War

French police shoot attacker outside Notre Dame in Paris - Yahoo News
Yahoo News reports: "French police shot and injured a man who attacked an officer with a hammer outside Paris's Notre Dame cathedral Tuesday, as he shouted 'this is for Syria'. Police sources said the officer sustained minor neck injuries in the assault, which comes with France on high alert after jihadists killed seven people in London on Saturday. Documents found on the attacker identified him as a 40-year-old Algerian who was a doctoral student in information science at a university in the east of France. The suspect later claimed to be a 'soldier of the caliphate' of the Islamic State group, according to a source close to the investigation."

Comment: Another day, another attack. Apparently the Islamic State put out a call for attacks using any means at hand and in this case, that meant a hammer.  Guess we'll have to monitor hardware stores now. See something, say something. Suspicious person with a staple gun?

Rumors of War - Persia

Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar over terrorism - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, they announced Monday. [...] The decision came after Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani allegedly made pro-Iranian comments two weeks ago, calling Iran an "Islamic power" and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's policy toward Iran."

Comment: The slow moving cold-war between Saudi Arabia and Iran just picked up the pace.  How will Iran respond? Stay tuned!

Wars & Rumors of War

Van strikes pedestrians on London Bridge; police at two other locations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A vehicle struck pedestrians on London Bridge on Saturday shortly before Metropolitan Police said they received reports of stabbings at a nearby restaurant. [...] Witnesses said they saw a white van struck pedestrians on London Bridge. BBC reporter Holly Jones, who was on the bridge at the time, said she saw a man driving the van 'probably traveling about 50 miles an hour.' 'He swerved right round me and then hit about five or six people. He hit about two people in front of me and then three behind,' she said. Another witness, Mark Roberts, told CNN he saw the van hit multiple people before hitting a bus stop and stopping."

Comment: What a crazy world. How are the security services supposed to defend against deranged drivers? It should be only a matter of hours before Islamic State claims credit for the attacks. I think it's noteworthy that the battle for Raqqa, the capital of their so-called caliphate is to begin soon. I suspect there will be a relationship between increased lone-wolf ISIS inspired attacks and their shrinking control on the ground in Syria.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Putin statement on Kuril Islands, U.S. military rattles Japan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin about U.S. military buildup in the disputed Kuril Islands is raising concerns in Japan, despite plans in Tokyo to increase economic cooperation in the territories. [...] Russia and Japan never signed a peace treaty after the four islets in the Kuril archipelago fell under Soviet control at the end of World War II."

Comment: That's a clever strategy on Putin's part to engender doubt and insecurity in Japan. 

Covenant With Many

Donald Trump delays moving embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The White House on Thursday said President Donald Trump delayed moving the United States' Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump delayed the Embassy's move for at least six months by waiving the Jerusalem Embassy Act. [...] The U.S. Department of State for decades -- through Democratic and Republican administrations -- has insisted the status of Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as their rightful capital, is a matter that needs to be resolved through a peace agreement."

Comment: Well, I can say that I'm surprised but I am a bit disappointed, I thought this would be one campaign promise he would keep. I did note in the news report that he will have additional opportunities to move the embassy as the waiver has to be renewed every six months. Perhaps Trump plans to use this issue as leverage in peace negotiations?  

Roaring Waves

Donald Trump on Paris climate change pact: 'We're getting out' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Seven months after officially joining the Paris agreement, the United States will now abandon the landmark climate change initiative it helped spearhead. President Donald Trump announced his decision to leave the accord in the White House Rose Garden Thursday afternoon -- following days of speculation about whether he would actually back out of the global partnership. [...] The 195-nation pact sets out stringent standards to restrict carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that scientists say contribute to global warming."

Comment: This is a good news / bad news kind of situation. This is good news for the fulfillment of Luke 21:25 and bad news for coastal communities. 

Persecution

Philippines analyzing video of priest captured in Marawi - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Philippines military on Wednesday said it is analyzing a video purportedly showing a Roman Catholic priest captured by militants loyal to the Islamic State in Marawi City [...] he is among 200 people, including women and children, abducted by Abu Sayyaf and the Maute militant Islamist groups. The number of those captured has not yet been verified."

