ISRAEL KILLS MAJOR TERRORIST

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INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIANS AND JEWS
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JACK VAN IMPE
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JOHN HAGEE
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PAT ROBERTSON
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DAVID SILVER
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JOEL ROSENBERG
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BENNY HINN
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THESE ARE JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

THE BRUTAL TRUTH ABOUT ISLAM
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/215092.aspx

WHATS FOR ISRAEL 2009
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/510821.aspx

2008 CBN NEWSMAKERS
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/500540.aspx

ECOONOMIC FORECAST FOR 2009
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/511707.aspx

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
http://www.cbn.com/special/TheBirthOfChrist/

PATS 2009 PREDICTIONS
http://www.cbn.com/700club/index.aspx (HIT FRIDAY SHOW)

HAPPY NEW YEAR CHRISTIANS AND JEWS,SINNERS GET SAVED OR GET READY FOR AN INTERESTING YEAR AND YEARS TO COME.

ISRAEL NAILED ONE OF THE MAIN MURDERERS TODAY.....GO ISRAEL,ENEMIES OF ISRAEL WILL BE ELIMNATED BY GOD IN THE FUTURE. ISRAEL ALL IT WOULD TAKE IS 1 NUKE IN GAZA AND USE COULD HAVE PEACE AND MAYBE EVEN REBUILD THE THIRD TEMPLE.

Israeli strike kills senior Hamas leader Thu Jan 1, 5:32 PM
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - Israel killed a senior Hamas leader in an air attack on his home on Thursday, striking its first deadly blow against the top ranks of the Islamist group in a Gaza offensive that has claimed more than 400 Palestinian lives.Nizar Rayyan, a cleric widely regarded as one of Hamas's most hardline political leaders, had called for renewed suicide bombings inside Israel. Medical officials, confirming his death, said two of his four wives and seven of his children were killed in the bombing, in Jabalya refugee camp.Hundreds of supporters scrambling over the concrete rubble vowed revenge as the mangled bodies, covered in blood and cement dust, were extracted from the wreckage.The blood of Sheikh Nizar Rayyan and the blood of other martyrs will never be wasted and the enemy will pay a heavy price for the crimes it has committed, Hamas official Ayman Taha said.Black-bearded Rayyan, 49, was a preacher at Jabalya's mosque of martyrs who mentored suicide bombers. With a cartridge belt around his stocky frame, he would sometimes patrol the streets of Gaza with Hamas fighters.Hamas Radio said he had ignored advice to leave his house as other Hamas leaders have done in anticipation of assassination attempts by Israeli forces, who confirmed the air strike.I think that even now, after a few days of operation we have achieved changes, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said after talks in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.We affected most of the infrastructure of terror within the Gaza Strip and the question whether it's enough will be according to an assessment on a daily basis.

Late on Thursday night, Israeli war planes bombed the Jabalya mosque. Israeli security officials said it was a meeting place and command post for Hamas militants and the large number of secondary explosions after the strike indicated that rockets, missiles and other weapons had been stored there.Witnesses in Gaza said it was completely destroyed.Israeli armored forces remained massed on the Gaza frontier in preparation for a possible ground invasion as international calls for an immediate ceasefire mounted.Turkey, starting a rotating membership at the United Nations Security Council, urged Israel to end the offensive and lift its blockade against the coastal strip.A humanitarian agency said it was told Israel would let 400foreigners leave the Gaza Strip on Friday, possibly part of preparations for a land offensive. Most resident foreigners are spouses of Gaza Palestinians and their children.

AID GETTING IN

Livni reiterated Israel's rejection of a French-proposed ceasefire of 48 hours to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.There is no humanitarian crisis in the Strip, and therefore there is no need for a humanitarian truce, she said. Israel has been supplying comprehensive humanitarian aid to the Strip ... and has even been stepping this up by the day.Seventy trucks carrying humanitarian supplies crossed into the Gaza Strip from Israel on Thursday. But medics say their needs are acute and power blackouts are increasing.The deadliest conflict in the Gaza Strip in four decades has killed at least 412 Palestinians and wounded some 1,850. About a quarter of the dead were civilians, the U.N. estimates.On the sixth day, Israeli planes and ships attacked about 20 Hamas targets, including a government complex.Visiting southern Israeli towns where rockets fired from Gaza have killed four people since Saturday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel was fighting Hamas with an iron fist.Israeli television broadcast film of rubble-strewn street in the port of Ashdod, where a Hamas rocket tore into the eighth floor of a high-rise. Several residents were treated for shock.I very much hope we will succeed in achieving our goals quickly, Olmert said.

CEASEFIRE MOVES

In New York, the U.N. Security Council adjourned an emergency session without a vote. Western delegates described an Arab-drafted resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire as unbalanced and said talks would continue to agree a text.The Czech premier announced that EU foreign ministers would conduct a mission to the region, likely to coincide with a visit to Jerusalem on Monday by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.Olmert told his security cabinet on Wednesday that if a diplomatic solution could be found that ensured better security for southern Israel, the government would consider it.Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Israeli attacks must stop before any truce proposals could be considered. Israel must also lift its economic blockade of Gaza and open border crossings.Israeli officials said a truce would require international monitoring to ensure Hamas lives up to its obligations.The Gaza operation, launched after Hamas ended a six-month ceasefire on December 19 and intensified rocket strikes, could affect the outcome of Israel's February 10 national election.(Additional reporting by Adam Entous and Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem, Patrick Worsnip at United Nations and James Mackenzie in Paris; Writing by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Angus MacSwan)

Urgent Call to Prayer for Israel JAN 2,08

To my amazement, on the day after Christmas shortly after waking from my dream, I began hearing and seeing news bulletins about the attacks and airstrikes taking place primarily in Gaza.Dear saints, we are told in Psalm 122:6 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and I ask you as my precious partner to join me in praying earnestly in six specific areas:For God to accomplish His purpose and will, no matter what happens, during this crisis; That the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will protect His people Israel and bring a lasting solution to the very dangerous developments unfolding in that troubled land; For God’s holy angels to defeat the purpose of the enemy in this conflict; That Iran will be restrained in its support of Hezbollah and Hamas, whose ultimate and united intent is to destroy Israel completely; For Hezbollah to be defeated and restrained as they seek to attack Israel from the north; and Especially that the Iranian nuclear threat against Israel, which is the greatest danger against God’s people and the safety of all nations throughout the Middle East, will be eliminated.

We are living in dangerous days, not only for the Middle East, but for the entire world. However, these are also glorious days of opportunity for those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and proclaim His name throughout the earth.

God’s Faithful Promise
During these prophetic days, we must hold fast to the promise of the Lord’s coming:

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; the sea and the waves roaring; 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. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:25-28)These are the times spoken of by the prophets. This can be our greatest hour as we proclaim the Gospel boldly, no matter what happens in the world.

During this hour, our Lord Jesus has called you and me to go into all the world to preach His blessed Gospel and tell all nations that He is the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world; that He is the One who takes away the sins of the world, and that He is the the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)! The time to tell a lost and dying world about salvation through Jesus Christ is now, for now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).Let’s not wait until it is too late! Isaiah said that the time will come when men will call on the Lord, but He will not answer. But he also wrote: Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near(Isaiah 55:6).That time is now!We cannot delay, nor can we lose this glorious moment of opportunity.

A Message of Hope in This Time of Crisis
Thank you for standing with me during the final hours of 2008, and as we move into 2009—a year that will surely be a time of unprecedented outpouring as we travel to 39 countries proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ who came to earth for the salvation and healing of people throughout our lost, sick, troubled, and dying world.We are in a mighty season of change in so many areas—spiritual, political, and financial. In a major area of transition, people of God are receiving more and more revelation about God’s outpouring on their lives.This a critical time for Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world.As I have mentioned, this is also an exciting time of opportunity as we seek to take a message of hope to those who have no hope.I want you to be a vital part of helping to take the life-changing and miracle-working message of the Gospel to the nations.Will you join me in the coming days to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? And please prayerfully consider planting a generous year-end seed today, even as we move ahead with plans to proclaim the Gospel throughout the Middle East, using broadcasts, crusades, mission outreaches, and every means possible.We know that Jesus Christ is the only Answer for this crisis, and as you pray and plant your financial seed today, you are joining with others around the world in this ministry.You are also moving into a new dimension which can unlock the door to great blessings in your life, for our Lord Jesus declared, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).And as you plant your tax-deductible, year-end gift, don’t forget to include your prayer requests, as Dr. Oral Roberts and I will get together very soon for another powerful debt-cancellation time of intercession for you.Sow your seed with mighty expectation for today and the future! Now is the time, for your greatest days are ahead. Your future is so much greater than your past, and your tomorrows can be more prosperous than anything you have known before! For we know it is not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6)…

Preaching the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ,teaching the unchanging Word of God,
and expecting the mighty and miraculous power of the Holy Spirit,Benny Hinn

The CARMEL ALERT Jan 2 2009 A compilation of news reports from the past week for the information of those committed to praying for Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people.

