Population: Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%

Religions: Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3% (CIA Factbook, 1 January, 2004)

Despite its serious flaws observed by the critics, the January 30^th election was an historical breakthrough in Iraq in terms of democratic progress. The long-awaited results issued on Feb 13^th announced that the Shiite Muslims won 48% of the votes, followed by the pro-American Kurds 26%. However, to form a new government, there must be an absolute majority of 60%. As such, a coalition would have to be established, which would mean a power sharing government. Meanwhile there is a concern that the election has understated the diverse ethnic/religious groups in the country, the Sunni Muslims abstained from voting while Christians claimed that they were prevented from voting. In addition, writing a constitution may probably tear the country apart according to some analysts.

Earlier on, the leading Shiites strongly pushed for an Islamic constitution. To date, many still question if this would truly bring about peace and stability that has been absent for decades.

1. Prior to the national election, churches were targeted for attacks. It was reported that an estimated 800,000 Christians were marginalised and many had fled the country due to increasing violence. Pray for hope, courage, comfort and faith.
2. God’s divine intervention in the forming of new government and Constitution that favours religious freedom. Pray also for Christian representation in government and participation in the drafting of the Constitution.

The February 8^th summit in Cairo marked a significant progress in the peace process between Israel and Palestinian after 4 years of conflicts. A mutual and total ceasefire was announced. Despite the lack of co-operation from the radical Palestinian group Hamas who said that they were not obligated by the truce announcement but pledged a temporary halt to its attack, an official tie between the two nations appeared to have resumed. Nonetheless, Israel has made it clear that if attacks do continue and little is done to stop them, Israel will resume its military activity. Without any delay, the Palestinian president is working on bringing the Hamas and other radical groups into the democratic process and negotiating a political role with them in return for an end to violence.

1. Continue to pray for a rapid restoration of the peace process
2. For Palestinian Authority to rein in Hamas and other radical groups
3. For Sharon administration.

‘Apathy Kills Again’ was the headline on February 16^th issue of New Straits Times. A young pregnant mother died after a hit-and-run accident, a man was murdered in a road rage accident, death toll of traffic accident raised to 179 since Feb 2, a canteen operator raped his own daughter, dirty drains that breed Aedes, destruction of mangroves that serve as wave buffer continues despite PM’s call to preserve it, and the list goes on. Have Malaysians lost their emotional responsiveness and become so inconsiderate, aggressive in behaviour, dull of civic consciousness and devoid of sense of personal responsibilities? Are we truly a pauper in terms of character as stated by the Prime Minister in January?

1. Repent if we have become indifferent towards the happenings around us or if we are in the similar conditions.
2. A 5-year campaign to instil good values has been made a national agenda in January. Pray for the success of the campaign, and open doors for Christians to actively take part and share godly values.
3. Churches to take hold of such opportunity to bear witness and reach out by holding similar awareness campaigns in their respective communities
4. For education at homes and in schools that character-building to take precedence over academic performance.