This Week in the News

Trump’s Unjust War

Judge Andrew Napolitano wrote on March 5 on the Ron Paul Institute:

“Over the past weekend, some apologists for President Donald Trump’s recently ordered attacks on Iran argued that because Trump’s plans call for a quick strike, the attacks do not constitute a war… These apologists believe that calling a war something else means it is not a war, and so moral and constitutional justifications are unnecessary.

No rational observer looking at 2,000-pound bombs being dropped on military targets and thousands of missiles being fired indiscriminately at both civilians and military personnel in Iran can conclude that these events constitute anything but a war… 

“Trump’s war… was not commenced by a legitimate authority as Congress has not declared war on Iran. The president and his folks have not identified any imminent violence Iran was about to inflict upon the US. They have confused the public on the war’s purpose…

“Only Congress can declare war and only the president can wage war. This is the power to initiate war, not to ratify it after the president has initiated it. The president can request of Congress a declaration of war, but the decision to start one is textually confined solely to Congress…

“… the administration has not articulated with credibility any imminent threat. The secretary of defense has said, at best, that Iran has ambitions to attack the US one day. That is hardly an imminent threat… the statute requires that the president report in writing the reasons for war to the full Congress so it can approve or disapprove…

“What’s going on is an immoral, unconstitutional and illegal war of choice… These are dangerous times and this is a dangerous war — for the moral order, for constitutional government and for personal freedom. If the president can get away with killing people abroad under a scheme that meets no accepted moral or legal standards and violates the plain language of the Constitution, what can he get away with at home?”

This is a very important question. 

“The Trump Administration Is Lying”

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 7:

“Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to downplay US casualties after seven days of war in the Persian Gulf, clues are appearing on the internet that indicate the US has suffered more combat losses than reported… on March 4, 2026 the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany—the largest US Department of Defense hospital outside the United States and the primary overseas trauma/evacuation hub for injured service members from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—sent out a memo announcing the temporary suspension of its labor and delivery services ‘until further notice.’

“The memo did not explicitly define the ‘primary objective,’ but LRMC’s core role is treating combat- and training-related injuries. It also is the main medical evacuation point for wounded troops from ongoing operations. A knowledgeable friend who supervised DOD’s Wounded Warrior Program during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and worked with personnel at the LRMC, learned today that there is a flood of casualties arriving at the hospital. The numbers are so large that the hospital could no longer continue to spend resources on birthing babies…

“It is not a stretch to conclude that Iran’s attacks on the US bases in the Persian Gulf produced more than a few casualties. DOD/DOW [Department of War/Dow Jones] is working hard to keep this information from the public. Most Americans do not support the unprovoked war…” 

Note the next article in this regard. 

Over 200 US Personnel Killed or Wounded? 

The Times of India wrote on March 8:

“A dramatic escalation has unfolded in the growing conflict between Iran and the United States, with Iranian officials claiming hundreds of American troops were killed or wounded in coordinated retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. 

“According to Iranian military spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaghari, attacks targeted key U.S. military assets, including the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the strategic Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Iranian sources claim 220 U.S. personnel were killed or injured in the strikes, marking a major escalation.” 

By now, it was admitted that at least 150 American troops have been injured.

CNN Being Attacked for Report on Iran 

The New York Post wrote on March 6:

“CNN was accused of pushing out ‘pro-Iran regime propaganda’ by the Trump administration on Thursday after a reporter for the network said it appeared daily life was continuing [in Iran] despite the ongoing war.   

“Senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen said during a segment that all the shelves in shops are stocked, ‘even with fresh things,’ as he casually held a cup of coffee. ‘Fuel seems readily available, and you just don’t see any degree of panic anywhere,’ he said.”

On the other hand, there are many reports with videos showing devastation in Israel from Iran’s strikes which are usually suppressed by the mass media, classified as fake news or claimed to be AI-generated. 

Iranian Missiles Across Middle East

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6:

“Iran has unleashed a series of furious retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, launching attacks on Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel in a series of assaults that have left the region in flames. Drones have struck oil facilities and airports in Iraq as US-led troops gunned down several potential attacks over the Kurdish city of Erbil amid warnings of possible attacks on hotels… 

“A network of Iranian-backed Shia factions, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed it launched an attack on a US military base near Baghdad Airport…”

Iran Retaliates 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Iran has launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates and Israel as it furiously retaliates after an overnight bombardment which left Tehran burning. Explosions have been heard over Tel Aviv, with missile warnings in the UAE, as Iran hits out following the Israeli attack on oil depots which caused a ‘river of fire’ to engulf its capital…” 

Iran is not at this time defeated… 

Iran More and More Defiant

The Guardian wrote on March 10: 

“Iran has spurned two messages from Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, seeking a ceasefire as its leaders sense it is not losing the war and the US president is at the minimum feeling the political pressure… The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has further said a unilateral declaration from Trump that the US had won the war would not bring an end to the conflict…. 

“Iran believes there can be no end to the conflict until it believes Trump has been shown the economic, political and military cost is so high that it is not worth repeating. It is instead insisting on a permanent deal that includes a US commitment not to attack Iran again… But the overall mood among Iranian regime figures is that it is going to survive and should not at this stage seek any agreement.” 

Devastating Effect on Oil Prices 

The New York Post wrote on March 7: 

“A commercial oil tanker was set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz after it was struck by an Iranian suicide drone… with a US Navy mission to safeguard ships through the region possibly still weeks away. The IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] claimed the tanker — the Prima, sailing under a Maltese flag — had ignored repeated warnings not to enter the strait… The flow of oil through the strait — one of the world’s most vital energy arteries connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea which sees roughly 20 million barrels of oil, about 20% of global supply, pass through it daily — has ground to a near-total halt since Iran declared it closed at the start of the war. 

“As a result, US oil prices shot up $20 a barrel in just a week, surging to $90 a barrel Friday, sparking recession fears if the US doesn’t neutralize the IRGC’s threat in the region soon… The president wouldn’t directly say what steps, if any, he planned to take to tackle rising gas and oil prices… But even once a US Navy convoy arrives, escorting the hundreds of ships that are stuck is a months-long mission… With pressure on oil prices continuing to mount, the US would need to find alternative ways to procure oil to avoid a serious economic downturn…” 

Trump Denial—The Strait of Hormuz

 Reuters wrote on March 12:

“Two tankers were ablaze in Iraqi waters on Thursday after what appeared to be Iranian strikes, the latest wave of attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, as Iran warned the world should be ready for oil to hit $200 a barrel…. So far there has been no sign that ships can safely sail through the Strait of Hormuz…

“On Wednesday, an Iranian military spokesperson said the Strait was ‘undoubtedly’ under Iran’s control and the G7 group of nations – the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France – agreed to examine the option of providing escort for ships so they can navigate freely in the Gulf….

“[Trump] said… ‘The straits are in great shape…’ Trump said earlier ships ‘should’ transit through the strait but sources said Iran had deployed about a dozen mines in the channel, further complicating the blockade.”

Strait of Hormuz in great shape and safe? This is so ridiculous. 

Only Two More Days of Stored Gas 

The Telegraph wrote on March 8: 

“Shrinking reserves could spark potential crisis with UK now paying highest wholesale price in Europe. Britain has as little as two days of gas stored up, raising fears of a potential crisis as supplies from the Middle East dry up…”

The End of the Dollar? 

Ron Paul wrote in the Ron Paul Institute on March 9: 

“The war has caused a big rise in gasoline prices… The increased costs will do more than raise prices at the pump. An increase in gas prices brings increased transportation costs that will be passed along to consumers. Prices of a variety of goods, including food, will increase… No wonder Energy Secretary Chris Wright, White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, and other Trump administration officials are frantically working to develop policies to lower gas prices. One possibility under consideration is deploying US troops to try to ensure ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This could turn into a permanent deployment of US troops

“According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the US government is spending about 891.4 million dollars a day on the Iran War. These costs are likely to increase as the war drags on and the US increases its military presence… 

“These factors could also accelerate the increasing rejection of the dollar’s world reserve currency status. A loss of the reserve currency status will cause a dollar crisis, leading to an economic crash worse than the Great Depression.”

Trump has not even ruled out bringing back the draft. All of this contributes to the inevitable downfall of the USA. 

Gas Prices Will Never Go Back Down Much Again 

Forbes wrote on March 9: 

“Today, conflict with Iran has blocked the passage of oil and LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz… the effect is to block up to 20 million barrels a day of oil that passes through the [Strait], out of about 107 million barrels of world production. How long this will last, or what will become of it, is still an open question. But one thing that I think will happen, and which is not expected yet, is that oil prices will go up to wherever they go, but they will not come back down much…. 

“The root cause of all this is the chronic decline in the value of our currency. The dollar today is a floating fiat currency. Its value goes up and down – over time, mostly down…. We didn’t have this problem in the past, because we didn’t have a currency that loses value. The value of the dollar was fixed to gold. An ‘oil crisis’ – or.. a World War like World War I — might lead to soaring prices for commodities including oil… We are going to have a flood of Don’t-Blame-Me excuse-making from the Washington elite types … But remember that the real cause of persistent price rises is a decline in the value of our money…” 

Trump said Americans will have to live with higher gas prices for a short while, for America’s good, and then they will come down again. Incredible! 

Biggest Oil Disruption in History

CNN wrote on March 9:

A historic disruption to the world’s oil production sent crude prices smashing through the $100 barrier Monday for the first time in nearly four years.

“Both US oil and Brent, the international benchmark, are hovering around their biggest single-day increase in dollars per barrel in history… The war with Iran has sent oil prices higher for two primary reasons: a near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and a slowdown in oil production in the Middle East… The war has also effectively wiped out the spare capacity, because Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been cut off from global oil markets…

“As oil prices have surged, so too have gasoline prices. US gas prices have risen about 50 cents in a week…, higher than at any point in either of President Donald Trump’s terms…. Meanwhile, absent a compelling solution to the strait’s closure, oil prices will continue to march higher….” 

Economic Consequences of the Iran War 

The Washington Post wrote on or about March 8: 

“Iranian missile and drone attacks have disrupted the flow of commerce through one of the global economy’s most critical hubs, paralyzing much of the ocean and air traffic that carries goods between Asia and Europe while punishing investors in faraway financial markets… the war’s economic casualties extend well beyond the oil and natural gas shipments that normally transit the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of several international airports in the conflict zone, including the world’s busiest in Dubai, idled nearly one-fifth of global airfreight capacity, interrupting shipments of consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals and precious metals… The cost of shipping goods by air from Asia to Europe is up 45 percent since the war began… 

“The war is hitting the economies of Europe and Asia harder and faster than it is striking the United States… That does not mean Americans will escape unscathed… Farmers face higher bills for critical crop nutrients, and additional supply chain headaches are certain… But for now, economies such as Italy, Belgium, China, India and South Korea, which are the most dependent on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, are feeling some of the worst effects.”

The War Has Been Won??? 

Mediaite wrote on March 8: 

“President Donald Trump told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer his help is not needed in the war against Iran on Saturday, saying ‘We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!’ 

“Trump posted the following on Truth Social about it: ‘The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!’” 

Trump’s naivety—if it’s not just intentionally wrong political propaganda—is mind boggling. 

War Pretty Much Complete? No Way! 

The Sun wrote on March 10: 

“DONALD Trump has declared his war with Iran is ‘very complete, pretty much’ – and claimed Tehran would have attacked the US ‘within a week, 100 per cent”’.. His surprise statement [including floating a takeover of the Strait of Hormuz] saw global oil prices tumble below $90 following a day of highs where a barrel of crude neared $120…. He went on: ‘We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough’… Asked if the war would end as early as this week, Trump replied: ‘No… but soon, I think soon, very soon.’.. 

“Trump also held a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Monday… The Russian leader said he wanted to be ‘helpful’ in resolving the crisis, Trump claimed… US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has also vowed that Donald Trump is prepared to ‘go as far as we need’ to achieve America and Israel’s goals in the Middle East.” 

To start with the last comment by Hegseth, nobody really knows what America’s goals are, only that they don’t seem to be in harmony with Israel’s goals.  Trump’s claim that Iran would have attacked the USA within a week is utter nonsense… unless he was afraid of it because of Israel’s attacks and Iran’s retaliation; something that Trump previously denied. To talk to Putin (!) to help him to resolve the crisis is mind boggling in the extreme. If Putin was so anxious to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, why is he not ending the war with Ukraine which he illegally occupied, and why is he not withdrawing his troops? The temporary decrease in oil prices due to Trump’s “announcement” will only hold if Trump’s words are followed by actions. His statement that the war will not end this week is also a detrimental admission. Subsequently, the oil prices rose again due to some of Trump’s “announcements.” 

Impending Dispute Between the US and Israel 

Bild Online wrote on March 6: 

“How things will proceed in Iran is currently completely open. For a week now, Israel and the US have been fighting the mullah regime in Tehran together. At the same time, a war is raging throughout the Gulf region… But now, according to Germany’s former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (54), a dispute is threatening to erupt between the allies!… 

“’The strategies of the US government and Israel are anything but congruent. The Israeli government is aiming for the complete destruction of the revolutionary instruments of power, including the Revolutionary Guard and the proxy networks.’ The US plan is different: ‘In Washington, on the other hand, they are following a more functional understanding of regime change, similar to Venezuela… This may sound similar, but it certainly harbors potential for friction between the two partners.'” 

Trump Furious with Israel 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 9: 

“Trump also backed off his earlier threat to send US troops to destroy Iran’s uranium stockpile at a secret nuclear facility near Tehran.. . The remarks directly contradict earlier statements in which Trump said he was considering deploying soldiers as the war spiraled across the Middle East…. 

“The President was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Israel targeted Iran’s oil depots in a blitz that shocked the White House. A planned summit between the US and Israel was scrapped on Monday in the first open disagreement between the allies since the war broke out. 

“Thirty Iranian fuel depots were obliterated over the weekend, with apocalyptic images showing fires leaping into the sky, vast columns of smoke and black oily rain.  White House officials were stunned by the scale of Israel’s bombardment and concerned that images of burning oil would anger Americans facing increased gas prices. ‘The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices,’ a Trump adviser told Axios. An Israeli official said the message from the US was stark: ‘What the f***’.” 

Trump feels the pressure and the overwhelming reaction of the American people regarding his Iran adventure. But in light of his ongoing shifting explanations, can one trust his words? Is he serious, or just trying to deceive the people, buying time? We will see. 

Hezbollah Attacks Israel

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon on Wednesday launched 100 rockets at Israel — overloading Israel’s lauded Iron Dome system so much that only half were shot down…

“In response, the IDF is preparing a ground invasion into Lebanon…”

Violation of International Law by Israel? 

Focus wrote on March 9: 

“Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of illegally using white phosphorus in an attack on a residential area in southern Lebanon last week. The organization was able to verify and geographically locate seven images, according to a report. A staff member spoke of severe consequences for civilians. The incendiary properties of white phosphorus can lead to death or serious injuries resulting in lifelong suffering

“White phosphorus ignites upon contact with oxygen in the air and continues to burn until either nothing remains or the oxygen supply is cut off. An additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions on the Law of War prohibits the use of phosphorus weapons when there is a risk that they will primarily affect civilians.” 

It’s alright then to use them against enemy soldiers! What a corrupt and evil world we are living in. 

The Iran War in Connection With the Third Temple? 

Israel 365 News wrote on March 8: 

“Commentator Tucker Carlson triggered a storm this week after accusing the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement [a major, dynamic Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism] of secretly pushing for the destruction of the Islamic shrines on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and the construction of a Third Jewish Temple… Carlson… used his program to present the war as part of a Jewish religious agenda, claiming that Chabad has been quietly working to advance plans to remove the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to rebuild the Temple.

“Carlson opened his broadcast by asserting that ‘key players involved in this war’ believe the conflict will lead to the destruction of the Islamic structures on the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. He then singled out Chabad, stating that the movement has been ‘pushing in a pretty subtle way’ for such a development… 

“Carlson framed the current war as a ‘global religious war’ allegedly triggered by Jewish ambitions regarding the Temple Mount. … Carlson’s remarks also revived an accusation that has fueled violence for nearly a century: the claim that Jews are plotting to destroy the Islamic shrines on the Temple Mount… 

“The hope for a restored Temple is a central belief in traditional Jewish faith, rooted directly in the Bible… The medieval sage Maimonides codified belief in the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Temple as one of Judaism’s core principles of faith… Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Chabad’s social media director, noted that belief in the Temple and the Messianic era is shared across the entire Jewish world…. The Temple Mount remains the holiest site in Judaism and a focal point of intense political and religious tension.” 

Carlson’s critical views against Israel’s policies under Netanyahu are well-known. His accusations against Chabad are unsupported and lack evidence. Still, his comments in general about the building of the Third Temple should not be ignored. 

Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Stockpile… an Almost Impossible Task

CNN wrote on March 10:

“Recovering Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium stockpile believed to be sitting in a storage facility deep underground… would require a significant number of US ground troops beyond a small special operations footprint… 

“The US bombing campaign that struck three Iranian nuclear facilities last June did not destroy all of that country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, the material needed to create a nuclear weapon. Much of it is believed to be at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site… President Donald Trump has made complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear capability one of his stated aims of the war. 

“If the Trump administration went ahead with an operation to retrieve the uranium, it could mark the first major commitment of US ground forces as part of the campaign, an escalation that would put a large number of troops in harm’s way as part of a complex mission to move or render safe tons of highly radioactive material.

“The uranium at Isfahan is accessible to the Iranians, who had been working for months after the US military strikes last year to clear the rubble of the facility’s aboveground structures and access the underground tunnels where the uranium was hidden… UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday that around 200 kilograms of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is probably still at Isfahan, with some also at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility… 

“US military airstrikes alone can’t penetrate the Isfahan tunnels, primarily because the facility does not have ventilation shaft openings like some of Iran’s other nuclear sites, which serve as weak points for a storage structure. That has led to discussions within the Trump administration about deploying elite units within the US military’s Joint Special Operations Command, potentially in coordination with Israeli commando forces, to physically infiltrate the tunnels and secure or destroy the enriched uranium…

“A mission like that, however, would require dozens if not hundreds of additional troops on the ground to help support the core special operations team tasked with finding the uranium…, particularly given the Iranian military’s continued control over the sites and surrounding area. That support could entail not just troops to secure the area, but also logistical support given the challenges of working with nuclear material deep underground… ‘The logistics and risk involved would be prohibitive, to say the least,’ said one person familiar with the discussions…” 

So, if regime change and destroying Iran’s stockpile of uranium were part of the goals of Trump’s strikes, then they have NOT been achieved. 

Catastrophic Lack of Sulfur 

On March 9, Naturalnews published the following article by Mike Adams: 

“The devastating attacks on critical Gulf infrastructure have not merely disrupted markets; they have severed the global supply of elemental sulfur and its derivative, sulfuric acid. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz… coupled with the systematic destruction of storage and refining facilities in Iran, means zero spot sulfur is available on the global market. This is not a crisis about to begin; it has already been unleashed. The chemical cascade of industrial collapse is now irreversible 

“Reports of thick, choking smoke over Tehran following strikes on oil facilities are a grim foreshadowing of the acid rain and atmospheric poisoning to come, but they pale in comparison to the economic and biological warfare now underway… Sulfuric acid is the irreplaceable ‘lifeblood’ of modern industrial civilization. No single chemical has a more urgent, cascading impact across every critical sector… Without sulfur, there is no fertilizer. Without fertilizer, there is no food on an industrial scale. This is not a hypothetical supply chain hiccup; it is a guaranteed trigger for mass starvation 

“The secondary uses of sulfuric acid are what weave the fabric of modern life: it is essential for leaching critical metals like copper, zinc, and nickel from ore; for the vulcanization of rubber in every car and truck tire; for producing battery acid; and for manufacturing… antibiotics, industrial explosives, and synthetic textiles. Every one of these chains is now broken… 

“Even if the war ended tomorrow, the crisis is locked in for years. The specialized refineries, storage tanks, and port facilities are destroyed. Rebuilding this infrastructure is a multi-year endeavor, and we do not have years… Governments and captured institutions are lying about the timeline and severity. The mainstream corporate media narrative is one of manageable disruption and future recovery. The reality is irreversible industrial collapse… 

“This is not doom on steroids; it is the factual, unflinching consequence of severing civilization’s chemical backbone… The centralized, just-in-time systems for food, medicine, and goods are failing in real-time… Relying on the corrupt, centralized medical system — which profits from sickness and has long suppressed natural, nutritional, and herbal solutions — is a guaranteed path to suffering…” 

If only a portion of what was said in this article was true, we would all be in serious trouble, caused by the stupidity of war. 

Trump’s Iran War Faces Disaster? 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 7: 

“A leaked classified report by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) has shed an unfavorable light on Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, warning that military involvement could be disastrous…. a report completed by the NIC just a week before raised doubts about the US’s ability to overthrow the regime… 

“NIC members bridge 18 intelligence agencies with policymakers to provide analytical assessments…. Iran would likely respond to Khamenei’s death by following protocols to preserve the regime. Sources said it was ‘unlikely’ that Iran’s opposition would seize control.” 

This was so clear from the outset. “Making Iran Great Again”—as pronounced by Trump—is an incredible pipe dream. We are facing another “never-ending” war, or Trump stops the strikes with the tail between his legs. In any event, America is NOT going to win. 

Trump Will Lose the War 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Jiang is a Beijing-based educator and writer. He is also on the research team for Harvard’s Global Education Innovation Initiative…  in 2024 he posted a lesson titled ‘The Iran Trap.’ … the professor said he believed that the US would lose the war… During a recent interview, Jiang said he stood by his initial prediction… 

“He explained that American military strategy is designed for ‘muscle flexing’ and is not sustainable, adding that the worst calamity for the US would be to send ground troops to Iran… ‘If there’s a war going on and you can delay elections and you have emergency war powers and people rally around the flag, then he probably will get a third term,’ Jiang predicted.” 

Regime Change Won’t Happen

VG wrote on March 10:

“For over a century, countries have attempted to overthrow hostile regimes using air power alone… it has never worked…

“First, you achieve… one hundred percent tactical success. You hit your targets perfectly. You kill leaders, destroy buildings, knock out airfields. The bombing appears to be successful on the tactical level… The perspective narrows, and you begin to underestimate the enemy.

“But then the political situation changes. Instead of the regime collapsing, the opposite happens. You either get a slightly reorganized regime that continues as before, or – even worse – a much more radicalized regime that is willing to take greater risks…

“Iran has been an ‘industrial factory for drones’ for Putin in Ukraine over the past year. In 2025 alone, over 55,000 Iranian drones have been used by Putin in Ukraine… Iran’s strategy will therefore be to drag out conflicts over time… so that the real cost is ultimately paid politically at home in the United States.”

US intelligence indicates that Iran’s leadership is still largely intact and is not at risk of collapse any time soon (compare Reuters, March 12). 

Using the Mother of All Bombs? 

Geo News wrote on March 6: 

“Experts told the outlet that the U.S. could potentially use the ‘mother of all bombs’ against Iran to obliterate the underground tunnels, bunkers and missile launching sites. [It] is considered the deadliest non-nuclear weapon developed by the U.S. 

“It is a 21,000 pound explosive which creates a 1,000 ft hole in the ground, taking out underground targets…” 

MOAB has been used once before in 2017 in Afghanistan. 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6: 

“The United States may choose to drop its largest non-nuclear weapon in the coming days and weeks. It is known as the ‘Mother Of All Bombs’ – a play on ‘MOAB,’ an acronym that stands for ‘Massive Ordnance Air Burst.’ A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 100ft wide. Anyone at the blast site is vaporised… President Trump has long told reporters at the White House how ‘very proud’ he is of it.” 

God will deal with his “pride” very soon.

Trump Wants to Be Involved in Choice of New Iranian Leader 

BBC wrote on March 6: 

“Donald Trump says he also wants to choose who will rule Iran… That seems unthinkable for a clerical regime rooted in deep distrust of America… There has long been division between factions known as reformers and pragmatists, and the hardliners who call themselves Principlists in their defence of their revolution. But they are united on one goal: the survival of the system which keeps them in power… the US president then made it clear that he would only choose a GREAT AND ACCEPTABLE leader’… There is no sign of that… 

“The president’s comments reflected ‘the depth of the enemy’s malicious objectives in this battle’, according to the conservative Mehr News Agency, which carried a rebuke from members of the interim Leadership Council now in charge until a new leader is announced. ‘The great Iranian nation will never allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs and its right to determine its own destiny,’ it declared in the fiery war of words…” 

That did not work. 

Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds His Father 

Reuters wrote on March 9: 

“Iran’s clerical leadership chose confrontation over compromise in appointing Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, a move regional officials say is a direct rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had declared the son ‘unacceptable’…. The appointment of Mojtaba as his successor by the Assembly of Experts locks hardliners firmly in control in Tehran… ‘Having Mojtaba take over is the same playbook,’ said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. ‘It’s a big humiliation for the United States to carry out an operation of this scale, risk so much, and end up killing an 86-year-old man, only to have him replaced by his hardline son.’ 

“Analysts say the choice of Mojtaba, a deeply hardline cleric whose wife, mother and other family members were also killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes – sends an unequivocal message: Iran’s leadership has rejected any prospect of compromise to preserve the system and sees no path forward except confrontation, revenge and endurance…. ‘Mojtaba is even worse and more hardline than his father,’ said Alan Eyre, former U.S. diplomat and Iran specialist.” 

Iran Is Not Venezuela 

Ynet wrote on March 6: 

“Encouraged by the operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump now wants a say in choosing Iran’s next leader, but experts warn the Shiite theocracy is built to survive pressure — not become a US-backed puppet… 

“Diplomats and analysts around the world are skeptical of that expectation, stressing that the Islamic Republic differs greatly from the South American oil power and warning that Trump is mistaken if he believes the same methods can be applied…. [They] warn that drawing parallels between Venezuela and Iran is a serious mistake.” 

Unconditional Surrender and the Day After 

ABC News wrote on March 6: 

“Trump, in a social media post on Friday, demanded ‘unconditional surrender’ from Tehran, after which he said would come the selection of ‘acceptable’ new leaders and a rebuilding of the Middle Eastern nation… Trump told Axios in a phone interview: ‘Unconditional surrender could be that [the Iranians] announce it. But it could also be when they can’t fight any longer because they don’t have anyone or anything to fight with.’… 

“But on what comes after for civilians in Iran, particularly who will take control…, Trump and his team have sent mixed messages… On Friday, in an interview with CNN, Trump elaborated somewhat on his vision, saying Iran does not need to become a democratic state and that he is open to a religious leader ruling the country.” 

Iran Could Attack California

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Iran could use drones to make a deadly strike on California at any time, a top US Army expert says — and we’re nowhere near ready for what could happen… America’s enemy is almost certainly trying to launch an attack on California shores with drones…. Iran doubtless has in its possession thousands of attack drones that can be controlled from thousands of miles away and can fly hundreds of miles before striking their targets… such drones could be launched… from unmanned drone ships…

“Iran’s connections with Mexico and nations in South America mean that drone attacks could also be launched from south of the border… Sporting events, hotels, office buildings, government offices and military bases are all possible targets… the drones used to attack California would carry explosives to their targets with pinpoint accuracy, needing only GPS coordinates to set their aim.”