David's Comment: Why Is Israel at War Once Again ?
Because of the content of some of my articles, I have at times been accused of being a war-monger. The truth is that I am a peace-monger. Ever since I began to be aware of the violent nature of man's history on the Earth, I tried to understand why we have this propensity to kill other human beings in acts of crime and in warfare. As I learnt that religion was the cause of many wars, my repulsion of violence led me to despise all religions, including my own Jewish religion. I felt this way until I came to know the LORD in 1987. I tried to understand why one group of people would send the prime of their next generation out to kill the prime of some other group's next generation. I wondered why didn't those responsible for the war, just go out themselves and have a good old fashioned punch-up with each other and leave the young men to play football and romance the young women ?

So please believe me, I am a dedicated peace-monger. I want to see peace on the Earth as much as anyone else does. But now that I understand some of the reasons why we love to make war, I realise there is only ONE person who can establish true peace. One of His descriptive names in Isaiah 9:6 is Sar Shalom - Prince of Peace. Yeshua is the Prince of Peace and there can be no true peace for mankind until He comes back to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ruling and reigning from the rebuilt Temple of God in the undivided capital city of God's chosen nation, Jerusalem, Israel !

That last sentence should make it very obvious to every thinking person, why Israel has always been at the centre of some war. Our entire history is the account of some one trying his best to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the face of the Earth. Other events taking place in the world - the crazy weather, increase of earthquakes, the plunge of morality into the abyss, and now the massive financial melt-down taking place, should also make it very obvious we are really living in the final years of this present evil age as the late Derek Prince described it. And there is a connection of all of those things to what is happening to Israel.

God is the author of LOVE & LIFE, while His antithesis , Lucifer or Satan, is the author of HATE & DEATH. Lucifer realises the lateness of the hour and he also knows something that it seems many Christians dont know - that the only place the Prince of Peace can return to is Jerusalem in Jewish hands. YHVH began the restoration process in 1897 with the first Zionist congress in Basel, Switzerland. The next step was Israel's reappearance in 1948, then the re-unification of Jerusalem in 1967. The process was well under way, but understandably there was great opposition right from the beginning of the Jewish return in the early 20th century. And most of the opposition until 1967 came from the Muslim Arabs. From 1967 onwards that changed and the Muslim world in conjunction with the secular news media, has totally brainwashed the rest of the world to believe that the Jewish people are the bad guys.

Once again as Israel is at war with those who are Satanically inspired to kill Jews and destroy Israel, the new media is once again parrotting the false claims of the Muslim propoganda machine. Please be bold to unashameably declare these facts to those close to you who are being deceived to accuse Israel of being the bad guys.

* Israel is not occupying an Arab land - the opposite is true - God promised all of the land from the Nile to the Euphrates to the Jewish seed of Abraham
* Even though Gaza is rightfully apart of Israel, not one single Jew has lived in Gaza since the withdrawal in 2005
* Israel did not start this war - Hamas has fired 10,000 rockets at Israel - more than 3000 since the withdrawal which was supposed to bring peace
* Hamas purposely aims the rockets as civilian targets, while Israel only aims at terrorist targets
* Above a certain level of the possibility that civilians will be harmed, Israel cancels the mission - The IDF even went as far as sending text messages to
every mobile phone located in target area, telling the innocent civilians to flee to safety before they fired on that area
* Even though dozens of rockets are striking Israel, the borders are opened from time to time to allow urgent humanitarian aid and fuel to get to Gaza City
* The real reason behind the world wide hatred of Israel and the Jewish people is the desparation of Satan to prevent God from completing the full restoration
of Israel, because that will bring about the return of the Son of God to set up the Kingdom of God and to despatch Satan and his allies to the pit.
* To oppose Israel is to oppose God Himself as He is the God of Israel

The sad fact is that the peace which so many people are looking to Barack Obama to bring, can only become a reality when Israel is ready to receive Yeshua as Messiah. These false peace seekers are shooting themselves in the foot and actually working against peace by opposing the Jewish people's right to live in the land that God has once again brought them into, as the key part of the preparation for the advent of the Prince of Peace.

Lets pray for this spirit of mass deception to be broken and for many in the West and more importantly in the Muslim world to be set free to see the truth and to worship the Holy One of Israel and His Anointed One - Yeshua the Messiah. I pray that you will receive an impartation of wisdom and boldness as you step up to declare the truth - in Yeshua's name AMEN !

The situation is extremely serious - please ask your pastor to allow your church to pray for Israel this Sunday - there is no legitimate excuse not to !

No matter what 2009 holds for the world, Josie & I pray that your family will be abundantly blessed and prospered - Happy New Year

The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel. Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for our son Jordan, and all of his fellow soldiers in the IDF.

Shabbat Shalom .... David & Josie.

EARTH TO EUROPE, RUSSIA: HAMAS MUST BE CRUSHED, NOT CODDLED
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., December 31, 2008) -- The Gaza war rages on with no immediate end in sight. Indeed, Israeli sources tell me a ground operation into Gaza is not yet definite, but is likely. Israel has rightfully rejected a French-proposed 48 hour cease-fire, saying the Gaza operation will continue until Israel's goal of shutting down the terrorist rocket threat is accomplished. The leaders of the European Union, Russia, and many governments around the world are putting enormous pressure on Israel to stop defending the Jewish people and stop attacking the terrorist strongholds in Gaza. This is crazy. Why do the Europeans and Russians have such a double-standard when it comes to Israeli national security? More than 6,300 rockets and missiles have been fired at Israel by Hamas since Israeli withdrew its military forces from Gaza in 2005. Some 400 rockets have been fired at Israel just since December 19th. Would the French or Germans agree to a cease-fire if they were being hit by hundreds and thousands of rockets, missiles, and mortars by enemies sworn to annihilate them? Of course not. The Russians invaded Georgia for far, far less.

We didn't initiate the Gaza operation in order to end it while Israeli towns are still under fire, as they were before the operation, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told reporters. Israel has shown restraint for years; she gave the truce a chance; we told ourselves let's try it, but Hamas violated the truce.I don't often say this, but Olmert is right. Hamas must be crushed, not coddled. Yet the world is trying to coddle these Palestinian Radical Islamic jihadists. It's an outrage. The onus is on the Hamas terrorists to lay down their arms and stop firing rockets into Israel. Until that happens, the IDF should continue fighting. It pains me to see the suffering on both sides, but this is entirely Hamas' responsibility. They were urged by Egypt, by Mahmoud Abbas, and by the Israelis not to let the previous cease-fire lapse, but they chose war instead. They have never been hit this hard. Indeed, Gaza has not seen this level of fighting since 1967. Israelis living within rocket range are truly safe and secure. Yet, the Islamic Radicals in Gaza don't appear ready to surrender. To the contrary, Hamas is using longer-range rockets than ever before - some of them made in Iran - putting hundreds of thousands of more Israeli at risk than in previous clashes. Hamas has already fired more than 50 rockets, mortars and missiles at Israel as of 4pm local time (9am eastern). Two hit the Israeli city of Beersheva last night, some 28 miles from Gaza. This is the first time Beersheva has ever been in range of Gaza-fired rockets. Haaretz reports that no one was injured but 40 people were treated for shock. The city is rattled, and theaters, cinemas and other shops and businesses are shutting down. Rockets also continue to hit the town of Sderot, and the Israeli coastal cities Ashkelon and Ashdod. I'm told that most of the children in Sderot have been evacuated from the town. Many are now temporarily relocated to northern Israeli cities and towns, such as Haifa. Iran, in addition to providing Hamas longer-range rockets, is also now apparently recruiting some 10,000 volunteer suicide bombers to attack Israel. To visit Joel's new weblog site and get the latest developments in Israel, Russia and the epicenter -- including links to stories mentioned in this Flash Traffic report -- please click here To visit Joel's website -- www.joelrosenberg.com

