Eurozone Security
Euobserver.com published the following on April 5, 2012:
“Since autumn 2008, the financial crisis and its implications has dictated EU policies. The pressure on EU governments to control expenditure continue to be enormous. Defence spending has not been immune. This raises important questions about how the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the EU can function in this new environment and if it can even survive austerity.
“Some commentators see it only as a question of choices – how much does defence matter and where does it stand in national priorities. This misses a critical point. Without a strong security and defence policy in the EU, underpinned by credible military capabilities, Europe risks becoming a marginalised player…
“…Europe’s role in the world can only be sustained through enhanced defence cooperation and a group of like-minded Member States ready to drive CSDP forward can be much more effective. Others may then follow suit.”
What is becoming more and more obvious to leaders in the EU is that the United States is beginning to focus on its Asia-Pacific concerns, and that is creating the need for unifying Europe’s various military organizations under the control of a central headquarters–a move that will happen in the not-so-distant future (For more information, please see our free booklet: “Europe in Prophecy-The Unfolding of End-Time Events!”).
Southern Europe Faces Reality!
Spiegel International online reported on April 17, 2012:
…”The euro debt crisis came as a rude awakening to countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, which are now firmly caught in the chokehold of their creditors and are forced to sharply cut back government spending. For many people, it is the biggest political and social turning point in decades.
“But these countries were already having trouble staying competitive before the current crisis. It was only possible for them to ignore China’s spike in exports or the new competition from Eastern Europe because of prospering national markets, generous transfers from Brussels and the existence of the euro. Because of the common currency, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Greece benefited from historically low interest rates, promoting a boom based on borrowed funds. It was suddenly cheaper than ever before to build a house or order a bigger car — or for governments to distribute generous welfare payments.
“It was an extended party for those in southern Europe who had work, as real wages rose sharply. In Germany, on the other hand, wages stagnated. Beginning in 2003, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder began a series of labor market and welfare reforms — known collectively as Agenda 2010 — which completely reorganized the welfare state. It is the kind of reform that now seems to be in the future of several southern European countries…
The countries of Southern Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, are coming under unwelcomed and very exacting controls–as the article points out, a “troika consisting of the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank (ECB) monitoring compliance.”
Spain Suffers Loss in Argentina!
The Guardian wrote on April 17, 2012:
“Spain pledged to wage diplomatic and industrial war on Argentina after the country’s populist president, Cristina Fernández, announced plans to nationalise the Spanish-owned part of oil company YPF.
“‘With this attitude, this hostility from the Argentine authorities, there will be consequences that we’ll see over the next few days,’ industry minister José Manuel Soria pledged, calling it a hostile action against Spain. ‘They will be in the diplomatic field, the industrial field and on energy.’ Retaliatory measures for the expropriation of the Spanish Repsol company’s shares in YPF will be announced after a cabinet meeting on Friday, while the European Union was also pulled into the dispute.
“Spanish president Mariano Rajoy had blistering words for Fernández, speaking at the World Economic Forum on Latin America in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. ‘This damages Argentina’s international reputation,’ said Rajoy. ‘What happened yesterday could happen to any other investment.’ Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, claimed that Fernández had originally planned to time her announcement to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war on 2 April.
“‘We expect Argentinian authorities to uphold their international commitments and obligations, in particular those resulting from a bilateral agreement on the protection on investments in Spain,’ said European commission president José Manuel Barroso. European foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton called off a meeting of the EU-Argentine joint committee on Thursday.
“A Chinese website, meanwhile, reported that Repsol had been preparing to sell YPF to the China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec) for $15bn. Repsol, which has Sinopec as a strategic partner in Brazil, did not comment on the claim. China has far greater clout than Spain in Argentina, whose economy is heavily dependent on soya exports to the Asian giant, leading to speculation that Fernández might strike her own deal with Sinopec, effectively handing even greater control over Argentina’s economy to Beijing…
“Argentina now runs the risk of scaring away other foreign investors needed to develop the larger Vaca Muerta area. Analysts said the move, announced live on television amid the increasingly populist and nationalist paraphernalia that accompanies Fernández, would have far-reaching implications.”
