In this issue, we report on the election result in France; Russia’s outrageous prohibition of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the dire consequences for all Christian minorities; as well as Turkey’s descent into a dictatorship under President Erdogan. We also publish an article about MOAB–the “Mother of all Bombs.”

We begin with developments in Europe and the UK, including the official launch of the Brexit process (please view our recent StandingWatch program, “Brexit and Core Europe—Fulfilled Prophecies”); address in this context the renewed battle for Gibraltar; and discuss the disconcerting and even hostile relationship between Europe under German leadership and the USA (please view our recent StandingWatch program, “Germany and the USA… What Next?”).

We speak on the challenging situation related to North Korea and President Trump’s controversial politics pertaining to war and immigration.

We continue with the current policy of Israel’s courts forbidding the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb near the Temple Mount; and report on Germany’s anti-Semitism and public approval of gay marriages.

We begin with the terror attack in London and the first personal meeting between Angela Merkel and Donald Trump, which was not “great” by any standard (Please read the Editorial in this Update, and view our new StandingWatch program, “Germany and the USA… What Next?”). We continue with explosive “bombshell” announcements by the FBI, totally refuting President Trump’s allegation of having been wiretapped by former President Obama, while revealing that an investigation against Donald Trump and his campaign is being conducted. A subsequent controversial announcement by House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes suggests that the Trump team could have been inadvertently surveilled.

We report on Martin Schutz, the official challenger of Angela Merkel in the September election; as well as the candidates for the French Presidency, to be determined in May. We also speak about the ongoing row between Europe and Turkey.

We point out the fear of nuclear war in Britain and in Sweden and the announcement to officially begin Brexit procedures by March 29; as well as the desire of the Trump Administration to make Southern Ireland an increasingly important ally in Europe. We also speak on North Korea’s provocations.

We report that more and more Mexicans are trying to enter Canada, rather than the USA and the US ban of large electronics on some flights from the Middle East and Africa, while pointing out the appalling fact that not one delegate from Africa was given permission to enter the USA to participate in the African Global Economic and Development Summit in Southern California. We also speak on left-liberal Hollywood’s fight against conservative actors; the speedy action of the IRS to grant tax-exempt status to a Satanic group, while delaying or denying such permission to conservative nonprofits; and we conclude with reporting on increasing religious persecution of religious minorities in Russia.

We begin with the strained relationship between Donald Trump and Angela Merkel; continue with Piers Morgan’s interesting perspective regarding Messrs. Obama and Trump; report on the dubious role of Michael Flynn as a foreign agent for Turkey and the White House’s alleged “ignorance”; and speak on the ongoing diplomatic feud between Turkey and the rest of Europe, especially Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark; the Netherland’s election; and a controversial decision by the European Court of Justice.

We address the opposition by many Republicans against Speaker of the House Paul Ryan’s healthcare bill; and we present a scary report about the insecure transport of atomic bombs on America’s roads, as well as plans to make it easier to use American drones for attacks, leading to more civilian casualties. We also speak of the fears of foreign tourists to visit the USA; and Donald Trump’s revised travel ban’s legal challenges and setback.

We continue with reports pertaining to the Temple Mount and the Purim Feast; as well as the fear of “ghosts” in Brazil’s presidential residence. We conclude with an eye-opening article about eight differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Catholics and Protestants… Divided or United?” 

We report on President Trump’s revised executive order banning travel to the US from six predominantly Muslim countries. Even though some changes were made, the amended travel ban has been strongly condemned as an “illegal Muslim ban,” and further legal actions have been announced.

We continue with President Trump’s public allegation, without presenting any evidence, that former President Obama wire-tapped him illegally; and we speak on the GOP’s published proposal to repeal and replace Obamacare, which is by no means “a slam dunk.”

We report on America’s interesting relationship with Israel; and Iran’s and North Korea’s provocations.