Rumors of War

Pentagon: U.S. successfully destroys ICBM target in defense test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military said it shot down a mock ballistic missile in the first test of its ground-based intercept system Tuesday, simulating a scenario if North Korea shoots a missile toward the United States. [...] Pyongyang has performed nine missile launch tests this year, including one Monday involving a short-range ballistic missile."

Persecution

23 killed in attack targeting Egypt's Coptic Christians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in the Minya province Friday, killing at least 23 people and injuring 25 others, an Egyptian security official said. The bus was heading toward the Monastery of St. Samuel on a road near El Edwa city in Minya, about 140 miles south of Cairo. [...] No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack but the Islamic State has previously launched attacks targeting Egypt's Coptic Christians."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt, that the Holy Spirit will comfort and encourage them.

Pestilence

Zika may cause lasting eye problems, lab study suggests - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists exploring how the Zika virus passes from pregnant monkeys to their fetuses believe the infection may be more dangerous to human pregnancies than previously believed. 'The results we're seeing in monkey pregnancies make us think that, as they grow, more human babies might develop Zika-related disease pathology than is currently appreciated,' said lead researcher Ted Golos."

Comment: I guess we will know soon enough, as mosquito season is upon us.

Persecution - Nations in Distress

Philippines terror: Americans warned after church hostage-taking, policeman beheaded | Fox News
Fox News reports: "The United States Embassy issued a warning to U.S. citizens in a southern Philippine city on Wednesday after terrorists linked to the Islamic State swept through the region, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of ISIS, officials said. The embassy suspended mission personnel travel to Mindanao as they analyzed the chaos that has left at least 21 people dead."

Comment: The anti-Christian agenda of ISIS was on full display in the Philippines today. Praying for Christians there as they face continued unrest and possibly more attacks.

War

British police: 22 dead after suicide bomber attack at Ariana Grande concert - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured 59 others Monday night at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, British police said. The bomber died in what police were treating as a terrorist incident, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of the Greater Manchester Police said in a statement. 'We believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, causing this atrocity,' he said."

Britain raises terror alert to highest level after Manchester attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The British government raised its terror threat alert to its highest level on Tuesday, following the deadly attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced the heightened alert -- from 'severe' to 'critical' -- which indicates that another terrorist attack could be imminent. [...] The elevation allows British officials to deploy armed forces to secure potential target areas and support police officers. Earlier Tuesday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing that killed 22 people and injured 59. Officials said several school-age children were among them."

Comment: What a terrible attack, 22 killed at a concert by a suicide bomber. One reporter on MSM news seemed to want to stress that despite the Islamic State taking credit for the attack, they have no direct proof. Really? Who else is deploying suicide bombers these days, Basque separatists?

Covenant With Many

Donald Trump, Mahmoud Abbas call for start to Israeli-Palestinian peace talks - UPI.com UPI reports: "President Donald Trump called for a breakthrough in Israeli-Palestinian relations after he met Tuesday in Bethlehem with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas announced he is ready to be Trump's partner in securing peace in the Middle East through establishment of a Palestinian state on land captured by Israel in 1967."

Comment:  The Palestinian con game in which the "moderate" Fatah negotiates for peace on behalf of the Palestinians while the Iran-backed militant group Hamas rules Gaza and rejects peace talks will eventually have to be shown for what it is and directly confronted. Few political leaders (like Trump today) are willing to do that and prefer to offer up the illusion that Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Fatah, speaks for all Palestinians. It's difficult to see how that situation ends in anything except another war.

Covenant With Many

Donald Trump arrives in Israel, says 'great opportunity' for Middle East peace - UPI.com UPI reports: "Speaking from Jerusalem, U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel has a 'great opportunity' for peace in the Middle East because 'people have just had enough ... of the bloodshed and the killing.' Trump on Monday arrived in Israel, where he will meet with Israeli leaders and participate in traditional ceremonies. After Air Force One landed in Tel Aviv, the Israeli capital, Trump boarded Marine One, the presidential helicopter, to travel to Jerusalem. [...] On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem and discuss Middle East peace."

