http://endtimes.punt.nl/?id=557210&r=1&tbl_archief=&
Excellent video on current events, including the Lisbon Treaty and the Middle East, and how they relate to the soon return of Yeshua. The page is written in Dutch, but the video is in English. Just scroll down a little to see it. Hat tip to KarenB. (HUG)
Showing posts with label Endtimes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Endtimes. Show all posts
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Perilous times
Once again the peace process is front-and-center on the prophetic stage. This time it is settlements as the hot-button issue.
Some recent quotes:
Tony Blair
"There is a virtual consensus across the international community not just as to what needs to happen, but how...which was not the case a couple of years ago."
"So if everyone would commit themselves to a peaceful political negotiation to a two-state solution, you could have this deal within the year. But people have got to be prepared to commit to it."
"If President Obama gets the right partner, on the Israeli side but also on the Palestinian side, his determination to do this I have no doubt about at all."
Nimer Hamad, senior political adviser to PA President Mahmoud Abbas
"No matter what is the position of the Israeli government and no matter what are the statements of Netanyahu, what counts is what was promised to us by Obama, which is totally the opposite [of Netanyahu's positions]."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
"I am convinced that there must be a stop to this. Otherwise we will not come to the two-state solution that is urgently needed."
Merkel has never been so openly critical of Israel before now.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
"Everyone knows: without a stop to settlement building there will be no decisive progress in the peace process."
And it seems that Israel is bowing to pressure. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says that Israel will dismantle 23 "illegal" outposts in the coming weeks or months.
The whole world is pressuring Israel over this issue. Everybody and their grandmother is jumping on this bandwagon.
That's because they think they have Israel over a barrel now! They think that because the US has turned against Israel (along with the rest of the world) that they have it all sewn up and wrapped up with a pretty bow. Well they're going to get a big surprise! Because though all the nations of earth may have abandoned Israel -- God never will.
The Center for American Progress (CAP), regarded as one of the most influential think tanks in Washington, is advocating the internationalization of Jerusalem, likely permanently, under the control of a third party. Might this third party be the Vatican? Obama is going to meet the Pope during the G8 summit in Italy, with a Mideast peace plan on the agenda.
The Pope is also urging the G8 to not only rewrite the rules on global finance, but also to institute a global governing authority to "manage the global economy" which would be "regulated by law" and "universally recognized". That is a call for a One World Government as clear as any I've seen. He also managed to plug the One World Religion, with a call for more ecumenical efforts and a stand against terrorism.
Well, since Bible/Endtime-believing Christians are the "new" terrorists, guess who he wants a stand against? All of what he is advocating is clearly the embodiment of what the Bible says will happen in the Endtimes. It's right at our doorstep!
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
It is also clear that America has decided to abandon Israel. It's been coming for ages, but it is a done deal. There were a rash of reports that the US gave Israel a green light to attack Iran's nuclear facilities and put an end to its nuclear program, but of course the Obama administration denies this. They should tape up Joe Biden's mouth, then.
A report that the Saudis also gave a green light for an Israel attack on Iran is officially being denied by Saudi Arabia as well. Their motive: they don't want a nuclear Iran, either.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to be rocked by rioting and demonstrations in the aftermath of the disputed election which saw hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad retain the presidency. Hard to say just exactly what is going to come of it as this juncture. But we know Iran has to be around for the future Gog/Magog War. (Ez. 38/39)
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recently told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to stop selling missiles to Iran. Obama was just in Moscow, where he met both Putin and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Obama and Medvedev signed agreements to limit nuclear weapons. Reports are that Obama is going to abandon support for Georgia and Ukraine in return. Does anyone really think that Russia will give up any of its nukes?? (If so, I have some nice beachfront property in the Himalayas that I can sell them.)
They also discussed the missile shield in Europe. Russia of course has been dead set against it. Obama now claims that the shield is only for defense from an Iranian missile threat. Before now, the shield would've been just as much for defense against Russia, maybe more so. No other president would've said something like this.
US combat troops have now pulled out of all Iraqi cities, although many troops still remain in non-combat capacity. Now there's going to be a mad dash by many nations to get in there and exploit the oil wealth. Iraq has the world's third largest proven petroleum reserves (after Saudi Arabia and Iran) plus huge, undeveloped amounts of natural gas. Russia and France already have their hats thrown into the fray.
Some Iraqis are also accusing Saudi Arabia, rather than Iran, of supporting terrorism to destabilize Iraq. Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal has said it is necessary "to bring Iraq back to the Arab world at any cost." Just something to ponder. Nice time for us to be pulling out.
That brings us to the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which is inextricably linked to Pakistan. Both Al Qaeda and the Taliban are fiercely fighting to hold onto their power and influence in both countries. Al Qaeda released another one of its threatening videos, this time saying that they would use Pakistani nukes on the US when they can get their hands on them. They also said the US should surrender to the inevitable and convert to Islam!
Just across the border from Pakistan and Afghanistan is the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang region of China. There was just a mass arrest of 1,434 people after deadly riots broke out. Separatists in Xinjiang want their own homeland, and the unrest has been simmering for ages. This looks to get a lot worse.
Then we have wildcard North Korea. They have threatened to begin a nuclear war and accused the US of trying to start one as well. South Korea is relying on the US for protection, and Japan has reportedly even begun to consider developing their own nuclear weapons as a deterrent. Remember that Japan is the only nation to have undergone a nuclear attack, and vowed not to pursue such weapons as a result, so this is a rather serious development.
It's hard keeping up with all this! It just seems like so much is happening, so fast! I didn't even get to cover everything that I would've liked to address. Just when it seems like you've seen it all, even crazier things happen. Perilous times are here. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Even so, come, Lord Jesus! We need You!
SEL
Some recent quotes:
Tony Blair
"There is a virtual consensus across the international community not just as to what needs to happen, but how...which was not the case a couple of years ago."
"So if everyone would commit themselves to a peaceful political negotiation to a two-state solution, you could have this deal within the year. But people have got to be prepared to commit to it."
"If President Obama gets the right partner, on the Israeli side but also on the Palestinian side, his determination to do this I have no doubt about at all."
Nimer Hamad, senior political adviser to PA President Mahmoud Abbas
"No matter what is the position of the Israeli government and no matter what are the statements of Netanyahu, what counts is what was promised to us by Obama, which is totally the opposite [of Netanyahu's positions]."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
"I am convinced that there must be a stop to this. Otherwise we will not come to the two-state solution that is urgently needed."
Merkel has never been so openly critical of Israel before now.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
"Everyone knows: without a stop to settlement building there will be no decisive progress in the peace process."
And it seems that Israel is bowing to pressure. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says that Israel will dismantle 23 "illegal" outposts in the coming weeks or months.
The whole world is pressuring Israel over this issue. Everybody and their grandmother is jumping on this bandwagon.
That's because they think they have Israel over a barrel now! They think that because the US has turned against Israel (along with the rest of the world) that they have it all sewn up and wrapped up with a pretty bow. Well they're going to get a big surprise! Because though all the nations of earth may have abandoned Israel -- God never will.
The Center for American Progress (CAP), regarded as one of the most influential think tanks in Washington, is advocating the internationalization of Jerusalem, likely permanently, under the control of a third party. Might this third party be the Vatican? Obama is going to meet the Pope during the G8 summit in Italy, with a Mideast peace plan on the agenda.
The Pope is also urging the G8 to not only rewrite the rules on global finance, but also to institute a global governing authority to "manage the global economy" which would be "regulated by law" and "universally recognized". That is a call for a One World Government as clear as any I've seen. He also managed to plug the One World Religion, with a call for more ecumenical efforts and a stand against terrorism.
Well, since Bible/Endtime-believing Christians are the "new" terrorists, guess who he wants a stand against? All of what he is advocating is clearly the embodiment of what the Bible says will happen in the Endtimes. It's right at our doorstep!
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
It is also clear that America has decided to abandon Israel. It's been coming for ages, but it is a done deal. There were a rash of reports that the US gave Israel a green light to attack Iran's nuclear facilities and put an end to its nuclear program, but of course the Obama administration denies this. They should tape up Joe Biden's mouth, then.
A report that the Saudis also gave a green light for an Israel attack on Iran is officially being denied by Saudi Arabia as well. Their motive: they don't want a nuclear Iran, either.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to be rocked by rioting and demonstrations in the aftermath of the disputed election which saw hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad retain the presidency. Hard to say just exactly what is going to come of it as this juncture. But we know Iran has to be around for the future Gog/Magog War. (Ez. 38/39)
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu recently told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to stop selling missiles to Iran. Obama was just in Moscow, where he met both Putin and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Obama and Medvedev signed agreements to limit nuclear weapons. Reports are that Obama is going to abandon support for Georgia and Ukraine in return. Does anyone really think that Russia will give up any of its nukes?? (If so, I have some nice beachfront property in the Himalayas that I can sell them.)
They also discussed the missile shield in Europe. Russia of course has been dead set against it. Obama now claims that the shield is only for defense from an Iranian missile threat. Before now, the shield would've been just as much for defense against Russia, maybe more so. No other president would've said something like this.
US combat troops have now pulled out of all Iraqi cities, although many troops still remain in non-combat capacity. Now there's going to be a mad dash by many nations to get in there and exploit the oil wealth. Iraq has the world's third largest proven petroleum reserves (after Saudi Arabia and Iran) plus huge, undeveloped amounts of natural gas. Russia and France already have their hats thrown into the fray.
Some Iraqis are also accusing Saudi Arabia, rather than Iran, of supporting terrorism to destabilize Iraq. Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal has said it is necessary "to bring Iraq back to the Arab world at any cost." Just something to ponder. Nice time for us to be pulling out.
That brings us to the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which is inextricably linked to Pakistan. Both Al Qaeda and the Taliban are fiercely fighting to hold onto their power and influence in both countries. Al Qaeda released another one of its threatening videos, this time saying that they would use Pakistani nukes on the US when they can get their hands on them. They also said the US should surrender to the inevitable and convert to Islam!
Just across the border from Pakistan and Afghanistan is the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang region of China. There was just a mass arrest of 1,434 people after deadly riots broke out. Separatists in Xinjiang want their own homeland, and the unrest has been simmering for ages. This looks to get a lot worse.
Then we have wildcard North Korea. They have threatened to begin a nuclear war and accused the US of trying to start one as well. South Korea is relying on the US for protection, and Japan has reportedly even begun to consider developing their own nuclear weapons as a deterrent. Remember that Japan is the only nation to have undergone a nuclear attack, and vowed not to pursue such weapons as a result, so this is a rather serious development.
It's hard keeping up with all this! It just seems like so much is happening, so fast! I didn't even get to cover everything that I would've liked to address. Just when it seems like you've seen it all, even crazier things happen. Perilous times are here. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Even so, come, Lord Jesus! We need You!
SEL
Trust in no man, only God.
Originally written on June 13, 2009
Obama finally gave his speech in Egypt, and it was extremely telling of where he stands in regards to Israel, Islam and America. He re-wrote history, twisted Scripture, and tailored the content to maximize its impact on his target audience: the Muslim world at large. He took a page from Napoléon, becoming the first Western leader since the French emperor's day to address the entire Muslim body as one. This corresponds to the Muslim custom of dividing up the world according to religion. But it ignores the political and religious divisons that exist among Muslims. Rather, it caters to those who dream of a unified Islamic state, a revived caliphate from Morocco to Bangladesh. People like Ahamdinejad and Osama bin Laden.
Everything about the speech was meticulously planned to appeal to his Muslim audience. It was even given on a day that has meaning for Muslims. Historically, several events occured on that day. The most significant was the rebuilding of the Ka'abah, the Muslim sacred stone in Mecca, which had been destroyed in a civil war. Also, the very first battle between Islam and Christianity took place on that date in 629 AD, led by Muhammad himself. It also marked 20 years since Ayatollah Khomeini died and Ali Khamenei was installed as the new “Supreme Guide of the Islamic ummah.”
He referred to the Koran as "the Holy Koran", something non-Muslims would not do. Would Muslims call the Bible "the Holy Bible"? Nope. He referred to a passage of the Koran where it is said that Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad all prayed together, as he spoke of making Jerusalem an international city where Jews, Christians and Muslims would dwell together. He used the phrase "peace be upon them" in reference to Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. That is a phrase that Muslims use when speaking of the dead. Well, Christians believe that Jesus is alive and well, resurrected from the dead. Does Obama consider Jesus to be dead?
He demanded that Israel cease making settlements in "Palestinian" territory. Jews won't even be allowed in the planned Palestinian state, but he expects Israel to allow the "right of return" for millions of Arabs in refugee camps since the time of Israel's independence.
He quoted a jihad passage from Koran, knowing that Muslims would full well understand the implications. It is a passage that scolds Muslims who abandoned Muhammad as he went to fight Byzantine Christians.
He never mentioned the word "terror". Of course, we all know that he erased that word from his administration. Except when branding Americans as terrorists for believing in the Bible, Endtimes, and the Constitution.
He said that no form of government should be imposed on any nation by any other, an obvious reference to the Iraq war. This ignores the teachings of the Koran, which calls for theocracy via Islam.
He promised to protect and promote Islam in America, and foster the ability of American Muslims to do zakat (charitable giving). The reason zakat has been under such scrutiny in America is because that money is often funneled to terrorism! Muslims have more freedom in the US than anywhere in the world, especially nations where Islamic rule is absolute under Sharia. Yet American Christians can't even take a Bible or wear a cross to school.
He wants to bring more Muslims to America, and he inflated the number of Muslims living in America, claiming that America is one of the largest Muslim nations on earth! Yet in his last speech to the Muslim world, in Turkey, he claimed that that US does not consider even consider itself to be any rooted in any one religion, certainly not Christianity (according to him), but in all of them.
He pushed for new ways of thinking, global government, and bringing religions together. He lauded the Saudi-led interfaith dialogue and the Alliance of Civilizations.
He gave Iran a thumbs up for their "peaceful" nuke program, saying that all nations have the right to have one.
At the end, he paints a picture that will only happen when Jesus returns. He revealed his humanistic-based faith, a faith in other people. No amount of cooperation of humans will bring peace. Our egoes, emotions, lusts, greed, and ambitions always get in the way.
Look at what some Palestinians had to say:
'For the first time, we feel we have a friend in the White House." ~ Palestinian Authority official in Ramallah
"When I heard Obama speaking, I felt as if I were listening to the head of an Arab or Islamic state. He's really a great man." ~ woman in Ramallah
"For now, Obama is our man in Washington. But if he fails to follow up on his nice statements with deeds on the ground, we and the rest of the Arabs and Muslims will turn against him very quickly." ~ another Palestinian official
The media was ecstatic over the speech. What did they immediate jump on? Israel -- lay all the onus on Israel.
Then there's Newsweek's editor Evan Thomas, who said that Obama is "sort of God" in a way that's "standing above the country." What??? I realize that Newsweek is a rag, and they have been one of the greatest Obama champions, but come on! Newsweek was the one with the cover that stated, "We are all socialists now" in honor of their beloved leader, and even pushed many articles making Iran look like Disneyland. They know that Americans do not, on the whole, want to engage Iran in any way. But since Obama does, they are out to change Americans' opinions about Iran.
Both candidates in the Iranian presidential election claimed victory, though incumbent Mahmoud Ahamdinejad was officially declared the winner. Heavy violence has broken out in the country. Former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi has vowed to challenge the results. Stay tuned! (Oh, and the US government reportedly had "no preference" as to who wins the election.)
Iran has also stepped up its nuke program. It reportedly has 7200 centrifuges at its facility in Natanz -- rendering it capable of making 2 nuclear weapons a year! Mousavi, by the way, was the one who began the nuke program.
Saudi King Abdullah reportedly told Obama that the Arab world is running out of patience with Israel and that the US should impose a solution if necessary to end the problem. Obama visited the king just before his speech in Cairo. He said:
"I thought it was very important to come to the place where Islam began and to seek His Majesty's counsel and to discuss with him many of the issues that we confront here in the Middle East."
Dhimmi much?
Spain's King Juan Carlos sent two messages for Abdullah at the same time. There's probably going to be another push for interfaith dialogue and the peace process come out of that!
The Vatican will want in there, too. Their position on the Middle East is the same as Obama's, and that of the Spanish and Saudi monarchs. Did you know that it was a Catholic-funded grant that brought Obama to Chicago in the first place, and provided him with a room in a Catholic rectory? And now Obama has several Jesuits among his advisors? The Pope even blessed him on his inauguration day. How does that work, given his pro-abortion stance, and the Catholic Church is supposed to be pro-life?
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly is expected to endorse a 2-state solution this weekend. He has already said that he will sit down to talk with the Palestinians without preconditions. But PA President Abbas wants Israel to give up all of the Jewish ancestral land for the establishment of a Palestinian state! They want it all, and the Jews erased from the planet.
Israeli President Peres called for setting temporary borders with the PA, and he praised both the Saudi and Jordanian peace plans!
White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel also reportedly told an Israeli official that the US doesn't care who the Israeli prime minister is, and that there will be a Palestinian state in the next 4 years. However, another report says that Obama has given them only two years. And yet another report has a Palestinian offical saying that Obama promised Jerusalem to the them as the capital of their future state! Also, US Mideast envoy George Mitchell reportedly said that Obama sees the creation of a Palestinian state as a national security issue for the US. Well, it sure is, but not in the way that they think!
Zechariah 12
2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
America is not immune! America will be judged for touching the apple of God's eye.
There is likely to be a meeting of the Quartet - the European Union, the United Nations, Russia and the United States -- on the sidelines of a G-8 meeting June 25-27 in Trieste, Italy. And Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is going to be there, too!
Jimmy Carter, in his book "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land" says that a specific time limit should be set for resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, say perhaps, September 2009. Now, the next G20 summit will be in Pittsburgh, PA on September 24-25, 2009. There will also be a UN General Assembly meeting at that time!
This would put those meetings right around Rosh HaShanah, the 19th, and Yom Kippur, the 28th. This comes on the heels of the Hebrew month of Av. This month saw the destruction of both Jewish temples! All over there are murmurings of a summer of hell. Then perhaps a push for peace this September? It's looking like a good possibility!
I'd like to make something clear, and I know I may get flack for it. I do not believe Obama is the Antichrist. America is on a downward spiral. I think we are doomed as a nation. The writing is on the wall. So unless he abandons the US for the EU or something, I think he is the fall guy to usher in the New World Order. If the US falls, resistance will drop all over the world, and the global Antichrist system can be implemented more efficiently. That's just MHO.
