Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Donald Trump Iraq, Afghanistan troop drawdown fulfills promise, fuels criticism
President Trump checked off a key campaign promise Wednesday with a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and an even greater reduction in Afghanistan coming soon, but skeptics say the moves reflect U.S. political imperatives and not the chaos and violence both countries are likely to face down the road.
U.S., Oman discuss ways to strengthen security, boost economic ties
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke with Oman’s leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, about ways to enhance regional security and strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the White House said in a statement.
Iran and Turkey forming “strong foundation” for “cooperation”
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are working toward forming a “strong foundation” for future, high level “cooperation,” the leaders’ respective national media have reported. The Turkish and Iranian media reports followed a video conference the two leaders held on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Post said.
CENTCOM: US Will Cut Troop Levels in Afghanistan to 4,500
The U.S. military is reducing troops in Afghanistan from 8,600 to about 4,500 by early November, the head of U.S Central Command said Wednesday, hours after he announced the withdrawal of more service members from Iraq this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu bashes AG as justice officials said weighing if PM must step down
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, the state prosecution and police on Wednesday evening, questioning the conduct of law enforcement and calling for an independent probe, after a news report claimed law enforcement officials covered up a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into his cases so as not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier.
Arab League drops resolution condemning UAE-Israel deal
The Arab League rejected on Wednesday a Palestinian proposal condemning the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a Palestinian diplomatic source said on Wednesday according to Middle East news agencies.
A pipeline built for Iran may turn Israel into a major crude oil transportation hub
Following the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, it is possible the UAE will make use of a crude oil pipeline originally built by Israel and pre-revolution Iran – and turn Israel into a major center for the transport of oil between regions, 246 Mag reports. In using the pipeline, the UAE could bypass transporting oil through the Suez Canal and save a great deal of money on shipping costs.
Inside the United States
AG Barr: 'Operation Legend Is Working. Crime Is Down, and Order Is Being Restored'
The Justice Department's Operation Legend, launched two months ago in Kansas City, is reducing what Attorney General William Barr called "the explosion of crime" in nine major cities where federal agents are assisting local law enforcement.
Trump announces list of potential Supreme Court nominees
President Trump unveiled a list of individuals he will potentially nominate for the Supreme Court, a move likely to rally evangelical voters and core conservatives in his base before the election.
CDC: U.S. COVID Deaths Declined Through August, After 4-Week Rise in July
COVID deaths for the week ending August 22 have returned to levels not seen since the end of June.
Biden Unveils Plan to Protect American Jobs
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is unveiling a plan Wednesday to try to protect American workers by raising taxes on companies that move jobs overseas.
Christian News
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues
Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected of murdering three members of the Evangelical Church Winning All denomination in Nigeria’s Kaduna state early on Sunday morning, the Christian Post reports. Two church members were also abducted in the same attack and a further five were kidnapped in a separate attack on a nearby community the same day. The killings and abductions are the latest in ongoing murderous assaults by Islamic extremist terrorists on Christian communities in Nigeria.
Donald Trump Iraq, Afghanistan troop drawdown fulfills promise, fuels criticism
President Trump checked off a key campaign promise Wednesday with a major drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq and an even greater reduction in Afghanistan coming soon, but skeptics say the moves reflect U.S. political imperatives and not the chaos and violence both countries are likely to face down the road.
U.S., Oman discuss ways to strengthen security, boost economic ties
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke with Oman’s leader, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, about ways to enhance regional security and strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the White House said in a statement.
Iran and Turkey forming “strong foundation” for “cooperation”
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are working toward forming a “strong foundation” for future, high level “cooperation,” the leaders’ respective national media have reported. The Turkish and Iranian media reports followed a video conference the two leaders held on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Post said.
CENTCOM: US Will Cut Troop Levels in Afghanistan to 4,500
The U.S. military is reducing troops in Afghanistan from 8,600 to about 4,500 by early November, the head of U.S Central Command said Wednesday, hours after he announced the withdrawal of more service members from Iraq this month.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu bashes AG as justice officials said weighing if PM must step down
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, the state prosecution and police on Wednesday evening, questioning the conduct of law enforcement and calling for an independent probe, after a news report claimed law enforcement officials covered up a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into his cases so as not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier.
