss Syria and other subjects in a highly symbolic meeting that will likely make western governments nervous, because it's a U-turn for two governments who were insulting each other just two months ago. Turkish relations with the U.S. and European Union countries have suffered in that time as well."
Comment: Even though this has been a long-time coming, it still feels kind of sudden to me. It's amazing to watch Turkey accelerating towards its prophetic destiny.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Commentary: Here’s how a U.S.-China war could play out | Reuters
Reuters reports: "For all the focus on terrorism, one of the most striking features of the last decade is that the risk of war between the world’s major countries has returned. For the first time since the fall of the Berlin wall, military thinkers in the United States, Europe and Asia are putting serious thought into what such a conflict might look like. For a world with no shortage of nuclear weapons, that’s alarming. [...] The report stresses that while premeditated war between Washington and Beijing 'is very unlikely,' the mishandling of disputes like the multiple territorial confrontations between China and U.S. allies such as Japan and the Philippines are a 'danger' that 'cannot be ignored.'"
Comment: Nice to see this flashpoint getting the attention it deserves. I've been worried that the American public are not prepared psychologically for a conflict in the Asia. I think there is a certain war-fatigue going on after ten years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, people are tired, and by people I mean the military community, including the families of service-members. The public at large sometimes seems oblivious and yet we know that historically the support of the public is vital in any military engagement. It's a difficult balancing act for any government to prepare the public for a conflict that may seem likely while at the same time, not appearing to hype or promote that conflict. There's a danger that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Still, given the number of alliance commitments the U.S. has in the region and how they all seems to be entangled in one way or another with those contested South China Sea islands or with the Korean War (never resolved), the danger of a near-term conflict in Asia is very high.
Reuters reports: "For all the focus on terrorism, one of the most striking features of the last decade is that the risk of war between the world’s major countries has returned. For the first time since the fall of the Berlin wall, military thinkers in the United States, Europe and Asia are putting serious thought into what such a conflict might look like. For a world with no shortage of nuclear weapons, that’s alarming. [...] The report stresses that while premeditated war between Washington and Beijing 'is very unlikely,' the mishandling of disputes like the multiple territorial confrontations between China and U.S. allies such as Japan and the Philippines are a 'danger' that 'cannot be ignored.'"
Comment: Nice to see this flashpoint getting the attention it deserves. I've been worried that the American public are not prepared psychologically for a conflict in the Asia. I think there is a certain war-fatigue going on after ten years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, people are tired, and by people I mean the military community, including the families of service-members. The public at large sometimes seems oblivious and yet we know that historically the support of the public is vital in any military engagement. It's a difficult balancing act for any government to prepare the public for a conflict that may seem likely while at the same time, not appearing to hype or promote that conflict. There's a danger that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Still, given the number of alliance commitments the U.S. has in the region and how they all seems to be entangled in one way or another with those contested South China Sea islands or with the Korean War (never resolved), the danger of a near-term conflict in Asia is very high.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Global Community
Rio kicks off Games with ode to forests, favelas and funk - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Brazil unfurled a vast canvas celebrating its rainforest and the creative energy of its wildly diverse population to the tune of samba, bossa nova and funk in welcoming the world on Friday to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro."
Comment: This will be my only post about the Rio Olympic Games (unless something terrible happens), I'm noting it in the context of a global news event that millions of people watch together in real-time (Rev. 11:9-12) thanks to the wonders of modern technology.
Reuters reports: "Brazil unfurled a vast canvas celebrating its rainforest and the creative energy of its wildly diverse population to the tune of samba, bossa nova and funk in welcoming the world on Friday to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro."
Comment: This will be my only post about the Rio Olympic Games (unless something terrible happens), I'm noting it in the context of a global news event that millions of people watch together in real-time (Rev. 11:9-12) thanks to the wonders of modern technology.
Thursday, August 04, 2016
Persecution
Christian church leader jailed in Chinese human rights crackdown - The Guardian
The Guardian reports: "A prominent Christian church leader has become the latest to be jailed by Chinese courts during a week of activist trials and public confessions that have shocked international observers. Hu Shigen, a leader of an underground church movement, was found guilty of subversion, sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment and derived of political rights for five years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for Hu Shigen and the rest of the underground church in China.
The Guardian reports: "A prominent Christian church leader has become the latest to be jailed by Chinese courts during a week of activist trials and public confessions that have shocked international observers. Hu Shigen, a leader of an underground church movement, was found guilty of subversion, sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment and derived of political rights for five years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for Hu Shigen and the rest of the underground church in China.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
'Give them a bloody nose': Xi pressed for stronger South China Sea response - Reuters
Reuters reports: "China's leadership is resisting pressure from elements within the
military for a more forceful response to an international court ruling
against Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, sources said, wary of
provoking a clash with the United States. [...] The ruling has been
followed in China by a wave of nationalist sentiment, scattered protests
and strongly worded editorials in state media.
So far, Beijing has not shown any sign of wanting to take stronger
action."
Comment: With any luck it will all cool down and China will decide they would rather negotiate luxury real-estate deals with the new American president than spark a war over those tiny islands. Or, better yet, maybe a joint-development project... the Trump South China Sea and Casino? Sorry, just so tired of politics when world affairs are so serious.
Comment: With any luck it will all cool down and China will decide they would rather negotiate luxury real-estate deals with the new American president than spark a war over those tiny islands. Or, better yet, maybe a joint-development project... the Trump South China Sea and Casino? Sorry, just so tired of politics when world affairs are so serious.
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
Pestilence
U.S. launches early trial of Zika vaccine - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A potential vaccine for the Zika virus has entered early clinical trials to assess its safety in humans, U.S. health officials announced Wednesday. The DNA-based vaccine contains genetic pieces of the Zika virus. It is intended to promote an immune response that would protect against the mosquito-borne virus that can cause devastating birth defects, according to a statement from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)."
Comment: I'm so happy to share some good news for a change! With any luck the vaccine will be a success and we won't have to worry about Zika anymore...or at least until the anti-vaxxers act up.
