"Even the weak become strong when they are united." -Johann Friedrich Von Schiller
"Necessity unites." -German Proverb
Now that Sudan's civil war has come to an end, the south will be building a new nation and what they need most of all is unity. While the South was united in its campaign against the North, now that the battle is over fighting has started to erupt in the south among the tribal groups. As Christians we are told that there is one body of Christ, but it is made up of many different parts. Each part has its function or duty, and as a whole, we are better off as believers for what the diversity brings to us. Even though we are different, we are united by our faith in Jesus Christ and all other distinctions pale in comparison to what we have in common. This month as we pray for the Christians in Sudan, let us pray that the believers there would be an example of unity for the rest of this new nation. Remember, our allegiance is not to an earthly kingdom, but to a heavenly one. We are simply passing through as strangers in a land that is not our own. The conflicts in the Sudan are far from over, and civil war could break out again at any time. But we serve a God that is faithful and powerful, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger. Usually, that is when he shows up the most; or maybe that's just when we are paying the most attention. Either way, lets pray for God's Spirit to be at work among the people in Sudan as they come together to build this new nation. Hopefully, a nation of peace, with freedom to worship God where hatred has no home.
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Northern Sudan
Basic Info: Northern Sudan borders the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea. It is slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US, and it is generally flat, with featureless plains. Desert dominates the north part of the country, and some of the country’s problems include inadequate supplies of portable water, wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting, soil erosion, desertification, and periodic drought. Of the 45,047,502 population, 8,260,490 is South Sudan. About 40% of the population is urban. Arabic and English are the official languages, but Nubian, Ta Bedawie, and Fur are widely spoken as well. The CIA has noted that there is a program of "Arabization" in process.
Government: The government has what is called the Government of National Unity (GNU) which is a power-sharing government. In 2005, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was formed between the National Congress Party (NCP) {formerly the National Islamic Front} and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). The NCP, which came to power by military coup in 1989, is the majority partner. The agreement stipulated national elections in 2009, but these were subsequently rescheduled. Elections took place in April 2010 and the NCP was elected as the majority party. Due to the CPA stipulations, there is also an autonomous government in Southern Sudan where SPLM holds the majority of positions. Also, under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim National Constitution was ratified July 5, 2005. The Constitution of Southern Sudan was signed December 2005. The President is Umar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, and he has been the President since 1993. Al-Bashir assumed power as chairman of Sudan's Revolutionary Command Council for National Salvation (RCC) in June 1989 and served concurrently as chief of state, chairman of the RCC, prime minister, and minister of defense until mid-October 1993 when he was appointed president by the RCC. He was elected president by popular vote for the first time in March 1996. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President and his cabinet is dominated by the NCP. The bicameral National Legislature consists of a Council of States and a National Assembly (450 seats; 60% from geographic constituencies, 25% from a women's list, and 15% from party lists). The legal system is a mix of Islamic law and English common law.
Civil War: Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in 1972 but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than four million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than two million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04 with the signing of several accords. The final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years followed by a referendum on independence for Southern Sudan. The referendum was held in January 2011 and indicated overwhelming support for independence. A separate conflict, which broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced nearly two million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths. The UN took command of the Darfur peacekeeping operation from the African Union in December 2007. Peacekeeping troops have struggled to stabilize the situation, which has become increasingly regional in scope and has brought instability to eastern Chad. Sudan also has faced large refugee influxes from neighboring countries primarily Ethiopia and Chad. Armed conflict, poor transport infrastructure, and lack of government support have chronically obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
Economy: Since 1997, Sudan has been working with the IMF to implement macroeconomic reforms. Sudan began exporting crude oil in the last quarter of 1999 and the economy boomed on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices, and significant inflows of foreign direct investment until the second half of 2008. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on subsistence agriculture ensure much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years to come despite rapid rises in average per capita income. Currently about 40% of the population is below the poverty line. While the oil sector continues to drive growth, services and utilities play an increasingly important role in the economy with agriculture production remaining important as it employs 80% of the work force and contributes a third of GDP. In the lead up to the referendum on southern secession, which took place in January 2011, Sudan saw its currency depreciate considerably on the black market with the Central Bank's official rate also losing value as the Sudanese people started to hoard foreign currency. The Central Bank of Sudan intervened heavily in the currency market to defend the value of the pound and the Sudanese government introduced a number of measures to restrain excess local demand for hard currency, but uncertainty about the secession has meant that foreign exchange remains in heavy demand. The Sudanese Government directly controls TV and radio, requiring that both media reflect government policies. TV has a permanent military censor, but there is a private radio station that is in operation.
Religion: Muslim (61.38), Christian (26.11), Ethnoreligionist (11.10), Other (1.41)
Sunni Muslims are the majority, but mainly among the Sudanese Arabs in the north. The constitution offers some religious freedoms, but in reality, those freedoms are arbitrarily abused. The Naivasha Agreement established some protections for non-Muslims in the north (although apostasy is legally punishable by death), and it clarified that Islamic law does not apply in the south. But attempts to impose Islamic law―in infringement of several previous peace agreements―generate a hostile religious context and a cause of civil war. Persecution of the Church has been most intense since 1985. Deliberate attempts to eliminate a viable Christian presence are extreme and include bombing of Sunday church services; destruction of churches, hospitals, schools, mission bases and Christian villages; massacres and mutilation; and murder of pastors and leaders. Persecution has been especially severe in the Nuba Mountains. Whole areas have been laid waste and lands seized and given to Arabized northerners. Despite this, the number of Christians is growing―from 1.6 million in 1980 to 11 million in 2010.
Human Trafficking and Refugees: refugees (country of origin): 162,000 (Eritrea); 43,000 (Chad); 11,009 (Ethiopia) IDPs: more than 4 million (civil war 1983-2005; ongoing conflict in Darfur region) (2007) The effects of Sudan's almost constant fighting have affected all of the neighboring states. Since 2006, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda provided shelter for over half a million Sudanese refugees, which includes 240,000 Darfur residents. Sudan is also a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. Sudanese women and girls, particularly those from rural areas or who are internally displaced, are vulnerable to forced labor as domestic workers in homes throughout the country, and some are sexually abused by male occupants of the household or forced to engage in commercial sex acts. Sudanese women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude in Middle Eastern countries, such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and to forced sex trafficking in European countries. Some Sudanese men who voluntarily migrate to the Middle East as low-skilled laborers face conditions indicative of forced labor. Sudanese children transit Yemen en route to Saudi Arabia, where they are used in forced begging and street vending, and reportedly work in exploitative labor situations for Sudanese traders in the Central African Republic. Sudan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. While the government took some steps to identify, demobilize, and reintegrate child soldiers during the reporting period, combating human trafficking through law enforcement, protection, or prevention measures was not a priority (2011).
South Sudan
History: Egypt attempted to colonize the region of southern Sudan by establishing the province of Equatoria in the 1870s. Islamic Mahdist revolutionaries overran the region in 1885, but in 1898 a British force was able to overthrow the Mahdist regime. An Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was established the following year with Equatoria being the southernmost of its eight provinces. The isolated region was largely left to itself over the following decades, but Christian missionaries converted much of the population and facilitated the spread of English. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was with the understanding that the southerners would be able to participate fully in the political system. When the Arab Khartoum government reneged on its promises, a mutiny began that led to two prolonged periods of conflict (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which perhaps 2.5 million people died - mostly civilians - due to starvation and drought. Ongoing peace talks finally resulted in a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in January 2005. As part of this agreement the south was granted a six-year period of autonomy to be followed by a referendum on final status. The result of this referendum, held in January 2011, was a vote of 98% in favor of secession. Independence was attained on 9 July 2011. Since January, heavy violence from the north has blanketed both nations. The United Nations reported that in the first four months of 2011, hundreds died and 94,000 were displaced due to the violence. The South Sudan-Sudan boundary represents the January 1, 1956, agreement, but the final alignment is pending negotiations and demarcation. There is still periodic violent skirmishes with South Sudanese residents over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border with the Central African Republic. The boundary that separates Kenya and South Sudan's sovereignty is unclear in the "Ilemi Triangle," which Kenya has administered since colonial times.
Basic Info: The South Sudan is a landlocked country slightly smaller than Texas. The official population is 8,260,490 according to the disputed 2008 census, but the actual number may be as high as 9.28 million. English and Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants) are the official languages and regional languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk. The Government of South Sudan announced in August 2010 that anyone younger than 18 years of age would be mustered out of the army, but 900 children were estimated to still be active at the end of that year. In April 2011, a conscription program was being implemented to thwart recruitment of military-aged males into other armed groups (2011). Only 27% of the population over 15 is literate.
Government: The new government is a republic and the President is Salva Kiir Mayardit (since July 9, 2011 and he won 93% of the vote). The National Council of Ministers is appointed by the president and approved by a resolution from the Legislative Assembly. The president is elected by popular vote for a four year term and the next election will be in 2015. TV is controlled by the government, but several private FM stations are operational in South Sudan and some foreign radio broadcasts are available as well.
Economy: South Sudan’s industry and infrastructure are severely underdeveloped and poverty is rampant after decades of civil war with the north. Just 60 km of the road network is paved and much of it is in disrepair. The majority of the population depends on subsistence agriculture in order to provide a living. Electricity is produced mostly by costly diesel generators and running water is scarce. The government spends large sums of money to maintain a large army, and delays in paying salaries have resulted in riots by unruly soldiers. Ethnic conflicts have resulted in a large number of civilian deaths and displacement. South Sudan depends largely on imports of goods, services, and capital from the north. However, South Sudan does have abundant natural resources and South Sudan produces nearly three-fourths of the former Sudan's total oil output of nearly a half million barrels per day. Nearly 98% of the government’s revenue is from oil. South Sudan also holds one of the richest agricultural areas in Africa in the White Nile valley. South Sudan also contains large wildlife herds, which could possibly in the future attract eco-tourists. And the White Nile has sufficient flow to generate large quantities of hydroelectricity. South Sudan does not have large external debt or structural trade deficits. South Sudan has received more than $4 billion in foreign aid since 2005, largely from the UK, US, Norway, and Netherlands, but Khartoum (the Northern Sudan’s capital) has imposed blockades on goods and capital going to South Sudan. The World Bank plans to support investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and power generation. After independence, South Sudan's central bank plans to issue a new currency, the South Sudanese Pound, allowing a short grace period for turning in the old currency. Long term problems include alleviating poverty, maintaining macroeconomic stability, improving tax collection and financial management, focusing resources on speeding growth, and improving the business environment
Information compiled from CIA WorldFactBook "Sudan", "South Sudan", VOM Canada "Sudan"
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'Lost Boy' focused on helping Sudan (Nov 27, 2011)
Sudan: Story of Muslim Persecuting Christians by Former Christian Slave (September 2, 2011)
Sudan Christians Suffering Ethnic Cleansing (August 31, 2011)
Samaritan's Purse-Food Distribution-South Sudan Air Drop (Aug 11, 2011)
Okari Worship Service - Southern Sudan
Sudan: Transit fee for oil export undecided (Dec 1, 2011)
Independence for South Sudan (July 8, 2011)
Sudan: Fight for the Heart of the South (July 8,2011)
Sudan: History of a Broken Land (Jan 5, 2011)
Sudan: Fight for the Soul of the North (July 2, 2011)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
International Day of Prayer
"Faith faces everything that makes the world uncomfortable- pain, fear, loneliness, shame, death- and acts with a compassion by which these things are transformed, even exalted." -Samuel H. Miller
This month we met together to remember and pray for the persecuted church, but as what happens so often, we are changed in the process. As we meet to pray, we are strengthened and encouraged by the testimonies of believers who have faced challenges and horrors we can hardly imagine. These are people who have faced what the world has thrown at them and come through the other side of it transformed. The things that the world shys away from, these believers meet with grace and dignity and an unwavering faith. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 As we lift those who are persecuted up in prayer before God, may we prepare our hearts and spirits to be ready at any time to answer the call of the faithful. No matter the cost.
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2011 World Watch List
Padina's Story (This was the featured story this year for the IDOP.)
This month we met together to remember and pray for the persecuted church, but as what happens so often, we are changed in the process. As we meet to pray, we are strengthened and encouraged by the testimonies of believers who have faced challenges and horrors we can hardly imagine. These are people who have faced what the world has thrown at them and come through the other side of it transformed. The things that the world shys away from, these believers meet with grace and dignity and an unwavering faith. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 As we lift those who are persecuted up in prayer before God, may we prepare our hearts and spirits to be ready at any time to answer the call of the faithful. No matter the cost.
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2011 World Watch List
Padina's Story (This was the featured story this year for the IDOP.)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Nigeria: Past Sorrows
"The past is never completely lost, however extensive the devastation. Your sorrows are the bricks and mortar of a magnificent temple. What you are today and what you will be tomorrow are because of what you have been. Your faith of yesterday is built into your faith today." -Gordon Wright
Nigeria is a country that has known its share of sorrows. Political instability, corruption, widespread violence and retaliations have become the norm when describing this nation. While there are those in the country working toward a brighter tomorrow, the scars of the past can never be fully erased. But we see those that choose to move forward, carrying their sorrows with them, and offering forgiveness to those that wounded them. The testimonies of the believers in Nigeria that we saw this past week are true examples of heroes of the faith. Despite all their sorrows, they trust in God to provide for them and to carry them through to a new day. May we draw strength from their example and never lose the enduring hope that we have in Chrits.
