WHEN BOMBS FALL ON A UN MEMBER STATE

WHEN BOMBS FALL ON A UN MEMBER STATE

 

Broad, same-day reporting confirms that in the early hours of February 28, 2026, coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes hit targets across Iran, including locations in and around its capital. Washington has described the action as the beginning of “major combat operations,” while President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Iranian population to rise against its ruling authorities. Tehran has already responded with missile launches toward Israel and toward American installations across the Middle East.

What gives this moment its exceptional gravity is not simply the violence itself, but its juridical setting. Iran is a recognized sovereign member of the United Nations. Under the UN Charter — the foundational legal framework governing relations among states since 1945 — the use of force is tightly constrained.

Article 2(4) states: “All members shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.” This clause lies at the heart of the modern international order. It means that military action against another UN member state is, in principle, prohibited.

There are only two recognized pathways by which such force may be lawfully used. The first is collective authorization by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter, particularly Article 42, which allows military enforcement action when international peace and security are deemed to be under threat. No such authorization has been reported in this case. The second is self-defense. 

Article 51 provides: “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations.” Accordingly, the central legal question now shaping global interpretation is whether the strikes were undertaken as an act of immediate self-defense; for example, to halt an imminent nuclear threat, or whether they were undertaken to alter the governing structure of another sovereign state.

This distinction has been sharpened by accompanying rhetoric. Public appeals for Iranians to overthrow their own government suggest an objective extending beyond neutralizing military capabilities toward political transformation. Such an aim intersects directly with Article 2(7) of the Charter, which affirms that: “Nothing… shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.”

While this clause primarily limits UN intervention, it has long been understood to reflect the broader norm of non-interference in the internal political order of sovereign states. 

Iran’s retaliatory missile launches are already being framed by Tehran as actions undertaken in self-defense under Article 51. Many states, even those critical of Iranian policy, may find it difficult to dismiss that legal claim if Iran is judged to have been the initial target of armed attack. Thus, what is unfolding is not merely another Middle Eastern escalation. It is a confrontation taking place within, and testing the limits of the legal architecture that has governed interstate conflict for nearly eight decades.

At stake is not only the trajectory of this conflict, but the continuing authority of the Charter system itself: whether the prohibition on force in Article 2(4), the protections of sovereignty implicit in Article 2(7), and the narrow exception of self-defense in Article 51 still function as meaningful restraints when major powers perceive existential danger.

In short, the crisis now unfolding is forcing the international community to confront a foundational question; whether the rules designed to prevent war among sovereign states still command obedience when the stakes are judged to be ultimate.

Author John Murray Reviews my Book, 'I AM 83'

A REVIEW: John Murray, himself an author, wrote this about my book ‘I AM 83’.

“Just finished your book this morning. Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for it. Thanks so much for taking the time, the effort and the determination to research and write this book. It is informative, motivational, comforting but challenging and a wake-up call for seniors. It is pretty comprehensive. In fact I can't think of any other aspect of life in our latter years which you don't cover. Thanks again Ron.”

John has written, “It’s All About Love,” subtitled ‘Confessions of a Caregiver.’ His wife Rita recently passed away after a 17-year struggle with Parkinsons. John provided personal care to her through all those years.

AMAZON: I AM 83 by Ron Unruh

BOOK LAUNCH DAY AND MY 83RD BIRTHDAY

Today, September 13, 2025, is A DAY OF DOUBLE CELEBRATION — my 83rd birthday and the official launch of my newest book, I AM 83.

I’m delighted to share that the book is now available on [Amazon.ca] and [Amazon.com] in three formats: Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Hardcover. Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone you love, this book is meant to inspire reflection, conversation, and hope.
Even though my age and the book’s title align, I AM 83 is not about me.
Rather, its 277 pages are written for seniors from 65 to 90 plus, with whom I share this stage of life. This is my invitation to pull up a chair, enjoy a slice of cake, and reflect together on the journey of late life. Our lives are seasoned by decades of milestones, detours, joys, and sorrows. At this stage, life is about meaning, memory, limitation, and the possibilities that remain unfinished.
With candor, warmth and hope, I seek to remind us to live with eyes wide open, seeing the beauty of now, while glimpsing the glory of what is yet to come.

