Archive for November, 2016

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Trend Update: Turkey’s Erdogan Vows to Topple Syria’s Assad, November 2016

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 29, 2016 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 17:12 Alas, the uproar of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas, and the rumbling of nations who rush on like the rumbling of mighty waters!

The context of this verse is regarding the Burden of Damascus. Parallel passages for the Burden of Damascus include Isaiah 17, Amos 1:3-5, and Jeremiah 49:23-27.

November 29, 2016: President Erdogan of Turkey has made news again with his comments. His words speak for themselves. Commentary is not necessary.

“In my estimation, nearly 1 million people have died in Syria. These deaths are still continuing without exception for children, women and men. Where is the United Nations? What is it doing? Is it in Iraq? No. We preached patience but could not endure in the end and had to enter Syria together with the Free Syrian Army (FSA). Why did we enter? We do not have an eye on Syrian soil. The issue is to provide lands to their real owners. That is to say we are there for the establishment of justice. We entered there to end the rule of the tyrant al-Assad who terrorizes with state terror. (We didn’t enter) for any other reason.” Recep Erdoğan, First Inter-Parliamentary Jerusalem Platform Symposium in Istanbul.

Turkey has joined forces with the Free Syrian Army (FSA). This group is also known as Al-Nusra or Al-Qaeda in Syria. The Free Syrian Army is supported by the United States.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-entered-syria-to-end-al-assads-rule-president-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nid=106709

http://syria.liveuamap.com/

These comments were made during a discussion in the context of a symposium on Jerusalem.

Erdogan went on to elaborate further regarding the al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

“It is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace the Palestinian cause and protect Jerusalem. Safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be left to children armed with nothing but stones.”

http://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-urges-muslims-to-protect-jerusalem-support-palestinians/

Remember, Russia supports President al-Assad of Syria. It will be interesting to see how Vladimir Putin responds to these comments. Turkey and Russia are in the process of normalizing relations and economic ties.

This is one hot mess.

Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, it cannot be calmed.

This is the area in and around Aleppo, Syria.

For Scripture linking Meshech, Tubal, Beth Togarmah, and Gomer to modern day Turkey.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/12/09/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-december-9-2015/

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Revelation: Ephesus & Repent

Posted in Prophecy, Revelation, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on November 27, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

What was the first love of the local body in Ephesus? Jesus Christ. This was established in Revelation 2:3. They had “endured for My name’s sake.”

The Greek language of the verse is consistent with divorce in a marriage. The word for “left” is απηιεμι/aphiemi. It means: to send away; to bid going away or depart; of a husband divorcing his wife; to let go, let alone, let be; to disregard; to omit, neglect; to give up, keep no longer. –Strong’s Concordance

The church at Ephesus had essentially divorced itself from the head of the body, Jesus Christ. The irony is the Apostle Paul had written the Ephesians regarding this very topic in Ephesians 5:22-23. The passages discuss how the body of believers should submit to Christ because He died for her. His death allows believers to be free and cleansed of sin. The body is to be the pure and blameless bride. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the body.

Where does the body of Christ stand today in the 21st century. Are we any different than the church at Ephesus?

Revelation 2:5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.

The word “repent” is stated twice in the verse. “Repent” is not a mystical, spiritual word that has some deep theological meaning. The Greek word for repent is μετανοεο/metanoeo. It means: to change one’s mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins.

One should be ashamed of their actions. There should be some conviction. Be honest. Right is right and wrong is wrong. We can all do better.

This verse is not discussing eternal salvation. Salvation was not lost for the individual believer. The individual’s position in Christ would not change. The issue is the local church at Ephesus. The church can be taken away.

Jesus gives the solution first. Get back to the basics as they were doing previously. Revelation 2:2-3.

https://paulthepoke.com/2016/11/21/revelation-ephesus-perserverance/

Jesus stated the consequence. There was accountability. The lampstand or the church would be removed.

The church at Ephesus had fallen and it did not get up. History tells and shows what happened. Today, the church and the city of Ephesus are ruins.

It did not have to be for Ephesus. And it does not have to be for us.

Change your heart. Change your mind. Rethink. Refocus…Jesus Christ.

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Trend Update: Quakes in Various Places, Japan, November 2016

Posted in Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , on November 21, 2016 by paulthepoke

Luke 21:11 …and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. –Jesus

There are parallel passages regarding earthquakes by Jesus in Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8. The context is the Olivet Discourse. Jesus is answering questions from the disciples regarding the signs of His coming and the End of the Age (Matthew 24:3).

Japan, November 21, 2016: An earthquake registering as high as 7.3 magnitude has struck off the coast near Fukushima. Yes, that is the same Fukushima of March 2011.

