In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Iran's Vote
• Obama's "Moral Imperative"
• Obama Surrender?
• Palin vs. Letterman
• The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, June 12. 2009
"Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Bermuda should have 'consulted' UK on Uyghurs, official says - CNN
The Obama administration's agreement with Bermuda to settle four Uyghurs from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was causing a rift Friday between the United States and its strongest ally, Britain. Also Friday, the U.S. Justice Department announced five other Guantanamo detainees -- one from Iraq and one from Chad and three from Saudi Arabia -- had been transferred to their home countries.
- Lord, may those who are being released be stopped from executing any further plans and may the decisions being made about these prisoners not cause unrest among our allies.
- "You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah." (Psalms 32:7)
2. US cities may have to be bulldozed in order to survive - UK Telegraph
The government looking at expanding a pioneering scheme in Flint, one of the poorest US cities, which involves razing entire districts and returning the land to nature. Local politicians believe the city must contract by as much as 40 per cent, concentrating the dwindling population and local services into a more viable area. The radical experiment is the brainchild of Dan Kildee, treasurer of Genesee County, which includes Flint. Having outlined his strategy to Barack Obama during the election campaign, Mr Kildee has now been approached by the US government and a group of charities who want him to apply what he has learnt to the rest of the country. Mr Kildee said he will concentrate on 50 cities, identified in a recent study by the Brookings Institution, an influential Washington think-tank, as potentially needing to shrink substantially to cope with their declining fortunes. Most are former industrial cities in the "rust belt" of America's Mid-West and North East. They include Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Memphis.
- Lord, we pray that individuals will be able to keep the fruits of their labors. May those who are in control of government agencies be aware of their responsibilities, and may the government not use its power to take from the people.
- "The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops." (2 Timothy 2:6)
3. A. UN adopts tougher N Korea sanctions - AFP
The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to slap tougher sanctions on North Korea to cripple its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Washington hailed the measure, but warned that Pyongyang might respond with "further provocation."
B. N Korean Leader's Son Is 'Brilliant Comrade' - ABC News
The youngest son of North Korea's authoritarian leader has been given the title of "Brilliant Comrade," a newspaper reported Friday, a sign the communist regime is preparing to name him as successor to the ailing Kim Jong Il. The report came shortly before the U.N. Security Council approved tough new sanctions Friday against North Korea for its recent nuclear test.
- We praise You that the UN has chosen to sanction North Korea. We pray that the world will stand strong against Kim Jong Il and will work to convince any future leaders to chase peace, not war.
- "And if, even after these things, you will not give ear to me, then I will send you punishment seven times more for your sins." (Leviticus 26:18)
4. Ahmadinejad has large lead in Iran vote - CNN
Early results showed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad holding a sizable lead over his rivals in Iran's presidential election Friday, the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported. However, both Ahmadinejad and his chief rival, reformist candidate Mir Hossain Moussavi, were claiming victory.
- Lord, we know that you are able to affect the rise and fall of all authorities. We pray that the Iranian election outcome will lead to stability in the Middle East and that Israel will be protected, no matter the final returns.
- "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
5. A. Al Qaeda fighters move into Africa, officials say - CNN
Al Qaeda operatives are leaving the battle zones along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and heading for Somalia and Yemen, where they have set up training camps, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
B. Sunni MP among five killed in Baghdad mosque attack - UK Telegraph
Iraq's leading Sunni politican was murdered in a suicide attack on Friday a development that threatens to open a fresh bout of sectarian warfare.
C. Blast kills cleric who denounced suicide attacks - CNN
A moderate Muslim cleric who denounced suicide attacks as forbidden by Islam was killed Friday in a suicide attack on his mosque in Lahore, authorities said.
- We continue to pray for those who are standing strong against terrorists throughout the world. Grant discernment and focus to our military as they work to stop the planning of future attacks.
