Increase in size, frequency of ocean storms a threat to global fisheries - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Many studies have suggested rising atmospheric and ocean temperatures,
as well as a slowdown in atmospheric currents, will inspire more
frequent and larger storms, especially ocean and coastal storms. The
latest study -- published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change --
showed an uptick in large storms is likely to make fishing more
dangerous. Larger storms could also damage fish habitat and disrupt fish
breeding grounds."
Comment: Science and Bible prophecy agree, coastal flooding and fearsome storms will be quite damaging to coastal nations and their economies.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
War
Taliban, Afghan soldiers clash in first attacks since holiday truce - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Taliban and Afghan soldiers clashed in Western Afghanistan Wednesday, just days after a temporary cease-fire for the Eid holiday ended. Taliban militants killed at least 30 Afghan National Army soldiers and police officers after the group ambushed a reinforcement convoy and stormed bases overnight in Badghis province, officials said."
Comment: How's the war in Afghanistan going? Well, the Taliban are proving to be very resilient.
UPI reports: "Taliban and Afghan soldiers clashed in Western Afghanistan Wednesday, just days after a temporary cease-fire for the Eid holiday ended. Taliban militants killed at least 30 Afghan National Army soldiers and police officers after the group ambushed a reinforcement convoy and stormed bases overnight in Badghis province, officials said."
Comment: How's the war in Afghanistan going? Well, the Taliban are proving to be very resilient.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Rumors of War - Jerusalem Security
Gaza fires 30 rockets into Israeli territory - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Israel Defense Force said 30 rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza overnight on Tuesday. Seven of the missiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, while three missed their mark and landed on the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF. There were no reports of injuries or damages. The IDF struck 25 targets in Gaza in three seperate operations, including three that occurred before the rocket fire."
Comment: Another fine peace gesture from the Palestinians. Who can doubt their sincere interest in peace with Israel?
UPI reports: "The Israel Defense Force said 30 rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza overnight on Tuesday. Seven of the missiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, while three missed their mark and landed on the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF. There were no reports of injuries or damages. The IDF struck 25 targets in Gaza in three seperate operations, including three that occurred before the rocket fire."
Comment: Another fine peace gesture from the Palestinians. Who can doubt their sincere interest in peace with Israel?
Monday, June 18, 2018
Earthquakes
Strong quake near Osaka, Japan, kills 4, knocks over walls - AP
AP reports: "Residents in western Japan were cleaning up debris Monday evening after a powerful earthquake hit the area around Osaka, the country’s second-largest city, killing four people and injuring hundreds while knocking over walls and setting off fires. The magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck the area early Monday damaged buildings and left many homes without water or gas. The quake also grounded flights in and out of Osaka and paralyzed traffic and commuter trains most of the day."
Comment: Weren't we just talking about the ring of fire getting more active. Japan is a part of that seismically active region and accustomed to earthquakes. They have very stringent building codes because of it, so it's not surprising to find older structures impacted more than the modern buildings.
AP reports: "Residents in western Japan were cleaning up debris Monday evening after a powerful earthquake hit the area around Osaka, the country’s second-largest city, killing four people and injuring hundreds while knocking over walls and setting off fires. The magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck the area early Monday damaged buildings and left many homes without water or gas. The quake also grounded flights in and out of Osaka and paralyzed traffic and commuter trains most of the day."
Comment: Weren't we just talking about the ring of fire getting more active. Japan is a part of that seismically active region and accustomed to earthquakes. They have very stringent building codes because of it, so it's not surprising to find older structures impacted more than the modern buildings.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Rumors of War
German police search apartments for ricin in anti-terror raids - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Police in Cologne, Germany, searched several apartments in a high-rise complex Friday after finding ricin earlier this week. Authorities found the highly toxic substance in the apartment of Sief Allah H, a 29-year-old Tunisian man, on Tuesday. He is suspected of planning a biological terror attack. There was enough ricin found for up to 1,000 toxic doses. Ricin is 6,000 times more powerful than cyanide and can cause organ failure and death within 36 to 48 hours. The substance can take the form of a powder, a mist, pellet or can be dissolved in water. There is no known antidote."
Comment: Score one for the good guys. That would have been a terrible terrorist attack, glad it was thwarted in time.
UPI reports: "Police in Cologne, Germany, searched several apartments in a high-rise complex Friday after finding ricin earlier this week. Authorities found the highly toxic substance in the apartment of Sief Allah H, a 29-year-old Tunisian man, on Tuesday. He is suspected of planning a biological terror attack. There was enough ricin found for up to 1,000 toxic doses. Ricin is 6,000 times more powerful than cyanide and can cause organ failure and death within 36 to 48 hours. The substance can take the form of a powder, a mist, pellet or can be dissolved in water. There is no known antidote."
Comment: Score one for the good guys. That would have been a terrible terrorist attack, glad it was thwarted in time.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Earthquakes
Earthquake strikes Kilauea volcano summit for fourth day - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A large earthquake struck the summit of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano for the fourth day in a row on Thursday morning. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said a small explosion occurred at 3:19 a.m. and produced a lava plume which rose 6,000 feet above sea level. 'This event and many of its precursory earthquakes were felt widely in the Volcano area,' the observatory said."
Comment: The "ring of fire" continues to be quite active.
UPI reports: "A large earthquake struck the summit of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano for the fourth day in a row on Thursday morning. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said a small explosion occurred at 3:19 a.m. and produced a lava plume which rose 6,000 feet above sea level. 'This event and many of its precursory earthquakes were felt widely in the Volcano area,' the observatory said."
Comment: The "ring of fire" continues to be quite active.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Jerusalem Security - Covenant With Many
U.N. General Assembly condemns Israeli violence against Palestinians - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution condemning Israel's use of excessive force on Palestinian civilians. The resolution passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 countries abstaining. A U.S. bid to condemn Hamas, a Palestinian fundamentalist group, for attacks on Israel also received a majority vote in favor -- 62-58 with 42 abstaining -- but the president of the General Assembly rejected it because it didn't have the required two-thirds majority to pass. The resolution is unlikely to lead to any action against Israel because the United States, a close ally of the nation, would veto it."
Comment: While I'm grateful to see the U.S. stand by an ally and for the support of those few countries who voted for Israel, it's sobering to see how easily world opinion is rallied against Israel and in favor of the Palestinians. I was just reading a report the other day about Palestinians sending kites over Israel that are on fire and they land in fields and then burn crops. No mention of that here, just the general impression that the Palestinians are peaceful and gentle people being oppressed by Israel.
UPI reports: "The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution condemning Israel's use of excessive force on Palestinian civilians. The resolution passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 countries abstaining. A U.S. bid to condemn Hamas, a Palestinian fundamentalist group, for attacks on Israel also received a majority vote in favor -- 62-58 with 42 abstaining -- but the president of the General Assembly rejected it because it didn't have the required two-thirds majority to pass. The resolution is unlikely to lead to any action against Israel because the United States, a close ally of the nation, would veto it."
Comment: While I'm grateful to see the U.S. stand by an ally and for the support of those few countries who voted for Israel, it's sobering to see how easily world opinion is rallied against Israel and in favor of the Palestinians. I was just reading a report the other day about Palestinians sending kites over Israel that are on fire and they land in fields and then burn crops. No mention of that here, just the general impression that the Palestinians are peaceful and gentle people being oppressed by Israel.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Rumors of War
Bill Richardson: U.S., North Korea statement has ‘no meat on bones’ - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's negotiations with Kim Jong Un paves the path to diplomacy, but doubts remain among experts whether the joint statement signed Tuesday in Singapore provides a guarantee Pyongyang will comply with U.S. requirements for denuclearization. Bill Richardson, the veteran North Korea negotiator and former governor of New Mexico, said during a phone briefing on Tuesday the summit achieved a personal connection between Trump and Kim. 'We're on a path to diplomacy, rather than military confrontation, an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, because of this historic summit, the personal connection of the two leaders,' the former U.S. envoy to the United Nations said. 'Another positive would be the fact that there's a process starting, a process of continued negotiations.'"
Comment: There is a very good chance that the Korean War is almost over...maybe.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump's negotiations with Kim Jong Un paves the path to diplomacy, but doubts remain among experts whether the joint statement signed Tuesday in Singapore provides a guarantee Pyongyang will comply with U.S. requirements for denuclearization. Bill Richardson, the veteran North Korea negotiator and former governor of New Mexico, said during a phone briefing on Tuesday the summit achieved a personal connection between Trump and Kim. 'We're on a path to diplomacy, rather than military confrontation, an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, because of this historic summit, the personal connection of the two leaders,' the former U.S. envoy to the United Nations said. 'Another positive would be the fact that there's a process starting, a process of continued negotiations.'"
Comment: There is a very good chance that the Korean War is almost over...maybe.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Ten Kings
G7 leaders defend summit after President Donald Trump disowns free trade communique - UPI.com
UPI reports: "British Prime Minister Theresa May called on the United States Monday to honor agreements that were made at the G7 summit in Canada. The British leader echoed disappointment from other leaders that President Donald Trump first agreed to a communique for 'free, fair and mutually beneficial trade' and the reduction of 'tariff barriers,' but later tweeted he wouldn't endorse the deal. May said Britain will honor the agreement."
Comment: They used to call the American president the "leader of the free world." Did you ever imagine there would be a time when that was no longer true? Strange days indeed. If the U.S. relinquishes the leadership role do you think that maybe this is setting the stage for another leader to take the role?
UPI reports: "British Prime Minister Theresa May called on the United States Monday to honor agreements that were made at the G7 summit in Canada. The British leader echoed disappointment from other leaders that President Donald Trump first agreed to a communique for 'free, fair and mutually beneficial trade' and the reduction of 'tariff barriers,' but later tweeted he wouldn't endorse the deal. May said Britain will honor the agreement."
Comment: They used to call the American president the "leader of the free world." Did you ever imagine there would be a time when that was no longer true? Strange days indeed. If the U.S. relinquishes the leadership role do you think that maybe this is setting the stage for another leader to take the role?
Thursday, June 07, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pressures Europe to quit Iran deal during trip - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent his three-day trip to
Europe attempting to persuade Germany, France and Britain to quit the
Iran nuclear deal.
Netanyahu, a steadfast opponent of the nuclear deal since it was signed
in 2015, accused Iran of 'trying to conquer' the Middle East with its
military presence in Syria. The Israeli leader also lobbied European
powers to follow the lead of the United States and pull out of the Iran
nuclear accord. [...] Tuesday, Iran announced it would begin plans to
increase the country's uranium enrichment within the terms of the 2015
agreement following Trump's withdrawal from the accord."
Comment: I don't think he made much headway but he certainly gets points for trying.
Comment: I don't think he made much headway but he certainly gets points for trying.
Tuesday, June 05, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran to prepare uranium enrichment within terms of nuclear deal - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iranian leader Ali Khamenei ordered his country's atomic organization to notify the United Nations of plans to increase its capacity to produce uranium hexafluoride, a key ingredient for enrichment. [...] the Iranian leader said the increased production would fall within 'the framework provided' by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The announcement comes weeks after the United States withdrew from the accord, an international agreement also approved by China, Russia, Germany, France, Britain and the European Union."
Comment: To say they are increasing enrichment but that it's ok because it's within the scope of the nuclear deal is to underscore exactly why the nuclear deal was flawed. Right?
UPI reports: "Iranian leader Ali Khamenei ordered his country's atomic organization to notify the United Nations of plans to increase its capacity to produce uranium hexafluoride, a key ingredient for enrichment. [...] the Iranian leader said the increased production would fall within 'the framework provided' by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The announcement comes weeks after the United States withdrew from the accord, an international agreement also approved by China, Russia, Germany, France, Britain and the European Union."
Comment: To say they are increasing enrichment but that it's ok because it's within the scope of the nuclear deal is to underscore exactly why the nuclear deal was flawed. Right?
Monday, June 04, 2018
Fearsome Events - Earthquakes
Dozens dead, 1.7M affected by Mount Fuego eruption in Guatemala - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least 62 people died after the sudden eruption of Guatemala's Mount Fuego, a seismic event that's affecting nearly 2 million people, local authorities said. [...] Thick ash exploded from the top of the 12,000-foot mountain and winds blew ash northwest toward the cities of San Luca, Antigua Guatemala, Alotenango, Chimaltenago and Zaragoza. The country's seismology institute said the eruption of Mount Fuego, Spanish for 'fire mountain,' sent ash and debris nearly 33,000 feet into the air."
Comment: It seems like the Ring of Fire is getting quite active lately.
UPI reports: "At least 62 people died after the sudden eruption of Guatemala's Mount Fuego, a seismic event that's affecting nearly 2 million people, local authorities said. [...] Thick ash exploded from the top of the 12,000-foot mountain and winds blew ash northwest toward the cities of San Luca, Antigua Guatemala, Alotenango, Chimaltenago and Zaragoza. The country's seismology institute said the eruption of Mount Fuego, Spanish for 'fire mountain,' sent ash and debris nearly 33,000 feet into the air."
Comment: It seems like the Ring of Fire is getting quite active lately.
Saturday, June 02, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia - Covenant With Many
U.S. vetoes U.N. resolution to offer 'international protection' to Palestinians - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley vetoed a resolution Friday that would have offered 'international protection' for Palestinian civilians. Kuwait introduced the resolution to the U.N. Security Council as a response to recent violent escalations between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza Strip. Haley called the resolution 'grossly one-sided' and said it failed to place blame on Hamas for provoking the deadly protests."
Comment: It's nice to see the U.S. strongly backing an ally (for a change) and insisting the the world body recognize the Iranian influence behind the violence in the Gaza Strip.
UPI reports: "U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley vetoed a resolution Friday that would have offered 'international protection' for Palestinian civilians. Kuwait introduced the resolution to the U.N. Security Council as a response to recent violent escalations between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza Strip. Haley called the resolution 'grossly one-sided' and said it failed to place blame on Hamas for provoking the deadly protests."
Comment: It's nice to see the U.S. strongly backing an ally (for a change) and insisting the the world body recognize the Iranian influence behind the violence in the Gaza Strip.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
War
U.S. commander: More than 70 Taliban leaders killed this month - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. forces killed more than 50 Taliban leaders in southern Afghanistan last week, a top commander said. Gen. John Nicholson said in a news conference U.S. Marines used rocket artillery to attack the militant leaders after tracking them to a meeting in Helmand province May 24. [...] Several Taliban governors, intelligence commanders and others in leadership were among the dead. [...] Officials said more than 500 airstrikes were conducted in Afghanistan last month, many targeting Taliban drug labs."
