1. Military Court Ruling Paves Way to Restart Tribunals at Guantanamo Bay - IFA
A decision Monday night by a military court of review will pave the way for the Pentagon to restart its terrorism tribunals for detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "We welcome the court's decision," said Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey D. Gordon, a Pentagon spokesman. "We will proceed expeditiously to get military commissions back to trial at Guantanamo." Critics of the prison at the Guantanamo Bay naval base said they expected the Pentagon to try to quickly begin trials for two of the detainees who had been charged, and to move to rapidly charge three more. The Supreme Court is to take up the issue this fall. Supporters of the system argue that the Supreme Court is unlikely to throw out the entire military commissions system because it has been blessed by Congress. (Source: Intercessors for America; www.ifapray.com)
· Father we continue to ask that You bring wisdom to all of our courts, both civilian and military, so that trials of suspected terrorists can proceed. We ask that Your protection will preside over all adjudications and decisions, and that they will be done in the best interests of America.
· He guards the paths of justice. . . (Proverbs 2:8a)
2. Judge Rules Two Patriot Act Provisions Unlawful - AP
Two provisions of the USA Patriot Act are unconstitutional because they allow search warrants to be issued without a showing of probable cause, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken ruled that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, as amended by the Patriot Act, "now permits the executive branch of government to conduct surveillance and searches of American citizens without satisfying the probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment."
· Lord we pray that You protect the freedoms of our Constitution as we fight the war on terror. But we also ask that law enforcement not be endlessly trapped in red tape that prohibits their ability to track terrorists. If this latest decision in any way is detrimental to the nation, we ask that You overturn it.
· Learn to do good; seek justice . . . (Isaiah 1:17)
3. Higher Gas Taxes, New Carbon Fees, Democrat Insists - CNSNews.com
Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) is proposing a new carbon tax to reduce U.S. energy consumption. Part of the proceeds, he said would help pay for universal health care --"upon passage," he noted.
· Lord we bind the constant plans to add more tax burdens to the American people, and sneak socialist legislation in to our system. We pray that Your truth will break the deceptions that threaten to change our entire way of life.
· He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces. (Psalm 107:14)
4. US Video Shows Potential Destruction from Hacker Hit on Power Grid - ABC News
A government video shows the potential destruction caused by hackers seizing control of a crucial part of the U.S. electrical grid: an industrial turbine spinning wildly out of control until it becomes a smoking hulk and power shuts down.
· Thank You, Lord, that this video gives government officials a warning of what could happen if their vigilance is not maintained. We humbly ask Your continued protection against any cyber attacks from foreign interests or crazy individuals.
· Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, your habitation, no evil shall befall you. . . (Psalm 91:9)
5. FBI Investigating Possible Sabotage of Chicago Commuter Train Tracks - AP
The FBI is investigating whether a section of commuter train tracks was sabotaged after Metra workers discovered a dozen railroad spikes missing in an area on Chicago's South Side. The spikes hold down metal plates that bind the rails to wooden ties. "If a sufficient number of spikes are removed in a contained location, there's the potential for the rail to shift, which would lead to disastrous results and train derailment," said Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Steve Kulm.
· Thank you, Lord, for revealing this danger before a disaster occurred. We bless You for Your mercy and ask for Your continued protection.
· And under His wings shall you take refuge. (Psalm 91:4b)
6. Joints Chiefs Chairman Causes Stir at Senate Hearing Over Homosexual GIs - AP
Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, caused a stir at a Senate hearing Wednesday when he said he believes homosexual activity is immoral and should not be condoned by the military.
· Lord we pray for Your forgiveness and mercy over our nation, which does not see sin and attempts to destroy those who stand for righteousness. We pray for the safety and protection of General Pace as he retires.
· The wicked watches the righteous and seeks to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand. (Psalm 37:32)
7. House Condemns MoveOn.org's 'Betray Us' Ad - CNSNews.com
It took a while, but on Wednesday, the House Republicans forced reluctant Democrats to take a stand on a MoveOn.org ad calling Gen. David Petraeus "General Betray Us."
· Offer up praise for this GOOD REPORT!
8. Myanmar Security Forces Open Fire on Protestors, Killing 9 YANGON, Myanmar - AP
Security forces fired automatic weapons into thousands of pro-democracy protesters for a second day Thursday, and the military government said nine people were killed and 11 wounded.
· Lord we ask that Your Holy Spirit would begin to move over the nation of Myanmar. We pray for the souls of both secular and religious people, and Your mercy for these people who desire freedom from tyranny.
· Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
9. Ahmadinejad Visiting Leftist Regimes in South America - LA PAZ, Bolivia AP
Vilified by world leaders wary of his nuclear ambitions, Iran's president is turning to South American leftists who are embracing him as an energy and trade partner and counterweight to U.S. influence.
· Lord we ask that You build a hedge of protection even deeper around the US. We pray that You will break the alliances of Iran and cause Ahmadinejad to fall into such disfavor that nations will shun him.
· God has numbered your kingdom and finished it. (Daniel 5:26)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Pr 1:7)
1. Barak: Gaza operation near - Ynet News
"We will use all our diplomatic means to weaken the Hamas leadership and its effectiveness, but the truth must be told, we are nearing an extensive operation in Gaza," Defense Minister Ehud Barak told army radio Wednesday morning.
2. 'Israel struck nuclear or missile site' - Jerusalem Post
The target of Israel's air strike in northeastern Syria earlier this month was either a joint nuclear or missile facility with North Korea, John R. Bolton, a former senior Bush administration official, said Wednesday.
3. 11 Palestinians reported dead as Gaza violence intensifies - Jerusalem Post
Eleven Palestinians were reported killed as violence in the Gaza Strip heated up Thursday following a barrage of Kassam rockets and mortar shells on the western Negev Wednesday.
4. Hamas training paramilitary forces south of Bethlehem - World Tribune
Palestinian Authority security sources said Hamas's Executive Force is learning combat and weapons skills in several areas of the West Bank. They said the Executive Force, secretly formed in the West Bank in 2007, has selected the Judean Desert south of Bethlehem for training.
Senate Passes Dangerous Hate-Crimes Amendment
Democrats don't have enough votes to override a promised veto.
Democrats passed a hate-crimes measure today, but failed to collect enough votes to override a pledged presidential veto. The amendment, which would create a new federal class of crime based on "actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity," is attached to a Defense spending bill.
Five Republican senators who voted in favor of hate- crimes legislation in 2004 switched their votes today and opposed the measure. They are: Sens. Lamar Alexander, Tenn.; Robert Bennett, Utah; John Ensign, Nev.; and Lisa Murkowski and Ted Stevens, both of Alaska.
The president is not going to agree to this social legislation on the Defense Authorization Bill," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told The Associated Press. "This bill will get vetoed."
(Source: Focus on the Family; CitizenLink; Sept. 27, 2007)
· Offer praise that President Bush can "see through" this stealth tactic to add a piece of social legislation to the bill that funds the military defense of our nation. Ask our Lord to strengthen the hand of President Bush as he prepares to veto this legislation. Finally, according to the Word of God in Luke 23:34, ask the Lord to forgive those who have voted for this bill, for they know not what they do. May He have mercy on their souls, causing them to come to salvation through the Blood of the Lamb!
· "In that day the LORD of hosts will be For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty To the remnant of His people, For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:5,6)
