Covenant With Many

President Donald Trump says Middle East peace plan will follow Israeli election
UPI reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump has said his Middle East peace plan will not be fully released until after Israeli elections next month. The peace plan is being finalized by White House adviser Jared Kushner and won't be made public before Israel's elections on Sept. 17, Trump said Sunday."

Comment: It will be interesting to see what the details of the political plan are. I suspect that nothing the Trump team puts forward will be accepted by the Palestinians leadership (both sides) but I'm guessing the hope is that the wider Arab world would accept it and then pressure the Palestinians to accept it. I think the region is ready to have this off the agenda. We need to keep in mind though the difference between elite opinion and public opinion. Although public opinion counts for little in monarchies and dictatorships, people can still express anger in rioting and strife, the kind that brings down regimes. It's not extreme to suggest that the closer Mideast peace comes to becoming a reality the more fragile those "moderate" governments will be. They've spent generations teaching their people to hate Israel and sadly, they did a good job of fostering that hatred. Arab leaders not have the luxury of turning on a dime without experiencing the irrational wrath of their people.

War - Doomed Damascus

Airstrikes hit near Turkish convoy in Syria, raising tension
The AP reports: "Airstrikes targeted a Turkish army convoy inside a rebel-held part of northwestern Syria on Monday, killing three civilians and wounding 12 others, the Turkish Defense Ministry said. Syria, however, said the Turkish convoy was carrying ammunition to rebels who have lost ground this month amid a government offensive to retake their last stronghold in the country. The incident ratcheted up tensions in the region, currently ground zero in Syria’s long-running civil war in which Turkish, Russian, U.S. and Iranian interests are fighting."

Comment: I find it interesting that Syria has largely dropped off our radar and yet, as the report makes clear, it remains a battlefield in which the armies of multiple countries (including the U.S.) are currently fighting. Do the American people realize they have soldiers fighting in Syria or is that lost amid reporting about Trump's latest Tweets?

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Chinese military buildup near Hong Kong stokes fears of intrusion
UPI reports: "China has moved armored personnel carriers to a stadium in Shenzhen, near the border with Hong Kong. Troops were seen carrying riot shields, batons and other weapons as they gathered around the city's Bay Sports Center and satellite imagery showed military vehicles on the sidelines."

Comment: I respect the Hong Kong protesters but I also feel sorry for them. The fate of Hong Kong was sealed when Great Britain ended colonial rule in 1997. Hong Kong is part of China now and it was only a matter of time before China began chipping away at the special status long enjoyed by the former British colony. The protestors began in opposition to the extradition law, which is now shelved, but they continued to protest and in hindsight, I think we will see that was a major miscalculation. By rioting and destroying property, they are forcing China to intervene. I suspect that once PLA troops patrol the streets of Hong Kong, they will never leave.

Pestilence

Health officials say Ebola cure near with 2 new Congo treatments - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Medical officials believe they're so close to a cure for Ebola that they've stopped a random drug trial to give patients in the Congo two new treatments, which they say have so far shown remarkable effectiveness killing the virus. Researchers began trials with four treatments last fall. Monday, they said two had worked remarkably well for 500 patients who'd received them. [...] Nearly 2,000 people in the Congo have died of Ebola in the past year."

Comment: They are getting close to curing Ebola, this is very good news to share! 

Temple Mount

Seven Muslims arrested, 61 injured amid tensions at Temple Mount - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Officials initially barred non-Muslims from entering Temple Mount, but allowed a group of about 150 Jewish worshipers to enter after a subsequent security assessment. Police said Muslim worshipers began to riot, including throwing chairs and other objects at the Jewish visitors who entered with a police escort, and officers responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets to 'break up the rioters in order to restore public order.'"

Comment: As we know, the Temple Mount is both a political and spiritual flashpoint and we should take note when events take place there. In this case, there was a riot, an emotional and violent reaction by Islamics to the mere presence of Jews on the Temple Mount.  Their own behavior is not respectful of their own "holy place" but no doubt their bad actions will be blamed on Israel.

I commend UPI for using the term "Temple Mount" rather than the politically correct "holy place." Archeologist and historians have validated the existence of the two Jewish temples that predate the present mosque, and so "Temple Mount" remains an accurate description of the site, even if it is not popular with those who seek to minimize or erase the Jewish presence in the land.

Famine

UN climate report: Change land use to avoid a hungry future
AP reports: “Human-caused climate change is dramatically degrading the Earth’s land and the way people use the land is making global warming worse, a new United Nations scientific report says. [...] 'The stability of food supply is projected to decrease as the magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events that disrupt food chains increases,' the report said. In the worst-case scenario, food security problems change from moderate to high risk with just a few more tenths of a degree of warming from now. They go from high to 'very high' risk with just another 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) of warming from now."

Comment: A UN scientific panel is warning that climate change heightens the risk of famine.  The good news is that there are things that we can do to minimize the risk. The report highlights better farming practices, diet changes and reducing food waste as some things we can do to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China, Pakistan slam India's move to change Kashmir's special status - Reuters
Reuters reports: "In a move to tighten its grip on Jammu and Kashmir, parts of which are claimed by Pakistan and China, India dropped a constitutional provision that allowed the country’s only Muslim-majority state to make its own laws. The changes imposed by Modi’s Hindu nationalist-led government are the most sweeping in the nearly 30 years that India has been battling a revolt in Kashmir. The government also broke up the state into two federally administered territories."

Comment: This is one of the most significant developments in quite some time. Kashmir is a flashpoint for conflict between nuclear powers and that kind of thing should always be on our radar. 

Gog Alliance

Iran announces upcoming joint military drills with Russia - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran and Russia will hold joint military drills in the Persian Gulf later this year as part of a classified agreement to expand cooperation between the two nations. Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said Sunday the agreement with the Russian Defense Ministry was signed last week in Moscow, Iran's state-run PressTV reported."

Comment: According to this report, Russia and Iran have entered into a formal agreement for military cooperation, this is significant and very noteworthy. 

Wickedness Increases

2 mass shootings in less than 24 hours shock US
The AP reports: "Two mass shootings at crowded public places in Texas and Ohio claimed at least 29 lives in less than 24 hours and left scores of people wounded, a shocking carnage even in a country accustomed to gun violence. In the Texas border city of El Paso, a gunman opened fire Saturday morning in a shopping area packed with thousands of people during the busy back-to-school season. The attack killed 20 and wounded more than two dozen, many of them critically. Hours later in Dayton, Ohio, a gunman wearing body armor and carrying extra magazines opened fire in a popular nightlife area, killing nine and injuring at least 26 people. The suspected shooter was shot to death by responding officers."

Comment: When I went to sleep last night the El Paso shooting was on my mind. When I woke up this morning and checked my news feed I saw alerts about the shooting. I'm not a "morning person" and so I was not quick to realize the shooting they were talking about was a different shooting, one that happened overnight...another shooting.  I've come to the conclusion that gun laws will not change the evil and wickedness in the human heart (only God can do that), but they can change who has access to guns, and that may be a good place to start.

Wickedness Increases

At least 24 people shot, multiple dead at El Paso Walmart; suspect held
UPI reports: "At least 24 people were shot, several of them fatally, and one suspect was arrested at a Walmart Supercenter in El Paso, Texas, Saturday afternoon, authorities said. Police arrested a while male in his early 20s in connection with the mass shooting, spokesman Sgt. Robert Gomez said. Several media sources confirmed that the suspect lives in Allen, Texas, about 650 miles from El Paso."

Comment: Another mass shooting has occurred, this time in Texas.  People going about their business, enjoying the weekend and shopping at a local Walmart and then some crazy person starts shooting. Perilous times indeed (2 Timothy 3).

Persecution

Xi Jinping Ramps Up Religious Persecution - National Review 
The National Review reports: "Over the past decade, rash optimism that China was finally moving past the era of former Communist dictator Mao Tse-tung’s influence has given way to president Xi Jinping’s reconsolidating his power. One of the major ways he’s done that: persecuting religious believers. [...] Chinese policy dictates that anyone holding religious activities outside of a church will be arrested. That means no church camps, no Bible studies, no youth groups, no orphanages, no Church-run health clinics, and since 2017, police have begun disrupting funerals for any faith, including native Taoists, Catholic News Agency reported."

