See newer Articles: since Jan. 1, 2005

'We're done:' Iran reactor ready despite 2-year delay claim

Oct. 18, 2004 - Iran and Russia have announced the early completion of Iran's nuclear power reactor at Bushehr. Earlier statements had indicated that the facility would not begin operations until late in 2006.

They said the key remaining task was for Russia to supply Iran with the nuclear fuel required to operate Bushehr.

Another problem is what will happen to the used nuclear materials. So far, Iran has refused to bear the costs of returning the spent nuclear fuel to Moscow.

Source:World Tribune - Story no longer on line

Iran Launches Shihab With Nuke Warhead Design

Sept. 28, 2004 - Iranian has redesigned its Shihab-3 warhead to carry nuclear weapons.

The new Shihab-3 warhead was seen on Iranian television during a report on the Shihab-3 on Aug. 11. The sources said the Shihab warhead was changed from a conical design to that resembling a baby bottle.

Source:Middle East Newsline

Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin Speak out Against Putin’s Reforms

Sept. 18, 2004 - Two former presidents of Russia have expressed concern about the political changes President Putin has proposed to combat terrorism. Both former presidents warn the Russian people not to allow the loss of their hard-earned democracy. Mikhail Gorbachev said:

Our common goal is to do everything possible to make sure that bills, which, in essence, mean a step back from democracy, don’t come into force as law.

And Boris Yeltsin, who seldom makes statements about public policy, said that Russia must, "search for political solutions, negotiate with the middle-of-the-road militants, separating them from the unappeasable extremists”.

Source:MosNews.com (Story no longer online)

U.S. 'Determined' to Prevent Development of Iranian WMD

Sept. 14, 2004 - U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton, speaking before the start of an International Atomic Energy Agency board meetingin Vienna, said it is time to take the issue of the Iranian nuclear weapons program to the U.N.Security Council.

"President Bush is determined to try and find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the problem of Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, but we're determined they're not going to achieve a nuclear weapons' capability."

European nations want to continue the diplomatic pressure as a means of persuading Iran to conform. The U.S. would welcome a diplomatic solution, but thinks time is running out.

Source:NewsMax

Putin moves to strengthen Kremlin power

Sept. 13, 2004 - Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling for a new federal agency to coordinate the fight against terrorism, and a stronger central government in Russia, which would diminish the power of regional governors.

Putin convened an extraordinary meeting of the Russian Cabinet, top security and military officials, and the nation’s governors, saying a strong central government was key to preventing more attacks like the school hostage-taking in North Ossetia, where 330 people were killed.

Source:MSNBC

Russia Threatens to Strike Terror Bases Anywhere

Sept. 8, 2004 - Col.-Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, chief of the general staff of Russia's armed forces, has reacted to the recent school massacre by threatening to "liquidate terrorist bases in any region of the world." They have also offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the killing or capture of Chechnya's top rebel leaders.

European Union officials reacted cautiously to Baluyevsky's statements, with spokeswoman Emma Udwin saying she could not be sure whether they represented government policy. Udwin said the 25-nation EU is against "extra-judicial killings" in form of pre-emptive strikes.

Source:MyWay (Story no longer online)

Iran threatens to "wipe Israel off the globe"

July 29, 2004 - Iran has resumed development of nuclear centrifuge equipment, used in the production of enriched uranium - a prime ingredient for an atomic bomb. Israel may take matters into their own hands if necessary to stop Iran from producing nuclear weapons. Now Iran has countered with the statement that they will "wipe Israel off the globe" if Israel attacks their nuclear facilities.Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz is calling for international pressure against Iran's nuclear ambitions in order to keep either side from engaging in military operation.

Source:Arutz Sheva

Gadhafi Threatens to Leave Arab League

May 22, 2004 - Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is impatient about peace initiatives Arab leaders have backed because their only solution to the Palestinian refugee problem is the return of refugees to land they lost to Israel in the 1948 and 1967 Mideast wars. He has threatened to pull his country out of the Arab League.

Source:AP - MyWay (Story no longer online)

Mystery over new Russian weapon

Mar. 31, 2004 - Russian sources endorse President Vladimir Putin's earlier claim that they have developed a "hypersonic flying vehicle" that was able to maneuver between space and the earth's atmosphere. This missile would be able to penetrate any missile defense system that the U.S. plans to build.