Arab League drops resolution condemning UAE-Israel deal
The Arab League rejected on Wednesday a Palestinian proposal condemning the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, a Palestinian diplomatic source said on Wednesday according to Middle East news agencies.
A pipeline built for Iran may turn Israel into a major crude oil transportation hub
Following the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, it is possible the UAE will make use of a crude oil pipeline originally built by Israel and pre-revolution Iran – and turn Israel into a major center for the transport of oil between regions, 246 Mag reports. In using the pipeline, the UAE could bypass transporting oil through the Suez Canal and save a great deal of money on shipping costs.
Inside the United States
AG Barr: 'Operation Legend Is Working. Crime Is Down, and Order Is Being Restored'
The Justice Department's Operation Legend, launched two months ago in Kansas City, is reducing what Attorney General William Barr called "the explosion of crime" in nine major cities where federal agents are assisting local law enforcement.
Trump announces list of potential Supreme Court nominees
President Trump unveiled a list of individuals he will potentially nominate for the Supreme Court, a move likely to rally evangelical voters and core conservatives in his base before the election.
CDC: U.S. COVID Deaths Declined Through August, After 4-Week Rise in July
COVID deaths for the week ending August 22 have returned to levels not seen since the end of June.
Biden Unveils Plan to Protect American Jobs
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is unveiling a plan Wednesday to try to protect American workers by raising taxes on companies that move jobs overseas.
Christian News
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria continues
Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected of murdering three members of the Evangelical Church Winning All denomination in Nigeria’s Kaduna state early on Sunday morning, the Christian Post reports. Two church members were also abducted in the same attack and a further five were kidnapped in a separate attack on a nearby community the same day. The killings and abductions are the latest in ongoing murderous assaults by Islamic extremist terrorists on Christian communities in Nigeria.
Around the World
Iran building new centrifuge production site, state TV says
Iran said Tuesday it is building a sophisticated new building near its underground Natanz nuclear site, state TV reported.
Sudan floods: Nile water level threatens ancient pyramids
The authorities in Sudan are trying to protect the country's ancient pyramids from flooding as heavy rains have caused the nearby River Nile to reach record-breaking levels.
Trump to announce drawdown of troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
President Trump will announce a further drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq on Wednesday, and a withdrawal of more troops from Afghanistan in the coming days, a senior administration official said Tuesday night.
Opposition Leader Urges End To Deals With Belarus President Amid Kidnappings and Expulsions
An opposition leader says an increasing number of critical activists opposing Belarusian President Alexander Lukanhesko are detained, kidnapped, and sometimes expelled from the country. The statement by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya comes amid dramatic scenes at the borders of the former Soviet republic.
Thousands Protest Hungarian Government “Takeover” of Universities
A tense calm returned to Budapest on Monday after thousands of Hungarians protested against what they view as a nationalist government takeover of public education.
Hungary Unveils Statue Of Late President Bush
Hungary says it will unveil a statue of late U.S. President George W. Bush in Budapest to mark the 30th anniversary of the collapse of communist dictatorship in Central and Eastern Europe. In 1989, Bush became the first U.S. president to visit Hungary while in office. He died in 2018 at the age of 94.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, UAE to sign deal at White House ceremony next Tuesday
Israel and the United Arab Emirates will sign their historic deal normalizing relations at a White House ceremony on September 15, a senior White House official confirmed to The Times of Israel on Tuesday.
Palestinian leaders: Disabled access to Tomb of Patriarchs is 'war crime'
Palestinian leaders have described plans by Israel to install wheelchair access at the Tomb of the Patriarchs as “tantamount to igniting a religious war in the region and in the world,” and a "war crime," and have called for a third intifada in response. The changes will make the site more accessible for Jews and Muslims alike.
Inside the United States
Trump extends Gulf of Mexico drilling ban for 10 years, expands it to Florida’s Atlantic coast
Most expected President Donald Trump on Tuesday to tout his record in allocating the full federal $200 million annual commitment to the 40-year, $10.5 billion Everglades restoration plan for only the second time since Congress approved it in 2000.
