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

Quote: "By April there were around 3m wallet phones in Japan using a pre-paid credit system where users topped up their account, often via a website, before using their phone to pay for something. The joint venture between McDonalds and DoCoMo - worth 300 million yen - will see McDonalds Japan holding a 70% stake, with DoCoMo owning the rest. It is due to begin in July of this year.

I was given my first mobile phone last Christmas, and I have found it extremely handy for communicating with friends. There is no doubt people will want to be able to use their mobile phones to pay for things. It's much handier than carrying around a load of cash, but unfortunately it is not necessarily more secure. And that is the problem. As an RFID payment network is built up through mobile phone companies, we still have to deal with the old problem of losing your phone or having it stolen. There are people who say there is no way they can bring in a Mark of the Beast system within a short period of time. The fact is the system is already here. We just haven't had the courage to start implanting people with RFID chips yet. But that will come, as the security situation deteriorates and the government presses for more control of their citizens, you can bet somebody will decide it is time to start issuing the real thing.

Source BBC

Quote: "Bishop Field said: "Today we shall meet with Minister Ahern and raise with him the issue of the EU-Israel Association agreement. While we welcome cooperation between the EU and its neighbouring countries, nevertheless such cooperation should not be at the expense of a large segment of the indigenous population ­ in this case the Palestinians. Where there is evidence of systematic abuse of human rights on a large scale as in the Occupied Territories there are questions that must be asked concerning the appropriateness of maintaining close business, cultural and commercial links with Israel.

The Catholic Bishops said that they believed the Gaza Strip was little more than a large prison, due to heavy restrictions imposed by Israel on the borders to prevent terrorists crossing into the Jewish state, and to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. And about the daily terrorist attacks against Israel, which have continued since the day Israel left Gaza, the Bishops had this to say...

Quote: ""

Yes, according to the Catholic Bishops, turning a blind eye to Palestinian atrocities while condemning Israel for the entire situation, is a "just" solution to the conflict in the Middle East. As I said before, if you are against Israel you must justify terrorism. Either the violence will not be mentioned at all, or it will be said there is a moral equivalence and both sides are to blame for the violence, or the killing will be justified as legitimate resistance against the "evil Israeli occupation". In this case the Bishops did not mention the killing at all, and in doing so they condone murder. And the Bible says that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and does not have eternal life in him (1st John 3:15). 

Joel 3:2-4 
I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon (Lebanon), and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

Source Independent Catholic News

Quote: ""Hamas should use its authority to stop violence including missile attacks against Israel," Lavrov said at a news conference after his meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal. "We received confirmation that such steps will be taken," Lavrov said. However, Mashaal said at a separate news conference that the group is not ready to recognize Israel. Renouncing violence and recognizing Israel are both key demands of international peace negotiators. "First of all, Israel has to end its occupation of Palestinian territory and put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people," Mashaal said when asked about the recognition issue. "When Israel does that, the Palestinian people will make their position clear."

I predicted a few days ago that Hamas would be pressed to announce an end to its attacks against Israel, and possibly a promise to abide by previous agreements signed by the PLO, and that this would satisfy the requirements of the international community. But I didn't expect this announcement from Hamas to come so quickly. It will be interesting to see how the other Quartet members react. I suspect that after the formation of the unity government and if Mashaal can keep his word, Europe and the US will quickly follow suit in recognizing the Palestinian Authority government. After that, and possibly after the looming war of Ezekiel 38-39, the next step is the division of the land.

Daniel 11:38-39
But in his estate shall he (Antichrist) honour the God of forces (armies): and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them (his army) to rule over many, and shall divide the land (Israel) for gain. 

Source YNet News

Quote: "Russia favours the agreement between Hamas and the Fatah group to share power because it shows "wisdom, reason and responsibility before the Palestinian people," Sergey Lavrov said before a meeting with Hamas's political leader Khaled Mashaal. "We are pushing for all members of the international community to support this process and make it irreversible, including efforts to lift the blockade," Lavrov added.

Israel has strongly condemned Russia's decision to meet Khaled Mashaal, when the rest of the international community has criticized the Mecca agreement for failing to meet the three principles of the Quartet, that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by previous agreements made by the PLO.

Quote: "But in Jerusalem, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said that it was a mistake to give an "unreformed Hamas" such acceptance when it had not agreed to the international community's three benchmarks. "It will not serve the purposes of peace. On the contrary, it strengthens the extremist tendencies within the organization," Regev told Cybercast News Service.

Russia's desire to dominate the Middle East will of course bring it against the mountains of Israel in the not too distant future. Russia is already concerned about talk of a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, and with rumours that Iran has not yet paid Russia for the construction of the Bushehr plant, you can bet they are getting worried. I doubt the US or Israel will want to reimburse Russia for the destruction of their plant, considering the trouble its caused them. Perhaps this will be one of the reasons Russia and her Islamic allies will march on Israel to "take spoil".

Quote: ""What attacks are they talking about, without sanctions from the UN Security Council?" Putin asked during the meeting at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow. "No-one is talking about such sanctions," Lavrov responded.   

Ezekiel 38:10-12
Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind (Gog), and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land (Israel) of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

Source Jerusalem Post, Cross Walk, Turkish Weekly, Rian

Quote: "A senior diplomat told Reuters that two Europeans, possibly French nationals, were shot on a road between touristic ruins at Madain Saleh and Medina in the west of the vast desert country on Monday morning. "They were two Caucasians, but what they were doing there I don't know," he said. "We heard that two French died and one is seriously injured," another diplomat said. U.S. and British diplomats said they had heard reports of an incident but did not believe that any of their nationals were involved. French diplomats were not answering phone calls. Saudi interior ministry spokesmen were not available for comment.

Having started to read my friend Judy's book, Eye to Eye, which details America's dealings with Israel in the division of the Holy Land and the subsequent "judgements" on the United States, this news just seemed to jump out at me. The author of the book, William Koenig, believes that God is presently judging the nations that are touching His land, through natural disasters and other catastrophes that seem to befall them shortly after major developments in the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia was of course the nation that hosted the Palestinian unity government talks, and France is pressing the European Union to accept the deal, offering legitimacy to a terrorist government bent on the destruction of Israel. Earlier in the month Israel was struck by two moderate earthquakes, also the day following the signing of the Palestinian unity government agreement in Mecca. 

Isaiah 52:8 
Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye (i.e. the prophecy and its subsequent fulfilment), when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Source Swiss Info

Quote: ""Our goal is to encourage the international community to start cooperation with the Palestinian government and pressurise Israel to recognise the Palestinian state's right to exist," RIA Novosti news agency quoted him [Mashaal] as saying. "We value Russia's position towards lifting the blockade from which the Palestinian people suffer. We also value Russia's special position in the issues of the Middle East settlement."

Both French Foreign Minister Doust-Blazy and French President Jacque Chirac have welcomed the Mecca agreement, and are planning to push the EU to accept the formation of a unity government as the first step to implementing the three principles required by the Quartet, recognition of Israel's right to exist, the renunciation of terror and a promise to abide by past agreements with Israel. 

Quote: "Following a meeting Saturday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at Chirac's official residence, Chirac reconfirmed his support of the Feb. 8 Mecca agreement and said it represents the first step toward fulfilment of the preconditions for international backing. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy repeated French willingness to cooperate with the new unity government and expressed his hope that it would open the way to all Palestinian organizations, Hamas included, recognizing Israel.

But as has been said many many times before, the Mecca agreement is "full of eastern promise", but in regards to Israel contains very little substance. When it comes to Israel, Fatah and Hamas have in fact agreed to nothing, and most analysts see President Abbas as having lost to Hamas in the deal. The wonder is that Russia and France are so keen to adopt the deal. Perhaps they have too much to lose out on financially, by upsetting the Arab states who are also keen that the Western world accepts their deal.

Source Reuters, JTA

Quote: "Prof. Amos Kloner, the Jerusalem District archaeologist who oversaw work at the tomb when it was uncovered in 1980, told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday that the documentary's claims were "impossible" and "nonsense," and that there was "no likelihood" that Jesus and his relatives had a family tomb.

The filmmakers claim that the 'James' ossuary that was recovered a few years ago - purported to be the ossuary of the brother of our Lord, at one time resided in this same tomb. But the Israeli Antiquities Authority have already branded the 'James' ossuary a forgery, and this casts doubt on whether the other ossuaries from this tomb are genuine. Will this be the lie that God will cause people to believe, who believed not the truth of the Gospel when they had the opportunity? It could be this, or it could be a lie regarding the rapture of the Church. Certainly it seems Satan is doing his best to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 12:32 
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.

Source Jerusalem Post, Haaretz

Quote: "According to the Associated Press, Edwards denies the statement. His spokesman, Jonathan Prince called the Variety.com story "erroneous" and was quick to correct it. "Senator Edwards did not say nor does he believe that the greatest short-term threat to world peace is the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Senator Edwards said, as he has in the past, that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon is one of the greatest short-term threats to world peace," Prince explained. 

We've been saying for some time that since the Democrats regained power in Congress, the chances of the US coming to Israel's aid over a conflagration with Iran are now a lot less likely. You only need to look at the hammering President Bush has been given over the Iraq war. They've made such an issue of it, that I doubt a Democrat controlled government would ever allow President Bush to go to war again. Even if Iran started it. Slip of the tongue, or perhaps John Edwards really did make those comments. In any case it shows us just how Satan works, portraying evil as good and good as evil. Iran is the nation that is working towards developing nuclear weapons and has threatened to wipe Israel off the map, yet in the eyes of many Israel is the aggressor for just wanting to ensure its own survival and trying to prevent a global nuclear catastrophe. Go figure. Edwards' thoughts reflect those of former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who labelled Iran and Israel as potential threats to Middle East peace. Someone please tell me the last time Israel threatened another nation with annihilation. 

