"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. 

"Executioners Wanted"

Need a job? Saudi Arabia is hiring.

As one of the top five countries in the world for lopping off heads, Saudi Arabia is advertising for 8 new positions: executioners. No experience necessary.

Posted on the Saudi Civil Service Jobs website, the Islamic kingdom's recruiting the "extra staff" to carry out an increasing number of death sentences, usually done by public beheading.

The official job description? "Executing a judgment of death" and/or "performing amputations on those convicted of lesser offenses."

But don't expect to get rich quick. These jobs are classified as "religious functionaries" and according to the website, that puts them at the lower end of the pay scale.

Saudi Arabia executes more criminals than any other nation
on the planet except China and Iran.

Chopping block offenses include:

• religious apostasy
• drug trafficking
• sorcery
• armed robbery
• rape
• murder

According to Amnesty International, 90 executions were performed in all of 2014. In the first five months of 2015 that number surged to 85.

How is it Saudi Arabia, a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council (and close U.S. ally) is not called out on human rights violations, but Israel is?

A wise man once said: "Well, this is an unfortunate part of the U.N. institution. It's the theater of the absurd. It doesn't only cast Israel as the villain; it often casts real villains in leading roles: Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon now presides over the U.N. Security Council. This means that a terror organization presides over the body entrusted with guaranteeing the world's security. You couldn't make this stuff up."--Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

"Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and formed the spirit within humans. I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world. None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed." --Zechariah 12:2-3

News:

• Reuters: Greece warns it won't meet debt payments within 2 week deadline.
• Bloomberg News: B of A says markets are in "Twilight Zone". Advises holding cash, gold.
• CNN: China warns U.S. surveillance planes to turn back as planes approach Chinese man made militarized islands.