U.S. drops largest non-nuclear bomb on rural Afghan Islamic State compound - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Air Force dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb for the first
time in combat on Thursday, targeting an underground Islamic State
complex in a desolate portion of eastern Afghanistan, military officials
said.
The 21,000-pound bomb is known as the Massive Ordinance Air Blast bomb,
or MOAB. In military circles, the acronym is known better as the 'Mother
of All Bombs.'
North Korea activity at nuclear site in progress, report says - UPI.com
UPI
reports: "North Korea may be preparing for its next nuclear test at its
site in Punggye-ri.[...] The activity could mean North Korea plans to
conduct its sixth nuclear test in the near future.
Such action, however, could mean more pressure from the United States
and China, and even the possibility of a military response at a time
when U.S. President Donald Trump has stated 'all options' are on the
table in response to North Korea provocations."
Comment: Well, not to nitpick, but they misspelled ordnance. It's a common mistake. Anyway, I'm combining these two reports because I suspect they may be linked. If there happened to be someone setting global strategy for U.S. foreign and security policy, we might conclude that the use of the MOAB bomb in Afghanistan days before the anniversary in North Korea (which historically provides the occasion for missile tests) was intended to send a clear message to young Un that another nuclear missile test will not be tolerated.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China tells military to be ready to ‘move’ to North Korea border - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China has ordered its military to be on nationwide alert, in addition to areas near the North Korea border, as tensions escalate on the peninsula. [...] According to the NGO, China's armored and mechanized infantry brigades in the provinces of Shandong, Zhejiang and Yunnan received the state mandate. About 25,000 troops of the Chinese military's 47th group army of the Ninth Armored Brigade have been instructed to be ready to move long distances, close to the North Korea border, the Hong Kong-based organization said."
Trump proposes North Korea plan, Xi calls for calm during call - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump is negotiating with China to resolve North Korea's nuclear threats in exchange for a U.S. trade deal. [...] Xi called for calm regarding the situation on the Korean peninsula and urged any moves that would aggravate tensions not be taken, the South China Morning Post reported Wednesday."
Comment: I know that Syria dominated the headlines today as the U.S. Secretary of State met with the leader of Russia, but the real story is North Korea. Our focus should be on this flashpoint that could involve the U.S. into a war and potentially into conflict with not one but two nuclear armed countries. It's worth noting that the Korean War never officially ended. There was an armistice agreement and that ceasefire has been in force for decades but the conflict was never concluded with a peace treaty. Technically the Korean War is still on. Whether it goes hot or not is an open question, and one that may be answered soon.
UPI reports: "China has ordered its military to be on nationwide alert, in addition to areas near the North Korea border, as tensions escalate on the peninsula. [...] According to the NGO, China's armored and mechanized infantry brigades in the provinces of Shandong, Zhejiang and Yunnan received the state mandate. About 25,000 troops of the Chinese military's 47th group army of the Ninth Armored Brigade have been instructed to be ready to move long distances, close to the North Korea border, the Hong Kong-based organization said."
Trump proposes North Korea plan, Xi calls for calm during call - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump is negotiating with China to resolve North Korea's nuclear threats in exchange for a U.S. trade deal. [...] Xi called for calm regarding the situation on the Korean peninsula and urged any moves that would aggravate tensions not be taken, the South China Morning Post reported Wednesday."
Comment: I know that Syria dominated the headlines today as the U.S. Secretary of State met with the leader of Russia, but the real story is North Korea. Our focus should be on this flashpoint that could involve the U.S. into a war and potentially into conflict with not one but two nuclear armed countries. It's worth noting that the Korean War never officially ended. There was an armistice agreement and that ceasefire has been in force for decades but the conflict was never concluded with a peace treaty. Technically the Korean War is still on. Whether it goes hot or not is an open question, and one that may be answered soon.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Covenant With Many
Survey: Arabs consider Israel biggest threat to Mideast peace - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A vast majority of people in 12 Arab-majority countries regard Israel as the biggest threat to achieving Middle East peace -- on par with the Islamic State as a source of perceived regional instability, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. [...] Of those surveyed by the Arab Center, 86 percent 'disapprove of their countries' recognition of Israel,' with about half saying recognition of Israel was tied to 'the establishment of a Palestinian state.'"
Comment: The enmity can't be unlearned if it's embedded into the education systems and into new generations that are taught to hate Israel. A tiny little country about the size of New Jersey isn't going to take over the entire region, but that doesn't keep Israel's neighbors from wanting to totally destroy it.
UPI reports: "A vast majority of people in 12 Arab-majority countries regard Israel as the biggest threat to achieving Middle East peace -- on par with the Islamic State as a source of perceived regional instability, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. [...] Of those surveyed by the Arab Center, 86 percent 'disapprove of their countries' recognition of Israel,' with about half saying recognition of Israel was tied to 'the establishment of a Palestinian state.'"
Comment: The enmity can't be unlearned if it's embedded into the education systems and into new generations that are taught to hate Israel. A tiny little country about the size of New Jersey isn't going to take over the entire region, but that doesn't keep Israel's neighbors from wanting to totally destroy it.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Chinese state media express ‘concern’ over USS Carl Vinson - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Chinese state media criticized the return of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, calling the move an 'act that could heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula.' [...] China's Global Times stated Monday that while North Korea is not likely to become the 'next Syria,' the state tabloid warned Pyongyang against further provocations, including a sixth nuclear test, which could only invite more U.S. military action."
Comment: This could get interesting.
UPI reports: "Chinese state media criticized the return of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to Korean waters, calling the move an 'act that could heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula.' [...] China's Global Times stated Monday that while North Korea is not likely to become the 'next Syria,' the state tabloid warned Pyongyang against further provocations, including a sixth nuclear test, which could only invite more U.S. military action."
Comment: This could get interesting.
