#their terrorist threat is at the highest level

[girlactionfigure]

⚠️ DEVELOPING: U.S. military bases in Germany, Italy, Romania and Bulgaria raise threat level to 'Charlie' due to possible threat. 

Highest threat level in at least 10 years, according to CNN. 

US military bases in Europe raise security threat levels U.S. military bases in Europe were put on a heightened state of alert over the weekend as installations urged vigilance among their members.

At U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart, the Army garrison on Sunday issued a communitywide alert that the force protection threat level was elevated to condition “Charlie” until further notice. Similar directives were sent to other bases in Germany, including the Army’s Rheinland-Pfalz and Ramstein Air Base, which together form the largest U.S. military community overseas. The Rheinland-Pfalz garrison alert includes Baumholder and outlying installations in Romania and Bulgaria. Aviano Air Base in Italy also rose its condition level to Charlie, and other installations in Italy introduced enhanced security measures. The Charlie threat level “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” according to the Army’s website.

Read more at: Stars&Stripes

[shini--chan]

i want to request an idea of america’s darling being someone who is on equal footing than him; maybe even better than him! i got inspired from your recent post where you kinda went into detail about america and it made me think.

it’s part of his stereotype to be openly confident about himself and bolster america as the #1 in the world (which is all part of american ideals lol). but what would happen if his darling happened to actually embody what he’s preaching?

The short answer would be: "Error 404, brain not found"

The long answer is 

Yandere America - Equal Footing

Frankly, this is something Alfred can't wrap his head around. He is the sort that fully buys into his own exceptionalism, into American exceptionalism. He is the shining city on the hill, the second coming of Christ, the hero. And in his eyes, there is nobody that can hold a candle to his flame. He is on top of the world, and on that peak, there isn't any room for anybody to stand beside him. 

So he immediately thinks that you are trying to usurp him and establish yourself as a hegemon. His paranoia and self-righteousness doesn't allow him to come to any other conclusion. Surely you are a terrorist, a threat to his freedom and democracy that has to be knocked down a few pegs. That is something that has to be accomplished as soon as possible. 

A stack of papers sat before Alfred, filled with numbers and graphs and analysis. You were getting too strong, and you were wary enough to not fall to any of his usual tricks to stick a foot in the back door.  As annoyingly smart as you are, you had decided to make your own encryption device, not buy one from that swiss company to which he had all the decryption keys. The ranks in your government were tight, no room for spies to be caught, and rebellion would be stamped out before it could grow stronger than a candle flame. No room for corruption that still held up personal integrity as the highest virtue. In short, no way to really find out what was going out inside, no opportunity to spy.  You just had to go. No, that would be too extreme. Just, brought down to a level that is more appropriate for your true status and disposition. Put you a place where you are no longer in his way. The best place for that would be under his thumb, in his god honest opinion. Could he really be faulted for his harsh decision when the mere through of you competing in a level playing field made his skin crawl?  He had a dream of the world as his oyster - his to mould and reshape. That was something that would be unachievable as long as you had the power to act as a counterweight to him. "Jones! Jones! Where's your mind been the whole time? Ya know it is rude not to listen when somebody is giving you a presentation", a voice called him back to reality.  Sky blue eyes snapped up to the woman in question. Alfred didn't even know what the presentation was about anymore. Just another trivial matter, in comparison to the thorn in his side.  "Then how about we talk about something worth listening to? Like instigating colour revolutions", he countered. 

Flowing in his obsession with you is a new obsession, one to tear the rug from under your feet. He'll do what he can to bring his government on board - perhaps he'll say you have important resources like oil and gold on your territory, or that it would be more advantageous to have him dictating your policies (better more American interests of course). 

He'll do what he can to have your current government kicked out and have some bootlicker installed that will willing sell out the country just so that their kids can attend Havard or Princeton. This, he'll achieve by any means needed, be it election manipulations to outright assassinations to full blown war. Then, he'll have you and take you far away from your home, so that he can treat you as he pleases. 

America would then purposely keep you in the dark about the going ons in your country in order to keep you more compliant. Meanwhile, you would feel your body becoming weaker and weaker as your people would be plundered, be it by their own government or the Americans.

 If you would confront him about it, then he would have some ready made fabrications to sooth your anger and see him as an overworked hero that is trying his best to aid you. He would show you photos of natural disasters, testimonies of heightened criminality and terrorism and corruption, evidence of pandemics and famines. Bit by bit, he'll whittle away at your pride and sovereignty until you are his in all but name.

