Current Events
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Names translated from other languages may have different spelling, depending on the source. For example
Gadhafi may be translated "Gaddafi," etc.
IAEA: Iran's Nuke Program has Dangerous 'Military Dimensions'
- May 30, 2011 - The New York Times reported that The International Atomic Energy Agency believes
Iran has the ability to build a nuclear bomb using “implosion” techniques.
- In 2009, senior staff members of the I.A.E.A. concluded in a confidential analysis that “Iran has sufficient
information to be able to design and produce a workable implosion nuclear device” based on highly enriched uranium.
The report said there are seven categories of technology that can be interpreted as warhead design, including
converting uranium into bomb fuel, developing conventional explosives that can trigger a nuclear blast, and designing
nose cones for missiles.
- Source:
Iran: Building nuclear bomb would be 'strategic mistake'
May 27, 2011- When a western ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) suggested that Iran
was developing atomic weapons, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador insisted Iran doesn't need
nuclear weapons, and that sanctions and the Stuxnet computer virus failed to slow down their nuclear program.
- Mark Fitzpatrick, a senior fellow for non-proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic
Studies think tank, said "the totality of the evidence indicates beyond reasonable doubt" that Iran was
seeking a capability to make such weapons.
- Source: Jerusalem Post
Mideast 'Sideshows' a Distraction from Real Threat?
- May 18, 2011 - Joel Rosenberg warns that Washington and the world are so distracted by the death of Osama
bin Laden and the so-called Arab-Spring revolutions taking place in the Middle East that they
are ignoring the real threat to Israel: Iran's nuclear advances and their apocalyptic philosophy that is exactly
opposite of our Christian beliefs.
- "In their case, they believe that to hasten the coming of the 12th Imam, the Messiah, you have to kill
millions and millions and millions of people, obliterate Israel ... annihilate the United States
and then the end shall come," he explained.
The Christian view was given by Jesus in Matthew 24:14: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to the whole
world as a testimony to all nations and then the end shall come."
- Source: CBN
Reports of the Arrest of Ahmadinejad's 'Exorcist' Fuel Concerns About Iran's Leadership
May 7, 2011 - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been criticized because of his involvement with
purveyors of the so-called “dark arts.”
- Abbas Ghaffari, described as Ahmadinejad’s “exorcist” or “jinn (genie) catcher,” is reportedly among a
number of people in Ahmadinejad’s circle who have been arrested lately, amid reports of continuing strains
between the president and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Source: Fox
Netanyahu: With bin Laden dead, Iran Supreme Leader is world's greatest threat
May 5, 2011 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that now that Osama bin Laden is gone, Iran's
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei poses the greatest worldwide threat. He even considers Khamenei worse
than Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad because of his power and fanaticism.
- "If the Iranian regime gets atomic bombs, it will change history," the premier said, adding that
the "future of the world -- the future of the Middle East -- is certainly at stake."
- Source: Haaretz
Iran TV: Israeli warplanes massing at U.S. airbase in Iraq to strike Iran
May 2, 2011 -
- Iranian state television ran a report on Monday saying Israeli military aircraft were massing at a U.S.
air base in Iraq for a strike on Iran.
Both Israel and the United States said they had no knowledge of such a strike plan amd Iraq's air force commander
also denied the Iranian report.
- Source: Haaretz
Protests erupt across Syria on 'Day of Rage'
April 29, 2011 - Multiple demonstrations were held in Syria protesting President Bashar Assad's regime.
Syrian security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the capital Damascus and the coastal city of Latakia,
wounding at least five people.
- Assad has tried to crush the revolt - the gravest challenge to his family's 40-year ruling dynasty -
and in the process has drawn international criticism and threats of sanctions from European countries and
the United States.
- Source: Haaretz
Ahmadinejad and Khamenei rift appears to widen in Iran
April 27, 2011 - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has missed two consecutive cabinet meetings since
he was rebuked by the country's supreme leader, Ayatola Ali Khamenei for dismissing Intelligence Minister Heidar
Moslehi last week. Khamenei also restored Moslehi to his position.
- Earlier on Saturday, in a speech that aired on state TV, Mr. Khamenei said he would intervene in government’s
affairs “whenever necessary”—a rebuke to the president for challenging his all-encompassing authority.
- Source: Al Arabiya
-
Iran's president and supreme leader in rift over minister's reinstatement - Guardian - UK
Iran on edge as ally Syria fights for survival
April 25, 2011 - Syria is considered Iran's closest ally, but the recent uprising there has caused Iran to
impose a media blackout on Bashar Assad's struggle against the rebels.
