CHANGING WORLD

1-WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS.2-Magnitude-5.7 quake shakes eastern Congo. 3-Earthquake hits central Greece. 4-Florida citrus industry sees little cold damage. 5-February thaw east of Rockies; West gets wet. 6-Israel Honors Florida Evangelist for Christian Tours Despite Violence. 7-Iran launches large-scale war games. 8-Hevron Jews Suffer Third Religious Attack This Month. 9-U.S. push for Mideast peace talks ends with little progress. 10-EGYPT BECOMES LEADING SOURCE OF FATAH WEAPONS. 11-US missile shield plan risks sowing EU disunity. 12-CHANGING WORLD.

EARTHQUAKES

MATTHEW 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

MARK 13:8
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:(ETHNIC GROUP AGAINST ETHNIC GROUP) and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

LUKE 21:11
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

WORLD QUAKES LAST 2 DAYS (USGS)

Update time = Tue Feb 20 12:00 AM EDT

FEB 19,2007
MAP 2.9 MOUNT ST. HELENS AREA, WASHINGTON
MAP 5.5 ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
MAP 2.9 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 5.5 SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
MAP 5.5 VANUATU REGION
MAP 5.2 NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
MAP 3.2 ALASKA PENINSULA
MAP 5.3 MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
MAP 2.7 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 5.5 MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
MAP 3.1 ALASKA PENINSULA
MAP 3.5 ALASKA PENINSULA
MAP 2.7 ALASKA PENINSULA
MAP 2.7 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 3.3 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 4.7 TONGA
MAP 2.9 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 4.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 2.5 GULF OF ALASKA
MAP 5.7 LAKE ALBERT REGION, DEM REP OF THE CONGO
MAP 4.7 SOUTHERN PERU

FEB 18,07
MAP 5.6 SOUTH OF PANAMA
MAP 5.1 TAIWAN REGION
MAP 2.5 BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
MAP 4.9 VANUATU REGION
MAP 4.7 TAJIKISTAN
MAP 4.8 MARIANA ISLANDS REGION
MAP 3.0 ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
MAP 2.6 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.8 BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
MAP 4.7 BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
MAP 4.5 CERAM SEA, INDONESIA
MAP 4.4 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF KORYAKIA, RUSSIA
MAP 2.6 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 4.5 KURIL ISLANDS
MAP 4.8 NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
MAP 4.7 SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
MAP 2.8 CENTRAL ALASKA
MAP 5.0 NIAS REGION, INDONESIA
MAP 3.1 SOUTHERN ALASKA
MAP 2.8 CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.9 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAP 2.8 BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
MAP 2.6 SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA

Magnitude-5.7 quake shakes eastern Congo Mon Feb 19, 7:04 AM ET

KINSHASA, Congo - A magnitude-5.7 quake shook eastern Congo's Lake Albert region on Monday near the Ugandan border, a preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor also was registered by the Volcanic Observatory of Goma in eastern Congo.It was a fairly strong tremor, which was felt in the Congo near the town of Beni, but was quite weak on the Ugandan side, said Celestin Kasereka, who heads the observatory.According to the USGS, the earthquake hit at 4:33 a.m. local time some 1,120 miles from Congo's capital, Kinshasa. Measurements taken by the observatory showed the quake lasted for nearly five seconds.We still don't know if there were any victims since the epicenter is situated inside Lake Albert, Kasereka said.The last earthquake in Congo hit Dec. 5 in the southeastern town of Kalemie. It was a magnitude-6.7 quake and claimed nine lives.

In Uganda, officials said the tremor was almost imperceptible: "We have not received reports of any damage in parts of the country. It was a very slight tremor, I think most people even slept through it, said Uganda's chief fire officer Joseph Mugisa.

Earthquake hits central Greece Mon Feb 19, 5:20 AM ET

ATHENS (AFP) - An earthquake measuring 4.1 points on the Richter scale has shaken central Greece but caused no damage, the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute said. The tremor in the town of Tembi, described by Greek seismologists as weak, was also felt in neighbouring towns, the Greek Ana news agency reported.It was recorded Monday at 08:23 am (0623 GMT), with an epicentre some 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Athens.Greece is more affected by seismic activity than any other European country, registering half of all earthquakes on the continent.

