Revelation 9 The Euphrates River the 6th trumpet, Armageddon & the Islamic State in Bible Prophecy

MALAYSIAN MH-17 DISASTER . . . ' FORETASTE ' of PUTIN'S BRUTAL AMBITIONS

Fearful events continue to shock the world. ' Global crises ' are spreading & world leaders & nations are helpless to stem the emerging wave of uncertainty , violence & chaos. Now , we see the convergence of a ' geopolitical ' perfect storm. With the horrific downing of Malaysian Air Flight MH117 - global fears are realised - as Vladimir Putin stands menacingly as a dark shadow over this incident that has sparked international outrage. As the President of a global super-power ( with the world's largest & most lethal nuclear arsenal at his fingertips ) the world watches nervously as Putin displays increasing lawlessness & disdain for world order.



Already extending his power & influence through the Middle East & Latin-America , Putin continues to ' openly destabilise ' theUkraine militarily & threaten the wider EU strategically. With Vladimir Putin now clearly implicated in the shooting of Flight MH-17we now see the leader of a major nation & superpower participating in ' state-sponsored terrorism '. This man's ambition knows no limits & he will soon inflict distress & chaos among the nations. Please watch our informational video which lays out the Bible Prophecies which fully detail the ' coming exploits ' of this brutal ' end-times ' dictator , before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ



Luke 21v25-28 - There shall be signs in the sun & in the moon & in the stars & upon the earth ' distress of nations ' with perplexity . . . Men's hearts failing them for fear & for looking after ' those things ' which are coming on the earth : for the ' powers of heaven ' ( ' earthly political ' ) shall be shaken . . . And then shall they see ' the Son of man ' ( Lord Jesus Christ ) coming in a cloud with power & great glory . . . When these things ' BEGIN ' to come to pass , then look up & lift up your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh

ISRAEL-GAZA CONFLICT . . . PRE-CURSOR TO GLOBAL CHAOS !!!

ISRAEL-GAZA CONFLICT . . . PRE-CURSOR TO GLOBAL CHAOS !!!


After the 9 month US-led ' Peace Process ' collapsed , the outbreak of war took only a matter of weeks. As the Israel-Gaza conflict escalates , we know this begins a series of cascading global events that will forever change this world. Multiple prophecies in the Bible , foretell of a latter-day war between Israel & its neighbours , principally the Palestinians ( ancient Philistines ) , the Syrians & those inLebanon ( Zidonians ). Though Israel will ' prevail ' in this coming war against the Palestinians , Syrians & Lebanese militias afterward Israel will be ' greatly weakened ' & defenceless. Into this power vacuum will sweep the great ' latter-day confederacy ' from the north. Russia with Iran , Turkey , EU nations & Libya will then not only overflow & occupy many Mid-East nations ( incl. Israel & Egypt ) but will also bring ' the final devastating destruction ' of Israel's inveterate enemies , the Philistines ( Palestinians ). The prophet Jeremiah Ch.47 provides clear & unmistakable context of the dramatic events ' soon to come ' in the Middle East.



Jer 47v2-4 - Thus saith the LORD ; Behold waters ( nations ) rise up ' out of the north ' ( RUSSIA , Iran & Euro nations ) & shall be anoverflowing flood & shall overflow the land ( Israel ) & all that is therein ; the city ( Jerusalem ) & them that dwell therein : the men shall cry & all the inhabitants of the land shall howl ... Because of ' the day ' that cometh to spoil all the Philistines ( Palestinians ) & to cut off from Tyrus & Zidon ( Lebanon ) every helper that remaineth : for the LORD will spoil the Philistines ( Palestinians )

Bible Prophecy The Latest Crisis in the Middle East civil war is spilling over into Iraq from Syria

The civil war is spilling over into Iraq from Syria on a major level, the peace talks in Israel have come to end as Abbas joined up with Hamas and now the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers in the hills near Hebron makes the Middle East about as hot as ever. Certainly peace in the Middle East is something that seems like mission impossible for world leaders I’m sure.

