Two-speed EU Inevitable, Warns Prodi
A deep division over the future of Europe was given an embarrassing public airing yesterday when the president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, disagreed with the new Irish presidency of the EU over the emergence of a two-speed Europe.

At the launch of Ireland's six-month presidency of the EU, Mr Prodi insisted that a hard core of member states would forge ahead together if a constitution for Europe is not agreed by the end of the year.

Israel Exploring Diplomatic Ties With Libya
Israel is secretly exploring the possibility of establishing diplomatic ties with Libya, media sources reported today. Foreign Ministry official Ron Prosor met in Paris two weeks ago with a representative of the Libyan government. MKs Ephraim Sneh and Ilan Shalgi met with the son of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi in August. Officials in the Prime Minister's Office, however, were skeptical about Libya's intentions.

Blair: I'll Take Britain Into Euro By 2007...
Tony Blair has set a target of 2007 to take Britain into the euro, and wants the Government to agree to a public pledge to secure membership by that date.

The move suggests the Prime Minister intends to call a referendum soon after the general election, which is expected in May or June next year. Although he has insisted he would serve a full third term if Labour retains power, some ministers expect him to stand down after such a referendum.

India And Pakistan To Hold 'Historic' Talks Over Kashmir
India and Pakistan, on the brink of nuclear war less than two years ago, agreed yesterday to hold peace talks on Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan region which has poisoned their relations for more than half a century.

The deal was described as "historic" by Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, after a meeting in Islamabad on Monday with the Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, who was visiting Pakistan for the first time in nearly five years. Talks will begin next month between senior diplomats.

Are Israel, The Nations And God's Word Nearing Their Moment Of Truth?
For 15 years I have watched and prayed and written about unfolding developments, as Israel has moved towards what a growing number of world watchers anticipate will be an earthshaking date with destiny.

When it arrives, this date - in my estimation - will be on a par in historicity and significance with the 1947 UN vote to partition Palestine, with Israel's lightning victory in the Six Day War 20 years later, and with the hard won win during Yom Kippur of 1973.

Many things have happened since then - events that have been painful in the extreme for Israel, and that have riveted the interest and engaged the political energies of the international community virtually without respite.

Comments

The president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi said today that a core of E.U. member nations would forge ahead if a constitution was not settled on before the end of the year.  Actually, I see this happening.  I can't believe all the member states will be ready to meet the demands of the new constitution.  Look for the year to come and go without much progress.  I believe it may push ten nations into the forefront in the first wave with the remaining coming in at a later date.  But the second group will never receive the power nor stature of the first ten.  

Of course, this is just speculation, and remember, it's not really necessary that there only be ten nations in the antichrist's kingdom.  The Roman Empire was split up into two halves historically, east and west, but encompassed many nations.  The ten nations spoke of in Daniel 7:24 will more than likely be the ten most prominent or powerful nations in the E.U.  We'll have to see how this develops.

The word is Israel and Libya are secretly trying to forge diplomatic ties.  They may become allies but it will never last.  I'm not trying to be negative only going by what the Bible prophesied thousands of years ago.  In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 38, it says that a Russian-Arab alliance will form in which Libya will be a part of.  I believe this war will take place very soon and don't think for a moment Libya will keep its end of the bargain.

Take a look at the last article entitled Are Israel, The Nations And God's Word Nearing Their Moment Of Truth?  I have to agree with the author this very well could be the year...Israel's moment of truth!  Sharon admits that they must dismantle some settlements and give back some land, but will it be worth the risk?   

Personally, I don't see Sharon's disengagement plan going very far (the U.S. and E.U. would never stand for it) nor do I see the security fence coming to completion. I do see a global sense of urgency to create a Palestinian state and to ultimately bring peace to the Middle East intensifying..  Only time will tell!

This is a very compelling year for prophecy and could be a time of decision for the land of Israel.  I hope you've made your decision to know the Lord...tomorrow could be too late!

Pastor Malone