There was even a "World Invocation Day" last Sunday. This was purportedly a day of prayer to foster harmony among all humanity, for peace, love, light, unity, etc. It was a call for the expected "teacher" to come, identified variously as Avatar, Christ, Maitreya, Krishna, Messiah, Imam Mahdi and Bodhisattva. Well, it was certainly not the Christ of Christianity that they were praying for! Sounds more like they were praying for the Antichrist to arrive! He will be all things to all peoples, hence the linking of so many different religious traditions. Scary to think that so many deceived masses were praying for the advent of the AC!
A lot of people pin their hopes on Bibi, and a whole lot more delusional people do the same with Obama.
Trust in no man, only God. Pray that Israel does the same.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
SEL
Obama finally gave his speech in Egypt, and it was extremely telling of where he stands in regards to Israel, Islam and America. He re-wrote history, twisted Scripture, and tailored the content to maximize its impact on his target audience: the Muslim world at large. He took a page from Napoléon, becoming the first Western leader since the French emperor's day to address the entire Muslim body as one. This corresponds to the Muslim custom of dividing up the world according to religion. But it ignores the political and religious divisons that exist among Muslims. Rather, it caters to those who dream of a unified Islamic state, a revived caliphate from Morocco to Bangladesh. People like Ahamdinejad and Osama bin Laden.
Everything about the speech was meticulously planned to appeal to his Muslim audience. It was even given on a day that has meaning for Muslims. Historically, several events occured on that day. The most significant was the rebuilding of the Ka'abah, the Muslim sacred stone in Mecca, which had been destroyed in a civil war. Also, the very first battle between Islam and Christianity took place on that date in 629 AD, led by Muhammad himself. It also marked 20 years since Ayatollah Khomeini died and Ali Khamenei was installed as the new “Supreme Guide of the Islamic ummah.”
He referred to the Koran as "the Holy Koran", something non-Muslims would not do. Would Muslims call the Bible "the Holy Bible"? Nope. He referred to a passage of the Koran where it is said that Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad all prayed together, as he spoke of making Jerusalem an international city where Jews, Christians and Muslims would dwell together. He used the phrase "peace be upon them" in reference to Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. That is a phrase that Muslims use when speaking of the dead. Well, Christians believe that Jesus is alive and well, resurrected from the dead. Does Obama consider Jesus to be dead?
He demanded that Israel cease making settlements in "Palestinian" territory. Jews won't even be allowed in the planned Palestinian state, but he expects Israel to allow the "right of return" for millions of Arabs in refugee camps since the time of Israel's independence.
He quoted a jihad passage from Koran, knowing that Muslims would full well understand the implications. It is a passage that scolds Muslims who abandoned Muhammad as he went to fight Byzantine Christians.
He never mentioned the word "terror". Of course, we all know that he erased that word from his administration. Except when branding Americans as terrorists for believing in the Bible, Endtimes, and the Constitution.
He said that no form of government should be imposed on any nation by any other, an obvious reference to the Iraq war. This ignores the teachings of the Koran, which calls for theocracy via Islam.
He promised to protect and promote Islam in America, and foster the ability of American Muslims to do zakat (charitable giving). The reason zakat has been under such scrutiny in America is because that money is often funneled to terrorism! Muslims have more freedom in the US than anywhere in the world, especially nations where Islamic rule is absolute under Sharia. Yet American Christians can't even take a Bible or wear a cross to school.
He wants to bring more Muslims to America, and he inflated the number of Muslims living in America, claiming that America is one of the largest Muslim nations on earth! Yet in his last speech to the Muslim world, in Turkey, he claimed that that US does not consider even consider itself to be any rooted in any one religion, certainly not Christianity (according to him), but in all of them.
He pushed for new ways of thinking, global government, and bringing religions together. He lauded the Saudi-led interfaith dialogue and the Alliance of Civilizations.
He gave Iran a thumbs up for their "peaceful" nuke program, saying that all nations have the right to have one.
At the end, he paints a picture that will only happen when Jesus returns. He revealed his humanistic-based faith, a faith in other people. No amount of cooperation of humans will bring peace. Our egoes, emotions, lusts, greed, and ambitions always get in the way.
Look at what some Palestinians had to say:
'For the first time, we feel we have a friend in the White House." ~ Palestinian Authority official in Ramallah
"When I heard Obama speaking, I felt as if I were listening to the head of an Arab or Islamic state. He's really a great man." ~ woman in Ramallah
"For now, Obama is our man in Washington. But if he fails to follow up on his nice statements with deeds on the ground, we and the rest of the Arabs and Muslims will turn against him very quickly." ~ another Palestinian official
The media was ecstatic over the speech. What did they immediate jump on? Israel -- lay all the onus on Israel.
Then there's Newsweek's editor Evan Thomas, who said that Obama is "sort of God" in a way that's "standing above the country." What??? I realize that Newsweek is a rag, and they have been one of the greatest Obama champions, but come on! Newsweek was the one with the cover that stated, "We are all socialists now" in honor of their beloved leader, and even pushed many articles making Iran look like Disneyland. They know that Americans do not, on the whole, want to engage Iran in any way. But since Obama does, they are out to change Americans' opinions about Iran.
Both candidates in the Iranian presidential election claimed victory, though incumbent Mahmoud Ahamdinejad was officially declared the winner. Heavy violence has broken out in the country. Former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi has vowed to challenge the results. Stay tuned! (Oh, and the US government reportedly had "no preference" as to who wins the election.)
Iran has also stepped up its nuke program. It reportedly has 7200 centrifuges at its facility in Natanz -- rendering it capable of making 2 nuclear weapons a year! Mousavi, by the way, was the one who began the nuke program.
Saudi King Abdullah reportedly told Obama that the Arab world is running out of patience with Israel and that the US should impose a solution if necessary to end the problem. Obama visited the king just before his speech in Cairo. He said:
"I thought it was very important to come to the place where Islam began and to seek His Majesty's counsel and to discuss with him many of the issues that we confront here in the Middle East."
Dhimmi much?
Spain's King Juan Carlos sent two messages for Abdullah at the same time. There's probably going to be another push for interfaith dialogue and the peace process come out of that!
The Vatican will want in there, too. Their position on the Middle East is the same as Obama's, and that of the Spanish and Saudi monarchs. Did you know that it was a Catholic-funded grant that brought Obama to Chicago in the first place, and provided him with a room in a Catholic rectory? And now Obama has several Jesuits among his advisors? The Pope even blessed him on his inauguration day. How does that work, given his pro-abortion stance, and the Catholic Church is supposed to be pro-life?
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly is expected to endorse a 2-state solution this weekend. He has already said that he will sit down to talk with the Palestinians without preconditions. But PA President Abbas wants Israel to give up all of the Jewish ancestral land for the establishment of a Palestinian state! They want it all, and the Jews erased from the planet.
Israeli President Peres called for setting temporary borders with the PA, and he praised both the Saudi and Jordanian peace plans!
White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel also reportedly told an Israeli official that the US doesn't care who the Israeli prime minister is, and that there will be a Palestinian state in the next 4 years. However, another report says that Obama has given them only two years. And yet another report has a Palestinian offical saying that Obama promised Jerusalem to the them as the capital of their future state! Also, US Mideast envoy George Mitchell reportedly said that Obama sees the creation of a Palestinian state as a national security issue for the US. Well, it sure is, but not in the way that they think!
Zechariah 12
2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
America is not immune! America will be judged for touching the apple of God's eye.
There is likely to be a meeting of the Quartet - the European Union, the United Nations, Russia and the United States -- on the sidelines of a G-8 meeting June 25-27 in Trieste, Italy. And Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is going to be there, too!
Jimmy Carter, in his book "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land" says that a specific time limit should be set for resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, say perhaps, September 2009. Now, the next G20 summit will be in Pittsburgh, PA on September 24-25, 2009. There will also be a UN General Assembly meeting at that time!
This would put those meetings right around Rosh HaShanah, the 19th, and Yom Kippur, the 28th. This comes on the heels of the Hebrew month of Av. This month saw the destruction of both Jewish temples! All over there are murmurings of a summer of hell. Then perhaps a push for peace this September? It's looking like a good possibility!
I'd like to make something clear, and I know I may get flack for it. I do not believe Obama is the Antichrist. America is on a downward spiral. I think we are doomed as a nation. The writing is on the wall. So unless he abandons the US for the EU or something, I think he is the fall guy to usher in the New World Order. If the US falls, resistance will drop all over the world, and the global Antichrist system can be implemented more efficiently. That's just MHO.
There was even a "World Invocation Day" last Sunday. This was purportedly a day of prayer to foster harmony among all humanity, for peace, love, light, unity, etc. It was a call for the expected "teacher" to come, identified variously as Avatar, Christ, Maitreya, Krishna, Messiah, Imam Mahdi and Bodhisattva. Well, it was certainly not the Christ of Christianity that they were praying for! Sounds more like they were praying for the Antichrist to arrive! He will be all things to all peoples, hence the linking of so many different religious traditions. Scary to think that so many deceived masses were praying for the advent of the AC!
A lot of people pin their hopes on Bibi, and a whole lot more delusional people do the same with Obama.
Trust in no man, only God. Pray that Israel does the same.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
SEL
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
More insanity!
Sometimes I don't know where to begin with these posts. Trying to coalesce this stuff into one coherent whole is a challenge. This time was no exception. Sorry for the lame title, but I just am shaking my head at how crazy things are. I'd ask if things could get any worse, but I'm afraid that the answer to that is a resounding "yes".
Former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been selected by President Shimon Peres to try and form a new coalition government, thereby making him PM once again. He is also the least favorite candidate for the job amongst the EU, Muslim world, and the US. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana publicly stated that Bibi would be difficult for the peace process.
And while the Obama administration has said that it will work with any Israeli government, it is all too clear that they prefer a centrist-led one to a right-wing-led one. They also have reiterated their support of the two-state solution, but with a twist. They are supporting the Arab Initiative as the basis for the peace process. This plan puts all the concessions on Israel (big shocker there, huh?) such as returning to pre-1967 borders and allowing the return of "refugees" and their descendants.
The Obama administration also has stated that unlike the Bush administration that preceded it, there will not be a focus on promoting democracy and freedom in the Middle East. This is an attempt to distance its policies from those of Bush, which was seen as based too much in religious associations. These are the major things that the US is supposed to stand for!
Obama also is in the process of engaging both Iran and Syria in direct talks. Former US ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk says that Bibi may seek a deal with Syria to deflect pressure from the US. Senator John Kerry visited Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus. Assad has indicated his willingness to talk and break Syria's international isolation. Reports are that the Obama administration is ready to lift sanctions against Syria and ask them to help disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon. Just as more uranium and graphite traces were found at the nuclear site in Syria that was bombed by Israel in September 2007! Interesting timing there.
Iran has been less receptive, given that the US still accuses them of trying to obtain nuclear weapons. Seems there's a lot of contradiction there, like they are purposely provoking Iran. The UN now says that Iran has more enriched uranium than previously believed, and it's enough to make a bomb. Is there any doubt that's the goal? A retired Russian general let it slip at a conference in Israel that "Iran already has nuclear capabilities." There is speculation in Israel that the US is waiting on the results of Iran's upcoming elections to decide how to proceed. That's playing with fire -- nuclear fire.
If former President Ayatollah Muhammad Khatami wins, the scenario goes, then Obama will seek more direct ties, since Khatami is seen as less radical. If Ahmadinejad wins again, then the US may give Israel to signal to pre-emptively strike Iran. Somehow I can't see the Obama administration ever giving Israel such a signal.
Even French President Nicolas Sarkozy is urging Obama to engage Iran directly, with a `spirit of firmness'. Sarkozy is on a roll. He is determined to bring France back to prominence in world affairs. He succeeded in drawing Syria into the mix again, and he is trying to host a summit on Mideast peace, saying that "peace in half a year" is possible. However, Israel is leaning toward Russia for the next summit, mostly because of the Syrian connection to France. Nice choice to have to make. Neither way is good!
France also is anxious to get into Iraq now that the US is pulling out. There's a race on to see who can get in there to influence the country and all those oil reserves, and France isn't wasting any time. France has been on the offensive, seeking to broaden its influence in the entire region recently, very aggressively. They want to set up a miltary base in the United Arab Emirates, and they have entered into nuclear cooperation agreements with several Middle Eastern countries. This makes France and the US the only two NATO members with a presence in the Persian Gulf.
Another country that is trying to bring itself back to international prominence is Spain. They have also inserted themselves into the peace process with Israel, and are suddenly eager to help the West engage Iran, and stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan. Really? Until now Spain has been one of the biggest opponents of the war in Iraq, withdrawing its troops in 2004, and has been of little help in Afghanistan. Now that the US is leaving Iraq, suddenly everybody and their grandmother wants to get in there. Also remember that Spain's partner in the Alliance of Civilizations, Turkey, has promoted itself as a go-between for the West and Iran.
Turkey is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged Islamic state, and hatred for Israel has taken deep root there. Yet the US and EU are falling all over themselves to appease Turkey. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Russian President Dimitri Medvedev just signed a declaration to promote cooperation and partnership between the two nations. Add Iran to the mix, which has close relations to both of them, and you've got the perfect set-up for the northern confederation of Gog/Magog (Ez. 38/39). How long before they go after Israel?
Yet Iran is now being seen as a potential partner for NATO in the Afghanistan war! Pakistan decided to close off the main routes that NATO was using to supply troops, and Russia and the Central Asian Republics offered to help (nice of them, wasn't it?). This comes as one of those republics, Kyrgyzstan, closes the US base on its soil that was the main source of the supply line! The only other foreign base there is -- you guessed it -- Russian. But the US and NATO are now eyeing the possibility of asking Iran for help! Not only that, but the US is saying that since the Afghan central government is so weak, it is a better idea to foster relations with the tribal leaders and local organizations. What?! And the troops that are leaving Iraq -- they're going to Afghanistan.
"We need a discussion that brings in all the relevant players: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Russia - and yes, Iran." This is a quote from NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Yeah, what a reasonable bunch they are. American General John Craddock, NATO's supreme allied commander, said that individual NATO members could talk to Iran about helping with the supply routes. And Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said, “We want to consider how to involve Iran, not whether to involve Iran,” and, “We’re for the first time taking seriously… the possibility of inviting Iran to be a positive contributor to the stability of the region.”
Are they nuts?!
Apparently they don't have a lock on the insanity. The EU is now drawing up blueprints for a standing army of its very own. Germany and France face the very real possibility of having to bail out entire nations, not just banks, although Germany has voted on the possibility of nationalizing its own banks. The governments of Iceland and Latvia have already fallen victim to the financial crisis. Although Iceland is not in the EU yet, it is supposed to be fast-tracked into the EU to help it recover from the collapse of its government.
And several EU leaders have just backed the imposition of sweeping financial regulations to tackle the crisis, accepting the recent call by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for a new global economic charter. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "global New Deal". Brown also paid a visit to the Pope to discuss the financial crisis. The G20 will meet in London in April to discuss the crisis, while the G7 met just recently in Rome, where Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti said it's time for a "new world economic order". Guess that the 7 will tell the 20 what they decided is going to be implemented worldwide in April.
Then there's the US and the gargantuan stimulus package that was just passed, the largest spending bill in history. It is chock full of hidden agendas. I don't have the strength to go into it. You can see these agendas here:
http://wwj.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=8706
Did I forget anything? Oh, yeah, North Korea is threatening war with the South again, and is ready to test a missile capable of reaching Alaska and Hawaii.
That's enough, I'm worn out now.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been selected by President Shimon Peres to try and form a new coalition government, thereby making him PM once again. He is also the least favorite candidate for the job amongst the EU, Muslim world, and the US. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana publicly stated that Bibi would be difficult for the peace process.
And while the Obama administration has said that it will work with any Israeli government, it is all too clear that they prefer a centrist-led one to a right-wing-led one. They also have reiterated their support of the two-state solution, but with a twist. They are supporting the Arab Initiative as the basis for the peace process. This plan puts all the concessions on Israel (big shocker there, huh?) such as returning to pre-1967 borders and allowing the return of "refugees" and their descendants.
The Obama administration also has stated that unlike the Bush administration that preceded it, there will not be a focus on promoting democracy and freedom in the Middle East. This is an attempt to distance its policies from those of Bush, which was seen as based too much in religious associations. These are the major things that the US is supposed to stand for!
Obama also is in the process of engaging both Iran and Syria in direct talks. Former US ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk says that Bibi may seek a deal with Syria to deflect pressure from the US. Senator John Kerry visited Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus. Assad has indicated his willingness to talk and break Syria's international isolation. Reports are that the Obama administration is ready to lift sanctions against Syria and ask them to help disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon. Just as more uranium and graphite traces were found at the nuclear site in Syria that was bombed by Israel in September 2007! Interesting timing there.
Iran has been less receptive, given that the US still accuses them of trying to obtain nuclear weapons. Seems there's a lot of contradiction there, like they are purposely provoking Iran. The UN now says that Iran has more enriched uranium than previously believed, and it's enough to make a bomb. Is there any doubt that's the goal? A retired Russian general let it slip at a conference in Israel that "Iran already has nuclear capabilities." There is speculation in Israel that the US is waiting on the results of Iran's upcoming elections to decide how to proceed. That's playing with fire -- nuclear fire.
If former President Ayatollah Muhammad Khatami wins, the scenario goes, then Obama will seek more direct ties, since Khatami is seen as less radical. If Ahmadinejad wins again, then the US may give Israel to signal to pre-emptively strike Iran. Somehow I can't see the Obama administration ever giving Israel such a signal.
Even French President Nicolas Sarkozy is urging Obama to engage Iran directly, with a `spirit of firmness'. Sarkozy is on a roll. He is determined to bring France back to prominence in world affairs. He succeeded in drawing Syria into the mix again, and he is trying to host a summit on Mideast peace, saying that "peace in half a year" is possible. However, Israel is leaning toward Russia for the next summit, mostly because of the Syrian connection to France. Nice choice to have to make. Neither way is good!
France also is anxious to get into Iraq now that the US is pulling out. There's a race on to see who can get in there to influence the country and all those oil reserves, and France isn't wasting any time. France has been on the offensive, seeking to broaden its influence in the entire region recently, very aggressively. They want to set up a miltary base in the United Arab Emirates, and they have entered into nuclear cooperation agreements with several Middle Eastern countries. This makes France and the US the only two NATO members with a presence in the Persian Gulf.
Another country that is trying to bring itself back to international prominence is Spain. They have also inserted themselves into the peace process with Israel, and are suddenly eager to help the West engage Iran, and stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan. Really? Until now Spain has been one of the biggest opponents of the war in Iraq, withdrawing its troops in 2004, and has been of little help in Afghanistan. Now that the US is leaving Iraq, suddenly everybody and their grandmother wants to get in there. Also remember that Spain's partner in the Alliance of Civilizations, Turkey, has promoted itself as a go-between for the West and Iran.
