On February 14, 2026, Norbert Link will present the sermonette, titled, “Do You Know Why God Has Called You?” and the sermon, titled, “End-Time Prophecies in the Book of Hosea.”

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.

Mr. Armstrong stated many times that your spiritual growth is linked directly to your dedication and involvement in the Work of God by supporting the effort to get the Gospel of the Kingdom of God out to the world as a witness, coupled with the warning of imminent destruction of the modern nations of the ancient House of Israel. These nations include the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, who can trace their lineage back to the children of Jacob, who had his name changed to Israel.

This Work is the most important work on the face of the earth which may lead to trials of mocking and persecution and in some cases martyrdom but for those who faithfully pursue this challenge to the end of their life or the return of Christ, whichever comes first, a great potential as resurrected children of God awaits them with the opportunity to rule with Christ during the Millennium and on into eternity for whatever God in His divine wisdom has in store for them.

Staying focused on this task is really a challenge in this day and age with all the distractions and temptations Satan likes to throw at us. We have to be aware of this as stated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11: “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

This was in reference to a member who had to be chastised, but following that, Paul was admonishing the brethren to forgive him, as they were aware of Satan’s devices.

Satan is not out to encourage us to faithfully push through trials we all face but wants us to get discouraged, weary and hopefully quit and potentially lose out on salvation if leaving the Truth is not repented of.

As the god of this world, he will do everything in his power to trip us up, who has polluted every aspect of society, including music, movies, books, church doctrines of this world, which teach a false Christ and Sunday worship, arts and language. He is the prince of the power of the air, and his footprint is everywhere and his influence is great.

The solution is his removal which will occur at the return of Christ, and his influence will cease until he will be used by Christ at the end of the Millennium to tempt mankind one more time. Afterwards, he will be dealt with by God, never again to influence mankind.

In the meantime, the question is: “Where is our heart?”

Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Fulfilling this takes time and effort on our part. This means that we have to diligently use the tools God has given us to accomplish this task, since it is possible for us to be successful. These tools include prayer, bible study, meditation and occasional fasting. There is no fast-tracking into the Kingdom of God; the path requires dedication and commitment on our part, but the outcome and the reward are really worth it.

You have to make the effort to draw close to God.  Then what will happen? 

James 4:8 says: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” 

The result is that God will draw close to you. The more you overcome sin which acts as a barrier and resistance, the more you can draw close to the Father and to Christ, and they will be close to you.

People are totally deceived who practice sin, including worshipping on the wrong day and breaking His commandments, sometimes with impunity, and who still think they have a close relationship with Christ and God the Father.

Thankfully, one day God will remove the veil from their eyes. They will be called and given the opportunity we now have. Let’s be grateful for that.

Matthew 6:19-21 admonishes us:  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Treasures in heaven are building a strong relationship with God and Christ while our hearts have to be in the Work of God for us to truly fulfill our destiny and receive our glorious reward of a golden crown and rulership in the kingdom of God.

We begin with ICE’s ongoing brutal conduct and Trump’s racist posts.

Please watch our new message in this regard, “Admit Your Mistakes! Comments on News and Prophecy, February 7, 2026.”  

We continue with Germany’s endeavors in the Gulf region, while recognizing the lost trust in America; and speak on America’s financial doom.

We address Turkey’s ambitions in the Middle East, including Gaza; and the rise of the Jewish presence on the Temple Mount.

We point out Putin’s alleged attempt to “bribe” the USA in the Ukraine crisis; and Hungarian President Orban’s strong opposition to Ukraine’s conduct.

We speak about China’s warnings directed at the USA and its abolition of the freedom of the press, including in Hong Kong; and Trump’s renewed threats towards Canada.

We conclude with an interesting discovery pertaining to the Garden of Eden.

Please view our new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Beast of Germany Over Ten Nations.”

Throughout this section, we have underlined pertinent statements in the quoted articles, for the convenience and quick overview of the reader.        

A Softer Touch With ICE? Don’t Be Fooled!

The Huffington Post wrote on February 8: 

“Top Trump administration officials certainly put on a show last week about changing tactics in Minnesota… Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino lost his job. Border czar Tom Homan said he’s pulling 700 federal agents out of the state. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she’s sending body cameras to every DHS field officer in Minneapolis. Even President Donald Trump sort of registered problems with his surge of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers in the state that continues to spark widespread protests, traumatize immigrant communities and has left two Americans dead, Pretti and Renee Good. ‘Maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch,’ Trump told NBC News on Wednesday, when asked if he’s learned anything from how his massive ICE operation has played out… 

“Local school officials here say ICE officers continue to circle their schools, looking for immigrant children to nab. Federal officers are still grabbing brown and Black people on the streets,  regardless of whether they’re in the country legally or have no criminal record… On Tuesday, ICE was in the parking lots of all of [the] schools… 

“There are still more than 2,000 federal agents swarming the region… despite the hundreds Homan said he’s withdrawing. And even if every DHS agent wears a body camera, which remains to be seen… that doesn’t mean the public will be able to see the footage from their encounters… 

“While the Trump administration may not be easing up at all in its efforts to intimidate and hunt down immigrants, neither are the residents of the Minneapolis-St.Paul region. In interviews with dozens of people over the past two weeks, it was clear that virtually everybody is hunkering down together and coordinating to carry out sophisticated operations to keep their neighbors safe during ICE’s ‘occupation’ here. 

