WARS AND BIBLICAL PROPHECY PART 2 - UKRAINE/RUSSIAN WAR

    Both wars and rumours of wars are more intense, and woven intricately into the global situation. In part 1, I expand on wars and rumours of war being a model for a type of warfare using Matthew 24:6. Rumours are being used to strategise before and during a war and to justify warfare. It does not take a war expert to understand that Russia can take Kiev in a matter of hours. However there seems to be a very lengthy step-by-step plan being used. After all President Putin has had years to think on this situation. I think by using the Biblical context I answer the question of, Why drag it on?

The Ukraine-Russia war is a clear example of rumours before and during a war. It proves that rumours can be a strategy of warfare under the sub-category of psychological warfare. Wars vary in situations and in size or type of weapons used. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program definition of a war is, a state-based conflict or dyad which reaches at least 1000 battle-related deaths in a specific calendar year. 

Despite President Putin's claims of it being a peacekeeping mission, the conflict in Ukraine is definitely a war. It has an impact of a war and I dare say, that of a world war. It has potential to become a nuclear war. The war demonstrates the fulfilment of prophesy or the truth of prophesy as follows:

1. Rosh becomes a world power involved in warfare
2. As an example of the connection between wars and rumours of war
3. It furthers the alliances for what is referred to as the Pre-Tribulation War found in Ezekiel 38 

ROSH AS A WORLD POWER

Russia has long been a leader in global issues but overshadowed to a large extent by America. Rosh is the Biblical name for Russia. As a nation it is referenced in Ezekiel 38 and 39, and Isaiah 66:19. Rosh is a world power according to the verse: 

and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.'Ezekiel 38:3 

It is quite curious that President Putin was known as 'Gog' in the past. Perhaps this was a rumour? Verse 2 refers to him as the chief prince. He is now the prince of Russia having been in position of leadership for twenty years. Russia has a growing influence in the Middle East. In Syria, Russians  are feared. It may be possible that he becomes the chief or leader of parts of Asia Minor (Meshech) or in alliance with Turkey (Tubal).

The fear of war and the fear of nuclear war has taken its toll as many believe that the Pre-Tribulation War described in Ezekiel 38 and 39, will be a nuclear war. Europe had been through two world wars and formed the European Union to keep them from a third. This is partly due to nuclear weapons development. 

The United Nations appears to be as helpless as NATO in the Ukraine-Russia situation. America is engaged in tactical nuclear exercises at Steadfast Noon. China and North Korea have intensified their weapons testing as well. At this point I want to suggest that there will be a war in different parts of the world and all related to establishing a new order. When you read new order you might think it is a conspiracy. By the way, a world leader did say this. Can you guess which one? President Putin should be your best answer.

The threat of Russia over the European nations has constantly played on the minds of the people from generation to generation. In this instance Russia is trying to deflect the threat to Ukraine. To be accepted not just as a world power but a super power, he has to build trust. He stated:

Ukraine wants to cause a nuclear incident and then put the responsibility on Russia in order to escalate the fighting.

 

Rumours are feeding the fear of escalation. The movement of nuclear capable missiles to different parts of Europe fuels the rumours and thoughts along these lines. To be free of the oppressive atmosphere created, the people in various European nations are saying they do not want the war and are willing to give into Russian demands. 

Rumours play a role in psychological warfare. The impact of dragging the war longer than needed on the rest of the world and on the people of Ukraine will not be known for another few years to come. Rumours prepare the minds of the people for a possible outcome. The strategy is to weaken the people without even fighting or firing a bullet. It's intimidation as used in street wars or classic school bullying. The bully being ROSH who will lead a war according to Ezekiel 38.  

In WW2 the Jews knew what was happening but were comfortable and did not want to uproot themselves to leave Germany. I remember interviewing Mrs. Duverney on this. She too had fled Germany. I asked her why it took them so long to leave and she replied that they got comfortable. Is the people's reaction demonstrative of a people who denied reality? Given that they were impoverished and built up themselves I can understand the refusal to uproot themselves. But that hesitation cost them.

While everyone is distracted in verifying the so-called disinformation, Russia has taken the time to place nuclear strategic bombers in key positions around Europe like Finland. This demonstrates another level of escalation, that of the type of artillery being used as well as the involvement of more nations. Poland has already increased the amount of people drafted to the army in response to the Ukraine invasion. Russia is positioned as a threat.

The heavy military weapons owned by Russia has not yet been used. I dare say the reason for this war is achieved by the rumours of the war more so than the war. I therefore conclude that the war is not about Ukraine but in positioning Russia as a chief or world leader. This will be discussed further in the next blog.

THE INTERCONNECTION OF WARS AND RUMOURS

The Ukraine-Russia situation is filled with rumours. The rumours were before the invasion and still ongoing. It demonstrates the use of rumours in warfare and its impact as a strategy.

Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumour is heard in the land Jeremiah 51:46.

This verse not only indicates that rumours will be at a national level but it shows the impact of rumours on people. If rumours were not effective in affecting the mindset of the masses, leaders will not use them as a strategy.

Rumours can be used as a strategy before a war. Before invading Ukraine, Russia engaged in military exercises in Belarus. An onslaught of accusations and rumours followed. It was not long after Ukraine was attacked by Russia. 

The rumours led nation leaders to make statements and pick sides. Some leaders were even accused of war mongering. This allowed Russia the opportunity to see;

1. where alliances were 

2. the basis of the stance taken

3. the attitude or approach that would be taken for the war

4. the amount of time Russia would have to achieve the set goal

Rumours tend to create fear and chaos which affects decision-making. Belarus accused Ukraine of plotting terror attacks in their country.  They then placed 70,000 soldiers and a concentration of military equipment on its border with Ukraine which is a threat to Kiev. 9,000 soldiers are said to be Russian. 

Belarus continued to accuse the government of Kiev of subversion against it, and gathering intelligence in Belarus. Is this a pretext for joining the war? Is it a strategy to split the Ukrainian army? If the Ukraines split their forces between north and south they will not stand a chance. It is rumoured that that is exactly what the Ukraines have done!