Russia Assists Iran 

Newsmax wrote on March 6: 

“Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack U.S. troops and military assets in the Middle East, an American defense official confirmed to Newsmax on Friday. First reported by The Washington Post, the development puts one of the United States’ chief nuclear-armed competitors in the rapidly expanding conflict

“Iran has, for years, provided Russia with its Shahed drones to attack Ukraine, and now Russian intelligence is returning the favor by aiding Iran in its retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.” 

When a Fox reporter asked Trump about this, he castigated him, saying this was a stupid question. How was this important question stupid??? Subsequently, Trump called Putin to discuss ending the war! Incredible! 

Russia’s “Unwavering” Support 

The New York Post wrote on March 9, 2026: 

“Putin declared ‘unwavering support’ for Iran as he congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on being tapped as the Islamic Republic’s new leader. Putin fired off a telegram to Khamenei — the son of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — on Monday, vowing the Kremlin would remain a ‘reliable partner’ to Iran amid the ongoing war. 

“‘At a time when Iran is opposing armed aggression, your tenure in this high post will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,’ Putin’s message said. ‘I am sure that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people.’” 

Until now, Putin has done nothing for Iran, except provide them with intelligence. But this may change. 

Not Enough European Support? 

DNYUZ wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s administration spent the past year dismissing Europeans as pathetic and irrelevant. Now, as he wages a war alongside Israel to force regime change in Iran, he wants Europe to cheer him on… But the European moves so far fall short of the applause Trump is seeking for an assault without [a]clear end that is violently reshaping the region… 

“The White House is not exactly trying to forge a coalition of the unwilling. Washington did not consult European allies before the attack and has not asked them to join in bombing Tehran… Trump is rebuking countries that don’t offer unflinching support… ‘The war in Iran began “unbeknownst to the world” and was not a decision’ shared by anyone,’ Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told lawmakers in Rome on Thursday. ‘Of course, it was well outside the rules of international law. We don’t need to say it.’… 

“Trump has praised one European leader, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Washington this week after he declared there was little use ‘lecturing’ about the illegality of war. Back home, however, Merz faced European criticism for abandoning support of international law, which he has touted on Ukraine and Greenland, and for not defending Spain from Trump’s criticism in the Oval Office…” 

“For European politicians, joining a U.S. war will be unpopular after the stained legacies of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following Israel into war will also be divisive in many European nations, with some European officials having accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.” 

The alienation between Europe and the USA is continuing. 

EU Vows Strong Response to Trump’s Spain Threat 

Tempo wrote on March 6: 

“The European Union (EU) will deliver a ‘strong and swift’ response if United States President Donald Trump imposes additional tariffs or discriminatory trade measures on Spain, stated a spokesperson for the European Commission. ‘If President Trump was to unfairly target Spanish imports into the US for extra tariff treatment or whatever, then that would be considered a very serious escalation, and I think you would certainly see a strong and swift response from the EU side,’ the spokesperson said on Thursday… 

“The statement came after Trump threatened to impose a total trade embargo on Spain for refusing to grant permission for the U.S. military to use its base in operations against Iran. The spokesperson emphasized that although the U.S. statements so far have only been threats, any step to impose additional tariffs on Spanish goods would trigger a coordinated response from the European Union…. 

“A day earlier, President of the European Council Antonio Costa expressed ‘full solidarity’ of the European Union to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following the United States’ threat over Madrid’s stance on Iran.” 

Will Trump’s threats and actions bring the core nations of Europe closer together? 

Merz’s Shifting Opinions 

Die Welt wrote on March 6: 

“Friedrich Merz (CDU) has warned of uncontrollable consequences from a protracted war in Iran… Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe… ‘The Iranian people have the right to freely decide their own destiny,’ the Chancellor emphasized. ‘An endless war is not in our interest…’… 

“At his meeting with Donald Trump this week, Merz had still emphasized Germany’s agreement with the US on Iran policy… With the warning against a protracted war, Merz is now acting more defensively. Together with France, Great Britain, and partners in the Gulf region, Germany is working on a perspective for ending the hostilities.” 

Merz is just a weak leader, and under pressure, he will cave and give in. Note the next article.

“This Is Not Our War” 

Nius wrote on March 7: 

“Lars Klingbeil (SPD) expressed sharp criticism of Trump’s Iran war. The Vice Chancellor told the editorial network Germany (RND): ‘I say very clearly: This is not our war. We will not take part in this war.’ 

“Klingbeil further explained that he sees ‘the great danger that we will slip ever more into a world in which there are no more rules. We do not want to live in a world in which only the law of the strongest applies.’ He also has ‘great doubts that this war is legitimized under international law’. This statement contains enormous explosives for the government coalition…. 

“Klingbeil explained that he also considers the mullahs in Tehran to be a ‘terrorist regime’. He literally said: ‘I don’t shed a tear for the mullah leadership that was killed in the attacks. This regime is a terrorist regime that threatens Israel and the entire region.’ However, he doubted that the attacks could really lead to a regime change: ‘Just because leading people in the regime have been eliminated does not mean that this regime is over. On the contrary: we hear that successors are available for many leaders.’ 

“He fears that the regime is ‘quite consolidated’, which is why he doesn’t believe that anything is improving for the population in Iran.” 

Merz Under Critic 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 9: 

“Friedrich Merz is displaying a type of quiet tolerance of Trump’s approach. He does not fully approve of it, expresses doubts, but does not condemn it… This approach has not been well-received across German politics, even within the governing coalition… In an interview with the private NTV channel, Tino Chrupalla, the co-leader of Germany’s largest opposition party, the far-right Alternative for Germany [AfD], clearly distanced himself from the attack by the US and Israel, also criticizing President Donald Trump. He said Trump started out as a peace president, but would end up as a ‘war president.’” 

Britain Has Become Trump’s Enemy 

Newsbreak wrote on or about March 9: 

“Trump’s White House increasingly resembles a madhouse. War aims shift daily… Trump is now at war with US allies… Britain and Europe mostly want no part of it, but are being sucked in anyway… It’s long been obvious Trump is no friend to Britain. But this latest act… shows he and his administration must now be considered an enemy…. 

“This is Trump’s war of choice. But Britain has choices, too. Two hundred and fifty years after the American colonists broke free of [the] empire, it’s time for a British declaration of independence.” 

Popular MAGA Voices Turn Against Trump 

ABC News wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s decision to carry out strikes on Iran has further exposed a fracture among some of the president’s fiercest supporters inside MAGA world — one that many supporters say will only widen with every week the conflict continues. 

“Since the first strike last week, Trump’s actions in Iran have faced stark criticism from some of the most popular voices in MAGA media who helped boost his 2024 campaign, ranging from longtime adviser Steve Bannon to more recent converts like conservative media personalities Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly.” 

Not to forget Marjorie Greene. 

Stephen Miller an Embarrassment 

The Independent wrote on March 8: 

“A GOP senator tore into Stephen Miller, the architect of Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, on Sunday and said that the two-time White House official was ‘out of his depth.’ 

“Sen. Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican lawmaker… has become one of the… critics of the president within his own party on the Hill. But the tone of his attacks against Miller in particular shifted in the wake of the shootings of two Americans killed while protesting ICE and DHS agents in Minneapolis in early 2026, and the senator has come to assert that the president’s mass deportation program is riddled with incompetent leadership… ‘It was Stephen Miller who said it was the position of the United States that we should go after Greenland. It’s Stephen Miller that’s been repeatedly responsible for embarrassments for the president of the United States, speaking first and asking questions later.’ 

“The senator went on to trash Miller for having an ‘outsized influence on the Cabinet’… ‘He’s a big problem in this administration, he has been from the beginning.’” 

Tillis is correct in his criticism of Miller. He should have been fired a long time ago; in fact, he should never have been in the position of “advisor” to Trump. But this is also true for many others in Trump’s cabinet.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Update 1199

Comments on News and Prophecy, March 14, 2026 / Faith in God’s Promise of Healing

On March 14, 2026, Norbert link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, March 14, 2026,” and the sermon, titled, “Faith in God’s Promise of Healing.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

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“We Create Our Own Demons”

by Christoph Sperzel (Germany)

The phrase “We create our own demons” is heard in the movie “Iron Man.” It does not originate from the Bible. But it is surprising that it contains a thought that comes close to biblical Truth.

Most people believe that their problems primarily come from outside sources, such as circumstances, other people, or the world. However, the Bible reveals a deeper problem. Jesus Christ explained, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:19).

The real battle takes place within the human heart.

The Bible does not deny the existence of spiritual powers; on the contrary, it clearly shows that there is an invisible influence that tries to deceive true Christians and lead them away from God’s Way of Life. Scripture clearly names this influence: Satan and his demons.

But it also shows just as clearly that destruction usually does not begin with an outward act; it begins with a thought.

Thoughts can take root, gain ground, and ultimately determine our lives. In this sense, thoughts are “planted” – but the decisive factor is whether we give them space.

Thoughts shape attitudes. Attitudes shape actions. And actions ultimately shape character.

What we accept, what we allow, repeat, and justify, that is what we nurture, and that is what gains power over us.

What a person thinks repeatedly eventually becomes part of his or her being. The Bible describes this process with clarity:

“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15).

Let us note the sequence. Sin does not begin with the act. It begins in the mind.

This is a Truth that most people do not want to see. It is easier to recognize the faults of others than our own. We expect patience, justice, and understanding from others, but are often unwilling to give the same in return.

This is how human nature works. It tends to justify itself and shift the blame onto others.

But this is precisely where many of the “inner demons” arise that can destroy a Christian’s life: bitterness, pride, envy, and the refusal to forgive.

In the beginning, they are just thoughts or feelings. But if they are not recognized and countered, they grow. They begin to influence our thinking, poison our relationships, and harden our hearts.

The good news, however, is that we do not have to remain in this captivity.

Jesus Christ said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

But this freedom requires an uncomfortable Truth: we must be willing to face ourselves honestly and see the Truth about our own lives. For God’s Word is like a mirror; it shows us who we really are.

But God does not leave us alone in this inner struggle. He gives us the help and strength to overcome evil if we allow Him to.

As Scripture testifies: “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

The Son of God came to destroy the power of the devil and free us from spiritual bondage so that we can find the way to God and His kingdom.

We do not create evil out of ourselves. But when we feed wrong thoughts and attitudes, we open the door to it.

And again: thoughts shape attitudes, attitudes shape actions, and actions ultimately shape character.

However, when we begin to accept God’s Truth, recognize our own faults, and are willing to repent, real change sets in. Then bitterness, pride, and hatred lose their power over our hearts, and God’s Spirit begins to renew our minds.

For God has not called us to remain prisoners of our human nature. He has called us to be transformed. Through His Spirit, our minds can be renewed, our hearts can be softened, and our character can be shaped step by step according to God’s measure.

And that is precisely why Jesus Christ came, so that we might find entrance into His Kingdom.

(Initial Translation from the German: Daniel Blasinger)

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By Norbert Link

In this issue, we concentrate on expert opinions and developments regarding the Iran war.

We also stress the misleading propaganda about the war in the American press, in conservative news channels, and in announcements from President Trump and his administration, and a potential rift between the USA and Israel because of different goals to be achieved in Iran. We also speak on Trump’s naive and unrealistic expectations pertaining to regime change and his wishes to rule Iran, as well as his incredible claim that the USA and Israel have already won the war.

Finally, we point out strong critical reactions domestically and overseas, and rising gas prices and the danger of another American recession.

Please view our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “The Curse of the Iran War.” 

Please view our most recent StandingWatch program, titled, “The Iran War and the Third Temple” 

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.    

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Trump’s Unjust War

Judge Andrew Napolitano wrote on March 5 on the Ron Paul Institute:

“Over the past weekend, some apologists for President Donald Trump’s recently ordered attacks on Iran argued that because Trump’s plans call for a quick strike, the attacks do not constitute a war… These apologists believe that calling a war something else means it is not a war, and so moral and constitutional justifications are unnecessary.

No rational observer looking at 2,000-pound bombs being dropped on military targets and thousands of missiles being fired indiscriminately at both civilians and military personnel in Iran can conclude that these events constitute anything but a war… 

“Trump’s war… was not commenced by a legitimate authority as Congress has not declared war on Iran. The president and his folks have not identified any imminent violence Iran was about to inflict upon the US. They have confused the public on the war’s purpose…

“Only Congress can declare war and only the president can wage war. This is the power to initiate war, not to ratify it after the president has initiated it. The president can request of Congress a declaration of war, but the decision to start one is textually confined solely to Congress…

“… the administration has not articulated with credibility any imminent threat. The secretary of defense has said, at best, that Iran has ambitions to attack the US one day. That is hardly an imminent threat… the statute requires that the president report in writing the reasons for war to the full Congress so it can approve or disapprove…

“What’s going on is an immoral, unconstitutional and illegal war of choice… These are dangerous times and this is a dangerous war — for the moral order, for constitutional government and for personal freedom. If the president can get away with killing people abroad under a scheme that meets no accepted moral or legal standards and violates the plain language of the Constitution, what can he get away with at home?”

This is a very important question. 

“The Trump Administration Is Lying”

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 7:

“Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to downplay US casualties after seven days of war in the Persian Gulf, clues are appearing on the internet that indicate the US has suffered more combat losses than reported… on March 4, 2026 the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany—the largest US Department of Defense hospital outside the United States and the primary overseas trauma/evacuation hub for injured service members from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—sent out a memo announcing the temporary suspension of its labor and delivery services ‘until further notice.’

“The memo did not explicitly define the ‘primary objective,’ but LRMC’s core role is treating combat- and training-related injuries. It also is the main medical evacuation point for wounded troops from ongoing operations. A knowledgeable friend who supervised DOD’s Wounded Warrior Program during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and worked with personnel at the LRMC, learned today that there is a flood of casualties arriving at the hospital. The numbers are so large that the hospital could no longer continue to spend resources on birthing babies…

“It is not a stretch to conclude that Iran’s attacks on the US bases in the Persian Gulf produced more than a few casualties. DOD/DOW [Department of War/Dow Jones] is working hard to keep this information from the public. Most Americans do not support the unprovoked war…” 

Note the next article in this regard. 

Over 200 US Personnel Killed or Wounded? 

The Times of India wrote on March 8:

“A dramatic escalation has unfolded in the growing conflict between Iran and the United States, with Iranian officials claiming hundreds of American troops were killed or wounded in coordinated retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. 

“According to Iranian military spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaghari, attacks targeted key U.S. military assets, including the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the strategic Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Iranian sources claim 220 U.S. personnel were killed or injured in the strikes, marking a major escalation.” 

By now, it was admitted that at least 150 American troops have been injured.

CNN Being Attacked for Report on Iran 

The New York Post wrote on March 6:

“CNN was accused of pushing out ‘pro-Iran regime propaganda’ by the Trump administration on Thursday after a reporter for the network said it appeared daily life was continuing [in Iran] despite the ongoing war.   

“Senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen said during a segment that all the shelves in shops are stocked, ‘even with fresh things,’ as he casually held a cup of coffee. ‘Fuel seems readily available, and you just don’t see any degree of panic anywhere,’ he said.”

On the other hand, there are many reports with videos showing devastation in Israel from Iran’s strikes which are usually suppressed by the mass media, classified as fake news or claimed to be AI-generated. 

Iranian Missiles Across Middle East

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6:

“Iran has unleashed a series of furious retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, launching attacks on Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel in a series of assaults that have left the region in flames. Drones have struck oil facilities and airports in Iraq as US-led troops gunned down several potential attacks over the Kurdish city of Erbil amid warnings of possible attacks on hotels… 

“A network of Iranian-backed Shia factions, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed it launched an attack on a US military base near Baghdad Airport…”

Iran Retaliates 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Iran has launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates and Israel as it furiously retaliates after an overnight bombardment which left Tehran burning. Explosions have been heard over Tel Aviv, with missile warnings in the UAE, as Iran hits out following the Israeli attack on oil depots which caused a ‘river of fire’ to engulf its capital…” 

Iran is not at this time defeated… 

Iran More and More Defiant

The Guardian wrote on March 10: 

“Iran has spurned two messages from Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, seeking a ceasefire as its leaders sense it is not losing the war and the US president is at the minimum feeling the political pressure… The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has further said a unilateral declaration from Trump that the US had won the war would not bring an end to the conflict…. 

“Iran believes there can be no end to the conflict until it believes Trump has been shown the economic, political and military cost is so high that it is not worth repeating. It is instead insisting on a permanent deal that includes a US commitment not to attack Iran again… But the overall mood among Iranian regime figures is that it is going to survive and should not at this stage seek any agreement.” 

Devastating Effect on Oil Prices 

The New York Post wrote on March 7: 

“A commercial oil tanker was set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz after it was struck by an Iranian suicide drone… with a US Navy mission to safeguard ships through the region possibly still weeks away. The IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] claimed the tanker — the Prima, sailing under a Maltese flag — had ignored repeated warnings not to enter the strait… The flow of oil through the strait — one of the world’s most vital energy arteries connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea which sees roughly 20 million barrels of oil, about 20% of global supply, pass through it daily — has ground to a near-total halt since Iran declared it closed at the start of the war. 

“As a result, US oil prices shot up $20 a barrel in just a week, surging to $90 a barrel Friday, sparking recession fears if the US doesn’t neutralize the IRGC’s threat in the region soon… The president wouldn’t directly say what steps, if any, he planned to take to tackle rising gas and oil prices… But even once a US Navy convoy arrives, escorting the hundreds of ships that are stuck is a months-long mission… With pressure on oil prices continuing to mount, the US would need to find alternative ways to procure oil to avoid a serious economic downturn…” 

Trump Denial—The Strait of Hormuz

 Reuters wrote on March 12:

“Two tankers were ablaze in Iraqi waters on Thursday after what appeared to be Iranian strikes, the latest wave of attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, as Iran warned the world should be ready for oil to hit $200 a barrel…. So far there has been no sign that ships can safely sail through the Strait of Hormuz…

“On Wednesday, an Iranian military spokesperson said the Strait was ‘undoubtedly’ under Iran’s control and the G7 group of nations – the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France – agreed to examine the option of providing escort for ships so they can navigate freely in the Gulf….

“[Trump] said… ‘The straits are in great shape…’ Trump said earlier ships ‘should’ transit through the strait but sources said Iran had deployed about a dozen mines in the channel, further complicating the blockade.”

Strait of Hormuz in great shape and safe? This is so ridiculous. 

Only Two More Days of Stored Gas 

The Telegraph wrote on March 8: 

“Shrinking reserves could spark potential crisis with UK now paying highest wholesale price in Europe. Britain has as little as two days of gas stored up, raising fears of a potential crisis as supplies from the Middle East dry up…”

The End of the Dollar? 

Ron Paul wrote in the Ron Paul Institute on March 9: 

“The war has caused a big rise in gasoline prices… The increased costs will do more than raise prices at the pump. An increase in gas prices brings increased transportation costs that will be passed along to consumers. Prices of a variety of goods, including food, will increase… No wonder Energy Secretary Chris Wright, White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, and other Trump administration officials are frantically working to develop policies to lower gas prices. One possibility under consideration is deploying US troops to try to ensure ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This could turn into a permanent deployment of US troops

“According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the US government is spending about 891.4 million dollars a day on the Iran War. These costs are likely to increase as the war drags on and the US increases its military presence… 

“These factors could also accelerate the increasing rejection of the dollar’s world reserve currency status. A loss of the reserve currency status will cause a dollar crisis, leading to an economic crash worse than the Great Depression.”

Trump has not even ruled out bringing back the draft. All of this contributes to the inevitable downfall of the USA. 

Gas Prices Will Never Go Back Down Much Again 

Forbes wrote on March 9: 

“Today, conflict with Iran has blocked the passage of oil and LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz… the effect is to block up to 20 million barrels a day of oil that passes through the [Strait], out of about 107 million barrels of world production. How long this will last, or what will become of it, is still an open question. But one thing that I think will happen, and which is not expected yet, is that oil prices will go up to wherever they go, but they will not come back down much…. 

“The root cause of all this is the chronic decline in the value of our currency. The dollar today is a floating fiat currency. Its value goes up and down – over time, mostly down…. We didn’t have this problem in the past, because we didn’t have a currency that loses value. The value of the dollar was fixed to gold. An ‘oil crisis’ – or.. a World War like World War I — might lead to soaring prices for commodities including oil… We are going to have a flood of Don’t-Blame-Me excuse-making from the Washington elite types … But remember that the real cause of persistent price rises is a decline in the value of our money…” 

Trump said Americans will have to live with higher gas prices for a short while, for America’s good, and then they will come down again. Incredible! 

Biggest Oil Disruption in History

CNN wrote on March 9:

A historic disruption to the world’s oil production sent crude prices smashing through the $100 barrier Monday for the first time in nearly four years.

“Both US oil and Brent, the international benchmark, are hovering around their biggest single-day increase in dollars per barrel in history… The war with Iran has sent oil prices higher for two primary reasons: a near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and a slowdown in oil production in the Middle East… The war has also effectively wiped out the spare capacity, because Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been cut off from global oil markets…

“As oil prices have surged, so too have gasoline prices. US gas prices have risen about 50 cents in a week…, higher than at any point in either of President Donald Trump’s terms…. Meanwhile, absent a compelling solution to the strait’s closure, oil prices will continue to march higher….” 

Economic Consequences of the Iran War 

The Washington Post wrote on or about March 8: 

“Iranian missile and drone attacks have disrupted the flow of commerce through one of the global economy’s most critical hubs, paralyzing much of the ocean and air traffic that carries goods between Asia and Europe while punishing investors in faraway financial markets… the war’s economic casualties extend well beyond the oil and natural gas shipments that normally transit the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of several international airports in the conflict zone, including the world’s busiest in Dubai, idled nearly one-fifth of global airfreight capacity, interrupting shipments of consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals and precious metals… The cost of shipping goods by air from Asia to Europe is up 45 percent since the war began… 

“The war is hitting the economies of Europe and Asia harder and faster than it is striking the United States… That does not mean Americans will escape unscathed… Farmers face higher bills for critical crop nutrients, and additional supply chain headaches are certain… But for now, economies such as Italy, Belgium, China, India and South Korea, which are the most dependent on oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, are feeling some of the worst effects.”

The War Has Been Won??? 

Mediaite wrote on March 8: 

“President Donald Trump told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer his help is not needed in the war against Iran on Saturday, saying ‘We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!’ 

“Trump posted the following on Truth Social about it: ‘The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!’” 

Trump’s naivety—if it’s not just intentionally wrong political propaganda—is mind boggling. 

War Pretty Much Complete? No Way! 

The Sun wrote on March 10: 

“DONALD Trump has declared his war with Iran is ‘very complete, pretty much’ – and claimed Tehran would have attacked the US ‘within a week, 100 per cent”’.. His surprise statement [including floating a takeover of the Strait of Hormuz] saw global oil prices tumble below $90 following a day of highs where a barrel of crude neared $120…. He went on: ‘We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough’… Asked if the war would end as early as this week, Trump replied: ‘No… but soon, I think soon, very soon.’.. 

“Trump also held a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Monday… The Russian leader said he wanted to be ‘helpful’ in resolving the crisis, Trump claimed… US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has also vowed that Donald Trump is prepared to ‘go as far as we need’ to achieve America and Israel’s goals in the Middle East.” 

To start with the last comment by Hegseth, nobody really knows what America’s goals are, only that they don’t seem to be in harmony with Israel’s goals.  Trump’s claim that Iran would have attacked the USA within a week is utter nonsense… unless he was afraid of it because of Israel’s attacks and Iran’s retaliation; something that Trump previously denied. To talk to Putin (!) to help him to resolve the crisis is mind boggling in the extreme. If Putin was so anxious to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, why is he not ending the war with Ukraine which he illegally occupied, and why is he not withdrawing his troops? The temporary decrease in oil prices due to Trump’s “announcement” will only hold if Trump’s words are followed by actions. His statement that the war will not end this week is also a detrimental admission. Subsequently, the oil prices rose again due to some of Trump’s “announcements.” 

Impending Dispute Between the US and Israel 

Bild Online wrote on March 6: 

“How things will proceed in Iran is currently completely open. For a week now, Israel and the US have been fighting the mullah regime in Tehran together. At the same time, a war is raging throughout the Gulf region… But now, according to Germany’s former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (54), a dispute is threatening to erupt between the allies!… 

“’The strategies of the US government and Israel are anything but congruent. The Israeli government is aiming for the complete destruction of the revolutionary instruments of power, including the Revolutionary Guard and the proxy networks.’ The US plan is different: ‘In Washington, on the other hand, they are following a more functional understanding of regime change, similar to Venezuela… This may sound similar, but it certainly harbors potential for friction between the two partners.'” 

Trump Furious with Israel 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 9: 

“Trump also backed off his earlier threat to send US troops to destroy Iran’s uranium stockpile at a secret nuclear facility near Tehran.. . The remarks directly contradict earlier statements in which Trump said he was considering deploying soldiers as the war spiraled across the Middle East…. 

“The President was reportedly left furious over the weekend after Israel targeted Iran’s oil depots in a blitz that shocked the White House. A planned summit between the US and Israel was scrapped on Monday in the first open disagreement between the allies since the war broke out. 

“Thirty Iranian fuel depots were obliterated over the weekend, with apocalyptic images showing fires leaping into the sky, vast columns of smoke and black oily rain.  White House officials were stunned by the scale of Israel’s bombardment and concerned that images of burning oil would anger Americans facing increased gas prices. ‘The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices,’ a Trump adviser told Axios. An Israeli official said the message from the US was stark: ‘What the f***’.” 

Trump feels the pressure and the overwhelming reaction of the American people regarding his Iran adventure. But in light of his ongoing shifting explanations, can one trust his words? Is he serious, or just trying to deceive the people, buying time? We will see. 

Hezbollah Attacks Israel

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon on Wednesday launched 100 rockets at Israel — overloading Israel’s lauded Iron Dome system so much that only half were shot down…

“In response, the IDF is preparing a ground invasion into Lebanon…”

Violation of International Law by Israel? 

Focus wrote on March 9: 

“Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of illegally using white phosphorus in an attack on a residential area in southern Lebanon last week. The organization was able to verify and geographically locate seven images, according to a report. A staff member spoke of severe consequences for civilians. The incendiary properties of white phosphorus can lead to death or serious injuries resulting in lifelong suffering

“White phosphorus ignites upon contact with oxygen in the air and continues to burn until either nothing remains or the oxygen supply is cut off. An additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions on the Law of War prohibits the use of phosphorus weapons when there is a risk that they will primarily affect civilians.” 

It’s alright then to use them against enemy soldiers! What a corrupt and evil world we are living in. 

The Iran War in Connection With the Third Temple? 

Israel 365 News wrote on March 8: 

“Commentator Tucker Carlson triggered a storm this week after accusing the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement [a major, dynamic Hasidic movement within Orthodox Judaism] of secretly pushing for the destruction of the Islamic shrines on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and the construction of a Third Jewish Temple… Carlson… used his program to present the war as part of a Jewish religious agenda, claiming that Chabad has been quietly working to advance plans to remove the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to rebuild the Temple.

