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"Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:
for the time is at hand." - Rev 22:10 

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Chris Perver

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Updated
01/01/07

Quote: ""If we do not see any progress on the political or economic track that convinces the Iranians to back down, one of the parties will use the military option," a senior Israeli source said in Washington last week. Dragging out the negotiations indefinitely is not an option. "Ahmadinejad speaks today like Hitler before taking power," Olmert said. "So you see, we are dealing with a psychopath of the worst kind — with an anti-Semite. God forbid that this man ever gets his hands on nuclear weapons, to carry out his threats."

Source WorldNetDaily

The state of Mexico is considering legislation that will legalize possession of hard drugs in small quantities, under the guise of aiming to prosecute the drug pusher rather than the addict. The legislation will cause a dramatic rise in people becoming addicted, with young people experimenting with drugs, which is now perceived as acceptable according to the law. 

Quote: "Police will not penalize people for possessing up to 5 grams of marijuana, 5 grams of opium, 25 milligrams of heroin or 500 milligrams of cocaine, under a bill passed by senators late on Thursday and earlier approved by the lower house. People caught with larger quantities of drugs will be treated as narcotics dealers and face increased jail terms under the plan.

The same thing happened in Britain, when the Labour government decided to lower the drug rating of cannabis from class B to class C, making it no longer a punishable offence for possession of small quantities. Many accused the government of sending out a mixed message on drugs. Britain has the worst drug culture in Europe, with around 40% of 15 year-olds in England have tried Cannabis, and almost 30% of teenagers having used illegal drugs. But then when even our politicians are taking the drugs, is it any surprise that they want to legalize them? A gram of Cannabis has been found at the house of former Northern Ireland secretary, John Reid.

Quote: "Strathclyde police said less than 1 gram (0.03 ounces) of cannabis resin, with a street value of 85 pence, had been found in Reid's home during a routine security search, but that no charges would be brought. 

The Bible says drug use will be prolific during the last days. The Greek word "pharmakeia", from which we get our word "pharmacy" from, is often translated as "sorcery" in the Bible but should be translated "drugs". The Word of God states that drug abuse is a serious sin...

Revelation 9:20-21 
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Revelation 21:8 
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Source Reuters, BBC, Reuters

Quote: "Member states also want to improve co-operation between the EU’s foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU external relations commissioner. Under the constitution the two posts would be merged. EU officials yesterday mapped out a possible timetable for reviving parts of the constitution, starting with a political declaration next year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the union’s founding Treaty of Rome. Formal talks on reviving the constitution might start after French elections in the summer of 2007, continuing into 2008 when the EU starts a review of its budget.

Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, had expressed hopes that the Constitution would be revived under Germany's presidency of the European Union. That is looking increasingly unlikely. Portugal follows after Germany, and then France begins it's presidency in 2008, so it may be another year before we have anything concrete. Meanwhile Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Union's Common, Foreign and Security Policy, continues to grow in power, regardless of the approval of the Constitution.

Source Financial Times, Euractiv

Quote: "France believes aid "must be maintained for humanitarian reasons, as well as for political reasons," Chirac said before going into the talks with Abbas. "And it will push for this continuance (of aid) within the international community and notably within the European Union." Abbas confirmed at a later news conference that the World Bank channel was among those discussed with Chirac to get aid to the Palestinian people. "If we do not reach a solution, it will be catastrophic," he said through a translator. "The situation is very grave, complex and sensitive."

There is no doubt aid does need to be continued to the Palestinian people. They are suffering terribly because of the situation created by their own leaders. But what is worse, withholding aid temporarily and causing a limited humanitarian suffering for the Palestinian people, or giving money to those who cause excruciating suffering for many Israelis and Palestinians alike through terrorism? Yes we would rather appease the terrorists (last time I checked Hamas were still regarded as a terrorist organization) and pander to Islamic opinion, than allow the Jews to live in peace.

Source Jerusalem Post 

Quote: "Though not mentioning the Jewish State by name, Sweden’s Defense Minister Leni Bjorklund said that her country was withdrawing its participating due to the fact that "the Swedish Armed Forces were notified at a late stage that a state not belonging to the Partnership for Peace, and with which Sweden did not previously have bilateral military cooperation and which does not take part in international peacekeeping missions, was to take part in the air exercise." A Swedish official told Israel Radio that Israel was not currently advancing peace and was therefore not fit to take part in the exercise. 

Sweden has also stated there is no specific ban on Visas for Hamas members. Although Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by the European Union, it seems no European nation is prepared to bar them from raising funds for terrorism on European soil. A Hamas delegation have been invited to visit Norway, France, Italy, Spain and Greece. President Abbas visited Norway just a few days ago, and received a pledge of $20 million for Palestinian humanitarian needs from the Norwegian Prime Minister.

Quote: "Hamas representatives Salah Mohammed el-Bardawil and Mohammed el-Rantisi have had to visit the consulate daily for two weeks and el-Bardawil told Aftenposten on Monday that he is the only one of the six not to have received a visa to the Schengen group.

Source Arutz 7, Aften Posten

Quote: "The government has been challenged on all fronts. The finance minister has warned of economic collapse within months while wages to 165,000 government workers are one month overdue. "Our options are a peace initiative that would fall short of direct recognition of Israel, cement ties with President Mahmoud Abbas to overcome world isolation, or go underground and end the truce with Israel," said a third Hamas official, who declined to be identified.

Western governments will no doubt be hailing this news as a victory for democracy, and decrying Israel for its use of force against Hamas. Unfortunately what they won't realize is that this false peace is just a precursor to a massive Russian/Muslim invasion of the Middle East just around the corner. If only they read Ezekiel 38-39, they would know exactly what is going to happen. Nevertheless the battle is the Lord's, and if the battle then also the victory.

Source Reuters

Quote: ""We promise to Allah ... to be servants of Islam and the Muslims and to give our loyalty and support to the elected legitimate government," the militants chanted in a field in Gaza City as Israeli drones flew over the area. The exercise was heavy on theatrics as gunmen from the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), a grouping of militants from various factions, took cover behind trees and jumped from moving vehicles as journalists invited to the event watched.