“They take part in daily ICE patrols through neighborhoods, with people watching for unmarked cars and alerting each other to sightings. They drive each other’s kids to and from school, and even walk them into their homes, when those kids’ parents are too scared to go outside. They coordinate trips to grocery stores for immigrant neighbors and food deliveries to their homes. Schools and churches have become pantries. Between getting their children ready for school and cooking dinner for their families, parents use secure messaging apps like Signal to keep their constant communication with each other secret. 

“In Columba Heights, grandparents and retired teachers stand outside various public schools with whistles, blowing them when they see agents driving by when children are outside. School officials promptly provide cover…” 

These are horrible and appalling conditions in the land of the “brave and the free.” 

Brutal Conduct of ICE and Refusal to Investigate 

The Associated Press wrote on February 7: 

“Alberto Castaneda Mondragon says his memory was so jumbled after a beating by immigration officers that he initially could not remember he had a daughter and still struggles to recall treasured moments like the night he taught her to dance. But the violence he endured last month in Minnesota while being detained is seared into his battered brain. 

“He remembers Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents pulling him from a friend’s car on Jan. 8 outside a St. Paul shopping center and throwing him to the ground, handcuffing him, then punching him and striking his head with a steel baton. He remembers being dragged into an SUV and taken to a detention facility, where he said he was beaten again. He also remembers the emergency room and the intense pain from eight skull fractures and five life-threatening brain hemorrhages. ‘They started beating me right away when they arrested me,’ the Mexican immigrant recounted this week to The Associated Press… 

“Castaneda Mondragon, 31, is one of an unknown number of immigration detainees who, despite avoiding deportation during the Trump administration’s enforcement crackdown, have been left with lasting injuries following violent encounters with ICE officers. His case is one of the excessive-force claims the federal government has thus far declined to investigate… 

“The officers told nurses Castaneda Mondragon ‘purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall,’ an account his caregivers immediately doubted. A CT scan showed fractures to the front, back and both sides of his skull — injuries a doctor told AP were inconsistent with a fall. ‘There was never a wall,’ Castaneda Mondragon said in Spanish, recalling ICE officers striking him with the same metal rod used to break the windows of the vehicle he was in. He later identified it as an ASP, a telescoping baton routinely carried by law enforcement… 

“Castaneda Mondragon entered the U.S. legally in March 2022, and… the agency determined only after his arrest that he had overstayed his visa. A federal judge later ruled his arrest had been unlawful and ordered him released from ICE custody.” 

And ICE gets upset when their methods are being compared with that of the Gestapo? 

ICE to Withdraw From Minnesota

CNBC wrote on February 12:

“Border czar Tom Homan on Thursday said President Donald Trump has agreed to conclude the monthslong federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota… The total withdrawal ‘will continue to the next week,’ he said Thursday morning. Homan added that a ‘small footprint’ of personnel will stay in the area ‘for a period of time’ to transition command back to a local field office, and to ensure ‘agitator activity’ does not flare back up…

“The killings [of two American citizens] massively inflamed tensions over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota, spurring widespread protests and rapidly souring public opinion toward ICE…

“Homan stressed that the Trump administration’s efforts to remove vast numbers of undocumented immigrants will continue. ‘For those who say we are backing down from immigration enforcement or the promise of mass deportations, you are simply wrong,’ he said.”

Racism and Lies 

Deadline wrote on February 6: 

“While Democrats have condemned Donald Trump’s Truth Social post of a video featuring a racist AI depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, one of the president’s strident defenders also called it out. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who is [the only Black Republican in the Senate and who is] chairing the GOP’s Senate campaign efforts this year, wrote on X, ‘Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House. The President should remove it.’ A couple hours after Scott’s statement, the Trump post was taken down, with a White House official saying, ‘A White House staffer erroneously made the post. It has been taken down.’   

“Earlier on Friday morning, the White House acknowledged that Trump posted the video, and defended the president for doing so. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, ‘This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from The Lion King. Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.’ [The video did not portray Trump as the King of the Jungle, or other Democrats; just the Obamas were depicted as apes.] 

“Another Republican, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), who faces a competitive reelection race this cycle, wrote, ‘The President’s post is wrong and incredibly offensive — whether intentional or a mistake — and should be deleted immediately with an apology offered.’… The NAACP said in a statement, ‘Trump posting this video — especially during Black History Month— is a stark reminder of how Trump and his followers truly view people. And we’ll remember that in November.’” 

The Daily Mail added on February 6: 

“Donald Trump has deleted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes after a furious backlash from senior Republicans…. Other prominent Republican senators joined Scott in demanding that Trump take down the video.  

“Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi posted on X: ‘This is totally unacceptable. The president should take it down and apologize.’  Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska wrote: ‘Even if this was a Lion King meme, a reasonable person sees the racist context to this. The White House should do what anyone does when they make a mistake: remove this and apologize.’   

The Daily Mail stated in its headline, “Trump DELETES Obama ape video as White House throws junior staffer under the bus.” 

Also in light of the long history of racist posts depicting black people as apes or monkeys – a tool of slave traders and segregationists to dehumanize them –Trump’s racist post was clearly highly inappropriate and offensive, and the subsequent “excuse” in blaming a staffer only made matters worse. 