This you can be sure of, the events of this week are a huge blow to the United States of America, a country that has lost many lives and billions of dollars trying fix Iraq. To explain the depth of the crisis an editorial of USA Today put it this way: “The lightning-fast march of a violent al-Qaeda splinter group through the heart of Iraq is not just one new slice of bad news from the Middle East. It is a defining moment that exposes more than a decade of failed U.S. policy and leaves the Obama administration with deeply disquieting choices.” The editorial continued to say “The administration cannot simply stand aside while the jihadists attain their goal of establishing radical Islamist rule. The threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is too direct to ignore. Its tactics are so extreme that al-Qaeda disowned it, and its leaders are openly hostile to America. Letting such a group gain a permanent foothold would destabilize the region and repeat the history that led to 9/11. But neither can the U.S. easily crush ISIS by plunging back into a re-invigorated Iraqi civil war.” This is such a serious blow to the US and really the entire western world that sent troops, but their options are terrible all around. Further to this as America has pulled out of Iraq, Iran has filled the power vacuum to some extent. Now Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards are guarding the president of Iraq and helping to secure Baghdad. Many are now talking about the map being redrawn but it is still early days, will we see the crisis in the Middle East change the geopolitical landscape there? Well on Bible in the News and long before that in the Bible Magazine much has been written about this, change must come according to Bible prophecy, the question is when and how, that is what we watch for! Back at the time of the first Gulf War, Paul Billington wrote in the second edition of the Guardians of Israel and Arabia the following: “The fact that war has now taken over from diplomatic activity may suggest two things. Firstly, that a major geopolitical upheaval in the area is now a distinct possibility ¬– perhaps laying the basis for the north-south situation we have described. Secondly, that a speeding up of events will bring about the requirements of Ezekiel’s prophecy (chapter 38) quite soon.” That statement was written almost 25 years ago and we still watch for the same requirements of Ezekiel’s prophecy. Over the last while we have seen the dramatic events in Ukraine bring us closer to what we expect in the North. In the Middle East we still watch for the temporary peaceful situation described in the same prophecy that is present when the Northern Confederacy comes down. Israel is described as “dwelling safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates…” In case there is any confusion it is certainly not the picture there today, ask the mothers who did not have their teens come home this week. Our heart goes out to them. Will the current crisis bring about this temporary peace? Time will tell but something has to and the status quo does not seem to be going anywhere let’s be honest. The other factor that is still playing out is the role of the United States in the new crisis. This we know, when the Northern confederacy comes down there is “Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof” on the other side. Much has been written in the Bible Magazine on this subject but simply put Sheba and Dedan would be represented by the Gulf nations that are in that territory today, and Tarshish is Phonecia which is today Britain, the mother lion leading the merchants or other trading nations. From this understanding of who Tarshish is, the writer John Thomas correctly foretold of Britain’s role in helping the Jews back to their land. In time Britain turned its back on the Jews and the “young lion” of America picked up the mantle of protector of the Jews. Now as America is lessening its support of Israel we have seen Canada show unprecedented support of the Jewish nation and even Australia this week has raised the ire of the Palestinians by refusing to call east Jerusalem “occupied territories” thereby causing the BBC to ask in a headline – “Israel and Australia: New best mates?” The truth is that Britain and its colonies - including the United States - have a role to play in protecting the Jewish people and are the southern power in Ezekiel 38. (On a side note the United States fits into the young lions, the group of trading nations as she was herself once part of the colonies of Britain, not only that but she has acted as a young lion in protecting and helping the Jews return. If you are uncertain about the United States coming out of Britain you have to go no further than the Declaration of Independence, the document declaring the United States’ independence FROM Britain. The following is from that document: “That these United Colonies are, and Right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…” Prior to this declaration the colonies were under the British Crown and although they broke away they took with them much of the culture, not the least of which was the English Bible, the book that the nations laws and government would be built upon. No doubt it was the influence of the Bible that caused many an American to be sympathetic to the Jewish cause.) Being part of the southern power of Ezekiel 38 means that a full withdrawal from the Middle East is not on the cards for America (That said it would not be surprising if Britain went back to the leading roll as she is the mother lion). It is interesting on this point that America was looking to wash her hands of Iraq and is now quite likely being pulled back at least on some level. At the time of the end Britain and her English speaking allies are in the southern Middle East, although in a weakened state are they are unable it seems from the prophecy to stop Russia invading Israel prior to Messiah standing up for his people. It is an amazing way that God has enlightened his people through the scriptures. A number of pictures are given of the end days but what road the nations will take to get into place we are always a little unsure. There is a reason for this, God wants to keep his people in a state of readiness, much like in the day of the first Passover. The Israelites were to eat the meal in a state of readiness, with shoes and coat on ready for the call to leave Egypt. God knows that if we knew Christ was coming back in 2016 that in the year 2000 we would think well, we still have another 16 years. This way we can see that things are moving toward Christ’s return but can’t be sure of the exact day. We are in the era of the redemption, of this we can be sure. Change seems to be something we will be seeing in the Middle East but the real change we need can only be brought by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, Messiah son of David. May we be ready in that day. This has been John Billington with you this week, please join us again next week for another edition of the Bible in the News, God willing. 

HEZBOLLAH LEADER'S ' WAR SPEECH ' . . . PRE-CURSOR TO IMPENDING CHAOS !!!

HEZBOLLAH LEADER'S ' WAR SPEECH ' . . . PRE-CURSOR TO IMPENDING CHAOS !!!


Lebanon's Hezbollah terrorist group - armed & financed by close allies Iran & Syria - is central to a coalition of hostile Arab forces who ( fore-told in Psalm 83 ) will seek to destroy the nation of Israel in the ' latter days '. In one of his regular speeches of hatred against Israel , its leader Hassan Nasrallah has just revealed Hezbollah's coming strategy to attack Israel. As Hezbollah continues to fight along side the Syrian Govt to crush the last Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights , Nasrallah said his forces will turn its attack towards Israel . . . exactly as foretold in Isaiah 9. With a ' common goal ' of the destruction of the nation of Israel & the ' freeing of Palestine ' ( Al-Aqsa Intifada ) we will soon see a coalition of Shi'ite Syrian / Hezbollah & Sunni Palestinian military groups launch a devastating attack on Israel , in part through their massive arsenal of 70,000+ stockpiled rockets & missiles. It will be a war whereIsrael will prevail in the end ( Isaiah 17v1-4 ) but will bring tremendous death & suffering to both sides.



Psa 83v3-5 They have taken ' crafty counsel ' against thy people ( Israel ) & consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said ,Come & let us cut them off from being a nation ; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent : they are confederate against thee :



Isaiah 9v12 The Syrians before & the Philistines ( Palestinians ) behind & they shall ' devour ' Israel with open mouth.

SOVIET-TRAINED ' STRONG-MAN ' . . . WILL HE DELIVER LIBYA INTO RUSSIA'S CAMP ??

SOVIET-TRAINED ' STRONG-MAN ' . . . WILL HE DELIVER LIBYA INTO RUSSIA'S CAMP ??


