Pestilence

Ebola virus mutated to become more infectious, scientists say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Mutations in the Ebola virus boosted its ability to infect people during the 2013-2016 epidemic in West Africa, two independent teams of researchers say. By the time the epidemic ended, more than 28,000 people had been infected and more than 11,000 had died."

Comment: So glad that's over. I know there are many here in the U.S. who became cynical about the epidemic, largely because of how the media overplayed it, but it's important to remember the human cost in Africa. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

U.S., South Korea commanders affirm 'ironclad' alliance - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States' top military commander in South Korea said war with North Korea ought to be avoided, but preparations must be made in the case of a worst-case scenario. [...] North Korea's multiple provocations in 2016 have raised tensions on the peninsula."

Comment: I love the understated way the U.S. representative said that war should be avoided. Any conflict that could draw in the U.S. and China on opposite sides should indeed be avoided.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Moscow, Tokyo working on a peace treaty draft, Russian lawmaker says - UPI.com
UPI  reports: "Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Japan on Dec. 15, Moscow and Tokyo are working on the draft of a peace treaty [...] Japan and Russia have not signed a World War 2 peace treaty on account of the former's claim to the Southern Kurils. On a few occasions, Russia has offered the islands of Shikotan and the Habomai Archipelago to Japan as a final settlement. These offers were rejected by Japan, fearing a political backlash among former residents of the islands."

Comment: The South China Sea and the Korean peninsula are not the only possible flash points for conflict in Asia, Russia and Japan could easily come to blows over these disputed islands. 

Rumors of War

13 civilians killed in Kashmir shelling - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Thirteen civilians -- seven in India and six in Pakistan -- were killed in cross-border shelling from both sides of the Line of Control in the disputed region of Kashmir, military officials said. Indian authorities said two of the fatalities were children -- ages 5 and 7 -- and 22 were injured in the mortar bombs on their side since Monday. In Pakistan, eight were reported injured Tuesday. India's Border Security Force said it destroyed 14 Pakistani posts in return fire."

Comment: We should all pay attention when nuclear armed neighbors India and Pakistan exchange gunfire across the Kashmir border. 

Kings of the East - King of the North

Russia walks tightrope in supplying arms to India and China - UPI.com
UPI reports: "India is the world's biggest weapons importer, with the country's defense spending expected to cross a staggering $250 billion over the next decade. Russia expects to grab a sizable chunk of this pie by supplying high-performance fighter aircraft, submarines, missiles and aircraft carriers. Meanwhile, China is also stocking up on advanced Russian weapons in its bid to match U.S. military power in the Asia Pacific. As Moscow exports increasingly powerful weapons to New Delhi and Beijing, it will have to strike a balance so that neither side feels threatened or weakened by these acquisitions."

Comment: There's nothing like a little friendly competition to spur weapons sales.  Will Russia's arms exports convince China and India that they, like Russia, have the capability to project power into the Middle East? Stay tuned!

Earthquakes

15,000 housed in shelters after 2 months of earthquakes in Italy - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than 15,000 people are being housed in temporary shelters in Italy after a series of earthquakes in the country's central region, including a 6.6-magnitude temblor Sunday, emergency officials said. There have not been reports of deaths due to the earthquake, the epicenter of which was 40 miles southwest of Perugia near Norcia -- a town already trying to recover from a previous series of large quakes."

False Christs

'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath' to premiere on A&E Nov. 29 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A&E Network says its new docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath will debut Nov. 29. The eight-episode program is meant to give 'a voice to victims of the Church of Scientology despite public attempts to discredit them,' the cable network said in a press release. Hosted by Remini, an actress, TV personality and a former follower of the controversial religion, the show will also feature 'a team of former, high-ranking Scientology insiders who understand the inner workings and policies of the organization.'"

Comment: Isn't it extraordinary that people continue to make up new religions? Jesus said there would be false Christs who offer fake salvation, but why bother with a fake when you can get the real thing?

Earthquakes

Italy rocked by another earth quake, felt in Rome - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Following days of tremors, another powerful earthquake hit central Italy Sunday with tremors felt in Rome and other cities. Dozens of historic buildings have reportedly been destroyed by the 6.6 magnitude earthquake with dozens of others heavily damaged, The Guardian reported. The quake's epicenter was about 40 miles southwest of Perugia near the town of Norcia, which was already trying to recover from a previous series of large quakes. Many of the town's residents had already evacuated due to quakes on Wednesday. No deaths have been reported, but a number of people are injured."

Rumors of War

Russian, U.S. fighter planes over Syria nearly collide in midair - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Russian fighter plane flew dangerously close to a U.S. plane over eastern Syria, U.S. defense officials said Friday. [...] Russia flies constant air patrols over Syria, most over the city of Aleppo, and routinely passes through airspace in which planes of the U.S.-led coalition can be found, officials said. The Pentagon regularly points out examples of unsafe or unprofessional behavior in air operations."

