WORLD NEWS

–As the world’s focus continues to center on the Middle East, momentous events that were virtually unthinkable in the recent past are now falling into place. A Vatican news source on the Internet reviewed comments from Rabbi Michael Melchior, Israeli Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of the Meimad religious party in Israel. What he sought from the Pope was the Vatican’s support.

Behind the scenes, the Vatican has welded worldwide cooperation among this world’s major faiths. There is a kind of “position paper” on every major issue–the two Koreas, Russian religious freedom, wars and their resolution, etc. Although the recent scandals involving Catholic priests in America have drawn the attention and comments of the Catholic hierarchy, they portray these scandals as an American issue–one that is merely an outgrowth of society. Calls for a change in celibacy rules for priests have not penetrated the entrenched traditions that currently hold sway.

We now see the “need” for a stabilizing force in the Israeli-Arab debacle. Once again, American troops are being suggested. However, the more likely influence will begin to flow from Europe and the Pope as he exercises his unmistakable stature and global influence. It appears that the Jews must yield to outside help in the search for a peaceful approach or lose their hard fought respect among the world’s nations.

— The European Union made clear that they will seek compensation for President Bush’s tariffs on foreign steel. The EU is supported in this by Japan, Brazil and Australia. The EU claims that they will incur losses of $2 billion annually over the three year life of the tariffs, according to an article in Yahoo! News of March 16.

— President Bush defended a politically charged Pentagon proposal (Nuclear Posture Review, NPR) to create new types of nuclear weapons and expand the nation’s list of potential nuclear targets, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times of March 14.

— The Times in Great Britain reported on March 18 that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher published a new book, advocating that “Britain must start to quit EU.” Mrs. Thatcher wrote that most of the problems that the world has faced, including Nazism and Marxism, have come from mainland Europe. The Times continued, “Lady Thatcher stops short of calling for a total withdrawal from Europe, preferring to retain some existing arrangements while opting out of ‘present and future mechanisms which harm our interests or restrict our freedom of action.'”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

Gay Priests
Recent revelations of pedophilia in Boston and Florida by priests have shocked North American Catholics. Over seventy million people are adherents to the Catholic religion in this part of the world. Now a pall of doubt has settled on many practitioners as details of gross misconduct between priests and young males in their local churches appears in the headlines of national publications.

The Vatican has responded by stating that gay men should not be ordained to the priesthood. However, reports have surfaced regarding whole sub-communities of gays within the priesthood.

The financial implications are staggering. It is estimated that the cost to settle the current cases will exceed $100 million dollars. These payments do not address the real problem of homosexual behavior that has sadly been kept under wraps by the Catholic Church. Short of public disclosure, the church has been many times merely transferring problem priests to other areas–only to have the same problems repeated.

In cannot be doubted that the teaching of mandatory celebacy for the priesthood has been a contributing factor to the problems that have now been made manifest (Cp. 1 Timothy 4:3, where Paul does not approve of those who hold doctrines which include “forbidding to marry.”)

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

Gold in Europe
On a radio program originating in Denver, Colorado, it was mentioned that England was selling gold (the final in a series of planned sales). In the report it was stated that Germany is now the number 2 holder of gold reserves in the world! It is staggering to see these behind the scenes events that will eventually prop up the EU as the only remaining world super power.

Frictions Between the US and Europe over Tarifs on Steel Imports
President Bush signed a measure this week that will impose tariffs for three years of up to 30% on imports of foreign steel. This bedrock commodity is most important in the scheme of the WTO–World Trade Organization. The European Union has warned that it will have no choice but to “react”. Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair called the U.S. decision “unacceptable and wrong,” stating that the United States “have broken the rules.” Germany’s Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder sent a letter of protest to President Bush. The EU announced that they will launch a formal protest with the WTO. If this results in a veto from the WTO, the EU would be free to issue trade sanctions against the US. European newspapers are asking whether we are beginning to see a new tradewar between the U.S. and Europe. Clearly, there is now an emerging sense of estrangement between the United States and its European allies.

(Reports summarized from Yahoo!News; Bild; and Der Spiegel, all as of March 6,2002).

Middle East
U.S. news coverage of this week’s hostilities in the Middle East have begun describing the situation as “WAR”. One commentator said that officials in Washington had run out of words to respond to these out of control events.