In the background of this battle between Spain and Argentina is China. In Africa, Mexico, Central America, South America and many other areas, China is “competing” for resources. These geopolitical strivings are setting the stage for global confrontations–events vividly portrayed in biblical prophecies! Our free booklets, “The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord” along with “Is That In the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation,” present detailed explanations that will help you understand today’s news based on the Word of God!
The Battle for Arctic Resources
On April 16, 2012, Fox News reported:
“To the world’s military leaders, the debate over climate change is long over. They are preparing for a new kind of Cold War in the Arctic, anticipating that rising temperatures there will open up a treasure trove of resources, long-dreamed-of sea lanes and a slew of potential conflicts.
“By Arctic standards, the region is already buzzing with military activity, and experts believe that will increase significantly in the years ahead.
“Last month, Norway wrapped up one of the largest Arctic maneuvers ever — Exercise Cold Response — with 16,300 troops from 14 countries training on the ice for everything from high intensity warfare to terror threats. Attesting to the harsh conditions, five Norwegian troops were killed when their C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed near the summit of Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain.
“The U.S., Canada and Denmark held major exercises two months ago, and in an unprecedented move, the military chiefs of the eight main Arctic powers — Canada, the U.S., Russia, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland — gathered at a Canadian military base last week to specifically discuss regional security issues.
“None of this means a shooting war is likely at the North Pole any time soon. But as the number of workers and ships increases in the High North to exploit oil and gas reserves, so will the need for policing, border patrols and — if push comes to shove — military muscle to enforce rival claims.”
Britain Looks to Asia…
Reuters reported on April 10, 2012:
“Britain and Japan said on Tuesday they have agreed to jointly develop and build defense equipment, the first time since World War Two that Japan has concluded a weapons-building deal with a country other than the United States.
“The announcement came at the start of a tour of Japan and southeast Asia by British Prime Minister David Cameron aimed at boosting trade ties with the region.
“‘We have decided to identify a range of appropriate defense equipment for joint development and production … which contributes to both countries’ security and presents industrial opportunities,’ said a statement from Cameron and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
“Without elaborating, the leaders agreed to ‘seek to launch at least one programme of such defense equipment as soon as possible and explore the feasibility of a future major programme’.
“Japanese defense policy changed last December to allow Japanese companies to export weapons and collaborate with countries other than its main ally, the United States.
“Hours before Cameron’s plane touched down in Tokyo, Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co said it would spend $200 million to build a new hatchback at its British plant.
“Cameron’s two-year-old coalition government is trying to boost British manufacturing to lessen reliance on a financial services sector roiled by the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. It also seeks to limit the economy’s exposure to the crisis-hit euro zone by doing more business with fast-growing Asian economies and emerging markets around the world…
“‘There’s enormous upside potential, and I think a number of businesses are very excited by the fact we’re going to Indonesia,’ Cameron told reporters.
“In Malaysia, Britain aims to tap the Southeast Asian country’s position as a regional education hub, with many Western universities setting up campuses there.”
As we have been reporting, Britain is not finding itself in harmony with the EU. In fact, it appears that Great Britain is deliberately positioning itself outside of the rapidly changing structure of a unifying European super-power.
No Easy Fix for U.S. Cities
Reuters, on April 17, 2012, wrote:
“America’s swelling ranks of fallen municipal borrowers have been blamed in the past year on ‘what-were-they-thinking’ causes, be it a Taj Mahal sewer system in Alabama or an overpriced trash incinerator in Pennsylvania’s capital city of Harrisburg.
“But the next series of major cities and counties in danger of defaulting on their debt can hardly point to one single decision for their malaise. Whether it be Detroit, Miami or Providence, Rhode Island, their problems have a lot more to do with financial policies that put them on course to live well beyond their means.
“Municipal defaults have shot up since 2007 and are on pace for another high year in 2012, according to Richard Lehmann, publisher of the Distressed Securities Newsletter.