[schraubd]

The Settler's War and the Biden Response

While the world's eyes are primarily on the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, another spate of violence has erupted in the West Bank, where Israeli settler violence has surged to unprecedented levels. A few weeks ago, I observed that while what's "going on in Gaza is more eye-catching ... the [West Bank] situation is in some ways even worse because there isn't even a colorable claim of self-defense -- it's pure unconstrained terror inflicted by settler extremists on the Palestinian population for the express purpose of subjugation." (Matt Yglesias made a similar point). The Gaza operation can at least in the abstract be defended as a necessary response to Hamas' violence. The violence inflicted upon Palestinians in the West Bank defies even theoretical justification. In terms of familial resemblance, West Bank "price tag" settler terrorists differ from the perpetrators of October 7 only in degree, not kind. Today, the Biden administration announced it would begin pursuing sanctions (such as visa bans) on settlers who engage in or promote violence against Palestinians. It's an overdue step, and I've urged considerably harsher measures than that (last week I suggested identifying violent settler organizations and placing them on the State Department's list of Designated Terrorist Organizations). Nonetheless, it is a welcome one. Extremist violence emanating from West Bank settlers is one of the primary drivers of the current conflict and an existential (and very much intentional) threat to the viability of a two-state (or one-state, for that matter) solution. The fact that these malign actors carry significant support in the highest echelons of the Israeli government is not a reason for the United States to stay its hand. Indeed, their substantial influence and clout makes it more imperative that America decisively intervene to isolate them. This step by the Biden administration will not neuter the criticism it is getting from the left for how it has handled the past month's events (indeed, I first heard about the anti-settler sanctions from at least three social media accounts who flagged it in the course of derisively dismissing the notion that it meant anything at all). But that's the way it goes -- our policy towards Israel and Palestine should be humane and intelligent regardless of whether that earns brownie points with the online activist crowd. This proposal is a good proposal. I hope it is followed up on, and I hope it prompts other pro-Israel Democrats to think more proactively and creatively about what steps America can take to sap the strength of the settler-terror movement. The other big almost-news of the day is the prospect of a ceasefire negotiated by the Biden administration. Initially this was reported as a "tentative deal" having been struck, now the reporting has backed off a little to saying the deal is "close". The details, as they're being reported, would see both sides cease hostilities for five days, the release by Hamas of approximately 50 hostages (approximately 20% of the total number they're estimated to be holding), and the transport into Gaza of significant quantities of humanitarian aid. All I'll say on this is that I'm familiar with the arguments for why Israel's military operation is necessary, and I'm aware that a ceasefire is still part of the middle, not the end. But I'll never be dismayed at the prospect that people suffering tremendously in a warzone will, for some time at least, suffer less. And I'll likewise only feel joy at the prospect that some kidnapped captives will be redeemed to their families. via The Debate Link https://ift.tt/qZQuvxF

[iwanthermidnightz]

I just want to say to anyone who are attending the next eras shows:

As someone who went to Stockholm night 1, there was massive security. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Sweden is at the highest terrorist alert level. There was police everywhere, drones up everywhere, temporary CCTV towers all over the place, no bag policy, everyone was checked with a metal detector thing (sorry don’t know what you call them in the US) and so on. I was a bit skeptical before the show because of the threat level, but once I got there I actually felt very safe. I’ve been to multiple big shows in Scandinavia and I must say the security at eras tour felt the best for me. I imagine they’re going to follow this protocol, maybe even stricter, for the upcoming shows in London and possibly when she returns to the US. If they do, I don’t think the attendees have a lot to worry about. I’m not used to police with machine guns being so visible as they were outside of Friends arena while we were queuing, but they were everywhere and really did a good job. It might be a little scary to see at first if you’re not used to it, but once I realized that they were there to protect me it felt good and they did a fantastic job. Just wanted to offer up this perspective to anyone who might be scared or skeptical of going to the upcoming shows. Stay safe everyone, and don’t let these horrible people have power over the way you live your life ❤️ I hope security is upped and everyone is able to have a safe and fantastic time at the upcoming shows.

Thank you for sharing this! I hope it eases minds. I think the security and coordination it takes to make these shows safe is a huge job and top priority and they should be applauded for all they’ve done and continue to do to keep everyone safe, including Taylor. I can’t imagine how she must feel.

Going forward I think they will monitor things even more closely and ramp up security for upcoming shows. Everyone deserves to have a safe and happy experience 🤍

[reachartwork]

PERKS Assessment: Daisy Zhen (Deathgirl) Classified Level: Top Secret Date: August 2024

I. Power Classification

Adjust: Anger-Induced Dynamimesis Code: A9/SO/PEM/P Rationale: Daisy Zhen, known as Deathgirl, possesses the ability to automatically and autonomously copy and enhance the superpowers of individuals she is currently most angry at. This ability falls under the 'Adjust' category as it modifies existing variables (powers) within a system (the target individual). The power affects herself and others (SO), and can be physical, emotional, or mental (PEM) depending on the nature of the copied power. The range is classified as 'Postmile' (P) due to the lack of necessity for physical proximity.

