JEWISH KING JESUS IS COMING AT THE RAPTURE FOR US IN THE CLOUDS-DON'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.THE BIBLE TAKEN LITERALLY- WHEN THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES GOOD SENSE-SEEK NO OTHER SENSE-LEST YOU END UP IN NONSENSE.GET SAVED NOW- CALL ON JESUS TODAY.THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE EARTH - NO OTHER.
1 COR 15:23-JESUS THE FIRST FRUITS-CHRISTIANS RAPTURED TO JESUS-FIRST FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT-23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.ROMANS 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.(THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE)
DANIEL 7:23-25
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast (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.(TRADING BLOCKS-10 WORLD REGIONS/TRADE BLOCS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings(10 NATIONS-10 WORLD DIVISION WORLD GOVERNMENT) that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(THE EU (EUROPEAN UNION) TAKES OVER IRAQ WHICH HAS SPLIT INTO 3-SUNNI-KURD-SHIA PARTS-AND THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE IS BROUGHT BACK TOGETHER-THE TWO LEGS OF DANIEL WESTERN LEG AND THE ISLAMIC LEG COMBINED AS 1)
LUKE 2:1-3
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Russia says US installing nuclear weapons in Germany-By EUOBSERVER
23. Sep, 13:44-Russia has accused the US of placing tactical nuclear weapons in Germany, with the Kremlin, on Wednesday, threatening "corresponding countermeasures". Tactical weapons are designed for use in regional conflicts, by contrast to inter-continental "strategic" missiles. UN specialists say Russia also has a large, but undeclared, tactical arsenal in Europe.
Egypt buys French Mistral war ships built for Russia-By EUOBSERVER
24. Sep, 08:33-Egypt has agreed to buy two French Mistral warships originally built for Russia, the French presidency has announced. France cancelled a deal to sell the ships to Russia last year, following the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Earlier this year, Egypt also bought 24 advanced Rafale fighter jets from France.
Eight out of ten Russians back Putin - poll-By EUOBSERVER
24. Sep, 09:26-Eight in ten Russians (84%) back Vladimir Putin as president, according to a September poll published by Interfax. Asked to name the Russian politicians they most trust, Putin was cited by 59%, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu 25%, Prime Minister Medvedev 20% and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov came fourth with 17%.
EU, Ukraine, Russia in 'final' gas talks Friday-sept 24,15-By EUOBSERVER
Today, 17:11-Russian energy minister Alexander Novak and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Demchyshyn will come to Brussels Friday for EU-mediated talks about gas delivery, the European Commission announced Thursday. The Commission said it has "the firm objective to finalise the so called winter package for the winter period 2015/16."
Obama and Putin to meet; Syria and Ukraine vie for attention-Reuters By Roberta Rampton and Denis Dyomkin-sept 24,15-yahoonews
WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New York next week at a time of high tension in Europe and the Middle East, but the Kremlin and the White House disagreed on Thursday over the top priority for the talks.The White House insisted the meeting would focus on eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces are fighting the Kiev government, prompting tough sanctions that have damaged Russia's economy.Moscow, however, said the main focus would be on Syria, where Russia has built up its military forces in recent weeks with combat aircraft, tanks and other equipment in support of President Bashar al-Assad.Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters: "Of course, the primary topic will be Syria." Asked whether Ukraine would be discussed, he said: "Well, if time allows.""There will be time," Obama's spokesman, Josh Earnest, retorted during a briefing in Washington. Earnest, speaking at the White House, played down the possibility for any "major announcement" from the meeting.The leaders will be in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly on Monday morning. Peskov said the meeting would take place after Putin's speech, but Earnest declined to say when it would happen.The two camps also differed over who called for the meeting. The Kremlin said it was organized “by mutual agreement," but Earnest said it was being held at Putin's request. He said the Russians were "more desperate" to talk to their American counterparts because of the economic sanctions' impact.Past meetings between the two leaders have been frosty. One encounter in June 2013, which also focused on Syria, resulted in a famous photo of the leaders looking distant and glum. Earnest said Putin had used similar body language in a photo after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week."President Putin was striking a now-familiar pose of less-than-perfect posture, an unbuttoned jacket, and knees spread far apart, to convey a particular image," Earnest said.The United States also hopes to advance political talks on Syria at other General Assembly meetings, Sheba Crocker, assistant secretary for international organization affairs, told a State Department briefing.But Crocker said the United States would not back a U.N. Security Council statement on countering terrorism proposed by Russia because of fears it would send the wrong message to U.S. partners in the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria.(Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Doina Chiacu, Mohammad Zargham and Darya Korsunskaya; Editing by David Storey and Jonathan Oatis)
Juncker answer on Catalonia grew in translation By Helena Spongenberg-sept 24,15-euobserver
Barcelona, Today, 16:46-The European Commission is looking into what happened to the Spanish version of a written answer from Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to a Spanish MEP earlier this week, which differed considerably from the original answer given in English.Catalan centre-right MEP Santiago Fisas had asked Juncker in a written question whether or not the European Commission would recognise a potential call for a unilateral declaration of independence from Catalonia, or if it would respect the Spanish Constitution, which is against such a declaration.The Spanish translation of the original English version adds an extra 9-line paragraph saying that a regional parliament cannot decide on the fate of its territory.Fisas' question for Juncker came just days before Catalans head to the ballot box on Sunday (27 September) in a regional election that has turned into a de facto referendum on independence from Spain."There is only one authentic version," Commission spokesperson Mina Andreeva told journalists on Thursday (24 September)."The answer to the question that was given in English is the authentic version because it is the English version to which the President agreed and which bears his signature," she added.She said that "mistakes" and "human errors" do happen in an organisation like the Commission of 35,000 people. "And as always when human errors happen, we look into our system, how it works and we are trying to establish the facts", she continued."I think what is important, is to know that nobody can manipulate the Commission", Andreeva insisted once again.However, while the English version is short and simple answering that "it is not for the Commission to express a position on questions of internal organisation related to the constitutional arrangements of a particular Member State", the Spanish version adds an extra 9-line paragraph, saying that a regional parliament cannot decide on the fate of its territory."Determining the territory of a Member State is only set by national constitutional law, and not by a decision of a regional Parliament contrary to the constitution of this State", it says, referring to the Treaty of the European Union.More than a mistake-Catalan liberal MEP Ramon Tremosa believes that the extra paragraph is a manipulation of the Spanish government. "It is a manipulated paragraph, it is not a human error, it is more than a mistake.""If the European Commission does not bring out the truth, it will have lost a lot of credibility," Tremosa said, adding that the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo has already used the extra argument from the Spanish version in a televised election debate in Catalonia.Juncker made headlines across Spain on Monday with the Spanish version of the answer, just days before the regional election in Catalonia.Independence is the main talking point surrounding Catalonia's vote on Sunday, with the regional election becoming a plebiscite on Catalan secession from Spain.Opinions from the European Union could have an impact on how people vote.It was not possible to get a comment from MEP Santiago Fisas. However, in a radio interview on Ser Catalunya on Wednesday, Fisas said that he had only seen the Spanish version of the answer and that no one had informed him of any change.Once that happens he said he would "write a letter to Mr Juncker asking for explanations."The case came to light when an assistant to liberal MEP Ramon Tremosa - Aleix Sarri - happened to take a look at the English version and realised that it looked very different than the Spanish version. Both answers to the MEP question have since been taken off the European Parliament website, while the incident is being investigated.The standard answer-Both versions of the Juncker answer refer to a previous answer by Juncker on a similar question, which in turn refers to three previous answers by the European Commission on other related questions.One of those three answers finally refers to a reply from 2004 by former Commission President Romano Prodi which is the European executive's standard response to questions of what will happen if a region of a member state becomes independent. The Commission argues that in that case, a new independent country becomes a third country and must reapply for EU membership.However, none of the abovementioned Commission answers in English mention whether or not a regional parliament can decide on the fate of its territory, as the extra paragraph in the Spanish version said was against the Treaty of the EU's "article 4, paragraph 2".