Mark Meadows: 'Additional documents' spell 'trouble' for ex-officials in Durham investigation
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said he has seen "additional" documents that are pertinent to U.S. Attorney John Durham's criminal inquiry into the Russia investigation.
One thousand Georgia residents caught double-voting in primary may face charges
The 1,000 residents of Georgia who were caught double-voting may face prosecution.
FISA court scolds FBI for 'widespread violations' of privacy rules
Under Director Chris Wray, the FBI continues to engage in "widespread violations" of rules protecting Americans' privacy while searching through national security surveillance data, the chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court has concluded.
New study shows rioting took place in 48 out 50 major US cities this summer
A new Princeton University study shows there have been riots associated with the Black Lives Matter movement in 48 out of 50 major US cities, and 74 out of 100 of the largest US cities by population, since the police killing of George Floyd on May 25. The study titled “Demonstrations and Political Violence in America,” also found that in over 93% of all demonstrations connected to the BLM movement during the same period, protestors did not engage in violence or destruction of property.
Christian News
Christian ministry holds 'worship protest' in street after Seattle barricades park
Seattle shut down a park on Labor Day to stop a Christian prayer rally, so the Sean Feucht Ministries moved the event to the streets, renaming it a “worship protest.”
At least 500 Christians murdered in last two months in Ethiopia
At least 500 Christians have been slaughtered, and thousands traumatized and displaced, in the last two months in Ethiopia’s Oromia state, the Christian Post reports. It is believed that those responsible for the recent door-to-door attacks and killings are members of a youth movement of Muslim men from the ethnic Oromo population.
Growth of Christianity in Iran: number of believers approaching 1 million
A new survey on the growth of Christianity in Iran suggests there could soon be 1 million Iranian Christians living in the Islamic Republic, CBN News reports. Carried out by the non-profit Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN), the survey questioned 50,000 Iranians, 90% of whom live in the country. The survey showed that 1.5% of respondents identified as Christian.
Iran building new centrifuge production site, state TV says
Iran said Tuesday it is building a sophisticated new building near its underground Natanz nuclear site, state TV reported.
Sudan floods: Nile water level threatens ancient pyramids
The authorities in Sudan are trying to protect the country's ancient pyramids from flooding as heavy rains have caused the nearby River Nile to reach record-breaking levels.
Trump to announce drawdown of troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
President Trump will announce a further drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq on Wednesday, and a withdrawal of more troops from Afghanistan in the coming days, a senior administration official said Tuesday night.
Opposition Leader Urges End To Deals With Belarus President Amid Kidnappings and Expulsions
An opposition leader says an increasing number of critical activists opposing Belarusian President Alexander Lukanhesko are detained, kidnapped, and sometimes expelled from the country. The statement by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya comes amid dramatic scenes at the borders of the former Soviet republic.
Thousands Protest Hungarian Government “Takeover” of Universities
A tense calm returned to Budapest on Monday after thousands of Hungarians protested against what they view as a nationalist government takeover of public education.
Hungary Unveils Statue Of Late President Bush
Hungary says it will unveil a statue of late U.S. President George W. Bush in Budapest to mark the 30th anniversary of the collapse of communist dictatorship in Central and Eastern Europe. In 1989, Bush became the first U.S. president to visit Hungary while in office. He died in 2018 at the age of 94.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, UAE to sign deal at White House ceremony next Tuesday
Israel and the United Arab Emirates will sign their historic deal normalizing relations at a White House ceremony on September 15, a senior White House official confirmed to The Times of Israel on Tuesday.
Palestinian leaders: Disabled access to Tomb of Patriarchs is 'war crime'
Palestinian leaders have described plans by Israel to install wheelchair access at the Tomb of the Patriarchs as “tantamount to igniting a religious war in the region and in the world,” and a "war crime," and have called for a third intifada in response. The changes will make the site more accessible for Jews and Muslims alike.
Inside the United States
Trump extends Gulf of Mexico drilling ban for 10 years, expands it to Florida’s Atlantic coast
Most expected President Donald Trump on Tuesday to tout his record in allocating the full federal $200 million annual commitment to the 40-year, $10.5 billion Everglades restoration plan for only the second time since Congress approved it in 2000.