ABC News wrote: 

“President Donald Trump told reporters he didn’t see the entire video before it was shared on his social media platform… Trump said he only saw the first part… Asked if he would apologize for the video, Trump said, ‘No, I didn’t make a mistake…’” 

He is responsible for whatever he retweets and posts. 

Grand Jury Refuses to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers 

The New York Post wrote on February 11: 

“A federal grand jury refused to hand up an indictment Tuesday against six Democratic lawmakers accused by President Trump of ‘seditious behavior’ this past fall. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro led the failed effort to indict Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Chris Deluzi (D-Pa.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) over a video posted on social media urging members of the military and intelligence community to ‘refuse illegal orders.’.. 

“Kelly called the attempt to bring charges an ‘outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackies.’…

“… the Pentagon [had] opened an investigation into Kelly, citing a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty for possible court-martial or other punishment. War Secretary Pete Hegseth has censured Kelly for participating in the video and is trying to retroactively demote Kelly from his retired rank of captain.

“The senator is suing Hegseth to block those proceedings, calling them an unconstitutional act of retribution.” 

The rare refusal of a federal grand jury to indict the defendants in question was the only correct decision in this case. Subsequently, a federal judge, appointed by George W. Bush in 2002, sided with Mark Kelly, accusing Hegseth of “trampling” on Kelly’s right to free speech and suggested that Hegseth should be more “grateful” for the wisdom of retired service members. Hegseth announced that he would appeal the decision, but should really have no chance for success. The witch hunt against especially former astronaut Mark Kelly for only stating the law is terrible. 

Strong Accusations Against Trump in the Epstein Matter 

C-Span wrote on February 3, 2026: 

“Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus Ted Lieu (D-CA) tells reporters the Epstein files contain allegations that President Trump raped and threatened to kill children. He says House Republicans are trying to ‘distract’ from those allegations by seeking testimony on Epstein from former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also says the Justice Department ‘violated the privacy’ of victims by failing to redact some explicit images from the files…” 

Lieu repeated these charges on Wednesday, February 11, during a contentious bi-partisan House “hearing” with Attorney General Pam Bondi. The congressional circus bordered on the ridiculous and showed the world again a deeply-divided America. 

The Future of Trump’s Tariffs 

Axios wrote on February 11:

“House Democrats are… planning to force votes overturning at least two of President Trumps’s tariffs, with more likely to follow… House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has repeatedly blocked these votes over the past year, but his attempt to do so on Tuesday was thwarted by a trio of Republican defectors in a late-night vote…

“‘We are going to do Canada today and follow with Mexico,’ House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) told Axios in a text message Wednesday morning. The New York Democrat later told Axios that he also plans to force votes overturning the Brazil and global ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs…

“While the measures could garner the simple majority needed for Senate passage,  Trump could then simply veto it. It’s highly unlikely Congress has the two-thirds majorities in both chambers to overturn his veto. That means the House votes would effectively be symbolic rebukes of the president’s tariffs.”

Real clearance can only come through the US Supreme Court which has taken an unusually long time to address the issue. 

Merz in the Gulf Region 

Deutsche Welle wrote on February 6: 

“German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrapped up a three-day tour to the Gulf region in Abu Dhabi on Friday by positioning Germany as a reliable investment partner, and eyeing a central role in a potential EU trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)… The chancellor’s trip, which included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, comes as Germany seeks to diversify its economic and strategic partnerships amid increasing global economic instability, particularly brought on by US President Donald Trump’s erratic trade policies… 

“Summing up his three-day tour, Merz said his meetings in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE showed ‘what great potential we have.’ After meeting with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on Thursday, Merz said Germany would work ‘more intensively in arms cooperation than in recent years’ with what he described as reliable partners in the Gulf region.  

“Seeking closer ties with the autocratically governed Gulf states that have dubious human rights records — especially Saudi Arabia —  represents a turnaround from previous German governments… Saudi Arabia is notorious for its treatment of women and a draconian justice system. In 2018, the brutal murder and dismemberment of Saudi journalist and crown prince critic Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Turkey shocked the world. Western intelligence agencies like the CIA assess Khashoggi was killed at the behest of the crown prince, who has denied all involvement. According to Shuman Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia carried out a record number of 356 executions in 2025….” 

Germany’s involvement with Arab nations is remarkable in light of Psalm 83. 

Europe as a Superpower

Apollo News wrote on February 5:

“In a speech at the Catholic University of Leuven, where he was receiving an honorary doctorate, Mario Draghi called for drastic reforms to the European Union. He stated that the continent faces a choice: either to remain a mere single market or to become an independent superpower through closer integration. This leads him to demand that the European Union become a ‘true federation’ to maintain its global standing…

“Draghi’s demands would ultimately amount to the abolition of nation-states. Key competencies—including fiscal policy, defense, industrial policy, and foreign policy—would have to be transferred to the EU level. The member states of the European Union would no longer be sovereign.”

Draghi served as Prime Minister of Italy in 2021 and 2022. 