UPI reports: "A potential vaccine for the Zika virus has entered early clinical trials to assess its safety in humans, U.S. health officials announced Wednesday. The DNA-based vaccine contains genetic pieces of the Zika virus. It is intended to promote an immune response that would protect against the mosquito-borne virus that can cause devastating birth defects, according to a statement from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)."
Comment: I'm so happy to share some good news for a change! With any luck the vaccine will be a success and we won't have to worry about Zika anymore...or at least until the anti-vaxxers act up.
Wars & Rumors of War
North Korea warns of nuclear race, opposes THAAD deployment - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea again voiced its opposition to the deployment of THAAD on the peninsula. Pyongyang's state-controlled KCNA issued a message from the state's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland that warned against the placement of the U.S. anti-missile defense system in South Korea. North Korea said in the statement the decision would turn the Korean peninsula into a nuclear arms race arena, South Korean news service News 1 reported."
UPI reports: "North Korea again voiced its opposition to the deployment of THAAD on the peninsula. Pyongyang's state-controlled KCNA issued a message from the state's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland that warned against the placement of the U.S. anti-missile defense system in South Korea. North Korea said in the statement the decision would turn the Korean peninsula into a nuclear arms race arena, South Korean news service News 1 reported."
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Wars & Rumors of War
North Korea launched ballistic missile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea launched a ballistic missile early Wednesday, according to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff. [...] The provocation is believed to be a North Korea response to the South's decision to deploy the U.S. anti-missile defense system THAAD in the region of Seongju in North Gyeongsang Province, according to South Korea press."
Comment: Another month, another North Korean missile launch.
UPI reports: "North Korea launched a ballistic missile early Wednesday, according to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff. [...] The provocation is believed to be a North Korea response to the South's decision to deploy the U.S. anti-missile defense system THAAD in the region of Seongju in North Gyeongsang Province, according to South Korea press."
Comment: Another month, another North Korean missile launch.
Monday, August 01, 2016
War
U.S. airstrikes target Sirte, Libya, an Islamic State stronghold - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. airstrikes hit the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte, Libya, the Pentagon said Monday, the first direct U.S. involvement in aiding Libyan troops. [...] Manned and unmanned aircraft conducted multiple strikes on Sirte, a senior U.S. defense official told The Washington Post, where IS insurgents have established well-defended positions. The U.S. actions mark an expansion of the war against IS in Libya. Although U.S. airstrikes are prominent in military campaigns in Iraq and Syria, U.S. aerial involvement in Libya, prior to Monday, was limited to a small number of targeted airstrikes."
Comment: What a mess. Remind me again, why did they depose Moammar Gadhafi?
UPI reports: "U.S. airstrikes hit the Islamic State stronghold of Sirte, Libya, the Pentagon said Monday, the first direct U.S. involvement in aiding Libyan troops. [...] Manned and unmanned aircraft conducted multiple strikes on Sirte, a senior U.S. defense official told The Washington Post, where IS insurgents have established well-defended positions. The U.S. actions mark an expansion of the war against IS in Libya. Although U.S. airstrikes are prominent in military campaigns in Iraq and Syria, U.S. aerial involvement in Libya, prior to Monday, was limited to a small number of targeted airstrikes."
Comment: What a mess. Remind me again, why did they depose Moammar Gadhafi?
Saturday, July 30, 2016
War
Brothers arrested on suspicion of plotting terror attack in Belgium - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police arrested two brothers who are suspected of plotting a terror attack in Belgium. According to the BBC, the two men, identified as Nourredine H and Hamza H, were arrested during house searches in the Mons region and the city of Liege. [...] Sky News reports that the French version of the statement indicated that multiple attacks were being planned."
Comment: Score one for the security services! I know that in the U.S. the domestic security services don't often announce it when attacks are foiled but it certainly helps promote public confidence when we can see that they are being successful at stopping attacks.
UPI reports: "Police arrested two brothers who are suspected of plotting a terror attack in Belgium. According to the BBC, the two men, identified as Nourredine H and Hamza H, were arrested during house searches in the Mons region and the city of Liege. [...] Sky News reports that the French version of the statement indicated that multiple attacks were being planned."
Comment: Score one for the security services! I know that in the U.S. the domestic security services don't often announce it when attacks are foiled but it certainly helps promote public confidence when we can see that they are being successful at stopping attacks.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Peace and Security of Jerusalem
Report: U.S., Israel close to largest military deal ever - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States and Israel are closing in on a massive military aid agreement that will reportedly become the largest security package the American government has ever struck with any nation. A senior Israeli official is expected to visit Washington next week to finalize negotiations, The Washington Post reported Friday -- and the edict from Tel Aviv is to get the deal done 'as soon as possible.'"
Comment: This is good to see. I know a lot of Americans are against foreign aid in any form whether philanthropic or military, but in my opinion this is money well spent.
UPI reports: "The United States and Israel are closing in on a massive military aid agreement that will reportedly become the largest security package the American government has ever struck with any nation. A senior Israeli official is expected to visit Washington next week to finalize negotiations, The Washington Post reported Friday -- and the edict from Tel Aviv is to get the deal done 'as soon as possible.'"
Comment: This is good to see. I know a lot of Americans are against foreign aid in any form whether philanthropic or military, but in my opinion this is money well spent.
Pestilence
Local transmission of Zika confirmed in South Florida - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Florida Department of Health confirmed four cases of Zika virus in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have a "high likelihood" of being locally transmitted. Health officials believe the virus was acquired in a one-mile area of Miami, though no mosquitoes the department has trapped have tested positive for Zika yet, according to a press release."
UPI reports: "The Florida Department of Health confirmed four cases of Zika virus in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have a "high likelihood" of being locally transmitted. Health officials believe the virus was acquired in a one-mile area of Miami, though no mosquitoes the department has trapped have tested positive for Zika yet, according to a press release."
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China, Russia announce joint military drills in contested South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China and Russia announced they will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, a hotly contested region with a $5 trillion international trade route that has mostly been claimed by China. Yang Yujun of China's Defense Ministry announced the joint drill, which will begin in September. [...] Military operations between the two countries have been held annually since 2012."