“Carlson opened his broadcast by asserting that ‘key players involved in this war’ believe the conflict will lead to the destruction of the Islamic structures on the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. He then singled out Chabad, stating that the movement has been ‘pushing in a pretty subtle way’ for such a development… 

“Carlson framed the current war as a ‘global religious war’ allegedly triggered by Jewish ambitions regarding the Temple Mount. … Carlson’s remarks also revived an accusation that has fueled violence for nearly a century: the claim that Jews are plotting to destroy the Islamic shrines on the Temple Mount… 

“The hope for a restored Temple is a central belief in traditional Jewish faith, rooted directly in the Bible… The medieval sage Maimonides codified belief in the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the Temple as one of Judaism’s core principles of faith… Rabbi Mordechai Lightstone, Chabad’s social media director, noted that belief in the Temple and the Messianic era is shared across the entire Jewish world…. The Temple Mount remains the holiest site in Judaism and a focal point of intense political and religious tension.” 

Carlson’s critical views against Israel’s policies under Netanyahu are well-known. His accusations against Chabad are unsupported and lack evidence. Still, his comments in general about the building of the Third Temple should not be ignored. 

Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Stockpile… an Almost Impossible Task

CNN wrote on March 10:

“Recovering Iran’s remaining highly enriched uranium stockpile believed to be sitting in a storage facility deep underground… would require a significant number of US ground troops beyond a small special operations footprint… 

“The US bombing campaign that struck three Iranian nuclear facilities last June did not destroy all of that country’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, the material needed to create a nuclear weapon. Much of it is believed to be at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site… President Donald Trump has made complete elimination of Iran’s nuclear capability one of his stated aims of the war. 

“If the Trump administration went ahead with an operation to retrieve the uranium, it could mark the first major commitment of US ground forces as part of the campaign, an escalation that would put a large number of troops in harm’s way as part of a complex mission to move or render safe tons of highly radioactive material.

“The uranium at Isfahan is accessible to the Iranians, who had been working for months after the US military strikes last year to clear the rubble of the facility’s aboveground structures and access the underground tunnels where the uranium was hidden… UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday that around 200 kilograms of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is probably still at Isfahan, with some also at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility… 

“US military airstrikes alone can’t penetrate the Isfahan tunnels, primarily because the facility does not have ventilation shaft openings like some of Iran’s other nuclear sites, which serve as weak points for a storage structure. That has led to discussions within the Trump administration about deploying elite units within the US military’s Joint Special Operations Command, potentially in coordination with Israeli commando forces, to physically infiltrate the tunnels and secure or destroy the enriched uranium…

“A mission like that, however, would require dozens if not hundreds of additional troops on the ground to help support the core special operations team tasked with finding the uranium…, particularly given the Iranian military’s continued control over the sites and surrounding area. That support could entail not just troops to secure the area, but also logistical support given the challenges of working with nuclear material deep underground… ‘The logistics and risk involved would be prohibitive, to say the least,’ said one person familiar with the discussions…” 

So, if regime change and destroying Iran’s stockpile of uranium were part of the goals of Trump’s strikes, then they have NOT been achieved. 

Catastrophic Lack of Sulfur 

On March 9, Naturalnews published the following article by Mike Adams: 

“The devastating attacks on critical Gulf infrastructure have not merely disrupted markets; they have severed the global supply of elemental sulfur and its derivative, sulfuric acid. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz… coupled with the systematic destruction of storage and refining facilities in Iran, means zero spot sulfur is available on the global market. This is not a crisis about to begin; it has already been unleashed. The chemical cascade of industrial collapse is now irreversible 

“Reports of thick, choking smoke over Tehran following strikes on oil facilities are a grim foreshadowing of the acid rain and atmospheric poisoning to come, but they pale in comparison to the economic and biological warfare now underway… Sulfuric acid is the irreplaceable ‘lifeblood’ of modern industrial civilization. No single chemical has a more urgent, cascading impact across every critical sector… Without sulfur, there is no fertilizer. Without fertilizer, there is no food on an industrial scale. This is not a hypothetical supply chain hiccup; it is a guaranteed trigger for mass starvation 

“The secondary uses of sulfuric acid are what weave the fabric of modern life: it is essential for leaching critical metals like copper, zinc, and nickel from ore; for the vulcanization of rubber in every car and truck tire; for producing battery acid; and for manufacturing… antibiotics, industrial explosives, and synthetic textiles. Every one of these chains is now broken… 

“Even if the war ended tomorrow, the crisis is locked in for years. The specialized refineries, storage tanks, and port facilities are destroyed. Rebuilding this infrastructure is a multi-year endeavor, and we do not have years… Governments and captured institutions are lying about the timeline and severity. The mainstream corporate media narrative is one of manageable disruption and future recovery. The reality is irreversible industrial collapse… 

“This is not doom on steroids; it is the factual, unflinching consequence of severing civilization’s chemical backbone… The centralized, just-in-time systems for food, medicine, and goods are failing in real-time… Relying on the corrupt, centralized medical system — which profits from sickness and has long suppressed natural, nutritional, and herbal solutions — is a guaranteed path to suffering…” 

If only a portion of what was said in this article was true, we would all be in serious trouble, caused by the stupidity of war. 

Trump’s Iran War Faces Disaster? 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 7: 

“A leaked classified report by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) has shed an unfavorable light on Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, warning that military involvement could be disastrous…. a report completed by the NIC just a week before raised doubts about the US’s ability to overthrow the regime… 

“NIC members bridge 18 intelligence agencies with policymakers to provide analytical assessments…. Iran would likely respond to Khamenei’s death by following protocols to preserve the regime. Sources said it was ‘unlikely’ that Iran’s opposition would seize control.” 

This was so clear from the outset. “Making Iran Great Again”—as pronounced by Trump—is an incredible pipe dream. We are facing another “never-ending” war, or Trump stops the strikes with the tail between his legs. In any event, America is NOT going to win. 

Trump Will Lose the War 

Daily Mail wrote on March 8: 

“Jiang is a Beijing-based educator and writer. He is also on the research team for Harvard’s Global Education Innovation Initiative…  in 2024 he posted a lesson titled ‘The Iran Trap.’ … the professor said he believed that the US would lose the war… During a recent interview, Jiang said he stood by his initial prediction… 

“He explained that American military strategy is designed for ‘muscle flexing’ and is not sustainable, adding that the worst calamity for the US would be to send ground troops to Iran… ‘If there’s a war going on and you can delay elections and you have emergency war powers and people rally around the flag, then he probably will get a third term,’ Jiang predicted.” 

Regime Change Won’t Happen

VG wrote on March 10:

“For over a century, countries have attempted to overthrow hostile regimes using air power alone… it has never worked…

“First, you achieve… one hundred percent tactical success. You hit your targets perfectly. You kill leaders, destroy buildings, knock out airfields. The bombing appears to be successful on the tactical level… The perspective narrows, and you begin to underestimate the enemy.

“But then the political situation changes. Instead of the regime collapsing, the opposite happens. You either get a slightly reorganized regime that continues as before, or – even worse – a much more radicalized regime that is willing to take greater risks…

“Iran has been an ‘industrial factory for drones’ for Putin in Ukraine over the past year. In 2025 alone, over 55,000 Iranian drones have been used by Putin in Ukraine… Iran’s strategy will therefore be to drag out conflicts over time… so that the real cost is ultimately paid politically at home in the United States.”

US intelligence indicates that Iran’s leadership is still largely intact and is not at risk of collapse any time soon (compare Reuters, March 12). 

Using the Mother of All Bombs? 

Geo News wrote on March 6: 

“Experts told the outlet that the U.S. could potentially use the ‘mother of all bombs’ against Iran to obliterate the underground tunnels, bunkers and missile launching sites. [It] is considered the deadliest non-nuclear weapon developed by the U.S. 

“It is a 21,000 pound explosive which creates a 1,000 ft hole in the ground, taking out underground targets…” 

MOAB has been used once before in 2017 in Afghanistan. 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 6: 

“The United States may choose to drop its largest non-nuclear weapon in the coming days and weeks. It is known as the ‘Mother Of All Bombs’ – a play on ‘MOAB,’ an acronym that stands for ‘Massive Ordnance Air Burst.’ A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 100ft wide. Anyone at the blast site is vaporised… President Trump has long told reporters at the White House how ‘very proud’ he is of it.” 

God will deal with his “pride” very soon.

Trump Wants to Be Involved in Choice of New Iranian Leader 

BBC wrote on March 6: 

“Donald Trump says he also wants to choose who will rule Iran… That seems unthinkable for a clerical regime rooted in deep distrust of America… There has long been division between factions known as reformers and pragmatists, and the hardliners who call themselves Principlists in their defence of their revolution. But they are united on one goal: the survival of the system which keeps them in power… the US president then made it clear that he would only choose a GREAT AND ACCEPTABLE leader’… There is no sign of that… 

“The president’s comments reflected ‘the depth of the enemy’s malicious objectives in this battle’, according to the conservative Mehr News Agency, which carried a rebuke from members of the interim Leadership Council now in charge until a new leader is announced. ‘The great Iranian nation will never allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs and its right to determine its own destiny,’ it declared in the fiery war of words…” 

That did not work. 

Mojtaba Khamenei Succeeds His Father 

Reuters wrote on March 9: 

“Iran’s clerical leadership chose confrontation over compromise in appointing Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, a move regional officials say is a direct rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had declared the son ‘unacceptable’…. The appointment of Mojtaba as his successor by the Assembly of Experts locks hardliners firmly in control in Tehran… ‘Having Mojtaba take over is the same playbook,’ said Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. ‘It’s a big humiliation for the United States to carry out an operation of this scale, risk so much, and end up killing an 86-year-old man, only to have him replaced by his hardline son.’ 

“Analysts say the choice of Mojtaba, a deeply hardline cleric whose wife, mother and other family members were also killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes – sends an unequivocal message: Iran’s leadership has rejected any prospect of compromise to preserve the system and sees no path forward except confrontation, revenge and endurance…. ‘Mojtaba is even worse and more hardline than his father,’ said Alan Eyre, former U.S. diplomat and Iran specialist.” 

Iran Is Not Venezuela 

Ynet wrote on March 6: 

“Encouraged by the operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump now wants a say in choosing Iran’s next leader, but experts warn the Shiite theocracy is built to survive pressure — not become a US-backed puppet… 

“Diplomats and analysts around the world are skeptical of that expectation, stressing that the Islamic Republic differs greatly from the South American oil power and warning that Trump is mistaken if he believes the same methods can be applied…. [They] warn that drawing parallels between Venezuela and Iran is a serious mistake.” 

Unconditional Surrender and the Day After 

ABC News wrote on March 6: 

“Trump, in a social media post on Friday, demanded ‘unconditional surrender’ from Tehran, after which he said would come the selection of ‘acceptable’ new leaders and a rebuilding of the Middle Eastern nation… Trump told Axios in a phone interview: ‘Unconditional surrender could be that [the Iranians] announce it. But it could also be when they can’t fight any longer because they don’t have anyone or anything to fight with.’… 

“But on what comes after for civilians in Iran, particularly who will take control…, Trump and his team have sent mixed messages… On Friday, in an interview with CNN, Trump elaborated somewhat on his vision, saying Iran does not need to become a democratic state and that he is open to a religious leader ruling the country.” 

Iran Could Attack California

The New York Post wrote on March 11:

“Iran could use drones to make a deadly strike on California at any time, a top US Army expert says — and we’re nowhere near ready for what could happen… America’s enemy is almost certainly trying to launch an attack on California shores with drones…. Iran doubtless has in its possession thousands of attack drones that can be controlled from thousands of miles away and can fly hundreds of miles before striking their targets… such drones could be launched… from unmanned drone ships…

“Iran’s connections with Mexico and nations in South America mean that drone attacks could also be launched from south of the border… Sporting events, hotels, office buildings, government offices and military bases are all possible targets… the drones used to attack California would carry explosives to their targets with pinpoint accuracy, needing only GPS coordinates to set their aim.”

Russia Assists Iran 

Newsmax wrote on March 6: 

“Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack U.S. troops and military assets in the Middle East, an American defense official confirmed to Newsmax on Friday. First reported by The Washington Post, the development puts one of the United States’ chief nuclear-armed competitors in the rapidly expanding conflict

“Iran has, for years, provided Russia with its Shahed drones to attack Ukraine, and now Russian intelligence is returning the favor by aiding Iran in its retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.” 

When a Fox reporter asked Trump about this, he castigated him, saying this was a stupid question. How was this important question stupid??? Subsequently, Trump called Putin to discuss ending the war! Incredible! 

Russia’s “Unwavering” Support 

The New York Post wrote on March 9, 2026: 

“Putin declared ‘unwavering support’ for Iran as he congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on being tapped as the Islamic Republic’s new leader. Putin fired off a telegram to Khamenei — the son of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — on Monday, vowing the Kremlin would remain a ‘reliable partner’ to Iran amid the ongoing war. 

“‘At a time when Iran is opposing armed aggression, your tenure in this high post will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication,’ Putin’s message said. ‘I am sure that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people.’” 

Until now, Putin has done nothing for Iran, except provide them with intelligence. But this may change. 

Not Enough European Support? 

DNYUZ wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s administration spent the past year dismissing Europeans as pathetic and irrelevant. Now, as he wages a war alongside Israel to force regime change in Iran, he wants Europe to cheer him on… But the European moves so far fall short of the applause Trump is seeking for an assault without [a]clear end that is violently reshaping the region… 

“The White House is not exactly trying to forge a coalition of the unwilling. Washington did not consult European allies before the attack and has not asked them to join in bombing Tehran… Trump is rebuking countries that don’t offer unflinching support… ‘The war in Iran began “unbeknownst to the world” and was not a decision’ shared by anyone,’ Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told lawmakers in Rome on Thursday. ‘Of course, it was well outside the rules of international law. We don’t need to say it.’… 

“Trump has praised one European leader, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Washington this week after he declared there was little use ‘lecturing’ about the illegality of war. Back home, however, Merz faced European criticism for abandoning support of international law, which he has touted on Ukraine and Greenland, and for not defending Spain from Trump’s criticism in the Oval Office…” 

“For European politicians, joining a U.S. war will be unpopular after the stained legacies of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, and the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following Israel into war will also be divisive in many European nations, with some European officials having accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.” 

The alienation between Europe and the USA is continuing. 

EU Vows Strong Response to Trump’s Spain Threat 

Tempo wrote on March 6: 

“The European Union (EU) will deliver a ‘strong and swift’ response if United States President Donald Trump imposes additional tariffs or discriminatory trade measures on Spain, stated a spokesperson for the European Commission. ‘If President Trump was to unfairly target Spanish imports into the US for extra tariff treatment or whatever, then that would be considered a very serious escalation, and I think you would certainly see a strong and swift response from the EU side,’ the spokesperson said on Thursday… 

“The statement came after Trump threatened to impose a total trade embargo on Spain for refusing to grant permission for the U.S. military to use its base in operations against Iran. The spokesperson emphasized that although the U.S. statements so far have only been threats, any step to impose additional tariffs on Spanish goods would trigger a coordinated response from the European Union…. 

“A day earlier, President of the European Council Antonio Costa expressed ‘full solidarity’ of the European Union to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following the United States’ threat over Madrid’s stance on Iran.” 

Will Trump’s threats and actions bring the core nations of Europe closer together? 

Merz’s Shifting Opinions 

Die Welt wrote on March 6: 

“Friedrich Merz (CDU) has warned of uncontrollable consequences from a protracted war in Iran… Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe… ‘The Iranian people have the right to freely decide their own destiny,’ the Chancellor emphasized. ‘An endless war is not in our interest…’… 

“At his meeting with Donald Trump this week, Merz had still emphasized Germany’s agreement with the US on Iran policy… With the warning against a protracted war, Merz is now acting more defensively. Together with France, Great Britain, and partners in the Gulf region, Germany is working on a perspective for ending the hostilities.” 

Merz is just a weak leader, and under pressure, he will cave and give in. Note the next article.

“This Is Not Our War” 

Nius wrote on March 7: 

“Lars Klingbeil (SPD) expressed sharp criticism of Trump’s Iran war. The Vice Chancellor told the editorial network Germany (RND): ‘I say very clearly: This is not our war. We will not take part in this war.’ 

“Klingbeil further explained that he sees ‘the great danger that we will slip ever more into a world in which there are no more rules. We do not want to live in a world in which only the law of the strongest applies.’ He also has ‘great doubts that this war is legitimized under international law’. This statement contains enormous explosives for the government coalition…. 

“Klingbeil explained that he also considers the mullahs in Tehran to be a ‘terrorist regime’. He literally said: ‘I don’t shed a tear for the mullah leadership that was killed in the attacks. This regime is a terrorist regime that threatens Israel and the entire region.’ However, he doubted that the attacks could really lead to a regime change: ‘Just because leading people in the regime have been eliminated does not mean that this regime is over. On the contrary: we hear that successors are available for many leaders.’ 

“He fears that the regime is ‘quite consolidated’, which is why he doesn’t believe that anything is improving for the population in Iran.” 

Merz Under Critic 

Deutsche Welle wrote on March 9: 

“Friedrich Merz is displaying a type of quiet tolerance of Trump’s approach. He does not fully approve of it, expresses doubts, but does not condemn it… This approach has not been well-received across German politics, even within the governing coalition… In an interview with the private NTV channel, Tino Chrupalla, the co-leader of Germany’s largest opposition party, the far-right Alternative for Germany [AfD], clearly distanced himself from the attack by the US and Israel, also criticizing President Donald Trump. He said Trump started out as a peace president, but would end up as a ‘war president.’” 

Britain Has Become Trump’s Enemy 

Newsbreak wrote on or about March 9: 

“Trump’s White House increasingly resembles a madhouse. War aims shift daily… Trump is now at war with US allies… Britain and Europe mostly want no part of it, but are being sucked in anyway… It’s long been obvious Trump is no friend to Britain. But this latest act… shows he and his administration must now be considered an enemy…. 

“This is Trump’s war of choice. But Britain has choices, too. Two hundred and fifty years after the American colonists broke free of [the] empire, it’s time for a British declaration of independence.” 

Popular MAGA Voices Turn Against Trump 

ABC News wrote on March 7: 

“President Donald Trump’s decision to carry out strikes on Iran has further exposed a fracture among some of the president’s fiercest supporters inside MAGA world — one that many supporters say will only widen with every week the conflict continues. 

“Since the first strike last week, Trump’s actions in Iran have faced stark criticism from some of the most popular voices in MAGA media who helped boost his 2024 campaign, ranging from longtime adviser Steve Bannon to more recent converts like conservative media personalities Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly.” 

Not to forget Marjorie Greene. 

Stephen Miller an Embarrassment 

The Independent wrote on March 8: 

“A GOP senator tore into Stephen Miller, the architect of Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, on Sunday and said that the two-time White House official was ‘out of his depth.’ 

“Sen. Thom Tillis, a retiring Republican lawmaker… has become one of the… critics of the president within his own party on the Hill. But the tone of his attacks against Miller in particular shifted in the wake of the shootings of two Americans killed while protesting ICE and DHS agents in Minneapolis in early 2026, and the senator has come to assert that the president’s mass deportation program is riddled with incompetent leadership… ‘It was Stephen Miller who said it was the position of the United States that we should go after Greenland. It’s Stephen Miller that’s been repeatedly responsible for embarrassments for the president of the United States, speaking first and asking questions later.’ 

“The senator went on to trash Miller for having an ‘outsized influence on the Cabinet’… ‘He’s a big problem in this administration, he has been from the beginning.’” 

Tillis is correct in his criticism of Miller. He should have been fired a long time ago; in fact, he should never have been in the position of “advisor” to Trump. But this is also true for many others in Trump’s cabinet.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

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Would you please explain in detail Paul’s three missionary journeys? (Part 5)

In the last four Q&As, we covered Paul’s first and second missionary journeys, and we also began to cover his third journey. We focused on events in Ephesus and will continue to describe what happened there. We are informed in Acts 19:20 that the Word of God grew mightily and prevailed in the city, and so Paul was desirous of going to Jerusalem and Rome (verse 21). Reaching both destinations would not happen right away; in fact, we read in the letter to the Romans that he had planned to go to Rome on several occasions, but was hindered from doing so (Romans 1:13).  

We read that Paul stayed for a time in Ephesus, and because of the great impact of Christianity, a riot occurred there. Acts 19:24-28 tells us:

“For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.’ Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians!’”

Demetrius and the other silversmiths were angry, not necessarily because goddess Diana or Artemis was “desecrated,” but they were in danger of losing a lot of money. Pilgrims who came to Ephesus bought little model shrines or other idols as souvenirs which had been made by the silversmiths. They declared outrage because Diana was not being honored, but in truth, they were concerned that they would be suffering monetary loss. So they instigated a riot.

We are informed that they seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s travel companions from Macedonia, and brought them to the theater. Paul wanted to go there as well, but the disciples and some officials of Asia who were his friends would “not allow him” or “pleaded” with him not to go.

At the theater, the assembly was in disarray, and, as is so often the case during a riot, “some cried one thing and some another… and most of them did not know why they had come together” (Acts 19:32). They then “drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, ‘Great is Diana of the Ephesians!’”

It appears that Alexander later joined God’s Church. But sad developments ensued. We read in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 that Paul charged Timothy to have “faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” In other words, Paul had disfellowshipped them. Paul also wrote this about Alexander, in 2 Timothy 4:14: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.”

Some claim that this Alexander was probably not the same as the one mentioned in Acts 19, because he is allegedly referred to there as a silversmith, and here as a coppersmith. However, this argument is not convincing because Alexander is nowhere described as a silversmith in Acts 19.

The city clerk “quieted the crowd” (Acts 19:35), stating: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?”

Not much is known about the image that fell down from Zeus or Jupiter. It might have been a meteor which became somehow associated with Diana—not unlike the “Black Stone” in the Kaaba in Mecca which Muslims believe to have fallen from heaven. The city clerk had great authority and since this assembly was unauthorized, he was concerned that the Romans could intervene, not tolerating civil disorder. He said: “‘For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.’ And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly” (Acts 19:40-41).

So the city clerk was moved by God to save Paul and his companions, even though he was more concerned to maintain and save his own position.

After that, Paul departed and went to Greece where he stayed three months. Again, Jews were plotting against him, and so he and some of his companions went to Troas. Other companions (including Luke) joined him at Troas. Acts 20:6 reads: “But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them [Paul and his companions] at Troas, where we stayed seven days.”

The reference to the Days of Unleavened Bread is remarkable. Luke wrote the book of Acts to Theophilus, a Gentile and Roman official. The fact that Luke mentions the Days of Unleavened Bread proves again that the disciples observed God’s Holy Days many years after Christ’s crucifixion… and Christ’s disciples must do so today as well.

Acts 20:7 is probably one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. We read: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” The Ryrie Study Bible states: “This became the regular day of worship for Christians in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday.” But Christ was not resurrected on Sunday, but on Saturday, shortly before sunset. Also, when the disciples broke bread, they just had an ordinary meal together; not the “Lord’s Supper” or “communion,” as some claim. Acts 27:33-38; Acts 2:42, 46; Luke 24:30,25 all prove that breaking bread simply means to consume food.

Incredibly, some translations pervert the Scriptures so much that they read: “On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper.” Such blasphemy is difficult to swallow.

Furthermore, the activities took place on Saturday evening and Paul continued his preaching until midnight [we would say today, Saturday night].  Remember that days begin and end at sunset. This was not a religious service per se.

During his long preaching, a young man fell asleep and fell from the third floor and died. But Paul brought him back to life, and “when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed…  Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot” (Acts 20:11, 13).

Paul was en route from Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:2-3, 16). Since he did not know when he would see the brethren again, he wanted to teach them as much as possible. The people were more than willing to listen. So, after the Sabbath, Paul remained behind, teaching the brethren, while his ship sailed around the peninsula (verse 13). He remained talking with them till midnight and continued after a short meal until daybreak (verse 11). We see too in verse 11, that “breaking bread” just means, taking a meal. Then, after Paul had stayed as long as he could, he left them to walk across the peninsula to meet the boat (verses 13-14). He worked on that Sunday by taking this long walk of some 19 miles!

Paul met up with companions at Assos (20 miles away from Troas by road and 30 miles away by sea), went to Mitylene and ultimately to Miletus. Acts 20:16 reads: “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” He wanted to keep the Feast of Pentecost in Jerusalem, showing again that he still observed God’s Holy Days.

While in Miletus, he called for the elders of the Church in Ephesus, and when they had arrived, he gave one of his most moving and important speeches. This farewell speech is recorded in Acts 20:18-35:

“You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “

Let’s note some of his moving and sobering statements. He said he kept nothing back from them in regard to repentance, faith in Jesus, the gospel of grace and the Kingdom of God, and that he was therefore innocent of the blood of all men, because he declared to them the whole counsel of God. He was alluding to the warning that if we do not warn and teach the people of coming disaster and if we do not preach to them repentance and all the doctrines of God (the whole council), we will be guilty of their blood when they die because of their sins. They will surely die, but we would be responsible too; God would require their blood at our hands—their blood would be on our heads (Ezekiel 33:2-9).

Paul also stated that it is by the grace of God that we can inherit the Kingdom of God and eternal life (compare Ephesians 2:8). He emphasized that he had received his ministry from God; he did not make himself a minister but Christ ordained him to that office (Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1). He also wrote in Hebrews 5:4: “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God…” He reminded the elders that God, through His Spirit, made them overseers or ministers of the flock, but that the members were not theirs. They belong to Christ, who purchased them with His own blood.

He stated that he wanted to finish his race with joy, and he was therefore not afraid about what would await him in Jerusalem, even though God told him in every city, apparently through people or prophets who were inspired by God to proclaim this, that he would become a captive in Jerusalem.  

He referred to the Church of God. That name is used in the New Testament on several additional occasions (1 Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 3:5; 3:15). The name was also used in connection with a location (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1). The name of several congregations was mentioned as “the churches of God” in 1 Corinthians 11:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4.

Note especially 1 Timothy 3:15. There, the Church of God is referred to as the “church of the living God.” We are called today the Church of the Eternal God.

Paul’s sobering and timeless warning is remarkable. He told the elders of Ephesus that he had warned them for three years with tears, that after his departure, “savage wolves will come in among you” and even “from among” them, evil men would arise, preaching perverse things. He commanded the elders to watch and be prepared to withstand those evildoers and deceivers. He concluded with the famous saying of Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

When Paul stated that the elders of Ephesus would see him now more, this does not mean that he would die soon. He would be arrested in Jerusalem and sent as a captive to Felix and Festus, where he was held for over two years. He was then transported to Rome, where he would stay as a prisoner for two years. After his release, he would continue to work as an Apostle, until he was finally arrested again and killed under Nero.

The record in Acts 20 concludes with verses 36-38:

“And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.”

Paul and his company (including Luke) sailed to Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Syria and finally Cyprus. Cyprus was a large island of the Mediterranean with the city of Paphos as its capital. Paul had been in Cyprus before, where he had confronted a false prophet and sorcerer (Acts 13:4-12).

Acts 21:4 states that in Cyprus, “finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.” This passage must not be understood as if God, through His Spirit, told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Rather, God revealed to the disciples what would await Paul there, and this warning caused the disciples to discourage Paul from going. But Paul had already determined to go (Acts 20:22), and later, Jesus encouraged Paul that “as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome” (Acts 23:11). Nothing could persuade Paul not to go, being fully convinced that this was God’s Will for him.

The disciples accepted his decision. We read in Acts 21:5: “When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.”

They sailed from Cyprus to Tyre and Ptolemais, where they “greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day” (verse 7). Then, on “the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him” (Acts 21:8).