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Nigeria
Basic Info: Nigeria is a country slightly more than twice the size of California in Western Africa. It borders the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. Of the 155,215,573 population, 50% is urban. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the most populous and politically influential are Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%. English is the official language and Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, are the other major languages and there are over 500 additional indigenous languages. About 3.3 million people are living with AIDS. Nigeria is a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets. Nigeria is a consumer of amphetamines and is a safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide. Nigeria is a major money-laundering center and has massive corruption and criminal activity. Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006. Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF.
Government: Nigeria’s government and political history has been extremely turbulent. Britain’s influence and control over the region continued through the 19th century. After WWII, Nigeria had greater autonomy and finally gained independence in 1960. For the next 16 years, the country was ruled by the military. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and there was a peaceful transition to civilian government. The country is a federal republic with 36 states and 1 territory. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term. The current President is Goodluck Jonathan. President Jonathan assumed the presidency on May 5, 2010 after the death of President Yar’Adua. Jonathan was declared Acting President on February 9, 2010 by the National Assembly during the extended illness of President Yar’Adua. According to the Constitution, the President is elected by popular vote for a four year term and is eligible for a second term. The legal system is a mix of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law.
Economy: Nigeria is rich in oil, but since it has been hampered by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management the country as a whole is not well off. About 70% of the population is below the poverty line. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. In 2008, Nigeria began pursuing economic reforms, like modernizing the banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. President Jonathan has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010 Jonathan unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes privatization of the state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. The government also is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria’s debt has been a serious problem. In 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. In 2002, Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program after failing to meet its targets. In 2005, a debt-relief deal was made that would eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. All 36 states operate TV stations with nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations, and several private TV stations. Cable and satellite TV subscription services are available.
Religion: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Nigeria has known only one decade of an elected government since it gained its independence from Britain in 1960. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo, who says he found Christ while in prison under Nigeria’s previous military dictator, was elected as president. Nigeria is strongly divided between Christianity and Islam. The north of Nigeria is largely Muslim while the south is predominantly Christian. In 1999, Shari’a law was implemented in 12 northern and central states. Although the law was originally sanctioned to govern only Muslim citizens, non-Muslims living in the regions have also been affected. Christians frequently face opposition in areas controlled by Muslims. In mid-November 2008, two church buildings were destroyed within days of each other in the northern city of Yelwa, Bauchi state. Later that month, anti-Christian violence erupted in the central city of Jos following a local election. Six pastors were murdered, at least 500 other people killed, 40 church buildings were destroyed, and approximately 25,000 people were displaced.
Ethnic Tensions: The slave trade, both across the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, had a profound influence on virtually all parts of Nigeria. The transatlantic trade in particular accounted for the forced migration of perhaps 3.5 million people between the 1650s and the 1860s, while a steady stream of slaves flowed north across the Sahara for a millennium, ending at the beginning of the twentieth century. Within Nigeria, slavery was widespread, with social implications that are still evident today. The Sokoto Caliphate, for example, had more slaves than any other modern country, except the United States in 1860. Slaves were also numerous among the Igbo, the Yoruba, and many other ethnic groups. Indeed, many ethnic distinctions, especially in the middle belt--the area between the north and south--were reinforced because of slave raiding and defensive measures that were adopted for protection against enslavement. Conversion to Islam and the spread of Christianity were intricately associated with issues relating to slavery and with efforts to promote political and cultural autonomy.
Information compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Nigeria”, www.persecution.net “Nigeria”
Nigeria’s Government
1960-1966: First Republic of Nigeria under a British parliamentary system. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was elected Prime Minister.
1966 (January 15): Junior officers of the Nigerian army overthrew the government in a coup d’etat. The officers, most of whom were Igbo, assassinated Balewa in Lagos as well as some senior northern officers. The coup leaders pledged to establish a strong and efficient government committed to a progressive program and eventually to new elections. They vowed to stop the post-electoral violence and stamp out corruption that they said was rife in the civilian administration. General Johnson T. Aguiyi-Ironsi, the most senior military officer, and incidentally an easterner (Igbo), who stepped in to restore order, became the head of state.
1966 (July 29): A group of Northern officers and men stormed the Western Region’s governor’s residence and killed General Aguiyi Ironsi. Lt. Col Yakubu Gowon a fairly junior officer from the north became the new head of state.
1967: Lt Col Ojukwu, governor of the east, declared his region the Republic of Biafra. First shots were fired heralding a 30-month war between the Federal government and the rebel Republic of Biafra.
1970 (January 15): The civil war ended and reconstruction and rehabilitation begin.
1973 (May): Gowon establishes the National Youth Service Corps Scheme and introduces compulsory one-year service for all university graduates, to promote integration and peace.
1974: General Gowon said he could not keep his earlier promise to return power to a democratically elected government in 1976. He announced an indefinite postponement of a program of transition to civil rule.
1975 (October): Gowon was overthrown in a coup, on the anniversary of his ninth year in office. Brigadier (later General) Murtala Mohammed, the new head of state promised a 1979 restoration of democracy.
1976 (February 13): Murtala Mohammed was killed and he is succeeded by General Olusegun Obasanjo who pledged to pursue his predecessor’s transition program.
1979: Nigeria got a new constitution. Five political parties compete in a series of elections in which Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) is elected President.
1983(September): Shagari was re-elected president of Nigeria in August-September 1983.
1983(December 31): Following a coup d’etat, the military returned to power. Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was named head of state.
1985 (August 27): Following accusations of callousness and overzealousness, Buhari was overthrown in a palace coup. The army chief, General Ibrahim Babangida took over power.
1993 (June-August): After several postponements by the military administration, presidential elections were held. Businessman and newspaper publisher Moshood Abiola of the SDP took unexpected lead in early returns. Babangida on national television offered his reasons for annulling the results of the Presidential election. At least 100 people were killed in riots in the southwest, Abiola's home area. Under severe opposition and pressure, Babangida resigned as military president and appointed an interim government headed by Chief Ernest A. Shonekan.
1993 (November 17): General Sani Abacha, defence minister in the interim government and most senior officer, seized power from Shonekan, abolishes the constitution.
1994: Abiola, who had escaped abroad after the annulment, returned and proclaimed himself president. He was arrested and charged with treason.
1995 (July): Former head of state, Obasanjo was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a secret military tribunal for alleged participation in an attempt (widely believed to have been fictional) to overthrow the government.
1998 (June-July): General Abacha died suddenly and mysteriously. The official cause of death: heart attack. Nigerians swarmed the streets rejoicing. Gen. Abdulsalaam Abubakar was named Nigeria's eighth military ruler. He promised to restore civilian rule promptly. A month after General Abacha's death the United Nations General-Secretary Kofi Annan arrived in Nigeria to conclude deals for the release of Chief Abiola. Abiola died in detention of a heart disease, a week after Annan’s visit, before he could be released in a general amnesty for political prisoners. Abubakar promised to relinquish power on May 29, 1999.
1999 (February 15): Former military ruler Obasanjo won the presidential nomination of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
1999 (May): A new Constitution was adopted. It was based on the 1979 Constitution.
1999 (May 29): Former Military Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, was sworn in as Nigeria's democratically elected civilian President.
2003: President Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar are re-elected for a further 4 year term.
2007: President Yar’Adua and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan elected to lead Nigeria, marking the first ever successful civilian to civilian administration hand over in Nigerian political history.
2010: President Yar’Adua dies while in power due to ill-health, Goodluck Jonathan, his erstwhile Vice President, is sworn in as President.
The 2011 Presidential election was filled with turmoil and controversy over an unspoken rule. Tradition, not the Constitution, states that power of the Presidency rotates between the Muslim North and the Christian South. The tradition came about under the current People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a way to address the ethnic and religious tensions in the country. Nigeria has seen more than its share of violence due to politics. After the death of President Yar’Adua, a Northern Muslim, his Vice President Jonathan, a Southern Christian, took over as acting president. The suggestion that Jonathan was considering running for the presidency in his own right was controversial as Yar'Adua had only served one of the two possible terms as president after Southerner Olusegun Obasanjo. However, of the three men seeking the 2011 Presidency as a PDP candidate, Jonathan was the best choice. Former military president Ibrahim Babangida and former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, who are both Northern Muslims, also were vying for the PDP spot. However, Babangida has himself been accused of looting $12.4 billion from the oil windfall during the first Gulf War when he was head of state. He also earned the “undying hatred” of the southwestern part of the country by annulling an election in which the business mogul Moshood Abiola was presumed to have won in 1993. Jonathan did win the PDP candidacy and he did win the 2011 Presidential elections. The election results were: Goodluck JONATHAN 58.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI 32.0%, Nuhu RIBADU 5.4%, Ibrahim SHEKARAU 2.4%, other 1.3%. The elections were considered Nigeria’s most successful since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999. However, violent widespread reactions came about as a result in the Muslim North and attacks against Christians in the North occurred because of Jonathan’s election to the Presidency.
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After Nigeria Presidential Election Results April 2011
Nigeria @ 50: Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan on CNN - Africannewslive
CNN: Nigeria's Turmoil 2010
CNN - Babangida: Why I'm seeking election 2010 (The National Republican Convention (NRC) led by Bashir Tofa from northern Nigeria and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Chief Kashimawo Olawale Moshood Abiola, from the southwest, both, wealthy businessmen. The SDP, led by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, obtained majority votes in the June 12 1993 presidential elections. Nevertheless, Nigerian’s hopes for a return to civilian rule were dashed when the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results of the national elections after votes were counted. He comments on that decision in '93 in this interview.)
#1 Muslims Massacre Christians in Nigeria: Christians vs Muslims - part 1 of 2
#2 Muslims Massacre Christians in Nigeria: Christians vs Muslims - part 2 of 2
http://youtu.be/IugyvZ6ZAuU (If you would like to see this part, copy and paste the link into a separate browser. Be warned that there is an inappropriate video link that pops up when this video is finished playing and I didn't want to have it posted on the blog page.)
Muslims Murder 500 Christians in Nigeria
Nigerian Massacres 1-24-2010.mpg
http://youtu.be/14DKnJ2wp30 (If you would like to see this video copy and paste the link into a separate browser. Be warned that there is an inappropriate video link that pops up when this video is finished playing and I didn't want to have it posted on the blog page.)
Nigerian Death Toll Rises 2009
Hundreds Die in Nigerian Riots 2008
Christian Persecution in Nigeria 2008
Nigeria is a country that has known its share of sorrows. Political instability, corruption, widespread violence and retaliations have become the norm when describing this nation. While there are those in the country working toward a brighter tomorrow, the scars of the past can never be fully erased. But we see those that choose to move forward, carrying their sorrows with them, and offering forgiveness to those that wounded them. The testimonies of the believers in Nigeria that we saw this past week are true examples of heroes of the faith. Despite all their sorrows, they trust in God to provide for them and to carry them through to a new day. May we draw strength from their example and never lose the enduring hope that we have in Chrits.
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Nigeria
Basic Info: Nigeria is a country slightly more than twice the size of California in Western Africa. It borders the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. Of the 155,215,573 population, 50% is urban. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the most populous and politically influential are Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%. English is the official language and Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, are the other major languages and there are over 500 additional indigenous languages. About 3.3 million people are living with AIDS. Nigeria is a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets. Nigeria is a consumer of amphetamines and is a safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide. Nigeria is a major money-laundering center and has massive corruption and criminal activity. Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006. Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF.
Government: Nigeria’s government and political history has been extremely turbulent. Britain’s influence and control over the region continued through the 19th century. After WWII, Nigeria had greater autonomy and finally gained independence in 1960. For the next 16 years, the country was ruled by the military. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and there was a peaceful transition to civilian government. The country is a federal republic with 36 states and 1 territory. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. In January 2010, Nigeria assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term. The current President is Goodluck Jonathan. President Jonathan assumed the presidency on May 5, 2010 after the death of President Yar’Adua. Jonathan was declared Acting President on February 9, 2010 by the National Assembly during the extended illness of President Yar’Adua. According to the Constitution, the President is elected by popular vote for a four year term and is eligible for a second term. The legal system is a mix of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law.
Economy: Nigeria is rich in oil, but since it has been hampered by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management the country as a whole is not well off. About 70% of the population is below the poverty line. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. In 2008, Nigeria began pursuing economic reforms, like modernizing the banking system, curbing inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and resolving regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. President Jonathan has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth and in August 2010 Jonathan unveiled a power sector blueprint that includes privatization of the state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. The government also is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for roads. Nigeria’s debt has been a serious problem. In 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. In 2002, Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program after failing to meet its targets. In 2005, a debt-relief deal was made that would eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. All 36 states operate TV stations with nearly 70 federal-government-controlled national and regional TV stations, and several private TV stations. Cable and satellite TV subscription services are available.