Comment: The world's newest flashpoint is becoming more and more crowded with warships. What could possibly go wrong?
UPI reports: "China and Russia announced they will hold joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, a hotly contested region with a $5 trillion international trade route that has mostly been claimed by China. Yang Yujun of China's Defense Ministry announced the joint drill, which will begin in September. [...] Military operations between the two countries have been held annually since 2012."
Comment: The world's newest flashpoint is becoming more and more crowded with warships. What could possibly go wrong?
Pestilence
Florida investigates 2 more cases of Zika virus local transmission - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Florida health officials are investigating two more unexplained cases of Zika infection, bringing to four the number of cases that don't seem to be related to travel to countries where the virus is circulating. This suggests the possibility that local transmission of the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to severe birth defects has begun, officials said."
UPI reports: "Florida health officials are investigating two more unexplained cases of Zika infection, bringing to four the number of cases that don't seem to be related to travel to countries where the virus is circulating. This suggests the possibility that local transmission of the mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to severe birth defects has begun, officials said."
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
War - Persecution
Pope Francis says world 'is at war' due to jihadists - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Pope Francis said 'the world is at war' after jihadist attacks have killed dozens and shaken Europe. As he spoke on the plane from Rome to Krakow, Poland, the 79-year-old pontiff reacted to the murder of a Catholic priest by jihadists Tuesday, saying he did not think it was a religious war, but a war over 'interests, money, resources.' Father Jacques Hamel was killed as he led mass in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France. Two armed men entered the church and slit his throat. The attack, which the Islamic State claimed responsibility for, is the latest in a wave that has increased tensions across Europe and hardened anti-Muslim views as refugees from Syria and other parts of the Middle East continue to reach European shores."
Comment: It's brave of the pontiff to admit and declare that the world is at war. Like a politician, he was careful to say it was not a religious war. Although, to be fair, the IS militants have use the past religious wars in their propaganda, inviting their followers to strike at "Crusaders," so calling it a religious war would play into their narrative. On the other hand, can we at least acknowledge that this is a religious war in that it's Islamic fanatics v. followers of all other religions, whom they call infidels? If your opponent declares a religious war against you, does it matter what you call it?
UPI reports: "Pope Francis said 'the world is at war' after jihadist attacks have killed dozens and shaken Europe. As he spoke on the plane from Rome to Krakow, Poland, the 79-year-old pontiff reacted to the murder of a Catholic priest by jihadists Tuesday, saying he did not think it was a religious war, but a war over 'interests, money, resources.' Father Jacques Hamel was killed as he led mass in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France. Two armed men entered the church and slit his throat. The attack, which the Islamic State claimed responsibility for, is the latest in a wave that has increased tensions across Europe and hardened anti-Muslim views as refugees from Syria and other parts of the Middle East continue to reach European shores."
Comment: It's brave of the pontiff to admit and declare that the world is at war. Like a politician, he was careful to say it was not a religious war. Although, to be fair, the IS militants have use the past religious wars in their propaganda, inviting their followers to strike at "Crusaders," so calling it a religious war would play into their narrative. On the other hand, can we at least acknowledge that this is a religious war in that it's Islamic fanatics v. followers of all other religions, whom they call infidels? If your opponent declares a religious war against you, does it matter what you call it?
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Persecution - War
Hollande: French church attacked 'in name of' ISIS - CNN
CNN reports: "One of two suspects in a church attack that left a priest dead in northern France was known to anti-terror authorities after attempting a trip to Syria, a French anti-terrorism prosecutor said Tuesday. [...] Sister Daniele Delafosse said she was able to escape the attack, according to CNN French affiliate BFMTV. Before she fled, she witnessed the perpetrators gather around the church altar and perform some sort of religious oration in Arabic before forcing Hamel to his knees and placing a knife to his neck, she told the station. Police attempted to negotiate through a small side door in the church, but they could not enter the building sooner because of the hostage situation, Molins said. One of the killers wore a fake explosive belt, and the other carried a kitchen timer and fake bomb, he said. They were captured as they exited the church. One of them shouted, 'Allahu Akbar' -- Arabic for 'God is the greatest' -- as they left the church."
Comment: What a horrific attack. This was an attack on France but also an attack on this priest because he was a Catholic priest, a Christian, and the attackers did everything they could to underscore the religious nature of this profane attack. Those who deny the religious motivation of these Islamic State terrorists need only look to this attack to see that they are wrong.
CNN reports: "One of two suspects in a church attack that left a priest dead in northern France was known to anti-terror authorities after attempting a trip to Syria, a French anti-terrorism prosecutor said Tuesday. [...] Sister Daniele Delafosse said she was able to escape the attack, according to CNN French affiliate BFMTV. Before she fled, she witnessed the perpetrators gather around the church altar and perform some sort of religious oration in Arabic before forcing Hamel to his knees and placing a knife to his neck, she told the station. Police attempted to negotiate through a small side door in the church, but they could not enter the building sooner because of the hostage situation, Molins said. One of the killers wore a fake explosive belt, and the other carried a kitchen timer and fake bomb, he said. They were captured as they exited the church. One of them shouted, 'Allahu Akbar' -- Arabic for 'God is the greatest' -- as they left the church."
Comment: What a horrific attack. This was an attack on France but also an attack on this priest because he was a Catholic priest, a Christian, and the attackers did everything they could to underscore the religious nature of this profane attack. Those who deny the religious motivation of these Islamic State terrorists need only look to this attack to see that they are wrong.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Famine
VOA - Nigeria May Be on Brink of Famine
The Voice of America reports: "Nigeria is in need of $164 million in humanitarian funding to prevent thousands of deaths from malnutrition in its war-torn northeast, a United Nations humanitarian coordinator said this week. The ongoing conflict between Nigeria’s military and the Boko Haram insurgency is to blame for the growing hunger crisis in the northeast, humanitarian officials say. The seven-year-old war has disrupted planting and marketplaces, killed more than 20,000 people and forced 2.7 million to flee in Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger."