Spahn’s Fault For the Health Insurance Funds’ Bankruptcy

ntv wrote on February 11:

“‘I don’t think we’ll have to raise health insurance contributions again in 2026.’ That’s what Karl Lauterbach told the ‘Bild’ newspaper in October 2024, when he was still Federal Minister of Health. The prediction was wrong: At the turn of the year, almost half of all statutory health insurance funds in Germany raised their contributions, including large funds like Techniker Krankenkasse and DAK-Gesundheit, as well as AOK Sachsen-Anhalt and HKK…

“The statutory health insurance funds are notoriously bankrupt. The funds’ reserves have been depleted… Why are their finances in such a bad state? GKV (National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds) head Oliver Blatt offered an explanation on Deutschlandfunk radio: The last grand coalition government with Health Minister Jens Spahn ‘dug into the funds’ reserves’ – and now they’re paying the price… The former health minister used that money to pay for part of the high costs of the coronavirus crisis.”

Spahn, who has often been accused of incompetence and ruthlessness, has caused considerable damage in the past, including during his time as Health Minister. His popularity plummeted. Few seriously considered his return to the political arena. But now he’s back at the top—virtually second only to Merz—and is certainly striving, as he has for many years, to become Chancellor. Stranger things have happened in Germany. 

Germany’s Painful Estrangement From the USA 

Financial Times wrote on February 9: 

“Today that [German] community is in disarray. After repeated blows by the Trump administration to Nato and the EU, [Wolfgang] Ischinger [German Chair of the Munich Security Conference] wonders whether the first warning signs of American estrangement were already visible two decades ago, during the US invasion of Iraq. ‘Maybe I should have started worrying when America tried to drive a wedge into Europe by talking about “old Europe” and “new Europe’’, he says. ‘These are the friends of the United States, who are going with us into Iraq. And these are the old guys, the Germans and the French, whom we don’t like anymore because they’re not sharing our views.’ 

“Claudia Major, senior vice-president at the German Marshall Fund [said:] ‘The Americans taught the Germans democracy. It feels like a betrayal.’ 

“German Atlanticists took particular offence a year ago, when US vice-president JD Vance used the Munich Security Conference — which fell during the German federal election campaign — to lecture Europe over democratic values, before meeting far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel on the sidelines. Shaken, [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz… later described it as an ‘epochal rupture’… he declared it urgent for Europe to ‘achieve independence from the US’… 

“Long reluctant to assume a leading military role because of its Nazi past, Berlin, with its ample fiscal power, is now being pushed to the forefront of Europe’s rearmament…

“Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, German attitudes towards America have flipped from broadly positive to overwhelmingly negative… Last month, a Forsa poll conducted after Trump threatened to seize Greenland found that 71 per cent of Germans now viewed the US as an adversary rather than a partner. A majority of AfD sympathisers agreed. 

“During Trump’s first term, his administration announced plans to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany — a move later blocked by Congress. European officials now await the Pentagon’s so-called Global Posture Review, which will determine the future for the 80,000 American soldiers stationed in Europe, about 37,500 of them in Germany… 

“Merz’s plan to pour billions into building the Bundeswehr into ‘Europe’s largest conventional army’ has broad backing across Germany’s mainstream parties, from conservatives to Greens and Social Democrats. 

“Yet policymakers remain torn over how far emancipation from the US should go — balancing fears that assertiveness might hasten US troop withdrawals and leave a deterrence gap, against hopes that, perhaps, the Trump administration proves to be an aberration… 

“But Julia Friedlander, the first American chief executive of Berlin-based Atlantik-Brücke, and a former Trump administration security adviser in charge of Europe, says it is high time that Germany steps up. A self-described ‘cold-hearted realist’, the 41-year-old argues that Europe’s most populous country must shed sentimentality. ‘The good old unipolar days, when everyone could feel very happy under the US umbrella, those are all gone,’ she says. 

“Friedlander describes her experience during her time in the Trump administration of growing ‘bitterness’ in Washington towards the EU, and Germany in particular, for failing to take its defence seriously… 

“Under pressure from Trump, Merz is now trying to ‘flip the narrative’, Friedlander says. Germany has overtaken the US as Ukraine’s largest provider of military aid, according to the Kiel Institute… 

“[Karsten] Voigt [former commissioner for German-American co-operation in parliament under SPD Chancellor Gerhard Schröder], feels this transformation is in full swing. ‘That’s uncharted territory but Germany is ready. We no longer feel guilty and we don’t feel completely alone. Our role has changed a great deal already. We look at ourselves in amazement and we wonder: is that really you? No, that’s no longer us. We are something new.’” 

This transformation will continue, and “new” Germany WILL BECOME the uncontested military leader in Europe. At the same time, the alienation with the USA will continue, leading to outright hostility and animosity. Germany’s mistrust of Trump is shared worldwide. Note the next article. 

Global Mistrust 

The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 8: 

“Global mistrust of Donald Trump has moved beyond mere partisan debate. It has become a driving force reshaping diplomacy, currency stability, and the very psychology that underpins alliances. The unease isn’t just about his grandiose claims, such as insisting he ended eight wars and his desire for a Nobel Prize. The real damage lies in the erratic warnings, personal threats, and refusal to follow any recognizable international norms... 

“The world now sees Trump as a financial predator whose actions threaten the very stability Switzerland depends on. When a neutral country openly expresses such disgust, not toward a dictator but toward an American president, it speaks volumes about how far trust has fallen.” 

European Pride Opposes JD Vance 

Politico wrote on February 9:

“The people who jeered U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Winter Olympics were displaying ‘European pride’ following a string of critical comments about Europe from American officials, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said Monday. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were greeted with a smattering of boos and jeers at the San Siro stadium in Milan last week when they briefly appeared on a giant screen waving U.S. flags during the opening ceremony. 