Comment: I don't really see anything new here, no new proposals, no new initiatives. This appears to be simply an initial meeting to assess the situation and test their receptiveness to starting negotiations.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China calls on U.S., North Korea to end nuclear standoff - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China urged the United States and North Korea to commit to a political decision to solve the "nuclear problem." Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remark on Friday in response to a statement from U.S. State Secretary Rex Tillerson, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported. Tillerson said Washington would guarantee Pyongyang regime security if certain conditions are met, according to South Korean special envoy Hong Seok-hyun."

Comment: I have yet to see any evidence that Chinese "pressure" has prompted any change in the North's behavior. We may be days or weeks away from yet another missile test.

Famine

U.N.: 10 million North Koreans face food shortages - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Levels of hunger not found in other parts of East Asia persist in North Korea, according to a report from two United Nations agencies. The Food and Agricultural Organization and World Food Program's 2017 Global Report on Food Crisis states 17 percent of the North Korean population, or 4.4 million, are in a state of 'crisis, emergency and famine,' Voice of America reported Thursday. Nearly 1 out of 5 North Koreans face the most severe form of food insecurity, classified as "phase 3 and higher," according to the U.N. scale."

Comment: Does it count as a real famine if it's entirely caused by a despotic ruler? I suppose the people who are starving don't really care if it's a natural famine or a man-made famine, right? 

Rumors of War

Ransomware hackers say they will dump data on North Korea nukes - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of hackers claiming responsibility for the global ransomware cyberattack that began Friday said they would soon "dump" data related to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The Shadow Brokers made the statement in a blog post, while saying they would also divulge information on the weapons of Russia, China and Iran."

Comment: Cyberwarfare seems murky and convoluted and I have to admit, this is a very unexpected development.  How will North Korea, Russia, China and Iran react? Stay tuned!

Pestilence

Specific type of antibiotic resistant 'superbug' common in Houston, study says - UPI.com UPI reports: "A type of bacteria that's resistant to many widely used antibiotics is unusually common among people in Houston, new research reveals. The superbug, known as Klebsiella pneumoniae, is particularly prevalent in this city of 6 million people, according to scientists."

Comment: It's alarming when they start talking about "superbugs" becoming more common. 

Kings of the East

China's Xi Jinping pledges infrastructure spending across Asia, Europe and Africa - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Xi Jinping kicked off the inaugural Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Sunday with promises to take China to the 'center of the world stage.' The forum was an economic convention of sorts, with Xi, China's president and Communist Party leader, as the main showcase. Dozens of leaders from Russia and Asia were in attendance. The U.S. declined to send officials, and aside from an Italian delegation, Europe was absent. During opening remarks, Xi pledged $100 billion for China's development banks -- money for massive infrastructure projects in Asia, Europe and Africa. The president has dubbed the funding initiative 'One Belt, One Road.'  The idea is to facilitate a 21st century Silk Road, a system of trains, ports and bridges -- an economic conveyor belt connecting three continents."

Comment: This is a very ambitious project to restore the old Silk Road trade routes and indeed make them better than ever. As this report notes, it's about trade and development but it's also about increasing China's power and influence. This is an important development worth keeping an eye on. 

Rumors of War

North Korea holds another missile launch test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea conducted another in a string of missile tests Saturday amid heightened international tensions over its nuclear program. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported the missile was launched from the city of Kusong, north of the capital Pyongyang and traveled an estimated 435 miles (700 kilometers) before falling into the ocean."

Comment: How many is this now? The article says this was one in a "string of missile tests" so I'm not even sure the reporter knows how many there have been. What's one more? Eventually they will figure it out and perfect the process, after all, it is rocket science.

Pestilence

Ebola outbreak in remote part of DR Congo - Yahoo News
AFP reports: "The first Ebola outbreak since the crisis in West Africa that killed 11,300 people has been declared in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization said Friday, after the virus caused three deaths in the area. In a television address, Health Minister Oly Ilunga confirmed the cases while urging the population 'not to panic'. The country "has taken all necessary measures to respond quickly and efficiently to this new outbreak", he said. The DR Congo outbreak is the first there in three years. The three deaths all occurred since April 22."

Comment: I really hope the WHO has learned the lessons of the past and do a much better job with this outbreak. 