Source:CNN (Story no longer online)

Russia Said Preparing Nuclear Maneuvers

Jan. 31, 2004 - Russia has scheduled a massive military exercise in mid-February, designed to simulate an all-out nuclear war. It will be the greatest display of their military power in two decades, and is reminiscent of the Cold War era. It will use intercontinental ballistic missiles, bombers, replacement satellites and other means of demonstrating their military might. Analysists believe it will be timed to bolster President Putin's reelection campaign. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, relationships between the U.S. and Russia were improved.

But the U.S.-Russian honeymoon has soured lately over Moscow's criticism of the war in Iraq , U.S. concerns about authoritarian trends in the Kremlin's domestic policy, and Russia's perceived attempts to assert its authority over ex-Soviet neighbors.

Source:Associated Press (Story no longer online)

Russia Deploys Fresh Batch of Missiles

Dec. 23, 2003 - Russia has deployed improved missiles, which they describe as "The most advanced state-of-the-art missile in the world."

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov inaugurated the new set of Topol-M missiles at the Tatishchevo missile base in the central Saratov region Sunday, describing them as a "21st-century weapon" unrivaled in the world.

The new line of missiles will be launched from silos, but they will have a mobile version next year. These missiles are capable of hitting targets more than 6,000 miles away. They will still be capable of blasting off even after a nearby nuclear explosion.

Source:AP (Story no longer online)

Libya to give up WMD

Dec. 20, 2003 - After months of secret talks, Libya's president, Muammar Gaddafi said his country was ready to give up development of weapons of mass destruction, allow international monitoring of its facilities, and play its role in building a world free from all forms of terrorism.

Source:BBC

Israel Urged To Stop Iran's Nuke Program

Dec. 18, 2003 - Ephraim Sneh a senior member of Israel's Knesset, told a strategic conference that Iran's nuclear project must be stopped during this coming year or they will achieve independent nuclear weapons capability. He said that the United States will not stop the project.

If we don't act by ourselves, then others won't do anything... They will only do something if they know that we will act, providing no other alternative. This moment is approaching.

Source:Middle East Newsline

N. Korea Sharply Increases Missiles Sales To Mideast - Middle East Newsline

The Russian Reversion

Dec. 11, 2003 - Award-winning columnist William Saphire analyzes the political situation in Russia, and draws a startling conclusion:

This week's corrupted Russian election put in place the siloviki — the hot political word means "power" — and paved the way for Putin's takeover next spring as president-for-life. Russia's short-lived experiment with democracy is all but dead.

Earlier steps toward away from democracy have also been obvious reversions from democracy. Recently Putin has taken over the mass media, and has seized the political opposition's source of funds. He has basically brought back one-party rule to Russia.

Source:New York Times

UN censures Iran nuclear cover-up

Nov. 26, 2003 - Israeli intelligence sources claim that Russia will complete the construction of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant next year. Iran says that it will not be finished until 2006.

The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution to censure Iran because it hid details of its nuclear plans for two decades. The resolution hints at further action if Iran fails to provide adequate information in the future, but it stopped short of recommending sanctions.

Washington originally rejected a draft resolution put forward by Europe as too weak - insisting it should contain a threat of action by the UN Security Council.

Source:BBC and Middle East Newsline

Persia Prepares for Armageddon - Hal Lindsey (Story no longer online)

Russia Vows To Advance Iskander Missile

Oct. 14, 2003 - According to the Russian Defense Ministry, they will complete development of the Iskander-E short-range surface-to-air missile this year. It has a range of 280 kilometers. and is designed to defeat U.S. missile defense systems. Earlier versions of the SS-26 solid-fuel missile have been sold to Iran and Syria.

Source:Middle East Newsline

Iran, Libya, Syria are next?

Feb. 26, 2003 - According to Richard Perle, chairman of the U.S. Defense Advisory Board, once Saddam Hussein is ousted, U.S. attention will be turned to other countries with terrorist ties, inclulding Iran, Libya, Syria.

"Change is needed in all those three countries, and a few others besides," told the London-based author and analyst Amir Taheri.

Internal reform would be the goal in Syria and Iran, but some intervention would probably be required in Libya.