The Voice of America reports: "Nigeria is in need of $164 million in humanitarian funding to prevent thousands of deaths from malnutrition in its war-torn northeast, a United Nations humanitarian coordinator said this week. The ongoing conflict between Nigeria’s military and the Boko Haram insurgency is to blame for the growing hunger crisis in the northeast, humanitarian officials say. The seven-year-old war has disrupted planting and marketplaces, killed more than 20,000 people and forced 2.7 million to flee in Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger."
Pestilence
Little threat of Zika spread from Rio Olympics - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Travelers and competitors at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil are not likely to contract the Zika virus during their stay or bring it back to their home countries, Yale University experts contend in a new report. Fear of the mosquito-borne virus has led some athletes to skip the games, which start Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro. [...] The Zika virus is frightening because it can cause the brain-related birth defect microcephaly if an expectant mother becomes infected. [...] However, Zika poses little threat to most other people."
Comment: That's good news but it does seem to run counter to the spin from some quarters. I suppose could just thank all the Olympic competitors and travelers for participating in a huge public health experiment.
UPI reports: "Travelers and competitors at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil are not likely to contract the Zika virus during their stay or bring it back to their home countries, Yale University experts contend in a new report. Fear of the mosquito-borne virus has led some athletes to skip the games, which start Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro. [...] The Zika virus is frightening because it can cause the brain-related birth defect microcephaly if an expectant mother becomes infected. [...] However, Zika poses little threat to most other people."
Comment: That's good news but it does seem to run counter to the spin from some quarters. I suppose could just thank all the Olympic competitors and travelers for participating in a huge public health experiment.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Pestilence
Forms of HIV can jump from chimps to humans, study says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "With the recent emergence of Zika virus as a threat to human health, and discovery of two new strains of HIV in 2009, researchers say the threat of animal viruses jumping to humans is not as a big a concern as it should be. Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found simian immunodeficiency viruses, or SIV, often easily move to humans because of quick mutations once they encounter human cells, suggesting the threat animal viruses may pose to humans deserves more attention that it gets."
UPI reports: "With the recent emergence of Zika virus as a threat to human health, and discovery of two new strains of HIV in 2009, researchers say the threat of animal viruses jumping to humans is not as a big a concern as it should be. Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found simian immunodeficiency viruses, or SIV, often easily move to humans because of quick mutations once they encounter human cells, suggesting the threat animal viruses may pose to humans deserves more attention that it gets."
Friday, July 22, 2016
Wars & Rumors of War
France sending artillery, aircraft carrier to Iraq to fight Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI reports: "France will loan artillery to Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic state and will station an aircraft carrier in the region, French President Francois Hollande said Friday. The nuclear-powered carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to the region to facilitate airstrikes, but Hollande said no French soldiers will be on the ground to fight IS. [...] The actions come after a terrorist, driving a truck, killed 84 people in Nice, France, on July 14, followed by complaints that the government is not doing enough to protect citizens from terrorism."
Manhunt underway after deadly Munich mall shooting - UPI.com
UPI reports: "German authorities said a lone gunman carried out an apparent terrorist attack Friday afternoon at a retail shopping center in downtown Munich. Gunfire began at the Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall around 6 p.m. local time Friday. Police were unsure initially how many people were killed and how many were injured, but later said at least nine people had died in the armed assault. [...] Late Friday, police said they believe the attack was carried out by one individual, and that person had committed suicide about a half-mile away from the shooting scene. [...] The Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall is less than 2 miles from the 1972 Munich Summer Olympic Village, where terrorists kidnapped and killed 11 Israeli athletes in a bloody 20-hour siege that made international headlines and threatened to derail the global sporting event."
Possible North Korean secret nuclear facility discovered, report says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A U.S. research group said it found early evidence of a secret North Korean facility used for uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons, a discovery that may be critical in any future nuclear negotiations with North Korea. "
UPI reports: "France will loan artillery to Iraqi forces fighting the Islamic state and will station an aircraft carrier in the region, French President Francois Hollande said Friday. The nuclear-powered carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to the region to facilitate airstrikes, but Hollande said no French soldiers will be on the ground to fight IS. [...] The actions come after a terrorist, driving a truck, killed 84 people in Nice, France, on July 14, followed by complaints that the government is not doing enough to protect citizens from terrorism."
Manhunt underway after deadly Munich mall shooting - UPI.com
UPI reports: "German authorities said a lone gunman carried out an apparent terrorist attack Friday afternoon at a retail shopping center in downtown Munich. Gunfire began at the Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall around 6 p.m. local time Friday. Police were unsure initially how many people were killed and how many were injured, but later said at least nine people had died in the armed assault. [...] Late Friday, police said they believe the attack was carried out by one individual, and that person had committed suicide about a half-mile away from the shooting scene. [...] The Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall is less than 2 miles from the 1972 Munich Summer Olympic Village, where terrorists kidnapped and killed 11 Israeli athletes in a bloody 20-hour siege that made international headlines and threatened to derail the global sporting event."
Possible North Korean secret nuclear facility discovered, report says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A U.S. research group said it found early evidence of a secret North Korean facility used for uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons, a discovery that may be critical in any future nuclear negotiations with North Korea. "
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Nations in Distress - Gog Alliance
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declares state of emergency - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday declared a state of emergency after the country's failed military coup. Erdogan told the nation the state of emergency would last three months and that 'all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed.' The Turkish government under Erdogan has now arrested, fired or suspended a total of more than 50,000 people in its post-coup d'etat attempt crackdown."
Comment: Wow, that's just scary. This guy is a dictator and an ego-maniac for sure. Whether he staged the coup or not, the end result is the same, Turkey is now under an Islamic dictatorship and the trend lines suggest a path toward becoming anti-U.S. and anti-Israel. Forget about EU membership, the question now is, how quickly will the new Axis be officially formed?
UPI reports: "Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday declared a state of emergency after the country's failed military coup. Erdogan told the nation the state of emergency would last three months and that 'all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed.' The Turkish government under Erdogan has now arrested, fired or suspended a total of more than 50,000 people in its post-coup d'etat attempt crackdown."
