Michele Kearney's Snuffysmith's Blog: August 2018

Friday, August 31, 2018

Why Donald Trump and Mohammed Bin Salman Need Each Other, Even as U.S.-Saudi Relations Fray

Scott Hahn on Vigano letter: ‘It seems like a good time to pray like never before’ | News | LifeSite

Scott Hahn on Vigano letter: ‘It seems like a good time to pray like never before’ | News | LifeSite: He thanked Bishop Strickland of Tyler, Texas for calling for an investigation into the bombshell claims.

History of American Protest Music: Which Side Are You On?

Just as we were in the 1930s and ’60s, America is suffering a moral crisis. We have to decide which side we are on: hate and exclusion, or justice, inclusion, and democracy?

https://longreads.com/2018/08/29/history-of-american-protest-music-which-side-are-you-on/?utm_source=Longreads+Newsletters&utm_campaign=57b0c93dc5-Longreads_Top_5_August_31_2018&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_bd2ad42066-57b0c93dc5-239031537&mc_cid=57b0c93dc5&mc_eid=9528811089

The American Nightmare: Subprime Mortgage Crisis, 10 Years Later - The Penny Hoarder

H. R. McMaster Remembers John McCain

H. R. McMaster Remembers John McCain: The late U.S. Senator John McCain's life was one marked by courage, empathy, pride, and determination.

US may resume war games as North Korea negotiations stall | World news | The Guardian

US may resume war games as North Korea negotiations stall | World news | The Guardian: Restarting drills with South Korea likely to infuriate regime, which has in the past responded with threats of force

What’s Causing the Slow Breakdown in US-North Korea Talks? | The Diplomat

What’s Causing the Slow Breakdown in US-North Korea Talks? | The Diplomat: The United States and North Korea are at an impasse, two months after the Singapore summit between Trump and Kim.

Post-9/11 Costs of War Exceed $1.5 Trillion – Federation Of American Scientists

Post-9/11 Costs of War Exceed $1.5 Trillion – Federation Of American Scientists: "Since September 11, 2001, the Department of Defense (DoD) has obligated $1,500.8 billion for war-related costs."

That's the headline from the latest report to Congress on the post-9/11 costs of war, according to the Pentagon's own reckoning. See Cost of War Update as of March 31, 2018 (FY 2018,

Washington Adopts Israel’s Positions: The Refugee Chapter

http://arabcenterdc.org/policy_analyses/washington-adopts-israels-positions-the-refugee-chapter/

The Afterlives of Charles de Gaulle | The Nation

The Afterlives of Charles de Gaulle | The Nation: A new biography claims his vision was a stabilizing synthesis of France’s monarchical and republican political traditions. But was it?

The nun who left France to create special homes for the elderly poor in the U.S.

The nun who left France to create special homes for the elderly poor in the U.S.: Sr. Maria of the Trinity founded the Gospel of Life Dwellings, bringing GOLD to the forgotten.

Ratzinger’s advice for keeping the faith amidst grave scandal

‘The Apparition’: New film based on alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary

‘The Apparition’: New film based on alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary: The story follows investigative journalist Jacques Mayano (Vincent Lindon) as he is tapped by the Vatican to participate in the investigation of an alleged appearance of the Virgin in a small French town.

Why should we make reparation and do penance for someone else’s sin?

Why should we make reparation and do penance for someone else’s sin?: Q. The pope asked us to make reparation for the sins of the bishops and priests involved in the recent sex scandals. But why should he ask us to make reparation and do penance for someone else’s si…

The ways Catholics are fighting the scandal--Aleteia

Jerusalem: Why Palestinian Leaders Say Don't Vote

Jerusalem: Why Palestinian Leaders Say Don't Vote: Palestinian leaders do not want to see any improvement in the lives of the Arabs in Jerusalem so that they can continue to incite against Israel and accuse it of discriminating against its Arab population. Palestinian leaders and their religious clerics

How Israel Spies on US Citizens | The Nation

How Israel Spies on US Citizens | The Nation: A never-shown Al Jazeera documentary on the pro-Israel lobby in the United States reveals possibly illegal Israeli spying on American citizens, and the lobby’s fear of a changing political mood.

