Why is the MSM not covering this story?

Certainly, they give the Gulf story passing mention, but typically something of this magnitude would be dominating the news. You have to watch the news for a long time in order to get any information on the current crisis, and when you do get a few nuggets of information, it doesn't come close to capturing the magnitude of the disaster.

Why?

I'm referring to the kind of information linked below, mostly coming from citizens living in the midst of this - people with the most to lose:


"Pictures from Pensacola Beach"

"Alex sends oil onto Gulf roads, beaches"

Oily water on roads
Coastal areas are also seeing unusually high tides.

Along the Mississippi coast, exasperated drivers were forced to take detours along some busy beach roads to avoid oily water splashing onshore.
Strong northern winds and high tides pushed tar balls and waves of dark brown mousse patties over several seawalls that line major beach roads.

"I have had enough. Now it is coming up on the roads. Next the oil will be in our homes. Just watch. This is (Hurricane) Katrina all over again, just worse," said Kelly Mills, an area resident.
On Louisiana's Bay Baptiste, whitecaps were visible in the distance as the outer bands of Alex began to move into the region. Several marshes were only partially boom-protected, with oil coating the bottom of reeds as crabs covered in crude scurried on nearby marsh islands.

A thin sheen of oil covered much of the bay's water.

"Oil blankets Pensacola Beach"

The tide came in Tuesday night, under a moon almost full, and when the sun came up and the water retreated there it was: a broken band of oil about 5 feet wide and 8 miles long.

It looked like tobacco spit and smelled foreign, and it pooled in yesterday's footprints as far as you could see. State officials called it the worst show of crude on shore from the gusher 120 miles away.

As word spread, the people of Pensacola Beach walked to the black band to take a look, to take photographs, to be sure this wasn't some apocalyptic dream. They poured over the dunes all day, on pilgrimages to bear witness.

"This place is done for," Reed said. "You can't fish. You can't get in the water. The tourists aren't going to come.

"We're done for."

This is how it went all day, with the photos and tears and gnashing of teeth...

So, why isn't this story being covered? It seems that the only way to obtain information is through blogs, and/or "locals" publishing their information. The MSM seems unconcerned, while focusing on more important stories such as Al Gore's massage, a Russian spy, flying cars, World Cup soccer updates, the zombie-like Supreme Court hearings and the need for tax increases (aka "cap and trade") based on this oil/gas volcano.

It's a strange world in these last days.

Headlines for the day

"Believing Israel will strike Iran"

"Iran may unleash a wave of terrorist violence"

"Qassam rocket fired from Gaza destroys Negev Packing Plant"

"Mexico shaken by 6.2 magnitude quake"

The Truth

One observation I have made in these last days, is how elusive the truth is. It seems that almost everyone in the MSM is lying to some degree. In fact, not surprisingly we see today that the "Daily Kos" has been faking their poll data, as many had suspected. The truth is hard to find these days. This is particularly true when it comes to discussions regarding Israel.

In my encounters, I find that many, if not most folks, sincerely believe that a country existed at one time called "Palestine" and somehow the Nation of Israel is "occupying" their land. This myth has been perpetuated by the MSM, and most people - without taking the time to determine the facts, simply believe what they are fed.

The fact is, Israel has had that land for several thousand years. During their "dispersion" in 70 AD, the land became unmanageable for a variety of reasons (read what Mark Twain had to say about the land during his travels there in the 1860's). After Israel was formed as a nation in 1948, people from neighboring Jordan, Syria, Lebanon etc migrated there, much as Mexicans are migrating into the southwestern states of the U.S. today. Yet those neighboring countries refuse to accept these people back into their lands as they serve as useful pawns in the game being played out in the Middle East - a game that involves destroying the Nation of Israel.

The Truth tells us that the surrounding nations and the surrounding terrorist groups do not seek peace - they seek the destruction of Israel.

The truth is refreshing. In that context, the following article from the American Thinker is most definitely worth posting in its entirety:


"Why Islam Will Never Accept the State of Israel"



Why Islam Will Never Accept the State of Israel
By Steven Simpson


It is a common belief that the "Arab-Israeli conflict" is a conflict of two peoples fighting over the same piece of land and is therefore one of nationalism. Rarely, if ever, do we hear or read of the religious component to this conflict.

However, if anything, the conflict is more of a "Muslim-Jewish" one than an "Arab-Israeli" one. In other words, the conflict is based on religion -- Islam vs. Judaism -- cloaked in Arab nationalism vs. Zionism. The fact of the matter is that in every Arab-Israeli war, from 1948 to the present, cries of "jihad," "Allahu Akbar," and the bloodcurdling scream of "Idbah al- Yahud" (slaughter the Jews) have resonated amongst even the most secular of Arab leaders, be it Nasser in the 1950s and 1960s or the supposedly "secular" PLO of the 1960s to the present. Indeed, the question must be asked: If this is really a conflict of different nationalisms and not Islamic supremacism, then why is it that virtually no non-Arab Muslim states have full (if any) relations with Israel?

There is a common Arabic slogan that is chanted in the Middle East: "Khaybar, Khaybar! Oh Jews, remember. The armies of Muhammad are returning!" It would be most interesting to know how many people have ever heard what -- or more precisely, where -- Khaybar is, and what the Arabs mean by such a slogan. A short history of the Jews of Arabia is needed in order to explain this, and why Islam remains so inflexible in its hostile attitude towards Jews and Israel.

Until the founder of Islam, Muhammad ibn Abdallah, proclaimed himself "Messenger of Allah" in the 7th century, Jews and Arabs lived together peacefully in the Arabian Peninsula. Indeed, the Jews -- and Judaism -- were respected to such an extent that an Arab king converted to Judaism in the 5th century. His name was Dhu Nuwas, and he ruled over the Himyar (present day Yemen) area of the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, it is most likely that the city of Medina (the second-holiest city in Islam) -- then called Yathrib -- was originally founded by Jews. In any event, at the time of Muhammad's "calling," three important Jewish tribes existed in Arabia: Banu Qurayza, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qaynuqa.

Muhammad was very keen on having the Jews accept him as a prophet to the extent that he charged his followers not to eat pig and to pray in the direction of Jerusalem. However, the Jews apparently were not very keen on Muhammad, his proclamation of himself as a prophet, or his poor knowledge of the Torah (Hebrew Bible). Numerous verbal altercations are recorded in the Qur'an and various Hadiths about these conflicts between the Jewish tribes and Muhammad.

Eventually, the verbal conflicts turned into physical conflicts, and when the Jews outwardly rejected Muhammad as the "final seal of the prophets," he turned on them with a vengeance. The atrocities that were committed against these tribes are too numerous to cite in a single article, but two tribes, the Qaynuqa and Nadir, were expelled from their villages by Muhammad. It appears that the Qaynuqa left Arabia around 624 A.D. The refugees of the Nadir settled in the village of Khaybar.

In 628 A.D., Muhammad turned on the last Jewish tribe, the Qurayza, claiming that they were in league with Muhammad's Arab pagan enemies and had "betrayed" him. Muhammad and his army besieged the Qurayza, and after a siege of over three weeks, the Qurayza surrendered. While many Arabs pleaded with Muhammad to let the Qurayza leave unmolested, Muhammad had other plans. Unlike expelling the Qaynuqa and Nadir, Muhammad exterminated the Qurayza, with an estimated 600 to 900 Jewish men being beheaded in one day. The women and children were sold into slavery, and Muhammad took one of the widows, Rayhana, as a "concubine."

In 629 A.D., Muhammad led a campaign against the surviving Jews of Nadir, now living in Khaybar. The battle was again bloody and barbaric, and the survivors of the massacre were either expelled or allowed to remain as "second-class citizens." Eventually, upon the ascension of Omar as caliph, most Jews were expelled from Arabia around the year 640 A.D.

This brings us, then, to the question of why modern-day Muslims still boast of the slaughter of the Jewish tribes and the Battle of Khaybar. The answer lies in what the Qur'an -- and later on, the various Hadiths -- says about the Jews. The Qur'an is replete with verses that can be described only as virulently anti-Semitic. The amount of Surahs is too numerous to cite, but a few will suffice: Surah 2:75 (Jews distorted the Torah); 2:91 (Jews are prophet-killers), 4:47 (Jews have distorted the Bible and have incurred condemnation from Allah for breaking the Sabbath), 5:60 (Jews are cursed, and turned into monkeys and pigs), and 5:82 (Jews and pagans are the strongest in enmity to the Muslims and Allah). And of course, there is the genocidal Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, 4:52:177, which would make Adolph Hitler proud. "The Day of Judgment will not have come until you fight with the Jews, and the stones and the trees behind which a Jew will be hiding will say: 'O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him!"' Thus, the Arab Muslims had their own "final solution" in store for the Jews already in the 7th century.

The fact that Muslims still point to these (and many other) hateful verses in the Qur'an and Hadith should give Jews -- not just Israelis -- pause to consider if there can ever be true peace between Muslims and Jews, let alone between Muslims and Israel. When the armies of Islam occupied the area of Byzantine "Palestine" in the 7th century, the land became part of "Dar al-Islam" (House of Islam). Until that area is returned to Islam, (i.e., Israel's extermination), she remains part of "Dar al harb" (House of War). It now becomes clear that this is a conflict of religious ideology and not a conflict over a piece of "real estate."