- Syria is Iran's great enabler: a conduit for aid to powerful anti-Israel
proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
- Source: Yahoo - AP
Protests in Syria: Security forces open fire on anti-government demonstrators, at least 49 dead
April 23, 2011 - Massive demonstrations continue in Syria even though President Assad lifted a state of
emergency in an effort to quell the riots.
- At least 49 anti-government protesters in Syria have been killed by security forces who were seen firing tear
gas and live ammo on thousands of demonstrators.
- Source: New York Daily News
-
Eight killed by security forces at funerals across Syria - Haaretz
Israel hikes defense budget for secret project as war looms
Apr. 15, 2011 - Due to the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Israel's Parliament
has asked for additional funds for classified military purposes, presumably for building additional "Iron Dome"
missile defense batteries.
- "The [$75 million - 260 million shekel] budget the Finance Ministry asked for this morning at the Finance Committee for the Defense
Ministry is not an addition to the defense budget, but an implementation of government decisions approved in the
past," the Defense Ministry said.
- Source: World Tribune
-
Palestinians hail international 'birth certificate' of statehood
- Haaretz
-
Hamas' Powerful New Weapon Alters Strategic Calculations Along the Gaza Strip - Fox
-
Krauthammer: Israel has 'given away' claim to West Bank - Jerusalem Post
Berlin's stance on Libya has isolated Germany in NATO
Apr. 13, 2011 -
- It's decision not to support military action against Moammar Gadhafi puts into question German
leadership at NATO, says former US Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns. It has also isolated Berlin
in the alliance.
- Source: Deutsch Welle
Iran's IRGC 'now occupies Syria'; Civilians killed in protests
April 13, 2011 - Iran has stepped in to Syria to help the Assad government against the protests there.
Iran has sent 10,000 troops from its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the northern province of Homs.
- "In essence, the IRGC now occupies Syria and has become its de facto ruler," RPS spokesman Farid Ghadry
said. "Syria has become the 32nd province of Iran."
- Source: World Tribune
Nuclear fuel being reloaded at Iran power plant
Apr. 9, 2011 - Last February nuclear fuel was removed from Iran's Bushehr power plant because broken pumps
had sent small pieces of metal into the cooling system. Fuel rods could have been damaged, so they were removed, and
pipelines were cleaned. The fuel rods are now being reloaded into the reactor.
- Russia has built Iran's first nuclear power plant under a $1 billion deal dating back to the 1990s. The project has
long been a focus of attention because of global concern that Tehran's nuclear programme could be aimed at developing
weapons.
- Source: Jerusalem Post
-
Iran opposition backers claims find of secret Iranian nuclear facility - CNN
'Iran happy with Mideast chaos'
Apr. 3, 2011 - According to Former National Security Adviser General Jim Jones, Iran's government is
happy about the turmoil in the Middle East because it takes attention off of their nuclear program and disrupts
plans to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He said that advancing an Israeli-Palestinian peace
process would cause a great disappointment in Islamic Republic
- Source: YNet News
Iran’s generous friends
India, Germany undermining global anti-Iran effort by helping Tehran skirt sanctions
Apr. 1, 2011 - India is planning to sidestep international sanctions against Iran by using the German
financial system to transfer billions of dollars annually to Iran for oil sales. The US and the European Union may
ignore this violation of the sanctions.
- Failure to take a strong stance will allow a rogue regime to fill its coffers with the hard currency it
needs to repress its people, facilitate terrorism, and build a nuclear bomb.
- Source: YNet News
NATO Reportedly Delaying Planned Takeover of Military Command in Libya
Mar. 29, 2011 - In a speech to the nation last night, President Obama took credit for the military action
over Libya, and said that NATO would assume command of the no-fly operation today.
- NATO is reportedly delaying its planned takeover of military command in Libya by 24 hours as U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice says the Obama administration has not ruled out arming Libyan
rebels in their fight against Muammar al-Qaddafi.
- Source: Fox
Qaddafi Forces, Rebels Fight for Key Libyan Strongholds
Mar. 28, 2011 - Under the protection of the "no-fly" zone in Libya, rebel forces have taken back the losses they suffered a week ago,
and are advancing on key cities in the country. However, forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi claimed to have
"liberated" Misrata -- the only city in the country's west under rebel control
in recent days -- but did not provide additional details.