What’s Missing from Most Responses to the Sex Abuse Crisis

https://media.ascensionpress.com/2018/08/30/whats-missing-from-most-responses-to-the-sex-abuse-crisis/?utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=a62da997a0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_07_05_07_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-a62da997a0-351387457&mc_cid=a62da997a0&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (film) - Wikipedia

40% of Americans struggle to pay for at least one basic need like food or rent - MarketWatch

UNITED STATES–MEXICO TRADE FACT SHEET: Rebalancing NAFTA to Support Manufacturing | United States Trade Representative

Steve Bannon Wants to Nationalize Facebook and Google’s Data

Steve Bannon Wants to Nationalize Facebook and Google’s Data: The co-founder of Cambridge Analytica says Big Data should be placed in a public trust.

Whistleblower Exposes Key Player in FBI Russia Probe: "It was all a Set-up" - Sara A. Carter

Whistleblower Exposes Key Player in FBI Russia Probe: "It was all a Set-up" - Sara A. Carter: Key player in Russia probe appears to have significant ties to Russian government

End of the world: MIT prediction from 1973 is proving true | Big Think

End of the world: MIT prediction from 1973 is proving true | Big Think: An MIT model predicted when and how human civilization would end. Hint: it's soon.

Social Media vs the Constitution | naked capitalism

Social Media vs the Constitution | naked capitalism: Social media players like Facebook and Twitter increasingly informational town squares yet still carry themselves as private companies.

Climate Chaos: Following Record Heat This Summer, Experts Are Predicting There Will Be A Nightmarishly Cold Winter – The American Dream

Climate Chaos: Following Record Heat This Summer, Experts Are Predicting There Will Be A Nightmarishly Cold Winter – The American Dream: For most of this summer, much of the U.S. has been hit by historic heatwaves, crippling drought and unprecedented wildfires. But if the long-term forecasts that I am about to share with you are accurate, this winter could be bitterly, bitterly cold. The sun appears to be entering into a period of early hibernation, and

Celebration Publications

Friday, August 31, 2018

1 Cor 1:17-25; Mt 25:1-13

Christ
did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with the
wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be
emptied of its meaning.

From Rule Maker to Rule Taker | Center for Strategic and International Studies

From Rule Maker to Rule Taker | Center for Strategic and International Studies: Critics of Donald Trump’s trade policies are understandably focused on the damage to short-term U.S. economic interests and to the broader global economic order. These costs are real and measurable. But the most lasting impact of President Trump’s approach could be to concede to others the role the United States has played since World War II as the leading rule maker in the global economy. Early signs of this shift are appearing around the world, from Brussels to Hanoi to Beijing.

War Powers: Congressional Decision Making Critical | National Review

Trump’s Middle East ‘Deal of the Century’ Creeping Into View | The American Conservative

Trump’s Middle East ‘Deal of the Century’ Creeping Into View | The American Conservative: The administration is trying to wish Palestinian refugees away in order to serve hardline Israel interests.

Every attorney general in the country must force the Catholic Church to tell the truth - The Boston Globe

Every attorney general in the country must force the Catholic Church to tell the truth - The Boston Globe: The truth we can handle. It’s the continuing cover-up we must no longer abide.

Harvard admissions 'may be infected with racial bias,' DOJ says - The Boston Globe

Harvard admissions 'may be infected with racial bias,' DOJ says - The Boston Globe: The Justice Department is weighing in on a case that could eventually overturn the use of affirmative action in higher education.

Iraqis split over US military decision to stay in Iraq

Iraqis split over US military decision to stay in Iraq: Iraqi Shiite politicians and armed groups close to the parties in power disagree over the international coalition’s announcement that it will keep its forces in the country.

Baltimore: Archbishop Lori sets Sept. 7 as Day of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - ZENIT - English

Baltimore: Archbishop Lori sets Sept. 7 as Day of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - ZENIT - English: 'Prayer and fasting are very powerful ways of interceding and very powerful ways of opening ourselves to God’s healing graces.'

Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Today’s ‘Way of the Cross’ - ZENIT - English

Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Today’s ‘Way of the Cross’ - ZENIT - English: 'Lord, to Whom Shall we go?'

Bishop Barron: This is Not the Time to Abandon the Church - ZENIT - English

Bishop Barron: This is Not the Time to Abandon the Church - ZENIT - English: We Must Follow the 'Lincoln Option'

Cardinal Wuerl: 'I Now Ask Myself What Is the Way I Can Best Serve This Church' - ZENIT - English

Cardinal Wuerl: 'I Now Ask Myself What Is the Way I Can Best Serve This Church' - ZENIT - English: In Aug. 30 Letter to Priests of Archdiocese, Asks "forgiveness for my errors in judgment, for my inadequacies, and also for your acceptance of my contrition for any suffering I have caused..."