Source:WorldNetDaily

CIA Warns of Russia, China, Iran

Jan. 14, 2003 - A report from the CIA to congress spelled out concerns that Russia and China are supplying "dual use" materials and technologies, especially to Iran. These products are officially peaceful, but they are also useful for building weapons of mass destruction. Iran is obviously pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. The report also sounded alarms about North Korea and Syria

Source:NewsMax

Russian plan to topple Saddam Hussein to prevent US occupation of Iraq

Dec. 5, 2002 - The al-Watan al-Arabi magazine,claims that high level Russian military and intelligence sources have plans of their own for the removal of Saddam Hussein. Russia does not want it's interests in Iraq upset by a U.S. invasion of Iraq, so they reportedly plan to use their close connections with Iraq to bring about either a military coupe or an assassination of Saddam.

Source:Arabic News

Russia sells missiles to Sudan, Syria, Libya

Sept. 20, 2002 - According to the U.S. State Department, Russia sulpplies missles to three of the seven countries that we consider to be sponsors of terrorism.

Libya, Sudan and Syria are among the seven countries that the United States has designated as state sponsors of terrorism. The others on the State Department list are Cuba, Iran, Iraq and North Korea.

Source:WorldNetDaily / Geostrategy-Direct

Deserting Russia's Desperate Army

Sept. 20, 2002 - Russia's dwindling army suffers from a variety of problems, including mass desertions to escape abusive treatment.

Source:Washington Post (Story no longer online)

Libya denies Sharon charge it is developing nuclear arms

Sept. 5, 2002 - On Israeli TV, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that Libya may be the first Arab country to acquire weapons of mass destruction. According to Sharon, North Korea, Iraq and maybe Pakistan are helping Libya's president Muammar Gadhafi to develop nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. A Libyan spokesman denied the charges and said that Israel should get rid of its own nuclear stockpile before pointing fingers at others.

Source:Ha'Aretz (Story no longer online)

Russia Approves Additional Reactors for Iran

Aug. 22, 2002 - Breaking earlier assurances that Russia would only help build one nuclear reactor in Iran (the one at Bushehr), the Russian government has announced plans to build three more reactors there.

The government's plans were said to have been part of Russia's economic cooperation with Iran over the next decade. Russia has stressed that the nuclear reactors built in Iran would be for peaceful purposes.

Source:Middle East Newsline

Report: Libya goes ballistic in $13.5 billion deal with Iran

Aug. 22, 2002 - In June, 2002 Libya signed a $13.5 billion weapons deal with Iran to obtain ballistic missiles with chemical warheads and the training to deploy and operate them.

Source:World Tribune (Story no longer online)

Arming China Makes U.S. Nervous

Aug. 22, 2002 - Russian economic cooperation with China has caused alarm in Washington because of China's burgeoning defense procurement program. A Congressional report claims that, even though the U.S. has military and technological superiority...

... China can still defeat the United States by transforming its weakness into strength and exploiting U.S. vulnerabilities through asymmetric warfare ... deception, surprise and preemptive strikes.

Source:The Moscow Times

Russian nuclear reactor deal with Iran provokes US

July 29, 2002 -

Russia and the United States are heading for a row after the Russian Government said it would build five nuclear reactors in Iran, dismissing Western security concerns as “groundless”.

Russia President Putin gave support to the U.S. during the Afghanistan operations, but lateley the two countries have drifted in different directions, especially over Iran. President Bush considers Iran part of the "Axis of evil," and is opposed to their development of nuclear power because it will lead to possession of nuclear weapons.

Source:Times - UK (Story no longer online)

Also: US may put Iranian nuclear plant on hit list - Sydney Morning Herald

Saudis desperate for Russia's help

Apr. 20, 2002 - Saudi Arabia is looking for a way to make allies with other nations to escape dependence on the U.S. They disagree with our country's belligerent agenda against Iraq. They are seeking Russia's hellp, but intelligence sources believe that, since they have little to offer Russia, this will not happen. This may leave them only the alternative of an alliance with Iran and Iraq.

Source:Stratfor Intelligence Update/ WorldNetDaily

Iran's Rafsanjani suggests nuclear attack on Israel

Dec. 19, 2001 - Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that if Islamic states becomes capable of nuclear warfare, an attack against Israel would destroy them, but " the same thing would just produce damages in the Muslim world."

Analysts told the Iranian Press Service that Rafsanjani's speech marks the first time a prominent leader of the Islamic Republic had openly suggested the use of nuclear weapon against the Jewish State.

Rafsanjani said that a holy war in the region "might fan flames of World War III."

