Beijing: Military drills near North Korea border not targeting regime - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's defense ministry ruled out a military option in dealing with
the "North Korea problem" on Thursday, following Pyongyang's launch of
what it claimed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. [...] 'The
exercises are being conducted according to an annual plan,' Wu said.
'The exercises are not aimed at a particular country or party.' [...]
Song Tao, a recent Chinese envoy to Pyongyang, was turned down for a
meeting with leader Kim Jong Un, a North Korean move that may have not
been well received in China."
Comment: This reporter has a gift for understatement. Let's consider for a moment the new national spirit in China. After decades of patient building programs in both the military and economic spheres China is now ready to enter a self-described new era of national pride and patriotism. They have an ambitious young leader who just consolidated power at the latest party congress and he is selling a narrative of national assertiveness, prestige and great power status. The mere idea that their client state is snubbing their representative must be infuriating. I scoffed at the notion that China had an interest in resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis but now I'm no longer sure. It could well be that that fundamentals have not changed - China still sees North Korea as a strategic buffer - but the "optics" have definitely changed. China has no national interest in maintaining a client state that does not know its place. While I don't believe China will ever support Korean unification, I now see a way forward for China to act against Kim and install a more compliant puppet regime. Let's continue to watch these developments.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Covenant With Many
White House: Reports of Israel embassy move are 'premature' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The White House dismissed rumors this week that a Trump administration plan is imminent to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. [...] President Donald Trump has until this weekend to decide whether to sign a waiver suspending for six months a 1995 law that mandates moving the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. Every president, including Trump in June, has signed the waiver every six months since the law passed. [...] Jordan's King Abdullah II, who was in Washington as the reports came out, urged Trump to promote a two-state solution, warning officials that a lack of peace talks could promote extremism and terrorism in the region."
Comment: I always think it's amusing that reporters think the Palestinians have any leverage. They will walk away, really? They will start sulking and decide they don't want peace after all? Maybe if they get really angry they might start firing off rockets at Israel from Gaza. Oh wait...don't they do that already? If the Palestinians really wanted peace with Israel couldn't they just unilaterally accept any of the four or five peace deals already put before them? They could do that right? What a diplomatic coup that would be! Israel would be forced to accept a peace plan they already proposed. This could happen...but it won't. The Palestinians hold all the cards for peace. They could choose to unilaterally disarm and adopt Gandhi-inspired civil disobedience. A democratic society like Israel would be totally flummoxed by that and would no doubt cave within weeks. But again, that will never happen. Many people have started to wake up to the fact that the Palestinians don't really want peace with Israel, they want peace without Israel.
UPI reports: "The White House dismissed rumors this week that a Trump administration plan is imminent to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. [...] President Donald Trump has until this weekend to decide whether to sign a waiver suspending for six months a 1995 law that mandates moving the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. Every president, including Trump in June, has signed the waiver every six months since the law passed. [...] Jordan's King Abdullah II, who was in Washington as the reports came out, urged Trump to promote a two-state solution, warning officials that a lack of peace talks could promote extremism and terrorism in the region."
Comment: I always think it's amusing that reporters think the Palestinians have any leverage. They will walk away, really? They will start sulking and decide they don't want peace after all? Maybe if they get really angry they might start firing off rockets at Israel from Gaza. Oh wait...don't they do that already? If the Palestinians really wanted peace with Israel couldn't they just unilaterally accept any of the four or five peace deals already put before them? They could do that right? What a diplomatic coup that would be! Israel would be forced to accept a peace plan they already proposed. This could happen...but it won't. The Palestinians hold all the cards for peace. They could choose to unilaterally disarm and adopt Gandhi-inspired civil disobedience. A democratic society like Israel would be totally flummoxed by that and would no doubt cave within weeks. But again, that will never happen. Many people have started to wake up to the fact that the Palestinians don't really want peace with Israel, they want peace without Israel.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Rumors of War
Five years in North Korea's quest for nuclear missiles - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea has engaged in more missile provocations during the first months of U.S. President Donald Trump's term in office than in President Barack Obama's first four-year term. Pyongyang also conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sept. 3 in direct defiance of warnings from the United States and the international community. Recent developments indicate North Korea is uninterested in denuclearization."
UPI reports: "North Korea has engaged in more missile provocations during the first months of U.S. President Donald Trump's term in office than in President Barack Obama's first four-year term. Pyongyang also conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sept. 3 in direct defiance of warnings from the United States and the international community. Recent developments indicate North Korea is uninterested in denuclearization."
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Rumors of War
Pentagon: North Korea fires intercontinental ballistic missile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An initial assessment indicates that North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday, the Pentagon said. 'The U.S. Department of Defense detected and tracked a single North Korea missile launch today at about 1:17 p.m. EST,' Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning said in a statement. 'Initial assessment indicates that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile.' If confirmed, it would be North Korea's third ICBM launch following two in July."
Comment: It seems like the North Korean dictator is determined to provoke a reaction from President Trump. That seems like a bad idea. The chances of a miscalculation are very high.
UPI reports: "An initial assessment indicates that North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday, the Pentagon said. 'The U.S. Department of Defense detected and tracked a single North Korea missile launch today at about 1:17 p.m. EST,' Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning said in a statement. 'Initial assessment indicates that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile.' If confirmed, it would be North Korea's third ICBM launch following two in July."
Comment: It seems like the North Korean dictator is determined to provoke a reaction from President Trump. That seems like a bad idea. The chances of a miscalculation are very high.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Mark of the Beast
Bitcoin near $10K -- now seven times more valuable than gold - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The virtual currency bitcoin hit a new high of $9,700 on Monday -- making it worth seven times more than an ounce of gold. After starting the year with a value of just $1,000, the currency's value has skyrocketed 860 percent this year. Its value was listed at $8,000 just last week. The latest gains could be fueled by expectations of big investors, such as hedge funds and asset managers, pouring money into the currency."
Comment: I'm starting to follow Bitcoin news after being a bit late to the party. I looked into this a bit and it does appear that the underlying technology may be a potential platform to host a universal currency. The usual caveat applies: I'm just following trends and don't know what the MOTB will turn out to be.
UPI reports: "The virtual currency bitcoin hit a new high of $9,700 on Monday -- making it worth seven times more than an ounce of gold. After starting the year with a value of just $1,000, the currency's value has skyrocketed 860 percent this year. Its value was listed at $8,000 just last week. The latest gains could be fueled by expectations of big investors, such as hedge funds and asset managers, pouring money into the currency."
Comment: I'm starting to follow Bitcoin news after being a bit late to the party. I looked into this a bit and it does appear that the underlying technology may be a potential platform to host a universal currency. The usual caveat applies: I'm just following trends and don't know what the MOTB will turn out to be.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Doomed Damascus - Gog Alliance
Vladimir Putin welcomes surprise visit by Bashar al-Assad in prelude to peace talks - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Assad showed up for an unscheduled visit with Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi Monday, where the Kremlin leader is set to hold peace talks with Turkish President Recep Erdogan and Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday. Kremlin officials are meeting in Sochi to talk about various defense issues. Syria's civil war has raged for six years, killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 6 million civilians. Russia and Iran have sided with Assad in the conflict, which has run concurrently with efforts to defeat the Islamic State terror group in the north African nation."
Comment: Aside from the amusing insight shared by the reporter that Syria is in Africa (seriously, look at a map before you report on a country), it's noteworthy that Russia, Turkey and Iran - future members of the Gog Alliance - are meeting to decide the fate of Syria. It's kind of nice that they bothered to invite Assad.
UPI reports: "Assad showed up for an unscheduled visit with Putin in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi Monday, where the Kremlin leader is set to hold peace talks with Turkish President Recep Erdogan and Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday. Kremlin officials are meeting in Sochi to talk about various defense issues. Syria's civil war has raged for six years, killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than 6 million civilians. Russia and Iran have sided with Assad in the conflict, which has run concurrently with efforts to defeat the Islamic State terror group in the north African nation."
Comment: Aside from the amusing insight shared by the reporter that Syria is in Africa (seriously, look at a map before you report on a country), it's noteworthy that Russia, Turkey and Iran - future members of the Gog Alliance - are meeting to decide the fate of Syria. It's kind of nice that they bothered to invite Assad.
Monday, November 20, 2017
False Christs - Wickedness Increases
For many, Charles Manson cult killings ended era of love - AP
The AP reports: "In summer 1969, a scruffy ex-convict with a magnetic hold on young women sent some of his disciples into the night to carry out a series of gruesome killings in Los Angeles. In so doing, Charles Manson became the leering face of evil on front pages across America and rewrote the history of an era. [...] At a former movie ranch outside Los Angeles, he and his devotees — many of them young runaways who likened him to Jesus Christ — lived commune-style, using drugs and taking part in orgies. [...] Why he ordered the killing of strangers remained a mystery."
Comment: An example of pure evil and the seductive power of evil.
The AP reports: "In summer 1969, a scruffy ex-convict with a magnetic hold on young women sent some of his disciples into the night to carry out a series of gruesome killings in Los Angeles. In so doing, Charles Manson became the leering face of evil on front pages across America and rewrote the history of an era. [...] At a former movie ranch outside Los Angeles, he and his devotees — many of them young runaways who likened him to Jesus Christ — lived commune-style, using drugs and taking part in orgies. [...] Why he ordered the killing of strangers remained a mystery."
Comment: An example of pure evil and the seductive power of evil.
Friday, November 17, 2017
War
Iraqi army takes Islamic State's last stronghold, Rawa - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Iraqi army said Friday it's retaken the town of Rawa, the last Islamic State stronghold in the country.[...] With support from local militias and airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition, forces entered Rawa Friday to little resistance, Iraqi commanders said. Friday afternoon the Iraqi army announced it had 'liberated Rawa completely.' [...] The Islamic State, which controlled one-third of Iraqi territory three years ago, is now reduced to a small part of Syria as its primary domain. It used to have Mosul, Fallujah and Tikrit as Iraqi strongholds."
Comment: The end of the Islamic State is near. One question, when all of the fighting is over in Syria, will all the foreign fighters peacefully depart?
UPI reports: "The Iraqi army said Friday it's retaken the town of Rawa, the last Islamic State stronghold in the country.[...] With support from local militias and airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition, forces entered Rawa Friday to little resistance, Iraqi commanders said. Friday afternoon the Iraqi army announced it had 'liberated Rawa completely.' [...] The Islamic State, which controlled one-third of Iraqi territory three years ago, is now reduced to a small part of Syria as its primary domain. It used to have Mosul, Fallujah and Tikrit as Iraqi strongholds."
Comment: The end of the Islamic State is near. One question, when all of the fighting is over in Syria, will all the foreign fighters peacefully depart?
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Museum of the Bible, built by Hobby Lobby owner, opens in DC - AP
The AP reports: "The $500 million museum includes pieces from the family’s collection from the Dead Sea Scrolls, towering bronze gates inscribed with text from the Gutenberg Bible and a soundscape of the 10 plagues, enhanced by smog and a glowing red light to symbolize the Nile turned to blood. It is an ambitious attempt to appeal simultaneously to people of deep faith and no faith, and to stand out amid the impressive constellation of museums in Washington. The Bible exhibits are so extensive that administrators say it would take days to see everything."
Comment: This is an excellent article to point out to your liberal friends who scoff at the idea of media bias. Sure, we all accept there is bias in news media platforms, after all, no one watches MSNBC and expects a conservative slant or watches Fox News and expects a liberal slant or tunes in to CNN and expects to hear good things about President Trump. We have become accustomed to biased news presented on television. But bias in the legacy news media is often harder to pin down and that's especially true when it comes to what they used to call the "newswire" services, outlets like the Associated Press and Reuters news services. These kinds of services come closest to old school "just the facts" reporting. Yet, when you look closely there are examples of embedded cultural bias like the well documented bias educated Eastern liberals have towards organized religion.
Like a lawyer deposing a witness we are first given the facts of the case, a new museum has opened, but then the credibility of the witness is slowly attacked so that in the end, you start to suspect their motives. There is something fishy going on here.
So, this is where we are in America in the 21st Century. We live in a time when a wealthy celebrity (not naming names) can use his fortune to support a newfangled religion like Scientology but if a Christian entrepreneur uses his fortune to support his Christian faith it's presented as something sketchy. If you read between the lines of this article closely you see that the facts are presented clearly, that this is a privately funded museum that is going to great pains to present a book and not proselytize, that's clear, but the adept reader will note the underlying assumption that if they did attempt to do that it would somehow be bad.
Here we are in the West, what was once quaintly called Christendom, and it's as if the reporter has discovered a new religion that is being pushed on the people by an eccentric millionaire and she is doing a public service by warning us of this strange and possibly dangerous religion. Don't be hoodwinked by the snake-oil salesman, the reporter seems to caution, there is definitely some scary religious evangelism going on here. Beware!
The AP reports: "The $500 million museum includes pieces from the family’s collection from the Dead Sea Scrolls, towering bronze gates inscribed with text from the Gutenberg Bible and a soundscape of the 10 plagues, enhanced by smog and a glowing red light to symbolize the Nile turned to blood. It is an ambitious attempt to appeal simultaneously to people of deep faith and no faith, and to stand out amid the impressive constellation of museums in Washington. The Bible exhibits are so extensive that administrators say it would take days to see everything."
Comment: This is an excellent article to point out to your liberal friends who scoff at the idea of media bias. Sure, we all accept there is bias in news media platforms, after all, no one watches MSNBC and expects a conservative slant or watches Fox News and expects a liberal slant or tunes in to CNN and expects to hear good things about President Trump. We have become accustomed to biased news presented on television. But bias in the legacy news media is often harder to pin down and that's especially true when it comes to what they used to call the "newswire" services, outlets like the Associated Press and Reuters news services. These kinds of services come closest to old school "just the facts" reporting. Yet, when you look closely there are examples of embedded cultural bias like the well documented bias educated Eastern liberals have towards organized religion.
Like a lawyer deposing a witness we are first given the facts of the case, a new museum has opened, but then the credibility of the witness is slowly attacked so that in the end, you start to suspect their motives. There is something fishy going on here.
So, this is where we are in America in the 21st Century. We live in a time when a wealthy celebrity (not naming names) can use his fortune to support a newfangled religion like Scientology but if a Christian entrepreneur uses his fortune to support his Christian faith it's presented as something sketchy. If you read between the lines of this article closely you see that the facts are presented clearly, that this is a privately funded museum that is going to great pains to present a book and not proselytize, that's clear, but the adept reader will note the underlying assumption that if they did attempt to do that it would somehow be bad.