Caesarea served as the Judean capital under the Roman procurators. Paul had been there before (Acts 18:22). “One of the seven” refers to the ordination of seven disciples as deacons (Acts 6:3, 5-6). Now, about 20 years later, Philip had become an Evangelist.

Acts 21:9 continues: “Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” This does not mean that they were ministers or prophetesses. The Bible only says that they “prophesied.” They spoke because God inspired them. There is no biblical record that women were ordained to an office of prophetess in the New Testament Church. In fact, God does not permit a woman to preach or to prophesy in Church services. Paul makes this statement: “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12). Also, Paul explains: “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (1 Corinthians 14:34).

While Paul was staying with Philip for many days, the prophet Agabus came from Judea to tell Paul that he would become a captive in Jerusalem (verses 10-11). When the disciples heard this, they “pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem” (verse 12). But Paul was determined to go. He responded: “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (verse 13). The reaction of the disciples was interesting: “So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, ‘The will of the Lord be done’” (verse 14). Nothing “happens” to us against God’s Will. And Paul knew that it was God’s Will for him to go to Jerusalem, even though he would become a prisoner there. It is for us to understand and prove what God’s Will is for us.

Paul’s third journey concludes with his arrival in Jerusalem. We read in verses 15 to 17: “And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.”

Commentaries tell us that Paul’s third journey lasted for 4 to 5 years, running roughly from AD 53 to AD 57 or AD 58. It covered about 2,700 miles.

Before concluding this series, we would like to point out that Paul might have undertaken another journey after his release from Roman prison. According to early Church tradition, which is supported by Clement of Rome, Paul visited Great Britain. Paul fulfilled his desire to travel to Spain (Romans 15:22-24), and subsequently to Britain. Some cite an alleged connection between Paul and the British royal family in Rome (including Caractacus, Claudia and Linus), suggesting he accompanied them back to Britain.  

The three journeys, recorded in the Bible, show the tremendous faith, energy, zeal and dedication of the Apostle Paul—a tremendous example for us today. He could clearly say with sincerity and veracity: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; New International Version).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

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Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Iran War and the Third Temple,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

Could there be any connection between these two events? There might be, but perhaps not in the suggested or expected way. However, we should be able to see how biblical prophecy is being fulfilled in our times.

“Der Iran-Krieg und der Dritte Tempel,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

The 2026 Ministerial Conference for the Church of the Eternal God and its Affiliates will be conducted in California on May 14th and 15th.

Joseph’s Revelation to His Brothers – Part 3” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.

“Die Liebe Gottes – Von vielen falsch verstanden,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Marc Völler, is now posted. Title in English: “The Love of God – Often Misunderstood.”

“Don’t Be Late,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted.

Here is the summary:

What does God require of us to make sure that we overcome when surrounded by difficulties? Knowing what God promises, do we take Him for granted, and are we earnestly prepared for what is just ahead of us?

“Thoughts We Allow,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Our thoughts are powerful and shape who we become. Modern neuroscience and the Bible affirm that what we repeatedly think can transform our minds and actions. As Christians, we must intentionally guard and guide our thoughts by bringing every thought into captivity to Christ so that our words, actions, and character reflect God’s ways rather than the natural tendencies of the human heart.

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How This Work is Financed

This Update is an official publication by the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States of America; the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada; and the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom.

Editorial Team: Norbert Link, Dave Harris, Rene Messier, Brian Gale, Johanna Link, Eric Rank, Michael Link, Anna Link, Kalon Mitchell, Manuela Mitchell, Dawn Thompson

Technical Team: Eric Rank, Shana Rank

Our activities and literature, including booklets, weekly updates, sermons on CD are provided free of charge. They are made possible by the tithes, offerings and contributions of Church members and others who have elected to support this Work.

While we do not solicit the general public for funds, contributions are gratefully welcomed and are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada.

Donations can be sent to the following addresses:

United States: Church of the Eternal God, P.O. Box 270519, San Diego, CA 92198

Canada: Church of God, ACF, Box 1480, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0

United Kingdom: Global Church of God, PO Box 44, MABLETHORPE, LN12 9AN, United Kingdom

Don’t Be Late / Thoughts We Allow

On March 7, 2026, Michael Link will present the first split sermon, titled, “Don’t Be Late,”  and Kalon Mitchell will present the second split sermon, titled, “Thoughts We Allow”.

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

This Week in the News

Major Combat Operation 

The Associated Press wrote on February 28:

“The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to ‘seize control of your destiny’ by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region… In a video announcing the ‘major combat operations,’ Trump told Iranians that ‘when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.’ 

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that goal, saying, ‘Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.’ 

“The strikes during the holy fasting month of Ramadan opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against the Islamic Republic… 

“The targets included members of Iran’s leadership… Even if Iran’s top leaders were to be killed, regime change is not guaranteed and neither the U.S. nor Israel have articulated a vision for what new leadership would look like… The immediate trigger for Saturday’s strikes appears to be the unsuccessful latest round of nuclear talks. But they also reflect the dramatic changes across the region that have left Iran’s leadership in its weakest position since the Islamic Revolution nearly half a century ago… 

“Iran responded to the latest strikes as it had been threatening to do for months, including by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar... Israel said the operation has been planned for months with the U.S. Trump, in seeking to justify the military action, claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program despite asserting last year the program had been ‘obliterated’ by an earlier round of strikes… The U.S. president said he was aiming to ‘annihilate’ the Iranian navy and destroy regional proxies supported by Tehran. 

“He also called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms, pledging members would be given immunity, while warning they would face ‘certain death’ if they didn’t… 

“Iran has said it hasn’t enriched uranium since June, but it has blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed during a 12-day war then. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have shown new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there. Iran currently has a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, limiting its range to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). That puts the entire Middle East and some of Eastern Europe within range… 

“The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran is able to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of total worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025… 

Saudi Arabia said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom… The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel…” 

Iran’s Leaders Dead 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Iran’s tyrannical Supreme Leader Alio Khamenei was killed Saturday in an unprecedented,  joint military attack by the US and Israel called Operation Epic Fury.  ‘Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,’ Trump declared on his Truth Social about 15 hours after the start of the onslaught… Hours later, Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei had been ‘martyred.’… 

“The tyrant’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the joint military attack, according to Iranian state media, though it’s unclear where they died. Israeli officials told Fox News that more than 40 top Iranian security and regime figures were eliminated in the opening strikes this morning, and as many as 10 high-ranking leaders were killed in the initial strike on Khamenei’s fortified compound.” 

It was also reported that at least six US service members have been killed so far. 

Iran’s New Supreme Leader?

The Daily Mail wrote on March 3: 

“Mojtaba Khamenei, the [second] son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader.  Mojtaba… has strong links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) [and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force] and was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts… He has been touted as a possible successor to his father for years… 

“The regime’s 88-person assembly is tasked with appointing, supervising and potentially dismissing the supreme leader.  It met on Tuesday in Qom to find a successor to Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday by joint US-Israeli strikes. Israel and US strikes flattened the building where the assembly met. There was no information on any potential casualties.” 

Other reports claim that he was not appointed yet, but that he is the most likely successor to his father. Trump said that he would view this as the most undesirable outcome.  

Closing Strait of Hormuz? 

Haaretz wrote on February 28: 

“Iran Reportedly Closes Strait of Hormuz, the World’s Most Vital Oil Export Route… The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received multiple reports from vessels in the Gulf that they had been notified of the Strait of Hormuz’s closure. There was no immediate confirmation from Iran…” 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 1: 

“Iran claims to have struck British oil tankers with missiles leaving them ‘burning’…  

“Iran has told ships not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz… although a number of Iranian and Chinese vessels have continued to pass through it today.  The halting of shipping in the strait has seen markets brace for a surge in global oil prices.  Motorists in the UK were warned of potential ‘record prices at the pumps’ while economists predicted fragile economies could be pushed ‘closer to recession in a matter of weeks’. The threat of Iranian reprisal attacks saw at least 150 tankers drop anchor as shipping companies refused to sail through the 100-mile passage which is just 24 miles wide.” 

The Times of India reported on March 3: 

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass will be attacked… The threat of closure has already rattled energy markets, with oil prices jumping sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption.” 

Sky News wrote on March 1: 

“By March 1, very few ships were in the strait, and vessels appeared to cluster around large ports on either side of the strait. Maritime activity has been almost brought to a standstill as the US and Iran have traded strikes…” 

MEGA Melts Down Over Iran War 

Daily Beast wrote on February 28: 

“A Trump-authorized strike on Iran took place just hours after JD Vance tried to allay MAGA fears of another conflict without a clear end. President Donald Trump is facing a furious MAGA backlash after embarking on an unauthorized strike in Iran that he admits will kill U.S. citizens [after being urged from parts of his own base not to enter another foreign war.]… 

“The fact that American soldiers could die is set to infuriate the anti-interventionist wing of the Republican Party…. Former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene [wrote]: ‘End of MAGA.’” 

Imminent Threat? 

ABC News wrote on February 28: 

“In making his new case for the strikes, the president is arguing attacks are warranted to ‘defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime’ without providing clear evidence of that. Trump also argued Iranian missiles could ‘soon’ reach the U.S —  but the president has provided no details… 

“Whether the Iranian missile threat was ‘imminent’ — and whether Congress should vote on committing American troops to an extensive military operation — aimed at pursuing such a broad goal of regime change in Iran — will likely dominate the debate when lawmakers return to Washington this week.” 

USA War Against Iran Because of Israel? 

JTA wrote on March 3: 

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio inflamed critics of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on Monday when he suggested that Israel had pulled the United States into the conflict. ‘We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,’ Rubio told reporters in Washington, D.C… 

“The conservative commentator Matt Walsh… shared a video of Rubio’s initial statement and tweeted, ‘So he’s flat out telling us that we’re in a war with Iran because Israel forced our hand. This is basically the worst possible thing he could have said.’… 

“Rubio was not the only prominent voice close to the decision-making table to implicate Israel as a driver of the war plans… Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said the United States had to prepare for war because it knew it would be embroiled if Israel acted alone. ‘Because Israel was determined to act with or without the U.S., our commander in chief and the administration and the officials had a very difficult decision to make,’ he told reporters… 

“The war is placing stress on Trump’s coalition ahead of a midterm election season that is expected to be rocky for the Republicans. The MAGA wing of the party…  appears unlikely to be easily convinced by the Trump administration’s explanations for war….” 

Trump disputed what Rubio and Johnson had claimed, saying that, if anything, he was leading the attack, and Rubio backpedaled, saying he had been “misquoted.” Johnson also waffled on the issue. Johnson also said that the USA is not at war right now with Iran.. a totally ridiculous comment (compare The Independent, dated March 4). 

“Wars and Rumors of Wars” 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on February 28: 

“This is a major mis-step that could easily turn out very badly as it is a pointless war of choice that could easily escalate to neighboring states and become nuclear if… Navy vessels might also find themselves vulnerable to Iranian missiles. 

“… the grounds for the act of war as elaborated by President Donald Trump are completely fatuous, to include Iranian presumed development of a nuclear weapon and its possession of ballistic missiles that will be able to strike the United States. Both claims are denied by US intelligence and other sources. They are lies…” 

Where Is the Plan? 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 2: 

“It was supposed to be like the Venezuela operation. Quick and painless for the US. Kill the leadership and the long-suffering people would take to the streets and reclaim their country… in real life these regime change operations have never worked. Millions did take to the streets in Iran, but it was to mourn the slain Ayatollah and to reaffirm support for their government… with the Pentagon warning that the operation may go weeks instead of days, we are quickly running out of missiles

“Billions of dollars have already been spent on this unprovoked attack, and when the smoke clears – if it does – we may see hundreds of billions or maybe much more having been wasted on yet another Middle East war. Just what President Trump promised he would not do… 

“Launching a military strike during negotiations will have lasting negative effects for the United States. Who would ever trust US diplomacy again if talks are used as a distraction for pre-planned attacks? The Administration is doing its best to spin this unfolding disaster as all going according to plan, but what is the plan? No one knows. Do they know?” 

Trump also said that the war may go on for five more weeks or so, and he does not rule out “boots on the ground.” 

Trump’s Planless Attacks 

The Huffington Post wrote on March 3: 

“From tanking stocks to spiking oil prices to tens of thousands of Americans stranded overseas with no easy way home, the president has unleashed a global mess… In his meeting with [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz, Trump also acknowledged the lack of a plan for after Iran’s Islamic regime loses control of the country.”

Divided Opposition 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Rival opposition figures are jockeying for position in a new Iran, in the wake of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In dueling messages on Saturday, opposition leader Maryam Rajavi and exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite — while making clear they have different visions for the country’s future

“Rajavi — president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran — called for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling clerical regime and the creation of a democratic republic as conflict… 

“Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch…  also has plans for a democratic transition… In a post on X, Pahlavi described the US action as a ‘humanitarian intervention’ aimed at the regime — not the Iranian people… ‘It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle…’ 

“The competing appeals highlight a brewing struggle for legitimacy among Iran’s opposition…” 

International Reactions 

Fox News reported on February 28: 

“World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.” 

It continued that Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom supported the strike unconditionally. The European reaction was more reserved. The article continued: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron warned, ‘The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.’ He added, ‘The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,’ and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom also  said they had ‘consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilizing activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.’ The three governments [called E3] said they ‘did not participate in these strikes,’ but remain ‘in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region’ [However, Keir Starmer said subsequently that their airplanes are in the sky in the Middle East.] … 

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as ‘perilous,’ saying Iran’s ‘ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,’ while emphasizing that ‘Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.’” 

Other European countries condemned the USA/Israel strike. 

“Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez [of Spain] said, ‘We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.’… Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike ‘is not in line with international law.’” 

Finland also stated that the USA/Israel strike was “outside traditional international law.” 

Other countries commented in the same negative way: 

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry… ‘strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran’… A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, wrote on X that Beijing is ‘highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel.’ … Russia sharply criticized the operation [under “peacemaker” Donald Trump.] Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, ‘All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.’” 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday condemned the “unprovoked armed attack” on Iran by the US and Israel. Amazing, since Russia began its unprovoked armed attacks on Ukraine four years ago. 

Putin wrote, according to Fox News on March 1: 

“Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader  Ali Khamenei on Sunday, calling the death, which came amid strikes from Israel and the U.S., a ‘cynical violation’ of norms. Putin made the statement in a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian… ‘”In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations,’ [Putin wrote].” 

While Brazil and Lebanon condemned the strike, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Ukraine, blamed and condemned Iran’s retaliation. 

Also, NPR reported the following on February 28: 

“[UN] Secretary General António Guterres condemned what he described as the ‘use of force’ by the US and Israel, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran, which, he said, ‘undermine international peace and security.’… Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating between the U.S. and Iran, says there had been active and serious nuclear talks taking place. In a post on X, he wrote that he was ‘dismayed’ by coordinated Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran…” 

Newsmax wrote on February 28: 

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran violated Iran’s sovereignty… 

“Erdogan said Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries were also unacceptable, and he warned that without restraint and diplomacy the region risked being ‘dragged into a circle of fire.’” 

Pope Condemns Strike 

In “the Letters from Leo,” the following was stated on February 28: 

“… the pontiff views the strikes as ‘immoral, illegal, and a grave threat to the entire human family’… 

Thomson/Reuters wrote on March 1: 

“Pope Leo said on Sunday that he is following events after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran with ‘deep concern’ and made an impassioned appeal to stop what he called a ‘spiral of violence.’ ‘I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,’ said the pope. ‘Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons … but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialog,’ the pope said.” 

Transatlantic Unity? 

Politico wrote on February 28: 

“The European stance — particularly that of France, Germany and Britain [saying they did not participate in these strikes] — drew a blistering response from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the geopolitical tensions now rippling across the Atlantic. ‘To say I’m disappointed in the joint statement … is an understatement,’ Graham wrote on X, accusing Western Europe of having ‘gone pathetically soft’ and urging European leaders to back efforts to confront the regime in Tehran… 

“The unusually sharp language highlights how the Middle East crisis is fast becoming a real-world stress test of transatlantic unity… Brussels is now shifting into crisis mode… Amid the geopolitical shocks, European officials are bracing for a confrontation that could further strain Western unity in the days and weeks ahead.” 

UK Not Part of It 

Daily Mail wrote on March 2: 

“Keir Starmer today insisted he ‘stands by’ his decision to snub Donald Trump’s Iran strikes because they were ‘not thought through’ – despite a brutal rebuke from the US… But in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Special Relationship, Sir Keir insisted he did not believe in ‘regime change from the skies’…. 

“Sir Keir is bracing for a battering from his own left-wing MPs after conducting a partial U-turn last night, agreeing that American forces can use British bases for ‘defensive’ actions against Iranian retaliation. As he tries to quell the backlash, the PM told the Commons: ‘The use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes… We are not joining the US-Israeli strikes.’ … 

“Earlier, Mr Trump said he was ‘very disappointed’ with the Labour leader – complaining he ‘took far too long’ to change his mind and permit the strikes. Amid fears over a major blow to the Special Relationship, Mr Trump suggested the initial refusal was unprecedented.” 

On March 3, Trump strongly condemned Starmer again for his stance, saying he is no Churchill, but Starmer doubled down and said he will not be part of a war against Iran. 

Hegseth Attacks Allies 

Daily Mail reported on March 2: 

“Mr Hegseth took aim at the UK’s stance as he hailed Israel as a ‘capable’ partner. ‘Unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, humming and hawing about the use of force,’ he added.” 

He appeared to address Britain, Spain and perhaps other European countries. Trump later confirmed this. 

Iran Can Strike Europe 

The Sun wrote on March 2: 

“Fears over the rogue state’s ability to attack Europe with its lethal arsenal were sparked after an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus… Iran has been steadily building up its long-range missiles… Designed to give Tehran reach even without a modern air force, these include the Shahab-3 with a range of 1,300km, and the Khorramshahr which can reach up to 3,000km.The terrifying range of strikes could impact European nations such as Romania, Hungary and Greece… 

“Iran has also been exporting missiles to proxy states, which would be closer in range to potential targets on US and European soil… 

“In order to protect their nuclear programme, the Iranians developed a whole series of underground bunkers, underground storage and underground manufacturing sites. These are the facilities being targeted by Trump and Israel in the latest wave of strikes… 

“Iran has also developed a sophisticated programme of drones. Shahed suicide drones have a range of up to 2,000km – meaning they could also strike parts of Europe.” 

No Regime Change? 

WABE wrote on March 3: 

“‘This is not a so-called regime-change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it,’ Hegseth said. He added that it was ‘no nation-building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise.’” 

This totally contradicts what Trump had said. 

President of Peace 

DNYUZ wrote on March 2: 

“Donald Trump has now ordered more attacks against a greater number of countries than any other president in modern U.S. history… On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged to reduce American military engagements abroad. After assuming office for the second time last January, he modeled himself as the ‘President of Peace’… Trump’s latest assault [on Iran] flies directly in the face of his promises to voters on the campaign trail. ‘I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars,’ he told the nation in his 2024 election night victory speech… 

“Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, an otherwise staunch ally of the president, has called ongoing strikes against Iranian targets ‘absolutely disgusting and evil.’” 

According to recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose Trump’s strike on Iran. Most Republicans support it. 

Trump Anointed by Christ to Bring About Armageddon 

The Mirror wrote on March 3: 

“… a fresh report found that hundreds of U.S. troops across dozens of units and installations have submitted complaints to the non-profit watchdog, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), since the attack about combat unit commanders providing Christian reasoning for the war, during which at least [six] U.S. troops have already been killed… 

“Non-commissioned officers (NCO) who attended a briefing Monday told the MRFF that a combat-unit commander ‘urged us to tell our troops that this was “all part of God’s divine plan” and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.’

“The commander also argued that Trump [was] ‘anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth’ and that the Iran war is part of God’s plan, the NCO claimed. 

“The remarks were submitted in more than 110 complaints about commanders across all military branches, including more than 40 units across 30 military installations.” 

“The Toothless Fighter” 

In regard to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Washington this week, Welt Online wrote on March 3: 

“Friedrich Merz disapproves of Donald Trump’s actions in Iran and beyond – but the Washington visit confirms the new European powerlessness in world politics.” 

Trump dominated during the press conference, and Merz got hardly a word in. But he did not seem to mind. 

Attack on Pakistan 

India TV reported on February 27: 

Afghan Taliban forces launched a bold counteroffensive against Pakistan, striking high-value military targets just six kilometers from the Prime Minister’s Office…, using precision airstrikes on specialized ‘Atomic’ facilities, resulting in heavy casualties and escalating the border war to the heart of Pakistan’s capital… 

“The airstrikes came as direct payback for Pakistan’s overnight Operation… on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, which killed over 130 Taliban fighters and destroyed vital assets like a Nangarhar ammo depot.” 

Gaza War Not Over? 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, stated that the international community applies different standards to Israel’s military actions in Gaza compared with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine… the cardinal observed that many in the region express deep anger toward international institutions such as the UN or U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ [and] that with Gazans there was significant consternation and frustration across the region ‘because the international community won’t allow Russia to do in Ukraine what it allows Israel to do in Palestine’… noting his nearly 40 years living in the Holy Land… 

“He emphasized that ‘the war, from a political and social point of view, is not concluded,’ and that ‘the hatred this war has created is profound,’ making discussions of reconstruction challenging.” 

Friendly Takeover of Cuba? 

USA Today wrote on February 27: 

“President Donald Trump said the U.S. could have a ‘friendly takeover of Cuba’ as fuel shortages squeeze Havana’s authoritarian government in the wake of the U.S. military raid that captured the leader of nearby Venezuela… 

“Trump has called on Cuban leaders to ‘make a deal’ and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s Cuban American,  is engaging at ‘a very high level’ with Havana.” 

The Guardian added on February 27: 

“The president’s comments come as relations between the two countries have sunk to one of their lowest points in an often bitter 67-year history… 

“Pressure from Washington… prompted Venezuela to cut off oil exports to Cuba. The US has imposed an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already [perilous] economy.”

Trump had made very clear which countries he wanted or wants to become part of the USA. In addition to Venezuela, he has been desirous of taking over Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, Canada, Panama and Colombia. 

Europe’s Deadliest War 

Le Monde wrote on February 26: 

“Between 500,000 and 600,000 deaths, both military and civilian. That is the approximate toll, four years after Vladimir Putin decided to launch the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. 

“The war has become the deadliest bloodshed in Europe since World War II, far surpassing the wars in Yugoslavia. If war-disabled people are included, the total nears 2 million people… However, this is only an estimate, as both Ukraine and Russia have classified their military losses.” 

A terrible statistic… and still no end in sight. 

Don’t Use AI to Write Sermons 

The Independent wrote on February 27: 

“Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholic priests to resist the ‘temptation’ to use artificial intelligence to write sermons…. During the meeting, the pope told listeners that giving a ‘homily is to share faith,’ before arguing that artificial intelligence ‘will never be able to share faith.’… 

“The 70-year-old also took aim at social media platforms and asked members of the clergy to be mindful about chasing ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ through an ‘illusion on the internet, on TikTok.” 

He is right. 

Insane California Taxes 

The New York Post wrote on February 26: 

“Higher taxes, Californians are told, will improve education, reduce traffic, and even fight climate change. But they never do. Instead, we face more and more taxes, like an insanely tall layer cake on some crazed reality-TV cooking show…. 

“It’s rare that a tax in California is ever repealed, reduced or allowed to expire. The last major tax cut was Proposition 13 — nearly 50 years ago… California has the nation’s highest poverty rate, when the cost of living is considered.” 

California is one of the most expensive and highest-taxed states of the USA, due in large part to incompetent governmental rule. 

Censorship of Freedom of Speech in the UK 

Fox News wrote on February 27: 

“Podcaster Joe Rogan and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. marveled at how the United Kingdom has become one of the countries most infamous for cracking down on freedom of speech… RFK Jr. argued that the modern Democratic Party, which he left in 2023, had become increasingly pro-censorship… 

“RFK Jr. and Rogan were both aghast at how online censorship had seemed to become normalized in both the United States over the past decade [and] across the Atlantic. ‘And then you look at what’s happening in England now, you know, with people going to jail for Twitter posts,’ RFK Jr. said… Rogan agreed, citing a report, ‘12,000 in the last year.’ ‘And then this, where the Magna Carta was, you know, written,’ RFK Jr. lamented. ‘Now it’s just a dictatorship.’… [The] Magna Carta became a cornerstone of English law and later inspired the Founding Fathers as they shaped the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights… 

“‘It’s the Soviet system. It’s like Kafka,’ RFK Jr. warned, referring to Franz Kafka’s famous dystopian novel ‘The Trial,’ in which the main character is arrested and prosecuted by a mysterious authority, but he is never clearly told what crime he is accused of. Rogan shared his shock at how quickly social media arrests in the U.K. have spiked in recent years, usually over criticism of mass immigration. He argued that the British government, rather than solving the crimes that have been caused as a result of mass migration, are instead punishing people for complaining.” 

They could have mentioned continental Europe as well. 

Catholic Bishops for Birthright Citizenship 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is attacking President Donald Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship as ‘immoral’ [and that it would] ‘“deny the dignity of the human person and harm innocent children.’… 

“‘The intended and unintended effects of [Trump’s] Executive Order are immoral and contrary to the Catholic Church’s fundamental beliefs and teachings regarding the life and dignity of human persons, the treatment of vulnerable people – particularly migrants and children – and family unity,’ the bishops wrote. ‘The Conference is saddened by the “climate of fear and anxiety” and the “vilification of immigrants” that is all too common in the rhetoric concerning immigration policy.’” 

Trump on Internal Enemies and Mortality 

Newsbreak wrote on February 28: 

“President Donald Trump signaled a deepening sense of isolation and personal vulnerability this week, suggesting in back-to-back public appearances that members of his own Cabinet may be eyeing his office while explicitly acknowledging his own mortality…. Trump claimed that many…  believe they are better suited for the presidency… ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be around,’ Trump told the audience. ‘I got a lot of people gunning for me, don’t I?” 

“..  the remark underscores a president increasingly preoccupied with the physical and political ‘knives’ he perceives to be closing in… As the 2026 political calendar intensifies, the President’s focus on ‘internal enemies’ may complicate administration stability.” 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Update 1198

Don’t Be Late / Thoughts We Allow

On March 7, 2026, Michael Link will present the first split sermon, titled, “Don’t Be Late,”  and Kalon Mitchell will present the second split sermon, titled, “Thoughts We Allow”.

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

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What Are You Going to Do?

by Eric Rank

“We’re living in uncertain times.” 

This was a common refrain in news broadcasts 6 years ago when Covid-19 was beginning to spread around the world. At the time, many people were getting sick. Death tolls were in the headlines. Fear was the dominant instrument used in propaganda to bring some semblance of control and order in our society. The confusion sown at the time was pronounced, making it difficult to discern the truth from fiction. Uncertainty abounded. Governments enforced policies affecting numerous people’s lives materially, and mostly in a negative way. Day-to-day life changed for just about everyone on the planet, causing many to not know what to do next. People made all kinds of wild speculations about what the future would hold, but nobody really knew what would happen. The future was not clear.

I raise this memory as an example of what collective uncertainty feels like. When the future is hard to predict, it can be a challenge to know what to do. We face uncertainty today as well. The advent of AI is changing the landscape of how work is done, with many predicting massive job loss and unemployment. Nobody really knows what will happen, but sensational speculations abound. War in the Middle East escalates instability in the region, putting the world’s nations on edge. These are current occurrences at a global scale. Individually, on a personal scale, we deal with uncertainty too. Sudden changes in life circumstances can alter the course of our future in a moment, sometimes at a global scale, and other times individually. Uncertainty is a fact of life. 

