“The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. (Daniel 11:36)

“At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood.” (Daniel 11:40)

Three separate kings are in view in Daniel 11:36 & 40 and their identities must be discovered to fully understand what will happen in the days leading up to the End of the Age.  They are the King who exalts himself,  the King of the North, and the King of the South.   All of Daniel 11:4-35 has been taken up with a discussion of various generations of the King of the North and the King of the South.  The King who exalts himself is neither, and yet subdues them both.  Let’s see if we can identify these three kings as to their roles in the world’s final drama.

First, the King who exalts himself. The angel told Daniel this king would exalt and magnify himself above every god (Daniel 11:36).  In 2 Thes. 2:4 Paul said the anti-Christ will exalt himself over everything that is called god or is worshiped.  The angel also told Daniel he would say unheard of things against the God of gods.  In Rev. 13:6 John said the anti- Christ will blaspheme God and slander His name.  So it looks like the king who exalts himself is the anti-Christ.

Now for the other two. The vision of Daniel 11 was given in 536BC and begins with an angel telling Daniel what would happen to the Persian Kingdom then in power.  The angel said that after 3 more Persian Kings, a fourth one would arise, an especially rich and powerful king. This Persian King, who we know as Xerxes I, took as his queen the Jewish woman Hadassah, called Esther in the Persian language (Esther 2:16-17). He put together a mighty army and mounted an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Greece in 480BC.  But after that a mighty king  would appear who would rule with great power and do everything he pleased (Daniel 11:2-3). This prophecy was fulfilled about 150 years later by Alexander the Great whose driving ambition was to first conquer the Persian Empire, and after that the rest of the known world.

The angel then said that Alexander’s Kingdom would be divided into four parts according to the four winds of heaven, not going to his offspring. (After Alexander’s death his four generals divided up the Kingdom among themselves.)  The next 30 verses are devoted to the families of two of the four, Seleucus, known in Daniel 11 as the first King of the North and Ptolemy, the first King of the South. 135 historically confirmed prophecies are contained in the first 35 verses of Daniel 11, most having to do with the descendants of these two men. The other two generals, Cassander and Lysimachus are not mentioned here, but history shows they both eventually lost their portions to Seleucus, the King of the North.

So the first kings of the North and the South were Seleucus and Ptolemy. For territory Seleucus eventually got control of what we now know as Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Turkey. Reigning for a time from Babylon in modern Iraq, he built a new capital city 20 miles to the south east on the Tigris river and named it Seleucia.  Eventually he moved his capital to Antioch, where it remained.  Ptolemy took Libya, Egypt, the Sudan, Israel and Jordan, and chose Alexandria in Egypt as his capital.

The descendants of these two kings fought each other for control of the known world for the next several hundred years. Then Daniel 11:33-35 brings us to the Maccabean revolt when the last important King of the North, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was defeated (165 BC).

The angel didn’t tell Daniel anything about the King of the South’s demise, since it didn’t directly involve Israel.  But history shows that over time the Ptolemys became weaker and weaker.  The last King of the South was actually a queen named Cleopatra, famous for her romantic involvements with Julius Caesar and then Mark Antony, both Romans.  Upon her death in 30BC what was left of the Ptolemaic Kingdom was absorbed into the Roman Empire.

History To Prophecy

Although it was all in the future when the angel revealed what we know as the the first 35 verses of Daniel 11, it’s all history where we’re concerned. But beginning in Daniel 11:36 we fast forward to the time of the end when modern versions of these two kings will appear again and will ultimately oppose the anti-Christ.

I believe the current unrest in the Islamic Middle East, euphemistically called the Arab Spring, will soon result in the re-emergence of these two ancient powers in a final contest for leadership of the Islamic world.  Turkey and Iran are both part of the territory once identified with the King of the North, and are obvious contenders for that title. They will both be involved in the battle of Ezekiel 38, but since Daniel 11:40 follows Ezekiel 38 in time, this tells us their defeat on the mountains of Israel won’t put them out of contention.

Prime Minister Erdogan of  Turkey has made no secret of his belief that a restored Ottoman Empire will be the End Times Caliphate.  And in a recent UN speech President Ahmadinejad of Iran all but announced the arrival of al Mahdi to lead the world into peace.

Ezekiel’s phrase “ send down fire” (Ezekiel 39:6), which many believe to be a reference to nuclear warfare, is directed at Magog (Russia), the distant coastlands (somewhere beyond the Mediterranean) and the battlefield in Israel. No mention is made of any such destruction in Persia (Iran) or Turkey (Togarmah). Whatever forces they have in Israel will be decimated, but Iran and Turkey will both survive to fight another day.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not named as participants in Ezekiel 38 but could join forces to form the new King of the South. About a year ago, the Saudis quietly rebelled against US policy and embarked upon an independent course of action, promising to defend the Gulf States against Iranian meddling themselves. This was done partly as an expression of anger over the way the US helped oust Egypt’s Pres. Mubarak, a close friend of the Saudi King, and partly over their frustration with America’s lack of action against Iran.  Saudi Arabia does not want Iran to emerge as the leader of the Islamic Middle East and is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen, even if it comes to war.  So far they’ve backed up their promises by moving troops and weaponry into Bahrain, posing a direct threat to Iran.