Here we are in the West, what was once quaintly called Christendom, and it's as if the reporter has discovered a new religion that is being pushed on the people by an eccentric millionaire and she is doing a public service by warning us of this strange and possibly dangerous religion. Don't be hoodwinked by the snake-oil salesman, the reporter seems to caution, there is definitely some scary religious evangelism going on here. Beware!
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia - Doomed Damascus
Israel fears Syria buffer will put Iran close to frontier - AP
The AP reports: "The official map included in a preliminary agreement that seeks to establish buffer zones in southwest Syria indicates that Iran-backed forces could deploy within several miles (kilometers) of the Israeli frontier — setting the stage for potential conflict between the bitter enemies. [...] Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned that they oppose a permanent military presence by Iran or its allies in postwar Syria. Officials have pushed for assurances from the international community that any Iranian-backed forces remain far from Israel’s border."
Comment: It's my understanding that Netanyahu went to Russia to tell Putin that a permanent Iranian presence in Syria was an Israeli red line. I think most observers understand that for Israel, a red line means action will be taken if the line is crossed. This is a situation with great prophetic importance and deserves careful attention.
The AP reports: "The official map included in a preliminary agreement that seeks to establish buffer zones in southwest Syria indicates that Iran-backed forces could deploy within several miles (kilometers) of the Israeli frontier — setting the stage for potential conflict between the bitter enemies. [...] Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned that they oppose a permanent military presence by Iran or its allies in postwar Syria. Officials have pushed for assurances from the international community that any Iranian-backed forces remain far from Israel’s border."
Comment: It's my understanding that Netanyahu went to Russia to tell Putin that a permanent Iranian presence in Syria was an Israeli red line. I think most observers understand that for Israel, a red line means action will be taken if the line is crossed. This is a situation with great prophetic importance and deserves careful attention.
Earthquakes
Quake in South Korea left 1,500 homeless, dozens injured - AP
The AP reports: "A 5.4 magnitude earthquake that was South Korea’s second-strongest in decades damaged infrastructure, injured dozens of people and left about 1,500 homeless, officials said Thursday. No deaths have been reported since the quake rattled the southeastern coastal region around the port city of Pohang on Wednesday afternoon. As of Thursday morning, 1,536 people had been forced to evacuate their homes and 57 people were injured, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said in a statement."
Comment: The ring of fire seems to be getting very active lately.
The AP reports: "A 5.4 magnitude earthquake that was South Korea’s second-strongest in decades damaged infrastructure, injured dozens of people and left about 1,500 homeless, officials said Thursday. No deaths have been reported since the quake rattled the southeastern coastal region around the port city of Pohang on Wednesday afternoon. As of Thursday morning, 1,536 people had been forced to evacuate their homes and 57 people were injured, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said in a statement."
Comment: The ring of fire seems to be getting very active lately.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Gunman targets people at random in California town, kills 4 - AP
AP reports: "A gunman driving stolen vehicles and choosing his targets at random opened fire 'without provocation' in a tiny, rural Northern California town Tuesday, killing four people and wounding at least 10 others, including a student at an elementary school, before police shot him dead, authorities said."
Comment: Now that wicked people know that they can simply take out their rage and anger upon the world with random violence, no place is safe.
AP reports: "A gunman driving stolen vehicles and choosing his targets at random opened fire 'without provocation' in a tiny, rural Northern California town Tuesday, killing four people and wounding at least 10 others, including a student at an elementary school, before police shot him dead, authorities said."
Comment: Now that wicked people know that they can simply take out their rage and anger upon the world with random violence, no place is safe.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia - Doomed Damascus
Iran building permanent military base in Syria - claim - BBC News
BBC News reports: "Iran is establishing a permanent military base inside Syria, a Western intelligence source has told the BBC. The Iranian military is said to have established a compound at a site used by the Syrian army outside El-Kiswah, 14 km (8 miles) south of Damascus. The report comes amid growing tensions over Iranian influence in Syria and across the region. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently warned that Iran wanted to establish itself militarily in Syria. 'Israel will not let that happen,' he said."
Comment: The proxy war currently ongoing between Saudi Arabia and Iran is one thing, and not to minimize it, but the prospect of getting Israel involved in fighting Iranian forces in Syria is like a prophetic tripwire. Things could happen very quickly. This is a situation that deserves careful attention.
BBC News reports: "Iran is establishing a permanent military base inside Syria, a Western intelligence source has told the BBC. The Iranian military is said to have established a compound at a site used by the Syrian army outside El-Kiswah, 14 km (8 miles) south of Damascus. The report comes amid growing tensions over Iranian influence in Syria and across the region. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently warned that Iran wanted to establish itself militarily in Syria. 'Israel will not let that happen,' he said."
Comment: The proxy war currently ongoing between Saudi Arabia and Iran is one thing, and not to minimize it, but the prospect of getting Israel involved in fighting Iranian forces in Syria is like a prophetic tripwire. Things could happen very quickly. This is a situation that deserves careful attention.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Earthquake
Powerful earthquake on Iran-Iraq border kills more than 140 - AP
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake shook the Iran-Iraq border late Sunday, killing more than 140 people and injuring 860 in the mountainous region of Iran alone, state media there said. The Baghdad government did not immediately give word on damage or casualties in that country. The 7.3-magnitude quake was centered 19 miles (31 kilometers) outside the eastern Iraqi city of Halabja, according to the most recent measurements from the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 23.2 kilometers (14.4 miles), a shallow depth that can have broader damage. Magnitude 7 earthquakes on their own are capable of widespread, heavy damage. The quake was felt as far west as the Mediterranean coast."
Comment: This is a very large earthquake, it's fortunate that it did not hit a major metropolitan area or the loss of life would have been much higher.
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake shook the Iran-Iraq border late Sunday, killing more than 140 people and injuring 860 in the mountainous region of Iran alone, state media there said. The Baghdad government did not immediately give word on damage or casualties in that country. The 7.3-magnitude quake was centered 19 miles (31 kilometers) outside the eastern Iraqi city of Halabja, according to the most recent measurements from the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 23.2 kilometers (14.4 miles), a shallow depth that can have broader damage. Magnitude 7 earthquakes on their own are capable of widespread, heavy damage. The quake was felt as far west as the Mediterranean coast."
Comment: This is a very large earthquake, it's fortunate that it did not hit a major metropolitan area or the loss of life would have been much higher.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Persecution
British Kidnapped Missionary Dies, 3 Others Released by Armed Gang in Nigeria - Christian Post
The Christian Post reports: "A British Christian missionary has reportedly died while being held captive for three weeks in Nigeria by kidnappers. Three other missionaries held hostage were allowed to go free. The Telegraph reported on Monday that David Donovan, his wife, Shirley, and Alanna Carson have been flown back home to Britain after they were released by an armed gang in Nigeria's southern Delta region where they were held. The survivors are mourning their colleague, 57-year-old Ian Squire, who died while in captivity."
Comment: This is a tragic ending to this kidnapping story we noted a few weeks ago. Please join me in praying for the family and friends of Ian Squire and giving thanks for the safe return of his three fellow missionaries.
The Christian Post reports: "A British Christian missionary has reportedly died while being held captive for three weeks in Nigeria by kidnappers. Three other missionaries held hostage were allowed to go free. The Telegraph reported on Monday that David Donovan, his wife, Shirley, and Alanna Carson have been flown back home to Britain after they were released by an armed gang in Nigeria's southern Delta region where they were held. The survivors are mourning their colleague, 57-year-old Ian Squire, who died while in captivity."
Comment: This is a tragic ending to this kidnapping story we noted a few weeks ago. Please join me in praying for the family and friends of Ian Squire and giving thanks for the safe return of his three fellow missionaries.
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel says downed Syrian spy drone over Golan Heights - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Israel shot down a Syrian spy drone over the Golan Heights on Saturday, the Israeli military said. [...] Israel fears an eventual Assad victory could leave Iran with a permanent garrison in Syria, extending a threat posed from neighboring Lebanon by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and has been lobbying Russia and the United States for reassurances that Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to deploy near its border or set up bases within Syria."
Comment: More evidence for those who fear an eventual confrontation between Israel and Russia and Iran in and around Syria.
Reuters reports: "Israel shot down a Syrian spy drone over the Golan Heights on Saturday, the Israeli military said. [...] Israel fears an eventual Assad victory could leave Iran with a permanent garrison in Syria, extending a threat posed from neighboring Lebanon by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and has been lobbying Russia and the United States for reassurances that Iranian and Hezbollah forces will not be allowed to deploy near its border or set up bases within Syria."
Comment: More evidence for those who fear an eventual confrontation between Israel and Russia and Iran in and around Syria.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Famine
Rebel-held Sanaa braces for 'famine' as blockade tightens - AFP
AFP and Yahoo News report: "Residents of Yemen's rebel-held capital said Thursday rising food and fuel prices were making life increasingly difficult because of a Saudi-led blockade that the UN warned could bring the world's worst famine in decades."
Comment: I know some will argue that this is not a true famine. This is a man-made famine caused by war. But, whether famine is caused by climate, crop failure or from war, do we really think that starving people care about the distinction? Throughout most of recorded history war, famine and pestilence have gone hand in hand.
AFP and Yahoo News report: "Residents of Yemen's rebel-held capital said Thursday rising food and fuel prices were making life increasingly difficult because of a Saudi-led blockade that the UN warned could bring the world's worst famine in decades."
Comment: I know some will argue that this is not a true famine. This is a man-made famine caused by war. But, whether famine is caused by climate, crop failure or from war, do we really think that starving people care about the distinction? Throughout most of recorded history war, famine and pestilence have gone hand in hand.
Thursday, November 09, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait warn citizens to leave Lebanon immediately - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are warning their citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible. [...] Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a similar measure later in the day. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also advised their citizens against traveling to Lebanon. Bahrain issued a similar warning on Sunday, urging its citizens to 'exercise caution' in leaving Lebanon. The warnings come amid rising tensions in the Middle East."
Comment: It does appear the the Saudi vs. Iran proxy war may become hot in Lebanon. Israel remains cautiously on the sidelines for now. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are warning their citizens in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible. [...] Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a similar measure later in the day. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also advised their citizens against traveling to Lebanon. Bahrain issued a similar warning on Sunday, urging its citizens to 'exercise caution' in leaving Lebanon. The warnings come amid rising tensions in the Middle East."
Comment: It does appear the the Saudi vs. Iran proxy war may become hot in Lebanon. Israel remains cautiously on the sidelines for now. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, November 08, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Video shows Texas church shooter methodically firing at victims - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Video of Sunday's service at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, shows the shooter methodically executing the victims, law enforcement officials said. State and federal investigators reviewed gruesome footage from the shooting which showed Devin Patrick Kelley walking through the pews as he fired at the victims for about 7 minutes, the official told ABC News. Kelley walked through every pew, crossing the main aisle several times as he quickly fired at the victims, which included small children, stopping only to reload."
Comment: This is just so evil and wicked, what more really is there to say? Praying for the victims families, their friends and the community.
UPI reports: "Video of Sunday's service at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, shows the shooter methodically executing the victims, law enforcement officials said. State and federal investigators reviewed gruesome footage from the shooting which showed Devin Patrick Kelley walking through the pews as he fired at the victims for about 7 minutes, the official told ABC News. Kelley walked through every pew, crossing the main aisle several times as he quickly fired at the victims, which included small children, stopping only to reload."
Comment: This is just so evil and wicked, what more really is there to say? Praying for the victims families, their friends and the community.
Tuesday, November 07, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Moon, Trump agree to build up deterrence, urge North Korea to give up nukes - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The presidents of South Korea and the United States agreed Tuesday to
completely remove the limit on the payload of South Korean ballistic
missiles and discuss Seoul's introduction of nuclear-powered submarines
and other advanced weapons, Seoul officials said. [...] the discussion
included Seoul's development or acquisition of nuclear-powered
submarines.
Nuclear-powered submarines are considered asymmetrical assets that can
intercept North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missiles, but are
currently prohibited under a nuclear pact between Seoul and Washington."
Comment: People like to say that China has the power to end the Korean nuclear crisis. I'm not entirely sure that's true. Young Kim has not shown the respect his father and grandfather had for China, either as a neighbor or a patron. Still, I'm sure that if there is one thing that China would seek to avoid is the continuation of a crisis that will increasingly turn South Korea into a formidable military threat. It is certainly in the interest of China to end this crisis if inaction means a nuclear-armed South Korea.
Comment: People like to say that China has the power to end the Korean nuclear crisis. I'm not entirely sure that's true. Young Kim has not shown the respect his father and grandfather had for China, either as a neighbor or a patron. Still, I'm sure that if there is one thing that China would seek to avoid is the continuation of a crisis that will increasingly turn South Korea into a formidable military threat. It is certainly in the interest of China to end this crisis if inaction means a nuclear-armed South Korea.
Monday, November 06, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Saudi Arabia: Houthi militia's attempted attack 'an act of war' by Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia is calling an intercepted missile attack aimed at Riyadh from the Houthi militia an act of aggression by Iran. The Sunni-majority country is blaming the Iranian-backed Houthi for the attack, while Iran is denying ever arming the militia group with weapons. [...] Saudi Arabia has continued to blame Iran for arming Houthi rebels with ballistic missiles, launchers, explosive-laden drones and sea mines. [...] The proxy war has gone on since 2014 when the Houthi militia took control of the capital Sanaa and began to seize more power in Yemen. Saudi Arabia launched a force against the group and essentially against Iran by forming its own massive air campaign. Mostly Saudi-led airstrikes have led to more than 10,000 dead and 40,000 wounded."
Comment: Best to let Saudi Arabia take on Iran rather than Israel or the U.S., at least at this time. Limited proxy wars can serve a useful purpose if they help refocus and dissipate tensions in a region.
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia is calling an intercepted missile attack aimed at Riyadh from the Houthi militia an act of aggression by Iran. The Sunni-majority country is blaming the Iranian-backed Houthi for the attack, while Iran is denying ever arming the militia group with weapons. [...] Saudi Arabia has continued to blame Iran for arming Houthi rebels with ballistic missiles, launchers, explosive-laden drones and sea mines. [...] The proxy war has gone on since 2014 when the Houthi militia took control of the capital Sanaa and began to seize more power in Yemen. Saudi Arabia launched a force against the group and essentially against Iran by forming its own massive air campaign. Mostly Saudi-led airstrikes have led to more than 10,000 dead and 40,000 wounded."