But that's the way Satan works. You can see it in every interview, in every editorial, in every publication that mentions the conflict in the Middle East. It's either for Israel or against, and those who are against Israel must justify violence and bloodshed. Either they will brush it under the carpet and not mention it, or they will say there is a moral equivalence to violence by both sides (the media loves that one), or that people have a right to kill one another to resist occupation (Ken Livingston, Cherie Blair). All three of these in my Bible is murder, and the Bible says not to be a partaker of another man's sins. Those that fight against Israel will find themselves fighting against God.

Zechariah 2:7-9 
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. 

Source YNet News

Quote: "The newspaper quoted a senior Israeli defense official who told reporters that negotiations were now underway between the two countries for the US-led coalition in Iraq to provide an "air corridor" in the event of the Knesset deciding on unilateral military action to prevent Teheran developing nuclear weapons." "We are planning for every eventuality, and sorting out issues such as these are crucially important," said the official, who asked not to be named. "The only way to do this is to fly through US-controlled air space. If we don't sort these issues out now we could have a situation where American and Israeli war planes start shooting at each other."

It was also reported last year by a Russian official that a date for the strike against Iran had already been set, for the end of next month. Whether that happens or not, I don't know. Last month, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported that Israel had concrete plans for taking out Iran's nuclear facilities with mini-nukes, which would guarantee that nothing remains to be salvaged from the debris. Iran has spread its nuclear facilities all over the country, and Israel would need to time its strikes to ensure that every target is taken by surprise.

Source Jerusalem Post

Quote: "At the start of the conference, Moratinos called for an end to negative perceptions diving the West and the Arab world and contributing to the creation of Islamaphobia and anti-Western feelings. He said that he wanted to work together with the European Union in order to enable a Palestinian government to be a partner for a dialogue with the international community.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to visit Brussels today to meet with Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, to discuss how they should progress after the announcement of the Mecca agreement last week. So it seems that Europe is still spearheading efforts in the region, despite increased involvement in the process from the United States. 

I think Europe will press for Abbas and Haniyeh to make some sort of public statement about Israel after the formation of the unity government. Possibly something along the lines of a announcing a long term truce and a promise to abide by previous agreements with Israel. Europe could press Israeli leaders to make a public statement committing to a full withdrawal to 1967 borders within a defined period of time, and call for Arab nations to normalize relations based on this promise. Perhaps then the economic boycott against the Palestinian Authority could be lifted. The result would be Israel would get a temporary peace from the Palestinian terrorist organizations, the Palestinians would get international aid and the Arab nations will get the promise of having "their" land back. Everyone wins. At least, for those who don't read their Bibles, it will appear so. 

Friends, this conflict seems to be all about land, but it is not, and it will never be solved through land. Arab nations have not recognized Israel's right to exist at all, even before 1967. Israel's existence today is a modern miracle and proves the existence of God. Outnumbered and outgunned Israel has survived, not because of the help of the US or any other country, but solely on God's promise to Abraham 4000 years ago. The promise that his seed would inherit the land from the river of Egypt to Hamath in modern Syria, from the river Euphrates to the Mediterranean. What we are seeing today is not a conflict over land, for Eretz Yisrael does not amount to a drop in a bucket compared to the land the Arabs control. It is a very spiritual conflict that is fought, not particularly between Arab and Jew, but between the "seed of promise" and the "seed of the bondwoman", and ultimately between God and Satan. When looking at this conflict, we need to be looking at it from God's perspective and not from man's, for it is God that has given this land to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and it will be God who will solve it. This is why as a Christian I support Israel, not because they are a righteous people for they are not, nor because they are better than every other people for they are not. But because God made a promise to Abraham, and through believing in the covenant of blood of Yeshua HaMashiach, I have been made a partaker in these eternal promises. God is sovereign and can chose whomsoever He will give His land to, it doesn't belong to the Jews or the Arabs, its His land (Leviticus 25:23).

Deuteronomy 9:4-5
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Source YNet News, People's Daily

Quote: "Although the cave was discovered nearly 30 years ago and the casket inscriptions decoded ten years ago, the filmmakers are the first to establish that the cave was in fact the burial site of Jesus and his family. The findings challenge the traditional Christian belief that Jesus was resurrected three days after his burial and only later rose to heaven.

I can just imagine what these filmmakers must be thinking, "You've heard of the Da Vinci Code, now we got the real thing!". And what a stroke of luck, that the filmmakers were the ones to uncover this wonderful discovery. Of course the world is ripe for such a find as this, coming on the heals of Dan Brown's fictional Da Vinci Code book and film, and the other book which Dan plagiarized, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail". As a result, people are much more prepared to be told that the Jesus Christ mentioned in the Bible is nothing more than a popular myth. But names like Matthew, Mary, Judah and Joseph are extremely common in the Scriptures, and even the Lord Jesus' name is used by Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13, Bar Jesus (or "son of Joshua"). It is possible that this find is genuine and is the remains of a real family, although not that of our Lord's. It is also possible that this is a fabrication invented by Professor Amos Kloner, devised to bring him fame and fortune and made public when a convenient time came along. But it is definitely not the tomb of Jesus Christ. The sad thing is, because these finds will be shown on a documentary on television, many people will blindly accept such notions that the Scriptures must be a myth because of some questionable archeological find, rather than accepting the vast amount of evidence that the Bible provides for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, including Old Testament prophecy, statements of the Lord Himself and over 500 witnesses to the fact.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

I was at a children's meeting with my friends Cliff and Jean last night at Ian Paisley's church, the Martyr's Memorial. There were over 380 kids there, and one or two professions of salvation. One of the songs the kids sing is "God is not dead, NO! He is alive!". Out of the mouths of babes, Thou hast ordained praise.

Source YNet News

Following the Mecca agreement between Hamas and Fatah over the formation of a national unity government, it seems that the cracks in the wall of isolation surrounding Hamas, the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia), are continuing to grow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated he hoped that the Quartet could lift the sanctions against the Palestinian unity government. This statement was issued before the Quartet members gathered in Berlin to discuss the exact details of the Mecca agreement, and whether it met the three demands of the Quartet, that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by previous agreements made by the PLO.

Quote: ""I hope that the Quartet will favor a lifting of the financial and economic sanctions which were imposed by Israel. That will be the position of Russia, the European Union and the UN Secretary-General," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiskaya Gazeta newspaper.

Russia was also one of the first nations to break the international political boycott against Hamas, by inviting the terrorist organization to Moscow for talks. It seems Lavrov believes the Israelis are the ones that are hindering peace, not Hamas. Sadly, some European nations are also doing their best to water down the three principles of the Quartet. Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with other European diplomats, have reportedly met with Hamas officials despite their word that they wouldn't, and despite the boycott and Hamas being listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union. Tony Blair has stated it may be possible to achieve some sort of agreement, even with some of the "sensible" people in Hamas. 

His former Foreign Minister Jack Straw tried the same trick, by insisting that Hamas did not necessarily have to recognize Israel's "right" to exist, just the "fact" of its existence. Of course, recognizing the "fact" of Israel's existence is poles apart from recognizing its right to exist, for you can recognize the fact of a state's existence but still wage a war of terror against it to destroy it. Downing Street were holding a live web chat with the current Foreign Minister Margaret Becket, and I asked the question if the Foreign Minister would demand full recognition of Israel's right to exist, for anything less is no recognition at all. Unfortunately Mrs Becket's schedule has clashed with the live web chat, and it has been postponed. Why so concerned about full recognition? Because of the following news. It seems, as predicted, world leaders may be prepared to accept a long term truce from Hamas, for the sake of some sort of peace.

Quote: "A Hamas source claimed Britain and France held meetings with the terror group in which discussions addressed the possibility of breaking an international financial embargo imposed on the PA since Hamas won parliamentary elections. The source claimed Britain and France are "coming to terms" with the Hamas position of mediating the so-called Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a long-term cease-fire instead of final status negotiations in which the PA would agree to peace with Israel in exchange for a Palestinian state. The source said the two countries asked Hamas for a position paper outlining ideas for a long-term truce with Israel.

Friends, the Bible states that the next event on the prophetic calendar (not including the rapture) is an idle peace in the Middle East. It is after this peace is formed that Gog and his Islamic armies march on Israel. It seems that a long term truce will offer a temporary way out for the impasse in the Middle East, and that neither Hamas nor Fatah will be obligated to recognize Israel. You can be sure that the result of this "peace" will be that Palestinian terrorist organizations will start building their munitions to prepare for the day when they decide to attempt the final destruction of Israel.

Source YNet News, WorldNetDaily

About half a dozen people have sent me this link over the past few weeks. I didn't want to give this guy too much exposure, for no doubt he is reaping the rewards of the media attention he has been enjoying recently. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, a Miami pastor, claimed recently to be Jesus Christ. He said while he was in bed a spirit visited him, and merged with his own spirit (demonic possession) and now he claims to be Jesus Christ. More recently he has claimed to be the Antichrist, and has even instructed his followers to wear the number 666 on their arms. But what makes this story particularly sad is that Jose has deceived a lot of sincere people, who help to fund his "ministry". The "gospel according to Jose" states that you can live whatever way you please, it doesn't matter, as once you are saved you are going to heaven anyway.

Quote: "And what about the tattoo of 666 on his arm? Although it's a number usually associated with Satan, not the son of God, de Jesus says that 666 and the Antichrist are, like him, misunderstood. The Antichrist is not the devil, de Jesus tells his congregation; he's the being who replaces Jesus on Earth. "Antichrist is the best person in the world," he says. "Antichrist means don't put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn't a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross." And de Jesus says that means him.

The disciples asked the Lord Jesus Christ how they would know when the end of the age was upon them. His first words in answer to this question may have sounded strange to them, but for us the conditions the Lord describes seem to be becoming more and more prevalent...

