On February 7, 2026, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, February 7, 2026,” and Michael Liink will present the sermon, titled, “Ask and You Shall Receive.”
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.
The Editorial Board of the New York Post wrote on January 28:
“If the second Trump term turns out to be like ‘The Apprentice’ without ‘You’re fired!,’ its ratings are going to resemble President Joe Biden’s. That means… big losses in the coming midterms and an end to — or even reversal of — President Trump’s agenda.
“Biden never accepted blame for the Afghanistan debacle, for economic malaise and record inflation or any of his other disasters… But he also never even implicitly admitted his team had failed by axing an obvious author of those debacles… Nor did he change the course that produced those debacles….
“… if [Trump] wants to keep winning after something’s clearly gone wrong in the public’s eye, he should send the message that his administration will do better. Decisive action will calm the nerves of independent voters; anything else comes off as inauthentic and shady, raising fears that Team Trump will slide back into the same blundering approach. A high-level firing… is easily the best way to signal — to the public and to his whole team — that things are going to change.
“Put a face on failure, and get rid of it… To move on, the prez should ax someone… You need a high-profile firing, sir.”
There are quite a few high-profile people in Trump’s administration who should be fired. The trouble is, he did not fire anyone, and he even praised all of them for their actions. That is a sure road to disaster.
BBC wrote on February 1:
“A five-year-old boy and his father who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota have returned home… The detainment of the pair sparked protests outside the detention facility where they were being held, and led to a national outcry…
“Their return home came after US District Judge Fred Biery granted an emergency request from the family’s lawyer, and ordered their release on Saturday. The judge condemned their detention as driven by a ‘perfidious lust for unbridled power’. ‘The case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatising children,’ Biery [a Bill Clinton appointee] wrote in his ruling.”
Biery also wrote: “… apparent also is the government’s ignorance of an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence.” npr added on January 31: “Stephen Miller, the White House chief of staff for policy, has said there’s a target of 3,000 immigration arrests a day. It’s that figure which the judge seemed to describe as a ‘quota.’’
In a complete turnaround, Trump defended Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, writing the following defamatory and nonsensical post early morning on January 31: “The Radical Left Lunatics, Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Thugs, are going after Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, because she is a woman, and has done a really GREAT JOB!” Incredible and laughable at the same time. The uproar over ICE and DHS agents [and Trump’s sanctioning their conduct] is not going to end any time soon.
The Daily Mail wrote on January 28:
“Latino Republican lawmakers are warning that the GOP could lose the midterms as Hispanics flee over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown… ‘I do think that he will lose the midterms because of Stephen Miller,’ state Senator Ileana Garcia, who stands to lose reelection in her swing district, told the New York Times…
“’I warned about this months ago, before the headlines caught up. Today we are watching it unfold in real time,’ [GOP Representative Maria Elvira] Salazar posted to X Tuesday night. ‘Hispanics are leaving the GOP in large numbers, and pretending otherwise won’t fix it.’ She implored her party to ‘reverse course and act now.’…
“Things on the immigration front have only gotten more heated… with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents descending on Minneapolis, killing two American citizens and detaining a 5-year-old child… 51 percent of Latino voters said [Monday] they disapproved of the Trump administration’s record on immigration… Fifty-eight percent of Latino voters disapproved of ICE specifically… 57 percent of Latino voters said they believed that ICE should pull out of U.S. cities… Another 48 percent of Latino voters said that Noem should be fired, and 49 percent said she should be impeached by Congress….”
The GOP could lose the midterm election big time.
Judge Andrew P. Napolitano wrote the following on January 29 in the Ron Paul Institute:
“Last week, a half-dozen masked and unidentifiable Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents killed a 37-year-old federal employee, a nurse, by spraying pepper spray into his eyes, pushing him to the ground, stealing his lawfully owned and carried handgun, and then shooting him [at least] nine times in the back. The thugs from ICE whom the federal government has sent to Minneapolis have produced murder and mayhem on a scale far more violent, disruptive and disturbing to human life than have the immigrants residing there without papers…
“The White House has defended the ICE killings of two innocent Americans in the maelstrom of Minneapolis by using phrases like terrorist, agitator, assassin and self-defense. In the process of politically smearing two dead victims, it has tried to divert attention away from the ICE Gestapo-like tactics in the streets…
“Federal and state laws mandate — and all police, even DHS agents, know this — that if the driver of a vehicle moving less than 5 miles per hour is trying to turn away from you, you don’t kill the driver; you let her turn or get out of the way. If somehow you feel threatened by a man on all fours on the ground whose lawfully carried handgun you have already seized, and whom you have temporarily blinded with pepper spray because he photographed you, you restrain him, you don’t shoot him in the back…
“More dangerous than American Gestapo is American Psycho — an attitude of government devoid of moral principles. One that — as authoritarians throughout history have done — targets a helpless, hopeless, politically weak minority and justifies murdering those who protest the violence employed in the targeting…
“The same psychotic mentality that argued last year it can execute people on the high seas without trial has brought that might-makes-right nihilism into our streets…”
God calls the USA an “ungodly nation” (Isaiah 10:6).
Newsbreak wrote on February 3:
“In the wake of immigration agents’ killings of three US citizens within a matter of weeks, the Department of Homeland Security is quietly moving forward with a plan to expand its capacity for mass detention by using a military contract to create… ‘a nationwide “ghost network” of concentration camps.’…
“According to a source familiar with the project, ‘the goal is for the facilities to house as many as 10,000 people each, and are expected to be built in Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and Kansas’…
“Amid its push to deport 1 million people each year, the White House has said it needs to dramatically increase the scale of its detention apparatus to add more beds for those who are arrested. But… ‘this isn’t just about bed space; it’s about the rapid deployment of self-contained cities.’…
“The new reporting… comes on the heels of a report last week from Bloomberg that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has used some of [a] $45 billion [increase of a Navy contract] to purchase warehouses in nearly two dozen remote communities, each meant to house thousands of detainees, which it said ‘could be the largest expansion of such detention capacity in US history’…”
USA Today wrote on January 29:
“Amid growing affordability concerns across the nation, President Donald Trump said he is looking to drive housing prices further up, not down. Trump said at a Jan. 29 Cabinet meeting he wants to make it easier for Americans to buy homes ‒ but not by making housing less expensive. Instead, he suggested lower interest rates… will allow more Americans to buy homes even as housing prices rise…
“Yet Trump made clear in his meeting with Cabinet secretaries that greater opportunities to buy homes shouldn’t mean lowering costs, even as Americans voice concerns about the price tag to buy a home… Housing prices remain elevated relative to income growth after adjusting for inflation, pushing homeownership out of reach for many Americans.”
Trump’s proposals are utter nonsense.
The Guardian published on January 30 the following opinion piece by Jonathan Freedland:
“Don’t be fooled. When it comes to Donald Trump, what might look like a full retreat is almost always a mere tactical withdrawal, designed to buy time. He’ll step back when he’s forced to, under pressure, but will then revert the instant the pressure lets up. Too often, his opponents, whether at home or abroad, allow themselves to be played, confusing a mere pause for a surrender – and the risk is strong that they’re making that same mistake all over again.
“This week, the US president won praise in some quarters for moving to ‘de-escalate’ the war he has been waging on the people of Minneapolis… He shipped out the man who had become the face of the campaign of terror conducted by both CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Gregory Bovino… Next, Trump subjected his homeland security secretary… Kristi Noem, to an emergency Oval Office meeting…
“But, remember, it’s only ever a pause. The instant the pressure eases, normal service resumes… for all the earlier talk, both Noem and Miller [as well as Bovino] remain in their jobs…
“The pattern is clear. Trump will do just enough to get through a damaging news cycle, wait for it to pass – then carry on as before. We saw the first half of that manoeuvre last week, which began with threats to seize Greenland and ended with those threats seemingly withdrawn under international and domestic fire. Nato and European leaders probably thought they’d seen off the danger. But this week Trump’s Greenland envoy was back demanding ‘total, unfettered access’ to the island, so who knows what his boss might say next week…”
Please view our StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Greenland Deal—Defeat or Distraction?”
The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 1:
“The Department of Justice has removed files containing hundreds of mentions of US President Donald Trump from the latest wave of Epstein files documents that were released on Saturday. The removed files included descriptions of Trump sexually assaulting several women, some of them being underage.
“In the removed files, which still have a preview and broken link on the DOJ’s website, Trump is described by victims and friends of victims as, among other things, engaging in ‘big orgy parties’ with young girls alongside former president Bill Clinton and the Alexander brothers.
“Additionally, a removed file stated Trump was involved in human trafficking, with one statement reading the president would host parties at his home in Mar-A-Lago called ‘calendar girls,’ where Jeffrey Epstein would bring children for Trump to auction off. Some of the people named at these parties were Elon Musk. Donald Trump jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, attorney Allan Dershowitz, and attorney Bob Shapiro.
“The full documents were screenshotted and saved by internet users following the release, who uploaded them to multiple online archives. The DOJ stated that its release of the second wave of files – about 3.5 million, bringing the total to over 6 million – was in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, despite being released over a month after the deadline…
“When asked about the newly released files, Trump stated that while he had not seen them, he was told that ‘not only does it absolve me, it’s the opposite of what people were hoping, you know, the radical left.’ Trump also stated that the files revealed that author Michael Wolff conspired with Epstein against the president, and that we’ll probably sue Wolff for that.”
It was also reported by the Independent and Daily Mail that Trump is suggesting suing the Epstein estate as well. Why, if the released files allegedly absolved him, even though he did not give a rationale for that claim? Trump is mentioned more than 3,000 times in the latest Epstein files release. There is no finding that Trump is guilty of any wrongdoing, and the removed reports are unverified. However, the question remains why those files were removed.
Fox News wrote on January 30:
“As President Donald Trump weighs his options on a possible military strike on Iran, a senior Gulf official told Fox News Saudi Arabia will not allow the U.S. to use its airspace or bases for such an attack…
“‘Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used to target Israel, Houthis, Iran. The position is the same now. Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used in a war Saudi Arabia is not a part of,’ the official said…”
Iran threatened the USA with a regional war if the USA were to attack Iran.
The New York Post wrote on February 1:
“A 62-year-old home movie could blow the JFK assassination wide open — and prove once and for all there was a second shooter on the grassy knoll that fateful day.
“The grainy 8mm footage, captured by Dallas air conditioner repairman Orville Nix as bullets ripped through Dealey Plaza on Nov. 22, 1963, hasn’t been seen since 1978, when it was sent away for analysis by an LA company and later fell under federal ownership – although the feds claim they don’t have it. Nix died in 1972, and his granddaughter picked up from her late dad the legal war to recover his film — which she’s convinced is worth more than $900 million as it may hold the key to exposing one of history’s biggest coverups.
“Now a federal judge has ruled that the battle over the film can go forward — and the footage might finally see the light of day… The film could reveal evidence that gunman Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t act alone — thanks to new optic technologies and AI…”
The idea that Oswald acted alone was laughable from the outset
Politico wrote on January 28:
“The jobs of president of the European Commission and president of the European Council should be merged so the EU can speak with one voice on the global stage, European People’s Party boss Manfred Weber said Wednesday. Reforming the EU’s leadership structure in such a way would…simply mean giving one person both jobs. He said this could happen after the next EU election, in 2029. ‘We are blocked, we are speechless, we are voiceless, we have no say on the global stage, and that has to be stopped,’ said Weber, the president of Europe’s largest political family.
“The European Commission president (currently Ursula von der Leyen) leads the bloc’s executive arm, which has power over trade, agriculture, the single market and other internal policy areas — although foreign affairs is handled by the EU’s top diplomat (Kaja Kallas) and the European Council president (António Costa), with both reporting directly to EU countries. This fragmented division of power is not ‘up to the task’ at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, Weber said, with Donald Trump’s U.S. administration turning the international order upside down
“Asked by POLITICO if he would be in the running for a future ‘president of Europe’ role, Weber declined to rule it out… Weber has led the EPP in the European Parliament since 2014, and in 2019 campaigned for the job of European Commission president, but EU leaders instead chose von der Leyen, then Germany’s defense minister.
“In his speech, Weber also said EU countries should switch to qualified majority voting on foreign and security policy issues rather than by unanimity… If such reform is not possible, as it would require the backing of all current members, those countries willing to advance integration ‘should go forward with a special sovereignty treaty’ on foreign policy, Weber said.”
In other words, a powerful European leader ruling over core nations (the countries of the willing).
Reuters wrote on January 27:
“Germany will push for a ‘two-speed’ European Union to break decision-making inertia in the 27-member bloc and galvanise its economies, calling for a core group of member states to move ahead on key policies to make Europe stronger and more independent. ‘Now is the time for a Europe of two speeds,’ German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said at an event hosted by Welt on Tuesday in Berlin…
“Klingbeil invited partners in France, Poland, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands to a video conference on Wednesday to set an ambitious and concrete agenda to strengthen the sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness of Europe…
“Regarding defence spending, Klingbeil called for better cooperation among member states and for firmly embedding defence as a priority in the next EU multiannual budget, ‘turning defence into an engine for growth.’
Politico wrote on January 30:
“In recent months, this 35-year-old regional politician [Ulrich Siegmund] has turned into a new leading figure on Germany’s far right, now one of the two largest parties in the national parliament, the Bundestag, neck-and-neck with the Christian Democrats, known as the CDU, and its sister party, the CSU…
“Later this year, Siegmund has a realistic chance to deliver the AfD its first outright victory one of Germany’s 16 states. Recent polls put the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt at 39 percent, once even at 40. A gain of just two or three points could be enough for Siegmund to secure an absolute majority in the 83-seat state parliament and take over the premier’s office…
“As long as the firewall holds, the only way the AfD can take power is by winning a straight-up majority. Which is what it seems poised to do in the September elections… And that would immediately launch Siegmund to the forefront of German politics. Nationally, the AfD is led by 46-year-old Alice Weidel, whose cool, abrasive style attracts attention but little affection. Her co-chair Tino Chrupalla, a 50-year-old painter, appears more down-to-earth yet often awkward. By contrast, the young candidate from Saxony-Anhalt presents a more personable, media-savvy image…. Success… would make him a contender for the party’s top candidacy in the next national elections, presumably in 2029.”
It will be interesting to see how successful Siegmund will become.
Politico wrote on February 2:
“FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Monday that the world football governing body should lift its ban on Russia competing in international tournaments. Russia was banned from the football events by FIFA immediately following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ban has remained in place… The suggestion drew a furious response from Ukraine,…
“Infantino maintains close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and in December awarded him the newly created FIFA Peace Prize… after the American president was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, despite having campaigned heavily for the honor…”
The Athletic wrote on February 2:
“The leader of world football’s governing body has been described as a ‘moral degenerate’ by Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha… ‘Future generations will view this as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics.’”
In 1936, the Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany, under Adolf Hitler. 49 countries with nearly 4,000 athletes participated. While there were significant international calls and movements to boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics due to Nazi persecution, ultimately no major country officially boycotted.
Bild Online published on January 31 the following article by Filipp Platov:
“There is the reasonable, clear, even harsh criticism of Donald Trump that German politicians must offer. Of course, the German government must speak out when the US president criticizes our soldiers or doesn’t rule out deploying his military in Greenland. Then, a rebuttal is necessary, even if the target is the most powerful man in the world.
“However, there is also a form of Trump criticism that is so excessive and so recklessly damaging to national interests that it borders on hysteria.
“The best example of this is the call for a World Cup boycott. The debate was sparked by CDU foreign policy expert Juergen Hardt and DFB Vice President Oke Goettlich. The SPD’s sports policy spokesperson, Bettina Lugk, has already announced that she will not travel to the USA. Journalists from major media outlets expressed their support and criticized those who refused to acknowledge the issue.
“Germany participated in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, even though Vladimir Putin had already been waging a barely disguised war in eastern Ukraine for four years. Germany participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, even though the emirate co-finances virtually every Islamist terrorist organization in the world. But suddenly, the USA is supposed to be the red line?”
The author has a valid point.
The Hill published on January 29 the following opinion of Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as a military intelligence officer and led the U.S. European Command Intelligence Engagement Division from 2012 to 2014. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy.
“Tragically, we have witnessed this trainwreck coming for months… As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Davos following his meeting with Trump last week, he told reporters that a document with the U.S. dealing concerning security guarantees for Ukraine was ‘done’…
“Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner sped off to Moscow to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin, then proceeded to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the trilateral talks. The talks commenced and concluded in Abu Dhabi the next day. The outcome? Russia refused to back off their maximalist demands and continued to demand Ukraine unilaterally withdraw from the Donbas.
“The U.S. is now 0 for 7 in its negotiations with Russia to end the war — chiefly because Ukraine stubbornly refuses to commit national suicide.
Kyiv will not give Moscow in negotiations what the Russians cannot take on the battlefield. Nor should they be persuaded or coerced into doing so…
“On Tuesday, Trump pulled a 180. The security guarantees he offered were contingent upon Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas. That is a hard no for Zelensky and for the Ukrainian people…
“For now, the sticking point is the Donbas. But what if Ukraine agreed to withdraw from the region? Would Russia end the war? Probably not. It will just lead to the next bone of contention…
“Putin is the ‘root cause’ of the war. The killing stops when Putin stops attacking. Witkoff’s negotiations have done nothing to bring the war to an end. They only prolong it, creating a ‘forever-war.’ Trump has the cards to end the war, but those cards need to be played against Russia and not Ukraine…”
Trump’s ever-changing policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war is hard to follow.
The U.S. Sun wrote on February 3:
“VOLODYMYR Zelensky has reportedly agreed to a Trump-backed security plan to protect Ukraine from future Russian ceasefire violations. The US president said yesterday that he may have ‘some good news’ on the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine as it nears its four-year anniversary…
“[The plan] would involve coordinated US-Europe military action against the Kremlin in the event of future peace pact breaches…[It] would trigger a military response against Russia in a day, starting with a ‘diplomatic warning’ and message from the Ukrainian army… Should fighting continue, a second phase would be initiated involving the military intervention from the ‘coalition of the willing’, made up of more than 20 of Ukraine‘s allies… A western-backed military coalition involving US forces would step in after three days if the ceasefire developed into a wider attack…
“The Kremlin said on Monday that any foreign military deployment to Ukraine would be treated as unacceptable foreign intervention and legitimate targets in ongoing fighting, citing foreign minister Sergei Lavrov… The sticking point remains whether Kyiv is willing to cede the entire Donbas region or whether [Putin] will row back on his imperialist ultimatum.”
How would this “plan,” unacceptable to Russia and perhaps even Ukraine, end the Ukraine war???
MENAFN wrote on February 1:
“The concept of a consolidated European military, promoted by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, is unfeasible, according to Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s chief for foreign policy and security… Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelensky advocated for a ‘united armed forces’ of Europe, asserting that Ukraine’s experience in combat against Russia could offer valuable insights…
“During his speech, he also criticized what he described as hesitation and division among European supporters, while insisting that Ukraine should join the EU by 2027—a demand that has been met with skepticism by some member states… Kallas told reporters, ‘I can’t imagine that countries will create a separate European army. It has to be the armies that already exist’…”
Ukraine will ultimately be part of or in collaboration with Russia, not the EU.
The Associated Press wrote on January 31:
“German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday slammed Iran over its decision to designate European Union militaries as terrorist groups, a move that came in response to the EU adding Iran’s elite paramilitary force [Iranian Revolutionary Guards, IRGC] to its terror list…
“The IRGC is Iran’s elite military force and far superior to the regular army. In recent decades, the force has not only undergone a massive rearmament, but also expanded its social and economic influence – for example, through investments in hotel chains and airlines.”
The Ron Paul Institute published on February 3 the following article by Brian McGlinchey:
“… after more than two years of casting doubts, the IDF has finally admitted its own estimates match the Gaza Health Ministry’s accounting of some 70,000 confirmed dead… in Gaza since the Oct 7, 2023 invasion of Israel by Hamas militants…
“Importantly, both the IDF official and the Gaza Health Ministry says these numbers do not include bodies yet to be discovered under the incomprehensible volume of rubble across Gaza. The Gaza ministry says its numbers only reflect deaths directly resulting from military fire, excluding those who’ve died from disease and malnutrition. Neither party has yet broken down the death toll into combatants and civilians…
“President Biden was among the first to who sought to discredit the fatality figures coming from Gaza… Beyond dismissing the top-line number of deaths reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel has also denied credible accusations that IDF soldiers have frequently and deliberately targeted civilians…
“Israel has also denied widespread reports —substantiated by video — that soldiers shot at civilians gathering at aid distribution points set up last May as malnutrition surged in Gaza and global outrage mounted…”
“There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10).
Israel 365 News wrote on February 3:
“A massive stone vessel, carved 1,800 years ago and used by Jews in the Galilee to maintain ritual purity, now sits in the halls of Israel’s Knesset. The timing is deliberate. As the Parliament building marks its 60th anniversary…, this archaeological treasure forces an unavoidable question: Can the Knesset truly claim to be the heir of the Sanhedrin while ignoring the institution that made the ancient court legitimate—the Temple in Jerusalem?… The exhibition celebrates continuity but avoids the uncomfortable truth: the original Sanhedrin derived its authority from the Temple, and without actively pursuing the Temple’s restoration, the modern Knesset remains an incomplete successor…
“The Sages understood this as a positive commandment incumbent on each generation—to build and maintain the Temple when circumstances permit. Israel today has sovereignty over Jerusalem. It has the political and military capability to control the Temple Mount. The technological and architectural expertise to construct the Third Temple exists. What is missing is not ability but will, particularly the Knesset’s will to assert Jewish rights at the site…
“The Knesset passes laws about the Supreme Court and the economy, but avoids legislation addressing Jewish worship rights on the Temple Mount or advancing plans for the Temple’s reconstruction…
“The modern Knesset… must take concrete steps toward enabling the Third Temple. This means passing legislation affirming Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount, allocating resources for preparation of Temple service, and supporting the training of kohanim, priests, for eventual Temple duties…
“… visitors should see… a challenge to the current leadership to complete what the Sanhedrin in exile could only dream of—the restoration of full Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of the House that gives the Knesset its true legitimacy as heir to Israel’s ancient institutions of governance.”
Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Third Temple—Coming Soon?”
Militia Man and Crew wrote on February 1:
“Minister of Industry and Minerals [of Iraq], Khalid Battal Al-Najm, affirmed the deep fraternal relations between Iraq and Jordan and the importance of strengthening existing cooperation in the industrial sector to achieve the best interests of both brotherly nations…
“The two sides discussed bilateral relations and available cooperation opportunities in several industrial sectors, as well as a number of joint projects… For his part, the Jordanian ambassador affirmed his country’s desire and keenness to solidify cooperation and joint work to serve the industries of both countries.”
According to the Bible, Iraq and Jordan will be part of an anti-Israel confederation.
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.
On February 7, 2026, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, February 7, 2026,” and Michael Liink will present the sermon, titled, “Ask and You Shall Receive.”
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.
by Michael Link
We all go through pain and suffering, some more than others, and when we go through it personally, it can be quite debilitating. It affects us physically; our energy, appetite, and our ability to function properly, thereby impacting our work. It affects us mentally, impairing our concentration, our moods, our behavior. It’s a challenge and a part of life. Yet, we find ways to cope with it, no matter the severity, big or small.
However, completely ignoring it is inadvisable. Even something as small as a physical thorn in the flesh, if not taken care of, can lead to more serious problems. A very simple thing to do, but one that can easily be forgotten, is prayer. God hears all prayers and especially many prayers. Our prayer requests are helpful as we all pray together as one big family, pleading to God to intervene on all our behalf, for we are all praying on behalf of the individual who is in need.
Another crucial step, which should be the first step, is asking for anointing from one of God’s ministers with the laying on of hands with oil, which symbolizes God’s Holy Spirit – the power of God. Having faith that God will intervene is absolutely necessary. And no matter the outcome, also know that it is all in God’s hands and according to His Will.
Paul is a prime example. He prayed to God three times to remove the pain he was suffering from (2 Corinthians 12:8). God did not heal him for a reason. Instead of removing his ailment, God gave Paul more overwhelming humility and love, and more compensating strength for he responded by saying: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9).
What exactly his thorn in the flesh was is not specifically mentioned, yet he knew that this suffering was necessary to continue doing what God wanted him to do. Things may have been much different if he had been in perfect health. Perhaps the urgency and purpose that God desired from him would not have been fulfilled in the same way that Paul carried them out.
As the Nelson Study Bible states, “Paul believed he was suffering the afflictions God wanted him to endure. Instead of facing his difficulties with dread, Paul saw his troubles as a time of joy… because they were producing an eternal reward…”
Just as Paul, we are not perfect, but we must be growing in perfection through suffering. And just as Christ suffered, so must we. Peter also tells us in 1 Peter 4:16 that “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
He further says in 1 Peter 4:1-2, “Therefore, since Christ suffered FOR US in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for HE WHO HAS SUFFERED IN THE FLESH HAS CEASED FROM SIN, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” This is talking about US since Christ never sinned, and suffering as a Christian or follower of Christ should motivate us to stop sinning.
Christ suffered FOR US, and our suffering is also for the purpose of helping others. If one member suffers, ALL the members suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). We suffer so that we can understand what it is like, enabling us to feel the pain of those who are suffering. When we go through suffering, God comforts us in many different ways, so that we, in turn, can comfort others in their suffering with the same comfort we ourselves received from God.
