News and Prophecy Staff

In the wake of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami, Tokyo’s governor referred to the events as tembatsu—or “divine judgment.” Mr. Ishihara subsequently apologized for his religious-sounding comments. However, many around the globe agree with Mr. Ishihara’s initial assessment. A recent poll of Americans revealed that about 40% view natural disasters as “a sign from God.”  That number approaches 60% among Evangelicals, and drops significantly among Catholics and non-Evangelical “Christians” (Foxnews.com, March 24, 2011).

The euroskeptic president of the Czech Republic recently warned that adoption of new economic policies proposed at the EU Summit in Brussels would lead to political union—something many EU nations want to avoid. In a scathing article, President Klaus told how he was coerced into signing the Lisbon Treaty with promises that no further integration moves would occur for at least 10 years. Now, just two years later, the poor financial climate across Europe is being used to further erode national sovereignty.

The regime in Iran just approved a powerful video, soon to be released throughout the Middle East. The video analyzes regime changes in the region and the declining health of the Iranian enemy, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. It concludes that all these events are signs that the return of the 12th Imam/Mahdi or “Islamic messiah” is imminent. The video also predicts that Iranian President Ahmadinejad will conquer Jerusalem prior to the Imam’s coming.

For nearly two decades, Euro-skeptics have warned that the euro currency would result in division in Europe. The idea of a “two-speed” EU has been mentioned for years, but now appears to be a definite possibility! The 27-member EU is poised to divide into 10 non-Eurozone members and 17 Eurozone members. This “in” group could shrink further as debtor nations are moved “out” of the inner circle.

This winter has been the “driest” in 44 years in Texas—which is America’s second-largest wheat producing state. The drought is also negatively affecting cattle land and thus cattle herds. A March 20 report noted that “More than half the wheat fields and pastures [in Texas] were rated in poor or very poor condition.”