For thou has girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. – Psalm 18:39-40
In times of impending calamity and distress; when the liberties of America are imminently endangered by the secret machinations and open assaults of an insidious and vindictive administration, it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publickly to acknowledge the over ruling providence of God; to confess and deplore our offences against him; and to supplicate his interposition for averting the threatened danger, and prospering our strenuous efforts in the cause of freedom virtue, and posterity… – Mr. William Livingston, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Saturday, March 16, 1776, pp. 208-209.
Debka says that the invasion has already begun, and that coalition forces are using the sandstorm as cover.
Of course, the events of the first few hours and days of the war won’t be clearly known for some time, as the need for operational security (and the campaign of disinformation) is, of course, greatest at that stage of the operation.
God keep and preserve the brave men and women who are now putting their bodies between us and this war’s desolation. May they fight not from hatred or fear, but with dispassion and wisdom, their mission always liberation, not revenge.
God keep and preserve the people of Iraq from the suicidal madness of the tyrant who has so long opressed them. And from the bombs and weapons of war about to be unleashed on those who support him.
God keep the hearts of George Bush and Tony Blair focused on the immediate goal: swift and sure victory; and the long-term: to bring peace and justice to Iraq, and not to become mired in the expediency and compromise they have finally rejected.