Religion: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Nigeria has known only one decade of an elected government since it gained its independence from Britain in 1960. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo, who says he found Christ while in prison under Nigeria’s previous military dictator, was elected as president. Nigeria is strongly divided between Christianity and Islam. The north of Nigeria is largely Muslim while the south is predominantly Christian. In 1999, Shari’a law was implemented in 12 northern and central states. Although the law was originally sanctioned to govern only Muslim citizens, non-Muslims living in the regions have also been affected. Christians frequently face opposition in areas controlled by Muslims. In mid-November 2008, two church buildings were destroyed within days of each other in the northern city of Yelwa, Bauchi state. Later that month, anti-Christian violence erupted in the central city of Jos following a local election. Six pastors were murdered, at least 500 other people killed, 40 church buildings were destroyed, and approximately 25,000 people were displaced.
Ethnic Tensions: The slave trade, both across the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, had a profound influence on virtually all parts of Nigeria. The transatlantic trade in particular accounted for the forced migration of perhaps 3.5 million people between the 1650s and the 1860s, while a steady stream of slaves flowed north across the Sahara for a millennium, ending at the beginning of the twentieth century. Within Nigeria, slavery was widespread, with social implications that are still evident today. The Sokoto Caliphate, for example, had more slaves than any other modern country, except the United States in 1860. Slaves were also numerous among the Igbo, the Yoruba, and many other ethnic groups. Indeed, many ethnic distinctions, especially in the middle belt--the area between the north and south--were reinforced because of slave raiding and defensive measures that were adopted for protection against enslavement. Conversion to Islam and the spread of Christianity were intricately associated with issues relating to slavery and with efforts to promote political and cultural autonomy.
Information compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Nigeria”, www.persecution.net “Nigeria”
Nigeria’s Government
1960-1966: First Republic of Nigeria under a British parliamentary system. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was elected Prime Minister.
1966 (January 15): Junior officers of the Nigerian army overthrew the government in a coup d’etat. The officers, most of whom were Igbo, assassinated Balewa in Lagos as well as some senior northern officers. The coup leaders pledged to establish a strong and efficient government committed to a progressive program and eventually to new elections. They vowed to stop the post-electoral violence and stamp out corruption that they said was rife in the civilian administration. General Johnson T. Aguiyi-Ironsi, the most senior military officer, and incidentally an easterner (Igbo), who stepped in to restore order, became the head of state.
1966 (July 29): A group of Northern officers and men stormed the Western Region’s governor’s residence and killed General Aguiyi Ironsi. Lt. Col Yakubu Gowon a fairly junior officer from the north became the new head of state.
1967: Lt Col Ojukwu, governor of the east, declared his region the Republic of Biafra. First shots were fired heralding a 30-month war between the Federal government and the rebel Republic of Biafra.
1970 (January 15): The civil war ended and reconstruction and rehabilitation begin.
1973 (May): Gowon establishes the National Youth Service Corps Scheme and introduces compulsory one-year service for all university graduates, to promote integration and peace.
1974: General Gowon said he could not keep his earlier promise to return power to a democratically elected government in 1976. He announced an indefinite postponement of a program of transition to civil rule.
1975 (October): Gowon was overthrown in a coup, on the anniversary of his ninth year in office. Brigadier (later General) Murtala Mohammed, the new head of state promised a 1979 restoration of democracy.
1976 (February 13): Murtala Mohammed was killed and he is succeeded by General Olusegun Obasanjo who pledged to pursue his predecessor’s transition program.
1979: Nigeria got a new constitution. Five political parties compete in a series of elections in which Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) is elected President.
1983(September): Shagari was re-elected president of Nigeria in August-September 1983.
1983(December 31): Following a coup d’etat, the military returned to power. Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was named head of state.
1985 (August 27): Following accusations of callousness and overzealousness, Buhari was overthrown in a palace coup. The army chief, General Ibrahim Babangida took over power.
1993 (June-August): After several postponements by the military administration, presidential elections were held. Businessman and newspaper publisher Moshood Abiola of the SDP took unexpected lead in early returns. Babangida on national television offered his reasons for annulling the results of the Presidential election. At least 100 people were killed in riots in the southwest, Abiola's home area. Under severe opposition and pressure, Babangida resigned as military president and appointed an interim government headed by Chief Ernest A. Shonekan.
1993 (November 17): General Sani Abacha, defence minister in the interim government and most senior officer, seized power from Shonekan, abolishes the constitution.
1994: Abiola, who had escaped abroad after the annulment, returned and proclaimed himself president. He was arrested and charged with treason.
1995 (July): Former head of state, Obasanjo was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a secret military tribunal for alleged participation in an attempt (widely believed to have been fictional) to overthrow the government.
1998 (June-July): General Abacha died suddenly and mysteriously. The official cause of death: heart attack. Nigerians swarmed the streets rejoicing. Gen. Abdulsalaam Abubakar was named Nigeria's eighth military ruler. He promised to restore civilian rule promptly. A month after General Abacha's death the United Nations General-Secretary Kofi Annan arrived in Nigeria to conclude deals for the release of Chief Abiola. Abiola died in detention of a heart disease, a week after Annan’s visit, before he could be released in a general amnesty for political prisoners. Abubakar promised to relinquish power on May 29, 1999.
1999 (February 15): Former military ruler Obasanjo won the presidential nomination of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
1999 (May): A new Constitution was adopted. It was based on the 1979 Constitution.
1999 (May 29): Former Military Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, was sworn in as Nigeria's democratically elected civilian President.
2003: President Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar are re-elected for a further 4 year term.
2007: President Yar’Adua and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan elected to lead Nigeria, marking the first ever successful civilian to civilian administration hand over in Nigerian political history.
2010: President Yar’Adua dies while in power due to ill-health, Goodluck Jonathan, his erstwhile Vice President, is sworn in as President.
The 2011 Presidential election was filled with turmoil and controversy over an unspoken rule. Tradition, not the Constitution, states that power of the Presidency rotates between the Muslim North and the Christian South. The tradition came about under the current People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a way to address the ethnic and religious tensions in the country. Nigeria has seen more than its share of violence due to politics. After the death of President Yar’Adua, a Northern Muslim, his Vice President Jonathan, a Southern Christian, took over as acting president. The suggestion that Jonathan was considering running for the presidency in his own right was controversial as Yar'Adua had only served one of the two possible terms as president after Southerner Olusegun Obasanjo. However, of the three men seeking the 2011 Presidency as a PDP candidate, Jonathan was the best choice. Former military president Ibrahim Babangida and former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, who are both Northern Muslims, also were vying for the PDP spot. However, Babangida has himself been accused of looting $12.4 billion from the oil windfall during the first Gulf War when he was head of state. He also earned the “undying hatred” of the southwestern part of the country by annulling an election in which the business mogul Moshood Abiola was presumed to have won in 1993. Jonathan did win the PDP candidacy and he did win the 2011 Presidential elections. The election results were: Goodluck JONATHAN 58.9%, Muhammadu BUHARI 32.0%, Nuhu RIBADU 5.4%, Ibrahim SHEKARAU 2.4%, other 1.3%. The elections were considered Nigeria’s most successful since its return to multiparty democracy in 1999. However, violent widespread reactions came about as a result in the Muslim North and attacks against Christians in the North occurred because of Jonathan’s election to the Presidency.
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After Nigeria Presidential Election Results April 2011
Nigeria @ 50: Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan on CNN - Africannewslive
CNN: Nigeria's Turmoil 2010
CNN - Babangida: Why I'm seeking election 2010 (The National Republican Convention (NRC) led by Bashir Tofa from northern Nigeria and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Chief Kashimawo Olawale Moshood Abiola, from the southwest, both, wealthy businessmen. The SDP, led by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, obtained majority votes in the June 12 1993 presidential elections. Nevertheless, Nigerian’s hopes for a return to civilian rule were dashed when the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results of the national elections after votes were counted. He comments on that decision in '93 in this interview.)
#1 Muslims Massacre Christians in Nigeria: Christians vs Muslims - part 1 of 2
#2 Muslims Massacre Christians in Nigeria: Christians vs Muslims - part 2 of 2
http://youtu.be/IugyvZ6ZAuU (If you would like to see this part, copy and paste the link into a separate browser. Be warned that there is an inappropriate video link that pops up when this video is finished playing and I didn't want to have it posted on the blog page.)
Muslims Murder 500 Christians in Nigeria
Nigerian Massacres 1-24-2010.mpg
http://youtu.be/14DKnJ2wp30 (If you would like to see this video copy and paste the link into a separate browser. Be warned that there is an inappropriate video link that pops up when this video is finished playing and I didn't want to have it posted on the blog page.)
Nigerian Death Toll Rises 2009
Hundreds Die in Nigerian Riots 2008
Christian Persecution in Nigeria 2008
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Bangladesh: Making Disciples
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.' -Matthew 9:37-38
In Bangladesh, there is an evangelist named Andrew. He has seen great success; his ministry has baptized 749 Muslim converts,distributed more than 3,000 Bibles and New Testaments, and over 137,000 gospel tracts. But Andrew knew that these Muslim converts would face many dangers so he set up a safehouse for them. Christian converts from all over the country come to his safehouse, but not to find rest. The converts are taught discipleship from sunrise to sunset. After they finish the program, they are sent to another village where they are not previously known and that village becomes their new mission field. They leave one dangerous situation only to be trained to face even greater danger. Andrew himself has faced great persecution to provide this opportunity to Muslim converts. He has been arrested, beaten by Muslim radicals, and even attacked by assassins trying to collect the price on his head. Yet God has protected him and allowed him to continue his work. And the work is plentiful. As we pray for Bangladesh this month, lets remember to thank God for his workers. Who instead of seeking rest for themselves, have chosen to face the dangers of this world so that they might serve others. May we be inspired by their example.
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Bangladesh
Basic Info: Bangladesh is a country slightly smaller than Iowa between Burma and India, bordering the Bay of Bengal. Most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is a country frequently plagued by disaster. Almost half of this country consists of low-lying islands, most of them less than nine feet above sea level. This geography contributes to serious poverty and huge losses of life during the country's frequent floods and cyclones. Many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land. Waterborne diseases are prevalent in surface water. Water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides and ground water is contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic. Of the 158,570,535 (July 2011 est.) population, 28% is urban and 47.9% is literate. Bengali are 98%, and the other 2% includes tribal groups and non-Bengali Muslims. Bangla, also known as Bengali, is the official language but English is used as well. Bangladesh is a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. A significant share of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage. Children are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and forced labor. Women and children from Bangladesh are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation. While Bangladesh does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it is making significant efforts to do so, including some progress in addressing sex trafficking.
Government: In the 16th century, Europeans started to set up trading posts in Bangladesh, but eventually the British took control of the area and it became part of British India. In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 with the help of troops from India and was renamed Bangladesh. From 1975 until 1990, the country was under military rule. Democratic elections in 1991 brought the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power. Recent elections, although generally fair, have been marked by violent demonstrations. A military-backed, emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were mostly peaceful and Sheikh Hasina Wajed was elected prime minister. The country is a parliamentary democracy and its constitution has been amended many times. The legal system is a mix of English common law and Islamic law. The Cabinet is selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president. The president is elected by the National Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); the next elections are in 2014. The National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad has 300 seats (45 reserved for women) elected by popular vote.
Economy: The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development. About 40% of the population is underemployed and many participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low wages (40% of the population is below the poverty line). There is an extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances were $10.9 billion in FY09/10 (2010 est.). The telephone system is inadequate for a modern country. Fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100 persons, but mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons. State-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations. There are 8 private satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also broadcasting. Foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience share in the large cities and several international radio broadcasters are available. The International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Bangladesh remain a high risk for armed robbery against ships and attacks against vessels increased in 2010 for the second consecutive year.
Religion: Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)
Islam is the official religion of Bangladesh. Other religious minorities, such as Hindus and Christians, may worship but face societal discrimination. The Vested and Non-resident Ordinance (formally called the Enemy Property Act) states that properties can be confiscated if the owner is considered an “enemy” to the state. This ordinance is often used to seize property from Christians and other religious minorities. However, the majority of discrimination against Christians comes from Muslims who threaten Christian work, deny them access to public water wells, beat them, threaten them in exchange for money, or destroy their rickshaws to eliminate their only source of income. In May 2008, a pastor’s 13-year-old daughter was abducted and gang-raped by five Muslim men intent on stopping his ministry in the area.
