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
Turkey military advances as U.S. withdraws from Syria
World leaders were “preparing for the worst” Monday as Turkey moved quickly toward a sweeping military offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria after President Trump’s surprise announcement that he would pull American forces out of a crucial buffer zone along the border between the two nations.
Turkey's Syria incursion may allow ISIS to attempt mass prison break amid US withdrawal, Kurdish fighters warn
ISIS fighters and other terrorists comprising the more than 10,000 Islamic militants jailed in northeast Syria could launch a mass prison break as U.S. troops withdraw from the region in response to Turkey's impending incursion, Syrian Kurdish fighters warned Monday.
Iran opposes military action in Syria, Zarif tells Turkey
Iran’s top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Tehran is opposed to military action in Syria, the foreign ministry said.
Trump defends decision on Syria, says he was elected to get out of 'endless wars'
President Trump on Monday defended his decision to pull U.S. troops out of northeast Syria, saying he is keeping his pledge to get Americans out of 'endless wars.'
Iran unveils kit to convert artillery rockets into guided missiles
The Iranian military says it has produced a new conversion kit to upgrade artillery rockets to surface-to-surface missiles, technology that Israel has accused Tehran of attempting to deliver to the Hezbollah terror group.
US signs limited deal with Japan on ag, digital trade
The United States and Japan signed a limited trade agreement Monday, a deal that would win back benefits American farmers lost when President Donald Trump pulled out of a broader Asia-Pacific pact his first week in office.
Report: Iran Plans to Start Using More Advanced Centrifuges
Iran plans to start using a new array of advanced centrifuges for enriching uranium, the country's nuclear chief said Monday according to state television, in a move likely to intensify pressure on Europe to save Tehran's collapsing nuclear deal with world powers.
Hong Kong's Lam says Chinese military could step in if uprising worsens
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned Tuesday the Chinese military could step in if an uprising for democratic reforms in the city worsens, but she reiterated the government still hopes to resolve the crisis on its own without seeking mainland intervention.
'Islamic State' resurgence a 'very real possibility' after US exits Syria
For months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send troops into neighboring Syria. Then, on Saturday, he announced he would deliver on his promise and send Turkish air and ground forces into the country. Erdogan plans to create a "safe zone" along the Turkish-Syrian border. The purpose of this is to push back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are led by the predominantly Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Ankara considers the Kurdish militia a threat to its national security.
Chinese Envoy Headed to the U.S. to Resume Trade War Talks
China’s chief trade envoy is going to Washington on Thursday for talks aimed at ending the tariff war between the world’s two largest economies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas said waging ‘secret war’ to purge jihadist groups from Gaza
Gaza’s Hamas rulers have been waging a 'secret war' against followers of the Islamic State and other Salafist groups in the Strip, according to a recent report in the Lebanese daily Al Akhbar.
Gideon Sa’ar emerges as first Likud challenger to PM in over decade of rule
With a simple tweet, Gideon Sa’ar did what no Israeli politician from the ruling conservative party has done in more than a decade -- openly challenge its chief, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Inside the United States
Federal deficit rose to $984B in 2019, highest in 7 years: Budget office
The federal deficit rose to $984 billion in fiscal year 2019, the Congressional Budget Office estimated on Monday, an increase of $205 billion.
House Democrats Subpoena Pentagon, Prepare to Depose Sondland in Impeachment Inquiry
Three U.S. House of Representatives committees are set to question Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, on Tuesday to find out more about the interactions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials.
Judge tosses a Trump lawsuit to keep his taxes secret
A federal judge in New York spiked President Donald Trump’s attempt to block a Manhattan prosecutor from obtaining his tax and financial records from the accounting firm Mazars USA, dismissing his 'extraordinary' claim to be immune from criminal investigation.
As impeachment looms, GOP revolts against Trump on Syria
They may have his back on impeachment, but some of President Donald Trump’s most loyal allies are suddenly revolting against his decision to pull back U.S. troops from northern Syria.
Turkey military advances as U.S. withdraws from Syria
World leaders were “preparing for the worst” Monday as Turkey moved quickly toward a sweeping military offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in northern Syria after President Trump’s surprise announcement that he would pull American forces out of a crucial buffer zone along the border between the two nations.
Turkey's Syria incursion may allow ISIS to attempt mass prison break amid US withdrawal, Kurdish fighters warn
ISIS fighters and other terrorists comprising the more than 10,000 Islamic militants jailed in northeast Syria could launch a mass prison break as U.S. troops withdraw from the region in response to Turkey's impending incursion, Syrian Kurdish fighters warned Monday.
