Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13

Report: Kerry Offers Iran An Extension of Talks
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

Reuters

The United States suggested to Iran on Sunday that it consider extending nuclear talks, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

Iran and six world powers are holding talks in Vienna in an attempt to reach a lasting agreement on Tehran's disputed nuclear program before a deadline on Monday, but little progress has been made.

A senior U.S. official told AP that with the Monday evening cutoff date a little more than a day away, Secretary of State John Kerry proposed to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that the two sides start discussing post-deadline talks.

At the same time, two Western diplomats said, negotiations were continuing with Iran on trying to bridge differences on reducing Tehran's ability to make nuclear weapons to levels acceptable to Washington while giving the Islamic republic the relief it seeks from international sanctions over its atomic activities.

All three officials demanded anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the diplomatic twists and turns of talks that have been under a blanket of confidentiality since the sides started negotiating a comprehensive nuclear deal eight months ago.

The U.S. official said a number of options were under discussion.

"An extension is one of those options," the official said. "It should come as no surprise that we will also engage in a discussion of the options with the Iranians at some point as well."

As the clock ticked down, other foreign ministers from the six negotiating powers were converging on Vienna in a concerted effort to at least get an acceptable way to extend the talks even if the deal deadline is missed.

The foreign minister of Germany, Russia and France were already in Vienna by late Sunday. Britain's foreign secretary was en route and China's foreign minister was scheduled to arrive Monday.

The Islamic Republic hotly denies its nuclear program is meant to build a nuclear weapon, even though the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed Iran is not abiding by the interim conditions in refusing to answer questions on the military aspects of its program.

Iran has been toughening its stance in recent weeks. Iran’s chief negotiator, Abbas Araqchi, recently said he sees no prospect for a deal unless the other side abandons its “illogical excessive demands”.

A senior Iranian official followed those comments by declaring that Iran will demand that all Western sanctions be lifted as part of a final deal, rejecting an American proposal of a gradual lifting of sanctions.

An Iranian official said earlier on Sunday that reaching a deal with the West over its nuclear program by tomorrow is “impossible”.

The official said the discussion “may soon have to shift from trying to reach an agreement to extending negotiations past tomorrow's deadline for the end of this round of negotiations.”

On Eve of Iran Deal, Netanyahu Says Israel Reserves Right to Defend Itself
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;The Nation Of Israel

On the eve of Monday's deadline for an accord between the world powers and Iran over Teheran's nuclear program, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would always reserve the right to defend itself, by itself.

Israel, he said in an interview on ABC's This Week, “will always reserve the right to defend itself against any threat with its own power.”

Netanyahu defined as a “bad deal” any agreement “that would allow Iran to remain with thousands of centrifuges which it could use to enrich uranium, which you need for a nuclear bomb, in a short period of time.”

Netanyahu said the “key principle” is to not dismantle sanctions before Iran's capacity to make a nuclear bomb is dismantled.

“As I understand it,” he said, “the Iranians are nowhere near accepting that. And if, for any reason, the United States and the other powers agree to leave Iran with that capacity to breakout, I think that would be a historic mistake.”

Official: U.S., Iran Discussed Possible Extension of Nuclear Talks
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

VIENNA - With a deadline for a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers fast approaching, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed on Sunday a possible extension of the negotiations, a US official said.

"Our focus remains on taking steps forward toward an agreement, but it is only natural that just over 24 hours from the deadline we are discussing a range of options both internally and with our P5+1 partners (six powers)," a senior State Department official said on condition of anonymity.

"An extension is one of those options," the official added after Kerry and Zarif met in the Austrian capital. "It should come as no surprise that we are also engaged in a discussion of the options with the Iranians."

Netanyahu: Better No Agreement With Iran Than One That Jeopardizes Humanity
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Saturday morning that it US Secretary of State John Kerry updated him yesterday on the the talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Netanyahu said that Israel's position is clear and that he is in contact with the world leaders at the negotiations.

"It is better not to have an agreement with Iran, than to have an agreement that will jeopardize Israel, the Middle East, and humanity," the prime minister said.

Let the Headlinews Speak
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsFrom the internet
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Five killed and more than 50 people injured including children hurt in stampede after strong earthquake in China
Children were trampled underfoot as they tried to flee their school during the panic after the magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck Sichuan province, western China.  