Finally, one must ask the question: Aside from non-Arab Turkey, whose relations with Israel are presently teetering on the verge of collapse, why is it that no other non-Arab Muslim country in the Middle East has ever had full relations (if any at all) with Israel, such as faraway countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan? Indeed, why would Persian Iran -- conquered by the Arabs -- have such a deep hatred for Jews and Israel, whereas a non-Muslim country such as India does not feel such enmity? The answer is painfully clear: The contempt in which the Qur'an and other Islamic writings hold Jews does not exist in the scriptures of the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other Eastern religions. Therefore, people that come from non-Muslim states do not have this inherent hatred towards Jews, and by extension, towards Israel. But when a people -- or peoples -- is raised with a scripture that regards another people and religion as immoral and less than human, then it is axiomatic why such hatred and disdain exists on the part of Muslims for Jews and Israel.

Islam -- as currently interpreted and practiced -- cannot accept a Jewish state of any size in its midst. Unless Muslims come to terms with their holy writings vis-à-vis Jews, Judaism, and Israel and go through some sort of "reformation," it will be unlikely that true peace will ever come to the Middle East. In the meantime, unless Islam reforms, Israel should accept the fact that the Muslims will never accept Israel as a permanent fact in the Middle East.

More news...

Just a few random news stories of interest:


"Hurricane, Plus Oil Spill: It's Never Happened, and We Sure Don't Want It To"

Oil now continues to gush from the bottom of the Gulf, and some is washing up on shores. Presently, the good news is that most of the oil is confined to coastal areas. The bad news is what might happen if a moderate to large hurricane rides over the spill.

The winds of a hurricane are so strong that the normal interface between ocean and atmosphere disappears. The winds generate large waves, spray is blown off the top of the waves, and spray mixes with the air. After a short time, there is no real boundary between ocean and atmosphere — they become one! If a large hurricane moves over the spill, this chaotic mixture will also contain oil. The oil will become airborne and travel with the hurricane.

Should a major hurricane push the spill towards the Gulf Coast, there will be nothing that can be done to stop it. No amount of planning or engineering will help. No number of visits to the Gulf by the president or any other official will stop the inevitable. The storm surge will drive the water, and the oil, miles inland. Everything in its path will be coated in a greasy bath of crude.

Even the wind will have oil in it.

In New England, I have witnessed hurricanes and tropical storms that have blown salt spray many miles inland from the coast. The leaves of inland trees eventually turn brown and fall off. In the case of the Gulf, it will be oil spraying the trees, buildings, and anything else in the way. How far inland this oily mess will blow is anyone’s guess, but it could be unprecedented in its economic and environmental damage.

"The U.S. will have to confront Iran or give up the Middle East"

Amitai Etzioni, professor of International Relations at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., believes the only option available to contain Iran's atomic ambitions is a series of assaults on its non-nuclear facilities. He maintains that President Obama's attempts at dialogue have failed, and drastic steps must be taken to prevent the U.S. losing its Middle East dominance to Tehran.

“The time for engagement has run out. Obama tried it, offered to meet them any time, any place, with no conditions – and they spit in his face. So it’s not going anyplace, it’s not working. The Arab world is moving away from him, Turkey is moving away from him. The notion of engagement and turning another cheek is a wonderful idea, it’s just not working.”

Another article detailing those "peaceful Islamic activists":

"Gaza Terrorists Burn Down Second UN Camp, Handcuff Guards"

Masked terrorists stormed into a United Nations children's camp in Gaza early on Monday morning, attacked and handcuffed the camp guards, and set the place on fire. UN workers said the facility sustained heavy damage.

The attack was the second of its kind this summer. In late May terrorists set fire to the United Nation's' largest Gaza summer camp and left behind bullets and a note threatening to kill John Ging, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) head in Gaza.

Hamas has opened its own summer camps as an alternative to UNRWA. The Hamas camps focus on teaching the Koran and terrorist philosophy, including hatred of Israel. Many include paramilitary training. Approximately 100,000 Gaza children attend Hamas camps, while 250,000 attend the UN camps.

Salafi terrorists have been behind previous attacks in Gaza, including dozens of bombings targeting music stores, restaurants, Internet cafes and pharmacies.

These folks are controlling Gaza, yet the U.S. administration continues to pump money into this region. Go figure. That leads into this story; not only do we infuse Hamas with money, but now we see that the U.S. administration is in "secret" talks with Hamas:

"Hamas says asked by U.S. to keep silent on talks"

A senior Hamas figure said Friday that official and unofficial US sources have asked the Islamist group to refrain from making any statements regarding contacts with Washington, this following reports that a senior American official is due to arrive in an Arab country in the coming days to relay a telegram from the Obama Administration.

The Hamas figure told the London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper that the Americans fear discussing the talks publicly would "rouse the Jewish lobby and other pressure groups in the US and cause them to pressure the administration to suspend all talks with Hamas."

He said Hamas' exiled leadership in Damascus is overseeing the contacts behind closed doors.

On Wednesday a Washington-based Arabic newspaper quoted a senior official as saying that an American envoy is scheduled to meet with Hamas representatives in an Arab country and hand them a letter from the Obama Administration.

According to the report, the official said Washington has no choice but to work with Hamas due to its influence in the Arab and Islamic world.

Meanwhile, DEBKA reports on the following:

"Third US carrier, 4,000 Marines augment US armada opposite Iran"

The third US carrier group to reach waters around Iran consists of three vessels:
1. The USS Nassau Amphibious Assault ship is not just an enormous landing craft for the 3,000 Marines aboard; its decks carry 6 vertical take-off AV-HB Harrier attack plans; four AH-1W Super Cobra, twelve CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters, as well choppers convertible to fast V-22 Osprey airplanes capable of landing in any conditions.
This vast warship has 1,400 cabinets for sleeping the entire Marine-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard.
2. The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde which carries 800 Marines equipped for instantaneous landing.
3. The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland which carries 400 Marines and 102 commandos trained for special operations behind enemy lines.
DEBKAfile adds: The USS Ashland was the target of an al Qaeda Katyusha rocket attack in 2005 when it was docked in Jordan's Aqaba port next door to the Israeli port of Eilat. One of the rockets exploded in Eilat airport. The ship exited harbor in time to escape harm.
These new arrivals are a massive injection of naval, air and marine muscle to the strength Washington has deployed in the Persian Gulf-Red Sea-Indian Ocean arena in recent months. The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group consisting of twelve warships is cruising in the Arabian Sea opposite Chah Bahar, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards biggest naval base not far from the Iranian-Pakistan border. It is there that most of Iran's special commando units are housed.
Also posted in the Arabian Sea, further to the west, is the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group.

There is a lot going on right now in the Middle East. A Middle East that seems just on the brink of exploding. Whether its Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia or Turkey (name one) - all in a horse-race to destroy Israel. And all proceeding exactly according to biblical prophecy.

In the news...

Today's news is yet another cluster of stories revealing the hatred which is growing throughout the world against Israel. Just as the Bible predicted:

Just look at the photograph attached to this article:

"Turkish Rally for Flotilla Raises Flag with Nazi Symbol"

Turkish supporters for flotillas aimed at breaking Israel’s maritime embargo on Hamas-controlled Gaza recently raised the Nazi flag with an expression of gratitude. The Turkish language slogan on the flag is a common expression of gratitude, according to the [Islam] Religion for Peace.com website.

Turkey was not allied with the Nazi regime but retained important trade agreements that allowed Nazi Germany to import key materials until the pact was broken one year before the end of World War II.

The web site states that Muslim jihadists have committed 15,533 attacks around the world since the September 11, 2001 aerial suicide bombings on the United States.

The hatred is particularly intense in the Middle East:

"The Flotillas of Summer, The Guns of August"

The signs are ominous, disquieting. In Hanover, Germany, young Muslim children of Lebanese, Palestinian, and Iranian descent, ages ten to fifteen, throw rocks at a Jewish dance troupe, injuring one of the performers and ending the performance. The children use a megaphone to shout anti-Semitic slurs during the attack. In Amsterdam, Holland, a taxi sports this sign: Israel=Terror Country/State. The Dutch taxi also has a picture of an Israeli flag marked by an “x” and dripping blood. Interestingly enough, Dutch law enforcement have begun to dress police officers as religious Jews, or as “decoys” with which to catch anti-Semites in the act. In Washington state, in America, a nine-foot Chabad (remember Mumbai) menorah was knocked over; on its base was spray-painted: “Die Jew.”

Then we turn to the U.S. and see how relations between the U.S. and Israel have deteriorated - just a few months into the current administration:

"U.S.-Israeli relations suffer 'tectonic rift'"

A senior Israeli diplomat has warned that the Jewish state's relationship with the United States has suffered a "tectonic rift".

The sobering assessment comes a week before Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, meets President Barack Obama at the White House.

There had been hope the two could lay to rest a row that erupted between the two allies in March but the new comments have raised fears of long-term damage.

Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to Washington, told foreign ministry colleagues at a private briefing in Jerusalem that they were facing a long and potentially irrevocable estrangement.

"G-8 'fully believes" Israel will attack Iran, says Italy PM"

World leaders "believe absolutely" that Israel may decide to take military action against Iran to prevent the latter from acquiring nuclear weapons, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Saturday.

“Iran is not guaranteeing a peaceful production of nuclear power [so] the members of the G-8 are worried and believe absolutely that Israel will probably react preemptively,” Berlusconi told reporters following talks with other Group of Eight leaders north of Toronto.