Bible prophecy is emphatic . . . Libya will be a member of Russia's ' latter-day ' confederacy that will invade the Middle East. So it is not surprising in recent days , that a renegade general Khalifa Hifter has suddenly emerged as a ' strong-man ' who has ousted the Libyan Govt & vowed to use deadly force to arrest control of Libya from Islamic militias. While General Hifter has had past links with the USA , he was also trained extensively in the former Soviet Union. Importantly , both Khalifa & Russia's Vladimir Putinhave vehemently sworn their ' highest priority ' is to eradicate radical Islamic groups ( incl. Muslim Brotherhood ). With the USA's ever-widening withdrawal from world affairs , we know with certainty a strategic alliance between Russia & Libya will develop rapidly. With Vladimir Putin already making in-roads into neighbouring Egypt & subverting USA's influence in the region , General Hifter may well be the man to drag Libya out of chaos & into the ' long-prophesied ' alliance with Russia's Gog



Dan 11v40-43 - At the time of the end shall the ' king of the south ' ( UK-USA ) push at him & the ' king of the north ' ( Russia ) shall come against him like a whirlwind , with chariots & with horsemen & with many ships & he shall enter into the countries & shall overflow & pass over. He shall enter also into ' the glorious land ' ( Israel ) many countries shall be overthrown . . . He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold & of silver & over all the precious things of Egypt : & the LIBYANS & the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Edom the Arab Nations in Latter Day Bible Prophecy Psalms 83

Judgment on Israel's Latter Day Invaders Psalms 83

Even if we cannot be certain which of Edom's many atrocities upon Israel provoked the tongue, and pen, of Obadiah -- it seems certain that we are intended to read Obadiah's prophecy as a Last Days prophecy as well: Obad 1:15,17,21.

Such language can only be absolutely fulfilled with the return of Christ and the establishment of God's Kingdom. Seen as a Last Days preview, Obadiah's words corroborate certain details of the general picture:

(a) This Edomite enemy will be a member of an alliance: Obad 1:11. Edom is a member of the 10-nation Arab alliance described in Psa 83.

(b) The controversy of the Last Days will concern God's holy mountain, mount Zion. There the enemies of Israel, including Edom, will rejoice over her: "Just as you drank on my holy hill...." (Obad 1:16).

And there also will God bring retribution upon these blasphemous enemies: Obad 1:15-17. This observation lends credibility to the idea that the last great conflict in and around Jerusalem -- a conflict which will bring on the literal Return of Christ -- will be a religious conflict, between two peoples desperately struggling to lay claim to the same "holy places".

(c) At this point the prophecy dramatically changes tone. The people of Israel are saved from their adversity and are spiritually regenerated. They receive back the Land promised to their fathers, to its fullest extent, and the rescued and redeemed state of Israel becomes the nucleus of the Kingdom of God: "But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy... The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will set it on fire and consume it. There will be no survivors from the house of Esau... Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD's" (Obad 1:17,18,21).

Critics: logistics of Syria chemical weapons deal has U.S. helping regime put down rebels

Critics: logistics of Syria chemical weapons deal has U.S. helping regime put down rebels 

The Israel Project 06-Dec-13 

Foreign Policy Magazine's The Cable yesterday outlined an "array of technical, diplomatic, security, and financial challenges" faced by the U.S. and its allies as they struggle to meet a December 31 deadline, set by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), for putting beyond use Syria's most dangerous chemical weapons. The destruction of the Bashar al-Assad regime's chemical arsenal was the critical condition of a plan, hammered out largely between the U.S. and Russia, to avert a U.S. strike on regime assets in the aftermath of a chemical weapons attack against rebel-heavy suburbs of Damascus. Components of the arsenal are supposed to be packed, transported to Syria's port at Latakia, loaded onto non-U.S. cargo ships, moved to an allied port, transferred to the U.S. vessel Cape Ray, and then destroyed. The Cable notes that, beyond the challenges that will be faced once the weapons are out of Syria, the logistics for keeping the weapons secure as they're moved within the country is proving problematic. Fighting along the arteries to Latakia has occasionally been fierce, and Sigrid Kaag - the head of the United Nations/OPCW joint team overseeing the destruction of the weapons - recently revealed that at least one major route, via Homs, would not be sufficiently secure to use. The New York Times yesterday published more extensive details describing Kaag's logistical preparations, and quoted her emphasizing that "Latakia is the designated port for exit of the chemical agents... chosen by the government." Michael Weiss - a columnist for NOW Lebanon and Foreign Policy, and Editor-in-Chief of The Interpreter - noted that the arrangement will have the U.S, U.N., and Syrian regime all "coordinat[ing] to stop rebel activity along the route," the upshot being that the U.S. - having initially been maneuvered by Russia into the agreement - is now "outwardly enabling regime military gains in Syria."

The Canadian Israeli Friendship

Welcome to another edition of the Bible in the News. In an article this week the Mclean's magazine had an article titled "Israel’s best friend: Stephen Harper"

