North Korea likely preparing to strike U.S. military bases in Japan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The four missiles North Korea launched on Monday were likely practice
for targeting U.S. military bases in Japan.
According to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff, three of the four
missiles landed in Japanese territorial waters, making it likely North
Korea is rehearsing attacks against U.S. military stations in Japan,
from where reinforcements for the Korean peninsula would arrive in the
event of war.
Seoul said all four projectiles were most likely midrange ballistic
missiles that are not capable of reaching the continental United States,
South Korean newspaper Kukmin Ilbo reported Monday."
Comment: The North Korean problem is really difficult. There are almost no good answers. The number of casualties in a resumed Korean War would be far more than the public is used to. When one American is killed in Iraq or Afghanistan it's major news. With North Korea, it's likely that thousands of American troops would die in the first few hours of the conflict. It's also a conflict that can't be contained, it would immediately draw in other countries and could quickly escalate to a nuclear war. This is why taking a "wait and see" approach along with sanctions and diplomacy, is the solution Bush and Obama favored. Will Trump take the same approach?
Monday, March 06, 2017
Saturday, March 04, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
WHO says chemical weapons being used on Mosul civilians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization said there is evidence of chemical weapons being used against civilians outside Mosul, with a dozen people injured, four severely, in the several days. [...] Since Wednesday, the WHO said 12 people, including women and children, have sought medical treatment for symptoms consistent with chemical weapons that caused burning and blisters. The victims lived in the Mosul suburb of Erbil, the WHO said."
Comment: This is a good reminder that international prohibitions are only as strong as the will to enforce them.
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization said there is evidence of chemical weapons being used against civilians outside Mosul, with a dozen people injured, four severely, in the several days. [...] Since Wednesday, the WHO said 12 people, including women and children, have sought medical treatment for symptoms consistent with chemical weapons that caused burning and blisters. The victims lived in the Mosul suburb of Erbil, the WHO said."
Comment: This is a good reminder that international prohibitions are only as strong as the will to enforce them.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China to increase 2017 military spending by 7 percent - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's parliament on Saturday announced the country will increase its military spending by 7 percent in 2017. Ahead of Sunday's annual National People's Congress, parliament announced China's smallest increase to its military spending in seven years and the second consecutive year below 10 percent. [...] Beijing has focused on the country's naval capabilities, building artificial islands on reefs in waters with disputed ownership by other countries in the South China Sea."
UPI reports: "China's parliament on Saturday announced the country will increase its military spending by 7 percent in 2017. Ahead of Sunday's annual National People's Congress, parliament announced China's smallest increase to its military spending in seven years and the second consecutive year below 10 percent. [...] Beijing has focused on the country's naval capabilities, building artificial islands on reefs in waters with disputed ownership by other countries in the South China Sea."
Friday, March 03, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. carrier puts on show of 'commitment', not power, in South China Sea | Reuters
UPI reports: "The USS Carl Vinson led a carrier strike group on Friday in waters some 400 nautical miles east of China's Hainan Island and northeast of the Paracels, the island chain occupied by Beijing since it seized control from Vietnam in the 1970s. China claims most of the South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. [...] Tension between the United States and China over trade and territory under U.S. President Donald Trump has been stepped up of late, with fear in the region that the South China Sea, vital to global trade, could become a battleground between the two rival powers."
Comment: I'm not sure anyone really knows what Trump's policies are. Perhaps that is a good thing. As long as China is guessing and confused about Trump's willingness to defend our Asian allies, they may think twice before taking any further actions to control the international waters of the South China Sea.
UPI reports: "The USS Carl Vinson led a carrier strike group on Friday in waters some 400 nautical miles east of China's Hainan Island and northeast of the Paracels, the island chain occupied by Beijing since it seized control from Vietnam in the 1970s. China claims most of the South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. [...] Tension between the United States and China over trade and territory under U.S. President Donald Trump has been stepped up of late, with fear in the region that the South China Sea, vital to global trade, could become a battleground between the two rival powers."
Comment: I'm not sure anyone really knows what Trump's policies are. Perhaps that is a good thing. As long as China is guessing and confused about Trump's willingness to defend our Asian allies, they may think twice before taking any further actions to control the international waters of the South China Sea.
Thursday, March 02, 2017
War
U.S. bombs al-Qaida targets in Yemen - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "Citing multiple unnamed U.S. and Yemeni military sources, The New York Times reported the bombing raids targeted al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula in three provinces: Abyan, Shabwa and Baydha. The raid in Shabwa destroyed a house known in the area as one where al-Qaida militants lived. It is believed three people affiliated with the terrorist group were killed. The bombings also targeted infrastructure used by suspected al-Qaida militants, officials said."
Comment: I hope the new Trump government will do a better job of letting the U.S. public know why expanding the war into Yemen is important. I think the public understands fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and maybe Syria, but I don't think Yemen is on the public radar at all.
UPI reports: "Citing multiple unnamed U.S. and Yemeni military sources, The New York Times reported the bombing raids targeted al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula in three provinces: Abyan, Shabwa and Baydha. The raid in Shabwa destroyed a house known in the area as one where al-Qaida militants lived. It is believed three people affiliated with the terrorist group were killed. The bombings also targeted infrastructure used by suspected al-Qaida militants, officials said."
Comment: I hope the new Trump government will do a better job of letting the U.S. public know why expanding the war into Yemen is important. I think the public understands fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and maybe Syria, but I don't think Yemen is on the public radar at all.
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
False Prophets
Sect rules include no TV, movies or reading newspapers - AP
AP reports: "Newcomers to the Word of Faith Fellowship live by a list of strict rules for daily life, which sect leader Jane Whaley says God revealed to her, former members say."
Comment: This is almost a text-book example of a cult, combining many of the classic characteristics: a charismatic leader who controls followers; extreme regimentation; lack of personal freedom; and restricting outside influences.
AP reports: "Newcomers to the Word of Faith Fellowship live by a list of strict rules for daily life, which sect leader Jane Whaley says God revealed to her, former members say."
Comment: This is almost a text-book example of a cult, combining many of the classic characteristics: a charismatic leader who controls followers; extreme regimentation; lack of personal freedom; and restricting outside influences.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Rumors of War
U.S., South Korean troops prepare for joint military drill - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Korea and United States troops are set to launch large-scale joint military exercises on Wednesday. Joint military drills involving the two countries occur annually in the spring, but landing operations on a large scale have only occurred in even-numbered years, including 2016, when 290,000 South Korean and 15,000 U.S. troops participated. The landing exercises will be reprised this year, beginning Wednesday, because of rising tensions involving North Korea, South Korean and U.S. military sources told the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shinbum."
UPI reports: "South Korea and United States troops are set to launch large-scale joint military exercises on Wednesday. Joint military drills involving the two countries occur annually in the spring, but landing operations on a large scale have only occurred in even-numbered years, including 2016, when 290,000 South Korean and 15,000 U.S. troops participated. The landing exercises will be reprised this year, beginning Wednesday, because of rising tensions involving North Korea, South Korean and U.S. military sources told the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shinbum."
Monday, February 27, 2017
Pestilence
Many Americans unaware of 'superbug' threat: Poll - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than two-thirds of U.S. adults know 'little' or 'nothing' about so-called superbugs -- bacterial infections that are resistant to many or all antibiotics. And around half believe, incorrectly, that antibiotics work against viruses. That's a concern because improper antibiotic use is considered the major driver of the superbug problem -- a problem with deadly consequences. [...] Health officials have long warned against improper use of antibiotics because bacteria that are exposed to the medications and survive can mutate to become resistant to the drugs."
Comment: This is a huge public health issue, sure, but what can you do about it right now? First, Google the difference between a viral and bacterial infection. The heart of the problem is that people simply don't know there is a difference and think that antibiotics are a universal cure. If the public is more educated about the basics it will be easier to follow medical advice and cut back on the use of antibiotics. What else can you do? Stop buying soaps and other products that are advertised as antibacterial and just use soap and water. Studies have shown that soap and water works just fine. People have been using them for thousands of years with no problems. Stick with what works.
UPI reports: "More than two-thirds of U.S. adults know 'little' or 'nothing' about so-called superbugs -- bacterial infections that are resistant to many or all antibiotics. And around half believe, incorrectly, that antibiotics work against viruses. That's a concern because improper antibiotic use is considered the major driver of the superbug problem -- a problem with deadly consequences. [...] Health officials have long warned against improper use of antibiotics because bacteria that are exposed to the medications and survive can mutate to become resistant to the drugs."
Comment: This is a huge public health issue, sure, but what can you do about it right now? First, Google the difference between a viral and bacterial infection. The heart of the problem is that people simply don't know there is a difference and think that antibiotics are a universal cure. If the public is more educated about the basics it will be easier to follow medical advice and cut back on the use of antibiotics. What else can you do? Stop buying soaps and other products that are advertised as antibacterial and just use soap and water. Studies have shown that soap and water works just fine. People have been using them for thousands of years with no problems. Stick with what works.
Persecution
Egypt's Christians flee terror in north Sinai security void - AP
AP reports: "Northern Sinai has for years been the epicenter of an insurgency by Islamic militants, and the area's few Christians have slowly been trickling out. But departures surged after suspected militants again gunned down a Christian man in front of his family [...] No militant group claimed has responsibility for the attacks. But the IS affiliate, which is based in northern Sinai, released a video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who it describes as 'infidels' empowering the West against Muslims. [...] The Christian exodus continued for a fourth day Sunday, bringing to more than 100 the number of families who have fled el-Arish, said Nabil Shukrallah, an official with the city's Evangelical Church."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of Christians in Egypt.
AP reports: "Northern Sinai has for years been the epicenter of an insurgency by Islamic militants, and the area's few Christians have slowly been trickling out. But departures surged after suspected militants again gunned down a Christian man in front of his family [...] No militant group claimed has responsibility for the attacks. But the IS affiliate, which is based in northern Sinai, released a video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who it describes as 'infidels' empowering the West against Muslims. [...] The Christian exodus continued for a fourth day Sunday, bringing to more than 100 the number of families who have fled el-Arish, said Nabil Shukrallah, an official with the city's Evangelical Church."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety of Christians in Egypt.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Signs in the Sun and Moon
Rare 'Ring of Fire' eclipse expected to cross Southern Hemisphere - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The sky above parts of Earth's Southern Hemisphere will be illuminated Sunday in a 'ring of fire' during the first solar eclipse of 2017, NASA said. The annular eclipse will be mainly visible near parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile, Argentina and Angola. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse happens when the moon is too far from the Earth to obscure the sun completely, leaving the sun's edges exposed [...] On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse is expected to cross the United States as the first in the contiguous U.S. in 40 years."
UPI reports: "The sky above parts of Earth's Southern Hemisphere will be illuminated Sunday in a 'ring of fire' during the first solar eclipse of 2017, NASA said. The annular eclipse will be mainly visible near parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile, Argentina and Angola. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse happens when the moon is too far from the Earth to obscure the sun completely, leaving the sun's edges exposed [...] On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse is expected to cross the United States as the first in the contiguous U.S. in 40 years."
Friday, February 24, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China builds shelters for missile systems in South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China has built structures to house surface-to-air missile systems at three outposts in the disputed Spratly Islands, according to a U.S. think tank. [...] The presence of SAM batteries on the islands would strengthen China's defense capabilities throughout the nine-dash line, a demarcation line used by China to claim large areas of the South China Sea."
China opposes U.S. naval patrols in South China Sea - Reuters
UPI reports: "China said on Tuesday it opposed action by other countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation that undermined its sovereignty, after a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group began patrols in the contested South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the strike group, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson, began "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday amid growing tension with China over control of the disputed waterway. [...] Beijing last week warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. It claims almost all of the resource-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea that command strategic sea lanes and have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits."
Comment: It's scary to realize that war in the South China Sea is inevitable. It may not happen for years, but it seems like China is set on this course.
UPI reports: "China has built structures to house surface-to-air missile systems at three outposts in the disputed Spratly Islands, according to a U.S. think tank. [...] The presence of SAM batteries on the islands would strengthen China's defense capabilities throughout the nine-dash line, a demarcation line used by China to claim large areas of the South China Sea."
China opposes U.S. naval patrols in South China Sea - Reuters
UPI reports: "China said on Tuesday it opposed action by other countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation that undermined its sovereignty, after a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group began patrols in the contested South China Sea. The U.S. navy said the strike group, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson, began "routine operations" in the South China Sea on Saturday amid growing tension with China over control of the disputed waterway. [...] Beijing last week warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. It claims almost all of the resource-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea that command strategic sea lanes and have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits."
Comment: It's scary to realize that war in the South China Sea is inevitable. It may not happen for years, but it seems like China is set on this course.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Pestilence
'Alarming' superbugs a risk to people, animals and food, EU warns | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Superbug bacteria found in people, animals and food across the European Union pose an 'alarming' threat to public and animal health having evolved to resist widely used antibiotics, disease and safety experts warned on Wednesday. [...] Drug resistance is driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which encourages bacteria to evolve to survive and develop new ways of beating the medicines."
Comment: Antibiotics were one of the most important discoveries of the last century. It would be a shame if we lost that protection in this century. Can you imagine going back to a time when even a simple paper cut could be deadly?
Reuters reports: "Superbug bacteria found in people, animals and food across the European Union pose an 'alarming' threat to public and animal health having evolved to resist widely used antibiotics, disease and safety experts warned on Wednesday. [...] Drug resistance is driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which encourages bacteria to evolve to survive and develop new ways of beating the medicines."