II. Power Ranking Deathgirl's anger-induced dynamimesis is ranked at A9, indicating an extremely high level of power with the potential to be catastrophic. Her ability to not only copy but enhance the powers of others, combined with the autonomous nature of her ability, makes her a formidable and unpredictable threat.

III. Control Rating Control: 1/10 Deathgirl exhibits little to no control over her power. The autonomous nature of her ability, coupled with her volatile emotional state, results in a highly uncontrolled manifestation of copied and enhanced powers.

IV. Hostility Rating Hostility: 10/10 Daisy Zhen has demonstrated extreme hostility and a willingness to cause harm. Her self-styling as a "Demon King" and involvement in a major terrorist incident indicate a high level of aggression and malicious intent.

V. Collateral Damage Potential Collateral Damage: 10/10 The combination of Deathgirl's enhanced copied powers, lack of control, and high hostility results in an extremely high potential for collateral damage. The physical mutations that manifest with her copied powers further increase the risk of unintended harm.

VI. Overall Threat Level Threat Level: 10/10 Considering Deathgirl's power ranking, lack of control, extreme hostility, and immense potential for collateral damage, she is assessed with the highest overall threat level. Her ability to rapidly shift and enhance powers based on her anger makes her an unpredictable and severe threat to both individuals and society at large.

[agiar2000]

A Radical Proposal

Politics Post:

Warning: Extremism

"Let this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair." Okay, fine. I now realize that I was not radical enough. Let's take it to the next level. Here is a radical proposal.

There are about two months before Donald Trump takes office. Within that time, Joe Biden has the power to act, and the supreme court has ruled that he has absolute immunity to do anything that falls under his core powers as president, which includes use of the military and control of the executive branch of government.

First step: Officially recognize the truth that the Republican party is a domestic terrorist organization, arrest its leaders, and try them for crimes against humanity.

Next: Employ overwhelming military force to round up all fascists, which includes everyone who voted for or otherwise supports Donald Trump, and allow them to freely choose between a reeducation camp or a firing squad.

With the threat of fascism neutralized first, we can then begin making massive reforms, especially in the area of public education, in order to bring about a more informed and moral electorate, and thus a more informed and moral society, obviating any future measures as difficult as this one.

About the reeducation camps: Everyone is welcome. A comfortable, dignified life meeting all basic needs will be provided. Education will consist of various methods, including so-called "brainwashing" where necessary, as well as traditional lectures and guided research, to instill factual beliefs and pro-social values into all students. Regarding those who are present because they have been deemed to be an existential threat to human civilization, a panel of experts will routinely evaluate each attendee to determine whether they have sufficiently converted into decent human beings worthy of the gift of life and ready to reenter society. Those who have never been deemed enemies of humanity are welcome to attend any courses they wish and to leave whenever they wish.

Now, to address potential concerns: Concern: Wouldn't mass graves be less expensive to build and maintain than reeducation camps? Answer: Yes, but we have a moral responsibility to save as many people as possible. Some people can, indeed, be reached. We must be better than our enemies are. We must strive to maintain the highest moral standards. We must live by compassion and mercy if we are to be worthy of the better world we seek to create.

C: Why the firing squads then? A: Some people, sadly, cannot be reached. You cannot force someone to learn who is unwilling to try.

C: I oppose the death penalty, even for fascists. A: So do I! That is why it is a choice that they can make for themselves. I would prefer that they choose to live and learn.

C: Do you have to call them "camps"? Do you have to call it "brainwashing"? A: I don't believe in mincing words.

C: The sheer magnitude of the infrastructure required for all of these reeducation camps, including staff, supplies, course materials, etc., seems unfeasible. A: This is a very sensible objection. It is especially challenging to accomplish this in only two months. We will just have to get creative and make do with what we have available.

C: This seems somewhat undemocratic. A: The people have democratically elected, by majority vote, to replace democracy with a dictatorship. If we want democracy back, then we will have to change their minds, and the current system is not effective to that end, hence the reeducation camps. We cannot have democracy with a fascist electorate.

C: This seems draconian. A: The paradox of tolerance applies here.

C: Some non-fascists will oppose this, possibly forcefully. A: The reeducation camps will offer helpful courses explaining the necessity of this system, absolutely free of charge, to anyone who needs convincing.

C: So you want to imprison everyone who disagrees with your tactics? A: No, just those who pose a palpable threat to human civilization and only when it is necessary in order to neutralize that threat, and only for as long as it takes to properly educate them.