Japan earthquake collapses homes, causes injuries
A strong earthquake late Saturday struck a mountainous area of central Japan that hosted the 1998 winter Olympics, knocking down at least 10 homes in a ski resort town and injuring more than 20 people, officials said. The magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck near Nagano.  

Ukraine crisis: Lavrov warns over Russia 'regime change' goal
Western sanctions against Russia over its role in Ukraine are aimed at forcing regime change in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says. Speaking to foreign policy advisers in Moscow, Mr Lavrov referred to calls for sanctions "that will destroy the economy and cause public protests". On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin said Moscow must guard against a "colour revolution".  

Internet data plan back on political agenda
UK: A law forcing firms to hand details to police identifying who was using a computer or mobile phone at a given time is to be outlined by Theresa May. The home secretary said the measure would improve national security. Under the Anti-Terrorism and Security Bill, providers would have to hold on to data linking devices to users.  

Netanyahu: 'Jewish State bill' reflects values I support
How can people who support the concept of two-states for two-people be opposed to a law designating Israel as the Jewish homeland, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu asked at the...cabinet meeting where he brought...the controversial "Jewish state bill" to a vote. “People ask who needs this bill; we have managed 66 years without it,” Netanyahu said. “And I ask, who needs the basic law: Human Dignity and Liberty, we managed 45 years without it.  

Iran says nuclear deal 'impossible' by November 24 deadline: ISNA
Iran says it will not be possible by a November 24 deadline to reach a comprehensive deal with world powers aimed at resolving the stand-off over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, the Iranian Students News Agency ISNA reported on Sunday.  

Pipe bomb thrown at police in capital injures east Jerusalem resident
A pipe bomb was thrown at a police force securing the Shuafat refugee camp which sits just north of Jerusalem's historic Old City in the northeastern part of the capital.  

Praising Allah at the National Cathedral
Recently, I had the privilege to visit the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Someone asked me, "What were you doing there?" My response: "Worshiping Jesus Christ."  

37 homes collapse, dozens injured in Japan quake
Helicopter surveys on Sunday showed more extensive damage than earlier thought from an overnight earthquake in the mountainous central Japan area that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.  

Lavrov accuses West of seeking 'regime change' in Russia
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West on Saturday of trying to use sanctions imposed on Moscow in the Ukraine crisis to seek "regime change" in Russia.  

Ferguson grand jury decision unlikely this weekend, sources say
The grand jury considering whether to indict the Ferguson police officer who shot and killed teenager Michael Brown is unlikely to meet and render a decision this weekend, sources told Fox News on Saturday. Those same sources say it is likely the grand jury will wait until Monday to reconvene.  

US 'to expand' 2015 Afghanistan combat role
US troops in Afghanistan will be allowed to target Taliban fighters in Afghanistan from 2015, US officials say, expanding their role after the end of major combat operations. Guidelines approved by President Barack Obama will also provide air support for Afghan missions, US media report.  

Concerned about nuclear pact, Israel weighs action against Iran: Jerusalem Post
The nuclear pact being negotiated between Iran and world powers is unpalatable to Israel, and may hasten the prospect of a military confrontation with Tehran, The Jerusalem Post reported on Saturday. As the globe's six big nuclear powers inch toward a Nov. 24 deadline to strike a comprehensive deal with Iran, sources within Israel's government told the publication that the proposal to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions would all but guarantee the standoff would continue  

Kenya bus attack: Al-Shabab 'wants religious war'
The slaughter of 28 people on a bus in Kenya is a bid to start a religious war, a senior adviser to President Uhuru Kenyatta has told the BBC. Abdikadir Mohammed called on Kenyans of "all faiths and creeds" to stand together against the "heinous crimes".  

Kerry to 'Update' Saudi Foreign Minister on Iran Nuclear Talks
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

VIENNA - US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal on Sunday to "update" him on the nuclear negotiations between Iran and six world powers in Vienna, a US official said.

The official did not give details about the meeting. Iran and Saudi Arabia, a close US ally which is worried about the implications of any rapprochement between Washington and Tehran, are regional rivals vying for influence in the Middle East.

Iranian: Agreement With P5+1 By Monday 'Impossible'
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Members of the Iranian delegation to the nuclear talks with the P5+1

Reuters

An Iranian official has said reaching a deal with the West over its nuclear program by tomorrow is 'impossible,' reported the Daily Mail Sunday.