Source:World Tribune (Story no longer online)

Russia helps Iran, the biggest terrorist threat

Nov. 8, 2001 - WhileRussian president Putin is denying that Russia supplies Iran with dangerous weapons technology, Israel's Transportation Minister, Ephraim Sneh, claims that Iran is the biggest terrorist threat in the Middle East, and that Russia does provide critical support for its nuclear weapons program.

The ex-general said Iran has deployed thousands of missiles in southern Lebanon, across Israel's northern border. The missiles have a range of 40 to 45 miles, he said.

Source:Jerusalem Post (Story no longer online)

Russia slams U.S. over war effort

Oct. 30, 2001 - While being officially allied with the U.S. in the war on terror, the Voice of Russia World Service, the official broadcasting service of the Russian government, is speaking out against the U.S. policies of dropping supplies for Afghans and then bombing them. They are also critical of what they call experimentation with new weaponry.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Moscow attacks Bush over war

Oct. 16, 2001 - Despite recent cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, The Voice of Russia has broadcast criticism of the war against terrorism. It claims that U.S. businesses will make billions in profits from the war effort, and that our government "has chosen not to discuss" the problem of civilian casualties incurred during those military operations.

Source:WorldNetDaily

Iran Orders Defense Systems From Russia

Aug. 31, 2001 - Iran is said to be Russia's best arms client in the Middle East. They are upgrading their weapons, and have ordered anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia. They are also involved in talks about the purchase of helicopters, jets, and tanks.

Source: Middle East Newsline

Russia Tests Missile Defense System

July 10, 2001 - Russia is reported to have tested its new S-400 Triumph system, which is said to be able to intercept both ballistic and cruise missiles.

U.S. officials said Moscow is marketing the S-400 to several Middle East countries. These include Egypt, Greece, Iran and Libya. Russian officials have touted the S-400 as more capable than the U.S. PAC-3 system.

Source:Middle East Newsline

Russia's New M.E. Alliance Targets Israel, Turkey

June 7, 2001 - In a new report, the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies, says Russia is stepping into the vacuum caused by weakened U.S. will, to dominate the flow and price of oil. In the process, Russia and its allies could become the world's wealthiest oil supporters. Their strategy threatens Israel and Turkey.

Source:Middle East Newsline

Revisiting Perestroika

May 16, 2001 - by Hal Lindsey

While a third of Americans consider China our greatest potential enemy, only 8% still consider Russia to be our most serious security threat. Hal reminds us that Russia is still the only nation with the nuclear power to destroy the U.S., and recent activities in Russia, especially since the rise of Vladamir Putin, give new credence to the concern, voiced by many during the past ten years, that Gorbachev's 'peristroika' was a strategy designed to disarm the west by pretending to become democratic for a period of time. A former KGB officer, Anatoly Golitsyn, warned about this in his 1984 book entitled "New Lies for Old."

Golitsyn alleged perestroika was not a Gorbachev policy invented in 1985, but the final phase of a plan formulated in the years 1958 to 1960. Golitsyn said the plan involved a "theatrical display of democratization designed to convince the West a decisive break with the past has taken place. This encourages Western governments to collaborate with former Communists. At the same time, there is the threat of a return to the Cold War if the West does not cooperate." Golitsyn outlined Soviet perestroika policy the year before it was ostensibly even invented. His accuracy rate cannot be explained away by guesswork or some kind of false conspiracy theory. Only a real conspiracy will do.

Source: WorldNetDaily

Mubarak turns to Russia to counter US Mideast role

Apr. 25, 2001 - See the summary in our Mideast War section.

Iran prepares for major defense pact with Moscow

Mar. 6, 2001 - Iranian President Mohammed Khatami will visit Moscow on March 12, accompanied by a 100-member delegation. A major arms deal and a possible defense treaty with Russia are in view.

Russian sources said Iran is considering buying diesel-powered submarines, fighter-jets and anti-aircraft systems. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov said defense issues would be part of a strategic alliance between Moscow and Teheran. "It is a large and multifaceted question," Klebanov said. "It cannot be just a matter of a military-technical cooperation pact. You have to address the entire range of our bilateral relations."

Source:World Tribune (Story no longer online)

Putin's webcast missile warning

Mar. 6, 2001 - In a historic live webcast interview on BBC, Russian President, Vladimir Putin, warned that the United States' plans to develop the "Son of Starwars" missile shield would jeopardize the entire international system of arms control. He said that it would

contravene the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty.

