China wants U.S., North Korea to ease tensions, envoy says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China's ambassador to the United Nations challenged notions Beijing
should do more to curb North Korea provocations, while suggesting the
joint U.S.-South Korea decision to deploy the missile defense system
THAAD is destabilizing the region.
Amb. Liu Jieyi told reporters at the United Nations on Monday the
decision is up to the United States and North Korea, and not China, to
resolve tensions, Yonhap reported."
Comment: Well there you go, it can't be any clearer than that. Hopefully Trump will stop tweeting his disappointment that China isn't doing more to solve the North Korean problem. China doesn't see it as a problem. They see our defensive measures as the problem.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran: U.S. Navy again fired warning flares at vessels in Persian Gulf - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier fired warning flares at their vessels in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC Navy said the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and another warship approached an oil and gas platform Friday in the Persian Gulf at about 4 p.m. before dispatching a helicopter and firing the warning flares. It was the second such encounter between the two nations this week. [...] On Tuesday, a U.S. Navy ship fired warning shots at an armed Iranian patrol boat in the Persian Gulf."
Comment: If I'm reading between the lines correctly, this represents a welcome change in the rules of engagement under the Trump Administration. As you will recall, these kinds of encounters have happened often in the past and under the Obama rules the Navy would react defensively, both in procedure and in press release. This latest incident seem to have been staged on purpose, a provocative act by a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to make a point after the previous incident involving a much smaller Navy ship. Nicely done!
UPI reports: "Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier fired warning flares at their vessels in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC Navy said the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and another warship approached an oil and gas platform Friday in the Persian Gulf at about 4 p.m. before dispatching a helicopter and firing the warning flares. It was the second such encounter between the two nations this week. [...] On Tuesday, a U.S. Navy ship fired warning shots at an armed Iranian patrol boat in the Persian Gulf."
Comment: If I'm reading between the lines correctly, this represents a welcome change in the rules of engagement under the Trump Administration. As you will recall, these kinds of encounters have happened often in the past and under the Obama rules the Navy would react defensively, both in procedure and in press release. This latest incident seem to have been staged on purpose, a provocative act by a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to make a point after the previous incident involving a much smaller Navy ship. Nicely done!
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
South Korea, U.S. conduct drills after North Korea missile launch - UPI.com
UPI reports: "South Korea and the United States conducted another round of combined ballistic missile drills Saturday in a show of firepower against North Korea, their armed forces said. The live-fire exercise held along the east coast involved the South's Hyunmoo-2 and the U.S. Eight Army's Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) [...] the two sides demonstrated their ability to work together to defend South Korea."
Comment: This path will be a blessing to those who make missiles (an arms race always is) but we have yet to see any discussion of alternative solutions to this problem. I noticed that Trump again took to Twitter today to criticize China for failing to constrain the North. I really hope that his advisors explain to him that China values the North as a buffer state and as leverage against the U.S. and has never been all that interested in acting as Trump thinks they should. We can't have a successful strategy if it is based on flawed assumptions.
UPI reports: "South Korea and the United States conducted another round of combined ballistic missile drills Saturday in a show of firepower against North Korea, their armed forces said. The live-fire exercise held along the east coast involved the South's Hyunmoo-2 and the U.S. Eight Army's Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) [...] the two sides demonstrated their ability to work together to defend South Korea."
Comment: This path will be a blessing to those who make missiles (an arms race always is) but we have yet to see any discussion of alternative solutions to this problem. I noticed that Trump again took to Twitter today to criticize China for failing to constrain the North. I really hope that his advisors explain to him that China values the North as a buffer state and as leverage against the U.S. and has never been all that interested in acting as Trump thinks they should. We can't have a successful strategy if it is based on flawed assumptions.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
North Korea test-fires improved ballistic missile - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea launched an improved ballistic missile with intercontinental range late Friday, South Korea's military said, a provocation seen as Pyongyang's answer to Seoul's recent dialogue offer and the international community's move to toughen sanctions. [...] The North's missile launch, the second in less than a month, prompted South Korean President Moon Jae-in to ask U.S. Forces Korea to deploy four additional THAAD interceptor launchers at its new base in Seongju, south of Seoul. [...] North Korea has been seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped ICBM capable of hitting the mainland United States, arguing its nuclear program is aimed at countering Washington's hostile policy against it."
