Afghanistan: Taliban and Christians
A more liberal Taliban group in Wardak province has stopped arresting women without burkas and is allowing some music ‘representing a new generation of militants’ locals say. Although the situation varies across Afghanistan, Wardak highlights how the Taliban's newest recruits have recently shown greater flexibility over social issues. We can pray that this will prelude even more openness and the removal of spiritual blindness amongst the ethnic Pashtuns. Meanwhile Joel News reports a Christian Afghani Red Cross employee who was arrested on false allegations, beaten, sleep deprived, and sexually abused in jail who then wrote from his cell that he rejoices in the Lord because Jesus appeared to him in a vision. Five days later he was able to pray for a fellow prisoner, a Pashtun Taliban member, who also met with Jesus and is now a believer. Pray: for physical freedom for Christians imprisoned for their faith and for spiritual freedom for the Taliban. (Ps.119:17-18) More: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5idVJ5tf1_Qhtrpfi2AUwnFIrFeYg?docId=CNG.d9ba7
Israel: West Bank - are they next?
At this time of internet and cell phone assisted revolution, Arab bloggers, academics of Islamic studies and observers are saying in the media and in private, ‘If Binyamin Netanyahu's government and its lobby in Washington were rational they would be rushing to plan Israel's evacuation from the occupied territories and encouraging the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. That is because they would understand that the Arab revolution will not stop at the gates of the West Bank, especially when it is the occupation that unites virtually all Arabs and Muslims in common fury.’ Pray: for a negotiated solution for the West Bank before the regional violence erupts there. (Ps.118:17-18) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/02/2011222211617377989.html
Israel: Two days in West Bank
Before dawn on Monday 50 Bedouin residents were made homeless. A Christian Peacemaker Team observer reported, ‘Israeli demolition crews took down tents, filled the well and water cistern with earth, uprooted and buried olive trees. All that was left was a small stone bread oven and the cave where residents took shelter during the demolition.’ Residents say they have ownership papers for the land they are driven from. Israeli officials say they are living on state land and must evacuate. UN Humanitarian Coordinator said, ‘If the authorities responsible for demolitions could see the devastating impact on vulnerable Palestinian communities, they might reflect upon the inhumanity of their actions. See: On Tuesday Benjamin Netanyahu refused to negotiate for a peaceful settlement after Palestinian requests for Israel’s settlement activities to halt were vetoed by America. Hamas called for an end to all Palestinian-Israeli contacts. – See item 5 below. Pray: for Christians, Israelis and Bedouins living on the land to know true peace and reconciliation in their homes and communities. (Ps.133:1) More: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/right-turn/2011/02/traveling_in_the_west_bank_par_1.html
Bahrain: Begins freeing political prisoners
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa released 25 political ‘prisoners of conscience’ then left the country for Saudi Arabia for consultations after a week of anti-regime protests. Those released included a human rights activist who runs bahrainonline.org; a member of the Committee for the Victims of Torture; and a worker with the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. Several prominent Shia clerics, including a spokesman of the Haq Movement for Civil Liberties and Democracy, were also released. Bahrain is a predominantly Shia nation run by a Sunni elite. There have been roughly 100 political detainees released but approximately 400 people are still detained on politically-inspired charges. Bahrain is experiencing deaths and increased tension. Anti-government protesters are pressing for a host of demands including political reforms and better human rights in the kingdom. They are refusing to disperse, despite a rare apology from the king. We can increase informed prayers for this land from information found at: Pray: that people will work through differences in a peaceful manner and as they search in their hearts for peace they will hear the God of Peace speak. (Ps.72:9)