The official said the discussion “may soon have to shift from trying to reach an agreement to extending negotiations past tomorrow's deadline for the end of this round of negotiations,” the British website reported.

A day before the self-imposed deadline for the talks on Iran's nuclear program, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team in Vienna dismissed western media reports about attainment of a comprehensive agreement with the P5+1 (the US, Russia, China, Britain and France plus Germany).

"Consultations are still underway and no agreement has been achieved so far," the source told Fars News Agency on Sunday.

Some western media reported that Iran and the six world powers have reached final agreement, and will publicize their achievement on Monday.

The source added that there has been no discussion yet on extending the nuclear talks past a their Monday deadline.

Earlier Sunday, another source privy to the talks told Fars he was pessimistic about attainment of a final deal by Monday. "Given the limited time left (until November 24), reaching a comprehensive agreement seems unlikely," the source explained.

"If we don’t reach an understanding on Sunday night and the prospects are not bright, we will discuss the possibility for extending (the deadline mentioned in) the Geneva agreement... by 6 to 12 months," he said.

Iran and the six major world powers had previously held 9 rounds of nuclear negotiations after inking an interim agreement in Geneva on November 24, 2013.

The ninth round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 included two days of trilateral talks among Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU Chief negotiator Catherine Ashton, as well as an hour-long multilateral meeting between the Iranian and P5+1 top negotiators in the Omani capital Muscat on November 11, without any tangible results.

Iran Willing to Allow Inspections At One Military Site
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Bushehr nuclear reactor

Reuters

Tehran is ready to allow nuclear inspectors access to its Marivan military site, an Iranian official said Saturday, according to AFP.

Marivan is a facility long suspected of being used to develop explosive weapons.

The declaration comes as Iran and six world powers hold talks in Vienna to reach a lasting agreement on Tehran's disputed nuclear program before Monday.

The Marivan site, close to the Iraqi border, was mentioned in a 2011 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.

The UN agency suggested at the time that "large scale high explosive experiments" may have been carried out at the complex.

Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany have been locked in talks with Iran since February after an interim accord gave it some relief from economic sanctions in return for nuclear curbs.

"We are ready to allow the IAEA controlled access to the Marivan site," Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency.

He said the IAEA's view of Marivan was based on "false" information.

IAEA spokesman Gill Tudor said the watchdog "will discuss the offer" with Tehran.

"The situation regarding a visit to the Marivan region is not as simple as that conveyed by Iran," she told AFP.

As well as Marivan, IAEA inspectors are also interested in the Parchin military base, where they suspect tests that could be applied to a potential nuclear site have been carried out.

Iran has so far denied access to Parchin.

The Islamic Republic hotly denies its nuclear program is meant to build a nuclear weapon, even though the IAEA has revealed Iran is not abiding by the interim conditions in refusing to answer questions on the military aspects of its program.

Likewise, a former head of the IAEA revealed this month that Iran may have five times more advanced uranium centrifuges than previously thought, making the danger that Iran would be able to quickly develop a nuclear weapon all the more pressing.

Iranian officials in the past have called the question of Iran's uranium centrifuges a "trivial issue" that shouldn't stop talks.

Iran Seeks a Second Political Framework As Historic Nuclear Talks Stall
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Officials call November 24 deadline "impossible"; Iran Navy "monitoring" foreign maneuvers after Israel renews threat of military action.

Kerry and Zarif at Vienna nuclear talks, Nov. 23. (photo credit:REUTERS)

A nuclear deal by the stroke of midnight on November 25, the deadline on talks between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program, is now an "impossible" feat, Iranian diplomats said from Vienna on Sunday.

Instead, delegates at the nuclear talks are discussing an extension of their efforts. US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed adding more time in a private meeting on Monday, one senior US official said.

"Our focus remains on taking steps forward toward an agreement, but it is only natural that just over 24 hours from the deadline we are discussing a range of options both internally and with our P5+1 partners," a senior State Department official said, referring to the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany. "An extension is one of those options."

And while a deal seems far from reach, all parties seemed to agree on the need to find a path forward "so that the road does not end here," Germany's foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, "but that the negotiating process can be continued."

On the ground, Iranian diplomats were suggesting a non-paper political agreement– solidifying gains thus far achieved throughout nearly a year of negotiations– would include an extension. But one source at the talks in Vienna told The Jerusalem Post that no such framework was in the works.