Sunday, April 09, 2017
Persecution
Palm Sunday church bombings in Egypt kill 43, wound dozens - AP
The AP reports: "Bombs exploded at two Coptic churches in different cities in northern Egypt as worshippers were celebrating Palm Sunday, killing at least 43 people and wounding about 100 in an assault claimed by the Islamic State group. The blasts came at the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter, and just weeks before Pope Francis is due to visit the Arab world's most populous country, which has been beset by extremist violence against its minority Christians. [...] IS claimed the attacks via its Aamaq news agency, after having recently warned that it would step up violence against Egypt's Christians. [...] Egypt's Copts are one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East. They have long complained of discrimination and that the government does not do enough to protect them."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt, that they will be comforted in their grief and that they will remain steadfast in their faith so as to demonstrate grace and forgiveness that shows the love of Christ to their grieving country. Let us also pray for their safety and for their fearless defense of the Gospel in a country where our Lord lived as an infant.
The AP reports: "Bombs exploded at two Coptic churches in different cities in northern Egypt as worshippers were celebrating Palm Sunday, killing at least 43 people and wounding about 100 in an assault claimed by the Islamic State group. The blasts came at the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter, and just weeks before Pope Francis is due to visit the Arab world's most populous country, which has been beset by extremist violence against its minority Christians. [...] IS claimed the attacks via its Aamaq news agency, after having recently warned that it would step up violence against Egypt's Christians. [...] Egypt's Copts are one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East. They have long complained of discrimination and that the government does not do enough to protect them."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt, that they will be comforted in their grief and that they will remain steadfast in their faith so as to demonstrate grace and forgiveness that shows the love of Christ to their grieving country. Let us also pray for their safety and for their fearless defense of the Gospel in a country where our Lord lived as an infant.
Saturday, April 08, 2017
Earthquakes
Multiple earthquakes strike Philippines province - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A series of earthquakes struck the Philippines province of Batangas on Saturday, causing damages and leaving some areas without power. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded the first tremor northwest of the city of Mabini at 3:07 p.m., followed by a second stronger quake at 3:09 p.m. with a 6.0 magnitude. No serious injuries were reported immediately. A third quake with a magnitude of 4.1 occurred almost two hours later at 4:43 p.m."
Comment: It sounds like the energy dissipated with the series of quakes rather than having one large quake. Still, 6.0 magnitude is a big quake, lucky there were no fatalities.
UPI reports: "A series of earthquakes struck the Philippines province of Batangas on Saturday, causing damages and leaving some areas without power. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded the first tremor northwest of the city of Mabini at 3:07 p.m., followed by a second stronger quake at 3:09 p.m. with a 6.0 magnitude. No serious injuries were reported immediately. A third quake with a magnitude of 4.1 occurred almost two hours later at 4:43 p.m."
Comment: It sounds like the energy dissipated with the series of quakes rather than having one large quake. Still, 6.0 magnitude is a big quake, lucky there were no fatalities.
Gospel Preached to All Nations
'Jesus' film spreads the word in more than 1,500 languages, 230 countries | The Salt Lake Tribune:
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: "The Jesus Film Project has topped the 1,500-language milestone for translation of the gospel story, this time making the movie available in the eastern African Daasanach tongue. [...] The Jesus Film Project estimates the film has been viewed by hundreds of millions in more than 230 countries. It's goal — tapping social media, phone and tablet apps, DVD sales, as well as traditional screening options — is to reach 5 billion viewers by 2025."
Comment: How is it that I haven't seen this movie? Actually, I've never heard of it. It was screened in the 1970s, so perhaps it was before my time but it's available now in multiple formats. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Congrats to the filmmakers on reaching that translation milestone.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: "The Jesus Film Project has topped the 1,500-language milestone for translation of the gospel story, this time making the movie available in the eastern African Daasanach tongue. [...] The Jesus Film Project estimates the film has been viewed by hundreds of millions in more than 230 countries. It's goal — tapping social media, phone and tablet apps, DVD sales, as well as traditional screening options — is to reach 5 billion viewers by 2025."
Comment: How is it that I haven't seen this movie? Actually, I've never heard of it. It was screened in the 1970s, so perhaps it was before my time but it's available now in multiple formats. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Congrats to the filmmakers on reaching that translation milestone.
Famine - Pestilence
Cholera spreads in famine-threatened Somalia | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Deadly cholera is spreading through drought-ravaged Somalia as clean water sources dry up, a top aid official said, deepening a humanitarian crisis in a country that is on the verge of famine. The Horn of Africa nation has recorded more than 18,000 cases of cholera so far this year, up from around 15,000 in all of 2016 [...] Somalia is suffering from a severe drought that means more than half of its 12 million citizens are expected to need aid by July. Families have been forced to drink slimy, infected water after the rains failed and wells and rivers dried up."
Reuters reports: "Deadly cholera is spreading through drought-ravaged Somalia as clean water sources dry up, a top aid official said, deepening a humanitarian crisis in a country that is on the verge of famine. The Horn of Africa nation has recorded more than 18,000 cases of cholera so far this year, up from around 15,000 in all of 2016 [...] Somalia is suffering from a severe drought that means more than half of its 12 million citizens are expected to need aid by July. Families have been forced to drink slimy, infected water after the rains failed and wells and rivers dried up."
Thursday, April 06, 2017
Rumors of War & Doomed Damascus
U.S. launches airstrike on Syria in 'vital national security interest' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump on Thursday night said he ordered 59 cruise missiles to attack the airfield where Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime launched a deadly chemical attack on civilians two days earlier. [...] The United States launched the Tomahawk missiles -- around 60,000 pounds of explosives -- within 60 seconds, targeting one airfield, CBS' David Martin reported. CNN's Barbara Starr reported the runway, aircraft and fuel points were targeted. [...] The missile strikes were the first direct assault on Assad since the civil war began six years ago."
Comment: I suspect this will be one of those precision strikes that are made to make a point, full of symbolism, but lacking any real impact. It's possible, given the volatile nature of the region, that this attack could lead to retaliation of some kind and then expand into a wider war. I noticed that Russia was given advance notice of the attack. This was smart. If Russian personnel or installations were not harmed, then the potential of this expanding into a wider conflict would seem to be minimal. Time will tell.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump on Thursday night said he ordered 59 cruise missiles to attack the airfield where Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime launched a deadly chemical attack on civilians two days earlier. [...] The United States launched the Tomahawk missiles -- around 60,000 pounds of explosives -- within 60 seconds, targeting one airfield, CBS' David Martin reported. CNN's Barbara Starr reported the runway, aircraft and fuel points were targeted. [...] The missile strikes were the first direct assault on Assad since the civil war began six years ago."