Tsunami warnings have been issued. Buoy data has been knocked out of commission near the quake area.

For earthquake geeks out there, I highly recommend these two social media personalities.

Dutchsinse can be followed on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. And he has a website. See link below.

https://dutchsinse.com/

Suspicious 0bservers (0bserver is with a “zero” not the letter O)

He can be followed on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and his website link below.

http://www.suspicious0bservers.org/

In the last 30 days, the USGS states there has been at least 418+ earthquakes of 4.5 magnitude or greater around the globe in various places…

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

Isaiah 24:18c For the windows above are opened, and the foundations of earth shake.

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Revelation: Ephesus & Perserverance

Posted in Prophecy, Revelation with tags , , , , , , on November 21, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 2:2-3 I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

Good news from Jesus Christ to the church or local body of believers at Ephesus. He is watching and He knows what is taking place.

Perseverance…This word is used twice in the verses above. Perseverance is the Greek word ηυπομονε/hupomone. Per Strong’s Concordance, it means: constancy, endurance; in the New Testament the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith by even the greatest trials and sufferings; patiently and steadfastly enduring.

The people at the church of Ephesus were focused grinders. The text tells us their work and life was difficult from the word for “toil”. It comes from the Greek κοποσ/kopos. It means: a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow; intense labor united with trouble.

…and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false…

False teachers…a topic believers are continually warned about throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself warned against these folks. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Whatever the future holds will be off the charts in deception.

The New Testament letters of Galatians and 1 Thessalonians warn against false teachers. The Apostle John warns about the ultimate false teacher, the antichrist.

The church at Ephesus “put them to the test”. They had the attitude of the Berean Church. Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.

Were the false teachers telling the truth? Apparently not. False teachers are evil, wicked, and destructive.

What was the focus of the church at Ephesus? My name’s sake…The body of believers at Ephesus was focused on Jesus Christ.

These two verses are calls to believers in Jesus Christ today. We are to focus and work for the communication of the gospel of Christ regardless of the circumstances. We are called to persevere, stay vigilant, and focus.

Christians are called to guard against false teachers and verify with Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. “All Scripture” includes the Old Testament. The Old Testament is buried treasure. It will reveal the New Testament to life in the person of Jesus Christ.

…and have not grown weary. Do not become κοπιαο/kopiao. Yes, we will grow weary, tired, and exhausted with toil, burdens and grief.

This personal message is given to us by Jesus is at the beginning of the book of Revelation. This message is one of the first things He tells the church. Difficult times are coming. Don’t quit. It is worth it in the end.

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Trend Update: Can God Manage President Trump? November 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on November 15, 2016 by paulthepoke

Daniel 2:21a It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings…

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Proverbs 8:15 By Me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just…

Many people out there are scratching their heads. Donald Trump has been elected president. This does not make sense. Why would God allow this? Christians and many others say Trump is a moral reprobate. He says crazy, stupid stuff. He is obnoxiously wealthy and flaunts it. And look at his hair…What does God want with Donald Trump? One would think He would at least pick a Christian or a Jew. He could have chosen Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, or even Bernie Sanders. What gives…Donald Trump??? CHINA!

Did God allow Donald Trump to be elected President of the United States? Scripture from Proverbs to prophets in the Old Testament to the Apostle Paul in the New Testament says…YES! He removes kings and establishes kings…

God is in control of history. That said, many are questioning God’s sovereign decision.

God has a history of taking foreign kings to achieve His will and purpose. Examples include Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and Tiglath-Pileser of the Assyrian Empire. One particular example comes to mind, King Cyrus of Persia.

The coming of King Cyrus was promised by the prophet Isaiah. God had multiple purposes for Cyrus even though he did not know God (Isaiah 45:4b). God has no problem choosing a person who does not know Him or believe in Him. These are not obstacles to God.

Why would God choose a foreign king who does not know him? A couple of reasons for choosing Cyrus were to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

Isaiah 44:28 “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.'” –God

God chose a Persian King Cyrus to corral and protect His people, Israel.

Isaiah 45:4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me.

Scholars estimate Isaiah wrote this prophecy approximately 150-160 years before King Cyrus. Fast forward in time to the book of Ezra.

Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

The remainder of the book of Ezra is the fulfillment of this promise in Isaiah 44:28.

God wasted no time. He inspired Cyrus in the first year of his leadership.

Many Christians and Christian leaders see Donald Trump as a type or pattern of King Cyrus. Even the Jewish Sanhedrin is calling on President elect Trump to act as a modern day Cyrus to help rebuild the Temple. Time will tell…

In the future, God will use a leader from what many believe to be Russia or Biblical Magog. In Ezekiel 38-39 God will use the leader of Magog, Gog, like a pawn to achieve His purpose. Ezekiel 39:7 And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

God is tired of people talking trash about Him.