Mark of the Beast

India is building a biometric database for 1.3 billion people — and enrollment is mandatory - LA Times
The LA Times reports: "Nearly 9 out of 10 Indians have registered, each assigned a unique 12-digit number that serves as a digital identity that can be verified with the scan of a thumb or an eye. [...] Designed as a showcase of India’s technological prowess — offering identity proof to the poor and reducing waste in welfare programs — Aadhaar’s grand promises have been muddied by controversy as the government makes enrollment mandatory for a growing number of essential services. [...] Soon, as more private companies use the database, it could become difficult to open a bank account, get a new cellphone number or buy plane or train tickets without being enrolled."

Comment: This sounds like a privacy nightmare but it's certainly an interesting experiment in government mandated identity verification.  If India can make it work it will become an attractive option for many other countries.

Rumors of War

North Korea military growing more powerful, survey shows - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's military manpower has been growing but remains well below South Korea, which ranked 11th in the world, according to an annual ranking of the world's armed forces. Global Firepower released its annual ranking of the world's armed forces on Wednesday, showing Seoul's army could easily overpower North Korea's People's Army in the event of a conflict."

Comment: I think that's a bit misleading. We are not worried about North Korea because we think they could win a conventional war. We are worried about them having nuclear weapons.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China tests new missile in waters near North Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China tested a new missile in an area close to the Korean peninsula after warning South Korea against the deployment the U.S. missile defense system THAAD. [...] In its brief statement, the Chinese defense ministry stated the training was aimed at enhancing missile capability while preparing to effectively respond to 'national security threats.' Beijing is wary of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, but has also stayed strongly opposed to the deployment of THAAD in central South Korea."

Comment: It's always bluff and bluster until it's not. Let's hope China has firm command and control procedures and doesn't "accidentally" launch a missile against a THAAD site. 

Persecution

Jakarta Gov. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama found guilty in Islam blasphemy trial - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An Indonesian court found the outgoing Chinese Christian governor of Jakarta guilty of blasphemy Tuesday and sentenced him to two years in prison. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, was accused of insulting Islam by referring to a verse in the Koran during a campaign speech last year. Ahok said candidates running against him were lying when they claimed the Koran says Muslims should not vote for non-Muslims to rule them."

Comment: I have to salute the bravery of this man for daring to be a public servant and run for office as a Christian in the world's most populous Muslim country. It was a test of legal pluralism vs. cultural intolerance...guess which won. 

War

U.S. plans to directly arm Syria Kurds against Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States plans to directly arm the Syrian Kurdish military, a Trump administration policy opposed by its Turkish NATO ally, officials said Tuesday. Two officials told NBC News that President Donald Trump has signed the order for the United States to provide the Syrian Kurds with arms and equipment."

Covenant With Many

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Israel, commits to two-state solution - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visiting Israel, said a two-state solution is the only resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. 'There are no other solutions,' he said at a meeting Sunday with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. In a speech at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Steinmeier added, 'Only a two-state solution will give Israel a future as a Jewish democratic state.'"

Comment: I'm sure there must be other solutions. Have they looked?

False Christs

Some day my prince will come, say Vanuatu worshippers of mere mortal royal Philip | Reuters:
Reuters reports: "The retirement of Britain's Prince Philip from public life led world headlines on Thursday, but his most devout and remote followers have only just heard the news. A tribe in Vanuatu was shocked and dismayed to discover on Saturday that the man they pray to as the son of an ancestral local mountain god will likely never return to their Pacific Island home. The British royal, who said he would no longer take part in public engagements, alone or alongside his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, is part of the fabric of life in the village of Younanen on Tanna Island. Villagers pray to the 95-year-old prince daily, asking for his blessing on the banana and yam crops that make their primitive and extremely poor community self-sufficient."

Comment: I suppose that the multiculturalists will say that this is an expression of an indigenous culture and to be respected. I think it's just sad.  Someone needs to tell them that Prince Philip is not a god. I would lose a great deal of respect for the prince if he knew about this and did not personally correct their error.

Wars & Rumors of War

U.S. service member killed, two injured in Somalia attack - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A U.S. service member died in an attack while advising troops in Somalia, U.S. Africa Command announced Friday. Two other U.S. military members were injured in the attack, CNN reported. The U.S. troops were advising members of the Somali national army, which is combating the al-Shabab terrorist organization in Barii about 40 miles west of the capital of Mogadishu when they came under small arms fire."