We speak on Germany’s and Europe’s ongoing feud with Turkey; Europe’s desire to find trading partners other than the USA; Germany’s fear of President Trump; and Europe’s discussions regarding the development of a nuclear weapons program and the establishment of an EU army. In this context, please view our new StandingWatch program, “Europe’s Military Alternatives to America’s Dominance.”

We conclude with news articles on Brexit and Pope Francis.

We begin with the escalating situation in Europe and the USA regarding migrants, refugees and illegal immigrants; showing the disconcerting reactions and the lack of satisfactory solutions for this growing and highly contentious problem. We continue with perceived or real threats and attacks against the freedom of the press in the USA and Germany.

We speak on the disagreements within the GOP as to how to deal with Obamacare; report on an announced “historic increase” in US defense spending; publish reports on President Trump’s first speech to Congress; report on a new scandal involving the Attorney General; and we point out the ongoing attempts of creating a two-speed Europe, more independence from the USA under President Trump, and the creation of an European army; as well as the growing animosity between the EU and Russia.

We report on upcoming elections in Germany and France; and we conclude with articles reporting on “Christianity” and Carnival in Brazil, as well as in Germany; a grim picture about German tourists wanting to spend their vacation in the USA and US citizens wanting to travel to the EU; and the “fuzz” about the discovery of seven allegedly “earth-like” planets in “a galaxy far far away”…

We begin with reports from regions in the Arctic and all over Europe regarding the detection of radio-active isotopes (Iodine 131), which could result, for example, from nuclear tests, operational reactors or submarines, or nuclear wastelands.

We continue with ongoing European concerns about the USA, describe Europe’s “bewilderment”; Europe’s rejection of American demands to increase NATO defense spending; the verbal attacks of the EU Council President; and President Trump’s “fight” with Sweden over a bogus claim.

We speak on our political climate which, according to some observers, parallels developments in Nazi Germany; address evolution and creation and the Trump Administration’s  revocation of federal guidelines “protecting” transgender students; and we report on outraged Fox News moderators who strongly criticize President Trump regarding comments made during a “press conference” and on Twitter. We also publish an article predicting a showdown between President Trump and US car maker Ford.

We continue with several reports about new directives by the Trump Administration pertaining to illegal immigrants, which have already created much controversy in the USA and Mexico.

We speak on growing anti-Semitism in the USA; President Trump’s condemnation of the same; and Iran’s declared goal to eradicate and annihilate the state of Israel.

We point out Germany’s search for a new identity; publish an article on Germany’s rising star, Martin Schulz; speak on the effort of leading European countries to design Europe’s future and Scotland’s inevitable departure from the EU; and we conclude with disconcerting reports about our dangerous modern fascination with Artificial Intelligence.

We begin with further developments regarding President Trump’s travel ban for citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries; quote a report to the effect that those countries did produce terrorists on American soil; speak on Melania Trump’s immigration lawyer; point out Mexico’s reaction to a highly controversial deportation of an illegal Mexican citizen with a criminal conviction (which is being challenged in court); and point out that the costs for the proposed border wall between the USA and Mexico might be much higher and a lot more time consuming than previously thought.

We continue with a proposed weapons deal between America and Saudi Arabia; the diminishing popularity of President Trump; and an alarming article about a fight between President Trump and the Intelligence Community, which, if true, would be extremely dangerous for national security. We speak about the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and the relationship between the USA and Israel. We also read about serious warnings of the coming collapse of the United States; incredible methods by U.S. intelligence agencies to gather important information; and America’s unprepared military in case of an attack. (Note our new StandingWatch program, “Germany to Fill the Military Void?”).

Turning to Europe, we report on alarming developments regarding the alleged unpreparedness of the British Royal Navy; Germany’s controversial actions pertaining to the sale of weapons; and Europe’s move towards further unification. We also report on the prevention of a terror attack in France; the approval of a Muslim ban by a majority of Europeans; the election of a new German President (who is described as anti-Trump); and the astonishing rise of Martin Schulz, who is becoming a serious challenger to Angela Merkel as new Chancellor, and who has been described as the German Trump.