All this comes on the heels of last week’s proposed peace initiative for the region. The “Jerusalem Post” for March 6, 2002, quoted foreign Minister Shimon Peres as saying, “We will pay a heavy price for scorning international opinion.”

That telling observation comes on the heels of Israel’s escalation of reprisals that now involve a full range of their military might.
 

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

Summary from the Jerusalem Post–February 27, 2002
Many nations are now hopeful of a new peace proposal that is being offered by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia. At its core, this plan calls for Israel to withdraw to its pre-1967 national boundaries in exchange for trade, diplomatic and security guarantees.

All of this has spawned a new flurry of interest and involvement from the United States and Russia. Of special note is the strong role of European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana in pushing this plan along. The Israeli-Arab problem is steadily introducing an empowered European presence. Momentous struggles in this region continue to position Jerusalem and the land of Israel in its strategic fulfillment of Biblical prophecy–along with the many other nations who will eventually become embroiled.

In addition to observing the exciting events taking place in the Middle East, we must also stay focused on developments in Europe and in the United States, and how they might affect these two power blocs and the rest of the world.

Friendship between Europe and the United States
How fragile current relationships of “friendship” between the U.S. and Europe are, can be seen by the following report:

Der Spiegel pointed out on February 27, that the Foreign Minister of Sweden, Anna Lindh, speaking also on behalf of Great Britain and France, warned the United States NOT to execute any European prisoners presently held in Guantanamo Bay, on the charge of being members of al-Qaeda. Mrs. Lindh stated that otherwise, there would be “extremely drastic repercussions.”

Great Britain gives green light for human cloning
At the same time, a House of Lords Committee in Great Britain ruled that Britain’s scientists are permitted to pioneer the cloning of human embryos for research, and to set up the world’s first embryo cell bank, according to Yahoo News, February 27. The U.S. government had vehemently opposed such possible developments.

Germany accepts leading function in Kabul
Der Stern announced that Germany has agreed to replace Great Britain in April as the “lead nation” in Kabul, by accepting a “leading function” within the multi-national military security force in Afghanistan. The military campaign in Afghanistan has placed Europe and the United States at odds with most Muslims. Reuters reported on February 27 that an “overwhelming majority” of Muslims do not believe that Arabs carried out the September 11 attacks on the United States and disapprove of the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan. They, instead, blame somehow the United States and Israel, according to the report.

Joerg Haider – An Arab?
A rather strange report was run on February 27 in the Austrian News Networld. Seif el Islam Qaddafi, son of Libya’s leader Muammar al-Qaddafi, stated to a French newspaper that Austria’s Joerg Haider’s ancestors were Arabs, and that Mr. Haider is considering converting to Islam. Mr. Haider allegedly said to Seif el Islam Qaddafi, that he wants to be an Arab and a Muslim. Mr. Haider’s wife, Claudia, denied those statements, pointing out that both she and her husband are practicing Catholics.

Doomsday is near!
Considering the following reports, one can see that the world, as a whole, has not become a safer place. “Doomsday” is almost upon us:

First of all, der Spiegel reported on February 27 that Americans are very worried about terrorists attacking with poison gas and deadly microbes. According to the article, experts fear that frustrated scientists might sell their knowledge to terrorists. At the same time, according to an article published by Reuters on February 27, the keepers of the “Doomsday Clock” advanced on Wednesday its hands nearer to midnight, because of worries regarding nuclear weapons conflicts, lagging disarmament efforts, the lack of security of existing stockpiles, and terrorists in general. The clock stands now at seven minutes to midnight (“midnight” meaning “doomsday”), the closest since the end of the Cold War (when, in 1953, it was set at two minutes to midnight), when the United States tested the first hydrogen bomb.
 

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

JOERG HAIDER’S TRIP TO IRAQ
After the news hit that Austria’s Joerg Haider had visited Iraq, he announced last Friday that he would withdraw from national politics. But only very few were willing to take this announcement seriously.
 