- "For I have heard the whispering of many, 'Terror on every side! Denounce him; yes, let us denounce him!' All my trusted friends, Watching for my fall, say: 'Perhaps he will be deceived, so that we may prevail against him And take our revenge on him.'" (Jeremiah 20:10)
6. Top nuclear expert missing in India - UK Telegraph
Lokanathan Mahalingam had access to some of the country's most sensitive nuclear information and the government has ordered an inquiry into his disappearance. Mr Mahalingam, 47, worked at the Kaiga Atomic Power Station in Karnataka, close to Project Seabird, a major military base. He went for a walk early on Monday morning and has not been seen since. Authorities are not yet sure whether his disappearance poses a security threat and the Indian Intelligence Bureau is investigating whether he has been eaten by leopards, committed suicide, disappeared willfully or been kidnapped. Police played down the threat to classified information, but they have not ruled out the possibility that Mr Mahalingam has been kidnapped by a group attempting to sabotage the plant. Five years ago, a heavily armed gang attempted to kidnap an official from India's Nuclear Power Corporation in the same forest, but he managed to escape.
- Lord, if this is a plot to gain control of nuclear secrets may these attackers be caught. We pray for protection for all those who have top secret information and keep them safe from terrorist attacks.
- "He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd, So that their hands cannot attain success." (Job 5:12)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mont Zion in the far north, the city of the great King. (Psalm 48:2)
1. Ban considering fining Israel for Gaza damage - Ynet News
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday it was "critical" that Israel halt all settlement activity. He added that he was considering fining the state $11 million for damage it did to UN facilities during the Gaza war.
2. Israel PM told to keep silent on 'Palestinian state' - AFP
The heat is on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from within his own party to resist US pressure and not utter the words "Palestinian state" in a keenly-awaited policy speech.
3. Netanyahu speech unlikely to meet Obama's demands - ICEJ News
Based on Mitchell visit, US officials say Israeli PM will fall short
As anticipation mounts over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's major policy speech planned for Sunday at Bar Ilan University, US officials are voicing doubts that he will meet President Barack Obama's expectations for an express acceptance of the "two-state solution" and a total freeze on settlement activity.
4. Red Sea waters being targeted by Somali pirates - ICEJ News
The Red Sea and Gulf of Eliat might be the next area targeted Somali pirates, according to a recent warning from the US Navy. "A new area of potential risk following a confirmed pirate attack [in late May] is in the southern Red Sea," the US Navy's Fifth Fleet bulletin said. Around 30,000 ships sail through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal every year and there have already been 114 attacks this year, most of which were not successful. Israeli, Egyptian and Jordanian security officials have called for greater cooperation to combat the growing threat.
5. Islamists rally against Israeli MKs 'Jordan is Palestine' bill - ICEJ News
Reports coming out of Amman indicate that the Islamic Action Front, a radical Jordanian group tied to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, plans to hold a protest rally Friday against plans by an Israeli Knesset member to introduce a 'Jordan is Palestine' bill that would affect West Bank Arabs. Right-wing MK Aryeh Eldad has submitted a bill in the Knesset that would essentially deem Jordan to be the fulfilment of Palestinian national aspirations and call for giving Jordanian citizenship to all Palestinians living in the West Bank and Jordan. The idea has met with stiff disapproval in Jordan, including at the highest levels of government, out of concern that the Palestinian majority within the country could seek to replace the Hashemite monarchy of King Abdullah II.
Iran's Vote
Iranians are voting in massive numbers today, but don't be fooled by the appearance of democracy. As my friend and former Deputy National Security Advisor Elliot Abrams points out in a New York Times op-ed, the election isn't real. All the candidates were pre-selected by the Islamofascists who run the country. Sure it would be nice to see Ahmadinejad voted out, but the office of president is not where the real power resides.
The "supreme leader" of Iran is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He has at his disposal the thugs in the Revolutionary Guards and a variety of paramilitary groups that brutally suppress any effort to overcome the rule of the mullahs. In fact, the election presents a very real risk: The appearance of moderation will make it more likely that Europe and the Obama Administration will appease Iran as it marches toward obtaining a nuclear arsenal. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; June 12, 2009)
Obama's "Moral Imperative"
Any time conservatives have suggested that the moral position on abortion is to safeguard the unborn child or that the moral thing is to support marriage as the union of one man and one woman, the Left always responds with "How dare you attempt to impose your values on the rest of us!" Yesterday, President Obama tried to assert that it is "a moral imperative" to impose a tremendous debt burden on you, your children and future generations to create a government-run, socialized health care scheme that will inevitably end up rationing the care you receive. And the reaction from the media and the Left ranged from a yawn to wild applause.
