The Daily Brief - Friday, July 27, 2007

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)


1. Senate OKs $3 billion to guard border - Washington Times
..Utah National Guard help build part of border fence in Arizona

Border security prevailed in the first major skirmish on immigration since President Bush's broad guest- worker bill collapsed last month.

· Praise the Lord that the voice of the American voters has prevailed - that our borders will be secured. Pray that the monies appropriated by the Senate will be affirmed by the House and will be used to increase our physical security without any watering down by irrelevant amendments. Intercessors, set the spiritual security at the borders of the USA. · "Say to them that are of a fearful heart; Be strong, fear not; behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with recompence; He will come and save you." (Isaiah 35:4)

2. US House of Representatives Rejects Permanent Military Bases in Iraq - VOA

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution prohibiting permanent American military bases in Iraq. VOA's Dan Robinson reports, Congress is already on record opposing permanent bases, but Democrats want the Bush administration to clarify its position on the matter.

· Should the USA have permanent bases in Iraq as we have had in Europe since WWII? Ask the Lord to clarify this issue in your mind. Pray over this issue in the spirit. Does "Congress" mean the 110th Congress with a Democrat majority, which has an anti- war agenda? If temporary bases, how "temporary?" We know that Islamic forces are cowed by force and have only contempt for diplomatic negotiations and "warm fuzzies." Pray. · "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

3. US Troop Deaths Decline Sharply - CNSNews.com

The number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq dropped sharply in July after reaching record levels in recent months, a possible sign that militants are weakening, the No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq said Thursday.

· As results continue to be seen, demonstrating that the "surge" is taking effect, intercede that our media would report these facts, fair and square. Pray there would be no confusion in the reporting of these facts.· "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matt. 5:37)

4. U.S. Officials Voice Frustrations With Saudis, Citing Role in Iraq - NY Times

Bush administration officials are voicing increasing anger at what they say has been Saudi Arabia's counterproductive role in the Iraq war. They say that beyond regarding Mr. Maliki as an Iranian agent, the Saudis have offered financial support to Sunni groups in Iraq. Of an estimated 60 to 80 foreign fighters who enter Iraq each month, American military and intelligence officials say that nearly half are coming from Saudi Arabia and that the Saudis have not done enough to stem the flow.

· Pray that this tie between the USA and Saudi Arabia will be severed by the Lord. We do not need deception as an ally to our efforts to defeat the forces of terrorism. Empty promises on the part of the Saudis are just that - empty. Praise the Lord for another exposure of hidden agenda of the Wahabbi mullahs who have power in Saudi Arabia. · "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight." (Proverbs 12:22)

5. Fairness Doctrine Not Needed, FCC Chairman Says - CNSNews.com

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has waded into the debate over the Fairness Doctrine by telling lawmakers that he see "no compelling reason to reinstate" the broadcasting regulation. His stance drew criticism from a liberal media analyst.

· Offer praise for this report. Yes, Lord! Continue in prayer that all efforts to legislate the Fairness Doctrine would come to a halt. · "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

6. Judge Overturns Pennsylvania City's Illegal Immigrant Ordinance - CNSNews.com

The mayor of a Pennsylvania city has vowed to appeal a federal judge's ruling striking down a law that would fine landlords who rent to illegal aliens and deny permits to businesses that employ them. Hazleton Mayor Louis Barletta vowed to appeal the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

· Offer praise for the boldness, courage and tenacity of the mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and its citizens, who are taking a definitive stand to fight illegal immigration in their city. May others follow suit! Pray for favor for the city of Hazleton as this decision is appealed. · "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Eph. 6:13)

7. Cheney to Have Heart Defibrillator Replaced - CNSNews.com

Vice President Dick Cheney will have his heart defibrillator replaced on Saturday, Reuters reports.

· Pray for success in this operation, and pray for continued good health for Vice President Cheney. · "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Tim. 2:1-4)

8. Putin fortifies military, boosts spying abroad - USA Today

President Vladimir Putin vowed Wednesday to strengthen Russia's military capability and step up spying abroad in response to U.S. plans to build missile defense sites and deploy troops in Eastern Europe.

· What a friend we have in Jesus but certainly not in Mr. Putin and the leadership of Russia. Pray for Mr. Putin's soul, for he is exposing his feigned friendship with President Bush and the USA. Russia can step up spying as can the USA and her allies, but the Lord sees all. · "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

9. 'JESUS' film now in 1,000 languages - Baptist Press

The "JESUS" film reached a major milestone in July when it debuted in its 1,000th language, Lanka Kol, spoken by more than 1 million people in India.