Comment: Have you been wondering how the war in Afghanistan is going? The Taliban are still there and so are the U.S. Marines. How about we give it another year? Maybe two?
UPI reports: "U.S. forces killed more than 50 Taliban leaders in southern Afghanistan last week, a top commander said. Gen. John Nicholson said in a news conference U.S. Marines used rocket artillery to attack the militant leaders after tracking them to a meeting in Helmand province May 24. [...] Several Taliban governors, intelligence commanders and others in leadership were among the dead. [...] Officials said more than 500 airstrikes were conducted in Afghanistan last month, many targeting Taliban drug labs."
Comment: Have you been wondering how the war in Afghanistan is going? The Taliban are still there and so are the U.S. Marines. How about we give it another year? Maybe two?
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Hamas says Israel agreed to cease-fire after day of heavy fighting - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Hamas officials said Wednesday a cease-fire with Israel is holding after one of the most violent days in Gaza in years, but Israel says no such agreement has been reached. [...] Tuesday, Israel's military launched airstrikes into Gaza to retaliate for a large mortar attack against Israeli settlements. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'respond with great force' to the attacks, which officials said included 28 mortar shells. Haaretz reported more fire was directed at Israel early Wednesday but the fighting has mostly stopped."
Comment: They again fail to note that Hamas is an Iranian proxy. Perhaps they should ask Tehran if the cease-fire will hold?
UPI reports: "Hamas officials said Wednesday a cease-fire with Israel is holding after one of the most violent days in Gaza in years, but Israel says no such agreement has been reached. [...] Tuesday, Israel's military launched airstrikes into Gaza to retaliate for a large mortar attack against Israeli settlements. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'respond with great force' to the attacks, which officials said included 28 mortar shells. Haaretz reported more fire was directed at Israel early Wednesday but the fighting has mostly stopped."
Comment: They again fail to note that Hamas is an Iranian proxy. Perhaps they should ask Tehran if the cease-fire will hold?
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel fires missiles at Gaza in largest firefight in 4 years - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israel's military launched airstrikes into Gaza Tuesday to retaliate for a large mortar attack against Israeli settlements, officials said. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'respond with great force' to the attacks, which officials said included 28 mortar shells. [...] Israel's military said the mortar shells [...] were mostly intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Some of the mortars, it added, landed on the grounds of a kindergarten before students arrived. Tuesday's was the largest and most serious exchange of fire in the conflict since 2014."
Comment: This report does not go into detail about the militant group Hamas or how they are funded and equipped by Iran. I have no doubt that the mortar attack was a response by Iran to Israel's recent skirmish with Iran in Syria. Iran is using Hamas and the Palestinians as proxies in their undeclared war with Israel.
UPI reports: "Israel's military launched airstrikes into Gaza Tuesday to retaliate for a large mortar attack against Israeli settlements, officials said. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to 'respond with great force' to the attacks, which officials said included 28 mortar shells. [...] Israel's military said the mortar shells [...] were mostly intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Some of the mortars, it added, landed on the grounds of a kindergarten before students arrived. Tuesday's was the largest and most serious exchange of fire in the conflict since 2014."
Comment: This report does not go into detail about the militant group Hamas or how they are funded and equipped by Iran. I have no doubt that the mortar attack was a response by Iran to Israel's recent skirmish with Iran in Syria. Iran is using Hamas and the Palestinians as proxies in their undeclared war with Israel.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Pestilence
3 Ebola patients escape Democratic Republic of the Congo hospital; 2 die - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Three people being treated for Ebola at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo escaped the facility's isolation unit and two later died, the World Health Organization said Friday. [...] WHO officials said they hope an experimental Ebola vaccine could help stop the spread of the deadly virus. Healthcare workers began administering more than 7,500 doses of the vaccine Monday."
Comment: I wish them luck. This new vaccine could really turn things around and remove Ebola from the list of most feared viruses.
UPI reports: "Three people being treated for Ebola at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo escaped the facility's isolation unit and two later died, the World Health Organization said Friday. [...] WHO officials said they hope an experimental Ebola vaccine could help stop the spread of the deadly virus. Healthcare workers began administering more than 7,500 doses of the vaccine Monday."
Comment: I wish them luck. This new vaccine could really turn things around and remove Ebola from the list of most feared viruses.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outlines demands for Europe to preserve Iran nuclear deal - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday listed a set of conditions he says European powers must comply with in order to continue the 2015 nuclear deal. Warning that his country would start its nuclear activities if Europe fails to provide guarantees [...] The Iranian leader deemed the continuation of the nuclear agreement possible only if European leaders provide six concrete guarantees -- including a promise not to take issue with Iran's ballistic missile program and guarantee Iranian oil is 'completely sold.'"
Comment: Well here you go, the other shoe has dropped. Talk about turning the tables! You have to admire, just a bit, Iran's chutzpah. Far from being a supplicant and going to Europe turban-in-hand with a humble request to please continue to nuclear deal they are setting forth conditions that Europe must meet for Iran to grudgingly accede to the deal they already agreed to. If you give someone a set of conditions they must meet, is there a word for that? It kind of sounds like an ultimatum. Right? If the EU had any self-respect at all they would never tolerate this mid-rank power dictating to them. I'm thinking Europe will probably cave, so stay tuned!
UPI reports: "Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday listed a set of conditions he says European powers must comply with in order to continue the 2015 nuclear deal. Warning that his country would start its nuclear activities if Europe fails to provide guarantees [...] The Iranian leader deemed the continuation of the nuclear agreement possible only if European leaders provide six concrete guarantees -- including a promise not to take issue with Iran's ballistic missile program and guarantee Iranian oil is 'completely sold.'"
Comment: Well here you go, the other shoe has dropped. Talk about turning the tables! You have to admire, just a bit, Iran's chutzpah. Far from being a supplicant and going to Europe turban-in-hand with a humble request to please continue to nuclear deal they are setting forth conditions that Europe must meet for Iran to grudgingly accede to the deal they already agreed to. If you give someone a set of conditions they must meet, is there a word for that? It kind of sounds like an ultimatum. Right? If the EU had any self-respect at all they would never tolerate this mid-rank power dictating to them. I'm thinking Europe will probably cave, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. rescinds China's invitation to Rim of the Pacific military drill - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The U.S. Department of Defense Wednesday rescinded China's invitation to participate in an international maritime exercise due to its actions in the South China Sea. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Logan said the Defense Department has withdrawn its invitation to the Chinese military to participate in June's Rim of the Pacific naval exercise alongside about two dozen other nations. [...] China has been invited to the biannual military drill since 2014, and the statement said the decision to revoke China's invitation was an initial response to Beijing's South China Sea activities."
Comment: Trumps administration started with much optimism about U.S.-China relations. It seems the honeymoon is over.
UPI reports: "The U.S. Department of Defense Wednesday rescinded China's invitation to participate in an international maritime exercise due to its actions in the South China Sea. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Logan said the Defense Department has withdrawn its invitation to the Chinese military to participate in June's Rim of the Pacific naval exercise alongside about two dozen other nations. [...] China has been invited to the biannual military drill since 2014, and the statement said the decision to revoke China's invitation was an initial response to Beijing's South China Sea activities."
Comment: Trumps administration started with much optimism about U.S.-China relations. It seems the honeymoon is over.
Rumors of War - Persia
Mike Pompeo vows to place 'strongest sanctions in history' on Iran - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States would place the strongest sanctions in history on Iran unless it changes its behavior in the Middle East, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday. [...] Iran used money gained from the accord to fuel proxy wars across the Middle East instead of boosting the 'economic fortunes of a struggling people,' he said. The United States will 'crush' Iranian operatives and Hezbollah operatives around the world, Pompeo said, adding that if Iran chose to restart their nuclear program, they would have 'bigger problems that they've ever had before.'"
Iran sanctions: Zarif condemns Pompeo announcement - BBC News
The BBC reports: "Mr Zarif said America was 'regressing to old habits' but his country was working with other partners to the nuclear deal in order to find a solution. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani launched a personal attack on Mike Pompeo, questioning his credibility as a former CIA chief to make decisions for Iran and the world."
Comment: I know that we have been wondering what comes next after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal. We are starting to get an answer. The danger is that increased sanctions will hurt our allies as well as Iran. There is, on the other hand, a possibility that domestic unrest in Iran will cause a change in policy. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "The United States would place the strongest sanctions in history on Iran unless it changes its behavior in the Middle East, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday. [...] Iran used money gained from the accord to fuel proxy wars across the Middle East instead of boosting the 'economic fortunes of a struggling people,' he said. The United States will 'crush' Iranian operatives and Hezbollah operatives around the world, Pompeo said, adding that if Iran chose to restart their nuclear program, they would have 'bigger problems that they've ever had before.'"
Iran sanctions: Zarif condemns Pompeo announcement - BBC News
The BBC reports: "Mr Zarif said America was 'regressing to old habits' but his country was working with other partners to the nuclear deal in order to find a solution. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani launched a personal attack on Mike Pompeo, questioning his credibility as a former CIA chief to make decisions for Iran and the world."
Comment: I know that we have been wondering what comes next after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal. We are starting to get an answer. The danger is that increased sanctions will hurt our allies as well as Iran. There is, on the other hand, a possibility that domestic unrest in Iran will cause a change in policy. Stay tuned.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Pestilence
Outbreak of Nipah virus kills at least 9 in India - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Officials say at least nine people have died in India from the Nipah virus, an infection that spreads through bats, pigs and other animals. [...] the virus has spread through direct contact and exchange of body fluids [...] There is no vaccine and the only form of treatment is supportive medicines and palliative care. [...] The World Health Organization has identified Nipah as having the potential to become the next major outbreak."
Comment: I'm not at all familiar with this virus but it sounds terrible. From what I understand these kinds of viruses that require contact with bodily fluids are easily containable through standard isolation protocols. I hope so!
UPI reports: "Officials say at least nine people have died in India from the Nipah virus, an infection that spreads through bats, pigs and other animals. [...] the virus has spread through direct contact and exchange of body fluids [...] There is no vaccine and the only form of treatment is supportive medicines and palliative care. [...] The World Health Organization has identified Nipah as having the potential to become the next major outbreak."
Comment: I'm not at all familiar with this virus but it sounds terrible. From what I understand these kinds of viruses that require contact with bodily fluids are easily containable through standard isolation protocols. I hope so!
Persecution
Reuters - Islamic State claims responsibility for church attack in Chechnya
Reuters reports: "The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for an attack on a church in Russia’s Chechnya republic that killed three people, the group’s Amaq news agency said on Sunday. [...] Four people attacked the Orthodox church on Saturday, killing two policemen and a churchgoer, Russia’s investigative committee said in a statement. The attackers were killed. [...] The wider North Caucasus region remains volatile, however, with unemployment and corruption pushing some to embrace radical Islam."
Reuters reports: "The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for an attack on a church in Russia’s Chechnya republic that killed three people, the group’s Amaq news agency said on Sunday. [...] Four people attacked the Orthodox church on Saturday, killing two policemen and a churchgoer, Russia’s investigative committee said in a statement. The attackers were killed. [...] The wider North Caucasus region remains volatile, however, with unemployment and corruption pushing some to embrace radical Islam."
Friday, May 18, 2018
Wickedness Increases
10 shot dead at Santa Fe, Texas, high school; explosives found - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Ten people died Friday at a southeast Texas high school after a fellow student opened fire on the Houston-area campus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. At an afternoon news conference, the governor confirmed the deaths and 10 injuries at Sante Fe High School. He described it as 'the worst disaster ever to strike this community.' [...] Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the dead included mostly students and at least one adult, including an officer."
Comment: I heard one of the talking-head commentators on the news mocking people who offer thoughts and prayers after violent attacks. I think that is an example of both a symptom and the cause of these attacks. Perhaps if we had more people praying these things wouldn't happen? A society formerly based on Biblical principles has abandoned any pretense of teaching values, ethics and right conduct in schools so we can hardly be surprised when children take the tools available to act out the violence raging in their cold and empty hearts. So, yes, I'm praying for the families and friends of those lost, that they will be comforted and consoled in their time of grief by the promise of the resurrection.
UPI reports: "Ten people died Friday at a southeast Texas high school after a fellow student opened fire on the Houston-area campus, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. At an afternoon news conference, the governor confirmed the deaths and 10 injuries at Sante Fe High School. He described it as 'the worst disaster ever to strike this community.' [...] Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the dead included mostly students and at least one adult, including an officer."
Comment: I heard one of the talking-head commentators on the news mocking people who offer thoughts and prayers after violent attacks. I think that is an example of both a symptom and the cause of these attacks. Perhaps if we had more people praying these things wouldn't happen? A society formerly based on Biblical principles has abandoned any pretense of teaching values, ethics and right conduct in schools so we can hardly be surprised when children take the tools available to act out the violence raging in their cold and empty hearts. So, yes, I'm praying for the families and friends of those lost, that they will be comforted and consoled in their time of grief by the promise of the resurrection.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Pestilence
WHO mulling health emergency over Congo Ebola outbreak - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to a major city -- Mbandaka, with a population of about 1 million people -- officials said. [...] the city is a major trade thoroughfare on the banks of the Congo River. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization said Ebola vaccines have been delivered to help stem the crisis"
Comment: This will be a good test of the recently developed vaccine.
UPI reports: "An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to a major city -- Mbandaka, with a population of about 1 million people -- officials said. [...] the city is a major trade thoroughfare on the banks of the Congo River. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization said Ebola vaccines have been delivered to help stem the crisis"
Comment: This will be a good test of the recently developed vaccine.
Gog Alliance
Eurasian trade bloc adds Iran on interim basis - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran on Thursday signed an interim free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, two days days after the United States imposed new sanctions and warned companies against trading with Tehran. EEU members Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan added Iran to their trade bloc, which has existing agreements with Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Moldova."
Comment: It looks like Iran is making friends with the Stans.
UPI reports: "Iran on Thursday signed an interim free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, two days days after the United States imposed new sanctions and warned companies against trading with Tehran. EEU members Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan added Iran to their trade bloc, which has existing agreements with Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Moldova."