C: Isn't this a fascist proposal itself? A: No, it is not. This is the method by which we could eliminate fascism. You could make the argument that this proposal is authoritarian, but that is only one element of fascism. The society this proposal could enable is globalist, not nationalist; egalitarian, not elitist; focused on the future, not on historical myths; secular, not religious; favoring labor power over corporate power; affirming, not disdainful, of intellectuals; etc. To adapt a poem, "First they came for the fascists, and I did not speak out because I was not a fascist. Then everyone lived happily ever after. The end."

C: Why single out Republicans? Democrats are just as bad. A: I disagree, and I do not want to get into listing all the ways that Democrats are better than Republicans. Republicans are the worst of the worst, so let's just start with them.

C: Biden would never do this. I do not trust that he would implement this proposal responsibly. A: No, probably not, but he should. This is merely a proposal, not a prediction. If it helps, you can think of it more like a proposal of what someone in Biden's current position, i.e. someone who legally commands absolute power over the USA, ought to do, rather than anything Biden himself might do.

In conclusion: A better world is possible!

P.S. C: Is this a joke? A: I have been thinking about this for a long time, but it has never been more necessary (due to the popular election of a fascist dictatorship) or practical (with the supreme court removing all checks and balances from the president) than it is right now. I know that it will not happen. Interpret this however you want.

[brexiiton]

France has raised its terror alert to its highest level

By Eamonn Sheridan, Mon 25th Mar 2024 08:07 GMT+11

France has raised its terror alert to its highest level. This follows a security and defence council meeting, convened by French President Macron.

France's Prime Minister says its due to the ISIS attack in Moscow and "threats facing" France.

On Sunday Russia held a day of mourning after the terrorist attack that killed at least 137 people at a Moscow concert venue. Terrorism is unwelcome everywhere.

[smolcuriouskitten]

Laughing gas my ass: Starter for @nightmarefuele

Now this was her breaking point. She was supposed to stay in Gotham for about a month, to go back to her old stomping ground, for nostalgic purposes and to perform a big homecoming tour. The city's morale has been down ever since the events of the Jokers terror fest, which ended after he was thrown into one of the highest security level prisons.

Bruce insisted on a security team, saying that it wouldnt be smart to come alone. She scoffed and waved him off, after all, what are the chances of the Joker picking on her? He knew how stubborn she was, so she was irritated at him not listening to her but he could sleep knowing shes safe. The threat of the joker loomed over the horizon and it made everyone nervous but she kept a level head.

What would this lunatic possibly want with her? She stays out of trouble and last she checked, money wasnt a concern. Why bother her to hell and back? For his own amusement? For some sick twist of fate? She refused to believe it and she didnt fear him despite everyone else showing otherwise. Then cries for Batman began to come out but all of them were met with silence. Soon her dancers started to get killed or injured one by one, her rides to and from venues became a nightmare, and all the while her blood was boiling.

Then things were silent. Peaceful almost. It felt like she could breath again after her shows/parties went off without a hitch. She was too egotistical to disappoint her fans, so she refused to be ran off of the city due to a local terrorist. She has been running for most of her life and she refuses to be ran off now after working so hard to get to this point.

[beardedmrbean]

Sweden's domestic security service, SAPO, raised its terrorism alert to the second highest level on Thursday.

It follows a series of Quran burnings and other acts against Islam's holy book in the Scandinavian country in recent months.

"The reason for this decision is the deteriorated situation with regard to attack threats to Sweden and the assessment that the threat will remain for a long time," the head of the SAPO, Charlotte von Essen, said in Stockholm.

The Swedish armed forces also said they were raising the terrorism threat level for operations.

Sweden a 'prioritized target' 

Von Essen stressed the attack threat posed by "violent Islamist actors" has increased, but the alert level was not raised due to any knowledge of a specific plan.

"Sweden has gone from being considered a legitimate target for terrorist attacks to being considered a prioritized target," she said.

Islamophobic actions by small groups in Sweden and Denmark have recently sparked angry protests and threats in several Muslim-majority countries.

"We know that planned terror attacks have been averted," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said without providing further details.

At the weekend, al-Qaeda called for attacks against the country.

Last week, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Swedish Embassy in Beirut, though it did not explode.

In July, Iraq expelled Sweden's ambassador, and its embassy in Baghdad was attacked and set ablaze by angry Muslims.

On Sunday, Britain's Foreign Office warned travelers that "terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden."

Sweden's problem with blasphemy

Sweden has no blasphemy laws prohibiting the burning of religious texts, and Swedish police allowed the protests, by a handful of demonstrators, citing freedom of speech.

While acknowledging the protection of freedom of speech and assembly laws under the Swedish constitution, the government has strongly denounced the desecration of the Quran.

The PET intelligence agency in neighboring Denmark said Thursday that Quran burnings had also increased the threat of attacks there, but it had no plans to raise the terror alert level.