Comment: It's very hard to grasp the scale of repression that is possible in China. Modern technology has created the tools for massive surveillance and enforcement of a police state that we in the West can scarcely imagine.  Our notions of privacy, personal rights and freedom of religion simply don't exist. Please join me in praying for the persecuted church in China, that they will endure persecution with perseverance, faith and the kind of love that wins over their oppressors.

Wickedness Inceases

California police ID accused gunman in Bay Area shooting attack
UPI reports: "The gunfire erupted Sunday at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, an annual fixture on the city's summer calendar. The three dead were the boy, identified by his family as Steven Romero, a 13-year-old girl and a man in his 20s, neither of whom have been identified. Gilroy is located 30 miles southeast of San Jose and 70 miles southeast of San Francisco. Gilroy police Chief Scot Smithee identified the shooter as 19-year-old Santino William Legan, a native of Gilroy, during a news conference Monday."

Comment: It's only Monday and here's another mass shooting. The week is not off to a great start. I bet if you look at the life of the shooter you will find that he comes from a broken life. The only answer to the despair, anger and violence in the heart of people is Jesus. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China blames United States for escalating military competition
UPI reports: "China claimed in its defense white paper published Wednesday the United States is 'undermining global stability.' The criticism of U.S. policy comes at a time when China has stepped up drills in the Taiwan Strait and has slammed the United States for sending military ships to the South China Sea, a vast body of water Beijing has claimed as its own. [...] The paper is the first defense policy document of its kind that has been published since Chinese President Xi Jinping began to rule without term limits in 2017, according to CNN."

Comment: I've long maintained that the U.S. and China need not be enemies, but a belligerent attitude by both with guarantee conflict in the future.   

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran's poking at West heightens risks of military missteps
AP reports: "Rather than tangle with a stronger U.S. military, Iran is poking and prodding its Western antagonists in ways apparently designed to avoid triggering war but that nonetheless seem to heighten the risk of missteps and miscalculation that could lead to an armed conflict with global consequences."

Comment: I don't think anyone should underestimate the potential for this to spiral out of control.

Rumors of War - Persia

Trump says U.S. Navy 'destroyed' Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz - Reuters
Reuters reports: "President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a U.S. Navy ship had 'destroyed' an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the ship, in the latest incident in the Gulf. Trump told an event in the White House that the drone had flown to within 1,000 yards (meters) of the USS Boxer."

Comment: This is becoming a shooting war. Fortunately, this time it's just unmanned drones...so far. Pray for peace. 

Pestilence

Hundreds of people dead from dengue, Philippine authorities say:
UPI reports: "More than 450 people have died in the Philippines of dengue, a viral disease that has affected a region of more than 20 million people. Philippine health authorities this week issued a 'national dengue alert' as cases have nearly doubled from same time last year, CNN reported Tuesday. About 100,000 dengue cases have been reported in the Philippines in the first six months of 2019, up 85 percent from 2018, according to the report."

Comment: This is interesting as I don't think of the Philippines when I think of dengue outbreaks. I'm sure you agree, it's Africa that we tend to think of as the primary site of dengue outbreaks. I hope they get it under control.

Gospel Preached to All Nations

Bible shortage? Publishers say tariffs could cause it
The AP reports: "Religious publishers say President Donald Trump’s most recent proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could result in a Bible shortage. That’s because millions of Bibles — some estimates put it at 150 million or more — are printed in China each year. Critics of a proposed tariff say it would make the Bible more expensive for consumers and hurt the evangelism efforts [...] Biblica, the International Bible Society, is a charitable religious organization that gives away Bibles to people in 55 countries. China represents 72% of the group’s investment in Bible publishing, according to Biblica President and CEO Geof Morin. A Bible tariff would 'dramatically affect the number of Bibles we are able to print and give away, impacting the religious freedom of individuals in countries where Bible access is limited and often nonexistent,' Morin said in testimony to the Trade Representative, according to a transcript he provided."

Comment: This is an article that really surprised me.  I had no idea that the majority of Bibles were printed in China. Did no one ever stop to consider the notion that closing domestic printing houses and relocating to China, a country that is hostile to Christianity, would be a bad idea? Still, this report does have some good stats on Bible sales and if you ever need to back up an argument in which you say that Bible is still the bestselling book in the U.S., this report has some good stats for you.

Earthquakes

7.1-magnitude earthquake rattles southern California - UPI.com
UPI reports: " A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has hit Southern California, marking a second big quake since Thursday. [...] Similar to Thursday's quake, it was centered in the Mojave Desert near Ridgecrest, Calif., though it was a little bit farther away from Los Angeles, and it was the the largest to hit the area in 20 years."

Comment: Ok, this was a bit surreal. I was slow to realize that the news alerts I was receiving on my phone were about a second big earthquake. I would note that this is a holiday weekend in the States and I was more disconnected from the news than I normally would be.  So, I'm breaking my custom of stepping away from online news and social media on Sunday to take note (belatedly) of this second and very large earthquake in Southern California. Does it portend The Big One?

Earthquakes

6.4-magnitude earthquake shakes Southern California - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Thursday morning in the Mojave Desert about 120 miles from Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. [...] The earthquake was the largest to hit Southern California since 1999, when a 7.1-magnitude quake hit the Mojave Desert."

Comment: I've been reading reports that suggest this may be a precursor to the "big one" that is certain to hit sometime in the next 50-100 years.  I wonder if Californians are really prepared?

Rumors of War - King of the North

NATO gives Russia 5 weeks to destroy missiles violating INF Treaty
UPI reports: "NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday gave Russia five weeks to destroy ground-launched missiles that violate a treaty with the United States banning certain short- and intermediate-range missiles. [...] He said if Russia doesn't comply with the warning, NATO's response will be 'defensive, measured and coordinated.' [...] 'There are no new U.S. missiles in Europe, but there are new Russian missiles in Europe,' he said in December. [...] In April, the Russian government said it severed contact with NATO. The relationship has been strained since Russia forcibly annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014. Tensions flared again last year when Russia captured Ukrainian soldiers and military ships in the Kerch Strait, a move Western governments said violated international law."

Comment: Russia is very good at spinning a counter-narrative to explain their actions. They say they are the aggrieved party, they are being merely defensive, reacting to actions from NATO and the United States. Yet the fact remains that NATO is a defensive alliance, it has not seized territory or expanded its arsenal, while Russia has done those things. Here we are in the 21st Century and European land has fallen to conquest and it is Russia that has done that, not NATO.  Crimea is now under Russian control and 20% of Georgia's internationally recognized territory is under Russian military occupation. If anything, the allied response to this territorial expansion in the heart of Europe has been extremely restrained, given the lessons of WWI and WWII. In fact, some might say that NATO has failed in performing its core mission of stopping Russian expansion. It is past time for NATO to assert itself.

Covenant With Many

Palestinians reject U.S. Mideast peace plan as 'snow job'
UPI reports: "About 2,000 protested in Ramallah, with one demonstrator holding a coffin to represent the chance the deal has in winning over Palestinians. The demonstrations are aimed to draw attention ahead of peace talks between U.S. and Middle East officials this week in Bahrain."

Comment: The U.S. is gathering moderate Arab nations to underwrite Palestinian economic development, the Palestinians reply that they don't want any of that kind of thing. No jobs, no infrastructure, no trade, nothing that might imply life can go on as usual if it means tolerating Israel.  How to make sense of such hatred?

Roaring Seas and Waves

Protecting U.S. coastal communities from sea level rise will cost $400 billion - UPI.com 
UPI reports: "Authors of the new report estimate 50,000 miles of coastal barriers will need to be built across 22 states over the next two decades. The report, compiled with the help of engineering firm Resilient Analytics, organizes the costs by city, county, congressional district and state. [...] researchers relied on moderate sea-level rise projections and expected yearly storm surge. Should sea levels rise more quickly than expected, governments will be forced to spend more and build more quickly."