Iran opposes military action in Syria, Zarif tells Turkey
Iran’s top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in a phone call that Tehran is opposed to military action in Syria, the foreign ministry said.
Trump defends decision on Syria, says he was elected to get out of 'endless wars'
President Trump on Monday defended his decision to pull U.S. troops out of northeast Syria, saying he is keeping his pledge to get Americans out of 'endless wars.'
Iran unveils kit to convert artillery rockets into guided missiles
The Iranian military says it has produced a new conversion kit to upgrade artillery rockets to surface-to-surface missiles, technology that Israel has accused Tehran of attempting to deliver to the Hezbollah terror group.
US signs limited deal with Japan on ag, digital trade
The United States and Japan signed a limited trade agreement Monday, a deal that would win back benefits American farmers lost when President Donald Trump pulled out of a broader Asia-Pacific pact his first week in office.
Report: Iran Plans to Start Using More Advanced Centrifuges
Iran plans to start using a new array of advanced centrifuges for enriching uranium, the country's nuclear chief said Monday according to state television, in a move likely to intensify pressure on Europe to save Tehran's collapsing nuclear deal with world powers.
Hong Kong's Lam says Chinese military could step in if uprising worsens
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned Tuesday the Chinese military could step in if an uprising for democratic reforms in the city worsens, but she reiterated the government still hopes to resolve the crisis on its own without seeking mainland intervention.
'Islamic State' resurgence a 'very real possibility' after US exits Syria
For months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to send troops into neighboring Syria. Then, on Saturday, he announced he would deliver on his promise and send Turkish air and ground forces into the country. Erdogan plans to create a "safe zone" along the Turkish-Syrian border. The purpose of this is to push back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are led by the predominantly Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Ankara considers the Kurdish militia a threat to its national security.
Chinese Envoy Headed to the U.S. to Resume Trade War Talks
China’s chief trade envoy is going to Washington on Thursday for talks aimed at ending the tariff war between the world’s two largest economies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas said waging ‘secret war’ to purge jihadist groups from Gaza
Gaza’s Hamas rulers have been waging a 'secret war' against followers of the Islamic State and other Salafist groups in the Strip, according to a recent report in the Lebanese daily Al Akhbar.
Gideon Sa’ar emerges as first Likud challenger to PM in over decade of rule
With a simple tweet, Gideon Sa’ar did what no Israeli politician from the ruling conservative party has done in more than a decade -- openly challenge its chief, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Inside the United States
Federal deficit rose to $984B in 2019, highest in 7 years: Budget office
The federal deficit rose to $984 billion in fiscal year 2019, the Congressional Budget Office estimated on Monday, an increase of $205 billion.
House Democrats Subpoena Pentagon, Prepare to Depose Sondland in Impeachment Inquiry
Three U.S. House of Representatives committees are set to question Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, on Tuesday to find out more about the interactions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials.
Judge tosses a Trump lawsuit to keep his taxes secret
A federal judge in New York spiked President Donald Trump’s attempt to block a Manhattan prosecutor from obtaining his tax and financial records from the accounting firm Mazars USA, dismissing his 'extraordinary' claim to be immune from criminal investigation.
As impeachment looms, GOP revolts against Trump on Syria
They may have his back on impeachment, but some of President Donald Trump’s most loyal allies are suddenly revolting against his decision to pull back U.S. troops from northern Syria.
Around the World
New Round of Talks on Nile Waters Starts in Sudan's Capital
Irrigation ministers of three key Nile Basin countries were meeting Friday in Sudan's capital, seeking to resolve differences over Ethiopia's soon-to-be-finished Blue Nile dam, which Cairo claims threatens its water supply.
Hong Kong Plunges Deeper into Crisis as Protests Break Out for the Third Consecutive Day
Anti-communist crowds marched through Hong Kong Sunday to decry the government’s emergency powers and press their demands for political freedom. Many wore masks in open defiance of a government ban on facial coverings meant as a deterrent to protesters, whose four-month-old democratic rebellion has thrown the semi-autonomous enclave into crisis and caused consternation among China’s top leadership.
Turkey announces incursion of northeast Syria, US-backed Kurds have vowed ‘all-out’ war
The White House announced late Sunday that Turkey will soon move forward with its planned military operation in northeast Syria in an area where U.S. troops have been deployed and operating with Kurdish-led forces.