Turkey is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged Islamic state, and hatred for Israel has taken deep root there. Yet the US and EU are falling all over themselves to appease Turkey. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Russian President Dimitri Medvedev just signed a declaration to promote cooperation and partnership between the two nations. Add Iran to the mix, which has close relations to both of them, and you've got the perfect set-up for the northern confederation of Gog/Magog (Ez. 38/39). How long before they go after Israel?
Yet Iran is now being seen as a potential partner for NATO in the Afghanistan war! Pakistan decided to close off the main routes that NATO was using to supply troops, and Russia and the Central Asian Republics offered to help (nice of them, wasn't it?). This comes as one of those republics, Kyrgyzstan, closes the US base on its soil that was the main source of the supply line! The only other foreign base there is -- you guessed it -- Russian. But the US and NATO are now eyeing the possibility of asking Iran for help! Not only that, but the US is saying that since the Afghan central government is so weak, it is a better idea to foster relations with the tribal leaders and local organizations. What?! And the troops that are leaving Iraq -- they're going to Afghanistan.
"We need a discussion that brings in all the relevant players: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Russia - and yes, Iran." This is a quote from NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Yeah, what a reasonable bunch they are. American General John Craddock, NATO's supreme allied commander, said that individual NATO members could talk to Iran about helping with the supply routes. And Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said, “We want to consider how to involve Iran, not whether to involve Iran,” and, “We’re for the first time taking seriously… the possibility of inviting Iran to be a positive contributor to the stability of the region.”
Are they nuts?!
Apparently they don't have a lock on the insanity. The EU is now drawing up blueprints for a standing army of its very own. Germany and France face the very real possibility of having to bail out entire nations, not just banks, although Germany has voted on the possibility of nationalizing its own banks. The governments of Iceland and Latvia have already fallen victim to the financial crisis. Although Iceland is not in the EU yet, it is supposed to be fast-tracked into the EU to help it recover from the collapse of its government.
And several EU leaders have just backed the imposition of sweeping financial regulations to tackle the crisis, accepting the recent call by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for a new global economic charter. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "global New Deal". Brown also paid a visit to the Pope to discuss the financial crisis. The G20 will meet in London in April to discuss the crisis, while the G7 met just recently in Rome, where Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti said it's time for a "new world economic order". Guess that the 7 will tell the 20 what they decided is going to be implemented worldwide in April.
Then there's the US and the gargantuan stimulus package that was just passed, the largest spending bill in history. It is chock full of hidden agendas. I don't have the strength to go into it. You can see these agendas here:
http://wwj.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=8706
Did I forget anything? Oh, yeah, North Korea is threatening war with the South again, and is ready to test a missile capable of reaching Alaska and Hawaii.
That's enough, I'm worn out now.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The world is just going insane!
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya is now the head of the African Union, and he wants to turn it into a United States of Africa (I suppose with him as its leader). He also shocked many when he said that he opposes the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. He believes it should remain undivided, a new state called Isratine. Hal Lindsey said that the real reason behind this is a way to let in all those Palestinian "refugees" and their descendants, which would number approximately 4 million (according to the UN), swamping the Jewish people, basically causing the Jewish state to cease to exist as such.
Gaddafi's reasoning for this is that Palestine is not the homeland of the Jews, nor has it ever been. It's a clever deception, which will appear to the world as reasonable. But he also said that the Jews would be better off with a homeland elsewhere, like in Alaska, Hawaii, or other Pacific Islands. Guess he wants them as far away as possible! He also said the US should seek peace with Osama bin Laden. Wow, just wow.
There is also a growing idea of returning to the past, with Jordan taking over the West Bank again, and Egypt taking over Gaza again. This is being called the three-state solution!
The ceasefire in Gaza is being threatened by a string of new rocket attacks on Israel and shootings across the border, and Israel is fighting back.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair even wants to bring Hamas into the peace negotiations. Hamas called him "stupid and foolish."
Blair is rising again to prominence. French President Nicolas Sarkozy reportedly is backing Blair to become the new President of the European Union, due to be instated next year, as long as the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by the holdout EU members Ireland and the Czech Republic. There is some opposition to Blair as EU president, notably from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel meanwhile thinks that the world needs a UN Economic Council and a new global economic charter, to tackle the world's economic crisis. Look at what she said:
"Freedom is a necessary precondition for market forces to operate. But individual freedom needs to be limited if it takes freedom away from others."
Merkel also wants Russia to be part of the EU's security structure, and both she and Sarkozy want closer security ties to the US and a reduction in nuclear weapons. Obama has now jumped on that particular bandwagon, saying he wants nuclear weapons stockpiles reduced. Russia however has begun to assemble its own version of a NATO force, with its partners in the CSTO (basically the old Soviet republics). And Sarkozy wants to get France back into the NATO command structure, by taking over two NATO command posts, including one in the US that has never been under a foreign commander.
The world is just going insane!
Israel's elections are in just a few days, and all reports are that former PM Binyamin Netanyahu is the likely winner. Opinion also seems to be that Bibi will clash with Obama over the two-state solution and how to deal with Iran. Iran is developing technology at a rapid rate, and they are reportedly capable of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Is there any doubt?
Obama has adopted a most conciliatory stance on Iran, with direct ties both expected soon and rumored to already have begun, at least in part. Former US Defense Secretary William J. Perry, one of Obama's advisors, had a series of undisclosed meetings with an aide to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prior to the election. The White House denied these reports. Syria's President Assad also said that he has been in talks with US officials. Publicly, Iran has been less than receptive to all the overtures made by the Obama administration.
Obama has also made it very clear that he intends to reach out to the Muslim world, even giving his first official TV interview to the Al-Arabiya network. He still plans to deliver a speech in a Muslim country, and in his inauguration speech he referred to the US as a nation of many faiths, including Islam. There seems to be a deliberate rejection of the traditional view of America as a fundamentally Judeo-Christian society at play here. Obama also reportedly is in favor of the Saudi peace initiative, which would push Israel back to its pre-1967 borders, and force them to accept all those refugees mentioned earlier. VP Joe Biden has now said that the Saudi plan is the base that the Obama administration will be working from.
Another cause for concern is Turkey, which was seen as Israel's closest ally in the Middle East until recently. There has been a major falling out between the two nations due to the Gaza conflict. Turkey's PM Erdogan has been vicious in his public beratement of Israel. Turkey even wants to charge Israeli leaders with war crimes. They are not alone. Turkey's co-sponsor of the Alliance of Civilizations, Spain, is also looking into it, as is the Palestinian Authority, by way of the ICC (International Criminal Court). It makes sense though, for Turkey to be part of Gog/Magog (Ezekiel 38/39), they had to turn against Israel at some point, joining the aforementioned Libya, Iran, and others.
And Israel is standing very much alone at this point. Anti-Semitism is growing all over the globe. Time for them to begin to rely fully on the Lord. Which means time is almost up. Soon we will be going Home.
Gaddafi's reasoning for this is that Palestine is not the homeland of the Jews, nor has it ever been. It's a clever deception, which will appear to the world as reasonable. But he also said that the Jews would be better off with a homeland elsewhere, like in Alaska, Hawaii, or other Pacific Islands. Guess he wants them as far away as possible! He also said the US should seek peace with Osama bin Laden. Wow, just wow.
There is also a growing idea of returning to the past, with Jordan taking over the West Bank again, and Egypt taking over Gaza again. This is being called the three-state solution!
The ceasefire in Gaza is being threatened by a string of new rocket attacks on Israel and shootings across the border, and Israel is fighting back.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair even wants to bring Hamas into the peace negotiations. Hamas called him "stupid and foolish."
Blair is rising again to prominence. French President Nicolas Sarkozy reportedly is backing Blair to become the new President of the European Union, due to be instated next year, as long as the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by the holdout EU members Ireland and the Czech Republic. There is some opposition to Blair as EU president, notably from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel meanwhile thinks that the world needs a UN Economic Council and a new global economic charter, to tackle the world's economic crisis. Look at what she said:
"Freedom is a necessary precondition for market forces to operate. But individual freedom needs to be limited if it takes freedom away from others."
Merkel also wants Russia to be part of the EU's security structure, and both she and Sarkozy want closer security ties to the US and a reduction in nuclear weapons. Obama has now jumped on that particular bandwagon, saying he wants nuclear weapons stockpiles reduced. Russia however has begun to assemble its own version of a NATO force, with its partners in the CSTO (basically the old Soviet republics). And Sarkozy wants to get France back into the NATO command structure, by taking over two NATO command posts, including one in the US that has never been under a foreign commander.
The world is just going insane!
Israel's elections are in just a few days, and all reports are that former PM Binyamin Netanyahu is the likely winner. Opinion also seems to be that Bibi will clash with Obama over the two-state solution and how to deal with Iran. Iran is developing technology at a rapid rate, and they are reportedly capable of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Is there any doubt?
Obama has adopted a most conciliatory stance on Iran, with direct ties both expected soon and rumored to already have begun, at least in part. Former US Defense Secretary William J. Perry, one of Obama's advisors, had a series of undisclosed meetings with an aide to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prior to the election. The White House denied these reports. Syria's President Assad also said that he has been in talks with US officials. Publicly, Iran has been less than receptive to all the overtures made by the Obama administration.
Obama has also made it very clear that he intends to reach out to the Muslim world, even giving his first official TV interview to the Al-Arabiya network. He still plans to deliver a speech in a Muslim country, and in his inauguration speech he referred to the US as a nation of many faiths, including Islam. There seems to be a deliberate rejection of the traditional view of America as a fundamentally Judeo-Christian society at play here. Obama also reportedly is in favor of the Saudi peace initiative, which would push Israel back to its pre-1967 borders, and force them to accept all those refugees mentioned earlier. VP Joe Biden has now said that the Saudi plan is the base that the Obama administration will be working from.
Another cause for concern is Turkey, which was seen as Israel's closest ally in the Middle East until recently. There has been a major falling out between the two nations due to the Gaza conflict. Turkey's PM Erdogan has been vicious in his public beratement of Israel. Turkey even wants to charge Israeli leaders with war crimes. They are not alone. Turkey's co-sponsor of the Alliance of Civilizations, Spain, is also looking into it, as is the Palestinian Authority, by way of the ICC (International Criminal Court). It makes sense though, for Turkey to be part of Gog/Magog (Ezekiel 38/39), they had to turn against Israel at some point, joining the aforementioned Libya, Iran, and others.
And Israel is standing very much alone at this point. Anti-Semitism is growing all over the globe. Time for them to begin to rely fully on the Lord. Which means time is almost up. Soon we will be going Home.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What a time we live in
Israel and Hamas have both agreed to a ceasefire. How long will it last? The world is racing to the Middle East to have its say.
There was a meeting held in Egypt today, at Sharm el-Sheik. The list of attendees was a who's who of world leaders: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, British PM Gordon Brown, Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul, Jordanian King Abdullah, Czech PM and current President of the European Council Mirek Topolanek and Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The "Quartet" of the EU, US, Russia, and UN additionally had representation. Neither Israel nor Hamas was invited to the meeting, though they were the focus of it. Guess "the many" are having their say.
Sarkozy was quoted as saying, "In our minds, this is the beginning of our journey." And, "We should continue and we should accelerate our efforts in order to achieve a settlement based on the creation of two states, a Palestinian state living side-by-side with an Israeli state that has the right to its security."
The UN, EU, and Palestinian Authority all seem to be on the same page now regarding the situation. They want international "monitors" (read: troops) in Gaza to "monitor" the ceasefire. (Which was already broken by more rocketfire from Gaza into Israel.) Turkey and France have both offered troops for the purpose. The UK, Germany, and Italy all are willing to commit to the cause. They also want the Palestinian Authority back in charge in Gaza. Egypt was reportedly not at all happy about having international troops along its border with Gaza. And Hamas likes it even less.
One of the biggest surprises to come out of all this was the vehemently vicious response of Turkey to the Israeli op in Gaza. Turkey has been one of the only Muslim nations with any semblance of cooperation with Israel until now. But both their president and prime minister have expressed outrage over the op. Particularly the PM. Erdogan said that he felt disrespected and stabbed in the back, particularly by outgoing Israeli PM Ehud Olmert.
"He betrayed me and harmed the honor of Turkey," he said. And, "We were so close to direct talks, and this operation ruined everything." The direct talks were going to be with Syria, which would've been quite a feat given the hostility Syria shows for Israel. He offered Turkey as a mediator between Hamas and the UN. "Allah will sooner or later punish those who transgress the rights of innocents," he said. Erdogan even said that Israel should be barred from the UN.
Given that Turkey is involved in Gog/Magog (Ez. 38/39), this is right on track. This rabid anti-Israel sentiment will lead them to join the rest of the Gog lineup. The alliances are pretty much in place already. The Russian and Turkish navies are training together in the Mediterranean. Turkey did not balk when Russia went after Georgia this past summer, unlike its Western allies. Turkey also has championed Iran and Sudan, both Gog players. The Turkish government is under the control of an Islamist party, and that is the direction they want to go. Not West, but East.
Russia is also establishing naval bases in Syria, Libya, and Yemen in the next few years, to give it a permanent presence in the Mideast. Libya is another Gog player, with a long history of Russian alliance.
Israel just announced the discovery of massive amounts of natural gas off its coast near Haifa. This will give them an unbelievable amount of energy independence. There is also a company called Zion Oil and Gas which is certain that oil will be found soon in Israel.
Here's a possible scenario. They find the oil, and the EU decides to patronize Israel for it and the gas. Most of Europe's gas comes from Russia via the Ukraine. But there are annual arguments over this arrangement between Russia and Ukraine. The EU could circumvent this problem by using Israel's gas. Russia would be furious, and should oil be found, the Arab nations will be furious. They would have a spoil to covet, and come to take. (Ez. 38:12-13) Just need a hook in the jaw. (Ez. 38:4)
Would that hook be the destruction of Damascus (Is. 17)? During the Gaza op, there were incidents along Israel's borders with Syria, as well as Lebanon and Jordan. Shots were fired at the Syrian and Jordanian borders, and Hezbollah had proxies firing rockets from Lebanon. Even with the ceasefire on, this could all break out in a heartbeat. Lebanon has boosted its troop levels along Israel's northern border, and both sides met with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to discuss the rocket firings. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that they would make the 2006 Lebanon war look like "a walk in the park" should Israel attack Lebanon again.
Syria has been fairly quiet in all this. Biding time? In fact, Syrian President Bashar Assad said that he is ready to cooperate with the West in stabilizing the region. But they will not drop their close ties to or support for Iran.
Speaking of Iran, Pope Benedict XVI urged Iranian Catholics not to leave their country and to cooperate with the Islamic regime. He also encouraged Iran to work for peace in the Middle East.
Where does all this leave us? "The many" again. (Ez. 38:6, 9, 15; Dan. 9:27) Seems as though the entire world has found its scapegoat: Israel. Nations that have never concerned themselves very much with Israel are seething with hatred now. Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mauritania...all Muslim-majority nations. But there are signs that this hatred is everywhere now more than ever. Even China, usually content just to vote against Israel at the UN with Russia and the rest of the world, came out with harsh criticism over the Gaza op. (Kings of the East, Rev. 16:12)
Latin American nations have become increasingly vocal in their opposition of Israel as well, with Iran's ally Venezuela leading the way. Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Cuba all follow in their footsteps. Even Argentina and looming economic giant Brazil are leaning that direction.
One day we know that all nations, even ours, will come against Israel. (Zech. 12, Rev. 16)
We will have a newly inaugurated president in the United States come Tuesday. Is this a man who side with "the many"? Almost certainly.
What a time we live in! Prophecy is being breathed to life right before our eyes
There was a meeting held in Egypt today, at Sharm el-Sheik. The list of attendees was a who's who of world leaders: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, British PM Gordon Brown, Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul, Jordanian King Abdullah, Czech PM and current President of the European Council Mirek Topolanek and Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The "Quartet" of the EU, US, Russia, and UN additionally had representation. Neither Israel nor Hamas was invited to the meeting, though they were the focus of it. Guess "the many" are having their say.
Sarkozy was quoted as saying, "In our minds, this is the beginning of our journey." And, "We should continue and we should accelerate our efforts in order to achieve a settlement based on the creation of two states, a Palestinian state living side-by-side with an Israeli state that has the right to its security."
The UN, EU, and Palestinian Authority all seem to be on the same page now regarding the situation. They want international "monitors" (read: troops) in Gaza to "monitor" the ceasefire. (Which was already broken by more rocketfire from Gaza into Israel.) Turkey and France have both offered troops for the purpose. The UK, Germany, and Italy all are willing to commit to the cause. They also want the Palestinian Authority back in charge in Gaza. Egypt was reportedly not at all happy about having international troops along its border with Gaza. And Hamas likes it even less.
One of the biggest surprises to come out of all this was the vehemently vicious response of Turkey to the Israeli op in Gaza. Turkey has been one of the only Muslim nations with any semblance of cooperation with Israel until now. But both their president and prime minister have expressed outrage over the op. Particularly the PM. Erdogan said that he felt disrespected and stabbed in the back, particularly by outgoing Israeli PM Ehud Olmert.
"He betrayed me and harmed the honor of Turkey," he said. And, "We were so close to direct talks, and this operation ruined everything." The direct talks were going to be with Syria, which would've been quite a feat given the hostility Syria shows for Israel. He offered Turkey as a mediator between Hamas and the UN. "Allah will sooner or later punish those who transgress the rights of innocents," he said. Erdogan even said that Israel should be barred from the UN.
Given that Turkey is involved in Gog/Magog (Ez. 38/39), this is right on track. This rabid anti-Israel sentiment will lead them to join the rest of the Gog lineup. The alliances are pretty much in place already. The Russian and Turkish navies are training together in the Mediterranean. Turkey did not balk when Russia went after Georgia this past summer, unlike its Western allies. Turkey also has championed Iran and Sudan, both Gog players. The Turkish government is under the control of an Islamist party, and that is the direction they want to go. Not West, but East.
Russia is also establishing naval bases in Syria, Libya, and Yemen in the next few years, to give it a permanent presence in the Mideast. Libya is another Gog player, with a long history of Russian alliance.
Israel just announced the discovery of massive amounts of natural gas off its coast near Haifa. This will give them an unbelievable amount of energy independence. There is also a company called Zion Oil and Gas which is certain that oil will be found soon in Israel.