STORMS HURRICANES-TORNADOES

LUKE 21:25-26
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;(MASS CONFUSION) the sea and the waves roaring;(FIERCE WINDS)
26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Florida citrus industry sees little cold damage Mon Feb 19, 10:16 AM ET

MIAMI (Reuters) - Florida's key citrus producing region has emerged unscathed from its latest weekend night of unusually low temperatures, an industry official said on Monday. There was no frost damage overnight, said Rusty Wiygul, director of grower affairs at the Florida Citrus Mutual trade association.Overall, we're in good shape, added Wiygul, referring to the state's $9 billion a year citrus industry.Wiygul said officials were still assessing damage to groves and trees from Friday night and Saturday, when low temperatures in the citrus belt ranged from the upper 20's to mid-30's Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius).Early indications showed only isolated frost damage, he added.We had very little damage, Wiygul said, said referring to effect of frigid weather on Friday and Saturday.

February thaw east of Rockies; West gets wet Mark Avery, Meteorologist, The Weather Channel Mon Feb 19, 10:31 AM ET

Midwest

A weak Alberta clipper will some light snow across the Upper Midwest today, but any accumulations are expected to be light. More importantly to those who have dealt with cold temperatures for much of the last month, warmer temperatures will begin to move into the region starting today, particularly the Mississippi Valley. As the week progresses, above average temperatures will become more widespread and more intense, particularly in the Plains and lower Missouri Valley. A chance of rain will move into the Ohio Valley on Tuesday, with a wintry mix possible from central Illinois to northern Indiana and northern Ohio. By Wednesday and Thursday, much of the region will be dry (except along the Canadian border, where some snow is possible). Another chance of widespread precipitation moves into the region by Friday and into the weekend.

Northeast

After snow fell over the Southern and Central Appalachians on Sunday, the system responsible for this snow will have its last gasp in the Northeast and Northern New England specifically today. Meanwhile, skies will be clearing across the Megalopolis today. Another shot of rain and snow moves into the Northeast Tuesday through Thursday before skies dry out on Friday. Colder than average temperatures are expected again today across the Northeast, but a quick rebound to near or above average temperatures is expected on Tuesday (except in eastern Maine). Much of the Northeast will stay near seasonal averages for temperatures through the remainder of the week and into next weekend, except in portions of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

West

Two storm systems will bring valley rain and mountain snows today across the West, with more sitting over the Pacific to continue the chance of precipitation across the region for much of the week ahead. By Saturday, only the Pacific Northwest and some of the highest elevations in the Rockies will see a chance of precipitation. With the procession of storm systems also comes a return of colder than average temperatures: something that's been rare in the West over the last month. By Thursday, most of the West Coast will have below average temperatures, with the chill spreading inland to the Intermountain and Interior West by the weekend.

South

The South will finally start to thaw this week after shivering with below average temperatures for much of the last month. The Atlantic Coast will still be below average today, but will return to near or above average Tuesday and beyond. Rain will also return to the South on Tuesday, with a few thunderstorms also possible. Showers will linger near the Gulf Coast on Wednesday and Thursday, with a better chance of widespread showers on Friday. Thunderstorms will be possible across the region over the coming weekend.

Israel Honors Florida Evangelist for Christian Tours Despite Violence FEB 19,07

ORLANDO, FL (AP) -- Israel's Ministry of Tourism has honored evangelist Benny Hinn for leading Christian tours to Israel despite last year's Lebanon conflict.At the Israel Tourism Breakfast for Christian broadcasters meeting in Orlando, Florida, Benny Hinn said God blesses those who bless the Jewish nation.Hinn grew up in Israel, but said that until he became a Christian, he didn't know the God of Israel. With Israeli officials at the head table, Benny Hinn prayed in the name of Jesus that the nation of Israel will see their Messiah.Israel's tourism minister said evangelical Christians are some of his country's best friends. Associated Press.

Iran launches large-scale war games By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Mon Feb 19, 3:34 AM ET

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran began its largest war games in almost a year Monday, just two days ahead of a U.N. Security Council deadline for Iran to halt uranium enrichment or face further economic sanctions. The elite Revolutionary Guards began three days of ground maneuvers, state-run media reported Monday.State television said the exercise is the biggest since last March and is taking place in 16 of Iran's 30 provinces. The broadcast said an estimated 60,000 troops are participating in the maneuvers.All weapons possessed by the Guards' ground force ... including new weapons, will be tested during the war games, Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, commander of the Guards' ground force, was quoted by the official Islamic Republic News Agency as saying Monday.The Revolutionary Guards is an elite military corps with more than 200,000 members and its own naval and air forces. It is independent of the regular armed forces and controlled directly by the supreme leader. It oversees vital interests such as oil and natural gas installations and the nation's missile arsenal.