Comment: Ok, I found it, thought I'd missed it. Here it is: Memo to Americans, your military is now at war with a jihadist militia operating in Somalia (a country in Africa) and East Africa (a geographic region), expect more casualties. 

War - Doomed Damascus

Negotiators to create safe zones in northern Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Diplomats from Russia, Turkey, Iran and Syria agreed Thursday to create four 'de-escalation' zones in war-torn Syria, though forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad walked out on the deal. The proposal was put forth by the Russians and agreed to by Turkish leaders who are acting as a guarantor for a coalition of forces opposed to the Assad regime. The Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, agreed to the deal Thursday, but members of the opposition delegation walked out on the talks rather than sign their agreement [...] Creating cease-fire zones that confine opposition forces to territory already under their control could give the Assad government an advantage in fighting in other parts of the country, they said."

Comment: It's a nice idea that sounds like it might allow some humanitarian assistance to get into the country, but it's the kind of thing that will easily fracture and fall apart given the number of warring factions. 

Covenant With Many

Donald Trump on Mideast peace: 'We will get this done' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "During a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump vowed to find Middle East peace -- a permanent solution that's eluded U.S. administrations for decades. Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, acknowledged the difficulties in resolving differences between the Jewish state and Muslim Palestinian authorities that date back to the mid-20th century, and which have resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. [...] Trump has said he can live with either a one- or two-state resolution."

Comment: Strange that you can almost hear him thinking to himself, "finally, something that involves real estate!" Well, good luck to him, hope he doesn't drift into the pattern of his predecessors in thinking that the only way to peace is to extract yet more concessions from Israel. Perhaps if they ask the Palestinians to stop firing missiles at Israel? That would make for a nice start to the process.

Earthquakes

Major earthquakes rock Alaska, Canada but no damage reported - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Parts of Alaska and Canada braced for more aftershocks after two major earthquakes rattled the region on Monday. The first earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck about 60 miles northwest of Haines, Alaska, and was felt across hundreds of miles of southeast Alaska and northwest Canada. [...] The second, less than two hours later, registered a magnitude of 6.3 in nearly the same location, the Alaska Earthquake Center said. No damage was reported."

Rumors or War - Kings of the East

Pakistan, India exchange gunfire in disputed Kashmir incident - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Pakistan on Monday rejected India's accusation that Pakistani troops killed two Indian security members and mutilated their bodies at the Kashmir Line of Control. The Indian army said a junior soldier and a Border Security Force officer were killed in an unprovoked shooting by Pakistan. Indian officials said the incident, in which both sides exchanged gunfire, occurred in the Poonch District between India and Pakistan. [...] India and Pakistan both contest the Kashmir Valley, which has led to two wars over control of the territory since independence from Britain in 1947."

Comment: I know we have been focused lately on North Korea, but the Kashmir border is another tripwire that could send the world spiraling into nuclear war.  It's always worth paying attention when India and Pakistan start shooting at each other.

Persecution

Pope Francis arrives in Egypt to show support for Coptic Christians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Pope Francis arrived in Egypt on Friday for a two-day trip aimed at healing a Muslim-Christian divide and showing support for Egypt's Coptic Christian minority. The visit comes three weeks after two Coptic churches were struck by bombs on Palm Sunday. At least 45 people were killed."

Comment: It's nice to see the pope shining a light on the persecution of Christians in Egypt, I hope the Coptic Christian community is strengthened and encouraged by his visit.

War

Two U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan in combat against Islamic State - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday two U.S. servicemembers were killed during combat against the Islamic State in Afghanistan's Nangahar Province. [...] The United States is part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission coalition in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces in efforts to support Afghanistan's government from threats such as the Taliban and the Islamic State."

Comment: I really don't believe in endless war. Either send enough troops to win or bring them home. 

Doomed Damascus

Syria accuses Israel of bombing military outpost near Damascus airport - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Syrian regime official said Israel targeted a military position southwest of the Damascus International Airport on Thursday, causing damage. [...] Israel said the explosion was 'consistent' with its policy to prevent Iran smuggling weapons to Hezbollah but stopped short of claiming responsibility for the bombing. Iran, Russia and Hezbollah support Assad's regime."