US steps aside for Turkey to invade northern Syria, crush Kurds
The White House said Sunday that US forces in northeast Syria will move aside and clear the way for an expected Turkish assault, essentially abandoning Kurdish fighters who fought alongside American forces in the years-long battle to defeat Islamic State militants.
US-North Korean Nuclear Talks Come to Abrupt End, Pyongyang Negotiator Says
North Korea's top nuclear negotiator says working-level nuclear talks Saturday with the U.S. in Stockholm ended shortly after they began.
Iran not 'drawing back' militarily after Saudi attack - U.S. admiral
Iran has not drawn back to a less threatening military posture in the region following the Sept. 14 attack on Saudi Arabia, the top U.S. admiral in the Middle East told Reuters, suggesting persistent concern despite a lull in violence.
Russia helping China build missile warning system, Putin says
Moscow has plans to help China build a system to help detect when an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is launched, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Armed men storm TV station after 80 die in Iraq protests
Armed men dressed in black have stormed the offices of a news broadcaster in Iraq, the station has said.
Iraq blames 'malicious' hands as toll from unrest tops 100
Twelve anti-government demonstrators were killed Sunday in ongoing protests in the capital Baghdad, the latest fatalities in six days of clashes that have left more than 100 dead and thousands wounded.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s top ministers to meet for first time in months, amid warnings on Iran
The Security Cabinet will convene Sunday for the first time in two months, amid cryptic warnings by Israeli leadership in recent days of a growing security threat.
Israel and Gulf states working on ‘historic pact’ to end conflict between them
Israel is reportedly negotiating with several Gulf states on a 'non-aggression pact' between them as they face off against an increasingly emboldened Iran. The deal, which Channel 12 news described as potentially 'historic,' aims to put an end to the state of conflict between the Gulf states and Israel, and reportedly provides for friendly relations, cooperation in a variety of fields, and no war or incitement against each other.
PA wipes peace agreements from schoolbooks, encourages incitement and intolerance
The Palestinian Authority has removed any mention of past agreements with Israel from their school textbooks, with the exception of the Oslo Accords, which are mentioned in far less detail than in previous editions of the schoolbooks, according to a new report by Yedioth Aharonot.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear first abortion case since Kavanaugh, Gorsuch confirmations
To the delight of pro-life advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday it will consider a challenge to a Republican-backed Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Economy added 136,000 jobs in September to bring unemployment to 5-decade low
The U.S. economy added 136,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 3.5%, a new 50-year low, according to federal data released Friday.
Supreme Court kicks off blockbuster term with consequential LGBT rights cases
When the Supreme Court’s nine members take their seats Monday for the start of their next term, the justices will waste little time before confronting a trio of cases that could have major implications for LGBT rights.
Commerce Dept.: U.S. trade deficit has grown by nearly $1B
The U.S. trade deficit has grown by nearly $1 billion after the Trump administration imposed new tariffs against Chinese products, the Commerce Department said in a report Friday.
Federal Judge Tosses Tampa Therapy Ban for Minors Fighting Same-Sex Attraction
A federal judge in Florida struck down a Tampa ordinance banning the use of talk therapy on minors fighting same-sex attraction.
Christian News
Rev. Graham’s tour evokes evangelical support for Trump
Rev. Franklin Graham did not utter the word 'impeachment' as he spoke to thousands of Christians here this week, the latest stop on a long-running tour he has dubbed Decision America -- a title with political and religious undertones.
New Round of Talks on Nile Waters Starts in Sudan's Capital
Irrigation ministers of three key Nile Basin countries were meeting Friday in Sudan's capital, seeking to resolve differences over Ethiopia's soon-to-be-finished Blue Nile dam, which Cairo claims threatens its water supply.
Hong Kong Plunges Deeper into Crisis as Protests Break Out for the Third Consecutive Day
Anti-communist crowds marched through Hong Kong Sunday to decry the government’s emergency powers and press their demands for political freedom. Many wore masks in open defiance of a government ban on facial coverings meant as a deterrent to protesters, whose four-month-old democratic rebellion has thrown the semi-autonomous enclave into crisis and caused consternation among China’s top leadership.
Turkey announces incursion of northeast Syria, US-backed Kurds have vowed ‘all-out’ war
The White House announced late Sunday that Turkey will soon move forward with its planned military operation in northeast Syria in an area where U.S. troops have been deployed and operating with Kurdish-led forces.
US steps aside for Turkey to invade northern Syria, crush Kurds
The White House said Sunday that US forces in northeast Syria will move aside and clear the way for an expected Turkish assault, essentially abandoning Kurdish fighters who fought alongside American forces in the years-long battle to defeat Islamic State militants.