Comment: Antibiotics were one of the most important discoveries of the last century. It would be a shame if we lost that protection in this century. Can you imagine going back to a time when even a simple paper cut could be deadly?
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Persecution
Islamic State posts video of man it says was Egypt church bomber - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Islamic State published a video on Sunday threatening Egyptian Christians and showing the last statement of a man it said was responsible for the deadly bombing in December of a Coptic cathedral in Cairo. [...] At least 28 people, mostly women and children, were killed in December when a bomb exploded in a chapel adjoining St Mark's Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic papacy. Orthodox Copts, who comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are the Middle East's largest Christian community. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, its deadliest attack in Egypt outside the Sinai Peninsula, where it has been waging an insurgency since 2013."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Reuters reports: "Islamic State published a video on Sunday threatening Egyptian Christians and showing the last statement of a man it said was responsible for the deadly bombing in December of a Coptic cathedral in Cairo. [...] At least 28 people, mostly women and children, were killed in December when a bomb exploded in a chapel adjoining St Mark's Cathedral, the seat of the Coptic papacy. Orthodox Copts, who comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people, are the Middle East's largest Christian community. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, its deadliest attack in Egypt outside the Sinai Peninsula, where it has been waging an insurgency since 2013."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Rumors of War
Middle East, Asia biggest arms importers: SIPRI - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said Monday the arms import figures for the Middle East accounted for 29 percent of global imports during the 2012 to 2016 period, while Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global imports during that period. [...] According to the SIPRI report, India was the world's largest importer of major arms during the 2012 to 2016 period, accounting for 13 percent of the global total. During that period it increased its arms imports by 43 percent. [...] The world's top arms exporter was the United States, accounting for one-third of total arms exports during the 2012 to 2016 period. Russia accounted for a 23 percent share."
Comment: It's always been one of the ironies of world affairs that diplomats work for peace as their defense industries sell weapons to all sides. Fortunately, the arms marketers have stumbled upon a brilliant sales strategy, as long as they maintain a constant low-level of conflict in peripheral countries, no one will care. Now if we could just get the insurance industry to sell refugee policies for those poor civilians living in top markets we might score a perfect PR coup.
UPI reports: "The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said Monday the arms import figures for the Middle East accounted for 29 percent of global imports during the 2012 to 2016 period, while Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global imports during that period. [...] According to the SIPRI report, India was the world's largest importer of major arms during the 2012 to 2016 period, accounting for 13 percent of the global total. During that period it increased its arms imports by 43 percent. [...] The world's top arms exporter was the United States, accounting for one-third of total arms exports during the 2012 to 2016 period. Russia accounted for a 23 percent share."
Comment: It's always been one of the ironies of world affairs that diplomats work for peace as their defense industries sell weapons to all sides. Fortunately, the arms marketers have stumbled upon a brilliant sales strategy, as long as they maintain a constant low-level of conflict in peripheral countries, no one will care. Now if we could just get the insurance industry to sell refugee policies for those poor civilians living in top markets we might score a perfect PR coup.
Pestilence
Study finds new genetic mutations behind antibiotic resistance - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Massachusetts, have identified new genetic mutations that cause high-level antibiotic resistance. According to a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant infections kill at least 23,000 people in the United States annually."
Comment: If you are taking antibiotics, follow your doctor's advice and take all of them until the treatment is complete. If you stop taking your medicine when you start to feel better but before your treatment is over you are giving the strongest bacteria a chance to grow. Don't be part of the problem.
UPI reports: "Scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Massachusetts, have identified new genetic mutations that cause high-level antibiotic resistance. According to a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic-resistant infections kill at least 23,000 people in the United States annually."
Comment: If you are taking antibiotics, follow your doctor's advice and take all of them until the treatment is complete. If you stop taking your medicine when you start to feel better but before your treatment is over you are giving the strongest bacteria a chance to grow. Don't be part of the problem.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Famine
Famine declared in South Sudan; U.N. says more than 5M at risk - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Sudan on Monday declared a famine is affecting 100,000 people while U.N. agencies report another 1 million people are on the threshold of starvation. [...] South Sudan has seen a three-year war between the government and rebel factions, leading to the displacement of 3 million people and the disruption of farming."
Comment: That's a sad situation. Hopefully the government and rebel factions can set aside their differences long enough for aid workers to get in there and provide some humanitarian assistance.
UPI reports: "South Sudan on Monday declared a famine is affecting 100,000 people while U.N. agencies report another 1 million people are on the threshold of starvation. [...] South Sudan has seen a three-year war between the government and rebel factions, leading to the displacement of 3 million people and the disruption of farming."
Comment: That's a sad situation. Hopefully the government and rebel factions can set aside their differences long enough for aid workers to get in there and provide some humanitarian assistance.
Covenant With Many
Ex-officials: Israeli leader spurned secret peace offer - AP
The AP reports: "Two former top aides to Kerry confirmed that the meeting took place secretly on Feb. 21, 2016. According to the officials, Kerry tried to sweeten the 15-year-old 'Arab Peace Initiative,' a Saudi-led plan that offered Israel peace with dozens of Arab and Muslim nations in return for a pullout from territories captured in the 1967 Mideast war to make way for an independent Palestine. Among the proposed changes were Arab recognition of Israel as the Jewish state, recognition of Jerusalem as a shared capital for Israelis and Palestinians, and softened language on the 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees to lost properties in what is now Israel, the former officials said. [...] the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders reacted positively to the proposal, while Netanyahu refused to commit to anything beyond meetings with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. One of the officials said the main purpose of the meeting was to start a regional peace process that Netanyahu said he wanted. [...] other Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, along with the Palestinians, the Europeans and the Russians, were also consulted as part of the process."
Comment: This is a noteworthy report because it reminds us of two very important things. First, the basic outline of a Mideast peace agreement is well established. From the Clinton plan, to the Bush plan, the Saudi plan and this latest Obama-era plan, the contours of a final status agreement have already been hammered out over the years. There is very little doubt about what a Mideast peace deal would look like. The plan is not the problem, the issue is political will. For many years it was the Palestinians who said no to every plan put on the table. Each successive plan gave them more and more of what they wanted and under the duplicitous leadership of Yasser Arafat, they always said no. Still, the U.S. and the West persevered. Arafat though was not in a position to say yes. His people and his patrons did not want peace. This became clear after his death and the ensuing leadership struggle between rival Palestinians factions. The Palestinians tried to continue with the "peace process" as they fought each other, deceiving the West and/or each other with a long game of good-cop/bad-cop in which the Fatah faction played good-cop and became the public face of the Palestinians. They were there "political wing" and they negotiated with Israel even as the "militant wing" of Hamas continued the fight, armed and supported by Iran. How could Israel negotiate with one Palestinian faction for peace while the other faction was dedicated to Israel's destruction? The U.S. was willing to ignore this contradiction, Israel was not. So it came to be that under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel finally shattered the illusion and admitted to all that they did not have a peace partner in the Palestinians and it became Israel's turn to say no to a Mideast peace deal. That seems to be where we are now.
The second important thing to note about this report is that this insight into Mideast peace negotiating was leaked by a former Obama Administration official. Why leak this now? There seems to be a concerted attempt both inside Israel and out to undermine Netanhayu. The knives are out. Why? Netanyahu is seen as an impediment to peace and they believe that if they could only get rid of him there would be a real chance to achieve the goal of Mideast peace.
The AP reports: "Two former top aides to Kerry confirmed that the meeting took place secretly on Feb. 21, 2016. According to the officials, Kerry tried to sweeten the 15-year-old 'Arab Peace Initiative,' a Saudi-led plan that offered Israel peace with dozens of Arab and Muslim nations in return for a pullout from territories captured in the 1967 Mideast war to make way for an independent Palestine. Among the proposed changes were Arab recognition of Israel as the Jewish state, recognition of Jerusalem as a shared capital for Israelis and Palestinians, and softened language on the 'right of return' of Palestinian refugees to lost properties in what is now Israel, the former officials said. [...] the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders reacted positively to the proposal, while Netanyahu refused to commit to anything beyond meetings with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. One of the officials said the main purpose of the meeting was to start a regional peace process that Netanyahu said he wanted. [...] other Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, along with the Palestinians, the Europeans and the Russians, were also consulted as part of the process."
Comment: This is a noteworthy report because it reminds us of two very important things. First, the basic outline of a Mideast peace agreement is well established. From the Clinton plan, to the Bush plan, the Saudi plan and this latest Obama-era plan, the contours of a final status agreement have already been hammered out over the years. There is very little doubt about what a Mideast peace deal would look like. The plan is not the problem, the issue is political will. For many years it was the Palestinians who said no to every plan put on the table. Each successive plan gave them more and more of what they wanted and under the duplicitous leadership of Yasser Arafat, they always said no. Still, the U.S. and the West persevered. Arafat though was not in a position to say yes. His people and his patrons did not want peace. This became clear after his death and the ensuing leadership struggle between rival Palestinians factions. The Palestinians tried to continue with the "peace process" as they fought each other, deceiving the West and/or each other with a long game of good-cop/bad-cop in which the Fatah faction played good-cop and became the public face of the Palestinians. They were there "political wing" and they negotiated with Israel even as the "militant wing" of Hamas continued the fight, armed and supported by Iran. How could Israel negotiate with one Palestinian faction for peace while the other faction was dedicated to Israel's destruction? The U.S. was willing to ignore this contradiction, Israel was not. So it came to be that under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel finally shattered the illusion and admitted to all that they did not have a peace partner in the Palestinians and it became Israel's turn to say no to a Mideast peace deal. That seems to be where we are now.
The second important thing to note about this report is that this insight into Mideast peace negotiating was leaked by a former Obama Administration official. Why leak this now? There seems to be a concerted attempt both inside Israel and out to undermine Netanhayu. The knives are out. Why? Netanyahu is seen as an impediment to peace and they believe that if they could only get rid of him there would be a real chance to achieve the goal of Mideast peace.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. Navy deploys USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy said it has deployed its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to conduct training operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer is joining the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson along with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing for the 'routine operations' that began Saturday, the U.S. Navy said. [...] Carrier Strike Group 1 is expected to sail near China's artificial
islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence."
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy said it has deployed its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to conduct training operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer is joining the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson along with aircraft from Carrier Air Wing for the 'routine operations' that began Saturday, the U.S. Navy said. [...] Carrier Strike Group 1 is expected to sail near China's artificial
islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence."
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Global Community
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg opposes isolationism in statement - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a 5,700-word statement lamenting the rise of isolationism and saying fake news creates polarization in beliefs. In the Building Global Community statement, Zuckerberg said Facebook was launched in 2014 to support a more connected global community. [...] Zuckerberg urged for the world to become more accepting and connected to the idea of globalization. 'Progress now requires humanity coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community,' Zuckerberg wrote."
Comment: Social media is an amazing fulfillment of Bible prophecy, allowing people to instantly see and respond to global news events. For the first time in history, ordinary people can be alerted to breaking news on the other side of the world or across the street and instantly send their personal reaction to their friends, followers and the public. The concept of "going viral" is something prophecy commentators in the past could scarcely have imagined. It's clear now that major prophetic events will be witnessed by the whole world (Rev 11:9-12), not as passive spectators (as TV viewers in the past related to events), but as active participants, sharing in the events, commenting on them and joining in as a global community of people experiencing a personal connection to what they see.
UPI reports: "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a 5,700-word statement lamenting the rise of isolationism and saying fake news creates polarization in beliefs. In the Building Global Community statement, Zuckerberg said Facebook was launched in 2014 to support a more connected global community. [...] Zuckerberg urged for the world to become more accepting and connected to the idea of globalization. 'Progress now requires humanity coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community,' Zuckerberg wrote."
Comment: Social media is an amazing fulfillment of Bible prophecy, allowing people to instantly see and respond to global news events. For the first time in history, ordinary people can be alerted to breaking news on the other side of the world or across the street and instantly send their personal reaction to their friends, followers and the public. The concept of "going viral" is something prophecy commentators in the past could scarcely have imagined. It's clear now that major prophetic events will be witnessed by the whole world (Rev 11:9-12), not as passive spectators (as TV viewers in the past related to events), but as active participants, sharing in the events, commenting on them and joining in as a global community of people experiencing a personal connection to what they see.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Pestilence
"Superspreaders" caused more than 60% of infections during the Ebola epidemic - ScienceAlert
Science Alert reports: "The catastrophic Ebola epidemic in West Africa that began in 2013 resulted in almost 29,000 cases of the disease and claimed more than 11,000 lives. Now, scientists say the majority of those cases were caused by a very slim minority of those infected – people called 'superspreaders'. According to a new study, these superspreaders amounted to just 3 percent of those infected during the epidemic – but they were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases of the disease."
Comment: Note to self, try to avoid contact with superspreaders.
Science Alert reports: "The catastrophic Ebola epidemic in West Africa that began in 2013 resulted in almost 29,000 cases of the disease and claimed more than 11,000 lives. Now, scientists say the majority of those cases were caused by a very slim minority of those infected – people called 'superspreaders'. According to a new study, these superspreaders amounted to just 3 percent of those infected during the epidemic – but they were ultimately responsible for infecting 61 percent of all cases of the disease."
Comment: Note to self, try to avoid contact with superspreaders.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus
Pentagon considers sending ground troops to Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military has worked with anti-Islamic State groups in Syria by providing training and assistance as they battle the militant group, but the United States may soon start taking a more active role in the country. The Pentagon is reportedly working on plans to potentially send traditional ground troops into Syria to help clear Islamic State militants from the country."
