January 2002 Vol.5, No. 1 Contents Europe at the Crossroads-What Does It Mean? by John Ross Schroeder Restoration: Going Safely Into the Unknown by Darris McNeely Imagine a World Without the United States by Melvin Rhodes Asking the Tough Question: Has Religion Failed? by Cecil E. Maranville The Biblical Origins of the Arab Peoples by Gary Petty In Brief...World News Review by John Foster, Cecil E. Maranville, Ken Martin and Jim Tuck This Is the Way...How Strong Is Your Tea Bag? by Robin Webber Europe at the Crossroads- What Does It Mean? The introduction of the euro coincides with the joint declaration of the European Union nations at the recent summit at Laeken, Belgium. These benchmark events will affect your life, long term-in ways you may not have envisioned. by John Ross Schroeder Where is Europe headed now? The leaders of the European Union (EU) recently declared that "the Union stands at a crossroads, a defining moment in its existence" (Laeken Summit text, emphasis added). They see the decisions made at Laeken as a far-reaching declaration for the future of Europe, heralding a new era in its long existence as a civilization. Coinciding with the EU's secular mission statement is the emergence of the euro as a real in-pocket currency. Said Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, "We will become a greater Europe with the euro. We shall become stronger, wealthier" (Associated Press). The euro's impact A biblical proverb tells us that "money answers all things." This is the real reason for a lot of things that may initially puzzle us. Clearly the euro will go a long way towards unifying Europe even further. Even the three EU countries that have not yet subscribed to the single currency will find themselves being irresistibly pulled towards the center of Europe. Many familiar British retail chains like Virgin and Marks & Spencer have already decided to accept euro notes and coins in their shops, nationwide. Undoubtedly many others will soon follow. Britons may face the prospect of having to cope with an extra currency in their own country. Seasoned observers feel that 15 million annual visitors from the European continent with euros in their pockets and purses, plus the inevitable effect of tourists from the British Isles visiting Europe, will help assure the eventual demise of the pound. Read the full article at www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp0201/index.htm Related Information on UCG Sites: Table of Contents that includes "Europe at the Crossroads-What Does It Mean?" Other Articles by John Ross Schroeder European Union - Euro: _World News Review December 1998 _Oskar Lafontaine _The Euro-Implications for England and America _The Euro Is Here! _World News Review March 1999 _Just What Is Happening in Europe? _Book Review-Euro Crash 2007 _Europe's New Money _What Others Are Saying About the Euro _World News Review Jun 2002 _How Soon Will Britain Embrace the Euro? _The Battle of the Giants -- Who Will Win? _Is America in Financial Decline? _Germany's Rising Economic and Political Power _The Euro Celebrates Its 10th Birthday _An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jul/Aug 1998 _The Euro and War _The Euro: Crucial Step for a Future Superpower? _An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jan/Feb 2002 Search Our Site Key Subjects Index General Topics Index Biblical References Index Good News Magazine Index Booklets and All Literature Index Home Page of this site