Lost in the Russia scandal maze? Read your way out. - CSMonitor.com

Lost in the Russia scandal maze? Read your way out. - CSMonitor.com: Journalistic books delving into President Trump's relationship with Moscow are two a penny. To better understand the Russia scandal, try reading books that explore Russian history. Or 'Crime and Punishment.'

Essays in Idleness

Something More Than a “Crisis” - The Catholic Thing

Something More Than a “Crisis” - The Catholic Thing: David Warren: Peace in the Church has been kept by mutual permissiveness, Each side allows the other to get away with things that they find abhorrent.

Bilateral Basing Squabbles: Incirlik and America’s Out of Area Wars

Bilateral Basing Squabbles: Incirlik and America’s Out of Area Wars: The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic Community in meeting global challenges.

Founded in 1961, the Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic shifts in economic and political influence that are shaping the twenty-first century by educating and galvanizing its uniquely influential, nonpartisan network of international political, business, and intellectual leaders. Through the papers we write, the ideas we promote, and the communities we build, the Council's ten regional centers and functional programs shape today's policy choices and foster transatlantic strategies to advance international security and global economic prosperity.

Exclusive: Chief U.S. spy catcher says China using LinkedIn to recruit Americans | Reuters

Exclusive: Chief U.S. spy catcher says China using LinkedIn to recruit Americans | Reuters: The United States' top spy catcher said Chinese espionage agencies are using fake LinkedIn accounts to try to recruit Americans with access to government and commercial secrets, and the company should shut them down.

Chief U.S. spy catcher says China using LinkedIn to... | This is Money

Chief U.S. spy catcher says China using LinkedIn to... | This is Money: By Warren Strobel and Jonathan LandayWASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) - The United States' top spy catcher said Chinese espionage agencies are using fake...

How China became a global power of espionage - Axios

Report: China, Russia and Iran ramp up economic spying on US

Report: China, Russia and Iran ramp up economic spying on US: WASHINGTON (AP) — A Chinese cyberespionage group called APT10 relentlessly attacks U.S. engineering, telecom and aerospace industries. Russian hackers last year compromised dozens

Iranians hacked thousands of US professors, Justice Dept. says - CNNPolitics

Why the Syrian Kurds Need to Make a Deal With Assad

Why the Syrian Kurds Need to Make a Deal With Assad: The SDF, surrounded by hostile adversaries, has a real interest in reaching a modus vivendi with the Assad regime.

Aid has been used as a tool to cripple the Palestinians - it's time we took back control | Middle East Eye

Aid has been used as a tool to cripple the Palestinians - it's time we took back control | Middle East Eye: There are four goals the Palestinian Authority can pursue to ensure dignity, self-determination and local ownership in the delivery of aid

A Cancer On the Papacy | Patrick J. Buchanan - Official Website

Exclusive: Marie Collins responds to Francis, seeking transparency in bishop accountability process | National Catholic Reporter

Exclusive: Marie Collins responds to Francis, seeking transparency in bishop accountability process | National Catholic Reporter: Along with seven other survivors I met with Pope Francis Aug. 25, at which time I asked him why the central Vatican Accountability Tribunal announced in 2015 was not being implemented.
In reply to me,...

Bishop Barron's Gospel Reflection August 31, 2018

Your daily Gospel reflection...

Friday, August 31, 2018

Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 25:1-13

Friends, our Gospel today is the parable that compares the kingdom of heaven "with ten virgins who with their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom." This is an image borrowed from the customs of the time. The bridesmaids would wait for the groom and, upon his appearance, accompany him.

Well, this is the Christian community, waiting for Christ the groom to arrive. Did Jesus tell this parable because he knew that his Church would be in for a long period of waiting?

We are wise in our waiting if we pray on a regular basis; if we educate ourselves in the faith; if we participate in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist; if we perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy; if we become people of love. We are foolish in our waiting if we neglect these things.

And here is one of the hardest truths of this parable: the divine life, so cultivated, cannot simply be shared with another at the last minute. The wise virgins are not being difficult and self-absorbed when they tell their friends that they can’t help them. A saint can’t simply infuse his life into another; it just doesn’t work that way.

Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 429

Reading 1 1 Cor 1:17-25

Brothers and sisters:
Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel,
and not with the wisdom of human eloquence,
so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written:

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the learning of the learned I will set aside.

Where is the wise one?
Where is the scribe?
Where is the debater of this age?
Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
For since in the wisdom of God
the world did not come to know God through wisdom,
it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation
to save those who have faith.
For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
but we proclaim Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Gospel Mt 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry,
'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
'Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.'
But the wise ones replied,
'No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'
While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.
Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said,
'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'
But he said in reply,
'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'
Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour."