Comment: Wow, that's just scary. This guy is a dictator and an ego-maniac for sure. Whether he staged the coup or not, the end result is the same, Turkey is now under an Islamic dictatorship and the trend lines suggest a path toward becoming anti-U.S. and anti-Israel. Forget about EU membership, the question now is, how quickly will the new Axis be officially formed?
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Nations in Distress - Gog Alliance
Turkey suspends 15,000 educators, forces resignation of 1,500 university deans - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey's Ministry of Education has suspended more than 15,000 education staff on accusations of having links to a cleric living in the United States who the Turkish government alleges organized last week's coup d'etat attempt. [...] Turkey's high education board has also forced the resignation of more than 1,500 university deans. Since the coup attempt, Turkey's army, judiciary, security and civil services have been targeted by the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 6,000 military personnel have been arrested, including more than two dozen generals awaiting trial; 9,000 police officers have been fired; and 3,000 judges have been suspended."
Comment: The scope of this purge is really quite massive and far in excess of the number of actual soldiers who attempted the coup. It's sad to see that no one in Turkish civil society is standing up for all the people whose lives are being ruined. The people defended their democracy from a coup by taking to the streets but it seems they won't defend it from a dictator. Do they not care or see what is happening or are they too afraid to act?
UPI reports: "Turkey's Ministry of Education has suspended more than 15,000 education staff on accusations of having links to a cleric living in the United States who the Turkish government alleges organized last week's coup d'etat attempt. [...] Turkey's high education board has also forced the resignation of more than 1,500 university deans. Since the coup attempt, Turkey's army, judiciary, security and civil services have been targeted by the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 6,000 military personnel have been arrested, including more than two dozen generals awaiting trial; 9,000 police officers have been fired; and 3,000 judges have been suspended."
Comment: The scope of this purge is really quite massive and far in excess of the number of actual soldiers who attempted the coup. It's sad to see that no one in Turkish civil society is standing up for all the people whose lives are being ruined. The people defended their democracy from a coup by taking to the streets but it seems they won't defend it from a dictator. Do they not care or see what is happening or are they too afraid to act?
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea missile practice aiming for South's ports, Pyongyang says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The three ballistic missiles North Korea fired early Tuesday were target practice for potential strikes against South Korean ports and airfields. [...] The missiles were being tested for possible strikes against ports in the South Korean cities of Pohang, Busan and Gimhae, if preemptive U.S. military reinforcements were to arrive in those areas. Both the United States and South Korea military have clarified if war were to break out on the peninsula U.S. reinforcements would arrive from the U.S. mainland as well as from neighboring Japan."
UPI reports: "The three ballistic missiles North Korea fired early Tuesday were target practice for potential strikes against South Korean ports and airfields. [...] The missiles were being tested for possible strikes against ports in the South Korean cities of Pohang, Busan and Gimhae, if preemptive U.S. military reinforcements were to arrive in those areas. Both the United States and South Korea military have clarified if war were to break out on the peninsula U.S. reinforcements would arrive from the U.S. mainland as well as from neighboring Japan."
Monday, July 18, 2016
King of the North - Gog Alliance
Kremlin watching events on potential energy partner Turkey - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Russian government views an attempt to undermine the government of its key energy trading partner Turkey as unacceptable, President Vladimir Putin said. [...] Putin said in a statement he was expecting to meet personally with the Turkish president to discuss bilateral affairs. [...] Turkey is a key energy hub given is geographic position between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Political ties between Russia and Turkey have soured in recent years, though both sides had reviewed the potential for energy cooperation last year."
Comment: This news report that suggests that the attempted coup in Turkey has set the stage for a renewal in relations between Turkey and Russia. It also helps frame the emerging alliance as primarily economic. Could gas pipelines be the foundation of the future alliance between Russia, Turkey and Iran?
UPI reports: "The Russian government views an attempt to undermine the government of its key energy trading partner Turkey as unacceptable, President Vladimir Putin said. [...] Putin said in a statement he was expecting to meet personally with the Turkish president to discuss bilateral affairs. [...] Turkey is a key energy hub given is geographic position between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Political ties between Russia and Turkey have soured in recent years, though both sides had reviewed the potential for energy cooperation last year."
Comment: This news report that suggests that the attempted coup in Turkey has set the stage for a renewal in relations between Turkey and Russia. It also helps frame the emerging alliance as primarily economic. Could gas pipelines be the foundation of the future alliance between Russia, Turkey and Iran?
Pestilence
Latest Zika puzzle: How U.S. patient infected caregiver - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The mysterious Zika virus continues to surprise health scientists. On Monday, U.S. health officials said they were trying to determine how a now-deceased elderly Utah man who had Zika managed to infect a family caregiver. Zika is normally spread by mosquitoes and can also be transmitted sexually. But health officials said neither appears to have played a role in this case."
Comment: Everyone loves a good mystery, I'm sure they will figure it out. Glad the infected caregiver recovered quickly.
UPI reports: "The mysterious Zika virus continues to surprise health scientists. On Monday, U.S. health officials said they were trying to determine how a now-deceased elderly Utah man who had Zika managed to infect a family caregiver. Zika is normally spread by mosquitoes and can also be transmitted sexually. But health officials said neither appears to have played a role in this case."
Comment: Everyone loves a good mystery, I'm sure they will figure it out. Glad the infected caregiver recovered quickly.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Nations in Distress
Nearly 3,000 arrested after failed Turkey coup - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkish government officials declared an attempted military coup in the country had been put down as nearly 3,000 soldiers were arrested and 265 people, including civilians and coup plotters, were killed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke publicly Saturday, less than 24 hours after the military coup was squashed, saying the government remained in control after rival factions of the Turkish military attempted to forcibly seize power of government buildings in Ankara and Istanbul. [...] Turkish television reported about 2,745 judges and five High Judiciary Court Board were removed from duty as a result of the failed coup."
Comment: So the coup failed and the purge has begun. Note that not only have soldiers been arrested (as we might expect) but that also thousands of members of the judiciary have also been punished. That is most unexpected and can only mean that President Erdogan is moving fast not only to punish the coup plotters but to consolidate his own power by removing anyone he considers a threat to his rule. Turkey may be a democracy, but I'm betting Erdogan will find a way to become president-for-life.
