Saturday, June 16, 2007

The Middle East in Focus

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

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. (Psalm 51:18)

1. Israel: We Won't Intervene in Gaza Strip Fight - AP

Calm appears to be returning to area; Israel not planning to confront Hamas militarily in Gaza.

2. Islamic rule has arrived, says Hamas - London Telegraph

Hamas proclaimed the era of Islamic rule had arrived in Gaza last night as the final strongholds of the Palestinian security forces crumbled and President Mahmoud Abbas dissolved the government and declared a state of emergency.

3. Hamas militants loot seized Gaza security buildings - Washington Times

Clouds of dense black smoke hung over the Intelligence Security Service headquarters, grandiosely constructed to appear like a large ship about to sail into the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

4. Hamas: We'll execute Fatah leaders - Ynet News

Hamas gunmen on Thursday afternoon captured the second of four major Fatah command centers in Gaza City, planting the group's green flag on the roof of the intelligence services building. Earlier in the day Hamas seized control of the the Palestinian Preventive Security headquarters in Gaza, reportedly executing witnesses and several defeated Fatah members. At least 10 people were killed.

5. U.S. to continue training Abbas' guard - Ynet News

The United States will continue financing the Palestinian Authority's presidential guard, which is loyal to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, despite the force's disappointing performance in the Gaza Strip, officials in Washington said.

6. Baghdad believers being terrorized for crime of Christianity - Jewish World Review

An al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent group is giving Christians in Baghdad a stark set of options: Convert to Islam, marry your daughters to our fighters, pay an Islamic tax or leave with only the clothes on your back.

7. Israel Launches New Spy Satellite - Infolive.tv; Bridges for Peace

Israel successfully launched the military spy satellite Ofek 7, early Monday [June 11]. In the wake of the Iranian nuclear threat and a possible war with Syria this summer, the satellite will enhance Israel's defense capabilities, officials said.