Luke 21:8 
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

The Bible scholars tell us that the words in brackets should not be there in the original Greek. In other words, people would come along in the last days and say "I AM", another title for God (Exodus 3:14). The New Age movement is one of the biggest movements today that claim ownership of this title, for they believe that everything and everyone is god, and as Christ said, they are deceiving many. Jose is a bit different than the New Agers, for he is demonically possessed and is coming "in Christ's name". In my personal experience on the internet over the last few years, I have had long discussions with one person who claimed to be the Messiah, and another who claimed to be the personal representative of the coming Messiah. I have also spoken with a few people who offered hidden knowledge on prophecy if only I would forsake the Scriptures. Friends, it is true, many are coming in Christ's name, but what they say does not match up with the Scriptures, which are the acid test for any such claims. Satan wants us to reject the authority of the Scriptures, for he knows that is the only thing that will prevent us from be beguiled by his subtlety. Let us keep studying the Scriptures, and keep watching for our Messiah Jesus Christ.

Source CNN

The BBC has revealed what it says are the plans for a US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. The plans also entail the destruction of much of Iran's military installations. According to the BBC, diplomatic sources have told them that senior officials in the US administration have already selected a list of possible targets within Iran, in the event that it is decided military action against Iran should be taken. The BBC correspondent says that two possible triggers for a US strike are a high number of casualties in Iraq, or substantial proof that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons.

Quote: "Middle East analysts have recently voiced their fears of catastrophic consequences for any such US attack on Iran. Britain's previous ambassador to Tehran, Sir Richard Dalton, told the BBC it would backfire badly by probably encouraging the Iranian government to develop a nuclear weapon in the long term.

Iran is planning to develop nuclear weapons, everyone knows that. President Ahmadinejad has repeatedly stated his intentions to "wipe Israel off the map", and has obtained information on how to build nuclear warheads on the black market. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, has stated that the diplomatic option will not prevent Iran from acquiring the material to produce a nuclear weapon. So for Iran, it's a win-win situation. If the US and Israel try to intervene after diplomacy fails, Iran will claim it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself and develop them anyway. Either way Iran will get its conflict with the West, and in particular Israel, sooner or later.

Source BBC

Quote: "Following the meeting it became known that Israel is weighing the possibility of a summit with Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinians and the Americans, in order to continue the diplomatic dialogue. Diplomatic sources stressed that if such a meeting materializes, it will not include a discussion over controversial issues such as Jerusalem, the refugee problem, and the withdrawal to the 1967 lines.

Israel has already brokered peace agreements with both Jordan and Egypt, and I guess they could put further pressure on Hamas to comply and get the economic embargo lifted. In other news, Turkey has announced its support for the Saudi-based peace initiative, which offers Israel full Arab recognition in return for a withdrawal from lands captured during the Six Day War. So far seven nations have accepted the peace plan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey.

Quote: "The initiative also includes the creation of a multinational Muslim peacekeeping force comprising troops from core Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) member states. Some observers have described it as the creation of a 'Sunni bloc' aimed at curbing Shiite-majority Iran's growing influence in the Middle East.

But I don't believe the Muslims can ever recognize Israel's right to exist, even with 1967 borders. As we have seen, there are Egyptian MPs who believe the war with Israel continues despite their peace agreement. And of course the Bible states that one day, all the nations of the world will gather themselves against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2). It also seems that Turkey is continuing to get involved in the conflict in the Middle East. Last week Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan also became involved in the dispute surrounding the construction work at the Temple Mount. And the Bible states were this will eventually lead, Turkey aligning itself with Gog and commencing the invasion of Israel as described in Ezekiel 38-39.

Source YNet News, ADNKI

The Times newspaper has revealed today that plans are to be published this year on proposals to reunite the Anglican and Catholic churches. The two bodies hope to find enough common ground between them, which will enable them to unite under the leadership of Pontificus Maximus (the Pope), ending a 400 year old division. The Anglican church split from Rome in the 1600s during the reformation period. Before the reformation period, the Pope ruled Europe by force, and overthrew countries that refused to pledge allegiance to his authority. Only Rome can claim the description in Revelation as a city that has ruled over kings (Revelation 17:18). Christian groups that were persecuted by Rome include the Waldensians and Huguenots (from which it seems I descend, "On his father's side Mr. Pervear is of French Huguenot ancestry"), who fled mainland Europe and settled in England, Ireland and America. But after the Scriptures were published in the English language in Britain, the Pope's authority was rejected as unscriptural and antichrist (meaning someone attempting to take the place of Christ - head of the true Church).

Quote: "In one significant passage the report notes: "The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the ministry of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as universal primate is in accordance with Christ's will for the Church and an essential element of maintaining it in unity and truth." Anglicans rejected the Bishop of Rome as universal primate in the 16th century. Today, however, some Anglicans are beginning to see the potential value of a ministry of universal primacy, which would be exercised by the Bishop of Rome, as a sign and focus of unity within a reunited Church.

The Roman Catholic church bases the ministry of the Bishop of Rome upon a falsehood, for they state that Peter was given this authority from Christ as first Pope, when there is no evidence Peter even visited Rome nor that he was given authority over the Church. The Scriptures correctly proclaim that Christ is the Head of the Church, not the Pope or the king of England. The Pope claims the title "Holy Father", but this term is only used once in the entire Bible, in the Lord's prayer to His Father shortly before His crucifixion in John 17:11. But the book of Revelation gives other titles for this "church". Someone once emailed me about the phrase "Mother of Harlots", noting that seeing Rome was the "Mother", the "Harlots" must be the reformation churches. And looking around us today, that is sadly a fitting term for many of them. When the Lord talks of adultery and harlotry, He is not meaning in the physical sense, rather in the spiritual sense, worshipping other gods rather that Him alone. It looks like many of these "Harlot churches" will once again join themselves to Rome before the whole thing is judged by God for its wickedness.

Revelation 18:4-5
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Source The Australian, Roots Web

Further controversy over Israel's construction work at the Temple Mount has erupted today, after it was revealed that what looks to be an ancient Islamic prayer room was uncovered at the site three years ago. The Antiquities Authority had made the discovery during the collapse of the Mugrabi ramp, but the findings were not made public, over fears that the Muslims would demand access to the site which is adjacent to the Wailing Wall. It was claimed by the Islamic Waqf that administer the site earlier in the month, that there are two rooms underneath the ground that Israel was excavating. It has not yet been verified what the rooms were used for.

Quote: "The remains apparently date back to the 11th century, the Salah al-Din era known as the Ayub Period and which is of great significance to the Muslim world. This important finding was kept secret in fear that the Muslim community would demand that the site, adjacent to the Western Wall compound, be declared sacred. One of the Muslim arguments regarding the works taking place near the Mugrabi Bridge is that the destruction of the embankment would damage Muslim sites. The findings published by the Antiquities Authority are likely to support this argument.

The publication of this news will make it much harder for Israel to resume the construction of the Mugrabi walkway, the only entrance by which non-Muslims can enter the Temple Mount. Many world leaders have already become involved in the dispute over the construction work. Conflict is also continuing over the formation of the Palestinian unity government, with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert threatening to boycott the government if it does not agree to the demands of the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia) that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist. Just a few days ago he said he was willing to change his stance on the unity government, if Hamas would release Gilad Shalit. Possibly Olmert is willing to go much further than he states publicly. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has also cancelled a scheduled press conference in Ramallah today over the difficulties with the Mecca agreement. The three leaders, Olmert, Rice and Abbas are due to meet for a tripartite discussion on the issues with the unity government and its relations with the West tomorrow. It is very doubtful they will make much, if any progress.

Revelation 11:1-2
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Source YNet News, YNet News, Jerusalem Post

That leads me to President Ahmadinejad's statement today, where he said that the time of Iran's enemies is over. The Iranian President made the remarks during a farewell meeting for the Lebanese Ambassador to Teheran, Adnan Mansour.

Quote: ""The time of our enemies is over, and - like in the past - the Iranian government and nation support the Lebanese people during the some of the toughest moments in their history," he declared. Referring to the recent war between Hizbullah and Israel, Ahmadinejad said that the "spectacular resistance" of the Lebanese nation against the Zionist regime was "unique and unparalleled." "With its resistance, the Lebanese nation became the flag of resistance, piety, and pride for all nations," Ahmadinejad concluded.

The Iranian President made a statement two years ago at an anti-Semite conference called "The World without Zionism", that Iran intended to wipe Israel off the map. Iran became the first country in the United Nations to call for another member of the organization to be destroyed. The remarks were internationally condemned, but so far the Iranian president remains in power and nobody is prepared to bring him to justice. Perhaps the reason for that is, that his time has not yet come. Perhaps the Iranian President may be kept in power until the invasion of Israel in Ezekiel 38-39. And if history is anything to go by, it will not be Israel that is "wiped off the map". 

Source YNet News

Quote: ""Israeli history is drenched in blood," Israel Radio quoted Salah as saying. "They want to build their Temple while our blood is on their clothing, on their doorposts, in their food and in their water."

Muslim extremists in Srinagar, Kashmir also called for a strike to protest the construction work being carried out at the Temple Mount. You would think such provocative statements would get a mention on the mainstream news agencies. I did a search for "Israeli history is drenched in blood". Not one Western news agency covered the sermon. In fact, the BBC even mentions our friend the Sheikh and his arrest during a protest yesterday, but fails to mention anything about his calls for a third intifada against Israel...

Quote: "But the leader of the Islamic movement, Sheikh Raed Salah, remains banned from the site after being arrested during earlier protests.

In fact, the only provocation the BBC mentions is Israel's construction near the Mount, "Israel says the work is needed to repair a walkway up to the compound. But Palestinian leaders see the work as a huge provocation". And the reason for the Islamic protests have become clear. The Mugrabi walkway, which collapsed several years ago, is the only access route non-Muslims have onto the Temple Mount. If it weren't for this walkway, no Christians or Jews would be able to visit the holy site. Muslims do not want this walkway repaired so that they will have total dominance over the area and the Jews will never be able to rebuild their Temple.

Quote: ""The Arabs actually want the Mughrabi Gate passway to collapse," Knesset Member Aryeh Eldad said this week, "so that they will be able to close the only gate that is under Jewish control. That will end the era of Jewish visitation rights to the Temple Mount. They have been waiting for this for a long time, and that's why they don't want us to refurbish it."

