Prophecy News Watch - August 2, 2018
Around the World
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.