Info compiled from CIA World Fact Book “Bangladesh, www.persecution.net “Bangladesh”
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Bangladesh (A quick tour of its well known sites)
Undercover Christians: Bangladesh
Egypt/Bangladesh
Aaron School of Evangelism (Hear Christians singing "This is the Day that the Lord Has Made" in their native tongue and see them meet for training on evangelism. Copy and paste the address below into another browser to watch or type the title into youtube.)
http://youtu.be/Yq0y0dcsXHY
Limited Space Dhaka
Street Children in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Energy Crisis
In Bangladesh, there is an evangelist named Andrew. He has seen great success; his ministry has baptized 749 Muslim converts,distributed more than 3,000 Bibles and New Testaments, and over 137,000 gospel tracts. But Andrew knew that these Muslim converts would face many dangers so he set up a safehouse for them. Christian converts from all over the country come to his safehouse, but not to find rest. The converts are taught discipleship from sunrise to sunset. After they finish the program, they are sent to another village where they are not previously known and that village becomes their new mission field. They leave one dangerous situation only to be trained to face even greater danger. Andrew himself has faced great persecution to provide this opportunity to Muslim converts. He has been arrested, beaten by Muslim radicals, and even attacked by assassins trying to collect the price on his head. Yet God has protected him and allowed him to continue his work. And the work is plentiful. As we pray for Bangladesh this month, lets remember to thank God for his workers. Who instead of seeking rest for themselves, have chosen to face the dangers of this world so that they might serve others. May we be inspired by their example.
----------------------------------------------------
Bangladesh
Basic Info: Bangladesh is a country slightly smaller than Iowa between Burma and India, bordering the Bay of Bengal. Most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh is a country frequently plagued by disaster. Almost half of this country consists of low-lying islands, most of them less than nine feet above sea level. This geography contributes to serious poverty and huge losses of life during the country's frequent floods and cyclones. Many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land. Waterborne diseases are prevalent in surface water. Water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides and ground water is contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic. Of the 158,570,535 (July 2011 est.) population, 28% is urban and 47.9% is literate. Bengali are 98%, and the other 2% includes tribal groups and non-Bengali Muslims. Bangla, also known as Bengali, is the official language but English is used as well. Bangladesh is a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. A significant share of Bangladesh's trafficking victims are men recruited for work overseas with fraudulent employment offers who are subsequently exploited under conditions of forced labor or debt bondage. Children are trafficked within Bangladesh for commercial sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and forced labor. Women and children from Bangladesh are also trafficked to India and Pakistan for sexual exploitation. While Bangladesh does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it is making significant efforts to do so, including some progress in addressing sex trafficking.
Government: In the 16th century, Europeans started to set up trading posts in Bangladesh, but eventually the British took control of the area and it became part of British India. In 1947, West Pakistan and East Bengal (both primarily Muslim) separated from India (largely Hindu) and jointly became the new country of Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1955, but the awkward arrangement of a two-part country with its territorial units separated by 1,600 km left the Bengalis marginalized and dissatisfied. East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan in 1971 with the help of troops from India and was renamed Bangladesh. From 1975 until 1990, the country was under military rule. Democratic elections in 1991 brought the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power. Recent elections, although generally fair, have been marked by violent demonstrations. A military-backed, emergency caretaker regime suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. In contrast to the strikes and violent street rallies that had marked Bangladeshi politics in previous years, the parliamentary elections finally held in late December 2008 were mostly peaceful and Sheikh Hasina Wajed was elected prime minister. The country is a parliamentary democracy and its constitution has been amended many times. The legal system is a mix of English common law and Islamic law. The Cabinet is selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president. The president is elected by the National Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); the next elections are in 2014. The National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad has 300 seats (45 reserved for women) elected by popular vote.
Economy: The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, 45% of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development. About 40% of the population is underemployed and many participants in the labor force work only a few hours a week, at low wages (40% of the population is below the poverty line). There is an extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances were $10.9 billion in FY09/10 (2010 est.). The telephone system is inadequate for a modern country. Fixed-line teledensity remains only about 1 per 100 persons, but mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 30 telephones per 100 persons. State-owned broadcaster (BTV) operates 1 terrestrial TV station, 3 radio networks, and about 10 local stations. There are 8 private satellite TV stations and 3 private radio stations also broadcasting. Foreign satellite TV stations are gaining audience share in the large cities and several international radio broadcasters are available. The International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Bangladesh remain a high risk for armed robbery against ships and attacks against vessels increased in 2010 for the second consecutive year.
Religion: Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004)
Islam is the official religion of Bangladesh. Other religious minorities, such as Hindus and Christians, may worship but face societal discrimination. The Vested and Non-resident Ordinance (formally called the Enemy Property Act) states that properties can be confiscated if the owner is considered an “enemy” to the state. This ordinance is often used to seize property from Christians and other religious minorities. However, the majority of discrimination against Christians comes from Muslims who threaten Christian work, deny them access to public water wells, beat them, threaten them in exchange for money, or destroy their rickshaws to eliminate their only source of income. In May 2008, a pastor’s 13-year-old daughter was abducted and gang-raped by five Muslim men intent on stopping his ministry in the area.
Info compiled from CIA World Fact Book “Bangladesh, www.persecution.net “Bangladesh”
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Bangladesh (A quick tour of its well known sites)
Undercover Christians: Bangladesh
Egypt/Bangladesh
Aaron School of Evangelism (Hear Christians singing "This is the Day that the Lord Has Made" in their native tongue and see them meet for training on evangelism. Copy and paste the address below into another browser to watch or type the title into youtube.)
http://youtu.be/Yq0y0dcsXHY
Limited Space Dhaka
Street Children in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Energy Crisis
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Syria: Circumstances Beyond Our Control
"God allows everything to happen for a reason. Circumstances will either direct you, correct you, or perfect you." -Unknown
As we focus on Syria this month, we find a country in the midst of revolution. How long will the conflict last? Who will be in charge when it is all over? What laws will be changed as a direct result of these protests? What groups will come to power and how will they use that new power? How will any changes affect Christians living in Syria? These are all questions that we don't know the answers to yet. But we do know that no matter what is happening on earth, God is still sovereign.
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."
As we remember to pray for Syria this month, let us ask for God to be exalted in this country, even in the midst of revolution. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters, that they will not be overcome by fear and that they will know the prescence of God. Pray for the God of Jacob to be a mighty fortress for his children, no matter who the victor in this revolution turns out to be.
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Syria
Basic Info: Syria is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is between Lebanon and Turkey and it is slightly larger than North Dakota. The population is 22,517,750 (July 2010 est.), and 56% is urban. Arabs are 90.3%, and Kurds, Armenians, and other are 9.7%. Arabic is the official language, but Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, and Circassian are widely understood while French and English are somewhat understood. Eighteen is the age for compulsory military service and the conscript service obligation is 21 months, unless in the Syrian Arab Navy which is only 18 months. Women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010). There are approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers who live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.). There are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.). Syria is a destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. A significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families. Women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or sexual abuse. As of 2007, Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses. Also, the government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations. Syria is also a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for regional and Western markets.
Government: After World War I, France was in control of the northern part of the Ottoman Empire. The French administered the area of Syria until granting it independence in 1946. However, due to political instability, the new country had a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. It is now a republic under an authoritarian regime. In November 1970, Hafiz al-Asad, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-Asad, his son, Bashar al-Asad, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an professed peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-Asad was elected to his second term as president. Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, antigovernment protests broke out in the southern province of Da'ra in March 2011 and spread to other Syrian cities. Protesters called for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. The government responded with a mix of force and concessions, including the repeal of the Emergency Law, but they have not been successful in quelling protests as of July 2011. The courts are a mixture of civil law and Islamic law for family courts.
Economy: Syria still experienced economic growth in 2008-10 even though the global economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In addition, President Asad signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution. About 11.9% of the population was below the poverty line in 2006. The media is run by the state. The state operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel, but roughly two-thirds of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV broadcasts. There are 3 state-run radio channels and the first private radio station launched in 2005, but private radio broadcasters are prohibited from transmitting news or political content.
Religion: Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%, Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)
Although Syria is considered religiously moderate, it remains a tense nation and is a leading centre of world terrorism today. It is one of several Muslim countries in which Christians have survived for centuries by accepting the second-class status known in Islam as "dhimmi." Officially it is a secular state but Muslims are given preferential treatment and the constitution requires the president to be a Muslim. Syria’s Christian minority, which primarily resides in the capital city of Damascus, is generally respected. There is freedom to worship and if Christians do not evangelize Muslims and keep their faith primarily private, open persecution is unlikely. However, any activity that could threaten the government or communal harmony is suspect, making it difficult to spread the gospel. Evangelizing is legal but visas are not granted for missionary work. Conversions to Christianity from Islam in Syria are rare and often met with opposition. Along with Islam, a major religion practiced in Syria and throughout the Arab world is the Druze faith, which maintains that God was incarnated thousands of years ago in a descendent of Muhammad. Conversions to or from the Druze faith are not allowed. In March 2001, three Druze men who had converted to Christianity were arrested by Syrian intelligence officials in Lebanon, where they had moved. The men were imprisoned for two months and released after signing papers stating that they would cease attending their church and sever contact with their pastor.
Information compiled from VOMC “Syria” www.persecution.net; CIA WorldFactBook “Syria”
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What are the Golan Heights?
The Golan Heights is a region of land in dispute between Israel and Syria. From 1948-1967 when Syria was in control of the area, its troops would randomly take sniper shots at Israeli civilians below in the Huleh Valley (Israel’s richest agricultural area), forcing people to sleep in bomb shelters. Syria also allowed Fatah (a terrorist group trying to liberate Palestine from Israel who mainly targets civilians) to operate some of its attacks from this area as well. Israel repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, protested the Syrian bombardments to the UN Mixed Armistice Commission, which was charged with policing the cease-fire. In October of 1966, Israel went to the UN to demand a halt to the Fatah attacks. The response from Damascus (Syria’s capital) by the Syrian ambassador was "It is not our duty to stop them, but to encourage and strengthen them." Nothing was done to stop Syria's aggression. In 1967, during the Six Day War with Syria, armored units fired on villages in the Huleh Valley. Israel moved against Syrian forces on the Golan and took complete control of the plateau. In Israel’s view, they only seized the strategic heights of the Golan after 19 years of provocation from Syria, and after unsuccessful efforts to get the international community to act against the aggressors. Six years later, in a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the Syrians overran the Golan Heights before being repulsed by Israeli counterattacks. After the war, Syria signed a disengagement agreement that left the Golan in Israel's hands. Since that time, Syria has adhered to the cease-fire on the Golan, mostly because of the presence of Israeli troops within artillery range of Damascus. But during this time, Syria has provided a haven and supported numerous terrorist groups that attack Israel from Lebanon and other countries. These include the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP); the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestineGeneral Command (PFLPGC). In addition, Syria still deploys hundreds of thousands of troops-as much as 75 percent of its army-on the Israeli front near the Heights. For Israel, relinquishing the Golan to a hostile Syria could jeopardize its early-warning system against surprise attack. Israel has built radars on Mt. Hermon, the highest point in the region. If Israel withdrew from the Golan and had to relocate these facilities to the lowlands of the Galilee, they would lose much of their strategic effectiveness.
Information and picture from “The Goal Heights” by Mitchell Bard http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/golan_hts.html
How is Hizbollah affected by the Syrian Uprising?
Hizbollah’s status and power have diminished somewhat along side the Syrian uprising, mostly because of two factors. First, the decline of the Assad regime, and secondly the demand for the extradition of 4 men accused of murdering the former Prime Minister by an international tribunal. Hizbollah has clearly voiced its support of the Assad regime amidst the Syrian revolution, so Hizbollah flags are being burned in the streets of Syria along with the portrait of Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hizbollah. Nasrallah has refused to give up the four ‘patriots’ despite international pressure. A weakening of Hizbollah’s power can be seen in its capital city of Nabatiye, in southern Lebanon. Hizbollah had imposed a strict prohibition on the sale of alcohol, and would forcibly shut down any store not in compliance. Recently though, Hizbollah has been reluctant to act and one can find alcohol for sale. When Hizbollah activists attacked a store selling alcohol in the village of Houla, for the first time they experienced resistance from leftist groups and members of the Communist Party who defended the sale of alcohol. The encounter is practically unheard of in recent decades, especially since the beginning of the 1980’s.
Information from “Hizbullah's Predicament in Light of Syria's Decline”
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=296494
Why is Assad still in Power?
The revolution in Syria is taking place mainly because of the majority Sunni population. The minorities however have not joined in the revolution because they fear for their lives under a new regime. The Alawites make up 12% of the population and continue to back President Assad, who is a fellow Alawite. When the current President’s father was in power, he set up an extensive security structure that is being held in place by Alawite members. Christians, Druze, and Shiites also believe they need the current regimes protection from reprisals by the Sunni majority. In the last month though, Alawite religious and community leaders have been reaching out to Sunni religious leaders, like the Muslim Brotherhood, for guarantees of protection under a new regime.
Information from “To Topple Assad, It Takes a Minority”
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=296496
Who are the Alawites?
Alawites broke off from the Shiites in the 9th century over the teaching of the twelve Shi’as. In their view, Ali (the cousin and son in law of Muhammad) was the bearer of divine essence and second only to Muhammad as an elevated prophet. The Alawites have seven pillars, five which are similar to other Muslims, but Alawites believe the pillars to be only symbols, not requirements. The other two pillars are jihad and waliya (devotion to Ali). They consider themselves to be moderate Shiites and they have often conflicted with other Islamic rulers and Muslims who claim that they are not really Muslims.
