World Review

World on the Brink: A Global Turmoil of Diplomacy, Religion, and Power

The world stands at a crossroads, with geopolitical tensions escalating across the globe. Evangelical leader Mike Evans claims President-elect Donald Trump supports an Israeli strike on Iranian oil fields to weaken Tehran’s finances before taking office. Meanwhile, Germany’s criticism of Israel’s military actions has strained diplomatic ties, while Hamas calls for a ceasefire in light of Trump’s victory. Global leaders, including Putin and Xi, express hope for renewed cooperation, while concerns over misinformation laws in Australia threaten free speech. Amidst it all, debates over anti-Semitism, religious influence, and blockchain’s potential to transform global finance continue to spark heated discussions.

By Doug Norvell

WWIII

Attack on Iranian Oil Fields

Evangelical leader Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, revealed that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump supports an Israeli strike on Iranian oil fields but prefers it to occur before he takes office in January. Israel will have an opportunity before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump to attack Iranian oil fields and Trump will want to work toward a landmark peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Evans claims Trump wants Israel to disrupt Iran’s funding of its proxies by targeting its oil infrastructure, thus weakening the regime financially. He notes that Trump aims to avoid being seen as a wartime president while fostering peace efforts. Evans emphasized Trump’s deep respect for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, dismissing past tensions as insignificant.

Germany Attacks IDF

Germany’s Green Party-led foreign ministry has criticized Israel’s military actions in Tulkarm, questioning civilian protection efforts in an IDF airstrike that targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. Israel’s embassy responded, emphasizing the airstrike eliminated key militants planning imminent attacks on civilians, accusing Germany of overlooking this context. Relations have been further strained by Germany’s arms embargo on Israel and a recent foreign ministry statement that omitted the IDF’s role in freeing a Yazidi woman from Hamas captivity. Additionally, Germany has faced backlash for permitting pro-Hamas fundraising in Stuttgart and abstaining from a U.N. vote condemning Israel’s actions in the West Bank, drawing rebukes from Israeli diplomats for what they see as inconsistent support. History proves that whoever goes up against the Jewish people is inevitably going to perish from this world. The Germans should remember the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans who attempted to depress the Jewish people and were extinguished from this world. If Germany is a life-seeking nation, it should stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

Middle East Peace

Terrorists Call for a Ceasefire

Following Donald Trump’s victory as the 47th U.S. President, Hamas and other Palestinian leaders are calling for a ceasefire with Israel. A Hamas spokesperson said the new U.S. administration must realize that our Palestinian people will continue to resist the hateful [Israeli] occupation and will not accept any path that detracts from their legitimate rights to freedom, independence, self-determination and the establishment of their independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Hamas is urging the incoming administration to end U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. An Israeli official reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Israeli alliance and expressed optimism in working with the new administration for regional peace and security.

Russia and China Ready to Deal?

Following Donald Trump’s reelection, world leaders are already preparing for a new era of diplomacy and mutual respect, with potential for peace felt across every corner of the globe, just as during Trump’s first term in office. Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping have expressed cautious optimism for renewed diplomatic relations. Putin congratulated Trump and highlighted his willingness to work with the U.S. to resolve the Ukrainian crisis and improve bilateral ties. Putin commended Trump’s resilience and character, recalling an incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump remained steadfast after an attempted assassination at a rally. “He’s a courageous individual, and it’s not just about the gesture he made or his call to fight and uphold shared values.”
“Naturally, there was an adrenaline rush, but true character is revealed in moments like these,” he continued. “In this instance, I believe he conducted himself admirably and showed great valor.”

Similarly, Xi Jinping congratulated Trump, advocating for a stable and cooperative U.S.-China relationship that could benefit both nations and the global community. Both leaders are preparing for a new diplomatic phase with hopes for mutual respect and peace.

World Government

Misinformation and Disinformation Propaganda

The recent amendment to Australia’s Broadcasting Services Act, known as the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, has raised concerns over free speech. The bill, passed by the lower house, would require digital platforms to prevent the spread of content deemed “false” or “misleading” that could cause serious harm. Critics, including opposition politicians, argue this legislation effectively censors dissent against the government, especially regarding COVID-19 policies and places power in the hands of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to decide what is considered false information.

Governments routinely give false information more often than true. Will they be penalized? Of course not. Advertisers present false information. Will they fall under his law? No. It will only be directed at people who are saying things the government does not like, especially concerning health policy. It is politics, not law.

This law is being criticized for its vague definitions of “misinformation” and “disinformation,” making enforcement subjective and potentially biased. Critics also argue that determining a writer’s intent, a key element of the bill, is almost impossible and that it infantilizes the public by assuming people cannot independently interpret content. Furthermore, the legislation is seen as limiting scrutiny of government actions by framing criticism as harmful misinformation. Opponents say it exposes Australia’s weak free speech protections, highlighting a lack of democratic robustness in the country.

World Religion

Anti-Semitism on the Rise

Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby are allegedly endorsing “replacement theology” which denies the Jewish connection to their ancestral land and asserts that Christians have inherited biblical promises originally made to the Jews. The United Nations’ International Court of Justice recently deemed Israel’s presence in the “occupied Palestinian territories” unlawful. Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein of South Africa criticized this ruling and rebuked Archbishop Justin Welby, emphasizing Jerusalem’s historical role as Israel’s capital long before Britain’s existence. He argues that anti-Zionism often masks anti-Semitism, pointing out the inconsistency of denying Jews a state while many nations explicitly define themselves as Islamic republics. This perceived bias underscores a broader critique of double standards in global attitudes toward Jewish statehood. Goldstein accused both Welby and Pope Francis of failing to uphold biblical values, suggesting their stance reflects a historical Christian heresy that undermines Jewish ties to the land of Israel.

Mark of the Beast

Setting the Stage

Bill Ulivieri, chief investment officer and owner at Cenacle Capital Management, is exploring Bitcoin and blockchain technology through the lens of Catholic social teaching, emphasizing their alignment with principles like subsidiarity, transparency and justice. An author and a financial expert with a Catholic perspective discusses how blockchain’s decentralized nature empowers individuals, reduces reliance on intermediaries and addresses global economic inequities. Bitcoin is praised for its immutable ledger and ability to facilitate near-instant, low-cost transactions, contrasting with the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems.

Ulivieri links Bitcoin to Catholic doctrines such as subsidiarity which advocates for resolving issues at the most local level and solidarity, promoting the common good. Blockchain’s transparency, trustworthiness and ability to democratize access to financial systems are seen as tools to uplift marginalized communities.

Many critique central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), warning they could erode privacy, amplify state surveillance and weaponize financial systems. Bitcoin, like the U.S. Dollar or any other of the currencies of the world, can be used for good or evil. It can be used to fund the Church, feed the poor, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and bring global peace to the world instead of continuing wars and military conflicts paid for by the military-industrial complex and funded by fiat-based, debased, unlimited currency creation. The Vatican can save hundreds of millions of Eurodollars in needless banking and foreign exchange fees by embracing Bitcoin and blockchain technology. The Vatican could create its own private cryptocurrency to foster an “intra-organizational” flow of funds. Conversely, Bitcoin is presented as a liberating technology that aligns with Catholic teachings on human dignity, ethical governance and the pursuit of truth, enabling the Church to embrace new efficiencies while resisting centralized control.