To Choke on the Word “Holy” | Mary Pezzulo

To Choke on the Word “Holy” | Mary Pezzulo: I sat in the pew by myself. Rose had asked permission to stand in the foyer, which is easier for her fidgety six-year-old self to manage for an hour, and Michael stood with her. We all miss our Eastern liturgies with all our hearts, but Christ is Christ. This was Sunday, not even 24 hours after the release of

California moves towards 100% carbon-free electricity after landmark vote | Energy Central

NGOs, U.S. lawmakers support California wildfire liability reform - Daily Energy Insider

NGOs, U.S. lawmakers support California wildfire liability reform - Daily Energy Insider: Non-governmental organizations and federal lawmakers have called for an update to a California wildfire liability standard that would improve the environment by helping protect the state’s electric utilities. Experts with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), ... Read More »

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Planning for the Post-Trump Wreckage – Foreign Policy

If Pope Francis Resigns, It Will Not Be Valid. The Church Will Have an Antipope. | Scott Eric Alt

If Pope Francis Resigns, It Will Not Be Valid. The Church Will Have an Antipope. | Scott Eric Alt: It will achieve a schism, a sede vacante, and the election of an antipope. That creates a great evil on top of the one it is supposed to solve.

For a Moment, it was All About the Victims | Mary Pezzulo

For a Moment, it was All About the Victims | Mary Pezzulo: When the #metoo movement began last year, certain people who claimed to be very devout "traditional" Catholics didn't believe us.

Bishop Robert Reed invites company during public penitential act - The Anchoress

Bishop Robert Reed invites company during public penitential act - The Anchoress: Boston's Bishop Robert Reed announces evening of public penance. Let's ask our bishops to join him

Vigano, Pope Francis, McCarrick and the Glamour of Evil | Dr. Greg Popcak

Vigano, Pope Francis, McCarrick and the Glamour of Evil | Dr. Greg Popcak: Many Catholics will be familiar with the question, "Do you reject the glamour of evil?" It was part of the older form of the renewal of baptismal promises. The "glamour of evil" is a curious expression that I think speaks to the reaction many Catholics are having in the face of the ongoing clerical scandals in the

Big Sur’s new stretch of highway already cracking - SFChronicle.com

Big Sur’s new stretch of highway already cracking - SFChronicle.com: The newly rebuilt section of Big Sur’s famously scenic Highway 1 near the town of Gorda is beginning to crack, an early sign of wear for the road that opened just a month ago. But it’s nothing to be alarmed about, state officials say. Several cracks in the pavement, sometimes a foot or longer, were reported this week across the one-third mile stretch of coastline that was closed to traffic in May 2017, after being washed by the enormous Mud Creek Slide. Officials with the Department of Transportation said Thursday the fractures were limited to the surface of the road, which is perched high above the Pacific Ocean about 10 miles north of the San Luis Obispo-Monterey county line.

3 part Sinica podcast with Chas Freeman

Here are all three segments of the podcast.

https://supchina.com/podcast/legendary-diplomat-chas-w-freeman-jr-on-u-s-china-strategy-and-history-part-1/

https://supchina.com/podcast/legendary-diplomat-chas-w-freeman-jr-on-u-s-china-strategy-and-history-part-2/

https://supchina.com/podcast/legendary-diplomat-chas-w-freeman-jr-on-u-s-china-strategy-and-history-part-3/

Breaking News Exclusive: Wuerl Bombshell

Breaking News Exclusive: Wuerl Bombshell: Vatican arranges escape hatch

Bishop Barron: Why remain Catholic? (with so much scandal)

Friends,

Please watch and share my most recent video with your family, friends, and pastor.

In light of the recent scandals, I know many people are wondering whether they should remain in the Catholic Church. And I totally get that; the outrage is warranted.

But in this time of crisis, I beg you not to flee, but to fight--not violently, with the weapons of the world, but with the weapons of the Spirit. We need you.