The only reason why Abbas is against the creation of this terror army is because it means he is loosing control over the Palestinian Authority. President Abbas refused to reign in terrorist groups such as Hamas, and instead actively recruited them into his Palestinian police force. Hamas' unrestrained power in the Gaza Strip is a direct result of Abbas' refusal to abide by the "roadmap to war". 

Source Reuters

Quote: "The BM-25 was originally manufactured in the Soviet Union, where it was known as the SSN6, a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Haaretz reported. After the Russians decommissioned the SSN6, the missiles were sold to North Korea, which adapted them to carry a heavier payload, the newspaper's military affairs correspondent said. In February, a German diplomat, citing his country's intelligence data, confirmed a German newspaper report that said Iran had purchased 18 disassembled BM-25s from North Korea.

During both Gulf Wars, Iraq responded with Scud missiles, which are highly inaccurate, but still caused extensive damage. Advanced Iranian technology means an attack on Iran will not go so smoothly. Russia is also pressing ahead with the sale of its missile defence system, claiming neutrality, but aiding Iran's defence against any future invasion.

Quote: "The Shahab-3, which means "Meteor" or "Shooting Star" in Farsi, was once described by Israel's Mossad spy agency as the greatest threat to the Jewish state's existence since its creation in 1948. First launched in 1988 during the now-defunct Star Wars strategy under former US president Ronald Reagan, the US-inspired Arrow programme was stepped up after Israel was hit by 39 Iraqi Scud missiles that left two people dead during the 1991 Gulf war.

Revelation 8:7 
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Source Reuters, Defence Talk

Quote: ""An international conference should be summoned immediately, in which direct negotiations take place, on the basis of international United Nations resolutions and signed agreements," Abbas said in a speech. He proposed that the summit be moderated by an international body like the Quartet which would broker any agreement and be the arbitrator were disputes to arise. "It is important for me to clarify that the Palestinian legislative elections, which brought Hamas to power, [are] not an obstacle in the way of negotiations," he said..    

President Abbas previously stated he was working towards a peace agreement with Israel within 6 months, but with Hamas calling for Israel's destruction, it's hard to see what will happen. The Bible states that Iran and Russia will come against Israel when the Jews are at rest (note: not "peace", but a false sense of security, "having no bars or gates" - Ezekiel 38:11). Clearly Israel does not enjoy that rest yet. But with Olmert's disengagement plan proceeding this year, and with financial pressure on Hamas to comply, it may be possible that Hamas will eventually agree to some sort of truce, with the intention of arming for Israel's final destruction. The Iranian crisis may shatter the rest later this year, resulting in the invasion of Gog. Perhaps this invasion, followed by the defeat of Gog and his Muslim allies, will give occasion for the Antichrist as the head of Europe, to step in as the "man of peace" and broker a peace agreement between Israel and the Muslims.

Source Jerusalem Post

Quote: "Addressing workers in Tehran on International Labourers' Day, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would not heed US "threats and intimidation". "The Iranian nation and its officials are peace-seekers and the Islamic republic would not invade anybody," he added.

The Ayatollah must have an extremely short memory, or perhaps his comments about not intending to invade anybody didn't include the times when President Ahmadinejad has called on Israel to be "wiped off the map". US intelligence believes Iran could respond to any strike on its nuclear facilities through worldwide terrorist attacks on Western and Israeli targets. In any case, in the light of Scripture we already know what Iran's real intentions are, and the voice of the prophets echoes down through history as a warning to our generation. 

Ezekiel 38:17 
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?

Source BBC, American Conservative Magazine

Quote: "Founded in 2001 from a looser association set up in 1996, the group is seen by some -- in Moscow at least -- as a balance to U.S. influence in the region, though Russia's defence minister on Wednesday stressed it was not a military or political bloc. "Using arms to face terrorists is not aimed at any third country. It is to maintain regional peace and stability," Sergei Ivanov told a news conference. "The SCO is not a military alliance. But, according to its charter, it has the right to use arms to react to any challenge, like terrorism."

UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw still believes he can talk communist China around into behaving like a democratic country. Perhaps talking is all he can do. For the Bible states that during the tribulation period, China and Russia, coupled with their Islamic neighbours, will both play a big part in the battles of Armageddon.

Revelation 9:16-17
And the number of the army of the horsemen [were] two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Source Reuters, India Daily

Quote: "Shimon Eckhaus, from the ImageSat International firm which helped manufacture the satellite, told the Reuters news agency: "Everything has gone completely to plan." He told the agency the satellite's camera could spot objects on the ground that were 70cm (2ft) across in length, or were at least that distance apart. "The satellite covers every square kilometre worldwide, including Iran," Mr Eckhaus said.

The satellite launch came on the day Jews from around the world marked the anniversary of the Holocaust, in their walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau concentration camps. 

Quote: "Rabbi Lau, himself a Holocaust survivor, compared Hitler with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadenijad, who has repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction. “When Hitler wrote his book, "Mein Kampf," about his intention to destroy the Jews people laughed. Ten years later when he became the head of the [German] Reich, he repeated his intentions and the racist Nuremberg laws were not hidden. The world said ‘this is not possible. The world - no one - will let this happen.’ Today there are people who deny the Holocaust. We must take the Iranian president’s words very seriously and pay attention to them, and to Bin Laden’s as well.”

Sadly the events that occurred during the Holocaust will be repeated, only the suffering the Jewish nation will endure during the tribulation period will be much worse than anything they have ever experienced.

Daniel 12:1 
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Matthew 24:20-21
But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Source BBC, Arutz 7

The Ukraine is marking the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Twenty years ago the world's worst nuclear accident occurred in what was then the old Soviet Union, during an ill-fated experiment to see whether the reactor could run on low power. The test failed and the reactor exploded, spewing deadly radiation across the Ukraine and Europe. As one news agency described it, it is a "living disaster" that still affects the lives of over 1.5 million people today. It takes hundreds of thousands of years for the Uranium isotope to decay, a permanent tumour that will remain on earth unless God intervenes. 

Quote: "The explosion at Chernobyl's reactor No 4 spewed radiation across northern Ukraine, western Russia, Belarus and much of northern Europe over a 10-day period. Death tolls connected to the explosion, which released about 400 times more radiation than the US atom bomb dropped over Hiroshima, remain hotly debated, though at least 31 people died as a direct result of trying to contain the fire. Thousands have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and the UN health agency said that about 9,300 people are likely to die of cancers caused by radiation.

