1. According to the AP, Afghanistan and Pakistan, home to al-Qaida and Taliban militants and the focus of the longest war in U.S. history, face a new, emerging threat from the Islamic State group. Disenchanted extremists from the Taliban and other organizations, impressed by the Islamic State’s territorial gains and slick online propaganda, have begun raising its black flag in extremist-dominated areas of both countries. Analysts and officials say the number of IS supporters in the Afghan-Pakistan region remains small and that the group faces resistance from militants with strong tribal links. However, the rise of even a small Islamic State affiliate could further destabilize the region and complicate U.S. and NATO efforts to end the 13-year Afghan war.
2. According to Reuters, stone-throwing demonstrators set fire to two churches in Niger’s capital Niamey on Saturday, in the latest protest in France’s former African colonies at French newspaper Charlie Hebdo’s cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. A day after five people were killed in Niger in protests over the cartoons, protesters in Niamey attacked a police station and burned at least two police cars near the main mosque after authorities banned a meeting called by local Muslim leaders. Police responded with teargas. Demonstrations were also reported in regional towns, including Maradi where two churches were burned. Another church and a residence of the foreign minister were burned in the eastern town of Goure. Four Muslim preachers who had convened the meeting in Niamey were arrested. Peaceful marches took place after Friday prayers in the capital cities of other West African countries – Mali, Senegal and Mauritania – and Algeria in North Africa, all former French colonies.
3. According to Reuters, a senior American general said Russia is working to develop within a few years the capability to threaten several neighbors at once on the scale of its present operation in Ukraine. Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges, commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, said an attack on another neighbor does not seem like an immediate threat because Moscow appears to have its hands full in Ukraine for now. But that could change within a few years, when upgrades sought by President Vladimir Putin would give Russia the ability to carry out up to three such operations at the same time, without a mobilization that would give the West time to respond.
4. According to the AP, a poll released Thursday shows that most New Yorkers didn’t approve of police officers turning their backs on Mayor Bill de Blasio at the funerals of two officers shot to death in their patrol car, or of the comment by a union leader that the mayor had “blood on his hands.” The Quinnipiac University poll found that 69 percent disapproved of the silent protest among police at the funerals of officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu and 77 percent considered union leader Patrick Lynch’s comment “too extreme.”
5. According to Religion News Service, at Duke University the Muslim call to prayer was broadcast from a small black speaker perched on the steps of the Duke Chapel on Friday, as hundreds of students, some Muslim but mostly non-Muslim, gathered in solidarity for the right of all students to pray publicly. The gathering, replete with signs reading “Let us worship together,” and “Please pray here,” was quiet and peaceful, and emerged spontaneously after Duke University officials on Thursday abruptly reversed their decision to broadcast the Muslim “adhan,” or call to prayer, from the bell tower atop its iconic chapel. Instead, the prayer was broadcast from a portable public address system at the foot of the chapel, first in English, spoken by a woman, then in Arabic, recited in the familiar sing-song chant.
6. According to AFP, The death toll from floods ravaging Malawi has risen to 176 with many more missing and 200,000 homeless. Vice President Saulos Chilima said Friday that “at least 153 people are missing.” Speaking after flying in a military helicopter over the worst affected Lower Shire districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa in the south, he said the country faced “a big challenge”. Earlier, disaster officials warned that more heavy rain was expected.
7. According to ChristianHeadlines.com, the Cameroonian army scored a victory against Boko Haram this week as security forces fought back against the militants who had raided an army camp in Kolofata. 143 Boko Haram members were left dead in the fight compared to five members of the Cameroonian military. Cameroons’ Information Minister Issa Tchiroma said in a statement, “It is by far the heaviest toll sustained by the criminal sect Boko Haram since it began launching its barbaric attacks against our land, people and goods.”
8. According to The Associated Press, Conceding there was more “excitement than preparation” for his first presidential bid, Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Friday declared himself ready for a second White House run should he decide to enter the crowded 2016 Republican field. He said, “I don’t shy away from the fact that I have been preparing. Preparation’s done. I’m ready. But I will announce at the appropriate time my intentions.” Perry, who leaves office next week after more than 14 years as Texas’ leader, said he was wrong to think he could give 100 percent in his failed 2012 presidential campaign while still serving as a sitting governor.
9. According to NBC News, Chinese police have arrested more than 60,000 people and seized more than 11 tons of drugs in a three-month nationwide crackdown, according to officials. The “100-day campaign” from September to December was part of intensified crime-fighting operations ahead of next month’s Chinese Lunar New Year. China’s top anti-drug official said the mass arrests had “sown terror” among drug criminals.
10. According to the LA Times, President Obama vowed Friday to stop any attempt by Congress to ratchet up sanctions against Iran while the U.S. and partner countries negotiate over its nuclear program. Obama also warned lawmakers that they would be responsible if a sanctions drive were to lead to the collapse of the ongoing talks. He said a diplomatic failure could even lead to a war, which “Congress will have to own” if it passes a new sanctions bill. Obama’s language and forceful tone marked a sharp intensification of the White House effort to preserve the prospect of a deal with Iran and signaled deep anxieties about Congress’ plans.
As you go throughout this day, keep this word in mind. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
As always, we want you to know that God loves you. He loves you so much that the Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, why don’t you get to know Him today. Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose by the power of God for you. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Thanks so much for listening. May God bless your day.
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