Iranian warships in Rio de Janeiro raise alarm abroad
The arrival this week to Rio de Janeiro of two Iranian warships that Brazil‘s government authorized to dock has prompted rebukes both from Israel and the U.S.
Month: March 2023
Israel fears Russia to supply S-400s to Iran – report
Iran is seeking sophisticated new air defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials say would reduce the window of a potential attack on Tehran’s nuclear program, media reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the issue.
Gantz Speaks to Netanyahu: Calls for Talks on Judicial Reform
Opposition MK Benny Gantz (National Unity party) was the first opposition member to break ranks today, after he announced that he spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and asked them to not open the Knesset plenum for discussion and legislation until things calms down, and they’ll go together tonight to speak to President Isaac Herzog. Gantz said, “History won’t forgive whoever didn’t try to stop a civil war.”
Taiwan military to get $619 million in U.S. arms amid Chinese pressure
The United States on Wednesday approved the potential sale of $619 million in new arms to Taiwan as the island continues to warn of mounting Chinese military pressure.
Egypt announces new Great Pyramid discovery
Egyptian antiquities authorities on Thursday made public the discovery of a hidden chamber inside the 4,500-year-old Pyramid of Khufu — formerly known as the Pyramid of Cheops — or the Great Pyramid of Giza.
US creates new antisemitism task force
In 2021, the United States recorded its highest level of antisemitic attacks in recent years — on average seven per day. The Anti-Defamation League, an NGO that fights all all forms of antisemitism, fears even worse figures for 2022. Doubtless many incidents also go unreported. As the US wakes up to a new, more anti-Jewish reality, US President Joe Biden has vowed to ensure that “antisemitism has no place in America.” To this end, the White House set up an inter-agency group at the end of 2022, tasked with putting together the country’s first national strategy for countering antisemitism.
Indonesia: Church allowed to reopen after local Muslims shut it down
In a remarkable piece of good news for persecuted Indonesian Christians, a church in Bandar Lampung has been allowed to reopen after local Muslim village authorities and residents interrupted a worship service and forced it to close down last month, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The Kemah Daud Christian Church had been in the middle of a Sunday service on February 19 when the disruption and subsequent closure occurred.
America’s Blinken and Russia’s Lavrov Meet For First Time Since Russia’s Invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov briefly spoke one-on-one in their first private meeting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February last year.
India: Pastor and his wife arrested/imprisoned under Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion laws
A pastor and his wife in India’s Uttar Pradesh state have been criminally charged and imprisoned under harsh local anti-conversion laws for allegedly luring Hindus into becoming Christians, Scroll reports. Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
China: Church releases statement detailing torture of imprisoned leaders
An evangelical church in China has released a statement detailing torture and maltreatment inflicted on three of the congregation’s leaders who have been in detention since August last year, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. China ranks 16th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Denmark Cancels Prayer Day To Boost Defense
In a controversial move, Denmark’s parliament has voted to cancel a centuries-old Christian public holiday “to boost spending” on the military.
Widespread protests over judicial reforms result in dozens arrested, major disruptions
Protesters against the judicial reform proposed by the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked a major traffic route leading from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Wednesday morning.
Tigris and Euphrates river levels plummet in Iraq
Water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq — the headwaters of which originate in Turkey — have plunged 30 per cent in recent days, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources.
In time for Purim: Inscription bearing name of King Ahasuerus’s father found in Israel
In an archaeological first, the name of King Darius the Great, father of King Ahasuerus of Purim holiday fame, has been discovered in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Wednesday.
77% of Americans aged 17-24 aren’t fit for service: DOD
An overwhelmingly majority of Americans aged 17-24 are unfit for military service, according to a Department of Defense report.
FBI Director Chris Wray says COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China
FBI Director Chris Wray joined Fox News’ “Special Report” with Bret Baier where he stated that the COVID-19 virus likely came from a lab leak in China.
Greek Train Crash: Minister Resigns, Suspect Detained
Greek’s Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned, and a station master was detained after the deadliest known train accident in the country’s, and Europe’s, recent history killed scores of people.
Uganda: Evangelist attacked after leading 37 Muslims to Christ
An evangelist in eastern Uganda is recovering after being hospitalized by Islamist extremists enraged that he ostensibly led 37 Muslims to Christ during an extended public debate on Islam and Christianity last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, followers of Christ – especially former Muslims – have come under intense violent attack by Islamic extremists who seek to prevent the Gospel from being shared in the country.
Nigeria’s Opposition: ‘Scrap Fraudulent Vote’ As Ruling Party ‘Wins’
Nigeria’s main opposition parties urged authorities to scrap the African nation’s elections, saying results showing the ruling party’s presidential candidate in the lead had been manipulated.
Italy: Scores Of Migrants Killed In Boat Crash
As night fell over the Ionian Sea, there were fears that up to 100 migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty had died after their wooden sailing boat crashed against rocks near the southern Italian coast Sunday.