Comment: It looks like Iran is making friends with the Stans.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Persecution
AP - Indonesian family that bombed churches well off, friendly
The AP reports: "The Muslim family that carried out suicide attacks on three churches in Indonesia’s second-largest city, killing a dozen people as well as its two young daughters, lived comfortably in an upper-middle class suburb and was on friendly terms with a Christian neighbor. [...] According to police, on Sunday morning the two sons, aged 16 and 18, rode a motorcycle into a church courtyard and detonated their explosives. Puji Kuswati, the mother, attacked worshippers at another church with her daughters, aged 8 and 12, who police said were all wearing suicide vests. The father, Dita Oepriarto, detonated a car bomb outside a third church. Police initially gave his name as Dita Futrianto but corrected that based on his national identity card. All six died."
Comment: I read this news report hoping to find out more details about the family but realized that the headline says it all. The article reveals nothing new. The entire report dances around the obvious inspiration for their murderous act but dares not say it. Such a nice family from a nice neighborhood, we can't understand why it happened. Really.
The AP reports: "The Muslim family that carried out suicide attacks on three churches in Indonesia’s second-largest city, killing a dozen people as well as its two young daughters, lived comfortably in an upper-middle class suburb and was on friendly terms with a Christian neighbor. [...] According to police, on Sunday morning the two sons, aged 16 and 18, rode a motorcycle into a church courtyard and detonated their explosives. Puji Kuswati, the mother, attacked worshippers at another church with her daughters, aged 8 and 12, who police said were all wearing suicide vests. The father, Dita Oepriarto, detonated a car bomb outside a third church. Police initially gave his name as Dita Futrianto but corrected that based on his national identity card. All six died."
Comment: I read this news report hoping to find out more details about the family but realized that the headline says it all. The article reveals nothing new. The entire report dances around the obvious inspiration for their murderous act but dares not say it. Such a nice family from a nice neighborhood, we can't understand why it happened. Really.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Rumors of War
North Korea threatens to pull out of U.S. summit; cancels talks with South - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea said Wednesday it is canceling high-level talks with South Korea and threatened to pull out of a summit with the United States over the allies' ongoing military exercises. The North's Korean Central News Agency said the Max Thunder drills between the South Korean and U.S. air forces are a rehearsal for invasion of the North and a provocation amid warming inter-Korean ties. It also called into question whether next month's summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump can go ahead as planned."
Comment: I suspect this is just posturing, a transparent attempt to gain leverage for a country without many cards to play.
UPI reports: "North Korea said Wednesday it is canceling high-level talks with South Korea and threatened to pull out of a summit with the United States over the allies' ongoing military exercises. The North's Korean Central News Agency said the Max Thunder drills between the South Korean and U.S. air forces are a rehearsal for invasion of the North and a provocation amid warming inter-Korean ties. It also called into question whether next month's summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump can go ahead as planned."
Comment: I suspect this is just posturing, a transparent attempt to gain leverage for a country without many cards to play.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Jerusalem Restored
AP - US embassy jubilantly opens in Jerusalem as Gaza rages
The AP reports: "The United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem Monday with a high-powered American presidential delegation joining Israel’s top leadership in a celebration of their countries’ friendship and the city’s history as the ancient capital of the Jewish people. [...] For Israelis, it marked the first official recognition of their capital after 70 years. But the move infuriated Palestinians, who seek the eastern part of the city that Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war as their future capital. Also absent were the ambassadors of many European nations that opposed the move ... [...] As significant as the event was for many Jews, it appeared to be equally important for Israel’s Christian allies. [...] Evangelicals say their affinity stems from Christianity’s Jewish roots, and some view Israel’s establishment as fulfilling biblical prophecy."
Comment: What a great day, and yes, it is indeed prophetically significant. Why, you ask, does this fulfill prophecy? Because either directly or indirectly, it affirms the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The prophets foretold that Jerusalem would be established as a city and capital for the people of Israel, who would themselves be restored to the land after being scattered among the nations. Jerusalem also has a great destiny to be the future capital of the planet. You see, God's original plan was for the light of grace to shine in Jerusalem and for the nations to come to Jerusalem learn the ways of God. When Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah, God turned it around, the Good News of salvation would go out from Jerusalem to all nations. When Christ returns and establishes His kingdom and rules on the Throne of David, then once again the nations will come to Jerusalem, the city of the Great King, to learn the ways of the Living God.
See: Isaiah 44:26 / Jeremiah 30:1-38:22 / Zechariah 8 & 12.
A special note about today, let's not forget to gives thanks for the United States, Guatemala and Paraguay as the bravest of the brave, the only nations to honor Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I'm praying that God will richly bless these nations for blessing Israel (Genesis 12:3).
Update 5/24/18: I'd like to update this and clarify that the above comment about the status of Jerusalem in God's design for history did not come from me but from Dr. David Jeremiah, who likened Israel to the center of a wheel with the spokes radiating out to the nations.
The AP reports: "The United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem Monday with a high-powered American presidential delegation joining Israel’s top leadership in a celebration of their countries’ friendship and the city’s history as the ancient capital of the Jewish people. [...] For Israelis, it marked the first official recognition of their capital after 70 years. But the move infuriated Palestinians, who seek the eastern part of the city that Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war as their future capital. Also absent were the ambassadors of many European nations that opposed the move ... [...] As significant as the event was for many Jews, it appeared to be equally important for Israel’s Christian allies. [...] Evangelicals say their affinity stems from Christianity’s Jewish roots, and some view Israel’s establishment as fulfilling biblical prophecy."
Comment: What a great day, and yes, it is indeed prophetically significant. Why, you ask, does this fulfill prophecy? Because either directly or indirectly, it affirms the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The prophets foretold that Jerusalem would be established as a city and capital for the people of Israel, who would themselves be restored to the land after being scattered among the nations. Jerusalem also has a great destiny to be the future capital of the planet. You see, God's original plan was for the light of grace to shine in Jerusalem and for the nations to come to Jerusalem learn the ways of God. When Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah, God turned it around, the Good News of salvation would go out from Jerusalem to all nations. When Christ returns and establishes His kingdom and rules on the Throne of David, then once again the nations will come to Jerusalem, the city of the Great King, to learn the ways of the Living God.
See: Isaiah 44:26 / Jeremiah 30:1-38:22 / Zechariah 8 & 12.
A special note about today, let's not forget to gives thanks for the United States, Guatemala and Paraguay as the bravest of the brave, the only nations to honor Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I'm praying that God will richly bless these nations for blessing Israel (Genesis 12:3).
Update 5/24/18: I'd like to update this and clarify that the above comment about the status of Jerusalem in God's design for history did not come from me but from Dr. David Jeremiah, who likened Israel to the center of a wheel with the spokes radiating out to the nations.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Persecution
AP - 9 dead, 40 wounded as bombs hit 3 Indonesian churches
The AP reports: "Three attacks including one by a suicide bomber disguised as a churchgoer targeted three churches in Indonesia’s second largest city of Surabaya early Sunday, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens, police said. [...] The latest attacks in predominantly Muslim Indonesia came days after police ended a riot and hostage-taking at a detention center near Jakarta that left six officers and three inmates dead. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the families and friends of the victims and for the persecuted church in Indonesia.
The AP reports: "Three attacks including one by a suicide bomber disguised as a churchgoer targeted three churches in Indonesia’s second largest city of Surabaya early Sunday, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens, police said. [...] The latest attacks in predominantly Muslim Indonesia came days after police ended a riot and hostage-taking at a detention center near Jakarta that left six officers and three inmates dead. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the families and friends of the victims and for the persecuted church in Indonesia.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Pestilence
Congo confirms first death in latest Ebola outbreak | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Thursday the first confirmed death in a new outbreak of Ebola virus and said 11 other people were now confirmed to be infected, including three medical staff. At least 17 people have died since inhabitants of a village in the country’s northwest began showing symptoms resembling Ebola in December, according to the World Health Organization. [...] Ebola is most feared for the internal and external bleeding it can cause in its victims owing to damage done to blood vessels."
Comment: Just when we thought Iran had taken over this space Ebola makes a comeback. Not that this is a good thing, or anything.
Reuters reports: "The Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Thursday the first confirmed death in a new outbreak of Ebola virus and said 11 other people were now confirmed to be infected, including three medical staff. At least 17 people have died since inhabitants of a village in the country’s northwest began showing symptoms resembling Ebola in December, according to the World Health Organization. [...] Ebola is most feared for the internal and external bleeding it can cause in its victims owing to damage done to blood vessels."
Comment: Just when we thought Iran had taken over this space Ebola makes a comeback. Not that this is a good thing, or anything.
Tuesday, May 08, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Donald Trump withdraws U.S. from Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is withdrawing the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, ending months of speculation on how he planned to handle what he described as 'one of the worst deals in history.' [...] Trump said the United States would no longer abide by the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, four days before a Saturday deadline to decide whether to recertify the 2015 pact. As part of withdrawing from the pact, Trump said the United States 'will be instituting the highest level of economic sanctions' on Iran. This includes sanctions against any country that helps Iran with its nuclear program."
Comment: This hardly comes as a surprise to any who have followed what Trump has said about the deal but it still is a stunning development that will have far-reaching consequences.
On the one had, critics of the deal are correct that Iran has not behaved like a country constrained by international agreements. Their efforts in the regional war with Saudi Arabia for hegemony in the Middle East have increased and not decreased since the deal was announced and Iranian militias are setting up permanent bases inside Syria. In short, the deal set the stage for a more ambitious and militant Iran.
On the other hand, defenders of the deal are correct when they note that it only addressed the nuclear program and not Iran's wider behavior. Iran has not violated the terms of the deal. Now that the U.S. has reneged on the deal Iran is free to resume industrial production of enriched uranium as well as continue their other efforts. This could lead to direct conflict. Will that happen? Early indications are the Iran plans to abide by the deal as long as the other signatories continue to pay Iran for compliance. The state of play has been severely disrupted and the Mideast has once again been plunged into uncertainty. Stay tuned!
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is withdrawing the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, ending months of speculation on how he planned to handle what he described as 'one of the worst deals in history.' [...] Trump said the United States would no longer abide by the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, four days before a Saturday deadline to decide whether to recertify the 2015 pact. As part of withdrawing from the pact, Trump said the United States 'will be instituting the highest level of economic sanctions' on Iran. This includes sanctions against any country that helps Iran with its nuclear program."
Comment: This hardly comes as a surprise to any who have followed what Trump has said about the deal but it still is a stunning development that will have far-reaching consequences.
On the one had, critics of the deal are correct that Iran has not behaved like a country constrained by international agreements. Their efforts in the regional war with Saudi Arabia for hegemony in the Middle East have increased and not decreased since the deal was announced and Iranian militias are setting up permanent bases inside Syria. In short, the deal set the stage for a more ambitious and militant Iran.
On the other hand, defenders of the deal are correct when they note that it only addressed the nuclear program and not Iran's wider behavior. Iran has not violated the terms of the deal. Now that the U.S. has reneged on the deal Iran is free to resume industrial production of enriched uranium as well as continue their other efforts. This could lead to direct conflict. Will that happen? Early indications are the Iran plans to abide by the deal as long as the other signatories continue to pay Iran for compliance. The state of play has been severely disrupted and the Mideast has once again been plunged into uncertainty. Stay tuned!
Monday, May 07, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel threatens to 'liquidate' Assad if Iran launches attacks from Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "An Israeli official said Monday his country would kill Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if Iran used Syrian territory to launch attacks on Israel. [...] Steinitz's remarks come amid Israeli reports that Iran is planning a missile strike against Israel. Iran has an estimated 70,000 fighters in Syria and likely more than 100,000 missiles and rockets in the region. Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Iran wants revenge for Israeli strikes against Syria's defense."
Comment: Israel has been very clear to all who will listen that they will not tolerate a permanent Iranian presence on their northern border.
UPI reports: "An Israeli official said Monday his country would kill Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if Iran used Syrian territory to launch attacks on Israel. [...] Steinitz's remarks come amid Israeli reports that Iran is planning a missile strike against Israel. Iran has an estimated 70,000 fighters in Syria and likely more than 100,000 missiles and rockets in the region. Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Iran wants revenge for Israeli strikes against Syria's defense."
Comment: Israel has been very clear to all who will listen that they will not tolerate a permanent Iranian presence on their northern border.
Gog Alliance
Turkey will retaliate if U.S. ends weapons sales, minister says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "If the United States approves a proposed law that would halt weapons sales to Turkey, the nation will retaliate, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday. [...] On Friday, legislators in the House of Representatives introduced a $717 billion 2019 defense bill that includes a temporary halt of weapons sales to Turkey. [...] On Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ankara for a gorundbreaking of Turkey's first nuclear power plant. The project, which was agreed upon in 2010, will be fully-funded by Russia, which will retain 51 percent of shares of Russian companies."
Comment: It maybe time to consider kicking Turkey out of the NATO alliance.
UPI reports: "If the United States approves a proposed law that would halt weapons sales to Turkey, the nation will retaliate, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday. [...] On Friday, legislators in the House of Representatives introduced a $717 billion 2019 defense bill that includes a temporary halt of weapons sales to Turkey. [...] On Thursday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ankara for a gorundbreaking of Turkey's first nuclear power plant. The project, which was agreed upon in 2010, will be fully-funded by Russia, which will retain 51 percent of shares of Russian companies."
Comment: It maybe time to consider kicking Turkey out of the NATO alliance.
Saturday, May 05, 2018
Rumors of War - King of the North
U.S. Navy reactivates Second Fleet amid Russia tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "With tensions between NATO and Russia rising, the U.S. military is resurrecting a fleet to patrol the Atlantic Ocean and help respond to global contingencies. [...] Russian submarine activity is at its highest levels since the Cold War, according to NATO and U.S. officials. Russia recently sent a spy ship up the east coast of the United States and the country announced plans to develop an underwater nuclear armed drone."
Comment: What an incredibly dangerous period in history. It's only a matter of time before someone declares the Cold War back on.
UPI reports: "With tensions between NATO and Russia rising, the U.S. military is resurrecting a fleet to patrol the Atlantic Ocean and help respond to global contingencies. [...] Russian submarine activity is at its highest levels since the Cold War, according to NATO and U.S. officials. Russia recently sent a spy ship up the east coast of the United States and the country announced plans to develop an underwater nuclear armed drone."
Comment: What an incredibly dangerous period in history. It's only a matter of time before someone declares the Cold War back on.
Friday, May 04, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
AP Analysis: Iran has few options to avenge Syria strikes
AP reports: "After a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its leaders wrestle with both unrest at home and the prospect of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. [...] Here’s a look at what happened and the challenges confronting Iran as it weighs its response."