Whatever our particular “thorn in the flesh” may be, God knows all about it and will take care of us, according to His purpose, ensuring that we ultimately succeed—if we allow Him to.
by Norbert Link
We begin with the ongoing turmoil regarding Trump’s self-defeating immigration policy; address Trump’s nonsensical proposals regarding the housing market; and speak of the naivety to believe that Trump would really retreat for good on anything.
We continue with potential serious trouble for Trump in the Epstein saga; the refusal of Saudi Arabia to provide bases or airspace to the USA in case of an attack on Iran; and a hidden movie which might shed some light on the John F Kennedy assassination.
Turning to Europe, we report on the concept of an all-powerful European leader; the concept of a two-speed Europe; and a new rising star in Germany’s far-right AfD party. We also discuss movements in Germany to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
We speak on Ukraine’s rejected request to become part of a European army; another 180-degree turnaround by Donald Trump; trouble between Europe and Iran; the desire to build the Third Temple; and the deep fraternal relationship between Iraq and Jordan. Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Third Temple—Coming Soon?”
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
The Editorial Board of the New York Post wrote on January 28:
“If the second Trump term turns out to be like ‘The Apprentice’ without ‘You’re fired!,’ its ratings are going to resemble President Joe Biden’s. That means… big losses in the coming midterms and an end to — or even reversal of — President Trump’s agenda.
“Biden never accepted blame for the Afghanistan debacle, for economic malaise and record inflation or any of his other disasters… But he also never even implicitly admitted his team had failed by axing an obvious author of those debacles… Nor did he change the course that produced those debacles….
“… if [Trump] wants to keep winning after something’s clearly gone wrong in the public’s eye, he should send the message that his administration will do better. Decisive action will calm the nerves of independent voters; anything else comes off as inauthentic and shady, raising fears that Team Trump will slide back into the same blundering approach. A high-level firing… is easily the best way to signal — to the public and to his whole team — that things are going to change.
“Put a face on failure, and get rid of it… To move on, the prez should ax someone… You need a high-profile firing, sir.”
There are quite a few high-profile people in Trump’s administration who should be fired. The trouble is, he did not fire anyone, and he even praised all of them for their actions. That is a sure road to disaster.
BBC wrote on February 1:
“A five-year-old boy and his father who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota have returned home… The detainment of the pair sparked protests outside the detention facility where they were being held, and led to a national outcry…
“Their return home came after US District Judge Fred Biery granted an emergency request from the family’s lawyer, and ordered their release on Saturday. The judge condemned their detention as driven by a ‘perfidious lust for unbridled power’. ‘The case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas, apparently even if it requires traumatising children,’ Biery [a Bill Clinton appointee] wrote in his ruling.”
Biery also wrote: “… apparent also is the government’s ignorance of an American historical document called the Declaration of Independence.” npr added on January 31: “Stephen Miller, the White House chief of staff for policy, has said there’s a target of 3,000 immigration arrests a day. It’s that figure which the judge seemed to describe as a ‘quota.’’
In a complete turnaround, Trump defended Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, writing the following defamatory and nonsensical post early morning on January 31: “The Radical Left Lunatics, Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Thugs, are going after Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, because she is a woman, and has done a really GREAT JOB!” Incredible and laughable at the same time. The uproar over ICE and DHS agents [and Trump’s sanctioning their conduct] is not going to end any time soon.
The Daily Mail wrote on January 28:
“Latino Republican lawmakers are warning that the GOP could lose the midterms as Hispanics flee over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown… ‘I do think that he will lose the midterms because of Stephen Miller,’ state Senator Ileana Garcia, who stands to lose reelection in her swing district, told the New York Times…
“’I warned about this months ago, before the headlines caught up. Today we are watching it unfold in real time,’ [GOP Representative Maria Elvira] Salazar posted to X Tuesday night. ‘Hispanics are leaving the GOP in large numbers, and pretending otherwise won’t fix it.’ She implored her party to ‘reverse course and act now.’…
“Things on the immigration front have only gotten more heated… with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents descending on Minneapolis, killing two American citizens and detaining a 5-year-old child… 51 percent of Latino voters said [Monday] they disapproved of the Trump administration’s record on immigration… Fifty-eight percent of Latino voters disapproved of ICE specifically… 57 percent of Latino voters said they believed that ICE should pull out of U.S. cities… Another 48 percent of Latino voters said that Noem should be fired, and 49 percent said she should be impeached by Congress….”
The GOP could lose the midterm election big time.
Judge Andrew P. Napolitano wrote the following on January 29 in the Ron Paul Institute:
“Last week, a half-dozen masked and unidentifiable Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents killed a 37-year-old federal employee, a nurse, by spraying pepper spray into his eyes, pushing him to the ground, stealing his lawfully owned and carried handgun, and then shooting him [at least] nine times in the back. The thugs from ICE whom the federal government has sent to Minneapolis have produced murder and mayhem on a scale far more violent, disruptive and disturbing to human life than have the immigrants residing there without papers…
“The White House has defended the ICE killings of two innocent Americans in the maelstrom of Minneapolis by using phrases like terrorist, agitator, assassin and self-defense. In the process of politically smearing two dead victims, it has tried to divert attention away from the ICE Gestapo-like tactics in the streets…
“Federal and state laws mandate — and all police, even DHS agents, know this — that if the driver of a vehicle moving less than 5 miles per hour is trying to turn away from you, you don’t kill the driver; you let her turn or get out of the way. If somehow you feel threatened by a man on all fours on the ground whose lawfully carried handgun you have already seized, and whom you have temporarily blinded with pepper spray because he photographed you, you restrain him, you don’t shoot him in the back…
“More dangerous than American Gestapo is American Psycho — an attitude of government devoid of moral principles. One that — as authoritarians throughout history have done — targets a helpless, hopeless, politically weak minority and justifies murdering those who protest the violence employed in the targeting…
“The same psychotic mentality that argued last year it can execute people on the high seas without trial has brought that might-makes-right nihilism into our streets…”
God calls the USA an “ungodly nation” (Isaiah 10:6).
Newsbreak wrote on February 3:
“In the wake of immigration agents’ killings of three US citizens within a matter of weeks, the Department of Homeland Security is quietly moving forward with a plan to expand its capacity for mass detention by using a military contract to create… ‘a nationwide “ghost network” of concentration camps.’…
“According to a source familiar with the project, ‘the goal is for the facilities to house as many as 10,000 people each, and are expected to be built in Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and Kansas’…
“Amid its push to deport 1 million people each year, the White House has said it needs to dramatically increase the scale of its detention apparatus to add more beds for those who are arrested. But… ‘this isn’t just about bed space; it’s about the rapid deployment of self-contained cities.’…
“The new reporting… comes on the heels of a report last week from Bloomberg that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has used some of [a] $45 billion [increase of a Navy contract] to purchase warehouses in nearly two dozen remote communities, each meant to house thousands of detainees, which it said ‘could be the largest expansion of such detention capacity in US history’…”
USA Today wrote on January 29:
“Amid growing affordability concerns across the nation, President Donald Trump said he is looking to drive housing prices further up, not down. Trump said at a Jan. 29 Cabinet meeting he wants to make it easier for Americans to buy homes ‒ but not by making housing less expensive. Instead, he suggested lower interest rates… will allow more Americans to buy homes even as housing prices rise…
“Yet Trump made clear in his meeting with Cabinet secretaries that greater opportunities to buy homes shouldn’t mean lowering costs, even as Americans voice concerns about the price tag to buy a home… Housing prices remain elevated relative to income growth after adjusting for inflation, pushing homeownership out of reach for many Americans.”
Trump’s proposals are utter nonsense.
The Guardian published on January 30 the following opinion piece by Jonathan Freedland:
“Don’t be fooled. When it comes to Donald Trump, what might look like a full retreat is almost always a mere tactical withdrawal, designed to buy time. He’ll step back when he’s forced to, under pressure, but will then revert the instant the pressure lets up. Too often, his opponents, whether at home or abroad, allow themselves to be played, confusing a mere pause for a surrender – and the risk is strong that they’re making that same mistake all over again.
“This week, the US president won praise in some quarters for moving to ‘de-escalate’ the war he has been waging on the people of Minneapolis… He shipped out the man who had become the face of the campaign of terror conducted by both CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Gregory Bovino… Next, Trump subjected his homeland security secretary… Kristi Noem, to an emergency Oval Office meeting…
“But, remember, it’s only ever a pause. The instant the pressure eases, normal service resumes… for all the earlier talk, both Noem and Miller [as well as Bovino] remain in their jobs…
“The pattern is clear. Trump will do just enough to get through a damaging news cycle, wait for it to pass – then carry on as before. We saw the first half of that manoeuvre last week, which began with threats to seize Greenland and ended with those threats seemingly withdrawn under international and domestic fire. Nato and European leaders probably thought they’d seen off the danger. But this week Trump’s Greenland envoy was back demanding ‘total, unfettered access’ to the island, so who knows what his boss might say next week…”
Please view our StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Greenland Deal—Defeat or Distraction?”
The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 1:
“The Department of Justice has removed files containing hundreds of mentions of US President Donald Trump from the latest wave of Epstein files documents that were released on Saturday. The removed files included descriptions of Trump sexually assaulting several women, some of them being underage.
“In the removed files, which still have a preview and broken link on the DOJ’s website, Trump is described by victims and friends of victims as, among other things, engaging in ‘big orgy parties’ with young girls alongside former president Bill Clinton and the Alexander brothers.
“Additionally, a removed file stated Trump was involved in human trafficking, with one statement reading the president would host parties at his home in Mar-A-Lago called ‘calendar girls,’ where Jeffrey Epstein would bring children for Trump to auction off. Some of the people named at these parties were Elon Musk. Donald Trump jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, attorney Allan Dershowitz, and attorney Bob Shapiro.
“The full documents were screenshotted and saved by internet users following the release, who uploaded them to multiple online archives. The DOJ stated that its release of the second wave of files – about 3.5 million, bringing the total to over 6 million – was in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, despite being released over a month after the deadline…
“When asked about the newly released files, Trump stated that while he had not seen them, he was told that ‘not only does it absolve me, it’s the opposite of what people were hoping, you know, the radical left.’ Trump also stated that the files revealed that author Michael Wolff conspired with Epstein against the president, and that we’ll probably sue Wolff for that.”
It was also reported by the Independent and Daily Mail that Trump is suggesting suing the Epstein estate as well. Why, if the released files allegedly absolved him, even though he did not give a rationale for that claim? Trump is mentioned more than 3,000 times in the latest Epstein files release. There is no finding that Trump is guilty of any wrongdoing, and the removed reports are unverified. However, the question remains why those files were removed.
Fox News wrote on January 30:
“As President Donald Trump weighs his options on a possible military strike on Iran, a senior Gulf official told Fox News Saudi Arabia will not allow the U.S. to use its airspace or bases for such an attack…
“‘Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used to target Israel, Houthis, Iran. The position is the same now. Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used in a war Saudi Arabia is not a part of,’ the official said…”
Iran threatened the USA with a regional war if the USA were to attack Iran.
The New York Post wrote on February 1:
“A 62-year-old home movie could blow the JFK assassination wide open — and prove once and for all there was a second shooter on the grassy knoll that fateful day.
“The grainy 8mm footage, captured by Dallas air conditioner repairman Orville Nix as bullets ripped through Dealey Plaza on Nov. 22, 1963, hasn’t been seen since 1978, when it was sent away for analysis by an LA company and later fell under federal ownership – although the feds claim they don’t have it. Nix died in 1972, and his granddaughter picked up from her late dad the legal war to recover his film — which she’s convinced is worth more than $900 million as it may hold the key to exposing one of history’s biggest coverups.
“Now a federal judge has ruled that the battle over the film can go forward — and the footage might finally see the light of day… The film could reveal evidence that gunman Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t act alone — thanks to new optic technologies and AI…”
The idea that Oswald acted alone was laughable from the outset
Politico wrote on January 28:
“The jobs of president of the European Commission and president of the European Council should be merged so the EU can speak with one voice on the global stage, European People’s Party boss Manfred Weber said Wednesday. Reforming the EU’s leadership structure in such a way would…simply mean giving one person both jobs. He said this could happen after the next EU election, in 2029. ‘We are blocked, we are speechless, we are voiceless, we have no say on the global stage, and that has to be stopped,’ said Weber, the president of Europe’s largest political family.
“The European Commission president (currently Ursula von der Leyen) leads the bloc’s executive arm, which has power over trade, agriculture, the single market and other internal policy areas — although foreign affairs is handled by the EU’s top diplomat (Kaja Kallas) and the European Council president (António Costa), with both reporting directly to EU countries. This fragmented division of power is not ‘up to the task’ at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, Weber said, with Donald Trump’s U.S. administration turning the international order upside down
“Asked by POLITICO if he would be in the running for a future ‘president of Europe’ role, Weber declined to rule it out… Weber has led the EPP in the European Parliament since 2014, and in 2019 campaigned for the job of European Commission president, but EU leaders instead chose von der Leyen, then Germany’s defense minister.
“In his speech, Weber also said EU countries should switch to qualified majority voting on foreign and security policy issues rather than by unanimity… If such reform is not possible, as it would require the backing of all current members, those countries willing to advance integration ‘should go forward with a special sovereignty treaty’ on foreign policy, Weber said.”
In other words, a powerful European leader ruling over core nations (the countries of the willing).
Reuters wrote on January 27:
“Germany will push for a ‘two-speed’ European Union to break decision-making inertia in the 27-member bloc and galvanise its economies, calling for a core group of member states to move ahead on key policies to make Europe stronger and more independent. ‘Now is the time for a Europe of two speeds,’ German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said at an event hosted by Welt on Tuesday in Berlin…
“Klingbeil invited partners in France, Poland, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands to a video conference on Wednesday to set an ambitious and concrete agenda to strengthen the sovereignty, resilience and competitiveness of Europe…
“Regarding defence spending, Klingbeil called for better cooperation among member states and for firmly embedding defence as a priority in the next EU multiannual budget, ‘turning defence into an engine for growth.’
Politico wrote on January 30:
“In recent months, this 35-year-old regional politician [Ulrich Siegmund] has turned into a new leading figure on Germany’s far right, now one of the two largest parties in the national parliament, the Bundestag, neck-and-neck with the Christian Democrats, known as the CDU, and its sister party, the CSU…
“Later this year, Siegmund has a realistic chance to deliver the AfD its first outright victory one of Germany’s 16 states. Recent polls put the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt at 39 percent, once even at 40. A gain of just two or three points could be enough for Siegmund to secure an absolute majority in the 83-seat state parliament and take over the premier’s office…
“As long as the firewall holds, the only way the AfD can take power is by winning a straight-up majority. Which is what it seems poised to do in the September elections… And that would immediately launch Siegmund to the forefront of German politics. Nationally, the AfD is led by 46-year-old Alice Weidel, whose cool, abrasive style attracts attention but little affection. Her co-chair Tino Chrupalla, a 50-year-old painter, appears more down-to-earth yet often awkward. By contrast, the young candidate from Saxony-Anhalt presents a more personable, media-savvy image…. Success… would make him a contender for the party’s top candidacy in the next national elections, presumably in 2029.”
It will be interesting to see how successful Siegmund will become.
Politico wrote on February 2:
“FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Monday that the world football governing body should lift its ban on Russia competing in international tournaments. Russia was banned from the football events by FIFA immediately following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ban has remained in place… The suggestion drew a furious response from Ukraine,…
“Infantino maintains close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and in December awarded him the newly created FIFA Peace Prize… after the American president was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, despite having campaigned heavily for the honor…”
The Athletic wrote on February 2:
“The leader of world football’s governing body has been described as a ‘moral degenerate’ by Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha… ‘Future generations will view this as a shame reminiscent of the 1936 Olympics.’”
In 1936, the Summer Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany, under Adolf Hitler. 49 countries with nearly 4,000 athletes participated. While there were significant international calls and movements to boycott the 1936 Berlin Olympics due to Nazi persecution, ultimately no major country officially boycotted.
Bild Online published on January 31 the following article by Filipp Platov:
“There is the reasonable, clear, even harsh criticism of Donald Trump that German politicians must offer. Of course, the German government must speak out when the US president criticizes our soldiers or doesn’t rule out deploying his military in Greenland. Then, a rebuttal is necessary, even if the target is the most powerful man in the world.
“However, there is also a form of Trump criticism that is so excessive and so recklessly damaging to national interests that it borders on hysteria.
“The best example of this is the call for a World Cup boycott. The debate was sparked by CDU foreign policy expert Juergen Hardt and DFB Vice President Oke Goettlich. The SPD’s sports policy spokesperson, Bettina Lugk, has already announced that she will not travel to the USA. Journalists from major media outlets expressed their support and criticized those who refused to acknowledge the issue.
“Germany participated in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, even though Vladimir Putin had already been waging a barely disguised war in eastern Ukraine for four years. Germany participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, even though the emirate co-finances virtually every Islamist terrorist organization in the world. But suddenly, the USA is supposed to be the red line?”
The author has a valid point.
The Hill published on January 29 the following opinion of Jonathan Sweet and Mark Toth. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as a military intelligence officer and led the U.S. European Command Intelligence Engagement Division from 2012 to 2014. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy.
“Tragically, we have witnessed this trainwreck coming for months… As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Davos following his meeting with Trump last week, he told reporters that a document with the U.S. dealing concerning security guarantees for Ukraine was ‘done’…
“Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner sped off to Moscow to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin, then proceeded to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the trilateral talks. The talks commenced and concluded in Abu Dhabi the next day. The outcome? Russia refused to back off their maximalist demands and continued to demand Ukraine unilaterally withdraw from the Donbas.
“The U.S. is now 0 for 7 in its negotiations with Russia to end the war — chiefly because Ukraine stubbornly refuses to commit national suicide.
Kyiv will not give Moscow in negotiations what the Russians cannot take on the battlefield. Nor should they be persuaded or coerced into doing so…
“On Tuesday, Trump pulled a 180. The security guarantees he offered were contingent upon Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas. That is a hard no for Zelensky and for the Ukrainian people…
“For now, the sticking point is the Donbas. But what if Ukraine agreed to withdraw from the region? Would Russia end the war? Probably not. It will just lead to the next bone of contention…
“Putin is the ‘root cause’ of the war. The killing stops when Putin stops attacking. Witkoff’s negotiations have done nothing to bring the war to an end. They only prolong it, creating a ‘forever-war.’ Trump has the cards to end the war, but those cards need to be played against Russia and not Ukraine…”
Trump’s ever-changing policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war is hard to follow.
The U.S. Sun wrote on February 3:
“VOLODYMYR Zelensky has reportedly agreed to a Trump-backed security plan to protect Ukraine from future Russian ceasefire violations. The US president said yesterday that he may have ‘some good news’ on the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine as it nears its four-year anniversary…
“[The plan] would involve coordinated US-Europe military action against the Kremlin in the event of future peace pact breaches…[It] would trigger a military response against Russia in a day, starting with a ‘diplomatic warning’ and message from the Ukrainian army… Should fighting continue, a second phase would be initiated involving the military intervention from the ‘coalition of the willing’, made up of more than 20 of Ukraine‘s allies… A western-backed military coalition involving US forces would step in after three days if the ceasefire developed into a wider attack…
“The Kremlin said on Monday that any foreign military deployment to Ukraine would be treated as unacceptable foreign intervention and legitimate targets in ongoing fighting, citing foreign minister Sergei Lavrov… The sticking point remains whether Kyiv is willing to cede the entire Donbas region or whether [Putin] will row back on his imperialist ultimatum.”
How would this “plan,” unacceptable to Russia and perhaps even Ukraine, end the Ukraine war???
MENAFN wrote on February 1:
“The concept of a consolidated European military, promoted by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, is unfeasible, according to Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s chief for foreign policy and security… Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelensky advocated for a ‘united armed forces’ of Europe, asserting that Ukraine’s experience in combat against Russia could offer valuable insights…
“During his speech, he also criticized what he described as hesitation and division among European supporters, while insisting that Ukraine should join the EU by 2027—a demand that has been met with skepticism by some member states… Kallas told reporters, ‘I can’t imagine that countries will create a separate European army. It has to be the armies that already exist’…”
Ukraine will ultimately be part of or in collaboration with Russia, not the EU.
The Associated Press wrote on January 31:
“German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday slammed Iran over its decision to designate European Union militaries as terrorist groups, a move that came in response to the EU adding Iran’s elite paramilitary force [Iranian Revolutionary Guards, IRGC] to its terror list…
“The IRGC is Iran’s elite military force and far superior to the regular army. In recent decades, the force has not only undergone a massive rearmament, but also expanded its social and economic influence – for example, through investments in hotel chains and airlines.”
The Ron Paul Institute published on February 3 the following article by Brian McGlinchey:
“… after more than two years of casting doubts, the IDF has finally admitted its own estimates match the Gaza Health Ministry’s accounting of some 70,000 confirmed dead… in Gaza since the Oct 7, 2023 invasion of Israel by Hamas militants…
“Importantly, both the IDF official and the Gaza Health Ministry says these numbers do not include bodies yet to be discovered under the incomprehensible volume of rubble across Gaza. The Gaza ministry says its numbers only reflect deaths directly resulting from military fire, excluding those who’ve died from disease and malnutrition. Neither party has yet broken down the death toll into combatants and civilians…
“President Biden was among the first to who sought to discredit the fatality figures coming from Gaza… Beyond dismissing the top-line number of deaths reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel has also denied credible accusations that IDF soldiers have frequently and deliberately targeted civilians…
“Israel has also denied widespread reports —substantiated by video — that soldiers shot at civilians gathering at aid distribution points set up last May as malnutrition surged in Gaza and global outrage mounted…”
“There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10).
Israel 365 News wrote on February 3:
“A massive stone vessel, carved 1,800 years ago and used by Jews in the Galilee to maintain ritual purity, now sits in the halls of Israel’s Knesset. The timing is deliberate. As the Parliament building marks its 60th anniversary…, this archaeological treasure forces an unavoidable question: Can the Knesset truly claim to be the heir of the Sanhedrin while ignoring the institution that made the ancient court legitimate—the Temple in Jerusalem?… The exhibition celebrates continuity but avoids the uncomfortable truth: the original Sanhedrin derived its authority from the Temple, and without actively pursuing the Temple’s restoration, the modern Knesset remains an incomplete successor…
“The Sages understood this as a positive commandment incumbent on each generation—to build and maintain the Temple when circumstances permit. Israel today has sovereignty over Jerusalem. It has the political and military capability to control the Temple Mount. The technological and architectural expertise to construct the Third Temple exists. What is missing is not ability but will, particularly the Knesset’s will to assert Jewish rights at the site…
“The Knesset passes laws about the Supreme Court and the economy, but avoids legislation addressing Jewish worship rights on the Temple Mount or advancing plans for the Temple’s reconstruction…
“The modern Knesset… must take concrete steps toward enabling the Third Temple. This means passing legislation affirming Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount, allocating resources for preparation of Temple service, and supporting the training of kohanim, priests, for eventual Temple duties…
“… visitors should see… a challenge to the current leadership to complete what the Sanhedrin in exile could only dream of—the restoration of full Jewish sovereignty over the Temple Mount and the rebuilding of the House that gives the Knesset its true legitimacy as heir to Israel’s ancient institutions of governance.”
Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Third Temple—Coming Soon?”
Militia Man and Crew wrote on February 1:
“Minister of Industry and Minerals [of Iraq], Khalid Battal Al-Najm, affirmed the deep fraternal relations between Iraq and Jordan and the importance of strengthening existing cooperation in the industrial sector to achieve the best interests of both brotherly nations…
“The two sides discussed bilateral relations and available cooperation opportunities in several industrial sectors, as well as a number of joint projects… For his part, the Jordanian ambassador affirmed his country’s desire and keenness to solidify cooperation and joint work to serve the industries of both countries.”
According to the Bible, Iraq and Jordan will be part of an anti-Israel confederation.
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.
Many believe that Jesus just called His disciples randomly, without having known them before. This assumption is false. Christ knew them quite well. This includes His brothers and sisters.
As we explain in detail in part 3 of our free booklet, “Jesus Christ—a Great Mystery,” Jesus had half-brothers and half-sisters through His mother Mary. We read in Matthew 13:53-56 that the Jews said: “Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s Son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?’”
Christ’s audience knew that He had brothers and sisters. Four brothers are mentioned by name—James; Joses or Joseph; Simon; and Judas or Jude. Notice also that the Jews asked whether ALL His sisters were with them. This seems to strongly indicate that Christ had at least three sisters. If He had only two, the Jews would have said, “Are not His sisters with us?” or, “Are not both of His sisters with us?”
After Christ’s death and resurrection, His half-brothers who had initially not believed in Him, became converted. James became the apostle in Jerusalem. He wrote the letter of James. After his violent death, tradition has it that he was replaced by Christ’s half-brother Simon. [Others claim that James was replaced by Simon, a son of Clopas, see below]. Neither the Bible nor tradition tells us anything about Jesus’ half-brother Joses or Joseph, but the assumption is that he, too, became converted (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5). Jesus’ half-brother Jude or Judas wrote the epistle of Jude, in which he says in verse 1 that he is the brother of James. According to tradition, his grandchildren became leaders in the early Church.
It appears that Christ’s disciples John, who wrote the gospel according to John, the three epistles of John and the Book of Revelation, and his brother James who was later killed by Herod (compare Acts 12:1-2) were in fact Christ’s cousins. To show this, let’s note the following passages describing the women present when Jesus was crucified, and thereafter.