EU summit focuses on border security, Turkey By Eszter Zalan-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 23. Sep, 21:06-EU leaders in Brussels on Wednesday (23 September) are in talks on broader aspects of the migrant crisis, following a difficult deal on relocations Tuesday.The focus will be on helping Turkey to keep Syrian refugees on its soil and to crack down on smuggler networks, on strengthening external borders, and on aiding third countries in the Middle East and Africa.“We have now reached a critical point where we need to end mutual recriminations and misunderstandings”, Donald Tusk, EU council president, said on arriving to the meeting.“Tonight our debate must be based on facts not on illusions and emotions”.Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite was more blunt. “We didn’t tackle serious questions yet. We’ll only start today”, she told reporters upon arrival.“It is not lack of European unity, but lack of European wisdom”.Turkey is key-Speaking of Turkey and other Syria neighbours, Tusk said: “Our partners are expecting our help to solve their refugee problems rather than thinking of how they can help us”.An EU spource said Turkey is in a better than ever bargaining position to get extra EU funding.He also said it wants easing of European pressure on the increasingly authoritarian Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.“ Turkey is key, if not ‘the’ key to the issue”, said the diplomat.Turkey hosts 2.2 million refugees four years after the civil war broke out in Syria.The European Commission said recently it could offer €1 billion to help.Defending borders-Leaders will also talk about external border security.On recent form, the EU’s so-called Schengen area travel freedoms mean it’s impossible to control who goes where once migrants enter the bloc.The fear is more EU countries will reintroduce border controls, de facto dismantling Schengen - a signature EU achievement.Hungary is about to complete a fence along its border with Croatia, a neighboring EU member, after building a fence on its Serbia line.Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, said on arrival in Brussels on Wednesday the EU should focus on Greece.“If Greece cannot defend its borders we should ask, kindly, since it is a sovereign country, to let other countries police the border,” he told reporters.He’s also proposing, in a six-point plan, to separate refugees from “economic migrants” before they arrive in the EU.For his part, Tusk said existing EU agencies - Frontex (border control), Europol (joint police), and the European Asylum Office - can help defend the EU’s thin blue line.Divisions-The summit takes place amid a bitter divide on migrant relocations.Big EU states, on Tuesday, in a vote, forced the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia to take part in a relocation scheme they don’t want.Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, who proposed the plan to share 120,000 refugees, tried to be both conciliatory and firm.“I talked to the Czech prime minister and he said he is ready to implement what concerns his country. We will not reopen [yesterday’s] decision, it must be respected”. he said on Wednesday,.Prague and Bratislava had threatened to take the matter to the European Court of Justice. But Prague later withdrew its threat.
WORLD POWERS IN THE LAST DAYS (END OF AGE OF GRACE NOT THE WORLD)
EUROPEAN UNION-KING OF WEST-DAN 9:26-27,DAN 7:23-24,DAN 11:40,REV 13:1-10
EGYPT-KING OF THE SOUTH-DAN 11:40
RUSSIA-KING OF THE NORTH-EZEK 38:1-2,EZEK 39:1-3
CHINA-KING OF THE EAST-DAN 11:44,REV 9:16,18
VATICAN-RELIGIOUS LEADER-REV 13:11-18,REV 17:4-5,9,18
WORLD TERRORISM
GENESIS 6:11-13
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.(WORLD TERRORISM,MURDERS)(HAMAS IN HEBREW IS VIOLENCE)
12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence (TERRORISM)(HAMAS) through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
GENESIS 16:11-12
11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her,(HAGAR) Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael;(FATHER OF THE ARAB/MUSLIMS) because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he (ISHMAEL-FATHER OF THE ARAB-MUSLIMS) will be a wild (DONKEY-JACKASS) man;(ISLAM IS A FAKE AND DANGEROUS SEX FOR MURDER CULT) his hand will be against every man,(ISLAM HATES EVERYONE) and every man's hand against him;(PROTECTING THEMSELVES FROM BEING BEHEADED) and he (ISHMAEL ARAB/MUSLIM) shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.(LITERAL-THE ARABS LIVE WITH THEIR BRETHERN JEWS)
ISAIAH 14:12-14
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,(SATAN) son of the morning!(HEBREW-CRECENT MOON-ISLAM) how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I (SATAN HAS EYE TROUBLES) will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.(AND 1/3RD OF THE ANGELS OF HEAVEN FELL WITH SATAN AND BECAME DEMONS)
JOHN 16:2
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.(ISLAM MURDERS IN THE NAME OF MOON GOD ALLAH OF ISLAM)
No plans for Obama-Rouhani meeting in New York: White House-AFP-sept 24,15-yahoonews
Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama has no plans to meet Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in New York during the UN General Assembly next week, the White House said Thursday."We currently do not have any plans for a meeting with president Rouhani and we are really not expecting one," said Ben Rhodes, a senior Obama foreign policy aide.
Interview: UN nuke chief pushback against Iran probe critics-Associated Press By GEORGE JAHN-sept 24,15-yahoonews
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the U.N. nuclear agency is pushing back against critics questioning the wisdom of letting Iranian experts take samples meant to help determine whether their own country clandestinely worked in the past on atomic arms.In an interview with The Associated Press Thursday, Yukiya Amano said he is convinced the process was faultless.Amano spoke less than a week after confirming that instead of personnel from his International Atomic Energy Agency, Iranians did the environmental sampling at a site where such alleged experiments work took place.Noting that the Iranians were under stringent IAEA monitoring, Amano then said he was confident "so far" that the samples were genuine. He appeared to go further on Thursday, however, saying he is "very sure that ... the samples are authentic."
Yazidis urge ICC to open probe into IS atrocities-AFP-sept 24,15-yahoonews
The Hague (AFP) - Iraq's Yazidi minority -- the target of brutal attacks by the Islamic State group -- on Thursday urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the militants for allegations of genocide and sexual slavery.Two Yazidi groups handed the court a new report and documents which show "that ISIS has systematically committed atrocities amounting to genocide and that these crimes fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC," said Murad Ismael of the Yazidi rights organisation Yazda.Earlier this year, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the IS group, which is sometimes referred to as ISIS or ISIL, had committed crimes of "unspeakable cruelty" including mass executions, rape and torture.But she said she could not investigate as neither Iraq nor Syria are signatories to the court and her "jurisdictional basis... is too narrow."The report, however, specifically names some 20 foreign fighters from countries who have signed the ICC's founding Rome Statute.A Kurdish-speaking minority mostly based around Sinjar mountain in northern Iraq, the Yazidis are neither Arabs nor Muslims and have a unique faith which Islamic State militants consider to be heretical and polytheistic.In August 2014, the jihadists made an unexpected push into areas of northern Iraq that had been under Kurdish control and were home to many of the country's minorities.Worst-hit were the Yazidis, who were massacred and abducted in large numbers when IS entered the Sinjar area.Tens of thousands scrambled up Mount Sinjar in a panic and remained stranded there for days with no food nor water.- 'Despicable crimes' -"It is abhorrent that such despicable crimes should be inflicted upon innocent civilians anywhere on Earth," said Ismael in a statement."The Yazidi community has been shattered by the sick crimes of ISIS terrorists who sought to annihilate the Yazidis on the basis of their religious distinctiveness," he said.According to Yazda, it is believed that some 3,000 people, including children and the elderly were killed although the figures remain unclear.The organisation said 12 mass graves have already been found around the Mount Sinjar area.Yazda also estimates that more than 5,200 people were taken captive during the August 2014 attacks, from which about 1,900 managed to escape. The rest are still being held.Eighty percent of the Yazidi population is now displaced and living in camps, Ismael added."ISIL sought to annihilate the religious identity, traditions and the very existence of the Yazidis," Yazda and the Free Yazidi Foundation said in their report to the ICC.Speaking to AFP, the prosecutor's office confirmed the "receipt of information" submitted by the two groups, but would not comment further.Ismael, who travelled from Houston, Texas to present the report to the court in The Hague, told AFP he was "confident that once the court reads through the details" it will decide it has jurisdiction over the case.