[silverfox66]

Lovely, terrorism threat in 🇳🇱 has been increased to the second highest level. This means that a jihad terrorist attack has become a realistic scenario....fucking brainwashed religious incels 😒.

[girlactionfigure]

The Proper Objectives of the Campaign in Gaza

At this moment, the IDF is poised to begin a ground invasion of Gaza. The objectives of the campaign, however, have not been spelled out with sufficient clarity by the political echelon, other than by saying that Hamas will be eliminated as a military threat and sovereign power in Gaza. The following are my ideas of appropriate short and long-term goals for the IDF.

The first and highest-priority objective must be the restoration of Israel’s honor and power of deterrence in the Middle East. This is the part that is the most difficult to understand for the West, particularly by the elites in the US and Europe, but it is an existential condition for the survival of our state. A person or a nation without honor will not live long in this region. What was done to us, what we allowed to be done to us, was so shameful that today we stand naked, a target for anyone who wants to kill us, to invade our country, to take our property, to defile our women, to enslave our children.

You can say that this point of view is atavistic and uncivilized, and perhaps it is when compared to the (supposedly) morally evolved West, but we live in the Middle East, not in Europe or America.* The law here is not the post-1945 international law of the West, it is a code that has evolved in the harsh conditions of the region over millennia. It has been impossible until now for our own Israeli elites to internalize this, but one hopes that the viciousness of the attack on us – the worst since the founding of the state and the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust – will shake them out of their dream of living in a villa in the jungle.

So what does this imply for the IDF’s short-term objectives? I see it this way: all important Hamas leaders, wherever they are, and every commander, soldier, and civilian that took part in the terrorist attack should be killed. Not “brought to justice,” not captured and tried for war crimes, not imprisoned. Killed. Overall Gazan casualties will need to reach a level of ten times more than the number of Israelis murdered and violated. There are other important objectives for the invasion, like the rescue of hostages and the destruction of weapons and military infrastructure, but the recovery of honor – revenge, if you insist – must be top priority. Only thus can the appropriate message be sent to all the players in the region, and the rest of the world.

The long-term objective must be to ensure that this cannot happen again. And from a strategic standpoint, that implies that Israel must either implement a military occupation capable of controlling the population and preventing the rise of a new terrorist regime, or she must force a change in the population to one that will not become a threat. Most of our leadership believes that an occupation is untenable. It would tie down a large part of our army, be very expensive, and provide a focus for continued terrorism and insurrections. But at the same time they shrink from the alternative.

Population transfer is anathema to the West, despite the fact that they’ve done it countless times in the past. But the tribal nature of humans implies that it is often an absolute condition for peace. Antagonistic tribes must be separated by natural barriers that make predation difficult or impossible. The Gaza Envelope – the location of the Israeli communities next door to Gaza – is not viable for Jews unless the hostile Arab population is removed or somehow prevented from attacking them. Israel built a barrier above and below the ground at a cost of a billion dollars. Sophisticated sensors above ground and hundreds of tons of concrete below were intended to provide a sense of safety to the people on the Israeli side. But like all Maginot lines, simple and inexpensive ways were found to bypass it, and Hamas brought death and destruction to the Jewish farmers who had trusted their leaders to protect them.

Some of our leadership seems to believe that we can sail peacefully between the Scylla of occupation and the Charybdis of transfer. The Americans are promising that they will help us bribe the Palestinian Authority to take control and that will solve the problem. The foolishness (or malevolence) of this plan is so obvious that only the most deluded or corrupt Israeli could accept it. As if the murderous Fatah would be a better neighbor than the murderous Hamas!

No Jew will return to live in the Gaza envelope while Gaza remains populated by Arabs. Not one. Are we prepared to give up the Negev? That is, in essence, what the Americans are asking in return for their ammunition and diplomatic support.

On Friday I explained that Israel should force the major part of the Gazan population into the Sinai, where they will become the responsibility of the international community, which created the problem in the first place. The area should be secured by the development of Jewish settlements, and ultimately become a part of Israel. And for the sake of justice, land in Gaza and financial aid should be provided to the descendants of those Jews who were so cruelly expelled from their homes there in 2005.

Abu Yehuda

[itspvg]

Aye so... My country has been moved to the second highest terrorist threat. Honestly saw this coming and said this was going to be the case sooner rather than later given how Brexit has systematically put what little lasting peace we have had the last 25 years into contention. But yeah, being right or at least looking as such. It's not a good feeling.

I by no means want to sound like I am over hyping stuff. But like I don't need or want a return to bombs and bullets flying over my head. But it feels like it's so close to coming back and that doesn't scare me the same way it used to. It hits way harder and way different.

