Saturday, August 4, 2007

The Middle East in Focus - Friday, August 3, 2007

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

"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice." (Psalm 112:5)

1. Gov't may resurrect laser-based missile protection system - Ha'aretz

The government is considering resuming funding for the advanced laser-based Skyguard missile protection system, security officials told Haaretz. They added that if the system is approved, it can be operational within 18 months.

2. Rice assures Palestinians on peace goals - USA Today

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice assured Palestinian leaders Thursday that a U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference this fall is aimed at getting them closer to establishing an independent state and that Israel is now ready to discuss ways to achieve that.

3. Gaza: 3 dead in Palestinian clashes - Jerusalem Post

Islamic Jihad said its men were ambushed early Thursday by Hamas gunmen, dragged out of a mosque and shot in the legs. Another man, Nidal al- Daya, was shot in the head, Islamic Jihad said. A bystander, Salah al-Amoudi, who happens to be a Fatah official, was shot dead by masked gunmen shortly after as he was making his way home from the mosque, witnesses and hospital officials said.

4. Sudanese Refugees: Not Just Israel's Problem - CBN News

The voices of victims fleeing genocide are screaming at Israel's door, and while the memory of the Jews' horror of the Holocaust is still steaming, Israel is reluctant to answer the plea for help. But who can blame them. Israel is torn over whether or not it can survive reaching out its hands to perishing neighbors.

5. MKs behind Darfur refugees - Ynet News

Sixty-three Knesset members have signed a petition calling on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert not to deport the Sudanese refugees who have been entering Israel through its border with Egypt.

6. 3 Qassams fired toward Negev - Ynet News

Palestinians in northern Gaza fired three Qassams toward the western Negev Friday morning.