Tension between two nations becomes international conflict between allies
Two nations currently part of a tense ceasefire are causing an international conflict among members of NATO. The nation of Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently in tentative peace deal following a conflict over disputed land. Each side claiming the land is their own, the fighting lasted about two weeks old but caused larger issues among the international community. According to report Turkey has taken the side of Azerbaijan.
The president of France and other leaders have condemned the conflict, accusing Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan of sending jihadists to help aid in the conflict. Activists and international community leaders say the conflict is more than a border dispute, it is a war between two faiths: Christian and Islamic. The tension between the two nations is now causing NATO members to threaten sanctions against the nation of Turkey. The nation of Armenia has a long fractured history with Turkey. The nation yearly marks the Armenian genocide which killed 1.5 million Armenian Christians by the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey); an incident Turkish officials have long denied and refuse to acknowledge. Turkey’s president has made headlines in the past few months for his claims that Christians in that nation are the cause of COVID-19, his declaration that Jerusalem still belongs to Turkey, and his growing loyalty to countries known to support terrorist activity. According to French website France 24 a tentative peace deal was reached between the two nations October 10th.
US Department of Justice supports church in lawsuit against District of Columbia
The US Department of Justice has announced a decision on a lawsuit involving a historic church in the nation’s capital. According to reports Capital Hill Baptist church has filed a lawsuit against DC’s mayor and the city for prohibiting its worship services. Representatives for the church say they have been prohibited from having more than 100 people in service since March 11th of this year. The city and mayor Muriel Bowser claim the restriction is due to COVID-19 precautions. In a statement released by the church leadership they note that the mayor and the city have not restricted peaceful protests that have occurred in the city in the past few months. The city has continued to deny the church indoor and outdoor permit requests for their entire congregation to gather for service. Leaders say the church does not have a social media presence meaning the majority of their 850 member congregation has not been in service for over six months. The US Department of Justice released a statement on the lawsuit saying, “The Justice Department is committed to defending both of these fundamental freedoms and in supporting all Americans' rights to worship as they choose.” The statement further supported the church noting how DC’s city authorities and mayor ignored the fundamental rights of the church. The mayor and city officials have not commented on the decision.
NY Governor continues to defend closing of State’s churches & synagogues
The state of New York is also in the midst of legal battles with churches due to its continued restrictions on religious gatherings. Governor Andrew Cuomo says the continued ban on mass gatherings is due to COVID-19 hot spots in the state. Churches, synagogues and other houses of worship are restricted to gatherings of less than 25 percent according to COVID-19 mandates in New York state. The state recently held emergency sessions after being sued by Jewish leaders who want to gather for upcoming celebrations and holidays. Several leaders and organizations have accused Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio of unfairly targeting the Jewish communities in New York City and New York State. The governor recently held a press conference claiming the Jewish community had gathered without permission and without masks citing a photo he showed to the press. Cuomo used it to justify his restrictions; the photo was later found to be taken in 2006. Lawsuits from religious organizations against the Governor and the state are still pending, but the state’s attorney general says he does not see a violation of any amendment rights.
SNBC HEALTH report :the health benefits of Oregano oil
According to research the herb is not just useful for flavoring foods. Oregano oil is found to be effective against norovirus. Doctors doing research on the oil found it was effective against certain forms of norovirus because of nutrients naturally found in the oil. Oregano oil is used as a pain reliever and antibacterial agent. The oil was also found to help consumers relax according to researchers. Oregano oil can also be used to relieve allergies, sinus issues, and coughs. When purchasing oregano oil one expert advises buying from a trusted manufacturer to make sure the oil is 100 percent pure. The same expert also advised diluting the oil with water or using a carrier oil such as olive, coconut or jojoba oil for topical use. You can test the oil by using it on a small part of the skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.