Comment: Well, this is unfortunate. Trump has said he wants to rebuild the U.S. military and after years of war and constant deployments, that's a worthy goal. I would hope he would go into that rebuilding phase for at least two years before sending troops to yet another country. From a purely practical perspective, why not stay out of the way and let the Russians continue to support Assad? He seems to be winning his war against those he calls "terrorists," and with any luck, the situation should go back to what it was before the Islamic State was active in Syria. The U.S. never really had any problems with the Assad family dynasty in Syria before the young dictator took over and ran it into the ground, and as there are no alternatives at the ready, a strategy that imposes costs on Russia, undermines IS and seeks a return to the status quo ante seems as good a plan as any. I would only support more American ground forces in Syria if it was part of a Grand Bargain with Russia to ease tensions and increase cooperation between the two former Cold War rivals. I don't really see that happening though. Time will tell.
UPI reports: "The U.S. military has worked with anti-Islamic State groups in Syria by providing training and assistance as they battle the militant group, but the United States may soon start taking a more active role in the country. The Pentagon is reportedly working on plans to potentially send traditional ground troops into Syria to help clear Islamic State militants from the country."
Comment: Well, this is unfortunate. Trump has said he wants to rebuild the U.S. military and after years of war and constant deployments, that's a worthy goal. I would hope he would go into that rebuilding phase for at least two years before sending troops to yet another country. From a purely practical perspective, why not stay out of the way and let the Russians continue to support Assad? He seems to be winning his war against those he calls "terrorists," and with any luck, the situation should go back to what it was before the Islamic State was active in Syria. The U.S. never really had any problems with the Assad family dynasty in Syria before the young dictator took over and ran it into the ground, and as there are no alternatives at the ready, a strategy that imposes costs on Russia, undermines IS and seeks a return to the status quo ante seems as good a plan as any. I would only support more American ground forces in Syria if it was part of a Grand Bargain with Russia to ease tensions and increase cooperation between the two former Cold War rivals. I don't really see that happening though. Time will tell.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Covenant with Many
Trump: 'I can live with either' 1-state or 2-state solution with Israel, Palestinians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump said he 'can live with either' a one-state or two-state solution as long as Israel and the Palestinians are 'happy.' 'The United States will encourage ... a great peace deal. We'll be working on it very, very diligently,' Trump said, adding that both sides 'will have to make compromises.' Trump was not expected to push for a two-state solution during Netanyahu's visit, something the Obama administration prioritized. Trump said his administration will work to broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians but said such negotiations must be held directly between the two parties, something Israel has supported in the past."
Comment: The big meeting at the White House between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was today and it's clear that the embassy will not be moved for some time, if at all.
UPI reports: "During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump said he 'can live with either' a one-state or two-state solution as long as Israel and the Palestinians are 'happy.' 'The United States will encourage ... a great peace deal. We'll be working on it very, very diligently,' Trump said, adding that both sides 'will have to make compromises.' Trump was not expected to push for a two-state solution during Netanyahu's visit, something the Obama administration prioritized. Trump said his administration will work to broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians but said such negotiations must be held directly between the two parties, something Israel has supported in the past."
Comment: The big meeting at the White House between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was today and it's clear that the embassy will not be moved for some time, if at all.
Some
other things I noticed about the meeting: unlike Obama, Trump will not
pressure Israel into a "two-state solution" to Mideast peace and will
let Israel and the Palestinians decide how they want to resolve the
issues; and the most important take-away, Trump said he is personally
interested in a Mideast peace deal and he will work diligently for that.
So,
although the campaign promise to move the embassy will not be acted on
quickly, we can't discount a push for a new Mideast peace agreement
(maybe Covenant with Many?) during Trump's term of office. This is not
good news because there is no way a Mideast peace agreement under
current conditions can favor Israel. Why? Because it would necessarily
imply Israel giving up more land to the Palestinians in exchange for
peace. This has not worked out in the past (look what the Palestinians
did when Israel gave them Gaza) and there is little reason to hope it
would work out in the future.
That
said, I'm not too worried about this because I'm more and more
convinced that the Psalm 83 war will happen before a peace agreement.
The war will see Israel victorious over neighboring countries (while
stoking hatred in Iran and Russia, who probably have a few losses in the
war but decide not to directly intervene) and Israel's victory and
expansion in territory will be recognized in the peace treaty that ends
that war, and THAT will be the Covenant with Many of Daniel 9:27. Then,
finally, Israel will live in peace and tear down the walls they built
and be that land of unwalled villages, setting the scene for the Ezekiel
39 invasion by Gog's military alliance.
So,
for the time being, I honestly don't expect much at all to happen with
Mideast peace except for the Trump administration to go through the
motions and for Israel to keep doing what they are doing. If I'm right,
we are in a pre-war period that is both a holding pattern and a
slow-moving escalation of anti-Israel sentiment in her proximate
neighbors.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia sends spy ship near U.S., deploys banned missiles at home - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Russian spy ship was spotted off the East Coast of the United States Tuesday, the same day the Trump administration confirmed the Kremlin had secretly deployed banned cruise missiles inside its borders. The New York Times first reported that the Obama administration learned in 2014 the missiles were a violation of a 1987 treaty between the United States and Russia that banned ground-launched intermediate-range missiles. A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Russia had deployed the cruise missiles to two sites in December."
Comment: I wonder how President Trump will deal with a Russian treaty violation? After all, Trump is a stickler for sticking to the terms of the deal.
UPI reports: "A Russian spy ship was spotted off the East Coast of the United States Tuesday, the same day the Trump administration confirmed the Kremlin had secretly deployed banned cruise missiles inside its borders. The New York Times first reported that the Obama administration learned in 2014 the missiles were a violation of a 1987 treaty between the United States and Russia that banned ground-launched intermediate-range missiles. A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Russia had deployed the cruise missiles to two sites in December."
Comment: I wonder how President Trump will deal with a Russian treaty violation? After all, Trump is a stickler for sticking to the terms of the deal.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. Navy to propose stronger South China Sea presence - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy may be planning a freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, near disputed islands in the South China Sea. Several Navy officials told the Navy Times both the Navy and the U.S. Pacific Command are to propose sailing near China's artificial islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence. China's neighbor Vietnam is also a claimant to the Paracels. FONOPS is viewed by many in the Navy's leadership as a standard mission, according to the report."
Comment: Eventually what the China considers a standard naval mission and what the U.S. considers to be standard will be out of sync and the likelihood of conflict will be high.
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy may be planning a freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, near disputed islands in the South China Sea. Several Navy officials told the Navy Times both the Navy and the U.S. Pacific Command are to propose sailing near China's artificial islands in the disputed Spratlys, and possibly the Paracel Islands, where China has been building a military presence. China's neighbor Vietnam is also a claimant to the Paracels. FONOPS is viewed by many in the Navy's leadership as a standard mission, according to the report."
Comment: Eventually what the China considers a standard naval mission and what the U.S. considers to be standard will be out of sync and the likelihood of conflict will be high.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea test fires missile, South says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea test-fired a missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, according to South Korean military officials. [...] North Korea also carried out two tests of a nuclear weapon last year, though they have not shown the capability of shrinking a nuclear weapon to a small enough size needed to deliver it using a missile system."
Comment: It would appear that the young dictator of North Korea is testing the new American president. I can't wait to see what happens.
UPI reports: "North Korea test-fired a missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, according to South Korean military officials. [...] North Korea also carried out two tests of a nuclear weapon last year, though they have not shown the capability of shrinking a nuclear weapon to a small enough size needed to deliver it using a missile system."
Comment: It would appear that the young dictator of North Korea is testing the new American president. I can't wait to see what happens.
Earthquakes
At least six dead, more than 100 injured in Philippines earthquake - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least six people died and more than 100 people were injured when a powerful earthquake rocked the southern Philippines late Friday, knocking out power to thousands and damaging buildings. The earthquake, centered near the city of Surigao, measured as a magnitude 6.7. The quake was at a depth about 6.8 miles. Dozens of aftershocks followed. Surigao is about 430 miles southeast of Manila and has a population of about 140,000. Officials said the number of dead and injured could increase as the recovery efforts continue."
Comment: That was a big one, but it could have been much worse if it hit the capital or other highly populated area.
UPI reports: "At least six people died and more than 100 people were injured when a powerful earthquake rocked the southern Philippines late Friday, knocking out power to thousands and damaging buildings. The earthquake, centered near the city of Surigao, measured as a magnitude 6.7. The quake was at a depth about 6.8 miles. Dozens of aftershocks followed. Surigao is about 430 miles southeast of Manila and has a population of about 140,000. Officials said the number of dead and injured could increase as the recovery efforts continue."
Comment: That was a big one, but it could have been much worse if it hit the capital or other highly populated area.
Persecution
Report: China arrests four Christian missionaries near North Korea border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities recently arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border, but reasons for their arrest were not provided. A local resident in Yanji, a city in the Yanbian region of Jilin Province, said the arrests were made at a hotel in the town on Thursday, Radio Free Asia reported. All four missionaries appear to be of Korean descent, but carried different passports."
China expels dozens of South Korean missionaries - FT
The Financial Times reports: "Dozens of South Korean missionaries have been expelled from China following a raid on residences and farmhouses in the country’s impoverished north-east, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on Christianity. [...] There are thought to be about 100m Christians in China — more than the 86.7m-strong membership of the ruling Communist party. If the religion continues to spread at its current pace, China is likely to be home to the world’s largest Christian population within the next 15 years."
Comment: While not discounting the danger faced by these missionaries, this Chinese action seems to be directed more at South Korea that at Christians in particular. Christians in China would do well to remember Romans 13 and respect national authorities.
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities recently arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border, but reasons for their arrest were not provided. A local resident in Yanji, a city in the Yanbian region of Jilin Province, said the arrests were made at a hotel in the town on Thursday, Radio Free Asia reported. All four missionaries appear to be of Korean descent, but carried different passports."
China expels dozens of South Korean missionaries - FT
The Financial Times reports: "Dozens of South Korean missionaries have been expelled from China following a raid on residences and farmhouses in the country’s impoverished north-east, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on Christianity. [...] There are thought to be about 100m Christians in China — more than the 86.7m-strong membership of the ruling Communist party. If the religion continues to spread at its current pace, China is likely to be home to the world’s largest Christian population within the next 15 years."
Comment: While not discounting the danger faced by these missionaries, this Chinese action seems to be directed more at South Korea that at Christians in particular. Christians in China would do well to remember Romans 13 and respect national authorities.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Signs in the Moon - Signs in the Stars
Friday night: See lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Rest up backyard astronomers, Friday's night sky will feature a full slate of astronomical events: a penumbral lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon. The moon will cross into Earth's shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST and re-emerge at 9:55 p.m. EST. It will be visible everywhere on Earth except Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and East Asian nations bordering the Pacific. [...] The astronomical magic will continue in the predawn hours of Saturday morning, when Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova makes its closest approach to Earth. The green comet won't be visible with the naked eye, but can be spotted using binoculars or a small telescope."
Comment: I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sky show.
UPI reports: "Rest up backyard astronomers, Friday's night sky will feature a full slate of astronomical events: a penumbral lunar eclipse, green comet and full moon. The moon will cross into Earth's shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST and re-emerge at 9:55 p.m. EST. It will be visible everywhere on Earth except Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and East Asian nations bordering the Pacific. [...] The astronomical magic will continue in the predawn hours of Saturday morning, when Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova makes its closest approach to Earth. The green comet won't be visible with the naked eye, but can be spotted using binoculars or a small telescope."
Comment: I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sky show.
Thursday, February 09, 2017
War
Al-Qaida veteran Abu Hani al-Masri killed in airstrike, Pentagon says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A veteran al-Qaida member with ties to Osama bin Laden died in a U.S. airstrike near Idlib, Syria, the Pentagon reported. Defense Department spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis described Abu Hani al-Masri as a 'legacy al-Qaida terrorist' with links to bin Laden and current al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Al-Masri was among 10 people killed Feb. 3 when an airstrike hit a building used as a meeting place, Davis' statement said Tuesday."
UPI reports: "A veteran al-Qaida member with ties to Osama bin Laden died in a U.S. airstrike near Idlib, Syria, the Pentagon reported. Defense Department spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis described Abu Hani al-Masri as a 'legacy al-Qaida terrorist' with links to bin Laden and current al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Al-Masri was among 10 people killed Feb. 3 when an airstrike hit a building used as a meeting place, Davis' statement said Tuesday."
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Jerusalem Peace & Security
Palestinian groups challenge Israel's West Bank settlement law - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Palestinian groups said Wednesday they will challenge a new law authorizing the seizure of West Bank territory to build settlements in Israel's courts. The Israeli Knesset passed the Settlements Bill on Monday. The legislation allows the construction of 4,000 new homes for Israelis on privately owned Palestinian property in the West Bank, with compensation to the landowners. It also retroactively legalizes 50 outposts already built in the West Bank. The bill allows seizure of Palestinian territory for the construction of Israeli settlements, a breach of international law."
Comment: This is a slow moving storm, but a storm nonetheless.
UPI reports: "Palestinian groups said Wednesday they will challenge a new law authorizing the seizure of West Bank territory to build settlements in Israel's courts. The Israeli Knesset passed the Settlements Bill on Monday. The legislation allows the construction of 4,000 new homes for Israelis on privately owned Palestinian property in the West Bank, with compensation to the landowners. It also retroactively legalizes 50 outposts already built in the West Bank. The bill allows seizure of Palestinian territory for the construction of Israeli settlements, a breach of international law."
