The Near Distance

Headlines and Trends

There are many trends in our world that you should be watching closely.  I try to point them out as often as I can, and many of them are in the news almost daily.  Here are a few that are very important to monitor:  Israel and threats against it, Iran and it's nuclear progression, Russia and it's relationship to Muslim majority nations, China and it's growing power, the U.S. and it's declining power, the European Union and it's leaders, the global financial crisis, and  terrorism.

These topics make up many of the headlines in world news, and believe it or not, all these things are related.  If you can keep up with these trends, you will have a great awareness of the fact that our world is very unstable.  The instability and fragility of our world is seen in the culmination of many huge events all at once.  The big issues all coming to a head now or very soon are quite overwhelming.  Iran is nearly a nuclear power vowing to destroy Israel, the global financial crisis has most nations printing money in order to just make everything "ok" for as long as they can, terrorism is beginning to take a huge toll on America and it's military (years and years of fighting, with no possible end in sight),  and rising economic powers such as Russia and China are quietly supporting America's enemies. There is so much and more going on in our world today.  Here are some interesting headlines you should investigate:

Despite Netanyahu pressure, Russia defends Iran missile deal
Russian officials said that Moscow sees no reason to delay the sale of the S-300, a powerful air-defense system, to Iran. In addition, on Friday, Russian intelligence officials leaked comments expressing their displeasure with plans by an Israeli firm to close a major arms deal with Georgia.   

Russia commits to deliver S-300 system to Iran
The Kremlin's powerful Security Council says Moscow sees no reason to delay the sale of its S-300 anti-aircraft systems to Tehran. "There is the signed contract that we must fulfill, but supplies have not started yet. This deal is not restricted by any international sanctions, because these are merely defensive weapons," Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Vladimir Nazarov told the Interfax news agency on Sunday.

U.S. Terror Attack  'Ninety Days at Most'
Counter-terrorism expert Juval Aviv spoke with FOX Fan Central about what Americans can do to protect themselves in case of a terror attack. Do you believe another terrorist attack is likely on American soil? I predict, based primarily on information that is floating in Europe and the Middle East, that an event is imminent and around the corner here in the United States. It could happen as soon as tomorrow, or it could happen in the next few months. Ninety days at the most.   

US a declining empire?
Everyone is talking about the American empire’s declining, but nobody talks about it like the Americans themselves. It’s an emotional and painful discussion that is being managed openly and explicitly.   

IMF waits in the wings as Greek domino teeters
If the European Union can't quell concerns over Greece's debt burden, the International Monetary Fund may have to step in, whether or not its help is welcome.   

German foreign minister backs idea of European army
Germany supports the creation of a European army in the long term so that the EU can be a "global player," Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.   

Collapse of the euro is 'inevitable': Bailing out the Greek economy futile, says banking chief
The European single currency is facing an 'inevitable break-up' a leading French bank claimed yesterday. Strategists at Paris-based Société Générale said that any bailout of the stricken Greek economy would only provide 'sticking plasters' to cover the deep- seated flaws in the eurozone bloc.   

As I always say, there is a reason all these things are happening.  It is fascinating to me that the Bible is so accurate in every way.  Investigate it for yourself and see how relevant the Word of God is for this very time.  It isn't time to feel hopeless, if you have something greater to hope in.  If you haven't considered a relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no better time.  He gives hope and a future of full life to everyone who will seek Him, but you MUST make this decision for yourself.  John 3:16 is a great place to start.