September 20, 2005

Israel Open To EU Policing Role On Gaza Border..
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has agreed in principle to a European Union role in policing Gaza's volatile border crossing with Egypt, Israeli officials said on Monday, a turnabout after years of opposition to an EU security mission.

The deal would go beyond EU monitoring already discussed. Israel has long been reluctant to allow outside involvement in its conflict with the Palestinians, perceiving Europe, and indeed the world except its U.S. ally, as pro-Palestinian.

U.S. To Wait And See On N. Korea Nuke Deal
The Bush administration hailed North Korea's agreement to shut down its nuclear weapons program Monday but warned that the pledge must be followed by action. "Now we've got to verify whether that happens," President Bush said.

Israeli Seeks Closer Ties With Arab World
WJLA-TV Washington D.C. Mon, 19 Sep 2005 4:59 PM PDT
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Israel's foreign minister called on Arab states Monday to open formal relations with his country after talks with his Tunisian counterpart, the latest in a string of meetings that have boosted hopes of a new era of cooperation in the Middle East. But the Arabs showed continued signs of division over whether and how far to go beyond symbolic gestures to reward Israel for its...

Sharon Prepares For Showdown With Netanyahu
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Mon, 19 Sep 2005 4:02 PM PDT
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has flown home to fight for his political survival after collecting diplomatic dividends at the United Nations for a pullout from the Gaza Strip.

WHO: World Has Slim Chance To Stop Bird Flu Pandemic...
NOUMEA, New Caledonia (Reuters) - The initial outbreak of what could explode into a bird flu pandemic may affect only a few people, but the world will have just weeks to contain the deadly virus before it spreads and kills millions.

Chances of containment are limited because the potentially catastrophic infection may not be detected until it has already spread to several countries, like the SARS virus in 2003. Avian flu vaccines developed in advance will have little impact on the pandemic virus.

Comments
The lead article says that Israel has agreed in principle to allow the E.U. to police the border crossing with Egypt.  This is a major sudden shift in Israeli policy after years of mistrust of the E.U.  Israel has always felt that the E.U. was bias toward the Palestinians.  The E.U. is the Palestinians number one financial contributors.  

I expect this to be the first step of an ever increasing expanded role in the Middle East peace process.  It would not shock me if the next step is actual troop deployment in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and ultimately Jerusalem.  If this happens it might take on more of an international flavor.  Keep your eyes on this development as it progresses.

It is believed by most Bible prophecy experts that the E.U. will be the future kingdom of the antichrist and one day sign a seven-year peace agreement with Israel that will begin a time of great suffering called the tribulation period.

Supposedly, North Korea has decided to get in line with the rest of the world and scrap its nuclear program.  Evidently China is taking credit for turning the tide.  That just means North Korea has gone underground with their program.  They have no intention of giving up their nuclear ambitions.  It wouldn't surprise me if Iran announces the same decision, but it won't be until after they bilk the world of all the financial concession they can.

Apparently, Israel's foreign minister is reaching out to the Arab nations in an attempt to improve relations.  Eventually, this will come but it won't be at the hands of the Israelis.  Ultimately, the antichrist will broker the deal that will give Israel favored nation status, not only with the Arabs, but with the rest of the world as well.

Are you ready to meet the Lord?  If not, your time is running out!