But you won't hear that mentioned on the mainstream media. Instead you will hear that Israel is inciting Islamic anger by their actions, and threaten the foundations of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 

Source Haaretz, BBC, Arutz 7

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has given US President Bush a stark warning that he will need to seek the permission of Congress if he plans a strike against Iran. Nancy Pelosi, a staunch Democrat, made the comments days after Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made similar remarks. 

Quote: "Pelosi, a Democrat, noted that Bush consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word." At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran."

In another surprising development, Peter Hain, former Northern Ireland Secretary for the British Labour government, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for the next President of the United States. Last month, Peter Hain slammed the current administration as the "the most right-wing American administration, if not ever, then in living memory". But that statement isn't surprising considering Peter Hain has also done more harm to Northern Ireland than any other Northern Ireland Secretary. He championed homosexuality laws in this country and has been interrogated by the police over the cash-for-peerages scandal and possession of drugs. I wouldn't call his praise of Hillary a "ringing endorsement".

Quote: "Before meeting Senator Clinton for the fourth time as a minister, he said: "When the Democrats won last November [in the mid-term congressional elections] of course every Labour member, like me, cheered because they're our sister party." Mrs Clinton was "formidably briefed on Northern Ireland and an extremely impressive interlocutor".

Democrat Presidential candidate Barak Obama, who has championed abortion in the US, has announced his intentions to publish his policy on Israel soon. Obama stated that the US has an obligation to help Israel find partners for peace, as well as defend it from its enemies. 

Quote: "In his speech, he intends to remove any doubts that the Democratic Party's donors and constituents, many of whom are Jewish, may have about his support for Israel. "Israel wants peace with its neighbors more than anything else," he said.

Source Jerusalem Post, Telegraph, Haaretz

Quote: ""For all that Palestinians every where with their friends and supporters of the just cause were happy for the conclusions of the Mecca meeting. We look forward with anticipation to the formation of the new government and restoration of law and order, and resumption of peace talks." The programme said that it sincerely hopes that Solana's position will help the US to reach a wiser position and different from its current violent attitude towards peace, democracy and justice. "Your 'old' experience is called in today in such challenging moment of history."

The EU has cautiously welcomed the formation of the unity government, but has adopted a "wait and see" policy concerning the resumption of aid. Meanwhile, it seems the US is more pro-Israel than Israel itself. Apparently the US government has informed Palestinian President Abbas that it will boycott the whole PA unity government, unless they agree to abide by the three principles stipulated by the Quartet. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated he will not sever ties with Abbas, even if Hamas does not agree to recognize Israel. Olmert's softly, softly approach, which it is believed he took due to the Quartet's resolve to stick by their principles, will result in confusion. The dyke is only as good as its weakest point. If the Quartet holds its ground but Israel doesn't, the Quartet will have to water down its principles and that is what I fear will eventually happen if Olmert continues this line of reasoning. In the Scriptures the Israelites were told by God never to seek the peace of their enemies. They did over and over again, and we are told of the results.

Numbers 33:55 
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Source WAFA, Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

It has been announced that Turkish engineers are expected to visit the Temple Mount to inspect the work being carried out on the Mugrabi gate. The news came during Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's two day trip to the country. Olmert had brought photographs of the construction work on the mount, but failed to convince Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan that Israel would not harm the foundations of the Al-Aqsa mosque. A number of high profile figures have latched on to the Hamas protests over the Temple Mount, and have criticized Israel for raising the tensions. These include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Egyptian MPs who suggested the only thing that would stop Israel would be a nuclear bomb, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan yesterday, and King Abdullah of Jordan and President Mubarak of Egypt last week. It seems unbelievable that so many world leaders have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the situation.

Quote: "Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was expected to press Olmert to ease restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Erdogan also criticized Israel for allowing construction near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem a day before Olmert's arrival...
Turkey will likely press Olmert to work with a new Palestinian government after last week's agreement by Hamas to join a national unity government with the more moderate Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel and the West have reserved judgment, insisting that any Palestinian government must recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous peace deals.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin is touring the Middle East in an effort to increase Russian dominance in the region. The President once again stated his intention to hold an international peace conference on the Middle East during his brief stop in Jordan. Israel has up until now rejected the idea of holding such conferences, due to the fact they usually end up becoming Israel-bashing sessions, preferring instead to negotiate directly with the Palestinians.

Quote: "At a joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II after their talks, Putin said, "We confirm our call for a broad international conference in the Middle East and we see the number of supporters of this proposal growing." "But it should be well prepared and the agenda should include the Palestinian and the Lebanese Syrian tracks," said Putin, who arrived in Jordan late on Monday on the final leg of his regional tour.

So it seems Gog and his allies are steadily increasing their involvement in the region. The Bible states in Ezekiel 38-39 that God will bring Gog against the land of Israel at a time of idleness or false peace, and not at a time of war. I have said for a long time that the invasion of Israel will not come until Hamas and Fatah have at least signed some sort of truce with Israel, and the Jewish nation "dwells safely" without "bars or gates", Ezekiel 38:11. Israel will not be prepared for the invasion, and the international community will not intervene in it. 

Source Jerusalem Post, YNet News, People's Daily

Quote: "Quoting "Western defense sources," the report said "Iran is pursuing a longer-range strike capability for its air assets to support the delivery of more powerful strategic weapon systems," adding that Tehran was "investing considerable resources" in aerial refuelling capabilities. The training involved Iran Air Force's (IRIAF's) Sukhoi Su-24MK strike aircraft, Jane's Weekly said. The aerial refuelling exercises, originating out of the Tactical Air Base 7 in Shiraz, southwest Iran, take place at night and involve planes flying at very low altitudes, the report continued. The exercises were aimed at simulating "operational scenarios that would entail night-time refuelling of an Iranian attack aircraft, at low altitude over the Mediterranean, outward bound en route to the target," Jane's Weekly added.

As I said yesterday, the political situation in America may prevent the US from supporting Israel in a military capacity in such a strike. Presidential candidate and Democrat, Hilary Clinton, has warned President Bush that he will need to seek the permission of Congress if he intends to start a conflict with Iran. And with politics so divisive in the US, with efforts by the left-wing liberals to undermine everything the President does, I very much doubt a Democrat-controlled Congress would give that permission, even if Israel's existence was at risk.

Quote: ""If the administration believes that any, any use of force against Iran is necessary, the president must come to Congress to seek that authority," Clinton said in a Senate speech. Clinton, a member of the Armed Services Committee, voted in 2002 to give Bush the authority to use military force in Iraq - a vote that has prompted some Democrats to demand that she repudiate. "It would be a mistake of historical proportion if the administration thought that the 2002 resolution authorizing force against Iraq was a blank check for the use of force against Iran without further congressional authorization," Clinton said.

In short, I believe, Israel will truly be on its own when it comes to Iran and the war of Ezekiel 38-39. But that is why God will get the honour and glory for defeating Israel's enemies, and not the Senators in the US.

Ezekiel 38:21-23
And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Source YNet News, Jerusalem Post

Quote: "Lieberman has criticized the EU report. "Any surrender to Iran can only encourage the aggressiveness and unbridled aspirations of this country, which wants to foist its power on the Middle East," he said pointedly.

And he is right. Ahmadinejad now knows that the European Union does not believe it will get anywhere with Iran, and the President will have no reason to comply with UN resolutions. Ahmadinejad also knows that the EU will not launch a strike against the country, but will be prepared to put up with a nuclear-armed Iran. That only leaves the US and Israel, and a US strike on Iran is problematic at best with the Democrats taking control of the government. Only Israel has the political resolve to carry out the mission, as its very existence is at stake. And Lieberman isn't the only one advocating action be carried out against Iran. Former Director of Israeli Intelligence Agency Mossad, Meir Amit, has proposed Israel carry out Ahmadinejad's desire to become a shahid, by assassinating him.

Quote: "Amit, one of the most esteemed figures in the Israeli intelligence establishment, said while he was director of the Mossad from 1963 to 1968 he regularly argued against the assassination of world leaders. But he said the case of Ahmadinejad is different. "Ahmadinejad is the pusher of all the Muslim world toward fanaticism and extremism. In his case, he should be made to disappear from the arena. He has said he wants to become a shahid, a martyr, so I think he should get his wish and be sent to heaven," Amit said.

I doubt assassinating the President would be a good idea though. Ahmadinejad may do more damage to Israel dead than alive, becoming a hero-like figure for Islamic terrorist organizations, and spurring on more Muslims to fight against Israel. The nuclear facilities should be taken out as soon as possible though.

Source Arutz 7, YNet News

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that Israel would have to give up the entire Golan Heights if it was to desire peace with Syria. In his meeting with the committee yesterday, Olmert also stated that previous Prime Ministers, including Binyamin Netanyahu, has been working on the assumption that Israel must withdraw from all territory taken from Syria during the Six Day War. The Golan Heights were captured from Syria on the last days of the war, in order to prevent Damascus from being able to mount another surprise attack on the Jewish nation. Olmert's remarks on peace with Syria seem foolish to say the least, for now Syrian President Assad can expect a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights for virtually nothing in return. Because of Olmert, the onus is now on Israel to make the peace, rather than the nations that started the war in the first place.

Quote: ""The whole world knows that in any future negotiations, if they are renewed, we will have to give up on the entire Golan Heights," Olmert said during a heated exchange with opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud). Netanyahu had reacted angrily to Olmert's assertion that three of his predecessors, Netanyahu included, had held talks with Syria on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. 

It's not the first time Olmert's tongue has landed him in trouble. Last year while on a trip to Germany, Olmert bragged to news reporters that Iran desired to have nuclear weapons like Israel, shattering Israel's long-held ambiguity policy. Prime Minister Olmert is also pushing ahead plans for a disengagement from the Judea and Samaria, despite the current situation in Gaza, in which two terrorist organizations are running the government and continuing to mount daily attacks against Israel. 