Please consider purchasing a copy for yourself of gifting one to a parent or grandparent or friend. Thank you for your interest and support and for celebrating this milestone with me!

'I AM 83' MY NEWEST BOOK & THIS ONE IS FOR SENIORS

I AM 83. This book of 277 pages is close to my heart because I am living it and I am learning so much. 

This is my book for seniors, from 65 to 90 plus. I am excited to share it with you on September 13, my birthday, because I know you want to continue to learn, grow, thrive and help others. Knowing me, it comes as no surprise that the element of faith is a foundational emphasis as my writing unfolds.

A GLIMPSE INTO 'I AM 83'.

A Glimpse Into “I AM 83”

From the Online Advert: “Ron Unruh celebrates his 83rd birthday with this new book - an invitation for seniors to pull up a chair, share a slice of cake, and reflect together on the journey of late life. He writes especially for those in their late sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties and beyond. Your life has been seasoned by decades of milestones, detours, joys and sorrows. At this stage, life is about meaning, memory, limitation, and unfinished possibility.

This book unfolds in three movements: Looking Back, Living Now, and Leaning Forward.

• Looking Back explores the value of remembering - reviewing our personal stories with honesty, gratitude, and insight, drawing out what the years have taught us.
• Living Now turns to the present, facing the challenges and opportunities of ageing with courage, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose, including the purpose of passing on wisdom to younger generations.
• Leaning Forward opens the door to the questions many of us carry quietly: death, what lies beyond, and the joy of God's presence.

Ron's aim is not simply to reminisce but to reassure, to embolden you and himself to live fully, wisely, and faithfully as we prepare for the life that begins after our final breath.
With candor, warmth and hope, Ron reminds us to live with eyes wide open, seeing the beauty of now, while glimpsing the glory of what is yet to come. “The book releases September 13 on Amazon—watch for the link here.”)

REBUILDING TRUST IN A DISTRUSTFUL AGE

Rebuilding Trust in a Distrustful Age

How the Church Can Be a Light in Canada’s Growing Shadow

By Ron Unruh

 

Canadian churches can play a pivotal role in rebuilding trust within society, offering a compelling alternative to the prevailing narratives of disillusionment and division. The newly released 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a sobering truth: Canadians are increasingly skeptical of nearly every major institution. Yet for the Church, this is not a cause for fear. It is a clear invitation to respond with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

 

The Erosion of Trust in Canada

According to the Edelman report, trust in government, media, and corporate leaders has plummeted.

67% of Canadians believe government leaders purposely mislead them.

66% feel the same about business executives.

62% don’t trust journalists to tell the truth.

Even traditional media, once seen as a stabilizing voice, is trusted by only 58% of Canadians. Social media ranks even lower, at 28%.

 

Among young adults, nearly 70% believe hostile activism is a legitimate way to drive change. For many in this rising generation, hope in institutional change has collapsed. They are angry, disillusioned, and deeply distrustful of the systems meant to serve them.

 

An Opportunity for the Church

In such a climate, the Church is uniquely positioned to offer something different, something better. Unlike other institutions, the Church need not, and it must not be built on or focus on human power structures but rather on the person of Jesus Christ, the One who is faithful and true. This is not the time for churches to retreat or remain silent. This is the time to live what we proclaim: that Jesus is Lord and that His Kingdom stands in contrast to the kingdoms of this world.

To do so, we must:

Practice transparency in leadership and decision-making.

Foster authentic community, where people are known, valued, and loved.

Equip the next generation with wisdom grounded in Scripture, not just reactionary trends.

Stand for justice, showing that the Gospel addresses both personal transformation and systemic brokenness.

When nearly three-quarters of Canadians believe the wealthy take more than their fair share, and 62% feel both business and government serve only the privileged, the Church must clearly demonstrate that we serve a Savior who came not to be served, but to serve.

 

A Trustworthy Witness in Uncertain Times

Canadians are afraid of discrimination, of economic instability, of being deceived. In such a culture of fear, the Church must become a people of peace. Not peace defined by comfort or silence, but peace grounded in the shalom of God, a peace that restores dignity and brings wholeness.