Comment: I suspect this will be one of those precision strikes that are made to make a point, full of symbolism, but lacking any real impact. It's possible, given the volatile nature of the region, that this attack could lead to retaliation of some kind and then expand into a wider war. I noticed that Russia was given advance notice of the attack. This was smart. If Russian personnel or installations were not harmed, then the potential of this expanding into a wider conflict would seem to be minimal. Time will tell.
Wednesday, April 05, 2017
Pestilence
Scientists identify Zika's path to infecting the fetus - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Throughout South America, the Zika virus has so far caused thousands of cases of devastating birth defects, most often microcephaly -- babies born with a smaller-than-normal head and underdeveloped brains. So far, only a few such cases have occurred in the United States, but infections are a concern as the summer mosquito season nears."
Comment: The really interesting bit in this news report is how they are worried that the upcoming summer season will mean a resurgence of Zika infections. I'm not sure people really have this on their radar yet.
UPI reports: "Throughout South America, the Zika virus has so far caused thousands of cases of devastating birth defects, most often microcephaly -- babies born with a smaller-than-normal head and underdeveloped brains. So far, only a few such cases have occurred in the United States, but infections are a concern as the summer mosquito season nears."
Comment: The really interesting bit in this news report is how they are worried that the upcoming summer season will mean a resurgence of Zika infections. I'm not sure people really have this on their radar yet.
Persecution
Russia's high court considers banning Jehovah's Witnesses - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia's Supreme Court on Wednesday considered a request by the government to ban Jehovah's Witnesses and declare the Christian group an extremist organization. On March 16, the Russian government filed suit to outlaw the organization, which is already considered an extremist group in St. Petersburg where it is headquartered. The group has 175,000 members in Russia and 395 branches across the country. Worldwide there are more than 7 million members."
Comment: I'm not very familiar with the Jehovah's Witnesses. I wonder what they could have done to make the Russians think they are extremists? It's not like they are beheading people, right?
UPI reports: "Russia's Supreme Court on Wednesday considered a request by the government to ban Jehovah's Witnesses and declare the Christian group an extremist organization. On March 16, the Russian government filed suit to outlaw the organization, which is already considered an extremist group in St. Petersburg where it is headquartered. The group has 175,000 members in Russia and 395 branches across the country. Worldwide there are more than 7 million members."
Comment: I'm not very familiar with the Jehovah's Witnesses. I wonder what they could have done to make the Russians think they are extremists? It's not like they are beheading people, right?
Tuesday, April 04, 2017
Mark of the Beast
Swedish company Epicenter implants microchips in employees - UPI.com
UPI reports: "About 150 employees the Swedish technology firm Epicenter agreed to have a microchip inserted in their hands, the company said. The RFID, or radio frequency identification chip, is about the size of a grain of rice and will allow workers at the company to open doors automatically and use electronic devices more efficiently. The chip is implanted in an employee's hand."
Comment: The Mark of the Beast prophecy found in Rev 13:16-18 is one of the most specific prophecies in the Bible and also one of the most enigmatic. I'm not dogmatic on the subject and enjoy speculating on what it could be, alternating between a high-tech solution like an implanted chip to something as basic as a tattoo. Lately it seems like the high-tech answer is gaining ground, with remarkable innovations coming in the fields of mobile commerce, identity verification and biometrics. I don't claim to have the answer, but I am dedicated to watching the trends. In this latest news, some Swedish workers are having chips implanted into their hands. It sounds like this is a small-scale experiment with a technology that has wider commercial applications. It will be interesting to see how it goes. If your company offered this service, would you get chipped?
UPI reports: "About 150 employees the Swedish technology firm Epicenter agreed to have a microchip inserted in their hands, the company said. The RFID, or radio frequency identification chip, is about the size of a grain of rice and will allow workers at the company to open doors automatically and use electronic devices more efficiently. The chip is implanted in an employee's hand."
Comment: The Mark of the Beast prophecy found in Rev 13:16-18 is one of the most specific prophecies in the Bible and also one of the most enigmatic. I'm not dogmatic on the subject and enjoy speculating on what it could be, alternating between a high-tech solution like an implanted chip to something as basic as a tattoo. Lately it seems like the high-tech answer is gaining ground, with remarkable innovations coming in the fields of mobile commerce, identity verification and biometrics. I don't claim to have the answer, but I am dedicated to watching the trends. In this latest news, some Swedish workers are having chips implanted into their hands. It sounds like this is a small-scale experiment with a technology that has wider commercial applications. It will be interesting to see how it goes. If your company offered this service, would you get chipped?
Monday, April 03, 2017
Persecution
Christians in China hospitalized after resisting state surveillance - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Christian churchgoers in China were recently wounded after fighting with officials enforcing new regulations: the installation of surveillance cameras inside churches. The ordinance to place closed-circuit television cameras in Protestant and Roman Catholic churches was issued in late 2016 by authorities in Zhejiang Province, South China Morning Post reported Monday. The law comes two years after Chinese authorities ordered churches in the coastal province to remove conspicuous neon crosses from buildings, a movement that began in 2014, according to the report."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.
UPI reports: "Christian churchgoers in China were recently wounded after fighting with officials enforcing new regulations: the installation of surveillance cameras inside churches. The ordinance to place closed-circuit television cameras in Protestant and Roman Catholic churches was issued in late 2016 by authorities in Zhejiang Province, South China Morning Post reported Monday. The law comes two years after Chinese authorities ordered churches in the coastal province to remove conspicuous neon crosses from buildings, a movement that began in 2014, according to the report."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Famine
Famine Crisis May Worsen This Year in Four Countries - NBC News
NBC News reports: "Global food crises worsened significantly in 2016 and conditions look set to deteriorate further this year in some areas with an increasing risk of famine, a report said on Friday. 'There is a high risk of famine in some areas of north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen because of armed conflict, drought and macro-economic collapse,' the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) said. FSIN, which is co-sponsored by the United Nations food agency, the World Food Programme and the International Food Policy Research Institute, said the demand for humanitarian assistance was escalating."
Comment: I wonder if there is a general reluctance to help when it's known that the cause of the famine is man-made (war) and not due to natural disasters?
