Afternoon News Bytes: Feb. 6, 2012

THE HUFFINGTON POST: Evangelicals' Lock On The GOP Cracks
During this election cycle, Republicans sidled up to Ronald Reagan's legacy to demonstrate their true conservative credentials. But we all know that Reagan himself could not survive as a presidential candidate in the Republican Party in this, the twenty-first century.
Learn more HERE

Related Reading

• 'War is Terrorism'
  by Jim Rice
• A Reign of Terror
  by Rosalie G. Riegle
• To the Women of Syria
  by Lynne Hybels
• STUDY: An Evangelical Call to Action on Climate Change
  by The Editors
• Talking to Evangelicals About Climate Change
  by Liz Schmitt

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BBC: Syria Crisis: Army Steps Up Homs Shelling
Heavy artillery fire has been rocking Homs, as Syrian troops step up an assault on the restive city. A BBC correspondent there describes almost constant blasts, in the fiercest attack in the 11-month uprising.
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BBC: Diamond Jubilee: Queen Celebrating 60-Year Reign
The Queen has visited a school in Norfolk as she marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. Earlier she said she was dedicating herself "anew to your service" and that she was "deeply moved" by support for the Diamond Jubilee.
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THE HILL: Evangelicals And The US Election: A View From The Outside
How is it that Evangelicals figure so prominently in the current Republican race for its presidential candidate? That question both intrigues and troubles Evangelicals outside the United States. In their drive to secure votes, have Republican politicians turned Evangelicals into just another political subgroup, alongside seniors or gun owners?
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CNN (BELIEF BLOG): The New Christian Abolition Movement
Motivated in large part by their religious traditions of protecting the vulnerable and serving “the least of these,” as Jesus instructed his followers to do in the Gospel of Matthew, World Relief and other Christian agencies like the Salvation Army are stepping up efforts and working with law enforcement to stem the flow of human trafficking, which includes sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
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THE HILL: Voters Willing To See US Attack Iran Over Nuclear Weapons
Nearly half of likely voters think the United States should be willing to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, according to this week’s The Hill Poll.
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THE WASHINGTON POST: For Some Black Women, Economy And Willingness To Aid Family Strains Finances
The Great Recession carried special pain for black women like Jane Ladson. She had always been the one her family turned to when they needed help, and she didn’t hesitate to give it. She helped pay for weddings and rent. She made room for her nephew when her brother died of AIDS. And even now in her 50s, she took in a baby that wasn’t her own.
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THE HUFFINGTON POST: John McCain Slams Mitt Romney's 'Self-Deportation,' Advocates 'Humane Approach' To Immigration
In an interview on Sunday with Univision, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) criticized Mitt Romney's "self-deportation" immigration policy, stating that Republicans should adopt a "very humane approach" to immigration in order to secure Latino voters.
Learn more HERE