One of the most serious crimes of global proportions is human trafficking, which in the 21st century is second only to drug trafficking in terms of magnitude. The term “human trafficking” in a broad sense is often defined as the illegal trade of humans for the purpose of sexual and labor exploitation.

After a month of fighting, a cease-fire has been declared and negotiating has begun in Egypt between Israel and Hamas (MSN.com, August 5, 2014).

“In the rankings of the globe’s most prosperous countries, this economic powerhouse of 82 million has now leapfrogged Canada, Britain, Italy and Spain to become the largest destination for immigrants after the United States… Because of a morbidly low birthrate, the population here is shrinking, raising the pivotal question of who will keep the massive German economy humming in the years ahead” (Washington Post

The marriage of convenience between France and Germany to lead the EU and Europe appears to be over.  “With Britain drifting away and France on the floor, Germany, however unwilling, is forced to take up the leading role across the board” (The Times, July 6, 2014). Martin Shultz, a German politician and advocate of closer cooperation among European nations, is currently serving his second term as President of the European Parliament.

“Pope Francis has become the first pope to visit a Pentecostal church [in southern Italy], pressing his outreach to evangelicals who represent Catholicism’s greatest competition for Christian souls around the globe” (Associated Press, July 28, 2014).