Comment: Does it seem like there is one a month now? At this rate they will have perfected the process and routine of missile launches in short order and if they have miniaturized the bombs enough to fit on a warhead, well, there you go. It seems unlikely that Trump will be able to kick this can down the road to his successor. On the other hand, the military option could be catastrophic. I'm glad he is a master deal-maker because this calls for some finesse.
UPI reports: "North Korea launched an improved ballistic missile with intercontinental range late Friday, South Korea's military said, a provocation seen as Pyongyang's answer to Seoul's recent dialogue offer and the international community's move to toughen sanctions. [...] The North's missile launch, the second in less than a month, prompted South Korean President Moon Jae-in to ask U.S. Forces Korea to deploy four additional THAAD interceptor launchers at its new base in Seongju, south of Seoul. [...] North Korea has been seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped ICBM capable of hitting the mainland United States, arguing its nuclear program is aimed at countering Washington's hostile policy against it."
Comment: Does it seem like there is one a month now? At this rate they will have perfected the process and routine of missile launches in short order and if they have miniaturized the bombs enough to fit on a warhead, well, there you go. It seems unlikely that Trump will be able to kick this can down the road to his successor. On the other hand, the military option could be catastrophic. I'm glad he is a master deal-maker because this calls for some finesse.
Rumors of War
AFP - One dead, six wounded in Hamburg supermarket knife attack
AFP reports: "A man born in the United Arab Emirates killed one person with a knife and wounded six others in a supermarket in the German city of Hamburg on Friday, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' before being overpowered by passers-by and arrested, said police. [...] Citing security sources, Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported that the 26-year-old perpetrator was known to police as an Islamist. [...] Germany's domestic intelligence service estimates there are about 10,000 radical Islamists in the country, including 1,600 who are considered potentially violent."
Comment: Sleeper cells and lone wolfs, what is Europe to do? Alexander Akbar!
AFP reports: "A man born in the United Arab Emirates killed one person with a knife and wounded six others in a supermarket in the German city of Hamburg on Friday, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' before being overpowered by passers-by and arrested, said police. [...] Citing security sources, Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported that the 26-year-old perpetrator was known to police as an Islamist. [...] Germany's domestic intelligence service estimates there are about 10,000 radical Islamists in the country, including 1,600 who are considered potentially violent."
Comment: Sleeper cells and lone wolfs, what is Europe to do? Alexander Akbar!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran launches satellite-capable rocket into space - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Iran said it successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite into space, marking what would be a significant step in the nation's domestic space program. [...] The launch does not violate the terms of Iran's deal with the United States and other Western nations to curb its nuclear program, though news Iran has made progress on developing long-range missiles has drawn rebukes from the international community and, if continued, could constitute a violation of the agreement."
Comment: It seems like a rather large omission in the nuclear arms deal to say there's nothing wrong with a country that actively deceived weapons inspectors having a ballistic missile program.
UPI reports: "Iran said it successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying a satellite into space, marking what would be a significant step in the nation's domestic space program. [...] The launch does not violate the terms of Iran's deal with the United States and other Western nations to curb its nuclear program, though news Iran has made progress on developing long-range missiles has drawn rebukes from the international community and, if continued, could constitute a violation of the agreement."
Comment: It seems like a rather large omission in the nuclear arms deal to say there's nothing wrong with a country that actively deceived weapons inspectors having a ballistic missile program.
Temple Mount
Muslims end boycott at Jerusalem holy site after security dropped - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Islamic leaders called on followers to return to a key Old Jerusalem holy site -- known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount -- ending a boycott after Israel removed security measures there Thursday."
Comment: I'm not sure what to make of this. Is it an example of Netanyahu choosing appeasement or showing responsible leadership and compromising? No more riots, no intifada, that has to be a good thing, right? Still, didn't it seem like some security measures were warranted after that attack? It's a "holy site" after all, they can't allow attackers to use it as a staging area or holdout. I guess what makes sense in other parts of the world may not apply in Jerusalem.
UPI reports: "Islamic leaders called on followers to return to a key Old Jerusalem holy site -- known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as Temple Mount -- ending a boycott after Israel removed security measures there Thursday."