A woman in my work says she remembers the incident well. Her father used to breed chickens in his back yard, and the year the accident occurred none of his baby chickens hatched, or were badly deformed. And that is in Northern Ireland, at the furthest point in Europe from the disaster area. This anniversary comes at a poignant time, reminding us of the horrors of nuclear war, and as a warning to to the world of the consequences of letting renegade states like Iran achieve nuclear capability. 

Many people in Russia fear the name Chernobyl, for it is the Ukrainian word for "wormwood", and that name has particular significance in end times prophecy. The sarcophagus that encases the nuclear plant is disintegrating, and there have been fears that the 1000 tonne concrete and steel lid of the reactor would fall into the reactor and cause more radiation to leak from Chernobyl's tomb. 

Quote: "Most striking is the testimony of Hans Blix, Executive Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in a speech given before the UN General Assembly on October 23, 1990. To this great body he quoted Revelation 8:10-11 and said, "In Slavic languages, including the Ukrainian and Byelorussian languages, there is a word ëchernobyl', which means wormwood, bitter grass. This has a striking relevance to the Chernobyl tragedy. I am no fatalist. I do not believe in the blind inevitability of fate, but who can fail to be moved by these tragic and elegiac words from Revelation, which must leave their indelible imprint on the heart."

Revelation 8:10-11
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Is it possible the sarcophagus will disintegrate, causing another natural catastrophe during the tribulation period, perhaps much worse than the original disaster? The nuclear reactor at Chernobyl is in fact a "star" as described in Revelation, as it performs the same function as a star's nuclear core. "Falling from heaven" reminds us of the radioactive fallout that engulfed most of Europe. The "burning as a lamp" reminds us of the glow of the radioactive isotopes that was witnessed after the initial explosion. If we had a further disaster at Chernobyl the immediate consequences could be the contamination of up to a third of the water supplies of the European Union.

Source People's Daily Online, End Time

The State of Wisconsin is attempting to pass legislation which will prohibit the forced implantation of identification microchips in people. Marlin Schneider has proposed the bill, which will be considered by the State Senate today. If passed, Wisconsin will become the first state in the Union to ban mandatory implants, although the legislation will allow for sex offenders to eventually be tracked by RFID implants. 

Quote: "Schneider aides say the legislator wants the law in place before companies and governments could use them to keep track of their employees. "I don't think most people had thought about this as an issue, but it's scary. It's reality now," said Michael Schoenfield, an aide to Schneider. "Companies can or will be ordering their employees to have chips implanted. We want to stop that before it begins." VeriChip Corp. of Delray Beach, Fla., is the only company with federal approval to implant such chips in people. The company so far has implanted 2,500 people worldwide with chips the size of a grain of rice under the skin of their upper arms, said spokesman John O. Procter.

Although we don't believe that implantable RFID chips are the "Mark of the Beast", at least at the present, the Bible tells us that the world security situation will grow so dire that eventually the Antichrist will propose mandatory tagging of every individual on earth during the tribulation period. The fact that politicians are passing laws now to try and prevent this from happening shows us how close we are to the fulfilment of these Scriptures.

Revelation 13:16-17
And he (Antichrist) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Source Duluth News Tribune

Quote: ""Some 60 years has passed since the end of World War II, why should the people of Germany and Palestine pay now for a war in which the current generation was not involved," Ahmadinejad told a press conference. "We say that this fake regime (Israel) cannot not logically continue to live," he said.

Meanwhile, just a few days ago dozens of Iranian protestors from the Islamic Thinkers Society lined the streets of Manhattan just outside the Israel embassy, chanting various anti-Israel slogans, claiming Jews were going to suffer in a new holocaust, and that Iran would destroy the nation with nuclear weapon...

Quote: "Israeli Zionists, What do you say? How many women have you raped today? Israeli Zionists, What do you say? How many children have you killed today? Zionists, Zionists You will pay! The Wrath of Allah is on its way! Israeli Zionists You shall pay! The Wrath of Allah is on its way! The mushroom cloud is on its way! The real Holocaust is on its way!

And again, as I said this morning, if Iran acquires nuclear technology - and up until now there has been no international consensus about what to do with that reality, President Ahmadinejad will ensure every Muslim state that opposes Israel and the West will benefit from Iran's newly found capability. The President has stated he intends to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Quote: "Ahmadinejad said that Iran would reconsider its compliance with NPT and membership of the International Atomic Energy Agency if they continued to be of no benefit to the country. "What has more than 30 years of membership in the agency given us?" he asked. "Working in the framework of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and the agency is our concrete policy," he added. "(But) if we see that they are violating our rights, or they don't want to accept (our rights), well, we will reconsider."

All this news, although tiring because we seem to hear that much of it, only goes to show how close we are to the events spoken of in Revelation. We do not have the luxury of ignoring what is happening in the Middle East. The world is on a countdown to Armageddon, and there is no turning back.

Isaiah 47:13-14
Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

Source Jerusalem Post, Counterterrorism Blog, Jerusalem Post

Quote: "According to the Foreign Ministry, there were an estimated 5,000 Israelis in Sinai, and another 1,000 Jewish tourists. The bombs were apparently placed on a bridge, in the El-Khalheeg Hotel cafeteria and near a police station prior to the explosions. Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert telephoned Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, expressing his support. Olmert told Mubarak that Israel and Egypt needed to cooperate in the fight against international terror.

It looks like Egypt has become an easy target for Al-Qaida, and with reports of the terrorist network entering the Gaza Strip, unless Israel steps up security this unfortunate event may be repeated there too.

Source Jerusalem Post

Quote: "A substantial chapter addresses the nuclear threat to Israel. Iran is capable of kindling the entire Middle East and constitutes an existential threat to Israel. The committee finds that if Iran gets nuclear arms, other Muslim, Middle Eastern countries will try to follow suit. The report comments on a proposed Israeli response to Iranian nuclear testing. The committee recommends that Israel maintain its policy of "nuclear ambiguity."

Israel isn't the only Middle East nation with concerns about a nuclear arms race. Saudi Arabia, which also feels threatened by Iran, is making efforts to acquire the technology from Pakistan. And no doubt Syria would also benefit from Iran's newfound nuclear capability, for President Ahmadinejad believes that all Muslims have a right to possess this technology.