The accusation and intimidation is obvious. Belarus has taken its participation to another level. After all the postulating and scheming, in October month, Ukraine was attacked from the Belarusian front. According to Oxford Language online, manoeuvre can mean, ‘to carefully guide or manipulate (someone or something) in order to achieve an end’. In light of this, I would say they are getting warmed up for something bigger. Wouldn't you? Meanwhile, there is a lot of death, destruction, and drama taking place in Ukraine.

Attack on Kiev 17/10/2022

Dirty bomb

Rumours are used as justification. Due to technological advances, rumours take on propaganda proportions. Currently the rumour being spread by Russia is that Ukraine is building dirty bombs. Prior to this, was a rumour that they were planning to engage in chemical warfare. Even the handling of the rumours has gone a step further. 

Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Although it was rumoured by sources coming out of Russia that Ukraine was set for chemical warfare, there was no official statement. Russian government officials are now making specific statements about the dirty bombs. They are openly justifying particular strategic actions. It is not a strategy to stop the war, it is a strategy that escalates it. Is it fiction or non-fiction?

Russian strategic forces carrying out training of a 

'massive nuclear stike in response to an enemy nuclear attack', 

supervised by President Putin. (Russian Defense Ministry; Oct 26, 2022)

Rumours can be true. The attack on Kiev (17/10/2022) was surreal and groundbreaking. Residents tried to shoot down the drones. There is a multifaceted significance of the drone attack on Kiev. They were launched from Belarus. Belarus is now officially involved in the war. It proves the rumour during the exercises conducted in Belarus to be true after all.  

Rumour has it that there is much more to this rumour. Yet, another country has become involved. Iran is from the Middle East and for the first time directly involved in a European war. For the first time a nation from the Middle East is involved in war in Europe. The drones were Kamakaze drones but appear to be a rebranding of the Iranian Shahed design. The images used in the tweet by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dated from a 2010 presentation of the Shahed drones. 

 

Still there is more to the rumour. There were sanctions on these drones. President Biden had lifted the sanctions. President Putin said he did not buy them and Iran denies selling them. Yet. the drones bear the serial numbers of the Shahed drones manufactured by Iran. More rumours? This peacekeeping mission (sarcasm) is definitely shaping up to be a world war. Is the war becoming more bloody?

 

At this point, China, India, and Serbia have asked citizens to leave Ukraine. The drones were targeting the electricity supplies and have been sent to residential areas. More and more evidence of atrocities being committed by Russia is coming out.

Attack on Kiev 17/10/2022 in video above

I can assume that the reason NATO and other nations have not defended Ukraine is due to the fear of escalation. Actually, President Joe Biden did say this. If another country joins in then there is cause for NATO to take action. But, they have not although Belarus got involved. Also, the Ukraine’s have officially accused Iran of participating in Russia's war crimes.

Ukraine calls on European Union
to impose sanctions
 

Russia has been preparing underground shelters in Moscow while the world is reeling from the shock of the drone attack. Israel has indicated that they now have just cause to get involved on behalf of Ukraine if Iran is supplying weapons to Russia. They are meeting with President Biden to present evidence of the Iranian drones in Ukraine. 

Iran and Israel are, as prophesied, enemies. This would be another level of a world war. The rumours are being used to propel and intensify the war in Ukraine through fear to the Russian advantage. Russia seems to be more skilled in the use of rumours. Russia is using rumours as an offensive attack. Similarly Adolf Hitler's use of it to spread propaganda.

THE ALLIANCE OF EZEKIEL 38 

It is the first time in over 70 years, Europe is facing a world war. The role of the European Union is highly questionable as being relevant in these times. For the prophesy of an attack on Israel to this magnitude and geographical extent to occur, the world bodies have to either agree with it or be silenced. More on this in Part 2 and Part 3.

The New York Times reported that there are Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps instructors operating from a Russian military base in Crimea where most of the suicide drones are stationed. It is claimed that they are there as instructors not to fly them. Given that many Syrian fighters were said to have been paid by the Russians to join the war, this war has the potential to be an Iranian and Russian conflict against Ukraine Israel.

 

A Russian defence ministry expert says on television, 

'Just don't ask too much about these Iranian drones. 

We all know they are Iranian but the authorities don't want to admit it.' 

This war has had surprising outcomes and has been taking months. As the saying goes, God might be smiling on Ukraine after all. A number of nations had pulled out of Kiev from the start as it was the expectation that Ukraine will fold within a couple weeks at best. As the situation continues and it enters another level of intensity, it appears as nuclear war is inevitable and escalation occurs. 

If it does not lead to a world war or a nuclear war then it is further positioning Russia as a super power, therefore a chief as in the prophesy. It is positioning itself to make such an attack on Israel possible even if there was no intent. However in the next blog, part 3 I will show that it is part of a plan. It actually is common sense when you think of it.

WARS AND BIBLICAL PROPHECY PART 1- RUMOURS OF WAR

Iranian UAV as Meraj 51 in Russia

    Today we cannot seem to get away from wars or rumours of war. Old territorial disputes have resurrected and new conflicts have arisen. The ultimate rumour could very well be the threat of nuclear war. Such a war has been dreaded and that day seems to be nearer. Attention has been drawn to one book that has stood up to criticisms and has proven itself many times as a historical record of previous wars. I am sure you have heard of the Bible.

Conspiracy theories, disinformation, false narratives, and alternative truths are now part of everyday life. Have prophesies in the Bible been fulfilled? The answer would be, Yes! A major prophesy would be Jews returning to Israel. Israel went on to become a nation on May 14, 1948. Israel has not been a nation of people since137AD. Don't get me wrong, there were always Jews living there but not as a mass of people since nor as a declared nation as done in more modern times.

In Biblical times the people group made the nation. Wherever they traversed, they were known as Israel but when they conquered the land of the Philistines and Canaanites, it was named after them. Similarly Canadians in Canada. The prophesy of return can be found in Ezekiel 20:33-38, and Isaiah 11:11-12. It is still ongoing as 50% still live outside of Israel.

If a prophesy is a rumour then it turned out to be true many times and in hugely significant ways. 

There are two questions I seek to answer in this first part of the mini series on Wars and Biblical Prophecy: 

1. What does the Bible say about current affairs? 
2. Rumours as prophecy

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CURRENT AFFAIRS?