Opening audio clips of Stephen Harper. Due to the strong friendship Israel has with Canada, the JNF (Jewish National Fund) is building a world class bird sanctuary in the Hula Valley and naming it after Stephen Harper. And this week here in Toronto the JNF put on a gala dinner to honor Stephen Harper, the following are excerpts from a promotional video and words from the Jewish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Audio clips from the JNF promotional video. In the Mclean's article, Harpers friendship with Israel ran a sub title that reads "The Prime Minister’s support seems less strategic than a reflection of his deeply held personal beliefs." The following is an excerpt from the article: "The political advantage in Canada to such a pro-Israel stance is unclear. “Going after the Jewish vote is not great political strategy,” says Frum. “I think it’s almost a disadvantage,” says Dimant. A handful of ridings, including key constituencies in Toronto and Montreal, can be tilted by Jewish support. But that’s about it, in stark electoral terms. Frum says the polls are not what drives Harper’s support for Israel. “These are his genuine, and true, and deeply held convictions, and he feels he has no choice,” she says. “He’s not going to take a different position because it’s politically advantageous.” Indeed, the Prime Minister told the gala audience in Toronto that his affection for Israel comes not from political ambition, but rather his father’s own fervent belief in the then-fledgling nation." This I belive is the truth, Stephen Harper the prime Minister of Canada, a nation of the British commonwealth supports the state of Israel, sure because the are a democracy and have similar values etc. but Harper is a Christian and on some level he has been affected by the word of God, of that I have little doubt. The prophecy of Jeremiah 31 reads in verse 10 "Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock." The word of the Lord was declared in the isles afar off and in particular to Tarshish and her "young lions" as they are called in the prophecy of Ezekiel 38. Tarshish clearly refers to Britain and interestingly when we look at the result that the English Bible has had on Britain and her commonwealth including The United States, it was simply the basis of morals, law and society as a whole. I was recently in Washington D.C. and we went the Library of Congress and there as you came in is a huge display case containing a copy of the Gutenburg Bible. Selling in the gift shop were facsimile copies of the first book ever printed in North America and it was the Bay Psalm Book, simply the Bible. As for Britain being the Tarshish of the Bible we are going to somewhat take it for granted as this subject has been dealt with at length. If you want to look further into this you can go Bible Magazine Volume 20 Issue number 3 for a special edition dedicated to this subject. Having said that when you put the defining characteristics in a list, characteristics such as it being a maritime trading power with an empire and a unique and long list of metals that could be mined from her shores, Britain is the only possible choice. And if there was any doubt of who Tarshish was, John Thomas back in the 1800's predicted that Britain would help the Jewish people return to their homeland based on her being Tarshish. Straight up, he nailed it leaving no doubt for the role the Britain played in Bible prophecy. Case in point, in 1849 John Thomas wrote "the finger of God has indicated a course to be pursued by Britain which cannot be evaded, and which her counsellors will not only be willing, but eager, to adopt when the crisis comes upon them. The degree has long since gone forth which calls upon the young Lion of Tarshish to protect the Jews. Upwards of a thousand years before the British were a nation, the prophet addresses them as the power which at "even-tide" should interest themselves in behalf of Israel." - Elpis Israel A complete article was written on the "course which cannot be evaded" in issue 1 of the Bible Magazine this year and I highly recommend reading it for more information on this. That said it is not just a trait of Britain to protect the Jews but also a trait of the young lions that stand with her. As we know from history when Britain removed its support of the nation the United States stepped in. Well, today as you heard in the opening clips it seems Canada is stepping in where America is unfortunately slowing down. Canada may not have the military to support Israel as the United States does but the Prime Minister does not seem to mind speaking out even if there is a political cost at home. But whether it is Britain, Canada, Australia or some other part of the British Empire, Israel can expect a level of support. I say that but if the effect of the English Bible has been support for the Jews, then what happens when society rejects the Bible? Obama clearly has not been reading the prophecies of Ezekiel lately. The truth is that if anyone truly reads the scripture with an open mind it is plain to see that the Jewish people are God's chosen. It is He that had made them survive for 2000 years in dispersion, it is He that saved them from the Holocaust and it is He that brought them back to their ancient home just as He said he would. When we consider the following words we have to remember who it is that orders events in this world Daniel 4:17 - "...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." At this point in history Israel's friend is Harper but the problem with that friendship is that Harper is human. It was only this time last year the Harper was rejecting the settlement expansion in the West Bank. The true and only friend that Israel has the God of Israel. The interesting thing when we consider the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 is that there is much verbal oppostion to the invasion of Israel by the northern confedercy of nations but little military action it seems, that is until the almighty God steps in. So for now God has given Israel a friend in Canada, a young lion in the British Commonwealth. It has been written long ago that the Tarshish power would stand with Israel so when we see this today in the news know that you are witnessing the Bible in the News. We would like to thank all those that support this program and we would like to remind you that we are coming into a new year, we encourage you to subscribe to the Bible Magazine on www.biblemagazine.com If already subscribe you help us spread the word and order a gift subscription for a friend at a discounted rate. 

The Geneva Accord Leaves Israel out on a Limb

"What was concluded in Geneva last night is not a historic agreement, it's a historic mistake. It's not made the world a safer place. Like the agreement with North Korea in 2005, this agreement has made the world a much more dangerous place. I know that many share the concern of Israel, especially in the region and there is a reason for this. For years the international community has demanded that Iran cease all uranium enrichment. Now, for the first time, the international community has formally consented that Iran continue its enrichment of uranium. This is in direct contravention of UN security resolutions. Iran is taking only cosmetic steps which it could reverse easily within a few weeks, and in return, sanctions that took years to put in place are going to be eased. Iran is going to receive billions of dollars worth of sanctions release. So the pressures on Iran are being lifted and eased, and with this pressure this first step could very well be the last step. Without continued pressure, what incentive does the Iranian regime have to take serious steps that actually dismantle its nuclear weapons capability? Why would it dismantle the centrifuges and plutonium rectors? None of this is covered in the agreement. They are left in tact. So Israel is not bound by this agreement. We cannot and will not allow a regime which calls for the destruction of Israel, to obtain the means to achieve this goal. We will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapons capability. Israel has many friends and allies but when they are mistaken, it is my obligation to speak out clearly and openly and say so. It is my solemn responsibility to protect and defend the one and only Jewish state..."

This was the reaction of Benjamin Netenyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, after world powers agreed to what has become known as the "Geneva Accord" signed at 4am last Sunday 24th November. The agreement permits Iran to continue to develop its nuclear capabilities for the first time and was made with the so called "P5+1":  the United States, Great Britain, France, China and Russia along with Germany.

Why were there Sanctions against Iran?
Much of the media and politicians in the western world have heralded the deal as a positive step towards world peace. However Israel responded disparagingly. What the western media seems to have failed to report on is why? Why are Israel so enraged? Why were there sanctions against Iran in the first place?

After the Islamic revolution in Iran of 1979 that overthrew the Shah of Iran, the new Islamic republic, led by Shite Muslim Clerics, saw Israel as an illegitimate state with no right to exist - certainly not amongst Muslim nations. Iran was also very antagonistic at that time against the west - with the new leader, Khomeini, declaring that the U.S. was the "Great Satan." During the revolution, the Islamic revolutionists famously stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans for 444 days. This led to the U.S. halting diplomatic relations with Iran.

Throughout the 1990's both the U.S. and Israel accused Iran of sponsoring various terrorist attacks against them. Although hostile toward one another, Israel and Iran continued relatively peacefully. This was mainly due to them having a common enemy - Iraq. However, since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iran has turned its spotlight on Israel.

In 2005, President Ahmadinejad was elected in Iran. Ahmadinejad publicly denied the Holocaust, and was even quoted as saying he believed Israel should be "wiped off the map". He frequently called for the elimination of Israel, a key ally of the U.S.

