US warship crosses through Taiwan Strait for first time in Biden presidency
The USS John S. McCain sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday, its first such operation since Joe Biden took office.
Month: February 2021
Israel, US launch joint air defense exercise ‘Juniper Falcon’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States European Command (EUCOM) this week launched a joint air defense exercise, dubbed “Juniper Falcon,” focused on the threat from ballistic missile attacks, the two armies announced Thursday.
American, European sources say Iran will be put on the table, and soon
The US, British, French and German foreign ministers are expected to have a conversation soon to discuss how to revive the Iran nuclear deal abandoned by former US President Donald Trump, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
Biden to withdraw US support from Saudi-led coalition against Houthis in Yemen
US President Joe Biden will announce in his foreign policy speech on Thursday that the US will no longer support the “offensive operations” in the Yemen war, his National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.
DR Congo: Islamic militants murder dozens of Christians; “please pray for our brothers and sisters”
Islamic terrorists are believed responsible for the murders of over 100 people in DR Congo last month, and a large number of those murdered were from Christian communities, International Christian Concern reports. Known for deadly violence, the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group is believed to have intensified its targeted attacks on Christians.
Indiana: Appeals court rules county courthouse can display nativity scene
The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled Tuesday that Indiana’s Jackson County courthouse is not violating the constitution by displaying a nativity scene at Christmas, the Hill reports. The 7th Circuit decision reversed last year’s District Court ruling that the display apparently endorses Christianity and has no secular purpose.
Kenya: Arsonists burn five church buildings
Unidentified arsonists in western Kenya burned five church buildings and threw feces at their smoldering ruins last month, Morning Star News reports. All of the crimes were carried out from January 20 to January 24 in Otamba village, in the Nyaraibari Chache area of Kisii County.
Illinois Planned Parenthood proposes legislation requiring sex education to start from kindergarten
Abortion provider Planned Parenthood Illinois has proposed legislation that would require public schools in the state to start sex education from kindergarten, the Washington Examiner reports. The Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health (REACH) Act has not yet been filed in Illinois’ new General Assembly, but this could occur in the coming days.
International Court Convicts Ugandan Commander For War Crimes
The International Criminal Court in The Hague has convicted a former commander in the notorious Ugandan rebel group Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) of dozens of war crimes and crimes against humanity ranging from multiple murders to forced marriages. Dominic Ongwen faces a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.
Biden orders USS Nimitz aircraft carrier home in possible signal to Iran
The United States aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, known for anchoring US power in the Middle East, has been ordered back home, US Naval Institute News said citing American officials.
U.S., Russia Extend New START Nuclear Arms Treaty For 5 Years
Russia and the United States have formally extended the New START nuclear arms-control treaty for another five years, just days before it was set to expire.
UN court says it can hear case brought by Iran to end US sanctions
The United Nations’ highest court ruled Wednesday that it can hear a case brought by Iran against the United States in a bid to end sanctions the Trump administration re-imposed in 2018 after pulling out of an international deal aimed at curtailing Tehran’s nuclear program.
Report: Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Syria
Syrian state television said Wednesday evening the country’s air defenses responded to “Israeli aggression” in what appears to be an attack on Hezbollah targets in the area.
Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope files election slate, heavy with ex-Likud MKs
Former Likud lawmaker Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party filed its party slate Wednesday evening, rounding off the major parties to register for March’s election on the first of two days to do so.
U.S. mulls using law designed to prosecute Mafia against Capitol rioters
The U.S. Justice Department is considering whether to charge members of far-right groups involved in the deadly Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol under a federal law usually used against organized crime, according to two law enforcement sources.
House approves budget for Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus package
House Democrats powered a skeleton budget through the House on Wednesday, sidelining Republicans and carving out enough space to approve President Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus wish list.
Report: ‘Mass Rape And Torture In China ‘Re-Education Camps’
Women in China’s “re-education” camps for Uighurs have been systematically raped, sexually abused, and tortured, the British broadcaster BBC reported Tuesday, citing survivors.
Nigeria: Fulani Muslim herdsmen continue murderous attacks on Christians
As Islamist violence against Christians in Nigeria continues unabated, Fulani Muslim herdsmen recently killed two clergymen and burned down a Christian conference hall in the country’s Middle Belt, Morning Star News reports. The chairman of the Niger state Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Mathias Echioda, told Morning Star News: “There’s the urgent need for Nigeria’s government to put an end to these barbaric acts.”
Polls shows most young adults support abortion restrictions
A new poll shows that a majority of millennials and Generation Z in the US support various restrictions on abortion, Christian Headlines reports. Conducted by the advocacy group Students for Life, the survey found that “more than 7 out of 10 expressed support for limits on abortion.”
Argentina judge suspends new law legalizing abortion: unborn child has right to life
A judge in Argentina has suspended the country’s new law legalizing abortion, saying the unborn child has the right to life, Lifesite News reports. Suspension of the law’s application was ordered Thursday by Judge Marta Aucar in the Chaco Province.