Comment: As you know, Israel attacked Iranian positions in Syria and we are now awaiting the Iranian response. What can Iran do? This analysis from the AP has the answers.
AP reports: "After a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its leaders wrestle with both unrest at home and the prospect of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. [...] Here’s a look at what happened and the challenges confronting Iran as it weighs its response."
Comment: As you know, Israel attacked Iranian positions in Syria and we are now awaiting the Iranian response. What can Iran do? This analysis from the AP has the answers.
Wednesday, May 02, 2018
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China, India have increased military spending, researchers say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "India has been increasing military spending, and the cause is China, according to experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Researchers said in a report released Wednesday that despite a recent diplomatic charm offensive China and India are not scaling back on military reinforcements at their border, the South China Morning Post reported."
Comment: Nothing like a regional arms race among nuclear powers to alarm the neighbors.
UPI reports: "India has been increasing military spending, and the cause is China, according to experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Researchers said in a report released Wednesday that despite a recent diplomatic charm offensive China and India are not scaling back on military reinforcements at their border, the South China Morning Post reported."
Comment: Nothing like a regional arms race among nuclear powers to alarm the neighbors.
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
Pestilence
CDC: Illnesses from mosquito, tick, flea bites triple in 13 years - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The number of Americans who got sick from infected mosquito, tick or flea bites tripled over 13 years, mainly from outbreaks of Zika and other diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday. From 2004-16, more than 640,000 cases of illnesses from bites by the insects were reported by the CDC in the newest edition of its Vital Signs update, including 96,075 in 2016. In 2004, there were 27,388 cases. CDC scientists analyzed data for 16 vector-borne diseases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System."
Comment: It's the season, time to apply that mosquito repellent!
UPI reports: "The number of Americans who got sick from infected mosquito, tick or flea bites tripled over 13 years, mainly from outbreaks of Zika and other diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday. From 2004-16, more than 640,000 cases of illnesses from bites by the insects were reported by the CDC in the newest edition of its Vital Signs update, including 96,075 in 2016. In 2004, there were 27,388 cases. CDC scientists analyzed data for 16 vector-borne diseases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System."
Comment: It's the season, time to apply that mosquito repellent!
Monday, April 30, 2018
Rumors of War - Iran
At least 26 dead in missile strikes on Syria base - UPI.com
UPI reports: "More than two dozen people died late Sunday when a barrage of missiles struck a military base in Syria, officials said. The Syrian military reported the airstrikes near the cities of Hama and Aleppo, but did not report causalities. [...] The airstrikes at Hama hit munitions warehouses of the 47th brigade military base, which is used by Iran. An unidentified Iranian official confirmed the death count and said about 200 ground-to-ground missiles had been destroyed. He added that Israel should expect retaliation after the May 6 parliamentary elections in Lebanon."
Benjamin Netanyahu: Iran has secret nuclear program - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday his country had thousands of pages of documents proving Iran is secretly pursuing a nuclear program. The leader, long in opposition to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, said Iran lied when it agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of sanctions in 2015.
Comment: If Israel and Iran are starting a direct confrontation in Syria would should pay attention to this closely.
UPI reports: "More than two dozen people died late Sunday when a barrage of missiles struck a military base in Syria, officials said. The Syrian military reported the airstrikes near the cities of Hama and Aleppo, but did not report causalities. [...] The airstrikes at Hama hit munitions warehouses of the 47th brigade military base, which is used by Iran. An unidentified Iranian official confirmed the death count and said about 200 ground-to-ground missiles had been destroyed. He added that Israel should expect retaliation after the May 6 parliamentary elections in Lebanon."
Benjamin Netanyahu: Iran has secret nuclear program - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday his country had thousands of pages of documents proving Iran is secretly pursuing a nuclear program. The leader, long in opposition to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, said Iran lied when it agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of sanctions in 2015.
Comment: If Israel and Iran are starting a direct confrontation in Syria would should pay attention to this closely.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Pestilence
Bill Gates launches $12M challenge for universal flu vaccine - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Billionaire Bill Gates has announced a $12 million Grand Challenge to fund research of universal flu vaccines in preparation for the next flu pandemic. [...] The past 20 years has seen spread of severe acute upper respiratory syndrome, or SARS; H1N1 or swine flu), Ebola and Zika. The announcement comes 100 years after the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic killed 50 million people around the globe. In the United States, it killed about 675,000 people in the first five weeks after it reached the nation. If a highly contagious and lethal airborne pathogen like the 1918 flu were to occur today, more than 33 million people worldwide would die in 250 days, according to a simulation by the Institute for Disease Modeling."
Comment: Good for him, hopefully the grant money will allow scientists to made some real progress on a universal flu vaccine.
UPI reports: "Billionaire Bill Gates has announced a $12 million Grand Challenge to fund research of universal flu vaccines in preparation for the next flu pandemic. [...] The past 20 years has seen spread of severe acute upper respiratory syndrome, or SARS; H1N1 or swine flu), Ebola and Zika. The announcement comes 100 years after the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic killed 50 million people around the globe. In the United States, it killed about 675,000 people in the first five weeks after it reached the nation. If a highly contagious and lethal airborne pathogen like the 1918 flu were to occur today, more than 33 million people worldwide would die in 250 days, according to a simulation by the Institute for Disease Modeling."
Comment: Good for him, hopefully the grant money will allow scientists to made some real progress on a universal flu vaccine.
Friday, April 27, 2018
War
South, North Korea declare commitment to full denuclearization, ending war - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As highly anticipated, the two leaders decided to seek a formal end to their state of war and establish a peace treaty through trilateral efforts with the United States or a four-way meeting including China. South and North Korea are technically still at war as their 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice signed by the U.S.-led United Nations Command, North Korea and China."
Comment: One of the most extraordinary things about this is the recognition that the two sides are technically still at war. The Korean War ended in an armistice agreement, a fancy term for a ceasefire, but without a formal peace treaty ending the war. If you don't declare peace, then the war is still on. It would indeed be an historic event if Trump was able to gather all the parties together to officially end the Korean War.
UPI reports: "As highly anticipated, the two leaders decided to seek a formal end to their state of war and establish a peace treaty through trilateral efforts with the United States or a four-way meeting including China. South and North Korea are technically still at war as their 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice signed by the U.S.-led United Nations Command, North Korea and China."
Comment: One of the most extraordinary things about this is the recognition that the two sides are technically still at war. The Korean War ended in an armistice agreement, a fancy term for a ceasefire, but without a formal peace treaty ending the war. If you don't declare peace, then the war is still on. It would indeed be an historic event if Trump was able to gather all the parties together to officially end the Korean War.
Persecution
Christians should not be second-class citizens, cardinal tells Saudi Arabia | Reuters
Reuters reports: "A senior Vatican official who last week made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia says he told authorities in the kingdom, where non-Muslim worship is banned, that Christians cannot be considered second-class citizens. French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran’s trip, the first by such a senior Catholic figure, raised hopes of more openness in the kingdom, which is home to Islam’s holiest sites but bans the practice of other faiths. [...] Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers and diplomats. Since churches are banned, they worship in private homes."
Comment: Isn't it amazing that there are countries in the world that allow no other religions other than the official state-sponsored religion? Do they think their faith so fragile that it could not compete in a marketplace of ideas? Please join me in praying for Christians in Saudi Arabia who practice their faith under conditions of persecution that are difficult for most of us to imagine.
Reuters reports: "A senior Vatican official who last week made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia says he told authorities in the kingdom, where non-Muslim worship is banned, that Christians cannot be considered second-class citizens. French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran’s trip, the first by such a senior Catholic figure, raised hopes of more openness in the kingdom, which is home to Islam’s holiest sites but bans the practice of other faiths. [...] Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers and diplomats. Since churches are banned, they worship in private homes."
Comment: Isn't it amazing that there are countries in the world that allow no other religions other than the official state-sponsored religion? Do they think their faith so fragile that it could not compete in a marketplace of ideas? Please join me in praying for Christians in Saudi Arabia who practice their faith under conditions of persecution that are difficult for most of us to imagine.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Iranian president rejects U.S., French calls to modify nuclear deal - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday slammed U.S. President Donald Trump for criticizing the 2015 nuclear deal -- and said the United States cannot make every key decision pertaining to the Middle East. [...] The Iranian leader particularly took issue with calls from Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron for major changes to the nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. [...] The agreement -- reached in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Russia, Britain, United States and Germany -- gave sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for Tehran restricting its nuclear program."
Comment: The deal restricted Iran's nuclear program. If there is no deal then there are no restrictions. Iran would immediately begin in earnest to restart their nuclear program. That is something that Israel will not tolerate. So, the bottom line is that junking the deal will ignite a war in the Middle East. I'm not sure that has been made clear to Trump. It will be interesting to see what happens in mid-May.
UPI reports: "Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday slammed U.S. President Donald Trump for criticizing the 2015 nuclear deal -- and said the United States cannot make every key decision pertaining to the Middle East. [...] The Iranian leader particularly took issue with calls from Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron for major changes to the nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. [...] The agreement -- reached in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Russia, Britain, United States and Germany -- gave sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for Tehran restricting its nuclear program."
Comment: The deal restricted Iran's nuclear program. If there is no deal then there are no restrictions. Iran would immediately begin in earnest to restart their nuclear program. That is something that Israel will not tolerate. So, the bottom line is that junking the deal will ignite a war in the Middle East. I'm not sure that has been made clear to Trump. It will be interesting to see what happens in mid-May.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Persecution
At least 16 people killed in attack on Nigerian church - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "At least 16 people were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by cattle herders Tuesday on a Catholic church in Nigeria, local officials said. Gunmen opened fire and killed at least 14 parishioners and two priests in the Mbalom area of Benue state -- part of the so-called Middle Belt region, which played a pivotal part in Nigeria's elections. The area also is a hotbed for violent clashes between mostly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and mostly Christian farmers."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Nigeria.
UPI reports: "At least 16 people were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by cattle herders Tuesday on a Catholic church in Nigeria, local officials said. Gunmen opened fire and killed at least 14 parishioners and two priests in the Mbalom area of Benue state -- part of the so-called Middle Belt region, which played a pivotal part in Nigeria's elections. The area also is a hotbed for violent clashes between mostly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and mostly Christian farmers."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Nigeria.
Rumors of War - Persia
Hassan Rouhani: 'Grave consequences' if U.S. dumps nuclear deal - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned the United States Tuesday against leaving the Obama-era nuclear deal, as President Donald Trump talks it over with French President Emmanuel Macron. [...] Trump blamed Iran for multiple conflicts in the Middle East, including in Syria and in Yemen, while Macron said the goal was to 'contain Iran and its presence in the region.' [...] Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said he and his Chinese counterpart had agreed to block any U.S. attempt to sabotage the deal."
Comment: It's true that Iran has recently become much more aggressive in pursuing regional hegemony in the Middle East. Is that a result of the nuclear deal? What if Trump is right, it was a bad deal? What if that is true and at the same time it's also true that if the U.S. does back out of the Iran deal, it sets a precedent that undermines disarmament talks with North Korea. It's a real conundrum. Trump may be tempted to say that the two issues are not related, but clearly the rest of the world will not see it that way. Either the U.S. is a reliable negotiator or not. There is very little middle ground.
UPI reports: "Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned the United States Tuesday against leaving the Obama-era nuclear deal, as President Donald Trump talks it over with French President Emmanuel Macron. [...] Trump blamed Iran for multiple conflicts in the Middle East, including in Syria and in Yemen, while Macron said the goal was to 'contain Iran and its presence in the region.' [...] Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said he and his Chinese counterpart had agreed to block any U.S. attempt to sabotage the deal."
Comment: It's true that Iran has recently become much more aggressive in pursuing regional hegemony in the Middle East. Is that a result of the nuclear deal? What if Trump is right, it was a bad deal? What if that is true and at the same time it's also true that if the U.S. does back out of the Iran deal, it sets a precedent that undermines disarmament talks with North Korea. It's a real conundrum. Trump may be tempted to say that the two issues are not related, but clearly the rest of the world will not see it that way. Either the U.S. is a reliable negotiator or not. There is very little middle ground.
False Christs
Allison Mack, 'Smallville' actress accused of sex trafficking, freed on $5M bail - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A federal judge in Brooklyn set actress Allison Mack's bail at $5 million Tuesday as she faces charges for sex trafficking for an alleged cult leader. [...] Variety reported Mack is likely to cut a deal with prosecutors to provide information on Keith Raniere, the founder of Nxivm, an Albany, N.Y.-based self-help group whose stated goal is to 'empower people,' but that prosecutors allege was a cult that coerced women into sex and forced labor."
Comment: Isn't it shocking that people still create and join cults in the 21st Century? It seems like something so old school and yet that human yearning that forms the basis of cults is still there, an emptiness in the human heart that can only be filled by God. All religion is a human attempt to reach out to God. It's one-sided, easily corrupted and ultimately futile. Yet people still keep creating new religions, trendy new cults, great new paths to enlightenment that somehow only enrich the founders. There is no need for it. God does the reaching out in Jesus, he is God's answer to human brokenness, he is the only answer you will ever need.
UPI reports: "A federal judge in Brooklyn set actress Allison Mack's bail at $5 million Tuesday as she faces charges for sex trafficking for an alleged cult leader. [...] Variety reported Mack is likely to cut a deal with prosecutors to provide information on Keith Raniere, the founder of Nxivm, an Albany, N.Y.-based self-help group whose stated goal is to 'empower people,' but that prosecutors allege was a cult that coerced women into sex and forced labor."
Comment: Isn't it shocking that people still create and join cults in the 21st Century? It seems like something so old school and yet that human yearning that forms the basis of cults is still there, an emptiness in the human heart that can only be filled by God. All religion is a human attempt to reach out to God. It's one-sided, easily corrupted and ultimately futile. Yet people still keep creating new religions, trendy new cults, great new paths to enlightenment that somehow only enrich the founders. There is no need for it. God does the reaching out in Jesus, he is God's answer to human brokenness, he is the only answer you will ever need.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Wickedness Increases
At least 10 killed as van strikes pedestrians in Toronto - UPI.com
UPI reports: "At least 10 were killed and 15 others were injured when a white van plowed into several pedestrians in Toronto on Monday, police said. Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said the crash, which occurred at 1:30 p.m. at a busy intersection, appeared to be an intentional act but the department has little information on the suspect and his possible motives."
