Prophecy News Watch - January 4, 2018

Around the World
Iran protests spread, even as military declares them over
Iran’s most influential military commander on Wednesday declared the wave of anti-regime protests rocking nation as over, despite reports that demonstrators continue to fill the streets in more than a dozen cities.
Koreas set up stunning direct bilateral talks with Trump, Olympics pressures mounting
North and South Korea are suddenly on a fast track to direct bilateral talks without the United States or China — an unexpected development at a moment of heightened tensions that intelligence sources say is being driven by several factors, including Pyongyang’s desire to sidestep Trump administration-backed sanctions.
Intel chips have major security flaws, billions of devices affected
Billions of devices might be at risk after researchers found two security flaws inside Intel chips that allow hackers to enter processors and steal sensitive data.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian intelligence network exposed in Judea and Samaria
The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Defense Force recently exposed a network sponsored by the Iranian intelligence apparatus in Judea and Samaria. The network was recruited and funded by an Iranian intelligence agent living in South Africa, according to information released for publication on Wednesday.
Israel strikes Gaza terror infrastructure following rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force struck what it termed as 'major terror infrastructure' in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday night in response to rocket fire into Israel.
Multiple rocket attacks within hours raise risk of Gaza flare up
Multiple mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel on Wednesday afternoon, causing no damage or injuries.

Inside the United States
Planned Parenthood enters transgender-hormone market as abortions decline, clinics close
As dozens of its clinics closed amid a dwindling U.S. abortion rate, Planned Parenthood has moved to diversify its business model by getting into transgender hormone therapy.
N.Y. to sue federal gov't over 'unconstitutional' tax law
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that he will sue the federal government over the recently passed tax law, which he said was unfair to his state and unconstitutional.
Massive winter storm set to slam Northeast
After dumping rare snowfall on parts of the southeastern coast, a powerful winter storm is set to hammer the Northeast with up to 12 inches of snow and strong winds. By the end of this week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars.
U.S. construction spending hit record high in November
U.S. builders spent 0.8 percent more on construction projects in November, the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
Trump lawyers send cease and desist to Steve Bannon over comments in tell-all book
President Trump’s lawyers sent a letter to former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday night, insisting he stop making derogatory comments about Trump and his family.
Trump torches Steve Bannon after disparaging book excerpts: Steve 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind'
President Trump slammed his former chief strategist just hours after excerpts of a forthcoming book about the presidency revealed Steve Bannon had made disparaging comments about Trump's family and personal habits.

Christian News
Hindu Radicals Launch at Least 23 Attacks during 2017 Christmas Season in India
International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that at least 23 religiously-motivated attacks took place during the 2017 Christmas season, including attacks on carolers and open threats against Christian celebrations. The attacks have led to several Christians' hospitalization and imprisonment. The persecution created such fear among the Christian community that many Christians did not celebrate Christmas this year.
Christians killed globally for faith at Christmas
The deaths of nearly 150 Christians have been reported in targeted attacks on religious minorities in Nigeria, Cairo and India during the 2017 Christmas season, according to various reports from religious liberty advocates and news agencies.