· Hallelujah! Our God is able to perform great miracles! If He could create thousands of languages at the Tower of Babel, He is surely able to send the message of His Son to the world. Give fervent praise. · "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

1. Hundreds of Syrian missiles poised for possible first strike against Israel - World Tribune

Despite appeals by United States, Syria has maintained its forward ballistic missile positions near Israel. Israeli military sources said the Syrian military has positioned its Scud C and Scud D ballistic missile batteries in southern Syria. The sources said the missile batteries have maintained full combat readiness and could be launched at any time.

· Syria seems so submitted to the agendas of Iran and Russia that common sense cannot prevail and no attention is given to the needs of the Syrian citizens who are so repressed that American poverty looks like wealth. This is the Baathist regime that has power in Syria, but remember that Syria is the first nation where the gospel of Jesus Christ was spread under Paul. Call forth the Christian seed planted so long ago in Syria that it may spring forth and choke out this weed of deception and repression. Continuously pray for the safety of Israel. · "And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad." (Jeremiah 49:27)

2. Abbas says he hopes to reach peace agreement with Israel in less than a year - Ynet News

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he hopes to reach a final peace agreement with Israel in a year or less, and that he is encouraged by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's plan to put together a joint declaration on the terms of Palestinian statehood.

3. Future of Israel lies in Negev, Galilee, says Rice - Ynet News

In an interview with the Alhurra television station, a US- funded Arabic-language satellite network, Rice also pledged that she and President George W Bush will "give every ounce of our energy to try and help to move forward on the two-state solution to establish the Palestinian state. I can't tell you that it will all be done when we are finished here, but I can tell you that there will be a Palestinian state."

4. US to fund defense systems for Israel - Ynet News

The 2008 budget for the US Department of Defense includes the allocation of tens of millions of dollars for Israel to either independently develop or purchase existing defense systems to counter possible ballistic rocket attacks.

5. IDF kills Gaza Islamic Jihad chief - Jerusalem Post

Two days after surviving an Israeli attempt on his life, a senior Islamic Jihad commander was killed in Gaza City on Thursday - along with two other terrorists - in an IAF strike on his car.

The Daily Brief - Thursday, July 26, 2007

1. North Korea Storms Out of Military Talks With South Without Deal - AP
..North Korea's chief delegate Lieutenant General Kim Yong-chol leaving after military talks with South Korea on the south side of the border village of Panmunjom, Thursday.

North Korea walked out of military talks with South Korea, ending three days of high-level negotiations Thursday with no agreement amid a lingering dispute over their shared sea border. "We've come to the conclusion that we don't need these fruitless talks any more," North Korea's chief delegate Lt. Gen. Kim Yong Chol said at the final session in the truce village of Panmunjom.

· Lord we bind the plans of North Korea, and take authority over the hatred they espouse. We loose your Holy Spirit to break down the walls of dictatorship. We set about Your watchers to pray in case of any subterfuge against South Korea. · ". . . Reinforce the guard and station the watchmen . . ." (Jeremiah 51:12 NLT)

2. Documents Could Open Door for Perjury Probe on Gonzales - Fox News

Documents indicate eight congressional leaders were briefed about the Bush administration's terrorist surveillance program on the eve of its expiration in 2004, contradicting sworn Senate testimony this week by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The documents underscore questions about Gonzales' credibility as senators consider whether a perjury investigation should be opened into conflicting accounts about the program and a dramatic March 2004 confrontation leading up to its potentially illegal reauthorization.

· Father, we pray that Your justice and presence will have sovereignty over this situation with Mr. Gonzales. We bind political agendas and ask that Godly wisdom and truth be released over the proceedings. · "The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong." (Psalm 37:30 NLT)

3. House Moves to Free Border Patrol Agents - Fox News
.. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.
The House on Wednesday approved a move by conservative Republicans to try to set free two Border Patrol agents convicted of shooting a Mexican drug dealer. After a long, emotional debate, the House voted by voice to block the Bureau of Prisons from keeping former agents Ignacio Ramos and Alonso Compean in federal prison.