GAZA WAR: Prayer Update

The people of the Holy Land are going through great pain and suffering right now. But we should not be discouraged. Rather, we must turn to the Scriptures for the Lord's perspective, embrace His promises, and obey His commands. The Bible is clear: God loves the people of Israel, as well as their neighbors. He has a wonderful plan for their lives, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give them a future and a hope. Jesus offers those who choose to follow Him true peace that cannot be found anywhere else. He promises to protect His people. He promises them an abundant life here, and in the hereafter. He promises to answer their prayers when they pray for His will to be done and pray in His Name. What's more, He commands His followers to love their neighbors and their enemies. He commands them to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, and care for the suffering. Should we not draw near to Him and follow Him wholeheartedly at this critical time? I have loved you with an everlasting love, the Lord says in Jeremiah 31:3. Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (I John 4:8) For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord in Jeremiah 29:11-13, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but I came that they might have life and have it abundantly, said Jesus in John 10:10. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper....The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121:4,5,7,8) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, said Jesus in John 14:27. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.Jesus said, Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also....I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me....Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:1-3,12-14) If you love me, Jesus said in John 14:15, you will obey what I command.

* Please continue praying for real peace -- not just the absence of conflict but the presence of true justice and true security on both sides of the fence.

* Please also continue praying for the scores of children on both sides who are being traumatized by all the rockets and bombs -- pray for the Lord to comfort and care for them in a supernatural way.

* Please pray for the followers of Jesus in Israel and Gaza, that they will have courage and hope from the Lord, that they will hear from the Holy Spirit how best to love their neighbors and their enemies, and that by their words and actions they can communicate the good news of God's great love and plan for Israel and her neighbors.

* Please continue praying for wisdom and discernment for The Joshua Fund leadership team, as well. We are in contact with our allies on the ground in Israel and readying relief supplies to help them care for those in severe need. We are presently trying to connect with our Arab evangelical Christian allies as well to see how we can help them, too.

* Please also pray that we can recruit 100,000 allies who are willing to pray knowledgeably, faithfully and consistently for the people of the epicenter. Already some 80,000 have signed up from around the world. As always, we will do our best to keep you up-to-date on the kinds of projects we are doing, and brief you on how those projects are proceeding. We will also let you know about the kinds of projects we are developing for the future. In no way do we want to pressure anyone to give financially. We fully believe the Lord will provide for the needs of the people we seek to serve. But if you or others wish to help, we welcome your support, and all financial gifts are tax-deductible. If you would like to make a year-end contribution to the on-going work of The Joshua Fund please make your check payable to The Joshua Fund and send to: The Joshua Fund
18950 Base Camp Road Monument, Colorado 80132-8009

FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU Hamas rockets on Israel's nuclear plant? We can reach deeper and deeper,top terrorist declares January 01, 2009
7:40 pm Eastern By Aaron Klein 2009 WorldNetDaily

Egypt would not be surprised if Hamas has a number of rockets in the Gaza Strip capable of reaching Israel's main nuclear power station, an Egyptian intelligence official told WND. The official's estimates, which could not immediately be confirmed by Israeli defense sources, are instrumental since Hamas routinely smuggles weaponry in tunnels that snake underneath the Gaza-Egypt border. He said he believes Hamas could have rockets that can reach Israel's nuclear plant in Dimona, which is about 40 miles from the Egypt-Gaza border. Hamas is known to possess 122mm Katyusha rockets, which have a range of about 18 miles, and has fired improved 122mm Katyusha's, with ranges up to 30 miles. The Egyptian intelligence official said Hamas may be saving larger, 220mm rockets, with ranges in the vicinity of 44 miles, which would place both Dimona and Tel Aviv within range. Asked to comment yesterday on his group's rocket capabilities, Abu Abdullah, considered one of the most important operational members of Hamas' so-called military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Martyrs Brigades, would only tell WND, We can reach deeper and deeper.Do you really want to understand the conflict in the Middle East? You have to listen to what the terrorists say behind closed doors. Only one man has been listening to them - Aaron Klein, WND's Jerusalem bureau chief and author of Schmoozing With Terrorists. Get it now from the people who published it - WND Books.Earlier this week, Abu Abdullah and a leading member of a top, Hamas-allied terrorist group in Gaza both told WND they have surprises in store for Israel. Sources inside Hamas and the Popular Resistance Committees hinted to WND the claimed surprises include the ability to hit Tel Aviv with rockets from Gaza, a claim that may be grounded in some truth.

Telling is a Grad rocket fired on Sunday that landed near Gan Yavne in south Israel, an area that is just a 15 minute highway ride from Tel Aviv. The Israel Defense Forces said the rocket was launched from northern Gaza, the furthest point from which to reach deepest inside Israel. WND, though, obtained specific information indicating that rocket actually was fired from just outside the Egyptian embassy in central Gaza, meaning if the same rocket had been launched from northern Gaza it could technically have reached outside Bat Yam, a satellite town of Tel Aviv. Avital Lebovich, a spokeswoman for the IDF, did not deny Palestinians may be capable of firing at Tel Aviv. Hamas can have variety of capabilities, she told WND when asked whether Gaza rockets can strike Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Israel's Haaretz newspaper today reported municipal authorities in Rishon Letzion, a town near Tel Aviv, told residents to begin preparing bomb shelters so they can be ready for any possible scenario. Tel Aviv authorities decided to update their emergency response guidelines as a result of the fighting in Gaza, Haaretz reported. Tel Aviv authorities stressed to the Israeli newspaper the move does not mean the city is under the threat of attack.

FROM JOSEPH FARAH'S G2 BULLETIN Middle East fight could draw in Iran,Observers worry about consequences of escalation December 31, 2008 9:12 pm Eastern 2009 WorldNetDaily

The outbreak of violence in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas has observers concerned that it will incite Hezbollah in Lebanon to action against Israel and prompt Iran to react, thereby giving Israel a basis to attack Iran's nuclear sites, according to a report from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.Indeed, Hezbollah has mobilized its forces to be on alert in the event of Israeli incursions into Lebanon.

In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has amassed some 40,000 Iranian-supplied missiles for possible use against Israel. Security analysts say Hezbollah may be holding them in reserve to retaliate if Israel were to attack Tehran. Security experts believe, however, that while the Shiite Hezbollah supports the Sunni Hamas in its fight against Israel, Hezbollah won't enter the conflict on the side of Hamas unless Israel attacks Lebanon. I think it's very unlikely that Hezbollah will open a second front on the border, but they are in a difficult position, said Paul Salem of Beirut's Carnegie Middle East Center. Politically, they are under pressure to act. Other Arab states have paid lip service, but the difference with Hezbollah is they take action, he added. But I don't think they will act, because it will come at a huge cost and this is not a battle of their choosing.Keep in touch with the most important breaking news stories about critical developments in the worldwide war on terror with Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, the premium, online intelligence news source edited and published by the founder of WND. Security analysts also point out that for some time Hezbollah has sought to maintain a low profile in the political hope of gaining more seats in parliamentary elections slated for May 2009. The goal is to increase the organization's plurality as an effective political force against the U.S.-backed Sunni majority controlling the parliament. Some security experts, however, have expressed concern that Israel's overall strategy in Gaza may be to lure Iran which supports Hamas and Hezbollah into the conflict. Israel still is stinging from what is perceived as a loss in its 34-day 2006 war with the Hezbollah.

Regional experts also see the Gaza attacks as part of a larger issue of Iran-supported forces in the region against supposed moderate elements such as Egypt and the Palestinian Authority. In recent days, both Hezbollah and Iran have come under criticism from Egypt.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA WATCH
http://www.pmw.org.il/

YAHOO NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video

MIDEAST CONFLICT NEWS
http://news.yahoo.com/video/1874;_ylt=A0wNcxFdg6xIgbkAwD6z174F

ABC NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/2461

FOX NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/3074

FOX BUSINESS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/3045

AP NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/2529

BBC NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/2918

REUTERS VIDEO NEWS
http://news.yahoo.com/video/2704

AFP NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/3091

CNBC NEWS VIDEO
http://news.yahoo.com/video/3245

HOARDING OF GOLD AND SILVER

DOCTOR DOCTORIAN FROM ANGEL OF GOD
then the angel said, Financial crisis will come to Asia. I will shake the world.