When I was younger. I could get through my day knowing I lived an area that was considered safe space for people of my background. Yes, venturing outside of that area was a bit of a catch 22 if I needed to worry about getting attacked or caught up in something. But at least I knew better where the safe zones where.

With 25 years passing since a ceasefire has happened. Folks like myself that don't want a return to violence ventured forward to create community shared spaces. Places we could just find a level of normalcy as we worked out what the future was meant to be without violence. But now, I live in one of these spaces and I low key worry I am at risk in the future of being burnt out of my house. This space was traditionally a space that was heavily occupied by the other side of the community but that began to shift. But there's still extremists that live around in every community. So who's to say if things don't escalate, that it doesn't result in me being at risk. I dunno.

I worry what I say or the concerns I express sound dramatic. But I dunno. It's hard to explain without feeling like I am talking about talltales and fantasy. Like how do you explain you grew up in a war zone that existed inside the developed 1st world county. Like that makes no sense. Like the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK sat there for 30 years either actively contributing to the violence or ignoring it. And what was the result? Well I get to have a backstory and memories that if you try to explain to folks not from here. Sounding like I am telling lies or exagerations. It leaves me feeling a little disheartened I guess.

[israel-org]

As we look for light amid the darkness of world events, the U.S. Congress might seem a surprising place to find it. Yet the enduring cooperation between the people and governments of the United States and Israel—surely a beacon of promise and hope—survives despite turnovers in Congress and the presidency.

The U.S. Congress votes in favor of Israel’s annual security aid, a necessity more urgent now than ever before. The Christian community’s mark among members of Congress to promote legislation that will strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship is significant and helps increase the safety of both allies. Although Congress may not base its decisions on Genesis 12:3, that “God will bless those who bless Israel,” politically active Christians are motivated by scripture and congress matches its decision-making about our staunch ally important for our own nation.

The Islamic regime continues marching toward possessing and using nuclear weapons. Its surrogates surround Israel’s borders in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria—geographic proximity that brings terror up close. However, when it comes to Israel, terror shatters the peace within Israel’s borders. It is up close and personal when a 21-year-old terrorist living in east Jerusalem arrives at Ateret Avraham synagogue on Shabbat and starts shooting. During that four-minute shooting spree last week, the terrorist shot and killed seven Israelis and wounded three others, all on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. When a second terror attack took place the following morning in the City of David, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) added three additional battalions and ramped up the security alert to its highest level. The murders are considered the worst terror outbreak in years.

Meanwhile, government officials from two nations that are responsible for murdering their own populations recently met in Damascus to arrange a meeting between Iran’s president, Ebrahim Riasi, and Syria’s dictator, Bashar al-Assad. At this meeting, Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and Syria’s foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, recapped their “challenges” with Western nations. Mekdad observed that they must “secure their national interests.” He named the United States and the “Zionist Regime” (Israel) and their “mercenaries” as threats.

On another front, the head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog—the International Atomic Energy Agency—plans to travel back to Iran in his attempt to revive the 2015 Iran deal. Director Rafael Grossi reports that although Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon yet, it has “amassed enough nuclear material for several nuclear weapons, not one.” I believe this latest attempt at a deal with the Islamic regime will fail, since the ayatollahs are fixated on one goal: using nuclear bombs to establish a worldwide caliphate governed under tyrannical Islamic law. The Gulf Arab states, Israel, and the United States are their prime targets.

Iran’s leaders view United Nations diplomacy as simply another forum for propaganda. The Iran regime’s dangers to its own population and the active terror from its surrogates in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria are intensifying.

But here’s one kind of message that is bound to get their attention. On January 26, the U.S. Central Command and Israel Defense Forces completed a massive military exercise called Juniper Oak 2023, the biggest joint drill on record. Its size and scope must have sent an unmistakable message to the ayatollahs. As U.S. General Michael “Erik” Kurilla observed on NBC, “It would not surprise me if Iran sees the scale and the nature of these activities and understands what the two of us are capable of doing.”

The combined participation included 1,100 Israeli soldiers and 6,400 U.S. soldiers in the drill. The Times of Israel reported that 142 aircraft were involved: F-35, F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 fighter jets; AC-130 Hercules transports; B-52 heavy bombers; and AH-64 Apache helicopters. A U.S. Navy carrier strike group coordinated operations with six Israeli ships and a submarine that carried out maneuvers with the American aircraft carrier.

Israel provides unmatched efforts that help our own U.S. security, as Israel shares intelligence with the U.S. government and military. The advantages of this cooperation spill over into our civilian airline safety methods that were gleaned from Israeli resources. Another benefit is that Israel never asks for American boots on the ground. Their policy is to defend themselves by themselves.