Comment: What a crazy world. I mean, there's nothing that can be done to prevent senseless violence caused by the wickedness in humans hearts. We are witnessing a wholesale collapse of the ability of our civilization to civilize people. Of course, it's hard to teach people right from wrong under conditions of moral relativism.
UPI reports: "At least 10 were killed and 15 others were injured when a white van plowed into several pedestrians in Toronto on Monday, police said. Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said the crash, which occurred at 1:30 p.m. at a busy intersection, appeared to be an intentional act but the department has little information on the suspect and his possible motives."
Comment: What a crazy world. I mean, there's nothing that can be done to prevent senseless violence caused by the wickedness in humans hearts. We are witnessing a wholesale collapse of the ability of our civilization to civilize people. Of course, it's hard to teach people right from wrong under conditions of moral relativism.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Iranian general threatens to 'annihilate' Israel - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran's military head said Saturday that forces are preparing to 'annihilate' Israel's Zionist regime within 25 years after recent threats between the foes. The threat from Commander of Iran's Army Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi comes while tension has escalated with an Israeli strike on an Iranian base in Syria earlier this month. [...] A day earlier, Iranian Brigadier General Hossein Salami also threatened that the Zionist regime in Israel could be totally destroyed if recent heightened tensions escalate to war."
Comment: Maybe the Iranians should not be in Syria to being with? I would note that Netanyahu has twice been to Russia to tell Putin that Israel will not tolerate a permanent Iranian presence in Syria. Putin did nothing. Actually, that's not quiet true, Putin announced that there would be a slow draw-down of Russian forces in Syria. So while the Russia may be leaving the Iranians have shown no indication of doing anything but setting up permanent bases in southern Syria. The Iranian have even recruited thousands of of Shia's from surrounding countries in a kind of militant foreign legion to beef up the Iranian forces. Not a promising sign. If the West does not act to impose an acceptable solution to the Syrian civil war then there's no doubt that there will eventually be a war between Israel and Iran.
UPI reports: "Iran's military head said Saturday that forces are preparing to 'annihilate' Israel's Zionist regime within 25 years after recent threats between the foes. The threat from Commander of Iran's Army Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi comes while tension has escalated with an Israeli strike on an Iranian base in Syria earlier this month. [...] A day earlier, Iranian Brigadier General Hossein Salami also threatened that the Zionist regime in Israel could be totally destroyed if recent heightened tensions escalate to war."
Comment: Maybe the Iranians should not be in Syria to being with? I would note that Netanyahu has twice been to Russia to tell Putin that Israel will not tolerate a permanent Iranian presence in Syria. Putin did nothing. Actually, that's not quiet true, Putin announced that there would be a slow draw-down of Russian forces in Syria. So while the Russia may be leaving the Iranians have shown no indication of doing anything but setting up permanent bases in southern Syria. The Iranian have even recruited thousands of of Shia's from surrounding countries in a kind of militant foreign legion to beef up the Iranian forces. Not a promising sign. If the West does not act to impose an acceptable solution to the Syrian civil war then there's no doubt that there will eventually be a war between Israel and Iran.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Rumors of War
Lockheed awarded $928M for hypersonic strike weapon - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract from the U.S. Air Force for the hypersonic conventional strike weapon. The deal, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, is valued at $928 million under the terms of a indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract."
Comment: There are those who say that China's recent strategy in the South China Sea has been emboldened by a having a new generation of missiles, what they call "carrier killers" that can slice through defenses and destroy an aircraft carrier. Well, folks, it's just a good old-fashioned arms race, the U.S. is building them as well.
UPI reports: "Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract from the U.S. Air Force for the hypersonic conventional strike weapon. The deal, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, is valued at $928 million under the terms of a indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract."
Comment: There are those who say that China's recent strategy in the South China Sea has been emboldened by a having a new generation of missiles, what they call "carrier killers" that can slice through defenses and destroy an aircraft carrier. Well, folks, it's just a good old-fashioned arms race, the U.S. is building them as well.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Rumors of War
U.S. air force general ‘confident’ of deterrence against North Korea - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States is well-prepared to deter incoming North Korean missiles, should a strike occur following a breakdown in talks between the two countries. Gen. Terrance O'Shaughnessy, the U.S. Air Force's top general in the Pacific, said Tuesday at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing that he has high confidence in U.S. capabilities should an attack be launched, Radio Free Asia reported."
UPI reports: "The United States is well-prepared to deter incoming North Korean missiles, should a strike occur following a breakdown in talks between the two countries. Gen. Terrance O'Shaughnessy, the U.S. Air Force's top general in the Pacific, said Tuesday at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing that he has high confidence in U.S. capabilities should an attack be launched, Radio Free Asia reported."
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Persecution
Reuters - Gunmen in Pakistan kill two Christians in drive-by shooting
Reuters reports: "Two members of Pakistan’s beleaguered Christian community were killed on Sunday in the country’s southwest when unknown gunmen opened fire on a small group that had just left a local church, police officials said. The churchgoers were on their way home in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, when two men on a motorcycle began shooting at them, local police official Ataullah Shah told Reuters. Eight wounded were taken to hospital and two people were pronounced dead. [...] Baluchistan, a region bordering Iran as well as Afghanistan, is plagued by violence by Sunni Islamist sectarian groups linked to the Taliban, al Qaeda and Islamic State."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Pakistan.
Reuters reports: "Two members of Pakistan’s beleaguered Christian community were killed on Sunday in the country’s southwest when unknown gunmen opened fire on a small group that had just left a local church, police officials said. The churchgoers were on their way home in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, when two men on a motorcycle began shooting at them, local police official Ataullah Shah told Reuters. Eight wounded were taken to hospital and two people were pronounced dead. [...] Baluchistan, a region bordering Iran as well as Afghanistan, is plagued by violence by Sunni Islamist sectarian groups linked to the Taliban, al Qaeda and Islamic State."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Pakistan.
Final Empire
French President Emmanuel Macron decries 'national selfishness' - UPI.com
UPI reports: "French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union on Tuesday to renew its commitment to democracy for protection in a world troubled by wars and authoritarian regimes. During a speech to more than 700 lawmakers, the president pushed for a more united Europe, likening political divisions to a civil war and decried populist sentiment as 'nationalist selfishness.'"
Comment: For generations Bible prophecy commentators have based their expectation's for Europe on the prophecies in the Book of Daniel. Rome, they say, is the once and future empire. The ancient empire that was never really defeated will return to rule once again they say. Yet today we see that Europe is less united than it was only a decade ago. The European Union seems intent on a slow motion unraveling, with Eurocrats busy forging ahead with a unity dream that is no longer in the hearts of their increasingly nationalist constituents. Some of this fragmentation is the fault of the bureaucrats who failed to understand the strain the influx of immigrants would cause on national sensibilities. Part of it is also a result of cold calculation, as Putin covertly supports far right and fringe parties to further the goal of fragmentation and division. So whether by accident or agenda, the European Union of the 21st Century is in more danger of dissolving that at any time in history. Macron is a voice for stability and unity, but is Europe listening?
UPI reports: "French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union on Tuesday to renew its commitment to democracy for protection in a world troubled by wars and authoritarian regimes. During a speech to more than 700 lawmakers, the president pushed for a more united Europe, likening political divisions to a civil war and decried populist sentiment as 'nationalist selfishness.'"
Comment: For generations Bible prophecy commentators have based their expectation's for Europe on the prophecies in the Book of Daniel. Rome, they say, is the once and future empire. The ancient empire that was never really defeated will return to rule once again they say. Yet today we see that Europe is less united than it was only a decade ago. The European Union seems intent on a slow motion unraveling, with Eurocrats busy forging ahead with a unity dream that is no longer in the hearts of their increasingly nationalist constituents. Some of this fragmentation is the fault of the bureaucrats who failed to understand the strain the influx of immigrants would cause on national sensibilities. Part of it is also a result of cold calculation, as Putin covertly supports far right and fringe parties to further the goal of fragmentation and division. So whether by accident or agenda, the European Union of the 21st Century is in more danger of dissolving that at any time in history. Macron is a voice for stability and unity, but is Europe listening?
Monday, April 16, 2018
Kings of the East
Japan signals interest in China's One Belt, One Road initiative - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Tokyo and Beijing discussed shared concerns, including the imposition of high U.S. tariffs on imported steel, a measure that would affect Chinese and Japanese producers. Wang also invited the top Japanese diplomat to consider participating in China's One Belt One Road network of global trade. Kono said Japan would be willing to pursue projects within the network that 'meet the standards of the international community.'"
Comment: Trump's neo-isolationism will impair U.S. leadership but is a boon to Asian economic development. China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative is one of the most ambitious and creative development projects since the Marshall Plan. It has the potential to anchor China firmly at the center of Mideast, European and Asian economic security.
UPI reports: "Tokyo and Beijing discussed shared concerns, including the imposition of high U.S. tariffs on imported steel, a measure that would affect Chinese and Japanese producers. Wang also invited the top Japanese diplomat to consider participating in China's One Belt One Road network of global trade. Kono said Japan would be willing to pursue projects within the network that 'meet the standards of the international community.'"
Comment: Trump's neo-isolationism will impair U.S. leadership but is a boon to Asian economic development. China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative is one of the most ambitious and creative development projects since the Marshall Plan. It has the potential to anchor China firmly at the center of Mideast, European and Asian economic security.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus
President Donald Trump orders precision strikes on Syrian targets - UPI.com
UPI reports: "One week after a suspected chemical attack on civilians the United States blamed on the Syrian government, President Donald Trump on Friday ordered strikes on Syrian targets. [...] The move comes after days of warnings by the U.S. president to the Assad regime and its supporter, the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. [...] Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strikes targeted three sites in Syria specifically associated with chemical weapons production. [...] Trump said the operation would be conducted in cooperation with the militaries of France and Britain. [...] Trump blamed Iran and Russia for their support of the Assad regime, saying Moscow has failed to live up to its guarantee to make sure the Syrian government got rid of its chemical weapons."
Comment: It remains to be seen if this strike will be similar to the strike last April or if this leads to a reaction or counter-strike from Russia or Iran.
UPI reports: "One week after a suspected chemical attack on civilians the United States blamed on the Syrian government, President Donald Trump on Friday ordered strikes on Syrian targets. [...] The move comes after days of warnings by the U.S. president to the Assad regime and its supporter, the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. [...] Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the strikes targeted three sites in Syria specifically associated with chemical weapons production. [...] Trump said the operation would be conducted in cooperation with the militaries of France and Britain. [...] Trump blamed Iran and Russia for their support of the Assad regime, saying Moscow has failed to live up to its guarantee to make sure the Syrian government got rid of its chemical weapons."
Comment: It remains to be seen if this strike will be similar to the strike last April or if this leads to a reaction or counter-strike from Russia or Iran.
Rumors of War
AP - UN chief warns that Mideast 'chaos' threatens global peace
The AP reports: "Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the Middle East is in such 'chaos' that it has become a threat to international peace and security — and Syria 'represents the most serious threat.' The U.N. chief told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the highly volatile situation in the region risks 'escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see, with profound regional and global ramifications.' 'The Cold War is back — with a vengeance but with a difference,' Gutteres warned. And he said the safeguards and mechanisms that managed the risk of escalation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the past 'no longer seem to be present.'"
Comment: I think it's always noteworthy when the Secretary General of the United Nations, the world body created from the ashes of world war to maintain peace, warns that peace is under threat.
The AP reports: "Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that the Middle East is in such 'chaos' that it has become a threat to international peace and security — and Syria 'represents the most serious threat.' The U.N. chief told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the highly volatile situation in the region risks 'escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see, with profound regional and global ramifications.' 'The Cold War is back — with a vengeance but with a difference,' Gutteres warned. And he said the safeguards and mechanisms that managed the risk of escalation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the past 'no longer seem to be present.'"
Comment: I think it's always noteworthy when the Secretary General of the United Nations, the world body created from the ashes of world war to maintain peace, warns that peace is under threat.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus
Donald Trump dials back Syria message as Britain, Germany mull response - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that an attack on Syria may not be imminent -- in a tweet with a much different message than one he sent a day earlier to 'get ready' for a missile strike. [...] British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to hold a cabinet meeting Thursday to discuss possibly joining the United States and allies in military action, saying the weekend chemical attack on Douma 'cannot go unchallenged.' May and Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday, in which they discussed the attack."
AP - Analysis: Putin unlikely to leave strike on Syria unanswered
AP reports: "If driven into a corner by a U.S. attack, Putin will be unlikely to sit back. Inaction would threaten his hard-won gains in Syria, dent Russia’s prestige and erode his tough-guy image. [...] A year ago, Putin was nurturing hopes for better ties with the U.S. under President Donald Trump. After a purported chemical weapons attack in Syria, he allowed a U.S. missile strike on a Syrian air base go unanswered, apparently trying to leave the door open for better relations with Washington. Moscow, which had received an advance tip by the U.S. to get its servicemen out of harm’s way, limited its response to angry statements of protest. With Kremlin expectations of a cozy relationship with Trump fizzling amid U.S. investigations into allegations of Russia’s meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, Putin is unlikely to show such tolerance now."
Comment: There seem to be many unexamined assumptions in the U.S. about another missile strike on Syria. One assumption, as the second report notes, is that Russia will respond as it did last year, with words of protest and nothing more. We don't know that they will. Another assumption is that President Trump has the authority to attack Syria without Congressional authorization. Even if we accept the stretch that the Authorization of Force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2002 for the Iraq War covers military operations in Syria we would have to say that it only covers military operations against the Islamic State and not the government of Syria, a country we are not at war with. At any rate, Congress seems unwilling to assert the authority it has under the Constitution and Trump no doubt feels he has the legal authority to attack as he did last year. If we move from attacking the Islamic State to attacking Syrian military forces in something more than a pinprick attack (for PR purposes) then do we make ourselves a party to the civil war and a target for Syrian, Russian and Iranian forces? There are many ways a missile attack either alone or with allies can go wrong and very few ways it can go right. At this point, I find myself hoping that Trump opts for the same kind of attack as last April: heavy on symbolism and light on actual damage or casualties.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that an attack on Syria may not be imminent -- in a tweet with a much different message than one he sent a day earlier to 'get ready' for a missile strike. [...] British Prime Minister Theresa May was set to hold a cabinet meeting Thursday to discuss possibly joining the United States and allies in military action, saying the weekend chemical attack on Douma 'cannot go unchallenged.' May and Trump spoke by phone on Wednesday, in which they discussed the attack."