JAMES 5:1-3
1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

REVELATION 18:10,17,19
10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

EZEKIEL 7:19
19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

REVELATION 13:16-18
16 And he(FALSE POPE) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:(CHIP IMPLANT)
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.(6-6-6) A NUMBER SYSTEM

WORLD MARKET RESULTS
http://money.cnn.com/data/world_markets/

HALF HOUR DOW RESULTS FRI JAN 02,2008

09:30 AM +4.23
10:00 AM +6.69
10:30 AM +58.23
11:00 AM +126.96
11:30 AM +141.14
12:00 PM +143.53
12:30 PM +169.10
01:00 PM +155.16
01:30 PM +182.56
02:00 PM +187.10
02:30 PM +210.91
03:00 PM +226.12
03:30 PM +250.74
04:00 PM +258.30 9034.69

S&P 500 931.77 +28.52

NASDAQ 1632.21 +55.18

GOLD 877.30 -7.00

OIL 46.29 +1.69

TSE 300 9211.11 +223.41

CDNX 846.69 +49.67

S&P/TSX/60 555.65 +13.83

MORNING,NEWS,STATS

Dow +33 points at 4 minutes of trading today.
Dow -4 points at low today.
Dow +154 points at high today.
Dow down over 600 points or 4.6% over last January.

NYSE STATS (10:30AM)
-Advances 1936,Declines 895,Unchanged 95,New Highs 6,New Lows 2.
NASDAQ STATS (10:30AM)
-Advances 1344,Declines 971,Unchanged 198.

GLOBAL M&A VOLUME
2008:$2.9 TRILLION,2007:$4.16 TRILLION,2006:$3.6 TRILLION,2005:$2.6 TRILLION,2004:$1.8 TRILLION.

$700 BILLION lost in canadian markets in 2008.
Record plunge spending this christmas season.
OPEC 2 million barrel production cuts begin this month.
GMAC issues 5 MILLION preferred shares to FED Government.
SCANA,FLIR,OWENS ILLINOIS added to the S&P 500.

AFTERNOON,NEWS,STATS

Dow -4 points at low today.
Dow +169 points at high today.

PAT ROBERTSON'S 2009 PREDICTIONS
-America will become useless as a world leader (not trusted anymore).
-Americas economy will recover pretty swift by 2nd quarter.
-The dollar to go down dramatically causing hyper inflation.
-America will become a Socialist country due to the economic pain of the people.
-More and more power will be givin to Washington.
-Obama will restructure the Economy like the 30's was done.
-Gold to become $1,900.00 an ounce.
-Oil $300.00 a barrel.
-Americas weak leadership will lead to World dictators ruling.
-Russia will be the most dangerous and lead a coalition to control the Mideast Oil.
-Pat thinks ezekiel 38+39 war could be at hand.
-Israel is entering a period of extreme crises,hated by the world,but God's protection will be with them as they get flack for protecting themselves from bombs.
-The Whole of Islam is weakening.
-Bloodshed has turned many against Islam and many muslims will be saved now.
-Great destructions will become common place around the World.
-Misery will be wide spread.
-People will want answers and millions will be saved as a result of happenings.
-The Gospel will be accepted by many as times get worse and worse and destructions get worse and worse.
-God will do incredible miracles this year.

WRAPUP,NEWS,STATS

Dow -4 points at low today.
Dow +288 points at high today.
Dow +2.9% today.
Dow on pace for best first trading session of year since 2003.
Dows last close above 9000 points was DEC 08,2008.
S&P 500 +3.1% today.
Nasdaq +3.5% today.
Dow,S&P,Nasdaq have best 3 day rally since NOV 24-26,2008.
Dow,S&P,Nasdaq move higher despite nearly 29 year low for ISM INDEX.
STOCKS RALLY TO 2 MONTH HIGHS.
$12TRILLION OR $13TRILLION INTO BANKS THAT NO ACCOUNT FOR YET.

DOWS LAST CLOSE ABOVE LEVELS
-10,000 points October 3,2008.
-11,000 points September 26,2008.
-12,000 points June 19,2008.
-13,000 points May 19,2008.
-14,000 points October 12,2007.

THIS WEEK FINAL STATS

Dow +6.5%
Dow Industrials +6.3%
Dow Transports +8.6%
S&P 500 +6.9%
Nasdaq +6.8%
Russell 2000 +6.4%

Pope seeks major changes to financial system By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jan 1, 6:49 am ET

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI challenged world leaders on Thursday to make major changes to the global financial system, saying short-term answers to the financial crisis weren't sufficient.It's not enough, as Jesus said, to put patches on an old suit, Benedict said in his New Year's Day blessing to thousands of people huddled under umbrellas in a rain-soaked St. Peter's Square.Echoing a similar theme in his New Year's Day homily, Benedict said the crisis should be seen as a test-case about the future of globalization.Are we ready to read it in its complexity as a way for the future and not just an emergency to respond to with short-term answers? he asked. Are we ready to make a profound revision in the dominant development model, to correct it in a farsighted and concerted way? He said the health of the planet required such a correction, as well as what he called the cultural and moral crisis in which the world finds itself.

Benedict has spoken out frequently about the financial crisis, and he used the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, celebrated every Jan. 1, to emphasize his belief that the meltdown showed the need for greater solidarity with the poor.Seen in its profundity, the crisis should be seen as a serious symptom that requires intervention at its root, the pontiff said.During his homily, Benedict also said he was praying for an end to the violence in Gaza and said he hoped the international community would come forward with concrete proposals so the Israelis and Palestinians could live in peace, security and dignity.

Is the Euro the New Dollar? By Leo Cendrowicz / Brussels Thursday, Jan. 01, 2009A handful of euro notes.TIME

Europe's single currency has come of age early. The euro turns ten on Jan. 1, a milestone for one of the most powerful symbols of European identity. It has already endured a rite of passage over the past few months, as the global financial crisis battered European markets yet failed to fluster the euro. And, like any debutante, it has its suitors: a string of countries lining up to dump their national currencies and join the euro zone. It's a remarkable achievement for a currency whose only global rival is the U.S. dollar. The greenback has over two centuries of history behind it. But it wasn't until Jan. 1, 1999 that 11 E.U. countries locked their national currencies together into a fixed exchange rate. Three years later physical coins and notes became available, replacing national cash in a massive changeover operation. (Read TIME's Top 10 business deals of the year.) The euro zone is now 15 members large and has a combined population of around 320 million. However, many more people are directly affected by the euro, from would-be members whose currencies are already pegged to it, to countries like Montenegro and Kosovo whose effective national currency is the euro. France's former African colonies also peg their common currency to Europe's. That means around 500 million people rely on the euro or euro-pegged currencies.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso credits the euro for delivering lower inflation, lower interest rates and greater price stability, and helping create 16 million jobs. More immediately, the euro is shielding member states in this time of economic turmoil, preventing a currency crisis in addition to the credit crunch. The euro is sheltering businesses from the exchange rate volatility which has battered them in previous downturns, Barroso said on Monday. To put it simply, the euro works.Before the euro, a financial crisis in Europe went hand-in-hand with currency woes: a run on weaker currencies, heavy intervention by central banks and finally a collapse of the parity system. I've lived through currency devaluations, and they are fraught with anxieties, says Hans Martens, chief executive of the European Policy Centre. But the way the euro coped with the financial crisis was absolutely great. You have a big island of stability, with small nations protected when the big waves became rough.The euro's tenth anniversary will see the euro zone take on a 16th member, Slovakia. A further eight other central and eastern European countries have set themselves the goal of joining within the next six years, including Poland, whose political establishment dropped its longtime opposition after a recent run on the Polish zloty. The euro has found some other unexpected converts, too, thanks to the financial crisis. The Danes voted against joining the euro zone in 2000, but they are set to hold another referendum in March. Iceland — not even an E.U. member — is pondering unilateral euroization after seeing its krona plunge nearly 80% against the euro between September and October. And the biggest prize of all, Britain, is said to be warming to the euro. Barroso recently claimed that London is closer than ever before to euro zone entry and that the people who matter in Britain think it should join. That may be overstating things a bit, but a report by research group Chatham House warns that as the euro zone grows, the U.K. risks being excluded from deeper intra-E.U. economic consultation and coordination, including in areas of significant national interest, such as financial market regulation. (See pictures of the financial crisis in London.) It doesn't help that the pound is wilting. Two years ago, one euro was worth just ?0.65. Now, humbled by bank crashes, government bailouts and a collapsing housing market that has forced massive interest rate cuts, Europe's currency is within a pence or two of parity with the pound. The debate has changed from a total fantasy in the U.K., says Jean Pisani-Ferry, director of Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. The political obstacles still remain strong, but it has changed the perception of the U.K. as the perfect system.