When it comes to Return on Investment (ROI), our relationship with Israel is quite favorable. Such benefits manifest themselves in our economy. Our U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the capital, reported in 2021 that bilateral trade resulted in nearly $50 billion in goods and services annually. Another example worth noting: Israelis themselves invested around $24 billion in the United States. Compare huge Israeli investments to our Congress’s Ten-Year Memorandum of Understanding with Israel. Renewed again in 2018, the memorandum commits $3.8 billion annually in U.S. funds for Israel’s security for the following decade. Seventy-five percent remains in the U.S.—in factories that manufacture some of Israel’s advanced weaponry and employ American citizens. We are surely on the winning end.

When it comes to the U.S. Congress, although Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and several other members of the House of Representatives are anti-Semitic (as evidenced by their comments and votes), both Democrats and Republicans are staunch pro-Israel votes on important legislation and resolutions to continue strengthening the US-Israel relationship.

Last week, on January 25, 2023, a recent bipartisan resolution—House Resolution 7—roundly won approval, passing in a 420-1 vote. Republican House member Thomas Massie (R-KY) cast the only NO vote. The resolution condemned the “violent suppression” of women-led protesters in Iran for the last five months. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY) described the protests as the “most significant popular protest” in Iran since the 1979 takeover by the Islamic regime.

The 24/7 news cycle thrives on bad news. However, focusing on good news, some that I have mentioned above, provides motivation to do what we can, where we can. Prayer is our foundation, and putting feet on our prayers is faith in action. Three hundred and sixty-five times in Scripture, God says, “Fear not.” He assures us in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Please join CBN Israel this week in praying for Israel and the Middle East:

Pray for citizens in the Islamic Republic who are demonstrating, imprisoned, and killed by the regime.

Pray for Israelis who are once again on high alert for terror, including Hamas rockets launched into Israeli civilian areas.

Pray that world leaders will pressure Israel’s enemies, not Israel—which defends its citizens from terrorists.

Pray for hundreds of thousands of Syrian families who have fled Syria as well as those left amid the Iranian presence in their nation.

Arlene Bridges Samuels pioneered Christian outreach for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). After she served nine years on AIPAC’s staff, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as Outreach Director part-time for their project, American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, a guest columnist at All Israel News, and has frequently traveled to Israel since 1990. She co-edited The Auschwitz Album Revisited and is a volunteer on the board of Violins of Hope South Carolina. Arlene has attended Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summit three times and hosts her devotionals, The Eclectic Evangelical, on Facebook.

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address : 0x0E66Ec91C28363e6dA8f4EBD602c441994bB319b

[mariacallous]

The German and British consulates in Istanbul closed on Tuesday after the Netherlands did the same on Monday, following threats to Westerners related to recent Koran-burning stunts in European cities.

“The German Consulate General will remain closed today, February 1, for security reasons,” the consulate wrote on its Instagram page. Visa and passport appointments were also cancelled.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its Turkey travel advice with a terrorism warning. “There is a potential that citizens from Western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities,” the Foreign Office wrote on its foreign travel advice page.

It cited a heightened threat of terrorist attacks against churches, synagogues, embassies/consulates and other places frequented by Westerners in Istanbul. “The British Consulate General in Istanbul is currently not open to the public as a precaution,” it added.

The US embassy also warned its nationals about heightened risks in “places Westerners frequent, especially in the Beyoglu, Galata, Taksim, and Istiklal areas [in Istanbul]”.

Turkey’s Interior Ministry said on Sunday that security measures had been raised to the highest level “after the sinister actions against our holy book, the Quran, in Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark”.

The ministry added that it was evaluating the intelligence from countries that had updated their travel advice.

Danish, Swedish and Dutch far-right groups have recently burned copies of the Koran in protest against Turkey’s decision to block Swedish and Finnish NATO membership bids.

Turkey accused the governments of allowing such actions, and warned its citizens against “possible Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist attacks” in the US and Europe.

[sachyriel]

The morale of the Kremlin doesn't affect the war. Like as Prigozhin lead Wagner to mutiny we can see that as a morale drop, and they kept going. That was an existential threat to the Kremlin itself, and they kept invading Ukraine.

Russia might step up it's invasion action with Trump's death, cause the US will be distracted to the highest levels. The white house will be in crisis mode trying to detect domestic terrorists targeting it or other politicians. The state department will be sending out party or funeral invitations depending on the recipient. I like this post but I think people overestimate howuch the Kremlin is married to Trump; Trump is a tool to sow division and push America into isolationism to give Russia a freer hand in its foreign policy. He is just one tool, of many, that Russia has to fuck with America (like Tucker Carlson).

China will grow larger.

It's gonna be such a funny mess when Donald Trump dies of a stroke on April 1st, 2024.