Comment: This is a slow moving storm, but a storm nonetheless.
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Jerusalem Peace & Security
Yahoo News - Israel settler law angers world powers, but US silent
Yahoo News reports: "Israel faced mounting international criticism Tuesday over a new law allowing the appropriation of private Palestinian land for Jewish settler outposts, but the United States remained notably silent. The United Nations, Britain, France and Israel's neighbour Jordan were among those coming out against the legislation passed in parliament late Monday. [...] The law legalises dozens of wildcat outposts and thousands of settler homes in the occupied West Bank, and prompted a Palestinian call for the international community to punish Israel."
Demolition of Jewish outpost at Amona, West Bank begins - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's Defense Ministry began the demolition of the West Bank outpost of Amona, four days after police evacuated 42 families. The razing of the community Monday came after years of legal dispute. The Israeli Supreme Court determined the Israelis illegally constructed on proven in court to be owned by Palestinians. It was one of dozens of Jewish outposts in the West Bank. "
Comment: Israel continues to build in Israel. Cue the outrage. Note, however, the second report that reveals that Israel is removing illegal settlements at the same time. I wonder which development will get covered more in the international news media?
Yahoo News reports: "Israel faced mounting international criticism Tuesday over a new law allowing the appropriation of private Palestinian land for Jewish settler outposts, but the United States remained notably silent. The United Nations, Britain, France and Israel's neighbour Jordan were among those coming out against the legislation passed in parliament late Monday. [...] The law legalises dozens of wildcat outposts and thousands of settler homes in the occupied West Bank, and prompted a Palestinian call for the international community to punish Israel."
Demolition of Jewish outpost at Amona, West Bank begins - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's Defense Ministry began the demolition of the West Bank outpost of Amona, four days after police evacuated 42 families. The razing of the community Monday came after years of legal dispute. The Israeli Supreme Court determined the Israelis illegally constructed on proven in court to be owned by Palestinians. It was one of dozens of Jewish outposts in the West Bank. "
Comment: Israel continues to build in Israel. Cue the outrage. Note, however, the second report that reveals that Israel is removing illegal settlements at the same time. I wonder which development will get covered more in the international news media?
Monday, February 06, 2017
Signs in the Heavens
Meteor lights up sky over Midwest - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Several hundred people reported a glowing meteor over the Chicago area early Monday, seen in at least six states, meteorologists said. The blue-green fireball, traveling southwest to northeast, was sighted at around 1:30 a.m. The American Meteor Society, which monitors such events, reported 185 calls about it. [...] Several police and civilian dashboard cameras, as well a camera atop the University of Wisconsin's Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences building in Madison, captured video footage of the meteor traveling across the sky and then burning out."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a good meteor sighting.
UPI reports: "Several hundred people reported a glowing meteor over the Chicago area early Monday, seen in at least six states, meteorologists said. The blue-green fireball, traveling southwest to northeast, was sighted at around 1:30 a.m. The American Meteor Society, which monitors such events, reported 185 calls about it. [...] Several police and civilian dashboard cameras, as well a camera atop the University of Wisconsin's Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences building in Madison, captured video footage of the meteor traveling across the sky and then burning out."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a good meteor sighting.
Friday, February 03, 2017
Pestilence
New Zika vaccine candidate provides powerful protection - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A single dose of an experimental Zika vaccine protected mice and monkeys from the virus, researchers report. Following Zika virus outbreaks in Latin America and some parts of the southern United States, scientists have been trying to develop a vaccine against the virus. Several vaccines have been tested in animals, but this is the first one to show strong and long-lasting protection without the use of a live virus, the researchers said."
Comment: That's great news, wishing them much success with the clinical trials.
UPI reports: "A single dose of an experimental Zika vaccine protected mice and monkeys from the virus, researchers report. Following Zika virus outbreaks in Latin America and some parts of the southern United States, scientists have been trying to develop a vaccine against the virus. Several vaccines have been tested in animals, but this is the first one to show strong and long-lasting protection without the use of a live virus, the researchers said."
Comment: That's great news, wishing them much success with the clinical trials.
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran hits back after U.S. adds more sanctions for missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's administration imposed new economic sanctions against Iran on Friday - punishment for a ballistic missile test this week that many consider a violation of a U.N. security resolution. [...] Iran's missile test doesn't violate the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and Western powers, but critics say it violates U.N. Resolution 2231, which was passed a few days after the historic pact."
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's administration imposed new economic sanctions against Iran on Friday - punishment for a ballistic missile test this week that many consider a violation of a U.N. security resolution. [...] Iran's missile test doesn't violate the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and Western powers, but critics say it violates U.N. Resolution 2231, which was passed a few days after the historic pact."
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran confirms ballistic missile test launch - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran confirmed Wednesday it conducted a ballistic missile test launch, and rejected criticism of the launch from Israel and the United States. [...] U.S. officials said the test launch occurred Sunday near Semnan, Iran, 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded. The launch was seen by Israel and the United States as a violation of a United Nations resolution, passed in 2016 after the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, plus the EU, prohibiting Iranian missile tests for eight years."
Comment: I think most observers realize that there are few reasons for a country to have ballistic missiles. They could well be planning to boost their space program, launch satellites and maybe go to the Moon. All worthy goals. Or they want to launch nuclear missiles.
UPI reports: "Iran confirmed Wednesday it conducted a ballistic missile test launch, and rejected criticism of the launch from Israel and the United States. [...] U.S. officials said the test launch occurred Sunday near Semnan, Iran, 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded. The launch was seen by Israel and the United States as a violation of a United Nations resolution, passed in 2016 after the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, plus the EU, prohibiting Iranian missile tests for eight years."
Comment: I think most observers realize that there are few reasons for a country to have ballistic missiles. They could well be planning to boost their space program, launch satellites and maybe go to the Moon. All worthy goals. Or they want to launch nuclear missiles.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
U.S. Army tanks being moved to Russian border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Army will send M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks to the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania along Russia's borders ahead of a NATO operation in the spring. The tanks participated in joint drills between U.S. and Polish forces but some are being moved to the Baltic states to await a deterrence operation set to reassure the United States' European allies that Washington, D.C., is committed to their defense, The Wall Street Journal reported."
Comment: I wonder how Russia will react to this? Perhaps they won't mind at all. It's just for show and I suppose they know that.
UPI reports: "The U.S. Army will send M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks to the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania along Russia's borders ahead of a NATO operation in the spring. The tanks participated in joint drills between U.S. and Polish forces but some are being moved to the Baltic states to await a deterrence operation set to reassure the United States' European allies that Washington, D.C., is committed to their defense, The Wall Street Journal reported."
Comment: I wonder how Russia will react to this? Perhaps they won't mind at all. It's just for show and I suppose they know that.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran test fires another ballistic missile, report says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Iranian government has test fired a ballistic missile for the first time during President Donald Trump's administration, Fox News reported Monday. Fox's report cited U.S. officials in reporting that the missile test was carried out Sunday at a site near Semnan, about 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded."
Comment: Ok, so let's see, according to Iran, they are not working on a nuclear weapons program. They are, however, working on a ballistic missile program. Not to worry, because they don't have any nukes to put on those missiles. That makes sense, right? Also, note in this news report that the missile test is a violation of a UN resolution. Let's see how the UN reacts to this. I bet they will bring out the Strong Words of Condemnation.
UPI reports: "The Iranian government has test fired a ballistic missile for the first time during President Donald Trump's administration, Fox News reported Monday. Fox's report cited U.S. officials in reporting that the missile test was carried out Sunday at a site near Semnan, about 150 miles east of Tehran. The medium-range missile flew about 600 miles before it exploded."
Comment: Ok, so let's see, according to Iran, they are not working on a nuclear weapons program. They are, however, working on a ballistic missile program. Not to worry, because they don't have any nukes to put on those missiles. That makes sense, right? Also, note in this news report that the missile test is a violation of a UN resolution. Let's see how the UN reacts to this. I bet they will bring out the Strong Words of Condemnation.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Persecution
Trump says US will prioritize Christian refugees - CNNPolitics.com
CNN reports: "President Donald Trump said in a new interview Friday that persecuted Christians will be given priority over other refugees seeking to enter the United States, saying they have been 'horribly treated.' [...] According to a report by the non-partisan Pew Research Center, however, 99% of the nearly 12,600 Syrians granted refugee status last year were Muslims. Less than 1% were Christian. Syria's population is 87% Muslim and 10% Christian, according to the CIA World Fact Book."
Comment: This is very encouraging. Much has been written about the plight of Christians in the Middle East and it's encouraging that this issue is receiving attention at the highest levels. I'm sure that Americans will welcome Syrian Christians with open arms and that local churches and congregations will be the first to step up and offer their support to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Please join me in praying for all persecuted believers in the Middle East.
CNN reports: "President Donald Trump said in a new interview Friday that persecuted Christians will be given priority over other refugees seeking to enter the United States, saying they have been 'horribly treated.' [...] According to a report by the non-partisan Pew Research Center, however, 99% of the nearly 12,600 Syrians granted refugee status last year were Muslims. Less than 1% were Christian. Syria's population is 87% Muslim and 10% Christian, according to the CIA World Fact Book."
Comment: This is very encouraging. Much has been written about the plight of Christians in the Middle East and it's encouraging that this issue is receiving attention at the highest levels. I'm sure that Americans will welcome Syrian Christians with open arms and that local churches and congregations will be the first to step up and offer their support to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Please join me in praying for all persecuted believers in the Middle East.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Rumors of War
South Korea completes deployment of 36 Apache helicopters - UPI.com
UP reports: "South Korea has finished deploying new Apache helicopters. The Boeing AH-64E, which features digital cockpit avionics and powerful engines, would be used to target incoming North Korea military tanks. A South Korean military official said on Friday all 36 new helicopters were acquired in early January, deployed and are ready for combat operations, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday."
UP reports: "South Korea has finished deploying new Apache helicopters. The Boeing AH-64E, which features digital cockpit avionics and powerful engines, would be used to target incoming North Korea military tanks. A South Korean military official said on Friday all 36 new helicopters were acquired in early January, deployed and are ready for combat operations, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday."
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Future Fear - Rumors of War
Doomsday Clock closer to end of world due to nukes, climate change, Trump - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on Thursday said the Doomsday
Clock is now 30 seconds closer to midnight, or the end of the world,
partly because of President Donald Trump.
The clock is now 2 1/2 minutes to midnight, the closest since the
nuclear arms race during the Cold War."
Comment: Personally, I think this is more liberal hand-ringing and it has everything to do with Trump and very little to do with fear about what is taking place in the world. Still, it's indicative of a mindset of fear over the problems we face now and those looming on the horizon.
Comment: Personally, I think this is more liberal hand-ringing and it has everything to do with Trump and very little to do with fear about what is taking place in the world. Still, it's indicative of a mindset of fear over the problems we face now and those looming on the horizon.
Pestilence
Brazil orders 11.5 million yellow fever vaccines after 40 dead - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Brazil's Ministry of Health said it ordered 11.5 million doses of yellow fever vaccine following an outbreak that killed at least 40 people. [...] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yellow fever, found in tropical and subtropical areas in Africa and South America, is transmitted to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. [...] The CDC said illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding, adding that from 20 percent to 50 percent of people whose yellow fever infection becomes serious die."
Comment: I wonder if this is a threat to the Northern Hemisphere given how similar it is to Zika
UPI reports: "Brazil's Ministry of Health said it ordered 11.5 million doses of yellow fever vaccine following an outbreak that killed at least 40 people. [...] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yellow fever, found in tropical and subtropical areas in Africa and South America, is transmitted to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. [...] The CDC said illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding, adding that from 20 percent to 50 percent of people whose yellow fever infection becomes serious die."
Comment: I wonder if this is a threat to the Northern Hemisphere given how similar it is to Zika
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
NATO deploys troops from Germany, Belgium to Lithuania - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The first troops dispatched by NATO from Germany and Belgium to beef up its forces against Russia have arrived in Lithuania. On Tuesday, about a dozen German officers arrived in the capital city of Vilnius as part of a planned deployment of a 1,200-strong battalion from other NATO members, including from Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Croatia and France. [...] Last year, NATO decided to station a multinational battalion in each of the three Baltic countries in response to Russia's intervention in Ukraine and military activity in the region."
UPI reports: "The first troops dispatched by NATO from Germany and Belgium to beef up its forces against Russia have arrived in Lithuania. On Tuesday, about a dozen German officers arrived in the capital city of Vilnius as part of a planned deployment of a 1,200-strong battalion from other NATO members, including from Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Croatia and France. [...] Last year, NATO decided to station a multinational battalion in each of the three Baltic countries in response to Russia's intervention in Ukraine and military activity in the region."
Pestilence
New drug reduces risk of 'superbug' re-infection by 40 percent - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A newly approved drug may help in the battle against Clostridium difficile -- a potentially fatal 'superbug' gut infection that has become a scourge in U.S. hospitals. In two clinical trials, researchers found that the drug, called bezlotoxumab, marketed as Zinplava, cut the risk of a recurrent C. difficile infection by almost 40 percent. [...] C. difficile sickened almost half a million Americans in 2011, according to the most recent numbers from the CDC. An estimated 29,000 of those patients died within a month. Most infections happen in the hospital, the CDC says."