· Lord we ask that You complete Your will in the lives of these two men, and move to bring truth and righteousness to bear in the operations and lives of all who are working to protect our borders. We ask for sound leadership for the Border Patrol and all prosecutors who work with them. · "We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer." (Proverbs 16:1 NLT)

4. Republicans Blast Democrats' 'Surprise Tax Hike' - CNSNews.com

Republicans complain that House Democrats have inserted a "surprise tax hike" into the 2007 farm bill, something that could prevent the bill from passing this week, House Republican Leader John Boehner said.

· Father we bind every attempt to attach foolish amendments into our nations' farm bill or any other appropriations bills before Congress. We take authority over the political agendas of all members of Congress bent upon compromising needed legislation. · "We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only He can help us, protecting us like a shield." (Psalm 33:20 NLT)

5. Groups 'Set Aside Differences' to Push Congress on Health, Financial Security - CNSNews.com

More than 2,000 members of labor, business and consumer organizations gathered on Capitol Hill Wednesday to tell Congress that "Americans want answers, action and accountability from their elected officials" regarding issues of health care and financial security.

· Father the healthcare debate seems bent upon forcing a universal health care system that could end up socialist in nature. We pray that Your truth and mercy would extend to our nation and protect us from the expense and poor quality care that comes in such systems. · "They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed." (Isaiah 65: 23 NLT)

6. U.S. Says Iran Training Green Zone Bombers - - MSNBC

The U.S. military has noted a "significant improvement" in the aim of attackers firing rockets and mortars into the heavily fortified Green Zone in the past three months that it has linked to training in Iran, a top commander said Thursday.

· Father we come again to you and pray that you will intervene to tear down the Iranian regime that is bent upon our destruction. We release your Heavenly Host into the region, and pray that You will protect our troops and civilian workers barracked in the green zone. · "Break the arms of these wicked, evil people! Go after them until the last one is destroyed!" (Psalm 10:15 NLT)

7. Markets Sink on Credit Fears - Fox News

Wall Street fell sharply Thursday, extending its weeks- long streak of volatility after disappointing home sales figures added to investors' increasing uneasiness about the mortgage and corporate lending markets.

· We erect a hedge of the Blood of Christ around our nation's economy and pray for Your mercy and peace, righteousness and truth to infuse every market. · "I looked for someone who might rebuild a wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but found none." (Ezekiel 22:30 NLT)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

1. Olmert plans talks with Abbas over Palestinian state - Jerusalem Post

Eagerly seeking to restart long-stalled peace talks, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday that he plans to hold negotiations with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on the formation of a future Palestinian state.

2. Arab League delegation arrives in Israel to extend 'hand of peace' - Int'l Herald Tribune

In the first time that a delegation from the Arab League has been sent to Israel, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan visited here Wednesday to promote the league's peace initiative.

3. King Abdullah presses Bush on Middle East peace - Ynet News
..
President George W. Bush on Tuesday met privately with Jordan's King Abdullah who pressed him to intensify US efforts to jump-start peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Abdullah said Israel must prove its earnestness by making goodwill gestures, dismantling settlements and easing restrictions on Palestinians.

4. Israel authorizes transfer of 1,000 rifles to PA forces - Ha'aretz

Israel authorized the transfer of 1,000 rifles from Jordan to the security forces of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Israeli and Palestinian security sources confirmed to Haaretz Wednesday night.

5. Hamas releases document linking Abbas to kidnappings - World Tribune

Aides of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas were involved in and encouraged abductions of Westerners in the Gaza Strip, according to a document released by Hamas.

6. Ahmadinejad: West must accept nuclear program - Jerusalem Post

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that the West must accept Iran's right to pursue a nuclear program and voiced confidence that the outcome of Tehran's controversy with the international community over the disputed issue would be positive.

7. Lebanon army on 'final assault' - CNN

Lebanese troops advanced towards fortified positions of Islamist militants at a Palestinian refugee camp on Wednesday in what political sources said was the start of a final assault to root out the gunmen.

The Daily Brief - Wednesday, July 25, 2007

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)


1. Democratic Congressman Sees Immigration Shelved Until Second Term - Washington Times
..Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL),
an architect of the Democratic campaign that regained control of the House last year, says his party will not attempt comprehensive immigration reform until at least the second term of a prospective Democratic president.

· Now that the comprehensive immigration reform package has failed in the Senate, intercede so that any similar action will take place in God's timing -- not man's.

· "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21: 1)

2. Police Group Offers Guidance On Immigration Enforcement - USA Today; CNSNews.com

Lacking a clear federal immigration policy, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is distributing an unusual primer on immigration enforcement to thousands of law enforcement agencies. ICAP President Joseph Carter hopes the IACP's primer will "move law enforcement to a more consistent approach. Lacking guidance from a court decision or the federal government, we're just trying to find the best way to move ahead."