“Asked about the booing…, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: ‘Well, I guess we have heard a lot of not-so-nice words from the United States regarding Europe. Of course, our public also has a pride, a European pride. So it shows,’ she added. The remarks capture the tense state of EU-U.S. relations…” 

Some Trump-supporting conservative outlets denied that JD Vance was booed, saying instead that he was cheered. That claim is blatantly false. The American athletes were cheered, but he was booed mercilessly when he was seen on the screen.

America’s Cost-Of-Living Crisis 

StudyFinds wrote on February 6: 

“Rent is due. The electric bill sits on the counter. The grocery receipt from last week still stings. For half of Americans, keeping up with basic monthly bills has become nearly impossible… Nine in 10 people believe the U.S. is experiencing a full-blown cost-of-living crisis, and nearly eight in 10 said everything became more expensive in 2025… 

“Half of respondents said they expect a tax refund this year, and among those, 73% admitted they need it more than ever before. Six in 10 said they need their refund earlier than usual just to stay afloat… When tax refunds stop feeling like extra money and start functioning as a financial backstop, something fundamental has shifted about what it means to get by in America.” 

Sadly, America is in an absolutely horrible state, financially. 

America’s Financial Doom Certain? 

Fortune wrote on February 7: 

“Elon Musk doubled down on his warnings about U.S. debt, predicting financial doom will be guaranteed without the transformative effects of AI and robotics on the economy. 

‘In the absence of AI and robotics, we’re actually totally screwed because the national debt is piling up like crazy,’ he added. Interest payments alone on the $38.5 trillion debt pile are about $1 trillion a year, exceeding the U.S. military budget, Musk pointed out…. ‘We are 1,000% going to go bankrupt as a country, and fail as a country, without AI and robots,’ he predicted… 

“While it’s ‘impossible’ to know when disaster will strike, ‘some form of crisis is almost inevitable’ without a course correction, the [Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget] said in a report.” 

How AI and robots could save us from national bankruptcy is a mystery only Musk seems to “understand.” 

AI Researcher Warns of the End of Humanity

Business Insider wrote on February 10:

“Nate Soares is the CEO of the non-profit Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) in Berkeley, California. Previously, the computer scientist worked at Microsoft and Google. In an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper, the prominent AI researcher spoke about the growing dangers of the technology… and how much time humanity has left. His central thesis: AI is becoming increasingly powerful, and we humans have less and less to counter it…

“Soares warns urgently of the dangers of superintelligent AI systems… Platforms like Moltbook have already demonstrated how bizarre and autonomous AIs can behave when unleashed. They are not yet malicious – but that could change. His worst-case scenario: that every human being on this planet dies. As soon as AIs can build their own infrastructure, they will form their own species with their own goals. They will create factories, their own economy, their own world – and be much faster than we are…

“The problem is indifference… According to the researcher, this development must be stopped… Once superintelligence is achieved, it can no longer be stopped… According to Soares, there isn’t much time left, perhaps two to ten years…” 

Turkey’s Ploy to Become Central Actor 

The Jerusalem Post wrote on February 9: 

“The emerging move points to a substantial deepening of Turkish involvement in the Palestinian arena and is advancing in clear opposition to Israel’s stated position… the combination of overt meetings with Hamas’s leadership and the sustained series of contacts with the Palestinian Authority reveals a broader and more coherent picture… 

“Turkey is working to advance a framework in which Hamas would be recognized and integrated into any future Palestinian arrangement, both on the political level and within governing mechanisms, including in Gaza… 

“This Turkish initiative does not exist in a vacuum. Ankara is seeking to position itself as a central actor in the Palestinian arena, in line with a neo-Ottoman worldview that identifies Jerusalem as a key strategic hub of influence.” 

America’s vision of peace in Gaza has been doomed from the outset. 

Jewish Presence Rising on the Temple Mount 

Israel365News wrote on February 8, 2026: 

“The flow of people on the Temple Mount has shifted in a way that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. Jewish presence is rising steadily, openly, and visibly, while Arab attendance is declining… the number of Arabs ascending the Temple Mount has dropped by roughly half, even as Jewish ascent has surged to record levels… 

“Over the past year, approximately 70,000 Jews ascended the holiest place to the Jewish people, with a stated goal of reaching 100,000 annually… When Jews bow there in humility before G-d, even Israel’s adversaries understand what that signals. The retreat of Arab presence alongside the return of Jewish worship is not coincidence. It is a declaration, visible on the stones themselves, that the heart of the Jewish people is beating again in the place where it always belonged.” 

And so, the next major visible step will be the building of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount. 

Putin’s Ukraine Cooperation Proposal With USA 

The Sun wrote on February 8: 

“Vladimir Putin covertly offered the United States a $9 trillion economic cooperation deal behind Ukraine’s back, according to Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader hinted that the proposal may be a ploy by the Kremlin to gain leverage in ongoing peace talks… 

“Ukraine once again confirmed its positions on the Donbas issue. ‘We stand where we stand’ is the fairest and most reliable model for a ceasefire today, in our opinion.’ He added that Kyiv will not tolerate Russia and the US making deals about Ukraine behind its back.” 

Putin’s intentions are clear, and so the question is: Is Trump willing to throw Ukraine under the bus? 

