WSJ: Saudi Arabia engaging in ‘serious talks’ with Israel
Saudi Arabia is engaging in “serious talks” with Israel about establishing business ties and strengthening security coordination, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Security
Al-Qaeda Now Has ‘Safe Haven’ In Afghanistan Under Taliban, Operating With ‘Freedom Of Action’: U.N. Report
The Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaeda is now reportedly operating with “increased freedom of movement” inside of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan following Democrat President Joe Biden’s disastrous pullout from the country last summer, which resulted in the deaths of numerous U.S. Military personnel.
50 Killed In Nigeria Church Attack
Nigeria’s Cardinal John Onaiyekan has condemned the shooting by suspected Muslim herdsmen at a church in his nation which killed over 50 people, including children.
Ukraine’s President: ‘Churches Burning, Cities Destroyed’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russia to “stop burning churches” and end attacks on his nation after a famed Orthodox Church was destroyed while explosions rocked the capital Kyiv, overshadowing Pentecost celebrations. Heavy street battles also raged in a strategic city in Ukraine’s east that Russian forces want to capture as part of an ongoing invasion.
Christians Marry Despite China Crackdown
A Christian couple that was forced to postpone their wedding after Chinese authorities prevented ceremonies were eventually able to marry in southwestern China, Christians confirmed.
Iran could have multiple nukes within years, foreign policy think tank says
Iran could be capable of developing multiple nuclear weapons within weeks, according to a new report from a foreign policy nonprofit group.
Israel and US to cooperate in blocking Iran from obtaining nuclear weapon
Israel and the USA this week pledged to continue coordinating their economic, diplomatic, and military efforts to block Iran from producing nuclear weapons, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. Israeli and US defense officials have met several times since the beginning of the Biden administration to coordinate efforts in dealing with the Iranian threat.
Russia stages nuclear drills after US announces rockets to Ukraine
Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Wednesday that around 1,000 members of its nuclear forces staged drills outside of Moscow following an announcement by President Biden that the U.S. is sending “more advanced rocket systems and munitions” to Ukraine.
Israel launches government program to support LGBT community
Israel is launching its first-ever government plan to support the Israeli LGBT community, Newsrnd reports. Emphasizing security and the creation of equal opportunities for LGBT citizens, the program is part of a coalition agreement between the Yesh Atid and Meretz governing parties.
Cyber agency: Voting software vulnerable in some states
Electronic voting machines from a leading vendor used in at least 16 states have software vulnerabilities that leave them susceptible to hacking if unaddressed, the nation’s leading cybersecurity agency says in an advisory sent to state election officials.
Nigeria: 31 people die in stampede for free food at church event
Thirty-one people, including numerous children, were killed Saturday during a stampede at a church’s free food event in Nigeria’s River state, the Associated Press reports.
Biden doesn’t believe in hardening schools, White House says
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that President Biden is uninterested in pursuing tighter security at schools in the aftermath of the Uvalde massacre, an option favored by former President Donald Trump.
Israel warns citizens not to travel to Turkey following Iranian threats of revenge
Israel on Monday issued a direct warning to citizens not to travel to Turkey, after Iran threatened retaliation against Israelis worldwide for last week’s assassination of a colonel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Times of Israel (TOI) reports. Israel has not claimed responsibility or officially commented on the assassination.
Head of Nigerian Methodist Church kidnapped, released next day
The head of the Nigerian Methodist Church was abducted from Abia in south-east Nigeria on Sunday, before being released the next day, Christian Today (CT) reports.
US National Guard planning ‘cooperation’ with Taiwan military
The United States is planning on “cooperation” between its National Guard and Taiwan’s military, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, deepening security ties in the face of what Taipei’s government complains is a rising threat from China.
EU Agrees To Block Most But Not All Russian Oil
European Union leaders say they will block most Russian oil imports by the end of 2022 to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine. But the EU embargo will only affect oil that arrives by sea following opposition from Hungary.
China: Christian coupled jailed and penniless for selling the Bible
A court in China has not only sentenced a Christian couple to seven years in prison for selling the Bible Christian books without permission but has also imposed such punitive fines on the pair that they have been left penniless and with no means to support their four children, Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News reports.
Ukraine’s President Admits Defeats In East
Ukraine’s president has admitted that his forces are overwhelmed by the Russian military in the country’s east. Volodymyr Zelensky made comments amid relentless battles over Ukraine’s industrial heartland and warnings by Russia of an all-out war with the West.
Texas Police Admit ‘Wrong Decision’ In School Massacre
A senior U.S. security official admitted Friday that police were reluctant to intervene in, and perhaps prevent, the nation’s deadliest school shooting in years.
Schumer blocks Senate GOP school safety bill, angering Republicans
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday blocked a school safety bill that has Republicans crying foul.