Christianity Oasis Forum

[mlg]

Hi TrueandMagneticNorth,

I happen to disagree with some of your points you made in your post. First, the American media was not silent regarding the bus explosion in Syria. In fact, I saw it several times on the news here in America, and it broke my heart to watch what had happened to those people who were only trying to escape the bloodshed of that country.

Second, you believe Russia is being demonized, but what I see is two countries that disagree about the means to an end in Syria. America and Russia. I do know that there are suppose to be some talks this week between Russia and America to discuss what they feel would be the best way together to see an end to the conflict in Syria. Unfortunately, an end will only come, when God decides it will be so. No sooner and no later.

Wishing you the best, and yep I did read all the way to the end of your post. *cheesy grin*

Take care and God Bless

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi mlg,

Disagreement is fine, if politely expressed as you have done so.

My point regarding the bus explosion may not have been made clear enough. Sure, there may have been ample coverage of the bus explosion, but compare it to the coverage of the gas attack. Completely different. It clearly seems to be the same old story. If something is alleged against a so-called 'enemy', such as Assad, it is full demonization mode, regardless of evidence or lack thereof.

However, when western-backed rebels or other allies do something, there may well be reporting, but it is very generic; blame, if any given in western press, is very tepid and bland. My logic tells me it is this simple; an 'enemy' does something, they are fully guilty no matter what. Trial is not necessary. However, if our allies do something just as bad, even if it is reported, there is still 'nothing to see here' in terms of blame, except for vague references to terrorist groups, etc. It smell of selective outrage.

As for Russia, the demonization goes well beyond Syria. It's just one of many disagreements. My view on that no doubt is biased, as is everyone else's for that matter. At the very least, there are two countries there that want conquest and domination, and don't much like the fact that there is someone else standing in their way. My personal view, however, is that the west has wracked up a far higher body count across the globe than Russia over the last several decades, so is hardly in a position to be lecturing others about morals and the 'right thing to do'.

But these are just one person's views, no more or less important than anyone else's. I wish you a pleasant week, and God's blessings.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi Friends,

The excellent Robert Fisk of 'The Independent' has written an article about the hypocrisy of the west, with particular regard to the initial reaction to the alleged gas attack by Assad in comparison to the subsequent bus attack slaughter of pro-government civilians, apparently carried out by western-backed rebels.

In a nutshell, Fisk has summarised everything on this topic that I've been trying to say lately, but he has done so in a more eloquent manner than I have done so (no false modesty here- I know that I'm pretty darn eloquent, but that there are also others out there, no doubt including visitors to this forum, who are still more eloquent than I).

Well, here is the link:

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syr ... 87066.html

I feel all sorts of anger toward the west, our corrupt media and politicians. Yet my anger is useless and, I do admit, perhaps also somewhat flawed and selective. Only God's anger is righteous, after all.

Anyway, enough from me for now. All the best.

[mlg]

Yes you are correct that we shouldn't be angry at man but we can be angry at the evil that man does. That evil of course is caused by none other than the enemy of our soul....Satan. Satan wants this world to be in turmoil....he wants to destroy everything good that God has created. Sadly, war is a weapon that Satan uses....and he uses in such a horrific way...

I also know beyond this worldly realm of wars....there is a bigger war being fought...a spiritual war...God will end that war one day....til then we push on...and fight our own good fight of Faith.

Hang in there everyone

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi All,

The latest proposal to ease the fighting in Syria has just been put into effect. It's a plan backed mainly by Russia, Iran and Turkey to establish 'Ceasefire zones'.

When proposals like this are made and attempted, judging by precedents, they tend to have a significant effect for a little while, resulting in a sharp drop in the overall death toll. However, they tend to get more and more fragile before too long.

Rather than collapsing totally on a single day, these attempts at de-escalation seem to fail in a gradual manner in the short-to-medium term, with more and more clashes breaking out, and both sides blaming each other for the breaches.

Meanwhile, the worst of the jihadist groups such as the Islamic State, and numerous al-queda affiliated rebel groups do not recognise these peace proposals at all.

A brief article about this latest proposal is below:

http://ewn.co.za/2017/05/06/syria-fight ... kes-effect

As usual, prayer is a great idea. Even if this latest venture eventually collapses, it could well save some lives and ease some misery.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Here is a really sobering article about the decline of Christianity in the Middle-East, which has apparently been happening for decades at least, but has been greatly accelerated over the last couple of decades, especially with the war against Iraq and beginning of the so-called 'Arab spring' a few years ago. Link to article is below:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/christians ... 1494597848

Quite a long article, but definitely worth the read.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hello Again,

There are some more disturbing signs of western interference in Syria.