Let us start with what the one referred to as the Messiah, had to say in the Book of Matthew; 

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:6-8 

Two thousand years of world history are covered in just four sentences. Wars, famines, and earthquakes are expected and not especially noteworthy. However, based on current affairs, these events have become more intense and occur more often than in the past. If the scripture is indicative of intensity and occurrence then it would certainly be a true representation of the global situation today. 

Wars in 2022

The phrase indicates that wars and rumours of war are increasing in intensity. It had some momentum with the postal system spreading faster than in the ancient days, 2000 years ago. In this era of the fourth industrial revolution, rumours; have speed, reach more people, cross borders, and are more impacting than in Biblical times. Linking the words wars and rumours of war seems more meaningful than as a casual phrase. 

Wars and rumours of war are tied together like a set model or pattern. It is different to saying There will be famines and earthquakes. Wars are relevant to rumours. It is expected that one coexists naturally with the other. Even in a cold war rumours play an important role. 

I used to think that rumours came before the war but it did not turn out to be so, having taken a more in-depth look. It is obvious that there are many wars or conflicts in the world today. The premiss regarding the rumours of war is that, rumours have become increasingly strategic in the lead up to and in the midst of conflict/war.

There are examples in the Bible when rumours were used in warfare. In this verse it appears to be an expectation.

Do not let your heart grow faint, and do not be afraid when the rumour is heard in the land; for a rumor will come one year—and then another the next year—of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. Jeremiah 51:46

As a strategy it must be quite popular as even the God of the Bible, uses it; 

So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah, who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’ ” 2 Kings 19:5-7

The potential of a rumour used as a strategy before a war was proven in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel was attacked by a number of nations in response to a rumour spread by Russia. Although the United Nations made a statement to counter the allegations made by Russia, the damage was done. Perhaps they were testing out the strategy of using rumours?

War was in the air, leaders strutted on the television screen, the people in the Middle East sniffed for blood, and Israel went on defensive mode. More people died in the short time of this war than during the Vietnam war. 777 Israelis died, equivalent to the Death Population Ratio for the Vietnamese war with America spanning 8 years. 

RUMOURS AS PROPHECY

Can a prophecy be a rumour? To answer the question, I would have to follow up with, Who would be the one to start it? That would be hilarious because the answer would then have to be, The Holy Spirit. He is one of the Trinity. Christians believe the Godhead is made up of three; Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit. Additionally, prophecy is inspired by The Holy Spirit.

The connotation that goes with a rumour is that it is not truthful. That actually marshes up the entire foundational doctrine of Christianity. The other member of the Godhead Jesus, is said to be the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). There are a number of verses about lying e.g. 

But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27

One cannot enter the kingdom as a liar. The father of lies is said to be the arch villain himself, the devil. Lying cannot be found with The Holy Spirit who is pure and the epitome of holiness. The inspiration or intelligence behind the prophesy is said to be from the writer of the Bible, who is The Holy Spirit. 

There were prophesies made by a Norwegian woman of 90 years in 1969. All of her prophesies came through with one more pending fulfilment, a nuclear war in Europe. The Ukraine-Russia War seems to be heading in the direction of a nuclear war. NATO has been staying out of the fight because of fear of escalation to a nuclear war. 

The conversation around this situation or conflict is often about nuclear war. How can this prophesy be a rumour given the current situation with Russia and Ukraine? However, I digress as this blog is specifically about the prophecies in the Bible. It is relevant in two way: 

1. the war furthers the alliance spoken of in Ezekiel 38
2. positions Russia as a 'chief prince'
3. causes more chaos in the world
4. adds intensity to wars and rumours of war
5. fits into the wars and rumours of war model 

It is common knowledge that famines, earthquakes and pestilences have become more intense and increase in occurrence. As a prophesy in the Bible, it is very accurate and still part of current global news. The model of wars and rumours of war, spoken of by Jesus, continues today. If rumours of war is a strategy then it has potential to be a prophecy which comes through or is used to win a war without physical violence. In that case it is the perceived truth of those involved. In the next blog I expound on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

TIME AS A TEACHER

 Time is a cost in business often misinterpreted or forgotten until it appears to run out of resources for projections. It is a liability that can be very expensive as it passes by. Often in business; days, hours, and minutes represent the dreaded timeline or deadline to be met. In any crisis or unstable situation, time is never enough, as it usually works as an opposing force that brings challenges.

A crisis is naturally a threat that is, propelled by time. Even a simple mistake during a catastrophe can be exaggerated or heightened beyond foreseeable outcomes. as with most aspects of life, time affects decision-making. Time brings changes and causes wear and tear. Assessments and decisions need to be made in quick time. Harnessing time can prove very difficult in the best of times and virtually impossible during a crisis such as the one that 2020 ushered into the world.

As the global crisis induced by this pandemic drives companies to virtual spaces, marketing and communication have become the life source of firms. The impact of time within online spaces can be observed in how marketing and communication attempt to harness time in the digital world. The new norm for a 24/7 service utilising AI integration has become a lifeline to capture visitors and convert them to buyers and clients.  It demonstrates how the digital transformation of firms is affecting the pace at which business is conducted.

Has time erased the physical presence of a smile, an atmosphere or an impression? A physical office or location for operations means trust, stability, and professionalism to a customer. It situates the company or the brand in the mind of the customer and even the employee. Translating this into virtual spaces takes innovation, creativity, and marketing as businesses compete for viewership on screens.

Competition in the virtual or digitised realms has its pacing. Eyeballs, interaction, and participation have increasingly been part of the marketing plan. But in crisis, it is not just about competing to be seen or having a website to be found, it is about standing out and remaining visible. Companies of various sizes are found on the internet. The difference is no longer the real estate value of the office or store but the marketing budget.

Time weighs heavily on the decision-makers. For any business owner or marketing strategist, time can determine survival. Many small and medium enterprises had to endure restrictions and, unfortunately closed down within two or three months. In a study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2020, 3500 locations were monitored. Findings indicated an increase of 33% in permanent store closures compared to 2019. Time can increase debts.

The first reality check for many employers and employees on how time would affect them during a crisis was how fast and effectively they would be able to transition to virtual spaces. CEOs, CFOs, and CMOs had to hyper-leap their thoughts about agility and sustainability. The first that responded quickly to the challenge of going virtual was able to buy time in the crisis. It was about survival more than about sustainability, as 2020 proved to be a transitional year.