Comment: I'm not sure what to make of this. Is it an example of Netanyahu choosing appeasement or showing responsible leadership and compromising? No more riots, no intifada, that has to be a good thing, right? Still, didn't it seem like some security measures were warranted after that attack? It's a "holy site" after all, they can't allow attackers to use it as a staging area or holdout. I guess what makes sense in other parts of the world may not apply in Jerusalem.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Rumors of War - Kings of the East
Pentagon: North Korea's missile capability far ahead of schedule - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea may have a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile by next year -- about two years ahead of schedule, a new assessment by the Pentagon says. An analysis by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency accelerates the timeline of Pyongyang's missile capabilities. It says that intercontinental ballistic missiles -- capable of carrying nuclear warheads -- could be ready by 2018."
Comment: It's getting increasingly difficult to imagine an outcome to the North Korean nuclear crisis that does not involve major conflict. The regime has proven to be resistant to economic sanctions. They are shielded by allies like China and Russia, who hold veto power at the UN Security Council and they make sure no further punitive actions will be taken under cover of international consensus. The only optimistic scenario I can imagine is regime collapse. There is little evidence to indicate that this is on the horizon. Despite being a brutal dictatorship the Kim family has created a cult of personality that retains the devotion (either genuine or coerced) of the people as well as the military and we have seen few hints that revolt or coup is at all likely. Given that, the only option available to the U.S. is either a long game of waiting it out and using covert means to undermine the regime (which presumably has been the play for decades) or direct military intervention. Well, that's not entirely true, there is another option, simply accept North Korea as a nuclear state and seek deterrence in the old fashioned way of assured destruction. This is starting to seem like the most realistic option.
UPI reports: "North Korea may have a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile by next year -- about two years ahead of schedule, a new assessment by the Pentagon says. An analysis by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency accelerates the timeline of Pyongyang's missile capabilities. It says that intercontinental ballistic missiles -- capable of carrying nuclear warheads -- could be ready by 2018."
Comment: It's getting increasingly difficult to imagine an outcome to the North Korean nuclear crisis that does not involve major conflict. The regime has proven to be resistant to economic sanctions. They are shielded by allies like China and Russia, who hold veto power at the UN Security Council and they make sure no further punitive actions will be taken under cover of international consensus. The only optimistic scenario I can imagine is regime collapse. There is little evidence to indicate that this is on the horizon. Despite being a brutal dictatorship the Kim family has created a cult of personality that retains the devotion (either genuine or coerced) of the people as well as the military and we have seen few hints that revolt or coup is at all likely. Given that, the only option available to the U.S. is either a long game of waiting it out and using covert means to undermine the regime (which presumably has been the play for decades) or direct military intervention. Well, that's not entirely true, there is another option, simply accept North Korea as a nuclear state and seek deterrence in the old fashioned way of assured destruction. This is starting to seem like the most realistic option.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Temple Mount
Reuters - Israel removes Jerusalem metal detectors, Palestinians reject new measures
Reuters reports: "Israel removed metal detectors from entrances to the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in favor of CCTV cameras, hoping to calm days of bloodshed, but Palestinians said the modified security measures were still unacceptable. [...] Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the senior Muslim cleric who oversees Al-Aqsa compound both dismissed the new Israeli measures and demanded all of them be removed."
Comment: Well, there you go, the Palestinians will only be satisfied until all security is removed, allowing the site to once again be a staging area for attacks on Israelis. It's hard to imagine that anyone would find that an acceptable position, but of course, millions of Palestinian apologists will find nothing objectionable with that. The gunmen using the holy site as a staging area and refuge are not the problem, Israel trying to protect people, that is the problem. The real question for us is, will Jordan and Turkey welcome Israel's concession on the metal detectors or will they continue to incite the Arab masses with propaganda? Is the flame going out, or is this conflagration just getting started?
Reuters reports: "Israel removed metal detectors from entrances to the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in favor of CCTV cameras, hoping to calm days of bloodshed, but Palestinians said the modified security measures were still unacceptable. [...] Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the senior Muslim cleric who oversees Al-Aqsa compound both dismissed the new Israeli measures and demanded all of them be removed."
Comment: Well, there you go, the Palestinians will only be satisfied until all security is removed, allowing the site to once again be a staging area for attacks on Israelis. It's hard to imagine that anyone would find that an acceptable position, but of course, millions of Palestinian apologists will find nothing objectionable with that. The gunmen using the holy site as a staging area and refuge are not the problem, Israel trying to protect people, that is the problem. The real question for us is, will Jordan and Turkey welcome Israel's concession on the metal detectors or will they continue to incite the Arab masses with propaganda? Is the flame going out, or is this conflagration just getting started?