Yesterday, there was an American air strike on some pro-Assad militiamen who were apparently trying to advance toward a base of western-backed rebels in southern Syria. Approximately 8 of the militiamen lost their lives in the bombing. Link to a basic article about this is below:

https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/35575 ... tis/#page1

Just to put this into perspective again, as imperfect as the Assad government no doubt is, this latest air strike was done in support of rebel forces who are largely composed of radical jihadists and terrorists who hate Christians.

Moreover, there is further evidence of renewed interference from the new world order, globalist political/media establishment in the west.

Here is a link to an article detailing this ongoing, sinister interference. It is impossible to really delve into a topic like this without being political, and highly critical of politics, politicians, and the like. So if anyone is politically sensitive or still believes in the current system in any way, maybe think twice before reading the following article:

http://www.mediaite.com/online/the-trum ... ast-month/

Take care. May the Lord bless you.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi Friends,

Been about a month since the last post. The major developments during that time, as I see them, are outlined as follows:

The so-called Islamic State is on borrowed time. They now have too many foes ranged against them. In my opinion, the real turning point was when Turkey pulled the pin on their support of the terror group a while back. Islamic State can still count on covert support of Saudi Arabia, among others, but they are undeniably short on manpower, losing vast swathes of territory. It's even been reported that their sick propaganda videos (which typically had high production values) have dropped in quality, and become more desperate.

Having said that, I'm sure that the group won't vanish overnight. Their hardcore elements will fight to the bitter end, and/or disperse to the countryside to wage insurgency.

Meanwhile, al-queda and other bloodthirsty wahhabist groups are still strong in Syria and elsewhere. Remember, if it hasn't been pointed out loudly enough, conservative estimates state that at least 60% of Syrian 'Rebels' belong to this extremist brand of Islam that is essentially, when all is said and done, no better that the Islamic State.

In other recent developments, the US Air Force has, for the third time now under the Trump administration, bombed pro-Assad forces who are the main force on the ground fighting Islamic State and other jihadist groups. The harsh reality is that the US Air Force has, from time to time, been acting as al-queda's air force. Although, to be fair, a similar bombing of Syrian troops that happened last year (before Trump) appeared to have been co-ordinated with Islamic State fighters on the ground, who were immediately ready to storm the bombed positions. What is going on in this crazy world? (Rhetorical question)

Then, there was the outbreak of a diplomatic war in the Middle-East, in which Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states shut off ties with Qatar for 'supporting terror'... (this gap here is to listen to the chirping crickets). Yes, Saudi Arabia got angry at Qatar for 'supporting terror'. This is like Stalin criticising Pol Pot for his poor human rights record. Anyway, I don't know what that is all about. Some say it is about differences of opinion re: Palestine, while others say it is connected with events in Syria, where both nations have been highly sinister players that have (until now) been on the same page.

All of that aside, I wish to bring this back to the plight of Christians in Syria which, I admit, has been a theme I have strayed too widely from every now and again.

I came across this article (linked below). It's quite old, as in over half a year, but is worth a read, and apparently offers the opportunity to make a meaningful donation at the end (I can't vouch for the 100% legitimacy of the financial aspect of this, though. Maybe I should look into it more). If anyone else (reading this) might provide other avenues to offer direct donations to Middle-Eastern Christians in need, feel free to post.

http://www.alpharelief.org/stories/2016 ... KgodGrMBqg

God bless you, and our persecuted brethren.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hello Again,

I don't wish to provide any lengthy commentary of the latest developments in Syria. If you haven't heard, the US Air Force shot down a Syrian government fighter jet, killing its pilot (within the last 24 hours or so).

Needless to say, this dangerous and immoral provocation is clearly bad news for anyone who would like to see a calming down of tensions between Russia and the USA.

An article on this is below:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mi ... 192aec7936

Take care.

[mlg]

I truly believe that Russia and America have two separate interests in Syria. Therefore, having peace almost seems unattainable.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Yeah, totally agree with you on that.

UPDATE: Here is a link to a fresh Robert Fisk article (The Independent). It provides coverage and commentary about the situation with Russia, USA, and their agendas/standoff in Syria. It's another great article from him.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/syr ... 99086.html

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Greetings to Everyone,

I've just come across this little article about Syria's Christians and Assad, as opposed to those forces across the world that have long wanted to destroy the Syrian government, which has generally been the only protector of Syria's Christians, as well as other minorities in that country.

There is not much new in this. But it's a nice, short and balanced little summary of the whole thing.

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/44 ... depose-him

P.S. Having read the moderator's legitimate concerns about promoting other sites (recently posted in the COOL Café section), anyone who is well-informed on the matter is invited to politely inform me if any of my posted links cross the line, and I'll immediately take note.

God's blessings upon you all.