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It’s day 5, and the U.S.-Israel-Iran war is spilling across the Middle East.
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Who’s involved now?
At least 11 countries. This week:
[/td]At least 11 countries. This week:
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- Qatari forces shot down two Iranian bombers;
- Israel began exchanging rocket fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon;
- Iranian drones struck the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (no casualties reported);
- And Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American fighter jets in friendly fire (all six aircrew were unharmed).
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What’s the impact?
The Pentagon says the U.S. death toll has risen to six, with “additional losses” expected. In Iran, humanitarian groups estimate at least 787 casualties. Uncle Sam shuttered his embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and warned Americans in 14 Mid-East countries (see the list) to evacuate due to “serious safety risks.”
[/td]The Pentagon says the U.S. death toll has risen to six, with “additional losses” expected. In Iran, humanitarian groups estimate at least 787 casualties. Uncle Sam shuttered his embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and warned Americans in 14 Mid-East countries (see the list) to evacuate due to “serious safety risks.”
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President Trump estimated the war would last “four to five weeks,” possibly longer.
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So, why are we at war with Iran?
On Monday, the White House listed four objectives:
[/td]On Monday, the White House listed four objectives:
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- Destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities,
- Wipe out its navy,
- Prevent it from building nuclear weapons,
- And stop its arming and funding of proxy militias (think: Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas)
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Trump initially said Iranian regime change was one of Uncle Sam’s goals; White House officials now say it isn’t on the U.S.’s agenda, but that #47 is open to supporting “regional partners” seeking to dethrone Iran’s government. Critics argue Washington’s waffling makes defending the Admin’s endgame difficult.
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According to polls, roughly 1 in 4 Americans approve of the war.
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How’s the economy responding?
With more expensive gas station fill-ups.
[/td]With more expensive gas station fill-ups.
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Oil and natural gas prices have risen as the conflict disrupts Mid-East oil production, and some economists warn inflation may follow suit.
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(We’re covering the war with Iran at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free here to get it in your inbox tomorrow.)
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PRAY WITH US
Good Shepherd, when nations battle, image bearers bear the weight. Tend to the dying, the injured, and the grieving. Where there is despair, bring hope. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is anger, bring peace. May Your goodness and mercy pursue all those walking in the valley of the shadow of death.
[/td]Good Shepherd, when nations battle, image bearers bear the weight. Tend to the dying, the injured, and the grieving. Where there is despair, bring hope. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is anger, bring peace. May Your goodness and mercy pursue all those walking in the valley of the shadow of death.
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Give leaders hearts that long for justice to flow like many waters. Give them wisdom in place of confusion; give them humility in place of lust for power; and give them courage in place of fear. Amen.
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