Comment: Rarely in history have the military forces of two nuclear armed rivals who are not at war comes so close, on a frequent basis, to accidentally engaging each other. It's not in the headlines all that much, but the situation remains as it has been for some time, Syria is a tripwire that could easily lead to a wider Mideast war involving Russia and the United States.

Global Government

Experts: Russia, U.S., China will determine the future of the world - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Politicians and experts from 35 countries, including Russia, the United States, China, India and Australia are meeting in Sochi through Thursday for the 13th annual gathering of the Valdai Discussion Club. The group meets every year at different locations in Russia to share views on the problems facing the global community today. This year, participants have stressed the irreversibility of the changes currently taking place in world politics, predicting tectonic shifts in the global political order in the very near future."

Comment: Global problems need global solutions, this is the new mantra. Of course, there have always been global problems, so why then do they act as if this is a new thing? 

Earthquakes

Moderate 5.5 magnitude quake felt in Italy - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A strong aftershock rattled central Italy late Wednesday, a couple hours after a 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 6.4 magnitude aftershock hit a short time after the first quake was recorded at 7:10 p.m. local time Wednesday. The first quake was centered in Macerata, which is located about 140 miles northeast of Rome. The shaking was reportedly felt in the Italian capital."

Persecution

Canadian pastor detained in North Korea hospitalized - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Canadian pastor detained in North Korea has been hospitalized for two months due to deteriorating health. Hyeon Soo Lim, founder of Light Presbyterian Church in Toronto, has been in North Korea custody since January 2015. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor last December."

Comment: Please join me in praying for Pastor Lim and the persecuted church in North Korea.

Gospel Preachd to All

Is God really dead? How Britain lost faith in the church - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Is God dead? Fifty years ago, on April 8, 1966, a Time magazine cover asked just that question. The same could be asked in Britain today. The Church of England recently announced it was considering dropping the requirement for weekly church services in parish churches in the wake of dwindling attendance that shows no sign of bouncing back for at least a generation. Low church attendance is frequently in the news, but looking deeper into the phenomenon reveals what the underlying issues really are."

Comment: How's the church doing in England? Not very well according to this opinion piece but the situation is more interesting and more complicated if you look at other denominations, particularly at evangelical churches. The article is worth a read and it's also worth praying for revival.

Persecution

Christian Today - The Threats Faced By Christian Refugees In Germany
Christian Today reports: "The Christian persecution charity released on Monday a case study on a centre for refugees in Rotenburg, central Germany. Researchers found that Christians living in the centre had faced death threats from Muslim refugees, and 'sentencing' by unofficial 'Sharia councils'. On 10 July, a number of Christian refugees returned from church to find a notice in one of the rooms that said: 'To all Muslims: now is the time to behead the unbelievers'. The Christians were temporarily moved to live in a local church to avoid attack."

Comment: Please join me in praying for these Christians being persecuted in the heart of Europe. 

Jerusalem Peace - Covenant With Many

Israel thanks Italy for stance on UNESCO Jerusalem resolution
AFP reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi on Saturday for his stance against a resolution adopted by UNESCO on Jerusalem. The UN cultural agency on Tuesday adopted an Arab-sponsored resolution condemning Israel's actions at a flashpoint holy site in east Jerusalem, deepening anger in the Jewish state. On Friday, Renzi strongly criticised the resolution, saying that Rome -- which had abstained in the vote -- would now oppose it."

Comment: The notion that there's no Jewish connection to the Temple Mount is absurd, so the real story here is not that one European country broke ranks with the UN position, it's that most of them haven't.  Congratulations to Italy for taking a stand for Israel!

War

Islamic State 'sleeper cells' kill dozens in Kirkuk - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Islamic State militants on Friday attacked Iraqi government buildings in the northern city of Kirkuk as well as a nearby power plant, killing dozens of people about 100 miles away from Mosul, Iraqi officials said. Three police stations and an Iraqi political party headquarters were attacked within Kirkuk in the Kirkuk Governorate, whose governor later said the attack carried out by IS sleeper cells had been 'foiled.' At least six police officers and 16 civilians died in Kirkuk, while at least 13 died in the power plant attack in the nearby Dibbis village."

Comment: So, the Islamic State counterattacked but not in Mosul, in Kirkuk. Interesting strategy.  I wonder if that means there will be a lot more bombings and insurgent-style attacks around Iraq as the battle for Musul continues?

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China deploys air force on disputed South China Sea island - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China confirmed it has stationed troops in the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. Beijing's People's Liberation Army Daily reported on Thursday the Chinese military has deployed airmen on Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island in China. The report comes more than a year after Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is not pursuing militarization of another cluster of islands, the Spratlys, during his state visit in September 2015. At the time China had already broken a pledge to halt reclamation and had built three runways on artificial islands at the Fiery Cross and Subi reefs."

Comment: So much for not militarizing the islands. It's only a matter of time before some small naval incident sparks a major war between all these competing countries.  The scary thing is that there are elements within the Chinese military that are actively seeking this so they can demonstrate their resolve and show off their new navy and air force.