Comment: This would be a good time to sell your coastal property. 

Mark of the Beast

Facebook plans its own currency for 2 billion-plus users
AP reports: "Facebook already rules daily communication for more than 2 billion people around the world. Now it wants its own currency, too. The social network unveiled an ambitious plan Tuesday to create a new digital currency similar to Bitcoin for global use, one that could drive more e-commerce on its services and boost ads on its platforms."

Comment:  Apparently Facebook is toying with the idea of creating a new digital currency for FB users. Since FB is a global social network, we could call it a new global digital currency. Pretty interesting, right? I'm thinking of the Biblical "money changers" at the temple, it's always been big business to "help" people exchange currency. This is one of the things a global currency would have to overcome, there are so many vested interests that would be threatened by making it so easy for people to use the same currency everywhere. On the other hand, it would make it easy for people to buy things in a truly global online marketplace and to send money internationally. It might put Western Union out of business! Still, the question remains, would you trust Facebook with your money?And if Facebook controls it, could they decide to restrict your access if you fall out of favor?

Rumors of War - Persia

Tensions rise as Iran speeds up enrichment, US sends troops
The AP reports: "Iran will surpass the uranium-stockpile limit set by its nuclear deal in the next 10 days, an official said Monday, raising pressure on Europeans trying to save the accord a year after the U.S. withdrawal lit the fuse for the heightened tensions now between Tehran and Washington. Hours later, the two countries appeared to approach a flashpoint when the Pentagon announced it was sending about 1,000 additional American troops to the Middle East to bolster security in the region in the face of what U.S. officials said is a growing threat from Iran."

Comment: Is this headed towards war? It's hard to imagine Iran suddenly returning to the table to negotiate a new deal with Trump. If that does not happen, then what is the alternative? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Stern words from Iran: US cannot 'expect to stay safe'
The AP reports: "Iran’s foreign minister warned the U.S. on Monday that it 'cannot expect to stay safe' after launching what he described as an economic war against Tehran, taking a hard-line stance amid a visit by Germany’s top diplomat seeking to defuse tensions. A stern-faced Mohammad Javad Zarif offered a series of threats over the ongoing tensions gripping the Persian Gulf. [...] Europe has yet to offer Iran a way to get around the newly imposed U.S. sanctions. Meanwhile, a July 7 deadline — imposed by Iran — looms for Europe to find a way to save the unraveling deal. Otherwise, Iran has warned it will resume enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels."

Comment: Although the subject of Iran has dropped off the radar for most Americans, it remains a flashpoint for those in the national security community, who continue to see it as a situation that could easily spiral out of control. 

Pestilence

CDC confirms 1,022 measles cases as outbreak reaches 28 states:
UPI reports: "Measles cases in the have hit a record number of 1,022, as outbreaks continue to plague patches of the United States. The updated number of cases, announced Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is 40 more than last Monday's official report and more than 20 more than last Thursday's report, when the number first crossed the 1,000 case mark."

Comment: I wonder at what point to they declare a public health emergency? 

Pestilence

U.S. measles cases hit 971, highest single-year total since 1994
UPI reports: "Measles cases in the United States have hit a high of 971, shattering the 943 cases in 1994 to be the highest number of cases in 25 years -- and it comes barely halfway into the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the number on Thursday afternoon, the agency's second measles count released this week. Monday's report, of 940 cases reported through May 24, already was the second highest since 1994."

Comment: I'm not sure I have any more to say about this. I'm opposed to those "anti-vax" parents failing to understand the risk. Since we know there are many more potent diseases out there waiting in the wings it seems foolish to subject people to suffering from a curable disease. It's just a tragedy.

Earthquakes

Seismologists find possible early warning sign of a pending megaquake
UPI reports: "Geologists have found a possible early signature of massive earthquakes. New research suggests the telltale seismic pattern shows up between 10 seconds and 15 seconds into a seismic event. Scientists discovered the warning sign after analyzing GPS records of peak ground displacement during dozens of earthquakes."

Comment: It's time to start paying extra attention to the quake reports from USGS and other sources, a megaquake could be around the corner.

Earthquakes

Magnitude 8 earthquake strikes Amazon jungle in Peru
The AP reports: "A powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck a remote part of the Amazon jungle in Peru early Sunday, collapsing buildings and knocking out power to some areas but causing only one reported death.

Comment: I don't usually check the headlines on Sunday. I follow that traditional approach of reserving Sunday for the things of God and for quiet time for reflection and fellowship with friends and family. However, today I received a breaking news alert and so I wanted to note this very large earthquake, perhaps one of the largest ever recorded, taking place today in Peru. Fortunately, the epicenter was not in a populated area otherwise there may have been massive damage and loss of life.

Rumors of War - Persia

U.S. sending 1,500 troops to Middle East over Iran tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Pentagon will send an additional 1,500 troops to the Middle East to counter Iranian influence in the region, President Donald Trump said Friday. [...] Officials said the deployment will largely involve engineering capabilities, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance units and those involved with Patriot defense missiles. Their comments might indicate that no immediate plans for a U.S. ground invasion are under consideration."

Comment: It looks like this is a relatively small increase in forces designed to boost capabilities and readiness. Hopefully it will serve as a deterrent to Iran.

Covenant With Many

Palestinians say US conference doomed without political plan
The AP reports: "The White House announced Sunday it will unveil the first phase of its long-awaited Mideast peace plan at the conference, saying it will focus on economic benefits that could be reaped if the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved. The plan envisions large-scale investment and infrastructure work, much of it funded by wealthy Arab countries, in the Palestinian territories. But officials say the June 25-26 conference will not include the core political issues of the conflict: final borders, the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees or Israeli security demands. [...] The Palestinians have already said they would reject any peace plan offered by the U.S., saying Trump is unfairly biased toward Israel."

Comment: I think the Trump team is to be commended for trying a novel approach focused on economic development first and putting the political issues on the back burner.  They are wise to focus on things people can agree about (the need for jobs and investment) and delay discussion of the things they most likely will never agree about (Jerusalem and borders). Will it work? Stay tuned!

Rumors of War - Persia

US aircraft carrier seen as barometer of tensions with Iran
The AP reports: "So far, the Lincoln and its accompanying ships have yet to enter the gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. It has been filmed by the U.S. Navy on Friday carrying out exercises with other American warships in the Arabian Sea, which is over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away. [...] Iran has increasingly threatened to close the strait if it is unable to sell its own crude oil to the global market as a result of the U.S. pressure campaign following Washington’s withdrawal a year ago from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Any transit through the strait also carries the risk of a catastrophic mistake by either side spinning out of control."

Comment: In other words, a window of time is approaching in which there will be maximum opportunity for  miscalculation or error leading to conflict.

Pestilence - Famine

New crop-destroying pest enters China amid devastating swine fever epidemic - UPI.com
 UPI reports: "A new pest that threatens key agricultural commodities is spreading through China as the nation is reeling from an African swine fever epidemic that may wipe out hundreds of millions of hogs. [...] The moth has arrived as China is losing a large percentage of its food supply to the rapid spread of African swine fever, which has spread to hogs throughout the country."

Comment: This could have serious implications for the global food supply. 

Rumors of War - Persia

Trump tells aides he does not want U.S. war with Iran - Reuters
Reuters reports: "U.S. President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three U.S. officials said on Thursday. [...] But he has also made clear that he will protect U.S. interests in the region, one official said. U.S. intelligence showed heightened activity by Iran or its proxies that U.S. officials took as a threat against American targets in the region. "

Comment: It seems like the drumbeat of war had increased rather dramatically in the last week but now it seems like things may be cooling down. From a slow boil to a simmer perhaps? 

