Quote: "Israel is looking into reports that Russia plans to sell 250 advanced long-range Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to Iran in an unprecedented billion-dollar deal. According to reports, in addition to the fighter jets, Teheran also plans to purchase a number of aerial fuel tankers that are compatible with the Sukhoi and capable of extending its range by thousands of kilometers. Defense officials said the Sukhoi sale would grant Iran long-range offensive capabilities.

Iran also recently acquired advanced Russian anti-aircraft technology to help protect its nuclear installations from an Israeli or US strike. Russia was criticized for pressing ahead with the deal despite concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. If these new reports prove true, it will likely fuel fears of a new conflict in the region, one that could see Israel becoming a direct target. The Bible states that the war of Ezekiel 38-39 comes at a time when Israel is at rest (not necessarily at "peace"). The most likely time for a Russian-Arab invasion of Israel would then be following a long-term Israeli-Palestinian truce, or following the Antichrist's covenant with many. And this is exactly how the Palestinian terrorist organizations have stated they plan to destroy Israel. Although the war of Ezekiel 38-39 may not come just yet, it's easy to see how preparations are being made, and the Scriptures have once again demonstrated that they can be trusted implicitly, when it comes to matters of faith, historical and future events.

Source Chicago Tribune, Jerusalem Post

A coalition of evangelical leaders have written a letter to President Bush, calling for the creation of a Palestinian state in the lands of Judea and Samaria. The leaders, many of whom head major Christian organizations in the US, stated in their letter that both Jews and Arabs have "legitimate rights stretching back for millennia to the lands of Israel/Palestine". They thought of the idea for the letter after visiting the US Islamic World Forum in Qatar, and are planning to translate the letter into Arabic and distribute it throughout the Middle East and Europe. 

Quote: "The letter is signed by 34 evangelical leaders, many of whom lead denominations, Christian charities, ministry organizations, seminaries and universities. They include Gary M. Benedict, president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, a denomination of 2,000 churches; Richard J. Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary; Gordon MacDonald, chairman of World Relief; Richard E. Stearns, president of World Vision; David Neff, editor of Christianity Today; and Berten A. Waggoner, national director and president of The Vineyard USA, an association of 630 churches in the United States. "This group is in no way anti-Israel, and we make it very clear we're committed to the security of Israel," said Ronald J. Sider, president of Evangelicals for Social Action, which often takes liberal positions on issues. "But we want a solution that is viable. Obviously there would have to be compromises."

As I've said before, when the battle of Armageddon comes, it's entirely possible that it will be "Christian" organizations that will be leading the charge against Judea and Jerusalem. Not that the Church will be on earth during this period, but I can't help wondering if many of these organizations are Christian in ethics only. As this article states, some of the leaders that have signed this letter have also been involved in the campaign against global warming. These Christian organizations may do a lot of good, but sadly many of them are becoming wrapped up in a globalistic new age philosophy that is anti-Semitic and ultimately anti-Christ. I've commented before about the danger of Christian organizations getting involved in secular campaigns. For although secular campaigns may seem to have a certain morality about them, their world view is definitely not Christian, and there is a danger that Christian organizations will get pressured into supporting some very anti-Scriptural endeavours.

Christian ethics, which at one time had its foundation based solely upon the Word of God, is slowly being exchanged for a new world morality which ignores Biblical principles and excludes God altogether. We've seen it recently in the Church of England and Church of Scotland, which finding themselves increasingly irrelevant in a modern society, have found a new voice on the world stage through their condemnation of Israel. We saw it with Pastor Rick Warren's visit to Syria. We saw it with the Catholic Bishop's condemnation of Israel. And sadly we are now seeing it in evangelical circles. Not one mention is made in the article of Israel being God's chosen people, or that the regathering of the Jews to the land is fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. These Christian leaders call for a "just solution" to the conflict in the Middle East, but do not realize in doing so they are hastening the very prophesies that they choose to ignore. For the Bible states that during the tribulation period the Jewish people will have to flee for their lives, when the Antichrist imposes a "just solution" on the nation of Israel. Judea and East Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles for 42 months (Revelation 11:2), after which all nations will gather together to do battle against Jerusalem. I believe in this "new morality", many organizations will support such action against the Jews, just as many supported Hitler during the Second World War. As Christians we need to be sure that our morality and world view is supported by Scripture, and is not some globalistic new age philosophy masquerading as a poor imitation of Christianity.