Pisani-Ferry says the financial crisis has been a defining moment for the euro, but he cautions against too much praise. The euro is still some way from dethroning the dollar as a global currency for example; just 27% of global foreign exchange reserves are held in euros compared to 62% in dollars. And, he says, the euro's first decade has been characterized by budget rows and debates about the European Central Bank's monetary policy, when the focus should be on correcting big macroeconomic divergences, like Spain and Ireland's recent (and ultimately doomed) property bubbles. The euro zone needs more ability to act in times of real crises or to prevent them, Pisani-Ferry says. It is a slow process. But one that has come a long way in ten years.

Zimbabwe economy virtually foreign exchange-based: media Thu Jan 1, 3:14 pm ET

HARARE (AFP) – Zimbabwe's economy is now virtually based on foreign exchange, a state daily said Thursday, with fewer goods and services available in the local dollar which is rapidly losing its worth because of galloping inflation,A survey by The Herald this week revealed a significant drop in demand for the local unit as very few shops and traders were still selling products in Zim dollars, the newspaper reported.The Zimbabwe dollar continues to lose its worth as the country's chronic economic woes show no sign of abating. One US dollar is worth four million Zim dollars at the official exchange rate and three billion Zim dollars on the black market.Most traders and service providers from streetside vegetable vendors to mobile phone service providers are pegging their prices in foreign currency to hedge against losses.Since September last year, Zimbabwe's central bank has licensed at least 1,000 shops to sell goods in foreign currency in a move aimed at helping businesses suffering from a chronic shortage of foreign currency to import spare parts and foreign goods.Others shops and service providers have followed suit although they have not been authorised by the government and despite warnings that those arrested for flouting foreign exchange regulations would be prosecuted.A single journey by minibus within Harare costs one US dollar while hired taxis charge at the rate of one dollar per kilometre (about half a mile).In the latest move, the authorities licensed mobile phone service providers to charge for airtime and other services in foreign currency.The Herald said the prevalent use of foreign exchange is threatening the once flourishing parallel foreign exchange market as traders get fewer people in need of the local currency.Once a regional economic model, Zimbabwe is in the throes of economic crisis with inflation officially at 231 million percent and most families unable to afford a square meal.A power-sharing deal aimed at reviving the moribund economy and ending tensions between the country's main political rivals stalled over the allocation of key cabinet ministries.

Singapore's economy may slide two percent: govt JAN 1,08

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Singapore's economy could contract by as much as two percent this year, the government said Friday after data showed a deepening recession in the trade-dependent economy.The forecast marks a downgrade from the government's previous estimate, made in November, which ranged between a contraction of 1.0 percent and expansion of 2.0 percent in 2009.The global economic crisis has worsened since November, with sharp declines in global demand, trade and investments, the Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a news release.It also cited a sharp fourth-quarter contraction in the Singapore economy for the weaker forecast.Singapore in October became the first Asian economy to enter recession but since then, major economies around the world -- including the city-state's key export markets the European Union and United States -- have also seen declining economic activity.

Singapore is Southeast Asia's wealthiest economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita but its heavy dependence on trade makes it sensitive to economic disturbances in developed economies.On a seasonally adjusted annualised quarter-on-quarter basis, real GDP fell by 12.5 percent in the fourth quarter, compared with a decline of 5.4 percent in the third quarter, the trade ministry said. In the second quarter, the economy fell by 5.7 percent.Measured against the fourth quarter last year, the economy contracted by 2.6 percent in real terms, after a 0.3 percent year-on-year fall in the third quarter.GDP is the value of all goods and services produced by an economy.The fourth-quarter figures are advance estimates based largely on October and November figures. More detailed information is to be released next month.In his New Year's Day message to the nation on Wednesday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned the economy was likely to worsen this year after growing just 1.5 percent in 2008.The performance was below the last official forecast of 2.5 percent growth, after earlier downgrades in the 2008 growth outlook were made during the year.In 2007 the economy grew by 7.7 percent, the trade ministry said.Our economy will probably contract further. More companies will be forced to downsize. So far we have not seen many job losses, but I expect more retrenchments in the next few months. We must be psychologically prepared, the prime minister said.As a small, open economy, Singapore cannot avoid being hit. We earn our living by trading with and servicing the world. So the fall in worldwide demand has hit our exports, our tourism sector, and our broader economy, he said.We must therefore prepare for a difficult year ahead, and especially the first half of 2009.

TSX down 35% in 2008 Thursday, January 1, 2009 | 1:58 PM ET The Canadian Press

Tthe S&P/TSX composite index in 2008 Canada's stock market endured one of its worst years on record in 2008, losing 35 per cent of its value or about $700 billion, and investors should be prepared to ride out further troubles in the new year as the wounds continue to fester.The energy, mining and financial services stocks that make up most of the TSX composite index saw their values eroded badly as the recession weakened demand for oil and minerals and the Wall Street financial crisis squeezed the banks.Canada's main stock market ended the year on an upswing in the final day of trading for 2008, rising nearly 157 points, but that will be of little comfort to many stock investors.The Toronto Stock Exchange S&P/TSX composite index closed at 8,987.7 on Wednesday; it ended 2007 at 13,833.06.I'm glad to see the last trading day of this lousy year, said Fred Ketchen, manager of equity trading at Scotia Capital.

A peak and deep valley
Overall, it was a year that saw both a record high and the worst declines on record at the TSX.In June, the main stock market had record closing highs just above 15,000, as energy prices soared and overall optimism prevailed.Then the summer ended, and with it went the sky-high oil prices and investor confidence as U.S. investment bank Lehman Bros. failed, and other pillars of Wall Street wobbled and threatened to crash.

Worst days on the TSX
Date Drop Index
Dec. 1, 2008 864.41 8,406.21
Sept. 29, 2008 840.93 11,285.07
Oct. 25, 2000 840.26 9,511.84
Oct. 2, 2008 813.97 10,900.54
Oct. 27, 2008 756.75 8,537.34
Source: TSX
Credit suddenly became more sparse than it had been at any time in recent memory, making it more expensive and difficult for banks and other major lenders to finance business projects and consumer buying.What initially seemed like a somewhat isolated problem quickly spread to all of the key sectors, including the auto industry, which was already battling a sales slowdown, and to energy companies embarked on costly development projects that hinged on a high oil price.The impacts were being felt everywhere, even on the consumer staples, which are typically considered relatively safe during recessions.But consumer staples was also that sector that endured one of the softest drops on the TSX, down roughly 12 per cent on the year.Indeed they showed their defensive qualities this year, although because there was no hiding place they went down less than the market as a whole, Gavin Graham, vice-president with BMO Asset Management, said of consumer staples.It's things that everybody needs and will continue to buy like food, beverages and medication.Oil prices, consumer confidence major factors .Economists are split over when the stock markets will start to make a recovery from their recent dismal levels.Graham is optimistic that 2009 will signal better times for Canada.After you've had a year as bad as this one, you've always seen a fairly substantial, double-digit positive return from the markets the following year, he said.However, several major factors are still up in the air, including the short-term direction of oil prices.The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which accounts for about 40 per cent of global supply, has been slashing oil production in an effort to reduce supplies and, it hopes, boost crude prices.

Further production cuts could be discussed if OPEC meets in Kuwait City on Jan. 19, and that could send prices higher which would likely give Canadian energy companies a boost on the market.Also teetering on unstable ground is domestic consumer confidence, which is in danger of toppling the retail sector.The Conference Board of Canada says that consumer confidence in December was at its lowest level since 1981-82, during the worst post-war recession.The weakening results are especially alarming because economists say that Canadians are responding to a deepening recession in the United States, which means that they're cutting spending in preparation for a stormy economic climate that doesn't necessarily exist within the country.Tighter spending could inevitably bring some of the U.S. retail sector's woes to Canada in the coming quarters.