UPI reports: "Turkish government officials declared an attempted military coup in the country had been put down as nearly 3,000 soldiers were arrested and 265 people, including civilians and coup plotters, were killed. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke publicly Saturday, less than 24 hours after the military coup was squashed, saying the government remained in control after rival factions of the Turkish military attempted to forcibly seize power of government buildings in Ankara and Istanbul. [...] Turkish television reported about 2,745 judges and five High Judiciary Court Board were removed from duty as a result of the failed coup."
Comment: So the coup failed and the purge has begun. Note that not only have soldiers been arrested (as we might expect) but that also thousands of members of the judiciary have also been punished. That is most unexpected and can only mean that President Erdogan is moving fast not only to punish the coup plotters but to consolidate his own power by removing anyone he considers a threat to his rule. Turkey may be a democracy, but I'm betting Erdogan will find a way to become president-for-life.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Nations In Distress
Martial law declared in Turkey after coup attempt - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Civil unrest took hold in the streets of Turkey late Friday after members of the nation's military attempted to forcibly seize power in a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime. The coup attempt occurred in the capital, Ankara, and in Istanbul around 10 p.m. local time Friday -- plunging the nation into a chaotic power grab for control of Turkey's government. Hours into the overthrow attempt, both sides claimed the upper hand in the struggle."
Comment: I'm not sure how the media will spin this, but from my perspective, a military coup in Turkey could be a GOOD thing. Let me explain.
As I've noted in past blog posts, the elected government in Turkey is led by a man who is taking Turkey down an Islamist path and he has become increasingly autocratic and authoritarian. This is noteworthy because modern Turkey was founded as a secular republic even though Turkey is a majority Muslim country. To many observers, President Erdogan has done everything he could to undermine secular institutions (like the free press) and promote Islam.
The military in Turkey, on the other hand, has long considered itself to be the guardian of secular rule and has a history of stepping in from time to time. So, if this is a course correction, a return to the traditional secular character of modern Turkey, this is indeed a good thing.
Let's also consider that President Erdogan has not joined the war against the Islamic State with the enthusiasm that his NATO partners would like and has allowed Turkey's border with Syria to be a porous border for Islamist fighters going to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq and also returning and going into Europe to plot attacks. It's very likely that a military government, even an interim junta, would would be much more assertive in attacking the Islamic State than the Erdogan government.
This is a fluid situation and we should watch carefully as events unfold.
UPI reports: "Civil unrest took hold in the streets of Turkey late Friday after members of the nation's military attempted to forcibly seize power in a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime. The coup attempt occurred in the capital, Ankara, and in Istanbul around 10 p.m. local time Friday -- plunging the nation into a chaotic power grab for control of Turkey's government. Hours into the overthrow attempt, both sides claimed the upper hand in the struggle."
Comment: I'm not sure how the media will spin this, but from my perspective, a military coup in Turkey could be a GOOD thing. Let me explain.
As I've noted in past blog posts, the elected government in Turkey is led by a man who is taking Turkey down an Islamist path and he has become increasingly autocratic and authoritarian. This is noteworthy because modern Turkey was founded as a secular republic even though Turkey is a majority Muslim country. To many observers, President Erdogan has done everything he could to undermine secular institutions (like the free press) and promote Islam.
The military in Turkey, on the other hand, has long considered itself to be the guardian of secular rule and has a history of stepping in from time to time. So, if this is a course correction, a return to the traditional secular character of modern Turkey, this is indeed a good thing.
Let's also consider that President Erdogan has not joined the war against the Islamic State with the enthusiasm that his NATO partners would like and has allowed Turkey's border with Syria to be a porous border for Islamist fighters going to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq and also returning and going into Europe to plot attacks. It's very likely that a military government, even an interim junta, would would be much more assertive in attacking the Islamic State than the Erdogan government.
This is a fluid situation and we should watch carefully as events unfold.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Pestilence
Zika outbreak should 'burn out' within 3 years, scientists say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A team of British experts in disease outbreaks believes that the Zika epidemic afflicting Latin America will end within three years. They based their estimate on modeling using available data on the outbreak, which has so far involved thousands of cases of Zika-linked birth defects, mainly in Brazil."
Comment: Well, that's some good news for a change.
UPI reports: "A team of British experts in disease outbreaks believes that the Zika epidemic afflicting Latin America will end within three years. They based their estimate on modeling using available data on the outbreak, which has so far involved thousands of cases of Zika-linked birth defects, mainly in Brazil."
Comment: Well, that's some good news for a change.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China considers air defense zone after losing South China Sea court ruling - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China says even if its claims to 90 percent of the South China Sea isn't recognized, it still reserves the right to establish an air defense zone. [...] Tensions could escalate as China refuses to recognize the court decision. About $5 trillion of trade occurs in the South China Sea annually."
Comment: There is still a chance this can all blow over, but given the number of claimants to the various islands and the apparent resolve by China to not let it go, well, things don't look good. With any luck, this will be the kind of slow burn that takes years, even decades or more before sparking a conflagration.
UPI reports: "China says even if its claims to 90 percent of the South China Sea isn't recognized, it still reserves the right to establish an air defense zone. [...] Tensions could escalate as China refuses to recognize the court decision. About $5 trillion of trade occurs in the South China Sea annually."
Comment: There is still a chance this can all blow over, but given the number of claimants to the various islands and the apparent resolve by China to not let it go, well, things don't look good. With any luck, this will be the kind of slow burn that takes years, even decades or more before sparking a conflagration.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Covenant with Many
Arab nations seek to block quartet report at UN | Daily Mail Online
The Daily Mail reports: "Arab nations are calling on the UN Security Council not to endorse a report aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process that the Palestinians see as biased in favor of Israel, the Palestinian envoy said Tuesday. The report by the Middle East quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- calls on Israel to halt settlement expansion and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. Arab diplomats agreed during a recent meeting to try to block any move by the council to adopt a US-drafted statement backing the long-awaited report's recommendations, Riyad Mansour told reporters."