“Many failures will be due to local politicians’ willingness to give unionized local government workers lucrative pensions and health care benefits when times were good. For others, the housing bust was enough to destroy their real estate tax base. They almost all share the failure to prepare for a rainy day.
“Now, belt tightening by state and federal governments is adding to the pain – as contributions to governments at city and county levels get squeezed. Many of the places in the worst condition are in the Northeast, Midwest, California and Florida.”
In Malachi 3, verse 9, God rebukes His people, saying, “‘You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.'” Is it really possible that our national problems have anything to do with our robbing God? For more vital information, please read–“Tithing – Today?”–available, free, online at www.eternalgod.org.
Another Black Eye For America!
CNN reported on April 18, 2012:
“On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times published photos of U.S. soldiers posing with what the paper said were bodies of insurgents in Afghanistan.
“The newspaper said a soldier came forward with the images to draw attention to the safety risk associated with a decline in leadership and discipline. In the Times story, editor Davan Maharaj said publishing the photos ‘would fulfill our obligation to readers to report vigorously and impartially on all aspects of the American mission in Afghanistan, including the allegation that the images reflect a breakdown in unit discipline that was endangering U.S. troops.’
“The Los Angeles Times said efforts to get responses from the soldiers involved were unsuccessful. CNN has not independently authenticated the photos.
“The images are just the latest in a string of scandals that some say could damage U.S. efforts in the war, which is in its 11th year.
“In January, video footage emerged of U.S. soldiers apparently urinating on Afghan corpses. In February, Afghans rioted after it was discovered that Qurans had been burned in violation of Islamic custom at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Last month, an Army staff sergeant allegedly went on a rampage and shot to death 17 Afghan civilians, including numerous children.
“The U.S. is due to hand over control of the country to Afghan forces in 2014…”
Will America somehow win this terrible war?–absolutely not! God warns the nation that because of its disobedience to Him, He will “‘break the pride of your power'”–that has been happening and it will continue, at least, until the modern descendants of the tribes of Israel are brought to repentance! Please review our free booklet, “The Fall and Rise of Britain and America.”
“Rumors of War”
“The Times of Israel” wrote on April 15, 2012′
“A major Israel TV station on Sunday night broadcast a detailed report on how Israel will go about attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities in the event that diplomacy and sanctions fail and Israel decides to carry out a military strike.
“The report, screened on the main evening news of Channel 10, was remarkable both in terms of the access granted to the reporter, who said he had spent weeks with the pilots and other personnel he interviewed, and in the fact that his assessments on a strike were cleared by the military censor.
“No order to strike is likely to be given before the P5+1 talks with Iran resume in May, the reporter, Alon Ben-David, said. ‘But the coming summer will not only be hot but tense.’
“In the event that negotiations fail and the order is given for Israel to carry out an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, ‘dozens if not more planes’ will take part in the mission: attack and escort jets, tankers for mid-air refueling, electronic warfare planes and rescue helicopters, the report said…
“The attack, the report said, would presumably trigger a war in northern Israel, with missile attacks (presumably from the Iranian-proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon). ‘There will be no tranquility and peace anywhere in Israel,’ Ben-David said.”
Nuclear Power Plant Problems
CNN.COM reported on April 6, 2012:
“A large Southern California nuclear plant is out of commission indefinitely, and will remain so until there is an understanding of what caused problems at two of its generators and an effective plan to address the issues, the nation’s top nuclear regulator said Friday.
“Gregory Jaczko, chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, refused to give a timetable as to when the San Onofre nuclear plant could resume operation. He said only that his agency had ‘set some firm conditions’ as to when that could happen.
“‘We won’t make a decision (to approve the facility’s restart) unless we’re satisfied that public health and safety will be protected,’ Jaczko told reporters. ‘They have to demonstrate to us that they understand the causes, and … that they have a plan to address them.’