The Austrian “News” Magazine ran several articles on February 20, pointing out that Mr. Haider will stay as active in politics as ever. “I’m not going to be buried in Carinthia,” he said in an interview (Mr. Haider is presently governor of Carinthia, a southern province of Austria). He also pointed out that he will continue his travels to Iraq, after he promised his party last Friday that he would not do so, according to the “News Magazin.” After all, he said, his recent travel was just for humanitarian purposes. Saddam Hussein did receive Joerg Haider, however, as if he was the leader of another state. At the same time, Mr. Haider alleged that he negotiated with Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, about prisoners of war in Kuwait — a statement that has not been confirmed by the government of Iraq.
 
In the meantime, the United States and the United Nations are investigating Mr. Haider’s flight to Iraq.The U.S. openly criticized Mr. Haider’s handshake with Saddam Hussein and condemned it as “inappropriate and counter-productive.” The U.S. is waiting what action, if any, Austria is going to impose against Mr. Haider, stating at the same time that they are becoming impatient with Austria’s lack of action.
 
CATHOLIC EURO
The Vatican announced that 26,000 Vatican-Euros will be circulated. The coins portray Pope John Paul II. The delay was caused as the Euro version of the Italian government had to be circulated first. As “Der Stern” points out, the Catholic Euros will become very valuable, in time, for collectors. The Vatican is one of the smallest states in the world, with only 500 citizens.
 
CHANGES IN COPYRIGHT LAW CONSTITUTIONAL?
Stemming from a legal battle between Internet publisher Eric Eldred and the Disney Corporation, the United States Supreme Court has agreed to look into the constitutionality of recent changes of the U.S. copyright law. On October 27, 1998, the “Sonny Bono Copyright Act” extended copyright protection of all artworks that had been published since January 1, 1923, for another 23 years, to create a protection of “life plus 70,” rather than “life plus 50.” (In other words, the protection of art works presently lasts for 70 years, rather than 50 years, as before, after the author’s death).
 
CANADIAN WORK
There was a need to fill two vacancies left by the resignation of George Thiessen as Director and Secretary of the Church in Canada. Rene Messier has taken on the responsibility of Secretary, and we are pleased to add to our Directors in Canada Mr. Dan Strathern, a long time member of God’s Church from the Edmonton area. We welcome Dan as a Director and the experience he brings with him. We want to express our thanks to George Thiessen for the services he provided to the Church.
 

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

CURRENT EVENTS IN LIGHT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY
Austria’s Joerg Haider made news again this week when it became known that he had just visited Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. SPIEGEL ONLINE reported that Mr. Haider met with Mr. Saddam Hussein to assure him of Austria’s solidarity with the Iraqi people. Upon his return, Haider criticized the policy of the United States on Iraq.
 
YAHOO NEWS cited Haider as follows, “‘For the first time in my life I am in agreement with German Foreign Minister (Joschka) Fischer, which may surprise you… I share his view that you cannot portray any state as evil with unproven assertions in order to have a pretext for initiatives in arms policy.'”
 
SPIEGEL ONLINE confirmed that Mr. Joschka Fischer had indeed strongly criticized the United States in regard to their foreign policy on Iraq. But Fischer was not the only critic. During a meeting of the European foreign ministers, others, like the representative from France, shared Fischer’s criticism. Fischer specifically criticized the U.S. for pursuing their goals alone, against the wishes of the Europeans. (At the same time, the foreign ministers discussed a plan for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a “starting point of a negotiation process”).
 
YAHOO NEWS reported that President Bush has decided to oust Saddam Hussein. Quoting the Philadelphia Inquirer, the article pointed out that the White House “was determined to act even if U.S. allies do not help… Escalating U.S. rhetoric on Iraq has alarmed Russia and America’s European allies in recent weeks, while causing concern among experts about the political and human costs of a lengthy U.S. military campaign in the Middle East.”
 
USA TODAY reported that a military action against the Iraq is unlikely before May. “Likely military options range from a limited intervention to help rebel groups to ‘Desert Storm lite,’ a reprise of the 1991 Gulf War that could involve as many as 200,000 U.S. troops, Iraq experts say.”
 
JERUSALEM POST Summary:  The past few weeks have witnessed unparalleled world involvement in the explosive Israeli and Palestinian quagmire.  Several ministers from Europe have traveled into the area–not the least being German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer.  His call for “a shared international position” flies in the face of France’s recent call for a separate Palestinian State in spite of the ongoing terrorism of the various Palestinian factions.
 