Monday, July 24, 2017
Mark of the Beast
Wisconsin company hopes to offer microchip implants to employees - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A Wisconsin company wants to offer surgically implanted microchips for employees to make it easier to buy snacks in the break room. [...] the implanted microchip makes it easier for people to pay for items at work. Instead of looking for coins, cash or a credit card, they would only need to place their hand in front of a scanner and electronically pay for their item. The microchip would have other uses, as well, like serving as an electronic key to open doors and identify the user to login at a computer. [...] Approximately 50 Three Square Market employees have volunteered to have the microchip inserted. Westby said it is not mandatory."
Comment: This seems like a clever way to entice people with the novelty of it while desensitizing them to the extreme privacy threat posed by implanted chip tech. I love that line where the CEO says it's not mandatory and he left off the "yet" part, lol. I would like to think that Americans still retain enough of the independent spirit to ever go along with this kind of monitoring and control.
UPI reports: "A Wisconsin company wants to offer surgically implanted microchips for employees to make it easier to buy snacks in the break room. [...] the implanted microchip makes it easier for people to pay for items at work. Instead of looking for coins, cash or a credit card, they would only need to place their hand in front of a scanner and electronically pay for their item. The microchip would have other uses, as well, like serving as an electronic key to open doors and identify the user to login at a computer. [...] Approximately 50 Three Square Market employees have volunteered to have the microchip inserted. Westby said it is not mandatory."
Comment: This seems like a clever way to entice people with the novelty of it while desensitizing them to the extreme privacy threat posed by implanted chip tech. I love that line where the CEO says it's not mandatory and he left off the "yet" part, lol. I would like to think that Americans still retain enough of the independent spirit to ever go along with this kind of monitoring and control.
Temple Mount
AP - The Latest: Israel to remove metal detectors from holy site
The AP reports: "Israel’s security cabinet has decided to remove metal detectors set up at the entrance to a Jerusalem holy site which had angered Muslims. It announced early Tuesday that “sophisticated technology” will be used instead of the devices. It did not elaborate on when the metal detectors would be removed or what would replace them. Israeli media earlier reported high resolution cameras capable of detecting hidden objects would be the alternative. It said Israel would boost forces in the area until the plan is implemented. Earlier Associated Press footage showed heavy machinery and workers heading to the entrance of the site. Israel erected the metal detectors after Arab gunmen killed two policemen from inside the shrine, holy to Muslims and Jews, earlier this month. The move incensed the Muslim world and triggered violence."
Israel to remove metal detectors at Al-Aqsa Mosque - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli will remove metal detectors from a holy site in Jerusalem after days of protest from Muslims who were angered by the Israeli military-protected barriers, the government announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet said it agreed to accept the 'the recommendation of all the security bodies to change the inspection with metal detectors to a security inspection based on advanced technologies and other means' at the Al-Aqsa compound, which has been a hot-point of controversy and violence for several days. [...] The metal detectors were installed after three men shot two Jewish Israeli policemen on July 14 near the Lion's Gate."
Comment: It remains to be seen if this is a cave / compromise on Netanyahu's part or if the cameras are a valid replacement that will provide the security they need to prevent future attacks staged from within the compound. It also remains to be seen if this move will de-escalate the tensions that have risen all over the Arab world including in Jordan and Turkey. Stay tuned!
The AP reports: "Israel’s security cabinet has decided to remove metal detectors set up at the entrance to a Jerusalem holy site which had angered Muslims. It announced early Tuesday that “sophisticated technology” will be used instead of the devices. It did not elaborate on when the metal detectors would be removed or what would replace them. Israeli media earlier reported high resolution cameras capable of detecting hidden objects would be the alternative. It said Israel would boost forces in the area until the plan is implemented. Earlier Associated Press footage showed heavy machinery and workers heading to the entrance of the site. Israel erected the metal detectors after Arab gunmen killed two policemen from inside the shrine, holy to Muslims and Jews, earlier this month. The move incensed the Muslim world and triggered violence."
Israel to remove metal detectors at Al-Aqsa Mosque - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Israeli will remove metal detectors from a holy site in Jerusalem after days of protest from Muslims who were angered by the Israeli military-protected barriers, the government announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet said it agreed to accept the 'the recommendation of all the security bodies to change the inspection with metal detectors to a security inspection based on advanced technologies and other means' at the Al-Aqsa compound, which has been a hot-point of controversy and violence for several days. [...] The metal detectors were installed after three men shot two Jewish Israeli policemen on July 14 near the Lion's Gate."