This is our moment to be a trustworthy witness. That means leading with humility, listening with love, and living out the truth of the gospel in visible, credible ways.

The credibility gap in Canada is real. But instead of seeing it as a threat, we can see it as an opening for the gospel. When other voices lose their influence, the voice of the Church, rooted in Christ, has a chance to be heard more clearly.

Let us not waste this opportunity.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

 

A Call to Action

If Canadian churches, pastors, boards, and seminaries become truly aware of what this report reveals, we can respond wisely and biblically. The moment calls not for reactionary fear, but for redemptive presence.

This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action. Let the Church in Canada rise, not to restore trust in institutions, but to invite people into trust in Christ, who alone is worthy.

 

CANADIANS’ TROUBLED NATIONAL PSYCHE

CANADIANS’ TROUBLED NATIONAL PSYCHE

And What Can Be Done About It

Ron Unruh

 

I have read the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer and copied detailed notes to myself. It reveals a sobering reality; Canadians are increasingly disillusioned with government, business, and other institutions. 

 TRUST UNDER PRESSURE

Edelman Trust Institute

2025 Edelman Trust Barometer 

World Events Put Trust Under Pressure, specially over 25 Year Period.

 

Trust, Wealth, and Workplace Fears: A Snapshot of Canadian Sentiment

In Canada, Business remains the most trusted institution when it comes to doing what is right, ranking higher than NGOs, media, and government. Among these institutions, only Business is perceived as both competent and ethical. Scientists and Teachers are seen as more likely to do what is right than institutional leaders, neighbors, fellow citizens, CEOs, journalists, and government officials. Notably, trust in "my CEO," "government leaders," and "all CEOs" lags behind that of educators and researchers.

There is also a strong sense of economic unfairness. A clear majority of Canadians (73%) believe the wealthy take more than their fair share, while 61% feel the wealthy don't pay their fair share of taxes. Additionally, many agree that the selfishness of the wealthy contributes to a range of societal problems.

Concerns around job stability are growing, especially in the context of global uncertainties. Rising geopolitical fears worsen job security. A significant percentage of employees say their job security feels threatened by:

Globalization:

International trade conflicts (53%)

Foreign competitors (50%)

Offshoring (44%)

Economic pressures and a looming recession, compounded by:

Advancing technology (52%)

Automation (50%)

Lack of training opportunities (52%)

These statistics paint a picture of a workforce increasingly anxious about the future, and a society grappling with questions of fairness, leadership, and trust.

 

A Bleak Outlook: Fear, Distrust, and Rising Hostility Among Canadians

Our Future is in Peril. We Lack Optimism for the Next Generation. Canadians are increasingly pessimistic about the future. Only 21% believe the next generation will be better off than today, a stark contrast to 69% of people in Saudi Arabia and China, where optimism about the future remains high.

Among young adults in Canada, a troubling trend is emerging: 67%, nearly 7 in 10, view hostile activism as a legitimate way to drive change. This includes:

24% who engage in attacking people online

24% who intentionally spread disinformation

20% who are willing to threaten or commit acts of violence

24% who support damaging public or private property

Meanwhile, public trust in leaders is eroding at an alarming rate. A growing number of Canadians believe their leaders intentionally mislead them, by making statements they know are false or grossly exaggerated.

67% fear government leaders are lying to them (up from 46% in 2021)

66% fear business leaders are being dishonest (up from 50% in 2021)

62% fear journalists and reporters are misleading the public (up from 49% in 2021)

These figures underscore a climate of growing cynicism, disillusionment, and desperation, especially among the younger generation, who increasingly question whether traditional institutions and truth itself can still be trusted.

 

Mistrust in Media, Fear of Discrimination, and Growing Grievances

In Canada, 63% of people express concern about the credibility of news sources, saying it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between respected journalism and content designed to mislead. No single news source enjoys complete public trust:

58% trust traditional media

56% trust media accessed through search engines

36% trust owned media (such as company publications)

28% trust social media platforms

This erosion of trust in media is accompanied by deep societal concerns. Roughly 1 in 2 Canadians across most demographics fear discrimination—whether due to prejudice, racism, or other forms of bias:

By gender: 48% of men, 52% of women

By age: 57% of those aged 18–34, 53% of those 35–54, and 43% of those 55+

By income: 52% of low-income, 54% of middle-income, and 45% of high-income Canadians

Further compounding public frustration, 62% of Canadians say they have a grievance against business, government, and the wealthy. These grievances include the belief that:

Business and government serve only a select few

Their actions cause personal harm

The system unfairly favors the rich

And that "the rich are getting richer" while others are left behind

Together, these findings point to a growing sense of alienation, skepticism, and unrest, warning signs of a nation grappling with trust on multiple fronts.