Watch and share the video here: http://bit.ly/2wADHHo

Peace,

Bishop Robert Barron
Founder, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

Can Donald Trump Unite the World (Against Himself)? – LobeLog

Can Donald Trump Unite the World (Against Himself)? – LobeLog: by Dilip Hiro One thing already seems clear in the Trump era: the world will not turn out to be the American president’s playground. His ultra-unilateralist, rejectionist policies on trade, the Ir…

America’s deal with Mexico will make NAFTA worse

Its costly new regulations result from flawed economic logic

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/08/30/americas-deal-with-mexico-will-make-nafta-worse?cid1=cust/ddnew/email/n/n/20180830n/owned/n/n/ddnew/n/n/n/nNA/Daily_Dispatch/email&etear=dailydispatch&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily_Dispatch&utm_term=20180830

Korea, Fake News, and What's Really Going On - Antiwar.com Original

Korea, Fake News, and What's Really Going On - Antiwar.com Original: The media continues to get the President’s North Korean peace initiative all wrong: in some cases this is due to laziness, Washington-centric group-think, - Justin Raimondo for Antiwar.com Original

How the Department of Homeland Security Created a Deceptive Tale of Russia Hacking US Voter Sites

https://original.antiwar.com/porter/2018/08/28/how-the-department-of-homeland-security-created-a-deceptive-tale-of-russia-hacking-us-voter-sites/

Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation

https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation?utm_source=MailChimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BB_annoucement&utm_source=Ascension+Press&utm_campaign=67ac34eea6-BB_announcement_2018_08_28_08_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09e12a778-67ac34eea6-351387457&goal=0_e09e12a778-67ac34eea6-351387457&mc_cid=67ac34eea6&mc_eid=2bb902f84a

Forgotten Images of the Vietnam War Made for the Americans Who Fought In It - The New York Times

Forgotten Images of the Vietnam War Made for the Americans Who Fought In It - The New York Times: These uncovered photos explore previously buried scenes of the Vietnam War, as well as the outsize role of a publication led by two tenacious women.

It’s Not About the Truth, But About the Proof

It’s Not About the Truth, But About the Proof: Understanding Pope Francis' defense against Viganò's testimony

Archbishop McCarrick’s House Located

Archbishop McCarrick’s House Located: George Neumayr tracked down the residence, confronted archdiocesan spokesman Ed McFadden

Justice Dept. sees evidence of discrimination at Harvard - The Boston Globe

Justice Dept. sees evidence of discrimination at Harvard - The Boston Globe: The Justice Department is weighing in on a case that could eventually overturn the use of affirmative action in higher education.

Nigerian Bishop Sees Pitfalls of ‘Clerical Church’ - ZENIT - English

Nigerian Bishop Sees Pitfalls of ‘Clerical Church’ - ZENIT - English: 'Persecution is in the DNA of Christianity and we do not have to look any further than the cross of Jesus'

Pope Met Jesuits in Ireland; When Asked 'How Can We Help,' He Said Directly Help Address Clergy Sexual Abuse - ZENIT - English

Pope Met Jesuits in Ireland; When Asked 'How Can We Help,' He Said Directly Help Address Clergy Sexual Abuse - ZENIT - English: With the Healing Process and With the Reparative Work That Needs to Be Done

Iran, Russia prepare to battle each other over control of post-war Syria - Middle East News - Haaretz.com

Iran, Russia prepare to battle each other over control of post-war Syria - Middle East News - Haaretz.com: U.S. sanctions are pushing Iran to try and carve out even more profits from Syria's post-war reconstruction

'You have to be strong to get respect': What the U.S. ambassador to Israel really thinks of the Middle East - U.S. News - Haaretz.com

'You have to be strong to get respect': What the U.S. ambassador to Israel really thinks of the Middle East - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: David Friedman's remarks are strikingly similar to what Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday. 'In the Middle East there's a simple truth: There's no place for the weak,' the PM said

Today at 4:00 PM

Tune in today at 4 PM Eastern Time for a Special Report: Unmasking the Predatory Priest Cover Up.The show can be heard live on all of our stations and our iCatholicRadio mobile app.

Jim Havens will outline the facts of the scandals that have rocked our Church, focusing primarily on the Diocese of Buffalo. The show will discuss the specific allegations, none of which have been refuted or denied. You'll also have the opportunity to call in with your question or comment by calling 1-877-511-5483.

We also encourage you to read the details about the Buffalo Diocese scandal, including supporting documents, by CLICKING HERE or going to thestationofthecross.com.

Our goal is to help you be fully informed so that we can all work together to ensure that the Church is a reflection of Christ.

1.877.888.6279 | thestationofthecross.com

The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network, 6325 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221

Priest alleging seminary abuse leads church reform demonstration | National Catholic Reporter

Priest alleging seminary abuse leads church reform demonstration | National Catholic Reporter: On the day after it was announced that his alleged assailant was relieved of parish duties, Fr. Desmond Rossi led an Aug. 29 prayer demonstration in front of the Sacred Heart Basilica Cathedral here, ...

