Looking Back: How 2014 Changed the World, Part 2

2014. The year the world changed. Maybe for good. Definitely for bad. Of course, by now you know what happened in the months after Iran tested that nuclear weapon. The oil prices that surged as Middle East tensions hit an all-time high. The general collapse of the global economy after …

What the Bible Says about Syria, Part 4 – Redemption

Most of the prophecies regarding what is modern-day Syria are tragic. Devastation, exile, and so on. But there is one prophecy for the northern corner of Syria that offers hope. Some day, there will be redemption. In fact, there’ll be a whole highway of hope.

What If Syria’s Chemical Weapons Aren’t Really Destroyed?

Here’s an ironic twist—one of the very countries that sold the chemical weapons to Syria years ago could end up being the one that’s supposed to destroy them. Think you can trust Russia to really do the job? And that’s assuming Syria actually is honest about removing the weapons from …

Iran Blackmails US: More Sanctions and Nuke Deal ‘Is Dead’

Well, that didn’t take long. I warned you all less than one month ago that Iran was likely to try and back out of the nuclear deal they just signed with major world powers. I even suggested they might accuse the West of breaking their side of the bargain to …

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Iran Blackmails US: More Sanctions and Nuke Deal ‘Is Dead’

December 9, 2013 Iran Nuclear Program, News
Radiation Warning Symbol. Public Domain.

Radiation Warning Symbol. Public Domain.

Well, that didn’t take long. I warned you all less than one month ago that Iran was likely to try and back out of the nuclear deal they just signed with major world powers. I even suggested they might accuse the West of breaking their side of the bargain to justify their actions. And here we are, Iran has now given the US an ultimatum via an interview with Time Magazine.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has declared that if the US imposes more sanctions, even if they don’t go into effect until the interim deal with Iran expires, “The entire deal is dead. We do not like to negotiate under duress.” … Continue Reading

US Says Main Iran Sanctions Unchanged

December 5, 2013 Iran Nuclear Program

Ahh, damage control. That glorious political spin in which officials can actually work hard to convince some people of how good something is, only then to tell others that it’s not THAT good.

Welcome to the world of American diplomats – especially US Secretary of State John Kerry. Just weeks after reaching an interim deal with Iran that alleviates sanctions pressure in exchange for Iranian nuclear concessions, Kerry had to emphasize that the big sanctions are still there.
… Continue Reading

Iran Nuke Deal Covered in Chocolate?

December 3, 2013 Iran Nuclear Program

Ka-ching! That’s the sound coming to Iran after their interim nuclear deal with world powers alleviates sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that not only will Iran get sanctions relief on things like airplane parts, but the deal will also make it easier on banks to coordinate food and medical business between Iran and the West.

Nestlé, the famous chocolate company, is just one of the businesses that cut sales to Iran over problems being paid. But now that the banking situation is going to be more relaxed, they just might resume business with Iran. That’s good for them and probably not good for you.
… Continue Reading

Egypt Priming for another Revolution?

December 2, 2013 Egypt, Politics

Forget flowers and dinner for this anniversary. The three-year anniversary of the Egyptian revolution is next month, and it just may be marked with another government change. Less than six months after the army threw out the Islamist authorities who took over after the first revolution, the seeds for another uprising are being sown.

Egypt’s Ahram Online reported that one of the key groups that sparked the first revolution is growing concerned. The April 6 Youth Movement said in a statement they thought the army had moderated and would take a backseat to democracy. Looks like they were wrong.
… Continue Reading

Syria: Peace-Conference Planned to End ‘World’s Greatest Threat’

November 26, 2013 Diplomacy, Syria

It’s perhaps the most anticipated sequel since the second Batman film. Ok, maybe not, but you should hope the second Syria peace conference is unlike most sequels and is better than the first.

The Syrian civil war has been deadlocked for months, and was called “the world’s greatest threat to peace and security” by the head of the United Nations. It’s rocking the Middle East and could lead to surging oil prices, major war or chemical weapons reaching terrorists. So no pressure on those meeting at the second Syria peace conference – which is now set for January.
… Continue Reading

Iran: Nuclear Fuel Program ‘Will Continue’

November 24, 2013 Iran Nuclear Program, News
Really moderate, or just for show? Iranian President Rouhani. Illustrative. FEMA/Marty Bahamonde.

Really moderate, or just for show? Iranian President Rouhani. Illustrative. FEMA/Marty Bahamonde.

Ever had that disturbing feeling in the back of your mind that something just isn’t quite right, that maybe a good deal might just be too good to be true? That feeling isn’t always correct, and in the case of the nuclear deal with Iran, you better hope it’s not.

Iran didn’t help dispel concerns by proclaiming they have no intention of stopping the production of nuclear fuel. While that can be put towards civilian use, it can also be used for nuclear weapons. The deal signed between Iran and the major world powers, which The New York Times reported is supposed to be an interim deal until a final one is reached, still allows Iran to make some nuclear fuel at a lower quality. And Iran plans to take advantage. … Continue Reading

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