- In a symbolic diplomatic victory for the opposition, the tiny state of Qatar recognized Libya's rebels as
the legitimate representatives of the country -- the first Arab state to do so.
- Source: Fox
Thousands of Christians Displaced in Ethiopia After Muslim Extremists Torch Churches, Homes
Mar. 25, 2011 - Approximately 50 churches and dozens of Christian homes have been burned by Muslim extremists
in Western Ethiopia. It is believed that the Kawarja sect is responsible for the attacks.
- At least one Christian has been killed, many more have been injured and anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 have
been displaced in the attacks that began March 2 after a Christian in the community of Asendabo was accused
of desecrating the Koran.
- Source: Fox
Gates calls for Syrian forces to move aside
Mar. 25, 2011 - Thousands of Syrian protesters marched in a southern city in Syria. US secretary of Defense,
Robert Gates, said that Syria's military should stand aside and “empower a revolution” there like the one in Egypt.
-
- Source: Financial Times - London
Al-Qaida and the Muslim Brotherhood Poised To Take Over in Libya
Mar. 23, 2011 - The top Islamic cleric in Britian, Anjem Choudary, claims that Western powers want to set
up a puppet government in Libya, but al-Qaida and the Muslim Brotherhood are standing by there to fill the vacuum.
Choudary said.
- Al-Qaida has their own agents and their own people in the region who are propagating their own Islamic ideas and
their agenda. At the right time they will make the move, and we will see the emergence of Islam and Shariah in that
particular region.
- Source: WorldNetDaily
Divisions Strain Coalition on Libya; Putin Likens Force to Crusades
Mar. 21-23, 2011 -
- The airstrikes against Moammar Gadhafi's forces also drew scathing criticism from Russia, a nation outside
the coalition, with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin saying that the U.N. resolution allowing the international
use of force in Libya reminded him of the Crusades.
- Source: AOL
- Medvedev rejects Putin 'crusade' remark over Libya
- Russian President says this type of remark can lead to "clash of civilizations." - BBC
-
Gaddafi's son 'killed in kamikaze pilot attack on barracks' - Daily Mail - UK
-
Confusion in Libya Assault Plan: NATO, Obama, UN Asking ‘Who’s in Charge?’ - Newsmax
-
Turkey Irked by Libya Air Strikes, Seeks NATO Clarification - Defense News
-
Russia, China call for immediate ceasefire in Libya - Times of India
-
Libya coalition sparks fierce debate - CNN
-
Qatar sends fighter jets to enforce no-fly zone over Libya - Tehran Times
Arab League chief: We respect UN resolution on Libya military action
Mar. 21, 2011 - After a strong start to the U.N.'s coalition to impose a no-fly zone over Libya, early reports
claimed that the Arab League was unhappy with the way the operation was being conducted. Today, however, Arab League
chief Amr Moussa said on Monday that he respected the UN resolution.
- "The Arab League position on Libya was decisive and from the first moment we froze membership of Libya ... Then we
asked the United Nations to implement a no-fly zone," he told a news conference with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The U.S., Britain, France, Italy and Canada are leading the military operation. [Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Norway are
also involved.] Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are taking part in the Western-led Libya intervention.
- Source: Haaretz
-
Missile Strike Hits Building in Gadhafi's Compound - ABC
-
Libya: No-Fly Zone Takes Effect as Arab League Criticizes Coalition - KGO Radio
-
Libya: Ban welcomes Security Council authorization of measures to protect civilians - United Nations
-
Arab League condemns broad Western bombing campaign in Libya - Washington Post
Libya Declares Immediate Halt to Military Action Against Anti-Government Forces
Mar. 18, 2011 -
- Libya declared an immediate halt to military action on anti-government forces Friday in an attempt to
avoid international military intervention after the U.N. authorized a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures"
to protect the Libyan people.
- Source: Fox
-
U.N. Security Council Authorizes No-Fly Zone in Libya - Fox
Obama Makes Quick Turn on Libya
Mar. 17, 2011 - After weeks of weighing options on the Libyan uprising, President Obama has now said,
- The U.S. view is that we need to be prepared to contemplate steps that include, but perhaps go beyond, a no-fly
zone at this point.
Meanwhile, Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, favors a pending resolution to intervene
in Libya. She said that any military action would require the substantial involvement of Arab nations.