The rate of the digital transformation of businesses has been at a momentum beyond projections before the pandemic. Adobe researchers claimed that projections for conversion to virtual operations leapt from five years to one year. Many companies were challenged to transition operations within weeks to allow employees to work and communicate from remote places.

The Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services sectors were already functioning mostly within digital spaces. They were at an advantage for several reasons.  Multi-national companies or businesses with a global customer base had experience working within time zones and with a digital environment. With such a head start, priority went into marketing and the issues outside of operations. 

Some companies had more options for resources, space, and time. Tesla transitioned its operations to Texas. Global companies were able to keep some offices open in less-regulated or less-hit countries. But, global production has dropped, and dragging with it, is the Gross Domestic Product with a relational decrease in employment, small enterprises, start-ups, and opportunities to innovate. Time matters to turn around operations, and goods, for sole traders, small businesses, large conglomerates, and national economies.

Time waits on no one. Traditionally, firms would have marketing strategy projections for the year. Projections became irrelevant. With many nations going into intermittent lockdowns and markets constantly changing, the situation has become very volatile and desperate. It is increasingly difficult to project ahead. Projections made previously became less realistic with time. In 2022, markets are slowly recovering. Time has left its mark on the psyche of uncertainty.

Corporate had to develop a revised plan with a short timeframe in response to the changes made due to virus prevention measures, the effect of transitioning work online, and reaching and serving consumers online. To further complicate the situation, corporate heads had to make decisions based on factors that had not been explored or documented prior to this virus.  

While there have been global or countrywide pandemics before, it has not been with the economic environment of 2020. There were new emerging industries, markets, trends, and technologies. A fair question would be, Would the new markets cave in under the strain? Since the main driver of the new markets is the internet, the more appropriate question turns out to be Would the traditional industries survive? A clear example would be the e-learning industry. In 2022, it is made obvious that time brings new dynamics. 

Time is a constraint. There was little time to test markets as customary when in a crisis. Therefore, there were unforeseen dynamics affecting enterprises. With dwindling revenues, a wrong decision can make or break a firm. Even the larger firms had to make drastic decisions despite having more resources, market share, opportunities, and time to make decisions.

Brands were unable to wait for the retailers to transition or recover losses. Brands could not wait for different countries to rebuild and prevent the virus in whatever methods they decided to follow. Brands embarked on forming relationships reaching out to consumers directly e.g. Heinz started 'Heinz to Home' while Pepsi launched, 'Pantry Shop'. These companies decided to implement measures and tests as they went along.

Digitisation is infinite while trends are not. Many companies try out new strategies and explore options, resulting in a growing number of trends. Marketers monitor trends. Many business owners are eager to try the latest trend hoping to get in before the competition. But trends can prove the importance of time. For a trend to develop, it has to do so over a period because trends can fade away. 

A trend should be adopted, after evaluating over time. Simply put, a trend can be a strategy or, it can be a direction. Following the wrong trend can cost your brand; time (the liability), resources, and customers. Trends can be adapted to suit your business model. With time, a trend can convert to a development that can add value to your business.

Since time waits on no one and time is short in supply, business owners have to follow the trend that has real potential for the company. But if you can afford it wait until the trend develops into a definite option. Otherwise, marketers have to be seers, or at least quick enough to understand shifts in trends. The usual bane of many CMOs, except this time it is at warp speed. 

Virtual companies seem to be the future as companies continue to transition digitally. As time goes by the pace of business is quicker. The virus and the ensuing global crisis have accelerated this in several areas and at different levels. As restrictions continue into 2022 in some countries, many business leaders have to decide on permanently transitioning to virtual spaces. Trends coming out of marketing and communication, demonstrate how time is having a definite say on the future of operations of businesses.

THE MEDES OF THE BIBLE

     On January 20, 2022 daesh (Isis) captured a prison in Al Hasakah, Syria. This area is under Kurdish control. For the following two days the Kurds fought without stopping. I am told some of the fiercest fighters from Kurdistan fought. Bullets fell like rain. They did not even stop to eat. The Kurds managed to recapture some of the escapees. The Democratic Syrian Army and US forces came to help eventually. This battle has inspired this blog.

 

Video from Abu Saleh of attack from daesh on Al Hasakah  

Map showing the Median Empire as the Medes
around 600 BC (click here for original source)

     Many people do not know who the Kurds are. By most accounts there are about 30 million Kurds worldwide. This is quite surprising given the history of the people. Some scholars claim that the Medes and the Kurds are the same people. But the Armenians would argue the same. This nation shares a history with the Jews and Christians that is thousands of years old. This history includes wars, suppression, betrayal, and propaganda. This is where my interest lies. We do read about the Medes in the Bible. They are present at very critical points in Jewish and Christian history. 

It is the Assyrian King Shalmanessar III (858-824 BC) who refers to the Medes  as the people of the land of 'Mada'. It is assumed that they came from the Indo-European lands (between India and Europe)  settling in the Mesopotamian plains around the 17th century BC. In this blog I will maintain the Medes as a separate group of people as much as possible. There is a lot of conflicting accounts of history. The identity of the Medes is difficult to find as they are confused with other empires, Babylon, Media, Persia, and Assyria. Added to this, the rough history of the region can make people groups simply disappear. 

CONNECTING THE MEDES WITH OTHER PEOPLES

The Persians:

There are some who think that the Medes were Persians, assuming they were completely absorbed into Persia. This would be after Cyrus allied the two nations, the Medes and Persia. But Persia is not mentioned on the Day of Pentecost as a nation. The Medes are. Elam which was part of Persia is identified separately.

The Medians:

From a Biblical perspective the Medes and the Medians can be the same at a point in time. The group of people on the Day of Pentecost represented all the people of all the lands. If the Medians were a separate people then they would have been mentioned. Further to this, Herodontus writes that the Median empire has four tribes: the Busae, the Paretaceni, the Struchates, the Arizanti, the Budii, the Magi. It would seem as the Bible is referring to the Medes possibly including the Medians.

From the Britannica Encyclopedia I see some clarity as it states that the Armenians were 'incorporated' into the Median empire and 'annexed' to the Medes by Cyrus II in 550 BC. The references to the Median empire as the same as the Medes can only be accurate after this time. Further to this, it explains how the Armenians now identify with the Medes along with the Kurds. This is expected as in 609 Urartu in the Armenian Highlands was captured by either Media or the Medes. But by 550 BC, Urartu would be annexed or joined to the Medes.