In January, the Guards held three days of war games.

The Security Council approved a resolution against Iran on Dec. 23 that imposed economic sanctions and gave Iran 60 days to halt uranium enrichment, otherwise it will consider additional measures.As tensions mount over Iran's nuclear standoff with the West, the United States and Iran have pursued an escalating series of military moves, with Washington sending more aircraft carrier battle groups to the region and Iran responding with more frequent maneuvers.The United States and several of its Western allies believe that Iran is using its nuclear program to produce an atomic weapon charges Iran denies, saying its aim is to generate electricity.Iran has said it will never give up its right under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to enrich uranium and produce nuclear fuel. Enriched to a low level, uranium is used to produce nuclear fuel but further enrichment makes it suitable for use in building an atomic bomb.

Hevron Jews Suffer Third Religious Attack This Month
By Ezra HaLevi (INN) FEB 19,07

The third incident this month of intentional desecration of sacred Jewish objects by Arabs and left-wing activists took place in Hevron over the Sabbath. Sunday morning, resident discovered dozens of pages of Psalm books that had been torn apart and scattered on the road near the Sephardic Jewish cemetery by Hevron’s Tel Rumeida neighborhood. Tel Rumeida has been targeted by left-wing groups for removal and is the site of frequent provocations. Last week, the Tomb of Ruth and Jesse (King David’s father and great-grandmother) was vandalized. The eternal light there was destroyed and the holy ark damaged by vandals attempting to pry it open to reach the Torah scrolls contained therein. Charity boxes were stolen as well. Earlier this month, graves in the same Jewish cemetery the torn Psalms were found near were desecrated, with gravestones strewn about and paint spilled on some of them.

The police and army have yet to apprehend anyone for any of these crimes, said a community statement. This is another incident in a continuing pattern of desecrations of holy sites and articles in Hevron over the past few weeks. Hevron's Jewish community is gravely concerned at the police negligence in dealing with such criminal acts of violence and desecration of Jewish holy sites. Especially noticeable is the disparity between the police action against Jews and their lack of response at Arab crime.The subject of discrimination and law enforcement in Hevron - over-enforcement against the Jews and lack of enforcement against the Arabs - was discussed in the Knesset committee for law and legislation last week.

U.S. push for Mideast peace talks ends with little progress
Last Updated: Monday, February 19, 2007 The Associated Press

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said she would return soon to the Middle East to push forward with attempts to restart peacemaking efforts.Rice spoke after more than two hours of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.Expectations were low before U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (not pictured) on Monday.(Emilio Morenatti/ Associated Press) The president and prime minister agreed that they would meet together again soon, said Rice. They reiterated their desire for American participation and leadership to overcome obstacles, rally regional and international support, and move forward toward peace. In that vein, I expect to return to the region soon.

All three of us affirmed our commitment to a two-state solution, agreed that a Palestinian state cannot be born of violence and terror, and reiterated our acceptance of previous commitments and obligations, including the road map.The road map is an internationally backed peace plan calling for an independent state alongside Israel.Despite such commitments, Rice reported no progress in restarting talks, which broke down more than six years ago. Neither Abbas nor Olmert joined Rice as she delivered her brief statement, and she left the room without taking questions.

Hamas falls short of demands

The summit had been billed as an attempt to breathe new life into peace efforts, but the talks were overshadowed by Abbas's agreement to form a Palestinian unity government with the Hamas militant group.Israel, the United States and other western countries have said the new government must renounce violence, recognize Israel's right to exist and accept past peace deals.Hamas, which is committed to Israel's destruction, has agreed only to respect past peace agreements, falling short of the international demands.Abbas has said this is the best deal he could wrest from Hamas, and that he would move ahead with forming a coalition. The power-sharing deal is seen as crucial to halting deadly Hamas-Fatah fighting that has killed dozens in recent months.In talks with Rice on Sunday, Abbas portrayed the coalition accord as an achievement, saying it has helped moderate Hamas, whose charter calls for Israel's destruction. Abbas also emphasized that he, not the government, would handle any negotiations with Israel, his aides said.The Canadian Press.