Quote: "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared here Sunday that Iran was ready to share its experiences and technology with poor peoples of the world which it had always supported. The president's remarks were made at a meeting with Madagascar's Parliament Speaker Rakotomaharo Rajemison on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on Qods (Jerusalem) and Support for the Rights of the Palestinian People which wrapped up its work here Sunday evening.

Source Haaretz, Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran

It seems "Mystery Babylon" will remain a mystery if the US has its way. US officials are keeping quiet regarding the huge structure that rising on the Tigris river. The US has allocated 104 acres of the green zone in Iraq to build its new embassy, that's six times the size of the UN headquarters in New York. The site will staff over 5000 people and be totally self-contained, with its own water and electricity supplies and sewer system. But so far the US government has refused to disclose details of the project or who is involved in it. 

Quote: ""Embassy Baghdad" will dwarf new U.S. embassies elsewhere, projects that typically cover 10 acres. The embassy's 104-acre parcel is six times larger than the United Nations' compound in New York, and two-thirds the acreage of the Mall in Washington. Original cost estimates were more than $1 billion, but Congress appropriated only $592 million in the emergency Iraq budget adopted last year. Most has gone to a Kuwaiti builder, First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting, with the rest awarded to six contractors working on the project's "classified" portion -- the embassy offices.

As I said a few weeks ago, after the fall of Saddam, Iraq has become the focus of world attention. The United Nations is pouring millions of dollars into rebuilding Iraq and specifically Babylon as a centre for tourism, and with the US ensuring a high profile presence in the country even after troop withdrawals, the way is being paved for Babylon's rise, and subsequent destruction during the tribulation period.

Revelation 14:8 
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Source Washington Times

Quote: "The speaker on the tape said that along with their governments, the people of the West bear responsibility for what he called a "Zionist-crusader war against Islam". "The war is a responsibility shared between the people and the governments. The war goes on and the people are renewing their allegiance to its rulers and masters," he said. "They send their sons to armies to fight us and they continue their financial and moral support while our countries are burned and our houses are bombed and our people are killed."

It's unfortunate Western leaders still don't recognize what this war is about. They still believe groups like Hamas can be appeased with "land for peace", and that the "war on terror" can be won. European leaders are even trying to ditch the phrase "Islamic terror", by finding ways to disassociate the attacks from the "peaceful" religion of Islam. But this war is not about land - it never was, nor is it being carried out by fringe groups. It's a spiritual war that began around 6000 years ago, between the "seed" and the "serpent", and there are "principalities and powers" working behind the scenes. Until the world realizes that (and I'm not sure they will), there will be no solution to this conflict. Indeed the world will come up with a solution. They will be persuaded that the only way to end the fighting is to destroy the Jew, and God won't let that happen.

Ephesians 6:12 
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Source BBC

Quote: ""I will continue to hold the rifle and will pull the trigger whenever required to defend my people," Mr Samhadana told Reuters news agency. On hearing of his appointment, he commented: "Factions and security services should unite in one trench against the daily Israeli aggression against our people."

This is the second time Abbas has come into conflict with Hamas over security. A few weeks ago, the President attempted to wrestle control of the borders from Hamas. He later handed border control back to the PA, and stated if the Israelis or EU monitors closed the border it wasn't his fault. 

Source BBC

Luke 15:10 
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Source My friend Angela

Quote: "Davies said: “We should be honest. These are the racist policies of apartheid yet Israel continues to pose as a victim. “I visited Auschwitz last year, and it is very difficult to understand why those whose history is one of such terrible oppression appear not to care that they have themselves become oppressors.”

The MEP (Member of European Parliament) was on a cross-party trip to the Middle East, and made the comments just a day after a Palestinian suicide bomber who killed nine Israelis was justified by the Hamas terror government. A group of MEPs are seeking a meeting with High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, to urge the EU to open dialogue with Hamas. Chris Davis met with Palestinian Legislative Council speaker Aziz Duack on his trip to the Middle East, despite the UN Security Council statement that there would be no negotiation until Hamas recognizes Israel. He adopts the misguided view that Hamas negotiation on the pre Six Day War borders implies recognition of the State of Israel.

Quote: "Negotiation on the basis of 1967 borders implies recognition of the State of Israel," he said, "while the 'ceasefire' that Hamas has maintained deserves acknowledgement. Diplomacy may bridge the gaps." Mr Davies condemned the latest suicide bombing in Tel Aviv as "morally wrong and politically self-defeating". He said that the taking of innocent life by Palestinians or Israelis could not be justified. "The Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Aziz Duack, asked me last week what I would do if I were in his shoes. I told him I would read the works of Gandhi. Violence will never bring Israel to the negotiating table."

There is no doubt the leadership of Britain now adopts the same stance towards the Jews as it did after the Second World War. Britain lost its empire after that war, I believe as a result of its treatment of Israel. If Britain continues to take sides against Israel, and divide God's land, this nation is heading for judgement. For whoever touches Israel touches the apple of God's eye. 

Source Totally Jewish, Chris Davies MEP

Quote: "The petition, obtained by WND, states, "We the preachers of the mosques and representatives of major families in Qalqiliya ask you to close the offices of the YMCA because the population of Qalqiliya doesn't need such offices, especially since there are not many Christians in our city." It warned, "The act of these institutions of the YMCA, including attempting to convert Muslims in our city, will bring violence and tension." Already this past weekend several Molotov cocktails were thrown at Qalqiliya's YMCA. Local political sources said the attacks followed Friday sermons in dozens of Qalqiliya mosques in which preachers called upon the community to revolt against the YMCA.

After Hamas was elected to the Palestinian Authority, they expressed their desire to implement Sharia law if that was the will of the people. In fact the Hamas charter states there is no alternative for Muslims but to be governed by Sharia. As a result the Gaza Strip and West Bank will eventually become no-go areas for Christians and Jews, and those who are still living in the region will face extreme hardship. It was Sharia law that condemned the Afghani convert Abdul to the death sentence.

Quote: "This is the law governing the land of Palestine in the Islamic Sharia (law) and the same goes for any land the Moslems have conquered by force, because during the times of (Islamic) conquests, the Moslems consecrated these lands to Moslem generations till the Day of Judgement...
There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavours. The Palestinian people know better than to consent to having their future, rights and fate toyed with.