But when it comes to nationalized health care, not everyone agrees with the president's "moral imperative" claim. The American Medical Association yesterday announced its opposition to the president's plan. If the nation's doctors don't want it, that should give us all second thoughts. Moreover, recent Rasmussen polls find that overwhelming majorities of the American people are strongly opposed to key elements of Obama's plan.
For example, 61% of likely voters oppose the idea of a health insurance mandate that requires everyone to buy some form of health insurance. And 80% of likely voters are opposed to providing government coverage to illegal aliens, who, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, account for nearly a quarter of the 46 million uninsured you hear so much about. Remember that the next time you hear it. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; June 12, 2009)
Obama Surrender?
The Washington Post reports that the Obama Administration has abandoned its plans to allow Guantanamo Bay detainees who have been cleared for release to live in the United States. The story notes that the plan was met with bi-partisan opposition as well as staunch public disapproval. Please keep talking with friends, family and church members. While we may not control the White House or Congress, our values can prevail in the public arena when people are informed. We won't win every battle, but we can win some if we speak up.
While this news is encouraging, the Washington Times released a story today that is alarming. The Times reports that military intelligence officials have told Congress they are opposed to transferring 25 of the 60 GITMO terror suspects who have been declared eligible for relocation by the White House. Officials stated that at least five of them should be considered highly dangerous and likely to harm Americans around the world upon their release.
Let me say again: Elections have consequences. But the more we do to educate those who are willing to listen, the better off we will be when it comes time to vote on the politicians who are making public policy! (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; June 12, 2009)
Palin vs. Letterman
I'm sure you know about David Letterman's disgusting statutory rape joke aimed at Governor Sarah Palin's 14 year-old daughter. The governor and her husband have reacted the way any parent would - with outrage. Gov. Palin went on NBC this morning with Matt Lauer and she punched back when Lauer tried to down play the episode. Today, the National Organization for Women finally found its voice and issued a statement condemning Letterman's sad attempt at humor. Governor Palin is winning this battle, and she is demonstrating a toughness that many of our "leaders" haven't displayed in years. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; June 12, 2009)
The Good News Corner
Promise Keepers Returns
SUMMARY: 'I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes.'
Twenty years ago, Coach Bill McCartney gathered 4,200 men at the University of Colorado for the first Promise Keepers conference. At the time, he was head football coach at the school.
This summer, McCartney and tens of thousands of men --- and women --- will fill the university's football stadium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Promise Keepers. "A Time to Honor" is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1.
Based in Denver, Promise Keepers has reached more than 5.5 million men. In 1997, an estimated 1 million men gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Coach McCartney recently spoke with CitizenLink.
1. Give me a couple of highlights of what's going to be taking place in Boulder at the end of July.
I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes. The secret to this outpouring of God's Holy Spirit is to revisit three key priorities embraced by the first-century Church: celebrating virtuous women; sharing resources equally; and honoring the spiritual fathers of the faith. We want to honor Jewish believers.
In the High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed we would be one as He and the Father are one. And then the world would believe that He sent Him. And it says in John 17:22: "The glory which you gave me, I've given them." When Jew and Gentile are in one accord, the presence of God comes in extraordinary measure.
2. It sounds like something unique. You're not just inviting the men this time, are you?
It'll be the first time in 20 years that we've invited women. And the reason we're doing that is the presence of God. If you knew that the presence of God was going to fall, would you exclude anybody? I want everybody I know and love to be there.
3. What else are you hoping to accomplish during this event?
The Church is divided (in how) we interpret the Word of God. It's also divided racially. As a result of this incredible outpouring of God's Spirit, we're going to see the body come together, even as the days get more difficult.
4. What do folks need to do to get involved?
We encourage everybody who wants to experience the presence of God to join us. There is a registration fee, but no one will be turned away. We understand with the economy like it is, that many will want to come but they can't afford it. Just tell them to register, and we'll save a place for them. We'll feed them, and we'll send them home full of God.
5. It's great to hear your vision. Did I leave anything out?
Single moms, single women --- the culture has intimidated them. And we need to get them (to Promise Keepers) because when the presence of God falls, they're going to be restored. And on Saturday, August 1st, we're hoping as many as 11,000 young adults (will) be ministered to by contemporary artists and speakers. It's going to be the same thing: invoking the presence of God so we can help (send) this generation to where God wants them to go.