Orbán: Ukraine Our Enemy

DPA wrote on February 8: 

“Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has labelled Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia, an ‘enemy’ of his own country. ‘The Ukrainians must stop constantly demanding in Brussels that Hungary be cut off from cheap Russian energy,’ the right-wing populist said in an election campaign speech… on Sunday. ‘As long as Ukraine does this, it is our enemy,’ he added… 

“Orbán is considered Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in the European Union, and his country is highly dependent on Russian gas and oil supplies… 

“Parliamentary elections are due to be held in Hungary on April 12. For the first time in his 16 years in office, Orbán faces a strong challenger [conservative Péter Magyar].” 

In his speech, Orbán reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining the EU, arguing that a “military or economic alliance” with Kiev “will lead to trouble.” He also claimed that Europe is planning to give Ukraine within the next ten years 800 billion Euros in financial aid, in addition to 700 billion Euros in military aid. He said that Hungary will not participate in those payments.   

Xi Warns Trump 

Irish Times wrote on February 4: 

“China’s president Xi Jinping has told US president Donald Trump that the United States should handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution, describing the future of the self-governing island as the most important issue in China-US relations. The warning came during a call on Wednesday during which they also discussed Ukraine, Iran and the economic relationship between China and the US. ‘Taiwan is Chinese territory, and China must defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will never allow Taiwan to be separated from China…’ 

“Earlier on Wednesday, Xi had a video call with Russian president Vladimir Putin during which they discussed their relations with the US as well as the deepening economic co-operation between China and Russia… Xi said he wanted to work with Putin on a new blueprint for the relationship between Beijing and Moscow, declaring that they should ‘use a historic opportunity to continue deepening strategic co-operation.’” 

China’s desire to invade Taiwan is clear. Will America come to Taiwan’s defense when that happens? 

China’s Decline of Press Freedom 

npr wrote on February 9: 

“Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon and a fierce critic of Beijing, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison in the longest punishment given so far under a China-imposed national security law that has virtually silenced the city’s dissent… The democracy advocate’s arrest and trial have raised concerns about the decline of press freedom in what was once an Asian bastion of media independence… 

“Lai founded Apple Daily in 1995, two years before the former British colony returned to Chinese rule. Its closure in 2021 shocked the local press scene.” 

Britain’s transfer of Hong Kong to China was a colossal mistake, but it was biblically prophesied to happen. Hong Kong had been under British rule for 156 years (from 1841 to 1997). Whatever little is left of any press freedom in China (or Hong Kong, which is under China’s autocratic rule) is disappearing quickly. 

Trump’s Continued Threats Against Canada 

The Washington Post wrote on February 10: 

“President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a bridge between Michigan and Ontario, claiming Canada is trying to ‘take advantage of America’ and calling for compensation [for everything we have given them for decades] in the latest flash point in the simmering tensions between the United States and its northern neighbor. The Gordie Howe International Bridge — a six-lane bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, that has cost about $4.7 billion to build — has been under construction since 2018 and is due to open early this year… 

“The complaint is the latest in a string of blows he has leveled at Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney, rupturing the traditionally close relationship between the two allies… 

“The bridge is financed by the Canadian government but is publicly owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan… 

“The latest comments mark a sharp contrast to Trump’s previous support for the project… Trump [had] highlighted the closeness of the two countries and praised the bridge as a ‘vital economic link.’” 

Trump’s threats against Canada will continue.

Satellite Images Point to the Garden of Eden 

The Daily Mail wrote on February 8: 

“A series of orbital scans has revealed an ancient, now-dry riverbed in Saudi Arabia that some scholars believe aligns with the biblical description of Eden’s main river, the Pishon. The Book of Genesis describes Eden as a paradise watered by a single river that split into four: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates.  

“While the Tigris and Euphrates are well-known rivers in modern-day Iraq, the Pishon and Gihon have long been lost to history, until now.

The dry riverbed, called Wadi al-Batin, stretches from the western highlands of Hejaz near Medina northeast to the northern Persian Gulf near Kuwait. Its winding course corresponds closely with the biblical description of the Pishon, which Genesis states ‘compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.’… 

“Complementing this, Iran’s Karun River, a twisting waterway flowing through the Zagros Mountains, may correspond to the Gihon. The Hebrew word ‘sabab,’ meaning to circle or twist, aptly describes the Karun’s meanders… The alignment of these rivers with biblical text is striking, as together with the Tigris and Euphrates, Wadi al-Batin and the Karun would have converged into the Persian Gulf, forming a fertile cradle of civilization.” 

Another proof that the Bible is true after all. 

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 previous Q&As, we addressed, at times, the workings of the Apostle Paul. It is therefore interesting to investigate, in more detail, his three missionary journeys which are recorded in the Book of Acts.

Paul was born and raised in Tarsus, in Cilicia, as a Roman citizen. Tarsus was known as an educational center. Commentaries tell us that Paul learned seven languages there. He later moved to and resided in Antioch, where he and Barnabas pastored a church for a year (Acts 11:25-26). Tarsus was about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Antioch.

He began his first missionary journey from Antioch together with Barnabas (a Levite from Cyprus, Acts 4:36), after they had both been appointed as Apostles.  The ordination occurred about AD 47 and, and, according to William Barclay, “The Acts of the Apostles,” the journey lasted about three years. Others say it lasted one to two years. Paul travelled on his first missionary journey approximately 1,400 to 1,500 miles (2,250-2,400 kilometers), going from Antioch to Cyprus and continuing to Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He travelled by boat or on foot, walking on Roman roads.