AP - Analysis: Putin unlikely to leave strike on Syria unanswered
AP reports: "If driven into a corner by a U.S. attack, Putin will be unlikely to sit back. Inaction would threaten his hard-won gains in Syria, dent Russia’s prestige and erode his tough-guy image. [...] A year ago, Putin was nurturing hopes for better ties with the U.S. under President Donald Trump. After a purported chemical weapons attack in Syria, he allowed a U.S. missile strike on a Syrian air base go unanswered, apparently trying to leave the door open for better relations with Washington. Moscow, which had received an advance tip by the U.S. to get its servicemen out of harm’s way, limited its response to angry statements of protest. With Kremlin expectations of a cozy relationship with Trump fizzling amid U.S. investigations into allegations of Russia’s meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, Putin is unlikely to show such tolerance now."
Comment: There seem to be many unexamined assumptions in the U.S. about another missile strike on Syria. One assumption, as the second report notes, is that Russia will respond as it did last year, with words of protest and nothing more. We don't know that they will. Another assumption is that President Trump has the authority to attack Syria without Congressional authorization. Even if we accept the stretch that the Authorization of Force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2002 for the Iraq War covers military operations in Syria we would have to say that it only covers military operations against the Islamic State and not the government of Syria, a country we are not at war with. At any rate, Congress seems unwilling to assert the authority it has under the Constitution and Trump no doubt feels he has the legal authority to attack as he did last year. If we move from attacking the Islamic State to attacking Syrian military forces in something more than a pinprick attack (for PR purposes) then do we make ourselves a party to the civil war and a target for Syrian, Russian and Iranian forces? There are many ways a missile attack either alone or with allies can go wrong and very few ways it can go right. At this point, I find myself hoping that Trump opts for the same kind of attack as last April: heavy on symbolism and light on actual damage or casualties.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Rumors of War
Trump warning: 'Get ready' for U.S. missile strike on Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "After a Russian diplomat warned that any U.S. missiles fired at Syria will be shot down and their launch sites targeted, President Donald Trump fired back Wednesday -- telling Russia to 'get ready.' 'Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!', Trump said in a tweet. 'You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!' [...] Trump had said Monday a response to the Syria attack would come within days."
Comment: I find it extraordinary that this is the same Trump who said on the campaign trail that he would never telegraph his military moves the way Obama did. On the one hand, this is good because it minimizes the danger that an American missile strike could kill Russian soldiers. Avoiding WWIII is always a good move. On the other hand, it sets up the possibility that Trump is contemplating a missile strike like the one last April that proved to be a good PR stunt but did nothing to deter Assad from further use of chemical weapons. I suppose it will depend on what Trump wants to do, a gesture or meaningful damage to Syrian military infrastructure. There are also other press reports that suggest coordination with allies like the UK and France is going on behind the scenes, so perhaps a broader international military effort may soon be underway.
UPI reports: "After a Russian diplomat warned that any U.S. missiles fired at Syria will be shot down and their launch sites targeted, President Donald Trump fired back Wednesday -- telling Russia to 'get ready.' 'Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!', Trump said in a tweet. 'You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!' [...] Trump had said Monday a response to the Syria attack would come within days."
Comment: I find it extraordinary that this is the same Trump who said on the campaign trail that he would never telegraph his military moves the way Obama did. On the one hand, this is good because it minimizes the danger that an American missile strike could kill Russian soldiers. Avoiding WWIII is always a good move. On the other hand, it sets up the possibility that Trump is contemplating a missile strike like the one last April that proved to be a good PR stunt but did nothing to deter Assad from further use of chemical weapons. I suppose it will depend on what Trump wants to do, a gesture or meaningful damage to Syrian military infrastructure. There are also other press reports that suggest coordination with allies like the UK and France is going on behind the scenes, so perhaps a broader international military effort may soon be underway.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Rumors of War
Trump backs out of Peru summit to monitor Syria situation - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "The trip's cancellation comes days a chemical weapons attack in Syria that killed as many as 75 people, including children. Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday said they're not ruling out the possibility of military action against the Syrian government."
Comment: We may be on the verge of a major military action coordinated with allied nations, a major strike at Syria. The danger is the we may see Western forces kill Russians and Iranians with very severe possible consequences. Stay tuned.
UPI reports: "The trip's cancellation comes days a chemical weapons attack in Syria that killed as many as 75 people, including children. Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday said they're not ruling out the possibility of military action against the Syrian government."
Comment: We may be on the verge of a major military action coordinated with allied nations, a major strike at Syria. The danger is the we may see Western forces kill Russians and Iranians with very severe possible consequences. Stay tuned.
Monday, April 09, 2018
Rumors of War
Reuters - Trump vows quick action in response to suspected chemical attack in Syria Reuters reports: "President Donald Trump on Monday promised quick, forceful action in
response to a deadly suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria,
appearing to suggest a potential military response. Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security
advisers, Trump said he would make a decision by Monday night 'or very
shortly thereafter' on a response, adding that the United States had 'a
lot of options militarily' on Syria. [...] The Syria conflict was further complicated on Monday when unidentified war planes struck a Syrian air base near Homs, killing at least 14 people, including Iranian personnel. Syria and Russia accused Israel of carrying out the attack."
Comment: I wonder sometimes if we are so jaded by the pace of events that we need to stand back and wonder at the spectacle of this, the idea that in the Syrian war zone we have Syrian regular army forces, Russian troops, Iranian militias and now American soldiers on the ground and the Israeli air force also in action in the skies above. It's an incredibly dangerous situation.
Comment: I wonder sometimes if we are so jaded by the pace of events that we need to stand back and wonder at the spectacle of this, the idea that in the Syrian war zone we have Syrian regular army forces, Russian troops, Iranian militias and now American soldiers on the ground and the Israeli air force also in action in the skies above. It's an incredibly dangerous situation.
Sunday, April 08, 2018
Rumors of War
ABC - China's new defence chief visits Russia to 'let the Americans know' about their deep military ties
ABC.NET reports: "China's new defence minister has said his visit to Russia is a signal to the United States about the increasingly close military ties between Moscow and Beijing. [...] Moscow and Beijing have forged what they described as a 'strategic partnership,' expressing their shared opposition to the 'unipolar' world — the term they use to describe perceived US global domination. As part of their burgeoning military cooperation, Moscow and Beijing have conducted joint military manoeuvrers, including exercises in the South China Sea and last summer's joint navy drills in the Baltics."
Comment: At a time when the new American president seems intent on undermining the institutions of the post-WWII order a new counter-order is rising. China have ostensibly fully subscribed to the post-war world order, they are full members of the UN Security Council and other major international bodies, but they are also in accord on their opposition to American leadership. I suppose it's fair to say that they are not so much opposed the the post-war system, it's just that they want to be the leaders of the world system and not the United States. At some point, such profound differences will no longer be contained by diplomacy and will spill over into overt conflict. This has become a very dangerous time in world history.
ABC.NET reports: "China's new defence minister has said his visit to Russia is a signal to the United States about the increasingly close military ties between Moscow and Beijing. [...] Moscow and Beijing have forged what they described as a 'strategic partnership,' expressing their shared opposition to the 'unipolar' world — the term they use to describe perceived US global domination. As part of their burgeoning military cooperation, Moscow and Beijing have conducted joint military manoeuvrers, including exercises in the South China Sea and last summer's joint navy drills in the Baltics."
Comment: At a time when the new American president seems intent on undermining the institutions of the post-WWII order a new counter-order is rising. China have ostensibly fully subscribed to the post-war world order, they are full members of the UN Security Council and other major international bodies, but they are also in accord on their opposition to American leadership. I suppose it's fair to say that they are not so much opposed the the post-war system, it's just that they want to be the leaders of the world system and not the United States. At some point, such profound differences will no longer be contained by diplomacy and will spill over into overt conflict. This has become a very dangerous time in world history.
Saturday, April 07, 2018
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
U.S. strike group enters South China Sea as China deploys aircraft carrier - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's deployment of its aircraft carrier to waters near Hainan Island is taking place as the U.S. Navy's Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group enters the South China Sea, according to a Hong Kong press report. [...] China has claimed as much as 90 percent of international waters as its own within what it calls the 'nine-dash line' that extends more than 1,200 miles from the Chinese mainland."
Comment: Let that last sentence sink in, "China has claimed as much as 90 percent of international waters as its own," and you see the crux of the problem. The laws, traditions and customs that govern the seas have been well established by sea-going nations and they are, in short, nothing new. China knows full well that they are claiming more than they are entitled to under international law. They have adopted the simple and arrogant attitude of a thug: yeah, who's gonna stop me?
UPI reports: "China's deployment of its aircraft carrier to waters near Hainan Island is taking place as the U.S. Navy's Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group enters the South China Sea, according to a Hong Kong press report. [...] China has claimed as much as 90 percent of international waters as its own within what it calls the 'nine-dash line' that extends more than 1,200 miles from the Chinese mainland."
Comment: Let that last sentence sink in, "China has claimed as much as 90 percent of international waters as its own," and you see the crux of the problem. The laws, traditions and customs that govern the seas have been well established by sea-going nations and they are, in short, nothing new. China knows full well that they are claiming more than they are entitled to under international law. They have adopted the simple and arrogant attitude of a thug: yeah, who's gonna stop me?
Rumors of War
Van plows into crowd in Germany, killing 2 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Two people died and some 30 others were injured Saturday when a delivery van plowed into a crowd of outdoor diners in a western German city, authorities said. The incident occurred in Muenster, near the Kiepenkerl statue, around 3:30 p.m., the BBC reported. Police said the van's driver shot himself to death. [...] It also occurred on the one-year anniversary of the Stockholm terror attack in Sweden where a suspect drove a stolen truck into a crowd of pedestrians on a busy street, and four people were killed with several other people injured."
Comment: Was this an attack by a member or fan of the Islamic State? It is apparently too early in the investigation to tell, but the attack was carried out on the anniversary of another terror attack, so it's very likely to be inspired by IS at the very least.
UPI reports: "Two people died and some 30 others were injured Saturday when a delivery van plowed into a crowd of outdoor diners in a western German city, authorities said. The incident occurred in Muenster, near the Kiepenkerl statue, around 3:30 p.m., the BBC reported. Police said the van's driver shot himself to death. [...] It also occurred on the one-year anniversary of the Stockholm terror attack in Sweden where a suspect drove a stolen truck into a crowd of pedestrians on a busy street, and four people were killed with several other people injured."
Comment: Was this an attack by a member or fan of the Islamic State? It is apparently too early in the investigation to tell, but the attack was carried out on the anniversary of another terror attack, so it's very likely to be inspired by IS at the very least.
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
Gog Alliance - King of the Norther - Persia
Russia, Turkey and Iran begin Ankara summit to discuss Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A trilateral summit began in Ankara on Wednesday as the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran try to chart Syria's future following seven years of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met in the Turkish capital to discuss progress made in the war-torn country for the first time since November. [...] Despite their differences, Putin highlighted the close relationship between Russia and Iran during the summit."
Comment: The strategic relationship between Russia, Iran and Turkey is probably one of the most significant prophetic developments in the last decade. Let's keep an eye on these guys!
UPI reports: "A trilateral summit began in Ankara on Wednesday as the presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran try to chart Syria's future following seven years of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met in the Turkish capital to discuss progress made in the war-torn country for the first time since November. [...] Despite their differences, Putin highlighted the close relationship between Russia and Iran during the summit."
Comment: The strategic relationship between Russia, Iran and Turkey is probably one of the most significant prophetic developments in the last decade. Let's keep an eye on these guys!
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Report: China’s anti-stealth radar can detect U.S. fighter jets - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese military has reportedly reached a "significant milestone" in its development of new radar capable of detecting stealth airplanes. Chinese state tabloid Global Times reported Wednesday Chinese scientists have developed new military radar technology that could detect stealth bombers and fighters in areas of the Pacific Ocean beyond Chinese borders."
Comment: I wonder if we should start some kind of countdown clock? When will the South China Sea War start? I don't think it's in the interest of any major power to have this war now, but I can see how the spirit of nationalism at work in China makes it all but inevitable at some point in the future. International maritime borders have long been established but China will soon be in a position to claim and defend a vastly larger area than current maritime law allows. At that time the choice will be to either accede to China's claims or to contest them.
UPI reports: "The Chinese military has reportedly reached a "significant milestone" in its development of new radar capable of detecting stealth airplanes. Chinese state tabloid Global Times reported Wednesday Chinese scientists have developed new military radar technology that could detect stealth bombers and fighters in areas of the Pacific Ocean beyond Chinese borders."
Comment: I wonder if we should start some kind of countdown clock? When will the South China Sea War start? I don't think it's in the interest of any major power to have this war now, but I can see how the spirit of nationalism at work in China makes it all but inevitable at some point in the future. International maritime borders have long been established but China will soon be in a position to claim and defend a vastly larger area than current maritime law allows. At that time the choice will be to either accede to China's claims or to contest them.
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Gog Alliance - King of the North
Putin meets Erdogan to start work on Turkey's first nuclear power plant - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to launch Turkey's first nuclear power plant with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. [...] In recent years, Turkey has developed closer political ties with Moscow. Last week, Turkey announced that it would not follow its NATO allies who ousted Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of an Russian ex-spy in Britain. The nuclear plant launch comes ahead of a summit between Erdogan, Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Turkey on Wednesday."
Comment: This would be surreal if it weren't so expected. Turkey used to be an officially secular country, a democracy and a staunch member of the NATO alliance. Now Turkey is an Islamic dictatorship and has all but renounced the Western alliance while making a new alliance with Russia. How much longer will NATO allow Turkey to remain a member?
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to launch Turkey's first nuclear power plant with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. [...] In recent years, Turkey has developed closer political ties with Moscow. Last week, Turkey announced that it would not follow its NATO allies who ousted Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of an Russian ex-spy in Britain. The nuclear plant launch comes ahead of a summit between Erdogan, Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Turkey on Wednesday."
Comment: This would be surreal if it weren't so expected. Turkey used to be an officially secular country, a democracy and a staunch member of the NATO alliance. Now Turkey is an Islamic dictatorship and has all but renounced the Western alliance while making a new alliance with Russia. How much longer will NATO allow Turkey to remain a member?