NBC News reports: "Global food crises worsened significantly in 2016 and conditions look set to deteriorate further this year in some areas with an increasing risk of famine, a report said on Friday. 'There is a high risk of famine in some areas of north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen because of armed conflict, drought and macro-economic collapse,' the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) said. FSIN, which is co-sponsored by the United Nations food agency, the World Food Programme and the International Food Policy Research Institute, said the demand for humanitarian assistance was escalating."
Comment: I wonder if there is a general reluctance to help when it's known that the cause of the famine is man-made (war) and not due to natural disasters?
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Gog Alliance
After energy agreement, Iran sees growing trade with Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Boasting that it's a result of a multilateral nuclear deal, OPEC-member Iran said its trade volume with oil-rich Russia could pass the $10 billion mark. [...] Iran secured relief from sanctions under the multilateral deal in exchange for agreements to scale back its nuclear research program. Iran and Russia are close nuclear partners, with the latter providing fuel for the former's Bushehr nuclear plant."
Russia, Iran urge dialogue between Afghanistan, Taliban - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin, after meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Kremlin, urged a direct negotiation between the Afghan government and the Taliban. [...] Last week, U.S. Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the top U.S. general in Europe, told the Senate Committee on Armed Services that Russia may be giving material support to the Taliban in Afghanistan."
Comment: Like most alliances in history, the future Gog Alliance is based on multiple interests. When economic, diplomatic, military and political interests combine, Russia, Iran, Turkey and a few minions will become the Gog Alliance.
UPI reports: "Boasting that it's a result of a multilateral nuclear deal, OPEC-member Iran said its trade volume with oil-rich Russia could pass the $10 billion mark. [...] Iran secured relief from sanctions under the multilateral deal in exchange for agreements to scale back its nuclear research program. Iran and Russia are close nuclear partners, with the latter providing fuel for the former's Bushehr nuclear plant."
Russia, Iran urge dialogue between Afghanistan, Taliban - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin, after meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Kremlin, urged a direct negotiation between the Afghan government and the Taliban. [...] Last week, U.S. Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the top U.S. general in Europe, told the Senate Committee on Armed Services that Russia may be giving material support to the Taliban in Afghanistan."
Comment: Like most alliances in history, the future Gog Alliance is based on multiple interests. When economic, diplomatic, military and political interests combine, Russia, Iran, Turkey and a few minions will become the Gog Alliance.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Chinese coast guard vessels sail near Senkaku Islands - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Chinese coast guard vessels sailed through Japan-claimed waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday, Kyodo news agency reported. According to the report, four boats belonging to the Chinese coast guard entered Japanese territorial waters, off the coast of Uotsuri-Shima, at 2:30 p.m. Uotsuri-Shima is the largest of the Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu Islands in China. [...] The United States has said it would defend uninhabited islands from foreign attacks."
Japan's ruling party wants capability to attack enemy bases - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party does not want Tokyo to shy away from dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations. [...] Japan's self-defense forces have so far been unable to attack incoming North Korea missiles. Projectiles that landed in Japanese territorial waters were not intercepted in 2016 and 2017."
Comment: It looks like the arms race in Asia is coming along nicely.
UPI reports: "Chinese coast guard vessels sailed through Japan-claimed waters around the disputed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday, Kyodo news agency reported. According to the report, four boats belonging to the Chinese coast guard entered Japanese territorial waters, off the coast of Uotsuri-Shima, at 2:30 p.m. Uotsuri-Shima is the largest of the Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu Islands in China. [...] The United States has said it would defend uninhabited islands from foreign attacks."
Japan's ruling party wants capability to attack enemy bases - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party does not want Tokyo to shy away from dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations. [...] Japan's self-defense forces have so far been unable to attack incoming North Korea missiles. Projectiles that landed in Japanese territorial waters were not intercepted in 2016 and 2017."
Comment: It looks like the arms race in Asia is coming along nicely.
Roaring Waves
Half of Southern California's beaches could be eroded by 2100 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than half of Southern California's beaches could be gone by the end of the century. According to new research, sea level rise could lead to the complete erosion of between 31 and 67 percent of Southern California beaches by 2100.[...] The findings, published this week in the Journal of Geophysical Research, suggest severe erosion could leave coastal infrastructure and sea-cliffs exposed to rising seas."
Comment: I'm sure we can count on the good people of California to spend millions (billions?) of dollars trying to Save the Beaches.
UPI reports: "More than half of Southern California's beaches could be gone by the end of the century. According to new research, sea level rise could lead to the complete erosion of between 31 and 67 percent of Southern California beaches by 2100.[...] The findings, published this week in the Journal of Geophysical Research, suggest severe erosion could leave coastal infrastructure and sea-cliffs exposed to rising seas."
Comment: I'm sure we can count on the good people of California to spend millions (billions?) of dollars trying to Save the Beaches.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel’s airstrike on Syria spooks Middle East - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli warplanes carrying out airstrikes on a shipment of Iranian arms to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas in Syria managed to evade Syrian air-defense missiles [...] There are likely to be further Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah in Syria, reflecting deepening Israeli concerns that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and their Lebanese ally are establishing a new front on the divided Golan Heights from which to fight the Jewish state. These developments are increasing the chances of a miscalculation that could trigger a war that both sides insist they do not want."
Comment: People keep talking about the end of the Syria conflict as if that is some kind of answer to the instability of the region. Are we to believe that the Iranian ground forces operating one international border away from Israel are simply going to pick up and go home once the Islamic State is defeated?
UPI reports: "Israeli warplanes carrying out airstrikes on a shipment of Iranian arms to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas in Syria managed to evade Syrian air-defense missiles [...] There are likely to be further Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah in Syria, reflecting deepening Israeli concerns that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and their Lebanese ally are establishing a new front on the divided Golan Heights from which to fight the Jewish state. These developments are increasing the chances of a miscalculation that could trigger a war that both sides insist they do not want."
Comment: People keep talking about the end of the Syria conflict as if that is some kind of answer to the instability of the region. Are we to believe that the Iranian ground forces operating one international border away from Israel are simply going to pick up and go home once the Islamic State is defeated?
