Officials and investors are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of a new world war, as conflicts escalate in various regions [464c2bfe]. The threat of World War Three is looming large in the public consciousness [81c59c1d]. Politicians and commentators around the world, including Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Margarita Simonyan, have all mentioned the possibility of World War Three [e0d1a1f4]. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Chief of the General Staff Gen Sir Patrick Sanders have expressed concerns about the readiness of the UK army [e0d1a1f4]. Historians and geostrategists have warned about the dangers of a shift from a unipolar world [e0d1a1f4]. Illiberal powers like Russia, China, and Iran have formed a solid alliance [e0d1a1f4]. If America's decline continues and it withdraws from NATO, it could leave Europe undefended [e0d1a1f4]. China might invade Taiwan, and Putin could take advantage of the situation to settle scores with former Russian provinces [e0d1a1f4]. The seriousness of the current geopolitical situation is emphasized, with potential impacts on energy prices, food costs, international trade, and diplomatic ties [f2770c0c] [b1615d8a] [81c59c1d]. Investors and policymakers are closely monitoring the situation, as any type of military conflict has the potential to disrupt the world economy [227217c4] [b1615d8a] [81c59c1d].
The conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalating situation in Gaza, is a major source of concern [1d715367] [b1615d8a] [81c59c1d] [51fbb2fa]. British Secretary of State for Defense, Grant Shapps, calls for restraint from Iran and de-escalation, condemning their attacks on commercial shipping vessels and American military personnel [51fbb2fa]. Shapps also expresses the desire to see an end to the conflict in Israel and Gaza and supports a two-state solution with security guarantees for Israel [51fbb2fa].
Shapps warns that the entire world order is at stake and emphasizes the need to wake up to the real threat posed by Russia and other nations [51fbb2fa]. The situation in the Middle East, particularly the war in Ukraine and tensions with Iran, is seen as a potential flashpoint [81c59c1d] [51fbb2fa]. However, some experts argue that conflict with Russia is avoidable if Putin can be persuaded to end his involvement in Ukraine [81c59c1d]. The West is urged to focus on addressing these threats and strengthening NATO [81c59c1d].
Despite the concerns, Jared Bernstein, Chair of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers, reassures that the conflict is not currently seen as a shock that could disrupt U.S. economic growth [8fe1c62b]. However, the impact on oil prices is being closely monitored [8fe1c62b] [b1615d8a] [81c59c1d]. Bernstein expresses optimism about the U.S. economy and states that a potential government shutdown would not lead to a recession, although the duration of any disruption is uncertain [8fe1c62b] [b1615d8a] [81c59c1d].
John Piper, a prominent Christian leader, expressed optimism about the future of global Christian missions even if current conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East lead to World War III [cdab41db]. Piper believes that wars and rumors of wars will not stop God's mission of world evangelization. He cited examples of missionary organizations and efforts that were founded during major conflicts such as the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War [cdab41db]. The conflict in the Middle East is expanding, with recent strikes on the Iran-backed Houthi militia group in Yemen and missile attacks by Hezbollah on Israel. Despite these escalating tensions, Piper remains hopeful about the future of global Christian missions [cdab41db].
Financial markets are not reflecting the risks of World War Three, despite the increasing geopolitical tensions and warnings from politicians and the military [190e70e3]. The current complacency in financial markets may be shattered by harsh realities in the future [190e70e3].
On May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, a million people gather at the Fatima shrine in Portugal. The apparitions in Fatima in 1917 inspired millions and shaped the map of Europe. This year, the solar storm generating Northern Lights in the American South recalled the historical events associated with Fatima. The predictions revealed at Fatima included the famous Third Secret, which predicted an attack on the pope, and a warning that a worse war would break out if people did not repent. The events of Fatima were followed by the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 and the outbreak of World War II in 1939. The story of Fatima has inspired books, films, and documentaries. Pope John Paul II, who was shot in 1981, believed that Our Lady of Fatima saved his life and fulfilled the final request for a consecration made at Fatima in 1984. Within a few years, communism was retreating across Europe and the Soviet Union ceased to exist. The article suggests that prayer and the fulfillment of daily duties may have played a role in keeping the world out of war. As the world faces the threat of expanding conflict, the article emphasizes the importance of prayer and daily work for world peace. [01765310] [26a9a66b]