Information from “Unveiling Islam” by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner
---------------------------------------------------------
Government Crackdown in Syria
http://youtu.be/RXcdwJnThhw
Inside Story-Syria’s 40 year rule challenged (March 2011)
Syria’s Christians: pro-change, but pro-regime (May 2011)
http://youtu.be/fXOEt-h8xh0
Israeli PM on Syria (July 2011)
Syria’s Christians Live in Fear
Renewed protests erupt across Syria (July 2011)
Iraqi Christians in Syria (Oct 2007)
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 1/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 2/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 3/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 4/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 5/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 6/6
As we focus on Syria this month, we find a country in the midst of revolution. How long will the conflict last? Who will be in charge when it is all over? What laws will be changed as a direct result of these protests? What groups will come to power and how will they use that new power? How will any changes affect Christians living in Syria? These are all questions that we don't know the answers to yet. But we do know that no matter what is happening on earth, God is still sovereign.
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."
As we remember to pray for Syria this month, let us ask for God to be exalted in this country, even in the midst of revolution. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters, that they will not be overcome by fear and that they will know the prescence of God. Pray for the God of Jacob to be a mighty fortress for his children, no matter who the victor in this revolution turns out to be.
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Syria
Basic Info: Syria is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is between Lebanon and Turkey and it is slightly larger than North Dakota. The population is 22,517,750 (July 2010 est.), and 56% is urban. Arabs are 90.3%, and Kurds, Armenians, and other are 9.7%. Arabic is the official language, but Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, and Circassian are widely understood while French and English are somewhat understood. Eighteen is the age for compulsory military service and the conscript service obligation is 21 months, unless in the Syrian Arab Navy which is only 18 months. Women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2010). There are approximately 19,100 Israeli settlers who live in the Golan Heights (2008 est.). There are 41 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (2010 est.). Syria is a destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. A significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families. Women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or sexual abuse. As of 2007, Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses. Also, the government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims for prostitution or immigration violations. Syria is also a transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for regional and Western markets.
Government: After World War I, France was in control of the northern part of the Ottoman Empire. The French administered the area of Syria until granting it independence in 1946. However, due to political instability, the new country had a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. It is now a republic under an authoritarian regime. In November 1970, Hafiz al-Asad, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-Asad, his son, Bashar al-Asad, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an professed peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007 Bashar al-Asad was elected to his second term as president. Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, antigovernment protests broke out in the southern province of Da'ra in March 2011 and spread to other Syrian cities. Protesters called for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. The government responded with a mix of force and concessions, including the repeal of the Emergency Law, but they have not been successful in quelling protests as of July 2011. The courts are a mixture of civil law and Islamic law for family courts.
Economy: Syria still experienced economic growth in 2008-10 even though the global economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which began operations in 2009. In addition, President Asad signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution. About 11.9% of the population was below the poverty line in 2006. The media is run by the state. The state operates 2 TV networks and a satellite channel, but roughly two-thirds of Syrian homes have a satellite dish providing access to foreign TV broadcasts. There are 3 state-run radio channels and the first private radio station launched in 2005, but private radio broadcasters are prohibited from transmitting news or political content.
Religion: Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%, Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)
Although Syria is considered religiously moderate, it remains a tense nation and is a leading centre of world terrorism today. It is one of several Muslim countries in which Christians have survived for centuries by accepting the second-class status known in Islam as "dhimmi." Officially it is a secular state but Muslims are given preferential treatment and the constitution requires the president to be a Muslim. Syria’s Christian minority, which primarily resides in the capital city of Damascus, is generally respected. There is freedom to worship and if Christians do not evangelize Muslims and keep their faith primarily private, open persecution is unlikely. However, any activity that could threaten the government or communal harmony is suspect, making it difficult to spread the gospel. Evangelizing is legal but visas are not granted for missionary work. Conversions to Christianity from Islam in Syria are rare and often met with opposition. Along with Islam, a major religion practiced in Syria and throughout the Arab world is the Druze faith, which maintains that God was incarnated thousands of years ago in a descendent of Muhammad. Conversions to or from the Druze faith are not allowed. In March 2001, three Druze men who had converted to Christianity were arrested by Syrian intelligence officials in Lebanon, where they had moved. The men were imprisoned for two months and released after signing papers stating that they would cease attending their church and sever contact with their pastor.
Information compiled from VOMC “Syria” www.persecution.net; CIA WorldFactBook “Syria”
------------------------------------------------------
What are the Golan Heights?
The Golan Heights is a region of land in dispute between Israel and Syria. From 1948-1967 when Syria was in control of the area, its troops would randomly take sniper shots at Israeli civilians below in the Huleh Valley (Israel’s richest agricultural area), forcing people to sleep in bomb shelters. Syria also allowed Fatah (a terrorist group trying to liberate Palestine from Israel who mainly targets civilians) to operate some of its attacks from this area as well. Israel repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, protested the Syrian bombardments to the UN Mixed Armistice Commission, which was charged with policing the cease-fire. In October of 1966, Israel went to the UN to demand a halt to the Fatah attacks. The response from Damascus (Syria’s capital) by the Syrian ambassador was "It is not our duty to stop them, but to encourage and strengthen them." Nothing was done to stop Syria's aggression. In 1967, during the Six Day War with Syria, armored units fired on villages in the Huleh Valley. Israel moved against Syrian forces on the Golan and took complete control of the plateau. In Israel’s view, they only seized the strategic heights of the Golan after 19 years of provocation from Syria, and after unsuccessful efforts to get the international community to act against the aggressors. Six years later, in a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the Syrians overran the Golan Heights before being repulsed by Israeli counterattacks. After the war, Syria signed a disengagement agreement that left the Golan in Israel's hands. Since that time, Syria has adhered to the cease-fire on the Golan, mostly because of the presence of Israeli troops within artillery range of Damascus. But during this time, Syria has provided a haven and supported numerous terrorist groups that attack Israel from Lebanon and other countries. These include the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP); the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestineGeneral Command (PFLPGC). In addition, Syria still deploys hundreds of thousands of troops-as much as 75 percent of its army-on the Israeli front near the Heights. For Israel, relinquishing the Golan to a hostile Syria could jeopardize its early-warning system against surprise attack. Israel has built radars on Mt. Hermon, the highest point in the region. If Israel withdrew from the Golan and had to relocate these facilities to the lowlands of the Galilee, they would lose much of their strategic effectiveness.
Information and picture from “The Goal Heights” by Mitchell Bard http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/golan_hts.html
How is Hizbollah affected by the Syrian Uprising?
Hizbollah’s status and power have diminished somewhat along side the Syrian uprising, mostly because of two factors. First, the decline of the Assad regime, and secondly the demand for the extradition of 4 men accused of murdering the former Prime Minister by an international tribunal. Hizbollah has clearly voiced its support of the Assad regime amidst the Syrian revolution, so Hizbollah flags are being burned in the streets of Syria along with the portrait of Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hizbollah. Nasrallah has refused to give up the four ‘patriots’ despite international pressure. A weakening of Hizbollah’s power can be seen in its capital city of Nabatiye, in southern Lebanon. Hizbollah had imposed a strict prohibition on the sale of alcohol, and would forcibly shut down any store not in compliance. Recently though, Hizbollah has been reluctant to act and one can find alcohol for sale. When Hizbollah activists attacked a store selling alcohol in the village of Houla, for the first time they experienced resistance from leftist groups and members of the Communist Party who defended the sale of alcohol. The encounter is practically unheard of in recent decades, especially since the beginning of the 1980’s.
Information from “Hizbullah's Predicament in Light of Syria's Decline”
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=296494
Why is Assad still in Power?
The revolution in Syria is taking place mainly because of the majority Sunni population. The minorities however have not joined in the revolution because they fear for their lives under a new regime. The Alawites make up 12% of the population and continue to back President Assad, who is a fellow Alawite. When the current President’s father was in power, he set up an extensive security structure that is being held in place by Alawite members. Christians, Druze, and Shiites also believe they need the current regimes protection from reprisals by the Sunni majority. In the last month though, Alawite religious and community leaders have been reaching out to Sunni religious leaders, like the Muslim Brotherhood, for guarantees of protection under a new regime.
Information from “To Topple Assad, It Takes a Minority”
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=296496
Who are the Alawites?
Alawites broke off from the Shiites in the 9th century over the teaching of the twelve Shi’as. In their view, Ali (the cousin and son in law of Muhammad) was the bearer of divine essence and second only to Muhammad as an elevated prophet. The Alawites have seven pillars, five which are similar to other Muslims, but Alawites believe the pillars to be only symbols, not requirements. The other two pillars are jihad and waliya (devotion to Ali). They consider themselves to be moderate Shiites and they have often conflicted with other Islamic rulers and Muslims who claim that they are not really Muslims.
Information from “Unveiling Islam” by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner
---------------------------------------------------------
Government Crackdown in Syria
http://youtu.be/RXcdwJnThhw
Inside Story-Syria’s 40 year rule challenged (March 2011)
Syria’s Christians: pro-change, but pro-regime (May 2011)
http://youtu.be/fXOEt-h8xh0
Israeli PM on Syria (July 2011)
Syria’s Christians Live in Fear
Renewed protests erupt across Syria (July 2011)
Iraqi Christians in Syria (Oct 2007)
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 1/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 2/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 3/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 4/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 5/6
Greatest Tank Battles: The Golan Heights 6/6
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Lebanon: Hezbollah and Enemies of God
“Anyone can devise a plan by which good people may go to Heaven. Only God can devise a plan whereby sinners, who are His enemies, can go to Heaven.” -Lewis Sperry Chafer
Lebanon is home to Hezbollah, the Party of God (Allah), and Hezbollah is the sworn enemy of Israel, God’s chosen people. These two groups have been at war with each other for almost three decades, and there seems to be no end in sight to their conflict. Thousands of people have been killed by the violence that is continually plaguing the border between these two nations. By the world’s standards, a resolution, let alone a peace, seems impossible between them. But we serve an awesome God who makes possible the impossible. At the end of the videos listed below is the testimony of a former Hezbollah soldier and his encounter with Christ. In his own words he will tell you what led him to his encounter, and his question of “Why would Jesus help a Muslim?” His testimony is powerful, and I pray that as you listen to it you are moved by how great and mighty and holy our God is. Sometimes, we need a reminder of just how merciful and wonderful he truly is. “For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). At one time, we were all enemies of God; dead in our sin and outside of His will for us. Let us not forget to remember the miracle it was for God to make a way for us, when there seemed to be no way. We serve a holy God who has not lost any of his power over the centuries. If God can become a man in order to reconcile us to Him, He can bring peace to the hearts that are currently filled with hatred and destruction. Ezekiel 33 tells us that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He wants them to repent and live, and if they turn from wickedness and do no evil and follow the degrees that give life, their past sins will be remembered no more. As we pray for the Christians in Lebanon this month and the trials they face there, let’s not forget to remember Hezbollah, the enemies of God. May one day we know them no longer as enemies, but as brothers, reconciled in Christ.
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Lebanon
Basic Info
Lebanon is a country in the Middle East about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut. It is located between Israel and Syria, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Of the 4,143,101 population, 87% is urban. Also, 95% are Arab, while Armenians are 4%. Arabic is the official language, but French, English, and Armenian are also spoken. Lebanon has a rugged terrain was has historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity. Opium poppy cultivation is minimal, but small amounts of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin passes through on the way to European markets and for Middle Eastern consumption. Money laundering of drug proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug trafficking.
Government
Lebanon is a republic, and has had a very turbulent history. After WWI, France received control over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. In 1920, France separated out this region and created Lebanon. The country received independence in 1943 while France was occupied by Germany. Lebanon was later devastated by its civil war between its Christian and Muslim citizens, lasting from 1975-90. Since then it has been rebuilding itself, specifically its political structure, by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process and institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the war’s end, there have been several successful elections. Most of the militias were either reduced or disbanded, except for Hizballah, which is labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department. During the civil war, Syria deployed 16,000 troops which stayed east of Beirut (the Paris of the Middle East). This act was legitimized by the Lebanon parliament and the Arab League. Israel withdrew their troops from southern Lebanon in 2000, but Syria refused. There has been a mixed reaction by the populace of Syria’s presence in Lebanon, but in 2004 a resolution called for Syria to remove its troops. In 2005, the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and 22 others led to the Cedar Revolution (massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence) which caused Syria to finally remove its troops. That year Lebanon had its first legislative elections since the civil war free of outside interference. In 2006 when Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, a month long conflict occurred with Israel leaving 1,200 Lebanese civilians dead. The country deployed its army throughout the country for the first time in decades with orders to secure Lebanon’s borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons free zone in south Lebanon. In 2010 Lebanon had a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-2011 term. Inspired by the Jasmine Revolution sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa, marches and demonstrations occurred in Lebanon against sectarian politics. Many protestors saw the country's religious sectarian politics as the primary cause of Lebanon's government upheaval. The first protests in late February 2011, although limited in size, gained some traction.