Source WorldNetDaily, Hamas Charter

Hot on the heels of the Da Vinci code, James Tabor is releasing a new book called the "Jesus Dynasty", claiming Jesus was no more than a religious Rabbi who was made into a God by the apostle Paul... 

Quote: "John and Jesus preached adherence to the Torah, or the Jewish Law. But their mission was changed dramatically when John was arrested and then killed. After a period of uncertainty, Jesus began preaching anew in Galilee and challenged the Roman authorities and their Jewish collaborators in Jerusalem. He appointed a Council of Twelve to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel, among whom he included his four brothers. After he was crucified by the Romans, his brother James – the “Beloved Disciple” – took over leadership of the Jesus Dynasty.

Many of you may not know James D Tabor. It seems James Tabor would rather you did not know him either... 

Quote: Tabor - "What I tell my students is that my personal faith is irrelevant to our course of study, and I would say the same thing to readers of my new the book, The Jesus Dynasty. This is not because I want to "hide my beliefs" but because as an historian I want my work to be as objective as possible and use the methods common in the field among qualified scholars whose personal beliefs range from secular to membership in some religious group and everything in-between.

Why does Mr Tabor not want you to know his background? He claims, according to his website, it is because your knowledge of his background may affect your view of his new scholarly work on the life of Jesus. In reality Mr Tabor has a lot to hide. He is one of the founder members of the Noahide group, a Jewish sect that believes all Gentiles are bound by the seven commandments God gave to Noah. 

Quote: "His associate James Tabor, a Professor at the University of North Carolina and editor of the Original Bible Project, is also a former employee of Ambassador College and the Worldwide Church of God. Ernest Martin also was a supporter of that project, and Tabor, an Ebionite and leadership in the B'nai Noah movement, rejects the divinity of Christ and believes the New Testament to be merely a commentary of the Old Testament. He is a member and leadership in the United Israel World Union of New York (UIWU), founded in 1943 by David Horowitz who has maintained an office at the United Nations headquarters in New York, and United Israel of Jerusalem (UIJ), founded by Tabor. According to Tabor UIWU is to give "Mosaic Law for One World." Part of that vision is the Union of the twelve tribes, including the 'lost tribes'. The purpose of UIJ is to publish both biblical research and historical material dealing with the identity of the so-called "lost tribes"

This new Jewish Noahide religion, of which James Tabor is a proponent, rejects anything to do with the Trinity. Every Christian, by stating their belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, is automatically breaking Noahide law number 2 which prohibits blasphemy. That is why James D Tabor desperately wants to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ. And if you don't think these laws are serious, they are punishable by death...

Quote: "The penalty for violating any of these Noahide Laws is spelled out on page 1192 of the Encyclopedia Judaica, "... violation of any one of the seven laws subjects the Noahide to capital punishment by decapitation."  

Still don't think we have cause to worry? The seven Noahide laws have already been enshrined in American Public Law 102-14 by George W Bush.

Quote: "The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Noahide Laws in legislation which was passed by both houses. Congress and the President of the United States, George Bush, indicated in Public Law 102-14, 102nd Congress, that the United States of America was founded upon the Seven Universal Laws of Noah, and that these Laws have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization.

And don't think that those who are promoting Noahide will be sympathetic with Christians. The following quotation comes straight from the Jewish Talmud, and reveals just what these Noahide proponents think about the Lord Jesus. Those claiming Jesus Christ is the Son of God will be committing the ultimate offence... 

Quote: "Kallah 51a."The elders were once sitting in the gate when two young lads passed by; one covered his head and the other uncovered his head (Jesus Christ). Of him who uncovered his head Rabbi Eliezer remarked that he is a bastard. Rabbi Joshua remarked that he is the son of a niddah (a child conceived during a woman's menstrual period). Rabbi Akiba said that he is both a bastard and a son of a niddah. "They said, 'What induced you to contradict the opinion of your colleagues?' He replied, "I will prove it concerning him." He went to the lad's mother and found her sitting in the market selling beans. "He said to her, 'My daughter, if you will answer the question I will put to you, I will bring you to the world to come.' (eternal life). She said to him, 'Swear it to me.' "Rabbi Akiba, taking the oath with his lips but annulling it in his heart, said to her, 'What is the status of your son?' She replied, 'When I entered the bridal chamber I was niddah (menstruating) and my husband kept away from me; but my best man had intercourse with me and this son was born to me.' Consequently the child was both a bastard and the son of a niddah.

Looks like the Pharisees aren't all dead yet.

Revelation 20:4 
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Source TMCnet, Jesus Dynasty, Seek God, Cutting Edge, Auburn, Revisionist History

Quote: "In a rare public intervention, General Yuri Baluyevsky, head of the Russian armed forces, suggested there was mounting dissatisfaction with the increasing US pressure for action against Iran. He stated that Russia would remain strictly neutral in the event of US military action against Iran, but he pledged that Moscow would go ahead with the planned sale of an advanced air-defence system to Tehran. That provoked a riposte from Mr Burns, who said: "No country should sell weapons to a regime like that."

No doubt Bushehr would find itself one of the targets of any US or Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. While Russia claims it intends to remain neutral in the event of military action, it could not do so for long if the nuclear plant goes up in smoke without UN agreement.  

In another development, energy interests are bringing Russian Foreign policy into conflict with Europe once again. When the Russian company, GazProm, decided to increase the Ukraine's gas prices, the Ukrainian nation which was then aligned closer to Europe, refused to pay. As a result Europe's gas supply lines, many of which run through the territory, were cut, sparking a crisis in Europe. EU ministers promised to diversify energy supplies in order to prevent this crisis happening again, and now GazProm is complaining that the EU is hindering its growth.

Quote: ""Attempts to limit Gazprom's activities in the European market and to politicise questions of gas supplies, which are in fact entirely within the economic sphere, will not produce good results," Mr Miller said after his meeting on Wednesday. (Gazprom comments) give grounds to our concerns on the growing foreign dependency of European energy supply Ferran Tarradellas Espuny, EU Energy spokesman "It should not be forgotten that we are actively seeking new markets such as North America and China," he added. "It's no coincidence that competition for energy resources is growing." Mr Miller's comments came after he met European Union ambassadors on Tuesday.