Topics including immigration laws and issues, including day-laborer hiring sites and local collaboration with federal immigration officials are covered. It warns that agencies can no longer ignore the local troubles posed by the explosive growth of undocumented immigrants, and that "immigration presents a confusing picture for the police, with various elements of the community taking adversarial positions."

· Rampant hypocrisy is a negative trend leading up to the next election. America needs immigration reform but those elected officials who could help law enforcement agencies with this problem, out of "political correctness," don't. In obedience, we ask Lord that You will give guidance to all who seek Your wisdom on how to alleviate our nation's immigration problem, and that You would turn the hearts of our law enforcement officials to You.

· "Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! " (Psalm 31: 21)

3. TSA To Police: Look Out For Possible Terrorist Attack 'Dry Runs' - CNN

Police across the country should be on the lookout for what could be "dry runs" for a terrorist attack, the Transportation Security Administration advised after series of suspicious incidents occurred at U.S. airports. The TSA advisory details four incidents from the past 11 months in which screeners found unusual objects with items that could mimic bomb components in passengers' checked or carry-on bags. Airports involved included Baltimore, San Diego, Milwaukee and Houston.

· Only You, dear Lord can bring safety to a dry and wasted land that no longer depends upon You. May America once more have faith in You as her only Protector and gladly receive Your Son as her Savior! We ask for Your divine protection for all who work with airport security, the airlines and their passengers.

· "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident." (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

4. Bush Links al Qaeda To Iraq Militias - Washington Times

In his most direct effort to date to connect al Qaeda to the Iraq war, President Bush yesterday cited declassified intelligence to tie terrorists operating in Iraq with September 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, saying new evidence "clearly establishes this connection. "The president said in a speech yesterday at a Charleston, SC Air Force base that, " 'Al Qaeda in Iraq' is a group founded by foreign terrorists, led largely by foreign terrorists, and loyal to a foreign terrorist leader - Osama bin Laden."

· Dear God, we know that You released Iraq from satan's earthly grip so that her people might be saved for Your purposes. Please continue the good work of salvation that You have begun in the hearts of the Iraqi people and ultimately in the Middle East! We humbly ask that You will continue to protect all troops serving in Iraq, and their sending countries.

· "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1: 6)

5. New Plan For Iraq Maintains Major U.S. Presence For 2 More Years - Fox News

A revised U.S. military plan called the "Joint Campaign Plan," envisions establishing security at the local level in Baghdad and elsewhere by the summer of 2008, although it likely would take another year to get Iraqi forces ready to enforce any newfound stability, U.S. officials said Tuesday. Developed by Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and his political counterpart in Baghdad, Ambassador Ryan Crocker; the strategic plan reflects a timetable starkly at odds with the push by many American legislators to wind down U.S. involvement in a matter of months.

· Time is what we have asked of You, Lord to allow the Iraqi military and police to learn how to defend their nation from the evil one. Thank You for answering our prayers by giving strategic knowledge to our military leadership and our ambassador to Iraq. May Iraq be saved!

· "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord." (Psalm 27: 5-6 NKJV)

6. U.S., Iran Clash Over Aid To Iraq Militia - NY Sun

America and Iran engaged in heated exchanges yesterday in Iraq's government headquarters as the American ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker, accused Tehran of intensifying violence against America's military despite the fact the two countries have begun groundbreaking talks on Iraq. At the second direct meeting in almost three decades, Mr. Crocker presented evidence of Iranian support for Iraqi insurgents, including training and weapons responsible for the deaths of American troops. Hassan Kazemi Qomi, his Iranian counterpart, responded that Washington's charges did not withstand scrutiny.

· We ask You, God, to please continue to reveal the truth about all aspects of Iran's involvement in Iraq. Please cut off any and all Iranian aid to violent Iraqi militias who seek to destroy Iraq.

· "Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good." (Proverbs 14: 22)

7. President Bush Meets With Jordan's King Abdullah II - Agence France-Presse

U.S. President George W. Bush held talks Tuesday with Jordan's King Abdullah II on reviving Middle East peace efforts, one week after Bush urged moderate Arab nations to reach out to Israel. White House officials insisted the meeting and dinner were 'private' - with no joint public appearances afterwards - but that the two leaders would discuss 'major regional issues.' The meeting came one week after Bush rolled out a new Middle East peace initiative, calling for moderate Arab nations to reach out to Israel, shore up beleaguered Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, and join an international conference to jumpstart political progress.