Russia's ratification of the Start II treaty was based on the ABM treaty, Mr Putin said, and if one ceased to operate, the other would too.

Source: BBC

UN: IRAQ STILL HAS NONCONVENTIONAL ARMS

Mar. 4, 2001 - A UN report claims that Saddam Hussein still has hidden SCUD missiles, able to travel 600 kilometers, hidden launchers, and that it has chemical and biological weapons.

This includes hundreds of artillery shells filled with mustard gas and anthrax agents. The report said up to 800 such artillery shells remain unaccounted for by the UN.

Source:Middle East News

Gadhafi: Leaders Support Union

Mar. 1, 2001 - Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has found unanimous support from African nations for a "United States of Africa," with a central bank, court and a single currency.

Source: Excite (Story no longer online)

LIBYA ACHIEVES GAINS IN MISSILE PROGRAM, NUKES

Feb. 28, 2001 - According to the CIA, Libya is obtaining foreign support for its missile program from North Korea and Russia.

Tripoli is expected to accelerate its missile program in the wake of the suspension of United Nations sanctions in 1999. Libya has already reestablished contacts with sources for both missiles and nonconventional weapons and in less than two years is said to have bought up to $100 million worth of Russian weaponry and defense system upgrades.

Source:Middle East News

Russia, Iran Won't Stop Weapons Cooperation

Feb. 26, 2001 - Despite U.S. objections, Russia will continue to aid Iran by supplying weapons and assistance for their nuclear power program.

Source: Middle East Newsline

Iraqis step up secret Russian weapons trade

Feb. 26, 2001 - In obvious efforts to attract more Russian weapons assistance, Saddam Hussein has expanded its embassys to Russia and Belarus. The leader of the military intelligence bureau attached to the embassy in Moscow will be Brig Saadi Mohammed Subhi. Subhi's background is air defence.

Source: Prophezine - from Electronic Telegraph

Rebuilding Russia in the Soviet image

Jan. 10, 2001 - Hal Lindsey chronicles the strengthening of Russia under its popular leader, Vladimir Putin, and the subtle returns to the old Soviet model.

Source: WorldNetDaily (Story no longer online)

America's Great New Danger -- Topol-M

Dec. 22, 2000 - Hal Lindsey says the latest Russian missile is powerful, accurate, able to be launched in minutes, easily hidden, and...

... most disturbing, the Russian military claims that the Topol-M cannot only evade all current anti-missile systems, but also all those in the development and planning stage.

Source: HalLindseyOracle (Story no longer online)

Russia Wants To Include Iran In New Alliance

Dec. 18, 2000 - Russia seeks to include Iran in a new security alliance covering the Middle East and the Far East. The partners would also include China and India. The plan is an effort to counter the growing influence of NATO.

Source: Middle East News

Russian Threat To U.S. Grows

Dec. 13, 2000 - Russia seems to be returning to the Cold War attitude of the Soviet period. Several disturbing recent developments serve as examples.

• Aggressive Russian overflights of the USS Kitty Hawk (insult was subsequently added to injury when photographs were e-mailed to the ship showing its unprepared crew scrambling to respond to that unfriendly act).

• The forward deployment of long-range nuclear-capable bombers to the Russian Far East, within striking distance of Alaska.

• The conviction and sentencing to 20 years in prison of American businessman Edmond Pope on trumped-up charges of spying, after a classic Soviet-style "show trial" and the inhumane denial of Western medical care to a man believed to have recontracted a potentially fatal cancer.

Source: NewsMax

Danger Ahead

Nov. 24, 2000

Confusion reigns, not only in the United States, where we aren't sure we will have a new president in January, but around the globe, with violence in the Middle East threatening to escalate to horrific proportions, involving major world powers.

In Israel, Yasser Arafat's trained soldiers and supposedly hidden illegal weapons have not yet been deployed, while Palestinian police, and worst of all, Palestinian youth, have been sent to the front lines to provoke trouble and wage a massive public relations war. Media reporters for CNN and others have cooperated with Arafat's apparent plan, making martyrs of the young victims, while largely ignoring Israel's need to defend itself from terrorists.

Moderate Arab nations, such as Egypt and Jordan, are being forced by the news to harden their stance against Israel. More radical nations, like Iraq and Syria are ready to initiate a Holy War (Jihad) against Israel.

NATO threatens to bomb Israel unless they can soften their responses, and Arafat is visiting Russia to court their involvement in the fray.