This drove the U.S. to rally international support against Iran's nuclear activity, causing international sanctions to be put in place which have crippled Iran's economy. These began in 2006.

This all really originated around Iran's hatred of Israel.

However, with the election of a more moderate President, Hassan Rouhani back in August, Iran has made efforts to open up negotiations with America and European countries, leading to this deal. Tensions between Iran and the U.S. and Europe have eased. However Israel still have major concerns and rightly so.

Even during the negotiations in Geneva, Iran's Supreme Leader -Khamenei publicly insulted Israel in Tehran. He was reported to have said Israeli officials "cannot be even called humans" and referred to Netanyahu as "the rabid dog of the region."
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/24/world/meast/iran-israel/

Naftali Bennett, Israeli Minister of Trade and Industry said: "If in five years, a nuclear suitcase explodes in New York or Madrid, it will be because of the agreement that was signed this morning."

One nation which has always supported Iran's nuclear programme is Russia. The deal was described almost as a victory for Russia who has long been working with Iran to help them with their Nuclear development. Russia's Vladimir Putin said after the deal was struck "A breakthrough step has been made, but only the first on a long and difficult path. As the result of talks...we managed to get closer to untying one of the most difficult knots in world politics". Once again we see Russia's influence in world politics, as it seeks to help the interests of its allies and once again we see the world falling in line with Russia's view of things.

A New Shift In Middle East Alliances
The Israeli ambassador to the U.K.  -Daniel Taub was reported by the Independent newspaper to have said:

"If you look at the region you see this very radical axis that runs from Tehran to Damascus to Beirut and actually on to Gaza, and I think that we are not alone [in being worried] about it... There are many countries that look on these issues and it’s a reminder that if we can rise above some of our immediate differences and paradigms we actually have an awful lot in common, many of our most fundamental strategic concerns are actually aligned, and of course we would be interested in trying to deepen relationships on that basis.”

He's talking here about the Gulf States who are also very concerned about Irans nuclear capabilities  For the Biblical significance of these new shifting regional alliances which are beginning to be formed in the Middle East, between Israel and its Sunni Arab neighbours in the Gulf, please see last week's Bible in the News.

Bible Prophecy & Iran
So - why is all this interesting about Iran and how is this the Bible in the News? Well Iran is mentioned as "Persia" in the latter day prophecy of Ezekiel 38:5. This chapter records that "Persia" (Iran) will be in an alliance with European and North African nations - headed up by Russia. This alliance invades Israel from the north.

How amazing it is then, when we see relations between countries starting to move in line with Bible predictions. The west has again demonstrated that it is moving more inline with Russia's world view. Indeed the prophetic jigsaw puzzle is slowly coming together and will be completed when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth to save Israel and re-establish God's Kingdom.

God will save his people
It is this point that Benjamin Netenyahu simply fails to recognise. In the clip we played at the start you may have noted him saying "It is my solemn responsibility to protect and defend the one and only Jewish state...". Many in Israel trust in him to do just this but the Jewish people would do far better to trust in the God of their ancestors and to seek His mercy. As a nation we know from the Bible that soon a time of tribulation such as never was will befall them. It would be far better for individuals within the nation to turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is in control of world affairs and to seek His truth and mercy.

Psalm 115 declares: "O Israel, trust thou in Yahweh (the LORD): he is their help and their shield."

The question for us all is do we trust in Him? The living God.

This has been Matt Davies joining you. Join us again next week God Willing for another Bible in the News.

US Enticements for Saudi Arabia and Israel. Obama Prepares 15 “Prizes” to Cool Tempers in Riyadh and Jerusalem

US Enticements for Saudi Arabia and Israel. Obama Prepares 15 “Prizes” to Cool Tempers in Riyadh and Jerusalem 

Debka 29-Nov-13 

US President Barack Obama thinks he has concocted 15 irresistible prizes for pacifying and allaying the concerns of Saudi King Abdullah and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over his planned partnership with Tehran for the management of the region’s affairs. 

These inducements have only just been presented to Riyadh and Jerusalem, DEBKA Weekly’s sources report. They may have been framed some time ago as part of the checks and balances built into US concessions for the first-step nuclear deal signed with Iran in Geneva on Sunday, Nov. 24. Or they may have been thrown together in a hurry to calm the angry storms stirred up by that deal and melt some of the ice overlaying Saudi and Israeli relations with Washington. 

However generous the packages, they cannot overcome the serious deficiency of trust which mars the two governments’ attitude towards the Obama administration and was sharply exacerbated by the deal with Iran. President Barack Obama’s oft-declared determination to prevent Iran gaining a nuclear weapon is greeted with unbelief in both Middle East capitals. Indeed, both are sure that in Geneva, he knowingly opened the door to a nuclear-armed Iran and that Tehran is more than ready to walk through that door. 

The perks for Saudi Arabia 

To pierce this high wall of mistrust, the administration this week delivered to Riyadh and Jerusalem two packages of tranquilizers. Their contents will not gladden hearts in Tehran because they impinge on the big-power privileges the US has promised the Islamic republic. (see a separate article in this issue for details.) 

Washington offered Saudi Arabia six inducements for burying the hatchet, including major policy U-turns: 

1. In one such reversal, the US is willing to help stabilize interim rule in Cairo, withdraw support from the Muslim Brotherhood, stop demanding the release from jail of deposed President Mohamed Morsi and assist in the transition to civilian rule - even if the military strongman Gen. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is elected president. 

Obama is willing to work with the Saudi rulers to achieve these goals, but only if Riyadh cooperates and abandons its decision to pursue an independent foreign policy as announced this week. If it refuses, the Obama administration will continue on its own path. 

2. Washington promises to make every possible effort to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to meet an incessant Saudi demand. 

Obama promises to help Libya out of its crisis 

3. The US will abandon its stand-aside posture on the Syrian question and take the driving seat for a political solution of the war against the Assad regime, a seat currently occupied by Moscow. 

