Around the World
Russia Supports Iran Joining Moscow-Beijing Security Bloc
Just days after the Iranian regime fired missiles at military bases in Iraq and accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Russia’s foreign minister has reiterated that Moscow supports full membership for Tehran in a Eurasian security bloc sometimes viewed as an aspiring counterweight to NATO and the West.
Riots in Lebanon's Capital Leave More Than 150 Injured
Police fired volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets in Lebanon's capital Saturday to disperse thousands of protesters amid some of the worst rioting since demonstrations against the country's ruling elite erupted three months ago. More than 150 people were injured.
Dozens wounded as Iraqi protesters up pressure on government
Iraqi security forces wounded dozens of protesters on Sunday as renewed anti-government demonstrations gripped the capital and Iraq’s south, activists and officials said.
EU warns Turkey against ‘illegal’ Mediterranean gas exploration plans
The European Union has urged Turkey to drop plans to drill for oil and gas around Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean, saying such exploration was 'illegal.'

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah's threat to Israel rises amid Lebanon chaos
Lebanon's political crisis escalated this weekend, with hundreds of civilians wounded in running street battles against security forces. The chaos will increase the Lebanese Hezbollah's temptation to lash out at Israel to unify the nation against a common enemy.
Italian far-right leader Salvini says he’d move embassy to Jerusalem if elected
Italian prime ministerial frontrunner Matteo Salvini has told an Israeli newspaper he would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital if he were elected.
Palestinian Authority daily calls for bloodshed during Holocaust memorial event
While dignitaries all over the world are set to descend upon Jerusalem this week, the Palestinian Authority's official daily newspaper, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, is having none of it.
IDF begins work on underground defense system for northern border
The military on Sunday said it began construction of an underground defense system Sunday along its northern frontier with Lebanon to protect against cross-border tunnels.
Trump to decide on 'Deal of the Century' release date in coming days
US President Donald Trump is expected to decide in the coming days whether to present the White House's Middle East peace plan before the Israeli election, Channel 13's political correspondent Barak Ravid reported in the American news website Axios on Sunday.

Inside the United States
Key Players Squabble Over Trump's Impeachment Trial
Key players in the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump and his defense argued sharply Sunday whether his efforts to get Ukraine to launch investigations to benefit him politically were impeachable offenses that warranted his removal from office.
Supreme Court to review two Trump-related cases
The Supreme Court announced Friday it will take up two legal battles affecting President Trump and his administration.
U.S. housing starts at 13-year high, factory output gains
U.S. homebuilding surged to a 13-year high in December as activity increased across the board, suggesting the housing market recovery was back on track amid low mortgage rates, and could help support the longest economic expansion on record.
First Pro-Life Marches of 2020 Have Record Turnout
The new year has kicked off with a record number of pro-lifers taking to the streets in a bid to achieve greater protections for the unborn.
14 states, NYC, DC sue Trump admin over work requirement rule that would cut 700,000 from food stamps
Calling it 'arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion' and contrary to law, 14 states, New York City and Washington, D.C., asked a federal court in a lawsuit Thursday to vacate a final rule that if implemented will cut off nearly 700,000 people from food stamp benefits due to the imposition of stricter requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.

Christian News
Christian activist taken by regime during protests in Iran
Authorities in Iran arrested a Christian woman who converted from Islam during protests last week against the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, though it is still not known whether she had any involvement with the demonstrations.
Open Doors: China 'nearly single-handedly responsible' for all church closures in 2019
Attacks on churches exploded in China in 2019, according to a new Open Doors USA report, increasing from 171 in 2018 to 5,576 in 2019, as the Chinese government attempts to 'Sinicize' faith.
Christian persecution skyrockets in 2019 according to new Open Doors report
Christian persecution watchdog group Open Doors USA released its 2020 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, reporting a staggering increase of persecution around the world.
Why Dr. Dobson Sees Trump's School Prayer Initiative as Pivotal Moment: 'Transform the Heart of This Nation'
Praise has been pouring in from evangelical leaders over President Trump's move to protect the right to pray in America's public schools.
LGBTQ+ campaigners want Franklin Graham's UK tour cancelled
LGBTQ+ activists in Sheffield are trying to have Franklin Graham's upcoming UK tour canceled.