An unnamed senior Israeli military official, who is considered an expert on Islam and the Middle East situation, says that the Arab world is "jumping for joy" over our shattered election process. He reminds us that the Arabs attacked Israel in 1973 during Watergate, when the US was perceived as being weak and distracted with domestic problems. Our current problems provide the same kind of opportunity. He also warns that

Israel is expecting an Arab attack soon, while America is in turmoil, and he said there is no doubt in the Israeli intelligence community that this war will be nuclear at some point, probably by the third day. He also said that America will suffer greatly and Jews and Christians will both be in danger - persecution, etc. of a significant depth to cause American Jews to literally "run for their lives" with Christians following in their footsteps.

Of additional concern to Americans is the possibility that all of this unrest at home and abroad could provide a variety of options for Bill Clinton to declare a national emergency, use his Executive Orders to impose martial law, and suspend the Constitution.

New Kursk Governor Lashes Out At Jews

Nov. 11, 2000 - Alexander Mikhailov, The Communist governor-elect of Kursk, offended Jewish people in Russia by saying that he and President Vladimir Putin are working together to rid Russia of Jewish "filth."

Incumbant Kursk Governor Alexander Rutskoi, whose mother is Jewish, threatened to sue Mikhailov.

Source: The Moscow Times

Russia ready to back Arab countries over Mideast peace

Oct. 21, 2000 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to " "cooperate whole-heartedly with Arab countries" toward the end of obtaining an Israel-Palestinian solution.

Source: Yahoo (Story no longer online)

Is this how World War III begins?

Oct. 14, 2000 - Read a summary of Joseph Farah's article in our Wars section.

Laser gun zaps missile

June 9, 2000 - Science Fiction became reality during the successful test of a high-power laser gun which was able to destroy a missile in a test in the United States. The laser gun will be used in Israel to defend against attacks by the Russian-made Katyusha rockets which are sometimes launched into Israel from Lebanon.

During the test of the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), it tracked a Katyusha rocket with its radar and then destroyed it with its high-powered laser beam.

Source: BBC

Putin promises to restore pride in Russia's new era

May 8, 2000 - Yesterday, Vladimir Putin was sworn in as Russia's President. He said Russia should be "free, prosperous, rich, strong and civilised."

Both he and his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, noted the historic nature of the handover, the first time that a Russian head of state had ceded his authority democratically to his successor.

Source: Electronic Telegraph (Story no longer online)

Soviet Union makes comeback?

May 5, 2000 - Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed plans for the unification of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, and said that the union of the three Slavic countries would go far in reviving the fallen Soviet Union.

Source: WorldNeDaily (Story no longer online)

U.S.-Israel laser test successful

May 5, 2000 - At a test at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, a demonstration has shown that a new laser system, developed jointly by the U.S. and Israel, can shoot down incoming enemy rockets.

"It will be the first engagement of the Katyusha rocket by a tactical high energy laser, something that is militarily useful," said Lt. Gen. John Costello, head of the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command. "Frankly, we've designed it with the Israelis because of the threat to northern Israel."

Source:World Tribune (Story no longer online)

Putin leading Russia towards "modernised Stalinism"

Mar. 2, 2000 - Yelena Bonner, widow of rights activist Andrei Sakharov has urged the democratic world to recognize that Russia is returning to its old policy of the dismantlement of democracy and suppression of human rights under the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

Source: Yahoo (Story no longer online)

Russia says threshold lower for nuclear weapons

Dec. 17, 1999 - Russia may no longer be a superpower but it still has the world's second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons. On the 40th anniversary of its nuclear forces, missile chief Vladimir Yakovlev said that Russia's economic crisis and new security threats had lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons, and had extended the nuclear deterrent to smaller-scale conflicts.

Source:ABC News (Story no longer online)

Russia updates military doctrine, sees new threats

Oct. 12, 1999 - A new statement of Russian Federation military policy reserves the right for a first nuclear strike, and, more importantly, has a strikingly anti-West tone.

At the core of the new doctrine is the concept of two opposing trends -- unipolar, meaning U.S. superpower domination, and multipolar, implying many centres of influence including Russia.

Source: Yahoo (Story no longer online)

Barak celebrates landslide victory over Netanyahu

May 18, 1999

Parliamentary chamber launches Yeltsin impeachment debate

May 13, 1999 - Odds are very good that the Communist party-led impeachment against Russian President Boris Yeltsin will be successful, especially in the light of his action Wednesday when he fired Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov and the Cabinet. The impeachment comes at a very difficult time for Russia because of internal problems and their efforts to help solve the Balkins War issue.