Western support for the rebels in Libya will probably come too late to keep Gadhafi from taking back the gains that
had been made in recent weeks. Rebel forces are apparently prepared to make a final, bloody stand against Gadhafi's
regeim.
- Source: Fox
-
'The Beginning of an Epochal Development' - Spiegel
Israel seizes Egypt-bound ship 'with weapons for Gaza'
Mar. 15, 2011 - Israel seized a German-owned vessel - the Victoria, which was on its way from Turkey to the
Egyptian port of Alexandria. The crew of the ship did not resist the action. The ship is being taken tot he Israeli
port of Ashdod.
- "On the boat we discovered many weapons destined for terror groups in the heart of Gaza," said Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu. The source of the weapons was Iran which is trying to arm the Strip."
- Source: BBC
Libya gains control of more rebel territory
Mar. 14, 2011 - Muammar Gadhafi's government forces continue to recapture areas taken by rebels in
Libya. The oil port of Ras Lanuf was reclaimed three days ago following heavy bombardment, and the government now claims
it has taken the oil terminal of Brega, and will press on toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
- The government's announcement came as world leaders debated the merits of imposing a no-fly zone over
Libya to prevent airstrikes by Gadhafi forces.
The U.S. is apparently reluctant to engage militarily with another Muslim country in addition to Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Source: BBC
- Wrestling for control in Libya's tricky war - BBC
-
Britain, France draft Libya no-fly resolution at UN Security Council - Deutsch Welle
Obama: NATO, U.S. Weighing Potential Military Options on Libya
Mar. 8, 2011 - As Muammar Gadhafi's forces finish a second day of airstrikes against opposition fighters,
President Obama said,
- The U.S. and its NATO allies are still considering "potential military options" to
stop the violence in Libya, warning those in Muammar Gadhafi's inner circle that they will be "held accountable"
if they continue to stand by the leader's side.
- Source: Fox
International Pressure Increases on Libya's Gadhafi
Mar. 1, 2011 -
- On Monday, U.S. officials said "all options" are under consideration, including the imposition of a no-fly zone to
prevent Gadhafi's air force from attacking rebels who control eastern Libya and parts of the west.
Austria, Germany, and a growing list of countries plan to freeze the assets of Gadhafi
and his close associates in line with EU sanctions.
- Source: Voice of America
U.S. Military Repositions Forces in Preparation for Libya Response
Feb. 28, 2011 - The U.S. and our allies are imposing sanctions on Libya in order to assist the resistance
army there that is trying to topple dictator Muammar Gadhafi.
- U.S. officials have toughened their rhetoric against Gadhafi in the last few days as they call for him to step
down. Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, on Monday called Gadhafi "delusional" and accused him of
"slaughtering his own people."
The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise is now heading from the coast of Somalia toward Libya. Other U.S. forces are also
in the area or heading toward Libya. It is thought that the ships might be asked to provide humanitarian relief.
- Source: Fox
Qaddafi Forces Strike Back at Protesters' Revolt Near Tripoli
Feb. 24, 2011 - Forces that have remained loyal to Muammar Gadhafi have attacked a mosque where many had
taken refuge. They also attacked rebels who were protecting a local airport.
- The assaults aimed to push back a rebellion that has moved closer to Gadhafi's bastion in the capital, Tripoli. The
revolt has already broken away nearly the eastern half of Libya and unraveled parts of Gadhafi's regime.
- Source: Fox
- Libya protests: Gadhafi says Bin Laden to blame - BBC
- Libyan military units defecting; Gadhafi left with ex-Soviet special forces
- World Tribune
- Obama's mystery links to Gadhafi uncovered
- WorldNetDaily
- Revolution and the Muslim World
- George Friedman - Stratfor
- Al Qaeda Backs Libyan Protesters, Condemns Gadhafi 'Massacres' - Fox
Libya protests: Gadhafi battles to control west
Feb. 23, 2011 - It appears that the entire Eastern portion of Libya has broken free from the rule of
Muammar Gaddafi, and he is struggling to retain control of Tripoli and other areas in western Libya. At least
300 people have died in the rioting so far and many officials have defected from Gadhafi's government.
- Quryna [news website] reported that a Libyan fighter plane had crashed near Ajdabiya after the two pilots
refused to bomb Benghazi and ejected.