Take comfort and be calm. Frankly, get a bigger box. God can handle a Trump presidency.

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. -God

 

 

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Trend Update: Quakes in Various Places, New Zealand, November 2016

Posted in Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Gospel, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on November 13, 2016 by paulthepoke

Luke 21:11 …and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. –Jesus

There are parallel passages regarding earthquakes by Jesus in Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8. The context is the Olivet Discourse. Jesus is answering questions from the disciples regarding the signs of His coming and the End of the Age (Matthew 24:3).

New Zealand, November 13, 2016: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck. The epicenter is located approximately 55-60 miles northeast of Christchurch.

People living in low lying areas along the shore line are headed for higher ground. Buildings and houses have collapsed. Electricity and phone lines have been impacted.

Roads have been blocked by landslides. Roads are reported to be buckled.

Up to 10-15 feet tsunami waves are being reported. Waves are estimated to continue and last hours. People are obviously being warned to stay away from the beach.

The article link below from www.mirror.co.uk is an excellent source of information. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/powerful-earthquake-hits-christchurch-new-9251440

http://news.trust.org/item/20161113113702-re5f9

Following the 7.8 tremblor, 16+ aftershocks have been reported ranging from 4.9 to 6.9 in magnitude.

Even more disturbing is a series of quakes located north of New Zealand near Fiji. There have been 6 quakes in the last few days of a magnitude of 4.5 to 5.6. They have occurred approximately 300 – 350 miles below the surface of the planet. The pressure release has to go somewhere…

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map

Isaiah 24:19 The earth is utterly broken, the earth is split apart, the earth is violently shaken.

Let me be clear. This is not about religion. It has nothing to do with some flutter in your belly or the hair on the back of your neck standing up. God does not care how many times one genuflects in church, raises their hands, closes their eyes, beats oneself up, or sacrifice chickens or whatever! We cannot appease or atone with our actions. God hates religion!

https://paulthepoke.com/2010/10/04/isaiah-110-15-god-hates-religion/

This is about getting your heart, mind, and soul right with the Creator. This book, the Bible, says His Son, Jesus Christ, is physically coming back to get His people the church, the rapture. And He will return to establish His kingdom on earth.

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

https://paulthepoke.com/category/gospel/

https://paulthepoke.com/2016/03/20/jesus-christ-the-mercy-seat/

Your choice…

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Revelation: Ephesus, Stars & Lampstands

Posted in Prophecy, Revelation with tags , , , , , , , , on November 13, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

Scripture interprets Scripture…Wild guesses, speculation, and conjecture are not necessary. But one is going to do some homework.

Where did John get his information? John tells us multiple times in the first chapter of Revelation. A couple of examples include Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John…

Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

John’s source of information is Jesus Christ.

To the angel…The Greek word for “angel” is aggelos/αγγελοσ. It means: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God. The word is essentially transliterated.

…of the church…The Greek word for “church” is ekklesia/εκκλεσια. It means:  an assembly, congregation; the whole body of Christian believers. People called out from the world and to God, the mystical body of Christ; the universal body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. –Strong’s Concordance.

The church is not a building. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand…What are stars? The answer is given in Revelation 1:20b …the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches… Stars are angels of the churches.

…the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands…What are lampstands? The answer is given in Revelation 1:20c …and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Lampstands are churches.

Jesus is the source of information to John. Jesus is the One talking. Jesus is the One giving directions. Jesus is the One holding the seven stars. Jesus is the One walking among the lampstands.

Colossians 1:18a He is also head of the body, the church…

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Trend Update: Post U.S. Election Violence, November 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , on November 11, 2016 by paulthepoke

Romans 13:2 Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Sorry, no participation trophies…

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Trend Update: Sanhedrin Calls on Trump & Putin to Rebuild Temple, November 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Sanhedrin, Temple, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on November 10, 2016 by paulthepoke

Ezra 1:1-2 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah…

November 10, 2016: The Jewish Sanhedrin is calling on Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to come together and rebuild the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin is encouraging the two leaders to act as modern-day Cyrus figures: non-Jewish kings who recognize the importance of Israel and the Temple.

“The leaders of Russia and America can lead the nations of the world to global peace through building the Temple, the source of peace,” Rabbi Weiss, the Sanhedrin Spokesman.

The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is a public law of the United States. The law was passed by the 104th Congress on October 23, 1995. The law states the United States Embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The law states Jerusalem is to be an undivided city. Jerusalem is recognized as the capital of Israel. Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama have opposed the law because of national security concerns. This law was to be enacted by May 31, 1999.

https://www.congress.gov/104/plaws/publ45/PLAW-104publ45.pdf

November 10, 2016: President elect Trump had stated on the campaign trail he wished to enact this law.