US military on track to match record 2017 for airstrikes in Somalia | FDD's Long War Journal

US military on track to match record 2017 for airstrikes in Somalia | FDD's Long War Journal: The United States has conducted 21 strikes against Shabaab in Somalia so far this year, meaning it is on track to meet or exceed last year's record high.

Donald Trump Is Not Even Trying in Afghanistan

Donald Trump Is Not Even Trying in Afghanistan: A year after President Trump announced his Afghan policy, the Taliban are closer to victory than we are.

Vocations in Ireland have dwindled due to abuse scandal, pope says | National Catholic Reporter

Vocations in Ireland have dwindled due to abuse scandal, pope says | National Catholic Reporter: While the faith of Catholics in Ireland is strong, the scandal of abuse and cover-up by church leaders has caused a decline in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, Pope Francis said.

Durin...

Is a Syrian Suez approaching? | Middle East Eye

Analysis of Chinese money in Africa and indebtedness Inbox x

Analysis of Chinese money in Africa and indebtednes

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5652847de4b033f56d2bdc29/t/5b84311caa4a998051e685e3/1535389980283/Briefing+Paper+1+-+August+2018+-+Final.pdf

Economic Policy under Trade War Conditions: Can China Move Beyond Tit for Tat?

Economic
Policy under Trade War Conditions: Can China Move Beyond Tit for Tat?

Barry
Naughton https://www.hoover.org/sites/default/files/research/docs/clm57-am-final.pdf

God and Liberty Tarek Osman

God and Liberty Tarek Osman: On 16 February 1778, days after his return to Paris for the first time following an almost twenty years exile, Voltaire received the US’s Representative to F...

Pope: Grandparents aren’t an inconvenience!

Bereaved Greek mother gives moving tribute to her family

Bereaved Greek mother gives moving tribute to her family: It’s every parent’s worst nightmare–your children trapped and in danger, and you unable to reach them. This horror became reality for Varvara Fytrou, who lost her husband and two children in the At…

Facing a cancer relapse, a husband and father is full of gratitude to God

Facing a cancer relapse, a husband and father is full of gratitude to God: Sergio Rodríguez, 41, of Spain is facing an angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma relapse, and he's written a letter to God for all that his is thankful for.

This might be the best trick the devil has up his sleeve

This might be the best trick the devil has up his sleeve: Do you remember this proverb? “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.” What about an idle mind? What kind of mischief can the Devil stir up in a mind that is “idle,” that is, one that is not guided b…

“Offering it up”: Is that still a thing?

“Offering it up”: Is that still a thing?: We Catholics who grew up straddling the cusp of the conciliar divide may have a vague memory of the phrase “offer it up.” It was advice frequently given by the sisters who taught us our catechisms:…

This very common yet harmful vice has become epidemic. Thankfully, there are many ways to fight it.

This very common yet harmful vice has become epidemic. Thankfully, there are many ways to fight it.: There is one sin, one vice, that has become epidemic in our day. It’s the vice that causes political incivility. It’s the vice that leads to many depressions and incidences of self-harm. It’s the v…

When the Devil’s at work, here’s what St. Ignatius says we should do

When the Devil’s at work, here’s what St. Ignatius says we should do: St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, gave the Church an outline for a spiritual retreat that has led thousands of souls to profound conversion. It is known as the Spiritual …

Is Canada Prepared for the Threat of Returning Jihadists?

Is Canada Prepared for the Threat of Returning Jihadists?: Canada's intelligence service stated that some 60 "returnees" -- fighters who had returned to Canada -- "have the potential to pose a significant threat to our national security." In other words, there are dozens of jihadis roaming free in Canada,

White House probes Google after Trump accuses it of bias | Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Google's search engine of promoting negative news articles and hiding "fair media" coverage of him, vowing to address the situation without providing evidence or giving details of action he might take.

Does China Have What It Takes To Be a Superpower?

Does China Have What It Takes To Be a Superpower?: The more China extends itself around the globe, the heavier the burden will be.

Al-Jubeir: Saudi Arabia to engage with Russia to support Syria political solution | Arab News

Al-Jubeir: Saudi Arabia to engage with Russia to support Syria political solution | Arab News: MOSCOW: Saudi Arabia has stressed to Russia the need for a political solution to the Syria conflict, the foreign minister said on Wednesday. Speaking at a joint press conference in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Adel Al-Jubeir said they had held talks on a range of issues in the Middle East.

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