Antibiotic overuse behind 'superbug' outbreak in U.K. hospitals - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Researchers analyzed hospital data related to the outbreak of Clostridium difficile, a "superbug" gut infection. The investigators concluded that reducing the use of fluoroquinolones -- antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) -- curbed the outbreak. "
UPI reports: "A newly approved drug may help in the battle against Clostridium difficile -- a potentially fatal 'superbug' gut infection that has become a scourge in U.S. hospitals. In two clinical trials, researchers found that the drug, called bezlotoxumab, marketed as Zinplava, cut the risk of a recurrent C. difficile infection by almost 40 percent. [...] C. difficile sickened almost half a million Americans in 2011, according to the most recent numbers from the CDC. An estimated 29,000 of those patients died within a month. Most infections happen in the hospital, the CDC says."
Antibiotic overuse behind 'superbug' outbreak in U.K. hospitals - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Researchers analyzed hospital data related to the outbreak of Clostridium difficile, a "superbug" gut infection. The investigators concluded that reducing the use of fluoroquinolones -- antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) -- curbed the outbreak. "
Roaring Waves
Can underwater sonar canons stop a tsunami in its tracks? - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "New research suggests acoustic-gravity waves, or AGWs, could be used as a defense against deadly tsunamis. [...] 'Within the last two decades, tsunamis have been responsible for the loss of almost half a million lives, widespread long-lasting destruction, profound environmental effects and global financial crisis,' Usama Kadri, a researcher at Cardiff University's School of Mathematics, said in a news release. 'Up until now, little attention has been paid to trying to mitigate tsunamis and the potential of acoustic-gravity waves remains largely unexplored.'"
UPI reports: "New research suggests acoustic-gravity waves, or AGWs, could be used as a defense against deadly tsunamis. [...] 'Within the last two decades, tsunamis have been responsible for the loss of almost half a million lives, widespread long-lasting destruction, profound environmental effects and global financial crisis,' Usama Kadri, a researcher at Cardiff University's School of Mathematics, said in a news release. 'Up until now, little attention has been paid to trying to mitigate tsunamis and the potential of acoustic-gravity waves remains largely unexplored.'"
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Gog Alliance - War
Russia, Iran, Turkey to enforce Syria cease-fire through 'trilateral mechanism' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia, Iran and Turkey on Tuesday agreed to enforce a cease-fire in
the Syrian civil war following peace negotiations in Kazakhstan.
[...] The peace negotiations in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana were
aimed at bringing an end to the nearly six-year Syrian civil war. The
talks were brokered by Russia and Iran, which support Assad, as well as
Turkey, which supports rebel forces."
Pestilence
Human cases of bird flu climb in China - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization's director-general warned of escalating cases of bird flu around the world, as human cases of viral infections continue to climb in rural China. [...] China has reported 16 human infections of the H7N9 avian flu virus, including five deaths, according to state-owned news agency Xinhua."
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization's director-general warned of escalating cases of bird flu around the world, as human cases of viral infections continue to climb in rural China. [...] China has reported 16 human infections of the H7N9 avian flu virus, including five deaths, according to state-owned news agency Xinhua."
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Beijing responds to Sean Spicer's South China Sea remarks - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China responded immediately to remarks made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer regarding Beijing's interests in the South China Sea, claiming 'indisputable sovereignty' over artificial islands in the region. During his first official briefing on Monday, Spicer said the United States would defend its interests in the South China Sea, in the international waters where China has been building the islands to take control of shipping routes."
UPI reports: "China responded immediately to remarks made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer regarding Beijing's interests in the South China Sea, claiming 'indisputable sovereignty' over artificial islands in the region. During his first official briefing on Monday, Spicer said the United States would defend its interests in the South China Sea, in the international waters where China has been building the islands to take control of shipping routes."
Monday, January 23, 2017
Covenant With Many - Peace of Jerusalem
U.S. to move slowly on relocating embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States will move cautiously on transferring its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, senior administration sources said. The symbolic move to Jerusalem remains a priority in the Trump administration, but it will not happen immediately, the source told CNN. [...] The U.S. Embassy is in Tel Aviv and not Jerusalem, on the premise that Jerusalem's future should be determined by a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, each of whom regard the city as its capital."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this works out. There must be intense pressure on Trump to waive the U.S. law that requires the embassy be moved just as past presidents have done. Trump promised he would do it and he does seem to to the kind of leader who keeps his promises.
UPI reports: "The United States will move cautiously on transferring its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, senior administration sources said. The symbolic move to Jerusalem remains a priority in the Trump administration, but it will not happen immediately, the source told CNN. [...] The U.S. Embassy is in Tel Aviv and not Jerusalem, on the premise that Jerusalem's future should be determined by a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, each of whom regard the city as its capital."
Comment: It will be interesting to see how this works out. There must be intense pressure on Trump to waive the U.S. law that requires the embassy be moved just as past presidents have done. Trump promised he would do it and he does seem to to the kind of leader who keeps his promises.
Pestilence
Countries 'grossly underprepared' for disease outbreaks: Study - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An analysis of reports on the response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has researchers sounding the alarm about worldwide infectious disease outbreak preparedness. [...] 'We found remarkable consensus on what went wrong with the Ebola response and what we need to do to address the deficiencies,' study authors said in a press release. 'Yet not nearly enough has been done. Ebola, and more recently Zika and yellow fever, have demonstrated that we do not yet have a reliable or robust global system for preventing, detecting and responding to disease outbreaks.'"
Comment: I wonder if the study mentioned the one area where they are well prepared: media hype. Seriously, didn't it seem that the level of media attention to Ebola and Zika far exceeded the actual threat to public health?
UPI reports: "An analysis of reports on the response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has researchers sounding the alarm about worldwide infectious disease outbreak preparedness. [...] 'We found remarkable consensus on what went wrong with the Ebola response and what we need to do to address the deficiencies,' study authors said in a press release. 'Yet not nearly enough has been done. Ebola, and more recently Zika and yellow fever, have demonstrated that we do not yet have a reliable or robust global system for preventing, detecting and responding to disease outbreaks.'"
Comment: I wonder if the study mentioned the one area where they are well prepared: media hype. Seriously, didn't it seem that the level of media attention to Ebola and Zika far exceeded the actual threat to public health?
Friday, January 20, 2017
War
Denmark into Syria; country to join fight against Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The mandate of Denmark's military forces in Iraq was extended Friday, allowing troops to venture into Syria to combat terrorists. The action was not unexpected. In 2015 Danish Defense Minister Peter Christiansen pledged to accelerate efforts of Denmark's special forces, working within NATO, against the Islamic State in the Middle East. The decision can also be seen as a response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has asked all NATO countries to become more engaged in the fight against IS. Denmark joined the international coalition in Iraq in 2014."
Comment: This is a good reminder of how many countries have troops engaged in military operations in Syria and why Syria remains a potential flashpoint for a wider war.
UPI reports: "The mandate of Denmark's military forces in Iraq was extended Friday, allowing troops to venture into Syria to combat terrorists. The action was not unexpected. In 2015 Danish Defense Minister Peter Christiansen pledged to accelerate efforts of Denmark's special forces, working within NATO, against the Islamic State in the Middle East. The decision can also be seen as a response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has asked all NATO countries to become more engaged in the fight against IS. Denmark joined the international coalition in Iraq in 2014."
Comment: This is a good reminder of how many countries have troops engaged in military operations in Syria and why Syria remains a potential flashpoint for a wider war.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
War - Gog Alliance
Russia, Turkey carry out joint bombings in Syria against Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia and Turkey have carried out their first joint coordinated airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, Russian Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy said. [...] Moscow and Ankara have worked together to target Islamic State militants though they support opposing sides in Syria's nearly six-year civil war. Russia backs Assad, while Turkey backs Syrian rebel groups such as the Free Syrian Army."
Comment: The slow drift of Turkey away from the West and towards Russia seems to be accelerating just a bit. This is most likely an alliance of convenience at the moment but the operational and tactical links being forged in this cooperation in Syria may lay the groundwork for closer ties down the line.
UPI reports: "Russia and Turkey have carried out their first joint coordinated airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, Russian Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy said. [...] Moscow and Ankara have worked together to target Islamic State militants though they support opposing sides in Syria's nearly six-year civil war. Russia backs Assad, while Turkey backs Syrian rebel groups such as the Free Syrian Army."
Comment: The slow drift of Turkey away from the West and towards Russia seems to be accelerating just a bit. This is most likely an alliance of convenience at the moment but the operational and tactical links being forged in this cooperation in Syria may lay the groundwork for closer ties down the line.
War
B-2 bombers flew from Missouri to Libya to kill Islamic State targets - UPI.com
UPI reports: "American B-2 bombers killed at least 85 Islamic State militants in Libya after dropping 108 precision-guided bombs in several locations, U.S. defense officials said. The stealth bombers targeted at least one Islamic State training camp on Wednesday. The bombings, authorized by President Barack Obama, occurred in the desert outside of Sirte. U.S. drones launched hellfire missiles at escaping Islamic State militants. [...] The decision to use the nuclear-capable B-2s instead of other fighter jets stationed in England was made to 'send a strategic message' to Russia and China, a source told Fox News."
Comment: I have to admit, this was unexpected. At first glance, the use of the B-2 stealth bomber against Islamic militants was overkill, but as this report makes clear, there was another purpose and another target in mind.
UPI reports: "American B-2 bombers killed at least 85 Islamic State militants in Libya after dropping 108 precision-guided bombs in several locations, U.S. defense officials said. The stealth bombers targeted at least one Islamic State training camp on Wednesday. The bombings, authorized by President Barack Obama, occurred in the desert outside of Sirte. U.S. drones launched hellfire missiles at escaping Islamic State militants. [...] The decision to use the nuclear-capable B-2s instead of other fighter jets stationed in England was made to 'send a strategic message' to Russia and China, a source told Fox News."
Comment: I have to admit, this was unexpected. At first glance, the use of the B-2 stealth bomber against Islamic militants was overkill, but as this report makes clear, there was another purpose and another target in mind.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Earthquakes
Earthquakes close schools, metro system in Central Italy - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Several powerful earthquakes measuring in magnitudes of 4.5 to 5.7 have struck central Italy, a region already scarred by tremors from last year, emergency officials said. [...] In Rome, some schools closed and the metro system was evacuated due to the strong earthquakes more than 50 miles away."
UPI reports: "Several powerful earthquakes measuring in magnitudes of 4.5 to 5.7 have struck central Italy, a region already scarred by tremors from last year, emergency officials said. [...] In Rome, some schools closed and the metro system was evacuated due to the strong earthquakes more than 50 miles away."
Rumors of War - Persia
Departing U.S. ambassador Samantha Power warns of Iran weapons - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States' outgoing ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday warned the Security Council about what she sees as a critical under-addressed danger lingering in Iran -- the nation's failure to abide by an arms embargo. During her last appearance at a meeting of the Security Council, Samantha Power urged the global panel to hold Tehran's feet to the fire for potentially violating a U.N. resolution that bars Iran from engaging in arms sales."
Comment: What happened to Obama's "snap back" sanctions?
UPI reports: "The United States' outgoing ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday warned the Security Council about what she sees as a critical under-addressed danger lingering in Iran -- the nation's failure to abide by an arms embargo. During her last appearance at a meeting of the Security Council, Samantha Power urged the global panel to hold Tehran's feet to the fire for potentially violating a U.N. resolution that bars Iran from engaging in arms sales."
Comment: What happened to Obama's "snap back" sanctions?
Roaring Waves - Future Fear
NOAA: 2016 was hottest year in modern history - UPI.com
UPI reports: "For three consecutive years, the record for 'hottest year in modern history' has been broken. As NOAA and NASA declared this week, the average global temperature for 2016, 58.69 degrees Fahrenheit, bested the 2015 average by 0.07 degrees. The record for hottest year has now been broken five times during the 21st century -- 2005, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Scientists began tracking global temperatures in 1880."
UPI reports: "For three consecutive years, the record for 'hottest year in modern history' has been broken. As NOAA and NASA declared this week, the average global temperature for 2016, 58.69 degrees Fahrenheit, bested the 2015 average by 0.07 degrees. The record for hottest year has now been broken five times during the 21st century -- 2005, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Scientists began tracking global temperatures in 1880."
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel steps up shadow war with Hezbollah - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's Institute for National Security Studies stressed in its annual strategic assessment, released Jan. 2, that Hezbollah remains the most serious threat the Jewish state faces. It urged Israel's intelligence establishment to intensity efforts to block the transfer of advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah - a process that may already be under way with a spate of air and missiles strikes against Syria. [...] Iran and Hezbollah, which serves as the Islamic republic's strategic arm in the Levant, present a comprehensive threat to Israel that far exceeds any other. [...] Israel seems to be stepping up the shadowy conflict with Hezbollah, as Iran seeks to establish a presence in the divided Golan, a red line for Israel."
Comment: This is the kind of conflict that percolates below the radar for most of us but could flare into a full war at a moments notice.
UPI reports: "Israel's Institute for National Security Studies stressed in its annual strategic assessment, released Jan. 2, that Hezbollah remains the most serious threat the Jewish state faces. It urged Israel's intelligence establishment to intensity efforts to block the transfer of advanced weapons systems to Hezbollah - a process that may already be under way with a spate of air and missiles strikes against Syria. [...] Iran and Hezbollah, which serves as the Islamic republic's strategic arm in the Levant, present a comprehensive threat to Israel that far exceeds any other. [...] Israel seems to be stepping up the shadowy conflict with Hezbollah, as Iran seeks to establish a presence in the divided Golan, a red line for Israel."