Comment: So, the Palestinians are seeking to subvert the Quartet, not realizing their allies in France and the EU are probably doing more for their cause than they are. Since I'm not a fan of the French plan, I'm actually happy about this development.
The Daily Mail reports: "Arab nations are calling on the UN Security Council not to endorse a report aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process that the Palestinians see as biased in favor of Israel, the Palestinian envoy said Tuesday. The report by the Middle East quartet -- the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States -- calls on Israel to halt settlement expansion and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. Arab diplomats agreed during a recent meeting to try to block any move by the council to adopt a US-drafted statement backing the long-awaited report's recommendations, Riyad Mansour told reporters."
Comment: So, the Palestinians are seeking to subvert the Quartet, not realizing their allies in France and the EU are probably doing more for their cause than they are. Since I'm not a fan of the French plan, I'm actually happy about this development.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
International court rebukes China's claims in South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An international tribunal in the Hague on Tuesday ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, saying China has no right to territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court concluded China has no legal basis to claim rights to large swaths of international waters in the region falling within the so-called 'nine-dash line,' the line claimed by China as its territorial sea boundary. [...] The Chinese government declared the ruling 'ill-founded' and said it will ignore it. [...] Several nations have argued over Bejing's claim to 90 percent of the South China Sea – an area roughly the size of Mexico, including areas claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Philippines government decided in 2013 to make its case before the Hague. [...] At issue in the dispute is control of vital shipping lanes, fishing and oil exploration rights."
UPI reports: "An international tribunal in the Hague on Tuesday ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, saying China has no right to territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court concluded China has no legal basis to claim rights to large swaths of international waters in the region falling within the so-called 'nine-dash line,' the line claimed by China as its territorial sea boundary. [...] The Chinese government declared the ruling 'ill-founded' and said it will ignore it. [...] Several nations have argued over Bejing's claim to 90 percent of the South China Sea – an area roughly the size of Mexico, including areas claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Philippines government decided in 2013 to make its case before the Hague. [...] At issue in the dispute is control of vital shipping lanes, fishing and oil exploration rights."
Monday, July 11, 2016
War
U.S. to deploy 560 additional troops to Iraq in Islamic State fight - UPI.com
UPI reports: "During a visit to Baghdad, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Monday said the United States will deploy 560 additional troops to Iraq to assist Iraqi security forces in combating the Islamic State. [...] The number of U.S. troops in Iraq will officially increase to 4,647. Nearly 6,000 troops are deployed when counting U.S. troops there on temporary assignments. The U.S. troops will offer a variety of support to Iraqis such as providing logistics, creating infrastructure and training soldiers."
Comment: It's a good thing that they spelled it out so clearly, not really boots on the ground, no combat role, not in harms way at all.
UPI reports: "During a visit to Baghdad, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Monday said the United States will deploy 560 additional troops to Iraq to assist Iraqi security forces in combating the Islamic State. [...] The number of U.S. troops in Iraq will officially increase to 4,647. Nearly 6,000 troops are deployed when counting U.S. troops there on temporary assignments. The U.S. troops will offer a variety of support to Iraqis such as providing logistics, creating infrastructure and training soldiers."
Comment: It's a good thing that they spelled it out so clearly, not really boots on the ground, no combat role, not in harms way at all.
Earthquakes
Scientists predict massive earthquake in Bangladesh - UPI.com
UPI reports: "According to new research, there is tension growing in the fault system created by the two tectonic plates that meet beneath Bangladesh. The tectonic boundary at the world's largest river delta is of the subduction variety, the type of plate boundary that produces Earth's most devastating earthquakes."
UPI reports: "According to new research, there is tension growing in the fault system created by the two tectonic plates that meet beneath Bangladesh. The tectonic boundary at the world's largest river delta is of the subduction variety, the type of plate boundary that produces Earth's most devastating earthquakes."
Friday, July 08, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea fires missile from submarine, appears to have failed: South Korea - Reuters
Reuters reports: "North Korea fired a ballistic missile from a submarine on Saturday but it appears to have failed soon after launch, South Korea's military said. The launch comes at the end of a week of sharply rising tensions on the peninsula. It is only a day after the U.S. and South Korea pledged to deploy an advanced anti-missile system to counter threats from Pyongyang, and two days after North Korea warned it was planning its toughest response to what it deemed a 'declaration of war' by the United States. That followed Washington's blacklisting of the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un for alleged human rights abuses."
Comment: China asked the U.S. not to deploy the anti-missile system. It might have been prudent for the U.S. to show regard for China's sensibilities and put the deployment on hold with the understanding that if Pyongyang engaged in any further provocative acts, the deployment decision would be reconsidered. The U.S. would thus have engendered goodwill among the Chinese leadership (some of whom are not overtly hostile towards the U.S.) and at the same time, guaranteed the eventual deployment of the missile system when the North again conducted a missile launch, as there was little chance young Un would show restraint. Sadly, the opportunity has passed.
Reuters reports: "North Korea fired a ballistic missile from a submarine on Saturday but it appears to have failed soon after launch, South Korea's military said. The launch comes at the end of a week of sharply rising tensions on the peninsula. It is only a day after the U.S. and South Korea pledged to deploy an advanced anti-missile system to counter threats from Pyongyang, and two days after North Korea warned it was planning its toughest response to what it deemed a 'declaration of war' by the United States. That followed Washington's blacklisting of the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un for alleged human rights abuses."
Comment: China asked the U.S. not to deploy the anti-missile system. It might have been prudent for the U.S. to show regard for China's sensibilities and put the deployment on hold with the understanding that if Pyongyang engaged in any further provocative acts, the deployment decision would be reconsidered. The U.S. would thus have engendered goodwill among the Chinese leadership (some of whom are not overtly hostile towards the U.S.) and at the same time, guaranteed the eventual deployment of the missile system when the North again conducted a missile launch, as there was little chance young Un would show restraint. Sadly, the opportunity has passed.
