The Future of Islam, by John Esposito

President Barack Obama travelled to Cairo in June 2009 to promise a new beginning between the US and the Muslim world based on “mutual interest and mutual respect”. In The Future of Islam, John Esposito has written the handbook for this new age of engagement. Intolerant of the extremists bent on provoking a clash of civilisations – western Islamophobes and violent Islamists alike – Esposito’s book is a calculated appeal to the moderate middle ground upon whom the success of Obama’s policies depends. MORE HERE

Iraqi Christians killed in Mosul

Last week we requested prayer for Iraqi Christians in the city of Mosul and surrounding areas. Recall that several had been murdered and at least three kidnapped.

We regret to report that further murders have occurred, including at least one of those kidnapped on 16th February. On Tuesday 23rd February a Christian man and his two adult sons were shot dead by gunmen who forced their way into the family home. His wife and daughter witnessed the murders. This incident brings the number of Christians known to have been killed in Mosul in the past two weeks to nine.

Many Christian families are now leaving Mosul, with one report quoting the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul stating that "hundreds" left on Wednesday (24th). Most are moving to the "Nineveh Plains", the area north and east of Mosul. Many of the villages in this area have a significant presence of Christians who can assist those fleeing Mosul. Some have moved to areas with Christian communities within the nearby region controlled by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) of northern Iraq. The KRG-controlled areas are, in general, less volatile than Mosul.

There is no news of the Christian man abducted on 13th February and whose family had received a large ransom demand.

This violence is part of a general flare up of sectarian tension in the run up to the parliamentary election scheduled for 7th March. There has also been an increase in attacks on other religious communities.

In October 2008, in the run up to municipal elections in January 2009, at least 15 Christians were killed in Mosul and an estimated 1,600 Christian families fled, though some subsequently returned.

Iraqi Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a.  The bereaved will know the Lord's comfort and presence
b.  The wounded and traumatised will know the Lord's healing and peace
c.  The authorities would do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul, and to promote multi-religious tolerance
d.  Those who have relocated will find places of safety to live, quickly adjust to their new surroundings and find employment in order to support their families
e.  The election process will lead to greater stability and a reduction in violence across the country in general and in Mosul in particular
---------------------------------
Web site: www.meconcern.org

Syrian Daily Challenges Egypt's Status in Arab World

In recent years, and especially since the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri, Syria-Egypt relations have been very tense, owing to essential disagreements on the issues of Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran – to the point of a 'cold war' between the two countries. Even today, when Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Egypt's allies in the moderate camp, have drawn closer to Syria, Egypt has not changed its positions, and along with Iraq it continues to constitute an opposition to Syria within the Arab world. In fact, in the past year, it has acted as the main buffer thwarting Syria's efforts to draw close to the Arab countries and to form with them a solid front based on the approach of resistance to Israel and the U.S., which Syria is championing.
The tension between Syria and Egypt is evident in the statement of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad that "anyone who is party to the siege on Gaza is responsible for [spilling] Palestinian blood." Another reflection of it is the failure of the Saudi efforts to arrange a meeting between President Assad and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, as recently revealed by Saudi Foreign Minister Sa'ud Al-Faisal. MORE HERE

Disappearance of Christians from the Middle East

Christians in the Arab world who played an important role in developing pan-Arab movements in the 1950s and enriched its culture have serious concerns about their future in the Middle East.

Hundreds of thousands of Christians have left and many Christian communities were uprooted. The reasons behind the mass exodus differ from one country to the other, but one common factor is the collapse of pan-Arab nationalism and the rise of Islamist movements.

Al Sharqiya satellite television in Baghdad reported that out of the 1.4 million Iraqis Christians who lived in Iraq before 2003, only 800,000 remain. Al Jazeera English also reported that over half of the estimated 20,000 Christians who lived in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq prior to 2003 have already left. MORE HERE

Anglican leader worried about Christians in Middle East

BAPTISMAL SITE, Jordan -- The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has voiced grave concern over the eroding Christian presence in the Holy Land at the start of a four-day pilgrimage to the region.
Williams, who is the spiritual leader of the Anglican community worldwide, was surrounded by hundreds of faithful at the River Jordan on Saturday as he dedicated the cornerstone of an Anglican church. Tradition says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at the site.
Williams said he "worried deeply" about the dwindling numbers of Christians in the Mideast. He said it was the church's duty to support Christians who face hardship from the region's conflicts.MORE HERE

Anti-Christian violence in Iraqi Mosul

Iraqi Christians have requested our prayers following a series of incidents in the northern city of Mosul and the areas nearby. Tensions are heightened following the start of campaigning for the parliamentary election scheduled for 7th March.

On 16th February two Christians students were shot in a drive by shooting, killing one and injuring the other. Later that day two Christian students were kidnapped, though it is unknown if a ransom has been sought. On 15th a Christian man was killed in front of his shop in a drive by shooting. On 14th another Christian man was killed in his home by an armed man who forced his way into the house. There are unconfirmed reports that three other Christians have been killed whilst attempting to leave Mosul.