Comment: This is the kind of conflict that percolates below the radar for most of us but could flare into a full war at a moments notice.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Pestilence
'Superbug' widespread in hospitals, must be monitored, study says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A type of potentially deadly drug-resistant bacteria is more widespread in U.S. hospitals than previously thought and needs to be more closely monitored, a new study suggests. Researchers checked for cases of illness caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a sample of four U.S. hospitals and identified a wide variety of CRE species. Three hospitals are in the Boston area and one is in California. The CRE family of germs causes about 9,300 infections and 600 deaths in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those numbers are on the rise, the researchers said."
Comment: Well, that sounds bad but at least it's not Zika.
UPI reports: "A type of potentially deadly drug-resistant bacteria is more widespread in U.S. hospitals than previously thought and needs to be more closely monitored, a new study suggests. Researchers checked for cases of illness caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a sample of four U.S. hospitals and identified a wide variety of CRE species. Three hospitals are in the Boston area and one is in California. The CRE family of germs causes about 9,300 infections and 600 deaths in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those numbers are on the rise, the researchers said."
Comment: Well, that sounds bad but at least it's not Zika.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Covenant With Many
France describes need for two-state solution at Israel, Palestinian conference - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than 70 nations' foreign ministers and senior diplomats convened
Sunday in Paris for a conference to work out a peace plan between Israel
and Palestinians.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault opened the session, noting a
two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East. [...] Israelis and Palestinians were not allowed to participate in the summit
but have been invited to hear the conclusions of the meeting."
UK voices 'reservations' over Mideast summit, refuses to sign statement
AFP reports: "Britain cited 'reservations' over Sunday's Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had 'particular reservations' about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, 'just days before the transition to a new American president.' Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said. "
Comment: Please join me in praying for God's blessing upon the UK for not participating in the latest attempt by the international community to define Israel as the primary obstacle to peace. The idea that all Israel needs do is give away more land to the Palestinians to secure peace is delusional. If you have any doubts about that, just look what the Palestinians did when Israel gave them Gaza. It's an object lesson in the reality of land-for-peace.
UK voices 'reservations' over Mideast summit, refuses to sign statement
AFP reports: "Britain cited 'reservations' over Sunday's Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had 'particular reservations' about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, 'just days before the transition to a new American president.' Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said. "
Comment: Please join me in praying for God's blessing upon the UK for not participating in the latest attempt by the international community to define Israel as the primary obstacle to peace. The idea that all Israel needs do is give away more land to the Palestinians to secure peace is delusional. If you have any doubts about that, just look what the Palestinians did when Israel gave them Gaza. It's an object lesson in the reality of land-for-peace.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Covenant with Many
AP - In long-shot Mideast peace bid, France sees nothing to lose
The AP reports: "It sounds far-fetched at best: holding a Mideast peace conference without Israelis, Palestinians or the incoming U.S. government. But the French organizers say that's the whole point. They want Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to see that most of the world wants a two-state solution and is fed up with decades of conflict. With chances for a Mideast peace deal lower than in years — perhaps a generation — French President Francois Hollande figures there's nothing to lose. French diplomats fear that Trump will unleash new tensions in the region by condoning settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians and potentially moving the U.S. Embassy to contested Jerusalem. So more than 70 foreign ministers and other top envoys are gathering Sunday in Paris to urge the establishment of a Palestinian state."
Palestinians establish embassy at the Vatican - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Palestinian Authority has opened an embassy at the Vatican on the eve of a peace conference meant to revive long-stalled talks with Israel. The embassy confers a new level of legitimacy on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was granted an audience with Pope Francis on Saturday. While the Vatican has maintained close ties with Israel, Francis has increasingly spoken on behalf of the Palestinian people, encouraging both sides to reach a deal that creates a Palestinian state recognized by Israel."
Comment: There is some big news developing with the search for Mideast peace. France is holding an international conference tomorrow. The purpose of the event seems to be to gather the nations to decree that Israel is the problem and if only they would give more land to the Palestinians, all would be well.
It will be a good example of how the nations are eager to gang up on Israel and stand in rebellion to the God of Israel.
They also want to gang up on Trump to show him that the international community does not share his views and will not welcome moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
The AP reports: "It sounds far-fetched at best: holding a Mideast peace conference without Israelis, Palestinians or the incoming U.S. government. But the French organizers say that's the whole point. They want Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to see that most of the world wants a two-state solution and is fed up with decades of conflict. With chances for a Mideast peace deal lower than in years — perhaps a generation — French President Francois Hollande figures there's nothing to lose. French diplomats fear that Trump will unleash new tensions in the region by condoning settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians and potentially moving the U.S. Embassy to contested Jerusalem. So more than 70 foreign ministers and other top envoys are gathering Sunday in Paris to urge the establishment of a Palestinian state."
Palestinians establish embassy at the Vatican - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Palestinian Authority has opened an embassy at the Vatican on the eve of a peace conference meant to revive long-stalled talks with Israel. The embassy confers a new level of legitimacy on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was granted an audience with Pope Francis on Saturday. While the Vatican has maintained close ties with Israel, Francis has increasingly spoken on behalf of the Palestinian people, encouraging both sides to reach a deal that creates a Palestinian state recognized by Israel."
Comment: There is some big news developing with the search for Mideast peace. France is holding an international conference tomorrow. The purpose of the event seems to be to gather the nations to decree that Israel is the problem and if only they would give more land to the Palestinians, all would be well.
It will be a good example of how the nations are eager to gang up on Israel and stand in rebellion to the God of Israel.
They also want to gang up on Trump to show him that the international community does not share his views and will not welcome moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Pestilence
'Superbug' resistant to all antibiotics killed Nevada woman - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Nevada woman in her 70s who'd recently returned from India died in September from a 'superbug' infection that resisted all antibiotics, according to a report released Friday. The case raises concern about the spread of such infections, which have become more common over past decades as germs have developed resistance to widely used antibiotics."
UPI reports: "A Nevada woman in her 70s who'd recently returned from India died in September from a 'superbug' infection that resisted all antibiotics, according to a report released Friday. The case raises concern about the spread of such infections, which have become more common over past decades as germs have developed resistance to widely used antibiotics."
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Pestilence
Scientists create mosquitoes resistant to dengue virus - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists say they have created mosquitoes resistant to the dengue virus, which might eventually help control the spread of the disease in humans. The team at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to boost their natural ability to fight infection by the virus. Mosquitoes get infected when they feed on someone who has the disease. Then they pass dengue to healthy people by biting them. Each year, dengue sickens about 96 million people worldwide. The virus kills more than 20,000 people, mostly children, the researchers said."
UPI reports: "Scientists say they have created mosquitoes resistant to the dengue virus, which might eventually help control the spread of the disease in humans. The team at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to boost their natural ability to fight infection by the virus. Mosquitoes get infected when they feed on someone who has the disease. Then they pass dengue to healthy people by biting them. Each year, dengue sickens about 96 million people worldwide. The virus kills more than 20,000 people, mostly children, the researchers said."
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
War
Pentagon: U.S. could keep anti-Islamic State presence in Iraq after Mosul falls - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said the United States could
maintain a presence in Iraq after the Islamic State is defeated in the
battle for Mosul.
Speaking from the Pentagon during a press briefing, Carter said the
Islamic State, also known as ISIS, Daesh and ISIL, could remain a threat
to Iraqi and regional security even after it is removed from power in
Iraq's second-largest city and the militant Islamist group's stronghold
in Iraq: Mosul.
Carter said the decision to keep a residual U.S. military presence in
Iraq would be up to the Iraqi government and Prime Minister Haider
al-Abadi."
Comment: I can't help wonder how long the U.S. will keep a military presence in Iraq?
Comment: I can't help wonder how long the U.S. will keep a military presence in Iraq?
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Earthquakes
7.3-magnitude earthquake rattles Philippines, Indonesia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Geological Survey said a 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Celebes Sea between the Philippines and Indonesia on Tuesday. The quake occurred at a depth of about 380 miles. Officials did not issue a tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said."
Comment: At 7.3 magnitude, that's a very large earthquake and would have done a lot of damage if it struck a populated region.
UPI reports: "The U.S. Geological Survey said a 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Celebes Sea between the Philippines and Indonesia on Tuesday. The quake occurred at a depth of about 380 miles. Officials did not issue a tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said."
Comment: At 7.3 magnitude, that's a very large earthquake and would have done a lot of damage if it struck a populated region.
Monday, January 09, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
USS Mahan fires warning shots at Iranian vessels in Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. officials said the USS Mahan Navy destroyer fired several warning shots after four Iranian vessels closed in at a high speed in the Strait of Hormuz. The encounter occurred Sunday after the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard boats did not respond to the Mahan's radio request to stop. The Iranian ships sailed within a half-mile of the Mahan, which was escorting two U.S. ships, Fox News reported. The Iranian ships approached the vessel at a high rate of speed five separate times, CNN reported. The Mahan fired three warning flares, while a Navy helicopter also dropped a smoke float."
Comment: I wonder what the Iranians think of Trump? Will they continue this reckless behavior or will they decide to test Trump just to see if he responds the same way Obama does?
UPI reports: "U.S. officials said the USS Mahan Navy destroyer fired several warning shots after four Iranian vessels closed in at a high speed in the Strait of Hormuz. The encounter occurred Sunday after the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard boats did not respond to the Mahan's radio request to stop. The Iranian ships sailed within a half-mile of the Mahan, which was escorting two U.S. ships, Fox News reported. The Iranian ships approached the vessel at a high rate of speed five separate times, CNN reported. The Mahan fired three warning flares, while a Navy helicopter also dropped a smoke float."
Comment: I wonder what the Iranians think of Trump? Will they continue this reckless behavior or will they decide to test Trump just to see if he responds the same way Obama does?
Peace of Jerusalem
Nine arrested after Jerusalem truck attacker kills four soldiers - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police arrested nine suspects after a truck struck Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem, killing four and injuring 16, a police spokesman said. The truck plowed through a group of soldiers disembarking from a bus Sunday, then reversed and ran them down again. Three of the injured were in serious condition, including one, a woman, in a coma. Police shot at the truck until it stopped."
UPI reports: "Police arrested nine suspects after a truck struck Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem, killing four and injuring 16, a police spokesman said. The truck plowed through a group of soldiers disembarking from a bus Sunday, then reversed and ran them down again. Three of the injured were in serious condition, including one, a woman, in a coma. Police shot at the truck until it stopped."
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I'm off for my holiday break and wanted to wish you all a happy and joyous Christmas. I know that the news we link to here is often grim but I'm sure that most of you who visit this site are Christians who understand that beyond the headlines we know that God is sovereign and always in control. We know that this effort to be watchful has a purpose and a focus, and that focus is on Jesus Christ.
We watch the signs of His return, but this season is all about the First Coming and not the Second Coming, so as we turn to our families and friends to celebrate the holidays we offer thanks and praise to God and above all, celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
lyrics by Charles Wesley
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
War
Syrian gov't says it has retaken control of battle-scarred Aleppo - UPI.com
UPI reports: "After weeks of intense fighting, the Syrian government on Thursday said it's finally got control of the entire city of Aleppo -- one of its biggest victories in the bloody civil war, which is now in its sixth year. The Syrian army announced on state TV the "return of security to Aleppo" after months of control by U.S.-backed opposition forces."
Comment: This is a great victory for Syria and Assad's Russian and Iranian allies.
UPI reports: "After weeks of intense fighting, the Syrian government on Thursday said it's finally got control of the entire city of Aleppo -- one of its biggest victories in the bloody civil war, which is now in its sixth year. The Syrian army announced on state TV the "return of security to Aleppo" after months of control by U.S.-backed opposition forces."
Comment: This is a great victory for Syria and Assad's Russian and Iranian allies.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Gog Alliance
Karlov assassination in Turkey will likely bring Russia, Turkey closer - Business Insider
Business Insider reports: "The assassination on Monday of Russia's ambassador to Turkey at an art
gallery in Ankara is unlikely to fracture relations between the two
countries as they work to improve their tumultuous relationship,
analysts said. [...] statements released by Russian and Turkish officials in
the aftermath of Karlov's death suggested Moscow and Ankara were
determined not to let the incident derail their
rapprochement. [...]
Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, called the assassination an attempt to 'undermine' Russia-Turkey ties and derail Moscow's attempts to find, with Iran and Turkey, a solution for the Syria crisis."
Russia, Turkey could grow even closer after envoy's slaying:
AP reports: :"The assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey could actually bring the two regional powers closer together, with Russia reaping political benefits by arguing that it has paid a high price for fighting terrorism as Turkey, embarrassed by its security breaches, increasingly coordinates with Russia in neighboring Syria. The two nations were already trying to resolve their differences over the war in Syria since Turkey shot down a Russian military jet along the Syrian border last year. The measured reactions of their leaders to the killing Monday night [...] shows they want to stay on the path toward reconciliation. High-level officials from Russia and Turkey, as well as Iran, went ahead with a previously scheduled meeting Tuesday in Moscow on the Syrian crisis."
Comment: These are very interesting news reports suggesting that in the aftermath of the assassination of the Russian ambassador, Turkey and Russia will likely grow closer rather than drift apart. This is because, they say, Russia will cooperate with Turkey on the investigation and on finding a common strategy on Turkey. So, it looks like the growing alliance between the major powers mentioned in Ezekiel of Russia, Iran and Turkey will not be set back by the latest developments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, called the assassination an attempt to 'undermine' Russia-Turkey ties and derail Moscow's attempts to find, with Iran and Turkey, a solution for the Syria crisis."