Putin hopes to steal UN show with Syria-focused speech-Associated Press By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
MOSCOW (AP) — With dozens of Russian combat jets and helicopter gunships lined up at an air base in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for a big-time show at the United Nations General Assembly.Observers expect the Russian leader to call for stronger U.N.-sanctioned global action against the Islamic State group and possibly announce some military moves in his speech on Monday. He is also due to meet on the same day with U.S. President Barack Obama.Putin appears to see the rise of the IS as both a major potential threat to Russia and a common cause that could help restore ties with the West, ravaged by the Ukrainian crisis. By claiming a new role in Syria, he may hope to lift Russia from the Ukrainian morass and rebuild its image as a top-tier global player capable of tackling IS, which he has called an "absolute evil."Fyodor Lukyanov, the editor of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, believes that Putin's moves in Syria are intended to "take the dialogue with the West out of the Ukrainian impasse.""Syria and the Middle East in general are the problems that attract global attention, and we raise our status by returning there as active players," said Lukyanov, who has strong official connections as the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, an association of Russia's top foreign policy experts.The Russian moves in Syria are also aimed at securing what is left of the Syrian state after a series of defeats suffered by President Bashar Assad's army, and saving Alawites from being massacred, Lukyanov said.Putin has been coy about his goals.While the Russian deployment to Syria couldn't be concealed, with giant military cargo planes and navy transport vessels shuttling back and forth for weeks to ferry troops, weapons and supplies, Moscow's plans remain unclear.Putin and his officials have said only that Russia has provided weapons and training to the Syrian military to help it combat IS. Asked if the Kremlin could send troops to fight IS, Putin answered that "we are looking at various options." His spokesman said Moscow would consider Syria's request for Russian troops to help combat the IS if Damascus were to ask.Some key questions remain:— Will Russia limit itself to providing weapons, training and advice to the Syrians as it has done before, or will it send its soldiers into actual combat?— If they do enter combat, will the Russians fight exclusively against IS, as the Kremlin has pledged, or will they also target other groups fighting against Assad?-— Will the Russian forces conduct only reconnaissance missions and air strikes, or will they also engage in ground action?-By preceding his U.N. speech with the military buildup, Putin apparently aims to coerce the U.S. into talks."The Russian diplomatic strategy is to be taken into account by the United States, basically," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Endowment's Moscow office, said in a conference call with reporters. "Russia is creating facts on the ground. Russia is not asking for permission to be in Syria, or to be doing things it's doing in Syria, and that creates a position from which the Russians think they can get ... some kind of an understanding with the United States."Worried by the threat of Russian and U.S. jets clashing inadvertently in Syrian skies, Washington has agreed to talk to Moscow on how to "deconflict" their military actions. Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter had a 50-minute phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, the first such military-to-military discussion between the two countries in more than a year.Israel acted similarly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Moscow this week to agree with Putin on a coordination mechanism to avoid any possible confrontation between Israeli and Russian forces in Syria."Russia wants to switch the attention away from Donbass (eastern Ukraine) to Syria, where, as Putin has been saying all the time, core Russian and U.S. interests, and European interests, are very similar," Trenin said.But while the U.S. has agreed to hold military discussions with Russia, any quick cash-out for Moscow appears unlikely. Washington and its allies view the Russian buildup with concern, worried that Putin would try to shore up Assad, whom Russia has shielded from U.N. sanctions and provided with weapons throughout the 4½-year civil war that has killed 250,000. The U.S. and its allies see Assad as the cause of the Syria crisis, and the continuing Russian support for him will not help warm ties.And even if Moscow and Washington find common ground on Syria, Kremlin hopes that the U.S. and its allies will eventually lose interest in Ukraine and become more accommodating to Moscow's interests seem illusory. Russia and the West have remained deeply divided by the Ukrainian crisis, and prospects for lifting Western economic sanctions against Moscow look dim as February's peace deal has floundered.Moscow's military involvement in Syria could also create a host of new problems that Putin may find hard to contain.Most analysts predict that if Putin openly commits his troops to combat in Syria, Russia will limit itself to air strikes and stay away from ground action. "There is no talk about a full-scale military operation and the deployment of a large contingent of troops," Lukyanov said.But even a limited Russian military action would anger Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states, which would see it as an effort to prop up Assad, whom they have vowed to unseat. Diplomatic damage aside, Russia would also face potential military losses, and terror threats will rise."It will strengthen the perception of Russia as a target for radicals, and retaliation may come anywhere," Lukyanov said.IS already has threatened to strike back at Russia, which has fought two wars with separatists in Chechnya and has seen numerous deadly terror attacks in the past by Islamic militants.On the battlefield in Syria, IS lacks sophisticated air defenses, but its forces still managed to down a Jordanian combat jet earlier this year. The group later released a video showing a captured Jordanian pilot being set ablaze while trapped in a cage.Possible Russian military casualties in Syria could push the Kremlin to respond in an even more forceful way, creating the risks of escalation. "There is a risk of being sucked deeper into it, even though no one wants that," said Lukyanov.While the Russian public broadly backed Putin's action in Ukraine, cast by official propaganda as saving fellow Russian-speakers from Western-backed Ukrainian nationalists, any military action in Syria would draw quick comparisons to the botched Soviet war in Afghanistan. There already have been reports that a group of Russian soldiers refused to go to Syria, citing lack of clear orders and no guarantees about benefits for their families if they were wounded or killed.Georgy Mirsky, a widely respected Middle East expert with the Moscow-based Institute for World Economy and International Relations, expects Putin to stop short of committing Russian soldiers to combat and limit Moscow's involvement to providing weapons and training to the Syrian army. "Sending Russian boys to help some Arabs fight other Arabs would be extremely unpopular," Mirsky said.
Diplomats jostle to lay out position on how to end Syria war-Associated Press By LORI HINNANT and CARA ANNA-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
PARIS (AP) — Europe's top diplomats, the United States and Russia jostled to lay out their positions Thursday on how best to end the civil war in Syria, which has sent millions fleeing their homes and killed thousands.A central issue at the U.N.'s largest gathering of world leaders next week will be how and whether to include Syrian President Bashar Assad in any talks about the future of the country.In the U.S., envoys said the Obama administration refused to negotiate over a Russian statement they feared would strengthen Assad's hand at the United Nations. But efforts to stem the long-running crisis have new urgency in Europe, which is divided over how to deal with a new influx of refugees fleeing the war zone.Russia, meanwhile, is bolstering military support for Assad, while U.S. support for rebels fighting the Syrian leader has foundered. About 4 million people have fled Syria during the conflict, which the U.N. says has killed more than 250,000.A Kremlin spokesman has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet President Barack Obama on Monday.A draft of Russia's council statement, obtained by The Associated Press, urges countries to fight extremist groups "in coordination with the governments of the affected states."Sheba Crocker, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for international organization affairs, confirmed that the U.S. told Russia it couldn't back the proposed statement.One Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because the discussion was not a public one, said Russia's new military buildup in Syria was hindering any hope for talks.The diplomat noted the recent flurry of diplomatic activity on Syria after the Iran nuclear deal was announced, including a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Qatar, but said that window "slammed shut" with Russia's new military buildup.The international community is also watching for possible shifts on key countries' stance on Assad.While Kerry stressed last week the U.S. demand that Assad must go, he stated explicitly that an acceptable resolution to the Syrian war would allow Assad to remain in place for a time before departing."We're not being doctrinaire about the specific date or time — we're open," Kerry said. "But right now, Assad has refused to have a serious discussion and Russia has refused to bring him to the table in order to do that. So that's why we're where we are."As for an Assad timetable, Kerry said "it doesn't have to be on day one or month one or whatever," but in context of negotiations.And on Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she favored including Assad at the negotiating table in the future."I think one has to speak with many actors. That includes Assad," she said.In Paris, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it wasn't yet time to negotiate with Russia, and in a brief statement didn't even broach the idea of negotiations with Assad as he sought some kind of common position with his French and British counterparts."We have to find an approach which will be able to bridge the different positions, interests especially of the actors in the region," Steinmeier said.French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Thursday's Paris meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for more in-depth talks at the U.N. General Assembly, which begins Monday in New York.But, Fabius said, "Bashar Assad cannot represent the future of a people in a country that he has martyred."___Cara Anna reported from the United Nations. Bradley Klapper contributed to this report from Washington.