Comment: It remains to be seen if this is a cave / compromise on Netanyahu's part or if the cameras are a valid replacement that will provide the security they need to prevent future attacks staged from within the compound. It also remains to be seen if this move will de-escalate the tensions that have risen all over the Arab world including in Jordan and Turkey. Stay tuned!
Friday, July 21, 2017
Temple Mount
Yahoo News - Deadly stabbing, clashes as tensions rise over Jerusalem holy site
Yahoo News reports: "Three Israelis were stabbed to death and clashes left three Palestinians killed Friday as tensions rose over new security measures at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site where police restricted access for Muslim prayers. As Israeli and Palestinian leaders faced pressure to respond, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas announced late Friday he was freezing contacts with Israel over the holy site dispute. The unrest came after Israeli ministers decided not to order the removal of metal detectors erected at entrances to the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack nearby a week ago that killed two policemen."
Comment: So, after the attack last week Israel installed metal detectors. This makes sense right, most sensitive sites in the developed world now have security. Do you think that the local Arab population will take this in stride? No, they are rioting. Even though it was Palestinians who caused this problem and a security setup is sensible, they are reacting as if it is Israel that is causing the problem. Typical. But here is the bottom line for us, the Temple Mount is once again becoming a flashpoint and possible source of conflict that can draw in many countries into war with Israel (not because the leaders want to, but because their people want it) and it once again firmly links the Temple Mount (and possible future Temple) as an item that must be addressed in the Mideast peace talks (Covenant with Many).
Yahoo News reports: "Three Israelis were stabbed to death and clashes left three Palestinians killed Friday as tensions rose over new security measures at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site where police restricted access for Muslim prayers. As Israeli and Palestinian leaders faced pressure to respond, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas announced late Friday he was freezing contacts with Israel over the holy site dispute. The unrest came after Israeli ministers decided not to order the removal of metal detectors erected at entrances to the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack nearby a week ago that killed two policemen."
Comment: So, after the attack last week Israel installed metal detectors. This makes sense right, most sensitive sites in the developed world now have security. Do you think that the local Arab population will take this in stride? No, they are rioting. Even though it was Palestinians who caused this problem and a security setup is sensible, they are reacting as if it is Israel that is causing the problem. Typical. But here is the bottom line for us, the Temple Mount is once again becoming a flashpoint and possible source of conflict that can draw in many countries into war with Israel (not because the leaders want to, but because their people want it) and it once again firmly links the Temple Mount (and possible future Temple) as an item that must be addressed in the Mideast peace talks (Covenant with Many).
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Wickedness Increases
Florida teens laugh and record man as he drowns, police say - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A group of Florida teens saw a man drowning in a pond and laughed at him as they recorded his death instead of trying to help, police said. The video shows the drowning death of Jamel Dunn, 31, of Cocoa, Fla. [...] According to Florida Today, the teens did not report the drowning to authorities. Instead, Dunn's fiancee filed a missing person's report when Dunn didn't come home and then found the video of him drowning on social media. Authorities went to the pond depicted in the video and found Dunn's badly decomposed body three days after his death."
Comment: How cold and heartless do people have to be to do that kind of thing, to show such disregard for another human being? Love grows cold indeed.
UPI reports: "A group of Florida teens saw a man drowning in a pond and laughed at him as they recorded his death instead of trying to help, police said. The video shows the drowning death of Jamel Dunn, 31, of Cocoa, Fla. [...] According to Florida Today, the teens did not report the drowning to authorities. Instead, Dunn's fiancee filed a missing person's report when Dunn didn't come home and then found the video of him drowning on social media. Authorities went to the pond depicted in the video and found Dunn's badly decomposed body three days after his death."
Comment: How cold and heartless do people have to be to do that kind of thing, to show such disregard for another human being? Love grows cold indeed.
Earthquake
6.7-magnitude earthquake kills 2, injures more than 100 in Greece and Turkey - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit popular tourist areas near several Greek
islands and Turkey's Aegean coast, killing at least two people and
injuring more than 100 others, according to reports.
The U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake had a depth of at least 10
km."
