Around the World
Iran and Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean
The Iranian and Russian militaries have kicked off a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean aimed at boosting security of maritime trade in the region, Iran’s state TV reported on Tuesday.
Blinken says that for Iran, ‘the path to diplomacy is open’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the US was open to diplomacy with Iran and voiced support for the 2015 deal Iran signed with world powers, while asserting that it must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Conservative group warns of UN effort to create list of ‘LGBT hate groups’
A conservative group is warning that the United Nations is preparing to compile a list of “LGBT hate groups” that could be used as a “blacklist” to punish groups and organizations that subscribe to traditional beliefs about gender and sexuality.
China dethroned the US as Europe’s top trade partner in 2020
According to new economic data, China dethroned the US as Europe’s top trade partner in 2020, likely buoyed by strong demand in China for European goods, and Chinese medical products in Europe.
EU Condemns Silencing Independent Radio In Hungary
The European Union has urged Hungary to allow one of the nation's last independent radio stations to continue after it was forced off-air on Monday.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In message to Hezbollah, IAF practices striking 3,000 targets in 24 hours
A Hezbollah missile hits an IAF fighter jet. In response, the entire air force is scrambled to participate in a broad offensive against Lebanon, including attacks against infrastructure such as bridges, power plants and airports spanning 24 hours. That scenario was the focus of an IDF exercise that began on Sunday morning and ended on Tuesday at noon.
Iran could deploy 200 missiles in Iraq to attack Israel
With tensions rising with Iran, Israel is concerned that the Islamic Republic could deploy up to 200 long-range missiles in Iraq that could be used to attack the Jewish state. Iran is already believed to have hundreds of missiles that can reach Israel.
Israel to require “Green Pass” proof of COVID-19 vaccine for access to many places
Israel announced Monday that its citizens will have to show a “green pass” - proof they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or have recovered from the virus - in order to enter many public spaces, the Times of Israel reports. The announcement was made as Israel begins to reopen after severe lockdown measures were imposed to slow the high virus infection rate.

Inside the United States
Frozen windmills, rolling blackouts in Texas spark fears about green-energy future
The Arctic blast that left millions of Texans in the cold as wind turbines froze also sent shivers down the spines of those convinced that the rolling blackouts offer a chilling glimpse of the future under President Biden’s green-energy agenda.
Majority of Americans see need for a third major political party
A majority of American adults believe that a third party is needed in the nation's political landscape.
Equality Act puts Christian hiring policies in ‘jeopardy’ without religious exemptions, ADF warns
The wide-reaching Equality Act championed by Democrats would put the hiring practices of faith-based organizations in “jeopardy” and will create additional religious freedom concerns for Christian schools, churches and ministries, a prominent legal nonprofit argues.

Christian News
Egypt’s laws are increasingly repressive for Christians
Egyptian laws brought in since the 2011 revolution have resulted in significant restrictions on religious and other freedoms for Christians in the country, International Christian Concern reported Saturday.
Pakistan: Christian evangelists charged with blasphemy may face death penalty
Two Christian evangelists in Pakistan have been charged with blasphemy - and could face a mandatory death penalty if convicted, International Christian Concern reports. Haroon Ayub Masih and Salamat Mansha Masih were arrested on February 13 for allegedly insulting Islam while preaching the Gospel in Model Town Park in Lahore.
Europe’s Top Court Asked To Condemn Turkey’s Deportation Of Pastor
Europe’s top rights court has been asked to support a Canadian-American pastor who was reportedly deported from Turkey after 19 years for evangelism.

Worthy Watch
Biden’s Secular Vision of Faith-Based Programs
Bill Gates: ‘Rich Countries Should Move to 100% Synthetic Beef’