World Events in the Latter-Days: Disturbing Trends

Over the past few weeks, the world has been charting a perilous course that will take it through destructive waters. I cite several incidents that seem to be echoing the state of panicked commotion that is permeating the various inhabitants of our planet.

FATWA Issued to "Kill the Pope" (International Terrorism Monitor)

Acting on behalf of the International Islamic Front (IIF) for Jihad Against the Crusaders and the Jewish People, which is headed by Osama bin Laden, the Markaz-ud-Dawa (MUD) of Pakistan, which is the political wing of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET), is reported to have issued a Fatwa calling upon the Muslims to kill Pope Benedict XVI for a recent speech of his delivered on September 12,2006, which has been projected as anti-Islam by Al Qaeda and other jihadi terrorist organisations of the world.

US Political Parties Go to War

As if there wasn't enough hatred, bitterness and execration preceding this November's Congressional elections, the Rep. Foley scandal threatens to bring the whole House of Representatives down as battling parties attempt to define one man's actions as a political problem, while both sides attempt to indict the entire opposing party over the House Page Scandal.

This adds to one of the most bitter, ruthless and partisan elections cycles in history, as candidates attack one another without reservation or honor. In my 10 years of working on Capitol Hill, I have personally never seen such outright rage between parties, as each lust over power in new and deceitful ways.

General Violence

Three fatal school shootings in a week
Banks attacked in Mexican city
Pakistan Behind Mumbai Bombings?

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Israel on High Alert for Syrian Attack (Telegraph)

Israel has gone on heightened alert over a possible war with Syria amid reports that President Bashar Assad may be considering military strikes to regain the Golan Heights.

A signpost points out that Damascus is a mere 60kms from the Golan Heights

For years Israeli military intelligence has down-played Syria's capacity to launch a meaningful attack against Israel, and the threat level has been kept "low".

But Israeli reports have revealed that the threat level had been raised after intelligence assessments that Damascus is "seriously examining" military action.
The raised threat level comes as Israel prepares for Monday's Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur, a solemn Jewish holiday when the entire country effectively shuts down as residents fast and seek forgiveness for sins.