"Russia Viewed As Rising Star"

According to The Jerusalem Post: "Russia is viewed as the rising military star in the region while the U.S. is perceived as a falling star."

The news that Russia and Iran had a "secret" deal to place Russia's strategic bombers and strike fighters on an airbase in Western Iran is seen as proof.

"Although Israeli and American intelligence communities knew in advance that Iran agreed to host Russian bombers on its soil, the two countries are puzzled by the development, but understand its strategic importance--not only to the Middle East, but globally."

Aimed at boosting their military cooperation, the secret deal marks a much larger strategy: to increase Russia's influence in the Middle East.

The Post article continues: "In that sense, Putin is taking advantage of the incoherent and hesitant U.S. foreign policy of President Barack Obama. It seems the U.S. is trying to detach itself from world conflicts, which may well result in a new version of isolationism."

With what other countries is Russia "enhancing its military cooperation?"

• China
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• (and just last week)--Turkey

Israeli military officials believe it is clear "that Moscow is trying to create a wedge between the U.S. and its traditional allies."

"American allies--including Israel--understand the new Russian game and its true motives, but still feel they have no choice but to tacitly support it."

Why? Because they believe Russia has a future with up-side potential and the U.S. does not.

A wise woman once said: "God reveals a fascinating and detailed prophecy about a future war campaign against Israel in the book of Ezekiel. The war is known as the "Gog and Magog War" because the people of Magog and their leader, Gog, will lead the attack against Israel. Scripture clearly teaches that this war will be a turning point for Israel with regard to their relationship with God. The sobering, yet exciting aspect of this study is that for the first time since Ezekiel penned these prophecies, the countries that will gather against Israel have built an alliance in recent years. The prophetic puzzle pieces are now in place. It is just a matter of time, that is, God's timing before these prophecies find fulfillment." -- Amy Van Gerpen, Tracking Bible Prophecy

"Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets." -- Amos 3:7

News:

• NBC News: Moscow & U.S. State Dept. exchange "withering" remarks over Russia's use of Iranian facilities.
• EurActiv.com: U.S. moves nuclear weapons form Turkey to Romania, according to two independent sources; Romanian Foreign Ministry denied the reports.
• The Sun: Putin masses 40,000 troops, armoured vehicles along Ukraine border as fears of military invasion mount.