And summer has just begun. Things seem to be closing in, prophetically. We will see more flotillas, and each with their own provocation, triggering who knows what. We see the Israeli-Iranian situation coming to a head. We see northern Israel and the situation with Lebanon/Hezbollah/Syria reaching a crisis, based on the missile shipments to the region. We also watch the situation in the Gulf - wondering what will happen down there, particularly if a hurricane approached the Gulf.

One thing is for sure: This promises to be an interesting summer.

Crisis in the Gulf

I have been avoiding this topic because it is hard to find a direct link to prophecy. Some folks have attempted to see a link between this and the prophecies described in Revelation which detail a third of the sea turning to blood and a third of the living sea "creatures" dying and a third of the ships destroyed (Revelation 8:8-9). As written a few posts back "The Gulf Crisis and Biblical Prophecy", the current Gulf situation doesn't look like anything described in biblical prophecy.

However - I believe that the information regarding the Gulf situation is being actively suppressed, and it also seems clear that information regarding the magnitude of this oil/gas "volcano" is being tightly contained. The question then becomes "why?". From those who live along the Gulf Coast, there are many reports that BP is essentially being allowed to control the Gulf coastal areas that are being affected.

Below are several articles, mostly from "mainstream" publications. There are also an array of articles, letters and video's that have been circulating and the information coming from these sources is quite alarming. I have not posted these, as the sources could be questionable. Having said that, there is great consistency among the information coming from all sources.

To summarize what seems to be happening on the coast right now:

1. The oil and methane, (not to mention the dispersants used by BP) which is now gushing from several sources is creating a toxic mixture in the sea.

2. This toxic mixture, also probably including benzene, is ultimately depleting the oxygen in the Gulf. This is supported by the massive deaths which have been observed in sea life in the region (seen in multiple photos and videos).

3. The toxic water/dispersants/oil etc., has most likely become airborn and would give a plausible explanation for the variety of illnesses reported in those folks living along the coastal areas and the workers who have been involved in clean-up efforts. A hurricane will magnify this problem exponentially, and move the problem further inland.

4. There are many rumors of massive evacuations being planned for the region. These "rumors" seem to have some merit, based on anecdotal reports coming from many of the citizens in the area. According to some - there are already stations positioned along some of the coastal regions, which detail evacuation plans.

5. The evidence that a huge methane "bubble" exists, and could explode, causing a enormous tsunami seems to be leaving the conspiracy arena and is now being reported in the MSM.

6. All of the above has led to a number of conspiracy theories - not only concerning the origins of the initial explosion, but conspiracy theories on why the U.S. administration is doing little-nothing to clean up this mess. It is a fact that at least 13 different countries offered help with an array of proven methods and these offers were all categorically denied by the U.S. government.

Again, the question becomes "why?"


I have no idea what is going on, and whether this has anything to do with biblical prophecy (Genesis 12:3 perhaps?)

But this crisis is HUGE and it seems already destined for the biggest crisis of a lifetime, if not more. And it has just begun.

The articles below indicate the severity of this situation. All I know to do is to pray. To pray for our brothers and sisters living in the affected region, and to pray for this nation.


"Methane in Gulf 'astonishingly high': U.S. Scientist"

Texas A&M University oceanography professor John Kessler, just back from a 10-day research expedition near the BP Plc oil spill in the gulf, says methane gas levels in some areas are "astonishingly high."

Kessler's crew took measurements of both surface and deep water within a 5-mile (8 kilometer) radius of BP's broken wellhead.

"There is an incredible amount of methane in there," Kessler told reporters in a telephone briefing.

In some areas, the crew of 12 scientists found concentrations that were 100,000 times higher than normal.

"At some locations, we saw depletions of up to 30 percent of oxygen based on its natural concentration in the waters. At other places, we saw no depletion of oxygen in the waters. We need to determine why that is," he told the briefing.

"Oil Guru says BP relief wells will fail, undersea oil covers 40% of Gulf". This is a video link and well worth watching.

"Each day, another way to define worst-case for oil spill"

The base-line measures of the crisis have steadily worsened. The estimated flow rate keeps rising. The well is like something deranged, stronger than anyone anticipated. BP executives last month said they had a 60 to 70 percent chance of killing it with mud, but the well spit the mud out and kept blowing.

The most disturbing of the worst-case scenarios, one that is unsubstantiated but is driving much of the blog discussion, is that the Deepwater Horizon well has been so badly damaged that it has spawned multiple leaks from the seafloor, making containment impossible and a long-term solution much more complicated.

"We're going to have to evacuate the gulf states," said Matt Simmons, founder of Simmons and Co., an oil investment firm and, since the April 20 blowout, the unflagging source of end-of-the-world predictions. "Can you imagine evacuating 20 million people? . . . This story is 80 times worse than I thought."

And most disturbing are these two video links:


"BP Slick"


"Video link from informed citizen speaking to 'Gulf Emergency Summit'"

Also a link to the potential toxicity developing:

"Gulf Oil Spill Health Hazards"

Many people seem unaware of the magnitude of this crisis. I assume that is because the U.S. administration and BP have successfully suppressed the outgoing information from the Gulf. It is unclear why. In fact, almost everything about this crisis is unclear.

Many of us simply have a very uneasy feeling about the situation for all of the reasons above.

Obvious questions:

- Why is information being suppressed?
- Why is the U.S. administration doing so little and in some instances actually obstructing relief efforts?
- Are evacuations being planned? If so, how many people and over what areas?
- Is the toxic combination of methane gas and oil causing illness in the residents and workers in the Gulf?
- Is toxic rain already causing harm to plants in parts of the U.S., as has been reported?
- How much worse will this crisis become?
- Could it possibly be true, as some articles have suggested that we could have martial law in parts of the U.S. which have been affected?

The situation is evolving rapidly and it promises to be much bigger than the current reports indicate.


In closing, the following link provides food for thought:


"Is oil catastrophe fulfillment of Genesis prophecy?"

In the news...

There are several interesting stories in the news today, with the first story involving yet another major earthquake:

"Earthquake strikes off Soloman Islands"

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

No immediate threat of a destructive tsunami was reported.

The quake struck at a depth of about 30 kilometres with an epicentre 40 kilometres south-west of Kira Kira, on Makira Island, and 224 kilometres south-east of the capital, Honiara, at 4.30 pm (local time), the USGS said.

Like much of the Pacific, the Solomons regularly experience earthquakes, most recently a 6.8 magnitude tremor in April, without a tsuanmi or reports of damage.

A string of tremors rocked the western Solomon Islands in January, with the largest of 7.2 causing a tsunami estimated at nearly 2.5 metres.

About 1,000 people - almost a third of the population - are believed to have been left homeless on Rendova island due to earthquake and tsunami damage.

And as expected, this comes in the midst of a number of noteworthy quakes around the world:

4.9 Mexico
5.1 Ryukyu Islands
5.8 Indonesia
4.9 Sumatera
5.1 Kermadec Islands
4.9 Fiji
5.1 India

"Earthquake Map"


In other news...

"IAF Hits Gaza Terror Targets after Mortar Barrage"

Israel responded late on Thursday night to a series of terrorist mortar shell and rocket attacks from Gaza that took place earlier in the day. IAF planes hit three terror-related targets in the area.

IDF spokespeople confirmed that the operation was a response to Thursday's attacks. “The IDF will not tolerate attempts to harm Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers,” they said.

"The IDF will respond with force and determination to any element using terrorism against the state of Israel. The IDF sees the Hamas terrorist group as bearing sole responsibility for what happens in Gaza,” they continued.

"US Warns Lebanon: Don't Send Flotilla to Gaza"

The United States has warned Lebanon to steer clear of the current effort by various elements to escalate tensions with Israel by attempting to violate its maritime sovereignty over Gaza waters.

...organizers who are planning an “aid flotilla” similar to the one sponsored last month by the terror-linked Turkish organization IHH, were told to send their aid via the approved overland routes.

Lebanese and foreign journalists have said they are planning to be aboard the two vessels, along with the activists and the alleged aid. According to the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the two groups behind the operation are Journalists without Borders and the Free Palestine Movement. The ITIC added, however, that the vessels were purchased and the flotilla was organized with backing from Syria and the Lebanese Hizbullah terrorist organization. “Neither of them wants to expose its true identity,” said ITIC.

“Israel reserves its right under international law to use all necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the existing naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip,” wrote Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gabriela Shalev, in a letter last Friday to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “While those who organize this action claim that they wish to break the blockade on Gaza and to bring humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, the true nature of the actions remains dubious,” Shalev added. “The organizers of these boats have made repeated assertions to the media that they wish to be Shahids [martyrs].”

Also, for anyone interested, are two commentaries worth reading:

"Is Europe Awakening to Islamist Threat?"

"Slicing and Dicing the Israeli Salami"

Rumors of War...

As the saying goes "where there is smoke, there is fire". There is a lot of "smoke" in the Middle East right now, and every day we see more rumors of war. Today, again, Iran is in focus:

"Israeli Navy In Suez Canal Prepares For Potential Attack On Iran"

Two Israeli missile class warships have sailed through the Suez Canal ten days after a submarine capable of launching a nuclear missile strike, in preparation for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The deployment into the Red Sea, confirmed by Israeli officials, was a clear signal that Israel was able to put its strike force within range of Iran at short notice. It came before long-range exercises by the Israeli air force in America later this month and the test of a missile defence shield at a US missile range in the Pacific Ocean.