Mark 15:39-41:
“(39) So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this Man was the Son of God!’ (40) There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, (41) who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee…”
Mark 16:1:
“Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.”
Matthew 27:54-56:
“(54) So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’ (55) And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, (56) among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”
John 19:25:
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
There are quite a few women mentioned by name or referred to in those passages. Let us review these passages in detail.
To begin with, Mary Magdalene was no relative of Jesus. There is no indication that there was anything going on between Jesus and Mary Magdalene beyond a strong friendship (some claim incorrectly that they were engaged or married). Undoubtedly, Mary Magdalene had great love and respect for Jesus, which Jesus honored. He appeared to her first after His resurrection (Mark 16:9).
[In passing, another Mary is mentioned in the Bible—the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:39). She anointed Christ with oil. She is NOT identical to Mary Magdalene. She is not specifically mentioned at the time of Christ’s crucifixion. Also, another Mary, not present at the crucifixion, was the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12). John Mark was a nephew or cousin to Barnabas; Mary was the sister of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). Some feel that this Mark, an Evangelist, wrote the gospel according to Mark, with the help of the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Finally, a Christian woman with the name of Mary is mentioned in Rome (Romans 16:6).]In John 19:25, Mary the wife of Clopas is mentioned. In the Greek, it says, Mary of Clopas; the word “wife” has been added by the translator. According to Josephus, Mary was the daughter of Clopas, not his wife. Others maintain that she was indeed the wife of Clopas. Some identify this Mary, wife of Clopas, as the sister of Mary, mother of Jesus. They interpret the passage in John 19:25 to mean that “Mary, the wife of Clopas,” defines the phrase, “His mother’s sister.” However, this does not seem to be correct. Rather, John 19:25 lists four women, not just three (Jesus His mother; His mother’s sister; Mary the wife of Clopas; and Mary Magdalene).
Note how other translations render this verse.
The New International Version writes: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
See also the New American Standard Bible.
The Berean Standard Bible writes: “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.” Similar the German interpretation of “Hoffnung Für Alle” and the Menge Bible: “By the cross of Jesus stood His mother and the sister of His mother, also Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.” The annotation reads that the sister was Salome [see below].
The Amplified Bible states: “But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother’s sister [Salome], Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
The New Bible Commentary Revised states: “It seems most reasonable to suppose that there were two pairs, in which case Salome was Mary’s sister and Mary the wife of Clopas was mother of James of Alphaeus.” The Commentary of the Holy Bible, edited by Dummelow, agrees, stating: “Translate, therefore, ‘His mother and His mother’s sister (i.e. Salome, the mother of the evangelists) and Mary, the daughter of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.”
Clopas is perhaps mentioned by name in Luke 24:18, where we read: “Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?’” He was one of the two disciples who travelled to the village of Emmaus. On their way, the resurrected Christ appeared to them, but they did not recognize Him at first, as their eyes were “restrained.”
According to Josephus, Clopas was a brother of Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, and therefore the brother-in-law of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Note that “Mary of Clopas,” the mother of James (the Less or the Younger; Mark 15:40) and Joses or Joseph, was a different Mary than Mary, the mother of James and John. As mentioned, she was either the wife or the daughter of Clopas. If she was Clopas’ wife, then she was also the sister-in-law of Mary, mother of Jesus. If she was the daughter of Clopas, then Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have been her aunt. In any event, Jesus would have been related to them as well. James the Younger, also known as James the Less, was one of the twelve apostles. In Mark 3:18, he is identified as James, the son of Alphaeus. He is called less or little to distinguish him from the Apostle James, the brother of John, and because he might have been little in stature, or he might have been younger than the Apostle James, the brother of John.
What about Salome? Was she indeed the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John)? Was she also called Mary? Was she the sister of Jesus’ mother? As we already saw from some quotations above, Salome (Mark 16:1) is in fact viewed as being identical with the sister of Mary in John 19:25 AND with the wife of Zebedee and the mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” (Matthew 27:56; Matthew 10:2; compare Mark 3:17).
We stated this in Part 1 of our Q&A about the history of Christ:
“In December of 27 AD, Christ chose some of His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22). It is quite possible that James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were cousins of Christ [as Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was probably a cousin of Mary; Luke 1:36 [so the Authorized Version. Many renditions say: “your relative”]. This means that Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary, the mother of James and John, also called Salome, would have been sisters. Also, it has been suggested that Mary and Joseph were cousins.”
Since Salome or Mary, the wife of Zebedee, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have been sisters, James and John would have been Christ’s cousins. This close family connection would shed light on Salome’s [inappropriate] request to have her two sons sit at Jesus’ right and left hand in His Kingdom (Mark 10:35-37). It would also shed light on the fact that Jesus asked John, His cousin, to take care of His mother Mary (John 19:26-27). Because of humility, John does not name himself in this passage but identifies himself by saying, “the disciple whom He [Christ] loved”. Compare John 13:23. James and Jude act similarly when they speak about themselves as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1) or as “a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (Jude 1), rather than saying “brother of Jesus Christ.”
In 2 John, the Apostle John might in fact reveal His relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In 2 John 1, he addresses his letter to the “elect lady and her children.” In verse 13, he states: “The children of your elect sister greet you.” Some claim that John wrote in verse 1 to Mary, the mother of Jesus, calling her “the elect lady.” And that he addressed in verse 13 Salome or Mary, the mother of James and John, calling her “the elect sister” of the “elect lady.” The reference in verse 1 to Mary’s children could refer to Christ’s half-brothers and half-sisters; and the reference to the children of Salome in verse 13 could be to John himself (James was already dead by that time), and perhaps other unnamed children Salome might have had, including perhaps daughters.
James, the brother of John, was killed in 43 AD, as described in Acts 12:1-3: “Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.”
James, the half-brother of Jesus, was killed later, in 62 AD. He was thrown from a high pinnacle of the Temple, but did not die from the fall, and was then stoned and beaten to death with a club.
Finally, another interesting family relationship can be seen, when considering Joseph of Arimathea. We said in our above-mentioned Q&A:
“We don’t read much about the time of Christ’s youth (except for Jesus being in the temple at the age of 12), until He was baptized by John. But He was called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23), suggesting that He grew up and lived in Nazareth for most of His life. He is also referred to constantly as Jesus of Nazareth. However, there are credible reports that He might have accompanied His [or His mother Mary’s] uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, on his travels. His uncle [or great-uncle] was allegedly in the tin trading business, and might have reached England during his travels.”
So we see that in the New Testament, many leading disciples and apostles were, in one way or another, related to Christ. Christ did not randomly choose them, without having known them before. As their relative, He was intimately familiar with many of them. Of course, God knew all of them before the foundation of the world, and decided to call them at the time when Jesus was here on earth as a Man. But the fact still remains that Jesus knew many of them, having had contact with them as their relative, before He selected them.
When you are chosen by God today, He is—and has been—intimately familiar with you. Your calling is not the result of an accident or a product of time and chance. God knew you long before you were born. He called you in this day and age for a reason. You need to figure out what that specific reason is.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
compiled by Dave Harris
“The Third Temple—Coming Soon?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Will the Third Temple be built soon, or is it being delayed? This program discusses developments showing an indirect relationship to the Third Temple, as well as direct orders to build the Temple. However, we also show that some, who are responsible for building the Temple, seem to hesitate and thereby delay biblical prophecy. God won’t tolerate this much longer.
“Kommt der dritte Tempel bald?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as discussed above.
A Tech Team Meeting was conducted on February 1, 2026. Hosted by Eric Rank, a wide range of ideas and suggestions centering on our ad campaigns for both English and German booklets were discussed along with website maintenance items.
“Joseph in Egypt – Part 2” is the latest video in our Bible Story Series on YouTube.
“Bittet und ihr werdet empfangen,” this Sabbath’s new German sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Title in English: “Ask, And You Shall Receive.”
“Empathie,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Manuel Giermann, is now posted. Title in English: “Empathy.”
“Germany’s Continuing Rise in Europe—Comments on News and Prophecy, January 31, 2026,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Are you despairing of life? In light of the terrible developments in this world, this might be easy to do, but as Christians, we must not fall into that trap. This does not mean that we close our eyes and ignore what is happening in this world, as these are signs for the soon-coming Return of Jesus Christ. And so, in this program, we are addressing the remarkable military treaty between Germany and Italy and the call for an all-powerful European military leader, as well as the ongoing alienation between the USA and Europe and the terrible situation in Minnesota.
“A Pillar of God’s Word – Respect,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Kalon Mitchell, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Respect is not optional—it is a pillar of God’s Word that upholds families, communities, and our relationship with Him. This sermon contrasts respect and disrespect across Scripture, showing how love, humility, and reverence produce unity, while pride and contempt lead to division. In a world that is losing respect, God’s people are called to hold the line and reflect His character through proper respect in every relationship.
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
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On January 31, 2026, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, January 31, 2026,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “A Pillar of God’s Word – Respect.”
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.
JTA wrote on January 22:
“Jared Kushner presented a phased vision for the future of Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, saying that there was ‘no plan B’ when it comes to reconstructing the territory battered during the two-year war between Israel and Hamas… The 20-point vision… reflects elements of that ceasefire deal, which has been only partially implemented. It calls for… moving steadily northward until the entire Palestinian territory has been rebuilt, to include a seaport, airport and tourism infrastructure… [Not quite the Riviera of his father-in-law, but close.]
“Kushner said the most important step is to disarm Hamas, which still controls a portion of Gaza. Emphasized that reconstruction will take place only in portions of Gaza where Hamas is demilitarized, he said some Hamas members who agree to lay down their arms will be given amnesty and could become part of a new security apparatus in Gaza.
“Kushner suggested that he understood that his vision, which would take many years and at least $25 billion to implement, could encounter obstacles…
“Kushner’s presentation came as Trump held a ‘signing ceremony’ for his new ‘Board of Peace,’ an entity devised initially to oversee Gaza but whose mandate Trump has indicated could include other world conflicts. (Its charter does not mention Gaza specifically.) Of the 60 countries that the United States invited to join, representatives from about 20 attended the ceremony, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentina’s Javier Milei and officials from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“Orban was the only European leader present [Bulgaria was also represented]; other European countries have turned down the invitation to join the board or expressed concerns about its composition — potentially to include Russia — and potential to undercut other international bodies, about which Trump has expressed disdain.
“Israel also did not have a representative at the ceremony. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would join despite misgivings about the presence of Turkey and Qatar, which have backed Hamas, on the board. Netanyahu is not in Davos (Switzerland is party to the International Criminal Court, which has issued a warrant for his arrest) but Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is present, did not attend.”
This peace plan and the new Board of Peace are all destined to fail.
Handelsblatt reported on December 28:
“Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are deepening their partnership. High-ranking military officials from the three countries signed a joint action plan for military cooperation last week in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. Political observers see the rapprochement between the three countries as a response to Turkey’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the region.
“Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is in dispute with Greece and Cyprus over territorial rights and economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean. In Israel, there is particular concern about Turkey’s military presence in Syria… Against the backdrop of growing tensions between Turkey and Israel, military cooperation is now coming to the forefront.
“In Syria, the two countries are in direct confrontation. There, Turkey is attempting to gain political and military influence following the fall of the Assad regime. An Israeli government commission warned earlier this year that a Syria supported by Turkey could pose a greater threat than Iran.
“Concern is also growing in Athens. Turkish drones, as well as fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, have repeatedly violated Greek airspace in recent weeks. Although both countries are formally allies within NATO, this has not ended the rivalries that have been simmering for decades…”
“Today’s Israel, Greece, and Cyprus were part of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years… Israel also strictly rejects the participation of Turkish soldiers in the planned Gaza peacekeeping force – due to the close ties between the Turkish government and Hamas, which Erdogan describes as a ‘liberation movement’.”
Politico wrote on January 23:
“President Donald Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to participate in his ‘Board of Peace’ initiative, in the latest blow to the increasingly frosty relations between the North American neighbors… ‘Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,’ Carney said earlier Thursday [responding to Trump’s slur in Davos.]
“The withdrawn invitation deepens the fracture in the relationship between Trump and Carney, who stood with other NATO allies in opposition to the president’s campaign to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark…
“… many Western allies have yet to sign on, and France and the United Kingdom have said they will not participate in the plan. Yvette Cooper, the U.K.’s top diplomat, cited Trump’s invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the reason the U.K. won’t sign on.”
To invite Putin to the Board is perceived to be an incredible affront to all of Europe (except for Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban).
The Associated Press wrote on January 24:
“President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal… Trump initially said that agreement was what Carney ‘should be doing and it’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal.’…
“Trump’s threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican president’s push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that ‘Canada lives because of the United States.’ Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies.
“Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the president’s ‘Board of Peace’ that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed into the United States as a 51st state.
“He resumed that rhetoric this week, posting an altered image on social media showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canada’s leader ‘Governor Carney.’…
“Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump…. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.
About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.”
Canada could become unpleasant for the USA. In Europe, Carney is praised as a hero for his stance against Trump.
Financial Post wrote on January 20:
“Canada’s military has modelled [a] hypothetical U.S. invasion, reports say. ‘Canada will never be the 51st state,’ [Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita] Anand said.”
Obviously, Canada is taking Trump’s threats quite seriously.
The Guardian wrote on January 27:
“First, American forces would strike with poison gas munitions, seizing a strategically valuable port city. Soldiers would sever undersea cables, destroy bridges and rail lines to paralyze infrastructure. Major cities on the shores of lakes and rivers would be captured in order to blunt any civilian resistance. The multipronged invasion would rely on ground forces, amphibious landing and then mass internments. According to the architects of the plan, the attack would be short-lived and the besieged country would fall within days.
“The target was Canada, part of a classified 1930 strategy – War Plan Red – for a hypothetical war with Great Britain where the US would seek to deny it any foothold in North America. But the invasion plans, once dismissed as a fumbling historical quirk, have taken on fresh relevance as the US pivots its foreign policy to an increasingly aggressive view of its ‘pre-eminence’ in the western hemisphere and turns its sights on both foes and allies.
“In early January, the fusion of economic nationalism and belligerent foreign policy championed by Donald Trump was on full display when his government ordered the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and the US president announced on social media the US would seize control of the South American country’s oil. Days after, both Trump and prominent officials spoke openly of using military force to invade and capture Greenland for its strategic position and its immense mineral wealth. In late January,… Canada’s military had modelled a hypothetical invasion of Canada, suggesting guerrilla tactics, similar to those used to repel both Russian and US forces in Afghanistan, would supplant conventional war.
“… threats from Trump that he intends to annex Canada have rattled the country. Last year, Trump said the centuries-old border between the two nations was no more than an ‘artificially drawn line’ that, with force and persuasion, might be redrawn. ‘Somebody drew that line many years ago with, like, a ruler – just a straight line right across the top of the country,’ Trump told Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney – adding a unified continent was ‘the way it was meant to be’.
“On 20 January, Trump posted an altered image on his social media account that features the US flag covering Canada, Greenland and Venezuela. His comments, condemned by Canadian lawmakers, nonetheless exposed a deep and persistent anxiety that the country, despite decades of tight economic integration, remains vulnerable to US aggression.
“War Plan Red, first devised in 1927 and then approved in 1930, was drawn up amid fears from American military planners that Britain could launch a war against the US where Canada would be the most likely theatre for battle. US planners conceded that if they lost, Canada would ‘demand that Alaska be awarded to her’. But the plan highlighted both how Americans believed Canada… would fall quickly – and the broader flimsiness of political alliances… battle designs such as War Plan Red underscore fears within Canada of its continued vulnerability to US military action… Trump and his allies could deploy a sustained campaign to ‘demonize’ Canada by warning the 5,500-mile (8,850km) border has grown increasingly lawless and drugs are ‘pouring across’ in order to shift how Americans perceive of their northern neighbour…
“Last year, the then prime minister, Justin Trudeau, warned business leaders Trump’s threats to annex Canada were a ‘real thing’ and the president wanted to access the country’s critical minerals… A 2025 poll found that 43% of Canadians believed a military attack by the United States within five years was at least somewhat likely, with 10% deeming it highly likely or certain… “
Given subsequent events, a new poll would undoubtedly find that more than just 43% believe that a military attack by the USA is at least somewhat likely.
ABC News wrote on January 23, after Trump had announced the nebulous framework of an even more nebulous deal pertaining to Greenland:
“Greenland is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s second term has seen the president double down on his ambition to acquire the minerals-rich island — despite Danish and Greenlandic politicians repeatedly rebuffing him. Trump has suggested that U.S. sovereignty over Greenland is necessary to ensure American security and blunt Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic region. A 1951 defense agreement already grants the U.S. military access to Greenland, but Trump has suggested the accord is inadequate and has demanded ‘ownership.’…
“[Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette] Frederikson said in a Thursday morning statement that Copenhagen ‘cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.’ Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a Thursday press conference… that they have some ‘red lines’ including territorial integrity, international law and sovereignty...
“For [former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe] Kofod… any deal should be twinned with a European show of force. ‘The first step is power,’ Kofod said. Trump may soften his attacks ‘if he sees that he will have all of Europe — including the U.K., France, Germany — against him, and they are ready to defend Greenland,’ Kofod said, plus if he sees that European ‘retaliation is so massive that it will hurt the U.S. economy and interests.’ ‘Trump plays with all the instruments he has. Europe has to learn to play the power game,’ Kofod said…
“The turbulence will undermine European, American and collective NATO security, Kofod warned. ‘For the U.S. it’s also a big self-inflicted problem,’ he said. ‘But I don’t think Trump looks at the world like that. He thinks that NATO is there, it’s important, but it’s not something you cannot live without, because you just can form another alliance.’”
He already tried this with the Gaza Board of Peace, but that one will fail. Europe’s concerns that Trump may continue to try to acquire ownership of Greenland by whatever means continue.
Focus Online wrote on January 24:
“In Davos, there were negotiations, attempts at appeasement, and ultimately a sigh of relief. FOCUS columnist Jan Fleischhauer asks why Europe once again forgets the power it actually holds in relation to the USA…
“Fleischhauer reminds us that the EU is the largest economic area in the world. Larger than the USA, larger than China. Nevertheless, it’s celebrated as a success if they simply manage to avoid being completely taken advantage of…
“Fleischhauer considers this subservience unnecessary. Because Europe certainly has the means to exert pressure…”
SWR reported on January 23:
“The EU must act faster in the future. Therefore, former European Parliament President Martin Schulz advocates that some countries should move ahead – if not all EU member states agree – or if countries like Hungary block decisions. He sees the trio of Germany, France, and Italy as an important driving force for Europe. Schulz emphasizes that Germany should effectively utilize the remaining time of French President Macron’s term to advance joint projects.
“He believes Germany should also try to negotiate with the French about a European nuclear defense shield… Europeans should forge stronger economic and security alliances with democracies such as Canada and Australia in order to stand up to the current major powers and become more independent from the USA.”
In particular Schulz said this:
There should be no right of veto for all members. Instead, decisions should be made by majority vote. At least nine countries can join together without the others being able to prevent it. And if they want to do so. These could include: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Spain, and the other founding members of the EU (Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands).
He said that Europe must become independent of American military power, but that a European nuclear army is not possible without France. He emphasized that if one wants to, one can act very quickly. He also stated that people are afraid of war. When asked if he wanted to become chancellor, he gave only a vague answer.
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:
“The US will concentrate mostly on protecting the homeland and combating the threat posed by China, while expecting allies to look after their own defense with reduced help from Washington, according to a strategy document released by the Pentagon on Friday…
“The document describes Russia as ‘a persistent but manageable threat to NATO’s eastern members for the foreseeable future’ and calls on the US’s [European] NATO allies to ‘take the lead’ in defending Ukraine against Moscow’s invasion’ with critical but more limited US support.’’
npr added on January 24:
“The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administration’s focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere…
“The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for ‘a sharp shift — in approach, focus, and tone’…
“It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trump’s administration and traditional allies like Europe… As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s department will provide ‘credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain’… It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland… Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China…
“In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, ‘South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support.’”
Euronews wrote on January 22:
“The chief of Spain’s diplomacy, José Manuel Albares… called on Europe to take full control of its own security, arguing that the continent must move ‘towards a European army’…
“‘… we need firstly a coalition of the willing of European security, secondly, an integration of our industries of defence and in the end a European army.’”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:
“A new nationwide poll of Germans shows that a large majority (61%) views US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country…
“52% of respondents called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his administration to take a harder line when dealing with the nation’s longtime ally…”
Fox News wrote on January 26:
“Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says soccer fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer… Blatter cited Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption expert and law professor [who] told soccer fans to, ‘Stay away from the USA!’… Pieth added in his interview: ‘… upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.’…
“Trump’s stance toward Greenland has led to a call to boycott the World Cup this summer by German soccer federation executive Oke Göttlich…
“‘The country itself is in a state of tremendous turmoil,’ [Pieth] said. ‘What we’re witnessing domestically — the marginalization of political opponents, the abuses by immigration authorities, and so on — doesn’t exactly entice a fan to travel there… Pieth believes the U.S. has become ‘increasingly authoritarian.’”
According to Bild Online, dated January 26, Pieth also said that soccer fans could be deported to Middle America, and agents could confiscate their smartphones to see whether something negative had been written about Trump. This is clearly overblown, but it shows the growing antagonism of Europe towards Trump.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 23:
“Though Trump backed down by the end of the day, his two weeks’ worth of assaults over Greenland have rattled European diplomatic officials like nothing in recent memory,.. The alarm blended with disappointment in their own leaders’ response. On Thursday, an E.U. official told HuffPost they compared most European countries’ approach to the president to the fable of the frog and the scorpion: Both die after the former foolishly trusts that the latter will not sting and paralyze him. The scorpion, the official noted, was at least clear about its toxic nature.
“European institutions ‘don’t seem able to adapt to a world in which the U.S., that played such a crucial role in European integration, not to mention NATO, may actually turn into a threat,’ said Nathalie Tocci, the director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome.
“Philip Bednarczyk, an American who… works at the German Marshall Fund’s office in Poland… said this week led proponents of close ties with the U.S. in countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Poland to have ‘a painful recognition that we’re losing what we had.’ He expects pro-American voices in policymaking will lose out to rising anti-American sentiment…’”
Politico wrote on January 23:
“Diplomats and officials now fear the breakdown in personal trust between European leaders and Trump has potentially grave ramifications… Given how unreliable Trump has been as an ally to Europe, officials are now privately asking what [Trump’s] guarantees are really worth…
“While these leaders know they can no longer trust Trump’s America with Europe’s security, many of them lack the trust of their own voters to do what might be required instead.”
Daily Express published on January 24 the following article by Andrew Neil:
“… the wiser Nato allies in Europe know there can be no return to business as usual – that we’ve reached a watershed in global politics. That the Atlantic Alliance will never be the same again. That America under Trump must be now be regarded as an unreliable and capricious ally — and at times (Ukraine, Greenland, tariffs) to behave as an enemy. That European Nato, along with Canada, has no time to waste in preparing for a new world order in which they no longer depend for security on the USA…
“This is a wake up call for the British Government, which should take stock… Britain is being left behind – and nothing will change under the current Government. Starmer has neither the vision nor aptitude to meet the challenge. His Labour Party is a prisoner to old ways of thinking and redundant priorities… Our politics dwells on the frivolous, the insignificant, the irrelevant – when what’s at stake is nothing less than national survival. Until we recognise that we cannot be regarded as a serious country.”
The Daily Mail wrote on January 23:
“Keir Starmer led a chorus of fury against Donald Trump today after the president’s vile slur against British soldiers who fought and died in Afghanistan…. Politicians and military veterans reacted with outrage after the president told Fox News that Nato troops, including those from Britain, stayed ‘a little off the front lines’ during the war in Afghanistan.
“Some [455] British service personnel were killed in the conflict in Afghanistan, fighting alongside the US, and countless more were severely wounded…. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the Afghanistan conflict [followed by Canada with 158 deaths]… The US saw [2,465] deaths. America’s allies suffered 1,160 deaths during the conflict – around a third of the total coalition deaths.”
The Daily Mail wrote on January 24:
“Donald Trump has paid tribute to the UK’s ‘great and very brave soldiers’ – after sparking fury with claims British troops dodged the Afghanistan front line. In a statement, the US President said: ‘The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors…’
“Earlier this week Mr Trump was accused of ‘trampling on the memories’ of Britain’s 457 war dead with his claim they had stayed ‘a little off the frontlines’. The President made no mention of the Danes or other NATO soldiers who died in the country.”
Bowing to pressure and sharp criticism, including from King Charles, Keir Starmer, Rod Stewart, Prince Harry, Denmark, Germany and Poland, and many others, Trump backpedals, without apologizing. As mentioned above, he did not retract his defamation against other NATO soldiers who had died in Afghanistan, including those from Germany and Poland.
Focus reported on January 25:
“Deadly shots fired at another opponent of the U.S. immigration authorities during an ICE operation in Minneapolis are fueling anger against President Donald Trump’s administration. The parents of the man who was shot accused the officers of killing their son, Alex Pretti, without legitimate reason. They accused Trump’s administration of spreading lies about the incident in the state of Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security is portraying the case as self-defense on the part of the officer, but videos from the scene are fueling criticism of ICE raids against migrants and the heavy-handed tactics used against protesting civilians. Earlier in January, when 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Good was shot and killed in her car during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, the government also described the action as self-defense by an officer whose life was in imminent danger. But in that case, too, videos painted a different picture…”
“Several eyewitness videos of the incident on the street are circulating online, filmed from different perspectives. One of them, which the German Press Agency has verified, shows several masked individuals in tactical gear violently forcing a person to the ground and attempting to restrain him. This person is clearly Alex Pretti. He is eventually surrounded by eight officers. Then shots are fired; judging by the sound, there are about ten shots… Even after the man is lying motionless on the ground, at least one of the masked individuals continues to shoot at him.