IS suicide bomber dressed as a woman kills 10 at Yemen Houthi mosque-Reuters By Mohammed Ghobari-sept 24,15-yahoonews
SANAA (Reuters) - At least 10 Muslim worshippers performing Eid al-Adha prayers were killed on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomber disguised as a woman blew himself up at a mosque run by Yemen's Houthi group, security sources said.In northern Yemen, residents said warplanes from the Arab coalition conducting air raids against the Houthis struck a house in Hajjah province, killing six members of the same family, including four children. Two other people were wounded in the attack, residents reached by telephone said.Islamic State's branch in Yemen said the attack at al-Balili mosque, just outside the Old City of Sanaa, had killed or wounded dozens of "rejectionists". The Sunni militant group uses that term to describe Shi'ite Muslims it deems to be heretics."In a security operation facilitated by God as part of the acts of revenge for Muslims from the rejectionist Houthis, brother Abu Omar al-Hadidi waded into a crowd of apostate Houthis at al-Balili temple, detonated his suicide belt causing dozens to perish or to be injured...," the statement said.Medics said at least 36 other people were wounded. A Houthi website gave a death toll of at least 10, while Arab media said it was at least 25.The Houthis, allies of Iran, seized Sanaa a year ago and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile in Saudi Arabia. Since March, the Western-allied Saudis have led an Arab coalition trying to restore Hadi to power and drive the Houthis back to their northern stronghold.More than 4,500 people have been killed in the conflict, which Islamic State has exploited to expand its operations.WITNESSES-Witnesses had earlier described a twin suicide attack on the mosque, where worshippers were celebrating Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice.Nayef, who lives nearby, said he heard one explosion followed quickly by a second. "We gathered to rescue the wounded. The situation is very painful and blood is everywhere."The witnesses said the first blast shook the mosque soon after worshippers gathered for prayers. A second suicide bomber detonated his explosives belt when Houthi guards tried to stop him rushing deep inside the mosque.Houthi fighters sealed off the area and shouted at onlookers to stay away.It was the second attack in the capital this month to target a mosque run by the Shi'ite Zaydi group. On Sept. 2, at least 28 people were killed and 75 wounded in twin suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State at a mosque in northern Sanaa.In March, Islamic State suicide bombers killed at least 137 worshippers and wounded hundreds more in coordinated attacks at two mosques during Friday prayers in Sanaa.Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television said on Thursday at least 40 Houthis were killed while trying to sneak into a Saudi village across the border with Yemen. The satellite channel showed photos of at least three dead fighters it said had been killed near the village of Hathera in Jizan province.The Houthis did not comment on the report.(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari in Sanaa and Omar Fahmy in Cairo; Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Jon Boyle)
More than 700 pilgrims die in crush in worst haj disaster for 25 years-Reuters By Nidal al-Mughrabi-sept 24,15-yahoonews
MINA, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - At least 717 pilgrims from around the world were killed on Thursday in a crush outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi authorities said, in the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage for 25 years.At least 863 others were injured. Saudi King Salman said he had ordered a review of haj plans after the disaster, in which two large groups of pilgrims arrived together at a crossroads in Mina, a few kilometers east of Mecca, on their way to performing the "stoning of the devil" ritual at Jamarat. Thursday's disaster was the worst to occur at the pilgrimage since July 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims suffocated in a tunnel near Mecca. Both incidents occurred on Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islam's most important feast and the day of the stoning ritual.Photographs published on the Twitter feed of Saudi civil defense on Thursday showed pilgrims lying on stretchers while emergency workers in high-visibility jackets lifted them into an ambulance.Other images showed bodies of men in white haj garments piled on top of each other. Some corpses bore visible injuries.Unverified video posted on Twitter showed pilgrims and rescue workers trying to revive some victims.The haj, the world's largest annual gathering of people, has been the scene of numerous deadly stampedes, fires and riots in the past, but their frequency has been greatly reduced in recent years as the government spent billions of dollars upgrading and expanding haj infrastructure and crowd control technology.Safety during haj is a politically sensitive issue for the kingdom's ruling Al Saud dynasty, which presents itself internationally as the guardian of orthodox Islam and custodian of its holiest places in Mecca and Medina.BLAME-Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Saudi government should accept responsibility for the crush, in which more than 100 Iranian nationals were reported to have died."The Saudi government should accept the responsibility of this sorrowful incident ... Mismanagement and improper actions have caused this catastrophe," Khamenei said in a statement published on his website.King Salman offered deep condolences."We have instructed concerned authorities to review the operations plan ... (and) to raise the level of organization and management to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals in comfort and ease," the monarch said.The Interior Ministry spokesman, Mansour Turki said the investigation would look into what caused an unusual mass of pilgrims to congregate at the location of the disaster. "The reason for that is not known yet," he told a news conference in Mina.U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the White House offered condolences."The United States expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the hundreds of haj pilgrims killed and hundreds more injured in the heartbreaking stampede in Mina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," White House spokesman Ned Price said.Iran's Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that 125 Iranians were among the dead. Fars reported that Tehran summoned the Saudi charge d'affaires to lodge an official complaint over the disaster. South African Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to families of the victims and said his government was awaiting information about his country's pilgrims.-JAMARAT-Street 204, where the crush occurred, is one of two main arteries leading through the camp at Mina to Jamarat, the site where pilgrims ritually stone the devil by hurling pebbles at three large pillars. In 2006, at least 346 pilgrims died in a stampede at Jamarat."Work is under way to separate large groups of people and direct pilgrims to alternative routes," the Saudi Civil Defence said on its Twitter account.It said more than 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers had been sent in to help the injured. Some of the wounded were evacuated by helicopters. An Arab pilgrim who did not want to give his name said he had hoped to perform the stoning ritual later on Thursday afternoon but was now too frightened to risk doing so."I am very tired already and after this I can't go. I will wait for the night and if it not resolved, I will see if maybe somebody else can do it on my behalf," he said.Efforts to improve safety at Jamarat have included enlarging the three pillars and constructing a three-decker bridge around them to increase the area and number of entry and exit points for pilgrims to perform the ritual.More than 100,000 police and thousands of video cameras are also deployed to allow groups to be dispersed before they reach dangerous levels of density."Please pilgrims do not push one another. Please leave from the exit and don't come back by the same route," an officer kept repeating through a loudspeaker at Jamarat.Two weeks ago 110 people died in Mecca's Grand Mosque when a crane working on an expansion project collapsed during a storm and toppled off the roof into the main courtyard, crushing pilgrims underneath.For a map locating the site of the crush, see: http://link.reuters.com/jaz65w (Additional reporting by Omar Fahmy in Cairo, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in Dubai, Michelle Nichols in New York and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Sami Aboudi and Angus McDowall; Editing by Dominic Evans, William Maclean and Raissa Kasolowsky)
Obama, Xi to hold superpower supper-AFP By Andrew Beatty-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
Washington (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Washington Thursday, kicking off a state visit by dining with US President Barack Obama, an informal sit-down that may shape superpower relations for years to come.Leaders of the world's two pre-eminent military and economic powers will dine at Blair House -- a casual meal that aides say could be as important as Friday's formal proceedings.Analysts say Xi prizes Friday's 21-gun salute and ceremonial state dinner as a way of showing the Chinese people that he and the country are being treated as a great power.But US officials admit the litany of problems now plaguing US-China relations and doubts over Xi's commitment to a "peaceful rise" are unlikely to be resolved over butter-poached Maine lobster or grilled cannon of Colorado lamb."Far and away, the most constructive engagements they've had have been in their private dinners," said senior Obama national security aide Ben Rhodes.Thursday's informal dinner is an opportunity, Rhodes said, to "put aside the talking points and actually get a window into one another’s world view.""And those world views are very different. And that's part of why I think the conversations are useful and important, because it provides a context for all these issues."- 'Cooperating and competing' -Xi -- who kicked off his US visit in Seattle, meeting with top corporate CEOs -- is seen in Washington as one of the strongest Chinese leaders in decades, consolidating political, military and government power at a speed not seen since Deng Xiaoping.Even as the Chinese economy has slowed -- calling into question Xi and the Communist Party's technocratic bona fides into question -- Xi has tightened his grip on power at home.But his assertiveness has prompted serious maritime, economic and cybersecurity disputes that US officials say risk throwing a complex and delicately balanced relationship out of kilter."At any one time we are cooperating and competing," said one senior administration official, who asked not to be named."What we strive for is to make sure that competition doesn't define the relationship and that competition is taking place in a way that is healthy and is fair."At previous summits, agreements on climate change, trade and military cooperation have helped emphasize the positives in US-China relations.This time around, such breakthroughs are unlikely, although an agreement on cyber security has not been ruled out."I don't think in this state visit you will see really attention-grabbing announcements," said one US official.- Cyber theft a 'serious' issue -Obama and Xi will look to highlight cooperation to curb Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, efforts to tackle climate change and people-to-people ties.An agreement is also expected to limit the risk of dangerous air-to-air military encounters.On the eve of Xi's visit, US officials revealed that two Chinese fighter jets had passed dangerously close to an American spy plane in international airspace over the Yellow Sea.But such agreements treat the symptoms, according to Michael Green, a former National Security Council official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies."The larger challenge, the harder question that the administration's deferring on is, if the Chinese behavior continues and the most we can get are important but essentially Band-Aid cures for some of the symptoms, at what point does the US have to consider imposing costs," he said.A series of cyber hacks and Beijing's forcible occupation of disputed territory in the South China Sea have prompted the Obama administration to send a message that these costs may come soon if Xi's response is unsatisfactory." We have serious and fundamental concerns with Chinese state-sponsored cyber-enabled economic theft of our companies' intellectual property and trade secrets, for the benefit of Chinese companies," a senior administration official told AFP."The president has raised this a number of times with Xi, as have officials. We expect to see action. We will not hesitate to take the steps necessary to protect our economy and our companies," the official said."This is not a minor irritant. It gets at the heart of our economy. It's a national security and economic security issue. It's of critical strategic importance."