 

I accept that Canadian church leadership should be aware of these details. This moment presents a powerful opportunity for the Church to step forward, not with fear, but with clarity, compassion, and conviction. It’s a time for our churches to live what we proclaim: that Jesus Christ is Lord and His Kingdom is not like the systems of this world. By practicing transparency in leadership, creating spaces of authentic community, and equipping the next generation with wisdom and hope, the Church can stand out as a trustworthy witness in uncertain times. We must not ignore the distrust and division around us. Rather, our response must be as those who know the One who brings peace, restores dignity, and holds history in His hands. This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action.

 

Restoring Trust: Toward a More Honest, Inclusive, and Hopeful Future

The deep fractures in Canadian trust—across media, leadership, economic fairness, and societal inclusion—require more than short-term fixes. They call for courageous, coordinated responses from every sector of society. Here are several pathways forward:

1. Rebuilding Credibility Through Transparency

Institutions—especially media, government, and business—must commit to greater transparency. This means:

Clear sourcing and fact-checking in journalism

Open communication from leaders, including public acknowledgment of mistakes

Ethical business practices that are accountable to the public, not just shareholders

People trust those who speak honestly, admit complexity, and engage humbly. Restoring credibility means rejecting spin in favor of truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. Investing in Civic and Digital Literacy

With 63% of Canadians unsure whether they can trust the news they see, and with social media trusted by only 28%, there is an urgent need to teach people how to critically evaluate information. Schools, community organizations, and online platforms should:

Promote media literacy education, especially among youth

Encourage discernment over outrage, and depth over virality

Provide accessible tools to identify misinformation and disinformation. An informed public is the best defense against manipulation.

3. Addressing Inequity with Tangible Reform

When 62% of Canadians believe the system serves the rich and harms the rest, the solution is not platitudes—it’s reform. Possible measures include:

Progressive tax policies that ensure the wealthy contribute fairly

Public accountability for government spending and subsidies

Support for small and mid-sized businesses that build inclusive growth

When people see that systems work for everyone—not just the elite—grievances begin to dissolve.

4. Fostering Dialogue Instead of Division

The rise in hostile activism, particularly among younger Canadians, reveals both frustration and a deep desire to be heard. Constructive alternatives must be created:

Civic engagement platforms that amplify diverse voices in decision-making

Local town halls and forums where disagreement doesn’t lead to dismissal

Mentorship and leadership opportunities that empower youth to build, not burn

Anger without hope becomes destructive. But anger with a voice and a vision can lead to reform.

5. Leading with Integrity and Empathy

Finally, Canadians long for leaders—whether in media, government, or business—who act with moral clarity. Rebuilding trust requires leadership that:

Listens first

Tells the truth, not what polls approve

Serves the many, not the few

This is not idealism. It’s a return to what leadership is meant to be: stewardship on behalf of others.

6. The Role of the Faith Community in Public Consciousness 

I accept that Canadian church leadership should be aware of these details. This moment presents a powerful opportunity for the Church to step forward, not with fear, but with clarity, compassion, and conviction. It’s a time for our churches to live what we proclaim: that Jesus Christ is Lord and His Kingdom is not like the systems of this world. By practicing transparency in leadership, creating spaces of authentic community, and equipping the next generation with wisdom and hope, the Church can stand out as a trustworthy witness in uncertain times. We must not ignore the distrust and division around us. Rather, our response must be as those who know the One who brings peace, restores dignity, and holds history in His hands. This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action.

 

In Conclusion

The statistics reveal a troubled national psyche. But they also reveal an opportunity. Canadians still care deeply about truth, fairness, and a better future. What’s needed now is the collective courage to confront hard truths, make meaningful changes, and build a society where trust is not demanded, but earned.