What are you going to do?

When faced with a choice for which any decision will lead to an unpredictable outcome, how do you make up your mind about what to do? If AI is taking over the world, threatening to steal your job, what are you going to do about it? When other kinds of calamities in your life disrupt your plans, how do you make decisions?

One way to make decisions is by trying to achieve an outcome, focusing on that goal, and modifying your behavior to reach that outcome. The ends justify the means. This is the approach that fear-mongering promotes. Those who claim to have solutions will say things to the effect of, “If you want this outcome, do this, not that.” They prey upon the fear of uncertainty, making empty promises for the stability of a certain and comfortable outcome. 

However, focusing our efforts to control our outcome is a trap. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:13-16). The Bible is clear that we can do nothing to save ourselves. The circumstances of our lives are firmly in the grasp of the living God. He is the One who brings about the outcomes in our lives — not we. To get into a way of thinking that presupposes we can control our outcomes is doomed to cause compound problems. If the outcome is the fixed objective, and our behaviors are the variable that changes, we would be bound to deviate from righteous behavior in submission to God. This is not what God wants.

The Bible instructs us consistently to practice righteousness (compare Matthew 5:6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7,10). This is the superior way to make decisions. 

When we accept that it is impossible for us to do a good job of controlling the outcomes in our lives, it takes a lot of pressure away. We must trust God to direct our paths, knowing that He is the One who will give us exactly what we need. Our work is to listen to Him, focusing our efforts on being profitable servants to Him. Living this way keeps our behavior as the fixed constant, leaving the outcome as the variable. This places uncertainty into God’s control, not ours. In this way of making decisions, we can be satisfied inherently in doing what is right in the eyes of God. We don’t have to worry about the uncertain future.

When Daniel and his friends were in captivity, they faced life-threatening uncertainty. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had their lives threatened if they refused to worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar. But rather than try to control the outcome of that situation, compromising their convictions to save their lives, they chose to not waver. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up’” (Daniel 3:16-18). Note how they submitted to the Will of God, knowing that the outcome of their lives was in His hands. They had faith that holding fast to righteousness would yield the best result. And it did. Following this moment, they were indeed thrown into a burning fiery furnace, but their lives were miraculously saved. 

Uncertainty prevails in our lives. As the time of Jesus Christ’s return draws near, the magnitude of uncertainty will increase even more. Everyone will need to answer the question posed to them, “What are you going to do?” Many in the world will attempt to take matters into their own hands to control their outcome. But this way is corrupt. The right way in the eyes of God is live according to righteousness, directed by virtuous principles. This makes uncertainty powerless in its fight against us, placing God firmly in control.

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By Norbert Link

The USA and Israel struck Iran on the Sabbath of February 28, 2026. The blatant violation of God’s holy Sabbath is clearly condemned by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. As some articles point out, the rationale for the strike is not clear at all, even though explanations shift; and neither is Iran’s future. While regime change seems to be one of the declared goals, what kind of regime will Iran have?  If this is developing into a major war, America will not be successful, as America has won no major war since World War II, and it will not win any major war prior to Christ’s return.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Curse of the Iran War”

We also report on national and international reactions and the possible consequences for the Middle East and the entire world.

In other news, we report on an attack on Pakistan, the situation in Gaza; a possible US “friendly” takeover of Cuba; and Europe’s deadliest war.

We also speak about interesting articles pertaining to AI, Trump’s “internal enemies” and his mortality; California’s insane taxes; birthright citizenship; and censorship of speech in the UK.

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.         

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Major Combat Operation 

The Associated Press wrote on February 28:

“The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to ‘seize control of your destiny’ by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region… In a video announcing the ‘major combat operations,’ Trump told Iranians that ‘when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.’ 

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that goal, saying, ‘Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.’ 

“The strikes during the holy fasting month of Ramadan opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran and marked the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has used military force against the Islamic Republic… 

“The targets included members of Iran’s leadership… Even if Iran’s top leaders were to be killed, regime change is not guaranteed and neither the U.S. nor Israel have articulated a vision for what new leadership would look like… The immediate trigger for Saturday’s strikes appears to be the unsuccessful latest round of nuclear talks. But they also reflect the dramatic changes across the region that have left Iran’s leadership in its weakest position since the Islamic Revolution nearly half a century ago… 

“Iran responded to the latest strikes as it had been threatening to do for months, including by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel as well as strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar... Israel said the operation has been planned for months with the U.S. Trump, in seeking to justify the military action, claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program despite asserting last year the program had been ‘obliterated’ by an earlier round of strikes… The U.S. president said he was aiming to ‘annihilate’ the Iranian navy and destroy regional proxies supported by Tehran. 

“He also called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to lay down arms, pledging members would be given immunity, while warning they would face ‘certain death’ if they didn’t… 

“Iran has said it hasn’t enriched uranium since June, but it has blocked international inspectors from visiting the sites America bombed during a 12-day war then. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press have shown new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran is trying to assess and potentially recover material there. Iran currently has a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, limiting its range to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). That puts the entire Middle East and some of Eastern Europe within range… 

“The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran is able to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A third of total worldwide oil exports transported by sea passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025… 

Saudi Arabia said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom… The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel…” 

Iran’s Leaders Dead 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Iran’s tyrannical Supreme Leader Alio Khamenei was killed Saturday in an unprecedented,  joint military attack by the US and Israel called Operation Epic Fury.  ‘Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,’ Trump declared on his Truth Social about 15 hours after the start of the onslaught… Hours later, Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei had been ‘martyred.’… 

“The tyrant’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were also killed in the joint military attack, according to Iranian state media, though it’s unclear where they died. Israeli officials told Fox News that more than 40 top Iranian security and regime figures were eliminated in the opening strikes this morning, and as many as 10 high-ranking leaders were killed in the initial strike on Khamenei’s fortified compound.” 

It was also reported that at least six US service members have been killed so far. 

Iran’s New Supreme Leader?

The Daily Mail wrote on March 3: 

“Mojtaba Khamenei, the [second] son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader.  Mojtaba… has strong links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) [and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force] and was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts… He has been touted as a possible successor to his father for years… 

“The regime’s 88-person assembly is tasked with appointing, supervising and potentially dismissing the supreme leader.  It met on Tuesday in Qom to find a successor to Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday by joint US-Israeli strikes. Israel and US strikes flattened the building where the assembly met. There was no information on any potential casualties.” 

Other reports claim that he was not appointed yet, but that he is the most likely successor to his father. Trump said that he would view this as the most undesirable outcome.  

Closing Strait of Hormuz? 

Haaretz wrote on February 28: 

“Iran Reportedly Closes Strait of Hormuz, the World’s Most Vital Oil Export Route… The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received multiple reports from vessels in the Gulf that they had been notified of the Strait of Hormuz’s closure. There was no immediate confirmation from Iran…” 

The Daily Mail wrote on March 1: 

“Iran claims to have struck British oil tankers with missiles leaving them ‘burning’…  

“Iran has told ships not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz… although a number of Iranian and Chinese vessels have continued to pass through it today.  The halting of shipping in the strait has seen markets brace for a surge in global oil prices.  Motorists in the UK were warned of potential ‘record prices at the pumps’ while economists predicted fragile economies could be pushed ‘closer to recession in a matter of weeks’. The threat of Iranian reprisal attacks saw at least 150 tankers drop anchor as shipping companies refused to sail through the 100-mile passage which is just 24 miles wide.” 

The Times of India reported on March 3: 

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass will be attacked… The threat of closure has already rattled energy markets, with oil prices jumping sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption.” 

Sky News wrote on March 1: 

“By March 1, very few ships were in the strait, and vessels appeared to cluster around large ports on either side of the strait. Maritime activity has been almost brought to a standstill as the US and Iran have traded strikes…” 

MEGA Melts Down Over Iran War 

Daily Beast wrote on February 28: 

“A Trump-authorized strike on Iran took place just hours after JD Vance tried to allay MAGA fears of another conflict without a clear end. President Donald Trump is facing a furious MAGA backlash after embarking on an unauthorized strike in Iran that he admits will kill U.S. citizens [after being urged from parts of his own base not to enter another foreign war.]… 

“The fact that American soldiers could die is set to infuriate the anti-interventionist wing of the Republican Party…. Former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene [wrote]: ‘End of MAGA.’” 

Imminent Threat? 

ABC News wrote on February 28: 

“In making his new case for the strikes, the president is arguing attacks are warranted to ‘defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime’ without providing clear evidence of that. Trump also argued Iranian missiles could ‘soon’ reach the U.S —  but the president has provided no details… 

“Whether the Iranian missile threat was ‘imminent’ — and whether Congress should vote on committing American troops to an extensive military operation — aimed at pursuing such a broad goal of regime change in Iran — will likely dominate the debate when lawmakers return to Washington this week.” 

USA War Against Iran Because of Israel? 

JTA wrote on March 3: 

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio inflamed critics of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran on Monday when he suggested that Israel had pulled the United States into the conflict. ‘We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,’ Rubio told reporters in Washington, D.C… 

“The conservative commentator Matt Walsh… shared a video of Rubio’s initial statement and tweeted, ‘So he’s flat out telling us that we’re in a war with Iran because Israel forced our hand. This is basically the worst possible thing he could have said.’… 

“Rubio was not the only prominent voice close to the decision-making table to implicate Israel as a driver of the war plans… Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said the United States had to prepare for war because it knew it would be embroiled if Israel acted alone. ‘Because Israel was determined to act with or without the U.S., our commander in chief and the administration and the officials had a very difficult decision to make,’ he told reporters… 

“The war is placing stress on Trump’s coalition ahead of a midterm election season that is expected to be rocky for the Republicans. The MAGA wing of the party…  appears unlikely to be easily convinced by the Trump administration’s explanations for war….” 

Trump disputed what Rubio and Johnson had claimed, saying that, if anything, he was leading the attack, and Rubio backpedaled, saying he had been “misquoted.” Johnson also waffled on the issue. Johnson also said that the USA is not at war right now with Iran.. a totally ridiculous comment (compare The Independent, dated March 4). 

“Wars and Rumors of Wars” 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on February 28: 

“This is a major mis-step that could easily turn out very badly as it is a pointless war of choice that could easily escalate to neighboring states and become nuclear if… Navy vessels might also find themselves vulnerable to Iranian missiles. 

“… the grounds for the act of war as elaborated by President Donald Trump are completely fatuous, to include Iranian presumed development of a nuclear weapon and its possession of ballistic missiles that will be able to strike the United States. Both claims are denied by US intelligence and other sources. They are lies…” 

Where Is the Plan? 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on March 2: 

“It was supposed to be like the Venezuela operation. Quick and painless for the US. Kill the leadership and the long-suffering people would take to the streets and reclaim their country… in real life these regime change operations have never worked. Millions did take to the streets in Iran, but it was to mourn the slain Ayatollah and to reaffirm support for their government… with the Pentagon warning that the operation may go weeks instead of days, we are quickly running out of missiles

“Billions of dollars have already been spent on this unprovoked attack, and when the smoke clears – if it does – we may see hundreds of billions or maybe much more having been wasted on yet another Middle East war. Just what President Trump promised he would not do… 

“Launching a military strike during negotiations will have lasting negative effects for the United States. Who would ever trust US diplomacy again if talks are used as a distraction for pre-planned attacks? The Administration is doing its best to spin this unfolding disaster as all going according to plan, but what is the plan? No one knows. Do they know?” 

Trump also said that the war may go on for five more weeks or so, and he does not rule out “boots on the ground.” 

Trump’s Planless Attacks 

The Huffington Post wrote on March 3: 

“From tanking stocks to spiking oil prices to tens of thousands of Americans stranded overseas with no easy way home, the president has unleashed a global mess… In his meeting with [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz, Trump also acknowledged the lack of a plan for after Iran’s Islamic regime loses control of the country.”

Divided Opposition 

The New York Post wrote on February 28: 

“Rival opposition figures are jockeying for position in a new Iran, in the wake of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In dueling messages on Saturday, opposition leader Maryam Rajavi and exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite — while making clear they have different visions for the country’s future

“Rajavi — president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran — called for the overthrow of Iran’s ruling clerical regime and the creation of a democratic republic as conflict… 

“Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch…  also has plans for a democratic transition… In a post on X, Pahlavi described the US action as a ‘humanitarian intervention’ aimed at the regime — not the Iranian people… ‘It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle…’ 

“The competing appeals highlight a brewing struggle for legitimacy among Iran’s opposition…” 

International Reactions 

Fox News reported on February 28: 

“World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.” 

It continued that Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom supported the strike unconditionally. The European reaction was more reserved. The article continued: 

“French President Emmanuel Macron warned, ‘The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.’ He added, ‘The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,’ and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom also  said they had ‘consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilizing activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.’ The three governments [called E3] said they ‘did not participate in these strikes,’ but remain ‘in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region’ [However, Keir Starmer said subsequently that their airplanes are in the sky in the Middle East.] … 

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as ‘perilous,’ saying Iran’s ‘ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,’ while emphasizing that ‘Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.’” 

Other European countries condemned the USA/Israel strike. 

“Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez [of Spain] said, ‘We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.’… Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike ‘is not in line with international law.’” 

Finland also stated that the USA/Israel strike was “outside traditional international law.” 

Other countries commented in the same negative way: 

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry… ‘strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran’… A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, wrote on X that Beijing is ‘highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel.’ … Russia sharply criticized the operation [under “peacemaker” Donald Trump.] Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, ‘All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.’” 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday condemned the “unprovoked armed attack” on Iran by the US and Israel. Amazing, since Russia began its unprovoked armed attacks on Ukraine four years ago. 

Putin wrote, according to Fox News on March 1: 

“Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader  Ali Khamenei on Sunday, calling the death, which came amid strikes from Israel and the U.S., a ‘cynical violation’ of norms. Putin made the statement in a letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian… ‘”In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations,’ [Putin wrote].” 

While Brazil and Lebanon condemned the strike, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Ukraine, blamed and condemned Iran’s retaliation. 

Also, NPR reported the following on February 28: 

“[UN] Secretary General António Guterres condemned what he described as the ‘use of force’ by the US and Israel, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran, which, he said, ‘undermine international peace and security.’… Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating between the U.S. and Iran, says there had been active and serious nuclear talks taking place. In a post on X, he wrote that he was ‘dismayed’ by coordinated Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran…” 

Newsmax wrote on February 28: 

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran violated Iran’s sovereignty… 

“Erdogan said Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries were also unacceptable, and he warned that without restraint and diplomacy the region risked being ‘dragged into a circle of fire.’” 

Pope Condemns Strike 

In “the Letters from Leo,” the following was stated on February 28: 

“… the pontiff views the strikes as ‘immoral, illegal, and a grave threat to the entire human family’… 

Thomson/Reuters wrote on March 1: 

“Pope Leo said on Sunday that he is following events after U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran with ‘deep concern’ and made an impassioned appeal to stop what he called a ‘spiral of violence.’ ‘I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,’ said the pope. ‘Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons … but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialog,’ the pope said.” 

Transatlantic Unity? 

Politico wrote on February 28: 

“The European stance — particularly that of France, Germany and Britain [saying they did not participate in these strikes] — drew a blistering response from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the geopolitical tensions now rippling across the Atlantic. ‘To say I’m disappointed in the joint statement … is an understatement,’ Graham wrote on X, accusing Western Europe of having ‘gone pathetically soft’ and urging European leaders to back efforts to confront the regime in Tehran… 

“The unusually sharp language highlights how the Middle East crisis is fast becoming a real-world stress test of transatlantic unity… Brussels is now shifting into crisis mode… Amid the geopolitical shocks, European officials are bracing for a confrontation that could further strain Western unity in the days and weeks ahead.” 

UK Not Part of It 

Daily Mail wrote on March 2: 

“Keir Starmer today insisted he ‘stands by’ his decision to snub Donald Trump’s Iran strikes because they were ‘not thought through’ – despite a brutal rebuke from the US… But in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Special Relationship, Sir Keir insisted he did not believe in ‘regime change from the skies’…. 

“Sir Keir is bracing for a battering from his own left-wing MPs after conducting a partial U-turn last night, agreeing that American forces can use British bases for ‘defensive’ actions against Iranian retaliation. As he tries to quell the backlash, the PM told the Commons: ‘The use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes… We are not joining the US-Israeli strikes.’ … 

“Earlier, Mr Trump said he was ‘very disappointed’ with the Labour leader – complaining he ‘took far too long’ to change his mind and permit the strikes. Amid fears over a major blow to the Special Relationship, Mr Trump suggested the initial refusal was unprecedented.” 

On March 3, Trump strongly condemned Starmer again for his stance, saying he is no Churchill, but Starmer doubled down and said he will not be part of a war against Iran. 

Hegseth Attacks Allies 

Daily Mail reported on March 2: 

“Mr Hegseth took aim at the UK’s stance as he hailed Israel as a ‘capable’ partner. ‘Unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, humming and hawing about the use of force,’ he added.” 

He appeared to address Britain, Spain and perhaps other European countries. Trump later confirmed this. 

Iran Can Strike Europe 

The Sun wrote on March 2: 

“Fears over the rogue state’s ability to attack Europe with its lethal arsenal were sparked after an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus… Iran has been steadily building up its long-range missiles… Designed to give Tehran reach even without a modern air force, these include the Shahab-3 with a range of 1,300km, and the Khorramshahr which can reach up to 3,000km.The terrifying range of strikes could impact European nations such as Romania, Hungary and Greece… 

“Iran has also been exporting missiles to proxy states, which would be closer in range to potential targets on US and European soil… 

“In order to protect their nuclear programme, the Iranians developed a whole series of underground bunkers, underground storage and underground manufacturing sites. These are the facilities being targeted by Trump and Israel in the latest wave of strikes… 

“Iran has also developed a sophisticated programme of drones. Shahed suicide drones have a range of up to 2,000km – meaning they could also strike parts of Europe.” 

No Regime Change? 

WABE wrote on March 3: 

“‘This is not a so-called regime-change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it,’ Hegseth said. He added that it was ‘no nation-building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise.’” 

This totally contradicts what Trump had said. 

President of Peace 

DNYUZ wrote on March 2: 

“Donald Trump has now ordered more attacks against a greater number of countries than any other president in modern U.S. history… On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly pledged to reduce American military engagements abroad. After assuming office for the second time last January, he modeled himself as the ‘President of Peace’… Trump’s latest assault [on Iran] flies directly in the face of his promises to voters on the campaign trail. ‘I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars,’ he told the nation in his 2024 election night victory speech… 

“Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, an otherwise staunch ally of the president, has called ongoing strikes against Iranian targets ‘absolutely disgusting and evil.’” 

According to recent polls, a majority of Americans oppose Trump’s strike on Iran. Most Republicans support it. 

Trump Anointed by Christ to Bring About Armageddon 

The Mirror wrote on March 3: 

“… a fresh report found that hundreds of U.S. troops across dozens of units and installations have submitted complaints to the non-profit watchdog, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), since the attack about combat unit commanders providing Christian reasoning for the war, during which at least [six] U.S. troops have already been killed… 

“Non-commissioned officers (NCO) who attended a briefing Monday told the MRFF that a combat-unit commander ‘urged us to tell our troops that this was “all part of God’s divine plan” and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.’

“The commander also argued that Trump [was] ‘anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth’ and that the Iran war is part of God’s plan, the NCO claimed. 

“The remarks were submitted in more than 110 complaints about commanders across all military branches, including more than 40 units across 30 military installations.” 

“The Toothless Fighter” 

In regard to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Washington this week, Welt Online wrote on March 3: 

“Friedrich Merz disapproves of Donald Trump’s actions in Iran and beyond – but the Washington visit confirms the new European powerlessness in world politics.” 

Trump dominated during the press conference, and Merz got hardly a word in. But he did not seem to mind. 

Attack on Pakistan 

India TV reported on February 27: 

Afghan Taliban forces launched a bold counteroffensive against Pakistan, striking high-value military targets just six kilometers from the Prime Minister’s Office…, using precision airstrikes on specialized ‘Atomic’ facilities, resulting in heavy casualties and escalating the border war to the heart of Pakistan’s capital… 

“The airstrikes came as direct payback for Pakistan’s overnight Operation… on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, which killed over 130 Taliban fighters and destroyed vital assets like a Nangarhar ammo depot.” 

Gaza War Not Over? 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, stated that the international community applies different standards to Israel’s military actions in Gaza compared with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine… the cardinal observed that many in the region express deep anger toward international institutions such as the UN or U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ [and] that with Gazans there was significant consternation and frustration across the region ‘because the international community won’t allow Russia to do in Ukraine what it allows Israel to do in Palestine’… noting his nearly 40 years living in the Holy Land… 

“He emphasized that ‘the war, from a political and social point of view, is not concluded,’ and that ‘the hatred this war has created is profound,’ making discussions of reconstruction challenging.” 

Friendly Takeover of Cuba? 

USA Today wrote on February 27: 

“President Donald Trump said the U.S. could have a ‘friendly takeover of Cuba’ as fuel shortages squeeze Havana’s authoritarian government in the wake of the U.S. military raid that captured the leader of nearby Venezuela… 

“Trump has called on Cuban leaders to ‘make a deal’ and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s Cuban American,  is engaging at ‘a very high level’ with Havana.” 

The Guardian added on February 27: 

“The president’s comments come as relations between the two countries have sunk to one of their lowest points in an often bitter 67-year history… 

“Pressure from Washington… prompted Venezuela to cut off oil exports to Cuba. The US has imposed an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already [perilous] economy.”

Trump had made very clear which countries he wanted or wants to become part of the USA. In addition to Venezuela, he has been desirous of taking over Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, Canada, Panama and Colombia. 

Europe’s Deadliest War 

Le Monde wrote on February 26: 

“Between 500,000 and 600,000 deaths, both military and civilian. That is the approximate toll, four years after Vladimir Putin decided to launch the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. 

“The war has become the deadliest bloodshed in Europe since World War II, far surpassing the wars in Yugoslavia. If war-disabled people are included, the total nears 2 million people… However, this is only an estimate, as both Ukraine and Russia have classified their military losses.” 

A terrible statistic… and still no end in sight. 

Don’t Use AI to Write Sermons 

The Independent wrote on February 27: 

“Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholic priests to resist the ‘temptation’ to use artificial intelligence to write sermons…. During the meeting, the pope told listeners that giving a ‘homily is to share faith,’ before arguing that artificial intelligence ‘will never be able to share faith.’… 

“The 70-year-old also took aim at social media platforms and asked members of the clergy to be mindful about chasing ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ through an ‘illusion on the internet, on TikTok.” 

He is right. 

Insane California Taxes 

The New York Post wrote on February 26: 

“Higher taxes, Californians are told, will improve education, reduce traffic, and even fight climate change. But they never do. Instead, we face more and more taxes, like an insanely tall layer cake on some crazed reality-TV cooking show…. 

“It’s rare that a tax in California is ever repealed, reduced or allowed to expire. The last major tax cut was Proposition 13 — nearly 50 years ago… California has the nation’s highest poverty rate, when the cost of living is considered.” 

California is one of the most expensive and highest-taxed states of the USA, due in large part to incompetent governmental rule. 

Censorship of Freedom of Speech in the UK 

Fox News wrote on February 27: 

“Podcaster Joe Rogan and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. marveled at how the United Kingdom has become one of the countries most infamous for cracking down on freedom of speech… RFK Jr. argued that the modern Democratic Party, which he left in 2023, had become increasingly pro-censorship… 

“RFK Jr. and Rogan were both aghast at how online censorship had seemed to become normalized in both the United States over the past decade [and] across the Atlantic. ‘And then you look at what’s happening in England now, you know, with people going to jail for Twitter posts,’ RFK Jr. said… Rogan agreed, citing a report, ‘12,000 in the last year.’ ‘And then this, where the Magna Carta was, you know, written,’ RFK Jr. lamented. ‘Now it’s just a dictatorship.’… [The] Magna Carta became a cornerstone of English law and later inspired the Founding Fathers as they shaped the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights… 

“‘It’s the Soviet system. It’s like Kafka,’ RFK Jr. warned, referring to Franz Kafka’s famous dystopian novel ‘The Trial,’ in which the main character is arrested and prosecuted by a mysterious authority, but he is never clearly told what crime he is accused of. Rogan shared his shock at how quickly social media arrests in the U.K. have spiked in recent years, usually over criticism of mass immigration. He argued that the British government, rather than solving the crimes that have been caused as a result of mass migration, are instead punishing people for complaining.” 

They could have mentioned continental Europe as well. 

Catholic Bishops for Birthright Citizenship 

LifeSiteNews wrote on February 27: 

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is attacking President Donald Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship as ‘immoral’ [and that it would] ‘“deny the dignity of the human person and harm innocent children.’… 

“‘The intended and unintended effects of [Trump’s] Executive Order are immoral and contrary to the Catholic Church’s fundamental beliefs and teachings regarding the life and dignity of human persons, the treatment of vulnerable people – particularly migrants and children – and family unity,’ the bishops wrote. ‘The Conference is saddened by the “climate of fear and anxiety” and the “vilification of immigrants” that is all too common in the rhetoric concerning immigration policy.’” 

Trump on Internal Enemies and Mortality 

Newsbreak wrote on February 28: 

“President Donald Trump signaled a deepening sense of isolation and personal vulnerability this week, suggesting in back-to-back public appearances that members of his own Cabinet may be eyeing his office while explicitly acknowledging his own mortality…. Trump claimed that many…  believe they are better suited for the presidency… ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be around,’ Trump told the audience. ‘I got a lot of people gunning for me, don’t I?” 

“..  the remark underscores a president increasingly preoccupied with the physical and political ‘knives’ he perceives to be closing in… As the 2026 political calendar intensifies, the President’s focus on ‘internal enemies’ may complicate administration stability.” 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

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Would you please explain in detail Paul’s three missionary journeys? (Part 4)

In the last three Q&As, we covered Paul’s first and parts of his second missionary journeys. We discussed his experiences in Athens where most rejected his teachings. He then departed from there and went to Corinth. He arrived there about 50 AD.

Corinth was an extremely evil city, filled with temple prostitutes who “served” during the day in the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of “love,” and would come down in the evening for their sexual activities. Some of those problems of the Corinthians were carried into the church which Paul would establish (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-2), and Paul later wrote two letters to the Corinthian church, while he was in Ephesus, correcting illicit behavior. He also pointed out that some of the brethren had been fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals and sodomites, but upon baptism, they had been washed, sanctified and justified (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

While in Corinth, he found a Jewish couple with the names of Aquila and Priscilla, who had fled from Italy because of Emperor Claudius who had compelled all Jews to depart from Rome (Acts 18:2). Verse 3 says: “So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” Actually, the meaning is that he was a “leather-worker.” Some have claimed that this passage shows that a minister must not draw a salary. This is false. Note what it says, for example, in 2 Corinthians 11:7-9:

“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.”

Paul did not draw a “salary” or take the tithe or wages from the Corinthians because, as commentaries have stated, some in Corinth still viewed him somewhat with suspicion.

Soon, Silas and Timothy joined him. Paul reasoned every Sabbath with Jews and Greeks, and persuaded them that Jesus was the Messiah. When the Jews rejected him and blasphemed, Paul announced: “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6).