"Considering the short time left until the deadline and number of issues that needed to be discussed and resolved, it is impossible to reach a final and comprehensive deal by Nov. 24," Iran's ISNA news agency quoted an unidentified member of the country's negotiating team in Vienna as saying. A European diplomat, quoted by Western media, also used the term "impossible" as the clock wound down.

An extension beyond January 2015 would require the parties to renegotiate an interim deal implemented last January, granting them a maximum twelve months to negotiate. An alternative is a smaller extension to the outer limit of that interim deal.

Either path would likely require further concessions on both sides: Added caps on Iran's enrichment of uranium agreed upon by Tehran, and the further easing of sanctions on Iran granted by world powers, possibly in the form of airplane shipments or the delivery of heavy oil drilling equipment.

As top diplomats flooded Vienna for the deadline, their public line seemed to be clear: World powers are still far apart from Iran on several key issues, primarily on its massive uranium enrichment program. Iran is reluctant to dismantle any of its nuclear infrastructure, while the US seeks significant dismantlement.

Iranian state-run media reported increased surveillance of foreign military maneuvers by the Iran Navy on Sunday, after a Post report detailed Israel's reconsideration of the use of force against Iran, should a bad deal come to pass in Vienna.

"The level of Iran’s military might remains 'ambiguous' to hostile countries," Iran's Press TV reported, quoting an Iranian naval commander. "Therefore, any aggression against the country entails 'very dangerous risks' for the enemies."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced comments made in the Post article over the weekend, reiterating that Israel would always reserve the right to defend itself, by itself.

Israel, he said in an interview on ABC's This Week on the eve of the deadline, “will always reserve the right to defend itself against any threat with its own power.”

Netanyahu defined as a “bad deal” any agreement “that would allow Iran to remain with thousands of centrifuges which it could use to enrich uranium, which you need for a nuclear bomb, in a short period of time.”

Netanyahu said the “key principle” is to not dismantle sanctions before Iran's capacity to make a nuclear bomb is dismantled.

“As I understand it,” he said, “the Iranians are nowhere near accepting that. And if, for any reason, the United States and the other powers agree to leave Iran with that capacity to breakout, I think that would be a historic mistake.”

Earlier in the day, at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu repeated what he has been saying for months: that no nuclear deal with Iran is preferable to a bad deal that will endanger Israel, the Middle East and the entire world.

Netanyahu said Israel was carefully following the negotiations in Vienna, and was in close contact with the representatives of the P5+1– the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany– negotiating with the Iranians. He said that US Secretary of State John Kerry briefed him Saturday night on the talks.

The prime minister said that Israel was making clear its position to the world powers that Iran must not be allowed to be recognized as a nuclear threshold power. “There is no reason that it be allowed to keep thousands of centrifuges that will enable it to enrich uranium for a nuclear bomb in a short time,” he said.

Netanyahu added that there was also no reason that Iran be allowed to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles that can carry a nuclear payload and threaten the entire world.

He echoed these comments during the ABC interview, asking “why in heaven's name does Iran need intercontinental ballistic missiles, they don't need those missiles to reach Israel, they need it to reach Europe and the United States. And the only thing you carry on intercontinental ballistic missiles are nuclear warheads. So I think the issue here is not merely Israel, but everyone, the entire war. Everyone, the entire world, nearly all the regimes in the Middle East– with the exception of the Syrian regime– understand this is a great danger.”

Iran Says Final Nuclear Deal With Major Powers 'Impossible' By Deadline
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

VIENNA - Iran says it will be impossible by a November 24 deadline to reach a comprehensive deal with world powers aimed at resolving the stand-off over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Sunday.

"Considering the short time left until the deadline and number of issues that needed to be discussed and resolved, it is impossible to reach a final and comprehensive deal by Nov. 24," ISNA quoted an unnamed member of Iran's negotiating team in Vienna as saying.

"The issue of extension of the talks is an option on the table and we will start discussing it if no deal is reached by Sunday night," the person said

Iran and World Powers Set to Miss Nuclear Talks Deadline, Sources Say
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

VIENNA- Iran, the United States and other world powers are all but certain to miss Monday's deadline for negotiations to resolve a 12-year stand-off over Tehran's atomic ambitions, forcing them to seek an extension, sources said on Sunday, confirming that a final deal is still far off.