I despair for Israel because of the state their government is in. The government is corrupt, immoral, unjust and spiritually blind to what is going on around them. I sometimes feel if I were Prime Minister of Israel, I would do a much better job of things. I wouldn't be listening to the international community for a start. If countries wanted peace with me, they would have to earn it. I would build up the defences and protect the Israelis and the Palestinians that dwelled securely in my country. And those that committed terrorism would find themselves in prison where they belonged. Praise God that when Yeshua HaMashiach returns, He will set things right.

Matthew 19:28 
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Isaiah 2:4 
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Source Haaretz

Quote: ""The mere fact of giving up sovereignty of the Temple Mount - the holiest site of the Jewish People - is an indication of how far the Israeli government has deteriorated and is prepared to forfeit Jewish rights and ownership of Israel granted in our holy Torah, the most authoritative book in the world," said Rabbi Yaakov Yosef, son of the chief Sephardic authority on Jewish Law and Shas spiritual mentor Rabbi Ovadye Yosef . Olmert's allowing the minaret to be built is a grave threat to the security of Israel. It will embolden the enemies of the Jewish state to believe their tactics of violence and terrorism are paying off, and that Israel is in retreat. We have already witnessed in the past the use of the Temple Mount as a pretence to launch violence and murder Jews. 

The criticism comes as Muslim leaders in the region have slammed Israel for its construction work, which isn't even taking place on the Temple Mount, and is needed to replace a wooden ramp that collapsed during a snow storm several years ago. Prime Minister Olmert slammed Muslim leaders who criticized the construction work, saying nobody could tell Israel what to do on its own sovereign territory. Israel took control of the Temple Mount during the Six Day War in 1967. Until that date, Israel was separated from its most holy site by a barrier of barbed-wire and bullets. Before then many of the Jews had not even seen the Wailing Wall or the Temple Mount, nor had the privilege of praying in that place. Israel has sovereignty over the Temple Mount, but handed administration of the site to the Jordanian Waqf after the war, so as not to inflame Muslim opinion.

Quote: "The Lower Al-Aqsa mosque, which can be used by up to 500 worshippers, is situated on 1000 square meters of ground in the south western corner of the Temple Mount, beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In the days of the second Temple, this was one of the main entrances to the temple. The construction was carried out without any request for permission being made, in complete disregard to building codes and is causing archaeological damage. But as the Moslem workers broke down walls, cleared out dust from knolls and built a new pavement, the Waqf prevented the entrance of inspectors from the Antiquities Authority to the area. "We enter any area in the State of Israel without restriction; the only place where this does not apply is the Temple Mount", says Amir Drori, Director-General of the Antiquities Authority angrily.

My grandmother, who passed on to be with her Lord three years ago, visited Israel three times and place slip of paper with my name on it in the Wailing Wall when I was a child.

Source Shturem, Jerusalem Post, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As Egypt and Saudi Arabia press ahead with their goals of developing nuclear weapons programmes, concern over Iran's nuclear development continues to mount. It seems the European Union has given up on hopes that President Ahmadinejad can be persuaded to back down over the nuclear crisis. A document on the negotiations with Iran has been compiled by the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, and forwarded to the heads of the 27 member nations, stating that the EU expects Iran at some time to perfect the Uranium enrichment process to a level where a nuclear bomb could be produced. 

Quote: "The FT said it had seen the conclusions of the "reflection paper", dated February 7 and circulated to the EU's 27 member states ahead of a foreign ministers' meeting on Monday. "At some stage we must expect that Iran will acquire the capacity to enrich uranium on the scale required for a weapons program," the FT quoted the document as saying. "In practice ... The Iranians have pursued their program at their own pace, the limiting factor being technical difficulties rather than resolutions by the UN or the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The problems with Iran will not be resolved through economic sanctions alone."

This will no doubt be bad news for Israel, who was relying on efforts by the European Union and the international community, to prevent Iran from obtaining the technology to build a nuclear weapon. It is believed that if Iran ever developed a nuclear weapon, the first target of choice for President Ahmadinejad would be Tel-Aviv. US President Bush has downplayed the idea of a US strike against Iran, stating that there is still a chance to resolve the crisis through diplomacy.

Quote: ""The Iranian people are good, honest, decent people and they've got a government that is belligerent, loud, noisy, threatening - a government which is in defiance of the rest of the world and says `We want a nuclear weapon,"' Bush said. "So our objective is to keep the pressure so rational folks will show up and say it's not worth the isolation."

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that in regards to Iran, "Israel will know what to do". Israel tested its Arrow II interceptor missile at night for the first time on Sunday. The test occurred the day before the anniversary of the Iranian revolution. The Bible says of the sons of Issachar, that they had "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do", 1st Chronicles 12:32. When the Gog invasion of Israel comes, perhaps it will be that God will raise up men in Israel who will be gifted with this knowledge, and who will once again save the Middle East from the brink of nuclear devastation - at least in the short term.

Quote: "On Sunday night IAI employees watched live footage of the experiment, and when the Arrow hit its target – a Black Sparrow missile dropped from an IAF jet – they broke out in cheers and applause. After a brief celebration of their success, they began to analyse the technical data of the test results. The goal of the experiment was to examine the missile under extreme conditions which imitated an actual attack scenario, Weiss said.

Ezekiel 39:3-6 
And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that [is] with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and [to] the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Source YNet News, Jerusalem Post, YNet News

Quote: ""That cursed Israel is trying to destroy al-Aqsa mosque...Nothing will work with Israel except for a nuclear bomb that wipes it out of existence." Mohamed el-Katatny of President Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party (NDP) told the Egyptian Parliament. During the special parliamentary meeting, which was convened to discuss controversial renovations near the Mugrabi Gate in East Jerusalem, other members of el-Katatny's party called to revoke Egypt's 1979 peace treaty with Israel. "The war with Israel is still ongoing whether we like it or not," NDP legislator Khalifa Radwan said.

Egypt signed a peace accord with Israel over 20 years ago, but tensions still exist between the two nations. During the Six Day War, Egyptian President Nasser boldly stated he intended to wipe Israel off the face of the map. But the only thing that was wiped off was his smile, as God miraculously protected Israel and their enemies suffered an incredible defeat. During the conflict between Israel and Hizbullah, tensions increased again, and there were calls for Egypt to sever ties with Israel and come to the aid of Lebanon. The Bible states that someday Egyptian patience will wear thin, and Egypt will attack Israel again. During the tribulation period there may be some sort of nuclear conflict. According to the Scriptures, one city of Egypt will be destroyed, and several others will speak the language of Israel.

Isaiah 19:17-18
And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it. In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

Source YNet News

Quote: "Olmert's decision to stop criticizing the accord stemmed from the Quartet's announcement that it continues to demand that any Palestinian government abide by the conditions it laid down last year: recognizing Israel, renouncing terror and accepting previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements, as well as the road map. In light of this statement by the Quartet, whose members include the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia, Olmert opted to lower the profile of his response, so as not to appear rejectionist.

Olmert's words may cast him in a good light with the Palestinians, but I believe he is playing with fire. For if Israel takes a softer stance on Hamas, the international community will not see the need to ensure Hamas complies with the three principles. The result will be similar to what Israel has experienced in Gaza. The disengagement from Gaza was supposed to provide Palestinians with a sense of sovereignty and convince them to halt the terror, but in fact emboldened them when they realized the violence appeared to be working. Olmert may "accept" the Palestinian unity government in return for Shalit's release and a long term truce, but for Hamas this will just be another indicator that their strategy is working and that the end goal is in sight, the destruction of Israel.

Source Haaretz

Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski has ordered that work on the Mugrabi walkway be postponed in order to end the Islamic anger over the construction work. The Mayor has proposed that plans of the work be made public, and people would be able to voice their concerns. The protests that Hamas called for over the Temple Mount started off small, but eventually grew to include condemnation from Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. 

Quote: "Lupolianski told associates Sunday that "the plan to construct the walkway engendered a wave of rumour and speculation about Israeli intentions regarding the [Al-Aqsa] mosque." "We therefore decided to be totally transparent with all residents about the walkway construction plan, so they will know clearly where it is to be built and to allow members of the public to express their positions to the zoning board," Lupolianski continued. "The move is slated to help people understand that the walkway is in no way injurious and does not enter the Temple Mount. It is important to us that there is no feeling that this was done covertly or sneakily."

It's not the first time Muslims have protested over excavations being carried out on the Temple Mount. Many believe that their concern is not because the Israeli work will undermine the foundations of the Al-Aqsa mosque, rather that any discoveries the Israelis make will undermine their claims that they have an historic right to occupy the site which once housed the First and Second Temples. Meanwhile, WorldNetDaily has published drawings of the location it is believed Solomon's Temple once stood. The octagonal shape in the middle of the picture to the right is where the Dome of the Rock currently stands. The rectangular shape to the upper right of that is where Professor Joseph Patrich believes the Second Temple was located. According to that picture though, it looks like the Temple (inner rectangle) did occupy around a third of the space now taken up by the mosque. It also looks like the Temple's outer court in this picture has been rubbed out (faint box in upper right).

Still, preparations towards the building of the Third Temple are continuing. In 2005, the Temple Institute announced they had completed the garments of the High Priest. They already have manufactured many of the implements that will be used in the Third Temple, and are training priests. But until Israel has a pure red heifer to cleanse the Temple area and the situation with the mosque is dealt with, there can be no Third Temple.

Source Haaretz, WorldNetDaily

Quote: ""President Mahmoud Abbas has instructed me to travel to Brussels tomorrow morning to meet with Solana, to give him the text of the accord and to explain to him what this accord aims to do," Nabil Amr told a press conference. "I am also going to meet with the foreign ministers of Norway and of Germany, the current president of the European Union," Amr said, adding that "emissaries will be dispatched (to numerous countries) to explain the accord."

But Hamas will not recognize Israel's right to exist, nor renounce violence, as demanded by the Quartet. In fact, Hamas stated yesterday that the agreement of the unity government has nothing to do with recognition of Israel at all. And President Abbas' party is no better, today calling for more suicide bombers to attack Jews...