This did not make the Jews very happy, but Christ comforted Paul in the night by a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city” (verses 9-10). And so, Paul remained in Corinth for 1 year and 6 months, teaching the word of God (verse 11), but hostile and envious Jews tried to instigate another uproar against Paul, but failed, because Roman proconsul Gallio refused to hear their accusations.

Gallio was known as a kind man, as testified by his brother Seneca, and he was an impartial Roman officer. Also, Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, is mentioned who was severely mistreated by the Jews (verse 17). He is later referred to in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as “our brother.”

Paul still remained “a good while” in Corinth (verse 18), until he left with Aquila and Priscilla for Cenchrea. We read that “he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow” (verse 18). Many commentaries feel that this was a Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). During the time of the vow, no wine or other drinks made from wine could be consumed, and no grapes were to be eaten. Also, the hair was not to be cut during this time, and no dead person was to be touched. Samson was under a Nazarite vow, but he violated his vow on numerous occasions. Presumably, Elijah and John the Baptist were under the vow as well. Jesus was not, as He drank wine and touched dead people! At the end of the vow, the head was shorn. Today, the Nazarite vow has no more meaning for true Christians.

There are good reasons to deny that this was a Nazarite vow. At the end of the vow, offerings would be given at the Temple, but Paul and his companions were not any where near the Temple in Jerusalem (compare Acts 21:23-26). Also, it is not clear who took the vow. Even though many feel that Paul made this vow, others claim that it was actually Aquila who took the vow, as the passage in verse 18 reads, in full: “So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” It is claimed that the reference to “he” who had cut off his hair and who had taken a vow does not refer to Paul, but to Aquila.

Paul departed from Cenchrea and came to Ephesus where he stayed for a short while and reasoned with the Jews. He then decided to leave Ephesus for Jerusalem, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing” (verse 21). This could be a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles. In any event, it is clear that Paul did not only continue to keep the weekly Sabbath, but also God’s annual Holy Days.

Verse 22 concludes Paul’s second journey. We read, after he had left Ephesus: “And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.” Antioch, as we recall, was the city where his second journey started. Commentaries tell us that Paul travelled about 3,085 miles on his second journey, 1,800 miles of which were travelled by land, and that this second journey took place from AD 49 to AD 52.

His third journey began in Acts 18:23, where we read:

“After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

The account about Paul continues in Acts 19:1 where Paul is described as being again in Ephesus, where he stayed for nearly 3 years. Ephesus has been named the city of criminals, where the temple of Diana and the area around the temple granted them the right of asylum [not unlike today’s “sanctuary cities” in the USA]. Ephesus was also the city of superstition, charms and spells. People would buy those magic parchments which they wore as amulets. [Not unlike today].

The temple of Diana, also known as the temple of Artemis, was one of the “seven wonders” of the ancient world. Diana or Artemis, daughter of Zeus (Jupiter in Roman), was the “virgin goddess of the hunt.” One of her main symbols included the moon.

In Acts 19:1-7, an interesting episode is described:

“… Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ So they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.”

Unbelievable as it may seem to us today, these followers of God did not know anything about the Holy Spirit. They had only been baptized “into John’s baptism,” who had baptized for repentance. But John had said that after him, another would come (Jesus Christ) who would baptize “with the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11). When the disciples who were met by Paul heard this, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Note, they were not baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, as referred to in Matthew 28:19. It is obvious that the wording in this passage is not a “magical formula,” which must be repeated at baptism. Nowhere in the Bible do we find that people were baptized in this triune name. In addition, there is great suspicion that the passage in Matthew 28:19 regarding baptism was later added by the Catholic church to support the wrong teaching of the Trinity.

Note, too, that Paul laid hands on the disciples, and THEN the Holy Spirit was given. A baptism even by ordained ministers of God without the laying on of hands is incomplete. Upon the receipt of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues; that is, in foreign languages (compare Acts 2:6-11). There are only three recorded events when, upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, people spoke in “tongues” to confirm that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed on them in unusual ways (note again Acts 2 and Acts 19; also note Acts 10: 44-48).

Acts 19:8-12 continues the narrative as follows:

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”

We should take note of several things here. First, Paul spoke about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3; 14:22; 28:23)—that is, the government of God and also the Family of God. God is a ruling Family (consisting of the Father and the Son), in which we can be born. As correctly baptized disciples, we are BEGOTTEN children of God, but when Christ returns, we will be changed to immortality–BORN children of God, ruling with and under Christ in the Kingdom of God which will be established here on earth. We will be God beings as God is God, equal with the glorified Jesus Christ, but always under the Father and Christ in authority.

We also note that Christianity is described as “the Way.” This is not only a theoretical understanding of doctrines, but it is a practical Way of Life which must be lived (see Acts 9:2; 18:26; 19:23; 24:14).

We find that when unbelieving, hardened and evil-speaking people opposed the Way before the multitudes, Paul departed and withdrew the disciples. Sometimes, it is necessary to just withdraw from an evil environment rather than staying there and perhaps thinking one can have a positive impact on those who oppose and blaspheme God.

Finally, we read that God healed people when they received aprons or handkerchiefs upon which Paul had placed his hands (“unusual miracles by the hands of Paul”). Based on this and other passages (compare Matthew 9:20-22; 14:34-36), the Church of God sends an anointed cloth to a sick individual if a minister cannot visit him or her personally. Please note that when the people received the aprons from Paul, they were healed from their physical afflictions AND from evil spirits which had plagued or even possessed them. The next biblical passage shows a shocking contrast to what Paul had done.

Continuing with Acts 19:13-20:

“Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, ‘We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.’ Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’ Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”

This passage makes clear that anyone not authorized by God to cast out demons had better not try it. Apart from the fact that it is useless, it can severely backfire. Christ spoke of people who would claim that they had cast out demons in Christ’s name, but Christ will answer them that He had never known them, and to depart from Him as they had practiced lawlessness or the transgression of God’s Law (Matthew 7:22). To just use Christ’s name as a “magical formula” is not a method honored by God.

It is also interesting to note that many who had practiced magic did not only cease from doing so, but that they burned their expensive magical books [their value is estimated as 50,000 silver coins] which instructed them in the practice of magic, so they would not be tempted again to return to this occult and demonic practice.

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

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Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Curse of the Iran War,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The war with Iran has already spread to other countries in the Middle East and even threatens Europe. It began on February 28, 2026, with an attack on Iran by the US and Israel. What is remarkable about this date? Why did it happen, and what is the plan after the war ends? And was Trump anointed by Christ, as commanders have recently claimed? What does Jesus Christ really say about all of this in His holy book, the Bible? Is war ever justified in His eyes?

“Der Fluch des Iran Krieges,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

A Tech Team Meeting was held on March 1, 2026. Hosted by Eric Rank, our discussion centered on search engine optimization with the goal of driving more views to our website.

“Glaube an Gottes Heilungsversprechen,” is the new German sermon for this Sabbath, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Faith in God’s Promise of Healing.”

“Den Sonntag heiligen wegen der Auferstehung?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Matthias Griesinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Should Sunday Be Observed as Holy Because of the Resurrection?”

“Do not Doubt—Believe!” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Frank Bruno, is now posted. Here is the summary:

In our human lives each day we hear about fake news, tech scams, AI bots, and more, and we must train ourselves to doubt all we confront. This is correct, however, once we’ve been called by God, we must also train ourselves by praying and reading the Bible, to do as Jesus commanded: to believe in Him and the Father and have no doubts as to Scripture and prophecy. In this sermonette we will review several Scriptures that can help us in this regard.

“The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

Without understanding the identity of the twelve tribes of Israel, biblical prophecies make little sense. Their history is written in the Bible, and they do still exist, today! In fact, they will never cease to exist!

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How This Work is Financed

This Update is an official publication by the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States of America; the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada; and the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom.

Editorial Team: Norbert Link, Dave Harris, Rene Messier, Brian Gale, Johanna Link, Eric Rank, Michael Link, Anna Link, Kalon Mitchell, Manuela Mitchell, Dawn Thompson

Technical Team: Eric Rank, Shana Rank

Our activities and literature, including booklets, weekly updates, sermons on CD are provided free of charge. They are made possible by the tithes, offerings and contributions of Church members and others who have elected to support this Work.

While we do not solicit the general public for funds, contributions are gratefully welcomed and are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada.

Donations can be sent to the following addresses:

United States: Church of the Eternal God, P.O. Box 270519, San Diego, CA 92198

Canada: Church of God, ACF, Box 1480, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0

United Kingdom: Global Church of God, PO Box 44, MABLETHORPE, LN12 9AN, United Kingdom

Do Not Doubt—Believe! / The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future

On February 21, 2026, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Do Not Doubt—Believe!” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

This Week in the News

Huckabee: Israel Has Right to Much of Middle East 

Politico wrote on February 21: 

“Arab and Muslim nations on Saturday sharply condemned comments by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who said Israel has a right to much of the Middle East. Huckabee made the comments in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday. Carlson said that according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land that today would include essentially the entire Middle East, and asked Huckabee if Israel had a right to that land. Huckabee responded: ‘It would be fine if they took it all.’ Huckabee added, however, that Israel was not looking to expand its territory and has a right to security in the land it legitimately holds. 

“His comments sparked immediate backlash from neighboring Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry described Huckabee’s comments as ‘extremist rhetoric’ and ‘unacceptable,’ and called for the State Department to clarify its position on them. Egypt’s foreign ministry called his comments a ‘blatant violation’ of international law, adding that ‘Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands.’ ‘Statements of this nature — extremist and lacking any sound basis — serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions,’ the League of Arab States said… 

“Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has not had fully recognized borders. Its frontiers with Arab neighbors have shifted as a result of wars, annexations, ceasefires and peace agreements. During the six-day 167 Mideast war, Israel captured the West Bank and east Jerusalem from Jordan, Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt and the Golan Heights from Syria. Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula as part of a peace deal with Egypt following the 1973 Mideast war. It also unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005. 

“Israel has attempted to deepen control of the occupied West Bank in recent months. It has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory… 

“Huckabee has long opposed the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people. In an interview last year, he said he does not believe in referring to the Arab descendants of people who had lived in British-controlled Palestine as ‘Palestinians.’ 

“In the latest interview, Carlson pressed Huckabee about his interpretation of Bible verses from the book of Genesis, where he said God promised Abraham and his descendants land from the Nile to the Euphrates. ‘That would be the Levant, so that would be Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon. It would also be big parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq,’ Carlson said. Huckabee replied: ‘Not sure we’d go that far. I mean, it would be a big piece of land.’” 

In a common declaration, Huckabee’s comments were strongly condemned. The declaration was signed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. 

What is being overlooked is the fact that God gave the Promised Land at the time prior to Israel’s and Judah’s captivity to all the tribes of Israel, the sons of Jacob. Judah is just one tribe among twelve. They most certainly do not have the right to the entire Promised Land—neither now nor in the future.  

 Carlson’s Ridiculous Idea Regarding Ashkenazi Jews 

The Algemeiner wrote on February 21: 

In a combative interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, right-wing firebrand Tucker Carlson made a host of contentious and often demonstrably false claims that quickly went viral online. Huckabee, who repeatedly challenged the former Fox News star during the interview, subsequently made a long post on X, identifying a pattern of bad-faith arguments, distortions and conspiracies in Carlson’s rhetorical style… ‘What I wasn’t anticipating was a lengthy series of questions where he seemed to be insinuating that the Jews of today aren’t really same people as the Jews of the Bible,’ Huckabee wrote, adding that Tucker’s obsession with conspiracies regarding the provenance of Ashkenazi Jews obscured the fact that most Israeli Jews were refugees from the Arab and Muslim world. 

“The idea that Ashkenazi Jews are an Asiatic tribe who invented a false ancestry ‘gained traction in the 80’s and 90’s with David Duke and other Klansmen and neo-Nazis,’ Huckabee wrote. ‘It has really caught fire in recent years on the Internet and social media, mostly from some of the most overt antisemites and Jew haters you can find.’

Carlson branded Israel ‘probably the most violent country on earth’ and cited the false claim that Israel President Isaac Herzog had visited the infamous island of the late, disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein [Carlson subsequently reneged on that claim.] 

“Another misleading claim made by Carlson was that there were more Christians in Qatar than in Israel.” 

The idea regarding the “Ashkenazi Jews” is utter nonsense. 

Time to Build Third Temple 

Israel 365 News wrote on February 20: 

“A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck southern Iran on February 19, 2026, at 7:13 a.m. local time, with its epicenter 35 kilometers southwest of Mohr in Fars province… This tremor erupted from the ancient core of Persia, the very region where Cyrus the Great launched his empire in 559 BCE, conquering Babylon and issuing the decree that rebuilt Jewish life in Jerusalem after decades of exile… 

“God called Cyrus His mashiach (anointed one) to end the Babylonian oppression. In 539 BCE, Cyrus captured Babylon without a fight, then proclaimed freedom for the exiles… Cyrus supplied timber from Lebanon, returned 5,400 gold and silver vessels looted from the First Temple, and appointed Sheshbazzar to lead the returnees. By 516 BCE, the Second Temple rose on its foundation, a direct result of this Persian king’s command. 

President Trump mirrors this role in modern times as Israel’s staunchest defender. His 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as the capital echoed Cyrus’s charge to rebuild the city and Temple. Trump declared in his White House speech, ‘We finally acknowledge the obvious: that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality.’ He relocated the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, affirming the city’s unity under Israeli control. In 2019, he extended sovereignty recognition to the Golan Heights, securing Israel’s northern border against Syrian and Iranian threats… 

“The quake in Fars province awakens more than memory. It signals the urgency to fulfill Cyrus’s unfinished work. The Temple Mount, site of the First and Second Temples, now hosts foreign structures and trees planted to obscure its sanctity. Jewish law demands the area be cleared of all alien elements, from domes and mosques to the cypress and olive groves that dot the plateau, to prepare for reconstruction… 

“Groups like the Temple Institute have already crafted the vessels, the red heifer program advances, and architects draw plans based on Ezekiel’s vision. President Trump’s policies have set the stage by strengthening Israel’s position globally, making the moment ripe. Jerusalem rises when Jews act on the divine mandate, building the Third Temple as the house of prayer for all nations. The enemies plot in vain… The tremors from Persia declare it: the time for restoration has arrived, and Jerusalem will shine as the eternal capital with its Temple rebuilt.” 

Even though drawing a connection between the earthquake in Iran (which did not cause major damage) and the building of the Third Temple is clearly overblown, it still shows that the idea of building the Third Temple is clearly alive in Israel, and repeatedly, a parallel between King Cyrus and Donald Trump is being drawn.

Reza Pahlavi: A Beacon of Hope? 

The Tagesspiegel wrote on February 21: 

“The jubilation is immense. Last weekend, up to 250,000 people gathered in Munich to pay homage to their hero. ‘The Shah is returning,’ chanted the assembled supporters of the man who, by his own admission, wants to lead Iran into a new era without the mullah regime: Reza Pahlavi. 

‘Not only in Munich, but worldwide, the Shah’s eldest son was honored. A million exiled Iranians are said to have followed his call to demonstrate against the rulers in Tehran and for freedom. For ‘His Majesty,’ as many of his fans call Pahlavi, this is a major PR success, not least for his own cause… to ‘make Iran great again.’ 

“But large sections of the fractured Iranian opposition don’t trust Pahlavi. His opponents accuse him of wanting to revive the absolute monarchy of his hated father and of being out of touch with the everyday realities of people in Iran… 

“He has become a prominent advocate for the overthrow of the mullahs. Since the end of December, Pahlavi has been a sought-after guest on talk shows, frequently speaks out on social media, and manages to mobilize his supporters… 

“He has repeatedly stated that he wants to return to Iran for the ‘liberation struggle.’ ‘My influence on the ground would be greater than in exile.’ As long as the mullahs are in charge, however, that is unlikely to be possible… Which doesn’t stop Pahlavi from repeatedly urging Donald Trump to… launch an attack. America’s president has the chance to make history, says Pahlavi. Trump, in turn, distances himself. Pahlavi seems ‘nice,’ but… ‘a meeting with him would probably not be appropriate at this time,’ Trump indicated.” 

Bank Accounts Only For American Citizens? 

Newsmax wrote on February 24: 

“The Trump administration is considering a bold new step in its effort to curb illegal immigration — potentially requiring U.S. banks to collect citizenship information from customers… According to reports, officials are discussing an executive order that would direct financial institutions to gather proof of citizenship — such as a passport — from both new applicants and possibly existing account holders who want to keep their accounts. If enacted, the move would mark a significant expansion of current banking rules. 

“Under existing ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) regulations, banks must verify identities to prevent money laundering and criminal activity. However, they are not currently required to collect or verify citizenship status, and there is no federal ban on noncitizens opening bank accounts.” 

Huge Blow to Trump’s Tariffs Plan? 

Daily Mail wrote on February 21: 

“President Donald Trump has hiked worldwide tariffs to 15 percent after the Supreme Court ruled [in a 6-3 decision] his reciprocal tax plan was unconstitutional.  Infuriated by the high court’s ruling, Trump on Friday ordered an immediate 10 percent tariff on all imports, in addition to any existing tariffs, citing a different law as the basis. The new tariff is being applied under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to increase levies up to a maximum of 15 percent. It has never been imposed before, making it a historic moment for the Trump Administration. The law allows him to impose the levy for 150 days, although it could face legal challenges… 

“On Saturday, Trump… hit out at the Supreme Court justices and their ‘Anti-American’ ruling. [He] made it clear he is going to war with Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, [whom he] branded ‘unpatriotic’ and a ‘disloyal’ member of the Court… he suggested the conservative justices owed him some loyalty. The job of a Supreme Court justice is to uphold the Constitution, not party values. He took particular issue with Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, both of whom he appointed [and who voted with the majority of the ruling]… 

“The Supreme Court ruled that Trump issuing tariffs without the permission of Congress was unconstitutional… Trump said he was ‘ashamed’ of the ruling, adding that America’s highest court had been ‘swayed by foreign interests’… Trump said the judges who threw out his plan were ‘a disgrace to our country’…

“There are a few other Sections Trump could use to continue to carry out his tariff plan.  

“Section 301, which Trump used in his first term, allows the president to issue tariffs against ‘discriminatory’ foreign trade practices and opens up an investigation by US Trade Representatives. Trump used this law to impose tariffs on Chinese imports in his first term.  The president has also used Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows him to restrict imports that could threaten national security.  He used the policy for steel and aluminum. Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 also allows him to use tariffs against countries that discriminate ‘against the commerce of the United States.’” 

By one estimate, the U.S. government could owe more than $175 billion in refunds to importers following the Supreme Court decision. But it is highly doubtful that importers will see any of that money. Trump suggested he was ready to fight any compensation claims in the courts for years. 

Trump Has the Right to Destroy Countries? 

The New Republic wrote on February 20: 

“President Donald Trump claimed Friday the Supreme Court had granted him the power to destroy other countries,  after the high court took away his weapon of choice: sweeping reciprocal tariffs. Speaking to reporters, Trump rambled about how ‘ridiculous’ it was for the Supreme Court to block the illegal tariffs he’d imposed… 

“‘The court has given me the unquestioned right to ban all sorts of things from coming into our country—to destroy foreign countries,’ Trump claimed. ‘But a much more powerful right than many people thought we even had, but not the right to charge a fee. ‘I can destroy the trade, I can destroy the country, I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo. I can do anything I want—but I can’t charge one dollar,’ Trump fumed…”

EU Freezes US Trade Deal Over Tariffs Uncertainty 

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 23: 

“EU lawmakers decided Monday to delay the approval of the bloc’s trade deal with the US due to uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. It comes after Trump imposed a new blanket 15% duty… The European Parliament’s trade committee planned to vote on Tuesday to remove import duties on US industrial goods — a key part of the EU-US trade deal. But that vote has now been postponed… The legally binding deal needs to be approved by the European Parliament and EU governments… 

“The chairman of the European Parliament’s trade committee, Bernd Lange, said the new US duties could result in the EU potentially facing higher levies on some products, despite the 15% limit agreed under the EU-US deal. ‘We want to have clarity from the United States that they are respecting the deal,’ Lange said. EU lawmakers are expected to convene on March 4 to assess if Washington has clarified the situation. 

“It’s not the first time the approval process has been delayed. EU lawmakers also halted the process last month when Trump threatened to impose extra tariffs on European allies who opposed his goal to annex the Danish territory of Greenland… German Chancellor Friedrich Merz… floated the possibility of using the EU’s ‘trade bazooka,’ an instrument under which access to the bloc’s market can be restricted, as ‘a final option’ in the trade dispute with the US. ‘I am confident that we will find a way to resolve these trade disputes without resorting to this instrument,’ Merz said. ‘But if it is necessary, then it is necessary, and I will be the last person to say “no.”’” 

E6 Supergroup 

Politico wrote on February 19: 

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland were the ‘epiphany moment’ for Europe’s six largest economies to club together and speed up financial market reform, Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told POLITICO. The new group, dubbed ‘E6’ in Brussels, is an exclusive club among the EU’s six largest economies — France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland — designed to break political deadlocks that have hamstrung efforts to create a U.S.-style financial market over the last decade. 

“Without action, the six countries fear that Europe’s economy will fail to keep pace with the U.S. and China… The E6 club has only convened twice and is already aiming to present EU leaders with specific proposals at the next European Council summit… on March 9 [when it] will home in on promoting investment in defense and how to promote the euro on the international stage…. Critics, such as Ireland and Portugal, fear the six-country club could trigger a two-speed Europe, in which the biggest nations will sideline smaller countries that disagree with E6’s agenda… 

“Legally speaking, the E6 needs at least nine countries to pursue enhanced cooperation… Meanwhile, securing a qualified majority to push legislation through requires the backing of 15 countries that represent at least 65 percent of the total EU population. So, the E6 will need allies to advance its goals in any case.” 

Another Big European Five? 

The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 20: 

Europe’s five biggest defense powers are set to announce a plan to invest in military drones, as part of wider efforts to boost the defense industry in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concerns about the US commitment to NATO. 

“According to a document seen by Reuters…, the five aim to cooperate in developing autonomous drones…. The European Group of Five Defence Ministers [known as the E5]… brings together the continent’s biggest military spenders – France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Britain.” 

Further Threats From the Pentagon 

Politico wrote on February 19:

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened to retaliate against European countries if the EU favors domestic weapons-makers in a drive to rearm the continent. The U.S. Department of Defense objected to any EU effort to limit American arms-manufacturers’ access to the European market and warned that would trigger a reciprocal response… 

“Washington’s comments highlight a paradox in the U.S. approach to Europe: While the Trump administration has repeatedly told Europeans that it wants them to shoulder the bulk of the continent’s conventional defense, the U.S. doesn’t want that to come at the expense of American defense firms… It will test how far European countries are willing to go in becoming more independent from the U.S., which has become an increasingly unreliable partner in the age of Trump.” 

Needed—a European Army 

The Financial Times wrote on or about February 20: 

“The Germans and the Poles are re-arming hard, raising defence spending both in absolute terms and as a share of GDP. France, Italy and Spain don’t see the urgency or can’t afford to. The result is new imbalances. On current trends, by 2029 German military spending will be roughly twice that of France… 

“But what Europe needs far more than yet another inter-governmental solution — a ‘solution’ that perpetuates the grotesque inefficiency of its 27 separate armies — is truly joint action. It needs a European army

“This was the solution preferred back in the early 1950s, when the project of a European Defence Community was launched at the same time as the Coal and Steel Community. Five years after the end of the second world war, the idea was that it would be safe to re-arm west Germany if German units were integrated into a single European force… 

“Given the collapse of the Atlanticist dispensation, it is time to return to that fork in the road. As was clear in backroom conversations during the Munich Security Conference, the idea of a European army is both unavoidable and controversial. Those clinging to Atlanticism fear that it will accelerate America’s exit from Europe without offering a realistic alternative. But what today is realistic? If US backing is in fact no longer real, while German military spending is, Europe risks sleepwalking into a dramatic rearrangement of European power without a stabilising adjustment in the political framework. To advocate for lopsided, nation-state rearmament as the path of least resistance, while rejecting deep military integration and common financing, is not just short-sighted. It is a betrayal of the most basic wisdom of European integration.”

According to a new “Allensbach” poll, 65 percent of Germans view the USA as a danger to world peace. In a ZDF Talk show, German European Minister and President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber said on February 19 that we must now have to have the strength to build a European Army—to create a situation in Europe which cannot be revoked.

Europe Has a Choice 

The Oldenburg online newspaper wrote on February 20: 

“According to leading CDU politicians, Europe must reduce its dependence on the USA and strengthen its own security and economic power. In a guest article for the Handelsblatt, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen write: ‘We must act… The goal must be to gradually reduce dependence on US strategic capabilities – from reconnaissance and air defense to long-range precision strikes.’ This requires a group of pioneers – European trailblazers: governments that are willing and able to lead the way should deepen their security and defense cooperation. ‘Only one rule must apply: no veto,’ write Röttgen and Spahn…” 

The time for illusions is over. Europe is facing a crucial decision. ‘It can manage its relative loss of importance – or the European states can recognize that together they possess economic and political power that they can use for freedom, security and prosperity. Germany has chosen the latter.'” 

No US Hospital Ship For Greenland 

BBC wrote on February 23: 

“Greenland’s prime minister has asked US President Donald Trump to talk to him instead of making ‘random outbursts on social media’, after Trump said he was sending a US hospital boat to ‘take care’ of people on the island. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was going to send a boat filled with medical supplies, alleging ‘many people’ on the island are sick and ‘not being taken care of’

“Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded ‘it’s going to be a no thanks from us,’ and said that Greenland provides free healthcare for all citizens, unlike the US [‘where it costs money to go to the doctor’.] Trump has long coveted the vast arctic island… A month on from Trump announcing a ‘framework for a future deal’ over Greenland, details are still unclear, though earlier this month US vice president JD Vance alleged that European countries were ‘willing to make a lot of accommodations’.” 

That remains to be seen. 

Chaos in Mexico 

The Associated Press wrote on February 23: 

“School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel [CJNG]. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it. 

“He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles… The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. [President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of the often-deadly drug fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.] 

“Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home. Passengers arriving to the city’s international airport Sunday night were told it was operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence… Most flights into the city were suspended on Sunday… it may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to the CJNG…” 

The New York Times on February 23: 

“In at least 13 states, apparent cartel operatives sought to cause havoc by setting fires and blocking roads with burning vehicles. Cartels have often lashed out following the capture of their top bosses in a bid to show their power and discourage the authorities from confronting them again… The U.S. government warned its citizens to ‘shelter in place until further notice’ in parts of five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León…” 

Remembering Buchenwald 

Israel365News wrote on February 24: 

“The annual commemoration of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp has long stood as one of Germany’s most solemn acts of national reckoning… 

“Buchenwald, established in 1937 near Weimar, was one of the largest concentration camps within Germany’s borders. Approximately 280,000 prisoners passed through the camp between 1937 and 1945. About 56,000 were murdered through execution, starvation, forced labor, medical experimentation, and disease. An estimated 55,000 to 60,000 Jews were imprisoned there, representing roughly 20–22 percent of all inmates. Between 11,000 and 15,000 Jews were murdered at Buchenwald and its subcamps… 

“Palestinian Arab nationalism in the 20th century was shaped in part by the leadership of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. During World War II, Husseini fled to Berlin, met personally with Adolf Hitler in 1941, and aligned himself with the Nazi regime. He reportedly toured death camps and urged the Führer to expand the Final Solution to the Holy Land… 

“Historical evidence indicates that a special SS unit under Walther Rauff was prepared to implement mobile killing operations, including the use of gas vans, in the Middle East had Rommel’s forces succeeded in 1942. These units were formed to target Jewish populations in Palestine and Egypt, following the Nazis’ planned expansion into the region. These plans were part of the wider Nazi aim to extend the Holocaust into the Middle East, which was planned to take place behind the front lines of Rommel’s campaign. In October-November 1942, British General Bernard Montgomery’s Eighth Army defeated Rommel at the Second Battle of El Alamein, forcing a full retreat. This victory, known as a turning point in the war, stopped the planned Nazi invasion of Egypt and Palestine. With the defeat, the specialized extermination unit was repurposed and moved to Tunisia, where it implemented forced labor and anti-Jewish policies.  