Mark Meadows: 'Additional documents' spell 'trouble' for ex-officials in Durham investigation
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said he has seen "additional" documents that are pertinent to U.S. Attorney John Durham's criminal inquiry into the Russia investigation.
One thousand Georgia residents caught double-voting in primary may face charges
The 1,000 residents of Georgia who were caught double-voting may face prosecution.
FISA court scolds FBI for 'widespread violations' of privacy rules
Under Director Chris Wray, the FBI continues to engage in "widespread violations" of rules protecting Americans' privacy while searching through national security surveillance data, the chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court has concluded.
New study shows rioting took place in 48 out 50 major US cities this summer
A new Princeton University study shows there have been riots associated with the Black Lives Matter movement in 48 out of 50 major US cities, and 74 out of 100 of the largest US cities by population, since the police killing of George Floyd on May 25. The study titled “Demonstrations and Political Violence in America,” also found that in over 93% of all demonstrations connected to the BLM movement during the same period, protestors did not engage in violence or destruction of property.
Christian News
Christian ministry holds 'worship protest' in street after Seattle barricades park
Seattle shut down a park on Labor Day to stop a Christian prayer rally, so the Sean Feucht Ministries moved the event to the streets, renaming it a “worship protest.”
At least 500 Christians murdered in last two months in Ethiopia
At least 500 Christians have been slaughtered, and thousands traumatized and displaced, in the last two months in Ethiopia’s Oromia state, the Christian Post reports. It is believed that those responsible for the recent door-to-door attacks and killings are members of a youth movement of Muslim men from the ethnic Oromo population.
Growth of Christianity in Iran: number of believers approaching 1 million
A new survey on the growth of Christianity in Iran suggests there could soon be 1 million Iranian Christians living in the Islamic Republic, CBN News reports. Carried out by the non-profit Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN), the survey questioned 50,000 Iranians, 90% of whom live in the country. The survey showed that 1.5% of respondents identified as Christian.
Around the World
Trump raises idea of decoupling U.S. economy from China
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday raised the idea of separating the U.S. and Chinese economies, also known as decoupling, suggesting the U.S. would not lose money if the two countries no longer did business.
China’s latest FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter prototype may have been on a test flight
A Chinese aviation company has apparently been test flying its new stealth fighter jet that aims to match America’s F-35s, and which could be a candidate for its next generation of ship-borne warplanes.
EU Accuses Britain Of Torpedoing Brexit Deal
European Union leaders have accused Britain of throwing political grenades across the channel by threatening to undermine its divorce deal with the EU. The so-called Brexit Withdrawal Agreement was signed last year to allow Britain's orderly exit from the bloc.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Law enforcement said to have covered up conflicts of interest in Netanyahu probe
Senior law enforcement officials have filed a complaint with the state comptroller in recent days alleging that senior police officers and the state prosecutor engaged in a wide-spread cover-up of a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, in order not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier, Channel 12 reported Monday.
Saudi king indicates to Trump Israeli-Palestinian peace a prerequisite for ties
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman praised US President Donald Trump for Washington’s diplomatic efforts in the region in a phone call Sunday, days after a top White House official visited to press the kingdom on normalization with Israel.
President of Malawi resolves to open “diplomatic mission” in Jerusalem
The recently elected president of Malawi announced Friday that the country had resolved to open a “new diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, Israel.” It is presumed this mission will be an embassy, the Jerusalem Post reports. If President Lazarus Chakwera goes ahead with his resolve, Malawi would be the first African nation to have an embassy or diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
EU Warns Kosovo, Serbia: ‘Don’t Move Embassies To Jerusalem’
The European Union has warned Serbia and Kosovo that they may not become members of the bloc if they move their embassies to Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
California Sets Record With 2M Acres Burned So Far This Year
Wildfires have burned more than 2 million acres in California this year, setting a state record even as crews battled dozens of growing blazes in sweltering temperatures Monday that strained the electrical grid and threatened power outages for millions.