Pestilence
CDC: 'Nightmare bacteria' showing up in U.S. - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday has issued a warning that a "nightmare bacteria" resistant to most antibiotics is showing up in parts of the United States. [...] More than 23,000 Americans die each year from infections caused by germs resistant to antibiotics, the agency says. [...] Drug resistant infections will kill an additional 10 million people a year worldwide by 2050 unless action is taken, according to a 2014 study by the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, a nongovernment advocacy group. That's more than currently die from cancer."
Comment: And yet for all of that alarmism, most hospitals already have the equipment and procedures in place to prevent the transmission of such bugs but struggle to do basic prevention, like washing hands and sanitizing equipment.
UPI reports: "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday has issued a warning that a "nightmare bacteria" resistant to most antibiotics is showing up in parts of the United States. [...] More than 23,000 Americans die each year from infections caused by germs resistant to antibiotics, the agency says. [...] Drug resistant infections will kill an additional 10 million people a year worldwide by 2050 unless action is taken, according to a 2014 study by the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, a nongovernment advocacy group. That's more than currently die from cancer."
Comment: And yet for all of that alarmism, most hospitals already have the equipment and procedures in place to prevent the transmission of such bugs but struggle to do basic prevention, like washing hands and sanitizing equipment.
Earthquakes
Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes Bolivia - The Washington Post:
The Washington Post reports: "A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Bolivia on Monday, but it was so deep that there were no reports of injuries or damage. [...] The San Calixto Observatory in La Paz said that it is one of the most powerful quakes on record in Bolivia, but that there was no damage because it was so deep. Only light tremors were felt in Bolivia’s capital and other cities. But the quake caused people to evacuate office buildings that swayed as far away as Sao Paulo, Brazil, some 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Tarija."
Comment: They are very lucky such a large quake did not strike closer to the surface, it could have caused major damage.
The Washington Post reports: "A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Bolivia on Monday, but it was so deep that there were no reports of injuries or damage. [...] The San Calixto Observatory in La Paz said that it is one of the most powerful quakes on record in Bolivia, but that there was no damage because it was so deep. Only light tremors were felt in Bolivia’s capital and other cities. But the quake caused people to evacuate office buildings that swayed as far away as Sao Paulo, Brazil, some 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Tarija."
Comment: They are very lucky such a large quake did not strike closer to the surface, it could have caused major damage.
Monday, April 02, 2018
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
China retaliates with $3B in new tariffs on U.S. imports - UPI.com
UPI reports: "New punitive tariffs by China on imported products from the United States -- retaliation for fiscal penalties imposed by President Donald Trump's administration -- took effect Monday. [...] China's new tariffs affect 128 U.S. products across seven categories, worth about $3 billion."
Comment: Starting the new month with a trade war, what could possibly go wrong?
UPI reports: "New punitive tariffs by China on imported products from the United States -- retaliation for fiscal penalties imposed by President Donald Trump's administration -- took effect Monday. [...] China's new tariffs affect 128 U.S. products across seven categories, worth about $3 billion."
Comment: Starting the new month with a trade war, what could possibly go wrong?
Signs & Wonders in the Heavens
2 airline pilots report seeing UFO while flying over Arizona - CBS News
CBS News reports: "While flying at over 30,000 feet in the air over Arizona, two airline pilots claim an unidentified flying object flew over top their planes. CBS Denver reports that both planes reported the sighting. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also released a recording of the radio broadcasts [...] The radio logs come three months after video captured by U.S. Navy pilots offered an inside look at a secretive government program that investigated UFOs. The little-known Pentagon program had a budget of about $22 million, according to the civilian intelligence officer who used to run it. Most of the sightings it looked at were by U.S. military personnel, who have been reporting UFO sightings for decades."
Comment: It's getting pretty busy up there, wonder what's up?
CBS News reports: "While flying at over 30,000 feet in the air over Arizona, two airline pilots claim an unidentified flying object flew over top their planes. CBS Denver reports that both planes reported the sighting. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also released a recording of the radio broadcasts [...] The radio logs come three months after video captured by U.S. Navy pilots offered an inside look at a secretive government program that investigated UFOs. The little-known Pentagon program had a budget of about $22 million, according to the civilian intelligence officer who used to run it. Most of the sightings it looked at were by U.S. military personnel, who have been reporting UFO sightings for decades."
Comment: It's getting pretty busy up there, wonder what's up?
Famine
Climate change to increase risk of food insecurity - UPI.com
UPI reports: "According to a new study, rising global temperatures will threaten many populations' access to affordable, nutritious food. Global warming, or climate change, is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, including droughts and floods. [...] Drought risks are likely to be most pronounced in southern Africa and South America, while Asia could be at greater risk of flooding. If global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius, the flow of the River Ganges could more than double."
Comment: As we note man-made famine in the war zones of Africa, it's worth remembering that nature can also cause severe shortages.
UPI reports: "According to a new study, rising global temperatures will threaten many populations' access to affordable, nutritious food. Global warming, or climate change, is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, including droughts and floods. [...] Drought risks are likely to be most pronounced in southern Africa and South America, while Asia could be at greater risk of flooding. If global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius, the flow of the River Ganges could more than double."
Comment: As we note man-made famine in the war zones of Africa, it's worth remembering that nature can also cause severe shortages.
Sunday, April 01, 2018
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Celebrating Easter Around The World : The Two-Way : NPR
NPR reports: "For Christians around the world, the Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection. In some countries, that can mean lighting candles, attending ceremonies and watching solemn processions go by. In others, it can be a chance to dance, make music and eat special foods."
Comment: On this Resurrection Sunday I'd found this great collection of photos from NPR showing how Easter is being celebrated by Christians all over the world, really nicely done. He is risen!
NPR reports: "For Christians around the world, the Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection. In some countries, that can mean lighting candles, attending ceremonies and watching solemn processions go by. In others, it can be a chance to dance, make music and eat special foods."
Comment: On this Resurrection Sunday I'd found this great collection of photos from NPR showing how Easter is being celebrated by Christians all over the world, really nicely done. He is risen!
Friday, March 30, 2018
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia conducts second test of intercontinental ballistic missile Sarmat - UPI.com:
UPI reports: "Russia conducted another test of its intercontinental ballistic Sarmat missile, the country's defense ministry said Friday. [...] The ministry said that the new ICBM missile, which could hit aircraft carriers, destroyers and cruisers, will replace the Soviet-era Voevoda. Russia's state-run news agency TASS said on Thursday that the Sarmat missile is expected to go operational in the Uzhur-based strategic missile force division in 2021."
Comment: Welcome to the new Cold War.
UPI reports: "Russia conducted another test of its intercontinental ballistic Sarmat missile, the country's defense ministry said Friday. [...] The ministry said that the new ICBM missile, which could hit aircraft carriers, destroyers and cruisers, will replace the Soviet-era Voevoda. Russia's state-run news agency TASS said on Thursday that the Sarmat missile is expected to go operational in the Uzhur-based strategic missile force division in 2021."
Comment: Welcome to the new Cold War.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Covenant With Many
Q&A: Why Bolton's pick adds to obstacles for US Mideast plan - AP
AP reports: "The list of obstacles to a long-awaited U.S. plan for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal has grown longer in recent days. Contentious relations between the Trump administration and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are bound to deteriorate further with incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has said Palestinians would be better off being absorbed by Egypt and Jordan than having their own state. Meanwhile, U.S.-backed efforts to negotiate a deal sidelining Hamas in the Gaza Strip appear to have collapsed, raising new questions about the territory said to be at the center of any U.S. plan. Coupled with Abbas’ refusal to engage with the Trump administration, these developments exacerbate fundamental challenges to any proposals coming from Washington."
Comment: This is a good politically correct overview of where things stand right now in the peace process.
AP reports: "The list of obstacles to a long-awaited U.S. plan for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal has grown longer in recent days. Contentious relations between the Trump administration and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are bound to deteriorate further with incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has said Palestinians would be better off being absorbed by Egypt and Jordan than having their own state. Meanwhile, U.S.-backed efforts to negotiate a deal sidelining Hamas in the Gaza Strip appear to have collapsed, raising new questions about the territory said to be at the center of any U.S. plan. Coupled with Abbas’ refusal to engage with the Trump administration, these developments exacerbate fundamental challenges to any proposals coming from Washington."
Comment: This is a good politically correct overview of where things stand right now in the peace process.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Pestilence
Global antibiotic use soaring as concerns about resistance rise - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Overuse of antibiotics is one of the main causes of the dangerous health threats posed by antibiotic resistance -- when the drugs are no longer effective against the diseases they were designed to fight. Yet new research finds that antibiotic use by people rose 39 percent worldwide between 2000 and 2015, adding to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, scientists say."
Comment: This is a significant issue, I'm glad it's getting more press attention.
UPI reports: "Overuse of antibiotics is one of the main causes of the dangerous health threats posed by antibiotic resistance -- when the drugs are no longer effective against the diseases they were designed to fight. Yet new research finds that antibiotic use by people rose 39 percent worldwide between 2000 and 2015, adding to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, scientists say."
Comment: This is a significant issue, I'm glad it's getting more press attention.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Wickedness
French police eye anti-Semitism in Holocaust survivor's death - UPI.com
UPI reports: "French authorities said Monday they will investigate the slaying of an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor in Paris as a possible anti-Semitic crime. Authorities found the body of Mireille Knoll, who lived alone in a Paris apartment, inside her residence after a fire on Friday night, The Guardian reported. An autopsy revealed Knoll sustained multiple stab wounds before the fire. [...] Knoll escaped the roundup of 13,000 Jews in Paris to Nazi death camps in 1942, the BBC reported. She previously complained to police about a neighbor who threatened to set her home on fire."
Comment: Hopefully the two suspects will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
UPI reports: "French authorities said Monday they will investigate the slaying of an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor in Paris as a possible anti-Semitic crime. Authorities found the body of Mireille Knoll, who lived alone in a Paris apartment, inside her residence after a fire on Friday night, The Guardian reported. An autopsy revealed Knoll sustained multiple stab wounds before the fire. [...] Knoll escaped the roundup of 13,000 Jews in Paris to Nazi death camps in 1942, the BBC reported. She previously complained to police about a neighbor who threatened to set her home on fire."
Comment: Hopefully the two suspects will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Rumors of War - Persia
Saudis intercept seven ballistic missiles fired at cities by Houthis in Yemen - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia announced that it intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh, its capital, and other major cities, the largest barrage in its three-year war in Yemen.[...] The escalation in the conflict, which on Sunday clearly targeted civilian populations in Saudi Arabia, could reinforce Riyadh's demands to curtail the influence of Iran in the region. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan condemned the missile attacks on Monday, pledging to stand in solidarity with the Saudis."
Comment: The real danger is that the Saudi vs. Iranian war for regional domination could draw in the other major powers and engulf the region in a major war.
UPI reports: "Saudi Arabia announced that it intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh, its capital, and other major cities, the largest barrage in its three-year war in Yemen.[...] The escalation in the conflict, which on Sunday clearly targeted civilian populations in Saudi Arabia, could reinforce Riyadh's demands to curtail the influence of Iran in the region. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan condemned the missile attacks on Monday, pledging to stand in solidarity with the Saudis."
Comment: The real danger is that the Saudi vs. Iranian war for regional domination could draw in the other major powers and engulf the region in a major war.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Persecution
AP - Nigerian police: Boko Haram to free 1 more kidnapped girl
The AP reports: "Islamic extremists who abducted 111 girls last month in Nigeria’s northern village of Dapchi are releasing one more girl, Nigeria’s police chief said Saturday. Leah Sharibu, 15, was held back on Wednesday when 105 of her classmates were freed by Boko Haram extremists after negotiations. She remained a prisoner because she is Christian and refused to convert to Islam, her mother said. [...] It wasn’t clear when she would be released. [...] The Dapchi school kidnappings are thought to have been carried out by a Boko Haram splinter group aligned with the Islamic State group."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the release of Leah Sharibu, a 15 year-old girl held by the Boko Haram militants.
The AP reports: "Islamic extremists who abducted 111 girls last month in Nigeria’s northern village of Dapchi are releasing one more girl, Nigeria’s police chief said Saturday. Leah Sharibu, 15, was held back on Wednesday when 105 of her classmates were freed by Boko Haram extremists after negotiations. She remained a prisoner because she is Christian and refused to convert to Islam, her mother said. [...] It wasn’t clear when she would be released. [...] The Dapchi school kidnappings are thought to have been carried out by a Boko Haram splinter group aligned with the Islamic State group."
Comment: Please join me in praying for the release of Leah Sharibu, a 15 year-old girl held by the Boko Haram militants.
Friday, March 23, 2018
War - Fearsome Events
3 killed by militant in separate attacks in southern France - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Three people were killed Friday and a dozen others were injured in separate attacks in southern France that authorities believe were motivated by terrorism. The gunman, who claimed to be affiliated with the Islamic State terror group, stormed a market in Trebes and took hostages. Police said two people shot inside, an employee and a customer, died from their injuries. The hostage taker was eventually killed by police."
Comment: One of the TV news analysts said that ISIS inspired terrorists will strike with more frequency now that ISIS is losing territory in the Middle East.
UPI reports: "Three people were killed Friday and a dozen others were injured in separate attacks in southern France that authorities believe were motivated by terrorism. The gunman, who claimed to be affiliated with the Islamic State terror group, stormed a market in Trebes and took hostages. Police said two people shot inside, an employee and a customer, died from their injuries. The hostage taker was eventually killed by police."
Comment: One of the TV news analysts said that ISIS inspired terrorists will strike with more frequency now that ISIS is losing territory in the Middle East.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Rumors of War
VOA - Trump Launches Action Toward Imposing Tariffs Against Chinese Imports
VOA News reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Thursday, initiating actions to consider imposing tariffs on a long list of nearly 1,300 Chinese imported products worth about $60 billion. The move could limit China’s ability to invest in the U.S. technology industry, setting the stage for a possible trade war with Beijing. [...] The prospect of a trade war sent markets plummeting, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 724 points, almost 3 percent, its biggest drop in six weeks."
China plans tariffs on $3B worth of U.S. goods after Trump order - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese government plans to impose tariffs on $3 billion worth of imports of U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump's tariff announcement Thursday. China's Commerce Ministry said it compiled a list of 120 products worth about $1 billion including fresh fruit and wine that will face a 15 precent tariff it both countries fail to resolve trade differences 'within a stipulated time.'"