We read in Acts 13:1-4:

“Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”

From that moment on, Saul became known as Paul. Prior to this episode, Barnabas was always mentioned before Saul. But shortly thereafter, Paul is listed first. Also, notice that Barnabas and Paul were ordained to the office of apostle [compare Acts 14:4,14], the highest office in the hierarchy of the Church, but this did not happen directly through an apostle, but it occurred through ordained prophets and teachers, under the guidance and inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit.

The fact that it says that the Holy Spirit “spoke” and “sent out” the apostles does not entitle us to conclude that the Holy Spirit is a person. It is not, but the power and mind of Jesus Christ who acted through the Holy Spirit (compare 2 Corinthians 3:17; for a thorough discussion, see our free booklet, “Is God a Trinity?”).

One of those prophets or teachers was Simon who was also called Niger. He probably came from Africa, as Niger is an African name. There is a certain tradition that he was the Simon who carried Jesus’ cross (Luke 23:26).

They were accompanied and assisted by John Mark, a relative of Barnabas (Acts 13:5; compare Acts 12:25).

They went to the island of Cyprus, a Roman province, and in Salamis and Paphos, two cities on the island of Cyprus, they preached the Word of God. Paphos, the capital of Cyprus, was infamous for its worship of Venus, the goddess of love. There, they had an encounter with a sorcerer whom Paul called “son of the devil” (verse 10; compare also 1 John 3:10). God struck the sorcerer blind because of his rebellion, and as a consequence, the proconsul of the city believed (verses 11-12).

Then, they left Paphos and sailed to Perga in Pamphylia. It was there that John Mark left them to return to Jerusalem (verse 13). This departure would later lead to a separation between Paul and Barnabas. Mark was “the cousin of Barnabas” (Colossians 4:10). The Bible did not say that this separation was ever cured. But we read that many years later, Paul told the Colossians from his prison in Rome to receive Mark (see again Colossians 4:10), and when writing just before his death, Paul stated that Mark was very useful in serving him (2 Timothy 4:11).

Mark had been a young man when he departed from Barnabas and Saul. His mother’s house in Jerusalem seemed to have been the place where many brethren assembled (Acts 12:12). Why Mark went back to Jerusalem, the Bible does not say specifically.

From Perga, they traveled to Antioch in Pisidia, where Paul preached in their synagogues. This Antioch is not the same city as the Antioch where Paul resided and from which he had begun his journey. Antioch in Pisidia was part of a Roman territory, as were the cities of Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. In a synagogue in the city of Antioch in Pisidia, Paul was asked by the rulers to speak to them, and he delivered a lengthy message about God’s Work and the role of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:16-41).

The word spread, and the Gentiles asked Paul to speak to them the next Sabbath (verses 42-43). Verse 44 says: “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.” Notice, Paul spoke to them on the next Sabbath. He did not speak to them on the next day, Sunday, but waited an entire week to preach to them again on the Sabbath. And the entire city knew that Paul kept the Sabbath and that he would preach to them on that day.

This proves that Paul kept the Sabbath long after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and that he did not believe that Jesus had nailed the Sabbath to the cross. It also shows that Paul taught the Gentiles, not just the Jews, on the Sabbath, thereby pointing out that the Sabbath still had to be kept.

The Jews became jealous. They opposed Paul and Barnabas and even though the Gentiles “were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” (verse 48), the “Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region” (verse 50).

Note that they had been “appointed” to eternal life. They had been preordained to be called at that time (Romans 8:28-30). Jesus confirmed that no one can come to Him unless His Father draws them (John 6:44, 65).

They went to Iconium, which was 90 miles away. There they spoke and “a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed” (Acts 14:1). They stayed there “a long time”, but again, unbelieving Jews “stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren” (verse 2). Still, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly, and Christ granted signs and wonders “to be done by their hands” (verse 3). Signs and wonders done by their hands would include miracles of healing through anointing sick persons with oil and the laying on of hands (compare Mark 6:13; 16:18; Acts 28:8).

As the city was divided and a violent attempt was made “by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them,” they “fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region” (Acts 14, verses 5-6), where they continued to preach the gospel (verse 7).

In Lystra, Paul healed a cripple who had never walked, but the idolatrous people were about to worship him and Barnabas as pagan gods (Hermes and Zeus) which Paul strongly opposed in a lengthy speech (verses 11-17). His message is timeless and very relevant for us today as well. He said, among other things:

“‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness’” (verses 15-17).

Still, “they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them” (verse 18).

But Jews from Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra to convince the multitude to stone Paul, and they “dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead” (verse 19). However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city” (verse 20). Consider Paul’s boldness. He went right back into the city and to the people who had stoned him, being totally unafraid of them, knowing that God was with him.

From Lystra, Paul and Barnabas departed the next day—not right away—to Derbe (verse 20), where they preached the gospel and many became disciples through their preaching. Paul would later say in the letter to the Romans:

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Romans 10:14-15).

Afterwards, they returned to “Lystra [where Paul had been stoned], Iconium, and Antioch (in Pisidia)” (verse 21). He encouraged and strengthened the brethren, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and it was on that occasion, that Paul’s famous words were uttered, in verse 22: “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” He later would tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-12:

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

They appointed elders with prayer and fasting in every church (Acts 14, verse 23), went again to the city of Perga (where John Mark had left them) and preached there “the word” (verse 25). After that, they returned to Antioch (from which Paul had begun his first missionary journey), and “when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. So they stayed there a long time with the disciples” (verses 27-28).

