Robertson upbeat on
economy

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson is out with his annual predictions, forecasting an economic recovery and a rejection of Islam as what he calls a "religion of hate."

Robertson shared his 2009 predictions with a New Year's Day prayer session, which he broadcast Friday on "The 700 Club."

While Robertson said the economy will rebound during Barack Obama's presidency, he said it will come with a dose of more government.

The founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach said the "hold of Islam is weakening" because of what he said is bloodshed linked to its followers.

Robertson has said his predictions come directly from God. For 2008, he predicted a much more violent world, a U.S. recession and oil hitting $150 a barrel.