Persecution

The pope is coming to the Middle East. But Christians are heading for the exits - LA Times The LA Times reports: "Pope Francis arrives in Cairo on Friday — the first visit by a pontiff to the Middle East’s most populous country in 17 years — at a time when Christians across the region find themselves under threat by political repression and violent attacks. In Egypt, Coptic Christians have been chased from their homes, their churches and a monastery attacked. In Iraq, Assyrians have been displaced from villages, whole neighborhoods and business districts gutted by Islamic State. In the West Bank, Iran and Lebanon, Christians have grown accustomed to celebrating under guard."

Rumors of War

U.S. military moves THAAD system to South Korea site overnight - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military moved equipment for a missile defense system to its designated site in central South Korea, but the overnight transfer of THAAD to Seongju County was met with opposition from local residents and religious groups. [...] One THAAD unit typically includes six launchers, and the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, subordinate to the U.S. Eighth Army, would operate the system."

China demands South Korea remove THAAD defense system - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China demanded Seoul remove the U.S. missile defense system THAAD on Wednesday, after the U.S. military moved missiles and road-mobile launchers to a designated site in central South Korea overnight.

Administration talks tough on North Korea, but senators hear nothing new - UPI.com
 UPI reports: "While U.S. senators said they heard nothing new Wednesday in a 'sobering briefing' on North Korea, a senior official in President Donald Trump's administration said military preparations are underway. [...] Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said there no talk about a preemptive strike on North Korea during the hour-long update in a rare visit to the White House by the entire Senate. [...] Members of both parties said they were reassured about the administration's handling of an increasingly tense standoff with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un."

Comment: It looks like Trump is lining up support at home while providing incentive for China to support efforts to deal with the North Korean nuclear issue. I'm encouraged that Trump is keeping Congress in the loop, but I'm worried that they are not doing enough to prepare the American public for the real possibility of a renewed Korean War.

Wickedness Increases

Thai father hangs baby daughter on Facebook Live, then kills himself - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 21-year-old man from Thailand streamed a video on Facebook Live of himself hanging his 11-month-old daughter. He later killed himself, police said Tuesday. The Guardian reported two clips were accessible to users on his Facebook page for about 24 hours before being taken down Tuesday. The first video was viewed 112,000 times by midafternoon Tuesday and the second one had 258,000 views."

Comment: It's happened again. I suppose Facebook will have to come up with some kind of murder filter. What a world. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Nuclear-powered USS Michigan to arrive in South Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A nuclear-powered U.S. submarine is to arrive at the South Korean port city of Busan on Tuesday, the same day North Korea is expected to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army. The USS Michigan, the second Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine in the U.S. Navy, is to make a visit to South Korea to send a strong message of warning to Pyongyang  [..] The U.S. supercarrier Carl Vinson is also expected to arrive near the peninsula this week, a move that is being met with threats from North Korea."

MSN - Trump gets on the phone to Asia as another North Korea flash point looms
The Washington Post reports: "The White House announced Monday that it would host an unusual private briefing on North Korea for the entire Senate on Wednesday, and President Trump spoke with his counterparts in China and Japan ahead of another key anniversary and potential flash point in the North. [...] White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that all senators would be briefed on North Korea on Wednesday by several senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis."

Reuters - Trump calls for new U.N. sanctions against North Korea
Reuters reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the U.N. Security Council must be prepared to impose new sanctions on North Korea as concerns mount that it may test a sixth nuclear bomb as early as Tuesday. 'The status quo in North Korea is also unacceptable,' Trump told a meeting with the 15 U.N. Security Council ambassadors, including China and Russia, at the White House. 'The council must be prepared to impose additional and stronger sanctions on North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programs.' 'This is a real threat to the world, whether we want to talk about it or not. North Korea is a big world problem and it's a problem that we have to finally solve,' he said. 'People put blindfolds on for decades and now it's time to solve the problem.'"