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Final World Kingdom
EU leaders renew fraying Union's vows on 60th anniversary | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Europeans must contain their squabbling and carping about the EU if the Union is to survive, leaders warned on Saturday as they marked the 60th anniversary of its founding in Rome by signing a formal declaration of unity. Four days before Prime Minister Theresa May, absent from the ceremony in the Italian capital, delivers an unprecedented blow to the bloc's growth by filing Britain's formal exit papers, her fellow leaders hailed 60 years of peace and prosperity and pledged to deepen a unity frayed by regional and global crises. But days of wrangling about the wording of a 1,000-word Rome Declaration, May's impending Brexit confirmation and tens of thousands of protesters gathering beyond the tight police cordon around the Campidoglio Palace offered a more sober reminder of the challenges of holding the 27 nations to a common course."
Comment: Will the EU survive this year? Perhaps it will break up into smaller blocs or maybe remain united but with a small inner core forging ever greater unity as part of the "two speed" Europe so many have talked about. Stay tuned!
Reuters reports: "Europeans must contain their squabbling and carping about the EU if the Union is to survive, leaders warned on Saturday as they marked the 60th anniversary of its founding in Rome by signing a formal declaration of unity. Four days before Prime Minister Theresa May, absent from the ceremony in the Italian capital, delivers an unprecedented blow to the bloc's growth by filing Britain's formal exit papers, her fellow leaders hailed 60 years of peace and prosperity and pledged to deepen a unity frayed by regional and global crises. But days of wrangling about the wording of a 1,000-word Rome Declaration, May's impending Brexit confirmation and tens of thousands of protesters gathering beyond the tight police cordon around the Campidoglio Palace offered a more sober reminder of the challenges of holding the 27 nations to a common course."
Comment: Will the EU survive this year? Perhaps it will break up into smaller blocs or maybe remain united but with a small inner core forging ever greater unity as part of the "two speed" Europe so many have talked about. Stay tuned!
Friday, March 24, 2017
Persecution
Indonesia police fire tear gas on Muslims protesting church - AP
The AP reports: "Indonesian police fired tear gas on Friday to disperse hard-line Muslims protesting against the construction of a Catholic church in a satellite city of the capital, Jakarta. [...] Witnesses said police fired tear gas as the protesters tried to force their way into the church, which has been under construction since November. Some also threw rocks and bottles into the site. [...] In April last year a Muslim group sealed off the church, tore down its sign and demanded that the mayor cancel the permit. [...] About 12,000 Catholics in the Bekasi region currently meet in store fronts or business premises that serve as informal places of worship."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Indonesia.
The AP reports: "Indonesian police fired tear gas on Friday to disperse hard-line Muslims protesting against the construction of a Catholic church in a satellite city of the capital, Jakarta. [...] Witnesses said police fired tear gas as the protesters tried to force their way into the church, which has been under construction since November. Some also threw rocks and bottles into the site. [...] In April last year a Muslim group sealed off the church, tore down its sign and demanded that the mayor cancel the permit. [...] About 12,000 Catholics in the Bekasi region currently meet in store fronts or business premises that serve as informal places of worship."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Indonesia.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Wars and Rumors of War
Khalid Masood named as suspect in British Parliament attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police on Thursday named the man they say carried out Britain's bloodiest attack in over a decade -- and in the process, killed four people and wounded nearly 30 others outside Westminster Palace in central London. Metropolitan Police identified the suspect as Khalid Masood, a British-born citizen who officials said lived in the West Midlands region of central Britain. [...] Wednesday's was the deadliest attack in Britain since the July 7, 2005, terrorist bombings in central London that killed 52 people and injured nearly 800."
Police in Antwerp, Belgium arrest attacker who drove into crowd - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in Antwerp arrested a French national from northern Africa for allegedly trying to run down shoppers on a busy thoroughfare Thursday morning. Police identified the suspect only as 'Mohamed R,' a 39-year-old living in France. Witnesses said he drove a small red car into a crowd on De Meir, the northern city's largest shopping street. Pedestrians were able to avoid being hit and police responding to the scene were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the driver, officials said. [...] The incident in Belgium came a day after the one-year anniversary of the bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people."
Comment: These are challenging times for the security services. Let's hope they develop some good strategies for dealing with lone-wolf attacks.
UPI reports: "Police on Thursday named the man they say carried out Britain's bloodiest attack in over a decade -- and in the process, killed four people and wounded nearly 30 others outside Westminster Palace in central London. Metropolitan Police identified the suspect as Khalid Masood, a British-born citizen who officials said lived in the West Midlands region of central Britain. [...] Wednesday's was the deadliest attack in Britain since the July 7, 2005, terrorist bombings in central London that killed 52 people and injured nearly 800."
Police in Antwerp, Belgium arrest attacker who drove into crowd - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in Antwerp arrested a French national from northern Africa for allegedly trying to run down shoppers on a busy thoroughfare Thursday morning. Police identified the suspect only as 'Mohamed R,' a 39-year-old living in France. Witnesses said he drove a small red car into a crowd on De Meir, the northern city's largest shopping street. Pedestrians were able to avoid being hit and police responding to the scene were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the driver, officials said. [...] The incident in Belgium came a day after the one-year anniversary of the bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people."
Comment: These are challenging times for the security services. Let's hope they develop some good strategies for dealing with lone-wolf attacks.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Wars and Rumors of War
London police treating Parliament attack as 'terrorist incident' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "What's being labeled a 'terrorist attack' rattled central London Wednesday, left four victims dead and preceded a hasty evacuation of Prime Minister Theresa May nearby at the central nerve center of Britain's legislative government."
Comment: Praying for London and the people of the UK as they face this challenge.
UPI reports: "What's being labeled a 'terrorist attack' rattled central London Wednesday, left four victims dead and preceded a hasty evacuation of Prime Minister Theresa May nearby at the central nerve center of Britain's legislative government."
Comment: Praying for London and the people of the UK as they face this challenge.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Mark of the Beast
IBM, Visa Want Smart Devices, IoT Gadgets to Replace Themselves | Digital Trends
Digital Trends reports: "As technology grows, so do the options for making purchases. Already millions of people are able to buy things using PayPal or Apple Pay, but IBM and Visa want to expand that even further. Together, they want all connected devices to act as mobile payment systems. By collaborating with Visa, IBM will use its own Watson Internet of Things (IoT) platform to allow businesses to quickly add secure payment options to any device connected to the internet. These days, that means anything from a car, to a ring, or even a shoe."