We speak on North Korea’s missile test and China’s expulsion of Christian missionaries; and we conclude with an article, describing the ridiculous belief of gullible conspirators in the end of the world in October through the collision between the earth and a hypothetical mysterious star in October 2017.

We begin with ongoing developments regarding President Trump’s travel ban for seven predominantly Muslim countries and the decision of the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals refusing to lift the stay on the Executive Order; speak on more controversies surrounding President Trump and his administration, including disconcerting reports on Stephen Bannon (please view our new StandingWatch program, “Meet the Real Stephen Bannon”); Mr. Trump’s defense of Vladimir Putin and his bogus claim regarding “underreported” terrorist attacks; and the move to bar President Trump from addressing the British Parliament.

We report on Germany’s and Europe’s distrust of Mr. Trump; as well as ideas to unite Europe as a nuclear super power and to establish a Europe with two speeds. We also speak on the mass massacres perpetrated by the Syrian government and the botched raid on Yemen.

We close with frustrating reports on Obamacare and scientific exaggerations regarding global warming, as well as some remarkable words by Pope Francis.

America is in turmoil, and the world hates it more and more. In less than two weeks, President Donald Trump, due to controversial executive orders, has managed to turn the world upside down, defiantly seeing to it that America’s already bad reputation in the world has reached an unparalleled low point.

The following information is discussed in our new StandingWatch program, “The World Condemns Trump—Why?”  and also in our German AufPostenStehen program, “Die Welt Verurteilt Trump—Warum?”

Mr. Trump’s executive order blocks for 120 days all refugees from entering the country, with an indefinite ban on those from Syria, and prevents for 90 days entry into the United States by citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Confusion abounded as to whether the ban includes green card holders. First, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security stated that it does, according to Reuters. This was confirmed by the fact that persons with green cards were detained at American airports. Subsequently, courts in New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington ruled that detentions of persons with visas or green cards were unconstitutional, and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly affirmed Sunday night that the ban would not apply to permanent residents. He said that: “In applying the provisions of the president’s executive order, I hereby deem the entry of lawful permanent residents to be in the national interest.”

This declaration came after Washington stated the exact opposite earlier on Saturday, according to Bild, dated January 30. But even after Kelly’s “clarification,” it was apparently stated (according to Bild) that even green card holders needed to undergo a personal interview at the American consulate, before permission could be granted to travel into the USA. Then, on Wednesday, it was stated by the White House that legal permanent residents, or green card holders, “no longer need a waiver because if they are a legal permanent resident they won’t need it anymore.” Mr. Trump’s chief of staff, Reince Priebus, on Sunday contradicted himself in stating whether the ban applied to permanent residents. He first told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “as far as green card holders moving forward, it doesn’t affect them.” But minutes later, he said, “Of course it does.”

The Times of Israel reported on January 29 that “The administration walked back the initial inclusion of green card holders in the travel ban, as the United States was hit Sunday by a second day of protests denouncing Donald Trump’s policy of banning travelers from seven Muslim countries. Meanwhile, the president stood unrepentant in the face of judicial stays and global outrage.”

This reversal and backpedaling over the initial inclusion of green card holders must be viewed as an embarrassing defeat of parts of Mr. Trump’s confusing executive order.

It also emerged that the travel ban applied initially to those persons who have dual citizenship. This fact sparked further worldwide outrage. AFP reported on January 29 about the situation in Britain:

“Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said it was ‘divisive and wrong to stigmatise because of nationality’… But later on Sunday Johnson won an exemption for British citizens and dual nationals after he discussed the matter with Washington.