The Armenians:

Scholars cite Herodontus (known to mix fables with fact) and Strabo (historian) in tracing the Medes as descendants of Japheth. This would mean they spoke the Aryan language which is associated with Farsi. This later is called Persis then Persian. Some scholars have criticised the integrity of Strabo. Here is the funny thing. Strabo used accounts by others when it came to Mesopotamia, Syria, Israel and the Red Sea. However, when it comes to describing customs, practices, religious differences, political statutes, industrial and agricultural activities, he gave his own information. His observations are then first hand and mostly credible.

Strabo wrote (taken from Routledge Companion to Strabo; pg 96): 

For more about Armenia click here

• the Armenians claimed to be descendants of the Medes
• the Armenians, Medes and Persians shared similar religious practices
• frontier Armenians were similar to Syrians and Arabs
• there is a distinction between those who live in the Armenian plains and those in the Armenian Mountains
• those living in the Armenian Mountains were uncivilised

Strabo's account is still unclear because he refused to use Greek geography and this affects boundaries. The Armenian Mountains he speaks off can be the Mesopotamian Mountains. Also, at the time of Strabo's travels there would have been Medes in Armenia due to the annexation. 

Some Kurds believe they are descendants of the Medes. The Kurds helped Turkey to commit genocide of the Armenians in the early 1900s. History and political influences in the ME has caused much division and enmity. Today the Turks are killing the Kurds. 

The Kurds:

It was said that the Medes made up the fourth-largest ethnic group in the Middle East (R.J.M. Gurney.) This would be at the time of the prophet Daniel. If the Medes are the Kurdistan people then there is a huge flaw in how the history of the Kurds is being told and recorded. One such account that would have to be questioned would be a BBC article, Who are the Kurds? (October 15, 2019) in which it states, 'they never obtained a permanent nation state'. 

The name of Kurds came when conversion to Islam was forced on the people living in the land between the two rivers in the 7th century AD. The Medes were also the people known for living between the two rivers since the 17th century BC. But it is difficult for me to understand how the name 'Medes' was completely converted to 'Kurds' in such a short period of time  By short I mean they are referred to as the Medes up to the first 100 years AD in the Bible. This was a time when records of civilisations were being kept. That's 600 years of Medes history disappearing.  

In 401 BC, there are references to empires of Mesopotamia with names that sound similar to the Kurds or Kurdistan. 'Stan' is part of the farsi language to mean 'land of'. There were similar names to Kurdistan too.  Kardouchoi was referenced by a Greek historian, about 100 years after the Medo-Persian alliance was formed. It would be strange to simply forget the Medes as a people even if they were absorbed by Persia. But it does raise a question for me. Are the people of the plains and those of the mountains the same? Is it possible the Medes were of the Mesopotamian Mountains and the Kardouchoi those of the plains?

The Kurds were said to come to the Mesopotamian Mountains around the 7th century AD. This would mean the Kurds are not descendants from any of the peoples living in that area. Again this is confusing since the name could be taken from the people known and recorded in the region with similar names starting with 'K'. Where did the Kurds come from then?  I have been focusing on the Medes so much that I almost missed this question. 

If the Kurds were the Medes, would it be possible to maintain a separate identity from the time of the alliance? To this day the Kurds maintain that they are different. For any group to claim to be the Medes they would have to maintain a link with them for the last 1900 years. One clear link between the Kurds and the Medes, is the occupation of the land between the two rivers. Where is the evidence showing the end of the Medes. What event marks the point where the Medes end and the Kurds begin? 600 years between are still missing.

More recently, in the early 1900s there was an issue of borders and history. This further complicates the history of the Kurds and the Medes. Politics played a huge part in this situation of course! In looking at the issues arising out of the border situation for the Kurds similarities with the Medes:

1. they live in the same region, Mesopotamian Plains and Mountains,
2. both have a history with Iran which was part of the Persian empire, 
3. they both maintained a separate identity,
4. they are known to this day as the people between two rivers. 

Today we accept the Kurds as a tribe in Turkey, in Iran, in Iraq and in Syria. This is where I get uncomfortable. Even if they were not the Medes, there was a separate Kurdish people. If the Kurds are an Indo-European people it would explain why they are said to look different to the others of the Middle East. The question then is why are the Kurds treated the way they are by all four of the nations?

In more recent years the Kurds came to our news coverage after the rising and spread of extremism. Some might know them as the resistance fighting against daesh (isis). Some would know them as a people fighting for independence in the Middle East (ME). Some may know them as forming a large part of the immigrants in Europe. Most would simply know them as believers of Islam. They are all that and much much more.

More history on Kurdistan can be found here 

The United Nations agreed to an independent state of Kurdistan in the 1920 Treaty of Sevres. But for reasons unknown to most of us, they were divided up as a people, relocated and placed under four other nations. No one seems to know how Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria ended up with such a responsibility which they proved to be unworthy off. Kurds are indigenous to the Mesopotamian plains or mountains. Why was there a 1923 Treaty of Lausanne? 

The more I learn about the Medes the more I am filled with wonder that they are such a huge part of Biblical history. From my research, I conclude that the Kurds are the most qualified people to make the claim of being the descendants of the Medes, a once powerful nation. I agree that Armenians can claim that they are descendants to the Medes due to being captured by them as well. But the Kurds as a people have a stronger case.

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THE ROLE OF POLITICS AND MEDIA IN CONSPIRACIES

    I cannot look at anything on social media without coming across a conspiracy. They appear to be more rampant than ever before. There was a time a rumour would be investigated and reported on. Nowadays if a story  does not fit in with the popular narrative it is automatically labeled a conspiracy theory or misinformation. 

According to Karen Douglas PhD, a conspiracy is usually, a proposed sinister plot carried out in secret often by a powerful group. She said that the conspiracies have always been part of society over centuries and they become more popular in crisis. 