On 13th February one Christian was abducted. His family have received a large ransom demand. The usual practice in Iraq is that if a ransom is not paid then the victim is killed. However, there is scope for negotiation, and the ransom paid is often much less than the initial demand.

There has been a pattern of violence against Christians in Mosul since October 2008.

Iraqi Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a.  The bereaved will know the Lord's comfort and presence
b.  The wounded and traumatised will know the Lord's healing and peace
c.  The authorities would do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul, and to promote multi-religious tolerance
d.  The election process will lead to greater stability and a reduction in violence across the country in general and in Mosul in particular

---------------------------------
Web site: www.meconcern.org

Anti-Christian violence in Iraqi Mosul

Iraqi Christians have requested our prayers following a series of incidents in the northern city of Mosul and the areas nearby. Tensions are heightened following the start of campaigning for the parliamentary election scheduled for 7th March.

On 16th February two Christians students were shot in a drive by shooting, killing one and injuring the other. Later that day two Christian students were kidnapped, though it is unknown if a ransom has been sought. On 15th a Christian man was killed in front of his shop in a drive by shooting. On 14th another Christian man was killed in his home by an armed man who forced his way into the house. There are unconfirmed reports that three other Christians have been killed whilst attempting to leave Mosul.

On 13th February one Christian was abducted. His family have received a large ransom demand. The usual practice in Iraq is that if a ransom is not paid then the victim is killed. However, there is scope for negotiation, and the ransom paid is often much less than the initial demand.

There has been a pattern of violence against Christians in Mosul since October 2008.

Iraqi Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a.  The bereaved will know the Lord's comfort and presence
b.  The wounded and traumatised will know the Lord's healing and peace
c.  The authorities would do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul, and to promote multi-religious tolerance
d.  The election process will lead to greater stability and a reduction in violence across the country in general and in Mosul in particular

---------------------------------
Web site: www.meconcern.org

Christians converts from Islam imprisoned in Iran

Three believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) remain detained in Evin prison after being arrested, along with 12 others, on 24th December close to Tehran. Although all were initially released, some were ordered to return to sign papers in early January, and three were re-arrested. The group had gathered for a Christmas celebration in a home 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Tehran. The authorities searched the homes of all 15 believers, confiscating their Christian books, other literature and computers.

A few days later the sister of one of those detained near Tehran was also arrested, together with another BMB, in the central city of Isfahan.

On 11th January six BMBs, together with another Christian, were arrested in the south-western city of Shiraz. Three of these seven were visiting from other cities. It has been reported that all have been offered release on bail. However, bail has been set at a prohibitive level - more than US$30,000 each for five of them, and a little less for the other two - and all seven remain detained.

Four associates of those detained in Shiraz have also been arrested in the northern city of Rasht. One arrested at the end of January and another arrested in October remain in custody. Two others arrested at different times in January were held for about two weeks and then released.

All those detained are being denied family visits and access to legal representation.

Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:

a.  Those detained will know the close presence of Jesus, and be strengthened in their faith

b.  The purposes of the Father will be worked out in an through them

c.  All still detained will be released and reunited with their families

d.  Those released will not face charges or further court hearings

e.  BMBs across Iran will be able to meet together without fear

f.  All officials involved will act justly and mercifully, and make the same choice to follow Jesus

---------------------------------

Web site: www.meconcern.orgThree believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) remain detained in Evin prison after being arrested, along with 12 others, on 24th December close to Tehran. Although all were initially released, some were ordered to return to sign papers in early January, and three were re-arrested. The group had gathered for a Christmas celebration in a home 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Tehran. The authorities searched the homes of all 15 believers, confiscating their Christian books, other literature and computers.

A few days later the sister of one of those detained near Tehran was also arrested, together with another BMB, in the central city of Isfahan.

On 11th January six BMBs, together with another Christian, were arrested in the south-western city of Shiraz. Three of these seven were visiting from other cities. It has been reported that all have been offered release on bail. However, bail has been set at a prohibitive level - more than US$30,000 each for five of them, and a little less for the other two - and all seven remain detained.

Four associates of those detained in Shiraz have also been arrested in the northern city of Rasht. One arrested at the end of January and another arrested in October remain in custody. Two others arrested at different times in January were held for about two weeks and then released.

All those detained are being denied family visits and access to legal representation.

Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:

a.  Those detained will know the close presence of Jesus, and be strengthened in their faith

b.  The purposes of the Father will be worked out in an through them

c.  All still detained will be released and reunited with their families

d.  Those released will not face charges or further court hearings

e.  BMBs across Iran will be able to meet together without fear

f.  All officials involved will act justly and mercifully, and make the same choice to follow Jesus

---------------------------------

Web site: www.meconcern.org

Southern Baptist seminary president labels IMB mission strategy 'heresy'

The president of Liberty Theological Seminary has labeled a method used by Southern Baptist missionaries to spread the gospel in Muslim lands deceptive and heretical.
In a podcast interview on the SBC Today blog, Ergun Caner (picture) blasted the "Camel Method," developed by longtime International Mission Board strategist Kevin Greeson to engage Muslims into talking about Jesus using a familiar legend from Islam. Caner may be considered knowledgeable; he is a former Muslim himself.  The story goes that every good Muslim knows 99 names for Allah, but there is a 100th name that was revealed only to the camel. MORE HERE

The age of Maronite mediocrity

As Lebanon and elsewhere celebrated the feast day of the holiest saint in the Maronite church this week, it might not be a “politic” occasion to say it, but there are times when one must dot the Is and cross the Ts, as the Arabic expression has it. Under such conditions, the role of a newspaper or other media consists of stating the obvious. It might not be a particularly new idea, but it’s the media’s duty to relay the concerns of many, and, as they say, state it “for the record.” 

We live in the age of Maronite political mediocrity. This week’s celebrations of the Saint Maroun feast day transcend all Maronite political leaders, and their unfortunate division this year into simplistic pro-Syrian and pro-something-else camps. It’s a case of mediocrity, unfortunately, bringing the angels to the ground. MORE HERE

Angry Saudi schoolgirls terrorize school in Mecca

Hundreds of angry students start screaming. Together they charge a nearby classroom. They break tables and chairs, destroy the school kitchen and attack the headmistress. Shoes, pens and books are thrown at her, she is threatened with death, and forced to run back and lock herself into her office for protection.
Such a scene would scare parents, teachers, education officials and local police in any country.
It takes on a whole new meaning when it takes place at a girls' school in Mecca, Islam's holiest city, on the eastern seaboard of Saudi Arabia, a country known for its strict controls on women's behavior and an extensive internal security apparatus.
According to police and local Saudi media reports, the incident began Monday when Hasna Al-Ghafari, the headmistress of the 17th Intermediate Girls' School in Mecca, was told that a group of girls were sending each other obscene video recordings on their mobile phones. MORE HERE

Thomas Friedman: Schools, not missiles

I took part in a “qat chew” the other day at the home of a Yemeni official. Never done that before. Qat is the mildly hallucinogenic leaf drug that Yemeni men stuff in their cheek after work — and sometimes during. My hosts insisted that qat actually makes your senses sharper and that you could chew and chisel the top of a mosque minaret at the same time. I quit after 15 minutes, but the Yemeni officials, lawmakers and businessmen I was with chewed on for three hours — and they made a lot of sense along the way. MORE HERE

12 Moroccan Christians witness on TV

On this website, www.shehada.org, you can see 12 dramatized testimonies of Moroccan Christians.  Enjoy!

American Missionary expelled from Morocco

Morocco has expelled a foreign missionary for "openly converting people to Christianity," the interior ministry said on Friday, a month after five Christian priests were kicked out for the same reason.

"The missionary targeted a group of 14 Moroccans," in the town of Imizmiz, 55 kilometres (35 miles) south of Marrakech, a statement said, adding that he was expelled on Thursday.

It said teaching material and a "sizeable amount of proselytisation brochures" were seized from the man. A security source told AFP the missionary was American. "The group of Moroccans accompanying him were freed," the source added.

Last March, four Spaniards and a German woman were similarly expelled after they held a missionary meeting with Moroccan nationals, according to a statement from the ministry of the interior. - (Sapa-AFP)

Zahi Hawass, do not rubbish us with stories of coexistence...

An eight-year, $14.5 million restoration of St. Anthony’s Monastery, said to be the world’s oldest Christian monastery, was officially unveiled by Egypt on Thursday. Officials said the 1,600-year-old monastery, in the Red Sea Mountains, was evidence of Christian-Muslim coexistence. The unveiling came a month after Egypt’s worst sectarian violence in over a decade, in which gunman killed seven people outside a church on Coptic Orthodox Christmas Eve. “The announcement we are making today shows to the world how we are keen to restore the monuments of our past, whether Coptic, Jewish or Muslim,” said Zahi Hawass, general secretary of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Come on, Mr Zahi.  The monastery has in the past been looted again and again by the Muslims living in its environment.  The major reason for restoration is the availability of foreign money, and the fact that this monastery is a tourist attraction.  Don't rubbish us with stories of coexistence...

Robert Fisk: Israel feels under siege. Like a victim. An underdog

So the propaganda war is on. Forget Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the 15,000 Lebanese and Palestinian dead. Forget the Sabra and Shatila massacre that same year by Israel's militia allies as their troops watched. Erase the Qana massacre of 1996 – 106 Lebanese killed by Israeli shellfire, more than half of them children – and delete the 1,500 in the 2006 Lebanon war. And forget, of course, the more than 1,300 Palestinians slaughtered by Israel in Gaza last year (and the 13 Israelis killed by Hamas at that time) after Hamas rockets fell on Sderot. Israel – if you believe the security elite of Israel's right wing here in Herzliya – is now under an even more dangerous, near-unprecedented attack. MORE HERE