News and Prophecy Staff

The U.S. has recently been hit hard by severe weather.  “Nearly 75 percent of the country’s corn and soya bean-growing regions have been hit by extreme drought”—although the total damage will not be known until the October harvest (Deutsche Welle, August 28, 2012).  Last year, severe storms in the U.S., “caused an economic loss of about $46 billion” (about $25 billion was insured).  Insured losses were more than double the 2010 record (ibid.).

The resource-based Australian economy has greatly benefited from massive iron ore exports which have supported China’s economic boom.  “China takes 25% of Australia’s exports and iron ore accounts for 60% of all the goods Australia sells to China.  One reason Australia avoided recession during the global downturn of 2008-09 was that it had a well-run banking system.

In response to the growing threat of an Israeli military attack, Iran is planning a massive defense drill in October, involving their air defenses, army and revolutionary guard (Reuters, September 1, 2012).  “Today our systems are prepared in a serious way for modern air threats,” noted Iran’s air defense commander (ibid.).  An Iranian naval commander said that Iran now sees Israel and the U.S.

Recently, a series of earthquakes struck California and El Salvador—adding to a worldwide number of earthquakes in various places.    Imperial County, California, experienced many tremors ranging from 2.0 to 5.5 in magnitude.  “By 5 p.m., the USGS had recorded about 300 earthquakes, and the count continued to rise throughout the evening” (LA Times, August 26, 2012).   Although earthquakes are common in the region, so many at one time is unusual.

Considerable research supporting male circumcision has surfaced over the last decade.  As a result, The American Academy of Pediatrics just reversed its 13-year stance.