Disinformation is the spread of incorrect information for propaganda. There is a direct relationship between conspiracy and disinformation. At the root of the conspiracies is distrust. Doubt will create space for conspiracies to be aired. Disinformation is effective as it manipulates distrust. Join me as I explore the relationship between conspiracies and disinformation in the following:

• popular conspiracies today
• disinformation and alternative realities
• the role of the media

As in previous blogs, I need to state that I am not discussing Bible scriptures. But it is difficult to separate some of the conspiracies from the Bible. One reason for this is usually non-believers like to label believers as heretics, rebels and conspiracy theorists. Meanwhile Christians like to see the futuristic Bible verses come true. There is an obvious cycle. It is called conspiracy until it really comes true and then the critics stay quiet.

POPULAR CONSPIRACIES

Research indicates that people who feel powerless and disillusioned would believe in conspiracy theories. I think that would be everyone in the world today. Due to the many insecurities in the world, it is natural for people to want to be a step ahead. 

In business this is a practise. People want to know what is ahead, they want to know they can trust it, they want to have it before the competition, and they want to share the information with colleagues. This is how information or theories are spread. 

In practise think about speculation. One man spreading a rumour can cause a brand or an entire country to fall. A well timed conspiracy can cause an election to be lost. Over the years, the main conspiracies revolve around:

• God vs the devil
• governments vs opposition
• nation vs nation
• nation vs world body
• people vs policy
• people vs government
• groups vs God

I do not think there is much difference between conspiracies from hundreds of years ago to today, except in how it is manipulated. 

India's mass sterilisation

Movies are made to earn money. Movies manipulate our fears and our theories by making them seem real. They feed on the basic themes of the conspiracy theories and they add a storyline. There are many apocalyptic films. The Thanos character in The Avengers starting from 2012 definitely fanned the flames of a  population reduction scheme that is very popular now. 

In India there was forced mass sterilisation in 1971, 73, 76, 2013-14. It did not have any Thanos movies in the 70s, it was all about food shortage and a growing population. Currently, the world is set for many economic crashes due to:

• mismanaged finances by government e.g. Lebanon
• lack of proper planning e.g. Iran, Iraq
• too high military expenditure e.g. Yemen
• military led governments
• years of war 

The situation for the type of action taken in India is similar today. Life has become so inhumane, disillusioned and desperate that babies are being abandoned all over Iraq. Here is a picture of this one week old baby. I have decided to do my part to honour the life of this child and those represented by this child, by posting his/her picture for everyone to see and remember.

Scarcity is a reality and people are facing many challenges. The most well intended government is being tried. The rampaging virus is not helping any nation as trade and production are negatively affected.

The people in many nations have trust issues. Based on the history of mankind, Can you blame anyone for thinking there is a heinous plan?  I cannot blame Indians for thinking this with the history they have. It is only natural to assume there is a plot similar to that of India. Why does the Georgia Guide Stones exist? It adds to the conspiracies. Is the intention to increase distrust and chaos, in society?

World bodies and propaganda

I particularly loved the movie Wonder Woman (2017, Jenkins) for the monologue on war. It was a statement of mankind having that ability to do evil but having to choose not to. When I looked at the movie the first time, I thought it was a commentary on the United Nations. 

I guess you might think I am biased but I have done research for other blogs on the Israel and Palestine issue and ended up with question marks on the UN's attitude on the situation. Perception can be based on pre-knowledge which can be either factual or not.

The propaganda against Israel is spread with blatant lies but the United Nations will not make a statement to correct them. There appears to be a different politics behind this issue in particular. An example is the claim of a two-state solution made popular. To the ordinary person, Israel is made to look like they are the ones who don't want a solution. 

The truth is, Palestine was offered a two-state option seven times. This allows other conspiracies to be spread about Israel. However, my questions are; Why allow these conspiracies to spread about Israel? Is it to appear as a justification for a further plan for Israel?  

Technology and conspiracies

There was a time when human chipping was a conspiracy. It is supposed to be part of the mark of the beast or the mark of the beast, spoken of by many Christians. Despite all the mocking responses, chipping is now a reality. Between 2019 and 2020 it became very popular in parts of Europe. Families did it together at chip parties. Participants said they wanted to be a cyborg. I think they found human life was boring. I wonder if cyborgs have sex and can reproduce?

To clarify, it is non-believers who will make the mark of the beast happen and here the technology exists and is being implemented by non-believers. I think two parts out of three parts of this conspiracy already happened. 

2,000 years ago, it was written by John of Patmos that a mark will be placed either in the hand or the forehead. As far as I am concerned this is possible. Temperature guns also use the same spots. Is this coincidence? How could John have known that technology today would follow this pattern?

Failure of systems

Another conspiracy was the New World Order which I heard of from both religious and non-religious groups. A new order is the new way. It is funny the choice of words that haunt us. Jesus declared to the Rabbinical Jews, I am the way, the truth and the life. He was saying He is the true way to receive life eternal. Here with this new order, the implication is that there is another new way or order over the old.

The Sustainable Development Goals has made no meaningful headway on a global scale. They replaced the Millennium Goals. Economic systems are challenged by new technologies. Education is no longer the traditional education as entrepreneurship has risen and there is demand for the curriculums to change. New industries due to new advances in science and technology are taking over old industries. There is need to improve our current systems and values.

Abrahamic Family House 

In 2016 I sat in a plane from New York to the UK and heard the welcome speech, ...is proud to be part of the New World Order.... Then of course there is this, the Abrahamic Family House in Ahbu Dhabi. With religious extremism responsible for acts of violence, terrorism and anti-semitism, it is only logical that there will be a push for tolerance and oneness. Making sense? 

Today the frigate Bayern departed from the port of Wilhelmshaven. It is on a seven-month operational deployment to Australia, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. German Foreign Minister Heiko Mas said   

Germany must demonstrate a presence in the Indo-Pacific region as it is one of the regions where the world order of the future will be determined...We want to be involved and take responsibility for the management of an international order based on laws 

German Defense Minister Angert Kramp-Kernbauer said, we are defending our values ​​and interests together with our partners and allies,...For our partners in the Indo - Pacific region, the reality is that the sea lanes are no longer open and secure and claims to land ownership are implemented by the Law of Power.

Who is Responsible?

Responsibility for conspiracies is not a popular topic but it should be. Hilary Clinton said that people will have to get rid of deep seated religious beliefs. Statements like this will fuel conspiracies. Add this with the title she carries, The Abortion Queen.  Any reasonable person will have question marks on her stance on the freedom to worship. 