"Considering the short time left until the deadline and number of issues that needed to be discussed and resolved, it is impossible to reach a final and comprehensive deal by Nov. 24," Iran's ISNA news agency quoted an unidentified member of the country's negotiating team in Vienna as saying.

A European source said on Saturday there was no decision yet on extending the talks: "It's the ministers' decision, but talks on an extension could begin Sunday or Monday," he said, adding that a rollover could run for several months.

German Foreign Minister: Outcome of Iran Talks is 'Open'
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vienna

Reuters

German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said Saturday that the outcome of Iran’s nuclear talks with six world powers was “completely open,” AFP reported.

Despite huge gaps in the negotiations, “we have never been closer in more than 10 years,” Steinmeier said as he joined the talks in Vienna.

“If Iran is ready to take this opportunity then movement is possible ... Whether we can get a result is right now completely open,” he added.

“We will do whatever we can and if we can’t then we will leave ourselves open to the accusation that we have missed out on something that could have resolved this standoff,” Steinmeier added.

Iran and six world powers are holding talks in Vienna in an attempt to reach a lasting agreement on Tehran's disputed nuclear program before a deadline on Monday.

Steinmeier was due to be briefed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammed Javad Zarif here three times since Thursday.

Iranian sources said Zarif was also due to meet the German top diplomat, according to AFP.

Besides Iran, Germany and the United States, the talks involve Russia, China, France and Britain.

The Islamic Republic hotly denies its nuclear program is meant to build a nuclear weapon, even though the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed Iran is not abiding by the interim conditions in refusing to answer questions on the military aspects of its program.

Iran has been toughening its stance in recent weeks. Iran’s chief negotiator, Abbas Araqchi, recently said he sees no prospect for a deal unless the other side abandons its “illogical excessive demands”.

A senior Iranian official followed those comments by declaring that Iran will demand that all Western sanctions be lifted as part of a final deal, rejecting an American proposal of a gradual lifting of sanctions.

German FM Steinmeier: Iran, Powers 'Still Far Apart'
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsThe Jerusalem Post
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

VIENNA - Iran and six world powers are "still far apart on many issues" in negotiations on a deal over Tehran's nuclear program, Germany's foreign minister said on Sunday, hinting an extension of the talks may be needed.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke to Germany's ARD television a day before a Nov. 24 deadline to reach a comprehensive agreement to end a 12-year dispute over Iran's atomic ambitions.

"We are negotiating here with the ambition to reach an agreement," he said. "If this task should not be completed, one definitely would need to look at opportunities so that the road does not end here, but that the negotiating process can be continued."

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius earlier told reporters in Vienna: "We have a final deadline of tomorrow night to find an agreement, but it has to be positive and enables us to work for peace. There are still differences to resolve."

Egypt: We'll Stabilize a Palestinian State
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

Reuters

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in an interview published Sunday that he is be prepared to send troops to a future Palestinian state to help stabilize it, but only in agreement with Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), according to AFP.

Sisi, who begins his first European trip on Monday, made the comments in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. He is due to visit France and Italy, as well as Vatican City for a meeting with Pope Francis.

"We are ready to send military forces into a Palestinian state," he said. "We would help the local police and reassure the Israelis through our role as guarantor. Not forever, of course. For the time necessary to reestablish confidence. But first a Palestinian state must exist where troops can be sent to."

Sisi said he has previously spoken of the idea with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as well as Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmud Abbas.

Sisi also addressed neighboring country Libya, which he described as having descended into "chaos" adding that "extremely dangerous jihadist bases" were being established there. 

"The international community must make a very clear and joint choice in favor of the Libyan national army and no one else," Sisi said. "Aid, equipment, training must be sent to it exclusively."

Sisi also stressed that Egypt had not intervened militarily in Libya. Egypt has continually denied reports that it facilitated air strikes by the United Arab Emirates, a close ally, against militias in Libya.

Sisi overthrew former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, prompting a wave of violence between Morsi supports and security forces that drew international rebukes. 

But Egypt has returned from the cold since Sisi's landslide election win earlier this year, boosted by its increasingly central role in combating regional Islamist militancy and terrorist activity. 

A high privilege God counts us his friends
Nov 23rd, 2014
Thought For The WeekA.W.Tozer
Categories: Commentary;Inspirational

The image of God in man cannot extend to every part of man's being, for God has attributes which He cannot impart to any of His creatures, however favored.

