News and Prophecy Staff

Over the last 30 years, many of the world’s largest and most advanced nations have decreased their production capacity for weapons and ammunition. This was a result of a perceived decrease in the threat of war. However, the war in Ukraine has changed this scenario. As that war approaches its two-year anniversary, both Russia and Ukraine are running low on ammunition.

China’s economy has been a powerful engine for growth and development for decades. As a nation, China has surged ahead rapidly in terms of technology, military might, and international prominence. Its Belt and Road initiative has built infrastructure in dozens of nations around the globe, with the goal of enhancing the nation’s role in the world and eventually eclipsing America. Yet, China is experiencing troubles at home.

Reuters reports that, according to the Vatican’s doctrinal office, those who believe themselves to be “transgender,” even after having hormone treatments and surgery, “can be godparents at Roman Catholic baptisms, witnesses at religious weddings and receive baptism themselves” (November 8, 2023). In July, Pope Francis met with “transgender” people and said to one, “Even if we are sinners, he (God) draws near to help us.

While Israel methodically seeks to rid Gaza of Hamas, the United States and other nations are discussing who will govern Gaza once Hamas is removed (Wall Street Journal, November 2, 2023). The current Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is 87 years old and seen by many as too weak to lead in the short term.

The events in Europe and the Middle East have put pressure on Germany to speed up its efforts toward a more powerful and fully operational army. Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, is pushing hard for the military to modernize as rapidly as possible (Deutsche Welle, October 31, 2023). In a recent interview, he stated, “We have to become fit for war. We have to be fit for defense.