Comment: Best to let Saudi Arabia take on Iran rather than Israel or the U.S., at least at this time. Limited proxy wars can serve a useful purpose if they help refocus and dissipate tensions in a region.
Saturday, November 04, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran shows off missile to mark anniversary of U.S. Embassy takeover - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran marked the 38th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Saturday by displaying a missile and holding anti-U.S. demonstrations. Iran showed off its most powerful missile, the liquid-filled, surface-to-surface Qadr, which the semiofficial Fars News agency says it can travel 1,243 miles, including to Israel. Demonstrators held anti-U.S. and anti-Israel signs and chanted slogans, including 'Down With the US,' condemning Washington's policies toward Iran. They gathered at the former embassy where Iranian student revolutionaries climbed over the walls on Nov. 4, 1979, and seized 52 Americans, holding them hostage for 444 days."
Comment: It's sad to see an entire country in thrall to an imported religion that has nothing to do with their ancient Persian civilization. Perhaps they will snap out of it in time.
UPI reports: "Iran marked the 38th anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on Saturday by displaying a missile and holding anti-U.S. demonstrations. Iran showed off its most powerful missile, the liquid-filled, surface-to-surface Qadr, which the semiofficial Fars News agency says it can travel 1,243 miles, including to Israel. Demonstrators held anti-U.S. and anti-Israel signs and chanted slogans, including 'Down With the US,' condemning Washington's policies toward Iran. They gathered at the former embassy where Iranian student revolutionaries climbed over the walls on Nov. 4, 1979, and seized 52 Americans, holding them hostage for 444 days."
Comment: It's sad to see an entire country in thrall to an imported religion that has nothing to do with their ancient Persian civilization. Perhaps they will snap out of it in time.
Friday, November 03, 2017
War
Trump admin says current law permits new wars without Congress vote - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress Monday that a 2001 authorization for war against terrorist groups provides adequate permission to continue military operations in several countries around the world. Since the death of four American soldiers in Niger this month, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have begun to question the United States' longstanding foreign policy of conducting anti-terrorism military operations in foreign countries without Congressional approval. Such operations have been allowed since Congress approved the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists act on Sept. 14, 2001, just three days after the 9/11 attacks."
Comment: I was going to point out how odd it is that we have come to accept the idea that the U.S. is now engaged in a long-term war with vague parameters about who/what/when/where and everyone seems fine with that...but then another terrorist attack happened. Honestly, I don't know what to think about it anymore. I know that generations of Americans, going back to the Founders', thought about war was a specific and well-defined thing, that the country would be at war with another country until victory was achieved. That was what war meant. In that context the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war. An open-ended war against a constantly changing adversary would have been incomprehensible to them, as would the idea of Congress giving the President a blank check to wage war. Yet, here we are.
UPI reports: "Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Congress Monday that a 2001 authorization for war against terrorist groups provides adequate permission to continue military operations in several countries around the world. Since the death of four American soldiers in Niger this month, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have begun to question the United States' longstanding foreign policy of conducting anti-terrorism military operations in foreign countries without Congressional approval. Such operations have been allowed since Congress approved the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists act on Sept. 14, 2001, just three days after the 9/11 attacks."
Comment: I was going to point out how odd it is that we have come to accept the idea that the U.S. is now engaged in a long-term war with vague parameters about who/what/when/where and everyone seems fine with that...but then another terrorist attack happened. Honestly, I don't know what to think about it anymore. I know that generations of Americans, going back to the Founders', thought about war was a specific and well-defined thing, that the country would be at war with another country until victory was achieved. That was what war meant. In that context the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war. An open-ended war against a constantly changing adversary would have been incomprehensible to them, as would the idea of Congress giving the President a blank check to wage war. Yet, here we are.
Future Fear - Roaring Waves
U.S. government report blames humans for climate change - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Humans are to blame to for global warming, according to the most comprehensive climate change report yet produced by the federal government. [...] The report points to the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests as the primary causes of the nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit of warming over the last century. It also blames man-made climate change for increases in extreme weather events, including larger tropical storms, rising sea levels, coastal flooding, prolonged droughts and dangerous heatwaves."
Comment: I know I get push-back every time I post one of these, but I honestly don't find any contradiction here at all with Bible prophecy. The increase in extreme weather events, coastal flooding and rising sea levels is entirely consistent with our expectations based on specific prophetic scriptures. I think part of the problem is that a certain segment of the BP community has come to accept the notion that "global warming" is part of a liberal political agenda and therefore is always suspect. Well guess what, liberals are no longer in power and global warming is still a thing. The environment doesn't vote and knows nothing of political agendas. I think it's important to untangle this issue from rival political agendas and accept that whether or not global warming is caused by human activity or is part of the natural weather cycle, or some combination of the two, it's still happening.
UPI reports: "Humans are to blame to for global warming, according to the most comprehensive climate change report yet produced by the federal government. [...] The report points to the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests as the primary causes of the nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit of warming over the last century. It also blames man-made climate change for increases in extreme weather events, including larger tropical storms, rising sea levels, coastal flooding, prolonged droughts and dangerous heatwaves."
Comment: I know I get push-back every time I post one of these, but I honestly don't find any contradiction here at all with Bible prophecy. The increase in extreme weather events, coastal flooding and rising sea levels is entirely consistent with our expectations based on specific prophetic scriptures. I think part of the problem is that a certain segment of the BP community has come to accept the notion that "global warming" is part of a liberal political agenda and therefore is always suspect. Well guess what, liberals are no longer in power and global warming is still a thing. The environment doesn't vote and knows nothing of political agendas. I think it's important to untangle this issue from rival political agendas and accept that whether or not global warming is caused by human activity or is part of the natural weather cycle, or some combination of the two, it's still happening.
Thursday, November 02, 2017
Persecution
Vice President Pence to visit Israel and Egypt in December - AP
AP reports: "Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday that he will travel to Israel and Egypt in late December, and said the U.S. will redirect funds aimed at helping persecuted Christians and other minorities away from the United Nations. [...] Pence complained that Christians and other persecuted people in the Middle East have not been getting the relief they need, and accused the U.N. of having 'too often failed to help the most vulnerable communities, especially religious minorities.[...] From this day forward, America will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID,' said Pence. 'Our fellow Christians and all who are persecuted in the Middle East should not have to rely on multinational institutions when America can help them directly.' [...] Pence bemoaned an 'unprecedented assault' on Christianity 'in those ancient lands where it first grew,' pointing to incidents like the Palm Sunday church bombings targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt and attacks on Christian communities in Syria."
Comment: It's great to see more attention being paid to the plight of Christians in the Middle East. Pence's visit and the promise of more funding promises to raise the profile of the Christian community and help them see they are not alone.
AP reports: "Vice President Mike Pence announced Wednesday that he will travel to Israel and Egypt in late December, and said the U.S. will redirect funds aimed at helping persecuted Christians and other minorities away from the United Nations. [...] Pence complained that Christians and other persecuted people in the Middle East have not been getting the relief they need, and accused the U.N. of having 'too often failed to help the most vulnerable communities, especially religious minorities.[...] From this day forward, America will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID,' said Pence. 'Our fellow Christians and all who are persecuted in the Middle East should not have to rely on multinational institutions when America can help them directly.' [...] Pence bemoaned an 'unprecedented assault' on Christianity 'in those ancient lands where it first grew,' pointing to incidents like the Palm Sunday church bombings targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt and attacks on Christian communities in Syria."
Comment: It's great to see more attention being paid to the plight of Christians in the Middle East. Pence's visit and the promise of more funding promises to raise the profile of the Christian community and help them see they are not alone.
Nations in Distress - Roaring Waves
Scientists map coastal communities most vulnerable to natural disasters - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists have identified coastal communities where poverty, poor infrastructure and exposure to the elements combine to create a unique level of vulnerability to natural disasters. These varying levels of risk are showcased on a new map of the Caribbean and South America published this week in the journal PLOS ONE. [...] The 2017 hurricane season decimated many vulnerable communities in the Caribbean. To better protect populations from future natural disasters, policy makers must know where resources are needed most."
Comment: Coastal communities are being decimated. To my way of thinking, it doesn't really matter if it's caused by global warming or not...it's happening.
UPI reports: "Scientists have identified coastal communities where poverty, poor infrastructure and exposure to the elements combine to create a unique level of vulnerability to natural disasters. These varying levels of risk are showcased on a new map of the Caribbean and South America published this week in the journal PLOS ONE. [...] The 2017 hurricane season decimated many vulnerable communities in the Caribbean. To better protect populations from future natural disasters, policy makers must know where resources are needed most."
Comment: Coastal communities are being decimated. To my way of thinking, it doesn't really matter if it's caused by global warming or not...it's happening.
Covenant With Many
100 years: Israelis, British honor Balfour Declaration, Palestinians protest - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Thousands gathered across the Middle East on Thursday to protest the centenary of Britain's declaration of support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, some being met with military force. The so-called Balfour Declaration -- in which British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour sent a letter to Lord Rothschild in 1917 giving support for a Jewish homeland -- made way for the future establishment of Israel."
Comment: The anti-Israel bias in this report is strong. Sorry silly reporter, it's not the "so-called Balfour Declaration," that is the actual name that appears in history books. I find it uprising that editors continue to allow reporters to use "so-called" in front of what is otherwise accepted terminology to demonstrate scorn, doubt or disapproval.
UPI reports: "Thousands gathered across the Middle East on Thursday to protest the centenary of Britain's declaration of support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, some being met with military force. The so-called Balfour Declaration -- in which British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour sent a letter to Lord Rothschild in 1917 giving support for a Jewish homeland -- made way for the future establishment of Israel."
Comment: The anti-Israel bias in this report is strong. Sorry silly reporter, it's not the "so-called Balfour Declaration," that is the actual name that appears in history books. I find it uprising that editors continue to allow reporters to use "so-called" in front of what is otherwise accepted terminology to demonstrate scorn, doubt or disapproval.
Wednesday, November 01, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
Uzbek man charged in New York attack said he 'felt good' about what he did - Reuters
Reuters reports: "Tuesday’s assault was the deadliest in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001, when suicide hijackers crashed two jetliners into the World Trade Center, killing more than 2,600 people. [...] According to authorities, he then exited his vehicle shouting 'Allahu Akbar' - Arabic for 'God is greatest' - and brandishing what turned out to be a paint-ball gun and a pellet gun before a police officer shot him in the abdomen. [...] Two senior U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged authorities to treat Saipov as an enemy combatant, which would allow investigators to question him without having a lawyer present."
Comment: It's interesting to note that the mainstream news media is openly identifying the religion of the terrorist. In the not so recent past they would simply say "militant" or "fighter" or some such generic term to allow them to refuse to acknowledge the role that religion plays in providing the motivation for such violent attacks.
Reuters reports: "Tuesday’s assault was the deadliest in New York City since Sept. 11, 2001, when suicide hijackers crashed two jetliners into the World Trade Center, killing more than 2,600 people. [...] According to authorities, he then exited his vehicle shouting 'Allahu Akbar' - Arabic for 'God is greatest' - and brandishing what turned out to be a paint-ball gun and a pellet gun before a police officer shot him in the abdomen. [...] Two senior U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged authorities to treat Saipov as an enemy combatant, which would allow investigators to question him without having a lawyer present."
Comment: It's interesting to note that the mainstream news media is openly identifying the religion of the terrorist. In the not so recent past they would simply say "militant" or "fighter" or some such generic term to allow them to refuse to acknowledge the role that religion plays in providing the motivation for such violent attacks.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
'Cowardly act of terror': Truck driver kills 8 on bike path - AP
AP reports: "A man in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial on Tuesday, killing at least eight and seriously injuring 11 in what the mayor called 'a particularly cowardly act of terror.' The driver was shot in the abdomen by police after jumping out of the truck with what turned out to be a fake gun in each hand and shouting what witnesses said was 'Allahu Akbar,' Arabic for 'God is great,' authorities said. [...] New York and other cities around the globe have been on high alert against attacks by extremists in vehicles. The Islamic State group has been exhorting its followers to mow down people, and England, France and Germany have seen deadly vehicle attacks in the past year or so. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it a 'lone wolf' attack and said there was no evidence to suggest it was part of a wider plot."
Comment: Apparently in the confusion of scanning the news headlines on Tuesday night I prepared this post but saved it as a draft instead of posting it. I'm posting it now so it will go in the right space in the timeline of posts. [11/2/17]
AP reports: "A man in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial on Tuesday, killing at least eight and seriously injuring 11 in what the mayor called 'a particularly cowardly act of terror.' The driver was shot in the abdomen by police after jumping out of the truck with what turned out to be a fake gun in each hand and shouting what witnesses said was 'Allahu Akbar,' Arabic for 'God is great,' authorities said. [...] New York and other cities around the globe have been on high alert against attacks by extremists in vehicles. The Islamic State group has been exhorting its followers to mow down people, and England, France and Germany have seen deadly vehicle attacks in the past year or so. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it a 'lone wolf' attack and said there was no evidence to suggest it was part of a wider plot."
Comment: Apparently in the confusion of scanning the news headlines on Tuesday night I prepared this post but saved it as a draft instead of posting it. I'm posting it now so it will go in the right space in the timeline of posts. [11/2/17]
Monday, October 30, 2017
Persecution
Egypt diocese says 3 churches closed over attack fears - AP
AP reports: "Egyptian authorities have shuttered three Coptic Christian churches in a southern province over fears of attacks by Muslim extremists, religious officials said Monday. Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of more than 100 million, have long complained of discrimination in the Muslim-majority nation, and say authorities have often failed to protect them from sectarian attacks. The Minya Coptic Orthodox Diocese said authorities sealed off two churches in the southern province, citing harassment and attacks by extremists. A third was closed due to fear of attacks. [...]clashes broke out Friday when ultraconservative Muslims tried to attack one of the churches, adding that a Coptic woman was wounded. Later that day, the mob attacked Christian homes, the statement said."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and faithful perseverance of the persecuted church in Egypt. Do you think the Muslim people in Egypt understand that Islam is an imported religion that has nothing to do with Egypt but Jesus, the founder of the Christian religion, actually lived in Egypt when he was a child? I think this idea should be made known to the people of Egypt.
