Watch Europe!
Germany is once again Europe's "economic motor"--the "number one." Why? German business confidence reached its highest monthly gain since German reunification 20 years ago. Why? The confidence in the euro has been restored. Why? Most German economic giants flee Wall Street. Why? Could it be that a little-known prophecy in the book of Habakkuk holds a key as to "why"?
Current Events
This Week in the News
While "White House spokesman Robert Gibbs condemned the release of classified documents on the Afghanistan war, calling it a 'breach of federal law' that is the subject of 'an ongoing investigation,'" (New York Times, July 26, 2010), Der Spiegel and other papers concluded that the documents "indicate that, after almost nine years of war, a victory in Hindu Kush looks farther away than ever." In addition, Admiral Mullen stated that "more NATO troops will die in Afghanistan as violence mounts over the summer." These developments show that Presidents Bush and Obama, as well as their international allies, have been pursuing a totally wrong course of action in regard to Afghanistan.
In addition, according to the former CIA Director Michael Hayden, military action against Iran is becoming "more likely," and rumors are surfacing that Israel might attack Lebanon. How accurately has Jesus Christ announced, well in advance, the signs of our times: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars... For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom... All these are the beginning of sorrows..."" (Matthew 24:6-8).
While Germany and France begin to patch up their differences; Great Britain antagonizes Germany and France over Turkey; and Europe's economic prospects are brightening (with perhaps some interesting developments leading to a prophesied "two-speed" Europe); the future of the USA looks grim; and revelations that much of the U.S. federal bail-out money went...
"Afghan War Will Get Worse"
Reuters reported on July 25:
"More NATO troops will die in Afghanistan as violence mounts over the summer... The remarks by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, on a visit to the country, came as the Taliban said they were holding captive one of two U.S. servicemen who...
Will Israel Attack Lebanon?
A-7 News reported on July 27:
"Israel will consider Lebanese government buildings and bases a target if Hizbullah starts up another war against Israel, Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned Monday... In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post... Barak added, '... We'll see the government...
Britain "Alienates France and Germany" Over Turkey
Deutsche Welle reported on July 28:
"Large, poor and mysterious: Turkey is viewed with a certain amount of skepticism by many within the European Union. Turkey has a greater land mass than France, a population as large as Germany and is as poor as Romania. Yet it is the third point, the idea...
Good Prospects for Ireland
Sky News reported on July 24:
"The outlook for Ireland is markedly brighter than for Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain - the heavily-indebted countries which, with Ireland, are collectively nicknamed PIIGS.
"Ernst & Young's quarterly eurozone forecast says Ireland will have the greatest...
Coming--a Two-Speed Europe?
The Wall Street Journal wrote on July 28:
"When it comes to trouncing market expectations, Europe has the U.S. well beaten at the moment... it’s little short of astonishing in Europe, 2010. After all, not so long ago the... end of the single currency was openly discussed, and not only by...
US Idle "Attempts" in Iraq and Afghanistan
The Associated Press reported on July 27:
"A U.S. audit has found that the Pentagon cannot account for over 95 percent of $9.1 billion in Iraq reconstruction money, spotlighting Iraqi complaints that there is little to show for the massive funds pumped into their cash-strapped, war-ravaged nation.
"The...
Death at Germany's "Love Parade"
Der Spiegel Online wrote on July 26:
"The deaths of 19 people at the Love Parade in Duisburg on Saturday was an accident waiting to happen, German newspaper commentators wrote on Monday. They ask why there was only one entrance -- via a railway tunnel -- for the mass event, and say the festival...
Military Action Against Iran "More Likely"?
The Associated Press reported on July 25:
"A former CIA director says military action against Iran now seems more likely because no matter what the U.S. does diplomatically, Tehran keeps pushing ahead with its suspected nuclear program. Michael Hayden, a CIA chief under President George W. Bush......
France and Germany Patch Up Disagreements
The EUObserver wrote on July 22:
"France and Germany have put forward a proposal that would enable greater political sanctions to be imposed on states that repeatedly break the EU's budgetary rules, but without the need for an immediate EU treaty change... Wednesday's letter (21 July) came after...
"Europe's Prospects Brighten as U.S. Fades"
Reuters reported on July 25:
"German business confidence is soaring while U.S. consumer sentiment sinks. Britain's second-quarter economic growth was almost twice as fast as expected, the strongest in four years. Meanwhile, economists have steadily marked down forecasts for Friday's U.S. gross...
Germany Pushes Ahead...
The Wall Street Journal wrote on July 28:
"Germany's export surge has placed it to the fore of the euro-zone's recovery... The Berlin-based DIW economic research institute estimated Wednesday that Germany has posted the highest growth in the second quarter in the 16-member euro zone, powering...
US Bail Out Went to Foreign Banks
The Des Moines Register and USA Today reported on July 26:
"Goldman Sachs sent $4.3 billion in federal tax money to 32 entities, including many overseas banks, hedge funds and pensions, according to information made public Friday night... Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Ia... said, 'I hope it's as simple...
America--The Land of the Free
The Washington Post wrote on July 26:
"Courts have long ruled that the First Amendment protects the right of citizens to take photographs in public places. Even after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, law enforcement agencies have reiterated that right in official policies.
"But...
Eva Herrman Says It As It Is
Former announcer of the first German public TV station ARD, Eva Herrmann, wrote an editorial which was circulated on the Internet by the publishing house, Kopp. Her editorial was met with a condemnatory outcry and a nearly universal rejection. Herrmann wrote, according to newsblitz and Bild Online, dated...