US-North Korean Nuclear Talks Come to Abrupt End, Pyongyang Negotiator Says
North Korea's top nuclear negotiator says working-level nuclear talks Saturday with the U.S. in Stockholm ended shortly after they began.
Iran not 'drawing back' militarily after Saudi attack - U.S. admiral
Iran has not drawn back to a less threatening military posture in the region following the Sept. 14 attack on Saudi Arabia, the top U.S. admiral in the Middle East told Reuters, suggesting persistent concern despite a lull in violence.
Russia helping China build missile warning system, Putin says
Moscow has plans to help China build a system to help detect when an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is launched, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Armed men storm TV station after 80 die in Iraq protests
Armed men dressed in black have stormed the offices of a news broadcaster in Iraq, the station has said.
Iraq blames 'malicious' hands as toll from unrest tops 100
Twelve anti-government demonstrators were killed Sunday in ongoing protests in the capital Baghdad, the latest fatalities in six days of clashes that have left more than 100 dead and thousands wounded.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel’s top ministers to meet for first time in months, amid warnings on Iran
The Security Cabinet will convene Sunday for the first time in two months, amid cryptic warnings by Israeli leadership in recent days of a growing security threat.
Israel and Gulf states working on ‘historic pact’ to end conflict between them
Israel is reportedly negotiating with several Gulf states on a 'non-aggression pact' between them as they face off against an increasingly emboldened Iran. The deal, which Channel 12 news described as potentially 'historic,' aims to put an end to the state of conflict between the Gulf states and Israel, and reportedly provides for friendly relations, cooperation in a variety of fields, and no war or incitement against each other.
PA wipes peace agreements from schoolbooks, encourages incitement and intolerance
The Palestinian Authority has removed any mention of past agreements with Israel from their school textbooks, with the exception of the Oslo Accords, which are mentioned in far less detail than in previous editions of the schoolbooks, according to a new report by Yedioth Aharonot.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear first abortion case since Kavanaugh, Gorsuch confirmations
To the delight of pro-life advocates, the U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday it will consider a challenge to a Republican-backed Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
Economy added 136,000 jobs in September to bring unemployment to 5-decade low
The U.S. economy added 136,000 jobs in September, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 3.5%, a new 50-year low, according to federal data released Friday.
Supreme Court kicks off blockbuster term with consequential LGBT rights cases
When the Supreme Court’s nine members take their seats Monday for the start of their next term, the justices will waste little time before confronting a trio of cases that could have major implications for LGBT rights.
Commerce Dept.: U.S. trade deficit has grown by nearly $1B
The U.S. trade deficit has grown by nearly $1 billion after the Trump administration imposed new tariffs against Chinese products, the Commerce Department said in a report Friday.
Federal Judge Tosses Tampa Therapy Ban for Minors Fighting Same-Sex Attraction
A federal judge in Florida struck down a Tampa ordinance banning the use of talk therapy on minors fighting same-sex attraction.
Christian News
Rev. Graham’s tour evokes evangelical support for Trump
Rev. Franklin Graham did not utter the word 'impeachment' as he spoke to thousands of Christians here this week, the latest stop on a long-running tour he has dubbed Decision America -- a title with political and religious undertones.
Around the World
U.N. Security Council likely to meet next week over North Korea missile launch: diplomats
The U.N. Security Council will likely meet behind closed doors on North Korea next week, diplomats said on Thursday, after Pyongyang said it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile ahead of fresh nuclear talks with Washington.
EU court: Facebook can be forced to remove content worldwide
The European Union’s highest court ruled Thursday that individual member countries can force Facebook to remove what they regard as unlawful material from the social network all over the world — a decision experts say could hinder free speech online and put a heavy burden on tech companies.
US reopens embassy in Somalia after 28 years
The United States Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, has reopened after being closed for 28 years, officials said Wednesday.
US, UK reach deal to make it easier to get electronic data
The United States and United Kingdom signed an agreement Thursday that officials say will speed up dozens of criminal and national security investigations and make it easier for law enforcement to obtain the electronic evidence they need.
U.S. State Department Approves Sale Of Second Batch Of Javelin Missiles To Ukraine
The U.S. State Department has approved $39.2 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including a second batch of the world's deadliest anti-tank missiles to help Kyiv defend itself against Russia-backed separatists.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In pivot, Netanyahu considers proposal to set Likud primary for next year
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing a suggestion by Likud minister Haim Katz to hold the Likud leadership vote in a year, signaling the premier is retreating from the prospect of flash primaries, an idea floated earlier on Thursday and met with a challenge by rival Gideon Sa’ar.