Rumors of War - Persia

Iran abandons parts of nuclear deal amid heightened Mideast tensions - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran said Wednesday it will stop complying with parts of the 2015 nuclear deal by surpassing the cap on enriched uranium and heavy water production. [...] Threats against U.S. military forces prompted the Pentagon to send an aircraft carrier strike force, B-52 bombers and a Marine expeditionary force to the Middle East. [...] Tensions related to Iran are also impacting other neighboring countries. This week, Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked two oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia, prompting Riyadh to strike back with more than a dozen airstrikes against rebels in Yemen. The pipeline attacks occurred a day after two Saudi oil tankers were targeted off the coast of the United Arab Emirates."

Comment: The European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal criticized the U.S. for withdrawing, saying that Iran was indeed abiding by the deal.  That is apparently no longer the case. Will the EU, Russia and China now join in "snap-back" sanctions on Iran? I think the "Iranian Crisis" has only just begun.

Wickedness Increases

Man pleads guilty in mall attack against boy, faces 19 years
The AP reports: "A man who reportedly told investigators that he went to the Mall of America 'looking for someone to kill' pleaded guilty Tuesday to throwing a 5-year-old boy from a third-floor balcony and faces 19 years in prison.

Comment: Who goes to a shopping mall hoping to kill someone? Only a person with great evil in their heart could do such a thing.  It's cases like this that suggest we should bring back the death penalty...maybe public hangings or firing squads. The taxpayers should not have to pay to feed, cloth and house vicious murderers. Let's just send them on their way and let them meet their maker.

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

China could ‘mass produce’ guided missile destroyers, analyst says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China could be adding more guided missile destroyers to its fleet following the launch of two Type 052D guided missile destroyers on Friday. Chinese analysts told state tabloid Global Times on Sunday Beijing wants to add more destroyers at a time when friction between China and the United States is rising over trade and maritime security."

Comment: It now seems clear that China is intent on claiming all of Asia within their sphere of influence. The only real question is, will the rest of the great powers accede to this or will they fight for Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and the rest? This is a slow building crisis and the moment of decision nears.

Persecution

Asia Bibi, free from blasphemy charge, arrives in Canada - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row over blasphemy charges, has moved to Canada, her attorney said Wednesday. Bibi's charge was overturned by Pakistan's highest court last year, but she remained in jail and was moved to various safe houses for fear of reprisals. The former farm worker was convicted in 2010 of speaking against Islamic Prophet Muhammad during an argument with Muslim women."

Comment: Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the safe arrival of Asia Bibi in Canada.  What a long ordeal she has been through. It is encouraging to know that her journey has ended safely. Let's pray for those Christians who remain in Pakistan, that they will have patient endurance and steadfast faith.

Future Fear

U.N.: 1M species threatened as global extinction rates speed up
UPI reports: "According to the new report, the planet's species extinction rate is accelerating. More than half a million species are currently without sufficient habitat for long-term survival. Several thousand are likely to disappear within a few decades."

Comment: This is a great tragedy. I believe we are called to be good stewards of God's creation. We should not callously destroy the abundant life He has created.  In the end, we will end up harming ourselves because so much of what we take for granted is dependent on the cycle of life that includes these animals threatened with extinction.

Rumors of War - Persia

U.S. deploying carrier, bombers to Middle East to deter Iran: Bolton - Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Trump administration is deploying a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East in response to troubling 'indications and warnings' from Iran and to show the United States will retaliate with “unrelenting force” to any attack, national security adviser John Bolton said on Sunday. [...] a U.S. official said the deployment has been ordered 'as a deterrence to what has been seen as potential preparations by Iranian forces and its proxies that may indicate possible attacks on U.S. forces in the region.' [...] Though he cited no specific Iranian activities that have raised new concerns, Iran has recently warned it would block the Strait of Hormuz if it was barred from using the strategic waterway."

Comment: This could be a significant development. Trump's transition from a neo-isolationist to a neocon interventionist could be complete.  I can't help but think that Bolton has had a huge influence in that regard. I think we should follow these developments very carefully.

Pestilence - Famine

Pig 'ebola' virus sends shock waves through global food chain 
Bloomberg reports: "What started with a few dozen dead pigs in northeastern China is sending shock waves through the global food chain. Last August, a farm with fewer than 400 hogs on the outskirts of Shenyang was found to harbor African swine fever, the first ever occurrence of the contagious viral disease in the country with half the world’s pigs. [...] It was too late. By then, the disease had literally gone viral, dispersed across hundreds of miles in sickened animals, contaminated food, and in dirt and dust on truck tires and clothing. Nine months later, the contagion has spread nationwide, crossed borders to Mongolia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and bolstered meat markets globally. [...] The strain of African swine fever spreading in Asia is undeniably nasty, killing virtually every pig it infects by a hemorrhagic illness reminiscent of Ebola in humans. It’s not known to sicken people, however. [...] Increased Chinese meat imports will result in higher food costs that impact on economies across the globe. The extent of those ripple effects depends on how quickly the epidemic can be stopped."

Comment: As you know, there are many countries in the world whose food supply is always precarious. A shock in the supply chain can be weathered easily by many wealthy countries, but there are those that will tip quickly into famine if this epidemic is not quick contained. 

Pestilence

Congo Ebola deaths surpass 1,000 as attacks on treatment centers go on - Reuters
Reuters reports: "The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in Congo rose above 1,000 on Friday, with attacks on treatment centers continuing to hamper efforts to control the “intense transmission” of the second-worst epidemic of the virus on record. The World Health Organization said it expected the nine-month outbreak to continue spreading though the east of Democratic Republic of Congo, and announced plans to expand vaccinations in the coming weeks once a new treatment by Johnson & Johnson is approved. The WHO is already using another experimental vaccine made by Merck."

Comment: Wishing them luck with the experimental vaccine. What a terrible disease! 

Roaring Waves & Seas

Strong winds are supersizing the ocean's biggest waves
NBC News reports: "Strong winds are driving the ocean’s biggest waves to dizzying new heights. That’s the potentially ominous finding of new research that analyzed more than 30 years’ worth of global wind and wave measurements to see how they changed over time. The University of Melbourne researchers behind the work, published April 25 in the journal Science, say the supersized waves could compound the effects of rising sea levels, leading to more frequent flooding and accelerated coastal erosion."

More rain in Mozambique, deaths up to 38 after 2nd cyclone
The AP reports: "More rain is forecast for northern Mozambique, where the death toll from Cyclone Kenneth jumped to 38, as flooding and pounding rains hampered efforts to deliver aid to badly hit communities several days after the storm. [...] It was the first time in recorded history that two cyclones had targeted Mozambique in a single season."

Comment: I wanted to note that in case it is lost amid the day's other news.  The first report suggests that climate change will cause huge waves, rising sea levels, larger coastal storms and greater storm damage to the coasts. I see clearly the linkage with "nations in distress" as few countries are prepared to deal with catastrophic coastal damage in a yearly basis. The second report notes that this is the very first time in recorded history that two cyclones have hit Mozambique in the same season.

Persecution

Jihadists kill pastor, four others in Burkina church attack - AFP
AFP reports: "Gunmen killed four worshippers and a pastor in the first jihadist attack on a church in Burkina Faso, security and local sources said Monday. [...] 'Unidentified armed individuals have attacked the Protestant church in Silgadji, killing four members of the congregation and the main pastor,' a security source told AFP. [...] Burkina Faso has suffered from increasingly frequent and deadly attacks attributed to a number of jihadist groups, including the Ansarul Islam group, the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Burkina Faso, that they will be comforted by the Holy Spirit with perseverant faith to endure persecution with grace, practicing forgiveness and not seeking retribution. I wanted to be sure to note this report because I'm not sure you will hear about it in the mainstream news.

Pestilence

CDC: Measles cases in U.S. the most in 25 years - UPI.com
UPI reports: "There have been more than 700 reported measles cases in the United States this year -- the highest mark in a quarter-century, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. The CDC said there have been 704 cases between January and April, an increase of 74 over the previous week and the highest since 1994. The highly infectious disease was declared eliminated in 2000."

Comment: Another day, another report about how bad the measles outbreak is.  Get vaccinated. Enough said.