Bank stocks for more adventurous
Graham suggests that cautious investors should consider buying stocks in companies that still pay dividends, such as natural gas pipeline operators TransCanada Corp. and Enbridge Income Fund.If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you could even try some of the banks and life insurance companies like Royal Bank, Scotiabank or TD Bank, he said.The financial sector has been slammed with writedowns related to the credit crisis for more than a year, but some investors have championed the banks nonetheless, saying that traditionally banks will see surefire profit growth over the long term.Most of the banks have also remained steadfast on their dividend payments, with some choosing to raise capital rather than slash dividends.Ketchen said there are still significant opportunities on the market in 2009, as long as investors are patient and don't concentrate on one sector.Our opinion is that as you move through the latter part of 2009, things will look a whole lot more interesting than where they are now, he said.He suggested that investors set up a tax-free savings account, a government plan that allows Canadians aged 18 or older to set up an account where they can invest up to $5,000 each year and allow it to grow tax-free.Investors can use the account to save money through guaranteed investment certificates, bonds, mutual funds and stocks.The Canadian Press, 2009

Street looks to '09 with relief after terrible '08 By TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writer – Wed Dec 31, 8:04 pm ET

NEW YORK – The last trading day of 2008 on Wall Street provided a merciful end to an abysmal year — the worst since the Great Depression, wiping out $6.9 trillion in stock market wealth.Six years of stock gains disappeared as the economy crumbled and markets crashed around the globe, shaking the confidence of professional and individual investors alike.But the year's chaos went far beyond the stock market. Credit markets that drive lending became paralyzed, plunging the country further into recession and touching off an unprecedented rush for the safety of Treasury bills, notes and bonds. Commodities markets, usually ignored by most investors, soared on speculative buying and then collapsed when it became clear that the world economy was in trouble and that record high prices, including oil's peak above $147 a barrel, were unjustified.It was a feeling of flailing, said Jerry Webman, chief economist at Oppenheimer Funds Inc. People couldn't get a grasp because there were not obvious historical precedents.By the year's end, many market analysts were predicting that 2009 would be better, but that recovery would be slow as investors, shaken by the devastation to their portfolios, U.S. companies and the overall economy, remain reluctant to buy.I think this may be much more of a show-me market than we're used to. The market is going to be looking for some stabilization, increases in earnings, a few more positives before it begins to recover, said Webman.

Wall Street's stats for 2008 provide evidence of how stunningly terrible the year was:

• The average price of a share listed on the New York Stock Exchange plunged 45 percent to $41.14 by the end of the year from $75.01 a year earlier.

• The Dow Jones industrial average fell 33.8 percent for the year and 38 percent from its record close of 14,165.53 in October 2007, making it the Dow's worst year since 1931, when the country was in the midst of the Great Depression.

• The Standard & Poor's 500 index, the indicator most watched by market pros, slumped 38.5 percent in 2008 and 42.3 percent from its 2007 high of 1,565.15.

• Investors lost $6.9 trillion as relentless selling reduced the value of stocks across the market. That amount, measured by the Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index, represented 38 percent of the total value of U.S. stocks at the start of 2008.

Yet the last week of the year was almost serene.On Wednesday, the Dow rose 108.00, or 1.25 percent, to 8,776.39.Broader stock indicators also rose. The Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 12.61, or 1.42 percent, to 903.25. The Nasdaq composite index rose 26.33, or 1.70 percent, to 1,577.03 and ended the year down 40.5 percent. It's down 44.8 percent from its recent peak in October; the Nasdaq's record high close of 5,048.62 came in March 2000 just before the end of the dot-com boom.The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 16.68, or 3.46 percent, to 499.45.

The tranquility was a welcome change in a year that was rocky from the start as worries about the financial system were fed by reports that banks had suffered billions of dollars in losses on securities tied to defaulting mortgages. The forced-sale of Bear Stearns Cos. in March unnerved Wall Street, yet it still managed to right itself through the spring.The surging price of oil and other commodities dealt another blow to the market. As a barrel of crude leaped from $112 at the beginning of May to a once-unthinkable $147.27 on July 11. With retail gasoline prices soaring above $4 a gallon, stocks fell amid fears that consumers would have to cut back their spending because of higher energy prices.But the market again stabilized — until the September bankruptcy of one of the most venerable Wall Street investment firms, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., set off a panic on Wall Street and in the credit markets. Banks, fearing that other financial institutions would be unable to repay, stopped lending to each other. The market for short-term corporate debt known as commercial paper was frozen. Interest rates soared. The only thriving part of the credit markets was government debt. Investors desperate for safety poured money into Treasury issues, particularly short-term bills. The yield on the three month bill plunged to zero, and briefly to a negative return, as investors decided no return or a slight loss was better than the losses on Wall Street or in commodities. Wall Street's crash in 2008 didn't come in one day like the famous 22.6 percent plunge of Oct. 26, 1987. In many ways it was more nightmarish than Black Monday because there wasn't a quick end to the selling and record volatility. From Sept. 15 to Nov. 20, when the Dow fell to a close of 7,552.29, the depths it had reached in the bear market of 2002, the blue chips rose or fell by triple digits 41 trading days out of 49.

Relative stability returned to the market during December. But Wall Street's horrific performance has cast a new mold for modern bear markets, often defined as a decline of more than 20 percent, and made expectations for 2009 so low that any reduction in the economic bloodletting would be considered a victory. Everyone is so down in the dumps about everything that I do think it gives you the opportunity to have a positive surprise if maybe the economy does turn quicker, said Bill Stone, chief investment strategist at PNC Wealth Management. Wall Street is hoping for signs of recovery by the second half of 2009, including evidence the housing market has hit bottom, increased lending by banks and a drop in unemployment accompanied by increased consumer spending. But for the near future economists and market experts predict more bad news. I have yet to see anyone who anticipates that the first half of next year is going to be rosy, said Dean Junkans, chief investment officer at Wells Fargo Private Bank. But even a modest improvement in the economy, which has been in recession since last December, could help stocks extend their recent run.

If you're standing still, walking is a pickup of speed, said Alan Levenson, chief economist at T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. The government has helped calm markets with a $700 billion rescue of the financial sector and by agreeing to provide financing to the major U.S. automakers. The Federal Reserve slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero to reduce borrowing costs. Cheaper oil prices — it settled at $44.60 a barrel on Wednesday — are expected to help bolster the economy, draining less money away from consumers and businesses. The declining prices of other commodities, which have come down in response to rapidly waning demand for raw materials around the world, should also help. In addition, some analysts believe the market will improve because so many investors have pulled out, leaving little room for more selling. Given the nasty carnage how much further risk is there? said David Darst, chief investment strategist for Morgan Stanley's global wealth management group. Still, the credit markets remain nearly stagnant as banks continue to be anxious about lending. Corporate forecasts in January could help shape investor sentiment, even as expectations are modest. David Kelly, chief market strategist at JPMorgan Funds, said the prospects for the market are exceptionally uncertain.For the market to hold its advance from November he contends the calmer trading of the past month must continue and president-elect Barack Obama's plan to boost the economy with spending on infrastructure must show it is working quickly. The great risk is we are in a wait-and-see economy, Kelly said. What Obama needs to do is turn this into a do-it-now economy, give people a reason to buy.(This version CORRECTS SUBS 13th graf ... to correct day to Wednesday. Can stand as a Wall Street yearender. Moving on general news and financial services.)

Russia's Gazprom cuts all gas supplies to Ukraine Thursday, January 1, 2009 | 9:32 AM ET Comments65Recommend26The Associated Press

Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom cut all natural gas supplies to Ukraine on Thursday morning after talks broke down over payments for past shipments and a new energy price contract for 2009.Gazprom officials said the cuts began as planned at 2 a.m. ET and the Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz confirmed a steady drop in supplies.The festering dispute between the two uneasy neighbours raised fears that a cut-off could lead to repetition of the January 2006 gas crisis, when a similar dispute between Russia and Ukraine briefly interrupted gas shipments to many European countries.Europeans get about a quarter of their gas from Russia, and Ukraine controls the pipelines through which Russia supplies most of its customers in Europe. Natural gas is used for heating and to generate electricity, and the cut-off to Ukraine comes as Europe approaches the depths of winter.While cutting gas to Ukraine, Gazprom said it also increased the amount of gas pumped through pipelines that mainly serve Europe.Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine against diverting gas intended for other customers, saying that could have quite serious consequences for the transit country itself by damaging relations with Europe.Ukraine's president and prime minister issued a statement saying they would guarantee the uninterrupted transit of natural gas through Ukrainian territory to Europe.However, the Ukrainian president's energy adviser said it appeared Gazprom had reduced supplies by more than Ukraine's quota of the deliveries, and was not shipping enough to satisfy European customers. Despite this, Ukraine was fulfilling its obligations to deliver gas westward, Bohdan Sokolovsky said Thursday.It was not possible to confirm his observations.