“During the war, al-Husseini broadcast antisemitic propaganda in Arabic, recruited Muslims for Waffen-SS units in the Balkans, and urged resistance to Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel. His influence extended beyond rhetoric. He supported the Axis cause and opposed any rescue of Jews to Mandatory Palestine. His name is also associated with the 1941 Farhud pogrom in Baghdad, in which Iraqi Jews were murdered and injured during the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

“The relationship between Nazi Germany and sectors of the Arab world was not incidental. Arab volunteers served with German forces, including units attached to the Afrika Korps in North Africa… Germany continues to grapple with its responsibility for the murder of six million Jews….”  

We hasten to add that Rommel was not part of the Nazi plans to bring the Holocaust to the Middle East. Rather, he was an opponent of Hitler and sympathized with the attempt to assassinate him in 1942, but he preferred to arrest and try Hitler. Rommel was forced to commit suicide by the Nazis to protect his family. 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

Update 1197

Do Not Doubt—Believe! / The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future

On February 21, 2026, Frank Bruno will present the sermonette, titled, “Do Not Doubt—Believe!” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “The Twelve Tribes of Israel—Past, Present and Future.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

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Feelings That Can Deceive Us!

by Thilo Hanstein (Germany)

Feelings are inner experiences that show how we evaluate or personally perceive something. They arise in response to thoughts, situations, or physical conditions and influence our actions.

Feelings can be viewed from three perspectives. From a psychological point of view, feelings are subjective perceptions such as joy, fear, anger, or sadness. They help us to quickly assess situations, for example, to recognize dangers through fear—a kind of protective reaction. At the same time, feelings cause physical changes, such as a faster heartbeat when we are afraid, a sense of warmth when we are happy, or inner tension when we are angry. Hormones and the nervous system play an important role in this. Feelings also influence our relationships. Through facial expressions, voice, and behavior, we show others how we are feeling. They can occupy space within us and give rise to envy, pride, shame, gratitude, romantic love, and many other emotions.

However, feelings should not be confused with emotions. An emotion is a process, or a reaction that comes from within a person, a visible or tangible expression. A feeling, on the other hand, is the conscious inner experience of this emotion. Feelings are like an inner compass, so to speak. They guide us in our decisions. Whether these decisions were ultimately good or bad is another matter.

Paul already formulated an interesting thesis when he wrote: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Here, Paul sets an important standard between “lawful”, meaning legally possible or not expressly prohibited, and “not helpful”, meaning not useful and edifying, not beneficial to life and relationships with God and others. Feelings can lead us to allow or justify something that is not good. So, the question remains: Does it serve my salvation, my life? Does it build me or others up? Or am I about to be controlled by this feeling?

Paul does not warn against feelings per se, but against becoming a slave to false desires, impulses, or inner states.

The Bible knows the concept of spiritual influence. It speaks of temptation, accusation, or seduction that comes from the adversary, from Satan. At present, many people’s feelings are being put to the test. Peter wrote: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

For true Christians, such influence is often a hard trial. Questions may then arise such as: “Does it lead to hopelessness with no way out? Does it lead to self-condemnation? Does it lead away from love and trust? Does it bring inner enslavement or compulsion?”

The Holy Spirit of God, on the other hand, is described as the Spirit of truth, peace, freedom, and love: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that trust in God must be our inner anchor, regardless of what we feel or experience.

Solomon wrote: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

And Paul wrote: “… we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

No matter what happens to us, feelings are as volatile as a flag in the wind – confidence today, doubt tomorrow; joy today, sorrow tomorrow.

God’s Word does not say that we should suppress our feelings, but that we should not make them our ultimate standard. God is described as unchanging, while the human heart can falter. That is why trusting in God is not a feeling, but a decision.

Trusting in God is not about never being afraid, never doubting, and always being strong. Rather, it means turning to God with our fears and doubts, as well as our anger and sadness, and asking Him for help!

Even Jesus prayed to His Father in great agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying: “…not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Perhaps it can be summarized this way: Feelings say, “This is how I experience it right now.” But faith says, “This is how God is – even if I don’t feel or understand it right now.”

Trust in God is like a foundation underlying changing inner states. It is not our feelings that carry us – it is God who carries us.

Our trust must always be rooted in God and not guided solely by our feelings.

David put it concisely: “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8).

(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)

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By Norbert Link

We begin with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee’s statements about Israel and Tucker Carlson; publish an interesting article about the need to build the Third Temple; and speak on one of Iran’s opposition leaders, Reza Pahlavi.

We address the Supreme Court’s decision on President Trump’s tariffs policy and his reactions; and we point out Europe’s realization that a European army is unavoidable. We also speak about the violence in Mexico and the Buchenwald concentration camp.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Most Problematic Statement in the State of the Union Address.”

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.         

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Huckabee: Israel Has Right to Much of Middle East 

Politico wrote on February 21: 

“Arab and Muslim nations on Saturday sharply condemned comments by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who said Israel has a right to much of the Middle East. Huckabee made the comments in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday. Carlson said that according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land that today would include essentially the entire Middle East, and asked Huckabee if Israel had a right to that land. Huckabee responded: ‘It would be fine if they took it all.’ Huckabee added, however, that Israel was not looking to expand its territory and has a right to security in the land it legitimately holds. 

“His comments sparked immediate backlash from neighboring Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry described Huckabee’s comments as ‘extremist rhetoric’ and ‘unacceptable,’ and called for the State Department to clarify its position on them. Egypt’s foreign ministry called his comments a ‘blatant violation’ of international law, adding that ‘Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or other Arab lands.’ ‘Statements of this nature — extremist and lacking any sound basis — serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions,’ the League of Arab States said… 

“Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has not had fully recognized borders. Its frontiers with Arab neighbors have shifted as a result of wars, annexations, ceasefires and peace agreements. During the six-day 167 Mideast war, Israel captured the West Bank and east Jerusalem from Jordan, Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt and the Golan Heights from Syria. Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula as part of a peace deal with Egypt following the 1973 Mideast war. It also unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005. 

“Israel has attempted to deepen control of the occupied West Bank in recent months. It has greatly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts and made significant bureaucratic changes to its policies in the territory… 

“Huckabee has long opposed the idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian people. In an interview last year, he said he does not believe in referring to the Arab descendants of people who had lived in British-controlled Palestine as ‘Palestinians.’ 

“In the latest interview, Carlson pressed Huckabee about his interpretation of Bible verses from the book of Genesis, where he said God promised Abraham and his descendants land from the Nile to the Euphrates. ‘That would be the Levant, so that would be Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon. It would also be big parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq,’ Carlson said. Huckabee replied: ‘Not sure we’d go that far. I mean, it would be a big piece of land.’” 

In a common declaration, Huckabee’s comments were strongly condemned. The declaration was signed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. 

What is being overlooked is the fact that God gave the Promised Land at the time prior to Israel’s and Judah’s captivity to all the tribes of Israel, the sons of Jacob. Judah is just one tribe among twelve. They most certainly do not have the right to the entire Promised Land—neither now nor in the future.  

 Carlson’s Ridiculous Idea Regarding Ashkenazi Jews 

The Algemeiner wrote on February 21: 

In a combative interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, right-wing firebrand Tucker Carlson made a host of contentious and often demonstrably false claims that quickly went viral online. Huckabee, who repeatedly challenged the former Fox News star during the interview, subsequently made a long post on X, identifying a pattern of bad-faith arguments, distortions and conspiracies in Carlson’s rhetorical style… ‘What I wasn’t anticipating was a lengthy series of questions where he seemed to be insinuating that the Jews of today aren’t really same people as the Jews of the Bible,’ Huckabee wrote, adding that Tucker’s obsession with conspiracies regarding the provenance of Ashkenazi Jews obscured the fact that most Israeli Jews were refugees from the Arab and Muslim world. 

“The idea that Ashkenazi Jews are an Asiatic tribe who invented a false ancestry ‘gained traction in the 80’s and 90’s with David Duke and other Klansmen and neo-Nazis,’ Huckabee wrote. ‘It has really caught fire in recent years on the Internet and social media, mostly from some of the most overt antisemites and Jew haters you can find.’

Carlson branded Israel ‘probably the most violent country on earth’ and cited the false claim that Israel President Isaac Herzog had visited the infamous island of the late, disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein [Carlson subsequently reneged on that claim.] 

“Another misleading claim made by Carlson was that there were more Christians in Qatar than in Israel.” 

The idea regarding the “Ashkenazi Jews” is utter nonsense. 

Time to Build Third Temple 

Israel 365 News wrote on February 20: 

“A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck southern Iran on February 19, 2026, at 7:13 a.m. local time, with its epicenter 35 kilometers southwest of Mohr in Fars province… This tremor erupted from the ancient core of Persia, the very region where Cyrus the Great launched his empire in 559 BCE, conquering Babylon and issuing the decree that rebuilt Jewish life in Jerusalem after decades of exile… 

“God called Cyrus His mashiach (anointed one) to end the Babylonian oppression. In 539 BCE, Cyrus captured Babylon without a fight, then proclaimed freedom for the exiles… Cyrus supplied timber from Lebanon, returned 5,400 gold and silver vessels looted from the First Temple, and appointed Sheshbazzar to lead the returnees. By 516 BCE, the Second Temple rose on its foundation, a direct result of this Persian king’s command. 

President Trump mirrors this role in modern times as Israel’s staunchest defender. His 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as the capital echoed Cyrus’s charge to rebuild the city and Temple. Trump declared in his White House speech, ‘We finally acknowledge the obvious: that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality.’ He relocated the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, affirming the city’s unity under Israeli control. In 2019, he extended sovereignty recognition to the Golan Heights, securing Israel’s northern border against Syrian and Iranian threats… 

“The quake in Fars province awakens more than memory. It signals the urgency to fulfill Cyrus’s unfinished work. The Temple Mount, site of the First and Second Temples, now hosts foreign structures and trees planted to obscure its sanctity. Jewish law demands the area be cleared of all alien elements, from domes and mosques to the cypress and olive groves that dot the plateau, to prepare for reconstruction… 

“Groups like the Temple Institute have already crafted the vessels, the red heifer program advances, and architects draw plans based on Ezekiel’s vision. President Trump’s policies have set the stage by strengthening Israel’s position globally, making the moment ripe. Jerusalem rises when Jews act on the divine mandate, building the Third Temple as the house of prayer for all nations. The enemies plot in vain… The tremors from Persia declare it: the time for restoration has arrived, and Jerusalem will shine as the eternal capital with its Temple rebuilt.” 

Even though drawing a connection between the earthquake in Iran (which did not cause major damage) and the building of the Third Temple is clearly overblown, it still shows that the idea of building the Third Temple is clearly alive in Israel, and repeatedly, a parallel between King Cyrus and Donald Trump is being drawn.

Reza Pahlavi: A Beacon of Hope? 

The Tagesspiegel wrote on February 21: 

“The jubilation is immense. Last weekend, up to 250,000 people gathered in Munich to pay homage to their hero. ‘The Shah is returning,’ chanted the assembled supporters of the man who, by his own admission, wants to lead Iran into a new era without the mullah regime: Reza Pahlavi. 

‘Not only in Munich, but worldwide, the Shah’s eldest son was honored. A million exiled Iranians are said to have followed his call to demonstrate against the rulers in Tehran and for freedom. For ‘His Majesty,’ as many of his fans call Pahlavi, this is a major PR success, not least for his own cause… to ‘make Iran great again.’ 

“But large sections of the fractured Iranian opposition don’t trust Pahlavi. His opponents accuse him of wanting to revive the absolute monarchy of his hated father and of being out of touch with the everyday realities of people in Iran… 

“He has become a prominent advocate for the overthrow of the mullahs. Since the end of December, Pahlavi has been a sought-after guest on talk shows, frequently speaks out on social media, and manages to mobilize his supporters… 

“He has repeatedly stated that he wants to return to Iran for the ‘liberation struggle.’ ‘My influence on the ground would be greater than in exile.’ As long as the mullahs are in charge, however, that is unlikely to be possible… Which doesn’t stop Pahlavi from repeatedly urging Donald Trump to… launch an attack. America’s president has the chance to make history, says Pahlavi. Trump, in turn, distances himself. Pahlavi seems ‘nice,’ but… ‘a meeting with him would probably not be appropriate at this time,’ Trump indicated.” 

Bank Accounts Only For American Citizens? 

Newsmax wrote on February 24: 

“The Trump administration is considering a bold new step in its effort to curb illegal immigration — potentially requiring U.S. banks to collect citizenship information from customers… According to reports, officials are discussing an executive order that would direct financial institutions to gather proof of citizenship — such as a passport — from both new applicants and possibly existing account holders who want to keep their accounts. If enacted, the move would mark a significant expansion of current banking rules. 

“Under existing ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) regulations, banks must verify identities to prevent money laundering and criminal activity. However, they are not currently required to collect or verify citizenship status, and there is no federal ban on noncitizens opening bank accounts.” 

Huge Blow to Trump’s Tariffs Plan? 

Daily Mail wrote on February 21: 

“President Donald Trump has hiked worldwide tariffs to 15 percent after the Supreme Court ruled [in a 6-3 decision] his reciprocal tax plan was unconstitutional.  Infuriated by the high court’s ruling, Trump on Friday ordered an immediate 10 percent tariff on all imports, in addition to any existing tariffs, citing a different law as the basis. The new tariff is being applied under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to increase levies up to a maximum of 15 percent. It has never been imposed before, making it a historic moment for the Trump Administration. The law allows him to impose the levy for 150 days, although it could face legal challenges… 

“On Saturday, Trump… hit out at the Supreme Court justices and their ‘Anti-American’ ruling. [He] made it clear he is going to war with Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, [whom he] branded ‘unpatriotic’ and a ‘disloyal’ member of the Court… he suggested the conservative justices owed him some loyalty. The job of a Supreme Court justice is to uphold the Constitution, not party values. He took particular issue with Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, both of whom he appointed [and who voted with the majority of the ruling]… 

“The Supreme Court ruled that Trump issuing tariffs without the permission of Congress was unconstitutional… Trump said he was ‘ashamed’ of the ruling, adding that America’s highest court had been ‘swayed by foreign interests’… Trump said the judges who threw out his plan were ‘a disgrace to our country’…

“There are a few other Sections Trump could use to continue to carry out his tariff plan.  

“Section 301, which Trump used in his first term, allows the president to issue tariffs against ‘discriminatory’ foreign trade practices and opens up an investigation by US Trade Representatives. Trump used this law to impose tariffs on Chinese imports in his first term.  The president has also used Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows him to restrict imports that could threaten national security.  He used the policy for steel and aluminum. Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 also allows him to use tariffs against countries that discriminate ‘against the commerce of the United States.’” 

By one estimate, the U.S. government could owe more than $175 billion in refunds to importers following the Supreme Court decision. But it is highly doubtful that importers will see any of that money. Trump suggested he was ready to fight any compensation claims in the courts for years. 

Trump Has the Right to Destroy Countries? 

The New Republic wrote on February 20: 

“President Donald Trump claimed Friday the Supreme Court had granted him the power to destroy other countries,  after the high court took away his weapon of choice: sweeping reciprocal tariffs. Speaking to reporters, Trump rambled about how ‘ridiculous’ it was for the Supreme Court to block the illegal tariffs he’d imposed… 

“‘The court has given me the unquestioned right to ban all sorts of things from coming into our country—to destroy foreign countries,’ Trump claimed. ‘But a much more powerful right than many people thought we even had, but not the right to charge a fee. ‘I can destroy the trade, I can destroy the country, I’m even allowed to impose a foreign country-destroying embargo. I can do anything I want—but I can’t charge one dollar,’ Trump fumed…”

EU Freezes US Trade Deal Over Tariffs Uncertainty 

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 23: 

“EU lawmakers decided Monday to delay the approval of the bloc’s trade deal with the US due to uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. It comes after Trump imposed a new blanket 15% duty… The European Parliament’s trade committee planned to vote on Tuesday to remove import duties on US industrial goods — a key part of the EU-US trade deal. But that vote has now been postponed… The legally binding deal needs to be approved by the European Parliament and EU governments… 

“The chairman of the European Parliament’s trade committee, Bernd Lange, said the new US duties could result in the EU potentially facing higher levies on some products, despite the 15% limit agreed under the EU-US deal. ‘We want to have clarity from the United States that they are respecting the deal,’ Lange said. EU lawmakers are expected to convene on March 4 to assess if Washington has clarified the situation. 

“It’s not the first time the approval process has been delayed. EU lawmakers also halted the process last month when Trump threatened to impose extra tariffs on European allies who opposed his goal to annex the Danish territory of Greenland… German Chancellor Friedrich Merz… floated the possibility of using the EU’s ‘trade bazooka,’ an instrument under which access to the bloc’s market can be restricted, as ‘a final option’ in the trade dispute with the US. ‘I am confident that we will find a way to resolve these trade disputes without resorting to this instrument,’ Merz said. ‘But if it is necessary, then it is necessary, and I will be the last person to say “no.”’” 

E6 Supergroup 

Politico wrote on February 19: 

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland were the ‘epiphany moment’ for Europe’s six largest economies to club together and speed up financial market reform, Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told POLITICO. The new group, dubbed ‘E6’ in Brussels, is an exclusive club among the EU’s six largest economies — France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland — designed to break political deadlocks that have hamstrung efforts to create a U.S.-style financial market over the last decade. 

“Without action, the six countries fear that Europe’s economy will fail to keep pace with the U.S. and China… The E6 club has only convened twice and is already aiming to present EU leaders with specific proposals at the next European Council summit… on March 9 [when it] will home in on promoting investment in defense and how to promote the euro on the international stage…. Critics, such as Ireland and Portugal, fear the six-country club could trigger a two-speed Europe, in which the biggest nations will sideline smaller countries that disagree with E6’s agenda… 

“Legally speaking, the E6 needs at least nine countries to pursue enhanced cooperation… Meanwhile, securing a qualified majority to push legislation through requires the backing of 15 countries that represent at least 65 percent of the total EU population. So, the E6 will need allies to advance its goals in any case.” 

Another Big European Five? 

The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 20: 

Europe’s five biggest defense powers are set to announce a plan to invest in military drones, as part of wider efforts to boost the defense industry in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concerns about the US commitment to NATO. 

“According to a document seen by Reuters…, the five aim to cooperate in developing autonomous drones…. The European Group of Five Defence Ministers [known as the E5]… brings together the continent’s biggest military spenders – France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Britain.” 

Further Threats From the Pentagon 

Politico wrote on February 19:

“U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened to retaliate against European countries if the EU favors domestic weapons-makers in a drive to rearm the continent. The U.S. Department of Defense objected to any EU effort to limit American arms-manufacturers’ access to the European market and warned that would trigger a reciprocal response… 

“Washington’s comments highlight a paradox in the U.S. approach to Europe: While the Trump administration has repeatedly told Europeans that it wants them to shoulder the bulk of the continent’s conventional defense, the U.S. doesn’t want that to come at the expense of American defense firms… It will test how far European countries are willing to go in becoming more independent from the U.S., which has become an increasingly unreliable partner in the age of Trump.” 

Needed—a European Army 

The Financial Times wrote on or about February 20: 

“The Germans and the Poles are re-arming hard, raising defence spending both in absolute terms and as a share of GDP. France, Italy and Spain don’t see the urgency or can’t afford to. The result is new imbalances. On current trends, by 2029 German military spending will be roughly twice that of France… 

“But what Europe needs far more than yet another inter-governmental solution — a ‘solution’ that perpetuates the grotesque inefficiency of its 27 separate armies — is truly joint action. It needs a European army

“This was the solution preferred back in the early 1950s, when the project of a European Defence Community was launched at the same time as the Coal and Steel Community. Five years after the end of the second world war, the idea was that it would be safe to re-arm west Germany if German units were integrated into a single European force… 

“Given the collapse of the Atlanticist dispensation, it is time to return to that fork in the road. As was clear in backroom conversations during the Munich Security Conference, the idea of a European army is both unavoidable and controversial. Those clinging to Atlanticism fear that it will accelerate America’s exit from Europe without offering a realistic alternative. But what today is realistic? If US backing is in fact no longer real, while German military spending is, Europe risks sleepwalking into a dramatic rearrangement of European power without a stabilising adjustment in the political framework. To advocate for lopsided, nation-state rearmament as the path of least resistance, while rejecting deep military integration and common financing, is not just short-sighted. It is a betrayal of the most basic wisdom of European integration.”

According to a new “Allensbach” poll, 65 percent of Germans view the USA as a danger to world peace. In a ZDF Talk show, German European Minister and President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber said on February 19 that we must now have to have the strength to build a European Army—to create a situation in Europe which cannot be revoked.

Europe Has a Choice 

The Oldenburg online newspaper wrote on February 20: 

“According to leading CDU politicians, Europe must reduce its dependence on the USA and strengthen its own security and economic power. In a guest article for the Handelsblatt, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen write: ‘We must act… The goal must be to gradually reduce dependence on US strategic capabilities – from reconnaissance and air defense to long-range precision strikes.’ This requires a group of pioneers – European trailblazers: governments that are willing and able to lead the way should deepen their security and defense cooperation. ‘Only one rule must apply: no veto,’ write Röttgen and Spahn…” 

The time for illusions is over. Europe is facing a crucial decision. ‘It can manage its relative loss of importance – or the European states can recognize that together they possess economic and political power that they can use for freedom, security and prosperity. Germany has chosen the latter.'” 

No US Hospital Ship For Greenland 

BBC wrote on February 23: 

“Greenland’s prime minister has asked US President Donald Trump to talk to him instead of making ‘random outbursts on social media’, after Trump said he was sending a US hospital boat to ‘take care’ of people on the island. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was going to send a boat filled with medical supplies, alleging ‘many people’ on the island are sick and ‘not being taken care of’

“Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded ‘it’s going to be a no thanks from us,’ and said that Greenland provides free healthcare for all citizens, unlike the US [‘where it costs money to go to the doctor’.] Trump has long coveted the vast arctic island… A month on from Trump announcing a ‘framework for a future deal’ over Greenland, details are still unclear, though earlier this month US vice president JD Vance alleged that European countries were ‘willing to make a lot of accommodations’.” 

That remains to be seen. 

Chaos in Mexico 

The Associated Press wrote on February 23: 

“School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel [CJNG]. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it. 

“He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles… The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. [President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of the often-deadly drug fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.] 

“Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home. Passengers arriving to the city’s international airport Sunday night were told it was operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence… Most flights into the city were suspended on Sunday… it may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to the CJNG…” 

The New York Times on February 23: 

“In at least 13 states, apparent cartel operatives sought to cause havoc by setting fires and blocking roads with burning vehicles. Cartels have often lashed out following the capture of their top bosses in a bid to show their power and discourage the authorities from confronting them again… The U.S. government warned its citizens to ‘shelter in place until further notice’ in parts of five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León…” 

Remembering Buchenwald 

Israel365News wrote on February 24: 

“The annual commemoration of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp has long stood as one of Germany’s most solemn acts of national reckoning… 

“Buchenwald, established in 1937 near Weimar, was one of the largest concentration camps within Germany’s borders. Approximately 280,000 prisoners passed through the camp between 1937 and 1945. About 56,000 were murdered through execution, starvation, forced labor, medical experimentation, and disease. An estimated 55,000 to 60,000 Jews were imprisoned there, representing roughly 20–22 percent of all inmates. Between 11,000 and 15,000 Jews were murdered at Buchenwald and its subcamps… 

“Palestinian Arab nationalism in the 20th century was shaped in part by the leadership of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. During World War II, Husseini fled to Berlin, met personally with Adolf Hitler in 1941, and aligned himself with the Nazi regime. He reportedly toured death camps and urged the Führer to expand the Final Solution to the Holy Land… 

“Historical evidence indicates that a special SS unit under Walther Rauff was prepared to implement mobile killing operations, including the use of gas vans, in the Middle East had Rommel’s forces succeeded in 1942. These units were formed to target Jewish populations in Palestine and Egypt, following the Nazis’ planned expansion into the region. These plans were part of the wider Nazi aim to extend the Holocaust into the Middle East, which was planned to take place behind the front lines of Rommel’s campaign. In October-November 1942, British General Bernard Montgomery’s Eighth Army defeated Rommel at the Second Battle of El Alamein, forcing a full retreat. This victory, known as a turning point in the war, stopped the planned Nazi invasion of Egypt and Palestine. With the defeat, the specialized extermination unit was repurposed and moved to Tunisia, where it implemented forced labor and anti-Jewish policies.  

“During the war, al-Husseini broadcast antisemitic propaganda in Arabic, recruited Muslims for Waffen-SS units in the Balkans, and urged resistance to Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel. His influence extended beyond rhetoric. He supported the Axis cause and opposed any rescue of Jews to Mandatory Palestine. His name is also associated with the 1941 Farhud pogrom in Baghdad, in which Iraqi Jews were murdered and injured during the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

“The relationship between Nazi Germany and sectors of the Arab world was not incidental. Arab volunteers served with German forces, including units attached to the Afrika Korps in North Africa… Germany continues to grapple with its responsibility for the murder of six million Jews….”  

We hasten to add that Rommel was not part of the Nazi plans to bring the Holocaust to the Middle East. Rather, he was an opponent of Hitler and sympathized with the attempt to assassinate him in 1942, but he preferred to arrest and try Hitler. Rommel was forced to commit suicide by the Nazis to protect his family. 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

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Would you please explain in detail Paul’s three missionary journeys? (Part 3)

In the first two parts of this new series, we discussed the apostle Paul’s first missionary journey which is described in Acts 13 and Acts 14. We also started discussing Paul’s second missionary journey, beginning in Acts 15. We addressed his and the other disciples’ experiences in Philippi and their departure from that unfriendly and hostile city.

From Philippi, they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). That city was about 100 miles away from Philippi. The city of Thessalonica was Greek, but Romans and Jews lived there as well. We read that “as his custom was,” he went to a Jewish synagogue and “for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (verse 2).

Paul made it clear again that he kept the Sabbath, as he had always done. In this, he followed the example of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). After all, Christ, “as His custom was,” “went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16). As true Christians and followers of Christ, we must keep the Sabbath day as well, on which we study the Scriptures and worship God.

When Paul explained that the Old Testament Scriptures showed that the Savior or Messiah had to suffer and to be raised again from the dead, and when he showed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, some Jews were persuaded, and a “great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas” (verse 4).

But as it had happened before, the Jews who did not believe instigated an uproar by using evil men, and they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, claiming that Jason had harbored Paul and his companions. Their accusation was telling: “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (verse 6). It shows that Paul and his companions had already made quite an impact on the “civilized” world.