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
War
U.S. report: Islamic State the biggest terror threat in 2016 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Terrorism attacks are on the decline globally for the second year in a row, the State Department said in a report issued Wednesday. Terror attacks were down 9 percent in 2016 compared to the year before and deaths caused by terror attacks were down 13 percent, the report said. [...] Attacks happened in 104 countries in 2016, 55 percent of which happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Philippines. Seventy-five percent of terror attack deaths happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria and Pakistan. The Islamic State was the top terror threat in 2016, the State Department said, while al-Qaida also remained a threat."
Comment: Some interesting stats on the global war on terrorism in 2016. I think the Islamic State death-spiral will probably continue to motivate lone wolf attacks in Europe and elsewhere and will likely mean that 2017 will surpass 2016 in the number of terror attacks.
UPI reports: "Terrorism attacks are on the decline globally for the second year in a row, the State Department said in a report issued Wednesday. Terror attacks were down 9 percent in 2016 compared to the year before and deaths caused by terror attacks were down 13 percent, the report said. [...] Attacks happened in 104 countries in 2016, 55 percent of which happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Philippines. Seventy-five percent of terror attack deaths happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria and Pakistan. The Islamic State was the top terror threat in 2016, the State Department said, while al-Qaida also remained a threat."
Comment: Some interesting stats on the global war on terrorism in 2016. I think the Islamic State death-spiral will probably continue to motivate lone wolf attacks in Europe and elsewhere and will likely mean that 2017 will surpass 2016 in the number of terror attacks.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Covenant With Many
China's Xi pledges support to Palestine, two-state solution - UPI.com
UPI reports: "China supports a two-state solution in the Middle East and full sovereignty for Palestine, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Tuesday. His remarks came as he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing. Abbas is on a four-day trip to China. China recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state, calling for Palestinian independence, with recognition of borders mandated in 1967 and a capital in East Jerusalem. The two leaders signed economic, technical, cultural and capacity-building cooperation agreements."
Comment: What is the leader of China doing getting mixed up in Middle East affairs, you ask? Over the last few years China has a emerged as a major trade partner for several Mideast countries, including Israel, with important trade relationships focused primarily on energy. China has also been building a modern version of the ancient "Silk Road" that will promote trade and development across the region. China, as unlikely as it seems, is on the way to becoming one of the important players in Mideast affairs.
UPI reports: "China supports a two-state solution in the Middle East and full sovereignty for Palestine, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Tuesday. His remarks came as he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing. Abbas is on a four-day trip to China. China recognizes Palestine as a sovereign state, calling for Palestinian independence, with recognition of borders mandated in 1967 and a capital in East Jerusalem. The two leaders signed economic, technical, cultural and capacity-building cooperation agreements."
Comment: What is the leader of China doing getting mixed up in Middle East affairs, you ask? Over the last few years China has a emerged as a major trade partner for several Mideast countries, including Israel, with important trade relationships focused primarily on energy. China has also been building a modern version of the ancient "Silk Road" that will promote trade and development across the region. China, as unlikely as it seems, is on the way to becoming one of the important players in Mideast affairs.
Monday, July 17, 2017
War
U.N.: Civilian deaths hit record high in Afghanistan - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Civilian deaths in Afghanistan reached a record high during the first six months this year, the United Nations said Monday. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, there 1,662 civilians killed -- a 2 percent increase above the previous record over the same time last year, according to the U.N. mid-year report. Also, 3,581 people were injured this year, a 1 percent decline from 2016."
Comment: If you have been wondering how the war in Afghanistan has been going, this report has some stats for you.
UPI reports: "Civilian deaths in Afghanistan reached a record high during the first six months this year, the United Nations said Monday. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, there 1,662 civilians killed -- a 2 percent increase above the previous record over the same time last year, according to the U.N. mid-year report. Also, 3,581 people were injured this year, a 1 percent decline from 2016."
Comment: If you have been wondering how the war in Afghanistan has been going, this report has some stats for you.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Temple Mount
Two police officers, three suspects killed in shooting at Jerusalem holy site - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Two police officers were shot and killed Friday as they patrolled the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said. Three suspects, who allegedly opened fire at the officers, were themselves shot dead by police. [...] The entire 37-acre complex, visited by religious adherents and tourists, was closed Friday after the shootings."
Comment: After comments from Palestinian leaders denying a Jewish connection to the Temple Mount (the site of two past Jewish temples), is it any wonder that followers of a notorious religion would kill Jewish police officers on the sacred site? The amazing thing for us to note is how the Temple Mount remains a flash point, frozen in time between a dramatic past and an appointed future.