Pestilence

CDC: Zika testing for all pregnant women in Miami-Dade County - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. health officials are now recommending that all pregnant women who have recently spent time in any part of Miami-Dade County in Florida be tested for Zika infection. Previously, testing had only been urged for pregnant women who had been in areas of the county where Zika had been spreading locally. [...] The Zika epidemic has been centered in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil reporting the largest numbers of infections and microcephaly."

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

North Korea threatens pre-emptive strike, ridicules THAAD decision - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea warned the United States and South Korea on Wednesday that even 'minor signs of aggression' against Pyongyang would be met with the wholesale destruction of Seoul and the presidential Blue House. [...] In the same article, North Korea ridiculed the South Korean decision to deploy a U.S. missile defense system, also known as THAAD, calling the goal of deterrence a 'foolish delusion.'"

Comment: It's rather amazing that the situation with North Korea isn't a bigger issue in the U.S. presidential election. Have journalists even asked the candidates about it? 

War

Slow fight for Mosul could take a while, officials say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Coalition forces in Iraq are slowly and steadily marching toward the contested northern city of Mosul, but pockets of armed resistance from militant insurgents along the way suggest it will be a protracted fight, at least according to military strategists. Iraqi government, Kurdish, Peshmerga and other forces, some of whom are trained by the Pentagon, have been gearing up for the Mosul Offensive for weeks to take back the town from the Islamic State terror group. Monday marked the start of the campaign, which by all accounts might take a while."

King of the North

Vladimir Putin's not so secret, secret plan to gain influence - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Over the past decade and a half, Putin has become convinced that the United States is no longer trustworthy. The rot began in 2001 with the unilateral abrogation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty by George W. Bush, followed by the disastrous Iraqi intervention two years later that Putin insisted would be a catastrophe. The expansion of NATO, the stationing of anti-ballistic missiles in Europe and the overtures to Georgia and Ukraine to join the Atlantic alliance all convinced Putin that Russia was being physically surrounded, internationally marginalized and, worse, disrespected. The 2011 Libyan raid that catalyzed a civil war was the final straw."

Comment: It's always instructive to see the world through the eyes of another person. No two people perceive the world exactly the same way, nor do countries. In my opinion, the U.S. failed to follow Churchill's dictum (In War: Resolution, In Defeat: Defiance, In Victory: Magnanimity, In Peace: Good Will) after winning the Cold War. A little magnanimity and good will would have gone a long way. It's not too late, of course, but relations can never be repaired if fault is not acknowledged.

Persecution

Angry Muslims Say Teen Christian Boy Must Die For 'Insulting Islam' - Christian Today
Christian Today reports: "An angry mob of 80 Muslims has confronted a Christian boy, demanding he is hanged. The mob also threatened to burn his family to death for a Facebook post they claim insulted Islam. The case is just the latest of rising persecution of Christians in Pakistan, a Muslim-majority country."

Comment: This is a dangerous time for Christians in Pakistan, please join me in praying for the believers there. 

War

'Heavy losses' for Islamic State in battle for Mosul, Iraqi forces say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iraqi security forces on Monday said the Islamic State has had 'heavy' losses of militants and equipment as the long-awaited battle for Mosul wages. [...] Mosul is considered one of the most important battles in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq, as it is considered the militant Islamist group's last major stronghold in the country."

Rumors of War - Persia

How have Iran's military capabilities developed since 1979? - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The watershed moment for Iran's defense was when Tehran connected with China. As Iran began buying in high volume directly from China, it gradually moved away from Eastern bloc suppliers and, according to Rafiqdoost, it was this burgeoning Iranian-Sino defense relationship that prompted Russia to begin selling weapons to Tehran. Since then, Iran became the most important export market for Russian defense products, including fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-24, submarines such as the Kilo-class, and air defense systems such as the recently delivered S-300 — even if business has not always been smooth."

Comment: This is a great overview of the development of the Iranian military since the Islamic revolution. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

U.S. detects failed North Korean midrange missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military said it detected a failed missile test by North Korea on Friday, their seventh such test this year. U.S. Strategic Command said the test was for a Musudan intermediate missile. It occurred at 10:33 p.m. Friday in the northwest city of Kusong. The missile failed to launch and detonated on the ground, the Pentagon said. [...]  Though the North has successfully detonated nuclear bombs, they have not shown the capacity to develop bombs small enough they could be fit onto a missile in order to deliver a nuclear payload. Nor, as Friday's test shows, have they perfected the missile technology itself. All the tests are in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions banning them."

Comment: It looks like Obama will let his successor worry about what to do about North Korea. Because this problem is so fraught with danger I suspect nothing much will be done until the North is very close to fitting a nuclear warhead on a missile. The real question is for the intelligence services, how will they know when the North is close enough that an attack will deter them?  

Peace of Jerusalem - Temple Mount

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

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

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.

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. 

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."

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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. 

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."

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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? 

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. 

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."

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?  

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.  

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."

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...

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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."

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?

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."

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."

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.'"

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. 

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."

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? 

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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. 

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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."

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. 

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?

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. 

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. 

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."

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? 

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."

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?