Pestilence

US measles cases hit highest mark in 25 years
The AP reports: "Measles in the U.S. has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, closing in on 700 cases this year in a resurgence largely attributed to misinformation that is turning parents against vaccines. [...] The vaccine, which became available in the 1960s, is considered safe and highly effective, and because of it, measles was declared all but eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. But it has made comebacks since then, including 667 cases in 2014.Public health experts say some U.S. communities have low vaccination rates because of the spread of bad information — especially the now-debunked notion that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is linked to autism — through social media, pamphlets, hotlines and other means."

Comment: I'm encouraging everyone I know to get vaccinated. There's no excuse for irresponsible behavior that threatens public health. There are enough contagious diseases without vaccines to worry about, let's not be foolish and bring back a disease once thought to be eliminated.

Signs & Wonders in the Heavens

U.S. Navy drafting new guidelines for reporting UFOs - POLITICO
Politico reports: "The U.S. Navy is drafting new guidelines for pilots and other personnel to report encounters with 'unidentified aircraft,' a significant new step in creating a formal process to collect and analyze the unexplained sightings — and destigmatize them. The previously unreported move is in response to a series of sightings of unknown, highly advanced aircraft intruding on Navy strike groups and other sensitive military formations and facilities, the service says."

Comment: So the Navy is not saying that UFOs exist, but if their aviators happen to see them, they can report them without harm to their reputations and careers.  It's an interesting development and one more point for those who argue for full disclosure.

Persecution

Sri Lanka bombings: Nearly 300 dead; FBI aiding investigation - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency Monday and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is aiding in the investigation of the suicide bomb attacks that killed nearly 300 people and injured hundreds more. Several bombers carried out six coordinated attacks at churches and hotels Sunday, killing at least 290 people. [...] More than 1,000 worshipers were packed inside the St. Sebastian church when explosions went off Sunday during the Easter service. There were nine total bomb blasts, officials said. The Cinnamon Grand, the Shangri-La Hotel and the Kingsbury Hotel, all in Colombo, were attacked, along with St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade and Zion Church in Batticaloa."

Comment: Please join me in praying for the church in Sri Lanka, that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit to persevere in faith with compassion and forgiveness. 

Earthquakes

6.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Philippines capital - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A strong earthquake rattled the Philippines Monday, toppling electricity poles and damaging infrastructure, officials said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck near the Bodega sector of Manila, the nation's capital, on Luzon island. The agency said it had a preliminary magnitude of 6.1. The quake prompted many residents to flee their homes and interrupted Manila train service."

Comment: Is the "ring of fire" starting to get a bit more active? 

Pestilence

Attackers kill doctor at hospital in Congo's Ebola epicenter
The AP reports: "Attackers stormed a hospital at the epicenter of Congo’s Ebola outbreak and killed 'a dear colleague,' the head of the World Health Organization said Friday as he condemned the latest violence against health workers trying to contain the virus. [...] The world’s response to the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history has been hampered by a series of deadly attacks on health centers in Butembo and elsewhere that have disrupted medical care and vaccination efforts, leading to a rise in new Ebola cases in the sprawling African nation. [...] the militiamen erroneously believed that foreigners had brought the disease with them to Congo."

Comment: It's unfortunate that those who are bravely fighting this Ebola outbreak are being killed by those who have little understanding of the disease.  Hopefully, international efforts to fight the outbreak will continue even as local authorities hunt the culprits.

Rumors of War - Gog Alliance

In Libya, a rogues' gallery of militias prepare for war
The AP reports: "Libya is on the verge of an all-out war involving a rogues’ gallery of militias, many of which are little more than criminal gangs armed with heavy weapons. The country slid into chaos after the 2011 uprising, in which rebels overthrew and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi and looted his vast arsenal. Even more weapons have flowed in since then, despite a U.N. arms embargo, as Arab states have backed local allies and Western nations have partnered with militias to combat extremists and stem the flow of migrants."

Comment: What a mess! I'm noting this because North Africa is considered an important part of the Gog Alliance that invades Israel in the future. After a period of instability we should look for North African countries (including Libya) to be headed by leaders allied with the other Gog Alliance countries and displaying anti-Israel policies. I think it would be fitting and just if after having betrayed Gadhafi the West finds Libya in the hands of Islamic State sympathizers. 

Rumors of War - King of the North

Russia cuts off contact with NATO over worsening relations - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Russian government said Monday it's severed contact with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, halting a relationship that's been deteriorating for years. [...] The relationship has been strained since Russia forcibly annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014. Tensions flared again last year when Russia captured Ukrainian soldiers and military ships in the Kerch Strait, a move Western governments said violated international law."

Comment: This is the kind of thing that is usually below the radar, especially on days when major news events dominate the headlines. Still, it's the kind of thing we should pay attention to, the kind of thing that future historians may point to as a milestone on the path to war. 

Pestilence

CDC: Measles count up over 100, to 465 cases in U.S. since last week - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Reported cases of measles increased by nearly 100 last week, to 465 across 19 states, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention said on Monday. [...] The increase has been driven in part by groups who, largely for religious or anti-government reasons, choose not to receive anti-measles vaccinations. Most people who acquire the disease have not been vaccinated, the CDC said, although it noted that outbreaks have been linked to travelers who brought measles back from other countries dealing with outbreaks, including Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines."

Comment: It is so important for parents to vaccinate their children so a community can be protected by "herd immunity." Let's hope they get the message! 

Rumors of War - King of the North

There have been several reports of late about Russian activities all over the world (Africa and Venezuela, for example). Here is a report about Russian activities in the Arctic, from the AP:

Missile launchers ply icy roads and air defense systems point menacingly into the sky at this Arctic military outpost, a key vantage point for Russia to project its power over the resource-rich polar region. [...] Russia, however, has made reaffirming its presence in the Arctic a top goal, not the least because the region is believed to hold up to one-quarter of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30 trillion. The move has alarmed Russia’s neighbors, analysts say.

Personally, I think the report is a bit sensational and off the mark. It seems designed to make the reader think Russia is doing something new or menacing when in reality, all they are really doing is refurbishing their existing bases in the Arctic. They are, after all, an Arctic power and member of the Arctic Council, so they are well within their rights. Although I do think it's important to keep watch on competing world powers, I don't believe in sensationalism and fear-mongering.

Rumors of War - Togarmah

Pompeo: There will be 'devastating' consequences if Turkey attacks Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Turkey of 'devastating'consequences if it attacks Syria. [...] The warning comes as Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack the Kurdish-led American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces as it believes the Islamic State fighters are also far-left Kurdish militants who are affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which Turkey has been fighting."

Comment: This is striking. Keep in mind that Turkey is still a member of the NATO alliance, which means a formal ally of the United States, and they are threatening to attack Kurd forces allied with the U.S. in Syria. The friend of my friend is my enemy? That is apparently how Turkey sees it.

Quakes

California should have had a major earthquake by now, geologists warn
UPI reports: "California's three most historically active faults haven't slipped in a century, a hiatus unprecedented over the last 1,000 years, according to a new study. When researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey studied the paleoseismic records from the San Andreas, San Jacinto and Hayward faults, they failed to find a gap as long as California's current earthquake hiatus."

Comment: I've visited California several times but I've never lived there. When talking with residents, it always amazed me how accustomed they become to quakes. Low-intensity temblors are just a part of life. Moreover, they know that the "Big One" will happen someday. Yet, they take it all in stride and hope for the best. This has always amazed me! In the above report, we find that scientists have confirmed that major quake activity has been quieter than they would have expected. I think this means that the "Big One" might come sooner rather than later. Stay tuned! 

Pestilence - Roaring Waves

Mozambique bracing for cholera outbreak after Cyclone Idai
UPI reports: "More than 800 people have died and thousands more could contract cholera in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in southeast Africa. [...] The United Nations said as many as 1.8 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid to prevent hunger or an outbreak of cholera. Mozambique has confirmed more than 1,000 cases of the water-borne disease."

Comment: This is a real disaster and one that has hit a country very unprepared to handle it. Hopefully the UN aid workers have learned how to better manage disaster relief efforts and get medicine and supplies to the people who desperately need it.