“The power plant has been shut down since this winter, when a small amount of radioactive gas escaped from a steam generator during a water leak. At the time, federal regulators said there was no threat to public health, though they could not identify how much gas leaked or exactly why it had happened…
“Located near San Clemente, the San Onofre nuclear plant’s twin reactors are ‘Southern California’s largest and most reliable sources of electricity,’ according to Southern California Edison’s website. When operational, the facility — which is owned by that utility, San Diego Gas and Electric and the city of Riverside — supplies power for 1.4 million households at any given time.”
The uneasiness with nuclear power is a growing worldwide concern–especially, in light of the frightening consequences of the Japanese Tsunami and the destruction of one of Japan’s nuclear facilities. Late in the game, governments are having to face up to the long-term responsibilities of using nuclear fuel. The unthinkable looms–what will happen when another Chernobyl occurs but on a scale of even much greater proportions?
Astronauts Reject Global Warming Endorsement
Washingtonexaminer.com wrote on April 10, 2012:
“In an unprecedented slap at NASA’s endorsement of global warming science, nearly 50 former astronauts and scientists–including the ex-boss of the Johnson Space Center–claim the agency is on the wrong side of science and must change course or ruin the reputation of the world’s top space agency.
“Challenging statements from NASA that man is causing climate change, the former NASA executives demanded in a letter to Administrator Charles Bolden that he and the agency ‘refrain from including unproven remarks’ supporting global warming in the media.
“’We feel that NASA’s advocacy of an extreme position, prior to a thorough study of the possible overwhelming impact of natural climate drivers is inappropriate,’ they wrote. ‘At risk is damage to the exemplary reputation of NASA, NASA’s current or former scientists and employees, and even the reputation of science itself.’
“The letter was signed by seven Apollo astronauts, a deputy associate administrator, several scientists, and even the deputy director of the space shuttle program.
“NASA had no immediate comment.
“In their letter, the group said that thousands of years of data challenge modern-day claims that man-made carbon dioxide is causing climate change. ‘With hundreds of well-known climate scientists and tens of thousands of other scientists publicly declaring their disbelief in the catastrophic forecasts, coming particularly from (NASA’s) Goddard Institute for Space Studies leadership, it is clear that the science is NOT settled,’ they wrote.”
Livestock Antibiotics–A Sweeping Reform?
The Chicago Tribune reported on April 11, 2012:
“Livestock producers should use antibiotics to treat sick animals not to make them fatter faster, according to new voluntary guidelines released by the Food and Drug Administration this morning.
“The long awaited guidance aimed at reigning [sic] in the explosion of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans, met with mixed reactions from activists who have long lobbied the agency to crack down on the routine feeding of antibiotics to healthy animals.
“’This is a step in the right direction, but much more must be done. Antibiotic-resistant diseases now kill more Americans than AIDS and this issue needs to be treated with the seriousness it deserves,’ said Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-D) who has sponsored bills for tough regulation on the issue. ‘Nonbinding recommendations are not a strong enough antidote to the problem.’
“The Center for Science in the Public Interest’s Caroline Smith DeWaal called the guidelines ‘tragically flawed,’ noting they ‘rely too heavily on the drug industry and animal producers to act voluntarily in the best interest of consumers’…
“How much of an economic hit the pharmaceutical industry might take is hard to say. An FDA report estimated that about 28.6 million pounds of antibiotics were sold in 2009 for use in food animal production. That’s about 80 percent of all antibiotics sold in the country.
“The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that about 70 percent of those drugs were administered to healthy animals. The FDA would not offer such a specific figure but acknowledged that non-therapeutic usages ‘represent a substantial portion’ of all antibiotics used in livestock production.
“While the guidelines restrict antibiotic use for growth promotion they do leave room for ‘judicious’ preventative usage. Some worry about this loophole.
“The UCS is concerned that antibiotic makers will simply ‘relabel drugs currently slated for growth promotion for disease prevention instead,’ said senior UCS scientist Margaret Mellon. ‘Such relabeling could allow them to sell the exact same drugs in the very same amounts.'”