Source New York Times

The State of Israel will gain military strength as USA increases its military by 25% - from 2.4bln$ to 3bln$. Over the period of 10 years the total sum will reach 30bln$.

US military aid towards Israel has for a long time been extensive. Interestingly it is preserved and even further extended regardless of actual political orientation of the team occupying the White House. Last increase was commanded by Clinton administration in year 2001 - from 1.8bln to 2.4bln. I think it just confirms what world has been sure about for years - Israel has very strong lobbying capabilities in and around the highest American authorities. On the military aspect further military aid will strengthen already powerful Israel warfare which soon may come handy against Muslim nations. Another aspect of that aid, other than just strengthening Israel and sending message to its Muslim neighbors, is tightening the technological ties between the two nations. Few people know that Israel successfully markets electronic warfare parts or even entire systems to American army - considered to be the most advanced in the world. This especially includes electro-optical systems for missile guidance, Rafael's Trophy system (for active vehicle protection against inbound projectiles) or unmanned autonomous vehicles for surveillance and patrolling - flying and floating!  Also, Israel produces range of combat vehicles on it's own: transporters, tanks and others. Famous Merkava Mark 4 tank is often compared as matching the capabilities of American M1A2 Abrams while providing better protection of the crew - Israel's highest asset. Israel has developed unbelievably high level of weaponry technology. This especially concerns electronic warfare. It has come to a point where Israel buys American F16Is and replaces approximately 50% of its avionics (aviation electronics) with her own components e.g. aerial electronic decoy system, helmet optical systems, onboard missiles or conformal fuel tanks.  I guess this is not only due to a fact that Israeli systems are better, but also because supporting her own military industry has always been a priority in Israel - why pay enormous money for advanced systems to Americans if we can replace them by our own ;). This does not change the fact that these products have to be an absolutely cutting edge technologies to be able to replace the originals without suppressing the original performance. The fact that some of these systems are exported to US proves that it is actually the opposite - the performance is better! Most of people will admit that Israel has become a modern and developed country despite her difficult geo-political location. Few of them however will truly understand how advanced and powerful Israel has become. Is this part of God's plan put in place in preparation for final events? This we can't know as only God knows the exact sequence of things to come, but does it not fit into the Biblical prophecy of final conflict between Israel and surrounding powers?

Source BBC

Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, will travel to Manila next week to take part in an ASEAN summit to discuss regional security issues. The Association of South East Asian Nations is a political and economic organization similar to that of the European Union. It is made up of the states of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The states are seeking to form an ASEAN Economic Community by the year 2020 through the creation of a common market, a single regional currency and the integration of transport, telecommunications services and energy resources. They also hope to create a new ASEAN "common regional identity" similar to that of "Europeans", eroding the ideas of nationalism and sovereignty and promoting the idea of "global governance".

Quote: "In articles published in several leading Asian papers ahead of his visit, Solana said the EU had a major stake in a stable and prosperous Asia. "Our political, security and economic interests are more intertwined than ever," said Solana, adding that Europe and Asia also shared a commitment to a system of global governance which effectively addresses trans-national problems.

As many of you know, "global governance" is the new catch-phrase that is replacing the term of the "New World Order". It doesn't sound as confrontational, but it means exactly the same thing. Europe's political, security and economic interests are also "more intertwined than ever". Of course there are benefits to be gained from increased co-operation between states, namely a measure of peace and prosperity. And apart from what the Scriptures state, I would be lauding man's efforts to create peace and stability in the world. But the Bible predicts that the last great empire, a Revived Roman Empire or European Union, will pave the way for coming of the Antichrist. Solana has been given authority over Europe's crisis-management machinery, and he will be speaking about this during his visit to Manila. During the the tribulation period, the world will experience a time of unprecedented crisis, when the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Matthew 24:29). At this time the Antichrist will be given complete authority over the whole earth (Revelation 13:7), and it will be said of him, "Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make war with him?", Revelation 13:4. And he shall make war, and prevail, against the tribulation saints. Revelation also states that he shall make war with the Lamb - Jesus Christ, as He returns to set up His kingdom (Revelation 19:19). Whose side are you on, the world's or the Lord's? Have you said as Thomas did, "My Lord and my God", John 20:28, or have you said in your heart, "I will not have this Man to reign over me", Luke 19:14? Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Jude 1:14-15
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Source EUX, ASEAN Sec