Economy
Lebanon has a free market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign investment, but it is hindered by red tape, corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented and the main growth sectors include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a banking hub. Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning national debt, the government in 2000 began an austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state enterprises. However, the economic and financial reform initiatives stalled and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2 billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors Conference. The 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January 2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5 billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support, conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism, retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in July 2008. Political stability helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector, enabled real GDP growth.
Religion
Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant), other 1.3% note: 17 religious sects recognized
In contrast to other Arab countries, Lebanon has no state religion and grants greater religious freedom than most Arab nations in the area. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution and is generally respected. There are 18 religious groups that are recognized by the government, and 12 of those are Christian groups. Unregistered religious groups are also able to worship and gather freely, unlike many other Middle Eastern nations. However, Christians sometimes face pressure in Lebanon. Article 473 of the Penal Code stipulates that one who "blasphemes God publicly" will face imprisonment for up to a year. As well, if a non-Muslim marries a Muslim, they must convert to Islam or the marriage will be considered null. There is a mixed legal system of civil law based on the French civil code and religious laws covering personal status, marriage, divorce, and other family relations of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities. The greatest danger facing Christians in Lebanon is from militant elements within the populace. Also, it is important to note that many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians.
Info compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Lebanon”; VOMC “Lebanon” www.persecution.net
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Who is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah means “Party of God” and is a political/military organization in Lebanon made up mostly of Shia Muslims. It was created by a group of Muslim clerics as a response to the Israeli presence in Lebanon during their civil war. Originally, they also wanted to transform Lebanon into an Islamic state modeled after Iran, but that goal was later set aside in order to continue its present day approach. Currently, Hezbollah calls for the destruction of the state of Israel. They believe that Israel has no right to exist because they say that the Jewish state occupies Muslim land.
Hezbollah has always sought to further/promote an Islamic way of life. In its formation, Hezbollah leaders imposed strict Islamic codes of behavior on towns and villages in the southern part of the country. These actions however were looked upon negatively by most of the region’s citizens and was very unpopular. The public’s reaction can explain why Hezbollah changed its mission in order to survive. They continue to insist that their Islamic vision should not be seen as an intention to impose an Islamic society on the Lebanese people.
Hezbollah was formed with the financial assistance of Iran back in the early 1980’s. Their military branch, the ‘Islamic Resistance’, was responsible for Israel pulling out their last troops from Lebanon in 2000. Hezbollah was very popular in the early 2000s, but after they captured two Israel soldiers in 2006 and started a severely destructive war with Israel, many pro-Western Lebanese people started to pull back their support. Also, it is worth noting that in spite of two UN resolutions calling for the disarming of militias in Lebanon, Hezbollah still maintains its military.
Besides its military branch, Hezbollah has a social and political component. They provide social services and health care, and they operate an influential TV station, al-Manar. Politically speaking, Hezbollah has several seats in parliament and has ministers in a national unity government that was formed in 2009. They also blocked the election of a new president by repeatedly boycotting sessions of parliament. They are pro-Syrian and call for Lebanese unity by arguing against “Western interference.” Syria has long supported Hezbollah as a way of protecting their interests in Lebanon. Washington has labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and accuses them of destabilizing Lebanon after Syria’s withdrawal from the country.
Major Attacks
*July 12, 2006: Hezbollah operatives kill eight Israeli soldiers and kidnap two others stationed in Israeli sovereign territory. The soldiers' remains are returned to Israel in July 2008.
*March 12, 2002: Shooting attack against Israeli vehicles near the Israeli-Lebanese border: six killed, seven injured.
*October 7, 2000: Hezbollah operatives abduct an Israeli businessman and three Israeli soldiers patrolling Israel's border with Lebanon. The soldiers' remains and the businessman are returned to Israel in 2004.
*June 25, 1996: Truck bombing at the U.S. portion of the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia: 19 American Air Force personnel killed, 372 injured.
*July 18, 1994: Suicide bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires: 85 killed, approximately 300 injured.
*March 17, 1992: Suicide bombing at Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires: 29 killed, more than 240 injured.
*June 14, 1985: Hijacking of TWA Flight 847: U.S. Navy diver killed.
*September 20, 1984: Car bombing of the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut: 24 killed.
*December 4, 1984: Hijacking of Kuwait Airlines plane: four killed.
*April 12, 1984: Bombing of a restaurant near the U.S. Air Force Base in Torrejon, Spain: 18 U.S. servicemen killed, 83 injured.
*October 23, 1983: Truck bombing at the multinational force barracks in Beirut: 241 American military personnel killed, 58 French paratroopers killed.
*April 18, 1983: Suicide bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut: 63 killed (including 17 Americans).
“Who is Hezbollah?” BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4314423.stm); “Hezbollah” ADL (http://www.adl.org/terrorism/symbols/hezbollah.asp)
-------------------------------------------------
Images of Lebanon-A day in Beirut
The Real Beirut 1 of 2 BBC Travel Documentary (This will give you an idea of the culture and western influence.)
The Real Beirut 2 of 2 BBC Travel Documentary
Lebanon Forms New Government (June 13, 2011)
Lebanon Forms a New Government (June 13, 2011)
Hezbollah vows not to arrest Hariri murder suspects (July 3, 2011)
Inside Hezbollah Part 1 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 2 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 3 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 4 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 5 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 6 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
A former Iranian hezbollah member shares about his encounter with Jesus Christ
Lebanon is home to Hezbollah, the Party of God (Allah), and Hezbollah is the sworn enemy of Israel, God’s chosen people. These two groups have been at war with each other for almost three decades, and there seems to be no end in sight to their conflict. Thousands of people have been killed by the violence that is continually plaguing the border between these two nations. By the world’s standards, a resolution, let alone a peace, seems impossible between them. But we serve an awesome God who makes possible the impossible. At the end of the videos listed below is the testimony of a former Hezbollah soldier and his encounter with Christ. In his own words he will tell you what led him to his encounter, and his question of “Why would Jesus help a Muslim?” His testimony is powerful, and I pray that as you listen to it you are moved by how great and mighty and holy our God is. Sometimes, we need a reminder of just how merciful and wonderful he truly is. “For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). At one time, we were all enemies of God; dead in our sin and outside of His will for us. Let us not forget to remember the miracle it was for God to make a way for us, when there seemed to be no way. We serve a holy God who has not lost any of his power over the centuries. If God can become a man in order to reconcile us to Him, He can bring peace to the hearts that are currently filled with hatred and destruction. Ezekiel 33 tells us that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He wants them to repent and live, and if they turn from wickedness and do no evil and follow the degrees that give life, their past sins will be remembered no more. As we pray for the Christians in Lebanon this month and the trials they face there, let’s not forget to remember Hezbollah, the enemies of God. May one day we know them no longer as enemies, but as brothers, reconciled in Christ.
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Lebanon
Basic Info
Lebanon is a country in the Middle East about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut. It is located between Israel and Syria, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Of the 4,143,101 population, 87% is urban. Also, 95% are Arab, while Armenians are 4%. Arabic is the official language, but French, English, and Armenian are also spoken. Lebanon has a rugged terrain was has historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity. Opium poppy cultivation is minimal, but small amounts of Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin passes through on the way to European markets and for Middle Eastern consumption. Money laundering of drug proceeds fuels concern that extremists are benefiting from drug trafficking.
Government
Lebanon is a republic, and has had a very turbulent history. After WWI, France received control over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. In 1920, France separated out this region and created Lebanon. The country received independence in 1943 while France was occupied by Germany. Lebanon was later devastated by its civil war between its Christian and Muslim citizens, lasting from 1975-90. Since then it has been rebuilding itself, specifically its political structure, by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process and institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the war’s end, there have been several successful elections. Most of the militias were either reduced or disbanded, except for Hizballah, which is labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department. During the civil war, Syria deployed 16,000 troops which stayed east of Beirut (the Paris of the Middle East). This act was legitimized by the Lebanon parliament and the Arab League. Israel withdrew their troops from southern Lebanon in 2000, but Syria refused. There has been a mixed reaction by the populace of Syria’s presence in Lebanon, but in 2004 a resolution called for Syria to remove its troops. In 2005, the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and 22 others led to the Cedar Revolution (massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence) which caused Syria to finally remove its troops. That year Lebanon had its first legislative elections since the civil war free of outside interference. In 2006 when Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, a month long conflict occurred with Israel leaving 1,200 Lebanese civilians dead. The country deployed its army throughout the country for the first time in decades with orders to secure Lebanon’s borders against weapons smuggling and maintaining a weapons free zone in south Lebanon. In 2010 Lebanon had a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-2011 term. Inspired by the Jasmine Revolution sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa, marches and demonstrations occurred in Lebanon against sectarian politics. Many protestors saw the country's religious sectarian politics as the primary cause of Lebanon's government upheaval. The first protests in late February 2011, although limited in size, gained some traction.
Economy
Lebanon has a free market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The government does not restrict foreign investment, but it is hindered by red tape, corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, high taxes, tariffs, and fees, archaic legislation, and weak intellectual property rights. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented and the main growth sectors include banking and tourism. The 1975-90 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a banking hub. Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning national debt, the government in 2000 began an austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing revenue collection, and passing legislation to privatize state enterprises. However, the economic and financial reform initiatives stalled and public debt continued to grow despite receipt of more than $2 billion in bilateral assistance at the 2002 Paris II Donors Conference. The 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah caused an estimated $3.6 billion in infrastructure damage, and prompted international donors to pledge nearly $1 billion in recovery and reconstruction assistance. Donors met again in January 2007 at the Paris III Donor Conference and pledged more than $7.5 billion to Lebanon for development projects and budget support, conditioned on progress on Beirut's fiscal reform and privatization program. An 18-month political stalemate and sporadic sectarian and political violence hampered economic activity, particularly tourism, retail sales, and investment, until the new government was formed in July 2008. Political stability helped boost tourism and, together with a strong banking sector, enabled real GDP growth.
Religion
Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant), other 1.3% note: 17 religious sects recognized
In contrast to other Arab countries, Lebanon has no state religion and grants greater religious freedom than most Arab nations in the area. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution and is generally respected. There are 18 religious groups that are recognized by the government, and 12 of those are Christian groups. Unregistered religious groups are also able to worship and gather freely, unlike many other Middle Eastern nations. However, Christians sometimes face pressure in Lebanon. Article 473 of the Penal Code stipulates that one who "blasphemes God publicly" will face imprisonment for up to a year. As well, if a non-Muslim marries a Muslim, they must convert to Islam or the marriage will be considered null. There is a mixed legal system of civil law based on the French civil code and religious laws covering personal status, marriage, divorce, and other family relations of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities. The greatest danger facing Christians in Lebanon is from militant elements within the populace. Also, it is important to note that many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians.
Info compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Lebanon”; VOMC “Lebanon” www.persecution.net
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Who is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah means “Party of God” and is a political/military organization in Lebanon made up mostly of Shia Muslims. It was created by a group of Muslim clerics as a response to the Israeli presence in Lebanon during their civil war. Originally, they also wanted to transform Lebanon into an Islamic state modeled after Iran, but that goal was later set aside in order to continue its present day approach. Currently, Hezbollah calls for the destruction of the state of Israel. They believe that Israel has no right to exist because they say that the Jewish state occupies Muslim land.
Hezbollah has always sought to further/promote an Islamic way of life. In its formation, Hezbollah leaders imposed strict Islamic codes of behavior on towns and villages in the southern part of the country. These actions however were looked upon negatively by most of the region’s citizens and was very unpopular. The public’s reaction can explain why Hezbollah changed its mission in order to survive. They continue to insist that their Islamic vision should not be seen as an intention to impose an Islamic society on the Lebanese people.
Hezbollah was formed with the financial assistance of Iran back in the early 1980’s. Their military branch, the ‘Islamic Resistance’, was responsible for Israel pulling out their last troops from Lebanon in 2000. Hezbollah was very popular in the early 2000s, but after they captured two Israel soldiers in 2006 and started a severely destructive war with Israel, many pro-Western Lebanese people started to pull back their support. Also, it is worth noting that in spite of two UN resolutions calling for the disarming of militias in Lebanon, Hezbollah still maintains its military.
Besides its military branch, Hezbollah has a social and political component. They provide social services and health care, and they operate an influential TV station, al-Manar. Politically speaking, Hezbollah has several seats in parliament and has ministers in a national unity government that was formed in 2009. They also blocked the election of a new president by repeatedly boycotting sessions of parliament. They are pro-Syrian and call for Lebanese unity by arguing against “Western interference.” Syria has long supported Hezbollah as a way of protecting their interests in Lebanon. Washington has labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and accuses them of destabilizing Lebanon after Syria’s withdrawal from the country.
Major Attacks
*July 12, 2006: Hezbollah operatives kill eight Israeli soldiers and kidnap two others stationed in Israeli sovereign territory. The soldiers' remains are returned to Israel in July 2008.
*March 12, 2002: Shooting attack against Israeli vehicles near the Israeli-Lebanese border: six killed, seven injured.
*October 7, 2000: Hezbollah operatives abduct an Israeli businessman and three Israeli soldiers patrolling Israel's border with Lebanon. The soldiers' remains and the businessman are returned to Israel in 2004.