Quote: ""There are martyrs on their way to Israeli cities. We will keep sending bombers until we infiltrate and carry out an attack," Abu Nasser, deputy commander of the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, told WND.

Israel originally stated that the 18 point plan for the unity government was an internal Palestinian affair, and had nothing to do with them. They should have kept to that line of reasoning, for now Israeli Prime Minister Olmert is in the impossible position of having to recognize the government and work with Hamas as a partner for peace. Olmert cannot reject outright the unity government, because that will start off a third intifada and he will get the blame. But he cannot accept it either, without rewarding Palestinian terror. 

Quote: ""We, like the international community, are studying what exactly was achieved, what was said, and what is the basis on which the agreement rests, if it exists, and if it's complete," Olmert said. Earlier Sunday, officials in Jerusalem warned that Israel would cut off its ties with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas if the demands were not met. In an interview with Army Radio Sunday morning, opposition head MK Binyamin Netanyahu agreed with this position. "Hamas has not moved in the direction of Abbas," Netanyahu said. "Rather, he has moved in the direction of Hamas. If he gives legitimacy to Hamas, then that's bad; if we give legitimacy to Hamas, then that's even worse."

My own thoughts are that the world will cautiously accept the deal, and possibly resume funding on the basis of a long-term truce between Hamas and Israel. After all, they are the ones who put themselves in this position. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made the mistake of disengaging from Gaza, and the Israeli government foolishly listened to the US in allowing Hamas to take part in the elections.

Source EU Business, YNet News, Jerusalem Post

Quote: "Two earthquakes measuring 3.6 and 4.5 on the Richter Scale were felt from the Negev Desert to the Sharon region in central Israel at around 12:15 a.m. Saturday. No injuries or damage were reported. Rami Hofstetter of the Geophysical Institute of Israel told Ynet that the earthquakes were small to moderate in magnitude, adding that the epicenter was on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. The earthquakes occurred about a minute apart, he said.

In the Bible, earthquakes are often seen as prophetically significant. We have the earthquake at the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, the earthquake again at His resurrection, the prophecy of the Lord that there would be earthquakes in various places in the last days, the earthquake mentioned in Zechariah when the Lord returns to the Mount of Olives, and the great earthquake in Revelation that destroys all the cities of the nations. Today's earthquakes come as the world presses Israel to accept a Palestinian unity government which is essentially at war with the Jewish state.

Quote: ""The Palestinian unity government which will be formed under an agreement reached in Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel, a political adviser to Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said on Saturday. The issue of recognition was not addressed at all (in Mecca)," Ahmed Youssef said. "In the platform of the new government there will be no sign of recognition (of Israel), regardless of the pressures the United States and the Quartet would exert," he said. 

Because of this, I have been keeping a note of when geological events occur in relation to Israel, and looking for any significance. In October 2005, Israel experienced both and earthquake and a lunar eclipse, on the eve of the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah. On the 29th of March 2006, a solar eclipse crossed the Middle East, shadowing Libya, Russia and Turkey. The 28th of March 2007 is when it has been predicted Israel or the US may strike Iran. An earthquake struck Israel on the 9th of September 2006, on the day Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, was in Iran to discuss the nuclear crisis, and the day after Russia called for an international Middle East peace summit. And of course both the US and the UK were hit by freak tornadoes and hurricanes, shortly before and shortly after the Israeli disengagement from Gaza in August 2005. The next big event will be the total lunar eclipse on the Feast of Purim, March 3rd 2007.

Source YNet News, Reuters

Well it's taken some time, but it seems Fatah and Hamas have finally agreed on the principles of a Palestinian unity government. Under the deal, current Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh will keep his job, and Hamas will "respect" PLO agreements with Israel when it is in their interests to do so. President Mahmoud Abbas will resume negotiations with Israel, and the Hamas terror-army will be merged with the President's "security" team. Of course, they got by with a little help from their friends. Saudi Arabia sweetened the deal by promising $1 billion in "aid" to the poverty-stricken government, if both terrorist organizations signed on the dotted line. French Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy, who famously called Iran a "stabilizing factor" in the Middle East and claimed the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza was "implicit recognition" of Israel's right to exist, welcomed the news of the Palestinian agreement.

Quote: "French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said he supported the deal between the moderate Fatah party and the militant Islamist Hamas movement signed in Mecca on Thursday, and called for international backing. "I salute the inter-Palestinian agreement reached yesterday in Mecca on the creation of a national unity government," Douste-Blazy said in a statement. "The inclusion in this government's programme of respecting international resolutions and agreements signed by the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation) constitutes a step in the right direction towards full adherence to the international community's demands," he said.

But the government will not recognize Israel's right to exist, nor renounce violence. And for that, world leaders are expressing a cautious optimism, not wanting to be seen as obstructing peace. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, has stated that aid to the Palestinian Authority will not recommence until they are certain that the new government is living up to the demands of the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia), that it recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce violence. 

Quote: "EU officials said, however, it was too early resume sending international aid to the Palestinian Authority that was cut off when Hamas took control of the Palestinian Cabinet and legislature in last year's elections. First, they said, a new unity government must take office and live up to international demands to recognize Israel, renounce violence and abide by existing peace accords with Israel. Gallach said Solana has been on the phone with other members of the so-called Quartet of Middle East peace mediators - the US, the UN, the European Union and Russia - on deciphering the exact detail of the power-sharing accord.

Source Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

An Israeli archaeologist believes he has pinpointed the exact location of the Second Temple. Professor Joseph Patrich of the Hebrew University plans to publish his findings, which place the location of the Second Temple further south and east than previously thought. Patrich based his findings on a study of a large underground cistern on the Temple Mount, that would have been used to hold the water for the laver, which was used by the priests for their daily cleansing. 

Quote: "By thus locating the laver, the water wheel, the ramp and the altar, one can then finally map, again in coordination with the Mishna, the alignment of the Temple itself and its gates and chambers, he said. These considerations led Patrich to place the Second Temple further to the east and south than earlier thought, and at a south-easterly angle relative to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount, and not perpendicular to it, as earlier assumed. Patrich said that his research indicates that the rock over which the Dome of the Rock was built in the 7th century CE is actually outside the confines of the Temple.

One of the newly reformed Jewish Sanhedrin's goals was to locate the exact position of the Second Temple, before planning the reconstruction of the Third Temple. Jews believe that even though the Second Temple has been demolished, the ground on which the Temple was built is still holy and cannot be accessed without the proper purification and sacrificial rituals as described in the Old Testament. Christians have long believed that the Dome of the Rock, the Al-Aqsa mosque, must first be destroyed before the Jews could rebuild their temple. But according to this article, and according to some Rabbis, this may not be necessary if the place the Temple once stood happens to be adjacent to the Dome of the Rock. And all this is taking place as tensions over the excavations at the site continue to build. A Jewish archaeologist is claiming that the dig at the Temple Mount is illegal, as the authorities have not acquired the appropriate permit. The United Nations has called on Israel to suspend any action that could cause provocation for the Muslims...

Quote: "The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a statement Thursday critical of the renovation and calling on Israel "to suspend any action that could endanger the spirit of mutual respect until such time as the will to dialogue prevails once again."

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

Quote: "Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad said in the afternoon that a complete deal could be reached as early as Thursday or Friday. "We have achieved progress in some points, and there are no points that can hinder reaching an agreement," he told a press conference. "We have a clear decision not to let the Mecca dialogue fail. We have no option: either to succeed or to succeed." On the second day of their marathon summit, Fatah and Hamas were still working on the second part of the agreement: to what degree a new government will recognize previous peace deals with Israel.

Of course Hamas are simply being true to their own charter. It claims that all of the region called Palestine, from the Mediterranean Sea to Jordan, belongs to the Palestinian people. It also calls for Israel's destruction. But my guesses are the world will now accept any sort of peace in the Middle East, at virtually any price. The US certainly doesn't want to be seen as hindering efforts for peace by rejecting the unity government, especially with the Palestinian infighting and the length the Saudis have gone to in order to get both sides to agree. In the meantime, Egypt has now stepped up pressure on Olmert over the excavations at the Temple Mount. Earlier in the week, King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed concern that the Israeli action could derail the peace process. The Islamic Waqf that administer the Temple Mount are claiming that two underground rooms are underneath the mound the Israeli's are working on. Of course the Muslims have always protested, no matter what Israel has done at the Temple Mount.

Quote: "The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement it told the Israeli ambassador, Shalom Cohen, that the excavations could hurt efforts to revive the long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process. "The Foreign Ministry also stressed that the sacredness of the site makes any movement inside or around it a very sensitive issue for Arab and Muslim peoples, in a way that could cause the situation to explode," the statement said.

But it's the Muslims have desecrated the holy site themselves, in an effort to erase any Jewish claim to the area. The Bible states that during the first half of the seven year tribulation period, the Jews will be permitted to build a Third Temple on the Mount, which the Antichrist will later desecrate (2nd Thessalonians 2:4). It's hard to understand how this will come about, whether by force as a result of the conflict with Gog and his Islamic allies, or whether it is through a peace agreement confirmed by the Antichrist. In any case it will happen, just like the Bible states. 

Source Jerusalem Post, YNet News, BBC

Quote: "Israeli and Palestinian diplomatic sources told WND Olmert is expected to use the summit to offer Abbas far-reaching concessions. Asked if he expects the summit to pave the way toward an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, Erekat replied, "I don't want to create any expectations, but I will say I believe the summit will bring about bold and strategic initiatives in the direction of a Palestinian state."

Israel Prime Minister Olmert previously stated that President Abbas would be "surprised" with what Israel had to offer the Palestinians. It was also revealed by former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres that the Israeli government is still working on the ill-fated disengagement plan for Judea and Samaria, despite claims by the Olmert government that the plan was now unworkable. The European Union is also preparing for a major change in the political landscape of the region. Meanwhile, talks on a Palestinian unity government are also making progress. Both Palestinian leaders, President Abbas, and Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, have stated they will not leave Mecca until an agreement is signed. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said a unity government was essential, if the talks between the US and Israel were to succeed...