UPI reports: "Two police officers were shot and killed Friday as they patrolled the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said. Three suspects, who allegedly opened fire at the officers, were themselves shot dead by police. [...] The entire 37-acre complex, visited by religious adherents and tourists, was closed Friday after the shootings."
Comment: After comments from Palestinian leaders denying a Jewish connection to the Temple Mount (the site of two past Jewish temples), is it any wonder that followers of a notorious religion would kill Jewish police officers on the sacred site? The amazing thing for us to note is how the Temple Mount remains a flash point, frozen in time between a dramatic past and an appointed future.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Persecution
AP - Fearing attacks, Egypt's churches suspend pilgrimages, trips
AP reports: "Egyptian churches on Thursday suspended pilgrimages, holidays and conferences for the remainder of July and August after authorities warned them about possible attacks by Islamic militants. [...] The militants have forced scores of Christian families to flee their homes in northern Sinai after killing several of them and have since December killed more than 100 people in four separate attacks targeting members of the ancient community. El-Sissi declared a nationwide state of emergency in April after suicide bombers targeted two churches north of Cairo. In May, militants killed about 30 Christians traveling on a back road as they approached a remote desert monastery south of Cairo."
Comment: These are dangerous times for Christians in Egypt. Please join me in praying for their safety and perseverance in faith.
AP reports: "Egyptian churches on Thursday suspended pilgrimages, holidays and conferences for the remainder of July and August after authorities warned them about possible attacks by Islamic militants. [...] The militants have forced scores of Christian families to flee their homes in northern Sinai after killing several of them and have since December killed more than 100 people in four separate attacks targeting members of the ancient community. El-Sissi declared a nationwide state of emergency in April after suicide bombers targeted two churches north of Cairo. In May, militants killed about 30 Christians traveling on a back road as they approached a remote desert monastery south of Cairo."
Comment: These are dangerous times for Christians in Egypt. Please join me in praying for their safety and perseverance in faith.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Mark of the Beast
AP - Face scans for US citizens flying abroad stir privacy issues
The AP reports: "If the Trump administration gets its way, U.S. citizens boarding international flights will have to submit to a face scan, a plan privacy advocates call a step toward a surveillance state. The Department of Homeland Security says it’s the only way to successfully expand a program that tracks nonimmigrant foreigners. They have been required by law since 2004 to submit to biometric identity scans — but to date have only had their fingerprints and photos collected prior to entry. Now, DHS says it’s finally ready to implement face scans on departure — aimed mainly at better tracking visa overstays but also at tightening security. But, the agency says, U.S. citizens must also be scanned for the program to work. Privacy advocates say that oversteps Congress’ mandate."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a MOTB update. I'm not sure this really rises to the level of a good update. As you can see from the report, it's very tentative, part of me thinks "ok, let me know if they actually do require face scans" but the reality is that they probably will. Consumers have already demonstrated a willingness to surrender their privacy and their dignity in the name of travel safety, this is simply one more step. I suppose we should not be too alarmed, no doubt the biometric ID database will be well secured from hackers, right? Finally, the usual caveat, I'm not saying that this or any other biometric tech is the MOTB, this is simply a tech trend worth keeping an eye on.
The AP reports: "If the Trump administration gets its way, U.S. citizens boarding international flights will have to submit to a face scan, a plan privacy advocates call a step toward a surveillance state. The Department of Homeland Security says it’s the only way to successfully expand a program that tracks nonimmigrant foreigners. They have been required by law since 2004 to submit to biometric identity scans — but to date have only had their fingerprints and photos collected prior to entry. Now, DHS says it’s finally ready to implement face scans on departure — aimed mainly at better tracking visa overstays but also at tightening security. But, the agency says, U.S. citizens must also be scanned for the program to work. Privacy advocates say that oversteps Congress’ mandate."
Comment: It's been a while since we had a MOTB update. I'm not sure this really rises to the level of a good update. As you can see from the report, it's very tentative, part of me thinks "ok, let me know if they actually do require face scans" but the reality is that they probably will. Consumers have already demonstrated a willingness to surrender their privacy and their dignity in the name of travel safety, this is simply one more step. I suppose we should not be too alarmed, no doubt the biometric ID database will be well secured from hackers, right? Finally, the usual caveat, I'm not saying that this or any other biometric tech is the MOTB, this is simply a tech trend worth keeping an eye on.
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