- Source: BBC
-
Report: Libyan aircraft crashes after troops refuse bombing orders - CNN
-
Report: Ex-minister says Gadhafi ordered Lockerbie bombing - Washington Post
Iron and Clay: The Revived Roman Empire and a New Islamic Caliphate
Feb. 23, 2011 - Recently there has been a debate among prophecy teachers about the nature of the final
world empire. Some say it is a Western union of nations – a “Revived Roman Empire,” while others suspect it will
be an Eastern coalition – essentially an Islamic Caliphate.
In Daniel, chapter 2, the major world empires are depicted in a series of dreams and visions. Before this time
Egypt and Assyria had already come and gone as world powers. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a giant statue.
He asked his wise men to interpret the dream, but they could not. However, Daniel, a devout young Hebrew captive,
was given the ability to declare the dream and its interpretation to the king...
- ...More... Ron's Blog
Gadhafi Vows 'Rivers of Blood' as Regime Faces Collapse
Feb. 22, 2011 - In Libya protestors have taken control of the country's second-largest city of Benghazi
and threaten to do the same in the capital city of Tripoli.
- State TV said the military had "stormed the hideouts of saboteurs" and urged the public to back security forces.
Protesters called for a demonstration in Tripoli's central Green Square and in front of Gadhafi's residence, but
witnesses in various neighborhoods described a scene of intimidation.
Muamar Gadhafi announced that he was still in Libya and had not fled the country. Government officials and some military
personnel have resigned. Many protestors have been shot on the streets.
- Source: NewsMax
Israel and U.S. successfully test anti-missile system
Feb. 22, 2011 - Israel's Arrow anti-missile system was successfully tested off the coast of
California on Tuesday morning.
- The test was held in order to see if the missile would be successful against Iran's advanced missile, the Shahab 3,
which could be used to hit Israel and regional U.S. bases.
- Source: Haaretz
Libya protests spread and intensify
Feb. 21, 2011 - Uprisings in Libya have intensified, and witnesses have told Al Jazeera that at least
61 people were killed in clashes in Tripoli on Monday. Demonstrators say that they have taken control of several
key towns in the country, including the city of Benghazi.
- Another huge march under way in Tripoli on Monday afternoon was reportedly under attack by security forces
using military planes and live ammunition to fire on protesters, sources told Al Jazeera.
Since Libyan authorities have cut all landline and wireless communication in the country, it difficult to verify
the information.
- Source: Al-Jazeera
-
Libya: Colonel Gadhafi 'flees' to Venezuela as cities fall to protesters - Telegraph - UK
- Libya Air Force Jets in Malta, Pilots Seek Asylum
- Fox
-
LIBYA: Reports of military aircraft firing on protesters - Los Angeles Times
Iran police fire tear gas at opposition rally in Tehran
Feb. 14, 2011 -
- The BBC's Mohsen Asgari in Tehran says thousands of people defied the government ban and gathered in the
city centre chanting "death to dictators".
Riot police and plainclothes police backed by the Republican Guards used tear gas to disperse the
protesters, he adds, and many were arrested.
- Source: BBC
- Iran opposition: Will Arab uprisings spread? - BBC
- Iran Appoints new nuclear chier
Gadhafi tells Palestinians: revolt against Israel
Feb. 12, 2011 - Giving his first major speech since the protests in Egypt and Hosni Mubarak's resignation,
Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi blamed the U.S. for Egypt's problems, pitting the "white" nations of the U.S., Europe, and
their allies against the "green" Islamic world. He also advised Palestinians to take advantage of the unrest to
stage their own protests against Israel.
- "We need to create a problem for the world. This is not a declaration of war. This is a call for peace,"
he said in a speech given to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed, a holy day in the Islamic calendar.
- Source: Reuters
Rumsfeld Warns of Iran, N. Korea Electromagnetic Pulse Attack
Feb. 12, 2011 - In a recent interview by NewsMax, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
talked about his new memoir “Known and Unknown.” He said that all authorities thought Saddam Hussein had
weapons of mass destruction, and that President Bush should not have been accused of lying about the issue.
- Rumsfeld said he is worried about the threat from an electromagnetic pulse attack from countries such as
Iran and North Korea.
- Source: Newsmax
Israeli foreign minister compares Turkey to 1979 Iran
Jan. 6, 2010 - Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman voiced his concern that the Islamist-rooted
government in Turkey has suddenly turned against Israel like Iran did in 1979. He said,
- "Unfortunately, recent events in Turkey are reminiscent of Iran before the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini. Like Turkey, Iran was among Israel's closest allies and the two nations held good relations
between both governments and people."
- Source: Telegraph - UK
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