| The Daily Brief | |
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1. Petraeus Calls Syrian Nuke Program Troubling - Iraq Troop Decision Likely by September- Fox News
Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday that by September he is likely to recommend further force reductions in Iraq. .. Petraeus also said in his testimony on Thursday, that the existence of secret nuclear facilities in Syria is troubling.
· Lord, we lay this situation before You and ask that You intervene in this situation. Iraq is not truly stable and Syria is plotting against Your people. We pray for wisdom for our leaders, to not pull out too soon. We ask for continued revelation of Syria's plans, and a mighty move of Your Spirit across both countries.
·"Wisdom is better than weapons of war. . ." (Eccl 9:18a)
2. House Passes $54B in Tax Breaks - USA Today
The House passed a $54 billion tax package Wednesday that Democratic backers said would help relieve dependence on imported oil while easing the economic strain on parents, homeowners and businesses.
· Lord, this bill sounds good on the surface, but the "tax breaks" are merely more taxes on other segments of our economy. We pray that You will prevent any bill that would cause more harm to our broken economy, and reveal all hidden agendas.
·"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." (Prov 10:22)
3. Ford Cuts Production, Moves Back Profit Goal - AP
Ford Motor Co. no longer expects to return to profitability by 2009, and is cutting North American production of pickups and SUVs for the rest of this year, as high gas prices and the weak economy hurt sales, the company announced Thursday.
· Lord, again we ask Your mercy over our economy, and wisdom for both companies and elected officials at this time.
·"He who has mercy on them will lead them . . ." (Isaiah 49:10)
4. Harkin Suggests Military Background Makes McCain Unfit to be Commander-in-Chief - Fox News
Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, is catching grief for suggesting John McCain's family history of military service makes the presumptive Republican presidential nominee unfit to be commander-in-chief.
· Lord, how far we have fallen from wisdom! From our nation's first President onward, military service has often been the foundation of American leadership. We pray that You will move to change the hearts of those in our nation who see our military as having a "dangerous" mindset, and fail to recognize their sacrifices for us all.
·"Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me . . ." (Psalm 43:3a)
5. FBI Agency Lacking in Personnel and Sophistication
A) Agent- FBI ill-equipped to Handle Terrorist Threat - NY Sun
Breaking ranks, a career FBI agent told members of Congress yesterday that the bureau lacked the experience and sophistication to deal with Middle Eastern terrorists and prevent another catastrophic attack.
B) Counterterror Staff Falls to 62% - Washington Times
More than one out of every three positions in an elite FBI division that tracks al Qaeda terrorists is vacant, according to an internal bureau document. Efforts are under way at the FBI to canvass for "volunteers" to fill what the agency said is a "critical" need in its counterterrorism efforts.
· Lord, we pray that You would be our pillar of cloud to lead us, and our rear guard and pillar of fire for protection against the enemies of America. We ask that You would find a way to bring proper effectiveness to our FBI counter-terrorism resources.
·"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)
6. Federal Court Rules Against Military Gay Rules - Fox News
The military cannot automatically discharge people because they're gay, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, in the case of a decorated flight nurse who sued the Air Force over her dismissal.
· Lord, we pray for Your forgiveness over America. Lift the veil of deception, and convict our nation of our sins.
·"If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3,4)
7. Christian Star's Daughter Killed - AP
The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman, was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.
· Lord, as we pray for Your comfort for this family, we also ask that they would be a testimony of Your peace, love, and forgiveness to the nation.
·"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow death, I will fear no evil" (Psalm 23:4)
| The Middle East in Focus | |
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!" (Psalm80:19)
1. Israel: Russia may be selling Syria arms - Jerusalem Post
Fearing that Damascus is acquiring advanced military platforms, Israel is closely following meetings being held in Moscow this week between a high-level Syrian military delegation and Russian Defense Ministry officials.
2. Olmert: Painful concessions ahead - Ynet News
"The years that have passed since negotiations with Syria froze over have not boded well with the security situation on our northern border, which continues to be our greatest concern," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Wednesday evening in his first public comments regarding the resumption of peace talks with Syria.
3. Turkey discusses peace while IDF prepares for war - Ynet News
The IDF completed a large drill on Wednesday, which was conducted in order to drill its high-ranking officers on a number of scenarios in a number of different arenas. The drill, named 'Avney Esh' (Stones of Fire) is the second of its kind since the Second Lebanon War came to an end, and both the IDF's and the Winograd report's conclusions from the war were implemented in it.
4. Indirect talks between Israel, Syria to begin within fortnight - Ynet News
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Syria will commence within two weeks time under Turkish mediation, State officials in Jerusalem confirmed on Wednesday.
5. Or Yehuda deputy mayor: I'm sorry about burning New Testaments - Jerusalem Post
The burning of hundreds of New Testaments by yeshiva students in Or Yehuda last week was regrettable and unplanned, the city's deputy mayor, the man who spurred the students to act, told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