Should such statements be made? If I were to analyse this I would wonder, What is deep seated? Why deep seated is being discussed when most religions do not support abortion? The average Christian will not support it. Support will not come from a new convert or a lukewarm believer. They need not have deep rooted beliefs. Then the question remains, Why deep seated? Why even bother when it is already being done in so many states? 

Conspiracies and Elections

In Trinidad and Tobago, the accusation was made that the elections was rigged. This was a hot topic for a short period of time and it died down. Then the same cry was echoed in the USA in 2016. The polls indicated that Democrats would win. Donald Trump defied the polls and won. I think he was shocked too. The lesson learnt was two-fold; 

• like the situation in Trinidad, never underestimate the silent majority
• quantitative research methods is not very dependable on its on

Trump again makes the claim in the 2020 elections when he lost. The funny thing is that he lost many cases and when he did win to do a recount, unaccounted votes were found.

Who are the theorists?

There is a wealth of conspiracies surrounding the virus, from its origins and spread, to its treatment, to reasons for variants, possible cures or vaccines. The saga or drama around it is depressing when one thinks about the many lives disrupted in such permanent or life changing ways. Even the amount of people dead because of the virus is questioned. 

Why would any virologist or doctor spend a lifetime working in the field and building a reputation suddenly decide to publish an opposing view to the narrative told in mainstream media, or that of WHO? Why risk the stigma to say that it is a scam, or to claim they are lying to us? There is much work involved in explaining the reason for the theories or claims and in promoting it. Yet, it is not received or it is simply labeled a conspiracy.

I hardly think that having a career destroyed is worth any amount of money. That rules out any conspiracy that someone is paying them to spread conspiracies. Who is a conspiracy theorists? Based on this health issue the conspiracy theorists are no longer the ordinary man or the religious fanatic. Accusations fall into the lap of the scientists and professionals. 

On this issue we are seeing in a big way how scientists and medical doctors are taking the lead in offering information. I think that the media institutions are mostly hindered by economics and therefore choose mainstream media stories. Who really gets to determine what is a conspiracy and what is not? 

DISINFORMATION AND ALTERNATIVE REALITIES

The obvious meaning of a conspiracy is that it is a plot by an enemy. People conspire or gather to plan against the ruling power. Practices in different fields that border on warfare similar to economic terrorism are part of the plans to undermine a ruling power or a country. Do you remember the many movies on a plot to kill the president of USA? 

Alternative realities is when the message is different and proof is offered but not accepted. This is where disinformation comes in. Disinformation is used in propaganda. But proven or not alternative messages are labeled as a conspiracy and scaled up can be disinformation or propaganda.

We are living in a time of alternative realities or facts (sarcasm).  Truth or lie, practically all communication is through the internet and traditional media. When I investigated the difference between marketing and propaganda, I uncovered the following:

• truth is the difference between propaganda and marketing
• propaganda is being used in warfare
• propaganda is based on manipulating emotions
• propaganda operates like a marketing campaign
• propaganda is used on a global scale
• algorithms are manipulated deliberately

The alternative reality is promoted by governments if it is convenient. If it is not convenient it is a conspiracy even if it is proven.

Disinformation

Recently the US Democratic government seized 33 websites with direct links to Iran's media and government. They are run by the Iranian Islamic Radio and Television Union and the Kata'ib Hezbollah. The Justice Department said they are disguised as media outlets and news organisations to spread disinformation. The department stated that they were influencing voters. 

Added to this they do not have the licences needed to operate. Logically, I would assume that they did influence voters in the last election against Donald Trump. Particularly since Democrats through President Obama established an especially close relationship with Iran. 

The spread of disinformation i.e. propaganda, is a conspiracy theory when Trump claims interference. Then it becomes real under the Democrats. It is even illegal when the influence is against the Democrats especially now that re-negotiations for the Iranian nuclear weapons development programme is a key issue.

Race and distraction

In terms of the enemy there are always accusations made against Russia and China. Many times we see people posting things about the food in China or anti-Communism slurs involving China. Then the British ex-pats would post that those claims are not true. 

Race is used against China too. For me this is strange. I am an in-betweener in different ways; brown skinned, not a mainstream media practitioner, not living in a super power country, not African/White/Chinese (hahaha). The race card is played conveniently and often against Chinese people. Usually, it creates the tension between Africans and Chinese people. It leads to violence on both sides. 

I think the Chinese people are treated as the fair-skinned African people in America. Strange? They are desired to build tourism, they are used as a distraction in politics, and they are misunderstood. They have the same identity crisis as Africans. The young African women and Chinese women whom I know, all dream of marrying the rich white man. 

Chinese people are mocked for the appearance of their eyes. Africans are faced with slurs against their noses. Who is really behind these conspiracies? It usually pops up when a distraction is needed in American politics. Conspiracies are used for a political purpose.

Representation and the new Other

Representation is affected negatively. The mantra all of 2019-20 in the business community was diversity, belonging and  inclusion. Yet if the opinion of an individual does not fit in with the popular narrative they are excluded. The narrative being told currently is that the unvaccinated are  spreading the virus. 

Plans are being made that do not include the unvaccinated in some countries. But this was so even before this latest narrative started spreading. An example is the green pass which was spoken of much earlier.  With it we are excluding the new Other who are unvaccinated. 

There is a new Other in the world. They are the unvaccinated. That means we are not allowing them to belong. They are being left out of the system and therefore discriminated against for jobs and access to institutions. If the story of the new Other is based on conspiracy, then there is demand for credible evidence. Millions of people from different types of societies are not buying into the narrative around the virus. 

Social proof

For years Israel claimed that Iran had a nuclear weapons development programme despite the Obama agreement. Iran denied it yet, uranium was found in locations it should not have been in. Iran accused Israel of crying wolf. In other words, it is just another conspiracy.

Today, not only does Iran finally admit that the nuclear plans were in Iran and stolen by Israel but that they are currently at 60% enrichment of uranium and on the way to the required 90% for a nuclear weapon. Israel was proven to be true. Conspiracies are based on what the public can accept as proof. 

It is not what the governments may or may not know. If the public can see the proof and use it they can believe it. But what if the proof is there but the public is not given access to it or it is blocked? Society has traditionally relied on the news to give us proof.