DANIEL 7:23-25
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast (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.(TRADING BLOCKS-10 WORLD REGIONS/TRADE BLOCS)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings(10 NATIONS-10 WORLD DIVISION WORLD GOVERNMENT) that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.(THE EU (EUROPEAN UNION) TAKES OVER IRAQ WHICH HAS SPLIT INTO 3-SUNNI-KURD-SHIA PARTS-AND THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE IS BROUGHT BACK TOGETHER-THE TWO LEGS OF DANIEL WESTERN LEG AND THE ISLAMIC LEG COMBINED AS 1)
LUKE 2:1-3
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Russia says US installing nuclear weapons in Germany-By EUOBSERVER
23. Sep, 13:44-Russia has accused the US of placing tactical nuclear weapons in Germany, with the Kremlin, on Wednesday, threatening "corresponding countermeasures". Tactical weapons are designed for use in regional conflicts, by contrast to inter-continental "strategic" missiles. UN specialists say Russia also has a large, but undeclared, tactical arsenal in Europe.
Egypt buys French Mistral war ships built for Russia-By EUOBSERVER
24. Sep, 08:33-Egypt has agreed to buy two French Mistral warships originally built for Russia, the French presidency has announced. France cancelled a deal to sell the ships to Russia last year, following the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Earlier this year, Egypt also bought 24 advanced Rafale fighter jets from France.
Eight out of ten Russians back Putin - poll-By EUOBSERVER
24. Sep, 09:26-Eight in ten Russians (84%) back Vladimir Putin as president, according to a September poll published by Interfax. Asked to name the Russian politicians they most trust, Putin was cited by 59%, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu 25%, Prime Minister Medvedev 20% and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov came fourth with 17%.
EU, Ukraine, Russia in 'final' gas talks Friday-sept 24,15-By EUOBSERVER
Today, 17:11-Russian energy minister Alexander Novak and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Demchyshyn will come to Brussels Friday for EU-mediated talks about gas delivery, the European Commission announced Thursday. The Commission said it has "the firm objective to finalise the so called winter package for the winter period 2015/16."
Obama and Putin to meet; Syria and Ukraine vie for attention-Reuters By Roberta Rampton and Denis Dyomkin-sept 24,15-yahoonews
WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New York next week at a time of high tension in Europe and the Middle East, but the Kremlin and the White House disagreed on Thursday over the top priority for the talks.The White House insisted the meeting would focus on eastern Ukraine, where Russian-backed forces are fighting the Kiev government, prompting tough sanctions that have damaged Russia's economy.Moscow, however, said the main focus would be on Syria, where Russia has built up its military forces in recent weeks with combat aircraft, tanks and other equipment in support of President Bashar al-Assad.Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters: "Of course, the primary topic will be Syria." Asked whether Ukraine would be discussed, he said: "Well, if time allows.""There will be time," Obama's spokesman, Josh Earnest, retorted during a briefing in Washington. Earnest, speaking at the White House, played down the possibility for any "major announcement" from the meeting.The leaders will be in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly on Monday morning. Peskov said the meeting would take place after Putin's speech, but Earnest declined to say when it would happen.The two camps also differed over who called for the meeting. The Kremlin said it was organized “by mutual agreement," but Earnest said it was being held at Putin's request. He said the Russians were "more desperate" to talk to their American counterparts because of the economic sanctions' impact.Past meetings between the two leaders have been frosty. One encounter in June 2013, which also focused on Syria, resulted in a famous photo of the leaders looking distant and glum. Earnest said Putin had used similar body language in a photo after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week."President Putin was striking a now-familiar pose of less-than-perfect posture, an unbuttoned jacket, and knees spread far apart, to convey a particular image," Earnest said.The United States also hopes to advance political talks on Syria at other General Assembly meetings, Sheba Crocker, assistant secretary for international organization affairs, told a State Department briefing.But Crocker said the United States would not back a U.N. Security Council statement on countering terrorism proposed by Russia because of fears it would send the wrong message to U.S. partners in the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria.(Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Doina Chiacu, Mohammad Zargham and Darya Korsunskaya; Editing by David Storey and Jonathan Oatis)
Juncker answer on Catalonia grew in translation By Helena Spongenberg-sept 24,15-euobserver
Barcelona, Today, 16:46-The European Commission is looking into what happened to the Spanish version of a written answer from Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to a Spanish MEP earlier this week, which differed considerably from the original answer given in English.Catalan centre-right MEP Santiago Fisas had asked Juncker in a written question whether or not the European Commission would recognise a potential call for a unilateral declaration of independence from Catalonia, or if it would respect the Spanish Constitution, which is against such a declaration.The Spanish translation of the original English version adds an extra 9-line paragraph saying that a regional parliament cannot decide on the fate of its territory.Fisas' question for Juncker came just days before Catalans head to the ballot box on Sunday (27 September) in a regional election that has turned into a de facto referendum on independence from Spain."There is only one authentic version," Commission spokesperson Mina Andreeva told journalists on Thursday (24 September)."The answer to the question that was given in English is the authentic version because it is the English version to which the President agreed and which bears his signature," she added.She said that "mistakes" and "human errors" do happen in an organisation like the Commission of 35,000 people. "And as always when human errors happen, we look into our system, how it works and we are trying to establish the facts", she continued."I think what is important, is to know that nobody can manipulate the Commission", Andreeva insisted once again.However, while the English version is short and simple answering that "it is not for the Commission to express a position on questions of internal organisation related to the constitutional arrangements of a particular Member State", the Spanish version adds an extra 9-line paragraph, saying that a regional parliament cannot decide on the fate of its territory."Determining the territory of a Member State is only set by national constitutional law, and not by a decision of a regional Parliament contrary to the constitution of this State", it says, referring to the Treaty of the European Union.More than a mistake-Catalan liberal MEP Ramon Tremosa believes that the extra paragraph is a manipulation of the Spanish government. "It is a manipulated paragraph, it is not a human error, it is more than a mistake.""If the European Commission does not bring out the truth, it will have lost a lot of credibility," Tremosa said, adding that the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo has already used the extra argument from the Spanish version in a televised election debate in Catalonia.Juncker made headlines across Spain on Monday with the Spanish version of the answer, just days before the regional election in Catalonia.Independence is the main talking point surrounding Catalonia's vote on Sunday, with the regional election becoming a plebiscite on Catalan secession from Spain.Opinions from the European Union could have an impact on how people vote.It was not possible to get a comment from MEP Santiago Fisas. However, in a radio interview on Ser Catalunya on Wednesday, Fisas said that he had only seen the Spanish version of the answer and that no one had informed him of any change.Once that happens he said he would "write a letter to Mr Juncker asking for explanations."The case came to light when an assistant to liberal MEP Ramon Tremosa - Aleix Sarri - happened to take a look at the English version and realised that it looked very different than the Spanish version. Both answers to the MEP question have since been taken off the European Parliament website, while the incident is being investigated.The standard answer-Both versions of the Juncker answer refer to a previous answer by Juncker on a similar question, which in turn refers to three previous answers by the European Commission on other related questions.One of those three answers finally refers to a reply from 2004 by former Commission President Romano Prodi which is the European executive's standard response to questions of what will happen if a region of a member state becomes independent. The Commission argues that in that case, a new independent country becomes a third country and must reapply for EU membership.However, none of the abovementioned Commission answers in English mention whether or not a regional parliament can decide on the fate of its territory, as the extra paragraph in the Spanish version said was against the Treaty of the EU's "article 4, paragraph 2".