Trump warns schools may lose federal funding if they teach the “1619 project”
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that schools that incorporate the New York Times’ “1619 Project” may lose federal funding, Zero Hedge reports. Created by NYT reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones in 2019, the “1619 project” is an ongoing initiative which "aims to reframe [America’s] history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of [The United States'] national narrative."
Evangelicals and conservative Catholics knock on nearly 1 million doors in Vote Trump campaign
The conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition (FFC) has mobilized hundreds of Conservative Evangelical and Catholic volunteers to knock on nearly 1 million doors in their efforts to get President Donald Trump re-elected in November, the Christian Post reports. Founded in 2009 by prominent Evangelical Ralph Reed, the FFC expects to spend over $40 million on its grassroots campaign to return Trump to the Whitehouse.
Christian News
Seattle accused of discrimination for closing park to Christian rally amid left-wing protests
Seattle plans to shut down a park to prevent a Christian rally from being held there on Labor Day even as left-wing protesters descended on the city for a holiday weekend of mass anti-Trump and anti-police demonstrations.
Trump raises idea of decoupling U.S. economy from China
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday raised the idea of separating the U.S. and Chinese economies, also known as decoupling, suggesting the U.S. would not lose money if the two countries no longer did business.
China’s latest FC-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter prototype may have been on a test flight
A Chinese aviation company has apparently been test flying its new stealth fighter jet that aims to match America’s F-35s, and which could be a candidate for its next generation of ship-borne warplanes.
EU Accuses Britain Of Torpedoing Brexit Deal
European Union leaders have accused Britain of throwing political grenades across the channel by threatening to undermine its divorce deal with the EU. The so-called Brexit Withdrawal Agreement was signed last year to allow Britain's orderly exit from the bloc.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Law enforcement said to have covered up conflicts of interest in Netanyahu probe
Senior law enforcement officials have filed a complaint with the state comptroller in recent days alleging that senior police officers and the state prosecutor engaged in a wide-spread cover-up of a serious conflict of interest by one of the investigators into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, in order not to derail the corruption investigations into the premier, Channel 12 reported Monday.
Saudi king indicates to Trump Israeli-Palestinian peace a prerequisite for ties
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman praised US President Donald Trump for Washington’s diplomatic efforts in the region in a phone call Sunday, days after a top White House official visited to press the kingdom on normalization with Israel.
President of Malawi resolves to open “diplomatic mission” in Jerusalem
The recently elected president of Malawi announced Friday that the country had resolved to open a “new diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, Israel.” It is presumed this mission will be an embassy, the Jerusalem Post reports. If President Lazarus Chakwera goes ahead with his resolve, Malawi would be the first African nation to have an embassy or diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
EU Warns Kosovo, Serbia: ‘Don’t Move Embassies To Jerusalem’
The European Union has warned Serbia and Kosovo that they may not become members of the bloc if they move their embassies to Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
California Sets Record With 2M Acres Burned So Far This Year
Wildfires have burned more than 2 million acres in California this year, setting a state record even as crews battled dozens of growing blazes in sweltering temperatures Monday that strained the electrical grid and threatened power outages for millions.
Trump warns schools may lose federal funding if they teach the “1619 project”
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that schools that incorporate the New York Times’ “1619 Project” may lose federal funding, Zero Hedge reports. Created by NYT reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones in 2019, the “1619 project” is an ongoing initiative which "aims to reframe [America’s] history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of [The United States'] national narrative."
Evangelicals and conservative Catholics knock on nearly 1 million doors in Vote Trump campaign
The conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition (FFC) has mobilized hundreds of Conservative Evangelical and Catholic volunteers to knock on nearly 1 million doors in their efforts to get President Donald Trump re-elected in November, the Christian Post reports. Founded in 2009 by prominent Evangelical Ralph Reed, the FFC expects to spend over $40 million on its grassroots campaign to return Trump to the Whitehouse.
Christian News
Seattle accused of discrimination for closing park to Christian rally amid left-wing protests
Seattle plans to shut down a park to prevent a Christian rally from being held there on Labor Day even as left-wing protesters descended on the city for a holiday weekend of mass anti-Trump and anti-police demonstrations.