David Friedman co-chair of Trump’s Israel Advisory Committee stated, “It was a campaign promise and there is every intention to keep it. We are going to see a very different relationship between America and Israel in a positive way.”

Jewish leaders like Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely are calling on Trump to move quickly with the relocation of the embassy.

Friedman further elaborated the following. “The level of friendship between the U.S. and Israel is going to grow like never before, and it will be better than ever, even the way it was under Republican administrations in the past.”

“The hostility will be gone between Israel and the U.S. We know how Obama treated the prime minister of Israel and how [Hillary] Clinton berated the prime minister… We will move forward with mutual respect and mutual love and a much better future for the U.S. and Israel.”

http://www.newsweek.com/trumps-israel-adviser-we-will-go-ahead-embassy-move-jerusalem-519453?rx=us

In 2012, Putin visited Jerusalem for a third official visit. On a late night visit to the Western Wall, Putin was respectfully silent, prayed, and read Psalms. In response to a greeting from an Israeli citizen, Putin discussed the importance of the Temple Mount and the Jewish Temple.

“That’s exactly the reason I came here, to pray for the Temple to be built again,” Vladimir Putin.

http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/78372/bin-exclusive-sanhedrin-asks-putin-trump-build-third-temple-jerusalem/#j4ZkLaLPKVUHd2LL.97

In his first year of his leadership, King Cyrus called on the Jewish people to go home and rebuild their Temple. The Sanhedrin is calling on President Trump in his first year and for Vladimir Putin to push for the rebuilding of the Temple.

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Trend Update: Mosul Dam, November 2016

Posted in Mosul/Nineveh, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , on November 8, 2016 by paulthepoke

The prophet Nahum describes the destruction of ancient Nineveh or what is 21st century Mosul, Iraq. It comes with a flood. The key verses are stated below.

Nahum 1:8 But with an overflowing flood He will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.

Nahum 2:6 The gates of the rivers are opened and the palace is dissolved.

The Mosul Dam was built by Saddam Hussein in 1986 on soluble gypsum. Translation, the dam is built on a shifting, poor foundation. The Mosul Dam has been called the most dangerous dam in the world. It is located 35 miles north of Mosul, Iraq. The dam manages the Tigris River in Iraq. The dam holds an estimated 11-12 billion cubic meters of water. This equates to approximately 3,170,064,624,000 US Fluid Gallons. Translation, 3.1 trillion gallons of water! http://www.asknumbers.com/CubicMeterToGallon.aspx

As of March 2016, the dam was in serious trouble. Currently (November 2016), an Italian company is completing work and maintenance on the dam. Trevi is being paid 217 million pounds to improve the situation. They have 450 staff employees working on the project. Trevi is being protected by the Italian military. Trevi is injecting grout and cement into the foundation of the dam.

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/world-view/trevi-continues-dam-repairs-despite-mosul-battle/10012949.article

Tobias von Lossow is a specialist on water projects in the Middle East at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. He states, “Maybe the Mosul Dam is not the most dangerous in the world but it certainly is in a very disastrous condition. The risk of a breach is very high. Not only is it leaking but some of the gates on one side of the dam are not working, placing great pressure on the other side of the structure.”

A major issue is ISIS controls areas where gravel and materials are located for grout and cement.

ISIS previously managed to take control of the Mosul Dam in June 2014. Currently, the Mosul Dam is managed by the Kurdish peshmerga. The issue is ISIS took the maintenance equipment and supplies. The Kurds are busy fighting back ISIS to maintain control of the dam. ISIS clearly wants to destroy the dam. They have stated this as a goal and they are trying.

October 20, 2016: Peshmerga have destroyed an ISIS vehicle laden with explosives near Mosul Dam. Report is from Turkish news source http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/20102016

ISIS has used the control of dams as a weapon to flood areas of Iraq.

Keep in mind, ISIS control two dams on the Euphrates River in Syria. One is the Tabqa Dam, Syria’s largest dam. The second is the Baath Dam. These two dams control water to northern Iraq. ISIS is reported to hold prisoners at the dams as human shields.

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/fears-dam-collapse-remain-raging-battles-1410255276

An estimated 45-70 foot wall of water could flood the river valley if the dam breaks. This could potentially kill millions and displace 150 million more per estimates.

The city of Mosul would be underwater within four hours of a dam break. Within 77 hours, Baghdad would be targeted.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2016/mar/10/the-mosul-dam-is-crumbling-if-it-bursts-it-would-be-a-disaster-on-a-biblical-scale

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