God must open doors to His Church to go through them and to fulfill its commission.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9:

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

He added in 2 Corinthians 2:12:

“… I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,”

He elaborated in Colossians 4:3-4:

“… praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

In Revelation 3:8, 10-11, Christ gives His end-time church the following promise:

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name… Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

And as we saw above, God must also open doors to individuals, like the “door of faith.”

This ended Paul’s first missionary journey.

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

compiled by Dave Harris

“The Beast of Germany Over Ten Nations,” is the title of a new StandingWatch program, presented by Evangelist Norbert Link. Here is the summary:

The Bible shows us that in these last days, a powerful military leader will arrive in Europe, called the Beast, and that ten nations will give him their authority. Also, that Germany will be the leading European country. In this program, we discuss developments in Europe and Germany which confirm with astonishing accuracy these biblical prophecies.

“Das Tier Deutschlands über zehn Nationen,” is the title of a new AufPostenStehen program, presented by Norbert Link. This German program covers the same topics as described above.

“Valentine’s Day – A Celebration of Love?” is the latest short video which has been posted on YouTube.

“‘Christus in uns’—was heißt das?” is the title of this Sabbath’s German split sermon, presented by Norbert Link. Title in English: “ ‘Christ In Us’—What Does This Mean?”

“Zucht als Ausdruck von Liebe–Gottes Handeln und elterliche Verantwortung,” last Sabbath’s German sermonette presented by Mike Richter, is now posted. Title in English: “Raising Children as an Expression of Love – God’s Action and Parental Responsibility.”

“Admit Your Mistakes!–Comments on News and Prophecy, February 7, 2026,” last Sabbath’s sermonette presented by Norbert Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

When we do wrong or say wrong things, do we admit our mistakes and apologize? Or do we deny responsibility, blame someone else and say, “I didn’t make a mistake”? Focusing on Nancy Guthrie, do we understand that under Old Testament rules, a kidnapper was to be put to death? Also, what is our personal thorn in the flesh? Who were all the “Mary’s” in the Bible? What is the future of Ukraine and Taiwan? What is Germany doing in the Gulf region? When will the third temple be built? These and many other questions are discussed in this program.

“Ask And You Shall Receive,” last Sabbath’s sermon presented by Michael Link, is now posted. Here is the summary:

If you were granted three wishes, which ones would you choose? Would many of those wishes actually come true, and would they be in accordance with God’s Will?

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.

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.       

America Needs to Hear: “You Are Fired!” 

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. 

Detained Boy and Father Released

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. 

Latino Voters Running Away From Trump 

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. 

The American Gestapo 

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). 

“Military Helping Trump Build Massive Network of ‘Concentration Camps’”

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’…” 

Another Broken Promise of a “Great” Housing Market?

 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. 

“It’s Beyond Naive to Think Trump’s ‘Retreats’ Are Real” 

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?” 

Trouble Brewing for Trump and Others in the Epstein Scandal?

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. 

No Saudi Bases or Airspace for USA

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. 

JFK Assassination Film Could Prove Second Shooter

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 

An All-Powerful European Leader? 

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). 

Two-Speed Europe

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.’ 

Ulrich Siegmund—the Rising Star of the AfD? 

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. 

How the Tides Turn 

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. 

World Cup Boycott? 

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. 

Trump Sleepwalks into a Forever War in Europe 

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. 

Ukraine Agrees to US-Backed Security Deal? 

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??? 

No EU Army With Ukraine 

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. 

EU Militaries a Terrorist Group? 

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.” 

Terrible Death Toll 

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). 

When Will the Knesset Act? 

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?”

Deep Fraternal Relations Between Iraq and Jordan 

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.

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.

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.      

“Jared Kushner Presents Plan for ‘New Gaza’”

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. 

Military Alliance Between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus 

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’.” 

Frosty Relationship Between Canada and USA 

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). 

Trump Threatens Canada 

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. 

Canada Preparing for US Invasion 

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. 

Invading Canada? 

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. 

“Europe Must ‘Play the Power Game’ with Trump Over Greenland” 

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. 

Europe’s Power in Relation to the USA 

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…” 

Schulz Interview with German Public Broadcaster ARD 

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. 

America’s Limited Support for Europe 

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.’” 

Spain Demands European Army 

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.’” 

Most Germans View Trump as a Threat 

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…” 

Warning For World Cup Soccer Fans: Don’t Travel to America 

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. 

Trust in USA Gone 

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…’” 

No More Trust 

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.”  

Trump Destroys NATO and Britain Is Left Behind 

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.” 

Trump Causes More Outrage 

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.” 

Trump Backs Down 

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. 

Another Killing in Minnesota 

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. 

Trump Replaces Kristi Noem With Tom Homan! 

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. 

Noem Demanded Meeting With Trump 

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. 

Demonstrating Peacefully? 

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??? 

Gregory Bovino Out? 

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. 

“Being Incited Into Civil War”? 

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. 

Trump’s Watershed Moment 

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.   

A Fourth Term? 

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. 

J.D. Vance’s Titanic 

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 Coming Storm With Iran 

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.” 

The Mother of All Deals 

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…” 

Germany and Italy Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement 

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.