Turkey: Stealthy transformation
Images of proposed new Turkish Airlines uniforms were leaked online, and in Turkey where seemingly trifling matters can become bitter contests over identity, the leaked proposals are eliciting passionate reactions from the secular and the pious. Some mocked them as reminiscent of the Islamic 16th century dress code. Others called them a transparent effort to please the Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party. The party’s decade-long run in power has wrought changes in the traditionally secular culture - Islamic head scarves in public and on college campuses and restrictions on alcohol in certain places. According to a sociologist at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, many believe a certain lifestyle is being imposed on all institutions in Turkey. Turkish Airlines is 50% owned by the government, whose leader is either accused by his opponents of being a strict Islamist or a latter-day sultan for his accrual of power. While Turkey is a Muslim country, it prides itself of a secular government.
Pray: that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government will stand strong against pressure from those wanting a more Islamic government. (Jos.1:9)
Iran/Syria: Warnings from US & Gulf states
The United States and Saudi Arabia presented a united front to Iran and Syria. They have alerted Iran that patience over alleged nuclear ambitions is wearing thin and warned President Bashar al-Assad that they will boost support to rebels unless he steps down. While John Kerry was in Saudi Arabia on Monday he said, ‘The window of opportunity for a diplomatic solution cannot by definition remain open indefinitely. There is time to resolve the Iranian issue providing the Iranians are prepared to engage seriously on proposals. Talks will not go on for the sake of talks and cannot become an instrument for delay - making the situation more dangerous.’ The Saudi Foreign Minister, whose country shares concerns with other Gulf Arab states about increasing Iranian aggressiveness in the region, agreed. Also in a joint news conference Kerry and Saud told reporters that al-Assad had lost all claim to be Syria's legitimate leader.
Pray: that more will be done to eliminate the ‘slaughter of innocents’ and unethical nuclear ambitions.(2Sa.22:3)
More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/03/201334122024169854.html
USA: Will aid Israel defence systems despite cuts
New US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Ehud Barak for two hours on Tuesday, expressing strong support for Israeli missile and rocket defence systems despite fiscal uncertainty caused by across-the-board spending cuts. ‘Secretary Hagel is committed to working with members of Congress to ensure that there is no interruption of funding for Iron Dome, Arrow, and David's Sling rocket and missile defence systems,’ a US defence official said. During the talks, Barak stressed the importance of continuing to develop the special relations between the Israeli defence community and the Pentagon.
Pray: that God will bless security issues facing the Middle East today, foremost among them, Iran. (2Sa.22:4)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/top/jpost-com-LandedPages-PrintArticle-aspx-id-305409/
Pakistan: Elections
Will Pakistan return to a moderate government or become a fanatical terrorist country? The election process starts March 15th but much campaigning is going on now. An interim government will be in place for one month before May elections. Pray a religious ‘pir’ will not be Prime Minister during this period (Jer.1:8-10). Pakistan’s home minister Rahman Malik confirmed the Taliban was behind last Sunday’s car bomb in Karachi killing 50+ people and injuring 140+. Many believe political parties have gone soft on terrorist organisations because terrorists help them win elections (forcing candidates to withdraw their candidature and providing security to their political masters.) A worrying aspect is that the banned Sipah-eSahaba (Taliban affiliated party) entered into a poll alliance with PML-N, whose leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is known to be close to the Taliban (they named him as a guarantor in recent negotiations).
Pray: the run up to Pakistan’s elections will be peaceful. Pray deliverance for the innocent lives being destroyed and the failing economy. (2Ch.32:7)
