In this mailing: Soeren Kern: European Union Unveils New Strategy to Become a Global Power Amir Taheri: How Putin Misunderstood Rumsfeld

 

In this mailing: Soeren Kern: European Union Unveils New Strategy to Become a Global Power Amir Taheri: How Putin Misunderstood Rumsfeld European Union Unveils New Strategy to Become a Global Power by Soeren Kern  •  April 3, 2022 at 5:00 am       The goal is "strategic autonomy" — the ability for the EU to act independently of, and as a counterweight to, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — in matters of defense and security. The key component of the Strategic Compass is the development of a so-called EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC), a military force able to intervene in "non-permissive environments" anywhere in the world. The RDC is to become fully operational by 2025 and commanded by an institution called the "EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability." (The term "capability" is a politically correct substitute for "headquarters," as in "military headquarters.") The push for Europe to achieve strategic autonomy from the United States is being spearheaded by Macron, who, as part of his reelection campaign, apparently hopes to replace former German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the de facto leader of Europe. The danger is that many of the pie-in-the-sky policy proposals in the Strategic Compass will divert and drain resources and finances from where they are actually needed: NATO. A logical course of action would be for EU member states to honor past pledges to increase defense spending as part of their contribution to the transatlantic alliance. That, however, would fly in the face of the folie de grandeur — the delusions of grandeur — of European federalists who dream of transforming the EU into a geopolitical "great power." The goal of the European Union's new "Strategic Compass" strategy is "strategic autonomy" — the ability for the EU to act independently of, and as a counterweight to, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — in matters of defense and security. (Image source: EU External Action Service) The European Union has published a new strategy aimed at transforming the 27-member bloc into an independent geopolitical actor on the world stage. The long-awaited "Strategic Compass" lays out an ambitious ten-year plan for the EU to develop an autonomous European security architecture. The goal is "strategic autonomy" — the ability for the EU to act independently of, and as a counterweight to, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — in matters of defense and security. The greatest advocate of strategic autonomy, French President Emmanuel Macron, said the objective is to make Europe "powerful in the world, fully sovereign, free in its choices and master of its destiny." Continue Reading Article How Putin Misunderstood Rumsfeld by Amir Taheri  •  April 3, 2022 at 4:00 am       Putin began by calling it "special operations" so that he would not have to obtain the consent of the Russian Parliament (Duma) to wage war. This may have been because he expected a quick victory and did not wish to share the glory with anyone. Putin also refused to name a commander-in-chief of the forces unleashed against Ukraine. But even if we go by conservative estimates based on Russian official leaks, Putin's army has suffered a 20 percent loss in killed and wounded. This is twice the maximum accepted in classic military doctrines.... Apart from its political impact on the international order, the war that Russia has launched against Ukraine contains countless features that should interest military analysts and planners across the globe. Pictured: Destroyed Russian Army tanks and armored personnel carriers in Dmytrivka, west of Kyiv, on April 2, 2022. (Photo by Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images) Apart from its political impact on the international order, the war that Russia has launched against Ukraine contains countless features that should interest military analysts and planners across the globe. This is the first time since World War II that the Russian Army (formerly Soviet Red Army) is tested on the battlefield against a medium-sized adversary in a classical war. In the 1950s, the Red Army fought border wars with Communist China and managed to annex large chunks of territory across the border. But that was not a full-scale war, as a much weaker China, then also devoid of nuclear weapons, shied away from fighting back in a meaningful way. Also in the 1950s the Red Army's tanks rolled into Warsaw and Budapest to crush unarmed anti-Communist uprisings. In 1968, the same scenario was played out in Prague, where Russian tanks rolled over the Prague Spring. Continue Reading Article

"We need to put pressure on the Senate!" Brigitte Gabriel Breaks Down How to Stop Judge Jackson...Please alert every individual connection you have, including members of groups you engage with, your social media reach, your house of worship, family, and friends!