'The US Will Always Support Israel': New UN Envoy Kelly Craft Continues Nikki Haley's Pro-Israel Legacy
The new US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft held her first meeting on Wednesday with Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon.
Lapid drops PM rotation deal 'for the sake of unity government'
Blue and White party No. 2 Yair Lapid said Thursday he is willing to give up his rotation deal with party leader Benny Gantz if it facilitated the formation of a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud.
Israel Researchers Use Decoy Molecules to Fight Cancer
Israeli researchers at Hebrew University say they have reached a breakthrough in how to fight cancer. While it might have been clear already that RNA-binding proteins play a major role in cancer growth, no cancer treatment has targeted these proteins until now.
Inside the United States
U.S. Supreme Court to tackle gay rights, guns, abortion and Trump
The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term opens on Monday with the conservative majority in a position to take a more aggressive rightward turn on divisive issues including abortion, gay rights and gun control while also refereeing legal brawls involving President Donald Trump.
Trump: China, Ukraine Should Investigate the Bidens
China and Ukraine should investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, President Donald Trump said Thursday.
Christian News
'Chance to thrive': Iraqi Christians return after decades of hardship
The long line of vehicles crowded the entrance to Alqosh, a Christian town in northern Iraq, on a Thursday last month.
Atheist Group Files Complaint About Texas Judge's Bible Gift, Hug to Convicted Murderer
A brother's forgiveness to his brother's killer was in the spotlight Wednesday as the pair embraced in front of a Dallas, Texas courtroom.
U.N. Security Council likely to meet next week over North Korea missile launch: diplomats
The U.N. Security Council will likely meet behind closed doors on North Korea next week, diplomats said on Thursday, after Pyongyang said it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile ahead of fresh nuclear talks with Washington.
EU court: Facebook can be forced to remove content worldwide
The European Union’s highest court ruled Thursday that individual member countries can force Facebook to remove what they regard as unlawful material from the social network all over the world — a decision experts say could hinder free speech online and put a heavy burden on tech companies.
US reopens embassy in Somalia after 28 years
The United States Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, has reopened after being closed for 28 years, officials said Wednesday.
US, UK reach deal to make it easier to get electronic data
The United States and United Kingdom signed an agreement Thursday that officials say will speed up dozens of criminal and national security investigations and make it easier for law enforcement to obtain the electronic evidence they need.
U.S. State Department Approves Sale Of Second Batch Of Javelin Missiles To Ukraine
The U.S. State Department has approved $39.2 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine, including a second batch of the world's deadliest anti-tank missiles to help Kyiv defend itself against Russia-backed separatists.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In pivot, Netanyahu considers proposal to set Likud primary for next year
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing a suggestion by Likud minister Haim Katz to hold the Likud leadership vote in a year, signaling the premier is retreating from the prospect of flash primaries, an idea floated earlier on Thursday and met with a challenge by rival Gideon Sa’ar.
'The US Will Always Support Israel': New UN Envoy Kelly Craft Continues Nikki Haley's Pro-Israel Legacy
The new US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft held her first meeting on Wednesday with Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon.
Lapid drops PM rotation deal 'for the sake of unity government'
Blue and White party No. 2 Yair Lapid said Thursday he is willing to give up his rotation deal with party leader Benny Gantz if it facilitated the formation of a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud.
Israel Researchers Use Decoy Molecules to Fight Cancer
Israeli researchers at Hebrew University say they have reached a breakthrough in how to fight cancer. While it might have been clear already that RNA-binding proteins play a major role in cancer growth, no cancer treatment has targeted these proteins until now.
Inside the United States
U.S. Supreme Court to tackle gay rights, guns, abortion and Trump
The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term opens on Monday with the conservative majority in a position to take a more aggressive rightward turn on divisive issues including abortion, gay rights and gun control while also refereeing legal brawls involving President Donald Trump.
Trump: China, Ukraine Should Investigate the Bidens
China and Ukraine should investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, President Donald Trump said Thursday.
Christian News
'Chance to thrive': Iraqi Christians return after decades of hardship
The long line of vehicles crowded the entrance to Alqosh, a Christian town in northern Iraq, on a Thursday last month.
Atheist Group Files Complaint About Texas Judge's Bible Gift, Hug to Convicted Murderer
A brother's forgiveness to his brother's killer was in the spotlight Wednesday as the pair embraced in front of a Dallas, Texas courtroom.