Israel has strengthened ties with Arab nations who also fear a nuclear-armed Iran. In particular, relations with Egypt have grown increasingly strong this year over the “shared mutual distrust of Iran”, according to one Israeli diplomat. Israeli naval vessels would likely pass through the Suez Canal for an Iranian strike.

“This is preparation that should be taken seriously. Israel is investing time in preparing itself for the complexity of an attack on Iran. These manoeuvres are a message to Iran that Israel will follow up on its threats,” an Israeli defence official said.

It is believed that Israel’s missile-equipped submarines, and its fleet of advanced aircraft, could be used to strike at in excess of a dozen nuclear-related targets more than 800 miles from Israel.

The exercises come at a time when Western diplomats are offering support for an Israeli strike on Iran in return for Israeli concessions on the formation of a Palestinian state.

If agreed it would make an Israeli strike on Iran realistic “within the year” said one British official.

Israel Today has a similar article:

"Israel, US preparing for war with Iran"

A flurry of news reports over the past week indicate that Israel and the US are readying for an imminent military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

On Wednesday, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that about a week ago a squad of Israeli military aircraft landed at a military airstrip in Saudi Arabia, of all places. It was reported earlier this month that Saudi Arabia had agreed to let Israel pass through its airspace in order to strike Iran.

The Israeli aircraft reportedly landed at the airport in Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia, which according to the report will act as the central base of operations for the Israeli air campaign against Iran.

At the same time, Iran's Press TV reported that a very large contingent of US ground forces had massed in neighboring Azerbaijan. The independent Azerbaijani news website Trend confirmed the report.

Those reports came just days after the Pentagon confirmed that an unusually large fleet of US warships had indeed passed through Egypt's Suez Canal en route to the Persian Gulf. At least one Israeli warship reportedly joined the American armada

.

DEBKA gives an update on the gaza/Navy situation - another "rumor of war":

"ME war tensions mount over Gaza-bound 'enemy ships.' Hizballah pledges reprisal"

Ominous clouds gathered over the Mediterranean Thursday, June 24 after Israel announced that ships bound for Gaza would be deemed "enemy vessels" and halted by its navy by whatever means were necessary. Hizballah shot back with a threat of violent retaliation, while Israel's northern commander warned that the IDF was prepared to deal with threats from Lebanon by "appropriate means."

As the climate over the Mediterranean heats up, two ships are either at sea or hours away from embarkation - the Julia from Lebanon and an Iranian ship, which is said to be making for the Suez Canal from the Persian Gulf port of Khorramshahr

On Thursday, June 24, Israel repeated its warning that ships trying to breach its blockade against the Gaza Strip would be deemed "enemy vessels." The Israeli Navy has been instructed to employ every available means to bar their access to Gaza's shore. Israel OC Northern Command Gen. Gadi Eizenkot said: "The Lebanese side is issuing threats against Israel and we are confident that the Israeli army is preparing to confront these threats in an appropriate manner."

The Lebanese "Julia" belongs to a Syrian shipping firm headed by a cousin of President Bashar Assad, who made it available to Hizballah for the challenge to Israel. The Lebanese flotilla effort is funded by a Palestinian by the name of Yasser Kashlak who, posing as a wealthy businessman, serves as Tehran's secret channel for remitting funds to Hizballah and Palestinian terrorist organizations, including Hamas.

The rumors continue to circulate throughout the media. Discussions of when war will take plave, how such war will develop, who will be involved, and how will the EU and the US might respond have become common. Every day, discussions of war take place: We see discussions of war on TV news shows, we see retired military leaders discussing the prospect of war, and on and on it goes. Discussions of possible war have become a daily expectation.

Soon, we'll move from speculation to actual war coverage. The headlines have already been written as seen in the prophetic scriptures, but how things will develop and the specific causes for war are still unknown. It will all be revealed in God's perfect timing.

The Bottom Line

It is always good to get a reminder. A reminder of why we watch the signs that we have been given: Signs that indicate that we are at the very end of this last generation - signs that indicate one important thing for a Christian - signs revealing that soon, we will be in the very presence of Jesus Himself - in a place called New Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12, 21 and 22). It will be that special place that Jesus has prepared for us (John 14:1-3) - the place that He has promised to take us. Our primary home, which resides in Heaven.

As posted on RaptureAlert.com, as written by Joseph Chambers, this one is worth posting in its entirety, and it is worth reading several times.

This is what we are waiting for, longing for and awaiting with great anticipation and excitement:




The Marriage of The Lamb

by Joseph R. Chambers

If there is one star-studded event of all the ages that transcends all others, it must be the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” The very heart of the Father in creating Adam and Eve and commanding them to multiply was out of a family passion. He had a family of angels that filled His eternal city with praise, but He also wanted a human family that His Son may be the Bridegroom. Nothing in His eternity is a surprise to Him. We were chosen from the foundation of the world to bring great joy to His fatherly heart.

It is fitting that the Bible ends in His New Jerusalem, a special city for a special people. It is the conclusion of His revelations and shows the eternal joys as the Father enjoys His family, both angelic and glorified flesh. This world is nothing but a sideshow, while the kingdom of God is in preparation to be revealed. The fallen prince, Satan, has had his time of rebellion while the world makes their choice of whom to serve. Wickedness grows for its final harvest of sorrows, while righteousness climbs the stairs of grace to its triumph. The hour of finality is so close that the sense of majesty is in the air.

The Psalmist spoke of a Wedding in his majestic book. He surely walked with God and was given a peep into the “Royal Wedding.” First, he spoke of this coming King/Messiah and declared Him with a glorious sense of His lofty statue. Read this description of the Bridegroom spoken hundreds of years before the virgin conceived this king in her womb.

“My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee forever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee. Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (Psalm 45:1-6).

Such words are too high for me. They leave me with a glow into the marvel of our Father’s gift. He was very God. Already a King, grace poured from His lips. He was majestic in humility, mighty in battle, and truth was the essence of His person. He was from a throne and destined to return to that throne, but with everlasting victory in His right hand. He is presently patient, but soon to ride the white horse of fiery judgment. His sceptre will leave no room for exceptions. His victory is soon to be complete because the price of this redemption is totally paid. He has uttered, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

If we could ignite a passion for this great celebration and triumph, it would awake the church. Hope is a majestic word and one of the greatest words in Scripture. Christianity is the only religion that is saturated with this grand emotion. We have no excuse to be gloomy and sad. The Bible is a book of happiness. It is breathtaking to see the end on the horizon. Hope is in the air. While I read and witness the world slipping into an irrecoverable chaos, I see “Truth” like a crescendo rising all around us. The great prophecies of the Bible are so evident that being sad is impossible.

Our future is beyond description. No one can understand unless they are schooled in Biblical revelations. Heaven is surely in preparation for the Bride’s arrival just in time for a Wedding Supper. The Banquet Hall is all lit up and the tables are gleaming with heaven’s tableware. The food is undoubtedly prepared because nothing grows old in that city. Angels have finished practicing their welcoming songs. We will soon be transported to the grandest event of human history.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Maranatha. We will actually experience these things in the near future. We know this because biblical prophecy is 100% accurate, and our prophetic scriptures are boldly proclaiming that our destination is drawing near. Its a guarantee.

The scriptures tell us that we should be looking up in these last days. Looking to that final destination - the eternal destination that we will share with our Savior - Jesus Christ.

I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait.

Comment Moderation

I'm still having to do the "comment moderation" thing, and for some inexplicable reason, again today, a couple of comments that I attempted to "approve" didn't get posted and I don't know why.

My apologies to a couple of people who posted some well-thought out comments that would have been interesting to read. It certainly wasn't intentional.

I am still getting a few inappropriate "comments", but they have slowed significantly. I am hoping to go back soon and discontinue this moderation.

Again, my apologies to the comments that didn't get posted - its a small % but I didn't want anyone to think I had deleted their comments. The only comments I am deleting are those with links to pornography.

Update: Iran and earthquakes in North America

There are now a couple of additional articles which relate to the "troop movement" near Iran. The most reliable comes from Israel National News:


"Reports: IAF Landed at Saudi Base, US Troops near Iran Border"

The Israeli Air Force recently unloaded military equipment at a Saudi Arabia base, a semi-official Iranian news agency claimed Wednesday, while a large American force has massed in Azerbaijan, which is on the northwest border of Iran.
Both reports follow by less than a week the Pentagon’s confirmation that an unusually large American fleet sailed through the Suez Canal Saturday. Several reports stated that an Israeli ship joined the armada.

...a report by Iran on Wednesday that it has enriched dozens of pounds of 17 per cent enriched uranium serves as a reminder that time is running out to stop Iran from being able to produce a nuclear weapon.

Iran’s Fars News Agency said the Israeli military aircraft landed 10 days ago at the Saudi base near the city of Tabuk, located in northwest Saudi Arabia, one of the closest areas in the oil kingdom to Iran.

Iran’s government-funded Press TV reported that the Revolutionary Guards began closely patrolling the Islamic Republic’s northwestern border after noticing the American forces, which Iran claimed also included Israeli troops. Azerbaijan’s independent Trend news site also reported on Wednesday that American armed forces are in the country, which is in an armed conflict with rebels.

Revolutionary Guards Brigadier General Mehdi Moini said Tuesday that his forces are mobilized “due to the presence of American and Israeli forces on the western border.” The Guards reportedly have called in tanks and anti-aircraft units to the area in what amounts to a war alert.