Pestilence

Measles count in US this year already more than all of 2018
The AP reports: "The number of U.S. measles cases through the first three months of this year have surpassed the count for all of 2018, health officials say. There have been 387 cases through March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. There were 372 last year. [...] Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it is extremely contagious."

Comment: It's tragic that so many people are getting a disease that had all be been eliminated in the U.S. because they refuse to get vaccinated.  Hopefully the medical community can continue to reassure people that vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect their children and community is to get vaccinated.

Persecution

Egypt Sentences 30 Men Over Church Attack Plot
The New York Times reports: "Thirty men were sentenced on Saturday to between 10 years and life in prison for planning a suicide bombing on a church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria and other charges, court officials said. The authorities said at the time of their arrest that the defendants had embraced the ideas of the Islamic State and had received training abroad and in Egypt. [...] The attack on the church did not take place. But minority Christians have faced a series of assaults in Alexandria and other parts of Egypt in recent years. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for suicide bombings on churches in Alexandria and Tanta in April 2017 that killed 45 people."

Comment: It is commendable that the government of Egypt has  continued the crackdown on Islamist groups. Egypt will ever be a majority Christian country, but it is good to see that they value and protect their Christian citizens. Please join me in praying for the church in Egypt, for their safety and their perseverance amidst hardship and persecution. 

Pestilence

Mozambique cholera cases jump to 139 a day after outbreak
The AP reports: "Cholera cases in Mozambique among survivors of a devastating cyclone have shot up to 139, officials said, as nearly 1 million vaccine doses were rushed to the region and health workers desperately tried to improvise treatment space for victims. Cholera causes acute diarrhea, is spread by contaminated food and water and can kill within hours if not treated. The disease is a major concern for the hundreds of thousands of cyclone survivors in the southern African nation now living in squalid conditions in camps, schools or damaged homes."

Comment: This is a sad development, a consequence of disaster hitting a country with poorly developed infrastructure of medical facilities. Let's pray they get the outbreak under control. 

Jerusalem Security - Covenant With Many

U.N. chastises U.S. for recognizing Israel's claims to Golan Heights
UPI reports: "The United States was chastised Wednesday by the 14 other members of the United Nations Security Council for its decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights. [...] The stretch of land between the two Middle Eastern countries was seized by Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967."

Comment: This is a great example of how easily the world gangs up on Israel. The countries represented by the Security Council are supporting Syria, a country embroiled in a civil war and controlled by a dictator (under sanction by the UN!), and taking offense at the U.S. defending Israel.  You know, historically, when a country fights a war and wins territory, that territory is considered theirs. Many times wars have been fought just to decide who controls territory and it is understood that war settles the matter. After all, why bother fighting if it didn't? So, the historical precedent is represented by the saying, to the victor go the spoils. This historical precedent apparently does not apply to Israel because....Israel. When Israel wins land in war it is thereafter called "disputed" or "occupied territory" so as to deny the legitimacy of the Israeli claim. This is why I applaud the Trump Administration for bravely recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and firmly stating that it belongs to Israel. They fought, they won, it belongs to them now.

Pestilence

County bans unvaccinated minors in public as measles spreads
The AP reports: "A county in New York City’s northern suburbs declared a state of emergency Tuesday over a measles outbreak that has infected more than 150 people since last fall, hoping a ban against unvaccinated children in public places wakes their parents to the seriousness of the problem. [...] Under the declaration, which lasts for at least 30 days, anyone under 18 who is not vaccinated against measles is barred from public gathering places, including shopping malls, civic centers, schools, restaurants and even houses of worship. Those in violation could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. [...] The CDC says 15 states have had at least one case of measles confirmed in 2019, for a total of 314 cases to date. In 2014, 667 cases were confirmed nationwide and there were 372 cases in 2018."

Comment: I wonder if the public ban will be enough to convince those vaccine holdouts to do the right thing and get their kids vaccinated? 

Jerusalem Security - Covenant With Many

Hamas, Israel continue fighting despite reports of a cease-fire - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Despite news of a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, rockets continued to be launched from both sides of the conflict."

Comment: Hamas attacks Israel with rockets and Israel retaliates. Rinse and repeat. Do you ever wonder if the Palestinians really want peace? Do they think rocket attacks are peaceful gesture? 

Pestilence

Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 1,000 cases
UPI reports: "The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo reached more than 1,000 cases over the weekend, international health officials said. Officials reported 58 new cases over the past week, bringing the total number of cases in the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak to more than 1,000, the International Rescue Committee said in a statement."

Comment: It's surprising how little coverage this is generating in U.S. news media. I guess it's just too far away and not sensational enough.

Ten Kings

South American nations form new regional group
UPI reports: "Several South American leaders met Friday to create a new regional group after a previous decade-old attempt to achieve broader regional integration failed to achieve unity. [...] Argentina's Mauricio Macri, Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, Colombia's Ivan Duque, Ecuador's Lenin Moreno, Paraguay's Mario Abdo and Peru's Martin Vizcarra met Friday with Pinera in Santiago to start a new regional organization named Prosur and replace Unasur as the biggest regional group, Chile's La Tercera reported."

Comment: It's been a while since the last regional grouping was created, so this is noteworthy.  As you know, there are a number of large regional groups (like the European Union and African Union) but there are also many smaller groupings, and this one joins that list. It's noteworthy because many BP commentators believe that in the future the world will be divided into ten regional groupings under the leadership of ten governors (kings according to Rev 17:12-14) and so we like to keep tabs on the status of these groups.

Covenant With Many

Gallup poll: Half of Americans back independent Palestine - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A new Gallup poll finds 50 percent of Americans support an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the highest number since 2012. The change shows more Americans supporting Palestinian statehood, despite most in the United States feeling sympathetic to Israel, a major U.S. ally, Gallup reported."

Comment: I think most Americans only know what the mainstream news media tells them about the world, which is to say, very little. They may find the question "Do you support an independent Palestine?" to be a perfectly straightforward question.  They may assume (lacking any other information) that the Palestinians are a single political, cultural and national group with their own continuous history going back hundreds or thousands of years. They won't know that the Palestinians are a mixture of former Egyptians, Jordanians, Lebanese and Arab peoples who lived in a geographic area that the Romans previously called Palestina but has never existed as a state called Palestine. They also won't know that the current people called "Palestinians" are separated into two groups currently involved in a low-level civil war (Fatah vs. Hamas) and one of the things they don't agree on is peace with Israel. One rival group (Hamas) actually participated in parliamentary elections, running on a war-with-Israel platform...and won. So, if we are to ask do you want an independent Palestinian state, we should ask, which Palestinians will get a state? Maybe it's time to forget the two-state solution and go for a three-state solution. At least that would reflect an honest appraisal of the situation. I suspect that in the end, there will be only one state left standing after the Pslam 83 War. I stand with Israel.

Rumors of War - Persia

U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran targeting defense program - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran on Friday, targeting people involved in nuclear and missile research programs, the U.S. Treasury Department announced. [...] Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the sanctions are meant to deny the Iranian regime the ability to create weapons of mass destruction and 'all its outlaw activities.'"

Comment: The U.S. continues to amp up the pressure in Iran as Europe goes in the other direction. 

Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Report: China to fortify South China Sea island with ‘logistics base’
UPI reports: "China is adding more facilities to Woody Island, the largest of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The construction of a "strategic service and logistics base" on Woody Island, composed of two islets, will be undertaken by Sansha city on China's Hainan Island, the South China Morning Post reported."

Comment: As we continue to monitor developments in the South China Sea we can note this report that suggests a linkage with the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. I think the author is off-base and does not quite realize the influence the PLA Navy and the current modernization drive as being a separate issue from the trade dispute with Trump. Long after Trump leaves office and regardless of the outcome of the trade issue China will continue their long-term strategy of claiming sovereignty over the South China Sea.