Wickedness Increases
Charging police, Dallas gunman shows tactical skill in ambush | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The gunman in downtown Dallas, wearing light tan pants and a dark tan jacket, crouches behind a trash can next to the pillar of an office building. He stalks his target, who stands behind a pillar just a few feet away, then charges with a rifle. The assailant bobs and weaves - while firing - then circles the pillar and squeezes off rounds into the back of a collapsing body in a dark, short-sleeved uniform. The scene unfolds in a widely circulated video that appears to have captured one killing in Thursday's ambush of Dallas police that left five officers dead, and seven other officers and two civilians wounded. The shooter's maneuvers make clear that the gunman had extensive tactical training, military experts who reviewed the video told Reuters."
Reuters reports: "The gunman in downtown Dallas, wearing light tan pants and a dark tan jacket, crouches behind a trash can next to the pillar of an office building. He stalks his target, who stands behind a pillar just a few feet away, then charges with a rifle. The assailant bobs and weaves - while firing - then circles the pillar and squeezes off rounds into the back of a collapsing body in a dark, short-sleeved uniform. The scene unfolds in a widely circulated video that appears to have captured one killing in Thursday's ambush of Dallas police that left five officers dead, and seven other officers and two civilians wounded. The shooter's maneuvers make clear that the gunman had extensive tactical training, military experts who reviewed the video told Reuters."
Thursday, July 07, 2016
Rumors of Wars - Kings of the East
Chinese foreign minister calls Philippines case 'farce' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "With a major international court ruling on its South China Sea claims around the corner, Beijing has stepped up its diplomatic outreach and warned the United States against intervention. Beijing's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, advising Washington against any moves that violate China's claimed sovereignty, state-owned Xinhua news agency reported."
China urges U.S., South Korea to stop deployment of missile system - Reuters
Reuters reports: "China's foreign ministry said on Friday it was strongly opposed to the United States deployment of the THAAD missile defense system to South Korea and urged the two countries to put a stop to it."
Comment: Is China signaling that it has "red lines" that other countries need to pay attention to? Or, is this merely the usual give and take of international affairs?
UPI reports: "With a major international court ruling on its South China Sea claims around the corner, Beijing has stepped up its diplomatic outreach and warned the United States against intervention. Beijing's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday, advising Washington against any moves that violate China's claimed sovereignty, state-owned Xinhua news agency reported."
China urges U.S., South Korea to stop deployment of missile system - Reuters
Reuters reports: "China's foreign ministry said on Friday it was strongly opposed to the United States deployment of the THAAD missile defense system to South Korea and urged the two countries to put a stop to it."
Comment: Is China signaling that it has "red lines" that other countries need to pay attention to? Or, is this merely the usual give and take of international affairs?
Wednesday, July 06, 2016
War
Obama: U.S. troops staying in Afghanistan to train forces, fight terrorists - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced a slowing in the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan as 8,400 U.S. troops will remain in the country through 2016. There are 9,800 U.S. troops currently in Afghanistan and the initial plan was to leave 5,500 there through the end of the year."
Comment: I think this answers the question: how is the war in Afghanistan going?
UPI reports: "President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced a slowing in the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan as 8,400 U.S. troops will remain in the country through 2016. There are 9,800 U.S. troops currently in Afghanistan and the initial plan was to leave 5,500 there through the end of the year."
Comment: I think this answers the question: how is the war in Afghanistan going?
Tuesday, July 05, 2016
Pestilence
Rio Olympic Games: 'Super bacteria' discovered in Rio's waters - CNN.com
CNN reports: "A group of Brazilian scientists has detected a drug-resistant bacteria growing off some of Rio de Janeiro's most stunning beaches, in research being published a month before the city hosts the 2016 Olympic Games. [...] The news comes as Rio prepares to host hundreds of thousands of athletes and tourists during next month's Summer Olympics."
Comment: I won't be participating in this public health experiment, I'll be safely watching the games on TV, but hats off to those brave souls volunteering to gamble their health in Rio.
CNN reports: "A group of Brazilian scientists has detected a drug-resistant bacteria growing off some of Rio de Janeiro's most stunning beaches, in research being published a month before the city hosts the 2016 Olympic Games. [...] The news comes as Rio prepares to host hundreds of thousands of athletes and tourists during next month's Summer Olympics."
Comment: I won't be participating in this public health experiment, I'll be safely watching the games on TV, but hats off to those brave souls volunteering to gamble their health in Rio.
Friday, July 01, 2016
War
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack, hostage crisis at Dhaka cafe - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for Friday's explosive attack on a cafe in Bangladesh that killed two police officers and held dozens of people hostage. The gunmen are believed to have taken at least 20 hostages at the cafe, which is popular with Westerners in the Gulshan diplomatic zone in the capital of Dhaka. The restaurant is said to be popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families."
Eisenhower carrier group strikes Islamic State group from Mediterranean - News - Stripes:
Stars & Stripes reports: "The Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier group has started launching strikes from the Mediterranean against the Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria, the military said. [...] The Eisenhower’s involvement in the operation is the latest effort by the U.S.-led coalition to accelerate the campaign and keep the pressure on the militants."
Comment: Another day, another Islamic State attack. Same enemy, different country. However, you may not have heard that the U.S. and coalition allies are striking back in Iraq and Syria. I wonder why the airstrikes don't get the same coverage on cable news? Do they want people to believe their government are doing nothing?
UPI reports: "The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for Friday's explosive attack on a cafe in Bangladesh that killed two police officers and held dozens of people hostage. The gunmen are believed to have taken at least 20 hostages at the cafe, which is popular with Westerners in the Gulshan diplomatic zone in the capital of Dhaka. The restaurant is said to be popular with expatriates, diplomats and middle-class families."
Eisenhower carrier group strikes Islamic State group from Mediterranean - News - Stripes:
Stars & Stripes reports: "The Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier group has started launching strikes from the Mediterranean against the Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria, the military said. [...] The Eisenhower’s involvement in the operation is the latest effort by the U.S.-led coalition to accelerate the campaign and keep the pressure on the militants."
Comment: Another day, another Islamic State attack. Same enemy, different country. However, you may not have heard that the U.S. and coalition allies are striking back in Iraq and Syria. I wonder why the airstrikes don't get the same coverage on cable news? Do they want people to believe their government are doing nothing?
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