“Regarding the question of whether Pretti was armed—he was, according to police, generally authorized to carry a firearm—the videos reviewed by dpa do not provide a clear answer. In one of the videos circulating on social media, it appears that ICE officers may have confiscated a pistol from him—but this was before the first shots were fired, which would further call into question the claim of an alleged imminent threat to the lives of the officers…
“Since the US government and its subordinate agencies under Trump regularly spread false claims or at least selectively present the truth, many people no longer believe their statements.”
This will continue. The next fatal shooting is inevitable.
Daily Mail wrote on January 26:
“Donald Trump has sidelined Kristi Noem and ordered her longtime rival [Tom Homan] to lead a rapidly deteriorating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis… Trump’s immigration crackdown plunged into yet another scandal on Saturday when ICE agents shot dead American citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse.
“It came amid weeks of riots in Minneapolis following the killing of anti-ICE protester Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Republican lawmakers in Washington have raised concerns that Noem’s operation has spiraled out of control… Trump himself has privately expressed that Noem’s department mishandled the public messaging in the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s shooting…
“Noem and Homan have battled for control of Trump’s mass deportation agenda from the start of the administration. Under Noem’s leadership, non-law enforcement DHS officials have feuded with career ICE officers, who are loyal to Homan, over how to detain and deport illegal migrants.
“Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump insider and Noem’s rumored lover, has publicly accused Homan of leaking to the Press and has sought to oust immigration officers close to the border czar. Homan now appears to have the President’s support after Trump appointed him to clean up the mess caused by Noem’s leadership in the Twin Cities.”
Replacing “incompetent” Noem with “radical” Homan? Insofar as the power struggle between DHS and ICE is concerned, it reminds us of the power struggle between the SA (Sturmabteilung) and the SS (Schutzstaffel) in Hitler’s Germany. Noem, Miller and Bovino immediately justified the horrible shooting of Alex Pretti as self-defense, misrepresented the facts, and labeled the victim as a domestic terrorist. Even the IRA objected to such classification.
The New York Post wrote on January 27:
“Noem demanded a two-hour meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office late Monday after she was elbowed aside amid backlash over her handling of the latest deadly shooting in Minneapolis by ICE agents… Numerous videos… showed the ICU nurse only holding a cellphone and trying to get away from the agents…
“Trump… didn’t suggest Noem’s job was on the line during the sit-down, sources told the outlet.”
In fact, according to Fox News, dated January 27, Trump said that Noem is doing a “great job.” This is not very promising.
Daily Mail added on January 27:
“Video showed eight agents surrounding Pretti and tackling him to the ground. The nurse, who was carrying a licensed firearm, appeared to have been disarmed before he was shot ten times in less than five seconds.
Fox News wrote on January 27:
“Melania Trump called for national unity Tuesday as tensions remain high following the fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis. ‘We need to unify… I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor [Tim Walz] and the mayor [Jacob Frey], and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,’ Mrs. Trump said… ‘I’m against violence so, please, if you protest, protest in peace.’”
What about “peaceful” conduct of brutal ICE and DHS agents???
The Atlantic wrote on January 26:
“Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role as Border Patrol ‘commander at large’ and will return to his former job in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the change…
“For the past seven months, Bovino has been the public face of a traveling immigration crackdown on cities governed by Democrats. Noem and other Trump officials gave Bovino the ‘commander’ title and sent him and his masked border agents to Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and then Minneapolis. Bovino… traveled the country with his own film crew and used social media to hit back at Democratic politicians and random critics online. Veteran ICE and CBP officials grew more and more uneasy as Bovino worked outside his agency’s chain of command and appeared to relish his role as a political actor.”
The White House disputed that Bovino, a close ally of Noem, was relieved of his duties, calling him a “great American,” but did not deny that he would leave Minneapolis. Bovino’s actions and conduct have been highly controversial. He even called the agents “victims” who shot Pretti on January 24. Bovino has found in November by a court to have lied dealing with his conduct against demonstrators. He has been nicknamed “little Napoleon.” He liked to dress in a Nazi-like outfit, being described by Der Spiegel as looking like “an elegant SS officer.” He has been nicknamed by some as “Gestapo Greg.” He has warned that those who compare him and his methods with the Gestapo will have to face consequences.
Newsweek wrote on January 26:
“Former U.S. representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has warned that Americans are being ‘incited into civil war,’ following the death of Alex Pretti…
“Writing on X, Greene… urged people from both sides of the political spectrum ‘to take off their political blinders’ and appeared to ask her supporters to question the events.”
Greene might have a point.
The Daily Mail wrote on January 28:
“For all presidents there comes an event that history will record as the tipping point moment of their administration. Joe Biden’s was when he disastrously withdrew US troops from Afghanistan seven months into his presidency, and his poll numbers never recovered. Jimmy Carter was torpedoed by his inability to solve the Iran hostage crisis. George W. Bush’s popularity never rebounded after Hurricane Katrina.
“Now, Donald Trump is facing his own reckoning as his approval rating sinks to a record low following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by immigration officers in Minneapolis.
“An exclusive Daily Mail/JL Partners poll shows Trump at 45 percent approval, his equal worst ever showing in the survey… It reveals 55 percent of Americans now disapprove of his overall performance. Worst of all for Trump, immigration, his signature issue for the last decade, is now proving to be an albatross around his neck, one of the areas where he has least support. Just 39 percent approve of his handling of the issue, with 47 percent disapproving.
“According to the Daily Mail poll, 53 percent of voters say the chaos in Minneapolis has been a ‘turning point’ moment for them personally. That includes 39 percent of Republicans. It marks, without question, a key watershed in his presidency….
“The zealousness with which ICE has pursued its mission is now the number one driver of disapproval of the president, the Daily Mail poll revealed… there has been a constant deluge of news reports about undocumented foreign nannies and gardeners being arrested by masked and heavily armed ICE operatives, culminating in the disaster that has now engulfed Minneapolis…. the Daily Mail poll shows America holds him responsible for events in Minneapolis…. ICE itself was viewed favorably by only 32 percent, and unfavorably by 55 percent…
“Beyond ICE and Minneapolis, there is a wider problem too. Trump is struggling on all issues, according to the poll. Only 36 percent of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, with 51 percent disapproving. Even less, 33 percent, approve of his efforts to tackle inflation, with 53 percent disapproving.
“Just 31 percent approve on healthcare, with 49 percent disapproval. Foreign policy – where he has focused much of his time – stands at 36 percent approval and 47 percent disapproval….
“Republicans face losing control of the House [during the Midterm elections], leaving Trump fighting an uphill battle for the final two years of his presidency, along with the possibility of being impeached for a third time.”
While prior impeachments were doomed to fail, due to the strictly political nature of the allegations and the absence of judicial violations, this time around may be different, as an impeachment for some of Trump’s perceived illegal actions might very well be justified.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 23:
“Donald Trump on Thursday reignited speculation about serving beyond January 2029, when his second term in office is due to end. Posting on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote: ‘RECORD NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE! SHOULD I TRY FOR A FOURTH TERM?’…
“It is unclear what Trump exactly meant by a ‘fourth’ term. The remark could reference his… claim that he won the 2020 election against Joe Biden… [or] it could suggest a bid to serve two additional terms.”
“Record numbers all over the place”? Trump is really hallucinating. So is J.D. Vance. Note the next article.
Yahoo! News wrote on January 23:
“JD Vance needed an analogy for the Trump economy and landed on… the Titanic. The vice president, 41, got mocked relentlessly on social media after making a head-scratching metaphor in a speech intended to tout the Trump administration’s economic policies.
As he stood in front of a massive banner that promised “lower prices” and “bigger paychecks” in the manufacturing town of Toledo, Ohio, Vance blamed the affordability crisis—once dismissed as a ’hoax’ by President Donald Trump—on the Biden administration… ‘You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight. It takes time to fix what was broken.’”
Of course, the Titanic was never “fixed.” The “indestructible” ship sank in 1912 after it struck an iceberg, leaving over 1,500 passengers dead. However, Vance’s analogy inadvertently and unintentionally told the Truth: America, the Titanic, will not be fixed, but it will go down.
The Sun wrote on January 23:
“IRAN has issued a chilling threat to Donald Trump after he ordered a military armada towards the Ayatollah’s regime and warned that Washington was ‘watching’…
“A top Khamenei crony said on Friday that the mullahs may target US-linked investments in the Middle East – if Trump were to step in and strike Iran… Ayatollah henchman Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari said: ‘The one trillion dollars you have invested in the region is under the watch of our missiles.’…
“Fears that the Iranian regime is still killing protesters under the guise of a total internet blackout are resurfacing. President Trump said he had received assurances that the killing had stopped earlier this month, but speculation is mounting that Supreme Leader Khamenei may continue executing civilians. Iran’s top prosecutor even denied claims that Iran had permanently called off some 800 executions – as Trump had previously claimed.”
npr wrote on January 27:
“After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union announced Tuesday they have reached a free trade agreement to deepen economic and strategic ties. The accord, which the EU chief described as the ‘mother of all deals,’ could affect as many as 2 billion people. The deal between two of the world’s biggest markets comes as Washington targets both India and the EU with steep import tariffs, disrupting established trade flows and pushing major economies to seek alternate partnerships. ‘This agreement will bring major opportunities for the people of India and Europe,’ India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a virtual address to an energy conference. ‘It represents 25% of the global GDP and one-third of global trade.’
“The accord will see free trade on almost all goods between the 27 members of the EU and India, covering everything from textiles to medicines and bringing down high import taxes for European wine and cars… India is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs for 96.6% of EU exports, while Brussels will reciprocate with similar reductions in phases that eventually cover nearly 99% of India’s shipments by trade value…”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 23:
“Germany and Italy are deepening defense and economic cooperation with the leaders of the two countries signing an agreement in Rome. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on closer cooperation in the production of drones, naval vessels, underwater systems and air and missile defense systems.
“The leaders are also looking to collaborate in the development of electronic warfare and aerial combat defense systems.”
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) added on January 23:
“The Italy-Germany partnership could knock down the barriers that are holding Europe back… Today’s meeting in Rome marked a qualitative shift from alignment to structured co-governance… This sends a signal that Italy and Germany intend to shape the European defence pillar together rather than merely contribute to it separately.”
More than 20 ministers from Italy and Germany met in Rome to discuss the implementation of the signed agreements. It reminds us somewhat of the infamous “Pact of Steel” between Italy and Germany which was signed in Berlin on May 22, 1939, declaring cooperation concerning the military and the economy.
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.
On January 31, 2026, Norbert Link will present, “Comments on News and Prophecy, January 31, 2026,” and Kalon Mitchell will present the sermon, titled, “A Pillar of God’s Word – Respect.”
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.
by Norbert Link
Going back in time: Following the October 1973 Yom Kippur war, we were experiencing the Arab oil embargo (1973-1974) which also saw an unprecedented surge in global oil prices, when workers, students and soldiers took to the streets. All of this strained the US economy that had grown increasingly dependent on foreign oil. We were also confronted with the 1973-1975 recession; a terrible decline of about 48% at the stock market; and the Angola crisis (1974-75) contributing to strained relations between the USA and Russia.
The hotly disputed and highly controversial Vietnam War only ended in April of 1975, even though America had already withdrawn its troops in March of 1973. Still, the memory of that terrible war, in which about 58,000 American soldiers had died, still lingered on. The U.S. withdrew from Vietnam primarily due to immense domestic opposition, high casualties, massive financial costs, and the failure to achieve its goals. Key factors included growing anti-war protests fueled by media coverage, and the disillusionment with government. (Nothing has changed, has it?)
It was at that time in the early 70’s when many felt that Christ would come back very soon. And so, they did not take care of important aspects of their lives—from going to college or university and pursuing a career to saving money and looking after their financial situation. It also affected, to an extent, the concepts of marriage and family life.
I remember it well. I was baptized in December of 1974, and in early 1975, after a Bible study, a Church member asked whether the time had come not to get married anymore, in light of Paul’s warning of a present and coming difficult situation or “distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26). Fortunately, the Pastor said he did not feel that this would apply then. But what if he had answered differently, and members had taken him at his word? What if I had followed a ministerial advice not to get married and have children? No marriage to my wife; no children, no grandchildren. (This shows the tremendous responsibility of a minister to give good, solid and godly advice.)
As we can see, many developments at the time in the 70’s mirrored pretty much what we are experiencing today. But now, we are very clearly much closer to Christ’s return than 50 years ago. However, if I were to be asked today whether the time had come not to get married or have children, my advice would be the same as the advice of the Pastor was way back then. I was ordained almost 30 years ago. During that time, I have never advised against marriage in the Church, because of “the signs of the time,” and I would not do so today. (Maybe in the future, but I had better be absolutely sure that at that time, it would be godly advice).
First of all, Christ told us that we do not know the times or the seasons or the day or the hour of His return. Not even He knows it—only the Father does. But God can delay or accelerate that moment. In the meantime, what are we to do? Are we to be living in fear and despair and hopelessness and resignation? Just the opposite! We must live in a way that we are worthy to escape all the terrible things to come and to stand before the Son of Man when He returns. But we also must live and prepare as if an entire lifetime of many years is still ahead of us. And we must do so with JOY, knowing that God is there to guide us and to direct our steps, if we let Him.
To be very specific, this means to get an occupation and career if you can (don’t be satisfied with working at a fast-food store for the rest of your life). This means going to college or university to get a degree and an education. This means, get married and have children, if the right opportunity presents itself. This means, don’t despair and give up on life or on God and become a hermit on a forsaken island—not even in your mind.
Live your life with joy—in spite of the evil days which are here and which will come. You CAN live with joy and hope and zeal and dedication in this terrible world. And there is still good in this world as well. Mr. Armstrong felt, for example, that the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena was one of the prettiest occasions this world has to offer (but he did not like the garbage and dirt left behind after the parade).
And so, enjoy going with your family to a theater to watch a good movie together; enjoy going together to an amusement park; a zoo; or on sight-seeing trips. And especially to the younger people, God says:
“Rejoice, O young man [or young lady], in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Of course, don’t behave foolishly and do the wrong things because “know that for all these God will bring you into judgment” (same verse). Still, “remove sorrow from your heart” (verse 10), while putting away “evil from your flesh” (same verse).
This admonition is not limited to young people. God tells all of us—young and old—to live a meaningful life of joy, dedication, and zeal.
When we know God’s Way of Life and walk in it, then Christ gives us this astonishing and comforting promise, in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
This joy will and must never go away, as we read also in John 16:22: “… your joy no one will take from you.”
And so, we read the following conclusion of the matter in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
by Norbert Link
We begin with articles about plans for Gaza’s future, as presented by Jared Kushner and envisioned by his father-in-law, Donald Trump—all of which are doomed to fail. In this context, we also report on a military alliance agreement between Israel, Greece and Cyprus against Turkey.
We speak about ongoing threats by Trump against Canada and Panama; more nonsense from Trump and J.D. Vance; and we address another fatal shooting by federal agents in Minnesota.
We focus on Europe’s anger with Trump and America; America’s refusal of total military support for Europe; and on a military treaty between Germany and Italy. We also address the concept that in all of this, Britain may be left behind.
Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Will the USA Invade Canada?”
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
JTA wrote on January 22:
“Jared Kushner presented a phased vision for the future of Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, saying that there was ‘no plan B’ when it comes to reconstructing the territory battered during the two-year war between Israel and Hamas… The 20-point vision… reflects elements of that ceasefire deal, which has been only partially implemented. It calls for… moving steadily northward until the entire Palestinian territory has been rebuilt, to include a seaport, airport and tourism infrastructure… [Not quite the Riviera of his father-in-law, but close.]
“Kushner said the most important step is to disarm Hamas, which still controls a portion of Gaza. Emphasized that reconstruction will take place only in portions of Gaza where Hamas is demilitarized, he said some Hamas members who agree to lay down their arms will be given amnesty and could become part of a new security apparatus in Gaza.
“Kushner suggested that he understood that his vision, which would take many years and at least $25 billion to implement, could encounter obstacles…
“Kushner’s presentation came as Trump held a ‘signing ceremony’ for his new ‘Board of Peace,’ an entity devised initially to oversee Gaza but whose mandate Trump has indicated could include other world conflicts. (Its charter does not mention Gaza specifically.) Of the 60 countries that the United States invited to join, representatives from about 20 attended the ceremony, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentina’s Javier Milei and officials from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“Orban was the only European leader present [Bulgaria was also represented]; other European countries have turned down the invitation to join the board or expressed concerns about its composition — potentially to include Russia — and potential to undercut other international bodies, about which Trump has expressed disdain.
“Israel also did not have a representative at the ceremony. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would join despite misgivings about the presence of Turkey and Qatar, which have backed Hamas, on the board. Netanyahu is not in Davos (Switzerland is party to the International Criminal Court, which has issued a warrant for his arrest) but Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is present, did not attend.”
This peace plan and the new Board of Peace are all destined to fail.
Handelsblatt reported on December 28:
“Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are deepening their partnership. High-ranking military officials from the three countries signed a joint action plan for military cooperation last week in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. Political observers see the rapprochement between the three countries as a response to Turkey’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the region.
“Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is in dispute with Greece and Cyprus over territorial rights and economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean. In Israel, there is particular concern about Turkey’s military presence in Syria… Against the backdrop of growing tensions between Turkey and Israel, military cooperation is now coming to the forefront.
“In Syria, the two countries are in direct confrontation. There, Turkey is attempting to gain political and military influence following the fall of the Assad regime. An Israeli government commission warned earlier this year that a Syria supported by Turkey could pose a greater threat than Iran.
“Concern is also growing in Athens. Turkish drones, as well as fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, have repeatedly violated Greek airspace in recent weeks. Although both countries are formally allies within NATO, this has not ended the rivalries that have been simmering for decades…”
“Today’s Israel, Greece, and Cyprus were part of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years… Israel also strictly rejects the participation of Turkish soldiers in the planned Gaza peacekeeping force – due to the close ties between the Turkish government and Hamas, which Erdogan describes as a ‘liberation movement’.”
Politico wrote on January 23:
“President Donald Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to participate in his ‘Board of Peace’ initiative, in the latest blow to the increasingly frosty relations between the North American neighbors… ‘Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,’ Carney said earlier Thursday [responding to Trump’s slur in Davos.]
“The withdrawn invitation deepens the fracture in the relationship between Trump and Carney, who stood with other NATO allies in opposition to the president’s campaign to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark…
“… many Western allies have yet to sign on, and France and the United Kingdom have said they will not participate in the plan. Yvette Cooper, the U.K.’s top diplomat, cited Trump’s invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the reason the U.K. won’t sign on.”
To invite Putin to the Board is perceived to be an incredible affront to all of Europe (except for Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban).
The Associated Press wrote on January 24:
“President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal… Trump initially said that agreement was what Carney ‘should be doing and it’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal.’…
“Trump’s threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican president’s push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that ‘Canada lives because of the United States.’ Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies.
“Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the president’s ‘Board of Peace’ that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trump’s push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed into the United States as a 51st state.
“He resumed that rhetoric this week, posting an altered image on social media showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canada’s leader ‘Governor Carney.’…
“Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump…. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.
About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.”
Canada could become unpleasant for the USA. In Europe, Carney is praised as a hero for his stance against Trump.
Financial Post wrote on January 20:
“Canada’s military has modelled [a] hypothetical U.S. invasion, reports say. ‘Canada will never be the 51st state,’ [Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita] Anand said.”
Obviously, Canada is taking Trump’s threats quite seriously.
The Guardian wrote on January 27:
“First, American forces would strike with poison gas munitions, seizing a strategically valuable port city. Soldiers would sever undersea cables, destroy bridges and rail lines to paralyze infrastructure. Major cities on the shores of lakes and rivers would be captured in order to blunt any civilian resistance. The multipronged invasion would rely on ground forces, amphibious landing and then mass internments. According to the architects of the plan, the attack would be short-lived and the besieged country would fall within days.
“The target was Canada, part of a classified 1930 strategy – War Plan Red – for a hypothetical war with Great Britain where the US would seek to deny it any foothold in North America. But the invasion plans, once dismissed as a fumbling historical quirk, have taken on fresh relevance as the US pivots its foreign policy to an increasingly aggressive view of its ‘pre-eminence’ in the western hemisphere and turns its sights on both foes and allies.
“In early January, the fusion of economic nationalism and belligerent foreign policy championed by Donald Trump was on full display when his government ordered the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and the US president announced on social media the US would seize control of the South American country’s oil. Days after, both Trump and prominent officials spoke openly of using military force to invade and capture Greenland for its strategic position and its immense mineral wealth. In late January,… Canada’s military had modelled a hypothetical invasion of Canada, suggesting guerrilla tactics, similar to those used to repel both Russian and US forces in Afghanistan, would supplant conventional war.
“… threats from Trump that he intends to annex Canada have rattled the country. Last year, Trump said the centuries-old border between the two nations was no more than an ‘artificially drawn line’ that, with force and persuasion, might be redrawn. ‘Somebody drew that line many years ago with, like, a ruler – just a straight line right across the top of the country,’ Trump told Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney – adding a unified continent was ‘the way it was meant to be’.
“On 20 January, Trump posted an altered image on his social media account that features the US flag covering Canada, Greenland and Venezuela. His comments, condemned by Canadian lawmakers, nonetheless exposed a deep and persistent anxiety that the country, despite decades of tight economic integration, remains vulnerable to US aggression.
“War Plan Red, first devised in 1927 and then approved in 1930, was drawn up amid fears from American military planners that Britain could launch a war against the US where Canada would be the most likely theatre for battle. US planners conceded that if they lost, Canada would ‘demand that Alaska be awarded to her’. But the plan highlighted both how Americans believed Canada… would fall quickly – and the broader flimsiness of political alliances… battle designs such as War Plan Red underscore fears within Canada of its continued vulnerability to US military action… Trump and his allies could deploy a sustained campaign to ‘demonize’ Canada by warning the 5,500-mile (8,850km) border has grown increasingly lawless and drugs are ‘pouring across’ in order to shift how Americans perceive of their northern neighbour…
“Last year, the then prime minister, Justin Trudeau, warned business leaders Trump’s threats to annex Canada were a ‘real thing’ and the president wanted to access the country’s critical minerals… A 2025 poll found that 43% of Canadians believed a military attack by the United States within five years was at least somewhat likely, with 10% deeming it highly likely or certain… “
Given subsequent events, a new poll would undoubtedly find that more than just 43% believe that a military attack by the USA is at least somewhat likely.
ABC News wrote on January 23, after Trump had announced the nebulous framework of an even more nebulous deal pertaining to Greenland:
“Greenland is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s second term has seen the president double down on his ambition to acquire the minerals-rich island — despite Danish and Greenlandic politicians repeatedly rebuffing him. Trump has suggested that U.S. sovereignty over Greenland is necessary to ensure American security and blunt Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic region. A 1951 defense agreement already grants the U.S. military access to Greenland, but Trump has suggested the accord is inadequate and has demanded ‘ownership.’…
“[Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette] Frederikson said in a Thursday morning statement that Copenhagen ‘cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.’ Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a Thursday press conference… that they have some ‘red lines’ including territorial integrity, international law and sovereignty...
“For [former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe] Kofod… any deal should be twinned with a European show of force. ‘The first step is power,’ Kofod said. Trump may soften his attacks ‘if he sees that he will have all of Europe — including the U.K., France, Germany — against him, and they are ready to defend Greenland,’ Kofod said, plus if he sees that European ‘retaliation is so massive that it will hurt the U.S. economy and interests.’ ‘Trump plays with all the instruments he has. Europe has to learn to play the power game,’ Kofod said…
“The turbulence will undermine European, American and collective NATO security, Kofod warned. ‘For the U.S. it’s also a big self-inflicted problem,’ he said. ‘But I don’t think Trump looks at the world like that. He thinks that NATO is there, it’s important, but it’s not something you cannot live without, because you just can form another alliance.’”
He already tried this with the Gaza Board of Peace, but that one will fail. Europe’s concerns that Trump may continue to try to acquire ownership of Greenland by whatever means continue.
Focus Online wrote on January 24:
“In Davos, there were negotiations, attempts at appeasement, and ultimately a sigh of relief. FOCUS columnist Jan Fleischhauer asks why Europe once again forgets the power it actually holds in relation to the USA…
“Fleischhauer reminds us that the EU is the largest economic area in the world. Larger than the USA, larger than China. Nevertheless, it’s celebrated as a success if they simply manage to avoid being completely taken advantage of…
“Fleischhauer considers this subservience unnecessary. Because Europe certainly has the means to exert pressure…”
SWR reported on January 23:
“The EU must act faster in the future. Therefore, former European Parliament President Martin Schulz advocates that some countries should move ahead – if not all EU member states agree – or if countries like Hungary block decisions. He sees the trio of Germany, France, and Italy as an important driving force for Europe. Schulz emphasizes that Germany should effectively utilize the remaining time of French President Macron’s term to advance joint projects.
