Around the World
Turkey poised to send troops to Libya, ratcheting up tensions in E. Mediterranean
Turkey is preparing to send troops and advanced weapons to the embattled UN-backed Libyan government. The military muscle-flexing puts it at odds with Russia and several Arab states backing Libya's rival government.
Iraq's President refuses to back Iran-favored candidate for Prime Minister
The Iraqi President has threatened to resign instead of nominating an Iran-backed candidate for Prime Minister against the will of protestors.
Thousands in Asia Marvel at ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse
People along a swath of southern Asia gazed at the sky in marvel on Thursday at a 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF Chief indicates upcoming "limited confrontation" between Israel and Iran
Israel may carry out a 'limited' war with Iran according to the Chief of the Israel Defense Forces, who spoke openly for the first time about Iranian entrenchment in Iraq as a problem for the Jewish state.
Netanyahu declares ‘huge victory,’ Sa’ar concedes, in Likud leadership contest
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory soon after midnight Thursday-Friday in the Likud leadership contest against rival Gideon Sa’ar, as a preliminary ballot count indicated the longtime party leader was headed for a landslide win.
New laser beam system developed to take down drones, burning balloons
Israeli security forces have unveiled a new laser-beam system designed to take down incendiary aerial devices that have burned countless acres of land over the past two years as well as drones infiltrating into Israeli airspace.

Inside the United States
Supreme Court to hear Louisiana abortion case in 2020
A case testing abortion access in Louisiana will come before the Supreme Court early next year, giving President Trump’s two appointees their first chance to leave a mark on the topic.
US cyber officials consider information warfare to counter Russian meddling in 2020
Cyber officials within the U.S. military have started to examine possible methods of information warfare that could be used to counter interference in elections.

Christian News
18 Christians killed by ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Eve and Christmas
ISIS-affiliated terrorists in Nigeria killed 11 people, many assumed to be Christians, on Christmas day, following the slaying of 7 Christians in Borno State by the organization on Christmas eve.
Russian Christians reach out to Mongolia, where Christianity is resurrecting
Russian Christians are answering the call to take the gospel to Mongolia, one of the most sparsely populated and least-reached countries in the world, 26 years after the fall of communism left only 10 believers in the country.
Despite Intense Persecution and Death Threats, National Bible Translators Remain Committed to Translating the Scriptures
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, continues to receive requests for help from Christians living in highly volatile regions who are committed to bringing the translated Scriptures to their language groups.
Christian mother banished from home by Muslim husband in Uganda
A Christian mother in Uganda had to flee her home when her Muslim husband discovered she had been taking their 7-year-old child to church services after her recent conversion in May.
Boris Johnson Vows to Defend Christians in First Christmas Message Since Becoming PM
Boris Johnson has vowed to defend Christians around the world in his first Christmas message since becoming U.K prime minister.