I still have a very hard time seeing the U.S. taking aggressive action towards Iran. It is possible, but it seems unlikely that the U.S. would open up another war front. However, if Israel is on the verge of taking out Iran's nuclear facilities and war between these two countries is imminent, then the U.S. may want a stronger presence in the region, primarily to ensure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. It is all a matter of speculation at this point. Additionally, I still believe that the first wars will take place between Israel and Syria-Lebanon-Gaza-Hamas-Hezbollah.

Who knows where this will lead. But things are starting to pick up in pace. Because of the recent flotilla incident and now, more ships headed to the blockade; because of the recent arms movements seen between Syria and Hezbollah; because of Turkey's overt hatred of Israel, while aligning with Iran and because of Iran being so dangerously close to having nuclear weapons, we appear to be seeing things shaping up exactly as prophecy would dictate.

Then we turn to North America:

"Earthquake in Canada rattles upstate NY, VT"

ALBANY, N.Y.—An earthquake centered in Canada was strong enough to rattle furniture across the state and was felt as far south as New York City.

There were no initial reports of any serious damage or injuries Wednesday from the 5.0 magnitude quake, which was centered about 40 miles north of Ottawa near the Ontario-Quebec border.

The quake was felt as far away as Michigan and Vermont. In New York, it prompted several calls to state police in Ray Brook in the Adirondacks.

The quake rattled downtown buildings and homes in Ottawa and Toronto, as well as government offices across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec

"Strong earthquake felt throughout parts of Canada and the United States"

The 5.5-magnitude earthquake at 1.41 p.m. local time (1741 GMT) was centered about 49 kilometers (31 miles) north of Cumberland, a township in eastern Ontario province. It struck about 61 kilometers (38 miles) north of Ottawa, but was felt as far away as Toronto and northern U.S. states.

The quake – which was unusually strong for the region – struck about 15.7 kilometers (9.8 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There was also a 4.4 in Mexico yesterday. Earthquakes in diverse places. The last several notable earthquake swarms were in the typical regions, but lately it seems that the US has been having a few more. This is also worth watching.

Iran back in focus

Now it is once again appearing that the Iran-Israel situation could be the conflict which ignites the Middle East:

"Iran on war alert"

In a rare move, Iran has declared a state of war on its northwestern border, DEBKAfile's military and Iranian sources report. Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps men and equipment units are being massed in the Caspian Sea region against what Tehran claims are US and Israeli forces concentrated on army and air bases in Azerbaijan ready to strike Iran's nuclear facilities.

"The mobilization is due to the presence of American and Israeli forces on the western border," adding, "Reinforcements are being dispatched to West Azerbaijan Province because some western countries are fueling ethnic conflicts to destabilize the situation in the region."

Other Iranian sources report that in the last few days, Israel has secretly transferred a large number of bomber jets to bases in Azerbaijan, via Georgia, and that American special forces are also concentrated in Azerbaijan in preparation for a strike.


DEBKAfile's intelligence and Iranian sources point to three other developments as setting off Iran's war alert:
1. A certain (limited) reinforcement of American and Israeli forces has taken place in Azerbaijan. Neither Washington nor Jerusalem has ever acknowledged a military presence in this country that borders on Iran, but Western intelligence sources say that both keep a wary eye on the goings-on inside Iran from electronic surveillance bases in that country.

2. Iran feels moved to respond to certain US steps: The arrival of the USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea and its war games with France and Israel, which included live-fire bombing practices against targets in Iran.

3. The execution of Abdolmalek Rigi, head of the Sunni Baluchi rebel organization (including the Iranian Baluchis), on June 20 was intended as a deterrent for Iran's other minorities. Instead, they are more restive than ever. Several Azeri breakaway movements operate in Iranian Azerbaijan in combination with their brethren across the border. Tehran decided a substantial buildup in the province would serve as a timely measure against possible upheavals.

Then we see an update on the possible conflict between Iran and Israel due to Iran sending ships into the blockade:

"Iran Changes Course on Ship; Israel Trains for the Worst"

Iran has changed course again and announced Tuesday afternoon it will send a ship to try to challenge Israeli sovereignty over the waters off of Hamas-controlled Gaza...

"No one in their right mind can believe that a ship sent by the ayatollahs and their Revolutionary Guards has anything to do with humanitarian aid," said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor. "I don't think there is one single country in this region and beyond that would let such an ayatollah ship come near its coasts."

If Iran goes through with its vow to send a ship, any confrontation with Israel is less likely to result in the international sympathy for the Turkish flotilla that clashed with Israeli commandos May 31, when nine Turkish terror activists were killed.

The prospect of U.S. warships being involved was played down by Newsweek magazine, which reported Tuesday that Saturday’s movement through the Suez Canal of the American warships, led by the giant aircraft carrier USS Truman, was unconnected with an Iranian attempt to reach Gaza.

The movement of the warships was exceptional because of the number of vessels involved, the largest in years, but the Pentagon stated that the USS Truman simply was on its way to relieve the USS Eisenhower carrier in “a routine rotation of forces during a scheduled deployment.”

These are interesting developments. We saw a few days ago, U.S. and Israeli ships headed towards Iran and now perhaps we have some ground troop movements towards Iran's northern border. This is worth watching closely. It will take very little to ignite this powder-keg, and the region's tension continues to escalate by the day.

Rumors of war. Indeed.

The Gulf Crisis and Biblical Prophecy

Many people are wondering of the Gulf oil crisis is part of the overall prophetic picture that we find ourselves in during these last days. The short answer is "who knows?". There is no specific prophecy relating to an oil spill, nor is there a specific prophecy relating to this type of specific prophecy. We know that during the Tribulation, water will be affected in different ways:

"The second angel sounded his trumpet and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel sounded his trumpet and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the waters and on the springs of water - the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter." (Revelation 8:8-11)

Later, during the Tribulation, during the "Bowl Judgments" we see this:

The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died. The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say:

"You are just in these judgments,
you who are and who were, the Holy One,
because you have so judged;
for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets,
and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve."

(Revelation 16:3-6)


Several thoughts. First of all, these "judgments" occur during the Tribulation, and we are not currently in the Tribulation - that is clear. Secondly, the first scriptures above - where the waters are affected - appear to result from a meteor or perhaps a huge volcano blowing out, or perhaps missiles re-entering the atmosphere. None of that is consistent with the current events in the gulf. Thirdly, some folks have noticed that aerial photos of the gulf, where the spill is present, appears to be the color of blood. But note the scriptures above - the biblical commentary indicates that they are given (literal) blood to drink (via the waters changing to "blood") - because of the bloodshed caused by persecution. That, to me, seems like literal blood, not something that looks like blood.

For these reasons, I do not see any specific prophecy being fulfilled in the Gulf. However, it could be fulfillment of Genesis 12, where the nations are strongly warned not to "curse" Israel, or they will be cursed. That scenario has to be a possibility, as the U.S. administration does everything in its power to divide Jerusalem and weaken Israel to a point that they are vulnerable to the surrounding enemies. But even that is highly speculative.

Having said all of that - there are some very ominous developments in this golf oil crisis, developments that aren't being covered by the MSM:

"How the ultimate BP Gulf disaster could kill millions"

Below are some highlights, but the entire article is worth reading:

Disturbing evidence is mounting that something frightening is happening deep under the waters of the Gulf of Mexico—something far worse than the BP oil gusher.

Warnings were raised as long as a year before the Deepwater Horizon disaster that the area of seabed chosen by the BP geologists might be unstable, or worse, inherently dangerous.

What makes the location that Transocean chose potentially far riskier than other potential oil deposits located at other regions of the Gulf? It can be summed up with two words: methane gas.

More than 12 months ago some geologists rang the warning bell that the Deepwater Horizon exploratory rig might have been erected directly over a huge underground reservoir of methane.

Documents from several years ago indicate that the subterranean geologic formation may contain the presence of a huge methane deposit.

None other than the engineer who helped lead the team to snuff the Gulf oil fires set by Saddam Hussein to slow the advance of American troops has stated that a huge underground lake of methane gas—compressed by a pressure of 100,000 pounds per square inch (psi)—could be released by BP’s drilling effort to obtain the oil deposit.

Current engineering technology cannot contain gas that is pressurized to 100,000 psi.


According to worried geologists, the first signs that the methane may burst its way through the bottom of the ocean would be fissures or cracks appearing on the ocean floor near the damaged well head.


Evidence of fissures opening up on the seabed have been captured by the robotic submersibles working to repair and contain the ruptured well. Smaller, independent plumes have also appeared outside the nearby radius of the bore hole itself. (My note: This would explain the continuing increase in the flow of escaping oil from the ruptured seabed.)

With the emerging evidence of fissures, the quiet fear now is the methane bubble rupturing the seabed and exploding into the Gulf waters. If the bubble escapes, every ship, drilling rig and structure within the region of the bubble will instantaneously sink. All the workers, engineers, Coast Guard personnel and marine biologists measuring the oil plumes’ advance will instantly perish.

As horrible as that is, what would follow is an event so potentially horrific that it equals in its fury the Indonesian tsunami that killed more than 600,000, or the destruction of Pompeii by Mt. Vesuvius.


The ultimate Gulf disaster, however, would make even those historical horrors pale by comparison. If the huge methane bubble breaches the seabed, it will erupt with an explosive fury similar to that experienced during the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens in the Pacific Northwest. A gas gusher will surge upwards through miles of ancient sedimentary rock—layer after layer—past the oil reservoir. It will explode upwards propelled by 50 tons psi, burst through the cracks and fissures of the compromised sea floor, and rupture miles of ocean bottom with one titanic explosion.