At present, there is no unified European foreign policy as regards the region.  However, events will continue to funnel the national interests of Europe toward more and more entanglement in this area.  Most striking is the international power and prestige that is emerging from European nations that act as a check on what has, in recent years, been an American domain.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

MIDDLE-EAST
Jerusalem, in a way disproportionate to its world role, is becoming the spotlight for a global audience.  It is now commonplace for CNN or other news outlets to feature major reports and time slots to the Israeli and Palestinian enigma.  Even the State of the Union message from President Bush reflected the dynamic emergence of this part of the Middle East.
 
Although Mr. Arafat has survived several attempts to either kill him or remove his influence in the politics of the region, he is now being labeled in a way that leaves him in the company of Usama Ben Laden–a TERRORIST.  What is most remarkable is the stunning change in Washington.  Now the official American position is such that Prime Minister Sharon may move in startling ways to secure the safety of his nation, Israel.
 
We must be watching these unfolding events that will lead to international issues of such epic importance that a unified Europe and an empowered Catholic leadership will find it in their best interest to occupy this region.  In the meantime, the people of God must stay attentive, we must be about our Father’s business–reaching out with the GOOD NEWS of God’s message of world peace!
 
PHILIPPINES
(Excerpted from The Philippine Star 01/28/2002)
Militants may protest and opposition leaders gripe but most Filipinos, including the business community, are cheering the arrival of US troops to take part in operations against the Abu Sayyaf Muslim kidnapping group who have links to the al-Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden.

Despite almost daily protests by leftists, Mrs. Arroyo has obtained a consensus from congressional leaders in favor of letting some 660 US soldiers into the southern Philippines. As a result, the stock market and the peso have strengthened in the past week as the Americans started arriving to help train and advise local soldiers in the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf.
 
The Abu Sayyaf have been attacking and kidnapping Christians and foreigners for years. The headline-grabbing crimes have given the country an image of lawlessness and danger, scaring away foreign investment and tourists.  US military assistance was offered to the Philippines as part of the worldwide campaign against terror in the wake of the deadly Sept. 11th attacks in the United States. 
 
Der Stern reported on Jan. 31 that the Minister President of the temporary Afghan government announced that Tony Blair of Great Britain rejected the request for additional British military help in Afghanistan.

AFGHANISTAN
Der Stern reported on Jan. 31 that the Minister President of the temporary Afghan government announced that Tony Blair of Great Britain rejected the request for additional British military help in Afghanistan.

AUSTRIA
The Austrian press reported on Jan. 31 that there is a growing desire in Austria for new elections. This, so the Austrian News Magazine, would coincide with Joerg Haider’s wishes. Format speculated that Joerg Haider might return to Vienna. Although 83% of the Austrians do presently not anticipate that Mr. Haider will ever become Austrian Chancellor, only time will tell.

WAR ON DRUGS
Bild Online also made some biting comments on Jan. 31 regarding President Bush’s Union speech, stating, “Now he wants to fight premarital sex and use of drugs and alcohol by teens… Insofar as drugs and alcohol is concerned, he might want to start at home,” referring thereby to his two twin daughters and his niece in Florida.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

WAR ON TERROR
The resistance of the Taliban against the US in Afghanistan continues.  Several incidents occurred this week.  Rumors are circulating in the press that the US is preparing for an attack against Iraq.  A renegade army of 5,000 Taliban soldiers with 450 tanks, armored carriers and pick-up trucks is locked in a tense stand-off with American special forces in Afghanistan.

Afghan troops from Kandahar province are on high alert for possible military action against the allegedly Iranian-backed forces of Ismail Khan, the veteran warlord and Governor of the western city of Herat. Tensions between Mr. Sherzai and Ismail Khan in Herat remain extremely high and are causing grave concern to the Americans.  The growing number of U.S. troops in the country — more than 3,000 are based at Kandahar airport and in Kabul-are being drawn into provincial rivalries.

HITLER – THEN AND NOW
Pope Pius XII was convinced that Adolph Hitler was possessed by the devil, and he attempted unsuccessfully on at least three occasions, from his home in Rome, to cast out Satan.
 