EGYPT BECOMES LEADING SOURCE OF FATAH WEAPONS FEB 19,07

GAZA CITY [MENL] -- Egypt has become a leading source of weapons for the Fatah movement headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.Egyptian security sources said the regime of President Hosni Mubarak has offered to send thousands of light weapons, ammunition and communications equipment to forces loyal to Abbas. The sources said the weapons, along with training, would be deployed for an estimated 30,000 loyalist troops in the Gaza Strip.On Dec. 27, Egypt sent 2,000 rifles, 20,000 magazines and two million rounds of ammunition to Abbas forces. The sources said the Fatah-aligned troops received Soviet-origin AK-47 assault weapons from Egyptian Army surplus.This demonstrates the Egyptian commitment to law and order in the PA, a security source said. We expect Egypt to send more weapons and equipment as well as trainers.

US missile shield plan risks sowing EU disunity
19.02.2007 - 09:23 CET | By Mark Beunderman (Euobserver)

EU disunity is looming over US plans to build an anti-missile shield in Poland and the Czech republic, with Germany saying over the weekend that Russia should be consulted over the scheme. Washington has asked Warsaw and Prague, two of its strongest allies, to host a system aimed at intercepting ballistic missiles fired from states in the Middle East such as Iran - a plan which has been endorsed by key Polish and Czech politicians. The move, which would include the placing of interceptor missiles in Poland, has sparked strong criticism from Russia, with its president Vladimir Putin telling a Munich security conference this month that the system would completely neutralize' the deterrence threat posed by Russia's own nuclear missiles. Moscow may develop an asymmetric response of its own to overcome' such systems, he added. Germany has now expressed understanding for the Russian position, with German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier telling daily Handelsblatt over the weekend that in view of the strategic nature of these sorts of projects, I am pleading for caution and for an intensive dialogue with all the partners directly and indirectly affected.

Because the sites for the stationing are getting nearer to Russia, one should have talked about it with Russia beforehand, Mr Steinmeier said, with reports indicating that existing US anti-missile facilities are currently limited to bases in the US itself. The remarks of Mr Steinmeier - the former cabinet chief of ex-German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder who maintained close ties with Mr Putin - were echoed by German defence minister Franz Josef Jung, who is a member of the more Russia-critical conservatives. Mr Jung told the daily Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung that Given our common security interests we should make sure that also in the future, NATO and Russia are developing on the basis of partnership.Germany's stance risks colliding with that of Poland and the Czech Republic, which have indicated they are interested in responding positively to the US request. We are preparing an answer that I think we will give to the American administration by diplomatic means within two weeks, Polish defence minister Aleksander Szczyglo told PAP press agency over the weekend.

Polish prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski indicated last week that the government, the president and myself, are in favour of the anti-missile shield, according to Reuters. Czech president Vaclav Klaus and foreign minister and Czech foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg have come out in favour of the US scheme, but some Czech politicians are pressing for the bases to come under NATO, not just US command. The issue risks reviving EU rifts over the transatlantic relationship which came to a height in the run-up to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq - supported by ex-communist states in central Europe but opposed by a camp of states led by France and Germany. The planned US missile shield also highlights fundamentally different perceptions within the EU of Russia. Germany, which currently holds the presidency of the EU, is seeking closer ties with Moscow, but Poland in particular deeply mistrusts its Eastern neighbour, with Warsaw also clashing with Berlin over a planned gas pipeline between Russia and Germany bypassing Poland.

CHANGING WORLD
by Mr. Samson Krupnick FEB 19,07
mailto:Krup@012.net.il
www.jewishpostopinion.com

YERUSHALIYIM, Israelite Tribal Territories of Judah and Benjamin, Kingdom of David and Solomon, United Israelite Kingdom of Judah and Joseph, First Day, Twelfth Month (Adar), 5767; Yom Sheini (Second Day of the Week/Mon-day, February 19, 2007), Root & Branch Information Services [mailto:rb@rb.org.il] [www.rb.org.il]:

Two noted Jewish writers appeared in The New York Times, advocating the dissolution of the State of Israel and return of this land to the so-called Arab refugees, 4.6 million in number. Even the Far Left and nutty Peace Now advocate a surrender of the bulk of our land to make peace, but certainly would not endorse a dissolution of the State of Israel.On the 62nd anniversary of the end of the Holocaust (1945-2007), and the 58th anniversary of the birth of the State of Israel (1948-2007), the nation stands firm to prevent again another Holocaust. From the fist day of the announcement of the United Nations in November, 1947 of the vote in favor of a Jewish State, and the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel on May 13, 1948, our enemies, seven Arab nations, attacked 600,000 Jews in the Land of Israel.Our casualties were 6,000 dead (1% of the entire Jewish population). Thereafter, including the Six Day War of June, 1967, against Egypt, Syria and Jordan; the Yom Kippur War of October, 1973 and many mass murder (terror) attacks against us, we have lost 22,000 dead. Despite many absorption problems, we became very important among the nations. Even in agriculture we became an outstanding achiever and our specialists were sent by the United Nations to help improve agriculture in many nations.

In science we were among the most important nations. In communications and computers we are number one in the whole world. Our army was considered among the best in the world. As to the Land of Israel, our Bible states specifically that it is assigned to the Jewish nation.Millions of Bible-believing Christians agree and emphasize our right to the Holy Land. At a gathering in the City Hall of Jerusalem we chaired a gathering of Christians. One lady arose and stated, I represent 60 million Christians and we declare that this is your Land and you have no right to give it away to any one else.Our friend Sheikh Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi, Director of the Cultural Institute of the Italian Islamic Community and Muslim Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Islam-Israel Fellowship of the Root & Branch Association, Ltd., stated clearly, The Qur'an states specifically that this Land belongs to the Jews and Arabia belongs to the Arabs.

Professor Amnon Rubenstein, former Minister of Justice, calls it a shame and an outrage for Jews to lean over backwards to favor Arab demands which could lead to our destruction. We face now an open threat by Iran for another Holocaust. Iran is determined to get nuclear weapons and to wipe us off the map. Israel now does not appear on any Arab world maps.The United States and allies are determined to build democracy in an Iraq free from terror. The plan is to bring another 21,000 troops and to concentrate upon Baghdad. A recent mass murder suicide bombing attack murdered 90 people and wounded another 190. This slaughter continues almost daily.In Israel our army did not wait to respond to mass murder attacks. The I.D.F. attacks leaders who plan mass murder attacks, supply arms and who transport attackers. That is a 24 hour battle acting with excellent intelligence. This procedure can also destroy Iranian insurgents and put an end to terror in Iraq.

Waiting to respond is a waste of time in dealing with terror. The internal struggle between Sunni and Shiite Muslims is a tragedy that may continue for years, allowing Iran to develop the nuclear arms. The concentration on offense of the I.D.F. may possibly solve the problem.Another offensive must take into account the plans of Iran and Syria and the major terrorist forces, Shi'ite Hezbollah, Wahhabi Hamas and Wahhabi Al-Qaeda. Israel is (hopefully) prepared with its efficient Arrow missile to deal with Iranian nuclear armed missiles. The United States and the West should prepare an offensive attack on Iran. Israel can deal with Syria easily. This chaos must stop.A step in the right direction is the new arrangement with North Korea and the six neighboring nations whereby the nations will supply millions of tons of food and oil and grant full recognition to North Korea. In 1994 the Clinton agreement turned out to be a bluff by North Korea. This new agreement must be checked carefully for proper enforcement. If it is honest and above board, it may be a very fine model for further agreements in place of war and terror.

Libya made such an agreement and it proved successful. Can this procedure apply to Iran? The general response is that as long as we have limited sanctions Iran will not make much changes. If on the other hand the sanctions of the U.N. Security Council are increased considerably, there may be a change in the Iranian attitude toward the destruction of Israel and of the West.There should be some move made to indict Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to genocide, following his calls to destroy Israel, despite the provisions of the Genocide Convention. The Mecca arrangement of Fatah and Hamas unity is a puzzle. The forthcoming meeting of the Trio might be a puzzle for the Quartet as well. Time will tell.Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress voted to remove troops and then voted unanimously 81-0 to send General David Petraeus to Baghdad. It reminds us of the movie The Magnificent Seven. The leader of the opposition declares, Shoot, shoot, don't talk! That must be the real hope of Congress in Iraq.

Shalom and Chodesh Tov from Yerushaliyim,
Mr. Samson Krupnick