· Could this unusually quiet vist to the White House by the King of Jordan signal a new phase in the president's dialogue with leaders in that region? We praise the Lord that we serve a "king" (President Bush) who walks in wisdom and who knows how to set boundaries around a very intrusive media. Intercede that all plans and purposes of this meeting yesterday between these two world leaders would bring forth fruit according to the Will of God -- and would be a true blessing to Israel. Praise Him that a new day in U.S. policy over there may be dawning!!

· 'Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, 1 will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?' (Isaiah 43:18-19)

8. Taliban Kill 1 South Korean Hostage, Release 8 Others -Fox News
... slain South Korean Kim Sun-il

Afghan police discovered the bullet-riddled body of a South Korean hostage Wednesday as the Taliban reportedly released eight other abductees who were taken to a U.S. military base, officials said. The South Korean hostages, including 18 women, were kidnapped last Thursday while riding a bus through Ghazni province on the Kabul-Kandahar highway, Afghanistan's main thoroughfare. Fourteen Koreans apparently remain in Taliban hands.

Because of a recent spike in kidnappings - including an attempt against a Danish citizen Wednesday - Kabul police announced foreigners were no longer allowed to leave the Afghan capital without police permission.

· Continue in prayer for the safety and the release of all remaining hostages. · "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways . . ." (Psalm 91:10) "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

1. Nasrallah: Syria threatened to join in Lebanon war - Ha'aretz

Syria warned Israel it would send troops into Lebanon during the Second Lebanon War if Israeli forces advanced into a Lebanese region adjacent to Damascus, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said.

2. Israeli aircraft damages building in Gaza City airstrike - Ha'aretz

An Israeli aircraft attacked a building in Gaza City on Tuesday, the army said, causing substantial damage to the structure.

3. New Fatah terror group 'to target Israel' - Ynet News

Militants from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' party the past few days organized a terrorist cell in the northern West Bank to commit attacks against Israel using the name Abu Ammar Brigades, according to Fatah militants leaders speaking to WND.

4. Fatah-Hamas cooperation will sabotage peace process, Olmert tells Blair - Ynet News

"Cooperation between Fatah and Hamas may harm the diplomatic process. We must continue to isolate Hamas while strengthening Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his prime minister, Salam Fayyad," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Quartet's Middle Eastern envoy Tony Blair Tuesday night.

5. Olmert offers to negotiate with Abbas on Palestinian state - ICEJ News; Ha'aretz

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is offering to negotiate with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas towards an "agreement of principles" that would eventually lead to a Palestinian State. Olmert's proposal to Abbas reportedly stems from the Israeli leader's belief that it is essential for Israel and the Palestinians to first discuss relatively non- controversial topics, before moving on to more complex issues.

If Abbas and the Palestinian government accept Olmert's proposal, the two sides will begin negotiations on the characteristics of a future Palestinian state, its official institutions, its economy, and the customs arrangement it will have with Israel. After completing the "agreement of principles," the two sides will tackle more sensitive issues, such as final borders and the question of Palestinian refugees currently living in neighboring countries.

6. US clamps down on Hizb'Allah funding - ICEJ News


In Washington, the Bush administration acted on Tuesday against an Iran-based foundation which it accused of supporting the militant Hizb'Allah terror group in Lebanon. The foundation, which operates a branch in the United States, had allegedly been involved in fundraising for Hizb'Allah. "We will not allow organizations that support terrorism to raise money in the United States," a US Treasury Department official said.

The government also moved against a Beirut firm that the US government believes was used by Hizb'Allah "as a cover to manage its financial activity." The actions taken by the government include the freezing of all bank accounts and assets belonging to those identified on Tuesday. Additionally, Americans are forbidden from doing business with them.

According to the US, senior members of the named foundations were directly involved in Hizb'Allah's operations against Israel last summer.

The Daily Brief - Tuesday, July 24, 2007

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)


1. Bush has five polyps removed in colon cancer screening - Int'l Herald Tribune

Doctors have removed five small polyps from President George W. Bush's colon during a cancer screening that forced him to relinquish his presidential powers to Vice President Dick Cheney for two hours and five minutes.