“The foreign ministry subsequently announced the order would only apply to individuals travelling directly to the US from one of the seven listed countries — Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Sudan. ‘If you are travelling to the US from anywhere other than one of those countries (for instance, the UK) the executive order does not apply to you and you will experience no extra checks regardless of your nationality or your place of birth,’ the foreign ministry said in a statement. ‘If you are a UK national who happens to be travelling from one of those countries to the US, then the order does not apply to you — even if you were born in one of those countries.’

“The foreign ministry added that dual nationals might have extra checks if they are coming from one of the seven named countries, ‘for example a UK-Libya dual national coming from Libya to the US’.”

As this is worded, it should also include waivers for persons in Germany and France, who have dual citizenship—another stated concern in those countries which caused additional outrage and condemnation of Mr. Trump’s new policy. Die Welt reported on January 31 that Germans with dual citizenship are indeed exempted from the ban, but uncertainties remain, as our articles point out. In addition, the statement from Die Welt came one day after a statement from Bild, dated January 30, setting forth the opposite. Both Die Welt and Bild quoted statements from the Trump Administration for their respective reports. This confusion, reversal and backpedaling over the inclusion and ban of persons with dual citizenship must be viewed as another embarrassing defeat of parts of Mr. Trump’s confusing executive order.

Many employers and attorneys advised or instructed their clients or employees with passports from any of the affected countries NOT to leave the USA, even though they may have valid visas, as it is unclear as to whether the practical application of the executive order includes or excludes travelers with temporary visas. In addition, in light of the incredible chaos and confusion caused by Mr. Trump’s executive order, it might be too premature to fully rely on Washington’s current stated position regarding green-card holders and persons with dual citizenship.

The order also includes biometric tracking for all travelers when they arrive and leave the United States. This could see all tourists being finger printed not only when they arrive in the USA, but also on departure.

To clarify, the order suspends immediately the Visa Interview Waiver Program, not the Visa Waiver Program. Quartz wrote on January 27: “The Visa Interview Waiver Program allows travelers to renew travel authorizations without an in-person interview. The action is not expected to have any effect on the widely popular Visa Waiver Program, familiar to many by its front-line system, ESTA. That program allows nationals of 38 countries—including much of Europe—to enter the US without securing a visa at a consulate first.”

But Die Welt Online explained on January 31 that the Visa Waiver Program does not apply to Germans (and arguably to other nationals) who have dual citizenship. They must instead apply in person for a visa.

Many Americans are angry, in uproar and stunned by these new developments. Even though Mr. Trump said very clearly on his campaign trail what he intended to do, many did not take him seriously; thinking that he could not possibly resurrect measures reminiscent of the darkest days in the 20^th century. Others cheered and voted for him, not realizing the real consequences of his proposed actions. Then, there were and are many who approve of his conduct. So, we can add another reason for God’s anger against those in the USA with arrogant, unmerciful and ungodly hearts.

It is also widely felt that the order is in compliance with Mr. Trump’s earlier promise during his campaign to ban Muslims from entering the US. President Trump now slammed the media for “dishonestly reporting” that his order constituted a Muslim ban, even though his order bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days, while potentially excluding persons of a minority religion (i.e. Christian). In addition, after repeatedly using the word “ban” in describing the order, the Trump Administration subsequently denied that it is a ban, and blamed the media for using this word.

The following sets forth the worldwide confusion and condemnation which Mr. Trump has caused by his executive order. We will also quote articles about the initial ban of green-card holders and persons with dual citizenship, just to show the incredible confusion of the Trump Administration and the worldwide anger against Mr. Trump, even though he later backpedaled on those categories of people, at least to an extent, as the picture is still somewhat confusing. At the same time, the outrage remains pertaining to the remainder of his order which is viewed by many as unconstitutional for numerous reasons, allegedly including the overstepping of his authority and his applying a religious test; and many lawsuits in this regard are expected to be filed.

We can be very thankful that in the world tomorrow, when Jesus Christ rules this earth, such confusing, unjust, contradictory and unmerciful policies will NEVER be enacted.