EU summit focuses on border security, Turkey By Eszter Zalan-euobserver
BRUSSELS, 23. Sep, 21:06-EU leaders in Brussels on Wednesday (23 September) are in talks on broader aspects of the migrant crisis, following a difficult deal on relocations Tuesday.The focus will be on helping Turkey to keep Syrian refugees on its soil and to crack down on smuggler networks, on strengthening external borders, and on aiding third countries in the Middle East and Africa.“We have now reached a critical point where we need to end mutual recriminations and misunderstandings”, Donald Tusk, EU council president, said on arriving to the meeting.“Tonight our debate must be based on facts not on illusions and emotions”.Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite was more blunt. “We didn’t tackle serious questions yet. We’ll only start today”, she told reporters upon arrival.“It is not lack of European unity, but lack of European wisdom”.Turkey is key-Speaking of Turkey and other Syria neighbours, Tusk said: “Our partners are expecting our help to solve their refugee problems rather than thinking of how they can help us”.An EU spource said Turkey is in a better than ever bargaining position to get extra EU funding.He also said it wants easing of European pressure on the increasingly authoritarian Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.“ Turkey is key, if not ‘the’ key to the issue”, said the diplomat.Turkey hosts 2.2 million refugees four years after the civil war broke out in Syria.The European Commission said recently it could offer €1 billion to help.Defending borders-Leaders will also talk about external border security.On recent form, the EU’s so-called Schengen area travel freedoms mean it’s impossible to control who goes where once migrants enter the bloc.The fear is more EU countries will reintroduce border controls, de facto dismantling Schengen - a signature EU achievement.Hungary is about to complete a fence along its border with Croatia, a neighboring EU member, after building a fence on its Serbia line.Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, said on arrival in Brussels on Wednesday the EU should focus on Greece.“If Greece cannot defend its borders we should ask, kindly, since it is a sovereign country, to let other countries police the border,” he told reporters.He’s also proposing, in a six-point plan, to separate refugees from “economic migrants” before they arrive in the EU.For his part, Tusk said existing EU agencies - Frontex (border control), Europol (joint police), and the European Asylum Office - can help defend the EU’s thin blue line.Divisions-The summit takes place amid a bitter divide on migrant relocations.Big EU states, on Tuesday, in a vote, forced the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia to take part in a relocation scheme they don’t want.Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, who proposed the plan to share 120,000 refugees, tried to be both conciliatory and firm.“I talked to the Czech prime minister and he said he is ready to implement what concerns his country. We will not reopen [yesterday’s] decision, it must be respected”. he said on Wednesday,.Prague and Bratislava had threatened to take the matter to the European Court of Justice. But Prague later withdrew its threat.
WORLD POWERS IN THE LAST DAYS (END OF AGE OF GRACE NOT THE WORLD)
EUROPEAN UNION-KING OF WEST-DAN 9:26-27,DAN 7:23-24,DAN 11:40,REV 13:1-10
EGYPT-KING OF THE SOUTH-DAN 11:40
RUSSIA-KING OF THE NORTH-EZEK 38:1-2,EZEK 39:1-3
CHINA-KING OF THE EAST-DAN 11:44,REV 9:16,18
VATICAN-RELIGIOUS LEADER-REV 13:11-18,REV 17:4-5,9,18
WORLD TERRORISM
GENESIS 6:11-13
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.(WORLD TERRORISM,MURDERS)(HAMAS IN HEBREW IS VIOLENCE)
12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence (TERRORISM)(HAMAS) through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
GENESIS 16:11-12
11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her,(HAGAR) Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael;(FATHER OF THE ARAB/MUSLIMS) because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he (ISHMAEL-FATHER OF THE ARAB-MUSLIMS) will be a wild (DONKEY-JACKASS) man;(ISLAM IS A FAKE AND DANGEROUS SEX FOR MURDER CULT) his hand will be against every man,(ISLAM HATES EVERYONE) and every man's hand against him;(PROTECTING THEMSELVES FROM BEING BEHEADED) and he (ISHMAEL ARAB/MUSLIM) shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.(LITERAL-THE ARABS LIVE WITH THEIR BRETHERN JEWS)
ISAIAH 14:12-14
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,(SATAN) son of the morning!(HEBREW-CRECENT MOON-ISLAM) how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I (SATAN HAS EYE TROUBLES) will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.(AND 1/3RD OF THE ANGELS OF HEAVEN FELL WITH SATAN AND BECAME DEMONS)
JOHN 16:2
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.(ISLAM MURDERS IN THE NAME OF MOON GOD ALLAH OF ISLAM)
No plans for Obama-Rouhani meeting in New York: White House-AFP-sept 24,15-yahoonews
Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama has no plans to meet Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in New York during the UN General Assembly next week, the White House said Thursday."We currently do not have any plans for a meeting with president Rouhani and we are really not expecting one," said Ben Rhodes, a senior Obama foreign policy aide.
Interview: UN nuke chief pushback against Iran probe critics-Associated Press By GEORGE JAHN-sept 24,15-yahoonews
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The head of the U.N. nuclear agency is pushing back against critics questioning the wisdom of letting Iranian experts take samples meant to help determine whether their own country clandestinely worked in the past on atomic arms.In an interview with The Associated Press Thursday, Yukiya Amano said he is convinced the process was faultless.Amano spoke less than a week after confirming that instead of personnel from his International Atomic Energy Agency, Iranians did the environmental sampling at a site where such alleged experiments work took place.Noting that the Iranians were under stringent IAEA monitoring, Amano then said he was confident "so far" that the samples were genuine. He appeared to go further on Thursday, however, saying he is "very sure that ... the samples are authentic."
Yazidis urge ICC to open probe into IS atrocities-AFP-sept 24,15-yahoonews
The Hague (AFP) - Iraq's Yazidi minority -- the target of brutal attacks by the Islamic State group -- on Thursday urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the militants for allegations of genocide and sexual slavery.Two Yazidi groups handed the court a new report and documents which show "that ISIS has systematically committed atrocities amounting to genocide and that these crimes fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC," said Murad Ismael of the Yazidi rights organisation Yazda.Earlier this year, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the IS group, which is sometimes referred to as ISIS or ISIL, had committed crimes of "unspeakable cruelty" including mass executions, rape and torture.But she said she could not investigate as neither Iraq nor Syria are signatories to the court and her "jurisdictional basis... is too narrow."The report, however, specifically names some 20 foreign fighters from countries who have signed the ICC's founding Rome Statute.A Kurdish-speaking minority mostly based around Sinjar mountain in northern Iraq, the Yazidis are neither Arabs nor Muslims and have a unique faith which Islamic State militants consider to be heretical and polytheistic.In August 2014, the jihadists made an unexpected push into areas of northern Iraq that had been under Kurdish control and were home to many of the country's minorities.Worst-hit were the Yazidis, who were massacred and abducted in large numbers when IS entered the Sinjar area.Tens of thousands scrambled up Mount Sinjar in a panic and remained stranded there for days with no food nor water.- 'Despicable crimes' -"It is abhorrent that such despicable crimes should be inflicted upon innocent civilians anywhere on Earth," said Ismael in a statement."The Yazidi community has been shattered by the sick crimes of ISIS terrorists who sought to annihilate the Yazidis on the basis of their religious distinctiveness," he said.According to Yazda, it is believed that some 3,000 people, including children and the elderly were killed although the figures remain unclear.The organisation said 12 mass graves have already been found around the Mount Sinjar area.Yazda also estimates that more than 5,200 people were taken captive during the August 2014 attacks, from which about 1,900 managed to escape. The rest are still being held.Eighty percent of the Yazidi population is now displaced and living in camps, Ismael added."ISIL sought to annihilate the religious identity, traditions and the very existence of the Yazidis," Yazda and the Free Yazidi Foundation said in their report to the ICC.Speaking to AFP, the prosecutor's office confirmed the "receipt of information" submitted by the two groups, but would not comment further.Ismael, who travelled from Houston, Texas to present the report to the court in The Hague, told AFP he was "confident that once the court reads through the details" it will decide it has jurisdiction over the case.