Comment: That sounds great, but I would be concerned about privacy and security. They will really need to reassure consumers that these payment systems are safe before mass adoption.
Digital Trends reports: "As technology grows, so do the options for making purchases. Already millions of people are able to buy things using PayPal or Apple Pay, but IBM and Visa want to expand that even further. Together, they want all connected devices to act as mobile payment systems. By collaborating with Visa, IBM will use its own Watson Internet of Things (IoT) platform to allow businesses to quickly add secure payment options to any device connected to the internet. These days, that means anything from a car, to a ring, or even a shoe."
Comment: That sounds great, but I would be concerned about privacy and security. They will really need to reassure consumers that these payment systems are safe before mass adoption.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia enlarges military footprint in Libya - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia, 19 months after becoming a key player in the Syrian war, is increasing its military presence in Libya and is likely to back Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in the tumultuous civil conflict. Haftar, a fiery commander in eastern Libya, has declared war against radical Islamists, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, but is controversial for perceived iron-fist tactics."
UPI reports: "Russia, 19 months after becoming a key player in the Syrian war, is increasing its military presence in Libya and is likely to back Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in the tumultuous civil conflict. Haftar, a fiery commander in eastern Libya, has declared war against radical Islamists, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, but is controversial for perceived iron-fist tactics."
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Global Government
G20 leaders fail to reach agreements on free trade - UPI.com
UPI reports: "G20 financial leaders failed to reach an agreements on free trade during its annual meeting on Saturday. The meeting of 20 finance ministers from the world's largest economies ended after two days with no agreement supporting the group's decade-old tradition of promoting free trade and rejecting protectionism. [...] In their final statement the G20 leaders did agree to include pledges to fight tax avoidance, clamp down on terrorist financing and strengthen private investment in Africa."
Comment: It's worth remembering that this gathering is little more than a conference, a forum for issuing joint statements and pledges of action. It's not a governing body and announcements are not laws or treaties. It's mostly designed to forge consensus on major issues so that problems can be avoided or minimized. Those looking for global government here will no doubt be disappointed.
UPI reports: "G20 financial leaders failed to reach an agreements on free trade during its annual meeting on Saturday. The meeting of 20 finance ministers from the world's largest economies ended after two days with no agreement supporting the group's decade-old tradition of promoting free trade and rejecting protectionism. [...] In their final statement the G20 leaders did agree to include pledges to fight tax avoidance, clamp down on terrorist financing and strengthen private investment in Africa."
Comment: It's worth remembering that this gathering is little more than a conference, a forum for issuing joint statements and pledges of action. It's not a governing body and announcements are not laws or treaties. It's mostly designed to forge consensus on major issues so that problems can be avoided or minimized. Those looking for global government here will no doubt be disappointed.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Rumors of War
China: THAAD deployment violates national security - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China is remaining firmly opposed to the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea, a day after Seoul confirmed THAAD's powerful X-Band radar arrived on the peninsula. [...] China has repeatedly voiced opposition to the THAAD radar, claiming the system could monitor military movements within Chinese borders, even as the United States tried to reassure Beijing THAAD would be used to deter North Korea missiles."
Rex Tillerson: U.S. not ruling out military action on North Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday he is not ruling out military action against North Korea if a threat warrants it. Tillerson, who had described past U.S. North Korea policy as a 'failure,' told reporters in Seoul on Friday the Trump administration would not pursue President Barack Obama's principle of 'strategic patience' in the face of nuclear threats, South Korean news service Newsis reported."
Japan conducts evacuation drill for North Korea missiles - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Japan conducted an unprecedented evacuation drill to prepare for North Korea provocations. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported the drill was carried out Friday in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, and involved the mobilization of local residents to safe shelters. [...] Tokyo is seriously concerned about North Korea's provocations, which have included dozens of ballistic missile tests and two nuclear tests in 2016. Japan has not been able to intercept projectiles that have fallen in its maritime exclusive economic zone."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the U.S. diplomatic mission to Asia that could do much to secure the peace or set the region on the path toward war.
UPI reports: "China is remaining firmly opposed to the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea, a day after Seoul confirmed THAAD's powerful X-Band radar arrived on the peninsula. [...] China has repeatedly voiced opposition to the THAAD radar, claiming the system could monitor military movements within Chinese borders, even as the United States tried to reassure Beijing THAAD would be used to deter North Korea missiles."
Rex Tillerson: U.S. not ruling out military action on North Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday he is not ruling out military action against North Korea if a threat warrants it. Tillerson, who had described past U.S. North Korea policy as a 'failure,' told reporters in Seoul on Friday the Trump administration would not pursue President Barack Obama's principle of 'strategic patience' in the face of nuclear threats, South Korean news service Newsis reported."
Japan conducts evacuation drill for North Korea missiles - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Japan conducted an unprecedented evacuation drill to prepare for North Korea provocations. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported the drill was carried out Friday in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, and involved the mobilization of local residents to safe shelters. [...] Tokyo is seriously concerned about North Korea's provocations, which have included dozens of ballistic missile tests and two nuclear tests in 2016. Japan has not been able to intercept projectiles that have fallen in its maritime exclusive economic zone."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the U.S. diplomatic mission to Asia that could do much to secure the peace or set the region on the path toward war.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Kings of the East
China, Saudi Arabia stress ties, sign $65 billion in deals - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China and Saudi Arabia signed more than a dozen agreements on economic cooperation worth $65 billion, according to Beijing's foreign ministry. [...] The meeting between the king and Xi comes at a time when China has reportedly been asked to play a bigger role in the Middle East, according to the South China Morning Post. While the two sides do not necessarily agree on a strategy to resolve the Syria conflict, Chinese diplomats who spoke to the Hong Kong-based newspaper said China is growing confident about its influential role in a multipolar world. Energy cooperation, which has been the foundation of China-Saudi Arabia relations, is at the center of Saudi Arabia's concerns, according to the report. Saudi Arabia is the top exporter of crude oil while China is the world's biggest importer."
