It has been a rough week.  Wouldn’t you know, we’ve just sent out an issue of WATCH Magazine, and now there’s a Middle Eastern war, the extent of which we cannot grasp.  There’s no question this thing could get completely out of control.  The terrorists think they’re mad?  The whole world is sick at heart over what they’ve done.  

There are demonstrations all over the world.  Many sport big black banners with CEASEFIRE written in white.  Iran is warning Israel not to go in on the ground.  We don’t know how anything could be imminent for a week and a half.  They need a new word.  Or maybe Israel is under constraints.

We hear that the U. S. is promising (the Palestinians), Hamas $100 million dollars in humanitarian aid.  What?  No concessions?  The hostages can wait?  We can only hope that these people, children in some cases, are being treated well.  How do they think this money will be used?

We’ve all seen the images of blown up buildings and rubble in Gaza.  Are there some innocent civilians?  No doubt some, but not the majority.  These people are schooled in hatred for Israel from the time they’re born. 

But a sneak attack by land, air and sea?  And now they want a ceasefire?  Not likely. Israel has had its army arrayed at the border for over a week now, and we’ve been hearing that a ground incursion is “imminent.”  Can something be “imminent” for a week and a half?  

We’ve been embarrassed enough.  Somebody needs to tell the pretender that he’s washed up, embarrassing himself and the greatest nation on earth.  Apparently his handlers think the answer is more appearances, but he’s clearly out to lunch.  That pullover on the airplane reminded me of Jimmy Carter, for those old enough to remember the cardigan sweaters.  But that wasn’t the worst part.  The worst part was the impossibly long pauses.  Maybe he was just making sure he didn’t offend anybody.  Maybe.

So the U. S. has two proxy wars going.  We’re supplying the firepower to Ukraine, and promising money to all sides in Israel.  What’s really going on?  

The biggest worry is that the Middle East war will spread.  Apparently a U. S. warship has already come under attack from Yemen.  There’s sporadic fire from Lebanon with the threat of Hezbollah getting involved. Syrian targets have been bombed by Israel to keep the terrorists from getting re-supplied.  Emotions burn hot in the Middle East, and no amount of logic can undo the atrocities that have been committed.  

Zelensky is worried that the spotlight has been diverted from Ukraine to the Middle East.  Neither would have happened if it weren’t for the fact that the price of oil has resulted in a windfall for the bad guys.  It looks like the zealots trying to “save the planet” are enriching our enemies.  The sanctions against Iran aren’t being policed.  

You’ll hear people saying, “God is in charge.”  My Dad thought He was largely letting mankind operate unimpeded on earth, with the rewards and punishments to be handed down later.  No question He can answer prayers, and does as He sees fit.  But some actions produce rage, and we’re seeing that acted out now.  It looks like peace is a long way off.

Mark

The post Weekly Update by Mark Armstrong – October 20, 2023 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.