With competition for energy resources growing (read "resources running low"), it's just a matter of time before the whole world will be scrambling to "secure" these last remaining resources for themselves. And the coming Muslim invasion of Israel, as prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39, will give Russia just the opportunity it needs to take control of the oil rich Middle East.

Ezekiel 38:9-10 
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time (as the Muslim invasion) shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

Praise God He will not remain silent, but will deliver Israel from this enemy.

Ezekiel 38:18-19 
And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

Source BBC, BBC

Quote: "During his visit to Riddyah, Saudi Arabia, Straw added that he would demand in any case that Hamas meet the requirements of the international community - to stop terror, recognize Israel, and honour existing agreements between Israel and the PA - but softened his stance by saying that he would be satisfied with the group "accepting" the existence of the Jewish state, and would not insist that Hamas make a formal statement recognizing Israel.

In light of what the Labour government did in Northern Ireland - and still does, reneging on the promise that Sinn Fein would never be in government without complete and transparent decommissioning and an end to violence, this news doesn't surprise in the least. Unfortunately Jack Straw has a proven track record when it comes to Middle East politics, the man's a liability. Earlier in the year he planned to submit a document to the European Council, accusing Israel of trying to "annex" East Jerusalem. Javier Solana was forced into damage limitation mode - insisting the document was only a "draft", and the submission to the Council was later dropped after I presume a lot of political pressure on the UK government from Christian and Jewish groups. In this case it is left to the British Ambassador to Israel, Simon McDonald, to do damage limitation, insisting British policy towards Hamas has not changed.

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Quote: ""What a soldier's testimonial – to stay at his post until called away by Yeshua! Happy is the man whose work is his play," Mark Levitt wrote. Author and columnist Hal Lindsey said he was "greatly grieved that a great defender of Israel has laid down his sword." Continued Lindsey: "Zola has been a friend of mine since our days together at Dallas Theological Seminary, several decades ago. I rejoice that he suffers no more, but grieve for his family."

I very much enjoyed Zola's ministry on the Satellite Television in the UK. He often spoke to tour groups in Israel about end time events, and the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a unique way of putting things across. He will be sadly missed.   

Source WorldNetDaily, Levitt

Quote: "The UN points out that a quarter of the Palestinian population depends on government salaries. If those stop, the UN says there could be a massive increase in poverty. Education, health and social services will all be affected. Public health could be damaged if sewage and rubbish collection fall apart. Most damaging could be the effect on security if the members of the Palestinian security forces are not paid. So far this is only a warning.

But it's no surprise when killers get away with murder, when anti-Semitic institutions like the UN are calling the shots. It's remarkable, that exactly one quarter of the Palestinian population is dependant on these salaries being paid. I wonder is that the same quarter that believe the state of Israel should be destroyed? Life is cheap. The price of a life in Northern Ireland is approximately £6.53. That's if you take roughly 1700 people killed by the IRA over 30 years, and divide it by the amount of money the Labour government let Sinn Fein IRA get away with from the Northern Bank robbery. And then abortions... In our "throw away" society, life is cheap.

Source BBC

An Iranian group, calling itself the "Committee for the Commemoration of Martyrs of the Global Islamic Campaign" has been doing just that. The CCMGC openly recruits British Muslims to perpetrate attacks against Israel. The Muslims enter the country claiming to be asylum seekers in order to obtain a British passport. They then enter Israel on these passports, claiming to be peace activists, and carry out their attacks. Two British citizens carried out a bloody attack in Israel in 2003, which resulted in the deaths of several Israelis.  

Quote: "A spokesman for the group, Mohammad Samadi, told the London-based Guardian that Israel was the primary target of their attacks. "All the Jews are targets, whether military or civilian. It's our land and they are in the wrong place. It's their duty to pay attention to the safety of their own families and move them away from the battlefield," he stated. He claimed that there were many disaffected Muslims throughout Europe that could volunteer for such a mission. "We understand the suspicion with which Britain, America and other western countries regard their Muslim populations," he said, adding "We don't condemn them for this because we believe every Muslim has the potential to turn into a bomb against the west."

The whole British visa system has been fouled up by the Labour government. It was revealed a few years ago by a British Minister James Cameron, that asylum seekers from Romania were permitted to enter Britain with known forged passports, with the full consent of the Foreign Office. One such asylum seeker claimed on his job description that he fixed roofs. But the man was a double-amputee, nevertheless the government approved his application. The sex-mad and blind Labour MP, David Blunket, was thrown out of government after weeks of media pressure, when it was revealed he had used his office to fast-track a visa for his live-in nanny. How was James Cameron rewarded for his honesty to the British public whom he serves?

Quote: "James Cameron, a manager in the visa and consular section of the British embassy in Romania, was given a final warning after a four-hour Foreign Office disciplinary hearing. He was also told he would not be promoted for three years and would receive no pay rise for a year. He was banned from returning to his post in Bucharest. Mr Cameron exposed abuses which led Beverley Hughes to quit as immigration minister." "The Foreign Office refused to comment on the penalty imposed on Mr Cameron. But a spokesman said that he would have the right to appeal."

With news like this, it is no surprise that one quarter of English citizens stated in a recent survey they would vote for the British National Party. 

Source Jerusalem Post, Spy Blog

Quote: "Gillerman urged the international community and the Security Council "to take swift actions to try and prevent the next murder which is already on its way." Since January, he said, 11 major suicide terrorist attacks have been prevented and 90 potential homicide bombers have been arrested. While Israel regrets any loss of life, it will not sit idly by and allow "human bombs" or rockets to penetrate the country and kill Israelis — and he asked whether every country wouldn't do the same to eliminate a similar danger. "The danger I must add, not just to Israel but also to the whole free world, and to civilization as we know it, as this axis of evil and terror sows the seeds of the first world war of the 21st century," Gillerman said.

The Bible already tells us what will grow out of these "seeds of war", that the international community will do nothing, and Russia, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Turkey will launch a massive invasion of Israel very soon. But praise God He will defend Israel and this army will be defeated, not for Israel's sake, but for His name's sake that He might be glorified.