 

"We need to put pressure on the Senate!" Brigitte Gabriel Breaks Down How to Stop Judge Jackson Stop Republican Confirmations! One-Click to Email Every Republican and Mod Squad PAC! We have 1 day to stop this! Forward to everyone you know! Please alert every individual connection you have, including members of groups you engage with, your social media reach, your house of worship, family, and friends! ACT for America Education, a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible. 869 Lynnhaven Pkwy, 113 #411 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

A harrowing chronicle of Christians suffering under Islamic rule By Jerry Salyer on Apr 02, 2022 08:24 pm Although it does allude to many different episodes of the abuse meted out to Christians by their Muslim neighbors, especially in Pakistan, The Persecuted: True Stories of Courageous Christians Living Their Faith in Muslim Lands

 

View this email in your browser Lessons for Lent from the conversion of the Prodigal Son By Douglas Bushman on Apr 02, 2022 11:41 pm It is vital to grasp the twofold context in which St. Luke situates his account of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The first is the immediate context, which shows that the parable, preceded by [...] Read in browser »   A harrowing chronicle of Christians suffering under Islamic rule By Jerry Salyer on Apr 02, 2022 08:24 pm Although it does allude to many different episodes of the abuse meted out to Christians by their Muslim neighbors, especially in Pakistan, The Persecuted: True Stories of Courageous Christians Living Their Faith in Muslim Lands [...] Read in browser »   Pope Francis: Visit to Kyiv is ‘on the table’ By Catholic News Agency on Apr 02, 2022 08:52 am Pope Francis speaks to journalists aboard the papal flight to Malta on April 2, 2022. / Courtney Mares/CNA Valletta, Malta, Apr 2, 2022 / 06:52 am (CNA). Pope Francis on Saturday said a papal visit to Kyiv is "on the table," raising the possibi... [...] Read in browser »     Get today's Catholic news headlines at Catholic World Report Donate

Revelation 2:10 (10) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

 

(8) "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. Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser.     About The Berean | Archives | Random Berean | Subscriptions               Revelation 3:8-10 (8) "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. (9) Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. (10) 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.   Revelation 2:10 (10) Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. New King James Version   Change Bible versions Which of us knows how much more individual spiritual growth is needed for us to be ready to inherit the Kingdom of God? If the fire of the Tribulation—as horrific as it is described—is what will completely purify us, is that not a small price to pay for an eternal place in the Kingdom? On the other hand, does it require greater faith "to be accounted worthy to escape" (Luke 21:36) or to go through the Tribulation, glorifying God with a stunning witness of faithfulness in the midst of a world breaking apart? The issue of who goes through the Tribulation and why is not as clear-cut as we might suppose—unless we change our perspective to see it in terms of God's will. Consider two of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3. The better known is the letter to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). In it, Jesus Christ promises, "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" (verse 10; emphasis ours throughout). It is no wonder that being a Philadelphian is so greatly desired! But also notice His statement that seems to be a slight detraction: "for you have a little strength" (verse 8). This church with a little strength—but a great deal of perseverance—is the one that will be kept from the hour of trial. No mention is made of the church's visibility, effectiveness, or influence. God judges according to faithfulness, not according to the results—for He determines the results anyway. Contrast this with the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11), in which nothing negative is written. There is not even a hint of detraction with Smyrna. What does God's providence hold for this church to which He gives no written correction? Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10) Why does God allow these apparently model saints to suffer? Why does God not deliver this singular group from the ignominy of prison and tribulation? The letter does not give us the answer, but it is reasonable to conclude that it is because God is working out far more than physical protection. He is preparing a people who are worthy of the crown of life that can only come from Him. Our human preference, though, is for the shielded life of a Philadelphian rather than the tested, tempered, uncomfortable, perhaps brutal, life of a seemingly flawless Smyrnan. By itself, this desire is not wrong, but if it is not kept in check, we could be tempted to compromise or swayed by men assuring safety and guaranteeing our standing with God. But if our trust is in God, we can echo Christ's words when He was contemplating His own trial and persecution: O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done. (Matthew 26:42) — David C. Grabbe To learn more, see: Where Is Your Trust? Related Topics: Deserving of Safety Endurance in Tribulation Enduring Suffering Faithfulness Faithfulness in the Midst of Trials Perseverance Philadelphia, Church of Philadelphian Church: Little Strength Protection from Great Tribulation Safety Sanctification Smyrna Spiritual Growth Submitting to God's Will Temptation to Compromise Tribulation Worthy of Crown of Life