Gas storages built up
Naftogaz director Oleh Dubina has said Ukraine has enough gas in reserve to last it through early April.European countries also have built up their gas storage since the 2006 crisis and would be unlikely to see any disruption for several weeks, said Chris Weafer, chief strategist at Uralsib bank.The deadlock over gas supplies reflects the deep political split between Moscow and Kiev.Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has angered the Kremlin through his efforts to build ties to western Europe and his support of Georgia in its August war with Russia.Ukraine's position in the dispute is further complicated by divisions in the country's leadership. Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, bitter political rivals, are at odds over gas policy and relations with Russia, among other issues.Gazprom had warned it would cut gas supplies unless Ukraine paid off all of a $2.1-billion US debt and signed a deal setting prices for 2009 deliveries by midnight. Neither was done.

Naftogaz paid $1.5 billion to the Swiss-based gas trader Rosukrenergo, which it says covers the debt. But Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said late Wednesday that Gazprom had not yet received the money. Gazprom claims Ukraine owes $600 million more in fines for late payment.Rosukrenergo is half-owned by Gazprom. It was not immediately clear why the money had not been transferred to Gazprom.This is an issue of Gazprom's dealings with Rosukrenergo, Naftogaz spokesman Valentyn Zemlyansky said. Naftogaz has fulfilled all its obligations.

No contract for deliveries
The other stumbling block was the failure to sign a contract for 2009 gas deliveries.
Gazprom had first insisted that Ukraine pay $418 per 1,000 cubic metres of gas in 2009, more than double the $179.50 it paid the previous year.On Wednesday, Gazprom offered a contract with gas set at $250, which Ukrainian officials said was still too high.Yushchenko and Tymoshenko offered early Thursday to pay Russia $201 per 1,000 cubic metres of gas if Russia agrees to raise the future price it pays to use Ukraine's pipelines to $2 per 1,000 cubic metres per 100 kilometres.Russia has said the $250 offer is contingent on the current transit fee of $1.70 remaining unchanged.
The Canadian Press, 2009

Belgian king appoints ex-finance chief as PM
ELITSA VUCHEVA 31.12.2008 @ 09:23 CET

Belgium's King Albert on Tuesday (30 December) swore in Flemish Christian Democrat Herman Van Rompuy as the country's new prime minister heading a five-party coalition government.Mr Van Rompuy replaces former premier Yves Leterme, who resigned following a scandal over alleged political meddling in the bailout of Fortis bank.A new justice minister, interior minister and minister for public service and government-owned companies are the only changes envisaged in the new cabinet.It's the same coalition with the same five parties [the Flemish Christian Democrat Party, the Flemish Liberal Party, the Francophone Liberal Party, the Francophone Christian Democrats and the Francophone Socialist Party], the president of the Centre for Political Studies at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Pascal Delwit, told Reuters.

But Van Rompuy is a little bit more subtle than Yves Leterme, he added, stressing that the new prime minister is more sensitive than his predecessor to the linguistic and political divisions between the country's main communities - the French-speaking Walloons in the south and the Dutch-speaking Flemish in the north.Mr Leterme had been criticised for failing to smooth tensions between Flemish and Walloons.I think he knows better the French-speaking people, the French-speaking politicians, and in this way, he is more engaged in compromise. I think perhaps he will do better, Mr Delwit said.Didier Reynders, leader of the Francophone Liberal Party and the country's finance minister, said on national television that nothing is certain in Belgium, but expressed confidence that the new government would remain in place for a while.I think we have a good formula to have a government this year, he said.Mr Van Rompuy - a former budget minister (1993 to 1999), who has the reputation of being a budgetary hard-liner as well as an intellectual - is the third premier Belgium has had since general elections in June 2007.He is to make a speech in Belgian parliament on Wednesday and is expected to be formally endorsed by deputies on Friday.His main task will be to deal with the worsening economic situation in his country, which is expected to have formally entered recession.

World bids adieu to a rocky 2008; worries over '09 By JOELLE DIDERICH, Associated Press Writer – Wed Dec 31, 10:16 pm ET

PARIS – Revelers around the world greeted 2009 with fireworks, bell ringing and a tinge of optimism Thursday — amid hopes they'd seen the last of 2008's disappearing jobs and slumping stocks.I'm looking forward to 2009, said Randolph King of England, whose retirement fund was gutted in the global financial crisis. Because it can't get much worse.After the most volatile financial year in decades, people paused for a deep breath and a sip of ... perhaps something cheaper than champagne.We're not going to celebrate in a big way. We're being careful, said architect Moussa Siham, 24, as shoppers in the affluent area west of Paris were scaling back purchases for the traditional New Year's Eve feast.The new year also brought tragedy, as rescue workers in Thailand said at least 59 New Year's revelers died in a fire that swept through a popular nightclub in Bangkok, with about another 130 injured.In the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI called for soberness and solidarity in 2009. During a year's end vespers service Wednesday evening, the pope said these times are marked by uncertainty and worry for the future but urged people not to be afraid and to help each other.Others tried to forget their troubles, for at least one night.Sydney, Australia, was the world's first major city to ring in 2009, showering its shimmering harbor with a kaleidoscope of light that drew cheers from more than a million people.

In Ireland, thousands of Dubliners and tourists gathered outside the capital's oldest medieval cathedral, Christ Church, to hear the traditional New Year's Eve bell-ringing.It is a wondrously beautiful note on which to end what, for many people, has been an awfully out-of-tune 2008, said Gary Maguire, a volunteer pulling the ropes.Some of the U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan gathered in Kabul to cut cake and count down to the new year.In Brazil, six luxury cruise liners floated off Rio's famed Copacabana beach as fireworks erupted over heads of two million revelers.

I hope that tonight we begin the end of war and crisis,said Roberto Felipe, a 22-year-old construction worker, was shirtless with a beer in hand. I hope that 2009, which is bringing your President Obama to the scene, will help us all have a better life.In New York, throngs of revelers with fur hats and sleeping bags had already gathered by early evening in Times Square, despite temperatures that were expected to dip well below freezing.The economy is what it is. It's going to turn around. You just have to be positive, said Sam Tenorio, who brought his family to America's most famous New Year's party. That's what we're doing, otherwise we wouldn't be here. I think that's why most people are here tonight: optimism.But some other U.S. cities canceled public celebrations because of the shaky economy.In Hong Kong, thousands thronged around Victoria Harbor for a midnight fireworks display, but those with investments linked to collapsed investment bank Lehman Brothers — which filed the biggest corporate bankruptcy in U.S. history in mid-September — were finding little joy.I don't think there's any reason for me to celebrate after knowing that my investment is worth nothing now, said electrical repairman Chan Hon-ming, who had purchased a $30,000 Lehman-backed investment. In Iceland, where people have been angry over the country's collapsed economy, demonstrators forced an annual New Year's Eve broadcast featuring the prime minister off the air, storming the hotel where it was being filmed. They threw fireworks and water balloons at police, who responded with pepper spray. In India, many were happy to see the end of 2008 after a series of terrorist attacks in several cities, culminating in the three-day siege in Mumbai that killed 164 people. The year 2008 can best be described as a year of crime, terrorist activities, bloodshed and accidents, said Tavishi Srivastava, 51, an office worker in the northern Indian city of Lucknow. I sincerely hope that 2009 will be a year of peace and progress.