Wickedness Increases

Dutch police arrest suspected gunman in tram shooting
UPI reports: "Dutch police arrested a suspect in a deadly shooting aboard a tram Monday that officials said bore the hallmarks of a terror attack. The shooting took place aboard a tram in the city of Utrecht, leaving three people dead and five others injured. [...] The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Gokmen Tanis of Turkey, led officials on a manhunt for hours before his arrest, Utrecht police said. [...] Utrecht police said they have not determined a motive for the attack, but it has the hallmarks of a terror plot."

Comment: Another day, another shooting. I wonder if this one was in retaliation for the  New Zealand attack?

Wickedness Increases

Police name Brenton Tarrant in New Zealand attacks, probe lengthy extremist manifesto - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The accused gunman who killed 49 people at two New Zealand mosques has been charged and will appear in court Saturday, authorities said. Police said Brenton Tarrant of Australia was behind the attacks Friday at two Christchurch mosques, which officials say was nothing short of a terrorist plot motivated by extremism."

Comment: These are perilous times my friends, stay safe out there. 

Jerusalem Security - Covenant With Many

Israel strikes Gaza in retaliation for rockets launched at Tel Aviv - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli airstrikes hit Hamas targets within Gaza Thursday night in retaliation to two rockets fired earlier at central Israel from the Palestinian-controlled area along the country's western coast. [...] IDF attacked several military facilities within Gaza, striking six buildings used by the militant Palestinian organization, Haaretz reported. [...] Two rockets fired from Gaza were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, the IDF said. Earlier Thursday, two rockets were fired from Gaza toward Tel Aviv, setting off emergency sirens in the capital for the first time since Israel conducted a large scale military operation in Gaza in 2014."

Comment: The "militant wing" of the Palestinians is again demonstrating their support for Mideast peace.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Intelligence report: Russia preparing to meddle in EU vote
UPI reports: "Russian government will try to meddle in the coming European Parliament elections and influence Western institutions like NATO, a new intelligence report said Tuesday. [...] 'Russia supports its allies through Russian-controlled media, organizes high-level meetings and visits that attract media attention, offers covert financial assistance if necessary, discredits opponents (by stealing and leaking internal information), intentionally spreads false information in social media, and so on.' [...] The report says President Vladimir Putin's government has also been preparing militarily for a possible conflict with NATO."

Comment: The resurgence of Russia is one of the most important events of the last decade, one we should continue to monitor very closely.  Russia is not a status quo power, they are a disgruntled power out to change the world system and are prepared to use all the weapons in their arsenal to do so. This is now the age of hybrid warfare and the battlefield is domestic politics, cyberwar, surveillance and social media manipulation. I think they took the old MTV ad to heart: rock the vote.  

King of the North - Gog Alliance

Turkey, Russia start joint patrol of Syrian rebel stronghold
UPI reports: "Turkey and Russia began joint patrols of Syria's Idlib province Friday, the last stronghold for Syrian rebels, in an agreement meant to protect more than 3 million civilians. [...] Russia, which supports the Syrian government, is expected to patrol the edge of the province. Turkey, which backs the Syrian rebels, will protect the negotiated demilitarized zone around the province."

Comment: The fact that the U.S. has left 200 soldiers in Syria does not take away from the fact that the big winners in Syria are Russia, Turkey and Iran.  The losers, it would seem, are the U.S., Israel and the Kurds. Its not a good situation and suggests increasing military tension along Israel's northern border.

Covenant With Many

US says closing consulate in Jerusalem no policy shift
The AP reports: "When first announced by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in October, the move infuriated Palestinians, fueling their suspicions that the U.S. was recognizing Israeli control over east Jerusalem and the West Bank, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. [...] The downgrade is just the latest in a string of divisive decisions by the Trump administration that have backed Israel and alienated the Palestinians, who say they have lost faith in the U.S. administration’s role as a neutral arbiter in peace process. [...] The Trump administration has cited the reluctance of Palestinian leaders to enter peace negotiations with Israel as the reason for such punitive measures, although the U.S. has yet to present its much-anticipated but still mysterious “Deal of the Century” to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, announced last month that the U.S. would unveil the deal after Israeli elections in April. "

Comment:  The media fixates on Palestinian opposition but they fail to note that half of the Palestinians (the Hamas wing) has always been against the peace process and indeed, against the existence of Israel. The Trump approach seems to be to bypass the Palestinians (who have, after all, opposed every previous peace deal) and work with the Arab neighbors to get their support first. Will this work? Time will tell. Looking forward to the unveiling of the peace plan in April.

Rumors of War

Vladimir Putin suspends Russian compliance with 1987 INF missile treaty
UPI reports: "Russian President Vladimir Putin officially suspended Moscow's compliance with the 31-year-old Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty on Monday. The Cold War-era treaty has been in effect since 1987 but both countries have accused the other of violating it in recent years. [...] The treaty is intended to prevent both nations from positioning short- and intermediate-range, land-based nuclear missiles in Europe."

Comment: This would appear to be "the other shoe" after the U.S. backed out of the treaty last month. Now the question is, which side will place missiles in Europe first? 

Pestilence

UNICEF: 'Measles surging at alarming levels'
UPI reports: "The number of measles cases around the globe surged to alarmingly high levels in 2018 with 98 countries reporting increases in infected patients from a year earlier, according to data by UNICEF. The Philippines, Brazil and France along with seven other countries account for almost two-thirds of the total increase, which UNICEF says is eroding progress already made in the fight against this curable and highly deadly disease."

Comment: I continue to note these because most people I've talked to think it's a small problem in the U.S. and don't realize it's a global outbreak. If we can't contain disease outbreaks for which we have time-tested vaccines, it does not bode well for our ability to deal with new threats.

Rumors of War

India-Pakistan tensions escalate after shootdown of fighter jets over Kashmir
UPI reports: "Tensions between Pakistan and India escalated Wednesday when the Pakistani air force shot down two Indian fighter jets after they entered national airspace, authorities said. [...] Both countries lay claim to Kashmir, a Muslim-majority area in the northern region of the Indian continent, but control only segments of it. India's Jammu and Kashmir was the site of a deadly suicide bomb attack this month that escalated tensions."

Comment: While many people remain distracted by domestic news some very important and dangerous events are taking place in South Asia. When two nuclear powers start shooting down warplanes we should take notice. This is a situation that could easily escalate.  

Mark of the Beast

New bitcoin gift cards could take cryptocurrency mainstream
UPI reports: "Edmonton, Canada-based Bitcoin Solutions has developed what it hopes is a new solution -- by allowing people to buy bitcoin gift cards online, which can be loaded into digital wallets and spent anywhere bitcoin is accepted. Or investors can hold on to the bitcoin as an investment. [...] Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum and others use a decentralized blockchain rather than a bank. The same blockchain can be used for micro payments, smart contracts and a host of other services that could disrupt traditional ways of doing business."

Comment: I should start with my usual disclaimer: I'm not saying this is the Mark of the Beast, I'm just noting trends. In this case, distributed ledger technology can be used for many different kinds of applications, including identity management, and I think it's a technology worth keeping a watchful eye on. 

Pestilence

CDC warns of severe flu strain 'wave'
UPI reports: "Americans aren't out of the woods yet, as the flu season continues to spread across the country, health officials reported Friday. One major shift that's occurred is in the viruses that are circulating. At the start of the flu season, the predominant strain was influenza A H1N1, but now a more severe strain, influenza A H3N2, accounts for nearly half of all the new cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [...] Getting kids vaccinated is crucial. This season, flu has already claimed the lives of 41 children."

Comment: There's that reminder again, get vaccinated! 

Pestilence

Nearly 1,000 Madagascar children dead of measles since October: WHO | Reuters
Reuters reports: "At least 922 children and young adults have died of measles in Madagascar since October, despite a huge emergency vaccination program, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The number of deaths is based on official numbers, but these are likely to be very incomplete, as is the current total of infections, at 66,000, Dr. Katrina Kretsinger of WHO’s expanded program on immunization told a news briefing.

Comment: Has the measles outbreak fallen off the news radar in the U.S. ? If so, don't let it escape your notice that the measles outbreak is global. Here is but the latest report, this one from Madagascar.  Parents everywhere are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their children.

