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• The Middle East in Focus
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The Daily Brief - Friday, June 5, 2009
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Arabs welcome Obama address from Cairo - ICEJ News
PA: 'Israelis should be worried'
Much of the Arab world reacted positively to US President Barak Obama's address from Cairo on Thursday, with Palestinian Authority officials saying it was "calming" to hear an American leader say words that "should worry" Israelis.
• Father, as we question Mr. Obama's political plans for the Israelis and Palestinians, we ask you to guide all decisions and plans involved in the peace process. We pray divine wisdom over this very sensitive issue, as the speech has been taken differently by each group involved.
• Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the door of my lips. (Ps 141:3)
2.Obama speech draws mixed reactions from American Muslims, Jews - ICEJ News
Some Jewish leaders 'blindsided' by lack of plan to confront Iran
US President Barak Obama received accolades from members of the American Jewish and Muslim communities for his speech to the Muslim world from Cairo on Thursday, but some Jewish luminaries were particularly concerned by his soft line on a nuclear Iran.
• Father, we pray you direct Mr. Obama's steps and lead him in your paths, and in your truth.
• And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure. (Isa 33:6)
3. US sees room for deal on West Bank settlements - ICEJ News
Washington feels "an arrangement that works" can be hammered out with Israel on the settlement issue, a senior administration official told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, indicating the US recognizes some wiggle room in defining a "settlement freeze." "There's a professional, constructive dialogue on this issue," the official said, shortly after US President Barack Obama delivered his speech in Cairo. "We have differences, but believe we can find an arrangement that works.
• Father, surround Mr. Obama with many wise counsellors regarding the stopping of the West Bank Settlements. Let the "arrangement that works" be fair and just to the Israelis.
• and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. (Prov 24:6)
4.. Al-Qaida Eyes Anthrax Attack on U.S. From Mexico - Washington Times
U.S. counterterrorism officials have authenticated a video by an al-Qaida recruiter threatening to smuggle a biological weapon into the United States via tunnels under the Mexico border, the latest sign of the terrorist group's determination to stage another mass-casualty attack on the U.S. homeland.
The video aired this year as a recruitment tool makes clear that al-Qaida is looking to exploit weaknesses in U.S. border security and also is willing to ally itself with white militia groups or other anti-government entities interested in carrying out an attack inside the United States, according to counterterrorism officials interviewed by The Washington Times.
• Thank you Lord, that You are our refuge and fortress against the wicked. We ask that You send the Heavenly Host to guard our borders, and that wise leaders will increase their vigilance.
• "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;" (Psalm 140: 7,8)
5. OAS Lifts Ban on Cuba After 47 Years - AP
The Organization of American States on Wednesday lifted a decades-old ban on Cuba's participation in the group and cleared the way for the island's return despite initial U.S. objections.
The vote by acclamation to revoke a 1962 measure suspending Cuba from the hemispheric group toppled an enduring landmark of the Cold War, and made clear that Latin American nations are forging a more independent relationship with the United States.
The action doesn't mean Cuba will return to the 34-member body that helps coordinate policies and mediates disputes throughout the Americas. Cuban officials have repeatedly insisted they have no interest in returning to an organization they consider a tool of the United States.
But it does map out a new, more collegial relationship between the U.S. and Latin American countries, and could help nascent U.S. efforts to start a dialogue with Cuba after more than four decades without diplomatic relations.
• Father, even many Cuban-Americans are skeptical at the wisdom of this re- connecting with Cuba. So we ask that You guide the diplomats involved for the benefit not only of America, but for the Cuban people. We pray wisdom and discernment for our leaders in this arena.
• "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)
6. Same-Sex Marriage Bill Signed into Law in New Hampshire - AP
New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage after the Senate and House passed key language on religious rights and Gov. John Lynch - who personally opposes gay marriage - signed the legislation Wednesday afternoon.
• Father, all we can do at this news is fall to our knees in repentance for our nation. The floodgates of sin are ruling us, Lord, and we know that this is grieving Your heart. We pray for a move of Your Holy Spirit through the gay community to bring cleansing and repentance. We pray for a move of Your Holy Spirit through the leadership of America- governors, legislators, local, state and federal officials in every walk of life. Bring conversion, Lord, true face to Face encounters and visitations of the Holy Spirit to them.
• "Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction" (Psalm 103:3,4a)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"In that Day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people. All that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem!" ( Zechariah 12)
1. UN committee chief 'shocked' by Gaza destruction - ICEJ News
A UN team investigating possible "war crimes" by Israel and Hamas during the recent Gaza war has announced it will hold two days of public hearings in Gaza later this month. The head of the 15-member team, Judge Richard Goldstone, said Thursday that he will issue his final report in early September. Goldstone spoke at the end of a four-day fact-finding mission to Gaza during which he interviewed dozens of people, including relatives of civilians killed in Israel's three-week war.
2. Arab study concludes regional arms race already on - ICEJ News
According to a new study published by the Institute for Near East Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, before Iran has even tested a nuclear device, several of its Arab neighbors have already moved to upgrade their conventional defenses and could be on their way to building their own nuclear option. Most Arab governments have little confidence that any political effort by America and/or Europe will stop Iran's renegade nuclear weapons program and are wary of a deal between Washington and Tehran that would leave them in a more difficult position, the study concludes.
3. Barclays foresees upswing in Israeli economy - ICEJ News
Orders from North America for durable goods made in Israel are picking up pace as experts are predicting that the shekel could appreciate as much as 8% against the dollar by the end of the year, according to a report issued Wednesday by the prestigious financial firm Barclays. "An improvement in Israeli exports should be coming through," the report said.