In Athens, police said arsonists attacked at least 10 banks and two car dealerships amid the celebrations, but no arrests or injuries were reported. Cities in Greece had riots recently over the fatal shooting of a teenage boy by police. Celebrations were muted in China, where fireworks and feasting are reserved mainly for the Lunar New Year, which in 2009 begins Jan. 26. At midnight in Japan, temples rang their bells 108 times — representing the 108 evils being struck out — as worshippers threw coins as offerings and prayed. In Tokyo, volunteers stirred huge pots of New Year's rice-cake soup and doled out blankets and clothing to the needy. Japan has long boasted a system of lifetime employment at major companies, but that has unraveled this year amid the financial crisis. There's no work, Mitsuo Kobayashi, 61, muttered as he picked up a wool scarf, a coat and pants. Who knows what next year will bring?
Associated Press writers Dheepti Namasivay in Paris, France, Frances D'Emilio and Ariel David in Rome, Italy, Shawn Pogatchnik in Dublin, Ireland, Robert Barr in London, England, Patrick McGroarty in Berlin, Germany, Valur Gunnarsson in Reykjavik, Iceland, Derek Gatopoulos in Athens, Greece, Kristen Gelineau in Sydney, Australia, Denis Gray in Bangkok, Thailand, Dikky Sinn in Hong Kong, China, Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Colleen Long in New York, Biswajeet Banerjee in Lucknow, India, and Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo, Japan, contributed to this story.

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.

New year brings in nasty weather for Canadians Thursday, January 1, 2009 | 12:08 PM ET CBC News

A New Year's Day blizzard hit Bayswater, on Nova Scotia's south shore. (Submitted by Daryl Gray) Snow, strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures are giving Canadians a good reason to spend New Year's Day indoors.A fierce blizzard whacked Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island overnight, bringing blowing snow and high wind gusts throughout the day.Snowplows were pulled off the roads in P.E.I. early Thursday morning because of blowing snow and near-zero visibility. Authorities are warning people to stay off the roads.The roads were icy and snow covered, said CBC's Sara Fraser. It was a bit of a horror story getting to [work] and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to leave any time soon.Snow piles up in Charlottetown on New Year's Day. (Tracy Lightfoot/CBC) Most flights in or out of the Charlottetown Airport have been cancelled or delayed, while the Confederation Bridge, which links the Island with New Brunswick, is closed to high-sided vehicles.P.E.I. could get anywhere from 15 to 45 centimetres of snow, while wind gusts could reach as high as 100 km/h.

Cape Breton bears brunt
Forecasters say eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton will get the worst of the blizzard — between 40 and 60 cm by the end of the day.Many departures and arrivals at Halifax Stanfield International Airport were cancelled, while several New Year's Day levees have also been called off, including all military, the mayor's and lieutenant-governor's levees.Hundreds of customers in N.S. are without power, mostly in Cape Breton.We have our crews out to respond to the outages. In some cases, the road conditions may limit the mobility of our crews, but we'll have people working as safely and as quickly as possible to get power back on, said Nova Scotia Power spokesperson Stacey Pineau.The storm system will move toward Newfoundland and Labrador later Thursday.A cyclist rides past the Old Town Clock on Citadel Hill during a blizzard in Halifax on Thursday. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
Stormy Prairies,An Alberta Clipper brought snow and high winds to southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba overnight and into Thursday.Regina and Dauphin remain under blizzard warnings, but the system is expected to weaken Thursday afternoon as it moves into northern Ontario. Thunder Bay could see about five centimetres of snow.

About 5 centimetres of snow has fallen on Vancouver, but is expected to change to rain later this afternoon. The coast will see strong winds throughout the day.

Dress warmly!
Most of Canada also reported freezing conditions with the wind chill Thursday, including:

Edmonton: –33
Regina: –35
Montreal: –29
Fredericton: –28
Yellowknife: –41
Victoria is the country's hot spot, reporting a wind chill of zero.CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe said Canadians can blame the jet stream, a narrow band of strong winds in the atmosphere that control the movement of high and low-pressure systems.
The jet stream is riding very low and pulling down that Arctic air, said Wagstaffe.

Major Wash. passes closed by snow, avalanche fears JAN 1,08

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Transportation says the state's three main east-west mountain passes have been closed by snow and avalanche danger and are likely to remain so into Friday.Spokesman Lloyd Brown says another storm is expected to dump more snow on the Cascade Mountains overnight, which will keep the danger of avalanches high for mountain highways across Stevens, Snoqualmie (sno-KWAHL'-mee) and White passes.That storm could also bring snow and high winds to large areas of winter-weary eastern Washington from Yakima to Spokane.For now, travelers between eastern and western Washington will have to detour south through Portland, Ore.
Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond says officials will reassess the passes Friday morning.

EU DICTATOR (WORLD LEADER)

DANIEL 7:23-24
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast(THE EU,REVIVED ROME) shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,(7TH WORLD EMPIRE) which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.(TRADE BLOCKS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:(10 NATIONS) and another shall rise after them;(#11 SPAIN) and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(BE HEAD OF 3 KINGS OR NATIONS).

REVELATION 17:12-13
12 And the ten horns (NATIONS) which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

REVELATION 6:1-2
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse:(PEACE) and he that sat on him had a bow;(EU DICTATOR) and a crown was given unto him:(PRESIDENT OF THE EU) and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.(MILITARY GENIUS)

REVELATION 13:1-10
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(THE EU AND ITS DICTATOR IS GODLESS)
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.(DICTATOR COMES FROM NEW AGE OR OCCULT)
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death;(MURDERERD) and his deadly wound was healed:(COMES BACK TO LIFE) and all the world wondered after the beast.(THE WORLD THINKS ITS GOD IN THE FLESH, MESSIAH TO ISRAEL)
4 And they worshipped the dragon (SATAN) which gave power unto the beast:(JEWISH EU DICTATOR) and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?(FALSE RESURRECTION,SATAN BRINGS HIM TO LIFE)
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.(GIVEN WORLD CONTROL FOR 3 1/2YRS)
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God,(HES A GOD HATER) to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.(HES A LIBERAL OR DEMOCRAT,WILL PUT ANYTHING ABOUT GOD DOWN)
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints,(BEHEAD THEM) and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.(WORLD DOMINATION)
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.(WORLD DICTATOR)
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.(SAVED CHRISTIANS AND JEWS DIE FOR THEIR FAITH AT THIS TIME,NOW WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE BUT DURING THE 7 YEARS OF HELL ON EARTH, PEOPLE WILL BE PUT TO DEATH (BEHEADINGS) FOR THEIR BELIEF IN GOD (JESUS) OR THE BIBLE.

DANIEL 9:26-27
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come (ROMANS IN AD 70) shall destroy the city and the sanctuary;(ROMANS DESTROYED THE 2ND TEMPLE) and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he( EU ROMAN, JEWISH DICTATOR) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:( 7 YEARS) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,( 3 1/2 YRS) and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Czech Republic takes over EU presidency By KAREL JANICEK, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jan 1, 1:49 pm ET

PRAGUE, Czech Republic – The Czech Republic took over the rotating European Union presidency Thursday, with the bloc aiming to see its new governance treaty approved in 2009.At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, authorities illuminated central Prague's giant metronome know as the Time Machine in the Czech colors of red, white and blue and the EU blue flag with yellow stars.President Vaclav Klaus — the most outspoken Czech critic of the treaty — said the EU presidency would give the country a chance to influence the activity of this important organization.It is in our interest to succeed in this role, Klaus said in his New Year's Day speech to the nation.But Klaus is known as the country's most prominent Euro-skeptic, and in the past he has said that a well-functioning, bureaucratic EU is not my goal. He has opposed the so-called Lisbon Treaty because, he says, it is undemocratic and would limit nations' sovereignty.And during Czech presidency of the bloc, Klaus has vowed not to fly the EU flag over Prague Castle because, he said, the country is not an EU province.The last EU presidency under France featured efforts to tackle Europe's economic woes, and the next six months of Czech leadership will also involve dealing with the global financial crisis and overseeing implementation of a new $258 billion European economic stimulus package.The Czechs will also lead an EU diplomatic push for peace in current conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg plans to lead an EU delegation to the Middle East this week or next.But the Czech Republic also faces concerns over the Lisbon Treaty, a blueprint for EU reform that supporters say is essential for the bloc to work effectively.The treaty — which must be approved by all 27 EU members to take effect — has been on hold since Irish voters rejected it in June. The Irish said they would hold a new referendum. But the Czech Parliament, divided on the treaty, has postponed its vote — which would be the last in the union.