Jet Found, Canada vs. India, and Prisoners Freed from Iran.

Welcome to PRAY NEWS, where hope is our only bias!

Today’s News at a Glance:

1. The missing multimillion-dollar jet has been found!

2. Tensions rise between Canada and India.

3. The US and Iran have made a deal to release US prisoners, but at what cost?

Today, we are reminded that peace isn’t easily won. In fact, Jesus marched up a hill with a cross and died to make peace between us and God. Today, let’s reflect on the fact that peace takes sacrifice, selflessness, nuance, and humility. For anyone experiencing conflict in their families, workplaces, or relationships, may today serve as a gentle reminder that pride is often the enemy of peace.

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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Dear Heavenly Father,

We ask for Your guidance in becoming true peacemakers in a world that so desperately needs it. Grant us the wisdom and courage to step into situations of conflict and division, not with the intent to take sides, but to bring Your peace and reconciliation. Let Your Holy Spirit empower us to diffuse anger, to listen empathetically, and to speak words that are both true and kind. Help us to understand that being a peacemaker often starts in our own hearts, by resolving our internal conflicts through Your grace. Thank you for the blessing and high calling of being Your children, tasked with sharing Your peace in this world. May we honor that calling each day of our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

Smaller Bites:

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1. They Found the Jet! $100 Million F-35 Retrieved

The U.S. military has recovered its missing F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet after enlisting the help of the public through a social media post by Joint Base Charleston. The jet, described as the "most advanced fighter jet in the world," ironically evaded even its own tracking systems for a period. The incident has reignited debates about the stewardship of taxpayer funds, especially given that the F-35 program is projected to cost $1.7 trillion over its lifespan.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the safe recovery of both the pilot and the aircraft. May this event serve as a wake-up call about the responsibility and stewardship we must exercise over the resources we are given. Help us to manage wisely not just our own assets, but the collective resources of our communities and nations. Amen.

2. Tension Between Canada and India Rises

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused India of being involved in the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, a claim that has severely strained relations between the two nations. Canada has rallied its allies against India, which has retaliated by expelling a Canadian diplomat. The issue adds another layer of tension to an already fraught relationship, steeped in historical animosities and complicated by domestic politics in both nations.

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom, truth, and justice to prevail in the strained relations between Canada and India. Guide the leaders and diplomats of both nations toward peaceful resolution and understanding. May your love and grace help us to be peacemakers in our communities and across nations, in accordance with your word in Matthew 5:9. Amen.

3. A New Dawn or Slippery Slope? Five Americans Released in Deal with Iran

Five American nationals detained for years in Iran were freed in a complicated prisoner exchange deal initiated by President Joe Biden, which also involved the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held by South Korea. While the exchange is seen by some as a potential thaw in U.S.-Iran relations, it has sparked contentious debates within the U.S., particularly among Republicans who criticize the financial aspects of the deal. The release comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf and just before the U.N. General Assembly, heightening both domestic and global implications.

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the safe return of the detained Americans and pray for wisdom and discernment for leaders navigating complex international relations. May Your guidance lead us toward peace and unity, even in the midst of political and diplomatic complexities. In the spirit of Romans 12:15, let us "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn," remembering the sanctity and preciousness of each human life. Amen.

They Found the Jet!
$100 Million F-35 Retrieved

Today's report promises to leave you grappling with the eternally perplexing question: “How on earth do you lose an F-35?" Oh yes, you read that right. An F-35, the combat jet with an absurd price tag, was once lost, but now it is found.

Stealth Mode: Engaged

We can all sleep better at night knowing the U.S. military has finally located its missing F-35B Lightning II. The search commenced after a "mishap" in the air led the pilot to eject safely. Frankly, the plane's stealth capabilities were apparently so stealthy that it became invisible to even its owners for a while. Ah, technology at its finest.

Public Assistance Needed for Private Jet

It wasn't just a regular lost-and-found fiasco either. The authorities took their dilemma online, enlisting the help of civilians through a social media post by Joint Base Charleston. “If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center,” the post read. It’s like a high-stakes game of Where’s Waldo, only the stakes are over $100 million of your taxpayer dollars.

Losing It and Tracking It

Aerospace giant Lockheed Martin described this jet as the “most advanced fighter jet in the world." Ah, the irony. A jet that can evade enemy radar but can't keep tabs on itself.

While we're at it, let's touch upon a tiny little detail: The cost of this jet and its program. The Pentagon’s F-35 initiative is projected to cost American taxpayers a mind-boggling $1.7 trillion over its lifespan. That’s a trillion with a ‘T,’ folks. Makes you wonder how many potholes could be fixed with just a fraction of that sum.

Stewardship

Finally, let's offer a Christian perspective. The tale of the missing F-35 serves as a thought-provoking example of stewardship. The Bible teaches us that stewardship is not only a religious principle but a way of life, advocating for wise management and responsibility over the resources given to us. And yes, that should include $100 million jets and $1.7 trillion taxpayer-funded programs.

Whether it's your hard-earned money, your time, or a taxpayer-funded piece of advanced machinery, stewardship matters. Losing track of a state-of-the-art jet is perhaps an egregious example of how not to manage the blessings — and responsibilities — we’ve been given.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/f-35-fighter-jet-missing-pilot-ejects-mishap-rcna105534?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew

Tension Between Canada and India Rises

In a sudden and shocking move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has alleged that India played a role in the killing of a Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. This severe claim has only further strained the fragile relations between the two countries. The tensions are deeply rooted, reaching far beyond the current allegations and involving political motivations and international alliances.