AP reports: "Egyptian authorities have shuttered three Coptic Christian churches in a southern province over fears of attacks by Muslim extremists, religious officials said Monday. Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of more than 100 million, have long complained of discrimination in the Muslim-majority nation, and say authorities have often failed to protect them from sectarian attacks. The Minya Coptic Orthodox Diocese said authorities sealed off two churches in the southern province, citing harassment and attacks by extremists. A third was closed due to fear of attacks. [...]clashes broke out Friday when ultraconservative Muslims tried to attack one of the churches, adding that a Coptic woman was wounded. Later that day, the mob attacked Christian homes, the statement said."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and faithful perseverance of the persecuted church in Egypt. Do you think the Muslim people in Egypt understand that Islam is an imported religion that has nothing to do with Egypt but Jesus, the founder of the Christian religion, actually lived in Egypt when he was a child? I think this idea should be made known to the people of Egypt.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Rumor of War - King of the North
Vladimir Putin launches 4 ballistic missiles in Russia military drill - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin himself test fired several nuclear-capable ballistic missiles during military training exercises, Moscow's government said. The training exercises by the Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces late Thursday included tests of land, air and submarine-based missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said. [...] Three missiles were fired from submarines and one was fired from a ground station at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, north of Moscow. [...] The ground-fired missile struck a practice range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia, after traveling nearly the length of the entire country."
Comment: Practice makes perfect. I wonder when it will be time to officially acknowledge that the world is once again in a nuclear arms race?
Question: I was recently told by a friend in another country that the links to UPI do not open in that country. Since UPI stands for United Press International - it has international in the name - it never occurred to me that these links were only active for U.S. users. I would like to invite comment and feedback from any site visitors outside the U.S., can you confirm that you are not able to open links to the UPI news service? Thank you.
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin himself test fired several nuclear-capable ballistic missiles during military training exercises, Moscow's government said. The training exercises by the Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces late Thursday included tests of land, air and submarine-based missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said. [...] Three missiles were fired from submarines and one was fired from a ground station at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, north of Moscow. [...] The ground-fired missile struck a practice range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in far eastern Russia, after traveling nearly the length of the entire country."
Comment: Practice makes perfect. I wonder when it will be time to officially acknowledge that the world is once again in a nuclear arms race?
Question: I was recently told by a friend in another country that the links to UPI do not open in that country. Since UPI stands for United Press International - it has international in the name - it never occurred to me that these links were only active for U.S. users. I would like to invite comment and feedback from any site visitors outside the U.S., can you confirm that you are not able to open links to the UPI news service? Thank you.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Rumors of War
Pentagon chief accuses NKorea of threatening 'catastrophe' - AP
The AP reports: "U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea on Friday of building a nuclear arsenal to “threaten others with catastrophe” and said the Trump administration remains committed to compelling the North to accept complete nuclear disarmament. Calling the North a threat to global order, Mattis stood inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas and pledged solidarity with the South. [...] Mattis is emphasizing the Trump administration’s push for a diplomatic solution to the problem. But he also has said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if the North does not halt its development of missiles that could strike the entirety of the United States, potentially with a nuclear warhead."
Comment: I can't help but wonder what further diplomatic efforts they might have in mind?
The AP reports: "U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea on Friday of building a nuclear arsenal to “threaten others with catastrophe” and said the Trump administration remains committed to compelling the North to accept complete nuclear disarmament. Calling the North a threat to global order, Mattis stood inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas and pledged solidarity with the South. [...] Mattis is emphasizing the Trump administration’s push for a diplomatic solution to the problem. But he also has said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if the North does not halt its development of missiles that could strike the entirety of the United States, potentially with a nuclear warhead."
Comment: I can't help but wonder what further diplomatic efforts they might have in mind?
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Persecution
Most of world lacks real religious freedom, UN official says
The AP reports: "Three-quarters of the world’s people live in countries that either restrict the right to religion or belief or have “a high level of social hostility involving religion or belief,” the U.N. special investigator on religious rights said Tuesday. Ahmed Shaheed told the General Assembly’s human rights committee that religious intolerance is prevalent globally — and rising around the world. He said over 70 countries currently have anti-blasphemy laws that can be used to suppress dissenting views, in violation of international human rights standards. Shaheed, a former politician and human rights expert from the Maldives, urged those countries to repeal the blasphemy laws. He also called for the repeal of all laws that undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief — or discriminate against that right."
Comment: Did you know there are no churches in Saudi Arabia? None. If you moved there and decided that you might like to have Sunday services for your particular Christian denomination at a local community center, that would be illegal. You would get into a great deal of trouble. It makes sense though, because Saudi Arabia is officially a Muslim country and was never intended to be an open and pluralist society. It says so on the brochure.
The AP reports: "Three-quarters of the world’s people live in countries that either restrict the right to religion or belief or have “a high level of social hostility involving religion or belief,” the U.N. special investigator on religious rights said Tuesday. Ahmed Shaheed told the General Assembly’s human rights committee that religious intolerance is prevalent globally — and rising around the world. He said over 70 countries currently have anti-blasphemy laws that can be used to suppress dissenting views, in violation of international human rights standards. Shaheed, a former politician and human rights expert from the Maldives, urged those countries to repeal the blasphemy laws. He also called for the repeal of all laws that undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief — or discriminate against that right."
Comment: Did you know there are no churches in Saudi Arabia? None. If you moved there and decided that you might like to have Sunday services for your particular Christian denomination at a local community center, that would be illegal. You would get into a great deal of trouble. It makes sense though, because Saudi Arabia is officially a Muslim country and was never intended to be an open and pluralist society. It says so on the brochure.
Friday, October 20, 2017
War
U.S.-backed forces celebrate liberation of Raqqa, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S.-backed coalition fighting militants in Syria formally announced Friday that the city of Raqqa - the onetime capital of the Islamic State in the country - has been entirely liberated. [...] Earlier this week the SDF declared its major military operations in Raqqa had concluded, though pockets of resistance remained in the city nearly destroyed by aerial bombardment."
Comment: This is a milestone in the war, to be sure, but is it a turning point? There is a chance that Islamic State will relocate to Yemen or any one of a number of lawless failed states in Africa and regroup. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "The U.S.-backed coalition fighting militants in Syria formally announced Friday that the city of Raqqa - the onetime capital of the Islamic State in the country - has been entirely liberated. [...] Earlier this week the SDF declared its major military operations in Raqqa had concluded, though pockets of resistance remained in the city nearly destroyed by aerial bombardment."
Comment: This is a milestone in the war, to be sure, but is it a turning point? There is a chance that Islamic State will relocate to Yemen or any one of a number of lawless failed states in Africa and regroup. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Pestilence
Is a dangerous bird flu on the horizon? - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists have found new evidence that the H7N9 bird flu, currently confined to China, has the potential for a widespread outbreak. Public health experts have long been tracking the bird flu strain, which emerged in humans in 2013. Since then, nearly 1,600 cases have been confirmed in China -- with a death rate of about 40 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [...] influenza viruses constantly mutate, and it's possible for a strain to become more virulent, more resistant to drugs or more easily transmissible."
UPI reports: "Scientists have found new evidence that the H7N9 bird flu, currently confined to China, has the potential for a widespread outbreak. Public health experts have long been tracking the bird flu strain, which emerged in humans in 2013. Since then, nearly 1,600 cases have been confirmed in China -- with a death rate of about 40 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [...] influenza viruses constantly mutate, and it's possible for a strain to become more virulent, more resistant to drugs or more easily transmissible."
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Persecution
Nigerian militants kidnap four believed to be British missionaries - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Nigerian police said suspected militants kidnapped four people believed to be British missionaries in the country's southern Delta state. Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said officials believe militant group Karowei are behind the kidnapping, which took place Friday. A local police chief told BBC News that the victims had been providing medical aid and preaching in Nigeria for up to 10 years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and quick release of these abducted missionaries.
UPI reports: "Nigerian police said suspected militants kidnapped four people believed to be British missionaries in the country's southern Delta state. Police spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said officials believe militant group Karowei are behind the kidnapping, which took place Friday. A local police chief told BBC News that the victims had been providing medical aid and preaching in Nigeria for up to 10 years."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the safety and quick release of these abducted missionaries.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
War
Islamic State defeated in Raqqa after four-month siege - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday it has cleared Raqqa, the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital, of all militant fighters -- ending a fight that began early this summer. The Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed rebel force, said the four-month fight in the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital ended Tuesday -- with about 300 remaining militant holdouts confined to a narrow section of the city. [...] The Islamic State lost Mosul, its largest city in Iraq, three months ago -- and now controls only a small strip of Syrian territory in the Euphrates Valley, south of the city of Deir Ezzor."
Experts: Islamic State 'death spiral' most dangerous part of fight for U.S. coalition - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Experts on the Middle East, terrorism and the Islamic State say that while the terrorist organization is in a "death spiral," the U.S.-led coalition battling the group is likely entering its most dangerous phase. The early signs of victory are beginning to circulate as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, drive IS out of its proclaimed capital of Raqqa, Syria. [...] The battle of Raqqa comes more than two months since the bloody, nine-month campaign to liberate Mosul, Iraq, from IS militants. [...] Several other experts told UPI they fear Yemen will be the main area of interest as IS attempts to regroup and exert influence."
Comment: This was an historic day in the fight against the Islamic State. The capital of their so-called caliphate, Raqqa, has been liberated. The war is not over, of course, and it's always possible that they could regroup, but we should take this moment to appreciate the victory and those who lost their lives making it happen.
UPI reports: "The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday it has cleared Raqqa, the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital, of all militant fighters -- ending a fight that began early this summer. The Syrian Democratic Forces, the U.S.-backed rebel force, said the four-month fight in the Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital ended Tuesday -- with about 300 remaining militant holdouts confined to a narrow section of the city. [...] The Islamic State lost Mosul, its largest city in Iraq, three months ago -- and now controls only a small strip of Syrian territory in the Euphrates Valley, south of the city of Deir Ezzor."
Experts: Islamic State 'death spiral' most dangerous part of fight for U.S. coalition - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Experts on the Middle East, terrorism and the Islamic State say that while the terrorist organization is in a "death spiral," the U.S.-led coalition battling the group is likely entering its most dangerous phase. The early signs of victory are beginning to circulate as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, drive IS out of its proclaimed capital of Raqqa, Syria. [...] The battle of Raqqa comes more than two months since the bloody, nine-month campaign to liberate Mosul, Iraq, from IS militants. [...] Several other experts told UPI they fear Yemen will be the main area of interest as IS attempts to regroup and exert influence."
Comment: This was an historic day in the fight against the Islamic State. The capital of their so-called caliphate, Raqqa, has been liberated. The war is not over, of course, and it's always possible that they could regroup, but we should take this moment to appreciate the victory and those who lost their lives making it happen.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
NATO conducts annual nuclear defense drill in Western Europe - UPI.com
UPI reports: "NATO countries on Monday kicked off its annual nuclear drill at two bases in Western Europe -- part of a three-week event to test defenses. Military leaders conducted the nuclear defense drill, called 'Steadfast Noon,' at Kleine Brogel in Belgium and Buchel in Germany -- two bases where the U.S. military stores nuclear weapons. Details of the exercise were not made public but NATO officials privately said it was the military alliance's primary nuclear deterrent drill. [...] Russia conducted similar military exercises last month on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, which included a nuclear deterrent drill and the firing of a ballistic missile."
Comment: It never hurts to be prepared for the worst.
UPI reports: "NATO countries on Monday kicked off its annual nuclear drill at two bases in Western Europe -- part of a three-week event to test defenses. Military leaders conducted the nuclear defense drill, called 'Steadfast Noon,' at Kleine Brogel in Belgium and Buchel in Germany -- two bases where the U.S. military stores nuclear weapons. Details of the exercise were not made public but NATO officials privately said it was the military alliance's primary nuclear deterrent drill. [...] Russia conducted similar military exercises last month on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, which included a nuclear deterrent drill and the firing of a ballistic missile."
Comment: It never hurts to be prepared for the worst.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
War - Gog Alliance
Turkish troops set up observation posts in Syria's Idlib province - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkish forces on Friday began crossing into Syria's Idlib province in order to monitor de-escalation zones, the Turkish military said. The troop movement is part of a joint mission between Turkey, Russia and Iran to observe de-escalation zones and remove a stronghold of former al-Qaida militants from the area. The three countries agreed in May to be guarantors of a cease-fire to help end the six-year civil war in Syria. Turkey backs groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia and Iran support the leader."
Comment: We can't overestimate the bonds that are formed at all levels when countries wage war together. Turkey, Russia and Iran are working together in Syria and this means that links are being forged at the top level of head of state all the way down to the infantry. I have no doubt that the foundations of the Gog alliance are being formed now and will only strengthen with time.
UPI reports: "Turkish forces on Friday began crossing into Syria's Idlib province in order to monitor de-escalation zones, the Turkish military said. The troop movement is part of a joint mission between Turkey, Russia and Iran to observe de-escalation zones and remove a stronghold of former al-Qaida militants from the area. The three countries agreed in May to be guarantors of a cease-fire to help end the six-year civil war in Syria. Turkey backs groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia and Iran support the leader."
Comment: We can't overestimate the bonds that are formed at all levels when countries wage war together. Turkey, Russia and Iran are working together in Syria and this means that links are being forged at the top level of head of state all the way down to the infantry. I have no doubt that the foundations of the Gog alliance are being formed now and will only strengthen with time.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Donald Trump imposing new sanctions on Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Friday he won't certify that Iran is complying with the terms of a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, and instead announced new sanctions against the regime in Tehran. [...] Though he said the United States is not unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump emphasized concern about Iran's ability to "sprint" toward nuclear proliferation when certain aspects of the deal "sunset," or expire. He also cited western powers' inability to quickly inspect sites in Iran."
Comment: Ok, so now the ball is in Iran's court, how will they react? They could interpret this action as merely bluster from Trump and understand that it really changes nothing. The U.S. has not withdrawn from the nuclear deal.
On the other hand, hard-line forces within the Iranian government and military may have just found the reason they needed to withdraw from the deal, blame Trump, and go nuclear as quickly as they can. After all, Trump did just impose new sanctions, a move not likely to be interpreted as business as usual in the context of the deal.
The stakes are very high now, let's watch carefully to see if this moves the Mideast closer or further away from a regional war.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Friday he won't certify that Iran is complying with the terms of a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, and instead announced new sanctions against the regime in Tehran. [...] Though he said the United States is not unilaterally withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump emphasized concern about Iran's ability to "sprint" toward nuclear proliferation when certain aspects of the deal "sunset," or expire. He also cited western powers' inability to quickly inspect sites in Iran."
Comment: Ok, so now the ball is in Iran's court, how will they react? They could interpret this action as merely bluster from Trump and understand that it really changes nothing. The U.S. has not withdrawn from the nuclear deal.