Here's a possible scenario. They find the oil, and the EU decides to patronize Israel for it and the gas. Most of Europe's gas comes from Russia via the Ukraine. But there are annual arguments over this arrangement between Russia and Ukraine. The EU could circumvent this problem by using Israel's gas. Russia would be furious, and should oil be found, the Arab nations will be furious. They would have a spoil to covet, and come to take. (Ez. 38:12-13) Just need a hook in the jaw. (Ez. 38:4)
Would that hook be the destruction of Damascus (Is. 17)? During the Gaza op, there were incidents along Israel's borders with Syria, as well as Lebanon and Jordan. Shots were fired at the Syrian and Jordanian borders, and Hezbollah had proxies firing rockets from Lebanon. Even with the ceasefire on, this could all break out in a heartbeat. Lebanon has boosted its troop levels along Israel's northern border, and both sides met with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to discuss the rocket firings. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that they would make the 2006 Lebanon war look like "a walk in the park" should Israel attack Lebanon again.
Syria has been fairly quiet in all this. Biding time? In fact, Syrian President Bashar Assad said that he is ready to cooperate with the West in stabilizing the region. But they will not drop their close ties to or support for Iran.
Speaking of Iran, Pope Benedict XVI urged Iranian Catholics not to leave their country and to cooperate with the Islamic regime. He also encouraged Iran to work for peace in the Middle East.
Where does all this leave us? "The many" again. (Ez. 38:6, 9, 15; Dan. 9:27) Seems as though the entire world has found its scapegoat: Israel. Nations that have never concerned themselves very much with Israel are seething with hatred now. Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mauritania...all Muslim-majority nations. But there are signs that this hatred is everywhere now more than ever. Even China, usually content just to vote against Israel at the UN with Russia and the rest of the world, came out with harsh criticism over the Gaza op. (Kings of the East, Rev. 16:12)
Latin American nations have become increasingly vocal in their opposition of Israel as well, with Iran's ally Venezuela leading the way. Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Cuba all follow in their footsteps. Even Argentina and looming economic giant Brazil are leaning that direction.
One day we know that all nations, even ours, will come against Israel. (Zech. 12, Rev. 16)
We will have a newly inaugurated president in the United States come Tuesday. Is this a man who side with "the many"? Almost certainly.
What a time we live in! Prophecy is being breathed to life right before our eyes
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The big question...
Well, the big question is, when are we outta here?
(No, I don't have the answer.)
Israel finally began its ground operation against Hamas in Gaza after several days of airstrikes. Immediately, the world was falling all over itself to protest and to condemn Israel, with scant mention made of the months and years of rocket attacks from Gaza on Israel. It doesn't seem like the op will end anytime soon, as Israel has called up over 10,000 reservists.
Starting at the top, the UN is of course demanding Israel cease the operation. Again, only scant mention was made of Gaza's continued rocket attacks. Libya is leading the way, as the only Arab nation represented on the Security Council, in a temporary seat. (Libya -- think Put, Ezekiel 38:5) The US blocked a joint SC statement calling for an end to the conflict, because Hamas would never abide by it.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon wants to send international monitors (read: UN troops) into Gaza to enforce any ceasefire. There are already UN troops monitoring the Israeli borders with both Lebanon and Syria. The Palestinian observer to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said "The Security Council has to bring Israel into compliance and to stop this aggression immediately." Ban also asked key world leaders to use their influence in the region to bring an end to the conflict.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is headed to the UN on Monday with several Arab foreign ministers to push for a ceasefire resolution. But before he leaves, Abbas will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is coming to the Middle East to try and use his influence to arrange a ceasefire. Sarkozy will also meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Sarkozy is seen as the main diplomatic player right now in the Mideast, while the US presidency is in transition, and all eyes will be on him as he tries to find (impose?) a solution.
The EU is also pushing hard for a ceasefire, and France's UN Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said that France and the EU are available "for any help they can provide for negotiations and any guaranteeing of any kind of agreements." ("covenant with many"? Daniel 9:27)
There are reports that Iran is preparing for conflict with Israel. (Iran -- Persia, Ez. 38:5) The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (and chief nuclear negotiator) Saeed Jalili, went to Syria to meet with Assad, Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal and Islamic Jihad chief Ramadan Abdullah Shallah. Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani called on all Muslim states to send weapons to the Palestinians to fight Israel. Those remarks seem to hint that Iran is transferring weapons to Hamas, something that Iran has never admitted before.
But of course Iran is also backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has vowed to open a second front in Israel's north. Now, of course, this threat is being downplayed. The Lebanese army discovered eight Katyusha rockets along the Israeli border last week, ready to fire. Israeli planes were seen circling Lebanese airspace afterward. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Saturday evening that "we are ready for any development".
Meanwhile, the rest of the Arab/Muslim world appears to be split on the issue of how to respond. Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir said that nations which have normal relations with Israel should cut those ties. (Sudan -- Cush, Ez. 38:5) Jordan, Egypt, and Mauritania are the only three Arab League states that have full diplomatic relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have both laid blame on Hamas for the conflict.
Syria has halted its Turkish-led indirect peace talks with Israel because of the Gaza op. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan says he feels disrespected by Israel's launch of the operation. Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for talks on Gaza situation, and urged the international community, particularly the UN, to intervene. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit presented Babacan with a document detailing a four-point plan to end the conflict and arrange a ceasefire. Turkey and Egypt warned Israel that the ground op could bring Hezbollah into the war.
Russia is going to supply air-defense missile systems valued at $250 million to seven countries: Syria, Libya, Egypt, Myanmar, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Plus there is the missile deal with Iran, which they still deny. ("and many people with thee"? Ez. 38:6)
In the Gog/Magog war, Egypt and Jordan do not appear identifiable among the combatants. Saudi Arabia actually may be a vocal opponent of the war. (Ez. 38:13 "Sheba and Dedan") So if they sit this one out, we could be really be looking at Gog/Magog and the Rapture any time now!
Yes, I think Gog/Magog may be very close. If Syria and Lebanon enter the conflict, and Damascus goes up in smoke (Isaiah 17), that may cue their allies to go after Israel as payback. A war on that scale, with the intervention of God Himself, would have the entire world ready to embrace the man who comes along with all the answers -- the AC, to set up his false peace. They won't turn to God, but to a man.
I can't say for sure this is what's going to happen. But it's something to think about. It's been on my mind for a long time now. We may know shortly.
(No, I don't have the answer.)
Israel finally began its ground operation against Hamas in Gaza after several days of airstrikes. Immediately, the world was falling all over itself to protest and to condemn Israel, with scant mention made of the months and years of rocket attacks from Gaza on Israel. It doesn't seem like the op will end anytime soon, as Israel has called up over 10,000 reservists.
Starting at the top, the UN is of course demanding Israel cease the operation. Again, only scant mention was made of Gaza's continued rocket attacks. Libya is leading the way, as the only Arab nation represented on the Security Council, in a temporary seat. (Libya -- think Put, Ezekiel 38:5) The US blocked a joint SC statement calling for an end to the conflict, because Hamas would never abide by it.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon wants to send international monitors (read: UN troops) into Gaza to enforce any ceasefire. There are already UN troops monitoring the Israeli borders with both Lebanon and Syria. The Palestinian observer to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said "The Security Council has to bring Israel into compliance and to stop this aggression immediately." Ban also asked key world leaders to use their influence in the region to bring an end to the conflict.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is headed to the UN on Monday with several Arab foreign ministers to push for a ceasefire resolution. But before he leaves, Abbas will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is coming to the Middle East to try and use his influence to arrange a ceasefire. Sarkozy will also meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Sarkozy is seen as the main diplomatic player right now in the Mideast, while the US presidency is in transition, and all eyes will be on him as he tries to find (impose?) a solution.
The EU is also pushing hard for a ceasefire, and France's UN Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said that France and the EU are available "for any help they can provide for negotiations and any guaranteeing of any kind of agreements." ("covenant with many"? Daniel 9:27)
There are reports that Iran is preparing for conflict with Israel. (Iran -- Persia, Ez. 38:5) The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (and chief nuclear negotiator) Saeed Jalili, went to Syria to meet with Assad, Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal and Islamic Jihad chief Ramadan Abdullah Shallah. Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani called on all Muslim states to send weapons to the Palestinians to fight Israel. Those remarks seem to hint that Iran is transferring weapons to Hamas, something that Iran has never admitted before.
But of course Iran is also backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has vowed to open a second front in Israel's north. Now, of course, this threat is being downplayed. The Lebanese army discovered eight Katyusha rockets along the Israeli border last week, ready to fire. Israeli planes were seen circling Lebanese airspace afterward. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Saturday evening that "we are ready for any development".
Meanwhile, the rest of the Arab/Muslim world appears to be split on the issue of how to respond. Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir said that nations which have normal relations with Israel should cut those ties. (Sudan -- Cush, Ez. 38:5) Jordan, Egypt, and Mauritania are the only three Arab League states that have full diplomatic relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have both laid blame on Hamas for the conflict.
Syria has halted its Turkish-led indirect peace talks with Israel because of the Gaza op. Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan says he feels disrespected by Israel's launch of the operation. Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for talks on Gaza situation, and urged the international community, particularly the UN, to intervene. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit presented Babacan with a document detailing a four-point plan to end the conflict and arrange a ceasefire. Turkey and Egypt warned Israel that the ground op could bring Hezbollah into the war.
Russia is going to supply air-defense missile systems valued at $250 million to seven countries: Syria, Libya, Egypt, Myanmar, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Plus there is the missile deal with Iran, which they still deny. ("and many people with thee"? Ez. 38:6)
In the Gog/Magog war, Egypt and Jordan do not appear identifiable among the combatants. Saudi Arabia actually may be a vocal opponent of the war. (Ez. 38:13 "Sheba and Dedan") So if they sit this one out, we could be really be looking at Gog/Magog and the Rapture any time now!
Yes, I think Gog/Magog may be very close. If Syria and Lebanon enter the conflict, and Damascus goes up in smoke (Isaiah 17), that may cue their allies to go after Israel as payback. A war on that scale, with the intervention of God Himself, would have the entire world ready to embrace the man who comes along with all the answers -- the AC, to set up his false peace. They won't turn to God, but to a man.
I can't say for sure this is what's going to happen. But it's something to think about. It's been on my mind for a long time now. We may know shortly.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Is the world ready to embrace the AC or what?
Will Russia and Georgia go to war again this winter? Many are saying it's a strong possibility. And the West is in a state of disagreement (major understatement) over how to approach the volatile situation. Russia has in no uncertain terms told the West to back off of its territory, namely Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Russia has also been making friends in Latin America. Last week I mentioned Central America. This week, Russia's praises were being sung by Argentina and Mexico. There were even reports that Russia was ready to place military bases in Venezuela or Cuba, though PM Putin said he saw no need for them.
War is also a major possibility between India and Pakistan. India was reportedly ready to strike Pakistan, and Pakistan said it was ready should India strike. The news still just gets worse and worse here. There were more incidents this weekend, when Indian Air Force jets crossed the border twice, and were chased back by Pakistani ones. Pakistan also refuses to hand over to India any suspects that they recently arrested in connection to the Mumbai bombings. US Senator John Kerry and British PM Gordon Brown are visiting both countries and are trying to find some way to prevent the two nations, both nuclear powers, from going to war.
Bush made a surprise trip to both Iraq and Afghanistan this weekend, as part of his farewell tour. His reception at a press conference was met with -- shoes. An angry Iraqi journalist chucked his shoes at Bush's head, calling him a dog. Iraq also this week made headlines by proposing an EU-style Middle Eastern Union! (Minus Israel, naturally).
Former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton stated recently that there is "essentially nothing standing between Iran and a nuclear weapon." Obama offered an "umbrella" to Israel regarding an attack by Iran. He reportedly said that should Iran attack Israel with nuclear weapons that the US would respond in kind. This is the man who said he would chat with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, a man who wishes to erase Israel from existence. These things just don't add up. Defense secretary (and former CIA director) Robert Gates, traveled to the Middle East and warned any potential US opponents not to underestimate Obama. (Yeah, he'll invite them to tea.)
Speaking of Obama, the Supreme Court has pretty much ruled out any invetigation of whether or not he is a "natural-born" citizen and therefore even eligible to be president. This whole sordid affair is being swept under the rug, just like we suspected. But of course, his worshippers would just demand that the Constitution be changed to allow foreign-born citizens (or even immigrants) to serve as president. Oh, yeah, his own secretary of commerce, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, actually slipped up Freudian style and said Obama is an immigrant!
And he plans to travel to a Muslim country to give a "major address" aimed at rebooting America's image in the Muslim world. The world "is ready for that message", he said. Is he about to admit he's a Muslim?
Obama is quickly becoming all things to all people. (Have you noticed?) People want him to solve the India-Pakistan crisis. People want him to solve the Iran nuclear standoff. People want him to bring peace to the Middle East.
Another would-be peacemaker (yeah, right) in the Middle East now is former President Jimmy Carter. He traveled to Lebanon and Syria, trying to push his own brand of peace, which involves berating and giving away Israel. He even wanted to meet with Hezbollah! Why not? He met with Hamas earlier this year. He just bears such a hate for Israel!
The truce Israel had with Hamas in Gaza expires on December 19th. (Is it just me, or is it insane to even still consider it a truce when rockets are flying out of there every day?) So, the rumors of a new military operation in Gaza are flying again. Both Israel and the Palestinians face elections early next year, so the speculation is that the op will take place before administrations change. Polls are showing former PM Binyamin Netanyahu as the frontrunner to retake his former position, and even he is committed to a two-state deal. He recently reassured the EU of that.
Another player on the peace scene is Turkey. Facing its own governmental crises at home, Turkey is stepping out all over to make peace elsewhere! It has offered itself up as negotiator for Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Iran, the US, Georgia, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
The UN is still raking Israel over the coals as well. The 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights has the global organization in a tither over continuing human rights abuses around the world, casting a shadow over its future. But of course, Israel is the nation singled out for the greatest scorn. The UN demanded that Israel remove the Gaza blockades and free the Palestinian prisoners that it holds. The UN Human Rights Council called on Israel to review the 99 recommendations that the council adopted this week, and Israel has to report back on how it plans to follow up on them.
The UN is also close to its first Middle East plan in 5 years, calling on all sides to fulfill their obligations from last year's Annapolis meeting! Condi Rice was in Israel this week to inform PM Ehud Olmert and FM Tzipi Livni that she would be pushing for a resolution to be passed by the UN Security Council that would call for the formation of the state of Palestine. The Quartet of the EU, US, UN and Russia will also meet in New York, today, with Mideast peace on the agenda. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also invited several Arab leaders to join this Quartet meeting. (Can you say "covenant"?)
I'm closing this with the thoughts of former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. He was just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his career of peacemaking efforts. He said that he believes all conflicts can be resolved, and that he hopes Obama (again!) will make peace in the Middle East high priority. Ahtisaari also said that he believes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not rooted in religion; that all religions are "peace-loving".
Is the world ready to embrace the AC or what?
War is also a major possibility between India and Pakistan. India was reportedly ready to strike Pakistan, and Pakistan said it was ready should India strike. The news still just gets worse and worse here. There were more incidents this weekend, when Indian Air Force jets crossed the border twice, and were chased back by Pakistani ones. Pakistan also refuses to hand over to India any suspects that they recently arrested in connection to the Mumbai bombings. US Senator John Kerry and British PM Gordon Brown are visiting both countries and are trying to find some way to prevent the two nations, both nuclear powers, from going to war.
Bush made a surprise trip to both Iraq and Afghanistan this weekend, as part of his farewell tour. His reception at a press conference was met with -- shoes. An angry Iraqi journalist chucked his shoes at Bush's head, calling him a dog. Iraq also this week made headlines by proposing an EU-style Middle Eastern Union! (Minus Israel, naturally).
Former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton stated recently that there is "essentially nothing standing between Iran and a nuclear weapon." Obama offered an "umbrella" to Israel regarding an attack by Iran. He reportedly said that should Iran attack Israel with nuclear weapons that the US would respond in kind. This is the man who said he would chat with Iran's President Ahmadinejad, a man who wishes to erase Israel from existence. These things just don't add up. Defense secretary (and former CIA director) Robert Gates, traveled to the Middle East and warned any potential US opponents not to underestimate Obama. (Yeah, he'll invite them to tea.)
Speaking of Obama, the Supreme Court has pretty much ruled out any invetigation of whether or not he is a "natural-born" citizen and therefore even eligible to be president. This whole sordid affair is being swept under the rug, just like we suspected. But of course, his worshippers would just demand that the Constitution be changed to allow foreign-born citizens (or even immigrants) to serve as president. Oh, yeah, his own secretary of commerce, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, actually slipped up Freudian style and said Obama is an immigrant!
And he plans to travel to a Muslim country to give a "major address" aimed at rebooting America's image in the Muslim world. The world "is ready for that message", he said. Is he about to admit he's a Muslim?
Obama is quickly becoming all things to all people. (Have you noticed?) People want him to solve the India-Pakistan crisis. People want him to solve the Iran nuclear standoff. People want him to bring peace to the Middle East.
Another would-be peacemaker (yeah, right) in the Middle East now is former President Jimmy Carter. He traveled to Lebanon and Syria, trying to push his own brand of peace, which involves berating and giving away Israel. He even wanted to meet with Hezbollah! Why not? He met with Hamas earlier this year. He just bears such a hate for Israel!
The truce Israel had with Hamas in Gaza expires on December 19th. (Is it just me, or is it insane to even still consider it a truce when rockets are flying out of there every day?) So, the rumors of a new military operation in Gaza are flying again. Both Israel and the Palestinians face elections early next year, so the speculation is that the op will take place before administrations change. Polls are showing former PM Binyamin Netanyahu as the frontrunner to retake his former position, and even he is committed to a two-state deal. He recently reassured the EU of that.
Another player on the peace scene is Turkey. Facing its own governmental crises at home, Turkey is stepping out all over to make peace elsewhere! It has offered itself up as negotiator for Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Iran, the US, Georgia, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
The UN is still raking Israel over the coals as well. The 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights has the global organization in a tither over continuing human rights abuses around the world, casting a shadow over its future. But of course, Israel is the nation singled out for the greatest scorn. The UN demanded that Israel remove the Gaza blockades and free the Palestinian prisoners that it holds. The UN Human Rights Council called on Israel to review the 99 recommendations that the council adopted this week, and Israel has to report back on how it plans to follow up on them.
The UN is also close to its first Middle East plan in 5 years, calling on all sides to fulfill their obligations from last year's Annapolis meeting! Condi Rice was in Israel this week to inform PM Ehud Olmert and FM Tzipi Livni that she would be pushing for a resolution to be passed by the UN Security Council that would call for the formation of the state of Palestine. The Quartet of the EU, US, UN and Russia will also meet in New York, today, with Mideast peace on the agenda. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also invited several Arab leaders to join this Quartet meeting. (Can you say "covenant"?)
