The United States admitted that the Islamic State (IS) is the most dangerous group it has faced in recent years.Then known as (ISIL) this jihadist group declared their vision of a wider Muslim caliphate as they captured Mosul, Iraq in June. This organization according to General Dempsey,has an apocalyptic end of days strategic vision as it released an execution video beheading an American journalist that raised fears to the region and the world. Defense Secretary Hagel said, “This is beyond anything we have seen, they marry ideology and a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess, and they are tremendously well funded.” The Middle East is facing a long-term battle to defeat them. General Dempsey said, the fight could not be won by US military prowess alone, this jihadist group could be destroyed if local separate Sunni communities remove it and regional powers unite to fight it. US Attorney General Holder said, "We will not forget what happened and people will be held accountable - one way or the other." Justice must be done.

Tidbits:

The stakes are high on both sides. Israeli leaders are warning the world they won't tolerate a terrorist commune in the Gaza Strip. In order to have peace in the region, Israel must "get rid of Hamas."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, "Israel has a duty to protect its citizens from rocket attacks by Hamas and other threats. It is beyond question.

Hamas, meanwhile, tried to rally support among Gazans exposing vulnerable residents to the fighting.

Israel continues to battle worldwide condemnation of its military efforts to stop Palestinian rocket barrages and expose the Islamists' anti-Israel spirit.

Many Israelis know God has never and will never abandon them. It seems they're coming closer to the day when all the nations of the world will turn against the Jewish homeland. When that happens, God Himself will defend Israel.