Source Fox News

Quote: ""These activities contradict the positive commitments by the new Palestinian government not to use the Jordanian arena for any purposes that harm Jordan's security or for meddling in its internal affairs," Joudeh was quoted as saying. Joudeh said a planned visit by Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar was cancelled until "further notice in light of the latest developments and the seizure of weapons". This was proof the Islamist Palestinian movement was using double language in its dealings with Jordan, Joudeh added.

Source Reuters

Quote: "Emad Lafta al-Bayati, Hilla's mayor, has big plans for Babylon. "I want restaurants, gift shops, long parking lots," he said. God willing, he added, maybe even a Holiday Inn. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is pumping millions of dollars into protecting and restoring Babylon and a handful of other ancient ruins in Iraq. Unesco has even printed up a snazzy brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination, to hand out to wealthy donors. "Cultural tourism could become Iraq's second biggest industry, after oil," said Philippe Delanghe, a United Nations official helping with the project. But before Iraq becomes the next Egypt, he said wryly, "a few little things have to happen."

Looks like "Babylon the Great" is soon to be restored, Saddam or no Saddam. Remarkably the region around the city is relatively calm, and US troops are planning to pull out of Camp Babylon next month. Once Iraq gets on its feet, as they say, tourism - and more importantly the commerce tourism will bring, will help rebuild this great monstrosity who's judgement is already declared by God through the prophets.

Revelation 18:21 
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Source New York Times

Quote: ""Today, you are among the world's most powerful armies because you rely on Allah," Ahmadinejad told a parade to commemorate Army Day. "Iran's enemies know your courage, faith and commitment to Islam and the land of Iran has created a powerful army that can powerfully defend the political borders and the integrity of the Iranian nation and cut the hand of any aggressor and place the sign of disgrace on their forehead," Ahmadinejad said.

Iran has just 12 days to comply with the non-binding UN Security Council ruling that it halt all enrichment of Uranium. Both China and Russia are against punitive measures, but the US is seeking to implement sanctions, including freezing assets and a visa travel ban, if Iran continues in its defiance of the UN. With the US locked in unmoveable negotiations with China and Russia, will it be left to Israel to deal with the Iranian problem? 

Source CNN

Quote: "Mildred Martensteen was nine years old when the quake struck. She recalled waking up to shaking windows and doors - "a commotion", she said. "Oh yes, it was horrible. [It] just kept burning and burning. "We'd go [to] different points and watch it and then you knew at the time that they couldn't stop the fire because they couldn't get any water."

I mentioned this before on the site last year, but it's worth mentioning again. The quake in 1906 resulted in similar circumstances to that of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Rampant looting broke out, causing the Mayor of the city to enact a "shoot to kill" policy in order to control it. Morally, San Francisco in 1906 was not much different from San Francisco or New Orleans in 2006. The following quotation was written just a short time after the 1906 earthquake. It could have been written about any number of cities in the world today...

Quote: "San Francisco has long been known as a “gay town.” Her people, having gained the reputation of liberality and light-heartedness, have possibly been too anxious to live up to that reputation and too careless of the methods adopted to that end. To put it frankly, and at the same time mildly, the people of San Francisco had fallen into an attitude of self-sufficiency and of corresponding indifference to the profounder considerations of life. The shake-up of April 18, 1906, caused at least a momentary change in this attitude. On that day many a man, and woman, too, found himself and herself face to face with a superior being and experienced a consequent chastening of the spirit.

The Bible tells us that earthquakes will continue to increase in frequency and magnitude as we approach the tribulation period, with the greatest earthquake ever experience by earth-dwellers occurring during this time, causing all the cities of the nations to fall (Revelation 16:19).

Psalm 73:17-19 
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their (the wicked's) end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Source BBC, San Francisco Museum

It had to happen sooner or later. Dozens of suicide bombers have been intercepted by Israeli security forces over the past month. But today a Palestinian suicide bomber managed to slip detection, detonating his lethal explosives killing nine people and injuring sixty six. It is the first suicide bomber to strike at the heart of Israel for months, and is the fruit of Hamas' refusal to deal with terrorism being perpetrated against Israel. The last suicide bomber to kill Israelis was a Palestinian dressed as an Orthodox Jew, who killed five individuals who offered him a ride in their car. This suicide bomber was 16 year old, showing just how alert the IDF has to be to protect Israeli citizens.

Quote: "The Islamic Jihad terror group and the Al Aksa Brigades, the military wing of the Fatah party, have claimed they carried out the attack. Fatah is the party of PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) leader Mahmoud Abbas, and his predecessor, PLO terrorist chieftain Yassir Arafat. The bomber has been identified as 16-year-old Sami Salim Hamad of the Jenin area.

President Mahmoud Abbas, of the Palestinian Fatah party, condemned the bombing even though the military wing of Fatah and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack. President Bush warned Hamas, after they justified the terrorist atrocity claiming Palestinians had the right to resist Israeli "occupation". The blast came during the Passover celebrations, and hours before the new Israeli Knesset was reconvened.

Quote: "Sami Abu Zuhri, the official spokesman for Hamas, said it was "a natural result of the continued Israeli crimes" against Palestinians. "Our people are in a state of self-defence and they have every right to use all means to defend themselves," he added. An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman, Gideon Meir, told the BBC he blamed Hamas. "Now, maybe, the hands are not the hands of the Hamas, but the voice and the ideology is the ideology of the Hamas," he said.

Source Arutz 7, BBC

Quote: "In the speech, televised to millions of viewers in more than 65 countries at the end of Easter Sunday mass in the square, the head of the Roman Catholic Church listed his worries about a world he said was living through "uncertainty and anxiety" and oppressed by widespread suffering. "Concerning the international crises linked to nuclear power, may an honourable solution be found for all parties, through serious and honest negotiations ... " he said in a clear reference to Iran, which announced last week it had become a nuclear power by enriching uranium.

Just days ago, President Ahmadinejad once again denied the Holocaust ever happened, while proclaiming the Palestinians are suffering their own "holocaust". He said that if Europeans had a guilty conscience about the Holocaust, they should give Israel their own land instead of taking Palestinian land. And that would seem like a sensible thing to do, if there ever was a state called Palestine. 

Quote: ""There might be doubts in the Holocaust, but there are definitely no doubts about the Holocaust happening in the recent years in Palestine," Ahmadinejad said at the opening ceremony of the Qods (Jerusalem) conference in Tehran. One of the principle objectives of the Qods conference, which officially starts on Saturday, is to raise funds for the ruling Palestinian Hamas party.