4. America will turn on the tap for non-military assistance of food, medicines, building materials and vehicles to rebel-held areas of Syria. 

5. The administration has informed Riyadh and the Gulf emirates that the US will apply itself to dealing with the Libyan crisis: American resources and manpower will be made available for establishing and training a national Libyan army, a police force and intelligence agencies, and preparing them to defend the regime against the militias sowing mayhem in the country. 

This assurance to Riyadh included a promise to help the Saudis install a robust central government in Tripoli capable of extending its rule to the rest of the country. 

6. Washington assured Riyadh it would take action to stabilize the Bahrain kingdom. A similar, though reverse, US pledge was made to Tehran.

Problems of Eastward Expansion

:Problems of Eastward Expansion 

German Foreign Policy 27-Nov-13 

In the run-up of the EU's "Eastern Partnership" summit scheduled to begin tomorrow in Vilnius, Berlin's expansion project is threatened to fail. Only two countries, Georgia and Moldova, will sign Association Agreements, while Belarus and Armenia prefer to join the "Eurasian Customs Union" with Russia. However, the biggest blow comes from the Ukraine, which has halted preparations for signing the EU Association Agreement. Germany has left no stone unturned in its efforts to eventually break the Ukraine completely out of the Russian sphere of influence and integrate it into Berlin's hegemonic system. German media now speaks of the "battle for the Ukraine" and a "new Iron Curtain," to be vanquished in the East. German government advisors had, in fact, already planned to forge ahead to integrate Russia into a European free trade zone, after the six countries have been firmly integrated into the German sphere of influence. This now has also been put into question. 

Ever Further Eastward 

The real significance of the "Eastern Partnership" that Berlin planned to consolidate this week in Vilnius, can only be seen from the historical perspective - when viewing Europe's situation 25 years ago. Even though the Federal Republic of German (FRG) had had a bit of influence in the East, it was restricted, in large part, by its borders with the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Comprehensive eastward expansion of the FRG's industry had been blocked merely by the existence of the socialist countries' alliances. The 1989/91 upheavals in Eastern and Southeastern Europe opened doors for the FRG. But preparation and implementation of the EU's eastern enlargement has not only facilitated the solid integration of most of the countries in that region into the German hegemonic system - the EU - but also the alignment of their economic and legal norms on German standards. The objective is to also integrate those five remaining southeast European non-EU member countries. To continue the eastward expansion, Berlin and Brussels have initiated an association of six other countries in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus - the "Eastern Partnership". This "Eastern Partnership" is also part of Germany's efforts to expand its influence and align the norms of these countries with German-European standards ("economic integration"). 

A New "Iron Curtain" 

That project is now doomed to fail. Even though the Association Agreement is supposed to be signed with Georgia and Moldova at the upcoming summit in Vilnius, it is still being negotiated with Azerbaijan. Armenia has decided to join the "Eurasian Customs Union" that already includes Belarus. The "Eurasian Customs Union" is an alliance predominated by Russia and is seen as a rival by Berlin and Brussels. However, most significant is the fact that the Ukraine, the largest and by far strategically most important of the six "Eastern Partnership" countries, has postponed preparations for its signing the Association Agreement. The majority of the country's oligarchs prefer the sort of limbo position between the West and East, without taking sides for one or the other, therefore hoping to retain a maximum freedom of prerogative. According to warnings in Berlin, the rejection of the EU's Association Agreement could even lead to the Ukraine's integration into Russian alliances. And the German media even speaks of a new "Iron Curtain."[1] 

Struggle for Natural Gas Supply 

Over the past few years, Germany has been working hard to integrate the Ukraine into its hegemonic system. Intense power struggles have been waged in the field of energy supply. The Ukraine has always been dependant on deliveries of Russian natural gas and this, in turn, has facilitated Russia's exertion of considerable pressure on Kiev. However, the shale gas boom in the USA has unexpectedly opened new options for Berlin and Brussels. Since recently, the United States is in a position to dump large quantities of shale gas onto the market and with the ever growing volumes of low priced liquid gas (LNG) - for example from Qatar - being available, world market gas can now be delivered to the Ukraine via Western Europe - through pipelines, which had previously been supplying Western Europe via the Ukraine with Russian natural gas. This has also become possible because Russian deliveries are being routed via the Baltic Sea through the "North Stream" pipeline. Since last year, the West, with also the participation of German companies, has been, in fact, supplying the Ukraine with natural gas - primarily, at the moment, via pipelines through Poland and Hungary. (german-foreign-policy.com reported.[2]) Now an additional accord between the Ukraine and Slovakia is ready to be signed, which is supposed to break the Ukraine's dependence on Russian gas for good. Bratislava had adamantly refused to be drawn into the power struggles between Berlin and Moscow, but is now relenting under EU pressure. The German RWE Corp. is supposed to furnish the Ukraine with gas also via Slovakian pipelines beginning in the middle of 2014.[3] 

"Battle for the Ukraine" 

Should the Ukraine persist in its refusal to sign the EU's Association Agreement, this could be a political defeat for German efforts. Berlin is, of course, not giving up. The German government has announced it remains open to Kiev changing its course to favor the West, and does not preclude that the EU Association Agreement could be signed at a later date. Last week, observers were already considering that no final decision must be taken in Vilnius. The main thing is that "the contact" to Kiev "not be lost, so that the Ukrainian pendulum does not swing eastward," which if successful, the signing of the Association Agreement can be postponed to the spring of 2014.[4] In the meantime, Berlin's close allies in the Ukraine have begun protest demonstrations to force the Ukrainian government to sign the Association Agreement.[5] The German media is already referring to a "battle for the Ukraine."[6] The power struggle between Berlin, Brussels, Kiev and Moscow has not yet been decided. 

All the Way to the Pacific? 