I'm closing this with the thoughts of former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. He was just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his career of peacemaking efforts. He said that he believes all conflicts can be resolved, and that he hopes Obama (again!) will make peace in the Middle East high priority. Ahtisaari also said that he believes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not rooted in religion; that all religions are "peace-loving".
Is the world ready to embrace the AC or what?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Warp speed lately
Prophecy is just lining up so fast!
Iran announced that it wants to work jointly with its Arab neighbors, to help them develop their own nuclear programs. 13 Middle Eastern nations have announced plans to develop or restart their own nuclear programs in the last two years or so. Meanwhile, Iran continues its own program virtually unchallenged by anyone. Outgoing President Bush and Israel's Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz (an Iranian Jew by birth) have both reiterated the need to stop them, but these calls are not heeded.
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association) chief, Mohamed ElBaradei, has called international efforts to stop or sanction Iran "a failure". He believes the UN (of which the IAEA is a part) should concentrate on other things, and use more diplomatic options to persuade Iran. (Sure, that's worked well so far...)
Mr. ElBaradei also expressed his "hope" that President-Elect Obama will eliminate nuclear stockpiles and talk to Iran rather than threaten them. This is so blatant an attempt to steer the onus off of Iran and onto -- guess where?
Israel!
Obama went on the program Meet the Press to discuss this very situation. He gives great lip service to defending Israel, but are we fooled? He fully intends to pursue the "diplomatic" (read: blah blah, talk some more) option with Iran. Israel has been left in the lurch, so it's time for them to rely on God alone. This speeds up the fulfillment of prophecy a great deal! Israel has been preparing to strike Iran on its own, without help from the US or anyone else.
The EU and NATO are involving themselves more and more in Israeli and Middle Eastern affairs. The EU has even met for the first time with the PA (Palestinian Authority). NATO wants to station its troops as a peacekeeping force in Israel's West Bank so that the state of Palestine can be created and monitored by international forces! Israel signed a "programme of cooperation" with NATO in October 2006, which was just updated/reinforced. Israel has not wanted international troops on its soil, but reports are circulating that this reluctance is changing. (Peace and safety!)
The UN "peace" envoy, former British PM Tony Blair is once again pushing for the division of Israel. He urged the US' CFR (Council on Foreign Relations) and Obama (a member of it) to pressure Israel into an agreement with the PA. Obama appointed former NATO commander General James L. Jones as his National Security Advisor. Jones is one of the main proponents of sending NATO into the West Bank! Blair also says that Israeli PM Olmert and PA President Abbas already have a secret agreement, not ready to reveal yet. Bush also chimed in that the two-state solution "will be realized".
India and Pakistan have been brought to the brink of war in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror bombings. The situation conitnues to worsen each day that passes. Pakistan continues to deny any involvement whatsoever in the attacks. But more evidence keeps coming out to tie individuals there to the bombings. Some of these individuals reportedly have ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. This story is breaking out all over; so much is coming to light. There have also been reports that the longstanding conflict between the two nations over the region of Jammu and Kashmir is the real reason behind the attacks. India and Pakistan have gone to war several times over the disputed area, and may be again. But both possess nuclear weapons. This war would be very deadly one.
Even US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited both nations to try and stave off such a conflict. She reportedly warned Pakistan to act quickly to root out any terrorists that may be tied to the bombings, “otherwise, the US will act”. WOW! Can you see the US going to war with Pakistan? It's not that hard, given the fact that we are already in neighboring Afghanistan, and all the cross-border raids that have soured US-Pakistani relations.
I've been thinking about how Pakistan and Afghanistan might fit into prophecy. The Persian Empire included both in its territory, as well as Iraq, and of course Persia is modern day Iran. They only changed the name in 1935. So when Persia in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is mentioned, it may include all of these nations!
The nations of the Caucasus held a meeting this week in Helsinki, Finland. Turkey had proposed the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform months ago, and it is now a reality. Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan joined Turkey in this new entity. On the agenda are the volatile relationships between Russia and Georgia, and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkey is playing mediator. Notice these nations are also Ezekiel 38/39 candidates? Turkey also is mediating between Afghanistan and Pakistan, over those cross-border raids.
NATO is trying to smooth things over with Russia, just like the EU is doing. The subject of Georgia's and Ukraine's potential membership in both organizations is once again the bone of contention, with both the EU and NATO members split on the subject. The EU is wielding considerable power now in relations with Russia, influencing NATO's moves.
Russia is making major headway in Central and South America. Its relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are warm and fuzzy. A Russian warship even sailed through the Panama Canal! Interesting timing, since all the Central American nations have decided to use a single currency and passport for all their citizens. These nations are Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic has observer status. Might this new union spread to the West Indies? US influence in the region is taking a heavy hit.
News in North America is not so great, either. Canada's government has undergone a major shake-up. The three opposition parties attempted to topple the government and set up a new parliament without going to elections. (Boy, I hope I explained that right!) This is unprecedented in Canadian history. PM Stephen Harper was able to fend off the formation of a new government, with the decision of Canada's governor general, Michaëlle Jean, Queen Elizabeth's representative in the government. She suspended Parliament, just weeks after elections, until January 27th. They will resume then. But this story seems far from over.
In the US, the economy is still taking a severe beating. Congress just today sent a bill to the White House to help bail out the auto industry. Unemployment is skyrocketing.
A new report shows that prejudice is rising against American Muslims. Remember the anti-blasphemy bill the UN is trying to make an international law? Imagine a nation, a world, where you can't say you disagree with what Muslims believe? It's coming. The media is already being forced to sanitize anything negative about Islam. No one seems to remember 9/11. The Mumbai attacks should have been a wake-up call.
There is also a new study that says a bioterror or nuclear attack will be likely in the US by 2013. The Pentagon is detailing troops for deployment as domestic security. Obama wants a compulsory civil service act.
I think it's time to stop now. Pray for God's protection for us in these dark days.
Hope to
Home soon.
Love,
SEL
Iran announced that it wants to work jointly with its Arab neighbors, to help them develop their own nuclear programs. 13 Middle Eastern nations have announced plans to develop or restart their own nuclear programs in the last two years or so. Meanwhile, Iran continues its own program virtually unchallenged by anyone. Outgoing President Bush and Israel's Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz (an Iranian Jew by birth) have both reiterated the need to stop them, but these calls are not heeded.
The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association) chief, Mohamed ElBaradei, has called international efforts to stop or sanction Iran "a failure". He believes the UN (of which the IAEA is a part) should concentrate on other things, and use more diplomatic options to persuade Iran. (Sure, that's worked well so far...)
Mr. ElBaradei also expressed his "hope" that President-Elect Obama will eliminate nuclear stockpiles and talk to Iran rather than threaten them. This is so blatant an attempt to steer the onus off of Iran and onto -- guess where?
Israel!
Obama went on the program Meet the Press to discuss this very situation. He gives great lip service to defending Israel, but are we fooled? He fully intends to pursue the "diplomatic" (read: blah blah, talk some more) option with Iran. Israel has been left in the lurch, so it's time for them to rely on God alone. This speeds up the fulfillment of prophecy a great deal! Israel has been preparing to strike Iran on its own, without help from the US or anyone else.
The EU and NATO are involving themselves more and more in Israeli and Middle Eastern affairs. The EU has even met for the first time with the PA (Palestinian Authority). NATO wants to station its troops as a peacekeeping force in Israel's West Bank so that the state of Palestine can be created and monitored by international forces! Israel signed a "programme of cooperation" with NATO in October 2006, which was just updated/reinforced. Israel has not wanted international troops on its soil, but reports are circulating that this reluctance is changing. (Peace and safety!)
The UN "peace" envoy, former British PM Tony Blair is once again pushing for the division of Israel. He urged the US' CFR (Council on Foreign Relations) and Obama (a member of it) to pressure Israel into an agreement with the PA. Obama appointed former NATO commander General James L. Jones as his National Security Advisor. Jones is one of the main proponents of sending NATO into the West Bank! Blair also says that Israeli PM Olmert and PA President Abbas already have a secret agreement, not ready to reveal yet. Bush also chimed in that the two-state solution "will be realized".
India and Pakistan have been brought to the brink of war in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror bombings. The situation conitnues to worsen each day that passes. Pakistan continues to deny any involvement whatsoever in the attacks. But more evidence keeps coming out to tie individuals there to the bombings. Some of these individuals reportedly have ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. This story is breaking out all over; so much is coming to light. There have also been reports that the longstanding conflict between the two nations over the region of Jammu and Kashmir is the real reason behind the attacks. India and Pakistan have gone to war several times over the disputed area, and may be again. But both possess nuclear weapons. This war would be very deadly one.
Even US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited both nations to try and stave off such a conflict. She reportedly warned Pakistan to act quickly to root out any terrorists that may be tied to the bombings, “otherwise, the US will act”. WOW! Can you see the US going to war with Pakistan? It's not that hard, given the fact that we are already in neighboring Afghanistan, and all the cross-border raids that have soured US-Pakistani relations.
I've been thinking about how Pakistan and Afghanistan might fit into prophecy. The Persian Empire included both in its territory, as well as Iraq, and of course Persia is modern day Iran. They only changed the name in 1935. So when Persia in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is mentioned, it may include all of these nations!
The nations of the Caucasus held a meeting this week in Helsinki, Finland. Turkey had proposed the Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform months ago, and it is now a reality. Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan joined Turkey in this new entity. On the agenda are the volatile relationships between Russia and Georgia, and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkey is playing mediator. Notice these nations are also Ezekiel 38/39 candidates? Turkey also is mediating between Afghanistan and Pakistan, over those cross-border raids.
NATO is trying to smooth things over with Russia, just like the EU is doing. The subject of Georgia's and Ukraine's potential membership in both organizations is once again the bone of contention, with both the EU and NATO members split on the subject. The EU is wielding considerable power now in relations with Russia, influencing NATO's moves.
Russia is making major headway in Central and South America. Its relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are warm and fuzzy. A Russian warship even sailed through the Panama Canal! Interesting timing, since all the Central American nations have decided to use a single currency and passport for all their citizens. These nations are Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic has observer status. Might this new union spread to the West Indies? US influence in the region is taking a heavy hit.
News in North America is not so great, either. Canada's government has undergone a major shake-up. The three opposition parties attempted to topple the government and set up a new parliament without going to elections. (Boy, I hope I explained that right!) This is unprecedented in Canadian history. PM Stephen Harper was able to fend off the formation of a new government, with the decision of Canada's governor general, Michaëlle Jean, Queen Elizabeth's representative in the government. She suspended Parliament, just weeks after elections, until January 27th. They will resume then. But this story seems far from over.
In the US, the economy is still taking a severe beating. Congress just today sent a bill to the White House to help bail out the auto industry. Unemployment is skyrocketing.
A new report shows that prejudice is rising against American Muslims. Remember the anti-blasphemy bill the UN is trying to make an international law? Imagine a nation, a world, where you can't say you disagree with what Muslims believe? It's coming. The media is already being forced to sanitize anything negative about Islam. No one seems to remember 9/11. The Mumbai attacks should have been a wake-up call.
There is also a new study that says a bioterror or nuclear attack will be likely in the US by 2013. The Pentagon is detailing troops for deployment as domestic security. Obama wants a compulsory civil service act.
I think it's time to stop now. Pray for God's protection for us in these dark days.
Hope to
Home soon.Love,
SEL
Friday, December 5, 2008
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The UN recently "celebrated" its annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Basically, it's a slap in the face to Israel, which ironically the UN helped to create as a modern state. Of course the day turned into a let's-all-bash-Israel fest. UN General Assembly head Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, a former Nicaraguan Catholic priest and very vocal critic of Israel (and the US), used the occasion to accuse Israel of running an "apartheid" state. Wouldn't have expected anything else.
The UN has also been busy passing resolutions against Israel, while Rockets fly in from Gaza and no one bats an eyelash. These resolutions pass by overwhelming majorities. 100's of nations in favor, versus maybe 6 opposed? "The many" are speaking. (Daniel 9:27)
The UN (again) also decided to pass its beloved anti-blasphemy measure, Combating Defamation of Religions, by a vote of 85-50, with 42 abstentions, in a key UN committee. 42 abstentions and it passes?!? This will enter into the international record once it is passed by the plenary, which is almost a foregone conclusion.
The OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference, which is very powerful) wants a "new instrument or convention", according to the Pakistani ambassador to the UN. The measure is non-binding, but a "new instrument or convention" could make it binding for all member states of the UN. Kiss your right to speak your mind and practice your faith good-bye.
The call to implement (read: impose) Sharia law is popping up everywhere, too. The UK already has several Sharia courts operating, and the US is being "urged" (read: coerced) into adopting Sharia finance. The Islamic world is seriously trying to spread (again read: impose) its "culture" to the rest of the planet. This threat is so serious that Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo introduced an anti-Sharia bill a while back. Wonder whatever happened to that?
Iraq agreed to a security pact with the US, allowing troops to remain in the country for another three years, though only in bases already set up, presumably. The troops must withdraw from all cities and towns by June 30, 2009, and all troops must be gone from the country by December 31, 2011. This news led to massive protests by followers of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai is also now pushing for a deadline to get NATO troops out of his country. If it's good for Iraq...? Is that the idea? Of course, it could be because the US plans a troop surge in Afghanistan with the troops leaving Iraq, sending them Afghanistan's way.
Next door, Pakistan, which has been seething with rage over repeated US strikes inside its borders on Taliban and Al Qaeda rebels, may have bigger problems. The terror strikes on Mumbai, India the last few days (and others previously this year) have been blamed squarely on Pakistan. These two longtime rivals are probably on the brink of another war, and since both possess nuclear weapons, this could be a war unlike any seen in history. India has placed its itself on "war alert". Pakistan has already threatened to send troops to the border if India escalates the threat. This is a veiled threat to the US and NATO, as it would mean taking troops away from fighting the rebels causing trouble in Afghanistan.
Reports are that Iran has enough nuclear material to make at least one bomb. Of course, there was the report that they already tested one a couple weeks back. Israel can't wait around much longer for assistance. The US urged them not attack either Iran or Gaza, either of which would start a major Mideast war. (Psalm 83, or Ezekiel 38 & 39)
Syria has been "baffling" the geniuses of the UN's IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association). Supposedly, they can't seem to find the photographic evidence of the clandestine nuclear reactor that Israel razed last September! And the IAEA director, Iranian Mohamed ElBaradei, has been urging the international community to help Syria develop its "official" nuclear program, which the IAEA has been involved in since 1979. How convenient!
(Oh, by the way, they did find traces of uranium at the bomb site, indicative of a nuclear reactor. The Syrians blamed Israel, of course, for the traces being there.)
Israel's exiting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is still up to his old ways, trying to give away the Golan Heights back to Syria before he leaves office. The peace process has stalled pretty much, though reports are always coming out that one thing or another has happened or been agreed upon.
President-elect Barack Hussein Obama has the world beating down his door. No one even wants to talk to George Bush anymore. He has reportedly "pledged" to see a Palestinian state founded. He also reportedly supports the Saudi peace plan, which seems to be the frontrunner for the elusive "peace" deal. Israel's President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have both praised it as well.
The leaders of the EU are all clamoring to get involved in the "peace" process as well. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and many others are concerning themselves with Israel. (Zechariah 12)
The EU's European Neighbourhood Policy would bring nations of the Mideast, Caucasus, and Eastern Europe into a "special association status" with the EU. Basically, you could see it as an expansion of the EU. Then there's the Union for the Mediterranean. Any way you look at it, the EU is pushing its influence, if not its very borders farther and farther afield. (Think: Revived Roman Empire!) (Daniel 7, Rev. 6)
Russia has finally sent its warships to the Caribbean, in an attempt to woo its friends there like Cuba and Venezuela with its power. It's a strong signal to the US: "We're in the neighborhood, in your very backyard!" It's like a Cold War redux. How will Obama handle that, invite them to tea with Ahmadinejad, too?
Putin got his wish. Russia's Duma (parliament) has extended the length of presidential terms. He can come back next election and stay in power longer now. He also wants a security pact with the EU, as a countermeasure to the US missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Then there's the economy. I honestly don't thave the strength to get into it. Everywhere people are yelling. "Peace and security!" (1 Thessalonians 5:3) But we won't get that until Jesus returns. It's close.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Love,
SEL
The UN has also been busy passing resolutions against Israel, while Rockets fly in from Gaza and no one bats an eyelash. These resolutions pass by overwhelming majorities. 100's of nations in favor, versus maybe 6 opposed? "The many" are speaking. (Daniel 9:27)
The UN (again) also decided to pass its beloved anti-blasphemy measure, Combating Defamation of Religions, by a vote of 85-50, with 42 abstentions, in a key UN committee. 42 abstentions and it passes?!? This will enter into the international record once it is passed by the plenary, which is almost a foregone conclusion.
The OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference, which is very powerful) wants a "new instrument or convention", according to the Pakistani ambassador to the UN. The measure is non-binding, but a "new instrument or convention" could make it binding for all member states of the UN. Kiss your right to speak your mind and practice your faith good-bye.
The call to implement (read: impose) Sharia law is popping up everywhere, too. The UK already has several Sharia courts operating, and the US is being "urged" (read: coerced) into adopting Sharia finance. The Islamic world is seriously trying to spread (again read: impose) its "culture" to the rest of the planet. This threat is so serious that Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo introduced an anti-Sharia bill a while back. Wonder whatever happened to that?
Iraq agreed to a security pact with the US, allowing troops to remain in the country for another three years, though only in bases already set up, presumably. The troops must withdraw from all cities and towns by June 30, 2009, and all troops must be gone from the country by December 31, 2011. This news led to massive protests by followers of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai is also now pushing for a deadline to get NATO troops out of his country. If it's good for Iraq...? Is that the idea? Of course, it could be because the US plans a troop surge in Afghanistan with the troops leaving Iraq, sending them Afghanistan's way.
Next door, Pakistan, which has been seething with rage over repeated US strikes inside its borders on Taliban and Al Qaeda rebels, may have bigger problems. The terror strikes on Mumbai, India the last few days (and others previously this year) have been blamed squarely on Pakistan. These two longtime rivals are probably on the brink of another war, and since both possess nuclear weapons, this could be a war unlike any seen in history. India has placed its itself on "war alert". Pakistan has already threatened to send troops to the border if India escalates the threat. This is a veiled threat to the US and NATO, as it would mean taking troops away from fighting the rebels causing trouble in Afghanistan.