· Thank You Father for once again watching over our leader and President. You came to give us abundant life and we thank You for Your mercies that are renewed every morning! · ". . .the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10, 11)

2. Senate Scrap Looms Over Judicial Nominee - CNSNews.com

Twenty years after President Ronald Reagan's failed nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court, another fight is brewing in the U.S. Senate over a judicial nominee - this time, over Leslie Southwick, a nominee to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

· Father, we pray that only righteous people that You have appointed will be seated in our nation's judicial benches. We pray that despite people's partisanship, we will quickly and without contention seat righteous people to judge! · "You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment." (Deuteronomy 16:18)


3. President signs anti-torture order - Washington Times

President Bush yesterday signed an executive order requiring the CIA to follow international conventions banning torture when it questions detainees in its secret interrogation program for top captured terrorists.

· Father God, we pray that our nation will never allow nor practice any type of interrogation for captured terrorists that is torture. We pray that our nation will forever be a righteous nation! · "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2)

4. The Surge Succeeds - American Thinker

It's now quite clear how the results of the surge will be dealt with by domestic opponents of the Iraq war. They're going to be ignored. They're being ignored now. Virtually no media source or Democratic politician (and not a few Republicans, led by Richard "I can always backtrack" Lugar) is willing to admit that the situation on the ground has changed dramatically over the past three months. Coalition efforts have undergone a remarkable reversal of fortune, a near- textbook example as to how an effective strategy can overcome what appear to be overwhelming drawbacks.

·Thank You, Lord and we praise Your name for You are worthy of all praise! Despite the doomsayer's prediction that this surge will not work, You are doing a great thing to help us in these battle! We rely solely on You for our victories! Hallelujah! Amen! · "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "None of My words will be postponed any more, but the word which I speak will be done," says the Lord God.' " (Ezekiel 12:28)

5. Support for Initial Invasion Has Risen, Poll Shows - NY Times

Americans' support for the initial invasion of Iraq has risen somewhat as the White House has continued to ask the public to reserve judgment about the war until at least the fall. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted over the weekend, 42 percent of Americans said that looking back, taking military action in Iraq was the right thing to do, while 51 percent said the United States should have stayed out of Iraq.

· Lord, we pray that You will united our nation with one vision of what we need to do in order to remain a safe! We pray that people will see that what we have done in the past has helped to protect our nation! Unite us, Lord! · "Tell them therefore, 'Thus says the Lord God: "I will lay this proverb to rest, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel." But say to them, "The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision." (Ezekiel 12:23)

6. So what are we doing about 'failed' Muslim communities here? - Jewish World Review

Among the key judgments of the recently released National Intelligence Estimate was a conclusion that "a growing number of radical, self-generating cells in Western countries indicate that the radical and violent segment of the West's Muslim population is expanding, including in the United States."

· Lord, we pray for You to secure our borders and not allow anyone, any spirit or anything to come within our borders that will create havoc and that You will turn this nation back to a strong Christian nation and one that spreads the gospel! · "Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18)

7. 'Islamic Takeover Possible' in Turkey - Ynet News

Landslide victory for Turkey's conservative, Islamic- based party has seculars worried about continuing separation of religion and state, and even possible an Islamic takeover.

· Lord, You are the true God and we claim Turkey to be a nation that will side with the west and not with Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. We pray they will be a great ally of America and the west! We pray for the gospel to saturate the Middle East quickly! · "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them." (Exodus 18:11)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

1. Peres urges world to unite against Iran - Ynet News
..
Israeli President Shimon Peres called on the world in an interview Tuesday to form a united front against Iran that would force the Islamic republic to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

2. Syria Preps for Possible War By Year's End - Defense News Weekly

Syria is readying for potential war, whether offensively, as part of an attempt to retake the Golan Heights, or defensively, if ally Iran should be attacked over its nuclear program.

3. Israel confirms Hezbollah long-range missile arsenal restored - Ha'aretz

Hezbollah has restored its military capabilities, particularly its long-range missile arsenal, nearly a year following the Second Lebanon War, senior Israeli security sources confirmed Monday.

4. Blair on First Trip as Mideast Envoy - Fox News

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Monday kicked off his first visit to the Middle East as the international community's new envoy to the region, hoping to add new momentum to fledgling peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.

5. Pakistan rejects 'Bin Laden raid' - BBC
Pakistani soldiers patrol the border with Afghanistan

Pakistan has responded angrily to suggestions from the United States that American forces might be sent into Pakistan to strike at Osama Bin Laden.