Comment: I remain shocked the the U.S. mainstream news media is not paying more attention to these developments. As the U.S. continues to move military assets to support South Korea the Trump Administration has begun a very public campaign to signal resolve to the North and to would-be allies like China. Today Trump hosted representatives from the U.N. Security Council at the White House and again asserted that the time had come to deal with the North Korean nuclear crisis. On Wednesday, Trump will host the members of the U.S. Senate for a private briefing on North Korea at the White House...the entire Senate. I don't think Trump could possibly make it any clearer, he is willing to use military force against North Korea if they don't stand down their nuclear program. These are dangerous days my friends, for those of us paying attention, it's really amazing.

Kings of the East

China launches naval fleet to tour 20 nations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese navy has launched a fleet to tour more than 20 countries in the next six months, China News Service reported.[...] For the next 180 days, the group will travel to more than 20 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania. The naval ships are expected to conduct exercises that include escorting other ships, training and patrolling. [...] the deployment of the fleet is aligned with Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road' initiative: an international trade and infrastructure project that will connect China's coastal regions to Africa, Asia and the Middle East through a maritime route."

Pestilence

Ghana, Kenya, Malawi chosen to test first malaria vaccine - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization, or WHO, has chosen Ghana, Kenya and Malawi to be the first three countries to test the world's first malaria vaccine. Malaria is one of the world's most stubborn health challenges, infecting more than 200 million people every year and kills roughly half a million people, mostly in Africa."

Wars & Rumors of War

At least 140 soldiers killed in Taliban attack on Afghan army base - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least 140 soldiers were killed and about 60 more were wounded during an attack on the Afghan National Army's 209th Shaheen Corps Headquarters in Mazar-i-Sharif on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said a group of heavily armed suicide bombers opened fire on soldiers, most of whom were unarmed, as they left a mosque after Friday prayer. The attackers also infiltrated a dining hall where more soldiers were killed and wounded."

Comment: Meanwhile, Afghan war still going on, Taliban still a force to be reckoned with, not yet defeated. 

Rumors of War - King of the North

Four Russian fighter planes spotted off Alaskan coast in four days - UPI.com
UPI reports: "For the fourth time in as many days, the U.S. military said it detected Russian military planes flying off the coast of Alaska, though they remained far away from penetrating U.S. air space. The flights posed no danger to the United States, officials said, and did not prompt a U.S. military response. Earlier in the week, U.S. fighter jets were scrambled when Russian planes came 40 nautical miles from the coast of an Alaskan island."

Comment: Do you think it would cause an international incident if the U.S. Air Force just sort of, you know, shot them down? 

Wars & Rumors of War

Paris shooting kills police officer; Islamic State claims credit - UPI.com
UPI reports: "French authorities said a police officer was shot dead Thursday on one of the best-known streets in downtown Paris -- an attack that also left the gunman dead and has investigators working to determine if it was terror-related. The gunfire began Thursday night on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees and the area was evacuated, authorities said. Two other police officers were wounded in the shooting. There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties. Witnesses said the gunman used an AK-47-type rifle in the attack. [...] The Islamic State terror group claimed credit for the shooting."

Comment: Please join me in praying for France and all the security forces trying to stop Islamic State attacks. 

War & Rumors of War

Mike Pence: U.S. would defeat North Korea attacks against Japan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Vice President Mike Pence vowed to strike back in the event of a North Korea attack against Japan. Speaking on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan at the naval base in Yokosuka, Pence said Wednesday any military provocation would be met with an 'effective American response,' The Japan Times reported. 'We will defeat any attack, and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response,' Pence said. The vice president also said North Korea is the most dangerous threat in the Asia-Pacific region and that the era of strategic patience was over, Kyodo news agency reported."

Comment: I hope the bluster works, the alternative is a truly terrible conflict. 

Wars & Rumors of War

U.S. considers shooting North Korea test missiles out of the sky - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military is considering a bolder response to ballistic missile tests by North Korea's socialist government -- blasting them completely out of the sky, according to sources. [...] Experts warn that by its very nature, shooting down one of North Korea's test missiles would bring a substantial risk of escalation -- and perhaps push the scope of consequences outside the Pentagon's control and impact U.S. allies in the region, particularly Japan and South Korea."

Comment: It's a very dangerous situation. It seems that no matter what happens, we are on the path of escalation, as it's extremely unlikely that North Korea will suddenly change course. Diplomacy has been tried. Sanctions have been tried. Back-channel communications and third-party interventions have been tried. All the usual tools in the kit have been tried and found wanting, only the hammer of military force remains.