Reports are that Iran has enough nuclear material to make at least one bomb. Of course, there was the report that they already tested one a couple weeks back. Israel can't wait around much longer for assistance. The US urged them not attack either Iran or Gaza, either of which would start a major Mideast war. (Psalm 83, or Ezekiel 38 & 39)
Syria has been "baffling" the geniuses of the UN's IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association). Supposedly, they can't seem to find the photographic evidence of the clandestine nuclear reactor that Israel razed last September! And the IAEA director, Iranian Mohamed ElBaradei, has been urging the international community to help Syria develop its "official" nuclear program, which the IAEA has been involved in since 1979. How convenient!
(Oh, by the way, they did find traces of uranium at the bomb site, indicative of a nuclear reactor. The Syrians blamed Israel, of course, for the traces being there.)
Israel's exiting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is still up to his old ways, trying to give away the Golan Heights back to Syria before he leaves office. The peace process has stalled pretty much, though reports are always coming out that one thing or another has happened or been agreed upon.
President-elect Barack Hussein Obama has the world beating down his door. No one even wants to talk to George Bush anymore. He has reportedly "pledged" to see a Palestinian state founded. He also reportedly supports the Saudi peace plan, which seems to be the frontrunner for the elusive "peace" deal. Israel's President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have both praised it as well.
The leaders of the EU are all clamoring to get involved in the "peace" process as well. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and many others are concerning themselves with Israel. (Zechariah 12)
The EU's European Neighbourhood Policy would bring nations of the Mideast, Caucasus, and Eastern Europe into a "special association status" with the EU. Basically, you could see it as an expansion of the EU. Then there's the Union for the Mediterranean. Any way you look at it, the EU is pushing its influence, if not its very borders farther and farther afield. (Think: Revived Roman Empire!) (Daniel 7, Rev. 6)
Russia has finally sent its warships to the Caribbean, in an attempt to woo its friends there like Cuba and Venezuela with its power. It's a strong signal to the US: "We're in the neighborhood, in your very backyard!" It's like a Cold War redux. How will Obama handle that, invite them to tea with Ahmadinejad, too?
Putin got his wish. Russia's Duma (parliament) has extended the length of presidential terms. He can come back next election and stay in power longer now. He also wants a security pact with the EU, as a countermeasure to the US missile shield plans in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Then there's the economy. I honestly don't thave the strength to get into it. Everywhere people are yelling. "Peace and security!" (1 Thessalonians 5:3) But we won't get that until Jesus returns. It's close.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Love,
SEL
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Imminent
First, I wanted to say sorry for not getting a post up sooner. I have been very feeling very drained, burned out really, by the things going on in the world right now. But with what's facing us now, I knew I had to get back on track.
Well D-Day is upon us! Decision-Day -- who will be our next President? I don't even have the strength to go into details. This has been the meanest, nastiest, dirtiest campaign I've ever witnessed. Tomorrow, it will all be over.
Or will it?
Israel also is going to have new elections. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was unsuccessful in her attempts to form a new coalition government. Ehud Barak, Binyamin Netanyahu and Shaul Mofaz all are probably going to run alongside her for the Prime Minister spot. This campaign is already taking a nasty turn as well. They are practically at each other's throats.
Has Iran tested a nuclear weapon? There are reports that the tremors from an earthquake last weekend were in reality from a nuclear bomb test. If this is true, we may be about to witness some major prophetic fulfillment. There is no way that Israel is just going to sit back and let Iran nuke them. NO WAY.
Iran's President Ahmadinejad is reportedly ill, too. Officially he is just overworked. A sick man can take risks, feeling that he has little time to fulfill his destiny. Ahmadinejad has said he believes it is his personal destiny to advance the coming of the Islamic Mahdi. Their Mahdi is eerily similar to the Anti-Christ.
Iran could use Israel's and the US' preoccupation with their elections as an excuse to go on the attack. However, it seems more likely that this will be Israel's plan. If Barack Obama gets in, you can forget about the US helping Israel against Iran. Maybe the time for Israel to rely fully on God is at hand. We know that this will be the case during the Tribulation, when all the nations of the world come against Israel. (Zechariah 12)
Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians could also use this window of opportunity to launch an attack on Israel. (Psalm 83, followed by Isaiah 17.) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas even said that he now feels no peace treaty will be reached this year, and that nothing will happen until new administrations are in place both in Israel and the US.
Russia finally pulled out of Georgia, but has inked deals to remain in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And now President Dmitri Medvedev is trying to mediate personally between longtime combatants Armenia and Azerbaijan. Will Russia decide to intervene military there as well? These nations are all in the Caucasus, once controlled by the Soviet Union, and Russia is determined to control them once again.
This would also put Russia right next door to Turkey and Iran. A perfect setup to join together and head south -- to Israel. (Ezekiel 38 & 39)
The world's financial crisis has brought the EU to the top of the heap. The foreign ministers of the EU have now offered a partnership of equality with the US on a wide array of affairs including the financial crisis and the Middle East peace process. The whole world is saying the time of US being the sole superpower is over. The EU has been extremely vocal in entering the Mideast peace negotiations. Where have I heard that before?
Oh, yes...a Revived Roman Empire. The new Union for the Mediterranean, a mix of the EU and Arab nations, has expanded to cover almost the entire territory of the old Roman Empire at its peak.
In the next few weeks, there is a bevy of high-level meetings that will have global consequences. Thanks to Believer for helping keep track of all this!
> Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean Foreign Ministers Meeting will be held in French city of Marseilles on November 3rd and 4th
Arab League also in attendance
>Pope meeting with Muslims Nov. 4-6th in Rome
>Condoleezza Rice to Middle East Nov. 5th
>Middle East Quartet meeting Nov. 6th in Egypt
>Egypt hosts Palestinian factions for general dialogue on Nov. 9 and 10
>King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Bush, Israeli President Peres, Livni attending interfaith conference at UN Nov. 12th
>King Abdullah attends White House dinner with 18 others Nov. 14th
>Global financial meeting in Washington Nov. 15
It's all coming together!
The UN interfaith meeting is probably the best setup for a "covenant with many" (Daniel 9:27) that we have seen yet. Everyone thinks the covenant is a "peace treaty", but it may be a spiritual one. (Another thank you to Believer!)
Hebrew -- bĕriyth
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1285&t=KJV
The Madrid Conference back in July was all about an attempt to criminalize blasphemy against religions. Particularly Islam. The agenda is to force people to accept that there are "many ways" to God and that all are valid. As Christians, we cannot believe this. There is only way.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If the UN, the Alliance of Civilizations, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (among others) have their way, Christians will be charged with "hate crimes" for merely professing this!
What does this have to do with Israel? Well, Israel is finally invited to the interfaith dialogue. Previously they were shut out. This meeting is very sinister. Something is just not right about it. In the midst of all the other meetings? Add them all together, it spells major TROUBLE. I think Israel will be pressured by the world at large to make more concessions. (Of course, Israel is the only one that ever makes any to begin with!)
But God has plans that will be fulfilled. Remember that Israel will persecuted in the Tribulation. It all seems about to begin.
A while back we were all excited by the blood moons/solar eclipses theory that Mark Biltz came out with. Well since Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have passed, and 2015 is 7 years away, a lot of people felt disappointed that no Rapture came, no covenant was made.
Well, I covered the covenant part already. Here's the Rapture part:
The blood moons/solar eclipses of 2015 do not necessarily signal the absolute end of the Tribulation. They are a sign toward the very end, yes, but the Bible never says they happen on the last day itself. So there could be any amount of time after Sept./Oct. 2015 left in the Trib. So perhaps there is still time for the seven years to begin soon and still fit the scenario. (I do realize this is a very shaky idea, fraught with problems, such as not fitting the Fall feast days.)
Joel 2:31
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
Acts 2:20
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
Revelation 6:12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
People also need to remember the Rapture can happen anytime, not necessarily on any specific Feast day.
But I think this coming year will see the sacrifices reinstated in Israel for Passover, etc.
And again, everyone is looking for a treaty. The word is covenant, not treaty. A less "formal" arrangement.
OK, I could be wrong about all this, and I don't want to get people's hopes up for no reason. But we could still see it happen soon. Imminent...
Love,
SEL
Well D-Day is upon us! Decision-Day -- who will be our next President? I don't even have the strength to go into details. This has been the meanest, nastiest, dirtiest campaign I've ever witnessed. Tomorrow, it will all be over.
Or will it?
Israel also is going to have new elections. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was unsuccessful in her attempts to form a new coalition government. Ehud Barak, Binyamin Netanyahu and Shaul Mofaz all are probably going to run alongside her for the Prime Minister spot. This campaign is already taking a nasty turn as well. They are practically at each other's throats.
Has Iran tested a nuclear weapon? There are reports that the tremors from an earthquake last weekend were in reality from a nuclear bomb test. If this is true, we may be about to witness some major prophetic fulfillment. There is no way that Israel is just going to sit back and let Iran nuke them. NO WAY.
Iran's President Ahmadinejad is reportedly ill, too. Officially he is just overworked. A sick man can take risks, feeling that he has little time to fulfill his destiny. Ahmadinejad has said he believes it is his personal destiny to advance the coming of the Islamic Mahdi. Their Mahdi is eerily similar to the Anti-Christ.
Iran could use Israel's and the US' preoccupation with their elections as an excuse to go on the attack. However, it seems more likely that this will be Israel's plan. If Barack Obama gets in, you can forget about the US helping Israel against Iran. Maybe the time for Israel to rely fully on God is at hand. We know that this will be the case during the Tribulation, when all the nations of the world come against Israel. (Zechariah 12)
Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians could also use this window of opportunity to launch an attack on Israel. (Psalm 83, followed by Isaiah 17.) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas even said that he now feels no peace treaty will be reached this year, and that nothing will happen until new administrations are in place both in Israel and the US.
Russia finally pulled out of Georgia, but has inked deals to remain in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And now President Dmitri Medvedev is trying to mediate personally between longtime combatants Armenia and Azerbaijan. Will Russia decide to intervene military there as well? These nations are all in the Caucasus, once controlled by the Soviet Union, and Russia is determined to control them once again.
This would also put Russia right next door to Turkey and Iran. A perfect setup to join together and head south -- to Israel. (Ezekiel 38 & 39)
The world's financial crisis has brought the EU to the top of the heap. The foreign ministers of the EU have now offered a partnership of equality with the US on a wide array of affairs including the financial crisis and the Middle East peace process. The whole world is saying the time of US being the sole superpower is over. The EU has been extremely vocal in entering the Mideast peace negotiations. Where have I heard that before?
Oh, yes...a Revived Roman Empire. The new Union for the Mediterranean, a mix of the EU and Arab nations, has expanded to cover almost the entire territory of the old Roman Empire at its peak.
In the next few weeks, there is a bevy of high-level meetings that will have global consequences. Thanks to Believer for helping keep track of all this!
> Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean Foreign Ministers Meeting will be held in French city of Marseilles on November 3rd and 4th
Arab League also in attendance
>Pope meeting with Muslims Nov. 4-6th in Rome
>Condoleezza Rice to Middle East Nov. 5th
>Middle East Quartet meeting Nov. 6th in Egypt
>Egypt hosts Palestinian factions for general dialogue on Nov. 9 and 10
>King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Bush, Israeli President Peres, Livni attending interfaith conference at UN Nov. 12th
>King Abdullah attends White House dinner with 18 others Nov. 14th
>Global financial meeting in Washington Nov. 15
It's all coming together!
The UN interfaith meeting is probably the best setup for a "covenant with many" (Daniel 9:27) that we have seen yet. Everyone thinks the covenant is a "peace treaty", but it may be a spiritual one. (Another thank you to Believer!)
Hebrew -- bĕriyth
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1285&t=KJV
The Madrid Conference back in July was all about an attempt to criminalize blasphemy against religions. Particularly Islam. The agenda is to force people to accept that there are "many ways" to God and that all are valid. As Christians, we cannot believe this. There is only way.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If the UN, the Alliance of Civilizations, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (among others) have their way, Christians will be charged with "hate crimes" for merely professing this!
What does this have to do with Israel? Well, Israel is finally invited to the interfaith dialogue. Previously they were shut out. This meeting is very sinister. Something is just not right about it. In the midst of all the other meetings? Add them all together, it spells major TROUBLE. I think Israel will be pressured by the world at large to make more concessions. (Of course, Israel is the only one that ever makes any to begin with!)
But God has plans that will be fulfilled. Remember that Israel will persecuted in the Tribulation. It all seems about to begin.
A while back we were all excited by the blood moons/solar eclipses theory that Mark Biltz came out with. Well since Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have passed, and 2015 is 7 years away, a lot of people felt disappointed that no Rapture came, no covenant was made.
Well, I covered the covenant part already. Here's the Rapture part:
The blood moons/solar eclipses of 2015 do not necessarily signal the absolute end of the Tribulation. They are a sign toward the very end, yes, but the Bible never says they happen on the last day itself. So there could be any amount of time after Sept./Oct. 2015 left in the Trib. So perhaps there is still time for the seven years to begin soon and still fit the scenario. (I do realize this is a very shaky idea, fraught with problems, such as not fitting the Fall feast days.)
Joel 2:31
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
Acts 2:20
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
Revelation 6:12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
People also need to remember the Rapture can happen anytime, not necessarily on any specific Feast day.
But I think this coming year will see the sacrifices reinstated in Israel for Passover, etc.
And again, everyone is looking for a treaty. The word is covenant, not treaty. A less "formal" arrangement.
OK, I could be wrong about all this, and I don't want to get people's hopes up for no reason. But we could still see it happen soon. Imminent...
Love,
SEL
Monday, September 29, 2008
Anybody as ready as I am to get out of here and go Home?
North Korea has announced it will restart operations at its nuclear facility in Yangbon, saying that the US has not lived up to its pledge to remove them from its list of terrorist-sponsoring states. The deal also involved the receipt of energy assistance in exchange for the dismantlement of the nuclear program. Its closest neighbors, and longtime enemies, South Korea and Japan, have been noticeably (and understandably) worried over this. Japan so much so that they have tested a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor in the US desert at White Sands, New Mexico, successfully shooting down a dummy missile.
But all may not be so rosy between the US and Japan. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived to protests at its new home, the joint US/Japanese Yokosuka military base south of Tokyo. Now back on September 13th, there were two explosions in the residential area near the base, with metal pipes, batteries and lead wires found at the scene, suggesting the blasts were deliberate. The arrival of the ship was well-publicized in advance. It adds up. Protesters fear that the ship will make the area a target for terrorists. Well, the one(s) who set the bombs are committing an act of terror themselves!
Terror has been working overtime lately. A bomb killed two people in India's capital New Delhi on Saturday, one a boy of 10. This follows on the heels of a series of bombs in the same city, also on September 13th. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the new bombing, though the ones on the 13th were claimed by an extremist Muslim group, Indian Mujahideen, who have claimed bombings in several Indian cities this past year. And they have ties to India's longtime enemy Pakistan.
There was a car bombing in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday that killed 17 people. A senior Lebanese cleric claimed that the CIA and Mossad were behind the bombing, in an attempt to destabilize Syria and the entire region. The Iranian press picked up this and ran with it. But today Syria is blaming a suicide bomber from an unnamed Muslim extremist group for the attack, from an unnamed Arab country. Most likely, they are referring to Lebanon. Syria amassed troops on Lebanon's border last week, worrying the much smaller nation.
Then in Tripoli, Lebanon today a bus carrying troops was struck by a car bomb killing 5 and injuring 26. This was the second bomb targeting Lebanese troops in the past two months.
On Sunday a police car was bombed in Gaza at the Rafah crossing, though no one was injured.
And in Algeria this morning, a suicide bomber killed three people near the capital city Algiers. Yesterday, security forces killed 3 suspected terrorists, and two guards were killed by Islamic extremists disguised as police at a fake checkpoint! 100 people died in terror attacks in Algeria in the month of August!
Terror everywhere!
In Pakistan last week a suicide bombing at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel killed 53 and wounded more than 250 after a truck full of explosives rammed it. The new President, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani were supposed to be there for a dinner, but their plans were changed at the last minute!
The possibility of the Afghanistan war extending to Pakistan is still growing. All the recent incursions by NATO and US troops into Pakistan have infuriated the Pakistani government. They have stepped up their own strikes on the rebels causing the cross-border chaos. Pakistani and US forces exchanged fire, after US reconnaisance helicopters were fired on by the Pakistani troops.
In Israel, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who just won her party's vote to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, has made little headway in forming a new coalition government. So she has reportedly warned the other political parties to prepare for early elections. Olmert, meanwhile, still seems determined to have Israel and Jerusalem divided before he leaves the political scene altogether. He is set to visit Moscow on the 6th and 7th of October, at the invitation of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Also headed to Moscow, on October 1st, is Spain's Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Both Spain and Russia have become heavily self-invested in the Middle East peace process. The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, has also been invited to Israel by Israeli President Shimon Peres, along with Zapatero.
The US has sent a new missile defense system to Israel, along with 120 troops, who are the first ever to be permanently stationed in Israel. If that isn't eye-popping enough, Israel also closed a weapons deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Azerbaijan, which is sandwiched between Russia and Iran in the Caucasus. Right next door is Georgia. Talk about tense!
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited US President George Bush in Washington this past week. Abbas and Olmert reportedly have come to a framework agreement for peace and the creation of a Palestinian state, though the fine points are still proving to be a bone of contention in negotiations. The right of return of Palestinians and Jewish settlements in Palestinian-claimed land are particularly volatile issues.
The UN even took up the issues at its General Assembly Meeting in New York this past week. And what a meeting it was!
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to rail against the West, specifically the US and Israel. He was fêted at a special dinner by (I can't even fathom this) Christian groups and even met with Anti-Zionist Jewish groups! Also at this very special dinner was the founder of CAIR, the Council of American-Islamic Relations. (That one doesn't surprise me.) He even went on Larry King Live!
Protests erupted for quite a few reasons during the whole fiasco. Some were protesting Ahmadinejad's very presence, some were protesting Iranian executions of minors. There are 130 minors on death row in Iran. The protests even turned into anti-Obama rallies, because of his willingness to "talk" with Ahmadinejad, and because of the snub of Sarah Palin, who was supposed to be invited to the anti-Iran rally. She was un-invited after Hillary Clinton pulled out upon finding Palin was coming.
Palin made some striking pro-Israeli remarks in an interview with Katie Curic on CBS News and now the left, the liberal media, and Hollywood's elite are seething with venom over those remarks. She is being branded a nut. But just look who's doing the branding.
The first presidential debate went on as scheduled between Barack Obama and John McCain, despite McCain's move to halt his campaign to deal with the bailout crisis facing the economy. The bailout deal fell flat today, and the world is holding its breath it seems as to what will happen to the US economy, and what kind of impact it will have worldwide. World leaders at the UN are all calling for global cooperation to end the crisis. Washington Mutual went under, and was bought out by JPMorgan Chase. This was the biggest bank failure in history. Stay tuned.
