According to Portugal's Foreign Minister, Luis Amado, when Portugal takes over the EU's presidency in July, the EU beast will change its eastward direction and begin going south Read about it here.

Perhaps nothing is more important to nations than their energy security. And, since Russia is proving to be a unreliable provider of energy, the EU heads are looking elsewhere -- to the Middle East. For example, last year's EU/Russia summit was of utmost importance to the EU heads. This year, their High Representative, Javier Solana, may skip the first day Read about it here. Although it's true Solana had an important, prior commitment, everyone knew this when the summit date was set. In other words, I suspect the EU is sending a message to Russia. The message is: We've got other options.

And, one of those options is securing the energy supplies of the Middle East. That's why, at their December 2006 European Council, the EU heads tasked Solana with reviving the Middle East peace process. And, in a short time, Solana began having success. Once again, the Arab's were willing to make peace with Israel Read about it here  I  And here.

Unfortunately, a deal breaker appeared. Radical Hamas became part of a new Palestinian unity government and peace became a bridge too far -- even for Solana.

Now we are hearing about a possible war between Hamas and Fatah -- the other member of the Palestinian unity government Read about it here. We also read about the US arming the more moderate Fatah and the EU refusing to lift their financial embargo on Hamas. The implications appear obvious -- the US, the EU, the Arab states, whether they admit it or not, are eager to get rid of Hamas Read about it here.

Friends, just like the Bible foretold (Daniel 7:7-8, 9:27), the old Roman Empire is back under the leadership of a 10-nation military alliance and a single Mr. Europe.

And, it's going south.