On the other hand, hard-line forces within the Iranian government and military may have just found the reason they needed to withdraw from the deal, blame Trump, and go nuclear as quickly as they can. After all, Trump did just impose new sanctions, a move not likely to be interpreted as business as usual in the context of the deal.
The stakes are very high now, let's watch carefully to see if this moves the Mideast closer or further away from a regional war.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Covenant With Many - Peace of Jerusalem
Hamas, Fatah reach deal on Palestinian reconciliation - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Rival Islamic factions Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the West Bank's Fatah agreed Thursday to a reconciliation deal allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume control of both areas. Palestinians in each area have been ruled separately since 2007, when a split developed between the two Islamic groups. [...] The presence of the Palestinian Authority is a key element in convincing Egypt and Israel to lift economic blockades of Gaza, Haaretz reported."
Comment: After all the celebrating is over I'm wondering if Hamas will radicalize Fatah or if Fatah will moderate Hamas? There is also the possibility that both will retain their distinct identities (and sponsors) and that this is all for show so they can get Egypt and Israel to lift the blockade. Time will tell. One thing is certain, a united front by the Palestinians puts increased pressure on Israel to return to negotiations and as we know, for most of the world, "negotiations" means what more Israel can give.
UPI reports: "Rival Islamic factions Hamas, which controls Gaza, and the West Bank's Fatah agreed Thursday to a reconciliation deal allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume control of both areas. Palestinians in each area have been ruled separately since 2007, when a split developed between the two Islamic groups. [...] The presence of the Palestinian Authority is a key element in convincing Egypt and Israel to lift economic blockades of Gaza, Haaretz reported."
Comment: After all the celebrating is over I'm wondering if Hamas will radicalize Fatah or if Fatah will moderate Hamas? There is also the possibility that both will retain their distinct identities (and sponsors) and that this is all for show so they can get Egypt and Israel to lift the blockade. Time will tell. One thing is certain, a united front by the Palestinians puts increased pressure on Israel to return to negotiations and as we know, for most of the world, "negotiations" means what more Israel can give.
Persecution
Egyptian Coptic priest killed in Cairo attack - AP
AP reports: "Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church says a priest has been killed in a knife attack in a poor Cairo district, the latest deadly assault on members of the country’s Christian minority. [...] Attacks on Egypt’s Christians, who account for about 10 percent of the country’s 94 million people, have surged in recent months, with a series of suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group killing more than 100 since December."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
AP reports: "Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church says a priest has been killed in a knife attack in a poor Cairo district, the latest deadly assault on members of the country’s Christian minority. [...] Attacks on Egypt’s Christians, who account for about 10 percent of the country’s 94 million people, have surged in recent months, with a series of suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group killing more than 100 since December."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Egypt.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Rumors of War
USS Tucson, supersonic bomber deployed to South Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Los Angeles-class attack submarine made a stop in the South Korean port of Jinhae, the U.S. Navy and South Korean officials confirmed Wednesday. The USS Tucson, based in Hawaii, is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, Stars and Stripes reported. [...] The submarine deployment to Korea occurred around the same time the United States deployed a B-1B bomber, with two F-15K fighter jets, to the peninsula for joint drills, South Korean news service Money Today reported Wednesday."
Trump Wanted Tenfold Increase in Nuclear Arsenal, Surprising Military - NBC News
NBC News reports: "President Donald Trump said he wanted what amounted to a nearly tenfold increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal during a gathering this past summer of the nation’s highest-ranking national security leaders, according to three officials who were in the room. [...] Revelations of Trump’s comments that day come as the U.S. is locked in a high-stakes standoff with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and is poised to set off a fresh confrontation with Iran by not certifying to Congress that Tehran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal."
Trump expected to decertify Iran nuclear deal Friday- CNBC
CNBC reports: "President Donald Trump's decision on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal could come on Friday, and experts say the "writing is on the wall" that the administration won't recertify the landmark agreement and he likely will turn his attention to getting European support on fixing it. [...] some experts told CNBC that decertification will undermine the international deal and encourage hardliners in Tehran to push for nuclear weapons. Also, they said nixing certification of the Iran deal and trying to renegotiate it will discourage North Korea from ever considering a denuclearization accord."
U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan in September - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan during the month of September, the highest number in five years, according to data recently released by U.S. Air Forces Central Command. [...] So far this year, the U.S. has deployed 3,238 bombs in Afghanistan."
Comment: The American military buildup continues are Trump seeks to confront North Korea and Iran....at the same time? It seems to me that a wise leader would pick his battles. If Iran is at all limited by the nuclear arms deal (and it is) then it would be best to accept that as the status quo while attention is focused on North Korea. I don't know of any military leader who would recommend military engagement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and North Korea all at the same time. These are dangerous times my friends.
UPI reports: "A Los Angeles-class attack submarine made a stop in the South Korean port of Jinhae, the U.S. Navy and South Korean officials confirmed Wednesday. The USS Tucson, based in Hawaii, is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, Stars and Stripes reported. [...] The submarine deployment to Korea occurred around the same time the United States deployed a B-1B bomber, with two F-15K fighter jets, to the peninsula for joint drills, South Korean news service Money Today reported Wednesday."
Trump Wanted Tenfold Increase in Nuclear Arsenal, Surprising Military - NBC News
NBC News reports: "President Donald Trump said he wanted what amounted to a nearly tenfold increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal during a gathering this past summer of the nation’s highest-ranking national security leaders, according to three officials who were in the room. [...] Revelations of Trump’s comments that day come as the U.S. is locked in a high-stakes standoff with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and is poised to set off a fresh confrontation with Iran by not certifying to Congress that Tehran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal."
Trump expected to decertify Iran nuclear deal Friday- CNBC
CNBC reports: "President Donald Trump's decision on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal could come on Friday, and experts say the "writing is on the wall" that the administration won't recertify the landmark agreement and he likely will turn his attention to getting European support on fixing it. [...] some experts told CNBC that decertification will undermine the international deal and encourage hardliners in Tehran to push for nuclear weapons. Also, they said nixing certification of the Iran deal and trying to renegotiate it will discourage North Korea from ever considering a denuclearization accord."
U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan in September - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. military dropped 751 bombs on Afghanistan during the month of September, the highest number in five years, according to data recently released by U.S. Air Forces Central Command. [...] So far this year, the U.S. has deployed 3,238 bombs in Afghanistan."
Comment: The American military buildup continues are Trump seeks to confront North Korea and Iran....at the same time? It seems to me that a wise leader would pick his battles. If Iran is at all limited by the nuclear arms deal (and it is) then it would be best to accept that as the status quo while attention is focused on North Korea. I don't know of any military leader who would recommend military engagement in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and North Korea all at the same time. These are dangerous times my friends.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Earthquakes
6.3 magnitude earthquake hits northern Chile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Chile early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The quake had a depth of 51 miles and its epicenter in Tarapaca was 45 miles east of the port city of Arica, and 54 miles southeast of the Peruvian city of Tacna, the USGS said. Analysts said preliminary data indicates the quake to be a typical subduction earthquake, meaning the seismic event was probably triggered by a portion of the Pacific plate sliding under the South American plate."
Comment: This seems to be pretty average for a strong quake, just the Ring of Fire being the Ring of Fire.
UPI reports: "A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Chile early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The quake had a depth of 51 miles and its epicenter in Tarapaca was 45 miles east of the port city of Arica, and 54 miles southeast of the Peruvian city of Tacna, the USGS said. Analysts said preliminary data indicates the quake to be a typical subduction earthquake, meaning the seismic event was probably triggered by a portion of the Pacific plate sliding under the South American plate."
Comment: This seems to be pretty average for a strong quake, just the Ring of Fire being the Ring of Fire.
Monday, October 09, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran official: New U.S. sanctions would bring 'harsh' response - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An Iran foreign ministry official said Monday Tehran would respond in a "harsh" and "decisive" manner to any new sanctions from the United States -- or if Washington designates Iran's security force as a terrorist organization. The Trump administration is reportedly considering decertifying Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact next week, at which time Congress could impose sanctions."
Comment: If we accept that Iran is waging a proxy war with Saudi Arabia for control of the Arab and Muslim world we might be able to come up with some kind of regional strategy with like-minded allies (including Israel). A cooperative effort that goes beyond merely calling the Obama-era nuclear pact a "bad deal" might be a more productive strategy.
UPI reports: "An Iran foreign ministry official said Monday Tehran would respond in a "harsh" and "decisive" manner to any new sanctions from the United States -- or if Washington designates Iran's security force as a terrorist organization. The Trump administration is reportedly considering decertifying Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact next week, at which time Congress could impose sanctions."
Comment: If we accept that Iran is waging a proxy war with Saudi Arabia for control of the Arab and Muslim world we might be able to come up with some kind of regional strategy with like-minded allies (including Israel). A cooperative effort that goes beyond merely calling the Obama-era nuclear pact a "bad deal" might be a more productive strategy.
Saturday, October 07, 2017
Pestilence
WHO acting to contain Madagascar plague outbreak - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization issued a warning about a worrisome outbreak of plague on the African island of Madagascar that has caused 200 infections and 33 deaths since September. [...] The outbreak is similar in some respects to the deadly Ebola outbreak that ravaged parts of west Africa in 2014. Similar to Madagascar's outbreak, a single individual infected in an isolated area traveled to a population center, sparking a deadly outbreak."
UPI reports: "The World Health Organization issued a warning about a worrisome outbreak of plague on the African island of Madagascar that has caused 200 infections and 33 deaths since September. [...] The outbreak is similar in some respects to the deadly Ebola outbreak that ravaged parts of west Africa in 2014. Similar to Madagascar's outbreak, a single individual infected in an isolated area traveled to a population center, sparking a deadly outbreak."
Friday, October 06, 2017
Signs in the Sun
Scientists propose space shield to protect Earth from solar storms - UPI.com
UPI reports: "If governments and their space agencies are serious about protecting Earth from solar storms, one team of researchers argues a giant space shield is the most logical solution.[....] Solar storms -- intense waves of high energy particles flung into space during coronal mass ejection -- aren't so much a threat to life. But they could seriously damage satellites, electric grids, communications systems and a variety of modern technologies."
Comment: They say it's only a matter of time before a 1859-like solar storm happens.
UPI reports: "If governments and their space agencies are serious about protecting Earth from solar storms, one team of researchers argues a giant space shield is the most logical solution.[....] Solar storms -- intense waves of high energy particles flung into space during coronal mass ejection -- aren't so much a threat to life. But they could seriously damage satellites, electric grids, communications systems and a variety of modern technologies."
Comment: They say it's only a matter of time before a 1859-like solar storm happens.
Thursday, October 05, 2017
Rumors of War
Analyst: North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul, Tokyo could kill 2M - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul and Tokyo could claim more than 2 million lives, a U.S. website monitoring Pyongyang said Thursday. The website, 38 North, released the report at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and the U.S. threat of using its military force. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have also traded bellicose rhetoric, stoking fears of an armed clash on the divided peninsula."
Comment: Longtime observers of international affairs are aware that war games and military estimates going back decades have calculated the loss of life in the millions but it's good that this is starting to become widely known. One of the reasons the "military option" has not been seriously considered by previous administrations is that it is almost unthinkable. It would be tantamount to initiating a third world war on purpose, all to depose a tinpot dictator. There are better options. I hope and pray those options are receiving proper consideration.
UPI reports: "A North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul and Tokyo could claim more than 2 million lives, a U.S. website monitoring Pyongyang said Thursday. The website, 38 North, released the report at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and the U.S. threat of using its military force. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have also traded bellicose rhetoric, stoking fears of an armed clash on the divided peninsula."
Comment: Longtime observers of international affairs are aware that war games and military estimates going back decades have calculated the loss of life in the millions but it's good that this is starting to become widely known. One of the reasons the "military option" has not been seriously considered by previous administrations is that it is almost unthinkable. It would be tantamount to initiating a third world war on purpose, all to depose a tinpot dictator. There are better options. I hope and pray those options are receiving proper consideration.
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Pestilence
'Moderate risk' of Madagascar plague outbreak spreading in region: WHO
AFP reports: "The World Health Organization said Tuesday there was a 'moderate risk' that a plague outbreak in Madagascar would spread to other countries in the region, but advised against travel restrictions. The outbreak of both bubonic plague, which is spread by infected rats via flea bites, and pneumonic plague, spread person to person, has infected 133 people, killing 24 of them, since August 1, according to WHO numbers."
Comment: Well, ok then, as long as it's only a moderate risk I won't worry about that. I suppose if we have to have deadly outbreaks it should be confined to islands way off the beaten path far from major ports and tourist destinations.
AFP reports: "The World Health Organization said Tuesday there was a 'moderate risk' that a plague outbreak in Madagascar would spread to other countries in the region, but advised against travel restrictions. The outbreak of both bubonic plague, which is spread by infected rats via flea bites, and pneumonic plague, spread person to person, has infected 133 people, killing 24 of them, since August 1, according to WHO numbers."
Comment: Well, ok then, as long as it's only a moderate risk I won't worry about that. I suppose if we have to have deadly outbreaks it should be confined to islands way off the beaten path far from major ports and tourist destinations.
Monday, October 02, 2017
Covenant With Many - Peace of Jerusalem
Rami Hamdallah visits Gaza to begin reunification with Ramallah - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday visited Gaza for the first time in two years to begin the process of reunifying Hamas-controlled Gaza with leadership in Ramallah. Hamas, a fundamentalist governing body, took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, but last month dissolved and invited the PA to take control."
Comment: So the Palestinian civil war is coming to an end. On the surface it appears that the "political wing" won and the "militant wing" lost. But why would Hamas cave when their Iranian sponsors now have troops just one border away in Syria ready to lend them a hand? I know the Egyptian and Israeli blockade of Gaza was a factor, but they've been dealing with that for years. What I fear is that the political leadership of Fatah is weak (and let's not forget the generational factor, they are the old guard) and out of touch and may find themselves suddenly on that outs. We may find that in a few short weeks Hamas is fully in control of the PA and eager to dictate terms to Israel.
UPI reports: "Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday visited Gaza for the first time in two years to begin the process of reunifying Hamas-controlled Gaza with leadership in Ramallah. Hamas, a fundamentalist governing body, took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, but last month dissolved and invited the PA to take control."
Comment: So the Palestinian civil war is coming to an end. On the surface it appears that the "political wing" won and the "militant wing" lost. But why would Hamas cave when their Iranian sponsors now have troops just one border away in Syria ready to lend them a hand? I know the Egyptian and Israeli blockade of Gaza was a factor, but they've been dealing with that for years. What I fear is that the political leadership of Fatah is weak (and let's not forget the generational factor, they are the old guard) and out of touch and may find themselves suddenly on that outs. We may find that in a few short weeks Hamas is fully in control of the PA and eager to dictate terms to Israel.