Russia, Turkey could grow even closer after envoy's slaying:
AP reports: :"The assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey could actually bring the two regional powers closer together, with Russia reaping political benefits by arguing that it has paid a high price for fighting terrorism as Turkey, embarrassed by its security breaches, increasingly coordinates with Russia in neighboring Syria. The two nations were already trying to resolve their differences over the war in Syria since Turkey shot down a Russian military jet along the Syrian border last year. The measured reactions of their leaders to the killing Monday night [...] shows they want to stay on the path toward reconciliation. High-level officials from Russia and Turkey, as well as Iran, went ahead with a previously scheduled meeting Tuesday in Moscow on the Syrian crisis."
Comment: These are very interesting news reports suggesting that in the aftermath of the assassination of the Russian ambassador, Turkey and Russia will likely grow closer rather than drift apart. This is because, they say, Russia will cooperate with Turkey on the investigation and on finding a common strategy on Turkey. So, it looks like the growing alliance between the major powers mentioned in Ezekiel of Russia, Iran and Turkey will not be set back by the latest developments.
Famine
Dust Bowl would obliterate modern crops - UPI.com
UPI reports: "If the conditions of the Dust Bowl were replicated today, modern agriculture would be devastated, according to scientists at the University of Chicago. Researchers analyzed how extreme drought and heat would affect maize, soy and wheat crops in the United States. The results show conditions similar to the 1930s would drastically reduce modern crop yields. [...] Though agricultural practices have evolved since the 1930s, most changes have privileged yield over resilience and sustainability. As a result, scientists suggest many staple crops remain vulnerable to extreme weather."
UPI reports: "If the conditions of the Dust Bowl were replicated today, modern agriculture would be devastated, according to scientists at the University of Chicago. Researchers analyzed how extreme drought and heat would affect maize, soy and wheat crops in the United States. The results show conditions similar to the 1930s would drastically reduce modern crop yields. [...] Though agricultural practices have evolved since the 1930s, most changes have privileged yield over resilience and sustainability. As a result, scientists suggest many staple crops remain vulnerable to extreme weather."
Monday, December 19, 2016
Covenant With Many
Trump taps hardliner David Friedman as U.S. ambassador to Israel - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President-elect Donald Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to Israel is his bankruptcy attorney and campaign adviser David Friedman, a controversial hardliner whose appointment promises big changes in U.S. Mideast policy. [...] Friedman's views contrast decades-long American policy on Israel. In one immediate example following his nomination, Friedman said he looked forward to serving as ambassador 'from the U.S. embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem.'"
UPI reports: "President-elect Donald Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to Israel is his bankruptcy attorney and campaign adviser David Friedman, a controversial hardliner whose appointment promises big changes in U.S. Mideast policy. [...] Friedman's views contrast decades-long American policy on Israel. In one immediate example following his nomination, Friedman said he looked forward to serving as ambassador 'from the U.S. embassy in Israel's eternal capital, Jerusalem.'"
Wars & Rumors of War
Several dead after truck crashes into Berlin holiday market - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least nine people were killed and dozens were hurt Monday when a truck driver, apparently intentionally, plowed through a group of people gathered at a holiday market in the German capital, authorities said. The commercial truck ran into revelers at the holiday market in Breitscheidplatz, on the west flank of Berlin near a major rail station. The death toll was initially reported at nine, but may climb. At least one person inside the truck was killed, Berlin police said."
Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov assassinated in Ankara - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was shot to death Monday while giving a speech at a photography exhibit in Ankara. Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Karlov's death, Hurriyet Daily News. Three other people were taken to central Ankara's Guven Hospital with injuries. The gunman was shot dead at the scene. During the attack, he made remarks about the Syrian war, according to a graphic video on the Dutch website nos.nl: 'Don't forget Aleppo! Don't forget Syria! As long as our brothers are not safe, you will not enjoy safety. ... Whoever has a share in this oppression will pay for it one-by-one.'"
Comment: It looks like the jihadists went on a rampage today. I can't help wonder if this was a coordinated attack?
UPI reports: "At least nine people were killed and dozens were hurt Monday when a truck driver, apparently intentionally, plowed through a group of people gathered at a holiday market in the German capital, authorities said. The commercial truck ran into revelers at the holiday market in Breitscheidplatz, on the west flank of Berlin near a major rail station. The death toll was initially reported at nine, but may climb. At least one person inside the truck was killed, Berlin police said."
Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov assassinated in Ankara - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was shot to death Monday while giving a speech at a photography exhibit in Ankara. Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Karlov's death, Hurriyet Daily News. Three other people were taken to central Ankara's Guven Hospital with injuries. The gunman was shot dead at the scene. During the attack, he made remarks about the Syrian war, according to a graphic video on the Dutch website nos.nl: 'Don't forget Aleppo! Don't forget Syria! As long as our brothers are not safe, you will not enjoy safety. ... Whoever has a share in this oppression will pay for it one-by-one.'"
Comment: It looks like the jihadists went on a rampage today. I can't help wonder if this was a coordinated attack?
Friday, December 16, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China grabs underwater drone from U.S. ship in South China Sea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Chinese naval ship has captured a $150,000 U.S. underwater drone in the South China Sea. The autonomous underwater vehicle, used to measure ocean conditions and map the ocean floor, was stolen as a U.S. crew watched nearby, a U.S. defense official told CNN Friday. The incident took place around noon Thursday, local time, about 40 miles west of the Philippines, according to Fox News."
Comment: This is an interesting development. It will be worth keeping an eye on this story to see how the U.S. responds.
UPI reports: "A Chinese naval ship has captured a $150,000 U.S. underwater drone in the South China Sea. The autonomous underwater vehicle, used to measure ocean conditions and map the ocean floor, was stolen as a U.S. crew watched nearby, a U.S. defense official told CNN Friday. The incident took place around noon Thursday, local time, about 40 miles west of the Philippines, according to Fox News."
Comment: This is an interesting development. It will be worth keeping an eye on this story to see how the U.S. responds.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
EU votes to extend Russia sanctions for another 6 months - UPI.com
UPI reports: "European leaders meeting in Belgium to address a list of concerns voted Thursday to lengthen economic sanctions against Russia, over its 2014 acquisition of a region of Ukraine and military acts in Syria. European Union leaders granted the extension after concern was raised by members that parts of the Minsk Protocol peace agreement -- which established a cease-fire after months of fighting between Russia and Ukraine -- weren't being fulfilled."
U.S. intelligence: Russian President Vladimir Putin approved hack of Democrats - UPI.com UPI reports: "U.S. intelligence officials are now convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in the hacking of Democrats' computers to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, senior U.S. intelligence officials told two media outlets. NBC first reported Wednesday the officials had "a high level of confidence" Putin approved the hacking. CBS sources confirmed it Thursday. NBC's sources said the intelligence came from diplomatic sources and spies working for U.S. allies."
UPI reports: "European leaders meeting in Belgium to address a list of concerns voted Thursday to lengthen economic sanctions against Russia, over its 2014 acquisition of a region of Ukraine and military acts in Syria. European Union leaders granted the extension after concern was raised by members that parts of the Minsk Protocol peace agreement -- which established a cease-fire after months of fighting between Russia and Ukraine -- weren't being fulfilled."
U.S. intelligence: Russian President Vladimir Putin approved hack of Democrats - UPI.com UPI reports: "U.S. intelligence officials are now convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally involved in the hacking of Democrats' computers to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, senior U.S. intelligence officials told two media outlets. NBC first reported Wednesday the officials had "a high level of confidence" Putin approved the hacking. CBS sources confirmed it Thursday. NBC's sources said the intelligence came from diplomatic sources and spies working for U.S. allies."
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China's state tabloid denounces U.S. 'arrogance,' calls for weapons buildup - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's state tabloid is calling for the expansion of defense spending on nuclear weaponry in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's critical stance toward Beijing. The editorial published Wednesday in the Global Times comes at a time when China is imposing a penalty on an unnamed U.S. automaker for monopolistic behavior. The state newspaper suggested Beijing should not be pushed out by a militarily powerful United States."
U.S. warns China about South China Sea aggression - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific sought to reassure worried allies and tell leaders in China that the United States will not allow the South China Sea to be blocked off. [...] The Chinese have been constructing artificial reefs in the South China Sea expected to be used as military bases, in addition to chasing other ships out of the waterway and violating what nations in the region claim as their own territorial waters."
Comment: I don't think it's inevitable but there is very high likelihood that the next great war will be between the U.S. and China. The U.S. has become accustomed to fighting small wars against weak opponents but China is a near-peer competitor and the scale and damage of such a war would be huge. Let's hope calmer heads prevail. Perhaps under Trump we will have more trade and less conflict?
UPI reports: "China's state tabloid is calling for the expansion of defense spending on nuclear weaponry in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's critical stance toward Beijing. The editorial published Wednesday in the Global Times comes at a time when China is imposing a penalty on an unnamed U.S. automaker for monopolistic behavior. The state newspaper suggested Beijing should not be pushed out by a militarily powerful United States."
U.S. warns China about South China Sea aggression - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific sought to reassure worried allies and tell leaders in China that the United States will not allow the South China Sea to be blocked off. [...] The Chinese have been constructing artificial reefs in the South China Sea expected to be used as military bases, in addition to chasing other ships out of the waterway and violating what nations in the region claim as their own territorial waters."
Comment: I don't think it's inevitable but there is very high likelihood that the next great war will be between the U.S. and China. The U.S. has become accustomed to fighting small wars against weak opponents but China is a near-peer competitor and the scale and damage of such a war would be huge. Let's hope calmer heads prevail. Perhaps under Trump we will have more trade and less conflict?
Covenant With Many
France postpones Middle East peace conference until January - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A French-sponsored peace conference on the Mideast has been moved from late December to early January, the Palestinian envoy to France said. [...] The conference was scheduled to begin on Dec. 21. Neither Palestine, which approves of the meeting, nor Israel, which strongly opposes it, was invited to attend. Israel prefers direct negotiation with the Palestinian Authority, without preconditions or involvement from other countries."
Comment: Well, that's ok, I'm sure the French know what they are doing and will use the additional time wisely to come up with new and creative ways to blame Israel and champion the Palestinians.
UPI reports: "A French-sponsored peace conference on the Mideast has been moved from late December to early January, the Palestinian envoy to France said. [...] The conference was scheduled to begin on Dec. 21. Neither Palestine, which approves of the meeting, nor Israel, which strongly opposes it, was invited to attend. Israel prefers direct negotiation with the Palestinian Authority, without preconditions or involvement from other countries."
Comment: Well, that's ok, I'm sure the French know what they are doing and will use the additional time wisely to come up with new and creative ways to blame Israel and champion the Palestinians.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Persecution
Islamic State claims responsibility for Egypt church bombing - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State claimed Tuesday it was behind a church bombing in Egypt and said it plans to target more Christians there in the future. Shafik Mahmoud Mohamed Mostafa was sent to the Coptic Christian cathedral by the Islamic State, the group said in a statement, where he detonated a suicide bomb in the latest attack on Christians in Egypt, killing himself and 25 others."
Comment: Praying for the church in Egypt, that their hearts will not be guided by the values of tribalism but by Christian values of mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
UPI reports: "The Islamic State claimed Tuesday it was behind a church bombing in Egypt and said it plans to target more Christians there in the future. Shafik Mahmoud Mohamed Mostafa was sent to the Coptic Christian cathedral by the Islamic State, the group said in a statement, where he detonated a suicide bomb in the latest attack on Christians in Egypt, killing himself and 25 others."
Comment: Praying for the church in Egypt, that their hearts will not be guided by the values of tribalism but by Christian values of mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Global Government
Antonio Guterres sworn-in as next U.N. secretary general - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Former Portuguese leader Antonio Guterres was sworn-in Monday as the ninth secretary general of the United Nations, officially succeeding Ban Ki-moon after a decade of the South Korean's leadership. Guterres was chosen as the next secretary general in October, and will formally assume the role on Jan. 1. But the swearing-in ceremony was held Monday. During the ceremony, Guterres spoke about his vision for U.N. leadership in a changing international landscape."
Comment: I'm somewhat reluctant to embrace the idea of the UN as an emerging world government that plays an active role in the end times. I think it's a useful debating club right now but it's not very powerful. That may change in the future, so it's important to keep up with trends and developments.
UPI reports: "Former Portuguese leader Antonio Guterres was sworn-in Monday as the ninth secretary general of the United Nations, officially succeeding Ban Ki-moon after a decade of the South Korean's leadership. Guterres was chosen as the next secretary general in October, and will formally assume the role on Jan. 1. But the swearing-in ceremony was held Monday. During the ceremony, Guterres spoke about his vision for U.N. leadership in a changing international landscape."
Comment: I'm somewhat reluctant to embrace the idea of the UN as an emerging world government that plays an active role in the end times. I think it's a useful debating club right now but it's not very powerful. That may change in the future, so it's important to keep up with trends and developments.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Persecution
Bomb kills 25 at Egypt's main Coptic Christian cathedral- AP
The AP reports: "A bomb ripped through the chapel in the cathedral complex in central Cairo, killing 25 people and wounding another 49, mostly women and children, one of the deadliest attacks on the country's Christian minority in recent memory. [...] One of the worst previous attacks against Christians by Islamic militants was a 2011 bombing at a church in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria that killed 21. The Islamic State group also has targeted Christians in the Sinai Peninsula, where it primarily goes after security forces. [...] Egypt's Christians have long complained of discrimination, saying they are denied top jobs in many fields, including academia and security forces."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt. I've often wondered if Christians in Egypt had a special kind of pride knowing that Jesus lived there for a time in his youth? At any rate, this is a difficult time for Christians in the entire Middle East and they deserve our support and our prayers.