Persecution

One killed in ISIS attack near St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A policeman was killed and four others injured Tuesday when gunmen attacked security forces near St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt, the Health Ministry said. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and bombings at two Coptic Christian churches on Palm Sunday that killed 45 people. [...] Egypt's Christian minority comprises about 10% of the predominantly Muslim country of 92 million people."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt. 

Wickedness Increases - Love Grows Cold

FBI, U.S. Marshals now involved in hunt for suspect in Facebook killing - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Cleveland man accused of posting a video online that depicted him killing an elderly man on a city street over the weekend -- without any apparent reason -- is now the subject of a nationwide manhunt, authorities said Monday. Ohio police are stepping up efforts to capture the suspect, Steve W. Stephens, who they said fled the area immediately after the shooting and may have also killed others. [...] Stephens posted a video recording of the homicide to his Facebook page."

Comment: How wicked and cold-hearted would someone have to be to kill a stranger and then post a video of the act to brag about it on Facebook? This is the second such incident that I can recall in the last few months. It speaks to the rise of people without shame, without remorse, or any shred of human decency.

Mark

Japan convenience stores to cut out workers, scan entire baskets - UPI.com
UPI reports: "By 2025 the country's major retailers, including Seven-Eleven Japan and other chain operators, will allow customers to use self-checkout computer kiosks to scan an entire basket of items without requiring individual scans, The Nikkei reported Tuesday, local time. [...] Chips, or radio frequency identification tags, that can compute all items simultaneously are to be used at Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart and Ministop stores, where they will be in active use in major cities by 2018, according to the report."

Comment: I think the cost of upgrading hardware would be prohibitive in a large country like the U.S., still, it's an interesting development, it shows how advanced RFID tech has become. 

Gospel

AP PHOTOS: Christians celebrate Easter around the world
The AP reports: "Christians around the world celebrated Easter on Sunday, as Pope Francis and others expressed concern over embattled communities in the cradle of the faith following church bombings in Egypt and attacks on civilians in Syria's civil war. [...] Thousands of worshippers flocked to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected. [...] In Egypt, Coptic Christians marked a somber Easter a week after twin bombings by the Islamic State group killed dozens of worshippers at churches in two separate cities."

Comment:  Happy Resurrection Sunday! I hope you are all having a wonderful day of celebration and hopefully some quiet time to reflect on what the resurrection means in your life. The news we track here and the tides of history they reflect are but ripples from that singular moment in time when the Living God intervened in human history, took on human flesh, lived among us and then sacrificed himself to save us. The gift of God is eternal life and that life is in his son, Jesus. Receive that gift and be reborn into a larger life, a life without limits.

Wars & Rumors of War

North Korea launches failed missile test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea made a failed attempt to launch a missile Saturday, the latest in a string of provocations surrounding its nuclear weapons program. U.S. and South Korean military officials confirmed an attempted launch on the nation's eastern coast Saturday morning. The device exploded almost immediately after takeoff."

Comment: Given how things have been going, this failed test is a good outcome. It was unlikely that young Un would blink and not stage any kind of launch during the anniversary celebration, so a launch that is both failure and decidedly not an underground bomb test allows him to save face in front of his people while stopping short of a provocation that would require an immediate response from Trump.

Wars & Rumors of War

North Korea warns of ‘full scale war’ if U.S. attacks - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea will not stand by and watch the United States launch a preemptive strike, a Pyongyang foreign ministry official said Friday. [...] The South Korean government is on high alert and stated Friday North Korea could possibly test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile or conduct its sixth nuclear test [...] Analysts speculate Pyongyang could engage in a provocation soon, possibly in time for the celebration of founder Kim Il Sung's birth anniversary on Saturday. [...] NBC News reported late Thursday the United States may launch a preemptive strike against North Korea in response to a nuclear weapons test, but others are challenging the report."

Comment: This could be a very dangerous weekend, let's agree to pray for peace. 

Wars & Rumors of War

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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."

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.

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.

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?

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? 

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. 

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? 

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. 

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.

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.

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? 

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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."

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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."