“He believes Germany should also try to negotiate with the French about a European nuclear defense shield… Europeans should forge stronger economic and security alliances with democracies such as Canada and Australia in order to stand up to the current major powers and become more independent from the USA.”
In particular Schulz said this:
There should be no right of veto for all members. Instead, decisions should be made by majority vote. At least nine countries can join together without the others being able to prevent it. And if they want to do so. These could include: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Spain, and the other founding members of the EU (Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands).
He said that Europe must become independent of American military power, but that a European nuclear army is not possible without France. He emphasized that if one wants to, one can act very quickly. He also stated that people are afraid of war. When asked if he wanted to become chancellor, he gave only a vague answer.
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:
“The US will concentrate mostly on protecting the homeland and combating the threat posed by China, while expecting allies to look after their own defense with reduced help from Washington, according to a strategy document released by the Pentagon on Friday…
“The document describes Russia as ‘a persistent but manageable threat to NATO’s eastern members for the foreseeable future’ and calls on the US’s [European] NATO allies to ‘take the lead’ in defending Ukraine against Moscow’s invasion’ with critical but more limited US support.’’
npr added on January 24:
“The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administration’s focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere…
“The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for ‘a sharp shift — in approach, focus, and tone’…
“It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trump’s administration and traditional allies like Europe… As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s department will provide ‘credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain’… It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland… Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China…
“In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, ‘South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support.’”
Euronews wrote on January 22:
“The chief of Spain’s diplomacy, José Manuel Albares… called on Europe to take full control of its own security, arguing that the continent must move ‘towards a European army’…
“‘… we need firstly a coalition of the willing of European security, secondly, an integration of our industries of defence and in the end a European army.’”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 24:
“A new nationwide poll of Germans shows that a large majority (61%) views US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country…
“52% of respondents called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his administration to take a harder line when dealing with the nation’s longtime ally…”
Fox News wrote on January 26:
“Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says soccer fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer… Blatter cited Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption expert and law professor [who] told soccer fans to, ‘Stay away from the USA!’… Pieth added in his interview: ‘… upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.’…
“Trump’s stance toward Greenland has led to a call to boycott the World Cup this summer by German soccer federation executive Oke Göttlich…
“‘The country itself is in a state of tremendous turmoil,’ [Pieth] said. ‘What we’re witnessing domestically — the marginalization of political opponents, the abuses by immigration authorities, and so on — doesn’t exactly entice a fan to travel there… Pieth believes the U.S. has become ‘increasingly authoritarian.’”
According to Bild Online, dated January 26, Pieth also said that soccer fans could be deported to Middle America, and agents could confiscate their smartphones to see whether something negative had been written about Trump. This is clearly overblown, but it shows the growing antagonism of Europe towards Trump.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 23:
“Though Trump backed down by the end of the day, his two weeks’ worth of assaults over Greenland have rattled European diplomatic officials like nothing in recent memory,.. The alarm blended with disappointment in their own leaders’ response. On Thursday, an E.U. official told HuffPost they compared most European countries’ approach to the president to the fable of the frog and the scorpion: Both die after the former foolishly trusts that the latter will not sting and paralyze him. The scorpion, the official noted, was at least clear about its toxic nature.
“European institutions ‘don’t seem able to adapt to a world in which the U.S., that played such a crucial role in European integration, not to mention NATO, may actually turn into a threat,’ said Nathalie Tocci, the director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome.
“Philip Bednarczyk, an American who… works at the German Marshall Fund’s office in Poland… said this week led proponents of close ties with the U.S. in countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Poland to have ‘a painful recognition that we’re losing what we had.’ He expects pro-American voices in policymaking will lose out to rising anti-American sentiment…’”
Politico wrote on January 23:
“Diplomats and officials now fear the breakdown in personal trust between European leaders and Trump has potentially grave ramifications… Given how unreliable Trump has been as an ally to Europe, officials are now privately asking what [Trump’s] guarantees are really worth…
“While these leaders know they can no longer trust Trump’s America with Europe’s security, many of them lack the trust of their own voters to do what might be required instead.”
Daily Express published on January 24 the following article by Andrew Neil:
“… the wiser Nato allies in Europe know there can be no return to business as usual – that we’ve reached a watershed in global politics. That the Atlantic Alliance will never be the same again. That America under Trump must be now be regarded as an unreliable and capricious ally — and at times (Ukraine, Greenland, tariffs) to behave as an enemy. That European Nato, along with Canada, has no time to waste in preparing for a new world order in which they no longer depend for security on the USA…
“This is a wake up call for the British Government, which should take stock… Britain is being left behind – and nothing will change under the current Government. Starmer has neither the vision nor aptitude to meet the challenge. His Labour Party is a prisoner to old ways of thinking and redundant priorities… Our politics dwells on the frivolous, the insignificant, the irrelevant – when what’s at stake is nothing less than national survival. Until we recognise that we cannot be regarded as a serious country.”
The Daily Mail wrote on January 23:
“Keir Starmer led a chorus of fury against Donald Trump today after the president’s vile slur against British soldiers who fought and died in Afghanistan…. Politicians and military veterans reacted with outrage after the president told Fox News that Nato troops, including those from Britain, stayed ‘a little off the front lines’ during the war in Afghanistan.
“Some [455] British service personnel were killed in the conflict in Afghanistan, fighting alongside the US, and countless more were severely wounded…. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the Afghanistan conflict [followed by Canada with 158 deaths]… The US saw [2,465] deaths. America’s allies suffered 1,160 deaths during the conflict – around a third of the total coalition deaths.”
The Daily Mail wrote on January 24:
“Donald Trump has paid tribute to the UK’s ‘great and very brave soldiers’ – after sparking fury with claims British troops dodged the Afghanistan front line. In a statement, the US President said: ‘The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors…’
“Earlier this week Mr Trump was accused of ‘trampling on the memories’ of Britain’s 457 war dead with his claim they had stayed ‘a little off the frontlines’. The President made no mention of the Danes or other NATO soldiers who died in the country.”
Bowing to pressure and sharp criticism, including from King Charles, Keir Starmer, Rod Stewart, Prince Harry, Denmark, Germany and Poland, and many others, Trump backpedals, without apologizing. As mentioned above, he did not retract his defamation against other NATO soldiers who had died in Afghanistan, including those from Germany and Poland.
Focus reported on January 25:
“Deadly shots fired at another opponent of the U.S. immigration authorities during an ICE operation in Minneapolis are fueling anger against President Donald Trump’s administration. The parents of the man who was shot accused the officers of killing their son, Alex Pretti, without legitimate reason. They accused Trump’s administration of spreading lies about the incident in the state of Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security is portraying the case as self-defense on the part of the officer, but videos from the scene are fueling criticism of ICE raids against migrants and the heavy-handed tactics used against protesting civilians. Earlier in January, when 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Good was shot and killed in her car during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, the government also described the action as self-defense by an officer whose life was in imminent danger. But in that case, too, videos painted a different picture…”
“Several eyewitness videos of the incident on the street are circulating online, filmed from different perspectives. One of them, which the German Press Agency has verified, shows several masked individuals in tactical gear violently forcing a person to the ground and attempting to restrain him. This person is clearly Alex Pretti. He is eventually surrounded by eight officers. Then shots are fired; judging by the sound, there are about ten shots… Even after the man is lying motionless on the ground, at least one of the masked individuals continues to shoot at him.
“Regarding the question of whether Pretti was armed—he was, according to police, generally authorized to carry a firearm—the videos reviewed by dpa do not provide a clear answer. In one of the videos circulating on social media, it appears that ICE officers may have confiscated a pistol from him—but this was before the first shots were fired, which would further call into question the claim of an alleged imminent threat to the lives of the officers…
“Since the US government and its subordinate agencies under Trump regularly spread false claims or at least selectively present the truth, many people no longer believe their statements.”
This will continue. The next fatal shooting is inevitable.
Daily Mail wrote on January 26:
“Donald Trump has sidelined Kristi Noem and ordered her longtime rival [Tom Homan] to lead a rapidly deteriorating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis… Trump’s immigration crackdown plunged into yet another scandal on Saturday when ICE agents shot dead American citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse.
“It came amid weeks of riots in Minneapolis following the killing of anti-ICE protester Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Republican lawmakers in Washington have raised concerns that Noem’s operation has spiraled out of control… Trump himself has privately expressed that Noem’s department mishandled the public messaging in the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s shooting…
“Noem and Homan have battled for control of Trump’s mass deportation agenda from the start of the administration. Under Noem’s leadership, non-law enforcement DHS officials have feuded with career ICE officers, who are loyal to Homan, over how to detain and deport illegal migrants.
“Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump insider and Noem’s rumored lover, has publicly accused Homan of leaking to the Press and has sought to oust immigration officers close to the border czar. Homan now appears to have the President’s support after Trump appointed him to clean up the mess caused by Noem’s leadership in the Twin Cities.”
Replacing “incompetent” Noem with “radical” Homan? Insofar as the power struggle between DHS and ICE is concerned, it reminds us of the power struggle between the SA (Sturmabteilung) and the SS (Schutzstaffel) in Hitler’s Germany. Noem, Miller and Bovino immediately justified the horrible shooting of Alex Pretti as self-defense, misrepresented the facts, and labeled the victim as a domestic terrorist. Even the IRA objected to such classification.
The New York Post wrote on January 27:
“Noem demanded a two-hour meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office late Monday after she was elbowed aside amid backlash over her handling of the latest deadly shooting in Minneapolis by ICE agents… Numerous videos… showed the ICU nurse only holding a cellphone and trying to get away from the agents…
“Trump… didn’t suggest Noem’s job was on the line during the sit-down, sources told the outlet.”
In fact, according to Fox News, dated January 27, Trump said that Noem is doing a “great job.” This is not very promising.
Daily Mail added on January 27:
“Video showed eight agents surrounding Pretti and tackling him to the ground. The nurse, who was carrying a licensed firearm, appeared to have been disarmed before he was shot ten times in less than five seconds.
Fox News wrote on January 27:
“Melania Trump called for national unity Tuesday as tensions remain high following the fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis. ‘We need to unify… I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor [Tim Walz] and the mayor [Jacob Frey], and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,’ Mrs. Trump said… ‘I’m against violence so, please, if you protest, protest in peace.’”
What about “peaceful” conduct of brutal ICE and DHS agents???
The Atlantic wrote on January 26:
“Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role as Border Patrol ‘commander at large’ and will return to his former job in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire soon, according to a DHS official and two people with knowledge of the change…
“For the past seven months, Bovino has been the public face of a traveling immigration crackdown on cities governed by Democrats. Noem and other Trump officials gave Bovino the ‘commander’ title and sent him and his masked border agents to Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and then Minneapolis. Bovino… traveled the country with his own film crew and used social media to hit back at Democratic politicians and random critics online. Veteran ICE and CBP officials grew more and more uneasy as Bovino worked outside his agency’s chain of command and appeared to relish his role as a political actor.”
The White House disputed that Bovino, a close ally of Noem, was relieved of his duties, calling him a “great American,” but did not deny that he would leave Minneapolis. Bovino’s actions and conduct have been highly controversial. He even called the agents “victims” who shot Pretti on January 24. Bovino has found in November by a court to have lied dealing with his conduct against demonstrators. He has been nicknamed “little Napoleon.” He liked to dress in a Nazi-like outfit, being described by Der Spiegel as looking like “an elegant SS officer.” He has been nicknamed by some as “Gestapo Greg.” He has warned that those who compare him and his methods with the Gestapo will have to face consequences.
Newsweek wrote on January 26:
“Former U.S. representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has warned that Americans are being ‘incited into civil war,’ following the death of Alex Pretti…
“Writing on X, Greene… urged people from both sides of the political spectrum ‘to take off their political blinders’ and appeared to ask her supporters to question the events.”
Greene might have a point.
The Daily Mail wrote on January 28:
“For all presidents there comes an event that history will record as the tipping point moment of their administration. Joe Biden’s was when he disastrously withdrew US troops from Afghanistan seven months into his presidency, and his poll numbers never recovered. Jimmy Carter was torpedoed by his inability to solve the Iran hostage crisis. George W. Bush’s popularity never rebounded after Hurricane Katrina.
“Now, Donald Trump is facing his own reckoning as his approval rating sinks to a record low following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by immigration officers in Minneapolis.
“An exclusive Daily Mail/JL Partners poll shows Trump at 45 percent approval, his equal worst ever showing in the survey… It reveals 55 percent of Americans now disapprove of his overall performance. Worst of all for Trump, immigration, his signature issue for the last decade, is now proving to be an albatross around his neck, one of the areas where he has least support. Just 39 percent approve of his handling of the issue, with 47 percent disapproving.
“According to the Daily Mail poll, 53 percent of voters say the chaos in Minneapolis has been a ‘turning point’ moment for them personally. That includes 39 percent of Republicans. It marks, without question, a key watershed in his presidency….
“The zealousness with which ICE has pursued its mission is now the number one driver of disapproval of the president, the Daily Mail poll revealed… there has been a constant deluge of news reports about undocumented foreign nannies and gardeners being arrested by masked and heavily armed ICE operatives, culminating in the disaster that has now engulfed Minneapolis…. the Daily Mail poll shows America holds him responsible for events in Minneapolis…. ICE itself was viewed favorably by only 32 percent, and unfavorably by 55 percent…
“Beyond ICE and Minneapolis, there is a wider problem too. Trump is struggling on all issues, according to the poll. Only 36 percent of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, with 51 percent disapproving. Even less, 33 percent, approve of his efforts to tackle inflation, with 53 percent disapproving.
“Just 31 percent approve on healthcare, with 49 percent disapproval. Foreign policy – where he has focused much of his time – stands at 36 percent approval and 47 percent disapproval….
“Republicans face losing control of the House [during the Midterm elections], leaving Trump fighting an uphill battle for the final two years of his presidency, along with the possibility of being impeached for a third time.”
While prior impeachments were doomed to fail, due to the strictly political nature of the allegations and the absence of judicial violations, this time around may be different, as an impeachment for some of Trump’s perceived illegal actions might very well be justified.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 23:
“Donald Trump on Thursday reignited speculation about serving beyond January 2029, when his second term in office is due to end. Posting on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote: ‘RECORD NUMBERS ALL OVER THE PLACE! SHOULD I TRY FOR A FOURTH TERM?’…
“It is unclear what Trump exactly meant by a ‘fourth’ term. The remark could reference his… claim that he won the 2020 election against Joe Biden… [or] it could suggest a bid to serve two additional terms.”
“Record numbers all over the place”? Trump is really hallucinating. So is J.D. Vance. Note the next article.
Yahoo! News wrote on January 23:
“JD Vance needed an analogy for the Trump economy and landed on… the Titanic. The vice president, 41, got mocked relentlessly on social media after making a head-scratching metaphor in a speech intended to tout the Trump administration’s economic policies.
As he stood in front of a massive banner that promised “lower prices” and “bigger paychecks” in the manufacturing town of Toledo, Ohio, Vance blamed the affordability crisis—once dismissed as a ’hoax’ by President Donald Trump—on the Biden administration… ‘You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight. It takes time to fix what was broken.’”
Of course, the Titanic was never “fixed.” The “indestructible” ship sank in 1912 after it struck an iceberg, leaving over 1,500 passengers dead. However, Vance’s analogy inadvertently and unintentionally told the Truth: America, the Titanic, will not be fixed, but it will go down.
The Sun wrote on January 23:
“IRAN has issued a chilling threat to Donald Trump after he ordered a military armada towards the Ayatollah’s regime and warned that Washington was ‘watching’…
“A top Khamenei crony said on Friday that the mullahs may target US-linked investments in the Middle East – if Trump were to step in and strike Iran… Ayatollah henchman Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari said: ‘The one trillion dollars you have invested in the region is under the watch of our missiles.’…
“Fears that the Iranian regime is still killing protesters under the guise of a total internet blackout are resurfacing. President Trump said he had received assurances that the killing had stopped earlier this month, but speculation is mounting that Supreme Leader Khamenei may continue executing civilians. Iran’s top prosecutor even denied claims that Iran had permanently called off some 800 executions – as Trump had previously claimed.”
npr wrote on January 27:
“After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union announced Tuesday they have reached a free trade agreement to deepen economic and strategic ties. The accord, which the EU chief described as the ‘mother of all deals,’ could affect as many as 2 billion people. The deal between two of the world’s biggest markets comes as Washington targets both India and the EU with steep import tariffs, disrupting established trade flows and pushing major economies to seek alternate partnerships. ‘This agreement will bring major opportunities for the people of India and Europe,’ India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a virtual address to an energy conference. ‘It represents 25% of the global GDP and one-third of global trade.’
“The accord will see free trade on almost all goods between the 27 members of the EU and India, covering everything from textiles to medicines and bringing down high import taxes for European wine and cars… India is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs for 96.6% of EU exports, while Brussels will reciprocate with similar reductions in phases that eventually cover nearly 99% of India’s shipments by trade value…”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 23:
“Germany and Italy are deepening defense and economic cooperation with the leaders of the two countries signing an agreement in Rome. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on closer cooperation in the production of drones, naval vessels, underwater systems and air and missile defense systems.
“The leaders are also looking to collaborate in the development of electronic warfare and aerial combat defense systems.”
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) added on January 23:
“The Italy-Germany partnership could knock down the barriers that are holding Europe back… Today’s meeting in Rome marked a qualitative shift from alignment to structured co-governance… This sends a signal that Italy and Germany intend to shape the European defence pillar together rather than merely contribute to it separately.”
More than 20 ministers from Italy and Germany met in Rome to discuss the implementation of the signed agreements. It reminds us somewhat of the infamous “Pact of Steel” between Italy and Germany which was signed in Berlin on May 22, 1939, declaring cooperation concerning the military and the economy.
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.
In the first part of this two-part series, we looked at the difference between the soul (the person) and the spirit in man. We quoted from an article about “soul sleep” which rejected the concept that the soul is mortal, that the person is the soul, and that when a person dies, the person (the soul) sleeps in an unconscious state. The quotation from the article taken is in italics, followed by our comments below in roman type.
Let us continue with quoting from the article under discussion, and with our comments.
Until the final resurrection, there is a temporary heaven—paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4)—and a temporary hell—Hades (Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14). According to Jesus’ account in Luke 16:19-31, neither in paradise nor in Hades are people sleeping. The three individuals in Jesus’ story—Lazarus, Abraham, and the rich man—are quite conscious and active in the afterlife, prior to the resurrection.
There is no temporary “heaven” for anyone when they die! We have covered this understanding many times in our writings over the years. Let us look at the article’s Luke 23:43 assertion. This is about the thief on the cross which reads: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’”
In short, the Companion Bible states in its appendix, in paragraph 173, that the interpretation of this verse depends exclusively on the punctuation, which is totally dependent on human authority. They explain that until the 9th century, Greek manuscripts had no punctuation at all, and even after that time, they only had a dot separating words from each other. The Broadman Bible Commentary admits: “It is possible to place the comma after today…” In effect, Jesus was telling him “I say to you today…” Further, he could not have been in Paradise the same day with Jesus because Jesus was in the grave for 3 days and 3 nights. We explain this in great detail in our free booklet “Jesus Christ – A Great Mystery!”.
Let us look at the biblical references made to support the idea of going to heaven at death.
In the quoted article, 2 Corinthians 12:4 is mentioned: “… how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”
It is generally recognised that this was the Apostle Paul writing about a profound experience he had which is usually thought to refer to his vision of heaven. In it, he describes hearing “inexpressible words,” meaning that this vision was so incredible that it was beyond human expression and understanding. However, nowhere is it even suggested that he was in heaven as a human being. Rather, it was a vision.
One commentator stated that “a vision is a supernatural revelation of God given to a person in the form of a dream or trance-like state usually for the purpose of revealing the glory of God or the meaning of past or future events.” Paul was not in heaven because “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13).
Other references in the above-quoted article to prove their point, which in fact prove the exact opposite, are:
Revelation 1:18: “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death’” and Revelation 20:13-14: “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
In our free booklet “Is That In the Bible? The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation,” we can read the following on page 129:
“Revelation 20:13–15 describes the THIRD resurrection, which will occur some time AFTER the judgment period of the second resurrection: ‘The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.’”
“God refers to the coming THIRD resurrection in the book of Daniel. In contrasting the FIRST resurrection with the THIRD resurrection, we are told, in Daniel 12:2: ‘And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to EVERLASTING life, Some to shame and EVERLASTING CONTEMPT.’
“Notice, it does not say that they will live forever in everlasting contempt. But it says that they will WAKE UP ‘to’ everlasting contempt—their fate will be one of everlasting consequences.”
Then, the article includes a reference to Luke 16:19-31 about Lazarus and the rich man. The Scripture reads as follows:
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
This parable speaks about the resurrection from the dead. The psychological punishment of the unrepentant incorrigible sinner is vividly portrayed by Jesus Christ in this parable. While Lazarus and Abraham are resurrected in the First Resurrection, the rich man faces his fate in the Third Resurrection. When he is raised back to life, he has had no consciousness of time. The “great gulf fixed” is the gulf between immortality (for Abraham and Lazarus) and mortality (for the rich man who is raised to a temporary physical existence to be burned up in the Lake of Fire). We discuss this parable at great length on pages 29-32 of our free booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?”
Continuing with the above-quoted article denying that there is “soul sleep”:
Moses and Elijah were not “sleeping” when they appeared with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. Far from it. They were “talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:3). Luke gives some additional detail, relating the subject of their conversation: “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31).
We discussed this issue in our Q&A, titled, “…You explained that Enoch did not go to heaven. You also stated that no one has gone to heaven, except Jesus Christ. What about Elijah? Does not the Bible state that Elijah ‘went up by a whirlwind into heaven’ (2 Kings 2:11)?” https://www.eternalgod.org/question-and-answer-85/. We said this:
“Some believe that Elijah was alive at the time of Christ, as he appeared, in a glorified state, to three of the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, together with the glorified Moses and Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-10; Luke 9:28-36). We explain this account in detail on pages 14 and 15 of our booklet ‘The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.’ In that booklet, we show that the whole experience was a VISION — the disciples were given a foretaste of the kingdom of God in power. They saw, in a VISION, the time when Christ, Moses and Elijah would be powerful God beings in the Kingdom of God. Elijah and Moses are not glorified yet, as Hebrews 11:39-40 explains. They will receive the promise of eternal life and glory in the kingdom of God at the time of Christ’s return — not before then.”
Hebrews 11:39-40, mentioned above in our Q&A, reads: “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”
The book of Ecclesiastes has something to say on this matter where we read in Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing…”
Back to the article we are reviewing:
In Revelation 6, John sees “the souls of those who had been slain” in heaven (verse 9). These souls are not sleeping; rather, they are crying out “in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” (verse 10). They are given white robes and “told to wait a little longer” (verse 11). Nothing in this heavenly scene hints at a state of unconsciousness, oblivion, or sleep prior to the resurrection. The souls in heaven are wide awake.
In our booklet “Is That in the Bible? – The Mysteries of the Book of Revelation!,” we read the following on pages 50 and 51 under the heading “The Souls Under the Altar”:
“How are we to understand that there are souls under the altar who speak—and that they are then told to ‘rest’ a little while longer (Revelation 6:9–11)? Doesn’t this show that our souls go to heaven when we die, while they are resting at the same time?
“Now, that would be a pretty confusing teaching, don’t you think?
“First of all, it does not say that the altar is in heaven. Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible maintains that ‘The altar is upon earth, not in heaven.’ The ‘souls’ are under the altar because, as the Nelson Study Bible explains, ‘sacrificial blood was poured beside the base of the altar in the temple (see Exodus 29:12).’
“We must realize that the fifth seal with the souls under the altar describes a vision, as do the other seals. The four horsemen do not REALLY ride—they REPRESENT certain events, which will take place on this earth. In the same way, the ‘souls under the altar’ are not really alive and do not really cry to God with a loud voice. Neither did the ‘dry bones’ in Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 37:11 really speak, nor did Abel’s shed blood (Genesis 4:10). This is symbolic language, as we also read in Hebrews 12:24 that the blood of Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, ‘speaks better things than that of Abel.’
“Notice also what is said in Revelation 20:4, 6 about the ‘souls’ of those who were killed for Christ:
“‘… I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads and on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years… Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection…’
“These souls were brought back to life in a resurrection. Before that, they were dead…
“Just imagine what it would mean if we were to take this symbolic vision in Revelation 6:9–11 literally: Souls of killed saints would need to ‘rest’ under the altar for several more years—and that in a conscious state, being able to speak and to have emotional pain—until other servants of God were killed as well (Revelation 6:11). This does not sound like a very blissful and happy state of affairs for the souls of righteous people!
“To use the vision of the souls under the altar as evidence for the teaching that our souls don’t simply sleep but do go to heaven when we die, is without any biblical basis whatsoever.”
Finishing off the article we have been addressing, we read:
Still, it can be said that a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in paradise or Hades. And that is just how the Bible pictures it. At the resurrection, the body is “awakened” and transformed into the everlasting body a person will possess forever, whether in heaven or hell. The redeemed, made righteous by the blood of Christ, will inhabit the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). The unredeemed, who remain in their sin, will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
It is quite ridiculous to assert that “a person’s body is ‘sleeping’ while his soul is in paradise or Hades.” We have already shown, many times in our literature, sermons and sermonettes over many decades that, at death, we neither go to heaven, limbo, purgatory or hell but that the soul (the person) dies and the spirit in man goes back to God to be stored in heaven until the person is resurrected at a later time.