Beyond the power struggle for the Ukraine, German foreign policy specialists have already turned their attention to the period after the summit in Vilnius. Even if the Association Agreement is signed, the EU will be really put to the test, according to a paper published by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). The necessary reforms must be carried out in the countries of the "Eastern Partnership," their implementation supervised. The implementation of the Association Agreement calls for "stringent and, in part, very painful social adjustment measures," predicts the DGAP. Then, one could, in the long run, approach integrating even Moscow into the European treaty system, for example within a "common free trade zone."[7] This would open up the perspective for German companies of an uninhibited economic expansion not only up to the Urals, but even all the way to the Pacific. However, these plans have now been dealt a serious setback. Through the Ukraine's refusal to sign the EU's Association Agreement, the expansion of Berlin's hegemonic system has for the first time suffered a serious throttle. 

Other reports and background information on German policy toward the Ukraine can be found here: Between Moscow and Berlin, The Boxer's Punch, Between Moscow and Berlin (III), Between Moscow and Berlin (IV), Fatherland and Freedom and Battle for the Ukraine. [German footnotes removed] 

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet gets new stealth submarine

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet gets new stealth submarine 

PanARMENIAN.Net 28-Nov-13 

A St. Petersburg-based shipyard on Thursday, Nov 28, floated out the first of six Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines to be delivered to the Black Sea Fleet in the next two years, RIA Novosti reported. 

The much-anticipated delivery of these submarines, dubbed by the U.S. Navy as “black holes in the ocean” because they are nearly undetectable when submerged, is a key part of Russia’s naval strategy in the Mediterranean, where Moscow has recently deployed a permanent task force consisting of some 10 surface ships. 

Construction of the Novorossiisk submarine started at Admiralty Shipyards in August 2010, followed by the Rostov-on-Don sub in November 2011 and the Stary Oskol in August 2012. 

The Varshavyanka-class (Project 636) is an improved version of the Kilo-class submarines and features advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets. 

These submarines are mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine missions in relatively shallow waters. 

The vessels, crewed by 52 submariners, have an underwater speed of 20 knots, a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion) with the ability to patrol for 45 days. They are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles. 

The Russian Black Sea Fleet has not received new submarines for decades and currently operates only one boat – the Kilo-class Alrosa, which joined the navy in 1990.

Israelis, Saudis and the Iranian Agreement

Israelis, Saudis and the Iranian Agreement 

Stratfor 26-Nov-13 [Here is Britain’s opportunity! DFP] 

A deal between Iran and the P-5+1 (the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany) was reached Saturday night. The Iranians agreed to certain limitations on their nuclear program while the P-5+1 agreed to remove certain economic sanctions. The next negotiation, scheduled for six months from now depending on both sides' adherence to the current agreement, will seek a more permanent resolution. The key players in this were the United States and Iran. The mere fact that the U.S. secretary of state would meet openly with the Iranian foreign minister would have been difficult to imagine a few months ago, and unthinkable at the beginning of the Islamic republic. 

The U.S. goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear weapons before they are built, without the United States having to take military action to eliminate them. While it is commonly assumed that the United States could eliminate the Iranian nuclear program at will with airstrikes, as with most military actions, doing so would be more difficult and riskier than it might appear at first glance. The United States in effect has now traded a risky and unpredictable air campaign for some controls over the Iranian nuclear program. 

The Iranians' primary goal is regime preservation. While Tehran managed the Green Revolution in 2009 because the protesters lacked broad public support, Western sanctions have dramatically increased the economic pressure on Iran and have affected a wide swath of the Iranian public. It isn't clear that public unhappiness has reached a breaking point, but were the public to be facing years of economic dysfunction, the future would be unpredictable. The election of President Hassan Rouhani to replace Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after the latter's two terms was a sign of unhappiness. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei clearly noted this, displaying a willingness to trade a nuclear program that had not yet produced a weapon for the elimination of some sanctions. 

The logic here suggests a process leading to the elimination of all sanctions in exchange for the supervision of Iran's nuclear activities to prevent it from developing a weapon. Unless this is an Iranian trick to somehow buy time to complete a weapon and test it, I would think that the deal could be done in six months. An Iranian ploy to create cover for building a weapon would also demand a reliable missile and a launch pad invisible to surveillance satellites and the CIA, National Security Agency, Mossad, MI6 and other intelligence agencies. The Iranians would likely fail at this, triggering airstrikes however risky they might be and putting Iran back where it started economically. While this is a possibility, the scenario is not likely when analyzed closely. 

While the unfolding deal involves the United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, two countries intensely oppose it: Israel and Saudi Arabia. Though not powers on the order of the P-5+1, they are still significant. There is a bit of irony in Israel and Saudi Arabia being allied on this issue, but only on the surface. Both have been intense enemies of Iran, and close allies of the United States; each sees this act as a betrayal of its relationship with Washington. 

The View from Saudi Arabia 

In a way, this marks a deeper shift in relations with Saudi Arabia than with Israel. Saudi Arabia has been under British and later American protection since its creation after World War I. Under the leadership of the Sauds, it became a critical player in the global system for a single reason: It was a massive producer of oil. It was also the protector of Mecca and Medina, two Muslim holy cities, giving the Saudis an added influence in the Islamic world on top of their extraordinary wealth. 

It was in British and American interests to protect Saudi Arabia from its enemies, most of which were part of the Muslim world. The United States protected the Saudis from radical Arab socialists who threatened to overthrow the monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula. It later protected Saudi Arabia from Saddam Hussein after he invaded Kuwait. But it also protected Saudi Arabia from Iran. 

Absent the United States in the Persian Gulf, Iran would have been the most powerful regional military power. In addition, the Saudis have a substantial Shiite minority concentrated in the country's oil-rich east. The Iranians, also Shia, had a potential affinity with them, and thereby the power to cause unrest in Saudi Arabia. 

