Christians Taken Captive in February Released in Myanmar
Prisoners from one of Myanmar’s predominantly Christian ethnic groups were released recently after spending 6 months in captivity.
War
At the southern tip of the Red Sea, Iran poses a direct threat to Israel
As Iran seeks to intimidate its way out of US-led economic sanctions, including by seizing tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a top Israeli expert has warned that Israel would be immensely vulnerable if Tehran extends this tactic to a second strategic waterway.
Iran warns of war if Israeli warships enter Persian Gulf
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned there’s a potential for war if Israel joins the maritime coalition in the Persian Gulf.
‘In God We Trust’ motto to appear in every Louisiana public school this fall
The words ‘In God We Trust’ will be displayed in every Louisiana public school starting this fall.
Poll Finds Evangelical Christian Presence in Public Schools, Favorable Attitude to Bible Classes Among Teachers and Parents
A new public opinion poll found a surprising openness in American adults toward the idea of teaching the Bible in school.
IDF says large-scale terror attack thwarted as troops prevent Gaza infiltration
The Israeli military said on Saturday that a ‘large-scale terror attack’ was thwarted as troops killed four Palestinians who attempted to infiltrate into Israel from the Gaza Strip, armed with AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades, hunting knives and bolt cutters. The Israel Defense Forces released a number of photos of the seized weapons.
Yemeni separatists capture Aden
Yemeni separatists have captured the strategically important southern port city of Aden following days of fighting against government-loyal forces.
U.S. labor market strong; second-quarter GDP growth expected to be revised down
The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labor market remains strong even as the economy is slowing.
‘Avowed Contempt for Human Rights’ Leads Philippine Government to Scrutinize, Harass Christian Aid Workers
Christians in the Philippines are coming under increasing pressure from the Rodrigo Duterte administration for their involvement in human rights work.
Turkey headed towards ‘Russian-Chinese axis’ after ejection from F-35 program
The Trump administration’s decision to eject Turkey from the F-35 fighter-jet program in July has significant implications for NATO, Israel and the Middle East.
Israel seeks to change the face of the battlefield with AI-powered autonomous armored vehicles
The Israel Defense Forces unveiled plans this week for armored combat vehicles, with features normally seen in fighter planes.
Turkey, US Agree to Form Joint Operation Center for Syria Safe Zone
Turkey and the United States said they agreed on Wednesday to establish a joint operation center in Turkey to coordinate and manage a planned safe zone in northern Syria.
Iranian President Warns of ‘Mother of All Wars’ If US, Britain Continue to Trifle with Iranian Oil
Iran on Tuesday declared its intention to further disrupt oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a naval drill to take place with Russia later this year in the disputed waterway.
Zimbabwe: A third of population faces food crisis, says UN
More than five million people in Zimbabwe – about a third of the population – need food aid, with many coming close to starving, the UN says.
Britain Joining U.S. In Maritime Security Mission In Gulf
Britain says it is joining the United States in an ‘international maritime security mission’ to protect merchant vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping line that connects the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
U.S. designates China a currency manipulator, escalating trade war
A yearlong U.S.-China trade war boiled over on Monday as Washington accused Beijing of manipulating its currency after China let the yuan drop to its lowest point in more than a decade.
Wycliffe Associates Partners with Persecuted Christians to Bring Momentum to Bible Translation
Wycliffe Associates is working to accelerate Bible translation in Indonesia, the largest Muslim nation in the world. Christians there face daily persecution, and many are still without the Bible in their language.
China Media to Hong Kong Protesters: Beijing’s Patience Wearing Thin
Thousands of protesters took to Hong Kong’s streets Sunday, a day after violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police, and as China’s official news agency warned Beijing will not let the situation in the Asian financial hub continue.
Trump Wants All Troops Out Of Afghanistan By 2020 U.S. Election: Reports
U.S. President Donald Trump has told aides that he wants to pull all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan before the presidential election in November 2020, U.S. news agencies are reporting, citing unnamed current and former administration officials.
Turkey to launch offensive in Kurdish-controlled area in northern Syria
Turkey will carry out a military operation in a Kurdish-controlled area east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, its third offensive to dislodge Kurdish militia fighters close to its border.