*June 25, 1996: Truck bombing at the U.S. portion of the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia: 19 American Air Force personnel killed, 372 injured.
*July 18, 1994: Suicide bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires: 85 killed, approximately 300 injured.
*March 17, 1992: Suicide bombing at Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires: 29 killed, more than 240 injured.
*June 14, 1985: Hijacking of TWA Flight 847: U.S. Navy diver killed.
*September 20, 1984: Car bombing of the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut: 24 killed.
*December 4, 1984: Hijacking of Kuwait Airlines plane: four killed.
*April 12, 1984: Bombing of a restaurant near the U.S. Air Force Base in Torrejon, Spain: 18 U.S. servicemen killed, 83 injured.
*October 23, 1983: Truck bombing at the multinational force barracks in Beirut: 241 American military personnel killed, 58 French paratroopers killed.
*April 18, 1983: Suicide bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut: 63 killed (including 17 Americans).
“Who is Hezbollah?” BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4314423.stm); “Hezbollah” ADL (http://www.adl.org/terrorism/symbols/hezbollah.asp)
-------------------------------------------------
Images of Lebanon-A day in Beirut
The Real Beirut 1 of 2 BBC Travel Documentary (This will give you an idea of the culture and western influence.)
The Real Beirut 2 of 2 BBC Travel Documentary
Lebanon Forms New Government (June 13, 2011)
Lebanon Forms a New Government (June 13, 2011)
Hezbollah vows not to arrest Hariri murder suspects (July 3, 2011)
Inside Hezbollah Part 1 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 2 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 3 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 4 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 5 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
Inside Hezbollah Part 6 - The Inner Workings of a Fascist Terror State - www.istarisrael.com
A former Iranian hezbollah member shares about his encounter with Jesus Christ
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Philippines: Freedom Fighters or Terrorists?
“Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.” -George Soros
Freedom Fighters or Terrorists? That is one of the questions we must look at this month as we travel to the Philippines. Whenever tourists visit the Philippines, they travel to the northern islands, not the southern. Why is that you ask? Because the southern island of Mindanao has become the seat of terrorists and rebel groups that have been responsible for kidnappings and beheadings. To get a clearer picture of how this conflict has evolved, we have to know a little bit of history. In 1946, after WWII, the government sponsored Christian Filipino immigration from the north to the island of Mindanao. To get an idea of the massive movement that took place, by 1960 there were 93,000 immigrants to the 7,000 indigenous Muslims who still lived in the area of Kapatagan. This immigration displaced many Muslim families. After the war, all unregistered land was considered public land and the government portioned it off piece by piece. 'Many Muslims who were unfamiliar with the procedures or couldn't afford the steep processing fees, and the requirement to pay taxes during the interim, did not file for the legal title to the land that they currently occupied. Christian settlers however regularly obtained legal ownership of the best newly opened lands as well as crop loans and other forms of government assistance. The new Christian communities also became linked to trade centers and to one another by networks of roads while Muslim communities remained relatively isolated.' Many familes were forced off their lands. 'The Bureau of Lands recognized land rights on the basis of priority of claim filed, not priority of occupation. It was not unusual for individuals to obtain legal titles, either intentionally or unintentionally, to already-occupied lands. In such cases, the legal owners were mostly (but not always) Christians and the previous occupants ordinary Muslims. Poor Muslim "squatters" would usually be offered small amounts of money to vacate the land and would often accept it and leave. If the occupants refused to move and the titled owner was sufficiently wealthy or influential, he would gain possession of the land by use of armed might, most often supplied by local units of the Philippine Constabulary.' (Info from "The Origins of the Muslim Separatists Movement in the Philippines" by Thomas M. McKenna http://asiasociety.org/countries-history/conflicts/origins-muslim-separatist-movement-philippines)
When looking back on history through Muslim eyes, it is easy to see why many consider themselves as freedom fighters for their homelands. They want to establish a separate Islamic state and reclaim the land of their ancestors. They want to expel the Christians they see as invaders and oppressors. While this does not excuse their actions, hopefully we can understand their motivation. As we pray for the Christians in the Philippines this month and the persecution they experience there from groups like Abu Sayyif, lets not forget to also pray for the Muslim communities and families whose pasts have been torn apart by the immigration of Christians into their region. Scars run deep, and memories are long, but our Lord is a God of power and healing in even the most impossible of circumstances. Through him alone can these two groups come together and offer forgiveness to one another and stop the cycle of violence that is spinning their region out of control.
Basic Info: The Philippines are an archipelago, east of Vietnam. It is slightly larger than Arizona, made up mostly of mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. It's located on a typhoon belt and is usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year. The islands also suffer from landslides, significant activity from volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, and tsunamis. The International Maritime Burea reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against. Many commerical vessels have been attacked and hijacked both while at anchor and when at sea. The hijacked vessels are often disguised and the cargo is redirected to ports in East Asia. The crews have been either murdered or cast adrift.
Government: The Philippine Islands were colonized by Spain in the 16th century, but were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. The country became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935, and Manuel Quezon was elected president and was responsible for preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. However, in 1942, the Japanese took control of the islands during WWII and the US forces and Filipinos fought for 2 years to take them back. On July 4, 1946, The Republic of the Philippines gained its independence. Ferdinand Marcos ruled for 20 years before a "people power" movement in 1986 forced him into exile and Corazon Aquino became president. Her presidency was hindered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel Ramos was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph Estrada was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in January 2001 after Estrada's impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement demanded his resignation. Macapagal-Arroyo was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid recession after the 2008 global financial crisis. Benigno Aquino III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.
Economy: The Philippine economy rode out the global recession better than many other countries in the region thanks to minimal exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from four- to five-million overseas Filipino workers, and a growing business process outsourcing industry. The economy improved in 2010 due to consumer demand and election-related spending. Despite the growth in the economy, poverty worsened because of a high population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income. The current budget emphasizes education, health, conditional cash transfers for the poor, and other social spending programs, relying on the private sector to finance important infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection, exacerbated by new tax breaks and incentives, has limited the government's ability to address major challenges. The administration has vowed to focus on improving tax collection efficiency - rather than imposing new taxes - as a part of its good governance platform.
Religion: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)The Philippines faces threats from Communist insurgents and Muslim separatists. Though the Filipino people predominantly profess Christianity, those Christians living in areas with significant influence from Muslim and Communist guerrilla organizations have faced threats, kidnapping and death. Militant Muslim groups in the southern part of the country are intent on forming an Islamic state, and persecution of Christians is increasingly common. In January 2008, Father Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a Catholic missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was murdered by a suspected al-Qaeda related group of Islamic militants in the chapel at Notre Dame of Tabawan School. In April 2008, assailants stormed into the home of Pastor Vic Vicera in Mindanao and opened fire on him, his wife and another pastor present. Pastor Vicera was killed and his wife shot in the hand and leg. Local Christians suspected the attackers to be Muslim militants, as some of the Muslims Pastor Vicera lived and worked among had reportedly tried to convince him to convert to Islam. Communist insurgents have also been responsible for the intimidation, kidnapping and killing of Christians. In May 2008, Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Philippines kidnapped a Christian pastor whom they accused of aiding soldiers in an anti-insurgency campaign in Mindanao. Months later his body was found and there was evidence that he had been subjected to torture during his captivity. On July 29, armed militants stopped a mini-bus in Mindanao and murdered four Christian male passengers execution-style.
Terrorists: Abu Sayyaf- their goal is an Islamic state in western Midanao and the Sulu archipelago, with the broader goal of a pan Islamic state spanning southeast Asia; known for repeated kidnappings and demanding ransom to fund their activities; at the groups height they had 4,000 members
• January 2009, three Red Cross officials were kidnapped; 2 of 3 have since been released.
• Plot to assassinate President Gloria Arroyo was discovered and foiled by Philippine security officials in February 2008.
• April 2007: 7 workers abducted and beheaded; their heads delivered to the army.
• December 2006: The Abu Sayyaf group was suspected when three injuries resulted from a bombing inside a department store in the Philippines.
• February 2004: Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility when 116 people were killed when the Superferry 14, a ferry sailing in Manila's waters, was exploded.
• May 2001: Twenty were taken hostage from the Philippine island, Palawan. The group killed Guillermo Sobero, one of three American hostages.
• April 2000: Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped 21 on Sipadan, a Malaysian resort island Libya paid over $20 million to free them.
• April 1995: The first major attack by Abu Sayyaf group in Ipil, a southern Filipino town. Thirty were taken hostage, and 53 civilians and soldiers were killed.
Information compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Philippines”; VOMC ‘Philippines” www.persescution.net asiasociety.org
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Islam and Terrorists
Many people today know Islam to be a peaceful religion, and the media makes a distinction between what they term moderate Muslims and extremists, claiming that it is the extremists who are misrepresenting Islam. Many are even quick to point out that extremists are not only a danger to non-Muslims, but to other Muslims as well. So the question then is, "How does one become an 'extremist' and what model are they following?" There are no easy answers to these questions, but let’s look at the Muslim texts and the life of Muhammad himself.
The Hadith tells us that "when Allah's Apostle was asked, 'What is the best deed?' He replied, 'To believe in Allah and his Apostle (Muhammad).' The questioner then asked, 'What is the next (in goodness)?' He replied, 'To participate in Jihad in Allah's cause'"(Surah 2:25). From the beginning we can see that struggle and fighting are an integral part of Islam. Still, though, we ask ourselves what would lead a 'normal' person to commit such acts of violence and hatred against another human being? How does one get to the point of becoming a terrorist?
Just as a person's character is developed over time, so is a person's philosophy and mentality. Here are some verses that might impact a Muslim's mentality. "Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not" (Surah 2:216). You ask how can a person do the things that terrorists do? Even if your conscience is telling you that something is wrong, if you believe that you are called to do it anyway, you will only see your conscience as a sign of weakness and something to overcome. Also, there is a distinction between those who participate in Jihad and those who do not. "Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and those who strive hard and fight in the cause of Allah with their wealth and lives" (Surah 4:95). Those who join in Jihad are seen as being more devoted to their religion than those who do not.
In the life of Muhammad, we can see the difference in how he acted based on where he was and how much power he possessed at the time. Here are some examples:
•Mecca: He invited people to be a [art of Islam by preaching.
Medina: He persuaded people to convert by the sword.
•Mecca: He acted like a priest, living a life of prayer, fasting, and worship.
Medina: He behaved like a military commander, personally leading 27 attacks.
•Mecca: He had only one wife, Khadija, for those twelve years.
Medina: He married twelve more women in 10 years.
•Mecca: He fought against idol worship.
Medina: He fought against People of the Book (Jews and Christians.)
The Prophet Muhammad’s move from Mecca to Medina changed Islam from a religious and spiritual revelation to a political agenda. Dr. Mark Gabriel explains the 3 revelations of jihad in this way. The first: Repay those who mistreat you. Muhammad’s first jihad was against the tribe who had persecuted him and thrown him out of Mecca. The second: Conquer your region. After Muhammad’s first victory, he claimed that the angel Gabriel brought him a new message stating that he must fight every tribe in Arabia and make them submit to Islam. The third: Conquer the world. The final revelation said “Fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism, worshiping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will be for Allah Alone (in the whole of the world). “ Since this was the last revelation, and none came after it contradicting it, this is still the goal of Islam today. According to Islamic leader and well known scholar, Mawlana Abul Ala Mawdudi (the founder of Pakistan’s fundamentalist movement), “In order for Islam to fulfill that goal, Islam can use every power available every way it can be used to bring worldwide revolution. This is jihad.”
So in short, you can do whatever you want, wherever you want, as long as it advances the cause of Jihad and Allah. Some examples are denying the Islamic faith and lying to other Muslims. We see the precedent of Muhammad himself giving his friend permission to deny him and Islam after his friend was captured and tortured, and only gained his release by denying Islam. Another time, Muhammad sent an assassin into an enemy camp, and told this follower to curse Islam and Muhammad so that he might get close enough to his target to kill him. In recent history, we saw President Saddam Hussein of Iraq lie to President Mubarek of Egypt when Mubarek visited him in Baghdad and had him promise not to invade Kuwait. Saddam Hussein didn’t even keep his word for 24 hours before invading Kuwait. Other examples are that anyone who conflicts with, disagrees with or does not support Muhammad and his teaching should be killed (as seen by the deaths ordered by Muhammad himself against his adversaries and critics), women and children can be killed (Muhammad said ‘I consider them as of their parents’), and it is right to murder a governor or leader who is not in compliance with Islamic law (which explains why ‘Muslim’ leaders are targeted and assassinated by terrorist groups and insurgents).
In summary, here are the words of Sayyid Qutb, the founding father of Jihad, on his view of Muslims who do not participate in Jihad. “The order in which Allah gave Islam to Muhammad was gradual and progressive to maximize positive results to Islam. Many Muslims take the early verses of this progressive teaching out of context as if they are Allah’s final and complete instructions. These Muslims stripe Islam of its power and build their own theory on these verses. The results of this type of interpretation of Islam are Muslims who are living a defeated life spiritually and mentally. They are under the pressure of the hopelessness that they cannot spread Islam any longer. These people are only Muslims by name.”
