How Far Do The Island's Powers Extend?

It seems that "the island" has powers that can extend worldwide (which 
is something we hadn't seen in seasons 1-2):

"The island" stopped Michael from killing himself in New York City, Mr. 
Friendly said.

It may be that "the island" stopped Jack from killing himself in L.A.

Ben told Juliet that Jacob (who evidently represents "the island") can 
cure the cancer of her sister who lives in ****tland OR (???).

Maybe Locke was right when he told Jack that "the island" brought them 
there.

But Locke also said it was their *destiny* to go there.

If you put it all together, it implies that Jacob/the island was 
controlling the destiny of all the Lostaways for--years leading up to 
their flying on Flight 814?

Jacob = God?  Is that where this is heading?

Is there some place on earth you can go where the island can't affect 
you anymore?


-- 
Steven L.
Email:  sdlitvin@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 the NOSPAM before replying to me.