Quote: ""The idea is not just to stop the fighting," Gheit said. The Palestinians need to have a unified delegation when Rice holds scheduled talks in Jerusalem Feb. 19 with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, the foreign minister said. 

Hamas sources also believe a deal on the formation of a unity government could be on the table within three days. It was reported earlier in the week that a deal between Hamas and Fatah may result in Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh keeping his job, and the watering down of the Quartet's demands that Hamas recognize past Palestinian Authority agreements made with Israel under former Chairman Yasser Arafat.

Quote: "Hamas politburo member Mohammed Nazzal told AFP that he expected an agreement "within three days at the latest". "I am optimistic about that," he said. Abbas adviser Nabil Amr gave an even tighter timeline, telling AFP he was "highly optimistic" that a deal would be reached "within 48 hours."

Source WorldNetDaily, Jerusalem Post, YNet News

Quote: "In line with this unchecked intransigence, Israeli occupying authorities have gone ahead with the condemnable plan to step up its aggression against Islamic Waqf sites in Occupied East Jerusalem. Most notably, Israeli occupying authorities have begun demolishing a historic road connecting Bab Al-Maghariba with the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in addition to two rooms adjacent to the Western Wall, thus exposing the Holy Compound and making it more vulnerable yet to future acts of aggression. Additionally, Israeli occupying authorities continue to carry out excavation works below the Holy Al-Aqsa Compound, undermining its foundations and threatening with its collapse.

Meanwhile, the British Guardian newspaper has continued to run its series of anti-Israel articles. Earlier in the week we had the comments of John Hilary, director of campaigns and policies for the British charity, War on Want. John Hilary condemned the oppression of Palestinians by Israel, and lamented the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, which the Palestinians call the "nakba" or great catastrophe. There was no mention of Israeli suffering from Palestinian terrorism which has claimed hundreds of lives, or even the many wars Israel has faced since the declaration of independence, which has created the difficult situation in the Middle East today. John Hilary is joined by another anti-Semite this week, Geoffrey Blindman... sorry Bindman, Chairman of the British Institute of Human Rights. 

Quote: "Then there is the brutal treatment by Israeli occupying soldiers, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of many Palestinians. Family homes are demolished as a form of punishment. There is expropriation of land and the exclusion - condemned by the International Court of Justice - of many Palestinians from access to their land by the wall which now separates a large part of the West Bank from Israel. The assassination of alleged terrorists has been attempted and sometimes carried out with legal impunity.

By using the phrases "alleged terrorists" and "occupying soldiers", Mr Bindman has unwittingly revealed where his loyalties truly lie. He condemns the assassination of terrorists and makes no mention of the victims of their crimes. How sad that such a man is head of the Institute for "Human Rights" in the UK.

Isaiah 24:21-22
And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones [that are] on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

Source WAFA, Guardian

Quote: "The excavation is taking place alongside a salvage dig in the nearby archeological park, in one of the most sensitive spots in Israel: at the foot of the southwest corner of a wall in the Temple Mount compound. The excavation was criticized by Israeli politicians and Muslim leaders, including the king of Jordan. MK Talab al-Sana (United Arab List-Ta'al) said the dig could lead to the outbreak of a third intifada. "The Israeli government is once again provoking the Muslim world and the Palestinian people, and is not sparing any effort to kindle the region by irresponsible adventures and decisions," he said. 

King Abdullah II of Jordan, who's country still governs the Temple Mount with permission of Israel, has expressed concern that the excavation work could derail the peace process. Yes, forget the recent suicide bombing in Eilat which killed three people, the dozens of rockets which have been launched against Israeli towns by Hamas, the dozens of Palestinians killed in fighting by their own people in recent weeks, Israel will get the blame if anything goes wrong.

Quote: "Israel says the project is needed to replace a centuries-old earthen ramp that partially collapsed in a snowstorm three years ago. Its assurances that the work would cause no harm to Islam's holy sites did little to soothe tensions. Abdullah called the Israeli dig "a threat to the foundations of the al-Aksa mosque," according to a statement from the royal palace.

Palestinians began the second intifada shortly after former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited the Temple Mount. But it is believed that the uprising was planned in advance of the visit, and the Palestinians used it as an excuse to incite the violence. Terrorist organizations where I live used that tactic all the time. They used to build firebombs and store them in nearby houses, and when they had an excuse to attack the police or the other side, out they would come. It was the same with the riots in England not so long ago. You just can't manufacture a riot without a lot of planning.

Source Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Jewish Virtual Library

Quote: "Asked about the possibility that the U.S. would abandon its main role in the peace process which will be taken over by the EU, Ebermann said the U.S. is focusing on Iraq and would welcome any move to revitalize the peace process.

But it looks like Solana's hand has not yet been strengthened, and perhaps that is the reason for this two-headed approach (Benita and Javier) to the peace process. In regards to the above statement, we have been saying for a long time now that any US initiative regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will ultimately fail, because the Antichrist will according to Daniel's prophecy, be the prince (word for a ruler) of the Revived Roman Empire.

As Christians we often exclaim our support for Israel and the Jewish people, but we should always remember there are many Arab people who are Christians, even former Palestinian terrorists, who have made the God of Israel, Yeshua HaMashiach, their God too. Man will attempt to solve the problems in the Middle East but ultimately they will fail. Why? Because they are trying to solve a spiritual battle that has been waged for over 4000 years. You can't solve spiritual battles by physical means. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom, the Palestinians will have justice. They won't have a state, but they will live with their Israeli cousins in peace in the Holy Land...

Zephaniah 3:12 
I will also leave in the midst of thee (Israel) an afflicted and poor people (Palestinians?), and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

Source People's Daily

A senior source in Palestinian President's Fatah party has revealed their are hopes that Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas will sign a deal in Mecca tomorrow that will end weeks of bloodshed and establish a Palestinian unity government. The Gaza Strip has been engulfed in violence between the two Palestinian terrorist organizations, since the break down of talks last December. Fatah and Hamas have brokered several ceasefires but each deal has been broken, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people.

Quote: "Regarding the political platform of the unity government, Hamas will allow the PA chairman to hold negotiations with Israel with no strings attached. Hamas went as far as to stress that the government's policy will be independent of the policies of the movement. The government will in practice recognize the previous agreements with Israel - which was one of the three preconditions set by the Quartet in return for recognition of the Palestinian government - even though it will not include the statement "will abide by the accords" in its mandate.

So in reality nothing much will have changed. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh will keep his job. It isn't clear whether Israel would work with such a government - still headed by Hamas, but I am inclined to think that they probably will, accepting it as the best deal possible under the circumstances. President Abbas said last year that Fatah recognizes Israel's existence, as Palestinian officials must work with Israeli officials on a daily basis in the administration of Gaza, but he said his party still did not recognize Israel's right to exist. In the same way, Hamas may "in practice" recognize previous agreements with Israel, but that doesn't mean to say they like those agreements.

Quote: "In a televised address from Damascus on Sunday Mashaal said, "It is forbidden to fail (in the Mecca talks)," Mashaal said. "I call on all our brothers ... to restrain themselves and to remember our real battle is with Israel."

Psalm 83:4-8
They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek (Jordan); the Philistines (Gaza) with the inhabitants of Tyre (Lebanon); Assur (Syria) also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Source Haaretz, YNet News

Quote: "Local signers of the letter say the point of the letter is to reconcile evolution with faith in the public debate over evolutionary theory. "I think it's perfectly consistent with religious conviction," said Tom Boyd, David Ross Boyd emeritus professor of philosophy and religious studies. Boyd, who signed the Clergy Letter, also is an ordained Presbyterian minister. "You can still believe that God is the creator and accept evolutionary theory, but if you take the Bible as an inerrant historical text, then, well, a lot of Christianity is split along that fall line."

Of course your can still believe God is the Creator as well as believe in evolution. That's if you are prepared to believe in a theory which at best leaves God in charge of the parts of evolution which science can't yet "explain". Like how the cosmic egg was created that exploded resulting in the big bang, how an explosion can create order, how our galaxies formed, how DNA was created, how the human eye evolved, or which animal the platypus evolved from, etc, etc. If you accept that God used evolution to create the world, you will have to assume that God lied when He created a world of death and decay and described it as "very good", you will have to assume that sin is just animal instinct or survival of the fittest and could not possibly result in the soul's eternal banishment to a place called the lake of fire. If there never really was a first man Adam that brought sin and death into the world, there never really was a second Man who sacrificed Himself to save mankind from the effects of the fall. As there never was an original paradise of God in which sin and death never existed and men enjoyed fellowship with their Creator, there never will be a future paradise in which it shall be said, "and there was no more death". You can believe. But your god is not the God of the Bible, he is a fraud, just like the theory of evolution.

Source Cushing Daily

Al-Qaeda has ordered its terrorist cells in Britain to carry out kidnappings and beheadings, senior security sources have revealed. The plot was discovered by MI5 last Autumn. Al Qaeda had planned to kidnap a Muslim soldier and behead him, in a similar style to the recent beheadings carried out in Iraq on British citizens working in Iraq. The government has ordered a permanent SAS combat unit to be stationed in London, trained to respond to a hostage situation, in order to prevent such an attack.

Quote: "One well placed source said: "Cells in the UK have been alerted to carry out this type of attack as opposed to the more sophisticated type of bombing in which you place a large number of volunteers at risk. All you need for a beheading is a bit of courage and a sharp knife." The order to encourage "low-tech" assassinations is said to follow a review by senior Al-Qaeda planners after an alleged plot to smuggle bombs onto airlines was foiled by police last August.

Last year the SAS responded to a hostage situation in Iraq in which a British peace activist, Norman Kember of Christian Peacemaker Teams, was kidnapped by a terrorist group. The group had threatened to behead their captives, but the US and UK staged a massive operation and Norman and his friends were freed from their captors. But upon being rescued Norman stated he planned to go back to Iraq. The organization that sent him to Iraq expressed joy that their three workers had been released, but refused to thank the soldiers that risked their lives in the process, instead choosing to blame US foreign policy for the cause of the insecurity. I guess that's "Christian" gratitude for you. 