 THE ROLE OF MEDIA

Traditional media can get information the traditional way and report a different message if they wanted to. This may mean defying the government or world bodies. It may mean loosing advertisers and affect the money side of things.

The availability of information on the internet is supposed to make it easier to verify information and improve communication. This is not happening. Is it a fault of the search engines? While there can be some issues surrounding this, I do not think it is the problem in this case. 

Biased reportage can be due to the reduced amount of owners of media institutions. The media industry has shrunken. News hubs are less, stories are  cannibalised or churned out. Owners, editors and advertisers can determine the stories that are told by the media houses. 

This is how the news is manipulated to present a preferred narrative through traditional and new media. Economics is determining the stories we see and hear in the news and on mainstream media. It is a betrayal of trust by the public.

It has been long established that the news and documentaries are unbiased. Facts have been checked out and opposing views offered and weighed evenly against each other. The form of documentaries started as a medium to present the different sides of an issue, but now many are being produced with bias.

For those few investigative journalists or practitioners who report the truth, the industry is not welcoming or sustainable. I met a journalist while I was in the United Kingdom. She was upset that she risked her life to get a story in a war torn country and it was not going to be aired on the news.

It is a shame that there are journalists and others in the industry who create and promote fake news. I have seen footage of how Palestinians and reporters created scenes for fake protests in Israel. That narrative is in support of the pro-Palestinian cause. It is widely promoted on mainstream media. 

Generally, there is a lack of investigative journalism. With a drop in the standards, an atmosphere of tolerance for not so true facts is created. If the professional fields have lost standards then the ordinary man cannot be expected to do much different.

It is normal for people to attempt to research conspiracies or viewpoints but end up trying to prove their own perspective. Similar to the untrained staff now working in the industry, editors in the newspapers, the producers of documentaries etc. Research requires training. 

I am of the opinion that the media as a watchdog for the people has failed us. It is the media we rely on to prove or disprove the conspiracies using fair and unbiased reporting. 

This is not a comment on what is true or not. It is an environment that is manipulated for economic and or political reasons. It takes advantage of emotions, lack of unbiased information, lack of qualified media personnel, social media platform algorithms and media economics. 

Algorithms

Algorithms are manipulated by politicians, brands and propagandists. A simple example of this is in Iraq. USA has been under attack in Iraq by Iranian militia for months but this is not reported on, in the USA. Iran literally moved in military forces into Baghdad and it was not carried by mainstream media. 

Many of my American friends were unaware. The information is being blocked because it is being posted. Not being in the USA, I was able to access the posts. Is it the governments or the platforms responsible for blocking some of the information coming through? 

Governments have the power to legislate or change the narrative. It would be very difficult to accuse a government of blocking news from the population. This is where the conspiracy comes in. Proof will have to come from the government or from the media outlets or social media platforms. Deterrence is needed for a government or for ministers to avoid manipulating the freedom of information. 

I can illustrate this using the Abraham Accord. Now that the Democrats are in government. The staff cannot speak of the Abraham Accord but to instead refer to them as nomilisation agreements. This shows how simple the details can be taken out of the conversation.  It really is based on who is in power. Reminds me of Emperor Hadrian replacing the names of Judah and Jerusalem in all the maps and documents. 

The division between documented historical facts and politics is very thin. The division between media and democracy is no longer there as freedom of speech and expression or representation. I believe this is how the phrase mediocracy came about. 

President Buhari of Nigeria

Social media

Obviously, there are many of these theories on the social media platforms but there are also a lot of censored information too. It may be in response to government regulations or that of regional bodies. 

Twitter has been criticised for taking sides. The Nigerian president blocked Twitter after his post was deleted. The Indian government has been at odds with Twitter as well. Nigeria has been under attack from a pro-Biafra movement. Both government and civil officials have been murdered. 

Police stations and electoral offices were attacked and President Muhammadu Buhari took to Twitter. He tweeted that there will be a response to pro-Biafra groups. His account was suspended for 12 hours as members complained that he threatened genocide. Twitter said he violated the abusive behaviour policy. 

I want to now compare this to a post where no action was taken by Twitter. In this tweet the leader of Iran is calling for revenge for the killing of one of his Generals. The implied threat that went with it is the drone above the head of then President Donald Trump. While the death of Trump is implied he literally uses the words revenge. 

Trump has complained on numerous occasions of fake news and of the social media platforms choosing sides. Conservative or right wing supporters in the USA have complained that their accounts have been censored  or dropped on both Facebook and Twitter. Many conservative supporters in Israel have complained of the same. There is a specific narrative and it is global in impact and storyline. It is not a conservative narrative. 

It appears to be more an issue of the social media platforms making the decisions than it being the governments. However, this needs to be further studied. As it can look like new and traditional media is entirely based on economics. Platforms may be basing their rules on the highest bidders. The algorithms are up for hire!

SUMMARY

 

It is very curious to me that in researching this blog I ended up with the view that the conspiracies are treated in two ways. The false ones seem to be allowed unhindered. The truth-based or seemingly logical assumptions seem to be the ones that are causing the push back.  

Blame for the lack of truth lies on the politicians, world bodies and the media more than with the ordinary man. I think there is a convergence of different aspects of the new media and social media environment that makes it ripe for conspiracies. 

The old systems appear to have failed us but they were not agile enough to allow us to improve them in any significant way. The end result is the chaos and despair we see showing up in different nations.  

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Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/02/twitter-deletes-nigerian-presidents-abusive-biafra-tweet Accessed July 30, 2021 at 1:55pm

https://freebeacon.com/biden-administration/state-department-shuns-term-abraham-accords/ Accessed on July 30, 2021 at 1:45pm

https://nypost.com/2021/06/23/doj-seizes-website-domains-linked-to-iranian-government/ Accessed on July 30, 2021 at 3:30pm

https://www.esquireme.com/content/53274-abu-dhabi-reveals-names-of-the-mosque-church-and-synagogue-in-its-abrahamic-family-house Accessed July 31, 2021 at 11:25 pm

https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories Accessed on August 1, 2021 at 9:30 pm

http://beholdisrael.org

https://edwardsnowden.substack.com/p/conspiracy-pt1 Accessed on August 2, 2021 at 12:40 am