"Welcoming" the New Administration

Certainly instability born of the disconnect between the Afghan government and its people to which President Obama alluded in his news conference several days ago is at play in a suicide attack on the Ministry of Justice in Kabul.

But there's another factor as well. The Taliban and their allies obviously also are welcoming the new administration in Washington, testing the new president's mettle, and sending a message that they haven't given up fighting.

The attack comes just before Obama's representative, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, is scheduled to arrive in Kabul.

Just before that, a secular Pakistani legislator was killed by a bomb in the same city that Holbrooke was visiting at that very moment.

Of course, the attacks aren't meant not only to send a message to the new administration, which appears prepared to undertake the war in Afghanistan and the war on Taliban and al-Qaeda enclaves in Pakistan with new urgency, more troops, and greater firepower. The attacks are also meant to be a warning to Pakistanis and Afghans against collaboration with the United States in the fight against radical Islamist terror groups.

This all would seem to underscore the need for the US to pursue a policy akin to that used in Iraq during the recent surge. It was accompanied by efforts to pacify enemies and would-be enemies, often through the payment of what can fairly be described as protection money to local war lords. The pacification program also included frequent foot patrols and interaction with local populations, fostering trust and quelling enmity.

During the recent presidential campaign, now Vice President Joe Biden famously predicted that early on, his boss would be tested by international troublemakers. Biden didn't need to be a seer to say that. It always happens to new presidents.

But in consideration of this test, Obama may be inclined to look up from days filled with multiple crises and tell the Taliban, "Take a number." Unfortunately, he won't have that luxury.

Please Pray for...

...the people of Southern California, where the worst wildfires since 2003 are blazing. I'm praying for
the safety of the firefighters
the safety of the residents
an end to the fires
wisdom for leaders as they decide on the direction of resources

...the people of New Orleans, being hit with huge rainfall. I'm praying that
the levees hold
all will be spared more tragedy

...the people of Darfur, the victims of daily genocide directed and abetted by a maniacal Sudanese government in Khartoum

...peace in Iraq

...peace in Afghanistan

...wisdom for world leaders and our national leaders

I'm also personally praying for wisdom for myself to know what to pray for, work for, and do as a human being, a citizen, and, through Christ, a child of God. For that, I hold onto this Biblical promise:

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. (James 1:5)

But even when I'm not wise, I know Who is and that I can't go wrong when I tell God, "YOUR WILL BE DONE!"

Update on South Korean Christian Hostages in Afghanistan

Bruce Armstrong has it. Please pray for the release of the remaining nineteen hostages, who went to Afghanistan to help rebuild that country.

"Prayer is all that is left to us now"

Bruce Armstrong has a complete round-up of the latest information on the South Korean Christians being held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Please pray!

Pray for the South Korean Hostages

More Christians are being victimized for their faith in Christ today than at any time in history. A second of the original group of 23 South Korean Christians who went to Afghanistan to help the poor was executed by the Taliban there. Reports indicate that a rescue effort may be underway.

Last week, the pastor who led the group in Afghanistan was executed. Two days ago, a member of the group, Shim Sung-min, was murdered.

Pray for the safety of this group.

The Taliban is an evil group which, while in power in Afghanistan gave safe haven to al-Qaida. But even in Afghanistan today, it's illegal to be a Christian and the Taliban no doubt will enjoy some popular support for their actions in spite of the motives of the South Korean group.

For more information, see here, here, here, and here.