Comment: It's been a BP puzzle for generations. Why would John's Kings of the East (Rev 16:12) march into the Middle East? It's only in the modern era that the practical and material motive has been revealed and it's about energy. It's all about the oil. Now if we could only get that Silk Road development project going and upgrade those old roads!
UPI reports: "China and Saudi Arabia signed more than a dozen agreements on economic cooperation worth $65 billion, according to Beijing's foreign ministry. [...] The meeting between the king and Xi comes at a time when China has reportedly been asked to play a bigger role in the Middle East, according to the South China Morning Post. While the two sides do not necessarily agree on a strategy to resolve the Syria conflict, Chinese diplomats who spoke to the Hong Kong-based newspaper said China is growing confident about its influential role in a multipolar world. Energy cooperation, which has been the foundation of China-Saudi Arabia relations, is at the center of Saudi Arabia's concerns, according to the report. Saudi Arabia is the top exporter of crude oil while China is the world's biggest importer."
Comment: It's been a BP puzzle for generations. Why would John's Kings of the East (Rev 16:12) march into the Middle East? It's only in the modern era that the practical and material motive has been revealed and it's about energy. It's all about the oil. Now if we could only get that Silk Road development project going and upgrade those old roads!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Persecution
China arrests Christian missionaries for North Korea activities - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities have detained two South Korean Christian pastors who were assisting North Korean refugees. [...] The two pastors have been transferred to the Chinese city of Benxi in Liaoning Province, where they are to await a final decision while in custody. In February, Chinese authorities arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border."
Comment: I'm not sure we can really call this religious persecution. The pastors were not arrested for preaching, they were arrested for their involvement with North Koreans. Even so, it will bring unwanted attention to their local congregations and place many Christians in danger. Please join me in praying for the safety of the church in China.
UPI reports: "Chinese authorities have detained two South Korean Christian pastors who were assisting North Korean refugees. [...] The two pastors have been transferred to the Chinese city of Benxi in Liaoning Province, where they are to await a final decision while in custody. In February, Chinese authorities arrested four Christian missionaries near the North Korea border."
Comment: I'm not sure we can really call this religious persecution. The pastors were not arrested for preaching, they were arrested for their involvement with North Koreans. Even so, it will bring unwanted attention to their local congregations and place many Christians in danger. Please join me in praying for the safety of the church in China.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China building large port in disputed South China Sea islands - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China may be building a large port in the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. The new construction could be taking place as China continues to militarize other areas of the South China Sea, including the disputed Spratly Islands, where Beijing has built military runways and possibly missile shelters. China confirmed in 2016 it stationed troops on the Paracels, a group of islands also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam."
Comment: So, according to this report, the Paracel Islands are claimed by Taiwan? I think the writer does us a disservice by not reminding us that China considers Taiwan a province of China, so the idea that they belong to Taiwan is a bit absurd, from the Chinese perspective.
UPI reports: "China may be building a large port in the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. The new construction could be taking place as China continues to militarize other areas of the South China Sea, including the disputed Spratly Islands, where Beijing has built military runways and possibly missile shelters. China confirmed in 2016 it stationed troops on the Paracels, a group of islands also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam."
Comment: So, according to this report, the Paracel Islands are claimed by Taiwan? I think the writer does us a disservice by not reminding us that China considers Taiwan a province of China, so the idea that they belong to Taiwan is a bit absurd, from the Chinese perspective.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China warns United States after Gray Eagle drone deployment - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China issued a message of warning to the United States after the U.S. military recently deployed its new Gray Eagle attack drone in South Korea. [...] The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft system that can fly at a maximum speed of 170 mph for 30 hours without stopping. The aircraft is capable of continuous 24-hour flight and surveillance of the entire Korean peninsula."
Taiwan says Chinese military threat grows, U.S. regional strategy unclear | Reuters
Reuters reports: "China's accelerated military development and recent activity by its military aircraft and ships around Taiwan pose an increased threat to the self-ruled island, according to a Taiwanese government defense report draft reviewed by Reuters. The 2017 Quadrennial Defence Review (QDR) also highlights the uncertainty over the future strategic direction of the United States in the region, the impact of Japan flexing its military capabilities and "conflict crisis" potential in the disputed South China Sea."
Exclusive: Japan plans to send largest warship to South China Sea, sources say | Reuters Reuters reports: "Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two. China claims almost all the disputed waters and its growing military presence has fueled concern in Japan and the West, with the United States holding regular air and naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation."
Comment: The potential for armed conflict in Asia is increasing on an almost daily basis. The great danger is that these discreet problems (North Korea missile tests, China's claims to the South China Sea, Taiwan independence) could all easily merge onto one conflagration involving all the major powers in Asia.
UPI reports: "China issued a message of warning to the United States after the U.S. military recently deployed its new Gray Eagle attack drone in South Korea. [...] The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft system that can fly at a maximum speed of 170 mph for 30 hours without stopping. The aircraft is capable of continuous 24-hour flight and surveillance of the entire Korean peninsula."
Taiwan says Chinese military threat grows, U.S. regional strategy unclear | Reuters
Reuters reports: "China's accelerated military development and recent activity by its military aircraft and ships around Taiwan pose an increased threat to the self-ruled island, according to a Taiwanese government defense report draft reviewed by Reuters. The 2017 Quadrennial Defence Review (QDR) also highlights the uncertainty over the future strategic direction of the United States in the region, the impact of Japan flexing its military capabilities and "conflict crisis" potential in the disputed South China Sea."
Exclusive: Japan plans to send largest warship to South China Sea, sources say | Reuters Reuters reports: "Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two. China claims almost all the disputed waters and its growing military presence has fueled concern in Japan and the West, with the United States holding regular air and naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation."
Comment: The potential for armed conflict in Asia is increasing on an almost daily basis. The great danger is that these discreet problems (North Korea missile tests, China's claims to the South China Sea, Taiwan independence) could all easily merge onto one conflagration involving all the major powers in Asia.
Monday, March 13, 2017
War - Doomed Damascus
Turkey threatens as U.S. deploys troops in Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As the Syrian war edges toward its seventh year on Wednesday, several hundred elite U.S. Army Rangers and Marines with heavy artillery have deployed in northern Syria in a modest but significant military escalation by U.S. President Donald Trump in the campaign against the Islamic State [...] the U.S. action heightened tensions with Turkey, a NATO partner and nominal ally, and sharply exposed the increasingly complex geopolitical rivalries that have emerged in northern Syria. They come amid final preparations for the battle for Raqqa, de facto capital of the caliphate proclaimed by the Islamic State and the group's last urban stronghold in Syria."