Information compiled from “Islam and Terrorism “ by Mark A. Gabriel, PH.D.
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Four Killed in Philippines by Muslim Rebels
Journeyman Pictures: Terror Trail Philippines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7b1MZD-HhA
(I cannot post it on the blog, but it is worth copying and pasting into a separate browser to watch. Or go to youtube and type in the above mentioned title.)
Journeyman Pictures: Bearers of the Sword Philippines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oorBcHkooc&feature=relmfu
(This is a look into the motivations of the Islamic Terrorists groups. Warning: some graphic content shared. Again, type directly into youtube or copy and paste into separate browser.)
These clips will give you a better idea of the culture and day to day living.
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 1
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 2
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 3
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 4
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 5
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 6
Freedom Fighters or Terrorists? That is one of the questions we must look at this month as we travel to the Philippines. Whenever tourists visit the Philippines, they travel to the northern islands, not the southern. Why is that you ask? Because the southern island of Mindanao has become the seat of terrorists and rebel groups that have been responsible for kidnappings and beheadings. To get a clearer picture of how this conflict has evolved, we have to know a little bit of history. In 1946, after WWII, the government sponsored Christian Filipino immigration from the north to the island of Mindanao. To get an idea of the massive movement that took place, by 1960 there were 93,000 immigrants to the 7,000 indigenous Muslims who still lived in the area of Kapatagan. This immigration displaced many Muslim families. After the war, all unregistered land was considered public land and the government portioned it off piece by piece. 'Many Muslims who were unfamiliar with the procedures or couldn't afford the steep processing fees, and the requirement to pay taxes during the interim, did not file for the legal title to the land that they currently occupied. Christian settlers however regularly obtained legal ownership of the best newly opened lands as well as crop loans and other forms of government assistance. The new Christian communities also became linked to trade centers and to one another by networks of roads while Muslim communities remained relatively isolated.' Many familes were forced off their lands. 'The Bureau of Lands recognized land rights on the basis of priority of claim filed, not priority of occupation. It was not unusual for individuals to obtain legal titles, either intentionally or unintentionally, to already-occupied lands. In such cases, the legal owners were mostly (but not always) Christians and the previous occupants ordinary Muslims. Poor Muslim "squatters" would usually be offered small amounts of money to vacate the land and would often accept it and leave. If the occupants refused to move and the titled owner was sufficiently wealthy or influential, he would gain possession of the land by use of armed might, most often supplied by local units of the Philippine Constabulary.' (Info from "The Origins of the Muslim Separatists Movement in the Philippines" by Thomas M. McKenna http://asiasociety.org/countries-history/conflicts/origins-muslim-separatist-movement-philippines)
When looking back on history through Muslim eyes, it is easy to see why many consider themselves as freedom fighters for their homelands. They want to establish a separate Islamic state and reclaim the land of their ancestors. They want to expel the Christians they see as invaders and oppressors. While this does not excuse their actions, hopefully we can understand their motivation. As we pray for the Christians in the Philippines this month and the persecution they experience there from groups like Abu Sayyif, lets not forget to also pray for the Muslim communities and families whose pasts have been torn apart by the immigration of Christians into their region. Scars run deep, and memories are long, but our Lord is a God of power and healing in even the most impossible of circumstances. Through him alone can these two groups come together and offer forgiveness to one another and stop the cycle of violence that is spinning their region out of control.
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Philippines
Basic Info: The Philippines are an archipelago, east of Vietnam. It is slightly larger than Arizona, made up mostly of mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. It's located on a typhoon belt and is usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year. The islands also suffer from landslides, significant activity from volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, and tsunamis. The International Maritime Burea reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against. Many commerical vessels have been attacked and hijacked both while at anchor and when at sea. The hijacked vessels are often disguised and the cargo is redirected to ports in East Asia. The crews have been either murdered or cast adrift.
Government: The Philippine Islands were colonized by Spain in the 16th century, but were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. The country became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935, and Manuel Quezon was elected president and was responsible for preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. However, in 1942, the Japanese took control of the islands during WWII and the US forces and Filipinos fought for 2 years to take them back. On July 4, 1946, The Republic of the Philippines gained its independence. Ferdinand Marcos ruled for 20 years before a "people power" movement in 1986 forced him into exile and Corazon Aquino became president. Her presidency was hindered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel Ramos was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph Estrada was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in January 2001 after Estrada's impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement demanded his resignation. Macapagal-Arroyo was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid recession after the 2008 global financial crisis. Benigno Aquino III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.
Economy: The Philippine economy rode out the global recession better than many other countries in the region thanks to minimal exposure to troubled international securities, lower dependence on exports, relatively resilient domestic consumption, large remittances from four- to five-million overseas Filipino workers, and a growing business process outsourcing industry. The economy improved in 2010 due to consumer demand and election-related spending. Despite the growth in the economy, poverty worsened because of a high population growth rate and inequitable distribution of income. The current budget emphasizes education, health, conditional cash transfers for the poor, and other social spending programs, relying on the private sector to finance important infrastructure projects. Weak tax collection, exacerbated by new tax breaks and incentives, has limited the government's ability to address major challenges. The administration has vowed to focus on improving tax collection efficiency - rather than imposing new taxes - as a part of its good governance platform.
Religion: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)The Philippines faces threats from Communist insurgents and Muslim separatists. Though the Filipino people predominantly profess Christianity, those Christians living in areas with significant influence from Muslim and Communist guerrilla organizations have faced threats, kidnapping and death. Militant Muslim groups in the southern part of the country are intent on forming an Islamic state, and persecution of Christians is increasingly common. In January 2008, Father Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a Catholic missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was murdered by a suspected al-Qaeda related group of Islamic militants in the chapel at Notre Dame of Tabawan School. In April 2008, assailants stormed into the home of Pastor Vic Vicera in Mindanao and opened fire on him, his wife and another pastor present. Pastor Vicera was killed and his wife shot in the hand and leg. Local Christians suspected the attackers to be Muslim militants, as some of the Muslims Pastor Vicera lived and worked among had reportedly tried to convince him to convert to Islam. Communist insurgents have also been responsible for the intimidation, kidnapping and killing of Christians. In May 2008, Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Philippines kidnapped a Christian pastor whom they accused of aiding soldiers in an anti-insurgency campaign in Mindanao. Months later his body was found and there was evidence that he had been subjected to torture during his captivity. On July 29, armed militants stopped a mini-bus in Mindanao and murdered four Christian male passengers execution-style.
Terrorists: Abu Sayyaf- their goal is an Islamic state in western Midanao and the Sulu archipelago, with the broader goal of a pan Islamic state spanning southeast Asia; known for repeated kidnappings and demanding ransom to fund their activities; at the groups height they had 4,000 members
• January 2009, three Red Cross officials were kidnapped; 2 of 3 have since been released.
• Plot to assassinate President Gloria Arroyo was discovered and foiled by Philippine security officials in February 2008.
• April 2007: 7 workers abducted and beheaded; their heads delivered to the army.
• December 2006: The Abu Sayyaf group was suspected when three injuries resulted from a bombing inside a department store in the Philippines.
• February 2004: Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility when 116 people were killed when the Superferry 14, a ferry sailing in Manila's waters, was exploded.
• May 2001: Twenty were taken hostage from the Philippine island, Palawan. The group killed Guillermo Sobero, one of three American hostages.
• April 2000: Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped 21 on Sipadan, a Malaysian resort island Libya paid over $20 million to free them.
• April 1995: The first major attack by Abu Sayyaf group in Ipil, a southern Filipino town. Thirty were taken hostage, and 53 civilians and soldiers were killed.
Information compiled from CIAWorldFactBook “Philippines”; VOMC ‘Philippines” www.persescution.net asiasociety.org
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Islam and Terrorists
Many people today know Islam to be a peaceful religion, and the media makes a distinction between what they term moderate Muslims and extremists, claiming that it is the extremists who are misrepresenting Islam. Many are even quick to point out that extremists are not only a danger to non-Muslims, but to other Muslims as well. So the question then is, "How does one become an 'extremist' and what model are they following?" There are no easy answers to these questions, but let’s look at the Muslim texts and the life of Muhammad himself.
The Hadith tells us that "when Allah's Apostle was asked, 'What is the best deed?' He replied, 'To believe in Allah and his Apostle (Muhammad).' The questioner then asked, 'What is the next (in goodness)?' He replied, 'To participate in Jihad in Allah's cause'"(Surah 2:25). From the beginning we can see that struggle and fighting are an integral part of Islam. Still, though, we ask ourselves what would lead a 'normal' person to commit such acts of violence and hatred against another human being? How does one get to the point of becoming a terrorist?
Just as a person's character is developed over time, so is a person's philosophy and mentality. Here are some verses that might impact a Muslim's mentality. "Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not" (Surah 2:216). You ask how can a person do the things that terrorists do? Even if your conscience is telling you that something is wrong, if you believe that you are called to do it anyway, you will only see your conscience as a sign of weakness and something to overcome. Also, there is a distinction between those who participate in Jihad and those who do not. "Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and those who strive hard and fight in the cause of Allah with their wealth and lives" (Surah 4:95). Those who join in Jihad are seen as being more devoted to their religion than those who do not.
In the life of Muhammad, we can see the difference in how he acted based on where he was and how much power he possessed at the time. Here are some examples:
•Mecca: He invited people to be a [art of Islam by preaching.
Medina: He persuaded people to convert by the sword.
•Mecca: He acted like a priest, living a life of prayer, fasting, and worship.
Medina: He behaved like a military commander, personally leading 27 attacks.
•Mecca: He had only one wife, Khadija, for those twelve years.
Medina: He married twelve more women in 10 years.
•Mecca: He fought against idol worship.
Medina: He fought against People of the Book (Jews and Christians.)
The Prophet Muhammad’s move from Mecca to Medina changed Islam from a religious and spiritual revelation to a political agenda. Dr. Mark Gabriel explains the 3 revelations of jihad in this way. The first: Repay those who mistreat you. Muhammad’s first jihad was against the tribe who had persecuted him and thrown him out of Mecca. The second: Conquer your region. After Muhammad’s first victory, he claimed that the angel Gabriel brought him a new message stating that he must fight every tribe in Arabia and make them submit to Islam. The third: Conquer the world. The final revelation said “Fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism, worshiping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will be for Allah Alone (in the whole of the world). “ Since this was the last revelation, and none came after it contradicting it, this is still the goal of Islam today. According to Islamic leader and well known scholar, Mawlana Abul Ala Mawdudi (the founder of Pakistan’s fundamentalist movement), “In order for Islam to fulfill that goal, Islam can use every power available every way it can be used to bring worldwide revolution. This is jihad.”
So in short, you can do whatever you want, wherever you want, as long as it advances the cause of Jihad and Allah. Some examples are denying the Islamic faith and lying to other Muslims. We see the precedent of Muhammad himself giving his friend permission to deny him and Islam after his friend was captured and tortured, and only gained his release by denying Islam. Another time, Muhammad sent an assassin into an enemy camp, and told this follower to curse Islam and Muhammad so that he might get close enough to his target to kill him. In recent history, we saw President Saddam Hussein of Iraq lie to President Mubarek of Egypt when Mubarek visited him in Baghdad and had him promise not to invade Kuwait. Saddam Hussein didn’t even keep his word for 24 hours before invading Kuwait. Other examples are that anyone who conflicts with, disagrees with or does not support Muhammad and his teaching should be killed (as seen by the deaths ordered by Muhammad himself against his adversaries and critics), women and children can be killed (Muhammad said ‘I consider them as of their parents’), and it is right to murder a governor or leader who is not in compliance with Islamic law (which explains why ‘Muslim’ leaders are targeted and assassinated by terrorist groups and insurgents).
In summary, here are the words of Sayyid Qutb, the founding father of Jihad, on his view of Muslims who do not participate in Jihad. “The order in which Allah gave Islam to Muhammad was gradual and progressive to maximize positive results to Islam. Many Muslims take the early verses of this progressive teaching out of context as if they are Allah’s final and complete instructions. These Muslims stripe Islam of its power and build their own theory on these verses. The results of this type of interpretation of Islam are Muslims who are living a defeated life spiritually and mentally. They are under the pressure of the hopelessness that they cannot spread Islam any longer. These people are only Muslims by name.”
Information compiled from “Islam and Terrorism “ by Mark A. Gabriel, PH.D.
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Four Killed in Philippines by Muslim Rebels
Journeyman Pictures: Terror Trail Philippines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7b1MZD-HhA
(I cannot post it on the blog, but it is worth copying and pasting into a separate browser to watch. Or go to youtube and type in the above mentioned title.)
Journeyman Pictures: Bearers of the Sword Philippines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oorBcHkooc&feature=relmfu
(This is a look into the motivations of the Islamic Terrorists groups. Warning: some graphic content shared. Again, type directly into youtube or copy and paste into separate browser.)
These clips will give you a better idea of the culture and day to day living.
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 1
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 2
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 3
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 4
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 5
Bizarre Foods Philippines Part 6
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