Pestilence

Japan battles worst measles outbreak in 10 years
UPI reports "Japan is currently battling its worst measles outbreak in a decade, authorities said. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases said that as of Feb. 10, the number of measles cases hit 167 for 2019, Asahi Shimbun reported. [...] Japans' outbreak has occurred as several Asian countries are working to contain the disease as well."

Comment: A reminder that the measles outbreak is global. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated to help prevent this very contagious disease.

Rumors of War - King of the North

Vladimir Putin threatens to target U.S. 'decision-making centers' if missiles deployed
UPI reports: "In his State of the Nation address, Putin threatened to target countries in Europe and the United States with new intermediate-range missiles if similar missiles are stationed against Russia in neighboring European nations. He said such a scenario would target U.S. decision-making centers. [...] The Trump administration announced this month an intention to withdraw from the INF treaty, saying Russia is not abiding by the agreement. Putin said Russia would do the same. The Cold War treaty was brokered in 1987 between former leaders Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev."

Comment: I'd like to think that the end of the INF treaty is an opportunity for all the nuclear powers to join in a comprehensive arms reduction treaty. Somehow, I don't think that is the way Russia and the U.S. view the situation. 

Rumors of War

India city orders Pakistanis out as tensions rise after deadly terror attack
UPI reports: "Tensions over an attack that killed dozens in Kashmir last have prompted Indian officials to order Pakistani nationals out of Rajasthani within 48 hours. Forty-four Indian military personnel were killed in the suicide bombing in the Kashmir region of India last Thursday. It was the deadliest attack in 30 years."

Comment: When two nuclear powers start a cycle of attack and retribution we should take notice. 

Pestilence

Measles Cases Surge Globally Putting Many Lives at Risk - VOA
The Voice of America reports: "The World Health Organization (WHO) says that measles outbreaks and deaths are surging globally, putting years of progress made in reducing the killer disease at risk. The WHO is calling for urgent action to stop the spread of the highly contagious but fully preventable disease. [...] The WHO says many children in poor countries are not being vaccinated because they live in marginalized areas where clinics are not easily reached. In wealthier countries, it says parents sometimes choose not to have their children immunized because of false claims that the vaccine is dangerous."

Comment: In case you thought the measles outbreak was just afflicting those in the U.S. this report confirms that it is global. Please join me in praying for doctors and the medical community as they fight to contain this outbreak.

Rumors of War - Persia

Absent Iran takes center stage at Mideast talks in Poland - AP
The AP reports: "Although it is absent from the stage, Iran is nevertheless taking the spotlight at a Middle East security conference co-hosted by the United States and Poland that has highlighted deep divisions between the U.S. and some of its traditional allies. Amid uncertainty over its aims and questions about what it will deliver, the conference opened late Wednesday in Warsaw with some 60 nations in attendance. Yet, in an apparent test of U.S. influence and suspicions in Europe and elsewhere over the Trump administration’s intentions in Iran, many countries aren’t sending their top diplomats and will be represented at levels lower than their invited foreign ministers."

Comment: Could the Trump Administration be forming a "coalition of the willing" to attack Iran? 

Rumors of War

Russia passes first draft of bill to unplug from global Internet - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The proposal is to create an alternative domain name system to protect the Russian-language section of the Internet, in case it becomes disconnected from the global Internet. It would also make it easier for Russia to ban blocked websites, a prospect that's drawn criticism from those who fear Internet censorship, similar to that in China. [...] The bill is a result of discussions in December that said tighter Internet control was needed to respond to 'aggressive' U.S. national cybersecurity strategy."

Comment: This could be a strategy to achieve Chinese-style state control over the flow of information. It could also be an attempt to prepare for all-out cyberwar by protecting the Russian net if they take down the global internet. Of course, the internet was originally designed to survive war by being a distributed network, so we will see how well they do with trying to isolate themselves.

Persecution

Woman acquitted of blasphemy still can't leave Pakistan - AP
The AP reports: "A Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after spending eight years on death row in Pakistan has been transferred from a secret location near the capital to another in Karachi, but is still unable to leave the country to join her daughters in Canada, a friend said Saturday. [...] Bibi’s case has brought international attention to Pakistan’s blasphemy law, which carries an automatic death sentence for a conviction of insulting Islam. There have been widespread complaints that the law is used to settle scores and intimidate religious minorities, including Shiite Muslims."

Comment: Please join me in praying for Bibi's safety and her safe evacuation to Canada. 

Covenant With Many

Kushner to visit Mideast for peace plan push - Politico
Politico reports: "The president’s son-in-law will reveal significant details of the economic portion of the Trump administration’s Middle East peace plan. Jared Kushner will crisscross the Middle East later this month seeking buy-in for his peace plan from leaders throughout the region. [...] The forthcoming trip is intended in part to gauge regional reaction to the economic portion of the plan, which would create economic incentives — likely including job opportunities — for Palestinians."

Comment: I'm waiting eagerly to see how Trump's Mideast peace plan will differ from his predecessors. Will it require Israel to give up land to those peaceful Palestinians in yet another "land for peace" scheme? How much land is Israel expected to give and in exchange for what? After all, look at Gaza. Israel ceded control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinians in 2005 and instead of using it to build a nice proto-state with schools, hospitals and parks they turned it into a missile launching platform and impoverished the people with corruption. Do we really think the Palestinians will make better use of even more land? From these very early reports, it would appear that Trump's plan does indeed offer new initiatives by asking regional players to support the peace plan financially. This looks to be a smart move if it makes Mideast peace a regional effort - a group effort  - and is thus less likely to disintegrate in the face of notoriously fickle Palestinian leadership. Well, times will tell of course, but Kushner's trip is an interesting development, one we will follow closely. 

Gog Alliance - Doomed Damscus

Netanyahu to meet with Putin to discuss Iran, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday he plans to travel to Russia later this month to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Feb. 21 trip, the first formal meeting between the two leaders in about a year, is expected to address Iranian efforts to establish a military presence in Syria."

Comment: Will be watching this closely. Would Russia have gone to all that effort and expense to secure the Assad regime and then turn Syria over to Iran? That is doubtful. Still, it's possible that Russia would acquiesce to a small permanent Iranian presence. I'm sure that is something Israel will go to great lengths to prevent.

Gog Alliance - King of the North

Intelligence community raises alarm on Turkey
UPI reports: "It is uncertain how Trump will approach Turkey, a historic ally that has grown friendlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years. [...] The alliance between the United States and Turkey could fracture without a shared fear for the Soviet Union that bonded the two countries during the Cold War [...] Further endangering relations is Turkey's growing alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey signed a deal with Russia to receive an S-400 missile defense system, which has prompted senators to try and prevent Turkey from receiving F-35 jets from the United States should it purchase the Russian missiles."

Comment: This editor continues to be shocked that we are living in a new normal in which Russian, Turkish and Iranian military forces are one border away from Israel.  This news report talks about the deteriorating relationship between Turkey and the U.S. and ignores what I think is the far more important development. The operational links required to manage troops on the ground are creating strong bonds between Russia, Turkey and Iran at every level, from troops on the ground to head of state, as they work to manage ongoing operations in a complex war zone. As this continues the West will have to wonder how much longer they can continue to consider Turkey a NATO member?

Wars & Rumors of War

US pulls out of Cold War-era nuclear treaty, blaming Russia - AP
The AP reports: "The United States announced Friday that it is pulling out of a landmark nuclear arms treaty with Russia, arguing that it should not be constrained by a deal Moscow is violating with “impunity” by deploying banned missiles. Democrats in Congress and some arms control advocates slammed the decision as opening the door to an arms race. [...] The Trump decision reflects his administration’s view that the arms treaty was an unacceptable obstacle to more forcefully confronting not only Russia but also China. China’s military has grown mightily since the treaty was signed, and the pact has prevented the U.S. from deploying weapons to counter those being developed in Beijing."

Comment: Well, there you go, the Cold War nuclear arms race is back on. The world has just become a much more dangerous place.