The Bombshell

Trudeau's claim came in an urgent address to the Canadian Parliament. Canadian security agencies claim to possess credible evidence linking Indian agents to the fatal shooting of Nijjar, a known Sikh separatist leader. If proven true, this would mark a significant turn for India's foreign espionage operations, extending them to Western soil for the first time.

Diplomatic Fallout

The allegation has set off an all-out diplomatic war. Canada has urged its allies, including the U.S. and Australia, to challenge India's conduct. In retaliation, India expelled a top Canadian diplomat, and lines of Indian officials have spoken against Canada. Both countries now find themselves at the "lowest point ever," according to officials and analysts.

Historical Context

This crisis doesn't exist in a vacuum. New Delhi has long accused Western countries, particularly Canada, of inaction against extremist Sikh groups that support the cause of Khalistan—an independent nation for Sikhs in the Punjab region. India has perceived the mobilization of Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, the U.S., and Australia as a direct threat to its sovereignty.

Political Agendas

India's reaction may also stem from domestic politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government faced a significant challenge from the Sikh-dominated farmers' movement in 2020-2021. Some analysts suggest that by painting the farmers' movement with the same "secessionist" brush, Modi is using the Khalistan issue as a political tactic, presenting himself as the protector of the Hindu-majority India.

Who is Hardeep Singh Nijjar?

Nijjar, the 45-year-old separatist leader killed in Canada, was wanted on terrorism charges in India. His main focus was allegedly the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (R.S.S.), a nationalist right-wing organization closely linked to Modi's party, the BJP. His killing brings up essential debates about the limits of free speech and the boundaries of national sovereignty.

International Implications

Given the gravity of the allegations, the diplomatic repercussions could ripple across the global stage. Already, U.S. and Australian statements of concern indicate an uneasy recalibration of diplomatic relations, especially among countries that have significant Sikh diaspora populations.

Reflection

As Christians, we are called to pursue truth, justice, and reconciliation. In a conflict fraught with political, historical, and cultural sensitivities, we should pray for wisdom for the leaders involved. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." While we may not have direct influence over international policies, we can advocate for peaceful resolutions and stand in solidarity with communities that seek justice and fair treatment. Ultimately, we are reminded that God’s sovereign plan unfolds even in the labyrinth of international politics.

As India and Canada navigate this complex diplomatic quagmire, it becomes crucial for both nations to act judiciously. The allegations have profound implications that extend beyond the two countries, possibly shaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come. For now, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that is just and brings peace.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/19/world/asia/trudeau-canada-india-separatists.html

A New Dawn or Slippery Slope?
Five Americans Released in Deal with Iran

The sun rose differently on Monday, casting its light upon five American faces that had long yearned for freedom. Five U.S. nationals detained for years in Iran stepped off a plane in Doha, Qatar, in what has become a complicated and politically charged prisoner exchange deal.

The deal, initiated by President Joe Biden, involved the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held by a third country, South Korea. The act brought both relief and contentious political debates to the fore.

The Homecoming

The individuals—Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharghi, and Morad Tahbaz among them—embraced U.S. ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis, before locking arms as if to symbolize a unity regained. Namazi, issuing a statement, thanked those who "did not allow the world to forget me," adding, "Thank you for being my voice when I could not speak for myself."

In return, five Iranians held in U.S. custody were released, and the Biden administration took pains to assure us that these individuals pose no threat to national security.

High Stakes, Higher Tensions

The timing is precarious. The release coincides with a notable U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf, even as the U.S. and Iran remain embroiled in longstanding disputes about Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi described the release as a "step in the direction of humanitarian action," hinting at a potential thaw in the frigid relations between the two nations.

Yet, critics argue the move can be seen as a risky gambit. Opponents from the Republican camp, including former President Donald Trump, have vehemently criticized the financial part of the deal as "absolutely ridiculous," accusing Biden of boosting an adversarial economy at a precarious time.

The Money Question

The $5.9 billion in question was owed by South Korea to Iran for past oil purchases, a debt left unpaid due to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2019. Both countries agree the money will be utilized for humanitarian goods, but hard-liners in Iran have contradicted this claim, casting a shadow of doubt on Iran’s intentions.

Global Implications

With the U.N. General Assembly set to convene this week, the world's eyes will be on President Raisi. The agreement has not only domestic repercussions but global ones as well, especially given Iran’s alleged role in supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, exacerbating another volatile U.S.-Iran point of contention.

Reflection

As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken extends gratitude to the nations that helped broker the deal, it seems fitting to close on the sentiments expressed by Neda Sharghi, Emad Sharghi’s sister. "This is my brother, not an abstract policy," she emphasized. "We are talking about human lives. There is nothing partisan about saving lives, and today should be a moment of American unity."

In the words of the Apostle Paul, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). As a Christian community, it is our duty to uphold these families in prayer, grateful for their long-awaited reunion while remaining thoughtful of the complexities involved.

While the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, these are moments that remind us of the sanctity and preciousness of human life. There may be no easy answers in the intricate web of international diplomacy, but as Christians, we can offer our prayers for wisdom, discernment, and above all, peace.

In navigating the turbulent waters of geopolitics, we are reminded of Jesus' beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). May this event serve as a reminder that amidst political instability and complex global relations, the core of our faith remains: love, compassion, and a commitment to peace.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-prisoner-swap-sanctions-assets-4e1fa477f8e6af45fb764acd259c2f1a?utm_campaign=mb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew

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