It is true that the righteous will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth and that those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and refuse to live the Way of Life set before us will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. However, mainstream Christianity often states that this is the only day of salvation when it is but “a day of salvation” and those who have never heard about the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, will rise in the Second Resurrection and be given their first opportunity in the Great White Throne Judgment to accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior. God is fair and everyone will be given their chance for salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
In 2 Corinthians 6:2, we read “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” This is quoting Isaiah 49:8 where in the Authorized Version it states “a day of salvation”. If today was the only day of salvation, all those who had never heard the only Name by which we must be saved, the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12), would be doomed to eternal death.
Today is indeed THE day of salvation for those who have been predestined to be called today. But these are only very few—the firstfruits. Most people were simply never given the chance to be called now. For them, today is NOT the day of salvation. It will come later. It would be unfair to those who lived in the 4,000 years before Christ’s birth and for all those others who have never heard His Name in the last 2,000 years to be lost! But God is fair!
The article which we are quoting finishes off by saying:
Present-day advocates of the doctrine of soul sleep include Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and some others.
In addition to the many mistakes and omissions contained in the article, we are not mentioned.
In conclusion, the false concept of the immortal soul is the beginning point where mainstream Christianity goes off track and teaches that the “immortal soul” has to go somewhere at death, purgatory, holding places, heaven and hell. This is unbiblical and unnecessary. The soul is mortal and sleeps an unconscious sleep—a sleep without any consciousness and awareness—when the person (the soul) dies. The spirit in man returns to God on death and will be used when God raises all who have ever lived at the resurrection. A brief comparison below shows the difference.
A person dies and his/her body (the soul) is buried or cremated while the spirit in man returns to God. We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that at the return of Jesus Christ, the dead in Christ will be raised. That will be the First Resurrection, followed by the 1,000-years reign of Jesus Christ on earth after He sets up the Kingdom of God.
Then there is the Second Resurrection (the Great White Throne Judgment) where everyone who have not had their opportunity to accept Christ and God’s Way of Life, will then have their chance. The indication is that this will be over a 100-year period.
Then there is the Third Resurrection where the Lake of Fire awaits the incorrigible wicked even after being given a chance during their lifetime in times past, now, or at a later time.
Doesn’t that make a lot more sense than death, purgatory, indulgences, people going to heaven, or a waiting place or to hell for eternity even if they have never heard the Name of Jesus Christ?
The Bible spells out the Truth despite the fact that man so often seems to come up with his own version which usually turns out to be very wide of the mark!
We have a free booklet entitled “Why This Confusion About Life After Death?,” which is freely available upon request. This 77-page booklet covers many of the items raised in this two-part Q&A, such as the false concept of hell and the immortal soul as distinguished from the spirit in man; numerous Catholic myths; indulgences and purgatory; and much more. Please ask for a free copy.
Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)
compiled by Dave Harris
“Will the USA Invade Canada?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
Impossible? Don’t be too sure! This program analyzes the frightening facts and the escalating war of words between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney; Trump’s ongoing threats; Canada’s fears; obvious parallels between Canada, Venezuela and Greenland; and a striking historical example from the 1930s.
“Wird Amerika in Kanada einmarschieren?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This program covers the same topics as described above.
A new Member Letter (January 2026) has been posted and mailed to our subscribers. Pastor Eric Rank writes about how to apply the model prayer given by Jesus, and how we can improve our prayers by using this pattern when we come to God in prayer.
“Endzeitprophezeiungen im Buch Hosea,” this Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Title in English: “End-Time Prophecies in the Book of Hosea.”
“Wahl und Entscheidung,” last Sabbath’s first split sermon in Germany, was presented by Johann Schell and is now posted. Title in English: “Choice and Decision.”
“Die Macht der Musik,” last Sabbath’s second split sermon in Germany, was presented by Mario Danisch and is now posted. Title in English: “The Power of Music.”
“The Two Test Commandments for the Children of Israel,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Paul Niehoff is now posted. Here is the summary:
Two of the ten commandments were specifically listed and breaking them was the main reason why Israel was taken into captivity. Breaking one of them was the main reason why Judah was also taken into captivity.
“Walking Dust,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Rene Messier is now posted. Here is the summary:
This sermon discusses the consequences of pride and how some consequences are immediate and some delayed, but that there are always consequences for lack of humility and thinking you are better than others.
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
On January 24, 2026, Paul Niehoff will present the sermonette, titled, “The Two Test Commandments for the Children of Israel,” and Rene Messier will present the sermon, titled, “Walking Dust.”
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.
Yahoo! Finance wrote on January 17:
“President Trump said the US would implement 10% tariffs on eight European countries he says are getting in the way of a US purchase of Greenland. [He specified that the tariffs are imposed on those countries that have sent military forces to Greenland]. The tariffs would begin Feb. 1 and apply to ‘any and all goods sent to’ the US.
“The levies on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland would be raised to 25% on June 1 if no agreement is in place.”
The small contingent of troops sent by Europeans to Greenland had only a symbolic character to underscore Europe’s commitment to Greenland. In the meantime, waffling Germany withdrew its small contingent, saying that they had fulfilled their commission of observing the situation. However, it is clear that Trump is using tariffs as blackmail and coercion. Sadly, the US Supreme Court has still not issued a ruling on the legality of such tariffs. Trump speaks of purchasing Greenland but knows that Denmark and Greenland will not agree to a purchase; so he is really talking about military acquisition. Trump is making his European “allies” very angry. Has the time come for the prophesied lasting final separation?
Die Welt wrote on January 17:
“The new punitive tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump are meeting with massive criticism in the German business community. Associations are warning of an escalation of the trade dispute and calling for a united response from the EU… ‘The announcement of new US tariffs on certain European countries is grotesque,’ said the president of the German Foreign Trade Association (BGA), Dirk Jandura.
‘The US is punishing participants in a NATO operation; that is simply inconceivable. This marks a new low point in American-European trade relations.’ He added that Germany continues to stand by Denmark, and that democracy and freedom cannot be wiped away with punitive tariffs.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland is “completely wrong.” Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t.”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 17:
“Most Germans believe US President Donald Trump’s policies are putting the NATO alliance at risk, according to a new poll. Some 78% of respondents to the ZDF Politbarometer survey said Trump’s approach endangers the alliance… The survey comes as Trump presses US claims over Greenland…
“The poll also asked how the European Union should respond if the US were to intervene militarily… A clear majority of 69% said the EU should oppose such actions…”
What needs to be realized is that Trump really wants to leave NATO. So the Greenland debacle might be a welcome excuse for him to do so—or forcing Europe to kick the USA out.
Newsbreak wrote on January 4:
“Harald Viereck Fehlinger, an Austrian political activist associated with an unofficial NATO enlargement advocacy group, issued a stark warning to the United States over its stated interest in acquiring Greenland, threatening the removal of American military forces and bases from Europe if such a move were to occur…
“According to Fehlinger, the loss of these bases would dismantle the foundation of American power projection in Europe that has existed since World War II. He argued that Europe could defend itself without U.S. troops, without the American nuclear umbrella, and without U.S. military infrastructure on the continent. He further claimed that U.S. forces would be expelled and sent back to the United States, ending America’s military footprint in Europe…
“Fehlinger’s statements do not reflect official European policy, they underscore the severity of the rhetoric emerging around Greenland and highlight how the dispute has escalated into open threats against long-standing U.S. military arrangements in Europe.”
Those words would have never been spoken just a few months ago.
Express wrote on January 15:
“Emmanuel Macron has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump, cautioning that any breach of Greenland’s sovereignty would trigger ‘unprecedented cascading consequences’ for the transatlantic alliance. The statement represents the strongest European pushback yet to Mr Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric, which has evolved from diplomatic interest to explicit threats of military action.
“The US President has recently ramped up his language significantly, suggesting that the United States will acquire the island either ‘the easy way or the hard way,’ a characterization that has rattled European capitals…
“French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot… emphasized: ‘Greenland does not want to be owned, governed… or integrated into the United States. Greenland has made the choice of Denmark, NATO, and the European Union.’”
European countries are uniting in their opposition to Trump’s “autocratic” and “threatening” conduct.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 17:
“The White House deputy chief of staff [Stephen Miller] argued that America has a right to Greenland because ‘tiny’ Denmark can’t defend its territory against U.S. military force.”
What kind of twisted and despicable Hitler-like “logic” is that?
Bild Online reported on January 17:
“The Greens are demanding a unified response from the European Union to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Germany and other European countries in the Greenland conflict.
“‘The EU must not back down now in the face of Trump’s tariff threats,’ said parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge in Berlin. ‘A clear message must be sent to Trump that the EU will respond to tariff threats with retaliatory tariffs.’…
“The CDU foreign policy expert and the Union’s rapporteur for North America and the Arctic, Peter Beyer (55)… [said:] ‘This looks like a typical Trump maneuver: He’s applying maximum pressure, he wants a deal. But my transatlantic heart bleeds when I see that in these times we almost have to be glad when it’s only about punitive tariffs from Washington.’”
But it won’t stay there. This is going to escalate.
Mediaite wrote on January 20:
“The president [shared] an AI-produced image of him presenting a doctored map of the Western Hemisphere – showing Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela all under a U.S. flag — to European leaders gathered in the Oval Office… Another image showed him planting a U.S. flag on Greenland while flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a sign that read ‘Greenland — U.S. Territory Est. 2026.’… He closed the barrage by attacking Britain over the ‘GREAT STUPIDITY’ of its decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, lashing out at plans to transfer Diego Garcia, home to a major US military base…
“Trump went further, citing the move as ‘another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.’ … The intervention reportedly blindsided London, not least because Trump’s own secretary of state, Marco Rubio, previously welcomed the Chagos deal, calling it ‘a critical asset for regional and global security’ and praising its role in safeguarding the base for decades.”
According to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump told him personally that he approved of the Chagos deal.
Newsmax wrote on January 21:
“President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants negotiations to acquire Greenland, portraying the effort as a strategic necessity while insisting he does not want to use military force. ‘People thought I would use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,’ Trump said in remarks to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“Trump, however, also said on Wednesday that the United States will not forget the slight if a deal on Greenland is not reached. ‘So we want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,’ he said. ‘We’ve never asked for anything else, and we could have kept that piece of land, and we didn’t. So [you] have a choice. You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.’ ‘All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland, where we already had it as a [territory] but respectfully returned it back to Denmark not long ago, after we defeated the Germans, the Japanese, the Italians, and others in World War II,’ said Trump. ‘We gave it back to them.’…
“He used World War II to support his claim that Denmark could not defend Greenland and said the U.S. built bases there at significant cost. ‘We saw this in World War II when Denmark fell to Germany after just six hours of fighting and was totally unable to defend either itself or Greenland,’ Trump said… He said the U.S. should not have returned Greenland after the war… ‘After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that, but we did it. But we gave it back. But how ungrateful are they now?’”
Welt Online added on January 21:
“He then reprimanded Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The US has always been very generous to Canada, he said. Despite this, Carney hadn’t shown much gratitude in his Davos speech. ‘Canada exists because of the United States, remember that, Mark, the next time you speak,’ Trump said. The US president has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada as another federal state…”
USA Today wrote on January 21:
“Donald Trump said he’s holding off on imposing tariffs he threatened on eight European nations after securing the ‘framework of a future deal’ with NATO involving Greenland and ‘the entire Arctic region…’ ‘This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,’ Trump said…
“Details of the potential deal were not immediately clear. In his post, Trump made no mention of the United States acquiring Greenland, a territory of Denmark that he’s repeatedly said the United States needs for security purposes. He instead referenced additional discussions over his planned $175 billion air defense system known as the ‘Golden Dome.’…
“He declined to lay out the full details but suggested Greenland would be part of the Golden Dome and that the U.S. would acquire mineral rights in Greenland… Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will be involved in future negotiations over Greenland and the Golden Dome.’”
The Huffington Post wrote:
“After first threatening another trade war and then hinting at an actual one to wrest control of Greenland away from Denmark, President Donald Trump Wednesday backed down from all his threats and claimed victory… It is… unclear what a new agreement would offer the United States that it cannot already do under a 1951 treaty with Denmark about U.S. military installations there.”
The Sun added on January 21:
“DENMARK is reportedly set to keep control of Greenland under a Trump-backed framework as Europe takes a deep sigh of relief. But Nato chief Mark Rutte has warned negotiations remain ongoing with ‘more work to be done’ after the President publicly pushed to take control of the Arctic island…”
Der Stern wrote:
“When asked whether the deal was about acquiring Greenland, Trump simply told the US broadcaster CNBC that he didn’t want to comment on it at the moment and that it was ‘somewhat complex.’… According to a NATO spokeswoman, however, the actual discussions have yet to take place…”
Focus wrote:
“The Danish Foreign Minister did not comment on Trump’s statements about such an agreement… Lars Løkke Rasmussen declined to provide details. However, the minister made it clear: ‘The US will not acquire Greenland.’ He described Trump’s ambition in this regard as ‘wild fantasies.’”
The Guardian wrote on January 15:
“Donald Trump is threatening to take over Greenland, the territory of a Nato ally, possibly by military force, as Vladimir Putin is trying to take over Ukraine. Even if he doesn’t actually do it, this is a new era: a post-western world of illiberal international disorder…
“All the signs are that Trump is going to get more extreme and unpredictable as time goes by and his domestic difficulties increase…
“Europe – the US’s biggest single economic partner – should privately review the full range of economic responses (including, for example, selling off US Treasury bonds) it could make in the… event of Trump ordering a Putin-style military takeover of Greenland. The outline of these contingency plans could be discreetly conveyed to the White House via US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent or presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. There are doubtless other possible moves, but the general thrust is clear: a Europe (and Canada, and other liberal democracies) projecting quiet strength, power and resolve.”
Politico wrote on January 16:
“Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has long sought close ties to the Trump administration in its quest for powerful international allies and an end to its political isolation at home. But as public sentiment in Germany increasingly turns against U.S. President Donald Trump and his foreign interventionism…, AfD leaders are recalibrating, putting distance between their party and a U.S. president they previously embraced.
“By distancing themselves from Trump, the AfD leaders are following the path of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally in France, whose leaders, due to the American president’s deep unpopularity there, have been far more critical of Trump and view his administration’s overtures to European nationalists as a liability…
“The AfD’s criticism this week, by contrast, was tepid… But the political risks inherent in the AfD’s efforts to ally with Trump are also becoming clearer. Surveys show the vast majority of Germans strongly oppose what Trump has said about Greenland and what he has done in Venezuela. Only 12 percent of Germans view his performance positively… while only 15 percent see the U.S. as a trustworthy partner, a new low.”
The New York Post wrote on January 19:
“President Trump has warned America’s European allies ‘I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace’ after he missed out on last year’s Nobel Prize amid a new round of threats to annex Greenland…
“‘Dear Jonas,’ reads the message… ‘Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America. Denmark cannot protect that land [Greenland] from Russia or China, and why do they have a “right of ownership” anyway? There are no written documents, it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,’ Trump goes on…
“Despite the president’s complaints…, the Norwegian government has no role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, which is done by an independent committee… Trump campaigned hard for the Peace Prize and received public nominations from several world leaders — though the annual nominating deadline of Jan. 31 precluded him from receiving the award for most actions during the first year of his second term in office.”
Newsmax wrote on January 19, 2025
“Danish sovereignty over the vast, mineral-rich island is documented in a series of binding legal instruments including a treaty agreed in 1814.
“The U.S. has repeatedly recognized that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
When asked whether he would seize Greenland by force, Trump responded, “No comment.”
His justification to acquire (conquer) Greenland as a reason for not getting the Peace Prize has been roundly condemned on US Social Media. Trump’s letter has been described by commentators as “deranged,” “insane”, and “unhinged crazy talk.” The Daily Beast wrote on January 19:
“Even by Trump’s standards, this letter is so dangerous and so delusional that there is no longer any question that the president is mentally ‘unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office,’ as laid out in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. It is clearly not rational to start a war because your feelings got hurt by not winning a prize that you were not even eligible for.”
At the same time, Russia is celebrating the “collapse of NATO.”
The Independent wrote on January 19:
“… his [tariff] threats [against European countries] come despite being one of his most unpopular policies with voters at home and abroad. Trump’s comments are just the latest sign that the United States can no longer be considered a reliable partner for its European partners…
“While Trump continues to push his idea of the U.S. taking Greenland, voters remain opposed… Now, Trump is trying to couple Greenland with another one of his favorite terms – tariffs – despite poor polling…
“In the same token, NBC News reported that Trump is now fretting about Canada and its supposed vulnerabilities to Russia and China. It comes after a reprieve from Trump’s threats last year about turning Canada into the ‘51st state.’
“But there is just one problem: all of these measures are incredibly unpopular. In fact, the president has figured out how to merge three of the least popular parts of his agenda to create a… policy that will alienate most of the American electorate eleven months before the 2026 midterm elections…
“The Wall Street Journal’s poll released this weekend found that his approval on both the economy and tariffs are at a negative ten percent. And this does not begin to talk about how unpopular taking Greenland is… There is also not much support for taking control of Canada. Only 22 percent of Americans support taking control of Canada and only 4 percent support using military force against Canada.
“The CBS News/YouGov poll also found that 86 percent of Americans opposed using military force to take Greenland, with 70 percent of Republicans disapproving of the idea. In addition, 69 percent of Americans thought that taking Greenland by military force would cause the United States to leave NATO, even though 54 percent thought it would give the country access to needed resources…”
Trump’s desire to annex Canada is not going away. And, this article does not even include Trump’s highly unpopular immigration policy.
MSN wrote on January 19:
“President Trump may be overplaying his hand in negotiations for Greenland, economists are warning, after the Oval Office threatened new tariffs on E.U. countries if they did not support America’s demand to purchase the territory…
“Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid… wrote in a note to clients this morning. ‘The main Achilles Heel of the U.S. is the huge twin deficits. So while in many ways it feels like the U.S. holds the economic cards, it doesn’t hold all the funding cards in a world that will be very disturbed by the weekend’s events.’
“Investors, analysts, and world leaders have long wondered when—or if—a debt crisis would occur in one of the nations burdened by a massive deficit. While the likes of Japan, the U.K., and France are by no means balancing their books, America’s $38 trillion deficit dwarfs its counterparts. While a great deal of that debt is held by the public (including the Fed, where President Trump is also in hot water), vast sums are also owned by foreign governments and overseas investors…
“Europe being America’s largest lender ‘illustrates the deep interdependence between the U.S. and Europe but also shows that, at least theoretically, Europe also has leverage on the U.S.,’ wrote Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro, and Bert Colijn, chief economist for the Netherlands.”
Sooner or later, Europe will use that leverage on the USA.
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 19:
“The second term of US President Donald Trump has brought unprecedented strain on once-solid German-American relations. The issue of Greenland could be a tipping point… ‘This is a really dramatically tense time. Rachel Tausendfreund, an American researcher at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), told DW. ‘Germany is wondering right now if it has to be preparing for an attack by its most important NATO ally. In that sense, the relationship has never been worse…’
“Johannes Varwick, Professor of International Relations at the University of Halle, thinks that a takeover of Greenland ‘would indeed be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I believe that the trust relationship with the US would probably be irrevocably broken…’
“Trump… has… disregarded almost all previously held beliefs regarding the close partnership… Varwick said: ‘The only thing that really, if ever, could make an impression [with Trump], is a truly united European position. Friedrich Merz is working on that, but the European countries have hugely differing interests.’..
“The German government seems clueless as to how it can, on one hand, keep Trump on board in the quest for peace in Ukraine and as a protector of Europe and, on the other, remain true to its self-proclaimed values: adherence to international law and a rules-based international order…
“Varwick… sees turbulent times ahead for Germany because with Trump, imperialism and the ‘might makes right’ approach have returned. ‘That is, of course, very, very bad news for Germany…’
“Merz invited Trump to Germany when relations were already very tense, but long before the latest escalation over Greenland. Under current circumstances, it seems almost unthinkable that Donald Trump would visit soon.”
The current German government, under Merz, is indeed clueless. But a new government, as prophesied in the Bible, will change this.
Politico wrote on January 19:
“… for many European governments, including America’s longest-standing and most loyal allies, Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs against anyone who tries to stop him taking Greenland was the final straw. Divorce, they believe, is now inevitable. In private, dismayed European officials describe Trump’s rush to annex the sovereign Danish territory as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad,’ asking if he is caught up in his ‘warrior mode’ after his Venezuela adventure — and saying he deserves Europe’s toughest retaliation…
“… diplomats and government officials in national capitals are also considering what a long-term split from Washington might bring…
“European states, including those not in the EU like Britain and Norway, have spent much of Trump’s second term working in an increasingly effective group that already operates without America… National security advisers from 35 governments are in regular contact, meeting frequently online and in person, as well as interacting via less formal text messaging… Levels of trust in these circles are generally high… Nor is it just at the level of officials: National leaders are themselves rolling up their sleeves and working in intimate new groupings.
“Leaders including the U.K.’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Alexander Stubb of Finland and Meloni of Italy regularly text with each other — often in the same group chat. Over the past year they have developed a well-drilled routine of exchanging messages whenever Trump does something wild and potentially damaging…
“But Trump’s hell-raising over Greenland has now tipped the balance. Gone is the softly-softly approach to the American president’s threats… This format could potentially become the seedbed for a new security alliance in an era when the U.S. no longer supports NATO and European security.”
Europe is secretly working on a new European alliance, without the USA.
Euractiv wrote on January 18:
“Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has signalled he is ready to push ahead with a common European army and defence industry – even if not all EU members are on board.
“‘Europe must move forward in its integration process and equip itself with a truly common defence. And for that we do not need the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states,’ he told Spanish daily La Vanguardia…
“When asked whether EU leaders have discussed the idea of a smaller group of countries moving ahead independently on defence, Sánchez said they have – but only in an ‘abstract’ way.”
The prophesied concept of a “core Europe” or a Europe with two speeds is again making a comeback.
Bild Online wrote on January 19:
“Former SPD leader Martin Schulz (70), once President of the European Parliament, has reacted to US President Donald Trump’s (79) plans for Greenland with a fierce attack… ‘He wants Europe to consist of vassal states that do what he says. If I can’t buy it, I’ll conquer it militarily. Today Venezuela belongs to us, tomorrow the whole world.’…
“‘May the American voters prevent another one like Trump from coming along, this Vance or whatever his name is!… But I am allowed to say here that I consider him (Vance) a shady character.’”
Die Welt reported on January 17:
“At a CDU event in Baden-Württemberg, Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with unusual frankness: The US course is developing ‘towards a purely power- and interest-driven policy.’ Germany must not become a pawn of the great powers, Merz warned…
“Merz is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the policies of US President Donald Trump and is calling for a more self-confident stance from the Europeans… Merz also apparently no longer expects any changes from Trump… If Trump simply continues his policies, ‘we mustn’t bury our heads in the sand and say we’ll just accept it all.’”
Now Germany’s chancellor openly opposes Trump as well. But with indecisive Merz, nobody knows for sure what his next step will be, if any.
Boltwise wrote on January 16:
“In a remarkable diplomatic move, European leaders are signaling their willingness to intensify dialogue with Russia in order to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all spoken out in favor of direct talks with Moscow…
“The Kremlin has reacted positively to the recent statements from Europe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the proposals from Paris, Rome, and Berlin are consistent with Russian interests.
Merz also said that it is essential to find a way to reach a compromise with Russia. This is interesting in light of the developing alienation between Europe and the USA.
The Associated Press wrote on January 17:
“The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries formally signed a long-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday… to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world…
“The signing ceremony in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, marks a major geopolitical victory for the EU in an age of American tariffs and surging Chinese exports, expanding the bloc’s foothold in a resource-rich region… Mercosur consists of the region’s two biggest economies, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Paraguay and Uruguay. Bolivia, the bloc’s newest member, can join the trade deal in the coming years. Venezuela has been suspended from the bloc and isn’t included in the agreement.
“Promoted by South America’s renowned grass-fed cattle-raising countries and Europe’s industrial interests, the accord’s gradual elimination of more than 90% of tariffs creates one of the world’s largest free trade zones and makes shopping cheaper for more than 700 million consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who heads the EU’s executive branch, portrayed the deal as a bulwark against the disruptive policies of the Trump administration…
“But even as the ink dried on Saturday, powerful protectionist lobbies in Europe were still hoping to prevent the agreement from clearing its one final hurdle: ratification by the European Parliament. France remains opposed to the accord, with President Emmanuel Macron worrying that farmers’ frustration with the EU could drive more voters to the country’s far right in the 2027 presidential election.”
European members continue to be divided amongst themselves because of strictly national political ambitions (compare Daniel 2:42-44).
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 21:
“The European Parliament voted narrowly to challenge the EU trade deal with Latin America in the bloc’s top court, a move that could derail the deal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to social media soon after news of the vote, calling the result ‘regrettable’ and saying it ‘misjudges the geopolitical situation… ‘We are convinced of the legality of the agreement. No more delays. The deal must now be implemented provisionally.’”