Wickedness Increases
58 dead, hundreds hurt at Vegas concert in deadliest mass shooting in U.S. - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than 58 people were killed and hundreds were injured late Sunday at an outdoors country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip -- in what is now the deadliest shooting attack in modern U.S. history. The gunfire began around 10 p.m. on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard during the Route 91 country music festival. Authorities said the shooter fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. [...] The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history, surpassing the 49 killed by a gunman last year at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. [...] A U.S. official told CBS News there were no early signs of any ties to radical Islamic groups or signs of radicalization."
Comment: Such a tragedy. How can we even begin to get a handle on these kinds of things without acknowledging the wickedness in the human heart. It's not guns that did this, not the fault of society or the environment, but one very wicked and depraved heart.
UPI reports: "More than 58 people were killed and hundreds were injured late Sunday at an outdoors country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip -- in what is now the deadliest shooting attack in modern U.S. history. The gunfire began around 10 p.m. on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard during the Route 91 country music festival. Authorities said the shooter fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. [...] The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history, surpassing the 49 killed by a gunman last year at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. [...] A U.S. official told CBS News there were no early signs of any ties to radical Islamic groups or signs of radicalization."
Comment: Such a tragedy. How can we even begin to get a handle on these kinds of things without acknowledging the wickedness in the human heart. It's not guns that did this, not the fault of society or the environment, but one very wicked and depraved heart.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Pestilence
Oxfam: Yemen cholera outbreak nearing largest in recorded history - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Yemen's massive cholera outbreak could infect more than one million people by the end of the year, experts believe. The World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean reported 745,205 suspected cholera cases and 2,119 associated deaths in the country as of Wednesday."
UPI reports: "Yemen's massive cholera outbreak could infect more than one million people by the end of the year, experts believe. The World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean reported 745,205 suspected cholera cases and 2,119 associated deaths in the country as of Wednesday."
Friday, September 29, 2017
Rumors of War
Rex Tillerson visits China as North Koreans ‘tire’ of anti-U.S. rallies - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is to meet with Chinese officials on Saturday in a trip that could be an opportunity to provide Beijing with clarification, regarding recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump on North Korea. The visit comes at a time when North Koreans say ordinary people are weary of anti-American propaganda."
Comment: I have to wonder how the intrepid reporter learned that ordinary North Koreans are weary of anti-American propaganda? Is she looking at public opinion expressed on Twitter? Perhaps a public opinion poll? Or, is it possible that one source is responsible for the sweeping assertion that ordinary people weary of the propaganda?
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is to meet with Chinese officials on Saturday in a trip that could be an opportunity to provide Beijing with clarification, regarding recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump on North Korea. The visit comes at a time when North Koreans say ordinary people are weary of anti-American propaganda."
Comment: I have to wonder how the intrepid reporter learned that ordinary North Koreans are weary of anti-American propaganda? Is she looking at public opinion expressed on Twitter? Perhaps a public opinion poll? Or, is it possible that one source is responsible for the sweeping assertion that ordinary people weary of the propaganda?
Thursday, September 28, 2017
War
Islamic State releases message said to be from leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Islamic State on Thursday released a tape purportedly of leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- the first such transmission since Russia claimed an airstrike may have killed the 46-year-old this spring. The 46-minute audio message sent to supporters on a chat application appears to have been recorded somewhat recently, as Baghdadi mentioned the Islamic State's losses in Mosul and Raqqa, and indirectly referred to this summer's terrorist attacks on a London train and in Barcelona."
Comment: Well, that's unfortunate, but it only means that new efforts and resources will be directed to returning him to a deceased status.
UPI reports: "The Islamic State on Thursday released a tape purportedly of leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- the first such transmission since Russia claimed an airstrike may have killed the 46-year-old this spring. The 46-minute audio message sent to supporters on a chat application appears to have been recorded somewhat recently, as Baghdadi mentioned the Islamic State's losses in Mosul and Raqqa, and indirectly referred to this summer's terrorist attacks on a London train and in Barcelona."
Comment: Well, that's unfortunate, but it only means that new efforts and resources will be directed to returning him to a deceased status.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Senator says Russian internet trolls stoked NFL debate - Reuters
Reuters reports: "A U.S. senator on Wednesday said Russian internet trolls, seeking to polarize Americans, helped fuel a debate ignited by President Donald Trump over whether NFL players should have the right to kneel during the national anthem. The assertion, made by Republican James Lankford, comes as congressional investigators probing Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election are focusing on how Russian agents used social media to spread divisive political content."
Russian-linked Twitter accounts stoked NFL anthem debate - CNET
CNET reports: "Attempts by Russia-linked social media accounts to influence events in the US apparently weren't limited to last year's US election. A network of Twitter accounts suspected of links to Russia were used this weekend to stoke the controversy over whether NFL players should stand for pregame performances of the national anthem, The New York Times reported late Wednesday. The accounts pushed both sides of the debate, using hashtags such as #boycottnfl, #standforouranthem and #takeaknee, the newspaper reported."
Black Lives Matter ad on Facebook targeted Baltimore and Ferguson - CNN
CNN reports: "At least one of the Facebook ads bought by Russians during the 2016 presidential campaign referenced Black Lives Matter and was specifically targeted to reach audiences in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, sources with knowledge of the ads told CNN."
Comment: During the Cold War both superpowers used pretty much the same playbook to destabilize areas of the world under their rivals control. Low-level proxy wars involved covert agitation and propaganda campaigns as well as psychological warfare operations. The strategy called for attempts to destabilize populations, stoke civil unrest and promote distrust of social and political institutions. It appears to this observer that credible evidence exists that Russia has directed such efforts towards Europe over the past decade and has recently started such covert operations here in the United States. The people of the U.S. and their elected representatives need to untangle this issue from partisan spin and recognize the real and present threat posed by foreign interference. Russia's actions stop short of being an act of war, but they are most definitely hostile and should not be dismissed as fake news.
Reuters reports: "A U.S. senator on Wednesday said Russian internet trolls, seeking to polarize Americans, helped fuel a debate ignited by President Donald Trump over whether NFL players should have the right to kneel during the national anthem. The assertion, made by Republican James Lankford, comes as congressional investigators probing Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election are focusing on how Russian agents used social media to spread divisive political content."
Russian-linked Twitter accounts stoked NFL anthem debate - CNET
CNET reports: "Attempts by Russia-linked social media accounts to influence events in the US apparently weren't limited to last year's US election. A network of Twitter accounts suspected of links to Russia were used this weekend to stoke the controversy over whether NFL players should stand for pregame performances of the national anthem, The New York Times reported late Wednesday. The accounts pushed both sides of the debate, using hashtags such as #boycottnfl, #standforouranthem and #takeaknee, the newspaper reported."
Black Lives Matter ad on Facebook targeted Baltimore and Ferguson - CNN
CNN reports: "At least one of the Facebook ads bought by Russians during the 2016 presidential campaign referenced Black Lives Matter and was specifically targeted to reach audiences in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, sources with knowledge of the ads told CNN."
Comment: During the Cold War both superpowers used pretty much the same playbook to destabilize areas of the world under their rivals control. Low-level proxy wars involved covert agitation and propaganda campaigns as well as psychological warfare operations. The strategy called for attempts to destabilize populations, stoke civil unrest and promote distrust of social and political institutions. It appears to this observer that credible evidence exists that Russia has directed such efforts towards Europe over the past decade and has recently started such covert operations here in the United States. The people of the U.S. and their elected representatives need to untangle this issue from partisan spin and recognize the real and present threat posed by foreign interference. Russia's actions stop short of being an act of war, but they are most definitely hostile and should not be dismissed as fake news.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Rumors of War
North Korea calls Trump's words a declaration of war - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's foreign minister said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump has declared war against his country and Pyongyang holds the right to self-defense. Trump tweeted over the weekend that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his regime 'won't be around much longer.'"
Sarah Sanders: Donald Trump's words don't constitute 'declaration of war' - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "The White House has denied North Korea's statement that President Donald Trump's most recent comments on the country constitute a 'declaration of war.' 'We have not declared war on North Korea, and frankly the suggestion of that is absurd,' White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said during Monday afternoon's press briefing."
Comment: It would be amusing and farcical if it wasn't so deadly serious. Is it possible that the most deadly military conflict in decades could be triggered by ill-considered rhetoric?
UPI reports: "North Korea's foreign minister said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump has declared war against his country and Pyongyang holds the right to self-defense. Trump tweeted over the weekend that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his regime 'won't be around much longer.'"
Sarah Sanders: Donald Trump's words don't constitute 'declaration of war' - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "The White House has denied North Korea's statement that President Donald Trump's most recent comments on the country constitute a 'declaration of war.' 'We have not declared war on North Korea, and frankly the suggestion of that is absurd,' White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said during Monday afternoon's press briefing."
Comment: It would be amusing and farcical if it wasn't so deadly serious. Is it possible that the most deadly military conflict in decades could be triggered by ill-considered rhetoric?
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Earthquakes
New magnitude-6.1 earthquake strikes Mexico - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Mexico was struck by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, believed to be an aftershock of another deadly earlier this month. The earthquake was centered near the town of Juchitan in Oaxaca, where director of Civil Protection Heliodoro Diaz reported there were no casualties from the third earthquake to strike the country in the month of September. He added that local residents were anxious after dealing with a number of tremors."
Comment: Praying for the people of Mexico that they will have some time to recover and rebuild. They really need to move their capital, Mexico City, but I doubt that is something they could realistically do. It's sad, because their vulnerability to quakes will never really go away.
UPI reports: "Mexico was struck by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, believed to be an aftershock of another deadly earlier this month. The earthquake was centered near the town of Juchitan in Oaxaca, where director of Civil Protection Heliodoro Diaz reported there were no casualties from the third earthquake to strike the country in the month of September. He added that local residents were anxious after dealing with a number of tremors."
Comment: Praying for the people of Mexico that they will have some time to recover and rebuild. They really need to move their capital, Mexico City, but I doubt that is something they could realistically do. It's sad, because their vulnerability to quakes will never really go away.
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran conducts successful test of Khorramshahr ballistic missile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran performed a successful test of a ballistic missile on Friday, hours after it was unveiled during a military parade. Video footage from the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting showed the test at an undisclosed location from four angles and captured the moment the warhead of the missile was discharged. [...] The missile can carry multiple warheads and its range would make it easily capable of reaching Israel and Saudi Arabia."
Comment: One of the little known or appreciated facts about the recent Iranian nuclear deal is that it placed no limits on ballistic missiles. It's as if we placed limits on their ability to have gasoline but they can produce all the cars they want. If they keep making cars, then what does that tell us? Do they plan on having gasoline in the future?
UPI reports: "Iran performed a successful test of a ballistic missile on Friday, hours after it was unveiled during a military parade. Video footage from the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting showed the test at an undisclosed location from four angles and captured the moment the warhead of the missile was discharged. [...] The missile can carry multiple warheads and its range would make it easily capable of reaching Israel and Saudi Arabia."
Comment: One of the little known or appreciated facts about the recent Iranian nuclear deal is that it placed no limits on ballistic missiles. It's as if we placed limits on their ability to have gasoline but they can produce all the cars they want. If they keep making cars, then what does that tell us? Do they plan on having gasoline in the future?
Friday, September 22, 2017
Pestilence
'Super malaria' spreads in South East Asia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Scientists are sounding the alarm warning of a 'super malaria' that is resistant to anti-malaria drugs and is spreading rapidly in Southeast Asia. Researchers first identified the anti-malaria drug resistant strain in 2007 in Cambodia, and found it has since spread through Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam."
Comment: Well, that's not good. I think this is going to be slightly bigger than Zika. Time to invest in more bug spray.
UPI reports: "Scientists are sounding the alarm warning of a 'super malaria' that is resistant to anti-malaria drugs and is spreading rapidly in Southeast Asia. Researchers first identified the anti-malaria drug resistant strain in 2007 in Cambodia, and found it has since spread through Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam."
Comment: Well, that's not good. I think this is going to be slightly bigger than Zika. Time to invest in more bug spray.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
War
U.S.-led forces open fight to reclaim Islamic State stronghold in Iraq - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iraqi forces launched an offensive Thursday to reclaim the Islamic State-held town of Hawija, military officials said. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the operation began at dawn Thursday in Sharqat, west of Hawija, and promised to expel IS militants from every bit of Iraqi land. [...] A U.S.-led coalition backed Iraqi forces with airstrikes Thursday, and U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said American forces stand "shoulder to shoulder with our Iraqi brothers" in the operation."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? It's going.
UPI reports: "Iraqi forces launched an offensive Thursday to reclaim the Islamic State-held town of Hawija, military officials said. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the operation began at dawn Thursday in Sharqat, west of Hawija, and promised to expel IS militants from every bit of Iraqi land. [...] A U.S.-led coalition backed Iraqi forces with airstrikes Thursday, and U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said American forces stand "shoulder to shoulder with our Iraqi brothers" in the operation."
Comment: How's the war in Iraq going? It's going.
Pestilence
Sound the mosquito alarm, across the USA - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Two species of disease-transmitting mosquitoes could likely flourish in most of the United States, government researchers report. Specifically, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus could survive and reproduce for at least part of the year in three-quarters of the counties in the lower 48 states if introduced there, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These two species can transmit viruses that cause Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. [...] Temperature is the strongest factor in determining whether the two species can survive and reproduce, the researchers said."
Comment: Are mosquitoes going from being a nuisance to being a health threat in areas that did not normally have to worry about it? It's hard to tell from this report. I don't think so, as this report appears to be about a study mapping areas of potential mosquito activity with an emphasis on potential. I would not say the article is click-bait but certainly intentionally sensational and alarmist. So rare for the news media to do that, right?
UPI reports: "Two species of disease-transmitting mosquitoes could likely flourish in most of the United States, government researchers report. Specifically, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus could survive and reproduce for at least part of the year in three-quarters of the counties in the lower 48 states if introduced there, according to researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These two species can transmit viruses that cause Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. [...] Temperature is the strongest factor in determining whether the two species can survive and reproduce, the researchers said."
Comment: Are mosquitoes going from being a nuisance to being a health threat in areas that did not normally have to worry about it? It's hard to tell from this report. I don't think so, as this report appears to be about a study mapping areas of potential mosquito activity with an emphasis on potential. I would not say the article is click-bait but certainly intentionally sensational and alarmist. So rare for the news media to do that, right?
