A growing movement across Europe
The Salafi movement is an ultra-conservative movement within Sunni Islam that developed in Arabia against a background of European colonialism. It advocated returning to the traditions of the ‘devout ancestors’ (the salaf). The movement divides into three categories - the purists who avoid politics; the activists who are involved in politics; and the jihadists. Salafi is synonymous with Wahhabism - see last week’s Prayer Alert article about Switzerland. For months there have been reports of Salafists disguised as aid workers canvassing Europe’s refugee shelters for new recruits from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Some Salafists offer gifts of money, clothing, translation services, or invitations to Salafists’ homes for tea. Bosnia now suffers from Salafi movements which spread there after the Balkan war. They were brought there by Muslim extremist fighters who travelled to Bosnia to fight for the nation. In February the Independent newspaper reported that there are up to 5,000 jihadists, trained abroad, in Europe. See also:
France: politics could change completely
France's prime minister Manuel Valls has said that far-right leader Marine Le Pen had a chance of winning next year's presidential election, boosted by the momentum of Donald Trump's shock win in the United States. While attending a Berlin economic conference, Mr. Valls said it was ‘possible’ that the populist candidate of France's anti-immigration National Front could win. Le Pen is widely tipped to reach the second round of the election on 7 May , where she would face either a candidate from the left or the right. Warning of ‘the danger presented by the extreme right’, Valls said, ‘This means that the balance of politics will change completely.’
Trump’s comments on Middle East
Donald Trump has told the Wall Street Journal, ‘As a deal-maker, I’d like to do the deal that can’t be made - and do it for humanity’s sake.’ He hopes to orchestrate ‘the ultimate deal’ between Israel and the Palestinians which would resolve ‘the war that never ends.’ On Syria, Trump rejects calling for the removal of President Assad, and is focused on combatting IS. He also said,‘Israel and America share many of the same values, including freedom of speech, freedom of worship and creation of opportunities for all. Israel is the one true democracy and defender of human rights in the Middle East.’ Pray for wisdom to be given to the Trump administration, in the words they choose to speak and in the choices they make.
South Sudan: unity or upheaval?
Vice-president Riek Machar and his supporters fled Juba in July after fighting broke out between government forces and his own. He is a Nuer, and President Salva Kiir is a member of the Dinka. Tribal rivalries are at the heart of the dysfunction of South Sudan's government. The unity the tribes shared in their fight for independence from Sudan has dissolved into bitter conflict, with terrible atrocities committed by both Nuer and Dinka. Both Kiir and Machar have abused their positions and misled their people, keeping many ignorant and uneducated.They have also mismanaged billions of dollars poured into South Sudan by foreign countries. Pray for the two sides to reach agreement in forming a unity government. Pray for both men to be exposed for their lust for power, greed, witchcraft, evil and wickedness.