Putin hopes to steal UN show with Syria-focused speech-Associated Press By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
MOSCOW (AP) — With dozens of Russian combat jets and helicopter gunships lined up at an air base in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for a big-time show at the United Nations General Assembly.Observers expect the Russian leader to call for stronger U.N.-sanctioned global action against the Islamic State group and possibly announce some military moves in his speech on Monday. He is also due to meet on the same day with U.S. President Barack Obama.Putin appears to see the rise of the IS as both a major potential threat to Russia and a common cause that could help restore ties with the West, ravaged by the Ukrainian crisis. By claiming a new role in Syria, he may hope to lift Russia from the Ukrainian morass and rebuild its image as a top-tier global player capable of tackling IS, which he has called an "absolute evil."Fyodor Lukyanov, the editor of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, believes that Putin's moves in Syria are intended to "take the dialogue with the West out of the Ukrainian impasse.""Syria and the Middle East in general are the problems that attract global attention, and we raise our status by returning there as active players," said Lukyanov, who has strong official connections as the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, an association of Russia's top foreign policy experts.The Russian moves in Syria are also aimed at securing what is left of the Syrian state after a series of defeats suffered by President Bashar Assad's army, and saving Alawites from being massacred, Lukyanov said.Putin has been coy about his goals.While the Russian deployment to Syria couldn't be concealed, with giant military cargo planes and navy transport vessels shuttling back and forth for weeks to ferry troops, weapons and supplies, Moscow's plans remain unclear.Putin and his officials have said only that Russia has provided weapons and training to the Syrian military to help it combat IS. Asked if the Kremlin could send troops to fight IS, Putin answered that "we are looking at various options." His spokesman said Moscow would consider Syria's request for Russian troops to help combat the IS if Damascus were to ask.Some key questions remain:— Will Russia limit itself to providing weapons, training and advice to the Syrians as it has done before, or will it send its soldiers into actual combat?— If they do enter combat, will the Russians fight exclusively against IS, as the Kremlin has pledged, or will they also target other groups fighting against Assad?-— Will the Russian forces conduct only reconnaissance missions and air strikes, or will they also engage in ground action?-By preceding his U.N. speech with the military buildup, Putin apparently aims to coerce the U.S. into talks."The Russian diplomatic strategy is to be taken into account by the United States, basically," Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Endowment's Moscow office, said in a conference call with reporters. "Russia is creating facts on the ground. Russia is not asking for permission to be in Syria, or to be doing things it's doing in Syria, and that creates a position from which the Russians think they can get ... some kind of an understanding with the United States."Worried by the threat of Russian and U.S. jets clashing inadvertently in Syrian skies, Washington has agreed to talk to Moscow on how to "deconflict" their military actions. Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter had a 50-minute phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, the first such military-to-military discussion between the two countries in more than a year.Israel acted similarly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Moscow this week to agree with Putin on a coordination mechanism to avoid any possible confrontation between Israeli and Russian forces in Syria."Russia wants to switch the attention away from Donbass (eastern Ukraine) to Syria, where, as Putin has been saying all the time, core Russian and U.S. interests, and European interests, are very similar," Trenin said.But while the U.S. has agreed to hold military discussions with Russia, any quick cash-out for Moscow appears unlikely. Washington and its allies view the Russian buildup with concern, worried that Putin would try to shore up Assad, whom Russia has shielded from U.N. sanctions and provided with weapons throughout the 4½-year civil war that has killed 250,000. The U.S. and its allies see Assad as the cause of the Syria crisis, and the continuing Russian support for him will not help warm ties.And even if Moscow and Washington find common ground on Syria, Kremlin hopes that the U.S. and its allies will eventually lose interest in Ukraine and become more accommodating to Moscow's interests seem illusory. Russia and the West have remained deeply divided by the Ukrainian crisis, and prospects for lifting Western economic sanctions against Moscow look dim as February's peace deal has floundered.Moscow's military involvement in Syria could also create a host of new problems that Putin may find hard to contain.Most analysts predict that if Putin openly commits his troops to combat in Syria, Russia will limit itself to air strikes and stay away from ground action. "There is no talk about a full-scale military operation and the deployment of a large contingent of troops," Lukyanov said.But even a limited Russian military action would anger Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states, which would see it as an effort to prop up Assad, whom they have vowed to unseat. Diplomatic damage aside, Russia would also face potential military losses, and terror threats will rise."It will strengthen the perception of Russia as a target for radicals, and retaliation may come anywhere," Lukyanov said.IS already has threatened to strike back at Russia, which has fought two wars with separatists in Chechnya and has seen numerous deadly terror attacks in the past by Islamic militants.On the battlefield in Syria, IS lacks sophisticated air defenses, but its forces still managed to down a Jordanian combat jet earlier this year. The group later released a video showing a captured Jordanian pilot being set ablaze while trapped in a cage.Possible Russian military casualties in Syria could push the Kremlin to respond in an even more forceful way, creating the risks of escalation. "There is a risk of being sucked deeper into it, even though no one wants that," said Lukyanov.While the Russian public broadly backed Putin's action in Ukraine, cast by official propaganda as saving fellow Russian-speakers from Western-backed Ukrainian nationalists, any military action in Syria would draw quick comparisons to the botched Soviet war in Afghanistan. There already have been reports that a group of Russian soldiers refused to go to Syria, citing lack of clear orders and no guarantees about benefits for their families if they were wounded or killed.Georgy Mirsky, a widely respected Middle East expert with the Moscow-based Institute for World Economy and International Relations, expects Putin to stop short of committing Russian soldiers to combat and limit Moscow's involvement to providing weapons and training to the Syrian army. "Sending Russian boys to help some Arabs fight other Arabs would be extremely unpopular," Mirsky said.
Diplomats jostle to lay out position on how to end Syria war-Associated Press By LORI HINNANT and CARA ANNA-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
PARIS (AP) — Europe's top diplomats, the United States and Russia jostled to lay out their positions Thursday on how best to end the civil war in Syria, which has sent millions fleeing their homes and killed thousands.A central issue at the U.N.'s largest gathering of world leaders next week will be how and whether to include Syrian President Bashar Assad in any talks about the future of the country.In the U.S., envoys said the Obama administration refused to negotiate over a Russian statement they feared would strengthen Assad's hand at the United Nations. But efforts to stem the long-running crisis have new urgency in Europe, which is divided over how to deal with a new influx of refugees fleeing the war zone.Russia, meanwhile, is bolstering military support for Assad, while U.S. support for rebels fighting the Syrian leader has foundered. About 4 million people have fled Syria during the conflict, which the U.N. says has killed more than 250,000.A Kremlin spokesman has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet President Barack Obama on Monday.A draft of Russia's council statement, obtained by The Associated Press, urges countries to fight extremist groups "in coordination with the governments of the affected states."Sheba Crocker, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for international organization affairs, confirmed that the U.S. told Russia it couldn't back the proposed statement.One Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because the discussion was not a public one, said Russia's new military buildup in Syria was hindering any hope for talks.The diplomat noted the recent flurry of diplomatic activity on Syria after the Iran nuclear deal was announced, including a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Qatar, but said that window "slammed shut" with Russia's new military buildup.The international community is also watching for possible shifts on key countries' stance on Assad.While Kerry stressed last week the U.S. demand that Assad must go, he stated explicitly that an acceptable resolution to the Syrian war would allow Assad to remain in place for a time before departing."We're not being doctrinaire about the specific date or time — we're open," Kerry said. "But right now, Assad has refused to have a serious discussion and Russia has refused to bring him to the table in order to do that. So that's why we're where we are."As for an Assad timetable, Kerry said "it doesn't have to be on day one or month one or whatever," but in context of negotiations.And on Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she favored including Assad at the negotiating table in the future."I think one has to speak with many actors. That includes Assad," she said.In Paris, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it wasn't yet time to negotiate with Russia, and in a brief statement didn't even broach the idea of negotiations with Assad as he sought some kind of common position with his French and British counterparts."We have to find an approach which will be able to bridge the different positions, interests especially of the actors in the region," Steinmeier said.French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Thursday's Paris meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for more in-depth talks at the U.N. General Assembly, which begins Monday in New York.But, Fabius said, "Bashar Assad cannot represent the future of a people in a country that he has martyred."___Cara Anna reported from the United Nations. Bradley Klapper contributed to this report from Washington.