Comment: I'm not sure what to think of this besides noting that the U.S. public has not been prepared for American casualties in Syria.
UPI reports: "As the Syrian war edges toward its seventh year on Wednesday, several hundred elite U.S. Army Rangers and Marines with heavy artillery have deployed in northern Syria in a modest but significant military escalation by U.S. President Donald Trump in the campaign against the Islamic State [...] the U.S. action heightened tensions with Turkey, a NATO partner and nominal ally, and sharply exposed the increasingly complex geopolitical rivalries that have emerged in northern Syria. They come amid final preparations for the battle for Raqqa, de facto capital of the caliphate proclaimed by the Islamic State and the group's last urban stronghold in Syria."
Comment: I'm not sure what to think of this besides noting that the U.S. public has not been prepared for American casualties in Syria.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Covenant With Many
Trump invites Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to White House - UPI.com
UPI reports: "For the first time since taking office, President Donald Trump spoke with the leader of the Palestinian Authority, inviting him to a White House meeting and reaffirming U.S. commitment to the peace process. [...] In his first meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump upended 20 years of U.S. diplomacy by saying he was willing to settle for a peace agreement that did not end in the creation of an internationally recognized Palestinian state, the so-called 'two-state solution.'"
Comment: It will be interesting to see how a self-described master deal-maker takes on the puzzle of Mideast peace. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "For the first time since taking office, President Donald Trump spoke with the leader of the Palestinian Authority, inviting him to a White House meeting and reaffirming U.S. commitment to the peace process. [...] In his first meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump upended 20 years of U.S. diplomacy by saying he was willing to settle for a peace agreement that did not end in the creation of an internationally recognized Palestinian state, the so-called 'two-state solution.'"
Comment: It will be interesting to see how a self-described master deal-maker takes on the puzzle of Mideast peace. Stay tuned.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Famine
MSN - UN says world faces largest humanitarian crisis since 1945
The AP reports: "The world faces the largest humanitarian crisis since the United Nations was founded in 1945 with more than 20 million people in four countries facing starvation and famine, the U.N. humanitarian chief said Friday. [...] U.N. and food organizations define famine as when more than 30 percent of children under age 5 suffer from acute malnutrition and mortality rates are two or more deaths per 10,000 people every day, among other criteria."
Comment: The real issue here is war, this is a man-made famine, hopefully they can find a way to address that root cause.
The AP reports: "The world faces the largest humanitarian crisis since the United Nations was founded in 1945 with more than 20 million people in four countries facing starvation and famine, the U.N. humanitarian chief said Friday. [...] U.N. and food organizations define famine as when more than 30 percent of children under age 5 suffer from acute malnutrition and mortality rates are two or more deaths per 10,000 people every day, among other criteria."
Comment: The real issue here is war, this is a man-made famine, hopefully they can find a way to address that root cause.
Thursday, March 09, 2017
Pestilence
Yellow fever outbreak in Brazil worries U.S. officials - The Washington Post
The Washington Post reports: "Top infectious disease experts are warning about a rapidly spreading outbreak of deadly yellow fever in Brazil that could hit parts of the United States. The danger would be most acute if the virus starts spreading by the same mosquito that transmits Zika. [...] It’s taking place primarily in jungle areas, where forest-dwelling mosquitoes are spreading the virus mainly to monkeys. But an increasing number of people also have been infected, making it Brazil's worst yellow fever outbreak among humans in decades. There have been at least 326 confirmed cases, including 220 deaths, with hundreds of additional cases under investigation, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)."
Comment: It's encouraging to know that the procedures and processes they put into place to help with the Zika outbreak can also be used to combat the spread of yellow fever.
The Washington Post reports: "Top infectious disease experts are warning about a rapidly spreading outbreak of deadly yellow fever in Brazil that could hit parts of the United States. The danger would be most acute if the virus starts spreading by the same mosquito that transmits Zika. [...] It’s taking place primarily in jungle areas, where forest-dwelling mosquitoes are spreading the virus mainly to monkeys. But an increasing number of people also have been infected, making it Brazil's worst yellow fever outbreak among humans in decades. There have been at least 326 confirmed cases, including 220 deaths, with hundreds of additional cases under investigation, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)."
Comment: It's encouraging to know that the procedures and processes they put into place to help with the Zika outbreak can also be used to combat the spread of yellow fever.
Wednesday, March 08, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
At least 30 die in attack on Kabul military hospital - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Gunmen dressed as doctors and a suicide bomber attacked a military hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, killing at least 30 people, military officials said. [...] Four attackers with guns and grenades entered the hospital after the explosion at the hospital gate and then opened fire on staff and patients. Troops arriving by helicopter on the hospital's roof killed the attackers after several hours of fighting [...] The Islamic State announced it was responsible for the attack and the Afghan Taliban immediately denied involvement."
Comment: A tragic reminder that much of Afghanistan is still very much a war zone.
UPI reports: "Gunmen dressed as doctors and a suicide bomber attacked a military hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday, killing at least 30 people, military officials said. [...] Four attackers with guns and grenades entered the hospital after the explosion at the hospital gate and then opened fire on staff and patients. Troops arriving by helicopter on the hospital's roof killed the attackers after several hours of fighting [...] The Islamic State announced it was responsible for the attack and the Afghan Taliban immediately denied involvement."
Comment: A tragic reminder that much of Afghanistan is still very much a war zone.
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran test-fires missiles, harasses U.S., British ships in Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy surveillance ship Invincible was harassed by Iranian naval vessels in two incidents last week in the Strait of Hormuz, U.s. officials said Monday. The incidents came as Iran test-fired ballistic missiles nearby."
UPI reports: "The U.S. Navy surveillance ship Invincible was harassed by Iranian naval vessels in two incidents last week in the Strait of Hormuz, U.s. officials said Monday. The incidents came as Iran test-fired ballistic missiles nearby."
Monday, March 06, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
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?
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?
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.
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