Russia decided to go along with UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, though Iran is as adamant as ever that they will not give up their nuclear program for any reason. The EU and IAEA have stated that they believe Iran is capable of making nuclear weapons now. But Israel will never allow it. Peres at the UN meeting urged the world to stop Iran, as did Bush. But Russia is still docking its warships in Syria, and sent a naval squadron to Venezuela. Sides are chosen; we're just waiting for the first shots here.
Anybody as ready as I am to get out of here and go Home?
But all may not be so rosy between the US and Japan. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived to protests at its new home, the joint US/Japanese Yokosuka military base south of Tokyo. Now back on September 13th, there were two explosions in the residential area near the base, with metal pipes, batteries and lead wires found at the scene, suggesting the blasts were deliberate. The arrival of the ship was well-publicized in advance. It adds up. Protesters fear that the ship will make the area a target for terrorists. Well, the one(s) who set the bombs are committing an act of terror themselves!
Terror has been working overtime lately. A bomb killed two people in India's capital New Delhi on Saturday, one a boy of 10. This follows on the heels of a series of bombs in the same city, also on September 13th. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the new bombing, though the ones on the 13th were claimed by an extremist Muslim group, Indian Mujahideen, who have claimed bombings in several Indian cities this past year. And they have ties to India's longtime enemy Pakistan.
There was a car bombing in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday that killed 17 people. A senior Lebanese cleric claimed that the CIA and Mossad were behind the bombing, in an attempt to destabilize Syria and the entire region. The Iranian press picked up this and ran with it. But today Syria is blaming a suicide bomber from an unnamed Muslim extremist group for the attack, from an unnamed Arab country. Most likely, they are referring to Lebanon. Syria amassed troops on Lebanon's border last week, worrying the much smaller nation.
Then in Tripoli, Lebanon today a bus carrying troops was struck by a car bomb killing 5 and injuring 26. This was the second bomb targeting Lebanese troops in the past two months.
On Sunday a police car was bombed in Gaza at the Rafah crossing, though no one was injured.
And in Algeria this morning, a suicide bomber killed three people near the capital city Algiers. Yesterday, security forces killed 3 suspected terrorists, and two guards were killed by Islamic extremists disguised as police at a fake checkpoint! 100 people died in terror attacks in Algeria in the month of August!
Terror everywhere!
In Pakistan last week a suicide bombing at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel killed 53 and wounded more than 250 after a truck full of explosives rammed it. The new President, Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani were supposed to be there for a dinner, but their plans were changed at the last minute!
The possibility of the Afghanistan war extending to Pakistan is still growing. All the recent incursions by NATO and US troops into Pakistan have infuriated the Pakistani government. They have stepped up their own strikes on the rebels causing the cross-border chaos. Pakistani and US forces exchanged fire, after US reconnaisance helicopters were fired on by the Pakistani troops.
In Israel, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who just won her party's vote to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, has made little headway in forming a new coalition government. So she has reportedly warned the other political parties to prepare for early elections. Olmert, meanwhile, still seems determined to have Israel and Jerusalem divided before he leaves the political scene altogether. He is set to visit Moscow on the 6th and 7th of October, at the invitation of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. Also headed to Moscow, on October 1st, is Spain's Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Both Spain and Russia have become heavily self-invested in the Middle East peace process. The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, has also been invited to Israel by Israeli President Shimon Peres, along with Zapatero.
The US has sent a new missile defense system to Israel, along with 120 troops, who are the first ever to be permanently stationed in Israel. If that isn't eye-popping enough, Israel also closed a weapons deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Azerbaijan, which is sandwiched between Russia and Iran in the Caucasus. Right next door is Georgia. Talk about tense!
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited US President George Bush in Washington this past week. Abbas and Olmert reportedly have come to a framework agreement for peace and the creation of a Palestinian state, though the fine points are still proving to be a bone of contention in negotiations. The right of return of Palestinians and Jewish settlements in Palestinian-claimed land are particularly volatile issues.
The UN even took up the issues at its General Assembly Meeting in New York this past week. And what a meeting it was!
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to rail against the West, specifically the US and Israel. He was fêted at a special dinner by (I can't even fathom this) Christian groups and even met with Anti-Zionist Jewish groups! Also at this very special dinner was the founder of CAIR, the Council of American-Islamic Relations. (That one doesn't surprise me.) He even went on Larry King Live!
Protests erupted for quite a few reasons during the whole fiasco. Some were protesting Ahmadinejad's very presence, some were protesting Iranian executions of minors. There are 130 minors on death row in Iran. The protests even turned into anti-Obama rallies, because of his willingness to "talk" with Ahmadinejad, and because of the snub of Sarah Palin, who was supposed to be invited to the anti-Iran rally. She was un-invited after Hillary Clinton pulled out upon finding Palin was coming.
Palin made some striking pro-Israeli remarks in an interview with Katie Curic on CBS News and now the left, the liberal media, and Hollywood's elite are seething with venom over those remarks. She is being branded a nut. But just look who's doing the branding.
The first presidential debate went on as scheduled between Barack Obama and John McCain, despite McCain's move to halt his campaign to deal with the bailout crisis facing the economy. The bailout deal fell flat today, and the world is holding its breath it seems as to what will happen to the US economy, and what kind of impact it will have worldwide. World leaders at the UN are all calling for global cooperation to end the crisis. Washington Mutual went under, and was bought out by JPMorgan Chase. This was the biggest bank failure in history. Stay tuned.
Russia decided to go along with UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, though Iran is as adamant as ever that they will not give up their nuclear program for any reason. The EU and IAEA have stated that they believe Iran is capable of making nuclear weapons now. But Israel will never allow it. Peres at the UN meeting urged the world to stop Iran, as did Bush. But Russia is still docking its warships in Syria, and sent a naval squadron to Venezuela. Sides are chosen; we're just waiting for the first shots here.
Anybody as ready as I am to get out of here and go Home?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
In a world gone mad...
where can we find solace?
I'm not going to go into too much factual detail this week. I more or less just want to touch on some issues that we're facing.
Everywhere you turn these days, national governments and societies seem to be catering to the demands of Islam, and the call for Sharia law is going out all over the place. This has been particularly evident in Europe, and specifically in the United Kingdom. Sharia courts are now operating there with the blessings of the government, and the support of much of the Anglican church, including its head, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Prime Minister Brown recently spoke of Islam in glowing terms in a Ramadan address, bringing to mind his predecessor, champion for Islam, Tony Blair. Prince Charles also speaks of Islam in this manner. There are "no-go zones" for non-Muslims in the nation that was once a major part of the Reformation and the great evangelistic missions worldwide.
But it is being felt in other nations as well. Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and others are all feeling the heavy effects of catering to Islam. An anti-Islamization conference in Germany was cancelled over fears of violence, and protests over the cancellation were broken up by police. Ramadan has even altered court schedules in France!
Muslim immigration to Europe has made the impossible seem possible. Europe may one day be an Islamic society. Once the center of Christendom, Europe fought off Muslim advances for centuries by conventional warfare. Now, it is being taken over from inside, as Muslims immigrate, have larger numbers of children, and then demand that the European nations change to accomodate them. This was once unthinkable! But it happened.
Think the same thing could never happen to the US? Think again. 12,000 Iraqis are slated to immigrate to the US in the next few months. Look at the recent happenings at the Swift plants in Colorado and Nebraska. Somali Muslims wanted the company to afford them extra time for prayers because of Ramadan. Christians can't even get Easter or Christmas off in most companies anymore. The resulting strikes and firings at these plants are just a sign of things to come. Remember the debacle about foot-washing basins in airport restrooms? And Saudi infiltration into the school systems? This is how things began in Europe. Small accomodations, built up over time, lead to big shifts in societies. These things don't happen overnight.
The US embassy in Yemen was bombed this week, and a new al Qaeda video promised more attacks on the US and other countires. We are not immune. 9-11 proved that.
Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo has introduced a bill which would bar entry into the US for proponents of Sharia law, and it calls for the deportation of those who support it who are already here . Now if there's a bill being proposed on the issue, then that should be a major wake-up call as to how much inroad the pro-Sharia proponents have already made. But I can't see this particular Congress passing this bill. Too "discriminatory" will probably be the excuse. Do they realize what life under Sharia would be like? Do they care? And President Bush is too busy hosting his annual Ramadan special dinner to break the daily fast.
Another very special dinner is slated to take place this week. The president of the United Nations General Assembly, Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, a Nicaraguan Catholic priest, will attend this dinner It is sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee, the Quaker United Nations Office, the World Council of Churches, Religions for Peace, and the American Friends Service Committee. The guest of honor? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad! He is there of course for the UN General Assembly meeting. The fact that these organizations and the UN-GA president are dining with the man who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth speaks volumes.
D'Escoto Brockmann is also a very vocal critic of the US. This week he urged the UN to adopt and enforce UN Resolution 181 (from 1947!), which would divide Israel and create a state for the Palestinians.
And I'm sure Ahmadinejad will use his time in New York to rail against the West and Israel. Can't let all that free press go to waste! Norway's prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, head of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, will also attend this special dinner. Oslo, as in the Oslo accords. Some Evangelical groups were trying to get the UN to indict Ahamdinejad for threatening Israel. Great idea, but the UN will never do it. There was also a petition to bar him from coming to the US for the UN meeting, but that didn't work either.
Remember that Israeli President Shimon Peres is headed to this meeting in place of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who normally would be the one to go. But since he's now out of a job, Peres is going. Remember also that the power to sign treaties, etc., lies with Peres as president.
Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni won the Kadima primary to replace Olmert, to become the first female PM since Golda Meir. This win was not without complications. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz quit politics after not winning, and Livni's calls for unity fell flat. The legitimacy of the vote and its outcome has actually been called into question. This is not a done deal, it seems. If early elections are called, then it's anybody's guess as to what will happen.
The calls to divide Israel are also reaching crescendo. However, there is also a lot of talk about one state for both the Jews and the Palestinians. Both sides had much to say this week. Olmert said the idea of a "Greater Israel" (one state) was over, but Knesset member Yuval Steinitz said the two-state solution should be "dead", and that creating a Palestinian state was a mistake for Israel to be involved in!
Jordan's King Abdullah and the EU's Javier Solana met in Amman, Jordan and both reiterated their position that a peace agreement must be reached soon. Both also stated the the EU must be a driving force behind the peace process!
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is headed to Washington this week to meet President Bush, while the UN meets in New York. Is it me, or does it all seem too much? All these leaders all running to and fro!
Are we going to see a declared war with Pakistan next? It's becoming more and more likely. The repeated US and NATO strikes inside their borders, the growing hatred for the West among the population there, and the switch of focus from Iraq to Afghanistan are all major factors in this possibility. A suicide bomber drove a truck into the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, killing dozens of people. This has been construed as a message to the West -- GET OUT!
Bombs also rocked the Indian capital of New Delhi last week, and now they are being tied to a series of explosions in other Indian cities over the past year. The finger of blame has been pointed to Muslim terror groups that have ties to Pakistani terrorists! This is just going to increase the tension and potential for conflict between India and Pakistan, already at odds over Kashmir.
The economy seems to be collapsing all around us. Big firms are going down, and only some are being propped up by the government, while others are left to fall. We are facing major financial crises the likes of which have not been seen in decades. I don't pretend to be a financial ace, but it's obvious when giants like Lehman Bros., AIG, and Merrill Lynch are failing that the economy is big trouble!
Then there's our election. I really am out of patience with it. The lies, rumors, scandals, media bias...it's all just too much! The lamestream media worships Obama -- to them he can do no wrong, McCain and Palin can do no right. Whatever happened to journalistic objectivity? Is that a dead concept? Personal attacks have replaced profesional journalism, and apparently also have replaced political campaigning.
In a world gone mad, where can we find solace? Luckily, we know Jesus. And we have the blessed hope of the Rapture waiting for us. I am so burdened for the world, though. For those who don't know Him. What hope do they have?
We could be gone at any moment, or here another ten years (I hope not!). But until we hear the trump, we've got to carry on, difficult as it may be at times, and spread the Gospel.
Love to all,
SEL
I'm not going to go into too much factual detail this week. I more or less just want to touch on some issues that we're facing.
Everywhere you turn these days, national governments and societies seem to be catering to the demands of Islam, and the call for Sharia law is going out all over the place. This has been particularly evident in Europe, and specifically in the United Kingdom. Sharia courts are now operating there with the blessings of the government, and the support of much of the Anglican church, including its head, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Prime Minister Brown recently spoke of Islam in glowing terms in a Ramadan address, bringing to mind his predecessor, champion for Islam, Tony Blair. Prince Charles also speaks of Islam in this manner. There are "no-go zones" for non-Muslims in the nation that was once a major part of the Reformation and the great evangelistic missions worldwide.
But it is being felt in other nations as well. Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and others are all feeling the heavy effects of catering to Islam. An anti-Islamization conference in Germany was cancelled over fears of violence, and protests over the cancellation were broken up by police. Ramadan has even altered court schedules in France!
Muslim immigration to Europe has made the impossible seem possible. Europe may one day be an Islamic society. Once the center of Christendom, Europe fought off Muslim advances for centuries by conventional warfare. Now, it is being taken over from inside, as Muslims immigrate, have larger numbers of children, and then demand that the European nations change to accomodate them. This was once unthinkable! But it happened.
Think the same thing could never happen to the US? Think again. 12,000 Iraqis are slated to immigrate to the US in the next few months. Look at the recent happenings at the Swift plants in Colorado and Nebraska. Somali Muslims wanted the company to afford them extra time for prayers because of Ramadan. Christians can't even get Easter or Christmas off in most companies anymore. The resulting strikes and firings at these plants are just a sign of things to come. Remember the debacle about foot-washing basins in airport restrooms? And Saudi infiltration into the school systems? This is how things began in Europe. Small accomodations, built up over time, lead to big shifts in societies. These things don't happen overnight.
The US embassy in Yemen was bombed this week, and a new al Qaeda video promised more attacks on the US and other countires. We are not immune. 9-11 proved that.
Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo has introduced a bill which would bar entry into the US for proponents of Sharia law, and it calls for the deportation of those who support it who are already here . Now if there's a bill being proposed on the issue, then that should be a major wake-up call as to how much inroad the pro-Sharia proponents have already made. But I can't see this particular Congress passing this bill. Too "discriminatory" will probably be the excuse. Do they realize what life under Sharia would be like? Do they care? And President Bush is too busy hosting his annual Ramadan special dinner to break the daily fast.
Another very special dinner is slated to take place this week. The president of the United Nations General Assembly, Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, a Nicaraguan Catholic priest, will attend this dinner It is sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee, the Quaker United Nations Office, the World Council of Churches, Religions for Peace, and the American Friends Service Committee. The guest of honor? Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad! He is there of course for the UN General Assembly meeting. The fact that these organizations and the UN-GA president are dining with the man who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth speaks volumes.
D'Escoto Brockmann is also a very vocal critic of the US. This week he urged the UN to adopt and enforce UN Resolution 181 (from 1947!), which would divide Israel and create a state for the Palestinians.
And I'm sure Ahmadinejad will use his time in New York to rail against the West and Israel. Can't let all that free press go to waste! Norway's prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, head of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, will also attend this special dinner. Oslo, as in the Oslo accords. Some Evangelical groups were trying to get the UN to indict Ahamdinejad for threatening Israel. Great idea, but the UN will never do it. There was also a petition to bar him from coming to the US for the UN meeting, but that didn't work either.
Remember that Israeli President Shimon Peres is headed to this meeting in place of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who normally would be the one to go. But since he's now out of a job, Peres is going. Remember also that the power to sign treaties, etc., lies with Peres as president.
Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni won the Kadima primary to replace Olmert, to become the first female PM since Golda Meir. This win was not without complications. Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz quit politics after not winning, and Livni's calls for unity fell flat. The legitimacy of the vote and its outcome has actually been called into question. This is not a done deal, it seems. If early elections are called, then it's anybody's guess as to what will happen.
The calls to divide Israel are also reaching crescendo. However, there is also a lot of talk about one state for both the Jews and the Palestinians. Both sides had much to say this week. Olmert said the idea of a "Greater Israel" (one state) was over, but Knesset member Yuval Steinitz said the two-state solution should be "dead", and that creating a Palestinian state was a mistake for Israel to be involved in!
Jordan's King Abdullah and the EU's Javier Solana met in Amman, Jordan and both reiterated their position that a peace agreement must be reached soon. Both also stated the the EU must be a driving force behind the peace process!
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is headed to Washington this week to meet President Bush, while the UN meets in New York. Is it me, or does it all seem too much? All these leaders all running to and fro!
Are we going to see a declared war with Pakistan next? It's becoming more and more likely. The repeated US and NATO strikes inside their borders, the growing hatred for the West among the population there, and the switch of focus from Iraq to Afghanistan are all major factors in this possibility. A suicide bomber drove a truck into the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, killing dozens of people. This has been construed as a message to the West -- GET OUT!
Bombs also rocked the Indian capital of New Delhi last week, and now they are being tied to a series of explosions in other Indian cities over the past year. The finger of blame has been pointed to Muslim terror groups that have ties to Pakistani terrorists! This is just going to increase the tension and potential for conflict between India and Pakistan, already at odds over Kashmir.
The economy seems to be collapsing all around us. Big firms are going down, and only some are being propped up by the government, while others are left to fall. We are facing major financial crises the likes of which have not been seen in decades. I don't pretend to be a financial ace, but it's obvious when giants like Lehman Bros., AIG, and Merrill Lynch are failing that the economy is big trouble!
Then there's our election. I really am out of patience with it. The lies, rumors, scandals, media bias...it's all just too much! The lamestream media worships Obama -- to them he can do no wrong, McCain and Palin can do no right. Whatever happened to journalistic objectivity? Is that a dead concept? Personal attacks have replaced profesional journalism, and apparently also have replaced political campaigning.
In a world gone mad, where can we find solace? Luckily, we know Jesus. And we have the blessed hope of the Rapture waiting for us. I am so burdened for the world, though. For those who don't know Him. What hope do they have?
We could be gone at any moment, or here another ten years (I hope not!). But until we hear the trump, we've got to carry on, difficult as it may be at times, and spread the Gospel.
Love to all,
SEL
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What a week!
This past week has just been crazy. So many things coming out, I'm on overload here! I couldn't even begin to address all of it, or this would be an encyclopedia.
The US elections took a turn for the worse (which is saying something at this point!) as name-calling and personal attack became the new campaign strategy for Obama and company. Not to mention his worshippers among the media.