Due to an impropriety of an “informer,” the German government’s attempt might fail to have the right-winged party “NPD” prohibited.  The “NPD” is openly sympathetic to Adolph Hitler and has been held responsible, through their politics and paroles, for several attacks on foreigners living in Germany.  A prohibition of the party prior to the next German parliamentary elections has now become doubtful.
 

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

The German daily newspaper, “Bild,” asked on January 8 in an article,  “Who is going to be the next target of the United States in their fight against terrorism?”  They stated, “The battle against terrorism:  After Afghanistan, are Somalia, Yemen and the Philippines next?  The United States could concentrate in the next phase of their battle against terrorism on those countries.  Vice-Defense Minister, Paul Wolfowitz, pointed out in an interview with the “New York Times,” that he does not rule out military action against extremists in those three countries.

The US Ministry of Defense collaborates with friendly countries such as the Philippines that support the war against terrorism. “Iraq, too, remains within the focus of the United States,” said Wolfowitz… He continued to point out that Somalia attracts terrorists like a magnet, and both Somalia and Yemen are not capable of fighting terrorists on their own.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

EARTHQUAKE

Last night, Jan 1st, there was an earthquake (4.2 on the Richer Scale) north of San Diego (near Borrego Springs). No damages or injuries have been reported so far.

ARGENTINA

Argentina ended 2001 leaderless and penniless on Monday with its new interim president resigning a week into the job and the country fearing more bloodshed and the loss of savings frozen in the banks.

Plunged into chaos by looting and deadly riots that forced Fernando de la Rua to resign as president a week ago, Argentina fell deeper into anarchy when interim leader Adolfo Rodriguez Saa quit on Sunday after losing the support of his party.

INDIA/PAKISTAN

According to Focus Online, a serious battle was fought at the end of the year between India and Pakistan. Four soldiers were killed, and seven bunkers were destroyed. Tony Blair announced that he will try to intervene.

AFGHANISTAN

According to an Internet article of December 31, 2001, of Der Spiegel, an American attack killed more than 100 civilians in the eastern part of Afghanistan.  Although American news channels originally reported that the U.S. government denied this report, Der Spiegel states now that the U.S. government did NOT deny the attack and that they announced that there will be an investigation. The article continues that the U.S. government does presently not heed to demands to soon cease American bombardments of Afghanistan.

EURO

Europe made history on Tuesday with the midnight launch of euro single currency notes and coins for more than 300 million people, completing an unprecedented monetary union aimed at securing peace and greater prosperity.

The coinage of a millennium was wiped out as the currencies of the 12 euro zone countries began being swapped for what will be the most widely used common money since the Roman Empire.
 
The new euro notes in purple, yellow, green, blue, red and orange bear architectural designs of bridges and arches rather than national cultural symbols or figureheads. The coins bear national emblems on one side like Germany’s landmark Brandenburg Gate and Belgium’s King Albert, a map of Europe on the reverse.
 
According to Max Online, the euro started brilliantly, constituting the greatest currency exchange of all times. “Politicians from 12 EU states applauded the historical success towards a politically and economically united Europe,” the article said. It continued, “President Jacques Chirac of France stated that ‘the euro is a victory for Europe which will strengthen its [Europe’s] identity and power.’… Head of State Jose Maria Aznar of Spain stated, ‘The euro is the symbol of strength of our community.’ Minister President Kostas Simitis of Greece added, ‘The euro is one of the strongest currencies in the world.  We have now more chances and more hope.’… According to Tony Blair of Great Britain [Great Britain, Denmark and Sweden did not anticipate in the exchange], his country has a massive interest in the success of the euro…. Whether Great Britain itself will introduce the euro, the people of the nation will have to decide, Mr. Blair said.”

THE POPE

New Years Message of the Pope:  According to Der Spiegel, the Pope is upset about religious wars.  “‘Nobody is permitted to kill for whatever reason in the name of God,’ he said in his New Years Message. Violence in the name of God is always unjustified, and the Holy Land longs for peace, he continued, pointing out that all are brothers and the sons of the same ancestor, Abraham, and all men are sons of the same Holy Father. The Catholic Church begins on January 1 the world year of peace. The message is, according to the Pope, that there can be no peace without justice, and no justice without forgiveness. Both, he said, are indispensable for the promotion of peace.