NOTE: Yeltsin survived the impeachment attempt by a very narrow margin.

Source:CNN (Story no longer on line.)

Ted Turner: Nuclear war in the future

May 8, 1999 - Ted Turner, founder of CNN, told University of Georgia graduates that thebombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade brought back old fears of nuclear war.

``If we drop a bomb on the Russian Embassy, we could be at war with Russia and China tomorrow, and they both got lots of nuclear weapons. We might not even get to see the millennium.''

Source: Washington Post (Story no longer on line.)

Yugoslav crisis complicates US-Russian nuclear relations

May 5, 1999 - Russia has never ratified the START II nuclear treaty which would limit their nuclear devices. They came close to doing so recently, but stopped short because of the NATO strikes in the Balkins. Source: ABC News (Story no longer on line.)

The Death of a State: Russia's Political and Social Meltdown

Dec. 8, 1998 - Alarming events in Russia, such as Boris Yeltsin's firing of cabinet members just before returning to the hospital, the assasination of a leading democratic figure, and rising anti-Semitism, signal a "melt-down" of the Russian nation according to expert historian, Paul Goble.

"Russia is in worse shape today than it's been in any time in our lifetimes," says Goble. "It's staring into a winter in which a large number of people are going to be hungry. The government gives orders that no one obeys. Transport has broken down, and the postal system has broken down."

Except in Moscow, the living conditions of the 140 million Russian people has degenerated badly. Water supply, sewage processing, and electricity are off in rural areas, and starvation looms for many during this winter. The economy has shrunk by more than 60 percent -- twice the decline of America's "Great Depression."

Experts fear that conditions are similar to those that gave rise to Hitler in Germany. Increased persecution of Jews, as scapegoats for the situation, and the rise of an "ugly dictatorship" are likely. Source: CBN News (Story no longer online)

Yeltsin Consults Aides In Crisis Over Prime Minister

Sept. 8, 1998 - After two unsucessful attempts to reinstate Viktor Chernomyrdin as Prime Minister, Boris Yeltsin consults his advisors about the next step.

A third rejection would trigger the automatic dissolution of the Duma and an early parliamentary election at a time when the discredited authorities are trying to stop the ruble plunging and prices soaring in a deep financial crisis.

The continuing economic and political crisis in Russia gives the Communists a stronger voice than they have had in recent years.

Politicians from all sides have said the situation is now so dire and discontent so widespread that violence could eventually erupt on the streets.

Their comments have deepened concern among foreign investors and Western leaders, who are urging Russia to confirm a prime minister quickly and to stay on the path of market reforms.

Source: CNN (Story no longer online)

Chaos in Russia before Yeltsin-Clinton summit

Aug. 31, 1998 - President Clinton goes to Russia today to meet with President Boris Yeltsin for the first time in 18 months. Russia is in the midst of a grave finiancial and political crisis. Yeltsin is in a very precarious position, since his reappointment of Viktor Chernomyrdin as Prime Minister will not likely be approved by the Duma (Russia's lower house of parliament), and especially the Communist element in the Duma. Furthermore, President Clinton is severely weakened by the scandal at home. Everything considered, it looks like a poor time for a summit between the two leaders.

Source: Yahoo (Story no longer on line.)

Yeltsin Sacks Government Again Amid Financial Crisis

Aug. 24, 1998 - In response to Russia's grave financial condition, the devaluation of the rouble, default on some debts, and a call for his own resignation from the Duma (Russia's parliament), Boris Yeltsin has fired the prime minister he had fought to install just five months ago, and has reinstated Viktor Chernomyrdin.

Dangerous Tensions In Russia

August 21, 1998 - Considering Russia's angry reaction to the U.S. bombings in Afghanistan and Sudan, and the very serious financial problems in the country, (see the following articles on this page), Russia may soon be forced to assume a more serious role in world affairs.

Chuck Missler's article from last year, Magog Positioned[password required], illustrates the possibility of Russia being the chief agressor in the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39.