Until this agreement with Iran, the United States had an unhedged commitment to protect Saudi Arabia from the Iranians. Given the recent deal, and potential follow-on deals, this commitment becomes increasingly hedged. The problem from the Saudi point of view is that while there was a wide ideological gulf between the United States and Iran, there was little in the way of substantial issues separating Washington from Tehran. The United States did not want Iran to develop nuclear weapons. The Iranians didn't want the United States hindering Iran's economic development. The fact was that getting a nuclear weapon was not a fundamental Iranian interest, and crippling Iran's economy was not a fundamental interest to the United States absent an Iranian nuclear program. 

If the United States and Iran can agree on this quid pro quo, the basic issues are settled. And there is something drawing them together. The Iranians want investment in their oil sector and other parts of their economy. American oil companies would love to invest in Iran, as would other U.S. businesses. As the core issue separating the two countries dissolves, and economic relations open up -- a step that almost by definition will form part of a final agreement -- mutual interests will appear. 

There are other significant political issues that can't be publicly addressed. The United States wants Iran to temper its support for Hezbollah's militancy, and guarantee it will not support terrorism. The Iranians want guarantees that Iraq will not develop an anti-Iranian government, and that the United States will work to prevent this. (Iran's memories of its war with Iraq run deep.) The Iranians will also want American guarantees that Washington will not support anti-Iranian forces based in Iraq. 

From the Saudi point of view, Iranian demands regarding Iraq will be of greatest concern. Agreements or not, it does not want a pro-Iranian Shiite state on its northern border. Riyadh has been funding Sunni fighters throughout the region against Shiite fighters in a proxy war with Iran. Any agreement by the Americans to respect Iranian interests in Iraq would represent a threat to Saudi Arabia. 

The View from Israel 

From the Israeli point of view, there are two threats from Iran. One is the nuclear program. The other is Iranian support not only for Hezbollah but also for Hamas and other groups in the region. Iran is far from Israel and poses no conventional military threat. The Israelis would be delighted if Iran gave up its nuclear program in some verifiable way, simply because they themselves have no reliable means to destroy that program militarily. What the Israelis don't want to see is the United States and Iran making deals on their side issues, especially the political ones that really matter to Israel. 

The Israelis have more room to maneuver than the Saudis do. Israel can live with a pro-Iranian Iraq. The Saudis can't; from their point of view, it is only a matter of time before Iranian power starts to encroach on their sphere of influence. The Saudis can't live with an Iranian-supported Hezbollah. The Israelis can and have, but don't want to; the issue is less fundamental to the Israelis than Iraq is to the Saudis. 

But in the end, this is not the problem that the Saudis and Israelis have. Their problem is that both depend on the United States for their national security. Neither country can permanently exist in a region filled with dangers without the United States as a guarantor. Israel needs access to American military equipment that it can't build itself, like fighter aircraft. Saudi Arabia needs to have American troops available as the ultimate guarantor of their security, as they were in 1990. Israel and Saudi Arabia have been the two countries with the greatest influence in Washington. As this agreement shows, that is no longer the case. Both together weren't strong enough to block this agreement. What frightens them the most about this agreement is that fact. If the foundation of their national security is the American commitment to them, then the inability to influence Washington is a threat to their national security. 

There are no other guarantors available. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to Moscow, clearly trying to get the Russians to block the agreement. He failed. But even if he had succeeded, he would have alienated the United States, and would have gotten instead a patron incapable of supplying the type of equipment Israel might need when Israel might need it. The fact is that neither the Saudis nor the Israelis have a potential patron other than the United States. 

U.S. Regional Policy 

The United States is not abandoning either Israel or Saudi Arabia. A regional policy based solely on the Iranians would be irrational. What the United States wants to do is retain its relationship with Israel and Saudi Arabia, but on modified terms. The modification is that U.S. support will come in the context of a balance of power, particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While the United States is prepared to support the Saudis in that context, it will not simply support them absolutely. The Saudis and Israelis will have to live with things that they have not had to live with before -- namely, an American concern for a reasonably strong and stable Iran regardless of its ideology. 

The American strategy is built on experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Washington has learned that it has interests in the region, but that the direct use of American force cannot achieve those goals, partly because imposing solutions takes more force than the United States has and partly because the more force it uses, the more resistance it generates. Therefore, the United States needs a means of minimizing its interests, and pursuing those it has without direct force. 

With its interests being limited, the United States' strategy is a balance of power. The most natural balance of power is Sunni versus Shia, the Arabs against the Iranians. The goal is not war, but sufficient force on each side to paralyze the other. In that sense, a stable Iran and a more self-reliant Saudi Arabia are needed. Saudi Arabia is not abandoned, but nor is it the sole interest of the United States. 

In the same sense, the United States is committed to the survival of Israel. If Iranian nuclear weapons are prevented, the United States has fulfilled that commitment, since there are no current threats that could conceivably threaten Israeli survival. Israel's other interests, such as building settlements in the West Bank, do not require American support. If the United States determines that they do not serve American interests (for example, because they radicalize the region and threaten the survival of Jordan), then the United States will force Israel to abandon the settlements by threatening to change its relationship with Israel. If the settlements do not threaten American interests, then they are Israel's problem. 

Israel has outgrown its dependence on the United States. It is not clear that Israel is comfortable with its own maturation, but the United States has entered a new period where what America wants is a mature Israel that can pursue its interests without recourse to the United States. And if Israel finds it cannot have what it wants without American support, Israel may not get that support, unless Israel's survival is at stake. 

In the same sense, the perpetual Saudi inability to create an armed force capable of effectively defending itself has led the United States to send troops on occasion -- and contractors always -- to deal with the problem. Under the new strategy, the expectation is that Saudi soldiers will fight Saudi Arabia's wars -- with American assistance as needed, but not as an alternative force. 

With this opening to Iran, the United States will no longer be bound by its Israeli and Saudi relationships. They will not be abandoned, but the United States has broader interests than those relationships, and at the same time few interests that rise to the level of prompting it to directly involve U.S. troops. The Saudis will have to exert themselves to balance the Iranians, and Israel will have to wend its way in a world where it has no strategic threats, but only strategic problems, like everyone else has. It is not a world in which Israeli or Saudi rigidity can sustain itself.