ABC News reported on January 16:
“A set of recently released polls found Americans largely at odds with the Trump administration and its defense of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who fatally shot Minneapolis woman Renee Good…, 53% of registered voters saying the shooting of Good was not justified… 56% majority of Americans saying the shooting was an inappropriate use of force… About half (51%) said that the fatal shooting reflects bigger problems with the way ICE is operating… 51% of Americans saying ICE enforcement actions were making cities less safe…
“Americans voiced little trust in the federal government to carry out a fair and thorough investigation of the shooting in Minneapolis, according to the CNN poll, with 62% saying they had just some or no trust at all…
“57% of voters disapproving of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws… A 58% majority disapproves of how Trump is handling immigration… a slim 52% majority of Americans saying Trump’s efforts to deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally have gone too far… 61% of Americans disapproving of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handling of her job…”
Trump will of course dismiss those numbers as being fake. However, they are not fake, but represent the reality that most Americans disapprove of Trump’s immigration policy. This is a bad sign for him when it comes to the midterm elections. Trump seems to recognize this himself, recently commenting that the pictures of the behavior of ICE agents on TV are bad.
npr wrote on January 16:
“The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey… Frey said… on Friday: ‘This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up…’
“Walz… said: ‘Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.’”
It is suspected that the investigation is aiming at alleged interference of ICE actions by the governor and the mayor. That would be difficult to maintain, as both asked the demonstrators to act peacefully (as Trump had asked the demonstrators on January 6, 2021, to act peacefully). A detailed analysis of all the available videos has shown that Good was not attempting to hit the agent or to run him over. Subsequently, the Justice Department issued subpoenas on Walz and Frey, among others.
BBC News reported on January 16:
“Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new approach to Canada’s foreign policy can perhaps be distilled in one line: ‘We take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.’ That was his response when asked about the deal struck with China on Friday, despite concerns over its human rights record and nearly a year after he called China ‘the biggest security threat’ facing Canada.
“The deal will see Canada ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that it imposed in tandem with the US in 2024. In exchange, China will lower retaliatory tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products. Experts told the BBC the move represents a significant shift in Canada’s policy on China, one that is shaped by ongoing uncertainty with the US, its largest trade partner… Canada’s relationship with China, [Carney] added, had become ‘more predictable’ than its relationship with the US under the Trump administration….
“Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to Canada’s auto sector, was sharply critical of the deal. He said removing EV tariffs on China ‘would hurt our economy and lead to job losses’…
“Since taking office for a second time last year, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian sectors like metals and automotives, which has led to swirling economic uncertainty. He has also threatened to rip up a longstanding North American free trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico, calling it ‘irrelevant’. That trade agreement, the USMCA, is now under a mandatory review. Canada and Mexico have both made clear they want it to remain in place.
“But the decision to carve out a major new deal with China is a recognition by Carney that the future of North American free trade remains unclear…”
How the world changed! A year ago, China was perceived as being the biggest security threat to Canada; now it seems to be the USA. This is also in light of the fact that Trump repeatedly demanded that Canada become the 51st state of the USA—a demand which has been strongly rejected by the vast majority of Canadians. Similarities with the situation regarding Greenland are blatantly obvious.
Politico wrote on January 16:
“Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Friday that a decision on who owns Greenland doesn’t belong to U.S. President Donald Trump. ‘The future of Greenland is a decision for Greenland and for the Kingdom of Denmark,’ Carney told journalists at a press conference in Beijing following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Carney urged NATO allies including the U.S. to ‘respect their commitments’ as he stressed Canada’s support for Danish sovereignty over the strategically vital Arctic island, which Trump has threatened to seize. ‘We are NATO partners with Denmark, and so our full partnership stands,’ Carney said… ‘Our obligations on Article 5, Article 2 of NATO stand, and we stand full-square behind those.’
“… Carney said Greenland and Arctic sovereignty also featured in his discussions with Xi, adding that he ‘found much alignment of views in that regard.’”
Of course, China would agree with Europe against Trump.
Breitbart wrote on January 17:
“US President Donald Trump on Friday gave a key role in post-war Gaza to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair…
“Trump named [founding] members of a board to help supervise Gaza that was dominated by Americans, as he promotes a controversial vision of economic development in a territory that lies in rubble after two-plus years of relentless Israeli bombardment…
“Trump has already declared himself the chair of a ‘Board of Peace’ and on Friday announced its full membership that will include Blair as well as senior Americans — Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff…
“Blair is a controversial figure in the Middle East because of his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. … Trump… has previously mused about turning devastated Gaza into a Riviera-style area of resorts, although he has backed away from calls to forcibly displace the population.
“Israel’s military said Friday it had again hit the Gaza Strip in response to a ‘blatant violation’ of the ceasefire declared in October. The strikes come despite Washington announcing that the Gaza plan had gone on to a second phase — from implementing the ceasefire to disarming Hamas, whose October, 2023 attack on Israel prompted the massive Israeli offensive.”
Depending on how influential Blair will be, this could only spell disaster. In the meantime, Israel objected to the appointments, stating that the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy.”
According to the New York Post, dated January 17, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the makeup of the body, which includes Turkey and Qatar, contradicts Israeli policy… National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, another key ally, rejected the entire framework, saying Gaza did not need an international body at all and called for a return to war.”
Still, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the so-called “Board of Peace.” Germany, France, Norway and Sweden will not join. As a consequence, Trump threatened France with tariffs of about 200% for champagne.
Also, incredibly, Trump demands one billion dollars to stay on his peace board.
Israel 365 News reported on January 16:
“The [Sanhedrin issued a declaration containing] a direct call to Iranian leadership: ‘We call upon the leaders of all the peoples in Iran to walk in the path of Cyrus, King of Persia, to support the building of the Temple on the Temple Mount, and even to ascend and pray there in the places designated for the descendants of Noah, ‘for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples’ (Isaiah 56:7)…
“The Sanhedrin was reconstituted in 2004 after nearly 1,600 years of absence. Its members believe the generation has arrived when prophecy will be fulfilled, and the Temple will be rebuilt. The declarations… are legal rulings with the force of biblical law, not suggestions. They represent the Sanhedrin’s assertion of its role as the supreme legal authority for the Jewish people…”
And so, the Third Temple will be built soon.
In our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Germany’s Refusal to Accept Guilt for Authoritarian Corona Measures“, we quoted alarming statements of US Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr in regard to Germany’s refusal to guarantee doctors’ freedom of treatment. The German government denied those statements. However, the following developments support Kennedy’s conclusion:
“Starting in 2026, doctors will have to meet certain vaccination quotas to receive the full retainer fee, with a minimum of 10 vaccinations per quarter required. Failure to meet this minimum will result in a 40% reduction in the fee, while higher quotas (7% in the first three quarters, 25% in the fourth) can lead to higher bonuses. However, meeting these higher quotas is not mandatory for receiving the basic retainer fee, but only for the additional bonuses” (taken from the Internet).
This new regulation, which was already decided in 2025, is being criticized by some as an infringement on doctors’ freedom of treatment. This is seen as a continuation of the restrictions on doctors’ freedom of treatment that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fox News wrote on January 18:
“Where exactly is the heaven described in the Bible?… According to the Bible, the lowest level of heaven is Earth’s atmosphere. The mid-level heaven is outer space. The highest-level heaven is what we’re talking about: It’s where God dwells. As for heaven’s location, the Bible contains many verses that describe us as looking ‘up’ at God in heaven, and God as looking ‘down’ at us on Earth…
“In 1929,… Edwin Hubble discovered that… there’s a definite pattern to how galaxies are rushing away from each other, namely: The farther ‘up’ in space a galaxy is located — the farther away it is from Earth — the faster it’s moving away from Earth and everything else…
“Theoretically, a galaxy that’s 273 billion trillion… miles away from Earth would move at 186,000 miles per second, which is the speed of light. That distance, way ‘up’ there in space, is called the Cosmic Horizon. That means you and I can never reach the Cosmic Horizon… because… only light and certain other non-material phenomena can travel at the speed of light.
“… It’s entirely possible heaven is located on the other side of the Cosmic Horizon… an entire universe exists beyond the Cosmic Horizon. But it’s permanently hidden from us because we can never reach, let alone cross over, the Cosmic Horizon… Our best astronomical observations… indicate that time stops at the Cosmic Horizon… Unlike time, however, space does exist at and beyond the Cosmic Horizon. Which means the hidden universe beyond the Cosmic Horizon is habitable, albeit only by light and light-like entities… whatever exists beyond the Cosmic Horizon predates these oldest objects… predates the so-called big bang… predates the beginning of the observable universe.
“All these modern scientific realities, and others, are why it’s entirely reasonable to speculate that:
“1. Heaven is, indeed, located ‘up’ there — way above our heads and way beyond the visible, starlit universe — just as the Bible indicates.
“2. Heaven is inaccessible to us mortals while we’re alive, just as the Bible indicates.
“3. Heaven is inhabited by nonmaterial… beings, just as the Bible indicates.
“4. Heaven is the dwelling place of the One who predates the universe — the One who created the universe — just as the Bible indicates.”
An interesting observation. The one mistake the author makes, however, is that where God dwells, there is no “space” either, as “space” is something “physical.” But there is a world composed of Spirit. The Bible indicates that God’s Heaven—the “Third Heaven”—is located in the North [Psalm 75:6; Isaiah 14:13-14—even in heathen literature, the abode of the gods was supposed to be in the North]. But God’s Third Heaven consists of Spirit and is therefore invisible to the human eye. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.”
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.
On January 24, 2026, Paul Niehoff will present the sermonette, titled, “The Two Test Commandments for the Children of Israel,” and Rene Messier will present the sermon, titled, “Walking Dust.”
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.
by Dave Harris
For many people, the following account is little more than a “fairy tale”:
“Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 New American Standard Version).
This is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 3:16), but it is only part of the story about Him. He is also revealed as the “Word”:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-3, 14).
What Jesus did was actually planned “before time began” (2 Timothy 1:9), as the Apostle Peter confirms: “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20).
Is this the Jesus Christ you believe in, know and serve? Furthermore, is the biblical description of the glorified Christ how you view Him to be? Note how it is found in Revelation 1:13-15:
“[A]nd in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters…”
Not only who Jesus is and what Jesus did misunderstood, but what He is doing and will do seems to hold no relevance for most people. Right now, He is the living Head of the Church of God (Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 4:14-16). Following His resurrection, He said, “‘…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” (Matthew 28:18). We are also told that He will come back to the earth from heaven (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:7).
Yet, for all the prophecies about Jesus Christ, people continue to ignore the very signs He gave which will herald His return, and we find this stern warning from Him:
“‘Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect’” (Matthew 24:44).
We simply don’t know the exact time, but we must not ignore events that are now signifying and heralding the end of this age and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. These things are happening exactly as Jesus foretold.
The key for us who know the story of Jesus Christ found in the Word of God is to be preparing, because we truly believe it! Let’s not treat the warnings of the Bible as improbable fairy tales, but as what they are—the very Truth of how God will bring salvation to mankind, which He promised before time began (Titus 1:2).
We continue reporting on Trump’s obsession to acquire Greenland and the condemnation from his “allies.” His coercion and blackmail of imposing tariffs on leading European countries have only accelerated the antagonism and separation of these two power blocs and all of this has placed the survival of NATO in jeopardy.
Trump suddenly backed away from imposing tariffs, citing flimsy reasons, claiming that an unspecified, obscure agreement had been reached. This means that Trump has backed down or that he is simply trying to conceal his true intentions without abandoning them.In this context, see our new StandingWatch program, titled, “Trump’s Greenland Deal—Defeat or Distraction?”
Due to Trump’s imperial ambitions, Europe is considering a more “normal” relationship with Russia, while entering into trade agreements with South America. At the same time, Canada is entering into trade agreements with China—all in defiance of Trump.
Most Americans question the justification of the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the conduct of ICE in general, and criminally investigating the Governor of Minnesota and the Mayor of Minneapolis certainly does not help to calm the waves of uproar.
We speak on Trump’s controversial Board of Peace for Gaza; another appeal of the Sanhedrin to build the Third Temple; new pressure on German doctors to vaccinate their patients; and we conclude with an interesting article by a scientist as to where God’s Third Heaven might be located
Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.
Yahoo! Finance wrote on January 17:
“President Trump said the US would implement 10% tariffs on eight European countries he says are getting in the way of a US purchase of Greenland. [He specified that the tariffs are imposed on those countries that have sent military forces to Greenland]. The tariffs would begin Feb. 1 and apply to ‘any and all goods sent to’ the US.
“The levies on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland would be raised to 25% on June 1 if no agreement is in place.”
The small contingent of troops sent by Europeans to Greenland had only a symbolic character to underscore Europe’s commitment to Greenland. In the meantime, waffling Germany withdrew its small contingent, saying that they had fulfilled their commission of observing the situation. However, it is clear that Trump is using tariffs as blackmail and coercion. Sadly, the US Supreme Court has still not issued a ruling on the legality of such tariffs. Trump speaks of purchasing Greenland but knows that Denmark and Greenland will not agree to a purchase; so he is really talking about military acquisition. Trump is making his European “allies” very angry. Has the time come for the prophesied lasting final separation?
Die Welt wrote on January 17:
“The new punitive tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump are meeting with massive criticism in the German business community. Associations are warning of an escalation of the trade dispute and calling for a united response from the EU… ‘The announcement of new US tariffs on certain European countries is grotesque,’ said the president of the German Foreign Trade Association (BGA), Dirk Jandura.
‘The US is punishing participants in a NATO operation; that is simply inconceivable. This marks a new low point in American-European trade relations.’ He added that Germany continues to stand by Denmark, and that democracy and freedom cannot be wiped away with punitive tariffs.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland is “completely wrong.” Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t.”
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 17:
“Most Germans believe US President Donald Trump’s policies are putting the NATO alliance at risk, according to a new poll. Some 78% of respondents to the ZDF Politbarometer survey said Trump’s approach endangers the alliance… The survey comes as Trump presses US claims over Greenland…
“The poll also asked how the European Union should respond if the US were to intervene militarily… A clear majority of 69% said the EU should oppose such actions…”
What needs to be realized is that Trump really wants to leave NATO. So the Greenland debacle might be a welcome excuse for him to do so—or forcing Europe to kick the USA out.
Newsbreak wrote on January 4:
“Harald Viereck Fehlinger, an Austrian political activist associated with an unofficial NATO enlargement advocacy group, issued a stark warning to the United States over its stated interest in acquiring Greenland, threatening the removal of American military forces and bases from Europe if such a move were to occur…
“According to Fehlinger, the loss of these bases would dismantle the foundation of American power projection in Europe that has existed since World War II. He argued that Europe could defend itself without U.S. troops, without the American nuclear umbrella, and without U.S. military infrastructure on the continent. He further claimed that U.S. forces would be expelled and sent back to the United States, ending America’s military footprint in Europe…
“Fehlinger’s statements do not reflect official European policy, they underscore the severity of the rhetoric emerging around Greenland and highlight how the dispute has escalated into open threats against long-standing U.S. military arrangements in Europe.”
Those words would have never been spoken just a few months ago.
Express wrote on January 15:
“Emmanuel Macron has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump, cautioning that any breach of Greenland’s sovereignty would trigger ‘unprecedented cascading consequences’ for the transatlantic alliance. The statement represents the strongest European pushback yet to Mr Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric, which has evolved from diplomatic interest to explicit threats of military action.
“The US President has recently ramped up his language significantly, suggesting that the United States will acquire the island either ‘the easy way or the hard way,’ a characterization that has rattled European capitals…
“French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot… emphasized: ‘Greenland does not want to be owned, governed… or integrated into the United States. Greenland has made the choice of Denmark, NATO, and the European Union.’”
European countries are uniting in their opposition to Trump’s “autocratic” and “threatening” conduct.
The Huffington Post wrote on January 17:
“The White House deputy chief of staff [Stephen Miller] argued that America has a right to Greenland because ‘tiny’ Denmark can’t defend its territory against U.S. military force.”
What kind of twisted and despicable Hitler-like “logic” is that?
Bild Online reported on January 17:
“The Greens are demanding a unified response from the European Union to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Germany and other European countries in the Greenland conflict.
“‘The EU must not back down now in the face of Trump’s tariff threats,’ said parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge in Berlin. ‘A clear message must be sent to Trump that the EU will respond to tariff threats with retaliatory tariffs.’…
“The CDU foreign policy expert and the Union’s rapporteur for North America and the Arctic, Peter Beyer (55)… [said:] ‘This looks like a typical Trump maneuver: He’s applying maximum pressure, he wants a deal. But my transatlantic heart bleeds when I see that in these times we almost have to be glad when it’s only about punitive tariffs from Washington.’”
But it won’t stay there. This is going to escalate.
Mediaite wrote on January 20:
“The president [shared] an AI-produced image of him presenting a doctored map of the Western Hemisphere – showing Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela all under a U.S. flag — to European leaders gathered in the Oval Office… Another image showed him planting a U.S. flag on Greenland while flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a sign that read ‘Greenland — U.S. Territory Est. 2026.’… He closed the barrage by attacking Britain over the ‘GREAT STUPIDITY’ of its decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, lashing out at plans to transfer Diego Garcia, home to a major US military base…
“Trump went further, citing the move as ‘another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.’ … The intervention reportedly blindsided London, not least because Trump’s own secretary of state, Marco Rubio, previously welcomed the Chagos deal, calling it ‘a critical asset for regional and global security’ and praising its role in safeguarding the base for decades.”
According to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump told him personally that he approved of the Chagos deal.
Newsmax wrote on January 21:
“President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants negotiations to acquire Greenland, portraying the effort as a strategic necessity while insisting he does not want to use military force. ‘People thought I would use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,’ Trump said in remarks to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“Trump, however, also said on Wednesday that the United States will not forget the slight if a deal on Greenland is not reached. ‘So we want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,’ he said. ‘We’ve never asked for anything else, and we could have kept that piece of land, and we didn’t. So [you] have a choice. You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.’ ‘All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland, where we already had it as a [territory] but respectfully returned it back to Denmark not long ago, after we defeated the Germans, the Japanese, the Italians, and others in World War II,’ said Trump. ‘We gave it back to them.’…
“He used World War II to support his claim that Denmark could not defend Greenland and said the U.S. built bases there at significant cost. ‘We saw this in World War II when Denmark fell to Germany after just six hours of fighting and was totally unable to defend either itself or Greenland,’ Trump said… He said the U.S. should not have returned Greenland after the war… ‘After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that, but we did it. But we gave it back. But how ungrateful are they now?’”
Welt Online added on January 21:
“He then reprimanded Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The US has always been very generous to Canada, he said. Despite this, Carney hadn’t shown much gratitude in his Davos speech. ‘Canada exists because of the United States, remember that, Mark, the next time you speak,’ Trump said. The US president has repeatedly expressed his desire to annex Canada as another federal state…”
USA Today wrote on January 21:
“Donald Trump said he’s holding off on imposing tariffs he threatened on eight European nations after securing the ‘framework of a future deal’ with NATO involving Greenland and ‘the entire Arctic region…’ ‘This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,’ Trump said…
“Details of the potential deal were not immediately clear. In his post, Trump made no mention of the United States acquiring Greenland, a territory of Denmark that he’s repeatedly said the United States needs for security purposes. He instead referenced additional discussions over his planned $175 billion air defense system known as the ‘Golden Dome.’…
“He declined to lay out the full details but suggested Greenland would be part of the Golden Dome and that the U.S. would acquire mineral rights in Greenland… Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will be involved in future negotiations over Greenland and the Golden Dome.’”
The Huffington Post wrote:
“After first threatening another trade war and then hinting at an actual one to wrest control of Greenland away from Denmark, President Donald Trump Wednesday backed down from all his threats and claimed victory… It is… unclear what a new agreement would offer the United States that it cannot already do under a 1951 treaty with Denmark about U.S. military installations there.”
The Sun added on January 21:
“DENMARK is reportedly set to keep control of Greenland under a Trump-backed framework as Europe takes a deep sigh of relief. But Nato chief Mark Rutte has warned negotiations remain ongoing with ‘more work to be done’ after the President publicly pushed to take control of the Arctic island…”
Der Stern wrote:
“When asked whether the deal was about acquiring Greenland, Trump simply told the US broadcaster CNBC that he didn’t want to comment on it at the moment and that it was ‘somewhat complex.’… According to a NATO spokeswoman, however, the actual discussions have yet to take place…”
Focus wrote:
“The Danish Foreign Minister did not comment on Trump’s statements about such an agreement… Lars Løkke Rasmussen declined to provide details. However, the minister made it clear: ‘The US will not acquire Greenland.’ He described Trump’s ambition in this regard as ‘wild fantasies.’”
The Guardian wrote on January 15:
“Donald Trump is threatening to take over Greenland, the territory of a Nato ally, possibly by military force, as Vladimir Putin is trying to take over Ukraine. Even if he doesn’t actually do it, this is a new era: a post-western world of illiberal international disorder…
“All the signs are that Trump is going to get more extreme and unpredictable as time goes by and his domestic difficulties increase…
“Europe – the US’s biggest single economic partner – should privately review the full range of economic responses (including, for example, selling off US Treasury bonds) it could make in the… event of Trump ordering a Putin-style military takeover of Greenland. The outline of these contingency plans could be discreetly conveyed to the White House via US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent or presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. There are doubtless other possible moves, but the general thrust is clear: a Europe (and Canada, and other liberal democracies) projecting quiet strength, power and resolve.”
Politico wrote on January 16:
“Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has long sought close ties to the Trump administration in its quest for powerful international allies and an end to its political isolation at home. But as public sentiment in Germany increasingly turns against U.S. President Donald Trump and his foreign interventionism…, AfD leaders are recalibrating, putting distance between their party and a U.S. president they previously embraced.
“By distancing themselves from Trump, the AfD leaders are following the path of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally in France, whose leaders, due to the American president’s deep unpopularity there, have been far more critical of Trump and view his administration’s overtures to European nationalists as a liability…
“The AfD’s criticism this week, by contrast, was tepid… But the political risks inherent in the AfD’s efforts to ally with Trump are also becoming clearer. Surveys show the vast majority of Germans strongly oppose what Trump has said about Greenland and what he has done in Venezuela. Only 12 percent of Germans view his performance positively… while only 15 percent see the U.S. as a trustworthy partner, a new low.”
The New York Post wrote on January 19:
“President Trump has warned America’s European allies ‘I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace’ after he missed out on last year’s Nobel Prize amid a new round of threats to annex Greenland…
“‘Dear Jonas,’ reads the message… ‘Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America. Denmark cannot protect that land [Greenland] from Russia or China, and why do they have a “right of ownership” anyway? There are no written documents, it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,’ Trump goes on…
“Despite the president’s complaints…, the Norwegian government has no role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, which is done by an independent committee… Trump campaigned hard for the Peace Prize and received public nominations from several world leaders — though the annual nominating deadline of Jan. 31 precluded him from receiving the award for most actions during the first year of his second term in office.”
Newsmax wrote on January 19, 2025
“Danish sovereignty over the vast, mineral-rich island is documented in a series of binding legal instruments including a treaty agreed in 1814.
“The U.S. has repeatedly recognized that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
When asked whether he would seize Greenland by force, Trump responded, “No comment.”
His justification to acquire (conquer) Greenland as a reason for not getting the Peace Prize has been roundly condemned on US Social Media. Trump’s letter has been described by commentators as “deranged,” “insane”, and “unhinged crazy talk.” The Daily Beast wrote on January 19:
“Even by Trump’s standards, this letter is so dangerous and so delusional that there is no longer any question that the president is mentally ‘unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office,’ as laid out in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. It is clearly not rational to start a war because your feelings got hurt by not winning a prize that you were not even eligible for.”
At the same time, Russia is celebrating the “collapse of NATO.”
The Independent wrote on January 19:
“… his [tariff] threats [against European countries] come despite being one of his most unpopular policies with voters at home and abroad. Trump’s comments are just the latest sign that the United States can no longer be considered a reliable partner for its European partners…
“While Trump continues to push his idea of the U.S. taking Greenland, voters remain opposed… Now, Trump is trying to couple Greenland with another one of his favorite terms – tariffs – despite poor polling…
“In the same token, NBC News reported that Trump is now fretting about Canada and its supposed vulnerabilities to Russia and China. It comes after a reprieve from Trump’s threats last year about turning Canada into the ‘51st state.’
“But there is just one problem: all of these measures are incredibly unpopular. In fact, the president has figured out how to merge three of the least popular parts of his agenda to create a… policy that will alienate most of the American electorate eleven months before the 2026 midterm elections…
“The Wall Street Journal’s poll released this weekend found that his approval on both the economy and tariffs are at a negative ten percent. And this does not begin to talk about how unpopular taking Greenland is… There is also not much support for taking control of Canada. Only 22 percent of Americans support taking control of Canada and only 4 percent support using military force against Canada.
“The CBS News/YouGov poll also found that 86 percent of Americans opposed using military force to take Greenland, with 70 percent of Republicans disapproving of the idea. In addition, 69 percent of Americans thought that taking Greenland by military force would cause the United States to leave NATO, even though 54 percent thought it would give the country access to needed resources…”
Trump’s desire to annex Canada is not going away. And, this article does not even include Trump’s highly unpopular immigration policy.
MSN wrote on January 19:
“President Trump may be overplaying his hand in negotiations for Greenland, economists are warning, after the Oval Office threatened new tariffs on E.U. countries if they did not support America’s demand to purchase the territory…
“Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid… wrote in a note to clients this morning. ‘The main Achilles Heel of the U.S. is the huge twin deficits. So while in many ways it feels like the U.S. holds the economic cards, it doesn’t hold all the funding cards in a world that will be very disturbed by the weekend’s events.’