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Pestilence
WHO warns of lack of new antibiotics under development - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are on the rise, and the World Health Organization issued a warning Wednesday of the lack of new antibiotics under development while the threat of antimicrobial resistance grows. [...] The new WHO report found most of the antibiotics currently being developed are modifications of existing classes of antibiotics, calling them short-term solutions with few potential treatment options for antibiotic-resistant infections seen as posing the greatest threat."
Comment: I'm glad they are calling attention to this. The medical community recognizes the need for new antibiotics but the pharmaceutical industry has little profit incentive to create new antibiotics until the need (ie. the market) arises. The world may need a new class of cheap antibiotics but Big Pharma would rather make expensive pills that desperate people must have, so I'm sure the research dollars will flow only after an outbreak demonstrates antibiotic-resistance. In other words, people are going to have to die before it becomes a real priority.
UPI reports: "Antibiotic-resistant superbugs are on the rise, and the World Health Organization issued a warning Wednesday of the lack of new antibiotics under development while the threat of antimicrobial resistance grows. [...] The new WHO report found most of the antibiotics currently being developed are modifications of existing classes of antibiotics, calling them short-term solutions with few potential treatment options for antibiotic-resistant infections seen as posing the greatest threat."
Comment: I'm glad they are calling attention to this. The medical community recognizes the need for new antibiotics but the pharmaceutical industry has little profit incentive to create new antibiotics until the need (ie. the market) arises. The world may need a new class of cheap antibiotics but Big Pharma would rather make expensive pills that desperate people must have, so I'm sure the research dollars will flow only after an outbreak demonstrates antibiotic-resistance. In other words, people are going to have to die before it becomes a real priority.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Covenant with Many - Peace of Jerusalem
Hamas invites Palestinian Authority to control Gaza 'unimpeded' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The chief of Hamas' Political Bureau said Tuesday that the group is ready to receive the Palestinian Unity Government in Gaza. [...] The announcement is a reiteration of Hamas' decision on Sunday to dissolve its governing body in the Gaza Strip to give the Palestinian Authority full governmental control in Gaza. Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip for more than a decade, but recently agreed to demands set by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, to hold elections, which haven't occurred since 2007."
Comment: Looks like the siege worked. Or did it? As you know, one of the fictions embraced by the international community is that there is a united "Palestinian people" with which Israel can make peace. In reality, the Palestinians have been having a low-level civil war for many years between a "moderate" wing and an Islamist wing, both governing territory from different capitals and having very different views of the future. Thanks to a blockade facilitated by Egypt and Israel, the Hamas faction ruling Gaza appears to have capitulated to Fatah, the "moderate" faction that the international community likes to believe represents all Palestinians. I would suggest to the leaders of Fatah that they exercise great caution. The fortunes of Hamas may have suffered under the blockade but their primary source of support is Iran, and Iranian forces are now just one international border away in Syria and they don't appear to be going anywhere soon.
UPI reports: "The chief of Hamas' Political Bureau said Tuesday that the group is ready to receive the Palestinian Unity Government in Gaza. [...] The announcement is a reiteration of Hamas' decision on Sunday to dissolve its governing body in the Gaza Strip to give the Palestinian Authority full governmental control in Gaza. Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip for more than a decade, but recently agreed to demands set by Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, to hold elections, which haven't occurred since 2007."
Comment: Looks like the siege worked. Or did it? As you know, one of the fictions embraced by the international community is that there is a united "Palestinian people" with which Israel can make peace. In reality, the Palestinians have been having a low-level civil war for many years between a "moderate" wing and an Islamist wing, both governing territory from different capitals and having very different views of the future. Thanks to a blockade facilitated by Egypt and Israel, the Hamas faction ruling Gaza appears to have capitulated to Fatah, the "moderate" faction that the international community likes to believe represents all Palestinians. I would suggest to the leaders of Fatah that they exercise great caution. The fortunes of Hamas may have suffered under the blockade but their primary source of support is Iran, and Iranian forces are now just one international border away in Syria and they don't appear to be going anywhere soon.
Earthquakes
AP - Powerful earthquake hits central Mexico, collapses buildings
AP reports: "A magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted central Mexico on Tuesday, collapsing some buildings, cracking the facades of others and scattering rubble on streets on the anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. The quake caused buildings to sway sickeningly in Mexico City and sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets, but the full extent of the damage was not yet clear. Mexican media broadcast images of several collapsed buildings in heavily populated parts of the city. The U.S. Geological Survey calculated its magnitude at 7.1 and said it was centered near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 76 miles (123 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City."
Comment: A magnitude 7.1 quake is a powerful earthquake, it's a good thing it did not directly strike Mexico City, the loss of life would have been great.
AP reports: "A magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted central Mexico on Tuesday, collapsing some buildings, cracking the facades of others and scattering rubble on streets on the anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. The quake caused buildings to sway sickeningly in Mexico City and sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets, but the full extent of the damage was not yet clear. Mexican media broadcast images of several collapsed buildings in heavily populated parts of the city. The U.S. Geological Survey calculated its magnitude at 7.1 and said it was centered near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 76 miles (123 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City."
Comment: A magnitude 7.1 quake is a powerful earthquake, it's a good thing it did not directly strike Mexico City, the loss of life would have been great.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
U.S., South Korea conduct bombing drills to warn North - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "The United States and South Korea conducted joint drills over South Korean airspace on Monday afternoon, weeks after North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test and the United Nations Security Council adopted sanctions curtailing oil exports to the country. The United States deployed four F-35B jets and two supersonic B-1B bombers, and jointly trained with four F-15K bombers of the South Korean air force, South Korean news service Newsis reported. The aircraft conducted mock-bombing training exercises over a training ground in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province in central South Korea."
Comment: Nothing like a practice bombing raid to send a strong signal. Anyone listening?
UPI reports: "The United States and South Korea conducted joint drills over South Korean airspace on Monday afternoon, weeks after North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test and the United Nations Security Council adopted sanctions curtailing oil exports to the country. The United States deployed four F-35B jets and two supersonic B-1B bombers, and jointly trained with four F-15K bombers of the South Korean air force, South Korean news service Newsis reported. The aircraft conducted mock-bombing training exercises over a training ground in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province in central South Korea."
Comment: Nothing like a practice bombing raid to send a strong signal. Anyone listening?
Friday, September 15, 2017
War
Manhunt on after London subway terror attack; threat level at 'critical' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police began a manhunt Friday after an explosion rocked a crowded London subway car in what officials say was a terror attack during the morning rush hour. The blast occurred as a train left Parsons Green station and caused a fire that swept through the subway car. Authorities are investigating the event as a terrorist-related attack, London Metropolitan Police said. Government officials raised the terror threat level in England from 'severe' to 'critical,' which means an attack is 'expected imminently.'"
Comment: I was going to post this under the "Wars" and "Rumors of War" tags but really, there's no rumor here, is there? The Islamic State has already claimed credit for the subway attack. There may be some who doubt that IS had a hand in planning or carrying out the attack and certainly the ongoing investigation will look into that, but even if they just inspired this, even if it was a lone wolf activated by IS propaganda, isn't that still an act of war?
UPI reports: "Police began a manhunt Friday after an explosion rocked a crowded London subway car in what officials say was a terror attack during the morning rush hour. The blast occurred as a train left Parsons Green station and caused a fire that swept through the subway car. Authorities are investigating the event as a terrorist-related attack, London Metropolitan Police said. Government officials raised the terror threat level in England from 'severe' to 'critical,' which means an attack is 'expected imminently.'"
Comment: I was going to post this under the "Wars" and "Rumors of War" tags but really, there's no rumor here, is there? The Islamic State has already claimed credit for the subway attack. There may be some who doubt that IS had a hand in planning or carrying out the attack and certainly the ongoing investigation will look into that, but even if they just inspired this, even if it was a lone wolf activated by IS propaganda, isn't that still an act of war?
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia war games ignite concern among nearby NATO nations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia launched its week-long military exercises in Belarus on Thursday, with nearly 13,000 troops massing near the borders of several NATO countries. The Atlantic alliance is concerned the triennial exercises could be a rehearsal for real military action, or a ruse of war. Last conducted in 2014, the "Zapad," or "western" exercises, were followed months later by a war in Ukraine's eastern provinces. [...] NATO has also stepped up its security, deploying 4,300 troops to Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and has increased flyover policing in those countries."
Comment: It's all fun and war games until Ukraine loses an eye. I have to admit to a certain admiration for what Putin has accomplished. Most of the world moved on from the Cold War and we are all pretty much into a 21st Century mindset but not Putin, he is still a Cold Warrior at heart. I can't deny a ruler wanting to make their country great again and restore the glory of faded empire. That's a story as old as time, well, as old as recorded history. Putin does have something going for him, a good argument and a basis for resentment. After the Cold War ended, the West did not follow Churchill's famous dictum and failed to offer magnanimity after our victory. We promised a "Europe whole and free" while extending the NATO alliance to Russia's borders and interfering in domestic affairs to a degree that most Americans would find objectionable if another country did the same. I'm convinced that's why Putin interfered with our presidential election. Goose and gander as they say. Still, there is no denying the cold reality that a war over territory has once again returned to the heart of Europe. Ukraine will never be the same. I'm not sure what it will take for Europe or the U.S. to fully update mental images of Russia and make the appropriate adjustments. A mental adjustment is needed. Just look at our U.S. domestic politics where the usually national security focused party - the Republicans - seem entirely unconcerned that Russia interfered in our presidential election. In another time, Russia's actions would have been seen as a grave threat to national security if not an act of war. Now, not so much. Psychology and PR are very strange things. It's clear Putin is a master strategist and is playing on multiple levels. I can only hope those making strategic choices in Europe and the U.S. are up for the challenge. The Great Game can be fun for those playing at the top, but for those below, it remains a very deadly game.
UPI reports: "Russia launched its week-long military exercises in Belarus on Thursday, with nearly 13,000 troops massing near the borders of several NATO countries. The Atlantic alliance is concerned the triennial exercises could be a rehearsal for real military action, or a ruse of war. Last conducted in 2014, the "Zapad," or "western" exercises, were followed months later by a war in Ukraine's eastern provinces. [...] NATO has also stepped up its security, deploying 4,300 troops to Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and has increased flyover policing in those countries."
Comment: It's all fun and war games until Ukraine loses an eye. I have to admit to a certain admiration for what Putin has accomplished. Most of the world moved on from the Cold War and we are all pretty much into a 21st Century mindset but not Putin, he is still a Cold Warrior at heart. I can't deny a ruler wanting to make their country great again and restore the glory of faded empire. That's a story as old as time, well, as old as recorded history. Putin does have something going for him, a good argument and a basis for resentment. After the Cold War ended, the West did not follow Churchill's famous dictum and failed to offer magnanimity after our victory. We promised a "Europe whole and free" while extending the NATO alliance to Russia's borders and interfering in domestic affairs to a degree that most Americans would find objectionable if another country did the same. I'm convinced that's why Putin interfered with our presidential election. Goose and gander as they say. Still, there is no denying the cold reality that a war over territory has once again returned to the heart of Europe. Ukraine will never be the same. I'm not sure what it will take for Europe or the U.S. to fully update mental images of Russia and make the appropriate adjustments. A mental adjustment is needed. Just look at our U.S. domestic politics where the usually national security focused party - the Republicans - seem entirely unconcerned that Russia interfered in our presidential election. In another time, Russia's actions would have been seen as a grave threat to national security if not an act of war. Now, not so much. Psychology and PR are very strange things. It's clear Putin is a master strategist and is playing on multiple levels. I can only hope those making strategic choices in Europe and the U.S. are up for the challenge. The Great Game can be fun for those playing at the top, but for those below, it remains a very deadly game.
Rumors of War
North Korea fires ballistic missile, South Korea, Japan say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea fired an ballistic missile from its capital city of Pyongyang, South Korean and Japanese officials said Friday. Reports of the fired missile prompted Japan to warn residents to take shelter, BBC News reported. 'North Korea fired an unidentified missile from near Sunan, Pyongyang, around 6:57 a.m. which flew over Japan to the North Pacific,' the South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff said."
Comment: Do you think Kim felt neglected? After all, we've been focused on hurricanes and domestic politics and he kind of fell off the radar. Maybe another missile launch will help get him back into the headlines? I wonder if has a PR firm helping him out? Seriously though, what makes this provocative is not that he is firing missiles into the open ocean but that they are going over Japan. One slight miscalculation and many people could be killed in Japan. It's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine that all of this ends with anything other than a military conflict.
UPI reports: "North Korea fired an ballistic missile from its capital city of Pyongyang, South Korean and Japanese officials said Friday. Reports of the fired missile prompted Japan to warn residents to take shelter, BBC News reported. 'North Korea fired an unidentified missile from near Sunan, Pyongyang, around 6:57 a.m. which flew over Japan to the North Pacific,' the South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff said."
Comment: Do you think Kim felt neglected? After all, we've been focused on hurricanes and domestic politics and he kind of fell off the radar. Maybe another missile launch will help get him back into the headlines? I wonder if has a PR firm helping him out? Seriously though, what makes this provocative is not that he is firing missiles into the open ocean but that they are going over Japan. One slight miscalculation and many people could be killed in Japan. It's becoming increasingly difficult to imagine that all of this ends with anything other than a military conflict.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Student killed in shooting at Spokane-area high school - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A student was killed Wednesday in a shooting at a high school south of Spokane, Wash., as five others were injured. A suspect has been detained. Police responded to the shooting around 10:30 a.m. at Freeman High School in Rockford, 20 miles south of Spokane, the Spokesman-Review reported. Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the suspect was in custody after 'the threat from the shooter has been eliminated,' according to a KREM-TV report."
Comment: I suppose that the most recent generation who have grown up with school shootings can be excused for accepting them as normal but I don't think I'll ever really accept them as "just one of those things." That kids are killed by other kids in schools seems so far outside the bounds of what reality should be that I just have no words for it. And yet, it's part of the "new normal" and this story will be unlikely to stay in the headlines beyond one or two days before being overtaken by some new sensational headline. Perilous times indeed!
UPI reports: "A student was killed Wednesday in a shooting at a high school south of Spokane, Wash., as five others were injured. A suspect has been detained. Police responded to the shooting around 10:30 a.m. at Freeman High School in Rockford, 20 miles south of Spokane, the Spokesman-Review reported. Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the suspect was in custody after 'the threat from the shooter has been eliminated,' according to a KREM-TV report."