Comment: I'm posting this under the "Rumors of War" category because trade wars have a tendency to sour relations between countries and set the stage for actual wars.
VOA News reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Thursday, initiating actions to consider imposing tariffs on a long list of nearly 1,300 Chinese imported products worth about $60 billion. The move could limit China’s ability to invest in the U.S. technology industry, setting the stage for a possible trade war with Beijing. [...] The prospect of a trade war sent markets plummeting, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 724 points, almost 3 percent, its biggest drop in six weeks."
China plans tariffs on $3B worth of U.S. goods after Trump order - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Chinese government plans to impose tariffs on $3 billion worth of imports of U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump's tariff announcement Thursday. China's Commerce Ministry said it compiled a list of 120 products worth about $1 billion including fresh fruit and wine that will face a 15 precent tariff it both countries fail to resolve trade differences 'within a stipulated time.'"
Comment: I'm posting this under the "Rumors of War" category because trade wars have a tendency to sour relations between countries and set the stage for actual wars.
Persecution
AP - Lone Nigerian captive refused to convert for Boko Haram
The AP reports: "The mother of the only Nigerian schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity after the extremists released 104 classmates said Thursday her daughter was blocked from boarding the vehicle to freedom with her classmates and told to convert to Islam. Rebecca Sharibu told The Associated Press that 15-year-old Leah refused. 'She was about to board the vehicle that was to bring them back. Then Boko Haram said she should convert,' the mother said. 'Her friends said they tried to convince her but she said she will not convert to Islam. Boko Haram said since she will not convert to Islam she should remain behind. That was how they left her. She is alone.' Leah Sharibu asked her departing Muslim classmates to pray for her."
Comment: Please join me in praying for Leah Sharibu, for her safety and her quick release from captivity.
The AP reports: "The mother of the only Nigerian schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity after the extremists released 104 classmates said Thursday her daughter was blocked from boarding the vehicle to freedom with her classmates and told to convert to Islam. Rebecca Sharibu told The Associated Press that 15-year-old Leah refused. 'She was about to board the vehicle that was to bring them back. Then Boko Haram said she should convert,' the mother said. 'Her friends said they tried to convince her but she said she will not convert to Islam. Boko Haram said since she will not convert to Islam she should remain behind. That was how they left her. She is alone.' Leah Sharibu asked her departing Muslim classmates to pray for her."
Comment: Please join me in praying for Leah Sharibu, for her safety and her quick release from captivity.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Global Government - Ten Kings
African countries create largest free trade area since WTO - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The leaders of 44 African countries signed a historic trade agreement Wednesday to create the largest free trade area since the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1995. The countries signed the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement during the 10th Extraordinary Session of African Union Heads of State in Kigali, Rwanda. Ten African Union countries, including Nigeria, refused to sign the deal. The agreement eliminates certain barriers to trade, including tariffs and import quotas, in order to boost commerce and the economy. Each of the signed countries would need to ratify the deal before the bloc is formally created."
Comment: This is an interesting development. I know there are certain BP commentators who suggest that eventually the world will be divided up into ten trade blocs. This will allow for a level of economic integration that could presage true political integration on a global scale. This seems unlikely given how popular nationalist sentiment remains today but nonetheless, that's what they say will happen. I'm keeping an open mind on this one.
UPI reports: "The leaders of 44 African countries signed a historic trade agreement Wednesday to create the largest free trade area since the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1995. The countries signed the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement during the 10th Extraordinary Session of African Union Heads of State in Kigali, Rwanda. Ten African Union countries, including Nigeria, refused to sign the deal. The agreement eliminates certain barriers to trade, including tariffs and import quotas, in order to boost commerce and the economy. Each of the signed countries would need to ratify the deal before the bloc is formally created."
Comment: This is an interesting development. I know there are certain BP commentators who suggest that eventually the world will be divided up into ten trade blocs. This will allow for a level of economic integration that could presage true political integration on a global scale. This seems unlikely given how popular nationalist sentiment remains today but nonetheless, that's what they say will happen. I'm keeping an open mind on this one.
Rumors of War - Persia
Israel says it was behind 2007 airstrike on Syrian nuclear facility - UPI.com
UPI reports: "For the first time, the Israeli government said Wednesday it was behind a 2007 bombing of a Syrian nuclear facility -- a disclosure intended to send a message that it won't accept a nuclear Iran. Israeli intelligence minister Yisrael Katz directly warned Tehran that Israel would not allow it to develop and possess nuclear weapons."
Comment: There are times when I realize how desensitized I am to the situation after something happens to shock me back to the reality of how far things have progressed. We are living in a time when Iranian military forces are deployed to a state directly bordering Israel. This is one of those things we may be aware of but the full impact of it is registering less than it should. Iran has emerged from the nuclear deal with a renewed confidence and a bold program for regional hegemony. We know that Israel and Saudi Arabia are ready and willing to challenge Iran every step of the way. The danger is that this war for regional supremacy could erupt into a much larger war at any moment. American troops, Russian troops, Turks and Iranians all operating inside Syria while next door Israel watches nervously. What could possibly go wrong?
UPI reports: "For the first time, the Israeli government said Wednesday it was behind a 2007 bombing of a Syrian nuclear facility -- a disclosure intended to send a message that it won't accept a nuclear Iran. Israeli intelligence minister Yisrael Katz directly warned Tehran that Israel would not allow it to develop and possess nuclear weapons."
Comment: There are times when I realize how desensitized I am to the situation after something happens to shock me back to the reality of how far things have progressed. We are living in a time when Iranian military forces are deployed to a state directly bordering Israel. This is one of those things we may be aware of but the full impact of it is registering less than it should. Iran has emerged from the nuclear deal with a renewed confidence and a bold program for regional hegemony. We know that Israel and Saudi Arabia are ready and willing to challenge Iran every step of the way. The danger is that this war for regional supremacy could erupt into a much larger war at any moment. American troops, Russian troops, Turks and Iranians all operating inside Syria while next door Israel watches nervously. What could possibly go wrong?
Persecution
Court: Pakistani Christians Must Reveal Religion to Vote or Apply for Jobs - Christianity Today
Christianity Today reports: "Pakistan’s citizens must now declare their religion when applying for identity documents, or if they want to work in government or register to vote, Islamabad’s High Court ruled this month. [...] Their true religion must now also be visible on birth certificates, ID cards, voters’ lists, and passports. Those who apply for a job in the judiciary, armed forces, civil services, and other government jobs also need to submit an affidavit declaring the Khatm-i-Naboowat (that Muhammad was the final prophet), stated Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui in his ruling, as reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn."
Comment: In order to apply for a job or vote you have to list your religion....in an officially Muslim country. No problems there, right? This is a sad development and will harm many non-Muslims in Pakistan. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Pakistan.
Christianity Today reports: "Pakistan’s citizens must now declare their religion when applying for identity documents, or if they want to work in government or register to vote, Islamabad’s High Court ruled this month. [...] Their true religion must now also be visible on birth certificates, ID cards, voters’ lists, and passports. Those who apply for a job in the judiciary, armed forces, civil services, and other government jobs also need to submit an affidavit declaring the Khatm-i-Naboowat (that Muhammad was the final prophet), stated Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui in his ruling, as reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn."
Comment: In order to apply for a job or vote you have to list your religion....in an officially Muslim country. No problems there, right? This is a sad development and will harm many non-Muslims in Pakistan. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in Pakistan.
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea's Kim Jong Un willing to talk about denuclearization - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss denuclearization with the United States and halt its nuclear and missile provocations while dialogue is ongoing, a Seoul official said Tuesday. Debriefing on his two-day trip to Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's security adviser Chung Eui-yong told reporters that the North Korean regime 'clearly stated its willingness to denuclearize.'"
Comment: Very interesting development. Is Kim merely stalling for time or is he sincerely interested in denuclearization? I think his likely strategy is to say he will give up his weapons if the U.S. withdraws from the Korean peninsula. This puts the U.S on the defensive and allows him to say he is demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to negotiate.
UPI reports: "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss denuclearization with the United States and halt its nuclear and missile provocations while dialogue is ongoing, a Seoul official said Tuesday. Debriefing on his two-day trip to Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's security adviser Chung Eui-yong told reporters that the North Korean regime 'clearly stated its willingness to denuclearize.'"
Comment: Very interesting development. Is Kim merely stalling for time or is he sincerely interested in denuclearization? I think his likely strategy is to say he will give up his weapons if the U.S. withdraws from the Korean peninsula. This puts the U.S on the defensive and allows him to say he is demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to negotiate.
Thursday, March 01, 2018
Rumors of War - King of the North
Putin: New Russian nukes are answer to U.S. leaving arms treaty - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday his country has developed supersonic nuclear weapons that can reach anywhere in the world, and are 'invulnerable to enemy interception.' During his state of the union address to Russian lawmakers in Moscow, Putin said the weapons cannot be tracked by anti-missile systems. [...] The Russian president said the new nuclear weapons were successfully tested late last year -- and said tests are ongoing for underwater drones that can carry nuclear warheads. [...] Putin's address came less than three weeks before Russia's presidential election. He is an overwhelming favorite to win another term on March 18."
Comment: This was a brilliant campaign speech by a man who doesn't really need to campaign to win his election. How strange is that? Beneath the bluster is the reality that Russia and every other great power will continue to innovate in the area of arms and weapons. It's profitable and also great PR for the domestic audience. Putin did a great job of spinning a narrative of Russia as a victim, as a righteous underdog, fighting back against America. This is a time-tested electoral strategy. When JFK ran against Nixon in 1960 he claimed there was a missile gap between the U.S. and Russia and that the Russians were winning the arms race. Kennedy knew it wasn't true, but voters ate it up.
Am I alarmed by these new claims by Putin about the power of Russian weapons? No. Cruise missiles are now considered old tech and everyone is innovating on the basic design and pushing the envelope on speed and stealth. Underwater drones are indeed new-ish, but the real innovation will be deploying them in an active battlespace in a coordinated fashion, either independently or using swarm tactics, and of course, weaponizing them with explosives up to the nuclear level. As far as most analysts can tell, this capability has yet to be demonstrated by Russia. Underwater drones used in this manner may be new but the U.S. Navy has long had nuclear depth-charges for anti-submarine warfare, so again, not that new.
The real concern here is that the world is moving very quickly past the global war on terrorism and into a new phase of great power conflict. We have been lulled by history into a false sense of security, the notion that wars between countries with established armies and massive firepower is over. It's not over. We are now seeing the military establishments of Russia, the United States and China actively preparing for great power conflict.
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday his country has developed supersonic nuclear weapons that can reach anywhere in the world, and are 'invulnerable to enemy interception.' During his state of the union address to Russian lawmakers in Moscow, Putin said the weapons cannot be tracked by anti-missile systems. [...] The Russian president said the new nuclear weapons were successfully tested late last year -- and said tests are ongoing for underwater drones that can carry nuclear warheads. [...] Putin's address came less than three weeks before Russia's presidential election. He is an overwhelming favorite to win another term on March 18."
Comment: This was a brilliant campaign speech by a man who doesn't really need to campaign to win his election. How strange is that? Beneath the bluster is the reality that Russia and every other great power will continue to innovate in the area of arms and weapons. It's profitable and also great PR for the domestic audience. Putin did a great job of spinning a narrative of Russia as a victim, as a righteous underdog, fighting back against America. This is a time-tested electoral strategy. When JFK ran against Nixon in 1960 he claimed there was a missile gap between the U.S. and Russia and that the Russians were winning the arms race. Kennedy knew it wasn't true, but voters ate it up.
Am I alarmed by these new claims by Putin about the power of Russian weapons? No. Cruise missiles are now considered old tech and everyone is innovating on the basic design and pushing the envelope on speed and stealth. Underwater drones are indeed new-ish, but the real innovation will be deploying them in an active battlespace in a coordinated fashion, either independently or using swarm tactics, and of course, weaponizing them with explosives up to the nuclear level. As far as most analysts can tell, this capability has yet to be demonstrated by Russia. Underwater drones used in this manner may be new but the U.S. Navy has long had nuclear depth-charges for anti-submarine warfare, so again, not that new.
The real concern here is that the world is moving very quickly past the global war on terrorism and into a new phase of great power conflict. We have been lulled by history into a false sense of security, the notion that wars between countries with established armies and massive firepower is over. It's not over. We are now seeing the military establishments of Russia, the United States and China actively preparing for great power conflict.
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Trump announces tariffs on steel, aluminum imports; China cries foul - UPI.com
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the United States. Speaking at a White House meeting with business leaders, Trump said he would officially impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff for aluminum next week. [...] Chinese officials condemned the prospects of U.S. tariffs ahead of the decision Thursday. [...] Trump has said the tariffs would help U.S. businesses in those sectors. 'I want to keep prices down, but I also want to make sure that we have a steel industry and an aluminum industry, and we do need that for national defense,' Trump has said. 'If we ever have a conflict, we don't want to be buying the steel from a country that we're fighting, because somehow that doesn't work very well.'"
Comment: I don't normally share economic news, but I'm making an exception in this case for two reasons. First, there is a well established link between trade wars and actual wars. Many historians have blamed protectionist policies implemented during the Great Depression for souring relations between countries and contributing to the outbreak of WWII. Second, note that among the reasons for this decision, Trump explicitly lists likely war with a major importer, namely China. Is Trump preparing for war with China or merely bringing trade policy in line with national security requirements? Or both? Time will tell.
UPI reports: "President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would place tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the United States. Speaking at a White House meeting with business leaders, Trump said he would officially impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff for aluminum next week. [...] Chinese officials condemned the prospects of U.S. tariffs ahead of the decision Thursday. [...] Trump has said the tariffs would help U.S. businesses in those sectors. 'I want to keep prices down, but I also want to make sure that we have a steel industry and an aluminum industry, and we do need that for national defense,' Trump has said. 'If we ever have a conflict, we don't want to be buying the steel from a country that we're fighting, because somehow that doesn't work very well.'"
Comment: I don't normally share economic news, but I'm making an exception in this case for two reasons. First, there is a well established link between trade wars and actual wars. Many historians have blamed protectionist policies implemented during the Great Depression for souring relations between countries and contributing to the outbreak of WWII. Second, note that among the reasons for this decision, Trump explicitly lists likely war with a major importer, namely China. Is Trump preparing for war with China or merely bringing trade policy in line with national security requirements? Or both? Time will tell.
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