This Week: Five Events You Need to Know (July 23)

This Week: Five Events You Need to Know (July 23)

Iran’s infiltration of Iraq, Russia’s infiltration of Georgia and more

When powerful nations invade weaker ones, neighboring nations and powers tend to react decisively. Both Russia and Iran have recently gained more ground in their neighboring countries. The long-term repercussions of this will be global.

Here are five of the most important news stories this week, as well as relevant links to the full articles and videos here on theTrumpet.com.

Iran’s Deep Infiltration Into Iraq

After three years of Islamic State control, Iraqi forces were finally able to regain control of Mosul, prompting Iraq’s United States-backed prime minister to declare victory last week.

This certainly is a great victory—but not for Iraq or the U.S.

Germany and France Unveil New Plans for a European Military

On July 13, Germany and France held their first joint cabinet meeting since France’s presidential election and announced some eye-catching new military projects: buying new tanks and artillery and collaboration in designing a new fifth-generation fighter jet and a new attack helicopter.

It’s all part of a drive toward what German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen described as “a European defense and security union.”

Europe’s two leading nations also agreed to support a new anti-Islamist African military force.

Russia Quietly Takes Another Slice of Georgia’s Territory

Russian forces in the Republic of Georgia quietly pushed the occupational border deeper into the Tbilisi-controlled area this month, effectively expanding the size of the territory Moscow controls by dozens of acres.

It is yet another Crimea-like operation by Russia.

As Russia’s territory and power expand, expect more global instability. And expect Russia’s European neighbors to work harder toward a defense union that can challenge Russia’s westward expansion.

The Bleak Future of the Royal Marines

The British armed forces are suffering from $26 billion “efficiency savings.” Programs are being cut to make up for the budget shortfall, and the Royal Marines now face a bleak future.

The fact that a fighting force with such rich traditions, history and effectiveness as the Royal Marines is under threat clearly reveals the vulnerable state of the United Kingdom.

Why You Should Watch Cardinal Christoph Schönborn

Vatican watchers have called Cardinal Schönborn the “spiritual son” of Pope Emeritus Benedict xvi and indicated he has a realistic chance of becoming the next pope.

As a member of the noble family of Schönborn-Buchheim-Wolfstahl, he has deep connections to the aristocracy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Aside from his deep connections, Cardinal Schönborn has warned of an “Islamic conquest of Europe.” As the migrant crisis intensifies, that warning will resonate with more and more Europeans. Watch him! Begin with this article about him.

“This Week” appears every Sunday. To get these same top stories in your inbox ahead of time every Friday afternoon (plus a letter from one of the Trumpet’s editors), subscribe to the Trumpet Brief daily e-mail. Sign up by clicking here or by visiting theTrumpet.com home page.