There have been so many personal attacks on both McCain and Palin that I can't keep up with them all! It seems like nothing is off limits, and yet Obama had a fit when people said something about his wife! Granted, he did tell the lamestream media to back off of Palin and her family, but it made no impact. And he has not reiterated his disapproval as far as I'm aware.
McCain's age, wartime captivity, and lack of computer experience are fodder for the media. So are Palin's pregnant, unwed daughter; her fundamental religious faith; her lipstick--still trying to grasp that one! The pig comment was totally uncalled for, regardless of intent.
But what's good for the boar isn't good for the sow, is that we're looking at? Unbelievable that someone running for president could stoop to such comparisons.
Texas and Louisiana were lashed at by Hurricane Ike, which hit Galveston head-on early Saturday, leaving devastation in its wake. Power outages, flooding, billions in property damage. Millions had fled the Gulf coastline and now face uncertainty as they head back.
If things get any worse between the US and Pakistan, we'll be at war there next. In a way, we already are. There have been numerous attacks inside Pakistan by US and NATO forces over the past few months, which has infuriated Pakistan. They have forbidden foreign troops on their soil, and have vowed to retaliate if the cross-border missions from Afghanistan do not cease. In fact, Pakistan closed off supply routes for NATO troops in response to the most recent NATO missile strikes inside their borders. This has a very devastating impact: NATO now must rely on Russian land routes to supply its forces!
Do you think Russia is going to be very cooperative given recent developments?
Russia is repeating its threats all around.
-- to Ukraine over its intent to join NATO and the EU, its support of Georgia, its attempts to block Russia from its ports in Crimea
--to Poland and the Czech Republic over the US missile shield deal
--to the EU over its expansion into Russia's "sphere of influence"
--to the US, for just about everything!
Russia has sent bombers (minus bombs, according to them) to Venezeula, and will participate with them in naval wargames. I read that wargames were also planned with Argentina, but I have not been able to confirm this. Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and Bolivia's President Evo Morales expelled the US ambassadors to their countries, and recalled their own from the US. This is not a good sign. Both nations would be happy to help Russia launch an attack on the US.
Russia also has made a show of its forces leaving Georgia, but they really aren't going anywhere. Now that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are firmly in Russia's grasp, there's no way Russia is leaving! Russia has turned away the UN, the OSCE, and CARE from entering the region. Doesn't that say it all? The EU wants to send monitor troops in there as well, but Russia also refuses that! The latest talks between the EU and Russia ended on that sour note. And no new talks are scheduled!
Meanwhile, old separatist movements in Russia are gaining new life. In particular, the oil-rich Islamic region of Tatarstan, and a long-simmering rebellion in the North Caucasus regions like Chechnya. Last week, there were rumors that the US would recognize the independence of many of these regions, in retaliation for Russia's recognition of the breakaway Georgian regions. Russia throws into the mix the fact that the US recognized Kosovo when it declared independence from Serbia early this year. This is a big can of worms that's been opened. A lot of these areas are home to Islamic extremists, and all want independence.
Al Qaeda put forth new terror tapes recently. One threatens Denmark, once again, over the printing of cartoons about Mohammed. The second one, surprisingly accuses Iran (of all places) of being a "crusader" ally and working with the US! There were rumors of a new 9/11 attack on the US, which thankfully turned out to be just rumor. And there are lots of reports circulating that young Caucasian men from the US, Australia, Canada and Europe are being converted to Islam, recruited and being trained as terrorists in places like Pakistan, so that they will "blend in" with Western society. Then they can unleash devastating attacks with virtually no suspicion, predicated on the fact that most people see only Arabs as terrorists.
A strike by Israel on Iran is in the news again. The US has basically left Israel alone in this, according to most reports, though it will sell "bunker-buster" bombs to Israel. Previously this had been ruled out. It was also revealed that Croatia sold Russian S300 air defense missile systems to Iran. So both countries are ready for war. It's just a matter of when.
The biggest news is really BIG! Israel's Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas have finally reached a 12-point agreement, that could be signed before the end of 2008, or sooner! This is nothing to sneeze at, given the circumstances and timing. There is a UN General Assembly meeting on September 23rd, which will be attended by Israeli President Peres, not Olmert. Peres, as president, has the power to sign treaties, etc. The Quartet of the US, EU, UN, and Russia will meet on the sidelines of this General Assembly meeting to discuss the peace process.
All the major players involved -- Bush, Rice, Abbas, Olmert, even Jordan's King Abdullah, among others -- have stressed that an agreement must be made this year! The US has said it will "guarantee" the creation of a Palestinian state. Olmert is due to be replaced soon in a primary vote, but he will technically be in power for a while until the shift is complete. So he can continue to give Israel away. He also wanted an agreement before he leaves office! And Olmert has said the idea of a 'Greater Israel' is done. Israel must give up land, move people from the West Bank to the Negev, and allow some Palestinian refugees to return. What did the Palestinians give up? NOTHING!
Maybe they will announce an agreement and "confirm" it in the next few weeks, say around Rosh Hashanah (the 30th) and Yom Kippur (October 9th). There's also a little UN-sponsored holiday called The International Day of Peace on September 21st! There's just way too much going on here to be coincidence!
Add in Mark Biltz's blood moons/solar eclipses theory, and it's just overload time prophecy-wise. Something big is in the works for the next couple weeks!
Maybe we're going to go Home soon. Can't say for sure that this is how things are going to play out, but it looks like a big possibility!
The US elections took a turn for the worse (which is saying something at this point!) as name-calling and personal attack became the new campaign strategy for Obama and company. Not to mention his worshippers among the media.
There have been so many personal attacks on both McCain and Palin that I can't keep up with them all! It seems like nothing is off limits, and yet Obama had a fit when people said something about his wife! Granted, he did tell the lamestream media to back off of Palin and her family, but it made no impact. And he has not reiterated his disapproval as far as I'm aware.
McCain's age, wartime captivity, and lack of computer experience are fodder for the media. So are Palin's pregnant, unwed daughter; her fundamental religious faith; her lipstick--still trying to grasp that one! The pig comment was totally uncalled for, regardless of intent.
But what's good for the boar isn't good for the sow, is that we're looking at? Unbelievable that someone running for president could stoop to such comparisons.
Texas and Louisiana were lashed at by Hurricane Ike, which hit Galveston head-on early Saturday, leaving devastation in its wake. Power outages, flooding, billions in property damage. Millions had fled the Gulf coastline and now face uncertainty as they head back.
If things get any worse between the US and Pakistan, we'll be at war there next. In a way, we already are. There have been numerous attacks inside Pakistan by US and NATO forces over the past few months, which has infuriated Pakistan. They have forbidden foreign troops on their soil, and have vowed to retaliate if the cross-border missions from Afghanistan do not cease. In fact, Pakistan closed off supply routes for NATO troops in response to the most recent NATO missile strikes inside their borders. This has a very devastating impact: NATO now must rely on Russian land routes to supply its forces!
Do you think Russia is going to be very cooperative given recent developments?
Russia is repeating its threats all around.
-- to Ukraine over its intent to join NATO and the EU, its support of Georgia, its attempts to block Russia from its ports in Crimea
--to Poland and the Czech Republic over the US missile shield deal
--to the EU over its expansion into Russia's "sphere of influence"
--to the US, for just about everything!
Russia has sent bombers (minus bombs, according to them) to Venezeula, and will participate with them in naval wargames. I read that wargames were also planned with Argentina, but I have not been able to confirm this. Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and Bolivia's President Evo Morales expelled the US ambassadors to their countries, and recalled their own from the US. This is not a good sign. Both nations would be happy to help Russia launch an attack on the US.
Russia also has made a show of its forces leaving Georgia, but they really aren't going anywhere. Now that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are firmly in Russia's grasp, there's no way Russia is leaving! Russia has turned away the UN, the OSCE, and CARE from entering the region. Doesn't that say it all? The EU wants to send monitor troops in there as well, but Russia also refuses that! The latest talks between the EU and Russia ended on that sour note. And no new talks are scheduled!
Meanwhile, old separatist movements in Russia are gaining new life. In particular, the oil-rich Islamic region of Tatarstan, and a long-simmering rebellion in the North Caucasus regions like Chechnya. Last week, there were rumors that the US would recognize the independence of many of these regions, in retaliation for Russia's recognition of the breakaway Georgian regions. Russia throws into the mix the fact that the US recognized Kosovo when it declared independence from Serbia early this year. This is a big can of worms that's been opened. A lot of these areas are home to Islamic extremists, and all want independence.
Al Qaeda put forth new terror tapes recently. One threatens Denmark, once again, over the printing of cartoons about Mohammed. The second one, surprisingly accuses Iran (of all places) of being a "crusader" ally and working with the US! There were rumors of a new 9/11 attack on the US, which thankfully turned out to be just rumor. And there are lots of reports circulating that young Caucasian men from the US, Australia, Canada and Europe are being converted to Islam, recruited and being trained as terrorists in places like Pakistan, so that they will "blend in" with Western society. Then they can unleash devastating attacks with virtually no suspicion, predicated on the fact that most people see only Arabs as terrorists.
A strike by Israel on Iran is in the news again. The US has basically left Israel alone in this, according to most reports, though it will sell "bunker-buster" bombs to Israel. Previously this had been ruled out. It was also revealed that Croatia sold Russian S300 air defense missile systems to Iran. So both countries are ready for war. It's just a matter of when.
The biggest news is really BIG! Israel's Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas have finally reached a 12-point agreement, that could be signed before the end of 2008, or sooner! This is nothing to sneeze at, given the circumstances and timing. There is a UN General Assembly meeting on September 23rd, which will be attended by Israeli President Peres, not Olmert. Peres, as president, has the power to sign treaties, etc. The Quartet of the US, EU, UN, and Russia will meet on the sidelines of this General Assembly meeting to discuss the peace process.
All the major players involved -- Bush, Rice, Abbas, Olmert, even Jordan's King Abdullah, among others -- have stressed that an agreement must be made this year! The US has said it will "guarantee" the creation of a Palestinian state. Olmert is due to be replaced soon in a primary vote, but he will technically be in power for a while until the shift is complete. So he can continue to give Israel away. He also wanted an agreement before he leaves office! And Olmert has said the idea of a 'Greater Israel' is done. Israel must give up land, move people from the West Bank to the Negev, and allow some Palestinian refugees to return. What did the Palestinians give up? NOTHING!
Maybe they will announce an agreement and "confirm" it in the next few weeks, say around Rosh Hashanah (the 30th) and Yom Kippur (October 9th). There's also a little UN-sponsored holiday called The International Day of Peace on September 21st! There's just way too much going on here to be coincidence!
Add in Mark Biltz's blood moons/solar eclipses theory, and it's just overload time prophecy-wise. Something big is in the works for the next couple weeks!
Maybe we're going to go Home soon. Can't say for sure that this is how things are going to play out, but it looks like a big possibility!
Monday, September 8, 2008
"Looking for that blessed hope"
You know, sometimes so much happens in a week's time that it's difficult to know just exactly where to begin with these weekly wrap-ups! This week was no exception.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Benazir Bhutto, was elected President of Pakistan, replacing Pervez Musharraf. Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, was the target of an attempted assassination. He was fortunately not in the area of the attack at the time. The mood in Pakistan is extremely tense. A recent ground action by US troops inside Pakistan's borders has the nation up in arms and railing against the West. And now they have cut off supply lines to NATO troops in Afghanistan in retaliation, leaving the US, which just gave them $365 million dollars, dependent on Russia to supply NATO's troops.
Russia is not going to be cooperative, either, given the recent standoff over the Georgia war. Russia has not left Georgian territory yet, such as the city of Poti. They claim they are there as peacekeepers, but reports are that they are terrorizing the public. They also have not left the third separatist area of Georgia, Adjara! And they have turned away humanitarian aid from CARE and even a UN convoy! Does that say it all or what?
Former Soviet states of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) -- namely Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- gave their support to Russia, condemning Georgia. Venezuela is leading the pack in Latin America, having invited the Russian navy to participate in war games in the Caribbean! Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has already befriended Iran and Hezbollah, and also visited South Africa this week to make nice. He's off to China next. Cuba and Nicaragua have also thrown their support behind Russia. This really heats things up for the US! The Caribbean is a perfect place for an attack to be launched on us.
US Vice-President Dick Cheney made rounds this week to former Soviet republics Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ukraine. He assured them all that the US is backing them up, and was particularly vocal in asserting that Georgia and Ukraine would join NATO. Ukraine this week saw its government nearly crumble. President Viktor Yushchenko accused his own Prime Minister, and former rival, Yulia Tymoshenko of siding with Russia against her own country. Cheney urged them to mend their fractured coalition government and join the West.
There were also reports that the US would try to use Russia's support of the breakaway Georgian regions aginst them. Since Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the US would then recognize Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, and several other "autonomous" regions under Russian control. Many of thesde regions are home to fundamental Islamic rebels who have fought Russia for independence for decades.
As the European Union, and even NATO, were split over how to approach the entire situation, member countries like Estonia (a former Russian "republic" itself) tried to warn them that Russia is capable of much worse. Russia meanwhile gathered its allies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for antiterrorist exercises just north of the Caucasus (where Georgia is). The members are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan have observer status. Sides have been taken.
Iran also is holding wargames, despite the fact that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just began. Israel's President Shimon Peres went on record this week, stating that he opposed a strike on Iran over its refusal to end its nuclear program. He says diplomacy is the best way to handle the problem. But the Israeli army seems to be preparing for war anyway.
The peace process has again come to the forefront, both with Syria and the Palestinians. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been all over the Middle East lately, this week in the North African Maghreb countries. She recently encouraged Israel to divide Jerusalem, at the behest of the US government.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy went to Syria, meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Syria has effectively ended its international isolation.
Lots of high-ranking Israeli, Arab, US, and EU officials gathered in Rome this week for the Ambrosetti Forum, a hush-hush meeting like Davos. Big names only. The reason? The Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Israel's relations with the Arab world. Rumors are that Jerusalem is already divided and that Judea and Samaria are on the table. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both still saying they want an agreement before year's end, and Olmert has only days left in office.
Is it possible that they are all getting ready to present a document? A "covenant with many"? (Daniel 9:27)
A 1925 guidebook to the Temple Mount shows that the area was indeed considered Jewish by the Supreme Moslem Council (Waqf), just as Hamas asked Egypt to invade Jerusalem and secure it for Muslims! Rather than send troops to Gaza to secure order there!
In Iraq, the US handed over the province of Anbar to the Iraqis, and there are reports of troop pullouts by July 2009. These troops may be tranferred to Afghanistan, however, as things are getting progressively worse there. Iraq is also looking into allegations that the US government has had senior members of the Iraqi government under surveillance, thanks to a new book by US journalist Bob Woodward.
All this really wears me down sometimes. This world just seems to be spinning out of control.
Titus 2
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Benazir Bhutto, was elected President of Pakistan, replacing Pervez Musharraf. Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, was the target of an attempted assassination. He was fortunately not in the area of the attack at the time. The mood in Pakistan is extremely tense. A recent ground action by US troops inside Pakistan's borders has the nation up in arms and railing against the West. And now they have cut off supply lines to NATO troops in Afghanistan in retaliation, leaving the US, which just gave them $365 million dollars, dependent on Russia to supply NATO's troops.
Russia is not going to be cooperative, either, given the recent standoff over the Georgia war. Russia has not left Georgian territory yet, such as the city of Poti. They claim they are there as peacekeepers, but reports are that they are terrorizing the public. They also have not left the third separatist area of Georgia, Adjara! And they have turned away humanitarian aid from CARE and even a UN convoy! Does that say it all or what?
Former Soviet states of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) -- namely Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- gave their support to Russia, condemning Georgia. Venezuela is leading the pack in Latin America, having invited the Russian navy to participate in war games in the Caribbean! Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has already befriended Iran and Hezbollah, and also visited South Africa this week to make nice. He's off to China next. Cuba and Nicaragua have also thrown their support behind Russia. This really heats things up for the US! The Caribbean is a perfect place for an attack to be launched on us.
US Vice-President Dick Cheney made rounds this week to former Soviet republics Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ukraine. He assured them all that the US is backing them up, and was particularly vocal in asserting that Georgia and Ukraine would join NATO. Ukraine this week saw its government nearly crumble. President Viktor Yushchenko accused his own Prime Minister, and former rival, Yulia Tymoshenko of siding with Russia against her own country. Cheney urged them to mend their fractured coalition government and join the West.
There were also reports that the US would try to use Russia's support of the breakaway Georgian regions aginst them. Since Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the US would then recognize Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, and several other "autonomous" regions under Russian control. Many of thesde regions are home to fundamental Islamic rebels who have fought Russia for independence for decades.
As the European Union, and even NATO, were split over how to approach the entire situation, member countries like Estonia (a former Russian "republic" itself) tried to warn them that Russia is capable of much worse. Russia meanwhile gathered its allies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for antiterrorist exercises just north of the Caucasus (where Georgia is). The members are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan have observer status. Sides have been taken.
Iran also is holding wargames, despite the fact that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just began. Israel's President Shimon Peres went on record this week, stating that he opposed a strike on Iran over its refusal to end its nuclear program. He says diplomacy is the best way to handle the problem. But the Israeli army seems to be preparing for war anyway.
The peace process has again come to the forefront, both with Syria and the Palestinians. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been all over the Middle East lately, this week in the North African Maghreb countries. She recently encouraged Israel to divide Jerusalem, at the behest of the US government.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy went to Syria, meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Syria has effectively ended its international isolation.
Lots of high-ranking Israeli, Arab, US, and EU officials gathered in Rome this week for the Ambrosetti Forum, a hush-hush meeting like Davos. Big names only. The reason? The Israeli-Palestinian peace process and Israel's relations with the Arab world. Rumors are that Jerusalem is already divided and that Judea and Samaria are on the table. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both still saying they want an agreement before year's end, and Olmert has only days left in office.
Is it possible that they are all getting ready to present a document? A "covenant with many"? (Daniel 9:27)
A 1925 guidebook to the Temple Mount shows that the area was indeed considered Jewish by the Supreme Moslem Council (Waqf), just as Hamas asked Egypt to invade Jerusalem and secure it for Muslims! Rather than send troops to Gaza to secure order there!
In Iraq, the US handed over the province of Anbar to the Iraqis, and there are reports of troop pullouts by July 2009. These troops may be tranferred to Afghanistan, however, as things are getting progressively worse there. Iraq is also looking into allegations that the US government has had senior members of the Iraqi government under surveillance, thanks to a new book by US journalist Bob Woodward.
All this really wears me down sometimes. This world just seems to be spinning out of control.
Titus 2
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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