We read in verse 10:

“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.”

Berea was 60 miles west of Thessalonica. One sentence about the people of Berea stands out: “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (verse 11).

They had a finer character than the hostile people of Thessalonica; they received Paul’s teaching with all readiness or eagerness; and they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether Paul’s teaching was true.

They did not believe Paul blindly, but they did not reject him, as the people of Thessalonica had done; rather, they looked for proof in the Bible. They did not have the attitude that so many have today, to disprove what the Bible and God’s ministers say, but they wanted to confirm Paul’s message, based on proof. As Mr. Armstrong has declared so many times. “Don’t believe me, believe the Bible.”

Note what happened as a consequence: “Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men” (verse 12). Because of their fair-mindedness, they believed. Their heart was open to the Truth, because God, willing to call them, had given them a receptive heart.

The envious and evil-minded Jews from Thessalonica heard about what was happening in Berea; so they went there to stir up the crowds against Paul and his companions (verse 13). Immediately, the brethren sent Paul away to travel by sea to protect him, while Silas and Timothy remained there, but Paul commanded them to come to him with all speed (verses 14-15).

It is not wrong to flee from danger. Christ escaped the crowds on several occasions (John 8:59; 12:36). We need to behave in the same way when this is called for (Proverbs 22:3). But neither Christ nor Paul ever thought of giving up, even though the constant opposition would ultimately lead to the end of their lives, as both well knew. We must have the same attitude.

Paul arrived in Athens (verse 15) which was full of idols (verse 16). We read that Paul’s spirit “was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (verse 16). He was outraged. We are told that 600 years ago, pestilence had struck the city. Black and white sheep had been set free, and each sheep which settled near an idolatrous statue of a god was sacrificed to that god. It has been said that there were more statues of gods in the city of Athens than in all the rest of Greece put together.

Verses 17-21 inform us:

“Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, ‘What does this babbler want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,’ because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, ‘May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.’ For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.”

The Epicureans believed in time and chance; they did not believe in life after death. The Stoics believed that everything was God and that His Spirit was in everything. They also believed that everything was the Will of God.

They brought Paul to the Areopagus— the Hill of Ares of the Acropolis [also called Mars Hill]. The Greek council met there, having charge of religious and educational matters. Paul responded to the challenge and gave one of the most extraordinary and timeless messages. We read verses 22-31:

“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious [or superstitious]; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, “For we are also His offspring.” Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.’”

Inasmuch as some had wondered whether Paul was proclaiming foreign gods, Paul indeed addressed this question by saying that he was proclaiming the “unknown God”—unknown to them and frankly, to almost everyone in the world today. Most in Athens had never heard of the true God before Paul spoke to them in the marketplace (see again verse 17). Most “Christians” don’t know the real Jesus either, believing instead in “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4) who had come to do away with the commandments of His Father—a blatantly blasphemous idea.

Paul continued that the people were worshipping this true God without knowing it. He was thereby referring to the fact that they had erected an altar to “the unknown God.” They must have thought that there could be a God whom they did not know, so they dedicated an altar to Him, just in case.

Paul proceeded to tell them more about the “unknown God,” stating that He was Creator and Sustainer of all, but that He was not living in a temple or to be worshipped “with hands” or as “a carved image of gold or silver or stone” (compare Exodus 20:4-5). He made clear that this “unknown God” was the only God (compare Exodus 20:2-3: “I am the LORD your God… You shall have no other gods before [or beside] Me”).

Paul explained that this “unknown” God had made man, and that all human beings descended from the first human. He also stated that God had determined the preappointed times and the boundaries of the dwellings of the nations. This is a remarkable revelation. It is God who determines where and how long a particular nation would live and exist. This had been preordained.

For instance, God had told Abraham that his descendants would not possess Canaan for four generations (approx. 400 years) because the iniquity of the Amorites was “not yet complete” (Genesis 15:16). We also read in Deuteronomy 32:8: “When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, When He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the peoples According to the number of the children of Israel.”

Paul also said that people could find Him to a certain extent (not for the purpose of obtaining salvation, as this is dependent on God’s preordination of those whom He would call), in order to have a physical relationship with Him, as the nation of Israel had with God. Still, man has a desire for eternity or everlasting life which God “has put in their hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

As this was so, Paul explained that we are all the “offspring of God.” The Neue Lutherbibel 2009 translates: “We are of the kind of God.” This is interesting, as Mr. Armstrong taught us tirelessly that God made animals after the animal kind, like cattle after the cattle kind, but that He made man after the God kind, with the potential of BECOMING God in the resurrection.

Paul continued that God had overlooked the time of ignorance, but commanded man now to repent. This reflects the fulfillment of Christ’s command in Luke 24:46-47: “Then He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’”

Paul also made clear why repentance was necessary: God’s judgment would be coming, and God would judge the world by a Man who was ordained for this purpose—a Man who had been resurrected from the dead. He repeated what Christ Himself had said, in John 5:22, 27:

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son… [The Father] has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.”

That was too much for the leaders of Athens to swallow. We read in verses 32 and 33:

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again [or: “some other time”] on this matter.’ So Paul departed from among them.”

Some, though, joined him and believed, but short of that, there was nothing more for Paul to do in Athens, and so “he departed from Athens and went to Corinth” (Acts 18:1).

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

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Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Most Problematic Statement in the State of the Union Address,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

President Trump’s address on February 25, 2026, included all kinds of controversial statements, but one really was extremely problematic and very dangerous, explaining, somewhat, WHY the fall of the United States of America is prophesied and inevitable—unless the nation bitterly repents of its pride and its sins. There are no signs, though, of such required repentance.

“Die problematischste Aussage in der Rede zur Lage der Nation,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Kommen Sie nicht zu spät!” is the title of this Sabbath’s first German split sermon, presented by Michael Link. Title in English: “Don’t Come Too Late.”

“Sind wir der Übertretung schuldig?” is the title of this Sabbath’s second German split sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “Are We Guilty of Transgression?”

“Den Sonntag heiligen wegen der Auferstehung?” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Matthias Griesinger, is now posted. Title in English: “Should Sunday Be Observed As Holy Because of the Resurrection?

“Eine Leidenszeit von dreieinhalb Jahren,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Thilo Hanstein, is now posted. Title in English: “A Period of Suffering Lasting Three and A Half Years.”

“Time to Flee,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:

God protects His servants from danger, and He gives warnings that must not be ignored!

“Jesus Christ Reveals the Father,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:  

The relationship that Jesus Christ has with God the Father is a mystery that most in the world do not understand today. The Jews at the time of Jesus Christ accused Him of blasphemy when He proclaimed His relationship because they didn’t understand the nature of the godhead either! The Bible reveals from the beginning to the end that Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Father, eternally. When He came to live on Earth as a man, He explained this relationship, removing the veil that previously hid God the Father from everyone.

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How This Work is Financed

This Update is an official publication by the ministry of the Church of the Eternal God in the United States of America; the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship in Canada; and the Global Church of God in the United Kingdom.

Editorial Team: Norbert Link, Dave Harris, Rene Messier, Brian Gale, Johanna Link, Eric Rank, Michael Link, Anna Link, Kalon Mitchell, Manuela Mitchell, Dawn Thompson

Technical Team: Eric Rank, Shana Rank

Our activities and literature, including booklets, weekly updates, sermons on CD are provided free of charge. They are made possible by the tithes, offerings and contributions of Church members and others who have elected to support this Work.

While we do not solicit the general public for funds, contributions are gratefully welcomed and are tax-deductible in the U.S. and Canada.

Donations can be sent to the following addresses:

United States: Church of the Eternal God, P.O. Box 270519, San Diego, CA 92198

Canada: Church of God, ACF, Box 1480, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0

United Kingdom: Global Church of God, PO Box 44, MABLETHORPE, LN12 9AN, United Kingdom

Time to Flee / Jesus Christ Reveals the Father

On February 21, 2026, Dave Harris will present the sermonette, titled, “Time to Flee,” and Eric Rank will present the sermon, titled, “Jesus Christ Reveals the Father.”

The live services are available, over video and audio, at http://eternalgod.org/live-services/ (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time; 8:30 pm Greenwich Mean Time; 9:30 pm Central European Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

This Week in the News

What ICE Can Do!

Judge Andrew Napolitano wrote on February 12 the following on Ron Paul Institute: 

“… the president has used ICE to fulfill his promise of aggressive enforcement of immigration laws while cutting constitutional corners — even to the point of arresting Americans, immigrants and aliens without arrest warrants; arresting infants, killing two Americans who posed no threat to ICE killers and then lying about it… 

“The Supreme Court has already ruled that even though it is a crime to lie to the government, it is not a crime for the government to lie to any person. This… judge-made rule that has no basis in history, constitutional text or morality has led to a host of false confessions and trick home invasions as federal agents have lied their way into folks’ thinking and into their living rooms… 

Entering the United States illegally is a federal crime. When the government seeks to arrest a person it suspects has committed any federal crime, unless its agents have witnessed the crime being committed, the Fourth Amendment requires the government to present evidence of probable cause against the person to a federal judge and seek a warrant specifically describing the place to be searched or the persons or things to be seized. 

Entering the US legally and remaining here beyond the time limits imposed at the time of entry is not a crime and thus cannot be the basis for an application for an arrest warrant, as no judge would sign such a warrant. 

In the Fifth Circuit [Court of Appeals for Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi], the feds no longer need an arrest warrant. A panel of two judges ruled last weekend that ICE agents can authorize each other to arrest whomever they suspect of being in the US without authorization and do so without an arrest warrant or presentation of evidence… [In] the Fifth Circuit… ICE can effectively arrest whomever it wishes, without evidence, without a judicial warrant, without knowing the name of the person arrested and without bail.”

 Incredible. 

Trump’s De-Naturalization Plans 

NBC wrote on February 17: 

“The Trump administration is dramatically expanding an effort to revoke U.S. citizenship for foreign-born Americans as it works to curb immigration… The goal of emphasizing naturalized citizens is to supply the office of immigration litigation with 100 to 200 possible cases per month

“The Justice Department has already told attorneys to focus on denaturalization cases…

“Trump has long been preoccupied with the notion of citizenship — who gets to be an American and who doesn’t — and has expressed displeasure with immigrants from what he calls third world nations. He is separately seeking the power to strip citizenship from those born to foreigners in the U.S., though ‘birthright citizenship’ appears in the Constitution…. 

“Trump’s Truth Social message to Americans on Thanksgiving Day last year was that he would remove anyone who wasn’t a ‘net asset’ to the U.S. ‘or is incapable of loving our Country, end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our Country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.’” 

To fully grasp Trump’s plans, let us emphasize that we are speaking of naturalized citizens. 

Further Attacks on Boats in the Caribbean 

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 13: 

“The United States military said on Friday that it had struck another vessel suspected of trafficking drugs in the Caribbean, killing three people… The Trump administration has carried out at least 38 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September… 

“Friday’s attack takes the death toll from such operations to at least 133, as per official figures. But the US has offered little evidence to back its claims of killing ‘narcoterrorists.’ Critics have also voiced concerns over the legality of the deadly strikes in international waters.” 

Newsbreak added on February 17: 

“The U.S. military said Tuesday that it carried out strikes on three boats accused of smuggling drugs in Latin American waters, killing 11 people…” 

Epstein Was Murdered? 

The New York Post wrote on February 13: 

“A renowned pathologist who was at Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy is demanding a fresh investigation, insisting newly released info only confirms his belief that the notorious pedophile was murdered. Dr. Michael Baden, who was New York City’s chief medical examiner in the 1970s, was so alarmed by what he saw in the August 2019 exam that he publicly declared ‘the evidence points toward homicide rather than suicide.’ ‘That was my opinion at that time, and I still stand by it,’ the famed pathologist told the Telegraph in an interview published Friday. 

“‘The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide.’ In fact, Baden insisted, documents released in the Epstein files reinforce his belief that the medical examiner rushed to call the death a suicide.” 

The Daily Mail added that Baden said: “‘The autopsy findings are much more consistent with a crushing injury caused by homicidal strangulation than caused by hanging by suicide.’” 

It continued: “According to the official post-mortem, three distinct fractures were identified on the financier’s neck: one on the left hyoid and one in the thyroid cartilage on the right side, and one on the left. The 92-year-old said he has never seen hanging by suicide with three neck fractures throughout the 50 years he spent reviewing post-mortem reports for prisoner deaths in all New York state and local jails…. 

“Discrepancies found in the three million files related to the disgraced financier released on January 30 have further fuelled speculation surrounding Epstein’s cause of death. For example, a federal statement announcing his death surfaced in the newly released documents, but it carries a date (August 9) that appears to precede the moment he was officially found dead inside his New York prison cell (on August 10).” 

MSN added: 

“Some of the world’s most powerful people have been found to have questionable ties with the late sex offender, after the US government released millions of new files from its investigation.” 

Epstein was awaiting his trial for conspiracy and sex trafficking. The suggestion has been made that one of the powerful people might have been responsible for his murder so he could not testify. 

Trump Still Determined to Occupy Greenland 

The Guardian wrote on February 13: 

“Pushed further on Greenland and if the US interest is now over, [Prime Minister of Denmark Mette] Frederiksen says ‘unfortunately not.’ ‘I think the desire from the US president is exactly the same,’ she says, adding Trump remains ‘very serious about controlling the territory… Can you put a price on it, if Trump keeps pushing?, she gets asked. ‘Of course not. Can you put a price on a part of Spain, or a part of the US, or a part of anywhere else in the world?,’ she responds… 

“‘And the Greenlandic people have been very clear: they don’t want to become Americans,’ she says… Frederiksen gets asked how likely is it that she will need to have to defend Greenland from the US… she says that essentially, ‘if one Nato country attacks another Nato country, then Nato ends; it’s game over.’” 

European “Rapid Reaction Force”? 

Politico wrote on February 13: 

“European countries need to create a ‘rapid reaction force’ of up to 100,000 troops to replace American soldiers currently stationed on the continent, EU Defense Commissioner [and former Lithuanian prime minister] Andrius Kubilius said… 

“Last month, he said:  ‘We need to start to invest our money in such a way that we would be able to fight as Europe, not just as [a] collection of 27 national ‘bonsai armies.'”… However, he acknowledged that even such a force would face difficulties as it would be controlled by member countries, making rapid and coherent action very difficult… To get around the problem of leadership, Kubilius suggested creating a European Security Council, made up of five or six big EU countries… as well as smaller EU countries on a rotating basis…” 

No More German Appeasement? 

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 13:

“The Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday with a speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who did not hold back in calling out a ‘rift’ between Europe and the United States under President Donald Trump… Merz… fired a departing shot for Europe to stop wanting the old America back and instead focus on building up its own security and trade strength… 

“… after the Greenland standoff, the Europeans have dropped appeasement as a strategy to deal with Trump.” 

The Guardian added on February 13: 

“The US acting alone has reached the limits of its power and may already have lost its role as global leader, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, warned Donald Trump…” 

Merz’s Statements in Munich 

En.ilsole24ore wrote on February 13: 

“In Munich, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz once again listed the many initiatives taken in Germany to strengthen NATO and to enable the country to defend itself if necessary, explaining once again that Berlin’s goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. [He also said:] 

“‘… a gap has opened up between Europe and the US… The cultural struggle of the MAGA movement is not ours… We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade. We remain loyal to climate agreements and the WHO because we are convinced that only together can we solve global challenges’… 

“Merz… announced that he has ‘entered into confidential talks’ with the French president on the subject of European nuclear deterrence…  [He continued:] ‘Russia’s gross domestic product amounts to about two trillion euros. That of the European Union is almost ten times higher. Yet Europe today is not ten times stronger than Russia… Our military, political, economic and technological potential is enormous. But for a long time we have not exploited it to the necessary extent.’”

Merz to Trump 

Bild wrote on February 13: 

“…what Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today in Munich is historic for the Federal Republic… Merz is offering US President Donald Trump nothing more than to take up the fight… Trump is relying on a hard line. Merz wants to counter that… Merz is calling for a new Europe – with Germany (and others) as a leading power… 

“If everything is as Merz describes it, then he has to deliver. He has to become faster, tougher, and better. He has to become a leader of Europe… Many have given speeches before… It’s time to become the chancellor for whom this speech was written.” 

Interesting observation. 

Rubio’s “Deceptively Friendly Speech” 

ntv wrote on February 13: 

“US Secretary of State Rubio’s appearance [in Munich] does indeed seem remarkably harmless—but not if you listen more closely… [Rubio is] a career politician… Rubio is considered the diplomat in Donald Trump’s inner circle—probably the only one. And he has mastered the art of jovial interaction. Highlighting common ground, getting personally involved: Rubio refers to his Spanish ancestors… 

“Rubio speaks with great appreciation about Europe, where the ideas were born ‘that sowed the seeds of freedom and changed the world.’ He makes sweeping references from Beethoven to the Beatles, and the Sistine Chapel even fits in. Moreover, German farmers and craftsmen transformed the empty plains in the heart of the USA into an agricultural powerhouse, and incidentally, the quality of the… American beer dramatically improved… 

“Rubio sounds good; he sounds exactly the kind of American that people in Europe like: intelligent, educated, charming, witty, and full of appreciation. In the same charming tone, however, the US representative also mentions that they [Europeans] have imposed an energy policy on themselves ‘that is impoverishing our people’; he calls it ‘climate cult,’ while the competition is exploiting coal, oil, and natural gas… 

“A world without borders—for Rubio, not a vision, but ‘a foolish idea,’ he says in the heart of Schengen Europe. Mass migration threatens ‘the continued existence of our societies, the continuity of our culture, the future of our peoples’… 

“Rubio’s conclusion: … The US wants to take a different path, not alone, but rather with ‘our friends from Europe.’ ‘We belong together,’ says Rubio… JD Vance, Trump’s vice president, … would probably have put a bag over his head in the same spot rather than say that. But Rubio also makes it clear: In this new relationship, the USA calls the shots… 

“With everything the US Secretary of State said on Saturday morning, it’s worth looking at what Rubio didn’t mention: NATO: 0 times; Customs: 0 times; Greenland: 0 times; Volodymyr Who? 

“Rubio’s invocation of friendship and partnership would be self-defeating if he were to honestly address even one of these transatlantic points of contention. But his actions speak for themselves: After attending the MSC, Rubio is traveling to Hungary and Slovakia. There, he will visit the two heads of government who play the most destructive role within the European Union and are relatively close to Russia’s dictator Vladimir Putin, within the limits of their power. During his stay in Munich, Rubio made sure that the NATO flag was not visible in the background of official photos.” 

The relationship between the USA and Europe will NOT improve, but continue to deteriorate, in spite of the nice and “highly praised” words by “diplomat” and “career politician” Marco Rubio. 

Rubio’s Misunderstood Speech 

BBC wrote on February 14:

“… many leading European figures in the audience jumped on the warmth of [Rubio’s] words, rising to their feet to applaud the US Secretary of State. They were clearly relieved he hadn’t threatened or berated Europe as the US Vice President JD Vance famously did at last year’s MSC. But for those listening closely, Rubio’s speech was loyal to themes close to the heart of the Trump administration and hard for many European leaders to swallow: anti climate action, sceptical of globalisation, multilateralism, migration and pro the building of a new era of Christian western civilisation. 

“Rubio was clear: the US wasn’t interested in allies clinging to the old status quo. It wanted to forge a new path, ideally alongside Europe, but only if it shared the same values. This US offer of close partnership was conditional and absent of a sense of compromise… ‘A bit like a (psychologically) abusive partner,’ said one European diplomat, speaking candidly on condition of anonymity. ‘He reminded Europe how wonderful the (transatlantic) relationship used to be, but he then switched to coercion: If you want things to be good between us in the future, you have to do as I say!’” 

Rubio’s Soft Tone 

The Tagesschau wrote on February 14: 

“As soft as the tone was in large parts of the speech, Rubio remained firm on the substance. The carefully packaged core message was: Our offer of a continued close partnership only applies if you follow our worldview… It is the worldview of the ‘Make America Great Again’ movement… 

“Rubio may have thought and spoken differently as a US senator, but he has completely fallen in line with Trump… Marco Rubio by no means backed down in Munich.” 

Dangerous Applause 

t-online wrote on February 14:

“Anyone who listened closely could see… that Rubio’s supposedly friendly speech was not a speech of alliance between equal partners… Rubio’s dangerous message: If others don’t follow the rules, why should we?… 

“That such a speech received so much recognition from Europe’s politicians in Munich is worrying. Their reactions demonstrate once again their strategic nervousness, their own lack of direction, and their willingness to continue turning a blind eye to the truth.” 

Poisoned Declaration of Love 

Die Welt wrote on February 16: 

“The chairwoman of the European Parliament’s defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), warned against interpreting the speech as a sign of easing transatlantic tensions. ‘It was a poisoned declaration of love,’ Strack-Zimmermann [said]… 

“‘There was absolutely nothing reassuring about this speech.’” 

Nuclear Bomb—Merz Unleashes a Dangerous Genie 

Focus wrote on February 16: 

“The genie as a question: Do we need our own nuclear missiles to defend ourselves against Russia? Because we can no longer rely on the Americans?

“The CDU Chancellor is filled with the idea of ​​a ‘strong and sovereign Europe.’ One that will even become ‘a global political force.’ Which only works if Germany is protected by the most dangerous of all weapons: nuclear missiles. ‘I have begun initial talks with French President Emmanuel Macron about nuclear deterrence.’ With this statement, the Chancellor has unleashed the genie…” 

“This is where Jens Spahn comes in. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader occasionally thinks for himself. And he says this, quite matter-of-factly: ‘If there were elections tomorrow, Farage would win in the UK and Le Pen in France. I don’t know if I want to rely on either of them.’ Which begs the question: So, in Germany, should we rely on Donald Trump rather than [on] Nigel Farage and Le Pen?… Spahn says Europe needs its own independent nuclear defense. And Weber says: ‘We need a European nuclear weapon.’… 

“The European atomic bomb – that’s only possible in a European defense community. Ergo, in a European federal state. That is, after the de facto dissolution of Germany as a sovereign nation-state… On the digital platform X, Barron Trump, the US president’s influencer son, reacted: ‘This is what a true ally sounds like, when weak leaders start whispering about cutting ties with America.’ It reads as if he’s referring to Merz.” 

Focus wrote on February 18 that Merz does not support a “German” atomic bomb, but that he can envision that Germany would participate in using one. 

Germany’s Rearmament and AI 

Modern Diplomacy wrote on February 16: 

“A recent survey indicates that one in three of the German populace is in favor of greater use of artificial intelligence in its society. And this includes a military use—AI-controlled killer bots… roughly one-third of Germans embrace the use of autonomous AI-powered weapons systems in war instead of human decision-makers… 

“Moreover, the idea of obtaining nuclear weapons is no longer taboo for German politicians and the military… Berlin should receive access to French and British nuclear weapons and lead the charge on the issue of their modernization, [Jens] Spahn said in September. ‘Germany needs nuclear weapons,’ Alternative for Germany party lawmaker Kay Gottschalk stated in January. Former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has urged Berlin to take the lead in the EU’s nuclear rearmament… 

“Perhaps Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a point when he remarked last year, ‘With their current leaders, modern Germany and the rest of Europe are transforming into a Fourth Reich.’” 

Technically, it will be the Tenth Reich (or the Seventh Reich, depending on how one wants to count). 

Media Freedom? 

The Ron Paul Institute wrote on February 16: 

“Big media and big government are in bed together and they hate the fact that we can communicate with each other without their filters and influence. They long for the days when they could shovel down our throats just what they wanted us to hear and believe… We must remember just a few years ago during COVID that all it took to have your platform wiped off the face of the earth was to dare question the ‘wisdom’ of Anthony Fauci… 

“In Europe, free speech is under attack by totalitarian measures like the Digital Services Act, which creates a police state in the name of ‘protecting’ citizens from ‘disinformation.’ Of course, ‘disinformation’ is simply information that governments or elites don’t want to get out. You can go to jail for an X post in Europe, while violent criminals are set free. 

“Make no mistake – many in the US would love to have such a system in place to protect speech they like and punish speech they don’t like… The truth is, ‘cancel culture’ exists in both the left and the right and everywhere in-between.” 

EU Accession for Ukraine? 

Report 24 wrote on February 13: 

“The Ukrainian president wants a lot: Currently, he is demanding a ‘precise date‘ for Ukraine’s EU accession on Twitter. This must be enshrined in a ceasefire agreement or peace treaty… 

‘It is important that Ukraine does everything possible to be technically ready for EU accession by 2027,’ Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter on February 11… He demands: ‘I want a concrete date.’ This should then be fixed in a future ceasefire or peace agreement… 

‘Zelenskyy’s constant demands are clearly not well received. The comments on his tweet were sometimes quite harsh…'” 

Euro-Bashing? 

The Guardian wrote on February 15: 

“The EU’s foreign policy chief has denied claims levelled by the US that Europe is facing civilisational erasure, rejecting what she condemned as ‘fashionable euro-bashing’ by Washington… She challenged the US criticism of media freedom in Europe, pointing out that her own country, Estonia, ranked second in the world press freedom index and the US 58th…

“Kallas, a fierce opponent of Russia, has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration. She said she did not think the EU was ready to give Ukraine a date for membership, suggesting accession as early as 2027 is unrealistic.”

Core Europe 

ntv wrote on February 10: 

“MSC [Munich Security Conference] Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger [calls for]… a core Europe, greater military strength, and coordinated diplomacy – also towards the USA.” 

Israel Preparing For War 

Ynet wrote on February 13: 

“Israel is preparing to defend its home front if Iran talks collapse — including a scenario in which Tehran launches a massive missile barrage as a last resort… 

“Iran views its missile array as a primary tool of deterrence and decisive force, intelligence assessments conclude it will not relinquish it even under U.S. pressure in negotiations. That hard line places the region on what officials describe as a collision course — either signing an agreement that leaves Israel exposed to a significant threat, or sliding toward all-out war….”

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as an interesting opposition figure to the current Tehran regime. He has repeatedly pleaded for better relationships with Israel and he has been reminding the audience of King Cyrus who built the Third Temple. He continues to speak of the “Cyrus Accords” to follow the 2020 Abraham Accords. 

Putin Murdered Navalny 

Daily Mail wrote on February 13: 

“Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by the Russian state, the Foreign Office has revealed. Navalny’s death was the result of poison from a South American dart frog toxin called epibatidine. The politician died aged 47 while in a remote Arctic penal colony two years ago. He had been sentenced to decades of imprisonment on dubious embezzlement charges… 

“The toxin epibatidine is said to be 200 times stronger than morphine and is used by some indigenous tribes in South America in darts or blowguns during hunts. It attacks nerves, causing numbness and paralysis.  It is not clear how the frog poison was allegedly administered to Navalny… 

“The UK and its allies Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands said the ‘barbaric’ act – using a neurotoxin that is classed as a chemical weapon – could only have been carried out by Vladimir Putin’s government.”

The fact that Navalny had been murdered by the Russian government under mass murderer Putin was clear from the outset. 

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:  

These Current Events are compiled and commented on by Norbert Link. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of news articles from our readership. The publication of articles in this section is not to be viewed as an endorsement or approval as to contents or accuracy of the selected articles, but they are published for the purpose of pointing at worldwide developments in the light of biblical end-time prophecy and godly instruction. Our own comments are provided in italics.

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