Naturally everybody will think it's fake because of the date only to lose their minds (both positively and negatively based on their opinion of trump) when realizing it's real

There will be massive celebrations in the streets and on social media and lots of predictable "don't speak ill of the dead" discourse about those celebrations

Weird evangelicals will pull some weird number trick talking about how Jesus was conceived on April 1st and that makes Trump a sort of messiah and people will make fun of that

The Republicans (after they're done with the faux-sadness and faux-outrage) will stomp over each other to be his successor but none of them will succeed. They'll tear each other apart and have no single nominee for the November elections.

There will be discourse about if Biden and the living former presidents should go to his funeral (they won't, he was a traitor insurrectionist)

The Ukraine-Russia War immediately goes in favor of Ukraine as morale in the Kremlin is reduced. China similarly backs off from its threats on Taiwan.

Ten thousand new memes are made, some sticking around for years to come.

Not a month later a bunch of unofficial biographies of Trump hit the bookshelves, many with new details about just how awful he was.

[brexiiton]

Denmark and Germany announce arrests of terror suspects, including suspected Hamas members

By Jan M. Olsen and Kirsten Grieshaber, December 15, 2023

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen speaks with the media as she arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. European Union leaders, in a two-day summit will discuss the latest developments in Russia's war or aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for Ukraine and its people. (AP Photo/ Virginia Mayo)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Denmark and Germany announced Thursday arrests of several terror suspects, including alleged Hamas members suspected of plotting attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in Europe over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The announcements were issued separately and it was unclear how the arrests were connected and if they were the result of coordinated actions, or even possibly one operation spanning the continent.

Danish police said three people were arrested across Denmark while a fourth person was detained in the Netherlands on suspicion of plotting to carry out "an act of terror."

Officials in Copenhagen did not provide any details beyond saying the arrests had "threats abroad" and were "related to criminal gangs," singling out the banned, predominantly immigrant gang Loyal to Familia that had long been behind feuds, violence, robberies, extortion and drug sales in the Danish capital.

However, Flemming Drejer, the operative head of Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service,

cryptically said police had "a special focus" on Jewish institutions. He said Denmark was not changing its terror threat level, which has been at "serious," the second-highest level, since 2010.

"Persons abroad have been charged. ... It is a serious situation," Drejer told a news conference, adding that the arrests were carried out in "collaboration with our foreign partners" and that those arrested were part of "a network."

The suspects would face a custody hearing within 24 hours, he said, likely behind "double closed doors" - meaning he could not give any details about the case.

"This is extremely serious," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday from Brussels where she was attending a European Union Summit.

"It is of course completely unacceptable in relation to Israel and Gaza, that there is someone who takes a conflict somewhere else in the world into Danish society," she added.

In the Netherlands, police said a 57-year-old Dutch man was arrested in the city of Rotterdam, based on a request from German authorities, according to spokesman Jesse Brobbel. On Tuesday, the Dutch counterterrorism agency raised the country's threat alert to its second-highest level, saying the possibility of an attack in the country is now "substantial."

In Germany, authorities said three suspected members of the Palestinian militant Hamas group who were allegedly planning attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe were arrested on Thursday.

Two men were arrested in Berlin and one in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, while a fourth suspect was temporarily detained in Berlin, Germany's federal prosecutor said. Authorities only identified the men by their first names and the first initial of their last name, in line with German privacy rules.

The four were Abdelhamid AI A., born in Lebanon; Egyptian national Mohamed B.; Dutch national Nazih R. and Ibrahim El-R., born in Lebanon.

The authorities alleged three of the men "have been longstanding members of Hamas and have participated in Hamas operations abroad." They said the suspect were "closely linked to the military branch's leadership" of Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann thanked the authorities for the arrests and said that "attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions have also increased in our country in recent weeks" due to the Israel-Hamas war.

It was not immediately clear if and how the Danish and the German arrests were connected.

In Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu's office lauded what it said were seven Hamas suspects arrested in Europe, but attributed the arrests to Danish police.

The prime minister's office said Denmark had arrested seven operatives acting on behalf of Hamas and "thwarted an attack aimed at killing innocent citizens on European sail." Netanyahu's office said Israel's intelligence agencies "will continue to operate ... in order to repel the intentions of Hamas and eliminate its capabilities."

The discrepancies between the Danish, German and Israeli statements could not immediately be resolved.

Earlier this month, the European Union's home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, warned that Europe faced a "huge risk of terrorist attacks" over the Christmas holiday period due to the fallout from the fighting in Gaza.

Denmark's foreign intelligence service, known as FE, said Thursday in its annual assessment for 2023 that "the war between Israel and Hamas was once again shown that unresolved conflicts in Europe's immediate area can escalate rapidly and create widespread regional instability."

Grieshaber reported from Berlin.