While the entire Gulf coastline is vulnerable, the state most exposed to the fury of a supersonic wave towering 100 feet or more is Florida. The Sunshine State only averages about 6 inches above sea level. A supersonic tsunami would literally sweep away everything from Miami to the panhandle in a matter of minutes. Loss of human life would be virtually instantaneous and measured in the millions. Of course the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and southern region of Georgia—a state with no Gulf coastline—would also experience tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of casualties.
Loss of property is virtually incalculable and the days of the US position as the world’s superpower would be literally gone in a flash…of detonating methane.

It is interesting that we are already beginning to see huge, epic events on the planet - the type of events which will be common during the Tribulation.

We are only beginning to see a brief glimpse of what is to come.

"There Will Be War"

Thats the headline of an article found in Forbes today.

"There Will Be War":

...a massive buildup of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf starting with Carrier Strike Group 10, headed by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. Just last Friday an armada of more than 12 U.S. and Israeli warships passed through the Suez canal amid extreme security provided by Egypt. The ships are headed for the Red Sea and from there to the Persian Gulf.

Another four U.S. warships will be making their way to the region to join the Strike Group. The Americans have also conducted joint air and naval strike practices with France and the U.K. under the command of American forces, while Germany is sending warships to the area, also under the command of American forces.

This article also points out what prophecy watchers have been noticing for several years now:

Iran, for its part, is also preparing for an all-out war in the Middle East. Before even a vote was cast at the U.N. on recent sanctions, Iranian leaders had ordered the Guards to build up. Reinforcement troops have been dispatched to the Iraqi and Afghanistan borders. Hezbollah has been armed to the teeth, and Syria was presented with missiles carrying larger payloads and longer range.

And this - amazing that this article in Forbes sounds almost identical to one of the many popular biblical prophecy websites:

Meanwhile Iran is busy pursuing its nuclear bomb project and enriching its supply of uranium faster than ever before, with the hope of testing its first nuclear bomb. Accomplishing this will fulfill the prophecy sought by the radical members of the secretive society of Hojjatieh, particularly its leader Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, the person responsible for the initial election and fraudulent re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The Hojjatieh movement impatiently seeks the end of times and the return of Imam Mahdi, the last messiah.

And more on Iran's war preparations. They certainly seem to see war approaching:

The Islamic Regime is prepared to suppress any uprising. They are well aware of the West's intention to crumble Iran's economy in coming months and to create the conditions for a massive rebellion. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have set up detention centers in rural areas capable of housing thousands in the event of any further unrest. The Guards have been anticipating this day ever since Mohammad Ali Jafari was picked as commander by Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei. Jafari has said that Iran's opposition is an even greater threat to Iran than its former archenemy Saddam Hussein had been. He has facilitated the establishment of 31 command and control centers in and around Iran that can operate independently in case of a break in communication during a war. Each center is authorized to suppress any unrest and to confront any enemy. Jafari has also brought Iran's Basij militia--a group of pro-government vigilantes--under Guard command to insure greater coordination.

As the article states, and very consistent with biblical prophecy, there will be war indeed. It is just a matter of time.

In the news...

As usual, there are several news stories coming from Iran:

"US, Israel Warships in Suez May Be Prelude to Faceoff with Iran"

Egypt allowed at least one Israeli and 11 American warships to pass through the Suez Canal as an Iranian flotilla approaches Gaza. Egypt closed the canal to protect the ships with thousands of soldiers, according to the British-based Arabic language newspaper Al Quds al-Arabi.

Despite Egypt’s reported refusal to block the canal to Iranian boats, the clearance for the American-Israeli fleet may be a warning to Iran it may face military opposition if the Iranian Red Crescent ship continues on course to Gaza.

The warships may exercise the right to inspect the Iranian boat for the illegal transport or weapons. Newsweek reported that Egyptian authorities could stop the ship for weeks, using technicalities such as requiring that any official documents be translated from Farsi into Arabic.

The magazine’s website also reported that the Iranian navy is the weakest part of its armed forces. Tehran has already backed down from announced intentions to escort the Iranian ships with "volunteer marines” from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

...the armada, led by the USS Truman with 5,000 sailors and marines, was the largest in years. Egypt closed the canal to fishing and other boats as the armada moved through the strategic passageway that connects the Red and Mediterranean Seas.

Another battle on the high seas may involve one, and possibly two, Lebanese vessels that are aimed at challenging Israel’s sovereignty over the Gaza coastal waters. Hizbullah, gearing up for a reaction to a possible clash between the Israeli Navy (pictured) and the Lebanese boats, has deployed rocket units near Lebanese ports, according to unofficial military sources.

Israel has warned U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that Israel will use force, if necessary, to stop the boats, one of which is carrying approximately 70 women passengers and crew organized by Hizbullah supporter Samar al-Hajj. Her husband is one of several jailed suspects involved in the assassination of former Lebanese anti-Syrian Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

"Iran bans 2 IAEA inspectors from entering Iran"

Iran said Monday it has banned two U.N. nuclear inspectors from entering the country because they disclosed to the media the contents of a "false" report on the country's disputed nuclear program before the U.N. nuclear watchdog reviewed it.

The ban is the latest twist in Iran's deepening tussle with the Vienna-based IAEA and the West over its nuclear program. The United States and Israel say Iran's program is geared toward making nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge, insisting that it is for peaceful purposes only.

In more ominous news we see this:

"Al-Qaida warns of new attacks deadlier than before"

Al-Qaida's U.S.-born spokesman warned President Barack Obama Sunday that the militant group may launch new attacks that would kill more Americans than previous ones.

In a taunting, 24 minute message that dwelled on Obama's setbacks, including the loss of Massachusetts Senate seat to the Republicans, Adam Gadahn set out al-Qaida's conditions for peace with the U.S., including cutting support for Israel and withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

Gadahn said that if you compared the number of dead Muslims "with the relatively small number of Americans we have killed so far, it becomes crystal-clear that we haven't even begun to even the score," he said, dressed in a white robe and turban.
"That's why next time, we might not show the restraint and self-control we have shown up until now," he said. Even if al-Qaida was defeated, "hundreds of millions of Muslims" would still fight the U.S., he added.

"Radicals, Islamists and Longshoremen blockade Israeli ship on Oakland"

An Israeli cargo ship arriving in Oakland today was forced to sit idle and not offload its containers when longshoremen joined forces with a coalition of communist and Islamist groups who picketed the port in protest against the recent violent incident off the coast of Gaza.

The ship, owned by Zim Lines, was not carrying any controversial cargo, nor is Zim involved in politics in any way; it was targeted simply because the shipping company is based in Israel.


Today’s blockade of the Port of Oakland by anti-Israel forces, in collaboration with the Longshoremen’s Union (ILWU), is the opening of another front in the war on Israel — economic, politcal, propagandistic, and military — which escalates week by week. Will it ever end? Not according to the masterminds of the flotilla:

Meanwhile, Yasser Kashlak, a Syrian businessman of Palestinian descent who heads the “Free Palestine Organization” and is funding this boat, as well as another that is to carry journalists and parliamentarians, said over the weekend on Hizbullah’s al-Manar television station that he was more and more optimistic that one day these same boats would take “Europe’s refuse [the Jews] that came to my homeland back to their homelands.

“Gilad Schalit should go back to Paris and those murderers go back to Poland, and after that we will chase them until the ends of the earth to bring them to justice for their acts of slaughter from Deir Yassin until today.” Kashlak, a fervent Hizbullah supporter, called Israel a “rabid dog sent to the region to frighten the Arabs. He said he had a message for Israelis: ‘Get on the ships we are sending you and go back to your lands. Don’t let the moderate Arab leaders delude you, [you] cannot make peace with us. Our children will return to Palestine, you have no reason for coexistence. Even if our leaders will sign a peace agreement, we will not sign.’”

This has already been described as a group of "peace and labor" groups, but who are they, really?

Also find this bit of information regarding the sponsorship of this "peaceful group" in the article:

Sponsored by: Labor / Community Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine:
Arab American Union Members Council, ANSWER- Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, Palestine Youth Network, US Palestine Community Network, Al Awda- Right to Return Coalition, Arab Youth Organization, MECA-Middle East Children’s Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Solidarity Movement, San Jose Peace and Justice Center, International Socialist Organization, Peace and Freedom Party – SF, Transport Workers Solidarity Committee and many labor activists in the Bay Area

From the list of sponsors above, I don’t see too many “peace” groups, but instead radical Islamic and Arab organizations dedicated to the extirpation of Israel, and some far-left political groups, a couple of which use the word “Peace” in their names as an Orwellian euphemism for “destroy the capitalist system.”

And an update to the article was just added:

UPDATE:

Keep in mind that the Port of Oakland is not some minor, backwater city-owned port: it is in fact the fourth busiest port in the country and a major linchpin in the economy of California and the West, serving as the gateway for much of the materials coming from Asia into the United States. A threat to the proper functioning of the Port of Oakland can effect the economy nationwide. It’s not a good sign that fringe groups can dictate which countries get to ship goods into the US. What if someone protested at the port against China’s human rights record? Would the longshoremen stop unloading Chinese ships and bring most West Coast imports to a halt? Obviously not. Pragmatism dictates that you can bully a small trading partner, but not a big one.

This is just more evidence of the anti-Israel sentiment that is prevailing throughout the world today. Most of it is based on distortions, lies and hatred. The hatred of Israel that we see growing almost everywhere - is surreal. But it is also expected.