Russia is aligned with Islamic nations such as Iran (Persia), Libia (Put), Iraq, Syria, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan which were formerly a part of the Soviet Union. In addition, Russia is frequently opposed to Israel. These factors could be setting the stage for the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Yeltsin denounces U.S. strikes

Aug. 21, 1998 - Russian president Boris Yeltsin reacted in anger to the news of the bombing of terrorist sites in Afghanistan and Sudan. Here are some of the things he said:

``My attitude is indeed negative as it would be to any act of terrorism, military interference, failure to solve a problem through talks,''
``I am outraged and I denounce this.''
``I will tell you frankly I knew nothing, that means the whole world new nothing. This is indecent.''

Source: Yahoo/ Reuters (Story no longer on line.)

IMF Lacked Cash To Stem Ruble's Latest Plunge

Aug. 20, 1998 - This reprint of an article from The Wall Street Journal reports that the International Monetary Fund, which has committed about $47 billion to Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand and Russia during the past year, is unable to supply the additonal $15 to $20 billion requested by Russia to bolster confidence in their economy.

Source: Koenig's News (Story no longer on line.)

Economic Crisis In Russia

Aug. 19, 1998 - Russian Rouble Falls - Unions Plan Protest. As Russia's economy falters, their currency is devalued, leading to serious internal turmoil.

Source: Yahoo/ Reuters (Story no longer on line.)

Time Magazine: Time to Panic? - Article from last month about the impending crisis.

Nuclear Russia: The Forgotten Threat

June 17, 1998 - This CBN News story documents the real threat of a nuclear attack caused by some disgruntled person in Russia's deteriorating military establishment.

Reporter Dale Hurd adds, "Now mix in the Y2K bug and the prospect that Russia's defense system might malfunction or go black. On top of that, add India and Pakistan and nuclear terrorism, and you could really lose some sleep." (Story no longer online)

See also: The New Nuclear Race from our "Wars and Rumors of Wars" page.

Concerns Over Russian Stockpiles of Nuclear Weapons and Their "Nuclear Doctrine"

March 20, 1998 - This article from Radio Free Europe shows that the process of dismantling nuclear weapons is slow, and the philosophy in Russia of when to use these weapons may be changing. The old doctrine was that Russia would not be the first country to use nuclear weapons, but they now state, "Russia reserves the right to use all the forces and systems at its disposal, including nuclear weapons." (Story no longer online)

Yeltsin points to world war danger on Iraq

Feb. 4, 1998 - Saddam Hussein's refussal to allow UN Inspectors, and the United States' threats of a possible strike against Iraq soon, has brought a response from Russia's President, Boris Yeltsin. He warned that that President Clinton's actions could lead to a world war. (Source: Yahoo - story no longer on line.)

Russia Deploys New Nuclear Rocket

Dec. 24, 1997 - Russia revealed its new-generation intercontinental ballistic missiles called Topol-M, and claimed that the new weapons did not contradict Russia's commitments under international treaties on cutting nuclear arsenals. At the same time, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev said. "This is a 21st century complex which has no parallels in the world." (Source: Yahoo - story no longer on line.)

Lybia's Gadhafi Calls For Holy War Against Israel

Associated Press reports (31 March) that Libyan president Moammar Gadhafi has called for the Arabs to go to war against Israel. "The time has come for the holy battle for the liberation of Jerusalem," he said, according to a report by Libya's official news agency. Source: Bible_Prophecy-L List April 3, 1997. (Story no longer online)

Russia Arming Syria

Russia has decided to continue arming the Syrian army, extending military aid to them in three areas: aerial defence and land and air forces.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, during his visit next week to Moscow will express Israel’s concern over Russia's continued assistance to Iran in the nuclear weapons field. (Ref: ICEJ News Service March 4, 1997 ) (Story no longer online)

Israel May Fight Syria Soon

This article by J.R. Church shows how serious the tensions are between Israel and Syria, and how a war between them could be fulfillment of Isaiah 17:1 - "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." - (From February, 1997 issue of "Prophecy In The News") (Story no longer online)

"Gog Is Thinking An Evil Thought"

Why would Russia attack Israel? J.R. Church explores the strategic position of Israel as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. (From "Prophecy In Today's News," January, 1997.) (Story no longer online)

Russia: No More Freedom of Religion?

Jan. 18, 1997 - This "Week End News" article indicates that freedom of worship flourished briefly after the collapse of the Soviet Union five years ago but has been declining since 1993. . (Story no longer on line.)

Is Russia still a threat?

Chuck Missler's July 1966 article, "Magog Arming" answers this question.

Chuck also considers this issue one of the "10 Strategic Trends" that bear watching.