Source Reuters, Bangkok Post

Quote: "Iran has readied an "army" of 40,000 suicide bombers to strike targets all over the Western world and Israel as a response to a possible attack on their nuclear facilities, the British Sunday Times reported Sunday morning. Two senior officials from the Homeland Security Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, agreed with the prediction and warned that Iran could set a worldwide terror network into motion in the US and elsewhere. They added that an attack on Iran would be much more dangerous to the US than was the strike on Iraq.

In another dramatic development in this Iranian crisis, the UN - which is calling for Iran to cease its Uranium enrichment programme, has elected an Iranian minister into its Disarmament Commission. The newly elected Iranian vice-chair, Danesh-Yazdi, called on the US to destroy its nuclear weapons, and called on Israel to open up its nuclear facilities to United Nations, the UN thereby continuing to display its true colours... A "talking shop" filled with anti-Israel and New Age propagandists. MK Shimon Peres blasted the UN for its failure to take action against Iran - which again called for Israel to be destroyed. He said "a member of the UN is calling for another member of the UN to be destroyed", and that action must be taken to stop this.

Quote: "The day before, the UN's Disarmament Commission elected Iran's Mehdi Danesh-Yazdi as one of its three vice-chairs. "The continued existence of thousands of nuclear warheads in the stockpiles of the nuclear-weapon States, which could destroy the entire globe many times over, and the increasing resort to the threat of their possible use, are the major sources of concern with regard to global peace and security," Danesh-Yazdi said, adding that Israel was required to place all of its "clandestine nuclear facilities" under UN nuclear watchdog supervision. Jordan's representative added that Israel's refusal to renounce nuclear weapons is a major source of tensions in the Middle East.

Source Jerusalem Post, Israel National News

Quote: "Even as President George W. Bush prepares to welcome President Hu Jintao to the White House on Thursday with full military honors, Washington is factoring in potential conflicts over such sore spots as Taiwan, competition for scarce resources and any threat to its predominance in Asia. "Of the major and emerging powers, China has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the United States and field disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional U.S. military advantages absent U.S. counter strategies," the U.S. Defense Department said in a long-term strategy review released in February.

The Bible states in Daniel that during the tribulation period, there will be trouble with China and Russia. As a result of these tidings, the Antichrist will send his armies against them, and overthrow many nations in the Middle East. China and many other Eastern nations will march against Israel and the Antichrist's armies, destroying a third of the world's population in the process.

Daniel 11:44-45
But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him (Antichrist): therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Revelation 9:14-16 
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

Source Reuters

Quote: "The Danube is expected to rise as flood waters from central Europe make their way south. Romanian Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu told a news conference that in the next two days they expected the Danube to pass its highest level for a century. A state of alert has been declared in 12 areas bordering the river, the French news agency AFP reported. 

Source BBC

Quote: "Russian foreign ministry statement said: "Mahmoud Abbas stated his high appreciation of Russia's intent, confirmed by Sergei Lavrov, to grant the Palestinian Authority an urgent financial aid in the nearest future." Mr Lavrov said on Tuesday withholding aid to the Palestinians was a mistake. "Hamas should... recognise Israel and sit down at the negotiating table. But for that it's necessary to work with them," Mr Lavrov said.

As long as Hamas knows it will receive support from Russia and the Arab world, they will continue their intifada against the Jewish state. Some media companies claimed Hamas was preparing to recognize Israel's right to exist, but I don't believe anything will be forthcoming. Not when they believe the disengagement from Gaza is the "fruit of their sacrifices" (suicide bombers). If they did recognize Israel it will be on their terms, with the ultimate goal still being the destruction of the "Zionist regime". The Qur'an teaches that Muslims are permitted to lie if they believe it's in the interests of furthering the spread of Islam.

Daniel 11:27 
And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

Source BBC

Quote: ""The existence of the Zionist regime is tantamount to an imposition of an unending and unrestrained threat so that none of the nations and Islamic countries of the region and beyond can feel secure from its threat," Ahmadinejad said Friday. He called Israel a "rotten, dried tree" that will be annihilated by "one storm." "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation," Ahmadinejad told the conference.

The Iranian President believes that we are only a few years away from the coming of the Mahdi, the Islamic prophet that will rule Jerusalem for a period of seven years, and who will fight the armies of the "Antichrist". That belief is fuelling Iran's ambition to possess the nuclear weapons. Muslims believe that Islam will ultimately be victorious in this battle, and they will conquer the world for Allah. But according to Scripture, the Muslims and the real Antichrist will eventually conclude that their common enemy is Israel, a tiny nation that refuses to die, and all nations will gather in Har Megiddo for the last battle. 

Source Haaretz

Quote: "A helicopter pad was constructed at the site. The vibration from landings led the roof of one building to collapse. The soldiers also filled their sandbags with archaeological artefacts, just because they were lying around and easy to pick up. The head of the Iraqi State Board for Heritage and Antiquities, Donny George, is angry and says the mess will take decades to sort out. Col Coleman argues that whatever his troops did, the alternative would have been far worse. If they hadn't moved in, Babylon would have been left at the mercy of looters, he says.

Many Christians believe the ancient city of Babylon will once again rise to prominence. Where East meets West, Iraq has become the focus of world attention, and the goal of all nations is that the nation will become a prosperous democracy, and a stabilizing factor in the volatile Middle East. Whether the Babylon mentioned in Revelation is literal Babylon in Iraq, or represents a religious and commercial system - which ancient Babylon was, the fact that Babylon has survived intact despite terrorism and war is significant. 

Quote: "When Navy Seabees attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) advanced into the ancient biblical city of Babylon at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), they arrived to find the city's museum and its ruins looted and damaged. After Marines secured the city to protect it from further destruction, the Seabees built Camp Babylon around the ancient city in order to protect one of history's most important archaeological treasures. The individual talent of one Seabee led to the repair of one of the museum's most prized re-creations of ancient history; a scale model of the tower of Babel. The tower, according to biblical history, was built by Noah's descendants who intended it to reach up to heaven. God foiled them by confusing their language so they could no longer understand each other.

Revelation 16:19 
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Source BBC, BBC, Global Security