One more article which is consistent with this growing hatred of Israel:

"The Jews and the Bloody-Minded Professors"

As mentioned so many times before, we are just witnessing the world as it moves towards the Tribulation. During the Tribulation, persecution against Jews and Christians will reach levels never seen before on this earth - making the holocaust look like a picnic.

In fact, it will become so bad, that even those in Heaven will cry out:

"...the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, who is holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?' Then each of them was given a white robe and they were told to wait a little longer..." (Revelation 6:9-11).

Persecution: It will continue to get more and more severe as we watch the world march into the Tribulation.

Another Storm Coming

The American Thinker has another article describing the dire situation Israel is facing:

"Israel's Crisis At Sea -- Another Storm Coming"

The Israeli government has stepped up its efforts to warn international activists not to board ships sailing from Iran or Lebanon, claiming it will endanger their lives, as Israel's navy forces plan to stop the ships in international waters before they reach Gaza.

This guerrilla war at sea is a ploy to use "humanitarian" terrorism as a way of changing the political climate in the Middle East, influencing public opinion by trapping Israel in a diplomatic quagmire. It distracts from major issues such as stopping Iran's nuclear capabilities and trying to weaken Iran's goal of regional hegemony.

The current axis of state-sponsored terrorism (Iran-Syria-Lebanon-Gaza) that has been a major concern for Israel has now expanded to include Turkey.

Turkey is currently in a strategic partnership with Iran, intent on strengthening Iran's proxy, Hamas. Turkey would like to overshadow Egypt's mediation efforts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas in order to unite Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. If these two groups unite, they will be a political force to contend with, and they will put greater pressure on the international community to lift the Gaza blockade. The leverage Israel has over Hamas would evaporate, and the possible release of Israel's POW, Gilad Shalit, would diminish.

With the recent opening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, which now allows Hamas militants to cross freely back and forth, it's expected that there will be an increase in terror coordination between Hamas and its parent organization, the Moslem Brotherhood. This could cause greater instability within the Egyptian government. A weakening of Egypt's moderates could pave the way for increased terrorist infiltration into Israel through the porous Sinai border.

So that sets the stage. Hamas, who is sworn to destroy Israel, now seems to have found a way to receive infusions of money and arms, all under the premise of "humanitarian aid". What a brilliant plan. And world leaders follow blindly:

Meanwhile, members of the Obama administration have recently hinted at future dialogue with Hamas, and Hamas has hinted at back-channel discussions already taking place with the U.S. European and Russian diplomats have been talking to Hamas, and the perception is that while nothing has changed in terms of the Hamas doctrine towards Israel, the international community has changed in that there is more willingness to negotiate directly with the terrorist organization.

Hamas wants its Islamic allies to have free access to Gaza's sea port in order to help arm its government with long-range Iranian missiles and other weapons. The kinds of arms that can be brought in by sea are much greater than those that can be smuggled in by land. Egypt is building an underground wall with plans to close the tunnels. This means less opportunity for Hamas to receive weapons by land, and it makes the opening of the Gaza sea port an important strategic goal for them.

Hamas will continue to use humanitarian aid organizations to try to break the Gaza blockade, while the international community debates how much pressure to put on Israel to lift the blockade and open the sea port. There is some acknowledgment on the part of western diplomats that they are playing into the hands of Hamas.

If that isn't bad enough, now we see the EU emerging as a "Key Player". That is interesting, because ultimately, a key figure (otherwise known as the antichrist) will emerge and "confirm" a peace plan between Israel and her surrounding enemies. I have always felt that the word "confirm" has to do with sending peace-keeping forces into Israel to maintain the peace deal that is brokered. Therefore, anytime the EU (where the antichrist will come from) becomes involved in peace-keeping activities, particularly by use of troops in the region - I become interested. See this:

The European Union Emerges as a Key Player

The EU has been debating what to do about the flotilla crisis. Activists from at least twelve European nations were on the recent flotilla, so parliament members have a vested interest in calming tensions. Europe could now play a pivotal role in the Middle East in trying to ease the blockade by calling for EU monitors to be stationed at Israeli and Egyptian border crossings into Gaza.

The EU has also talked about a plan to use European monitoring forces at sea in an effort to investigate cargo ships before they come into the area of the Gaza sea port. Israel is opposed to this effort, claiming that international naval monitoring forces did not prevent the smuggling of arms to Hizbullah after the Second Lebanon War. So why should Israel now trust the effectiveness of such forces to inspect cargo ships in Cyprus or anywhere else before reaching Gaza?

The vice continues to tighten around Israel and the "international community" continues to pressure Israel into creating conditions favorable to their enemies. Hezbollah, in the north is already armed to the teeth - with a continual flow of arms coming via Syria, Iran and Russia. Now Hamas wants more weapons - in addition to the missiles that they already have. All for the purpose of destroying Israel.

Fortunately, God has a different plan. A plan that will be revealed at God's perfect time. God is in complete control over this situation and it is unfolding exactly according to plan. We - the Church are not to have a spirit of fear. We are told that when these things "begin to take place", "stand up and lift your heads because your redemption is drawing near".

Our fate is different from the rest of the world. We'll be going home soon. Very soon.

Maranatha!

Something worth watching

"Report: U.S., Israeli warships cross Suez Cana; toward Red Sea"

More than twelve United States Naval warships and at least one Israeli ship crossed the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea on Friday, British Arabic Language newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Saturday.The Suez Canal is a strategic Egyptian waterway which connects between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

According to eyewitnesses, the U.S. battleships were the largest to have crossed the Canal in many years, Al-Quds reported.

This is the obvious route towards Iran. We shall see.

"International Order"

The headline says it all:


"Obama call for 'international order' Raises Questions About U.S. Sovereignty"

President Obama is facing criticism for his declaration over the weekend that he would seek a new "international order," with some questioning how much U.S. sovereignty the administration is willing to cede in exchange for more global cooperation.

Obama did not say Saturday which specific global institutions he wants to build. Obama has made enhanced international cooperation a priority dating back to the campaign and so far has carried out that goal by seeking global agreements for nuclear weapons reduction, an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced support from the United Nations in dealing with rogue regimes.

"America has not succeeded by stepping outside the currents of cooperation; we have succeeded by steering those currents in the direction of liberty and justice -- so nations thrive by meeting their responsibilities, and face consequences when they don't," he told the graduating class at the military academy.


"Our adversaries would like to see America sap its strength by overextending our power," Obama said. "So we have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation."

Carafano said the superpower remark was no "Freudian slip" and that the West Point speech amounted to more than just rhetoric -- he said the administration has already started undermining U.S. sovereignty with its arms reduction treaty with Russia.

As usual, Mike Mickey on Rapture Alert has put things in appropriate perspective. This one is worth posting in its entirety:





Obama and the New International Order Revisited

by Michael G. Mickey
(6-18-10)

In bible prophecy we are told that a global government, a new world order, is going to arise in the prophetic future that will see one man, the prophesied Antichrist to come, hold power "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations"(Revelation 13:7). Are we on our way to that becoming a reality? I believe so beyond any doubt.

On May 25, 2010 I wrote a commentary (with video footage attached) describing how President Obama, speaking before a recent graduating class at West Point, said, "We have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation." In that same commentary I highlighted the fact that Vice President Joe Biden, speaking before the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, said the following recently: "As you probably know, some American politicians and American journalists refer to Washington, D.C. as the 'capital of the free world', but it seems to me that in this great city, which boasts 1,000 years of history and which serves as the capital of Belgium, the home of the European Union, and the headquarters for NATO, this city has its own legitimate claim to that title."

If there is presently any conglomerate of power formed in our world today that could serve as the foundation for the future global government of Antichrist, it is today's European Union. With its 27 member nations and common currency, there is little room for doubt that this is the revived Roman empire foretold by the prophet Daniel on the rise, the Beast government foreseen by the Apostle John in Revelation 13.

Against the backdrop of the recent developments spoken of above, a commentary I read yesterday, written by former EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, only strengthens my suspicion that we are well on our way to global government becoming a reality. Entitled "Obama's national strategy embraces the international", the title practically says it all, but there are a few key points I'd like to discuss from within the document.

Surrendering our national sovereignty

Consider the following written by Dr. Solana:

"In the face of the major challenges of our times, Mr Obama has taken a stand with a comprehensive doctrine that goes beyond the dominant, unilateral paradigm and includes a defence of international law. This is noteworthy, given that none of the great treaties to create an international criminal court and a permanent war-crimes tribunal was signed by the US during George W Bush's presidency."

The bottom line? The USA, under the leadership of President Obama, is much more conformist in its willingness to give the international community power over U.S. citizens, perhaps opening the door for the International Criminal Court to try Americans for crimes as it deems necessary. Self-explanatory in my opinion, this serves no one's best interests other than those of global government proponents.

Reinforcing international institutions

Solana writes the following of interest on this topic:

"Mr Obama maintains the idea of service to a historical mission for the US: guaranteeing global security. But, unlike his White House predecessors, Mr Obama's National Security Strategy recognises the value of partnerships; attaches greater importance to the civilian dimension as opposed to the military; and stresses the value of dialogue and the need to reinforce international institutions."