“Investors, analysts, and world leaders have long wondered when—or if—a debt crisis would occur in one of the nations burdened by a massive deficit. While the likes of Japan, the U.K., and France are by no means balancing their books, America’s $38 trillion deficit dwarfs its counterparts. While a great deal of that debt is held by the public (including the Fed, where President Trump is also in hot water), vast sums are also owned by foreign governments and overseas investors…
“Europe being America’s largest lender ‘illustrates the deep interdependence between the U.S. and Europe but also shows that, at least theoretically, Europe also has leverage on the U.S.,’ wrote Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro, and Bert Colijn, chief economist for the Netherlands.”
Sooner or later, Europe will use that leverage on the USA.
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 19:
“The second term of US President Donald Trump has brought unprecedented strain on once-solid German-American relations. The issue of Greenland could be a tipping point… ‘This is a really dramatically tense time. Rachel Tausendfreund, an American researcher at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), told DW. ‘Germany is wondering right now if it has to be preparing for an attack by its most important NATO ally. In that sense, the relationship has never been worse…’
“Johannes Varwick, Professor of International Relations at the University of Halle, thinks that a takeover of Greenland ‘would indeed be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I believe that the trust relationship with the US would probably be irrevocably broken…’
“Trump… has… disregarded almost all previously held beliefs regarding the close partnership… Varwick said: ‘The only thing that really, if ever, could make an impression [with Trump], is a truly united European position. Friedrich Merz is working on that, but the European countries have hugely differing interests.’..
“The German government seems clueless as to how it can, on one hand, keep Trump on board in the quest for peace in Ukraine and as a protector of Europe and, on the other, remain true to its self-proclaimed values: adherence to international law and a rules-based international order…
“Varwick… sees turbulent times ahead for Germany because with Trump, imperialism and the ‘might makes right’ approach have returned. ‘That is, of course, very, very bad news for Germany…’
“Merz invited Trump to Germany when relations were already very tense, but long before the latest escalation over Greenland. Under current circumstances, it seems almost unthinkable that Donald Trump would visit soon.”
The current German government, under Merz, is indeed clueless. But a new government, as prophesied in the Bible, will change this.
Politico wrote on January 19:
“… for many European governments, including America’s longest-standing and most loyal allies, Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs against anyone who tries to stop him taking Greenland was the final straw. Divorce, they believe, is now inevitable. In private, dismayed European officials describe Trump’s rush to annex the sovereign Danish territory as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad,’ asking if he is caught up in his ‘warrior mode’ after his Venezuela adventure — and saying he deserves Europe’s toughest retaliation…
“… diplomats and government officials in national capitals are also considering what a long-term split from Washington might bring…
“European states, including those not in the EU like Britain and Norway, have spent much of Trump’s second term working in an increasingly effective group that already operates without America… National security advisers from 35 governments are in regular contact, meeting frequently online and in person, as well as interacting via less formal text messaging… Levels of trust in these circles are generally high… Nor is it just at the level of officials: National leaders are themselves rolling up their sleeves and working in intimate new groupings.
“Leaders including the U.K.’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Alexander Stubb of Finland and Meloni of Italy regularly text with each other — often in the same group chat. Over the past year they have developed a well-drilled routine of exchanging messages whenever Trump does something wild and potentially damaging…
“But Trump’s hell-raising over Greenland has now tipped the balance. Gone is the softly-softly approach to the American president’s threats… This format could potentially become the seedbed for a new security alliance in an era when the U.S. no longer supports NATO and European security.”
Europe is secretly working on a new European alliance, without the USA.
Euractiv wrote on January 18:
“Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has signalled he is ready to push ahead with a common European army and defence industry – even if not all EU members are on board.
“‘Europe must move forward in its integration process and equip itself with a truly common defence. And for that we do not need the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states,’ he told Spanish daily La Vanguardia…
“When asked whether EU leaders have discussed the idea of a smaller group of countries moving ahead independently on defence, Sánchez said they have – but only in an ‘abstract’ way.”
The prophesied concept of a “core Europe” or a Europe with two speeds is again making a comeback.
Bild Online wrote on January 19:
“Former SPD leader Martin Schulz (70), once President of the European Parliament, has reacted to US President Donald Trump’s (79) plans for Greenland with a fierce attack… ‘He wants Europe to consist of vassal states that do what he says. If I can’t buy it, I’ll conquer it militarily. Today Venezuela belongs to us, tomorrow the whole world.’…
“‘May the American voters prevent another one like Trump from coming along, this Vance or whatever his name is!… But I am allowed to say here that I consider him (Vance) a shady character.’”
Die Welt reported on January 17:
“At a CDU event in Baden-Württemberg, Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with unusual frankness: The US course is developing ‘towards a purely power- and interest-driven policy.’ Germany must not become a pawn of the great powers, Merz warned…
“Merz is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the policies of US President Donald Trump and is calling for a more self-confident stance from the Europeans… Merz also apparently no longer expects any changes from Trump… If Trump simply continues his policies, ‘we mustn’t bury our heads in the sand and say we’ll just accept it all.’”
Now Germany’s chancellor openly opposes Trump as well. But with indecisive Merz, nobody knows for sure what his next step will be, if any.
Boltwise wrote on January 16:
“In a remarkable diplomatic move, European leaders are signaling their willingness to intensify dialogue with Russia in order to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all spoken out in favor of direct talks with Moscow…
“The Kremlin has reacted positively to the recent statements from Europe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the proposals from Paris, Rome, and Berlin are consistent with Russian interests.
Merz also said that it is essential to find a way to reach a compromise with Russia. This is interesting in light of the developing alienation between Europe and the USA.
The Associated Press wrote on January 17:
“The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries formally signed a long-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday… to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world…
“The signing ceremony in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, marks a major geopolitical victory for the EU in an age of American tariffs and surging Chinese exports, expanding the bloc’s foothold in a resource-rich region… Mercosur consists of the region’s two biggest economies, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Paraguay and Uruguay. Bolivia, the bloc’s newest member, can join the trade deal in the coming years. Venezuela has been suspended from the bloc and isn’t included in the agreement.
“Promoted by South America’s renowned grass-fed cattle-raising countries and Europe’s industrial interests, the accord’s gradual elimination of more than 90% of tariffs creates one of the world’s largest free trade zones and makes shopping cheaper for more than 700 million consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who heads the EU’s executive branch, portrayed the deal as a bulwark against the disruptive policies of the Trump administration…
“But even as the ink dried on Saturday, powerful protectionist lobbies in Europe were still hoping to prevent the agreement from clearing its one final hurdle: ratification by the European Parliament. France remains opposed to the accord, with President Emmanuel Macron worrying that farmers’ frustration with the EU could drive more voters to the country’s far right in the 2027 presidential election.”
European members continue to be divided amongst themselves because of strictly national political ambitions (compare Daniel 2:42-44).
Deutsche Welle wrote on January 21:
“The European Parliament voted narrowly to challenge the EU trade deal with Latin America in the bloc’s top court, a move that could derail the deal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to social media soon after news of the vote, calling the result ‘regrettable’ and saying it ‘misjudges the geopolitical situation… ‘We are convinced of the legality of the agreement. No more delays. The deal must now be implemented provisionally.’”
ABC News reported on January 16:
“A set of recently released polls found Americans largely at odds with the Trump administration and its defense of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who fatally shot Minneapolis woman Renee Good…, 53% of registered voters saying the shooting of Good was not justified… 56% majority of Americans saying the shooting was an inappropriate use of force… About half (51%) said that the fatal shooting reflects bigger problems with the way ICE is operating… 51% of Americans saying ICE enforcement actions were making cities less safe…
“Americans voiced little trust in the federal government to carry out a fair and thorough investigation of the shooting in Minneapolis, according to the CNN poll, with 62% saying they had just some or no trust at all…
“57% of voters disapproving of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws… A 58% majority disapproves of how Trump is handling immigration… a slim 52% majority of Americans saying Trump’s efforts to deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally have gone too far… 61% of Americans disapproving of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handling of her job…”
Trump will of course dismiss those numbers as being fake. However, they are not fake, but represent the reality that most Americans disapprove of Trump’s immigration policy. This is a bad sign for him when it comes to the midterm elections. Trump seems to recognize this himself, recently commenting that the pictures of the behavior of ICE agents on TV are bad.
npr wrote on January 16:
“The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey… Frey said… on Friday: ‘This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up…’
“Walz… said: ‘Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.’”
It is suspected that the investigation is aiming at alleged interference of ICE actions by the governor and the mayor. That would be difficult to maintain, as both asked the demonstrators to act peacefully (as Trump had asked the demonstrators on January 6, 2021, to act peacefully). A detailed analysis of all the available videos has shown that Good was not attempting to hit the agent or to run him over. Subsequently, the Justice Department issued subpoenas on Walz and Frey, among others.
BBC News reported on January 16:
“Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new approach to Canada’s foreign policy can perhaps be distilled in one line: ‘We take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.’ That was his response when asked about the deal struck with China on Friday, despite concerns over its human rights record and nearly a year after he called China ‘the biggest security threat’ facing Canada.
“The deal will see Canada ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that it imposed in tandem with the US in 2024. In exchange, China will lower retaliatory tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products. Experts told the BBC the move represents a significant shift in Canada’s policy on China, one that is shaped by ongoing uncertainty with the US, its largest trade partner… Canada’s relationship with China, [Carney] added, had become ‘more predictable’ than its relationship with the US under the Trump administration….
“Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to Canada’s auto sector, was sharply critical of the deal. He said removing EV tariffs on China ‘would hurt our economy and lead to job losses’…
“Since taking office for a second time last year, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian sectors like metals and automotives, which has led to swirling economic uncertainty. He has also threatened to rip up a longstanding North American free trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico, calling it ‘irrelevant’. That trade agreement, the USMCA, is now under a mandatory review. Canada and Mexico have both made clear they want it to remain in place.
“But the decision to carve out a major new deal with China is a recognition by Carney that the future of North American free trade remains unclear…”
How the world changed! A year ago, China was perceived as being the biggest security threat to Canada; now it seems to be the USA. This is also in light of the fact that Trump repeatedly demanded that Canada become the 51st state of the USA—a demand which has been strongly rejected by the vast majority of Canadians. Similarities with the situation regarding Greenland are blatantly obvious.
Politico wrote on January 16:
“Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Friday that a decision on who owns Greenland doesn’t belong to U.S. President Donald Trump. ‘The future of Greenland is a decision for Greenland and for the Kingdom of Denmark,’ Carney told journalists at a press conference in Beijing following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Carney urged NATO allies including the U.S. to ‘respect their commitments’ as he stressed Canada’s support for Danish sovereignty over the strategically vital Arctic island, which Trump has threatened to seize. ‘We are NATO partners with Denmark, and so our full partnership stands,’ Carney said… ‘Our obligations on Article 5, Article 2 of NATO stand, and we stand full-square behind those.’
“… Carney said Greenland and Arctic sovereignty also featured in his discussions with Xi, adding that he ‘found much alignment of views in that regard.’”
Of course, China would agree with Europe against Trump.
Breitbart wrote on January 17:
“US President Donald Trump on Friday gave a key role in post-war Gaza to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair…
“Trump named [founding] members of a board to help supervise Gaza that was dominated by Americans, as he promotes a controversial vision of economic development in a territory that lies in rubble after two-plus years of relentless Israeli bombardment…
“Trump has already declared himself the chair of a ‘Board of Peace’ and on Friday announced its full membership that will include Blair as well as senior Americans — Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff…
“Blair is a controversial figure in the Middle East because of his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. … Trump… has previously mused about turning devastated Gaza into a Riviera-style area of resorts, although he has backed away from calls to forcibly displace the population.
“Israel’s military said Friday it had again hit the Gaza Strip in response to a ‘blatant violation’ of the ceasefire declared in October. The strikes come despite Washington announcing that the Gaza plan had gone on to a second phase — from implementing the ceasefire to disarming Hamas, whose October, 2023 attack on Israel prompted the massive Israeli offensive.”
Depending on how influential Blair will be, this could only spell disaster. In the meantime, Israel objected to the appointments, stating that the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy.”
According to the New York Post, dated January 17, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the makeup of the body, which includes Turkey and Qatar, contradicts Israeli policy… National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, another key ally, rejected the entire framework, saying Gaza did not need an international body at all and called for a return to war.”
Still, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday accepted President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the so-called “Board of Peace.” Germany, France, Norway and Sweden will not join. As a consequence, Trump threatened France with tariffs of about 200% for champagne.
Also, incredibly, Trump demands one billion dollars to stay on his peace board.
Israel 365 News reported on January 16:
“The [Sanhedrin issued a declaration containing] a direct call to Iranian leadership: ‘We call upon the leaders of all the peoples in Iran to walk in the path of Cyrus, King of Persia, to support the building of the Temple on the Temple Mount, and even to ascend and pray there in the places designated for the descendants of Noah, ‘for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples’ (Isaiah 56:7)…
“The Sanhedrin was reconstituted in 2004 after nearly 1,600 years of absence. Its members believe the generation has arrived when prophecy will be fulfilled, and the Temple will be rebuilt. The declarations… are legal rulings with the force of biblical law, not suggestions. They represent the Sanhedrin’s assertion of its role as the supreme legal authority for the Jewish people…”
And so, the Third Temple will be built soon.
In our recent StandingWatch program, titled, “Germany’s Refusal to Accept Guilt for Authoritarian Corona Measures“, we quoted alarming statements of US Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr in regard to Germany’s refusal to guarantee doctors’ freedom of treatment. The German government denied those statements. However, the following developments support Kennedy’s conclusion:
“Starting in 2026, doctors will have to meet certain vaccination quotas to receive the full retainer fee, with a minimum of 10 vaccinations per quarter required. Failure to meet this minimum will result in a 40% reduction in the fee, while higher quotas (7% in the first three quarters, 25% in the fourth) can lead to higher bonuses. However, meeting these higher quotas is not mandatory for receiving the basic retainer fee, but only for the additional bonuses” (taken from the Internet).
This new regulation, which was already decided in 2025, is being criticized by some as an infringement on doctors’ freedom of treatment. This is seen as a continuation of the restrictions on doctors’ freedom of treatment that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fox News wrote on January 18:
“Where exactly is the heaven described in the Bible?… According to the Bible, the lowest level of heaven is Earth’s atmosphere. The mid-level heaven is outer space. The highest-level heaven is what we’re talking about: It’s where God dwells. As for heaven’s location, the Bible contains many verses that describe us as looking ‘up’ at God in heaven, and God as looking ‘down’ at us on Earth…
“In 1929,… Edwin Hubble discovered that… there’s a definite pattern to how galaxies are rushing away from each other, namely: The farther ‘up’ in space a galaxy is located — the farther away it is from Earth — the faster it’s moving away from Earth and everything else…
“Theoretically, a galaxy that’s 273 billion trillion… miles away from Earth would move at 186,000 miles per second, which is the speed of light. That distance, way ‘up’ there in space, is called the Cosmic Horizon. That means you and I can never reach the Cosmic Horizon… because… only light and certain other non-material phenomena can travel at the speed of light.
“… It’s entirely possible heaven is located on the other side of the Cosmic Horizon… an entire universe exists beyond the Cosmic Horizon. But it’s permanently hidden from us because we can never reach, let alone cross over, the Cosmic Horizon… Our best astronomical observations… indicate that time stops at the Cosmic Horizon… Unlike time, however, space does exist at and beyond the Cosmic Horizon. Which means the hidden universe beyond the Cosmic Horizon is habitable, albeit only by light and light-like entities… whatever exists beyond the Cosmic Horizon predates these oldest objects… predates the so-called big bang… predates the beginning of the observable universe.
“All these modern scientific realities, and others, are why it’s entirely reasonable to speculate that:
“1. Heaven is, indeed, located ‘up’ there — way above our heads and way beyond the visible, starlit universe — just as the Bible indicates.
“2. Heaven is inaccessible to us mortals while we’re alive, just as the Bible indicates.
“3. Heaven is inhabited by nonmaterial… beings, just as the Bible indicates.
“4. Heaven is the dwelling place of the One who predates the universe — the One who created the universe — just as the Bible indicates.”
An interesting observation. The one mistake the author makes, however, is that where God dwells, there is no “space” either, as “space” is something “physical.” But there is a world composed of Spirit. The Bible indicates that God’s Heaven—the “Third Heaven”—is located in the North [Psalm 75:6; Isaiah 14:13-14—even in heathen literature, the abode of the gods was supposed to be in the North]. But God’s Third Heaven consists of Spirit and is therefore invisible to the human eye. For more information, please read our free booklet, “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.”
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.
“Soul sleep” is not a phrase that we would use in the Church of God, even though, as we will see, it is an accurate description of biblical teaching. Rather, we would say that a baptised faithful Christian who had repented of their sins and lived the Way of Life—the narrow way, not the broad and easy way—will upon their death be awaiting the resurrection at the return of Jesus Christ. We read this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16:
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
Still, the question remains as to what happens to the soul when man dies. It is important to understand this, when we review the false mainstream understanding which is at odds with the Bible.
Understanding the correct biblical belief is crucial as it illustrates the various interpretations within mainstream Christianity and offers insight into how different denominations approach the topic of life after death.
divinenarratives.org observes that “The term ‘soul sleep’ refers to the belief that the soul enters a dormant state after physical death [this is poorly worded, when discussing the concept of “soul sleep,” as we will see], remaining unconscious until the resurrection. This concept diverges from the more widely held view that the soul immediately transitions to an afterlife, whether it be heaven, hell, or purgatory. The origins of soul sleep can be traced back to early Christian thought, where it found a foothold among certain sects and theologians who sought to reconcile scriptural interpretations with philosophical inquiries about the nature of the soul.
“One of the earliest proponents of this doctrine was the 16th-century reformer Martin Luther, who suggested at that time that the dead are completely unconscious until the Day of Judgment. Luther’s views were influenced by his reading of the Bible, particularly passages that seemed to imply a state of sleep or rest for the dead. This interpretation was not entirely novel, as similar ideas had been discussed by early church fathers and various Jewish sects, including the Sadducees, who denied the immortality of the soul.”
Luther’s concept that the dead are completely unconscious was entirely correct. But it is rather amusing to read that “Martin Luther was influenced by his reading of the Bible.” Naturally, this does not reflect what Luther’s conviction was based on, as it was more than just being “influenced” by reading Scripture. The quoted article sounds like that this is something highly unusual. But it should be a “given” on all matters regarding true Christian theology!
Jesus taught, as we read in Luke 6:47-49, how the foundations of building a house are like the foundations needed for our Christian lives:
“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
Our foundations are built on what Jesus Christ, the Rock, taught, and the Bible which reveals the Way of Life to which we have been called. If not, man’s own thoughts and ideas can be seen as normal and acceptable by those who don’t take the time to properly read and understand the Word of God.
It has been acknowledged that syncretism entered the early Church. The concept of an immortal soul which continues to live when man dies is pagan, and was inserted into Christian thinking—a typical case of syncretism. We have previously quoted Will Durant confirming this, as follows:
“Will Durant and his wife wrote the following in Volume III, titled ‘Caesar and Christ’ (1944, p. 595: ‘Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it…. [T]he Greek mysteries passed down into the impressive mystery of the Mass. Other pagan cultures contributed to the syncretist result. From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity, the Last Judgment, and a personal immortality of reward and punishment; from Egypt the adoration of the Mother and Child…’”
The problem with mainstream Christianity is that it has absorbed pagan practices into that system of belief. The Topical Encyclopedia has this to say on syncretism:
“Syncretism refers to the blending or merging of different religious beliefs and practices. In the context of Christianity, syncretism poses a significant threat as it can dilute or distort the core tenets of the faith. The Bible consistently warns against the incorporation of pagan or foreign elements into the worship of the one true God, emphasizing the need for purity and exclusivity in devotion.
“The Old Testament is replete with admonitions against syncretism. The Israelites were repeatedly cautioned against adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations. In Deuteronomy 12:30-31, God warns [as quoted in the article], ‘Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” You must not worship the LORD your God in their way.’”
And man, in his usual way, ignores what the great God tells him to do. And so “soul sleep” [rightly understood] is accepted by few but criticised and condemned by many. To look at what the real understanding is of this matter, we have taken a full statement on this matter and will answer the assertions as we go along. While we have taken this from a particular website, we could easily have found many other proponents with the same line of reasoning.
The quotation from the article taken is in italics, followed by our comments below in roman type.
“Soul sleep” is a belief that after a person dies his or her soul “sleeps” until the resurrection and final judgment. The concept of soul sleep is not biblical.
We will prove in this two-part Q&A that it is biblical, mainstream theology notwithstanding. The immediate observation reveals where this response is headed, and so let us review their observations on this matter.
It’s true that, in some places, the Bible speaks of those who have died as being asleep. Daniel 12:2 describes the resurrection as the time when “multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.” The New Testament speaks of believers who are “asleep” in Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul speaks of those who are “still living,” in contrast to those who have “fallen asleep” (see also verses 18 and 20). Luke relates the death of Stephen with the words, “He fell asleep” (Acts 7:60), much the same as how Jesus describes Lazarus in John 11:11 and Jairus’s daughter in Luke 8:52. So, for those who expect a resurrection, sleep is a metaphor for death.
So far, so good. Continuing:
Death is a “sleep” for the believer because it is temporary; the resurrection is the “awakening.” But what exactly is it that sleeps, and what is awakened? It is the body, not the soul. A body, when dead, appears to be resting in sleep, and that gives rise to the metaphorical usage of sleep. But the soul does not sleep. The moment we experience physical death, our souls are transferred to a different place. For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23).
This is where error creeps in early on. “But the soul does not sleep.” This assertion is made because of the false understanding that man has an immortal soul. We have a 40-page free booklet entitled “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” and we read on page 28 the following:
“HUMAN SOULS DIE AND MUST BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
“When people die, they are dead. Death is the opposite of life! In order to live again, dead people must be resurrected from the dead to either physical life or to eternal life.
“In Revelation 20:4, both types of resurrections to physical life and to eternal life are discussed, with special emphasis on a resurrection to eternal life, ‘…and I saw the souls (psyche) of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and they lived (as spirit beings) and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished (but they will be resurrected afterwards to physical life). This is the first resurrection’ (This phrase refers to those souls that were brought back to life to reign with Christ for a thousand years.).
“Notice that the souls that had been killed lived again. So the souls were dead, but they were brought back to life in a resurrection from the dead. How clear it is that persons are souls and that souls die. Souls do not continue to live on after death.”
Man IS a soul but doesn’t have a soul—he has the spirit in man which is entirely different. The spirit in man goes back to God when man dies, but it won’t be conscious. It has stored everything about the man—his outward appearance, his experiences, even his thoughts and motives—and God will use it and place it in the newly created body of the person at the time of the resurrection.
In our Q&A “What does the Bible teach about the ‘spirit in man’? Is that human spirit the same as an immortal soul?,” we read the following:
“Most people know nothing about the existence of the spirit in man—even many religious people—lay persons and theologians alike. When they read passages in the Bible describing the spirit in man, they assume the Bible is talking about the soul. But the soul is not a non-physical component of the human being. The soul, according to the Bible, is totally physical. The Bible does not teach the concept of an immortal soul. Rather, we read in Ezekiel 18:4, ‘The soul who sins shall die.’ The word ‘soul’ in the Bible refers to the living body of both man and animals…
“In the book of Isaiah we are told that each human being has a spirit within him. ‘Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it…’ (Isaiah 42:5).
“The Bible strongly indicates that God gives the human spirit at the time of conception, and then takes it back at the time of death. We read in Zechariah 12:1, ‘Thus says the LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.’ Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, ‘Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.’ When the spirit in man leaves a person, that person is dead. James 2:26 says, ‘For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also’…
“Understand though, that when a man dies and his spirit returns to God, that spirit does not continue to live consciously, apart from the body. Rather, God ‘stores’ it, so to speak, in heaven, until He unites it at the time of the resurrection of man with a new spiritual or physical body. The concept that man’s soul is immortal is as wrong as the concept that man’s spirit continues to live consciously after death…”
(To be continued)
Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)
compiled by Dave Harris
“Trump’s Greenland Deal—Defeat or Distraction?” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:
In order to answer the question in the title of this program, we will first go back to point out Trump’s statements of his intensions regarding Greenland. In light of those declarations, the answer might become more obvious. But in any event, Trump’s conduct has contributed to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This program will show you, how this is the case.
“Trumps Grönland Deal—Niederlage oder Ablenkung?” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers topics as described above.
“Liebt Eure Feinde,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English, “Love Your Enemies.”
“Urteile nicht nach dem, was vor Augen ist,” last Sabbath’s German sermon presented by Christoph Sperzel, is now posted. Title in English: “Do Not Judge by What You See With Your Eyes,”
“What Have You Learned About Generosity?” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Eric Rank, is now posted. Here is the summary:
Generosity has effects upon the giver that are contrary to human intuition. On the surface, the act of giving takes away from givers, leaving them with less than they started with. However, generosity is not a zero-sum game. The Bible reveals that the act of giving brings unique benefits to all of those involved.
“Those Who Knew Better,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Dave Harris, is now posted. Here is the summary:
How often have we been confronted with a choice to do something that we knew we shouldn’t do, or to do what we know God commands for us? How do we choose in those situations?
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
On January 17, 2026, Eric Rank will present the sermonette, titled, “What Have You Learned About Generosity?” and Dave Harris will present the sermon, titled, “Those Who Knew Better.”
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