God is uncreated, self-existent, infinite, sovereign, eternal; these attributes are His alone and by their very definition cannot be shared with another. But there are other attributes which He can impart to His creatures and in some measure share with His redeemed children.

Intellect, self-consciousness, love, goodness, holiness, pity, faithfulness - these and certain other attributes are the points where likeness between God and man may be achieved. It is here that the divine-human friendship is experienced!

God, being perfect, has capacity for perfect friendship. Man being imperfect, can never quite know perfection in anything, least of all in his relationship to the incomprehensible Godhead.

The more perfect our friendship with God becomes the simpler will our lives be. Those formalities that are so necessary to keep a casual friendship alive may be dispensed with when true friends sit in each other's presence. True friends trust each other.

Unquestionably the highest privilege granted to man on earth is to be admitted into the circle of the friends of God. Nothing is important enough to be allowed to stand in the way of our relation to God. We should see to it that nothing on earth shall separate us from God's friendship!

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Araham believed God . . .and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23 A. W. TOZER

'This is What They Have to Do Now When the World is Exploding?'
Nov 23rd, 2014
Daily NewsArutz Sheva
Categories: Today's Headlines;Contemporary Issues

Netanyahu speaks

Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90

​In an interview on the i24news network, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu referred Sunday to the anticipated vote in the French parliament on recognizing a Palestinian state:

“Of course I'm worried about this because what they're voting on is Palestine without peace," he said. "That's what the Palestinians want. They want to have a state to continue, not to end the war with Israel, but to continue the war from improved boundaries. That's all they're saying. Look at what has happened. Every time we gave territory to the Palestinians, for example in Gaza, Iran walked in with its Palestinian proxies, fired thousands of rockets on our cities. Does anyone in Paris talk about this? This is what they have to do now when the world is exploding? When Islamist fires are sweeping throughout the Middle East? When every place that we vacate becomes a bastion for militant Islam and for Iran? This is what is going to produce peace?!? To ask Israel to put the suburbs of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in the hands of Islamic militants?

"This is irresponsible. It's not conducive to peace. In fact, it hardens the Palestinian positions because it tells them, you get a state – which will be used to attack Israel – you don't have to give anything.

He added: “I think this is a terribly misguided position, terribly misguided position. You know, we don't come out and say what countries or what regions of France should be independent. We don't talk about that, nor do we talk about Spain nor do we talk about every European country, but this is what happens right now when the entire world is aflame, when the Middle East is aflame, when Israel – the only democracy – is standing with France and with Europe to fight the Islamist fires and they say, 'No, well, bring, give the Palestinian who are lining up with the Islamists, who are supporting Hamas, who are glorifying these murders in synagogues as heroes, give them a state' – without peace. You think that's responsible? I think it's irresponsible and wrong.”

Netanyahu was also interviewed Sunday on the ABC network program This Week and made the following remarks about the negotiations with Iran:

"I don't know, but I think it's important that there won't be a bad deal. A bad deal would enable Iran to remain with thousands of centrifuges, which it could use to enrich uranium which is what you need for a nuclear bomb. It could do so in a very short time.

“I think the key principle is this: Don't dismantle sanctions before you dismantle Iran's capacity to make a nuclear bomb. And as I understand it, the Iranians are nowhere near to accepting that and if for any reason the United States or the other powers agree to leave Iran with that capacity to breakout, I think that would be a historic mistake. Not only because it endangers my country, Israel, that Iran's ruler, the Ayatollah Khamenei, vows to annihilate, but also because I think it would endanger the entire Middle East and the world."

"We're doing everything we can to influence people not to make a bad deal and of course such a deal is something that would leave Iran with the capacity to threaten everyone. You know, they're developing ICBMs, intercontinental ballistic missiles. Why in heaven's name does Iran need intercontinental ballistic missiles? They don't need those missiles to reach Israel. They need them to reach Europe and the United States, and the only thing you carry on intercontinental ballistic missiles are nuclear warheads.

“So I think that the issue here is not merely Israel, but everyone, the entire world, all of the – or nearly all -- of the regimes in the Middle East, with the exception of the Syrian regime – and everybody else, they understand that this is a great danger. Israel itself will always reserve the right to defend itself against any threat with its own power.”