Have "international institutions" like the United Nations, for example, consistently served the best interests of the United States or even humanity thus far? One need look no further than the recent Gaza flotilla incident to answer that question. In spite of video being readily available for anyone and everyone to see documenting Israeli commandos being beaten with metal rods by a lynch mob aboard the ship Mavi Marmara and being thrown from upper decks of the vessel to lower ones, the UN continues to act as though Israel is to blame for the loss of life there. This is the sort of injustice that President Obama's administration hopes to reinforce? Apparently so, at least from Solana's perspective.

Transitioning to global governance

Of interest on this topic, Solana writes the following as a conclusion to his commentary:

"We are in a transition period: international interconnection is increasing, as the global economic crisis has shown, but the management tools and mechanisms to guarantee governments' smooth operation are still not being shared. Mr Obama's new strategy shows a political willingness to back an international order able to tackle these challenges."

Some have argued that the recent global economic crisis, which was headline news in the United States a short time ago and is now a major concern in the European Union, is signaling that those who believe the European Union to be the revived Roman empire of bible prophecy in the making are wrong. While it is conceivable that is true in light of Daniel's prophecy of ten kings holding power in the final kingdom from within which the Antichrist will arise and uproot three kings en route to establishing his global kingdom (Daniel 7), orchestrated crisis has reportedly been a mechanism global power brokers have been planning to use to reach their end goal of a global government for a long time.

Whether orchestrated or not, one need look no further than what Solana wrote above to see that the recent global economic crisis hasn't slowed our movement toward global governance but forwarded it, opening the door for what Solana refers to as "management tools and mechanisms" designed to control the global economy to be strengthened (KEYWORD: strengthened). It is going to take an international order to tackle that challenge as well as others - and Javier Solana, someone most everyone believes to be an influential voice in getting that order established, believes President Obama is a willing partner in bringing it to pass. Furthermore, Solana believes we are transitioning toward same right now! Based on recent developments, I see no reason to suspect he is anything other than correct.

Keep looking up!

--------------------

As prophecy scholars have seen written in the scriptures - America takes a back-seat during the Tribulation. There is simply no mention or reference to the United States anywhere in the vivid descriptions seen in Revelation 6-18 (a detailed view of the Tribulation), nor anywhere else in the biblical prophecies about "end times"... We see references to the "Kings of the East", the revived Roman Empire/"10 Kings", the "Kings of the North", the "Gog-MaGog" alliance etc., but no reference to the U.S.

Because of this, there have always been several assumptions regarding the U.S.

1. It could become part of the "10 Kings", particularly under the assumption that the "10 Kings" ends up being 10 regions of the world. Perhaps the U.S. would become part of a North American Union (one of the 10 Kings?), or the U.S. simply gets folded into a growing EU prior to the development of the 10 Kings phase. (see European Union Map of 10 World Regions HERE)

2. The U.S. becomes severely and disproportionately weakened as a result of the Rapture of the Church.

3. The U.S. remains as it is today, but simply doesn't receive any mention in the detailed visions of the Tribulation.

It is anyone's guess as to why the U.S. isn't referenced. Under #1 above, it is very interesting that the EU's main website has proactively divided the world into 10 regions. Is that a coincidence?

It could be that the U.S., particularly following the Rapture of the Church, simply decides to take a "back-seat" and enter into a period of isolation - not entering into international affiars. That also seems quite possible.

However, the fact remains that the Rapture of the Church - a pre-Tribulation event, will change the world dramatically and instantly. Who knows where that will lead?

Ultimately, it may not matter a whole lot - to the Church anyway - we have our own fate to consider. And it is much better than anything happening on the earth.

Maranatha!

On the brink...

Well, it seems clear now that Israel's enemies have found a way to precipitate war - the flotilla incident gave them exactly what they wanted. Attacking Israel's blockade is the "in thing" now. There are too many ships headed for Israel now to count. Iran seems to be leading the charge:

"Number of vessels sailing to Gaza unclear"

The recent deadly Navy raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara ship greatly damaged Israel's image in the world, the political echelon continues to insist that all flotillas attempting to reach the Strip must be stopped.

Nonetheless, the preparations for the next Navy operation – which include an examination of different methods – are being held under conditions of uncertainty.

One ship has already left Iran, and the second one is reportedly about to set sail. Or perhaps two ships and a plane? These are only some of the reports regarding the upcoming flotilla, which is organized by the Iranian Red Crescent – an organization used by Iran's authorities in their intelligence activities.

The "flotilla offensive" is expected to climax at the end of the month of Ramadan, which takes place on October 12, when organizations like Free Gaza and Viva Palestine seek to organize a flotilla of 10 to 15 vessels.

"Egypt refuses to stop Iranian flotillas"

Cairo newspaper "A-Dar" reported Friday that Israel issued a request to Egypt to prevent aid ships from Iran reaching Gaza via the Suez Canal. Egyptian officials reported the request because "it contradicts the law."

Egyptian authorities explained to the Cairo newspaper that Israel requested Egypt prevent any aid ships arriving from Iran passing through the Suez Canal claiming that Iran is aiding Hamas to work against Egypt.

"New Flotilla Organizer is Wife of Hizbullah Supporter"

Evidence is mounting that the organizers of a new flotilla set to leave Lebanon toward Gaza are not neutral peace activists, but are in fact tied closely to the Hizbullah terrorist organization, and openly profess their hatred of Israel.

Well...No kidding.


"Iran to retaliate if planes, ships inspected"

Iran's Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani warned the West and certain countries with retaliation if they try to inspect Iranian planes and ships following last week's UN Security Council sanctions resolution against Tehran, the English language satellite Press TV reported on Wednesday.

"Israel fears Lebanese 'fast' flotillas"

While the IDF continued Wednesday to track the Iranian ships en route to the Gaza Strip, the Navy was put on high alert amid fears that another flotilla would be launched from Lebanon, leaving – due to the short distance – little time to stop it.

A cargo ship left Iran earlier this week and is expected to try and break the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza as early as the weekend.

Another ship is scheduled to join at the beginning of next week. The IDF is closely tracking the ships but is particularly concerned about the possibility that a number of ships will set sail from Lebanon, possibly even with Hizbullah operatives aboard.

“There is not a lot of time to stop fast ships that come from Lebanon,” an IDF officer explained, “Practically, it means that the Navy has to be on high alert around the clock.”

There is no doubt that tensions are continuing to escalate and Israel's enemies have obviously found what they believe can trigger even more "international outrage" against Israel for these pre-planned "incidences".

Or it could be worse. Has Iran FINALLY found a way to start war with Israel (via their proxies of course), and still appear as the victim?

These ships - all headed for Gaza - appear to be centrally planned. It is hard to believe that a central purpose doesn't lie just beneath the surface.

Then we see this:


"Iran could attack Europe with scores or hundreds of missiles"

US defense secretary Robert Gates reported to a senate hearing Thursday, June 17 that the US had overhauled its missile defense plans following intelligence that Iran could fire "scores or hundreds" of missiles against Europe -in salvoes rather than one or two at a time.

DEBKAfile's military sources confirm that in addition to the thousands of ballistic missiles in Iran's arsenal, there are certainly many hundred that could be fired in salvoes. While referring to NATO allies, Gates did not mention Israel, which is located still closer to those missiles and far more prey to the devastation promised by Tehran.

The new intelligence assessment Gates now unveils means that the balance of strength has dramatically shifted in favor of Iran and against Israel.

The American Thinker also has an article which summarizes the current situation:


"Obama and the Rising Mob Against Israel"

The Middle East is now teetering on the brink of war because a vast international mob has been unloosed, with the tacit approval of Barack Hussein Obama. That is the real meaning of the Gaza martyrdom stunt of May 31, 2010. That purposeful provocation is not past. The Gaza suicide operation is still being used all over the Middle East and Europe to whip up hatred and violence.

Iran, Lebanon, and Islamist Turkey have just announced new flotillas to break the Gaza blockade. If they succeed, it will not stop with Gaza. The conquest of Jerusalem and rest of Israel is the target. That is why Ahmadinejad has trained all his life in the "Al Quds" (Jerusalem) Brigade of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the shock suicide brigade for reconquering Jerusalem. That is why the Hamas flag shows a green Islamic Jerusalem. It is why Kofi Annan at the UN proudly posed in front of a map of the Middle East with Israel erased.

Finally, mobs need enablers, the authority figures -- the cops, military and politicos, who give the signal that it's now ok to run riot and kill the helpless victims of the moment. Political authorities usually try to control incipient mobs, because their power depends on keeping order. But in Russia and the Dixiecrat South, politicians and cops commonly withdrew their protection at critical moments, and signaled the mobs when it was okay to run riot against victim groups, like the Jews or the Blacks. It happens all over the world, and the race, ethnicity, religion, or wealth of the victims makes no difference. A group label is enough.

Barack Hussein Obama is now playing the biggest role in the mob psychology of the Middle East. Why? Because he is the authority figure who has given the signal that it's okay to attack Israel. That is why Islamist Turkey, Lebanon and Iran just announced that they are sending new flotillas to challenge Israel's small coastal navy. Intentionally or not, Obama has given the green light for Israel-haters to attack. In fact, this appears to be his strategy to put pressure on Israel to appease the Arabs, Iranians, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Fatah, the unappeasable mobs that only want to kill Israel.

Mob psychology has now been loosed upon the world again. Only an assertive superpower can stop them, and that is the United States. If Obama fails to understand that, the Gulf, Israel, and perhaps the Indian subcontinent will explode.

The Middle East is about to explode. Could these "flotillas" headed into the region serve as the trigger for the inevitable explosion?

Only time will tell, but that time is growing very short.