IS suicide bomber dressed as a woman kills 10 at Yemen Houthi mosque-Reuters By Mohammed Ghobari-sept 24,15-yahoonews
SANAA (Reuters) - At least 10 Muslim worshippers performing Eid al-Adha prayers were killed on Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomber disguised as a woman blew himself up at a mosque run by Yemen's Houthi group, security sources said.In northern Yemen, residents said warplanes from the Arab coalition conducting air raids against the Houthis struck a house in Hajjah province, killing six members of the same family, including four children. Two other people were wounded in the attack, residents reached by telephone said.Islamic State's branch in Yemen said the attack at al-Balili mosque, just outside the Old City of Sanaa, had killed or wounded dozens of "rejectionists". The Sunni militant group uses that term to describe Shi'ite Muslims it deems to be heretics."In a security operation facilitated by God as part of the acts of revenge for Muslims from the rejectionist Houthis, brother Abu Omar al-Hadidi waded into a crowd of apostate Houthis at al-Balili temple, detonated his suicide belt causing dozens to perish or to be injured...," the statement said.Medics said at least 36 other people were wounded. A Houthi website gave a death toll of at least 10, while Arab media said it was at least 25.The Houthis, allies of Iran, seized Sanaa a year ago and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile in Saudi Arabia. Since March, the Western-allied Saudis have led an Arab coalition trying to restore Hadi to power and drive the Houthis back to their northern stronghold.More than 4,500 people have been killed in the conflict, which Islamic State has exploited to expand its operations.WITNESSES-Witnesses had earlier described a twin suicide attack on the mosque, where worshippers were celebrating Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice.Nayef, who lives nearby, said he heard one explosion followed quickly by a second. "We gathered to rescue the wounded. The situation is very painful and blood is everywhere."The witnesses said the first blast shook the mosque soon after worshippers gathered for prayers. A second suicide bomber detonated his explosives belt when Houthi guards tried to stop him rushing deep inside the mosque.Houthi fighters sealed off the area and shouted at onlookers to stay away.It was the second attack in the capital this month to target a mosque run by the Shi'ite Zaydi group. On Sept. 2, at least 28 people were killed and 75 wounded in twin suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State at a mosque in northern Sanaa.In March, Islamic State suicide bombers killed at least 137 worshippers and wounded hundreds more in coordinated attacks at two mosques during Friday prayers in Sanaa.Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television said on Thursday at least 40 Houthis were killed while trying to sneak into a Saudi village across the border with Yemen. The satellite channel showed photos of at least three dead fighters it said had been killed near the village of Hathera in Jizan province.The Houthis did not comment on the report.(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari in Sanaa and Omar Fahmy in Cairo; Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Jon Boyle)
More than 700 pilgrims die in crush in worst haj disaster for 25 years-Reuters By Nidal al-Mughrabi-sept 24,15-yahoonews
MINA, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) - At least 717 pilgrims from around the world were killed on Thursday in a crush outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi authorities said, in the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage for 25 years.At least 863 others were injured. Saudi King Salman said he had ordered a review of haj plans after the disaster, in which two large groups of pilgrims arrived together at a crossroads in Mina, a few kilometers east of Mecca, on their way to performing the "stoning of the devil" ritual at Jamarat. Thursday's disaster was the worst to occur at the pilgrimage since July 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims suffocated in a tunnel near Mecca. Both incidents occurred on Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islam's most important feast and the day of the stoning ritual.Photographs published on the Twitter feed of Saudi civil defense on Thursday showed pilgrims lying on stretchers while emergency workers in high-visibility jackets lifted them into an ambulance.Other images showed bodies of men in white haj garments piled on top of each other. Some corpses bore visible injuries.Unverified video posted on Twitter showed pilgrims and rescue workers trying to revive some victims.The haj, the world's largest annual gathering of people, has been the scene of numerous deadly stampedes, fires and riots in the past, but their frequency has been greatly reduced in recent years as the government spent billions of dollars upgrading and expanding haj infrastructure and crowd control technology.Safety during haj is a politically sensitive issue for the kingdom's ruling Al Saud dynasty, which presents itself internationally as the guardian of orthodox Islam and custodian of its holiest places in Mecca and Medina.BLAME-Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Saudi government should accept responsibility for the crush, in which more than 100 Iranian nationals were reported to have died."The Saudi government should accept the responsibility of this sorrowful incident ... Mismanagement and improper actions have caused this catastrophe," Khamenei said in a statement published on his website.King Salman offered deep condolences."We have instructed concerned authorities to review the operations plan ... (and) to raise the level of organization and management to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals in comfort and ease," the monarch said.The Interior Ministry spokesman, Mansour Turki said the investigation would look into what caused an unusual mass of pilgrims to congregate at the location of the disaster. "The reason for that is not known yet," he told a news conference in Mina.U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the White House offered condolences."The United States expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the hundreds of haj pilgrims killed and hundreds more injured in the heartbreaking stampede in Mina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," White House spokesman Ned Price said.Iran's Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that 125 Iranians were among the dead. Fars reported that Tehran summoned the Saudi charge d'affaires to lodge an official complaint over the disaster. South African Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to families of the victims and said his government was awaiting information about his country's pilgrims.-JAMARAT-Street 204, where the crush occurred, is one of two main arteries leading through the camp at Mina to Jamarat, the site where pilgrims ritually stone the devil by hurling pebbles at three large pillars. In 2006, at least 346 pilgrims died in a stampede at Jamarat."Work is under way to separate large groups of people and direct pilgrims to alternative routes," the Saudi Civil Defence said on its Twitter account.It said more than 220 ambulances and 4,000 rescue workers had been sent in to help the injured. Some of the wounded were evacuated by helicopters. An Arab pilgrim who did not want to give his name said he had hoped to perform the stoning ritual later on Thursday afternoon but was now too frightened to risk doing so."I am very tired already and after this I can't go. I will wait for the night and if it not resolved, I will see if maybe somebody else can do it on my behalf," he said.Efforts to improve safety at Jamarat have included enlarging the three pillars and constructing a three-decker bridge around them to increase the area and number of entry and exit points for pilgrims to perform the ritual.More than 100,000 police and thousands of video cameras are also deployed to allow groups to be dispersed before they reach dangerous levels of density."Please pilgrims do not push one another. Please leave from the exit and don't come back by the same route," an officer kept repeating through a loudspeaker at Jamarat.Two weeks ago 110 people died in Mecca's Grand Mosque when a crane working on an expansion project collapsed during a storm and toppled off the roof into the main courtyard, crushing pilgrims underneath.For a map locating the site of the crush, see: http://link.reuters.com/jaz65w (Additional reporting by Omar Fahmy in Cairo, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in Dubai, Michelle Nichols in New York and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by Sami Aboudi and Angus McDowall; Editing by Dominic Evans, William Maclean and Raissa Kasolowsky)
Obama, Xi to hold superpower supper-AFP By Andrew Beatty-SEPT 24,15-YAHOONEWS
Washington (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Washington Thursday, kicking off a state visit by dining with US President Barack Obama, an informal sit-down that may shape superpower relations for years to come.Leaders of the world's two pre-eminent military and economic powers will dine at Blair House -- a casual meal that aides say could be as important as Friday's formal proceedings.Analysts say Xi prizes Friday's 21-gun salute and ceremonial state dinner as a way of showing the Chinese people that he and the country are being treated as a great power.But US officials admit the litany of problems now plaguing US-China relations and doubts over Xi's commitment to a "peaceful rise" are unlikely to be resolved over butter-poached Maine lobster or grilled cannon of Colorado lamb."Far and away, the most constructive engagements they've had have been in their private dinners," said senior Obama national security aide Ben Rhodes.Thursday's informal dinner is an opportunity, Rhodes said, to "put aside the talking points and actually get a window into one another’s world view.""And those world views are very different. And that's part of why I think the conversations are useful and important, because it provides a context for all these issues."- 'Cooperating and competing' -Xi -- who kicked off his US visit in Seattle, meeting with top corporate CEOs -- is seen in Washington as one of the strongest Chinese leaders in decades, consolidating political, military and government power at a speed not seen since Deng Xiaoping.Even as the Chinese economy has slowed -- calling into question Xi and the Communist Party's technocratic bona fides into question -- Xi has tightened his grip on power at home.But his assertiveness has prompted serious maritime, economic and cybersecurity disputes that US officials say risk throwing a complex and delicately balanced relationship out of kilter."At any one time we are cooperating and competing," said one senior administration official, who asked not to be named."What we strive for is to make sure that competition doesn't define the relationship and that competition is taking place in a way that is healthy and is fair."At previous summits, agreements on climate change, trade and military cooperation have helped emphasize the positives in US-China relations.This time around, such breakthroughs are unlikely, although an agreement on cyber security has not been ruled out."I don't think in this state visit you will see really attention-grabbing announcements," said one US official.- Cyber theft a 'serious' issue -Obama and Xi will look to highlight cooperation to curb Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, efforts to tackle climate change and people-to-people ties.An agreement is also expected to limit the risk of dangerous air-to-air military encounters.On the eve of Xi's visit, US officials revealed that two Chinese fighter jets had passed dangerously close to an American spy plane in international airspace over the Yellow Sea.But such agreements treat the symptoms, according to Michael Green, a former National Security Council official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies."The larger challenge, the harder question that the administration's deferring on is, if the Chinese behavior continues and the most we can get are important but essentially Band-Aid cures for some of the symptoms, at what point does the US have to consider imposing costs," he said.A series of cyber hacks and Beijing's forcible occupation of disputed territory in the South China Sea have prompted the Obama administration to send a message that these costs may come soon if Xi's response is unsatisfactory." We have serious and fundamental concerns with Chinese state-sponsored cyber-enabled economic theft of our companies' intellectual property and trade secrets, for the benefit of Chinese companies," a senior administration official told AFP."The president has raised this a number of times with Xi, as have officials. We expect to see action. We will not hesitate to take the steps necessary to protect our economy and our companies," the official said."This is not a minor irritant. It gets at the heart of our economy. It's a national security and economic security issue. It's of critical strategic importance."