There are those who say that these Islamic terrorist organizations are giving Islam a bad name, and that Islam is a religion of peace. But it's not just nationals linked with Western foreign policy that are being beheaded by Muslims. Christians in Indonesia, Afghanistan and Iraq have also been faced with the threat of beheadings, most recently three Indonesian Christian girls on their way to school. When Muslims carry out beheadings the Western world condemns it, but the Islamic world debates on whether it is being done properly according to the Qur'an. Islam does not mean "peace" as so many claim, it means peace through submission to Allah, and the only peace that is promised to followers of Jesus Christ is the peace of the grave. 

Source Times Online

Quote: "There is precedent for Mossad using assassination to interfere with efforts of its neighbors to acquire nuclear weapons. It is believed by intelligence experts that three top scientists in Iraq's nuclear program were killed by Mossad before Israel launched the successful 1981 air strike that crippled the Osirak nuclear reactor. In 1980, Yahya al-Meshad was found stabbed and bludgeoned to death in his Paris hotel room after arriving in France to test fuel for the reactor. Over the next several months, two other Iraqi nuclear scientists died after being poisoned. 

Meanwhile, Iran has stated it plans to continue its Uranium enrichment programme, despite the threat of sanctions from the UN Security Council. Iran is planning to install up to 3000 Uranium centrifuges at its plant in Natanz, which would provide the nation with enough material to build a nuclear weapon in around a year. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has also said that he plans to make a special announcement on February 11th regarding supposed technological advancements, including establishing Iran's "right" to access nuclear technology, and the development of a cure for AIDS.

Quote: ""The Iranian nation will celebrate stabilization and establishment of its nuclear rights during the Ten-Day Dawn, (sic)" Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. The "ten-day dawn" in early February marks the date of the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979. "When a nation decides to stand on its own feet to climb up the peaks, God helps it and that nation will embrace victory," Ahmadinejad said.

When a nation sets itself against the God of Israel, that nation is destined for destruction. Next month the Jewish nation will mark the feast of Purim, a remembrance of the time God delivered the Jews from their Persian enemy and that wicked Haman. And wicked Ahmadinejad may be building the gallows on which he himself will be hanged.

Esther 6:13 
And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Ezekiel 39:3-4
And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 

Source WorldNetDaily, YNet News

This link from my friend Darrell...

EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner has warned that unless the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians was solved soon, the crisis between Fatah and Hamas could broaden into civil war. Her comments came shortly before the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia) gathered for a meeting to discuss the conflict in the Middle East, and the possibility of speeding up the implementation of the "Roadmap to peace" document. The Quartet called for an end to the violence in the region and for dialogue to proceed on the establishment of a Palestinian state. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that now is the time to discuss final status issues, such as Jerusalem, Palestinian borders and the right of return for refugees - in the hope of giving the Palestinians a political horizon to work towards. The members of the Quartet refused to water down their conditions that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by Palestinian Authority agreements made with Israel, although Russia disagrees on how compliance should be brought about.

Quote: "Russia has differed with the US and EU over how to deal with Hamas. Lavrov said the policy of isolating the Hamas would not achieve success. 'We are convinced that it is necessary to work with Hamas to try to influence their position so that Hamas would accept those principles that were formulated by the quartet,' Lavrov said. 

...Russia was of course one of the first nations to officially recognize the Hamas government, much to the distain of Israel. In regards to the Quartet, it seems the European Union is still taking on the issue of the Middle East conflict. German Chancellor Angela Merkel began a four day tour of the region yesterday. She is expected to visit Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Officials were downplaying any hope of a breakthrough, but stated this is a first step towards finding a solution to the conflict.

Quote: ""The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the central theme of the chancellor's visit," said a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity. He added that Merkel was seeking maximum support from Egypt and Saudi Arabia for the revival of the so-called Quartet, which consists of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia and which is trying to pursue a common approach to the conflict.

Meanwhile, some Israeli MKs are calling for the European Union to do much more than just mediate between Israel and the Palestinians. MK Shlomo Breznitz believes that the dispute over borders and the failure of the Palestinians to form a unity government could be bypassed by allowing the European Union to take the Gaza Strip and the West Bank into a trusteeship until there was a government capable of taking proper control of the region.

Quote: "What is needed is a central authority in Palestine that will make it possible for Israel to withdraw without prejudice to its security. In the absence of such authority the various attempts to negotiate between the parties will inevitably fail. That means some kind of trusteeship for Palestine, as articulated by Martin Indyk in a 2003 Foreign Affairs article. At that time, the US might have been a natural choice to serve this function; but in the current political environment it is, unfortunately, unrealistic. On the other hand, the EU, which has a paramount strategic interest in resolving the conflict in our region, is better suited to this role. With large Muslim minorities residing in Europe, the Israel-Palestinian problem further fuels discontent and extremism in these countries. Consequently, Europe could serve its interests - and the region's - by providing a political incubator for Palestine and, as in the case of Bosnia, prepare it for full independence.

Who would have thought just a few years ago, that not only would the EU be in the driving seat as regards the Middle East peace process, but that Israeli politicians would be begging the EU to intervene for them? The EU is the Palestinian's biggest aid donor, the region's biggest trade partner, is training and equipping the Palestinian police force, has thousands of troops keeping the peace in Lebanon and is trusted by both Israel and the Palestinians. The Lord has shown us all this would come to pass. Everything is falling into place just like the Bible says. 

Source Reuters, RxPG News, International Herald Tribune, Jerusalem Post

This link from my friend Kathie...

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has given the go ahead for a fifth minaret to be built by Jordan on the Temple Mount, where the Al-Aqsa mosque currently stands. Jordan announced the plans some months ago, and sees the construction of the minaret, which is used to call Muslims to prayer, as a commemoration of Jordan's control over the Islamic shrine. Muslims are celebrating its construction as proof that Islam will control the Temple Mount area for ever.

Quote: "A top leader of the Waqf - the Islamic custodians of the Mount - told WND Olmert's granting of permission to build the minaret in the synagogue's place "confirms 100-percent the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) belongs to Muslims." "This proves Jewish conspiracies for a synagogue will never succeed and solidifies our presence here. It will make Muslims worldwide more secure that the Jews will never take over the Haram al-Sharif," the Waqf official said. 

The minaret will be the largest of the five, and will tower 130 feet over Jerusalem's walls. It's location is planned for the same spot where Jewish rabbis had hoped Israel's first synagogue on the holy site would stand. But it now looks like that plan will have to be ditched. Muslim leaders had warned the Jews not to build a synagogue on the square, as they would see this as a precursor to the rebuilding of the third Temple. Most Muslims believe that the mosque was there before Solomon's Temple was erected, and that the Jewish Temple was located in a different place. Today, a new podium was constructed by the Muslims on the Temple Mount, to mark the place where Muslims believe the prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven.

Quote: ""The official reason for the ceremony is to mark the installation, but unofficially it will be a celebration that this podium is proof we are the rightful owners of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount). This podium solidifies our eternal presence here," the Waqf official said.

Construction (or destruction) continues at the Mount, with the Islamic Waqf building a massive Mosque underneath where the Temple once stood. Hundreds of tonnes of "rubble" have been dumped by the Waqf in the Kidron valley, which have contained precious artefacts from the First and Second Temple era. The mosque bears the words, "Allah has no son". The Mount is believed to be the place where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac to God, and reminds us that God does indeed have a son, Jesus Christ, who died for us that we might be saved through believing on His name.

Source WorldNetDaily, World Net Daily

Quote: ""These are the worst figures we have had in the 23 years since we have been monitoring it," said Mark Gardner of the Community Security Trust, which advises Britain's estimated 300,000 Jews on safety issues. "British Jews are stupidly blamed and randomly attacked over international tensions for which they bear no responsibility," Gardner said. British Jewish leaders say attacks have risen steadily since 2000 with Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks warning that "a tsunami of anti-Semitism" was sweeping across Europe. 

Earlier in the month it was revealed anti-Semitic attacks had fallen by a couple of percent, but with a record-high experienced in the Autumn of 2006, perhaps this "fall" was just trends returning to their normal high levels. And with a British Parliament committee condemning the international boycott of the Hamas terrorist organization, its no wonder Britain is becoming a hostile place for Jews. A new organization called "Enough!" has been launched in Britain on the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War, comprising of companies, charities, trade unions and faith groups, calling on Israel to end the "occupation" and the "oppression" of the Palestinians.

Quote: "Among the charities that make up the coalition is War on Want, which is currently being investigated by the UK Charity Commission for abusing their charity status in highly politicised and controversial campaigns against Israel. Other groups include the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, a socialist group whose patrons include Jenny Tonge, who was disposed in 2004 as a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for sympathising with suicide bombers and last year was forced to stand down as a trustee of Christian Aid after her remarks about the "financial grips of the pro-Israel lobby."

Surprisingly, even the Quakers, a pacifist Christian denomination, has joined the organization. Other faith groups affiliated with Enough! are Pax Christi, the Amos Trust and several Islamic political organizations including the Muslim Council of Britain - which calls on British Muslims to support jihad. These words are from the director of campaigns and policies of the British charity War on Want, John Hilary. Note, not one word of condemnation for Palestinian terrorism.

Quote: "The immediate focus of the coalition [Enough! ed.] is to mark this year's 40th anniversary of Israel's military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Palestinian groups trace their suffering back further to the 1948 nakba, or catastrophe, when 750,000 were driven into exile in order to make way for the founding of the Israeli state. Both anniversaries are equally important. For those of us who bear the weight of British imperial history, there is another reason for marking 2007. This year also sees the 90th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, in which Britain, for its own political ends, committed itself to a Jewish national home in Palestine. Britain and France had promised self-determination to the peoples of the former Ottoman empire, but the British government chose to deny the people of Palestine this right.

With opinions like these, it is no wonder the United Kingdom has such a problem with anti-Semitism.

Source YNet News, Jerusalem Post, Guardian