Sunday, February 24, 2008

Global Prayer - 2/24/08


The other day we were looking at nations in transition. Here are some updates.
Cuba
Raul Castro chosen as president by Cuba's National Assembly
CNN - 43 minutes ago
HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuba's National Assembly chose Raul Castro, Fidel Castro's younger brother, as Cuba's new president on Sunday.

Kosovo - Serbia
Authorities pursue Belgrade protesters
United Press International - 2 hours ago
BELGRADE, Serbia, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Authorities in Serbia are pursuing rioters who attacked the US Embassy last week, a senior prosecutor said.

Serbian official blames US for recent violence International Herald Tribune

US ambassador angered by Serb violence CNN International

Pakistan
“Musharraf not quitting”
Hindu - 1 hour ago
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf was not thinking of stepping down from office, a presidential spokesman reiterated on Sunday.

Pakistan's two biggest parties should ally: poll Reuters

Incoming Pakistani ruling party plans new parliament Monsters and Critics.com

Kenya
Kenya negotiators consult bosses on impending deal
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 12 hours ago
By Andrew Cawthorne NAIROBI (Reuters) - Negotiators for Kenya's rival political parties consulted their bosses on Saturday and pored over a draft for a new ...

Kenya: Country Edges Close to Deal
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 13 hours ago
Should the deal be reached, it would herald a new Kenya, where Parliament, and not the President, as is the case now, will create ministries and assign them ...

Afghanistan
US warns of more terror in Afghanistan
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 14 hours ago
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Sunday tipped more terrorist attacks and bombings and fewer all-out battles as Afghanistan moves into its annual summer ...


Lt. Matt Piosa rests inside a bunker.
The 173rd Airborne division Battle Company
established the bunker after a difficult battle
with insurgents to control the strategic
high grounds near the Korengal Outpost.
Photo: Lynsey Addario for The New York Times
Photo via The Group News Blog


Sgt. Tanner Stichter tends to a wounded
Specialist Carl Vandenberge.
Photo: Lynsey Addario for The New York Times

Hubris Sonic reminds us of "The Forgotten War" [Afghanistan] at The Group News Blog, pointing to a New York Times article "Battle Company Is Out There." It is a heart-wrenching article.

If only we had done the job right in the first place instead of draining our troops, resources, and attention from Afghanistan to fight an unnecessary, illegal, immoral, and pointless war in Iraq.


The usual hot spots need our prayers at all times, of course.
Iran
Iran says US work plan intelligence fake
Washington Post - 6 hours ago
VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday it had cleared up all past outstanding issues over its nuclear program with the United Nations nuclear watchdog and accused the United States of providing intelligence that was fake.

Iran warns West of reprisals over sanctions AFP

Iraq - Turkey - Kurdistan
Turkish Commandos Pursue Kurdish Rebels in Border Region
Voice of America - 9 hours ago
By VOA News Turkish commandos are patrolling the snowy, mountainous region of northern Iraq Sunday as a major ground operation targeting Kurdish rebels continues for a third day.

The Daily Kos open thread notes this:
A suicide bombing attack south of Baghdad has killed 40 and wounded 60 thus far.
The attack in Iskandariyah was the second of the day against pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Karbal
a to mark Arbaeen, the end of 40 days of mourning following the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, one of two revered Shiite figures buried there.

The suicide bomber detonated at a tent where pilgrims can stop and get something to eat and drink, police said.


A Prayer for Transition
Ever-present God,
You call us on a journey to a place we do not know.
We are not where we started.
We have not reached our destination.
We are not sure where we are or who we are.
This is not a comfortable place.
Be among us, we pray.
Calm our fears, save us from discouragement,
And help us to stay on course.
Open our hearts to your guidance so that our journey to this
Unknown place continues as a journey of trust.
Amen.
-- The Reverend Canon Kristi Philip

--the BB

8 comments:

June Butler said...

Paul, the canon's prayer is a fine one.

Perhaps, we'll soon be on the nations in transition list. We can hope.

Paul said...

Amen to that, Mimi!!!!!!!

Padre Mickey said...

I guess los Cubanos decided to go with Raúl rather than the retired presdent's idiot son Fidel W. Castro.*


*idea nicked from David Letterman

Jane R said...

Thank you for the beautiful prayer, Paul, and for the updates. And amen, Mimi.

Fran said...

This is amazing- what a post. I so admire that you do things like this.

I like what Mimi says too!!

johnieb said...

The Afghan story is real; she's a good reporter. That shit will make you crazy, but you can't let it. You have to fight it as you do the enemy, for that's what it is.

Airborne.

Paul said...

Pedrecito, even if you nicked it, it's a very good joke.

Tish, Fran, I just post Google News headlines with links.

Kirstin said...

You do a bit more than that, Paul. But the point is, you do it.