The AP reports: "A bomb ripped through the chapel in the cathedral complex in central Cairo, killing 25 people and wounding another 49, mostly women and children, one of the deadliest attacks on the country's Christian minority in recent memory. [...] One of the worst previous attacks against Christians by Islamic militants was a 2011 bombing at a church in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria that killed 21. The Islamic State group also has targeted Christians in the Sinai Peninsula, where it primarily goes after security forces. [...] Egypt's Christians have long complained of discrimination, saying they are denied top jobs in many fields, including academia and security forces."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt. I've often wondered if Christians in Egypt had a special kind of pride knowing that Jesus lived there for a time in his youth? At any rate, this is a difficult time for Christians in the entire Middle East and they deserve our support and our prayers.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
War
U.S. to send 200 more troops to Syria to combat Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI report: "The United States will send an additional 200 troops to Syria to assist rebel groups in capturing the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced. Speaking at the annual IISS Manama Dialogue security gathering on Saturday in Manama, Bahrain, Carter said special forces trainers, advisers and bomb disposal teams will join the 300 U.S. troops already in Syria, the BBC reported."
UPI report: "The United States will send an additional 200 troops to Syria to assist rebel groups in capturing the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced. Speaking at the annual IISS Manama Dialogue security gathering on Saturday in Manama, Bahrain, Carter said special forces trainers, advisers and bomb disposal teams will join the 300 U.S. troops already in Syria, the BBC reported."
Friday, December 09, 2016
Pestilence
Zika-linked birth defects surge in Colombia: CDC - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The tragedy of hundreds of babies born with devastating birth defects linked to the Zika virus is no longer confined to Brazil, a new report confirms. Colombia is now also experiencing a surge in these cases of infant microcephaly. It's a birth defect where newborns whose mothers contracted the mosquito-borne virus in pregnancy are born with too-small skulls and underdeveloped brains."
Comment: I've been wondering what happened to the Zika outbreak. It dominated the headlines for a while and then disappeared. I suppose this is going to be a seasonal disease that just sort of lurks in the background but never goes away until they perfect the cure.
UPI reports: "The tragedy of hundreds of babies born with devastating birth defects linked to the Zika virus is no longer confined to Brazil, a new report confirms. Colombia is now also experiencing a surge in these cases of infant microcephaly. It's a birth defect where newborns whose mothers contracted the mosquito-borne virus in pregnancy are born with too-small skulls and underdeveloped brains."
Comment: I've been wondering what happened to the Zika outbreak. It dominated the headlines for a while and then disappeared. I suppose this is going to be a seasonal disease that just sort of lurks in the background but never goes away until they perfect the cure.
Thursday, December 08, 2016
Earthquakes
7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes off Solomon Islands - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean on Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake at 4:38 a.m. was centered 42 miles southwest of Kirakira, the USGA said. The quake was at a depth of 30 miles. No injuries or damage has been reported."\
USGS: 6.5 magnitude quake in ocean off California coast - AP
The AP reports: "A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on Thursday, jolting residents of the coastal town of Ferndale but bringing no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The quake hit at 6:50 a.m. in the Pacific Ocean about 100 miles west of Ferndale, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a statement there was no threat of a tsunami."
Death toll in Indonesia earthquake passes 100 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The death toll in Indonesia's Aceh province passed 100 early Thursday as a massive search for missing people after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake Wednesday has been mounted in flattened parts of the area. Officials report 102 people have been confirmed dead in Aceh province since the earthquake struck around 5 a.m. Wednesday, 99 of whom were found in Pidie Jaya, the district hit hardest by the quake."
Comment: There's been quite a noticeable uptick in major quakes lately.
UPI reports: "A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean on Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake at 4:38 a.m. was centered 42 miles southwest of Kirakira, the USGA said. The quake was at a depth of 30 miles. No injuries or damage has been reported."\
USGS: 6.5 magnitude quake in ocean off California coast - AP
The AP reports: "A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on Thursday, jolting residents of the coastal town of Ferndale but bringing no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The quake hit at 6:50 a.m. in the Pacific Ocean about 100 miles west of Ferndale, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a statement there was no threat of a tsunami."
Death toll in Indonesia earthquake passes 100 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The death toll in Indonesia's Aceh province passed 100 early Thursday as a massive search for missing people after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake Wednesday has been mounted in flattened parts of the area. Officials report 102 people have been confirmed dead in Aceh province since the earthquake struck around 5 a.m. Wednesday, 99 of whom were found in Pidie Jaya, the district hit hardest by the quake."
Comment: There's been quite a noticeable uptick in major quakes lately.
Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Famine
Major famine imminent in Nigeria as Boko Haram attacks cripple economy - ABC News
ABC News (AU) reports: "The United Nations believes as many as 75,000 people could die in
north-eastern Nigeria in the next 12 months unless there is a renewed
contribution from the international community.
Already close to five million people need food assistance.
There are predictions of a major famine, mainly due to the insecurity
brought about by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram.
The jihadist group claims to have established a caliphate in West
Africa.
It regularly carries out suicide bombings, kidnappings and merciless
assaults on entire villages."
Comment: So many of the recent famines in history have been man-made, a result of war and corruption more than a lack of rainfall.
Comment: So many of the recent famines in history have been man-made, a result of war and corruption more than a lack of rainfall.
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Earthquakes
6.5 magnitude earthquate in Indonesia kills at least 25 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least 25 people died in an earthquake in Aceh province in Indonesia, with officials reporting many buildings are damaged and there may be many people trapped in the remaining rubble. The 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit undersea off Sumatra Island Wednesday morning, about 12 miles from the town of Sigli, but no tsunami warning was issued by meteorological officials in Indonesia."
UPI reports: "At least 25 people died in an earthquake in Aceh province in Indonesia, with officials reporting many buildings are damaged and there may be many people trapped in the remaining rubble. The 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit undersea off Sumatra Island Wednesday morning, about 12 miles from the town of Sigli, but no tsunami warning was issued by meteorological officials in Indonesia."
Persecution
Ransomed: The freeing of 226 Christians from Islamic State
AP reports: "The Assyrian Christians were seized from the Khabur River valley in northern Syria, among the last holdouts of a dwindling minority that had been chased across the Mideast for generations. They trace their heritage to the earliest days of Christianity, their Church of the East founded by the apostle known as Doubting Thomas. To this day, they speak a dialect of Aramaic, believed to be the native language of Jesus. But most also speak Arabic and some Kurdish, the languages of the neighbors who have long outnumbered them. In a single night of horror on Feb. 23, 2015, IS fighters attacked the Christian towns simultaneously, sweeping up scores of people and sending everyone from 35 towns and villages fleeing for their lives. [...] How much was ultimately paid to free the Khabur Christians remains a mystery. The bishop, the only person with a full accounting, declined to speak to The Associated Press. Those involved give him credit for saving the lives not just of the hostages but those of hundreds of other Assyrians who have left in hopes of building a better life outside the war zone. The Khabur valley has been all but emptied of its Christians."
Comment: What an incredible story. Please join me in praying for all those Christians still being held by the Islamic State. The broadcast media probably will not report this story, it goes against the approved narrative, but thank you to the reporters of the Associated Press for their coverage of this story and the larger story of the plight of Christians throughout the Middle East.
AP reports: "The Assyrian Christians were seized from the Khabur River valley in northern Syria, among the last holdouts of a dwindling minority that had been chased across the Mideast for generations. They trace their heritage to the earliest days of Christianity, their Church of the East founded by the apostle known as Doubting Thomas. To this day, they speak a dialect of Aramaic, believed to be the native language of Jesus. But most also speak Arabic and some Kurdish, the languages of the neighbors who have long outnumbered them. In a single night of horror on Feb. 23, 2015, IS fighters attacked the Christian towns simultaneously, sweeping up scores of people and sending everyone from 35 towns and villages fleeing for their lives. [...] How much was ultimately paid to free the Khabur Christians remains a mystery. The bishop, the only person with a full accounting, declined to speak to The Associated Press. Those involved give him credit for saving the lives not just of the hostages but those of hundreds of other Assyrians who have left in hopes of building a better life outside the war zone. The Khabur valley has been all but emptied of its Christians."
Comment: What an incredible story. Please join me in praying for all those Christians still being held by the Islamic State. The broadcast media probably will not report this story, it goes against the approved narrative, but thank you to the reporters of the Associated Press for their coverage of this story and the larger story of the plight of Christians throughout the Middle East.
Monday, December 05, 2016
Mark of the Beast
Amazon planning app-based 'Go' stores in U.S. next year - UPI.com
UPI reports: "E-commerce giant Amazon.com on Monday unveiled plans to open brick and mortar app-based grocery stores in the United States -- a venture the company hopes will fill an enduring need for millions of Americans. The company announced Amazon Go, which will feature a no-checkout process called "Just Walk Out Shopping" -- in which shoppers can enter the convenience-style store, take what they need and walk out. Advanced retail technology automatically detects what items were taken and bills customers' Amazon accounts."
Comment: It's been a while since we've had a good MOTB update so I'll repeat my usual caveat: no, I'm not saying this is the MOTB, just an interesting tech trend to keep an eye on. After all, the implications of this are huge. Amazon has a technology that will do two very important things at the same time: it validates your identity and it processes the transaction. If this process is seamless it could revolutionize retail. It's not a stretch to say the same kind of process could be used down the road to implement the mark.
UPI reports: "E-commerce giant Amazon.com on Monday unveiled plans to open brick and mortar app-based grocery stores in the United States -- a venture the company hopes will fill an enduring need for millions of Americans. The company announced Amazon Go, which will feature a no-checkout process called "Just Walk Out Shopping" -- in which shoppers can enter the convenience-style store, take what they need and walk out. Advanced retail technology automatically detects what items were taken and bills customers' Amazon accounts."
Comment: It's been a while since we've had a good MOTB update so I'll repeat my usual caveat: no, I'm not saying this is the MOTB, just an interesting tech trend to keep an eye on. After all, the implications of this are huge. Amazon has a technology that will do two very important things at the same time: it validates your identity and it processes the transaction. If this process is seamless it could revolutionize retail. It's not a stretch to say the same kind of process could be used down the road to implement the mark.
Saturday, December 03, 2016
War - Doomed Damascus
Assad's forces retake half of rebel-held Aleppo - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Syrian government forces have taken about half of the rebel-held portion of Aleppo, military leaders said, bringing an end in sight to the bloody six-year stalemate in the city. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have held the gains made in the week since they took control of a key housing district at the center of the eastern portion of the war-torn city. A top Syrian general told the BBC that government forces have reduced by half the amount of territory in the city under rebel control."
Comment: The battle for Aleppo is almost over. Somehow I suspect that Damascus will never again know peace.
UPI reports: "Syrian government forces have taken about half of the rebel-held portion of Aleppo, military leaders said, bringing an end in sight to the bloody six-year stalemate in the city. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have held the gains made in the week since they took control of a key housing district at the center of the eastern portion of the war-torn city. A top Syrian general told the BBC that government forces have reduced by half the amount of territory in the city under rebel control."
Comment: The battle for Aleppo is almost over. Somehow I suspect that Damascus will never again know peace.
Friday, December 02, 2016
Rumors of War - King of the North
Ukraine tests missiles in Black Sea, drawing Russia's anger - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Ukraine began surface-to-air missile tests Thursday over the Black Sea, after Russia threatened to shoot the projectiles down. The Ukrainian military declared the tests of the S-300 medium-range missiles a success. [...] Although the missiles came within 18 miles of Crimean airspace, Ukraine moved the perimeter of the test area, apparently to calm Russian concerns [...] Crimea, formerly Ukrainian territory, was annexed in 2014 by Russia."
UPI reports: "Ukraine began surface-to-air missile tests Thursday over the Black Sea, after Russia threatened to shoot the projectiles down. The Ukrainian military declared the tests of the S-300 medium-range missiles a success. [...] Although the missiles came within 18 miles of Crimean airspace, Ukraine moved the perimeter of the test area, apparently to calm Russian concerns [...] Crimea, formerly Ukrainian territory, was annexed in 2014 by Russia."
Persecution
Yahoo News Digest — Indonesia protest draws 200K Muslims angry over Christian governor
Yahoo News reports: "At least 200,000 conservative Muslims rallied peacefully in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Friday in the second major protest against Indonesia’s minority Christian governor, Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja, who is being prosecuted for alleged blasphemy."
Comment: The real offense is that he is a Christian in a Muslim majority country.
Yahoo News reports: "At least 200,000 conservative Muslims rallied peacefully in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Friday in the second major protest against Indonesia’s minority Christian governor, Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja, who is being prosecuted for alleged blasphemy."
Comment: The real offense is that he is a Christian in a Muslim majority country.
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Pestilence
U.N. apologizes to Haiti for role in cholera outbreak, offers new plan to help - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The leader of the United Nations apologized to the people of Haiti Thursday for the organizations' failure to help the island nation deal with a six-year-long cholera outbreak, offering a multi-year plan to solve the problem and take action to prevent a recurrence in the future. [...] The outbreak, which has affected more than three-quarters of a million people, was made even worse earlier this year when Hurricane Matthew shredded the island."
UPI reports: "The leader of the United Nations apologized to the people of Haiti Thursday for the organizations' failure to help the island nation deal with a six-year-long cholera outbreak, offering a multi-year plan to solve the problem and take action to prevent a recurrence in the future. [...] The outbreak, which has affected more than three-quarters of a million people, was made even worse earlier this year when Hurricane Matthew shredded the island."
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