Comment: I suppose that the most recent generation who have grown up with school shootings can be excused for accepting them as normal but I don't think I'll ever really accept them as "just one of those things." That kids are killed by other kids in schools seems so far outside the bounds of what reality should be that I just have no words for it. And yet, it's part of the "new normal" and this story will be unlikely to stay in the headlines beyond one or two days before being overtaken by some new sensational headline. Perilous times indeed!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Gog Alliance - King of the North
Turkey to purchase S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey has signed an agreement with Russia for the purchase of S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced. Erdogan has complained that Western weapons were too expensive and has been seeking alternatives. [...] The purchase is part of increased military and political ties between Turkey and Russia and gradual estrangement between the key NATO member and Western powers. Turkey has the second largest army in NATO, and members of the alliance are encouraged to buy compatible weapons systems to help coordination and logistics during wartime."
Comment: This is a shock! Who saw this coming? Oh wait, every student of Bible prophecy saw this coming...for decades. It's time to admit that Turkey's drift away from the West and into Russia's alliance of the Unhappy and Disgruntled is less a drift and more like a beeline. It's time for Togarmah to join the Gog Alliance. Perhaps NATO could give Turkey a nudge?
UPI reports: "Turkey has signed an agreement with Russia for the purchase of S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced. Erdogan has complained that Western weapons were too expensive and has been seeking alternatives. [...] The purchase is part of increased military and political ties between Turkey and Russia and gradual estrangement between the key NATO member and Western powers. Turkey has the second largest army in NATO, and members of the alliance are encouraged to buy compatible weapons systems to help coordination and logistics during wartime."
Comment: This is a shock! Who saw this coming? Oh wait, every student of Bible prophecy saw this coming...for decades. It's time to admit that Turkey's drift away from the West and into Russia's alliance of the Unhappy and Disgruntled is less a drift and more like a beeline. It's time for Togarmah to join the Gog Alliance. Perhaps NATO could give Turkey a nudge?
Monday, September 11, 2017
War
Five U.S. troops wounded in Afghanistan on 9/11 anniversary - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Five U.S. troops were wounded in an apparent suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan Monday, the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that propelled the United States into a war still raging today. The suicide bomber drove a car bomb into an armored convoy near the Bagram Air Base in northern Afghanistan, officials told Fox News. The attack affected the NATO-led coalition, Operation Resolute Support, and at least one more troop from an undisclosed country was wounded in the bombing, as well. [...] More than 2,400 U.S. troops have been killed Afghanistan since President George W. Bush launched a war there in 2001. Estimates vary regarding the financial cost of the war in Afghanistan, but they range between $841 billion and $2 trillion. In August, President Donald Trump announced he would increase U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan."
Comment: It was a somber 9/11 anniversary all around. Praying that the security services will continue to be vigilant against potential attacks and that the weapons of the enemy will be turned back against them.
UPI reports: "Five U.S. troops were wounded in an apparent suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan Monday, the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that propelled the United States into a war still raging today. The suicide bomber drove a car bomb into an armored convoy near the Bagram Air Base in northern Afghanistan, officials told Fox News. The attack affected the NATO-led coalition, Operation Resolute Support, and at least one more troop from an undisclosed country was wounded in the bombing, as well. [...] More than 2,400 U.S. troops have been killed Afghanistan since President George W. Bush launched a war there in 2001. Estimates vary regarding the financial cost of the war in Afghanistan, but they range between $841 billion and $2 trillion. In August, President Donald Trump announced he would increase U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan."
Comment: It was a somber 9/11 anniversary all around. Praying that the security services will continue to be vigilant against potential attacks and that the weapons of the enemy will be turned back against them.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Roaring Seas & Waves
Deadly Hurricane Irma leaves 2M without power - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Hurricane Irma has caused at least one death and left 2 million people in Florida without electricity Sunday morning after the storm made landfall in the Keys. The storm reached Cudjoe Key in the lower Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said. The storm was skirting the state's west coast and was forecast to make another landfall near Fort Myers and Naples on Sunday evening."
Comment: Praying for Florida and all those in the path of the storm.
UPI reports: "Hurricane Irma has caused at least one death and left 2 million people in Florida without electricity Sunday morning after the storm made landfall in the Keys. The storm reached Cudjoe Key in the lower Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m., the National Hurricane Center said. The storm was skirting the state's west coast and was forecast to make another landfall near Fort Myers and Naples on Sunday evening."
Comment: Praying for Florida and all those in the path of the storm.
Saturday, September 09, 2017
Roaring Sea and Waves
What is storm surge and why is it so dangerous? - Yahoo News
AFP reports: "The biggest threat to human life during a hurricane is often the storm surge, which occurs when sea level rises dramatically during a storm, sending a wall of water gushing over land. Forecasters warn that the storm surge from Hurricane Irma could reach 15 feet (4.5 meters) along parts of the Florida coast in the coming hours. [...] Rising seas and warming oceans due to climate change are also expected to amplify the effects of storm surge in the coming decades. Numerous studies have predicted that storm surges will become more frequent and deadly as the planet warms."
Comment: In my opinion the increasing major storms and damage they cause are in line with Bible prophecy (Luke 21:25). I know many people are skeptical about climate change because they believe it's a reflection of an underlying political agenda among climate activists, but I think they miss the bigger picture. Does it really matter if climate change is caused by human activity or is part of the natural climate cycle or some combination of the two? It's happening even as people argue about it.
AFP reports: "The biggest threat to human life during a hurricane is often the storm surge, which occurs when sea level rises dramatically during a storm, sending a wall of water gushing over land. Forecasters warn that the storm surge from Hurricane Irma could reach 15 feet (4.5 meters) along parts of the Florida coast in the coming hours. [...] Rising seas and warming oceans due to climate change are also expected to amplify the effects of storm surge in the coming decades. Numerous studies have predicted that storm surges will become more frequent and deadly as the planet warms."
Comment: In my opinion the increasing major storms and damage they cause are in line with Bible prophecy (Luke 21:25). I know many people are skeptical about climate change because they believe it's a reflection of an underlying political agenda among climate activists, but I think they miss the bigger picture. Does it really matter if climate change is caused by human activity or is part of the natural climate cycle or some combination of the two? It's happening even as people argue about it.
Friday, September 08, 2017
Earthquakes
Death toll increases after Mexico's strongest earthquake in a century - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Dozens of people are dead in Mexico after the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in 100 years, officials said Friday. [...] The quake was strong enough to be felt in Mexico City, 630 miles to the northwest. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude at 8.1, but other institutions rated it between 8.2 and 8.4. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said in a news conference Friday that the earthquake was the strongest to hit the nation in a century -- and that 50 million Mexicans felt shaking."
Comment: I'm struck by the historic nature of many of the events we are witnessing. Headlines tells us that the hurricane storms in the Atlantic are the strongest ever recorded in the region and now here is a report telling us that this earthquake in Mexico was the most powerful in a century. It's almost like we should be paying attention to this.
UPI reports: "Dozens of people are dead in Mexico after the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in 100 years, officials said Friday. [...] The quake was strong enough to be felt in Mexico City, 630 miles to the northwest. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude at 8.1, but other institutions rated it between 8.2 and 8.4. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said in a news conference Friday that the earthquake was the strongest to hit the nation in a century -- and that 50 million Mexicans felt shaking."
Comment: I'm struck by the historic nature of many of the events we are witnessing. Headlines tells us that the hurricane storms in the Atlantic are the strongest ever recorded in the region and now here is a report telling us that this earthquake in Mexico was the most powerful in a century. It's almost like we should be paying attention to this.
Signs in the Sun
Grab eclipse glasses: Large sunspots visible, produce solar flares - UPI.com
UPI reports: "We're heading into the bottom of solar minimum, when the sun tends to have fewer sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma, electrons and ions and magnetic fields. But despite where we are in the sun's cycle, activity on the sun has dramatically picked up over the past few days. On and off, these two sunspots have been flaring and shooting out coronal mass ejections, directed toward Earth. [...] We don't need to worry about this coronal mass ejection being 'the big one' - a solar storm direct hit that could cause widespread power blackouts and trigger as much as $2 trillion worth of damage, according to a National Academy of Sciences study. But this storm, on the back of this month's abnormally active space weather, may wind up on the larger end of the scale, and will be the subject of lots of analysis and research."
Comment: Did you keep your eclipse glasses?
UPI reports: "We're heading into the bottom of solar minimum, when the sun tends to have fewer sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections - large expulsions of plasma, electrons and ions and magnetic fields. But despite where we are in the sun's cycle, activity on the sun has dramatically picked up over the past few days. On and off, these two sunspots have been flaring and shooting out coronal mass ejections, directed toward Earth. [...] We don't need to worry about this coronal mass ejection being 'the big one' - a solar storm direct hit that could cause widespread power blackouts and trigger as much as $2 trillion worth of damage, according to a National Academy of Sciences study. But this storm, on the back of this month's abnormally active space weather, may wind up on the larger end of the scale, and will be the subject of lots of analysis and research."
Comment: Did you keep your eclipse glasses?
Pestilence
Yemen's Cholera Epidemic Hits 600,000, Confounding Expectations - Scientific American
Scientific American reports: "Yemen’s cholera outbreak has infected 612,703 people and killed 2,048
since it began in April, and some districts are still reporting sharp
rises in new cases, data from the World Health Organization and Yemen’s
health ministry showed on Tuesday.
The overall spread of the epidemic has slowed in the past two months,
with the daily number of new suspected cases cut to around 3,000 in
recent days.
However the epidemic, the most explosive on record in terms of its rapid
spread, has continually confounded expectations."
Comment: Really starting to see a spike in Luke 21:11 signs. This cholera outbreak in Yemen has not been as widely reported as it should be, perhaps because it's mostly due to war and not a natural outbreak.
Comment: Really starting to see a spike in Luke 21:11 signs. This cholera outbreak in Yemen has not been as widely reported as it should be, perhaps because it's mostly due to war and not a natural outbreak.
Thursday, September 07, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China’s top diplomat says he approves further North Korea sanctions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's top diplomat said Thursday he agrees additional sanctions need to be imposed on North Korea, following the country's sixth nuclear test Sunday. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the statement during a joint press conference in Beijing with Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara -- a sign China could be willing to cooperate on further sanctions. [...] The United States is circulating a draft resolution at the Security Council, that would allow U.S. Navy and Air Force ships to stop and search North Korean vessels in international waters, The New York Times reported. Military interdictions at sea, however, could raise tensions not seen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when President John F. Kennedy ordered a blockade of the island, according to the report."
Radiation levels up in China after North Korea nuclear test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Radiation levels are rising in areas of China close to the North Korean border. But at least one Chinese analyst says it is too early to tell whether the changes are a result of North Korea's sixth nuclear test Sunday, the South China Morning Post reported."
Comment: It doesn't matter how allied China and North Korea may be, nor does it matter how China considers the North a strategic buffer, the radiation in the wind and the water simply doesn't care about such things. China has much to lose from a reckless nuclear neighbor.
UPI reports: "China's top diplomat said Thursday he agrees additional sanctions need to be imposed on North Korea, following the country's sixth nuclear test Sunday. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the statement during a joint press conference in Beijing with Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara -- a sign China could be willing to cooperate on further sanctions. [...] The United States is circulating a draft resolution at the Security Council, that would allow U.S. Navy and Air Force ships to stop and search North Korean vessels in international waters, The New York Times reported. Military interdictions at sea, however, could raise tensions not seen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when President John F. Kennedy ordered a blockade of the island, according to the report."
Radiation levels up in China after North Korea nuclear test - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Radiation levels are rising in areas of China close to the North Korean border. But at least one Chinese analyst says it is too early to tell whether the changes are a result of North Korea's sixth nuclear test Sunday, the South China Morning Post reported."
Comment: It doesn't matter how allied China and North Korea may be, nor does it matter how China considers the North a strategic buffer, the radiation in the wind and the water simply doesn't care about such things. China has much to lose from a reckless nuclear neighbor.
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
Japan politicians consider tactical nukes, dialogue with North Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Discussions of deploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons are growing in Japan, where concern is mounting that North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile provocations could ultimately culminate in an attack on Japanese soil."
Comment: We have entered into the strange logic of an arms race where both sides see the defensive moves of the other as escalatory.
UPI reports: "Discussions of deploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons are growing in Japan, where concern is mounting that North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile provocations could ultimately culminate in an attack on Japanese soil."
Comment: We have entered into the strange logic of an arms race where both sides see the defensive moves of the other as escalatory.
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
Wars & Rumors of War
Experts: North Korea exploded 100-kiloton bomb, risking disaster - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea's sixth nuclear test may have involved a bomb that released the same energy as 108 kilotons of TNT, according to a team of Chinese scientists. But Japan's defense ministry said the bomb could have unleashed as much as 120 kilotons. [...] Nuclear experts said the explosion on Sunday was four to 16 times more powerful than Hiroshima, and North Korea may be in the process of developing a hydrogen bomb."
U.S. Pacific Fleet, South Korea army prep 'military response' plan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and South Korea's defense minister said they agreed to prepare a 'practical military response plan' to what Adm. Scott Swift described as Pyongyang's 'self-destructive' acts, following the country's sixth nuclear test. Swift, who oversees 200 ships and submarines, 1,180 aircraft and more than 140,000 sailors, also said the U.S. Navy plans to deploy strategic assets, including a carrier strike group, to the peninsula, Yonhap reported. "
Comment: I miss the "good-old-days" when you go could away for a holiday weekend and not worry about missing something important...like a hydrogen bomb test.
UPI reports: "North Korea's sixth nuclear test may have involved a bomb that released the same energy as 108 kilotons of TNT, according to a team of Chinese scientists. But Japan's defense ministry said the bomb could have unleashed as much as 120 kilotons. [...] Nuclear experts said the explosion on Sunday was four to 16 times more powerful than Hiroshima, and North Korea may be in the process of developing a hydrogen bomb."
U.S. Pacific Fleet, South Korea army prep 'military response' plan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and South Korea's defense minister said they agreed to prepare a 'practical military response plan' to what Adm. Scott Swift described as Pyongyang's 'self-destructive' acts, following the country's sixth nuclear test. Swift, who oversees 200 ships and submarines, 1,180 aircraft and more than 140,000 sailors, also said the U.S. Navy plans to deploy strategic assets, including a carrier strike group, to the peninsula, Yonhap reported. "
Comment: I miss the "good-old-days" when you go could away for a holiday weekend and not worry about missing something important...like a hydrogen bomb test.
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