And we are all aware of the upheaval in Egypt, from a secular government to an Islamic one, although no one’s quite certain where they’ll settle on the political spectrum.

Things are currently so fluid in the Middle East it’s hard to know what’s going to happen next.  It will be interesting to see who winds up with the real power.   If secular governments continue to be pushed aside in favor of Islamic leadership (some are already saying Jordan will be next after Syria) it could mean the Kings of the North and the South are returning.

Then What Happens?

When the anti-Christ first comes on the scene in the aftermath of the Battle of Ezekiel 38-39, he’ll look to the world like a great peacemaker. He’ll deceive people by distributing gifts of power and influence and will even confirm a treaty allowing Israel to build the third Temple and reinstate their worship of God there (Daniel 9:27).  As he gains public support he’ll start attacking countries who don’t fall into line. He’ll make his close followers into rulers, giving them conquered lands as a reward for their faithfulness (Daniel 11:39).

But when he moves to consolidate his control of Planet Earth by going to Jerusalem to assert his divinity, the King of the North and the King of the South will both try to stop him (Daniel 11:40). This tells us that even among Islamic countries there will be resistance to his rule, as others will also have their sights set on becoming the head of the world wide caliphate.  It’s important to remember that there’s disagreement among the various branches of Islam over how  and by whom world dominance will be achieved  There’s also no love lost between Arab and non-Arab Muslims.   But he’ll bring them all into submission, and after invading many other countries, he’ll arrive in Jerusalem and set up his headquarters there (Daniel 11:42-45), where he’ll walk into the New Temple and claim to be God ( 2 Thes. 2:4).

In Matt. 24:15 Jesus said this declaration will be the primary cause of the Great Tribulation.  This is because it will be the event that pits Satan and his man directly against God and His Anointed, as King David prophesied so long ago (Psalm 2:2-3).  The anti-Christ’s defeat of the Kings of the North and the South could be the reason for all the world to unite behind him and declare, “Who is like the Beast? Who can make war against him?” (Rev. 13:4)  And as Daniel was told, the anti-Christ will be successful until the time of wrath is completed because this is the way God has determined it will happen (Daniel 11:36).  No one on Earth will be able to stand against him.

But when his time has come to an end, he’ll be defeated. Where the Kings of the North and South will have failed, the King of Kings will be successful and at the end there will be no one to help him (Daniel 11:45).

If, as I believe, the current unrest in the Islamic Middle East is leading to the re-appearance of the ancient Kings of the North and South, then the appearance of the anti-Christ cannot be far behind. And that’s another reason for us to believe that the days of the Church on Earth are truly numbered. You can almost hear the Footsteps of the Messiah. 09-29-12

A. The totals vary by survey, but the number of Catholics in the world was estimated at 1.18 billion as of 2010, compared to 1.57 billion Moslems.  I have a hunch there are a lot more born again Catholics than we might suspect, although no one but the Lord knows for sure.  But no matter what the number, the Catholic church will probably be left in disarray after the rapture making Islam the largest and fastest growing religion in what’s left of the world by an even larger margin than before.  I wouldn’t be surprised if many of those Catholics left behind look to Islam, since the two religions have much in common.

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (Rev. 13:8)

There’s a lot of interest these days in the role of Islam in the End Times. And from what I’m reading, a lot of misunderstanding, too. Recent surveys are shedding some light on the subject.

It’s clear that followers of Islam are increasing in number faster than any other religious group in the world. Their current growth rate is said to be four times faster than that of Christians.  According to a recent survey by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, those who practice Islam now make up nearly one-fourth of the world’s population at 1.57 billion members, second only to Christianity.  This is revolutionary in nature and even though it’s happening right before our eyes, most Western Christians haven’t even noticed.  And not only are Moslems the fastest growing religious group in the world, they also hold that distinction in the United States, Canada and Europe, with Europe perhaps being the model of where Canada and then the US are headed.

Comparing the current birth rates of native Europeans with Europe’s Moslem immigrant population leads us to one very clear and surprising conclusion: the Europe we have known is very quickly changing into what some already refer to as Eurabia, and will soon find itself under the power and control of Islam. Today there are more Moslems in Germany than there are in Lebanon. France’s Moslem population, while fewer in number than Germany’s, represents a greater percentage of French citizenry, and given the current rate at which church buildings are being converted there will soon be more mosques in England than functioning churches.

Following the rapture of the Church, Islam will be the most populous religious system on Earth by a wide margin. Whether you believe that Islam is a religion of peace or not, it’s pretty obvious that they’re not going to just go away after the rapture and abandon their long held dream of becoming the world’s dominant religion just at the point of realizing it.

What About Ezekiel 38?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Islam will no longer be a viable religious force after the Battle of Ezekiel 38 either. According to The Pew Forum report, the countries who will unite against Israel and be defeated there are a small percentage of the total Islamic population. For example, the four largest Islamic countries by population aren’t even involved. In fact, two thirds of all the world’s Moslems live in 10 countries and of those only Turkey (5) and Iran (6) are named by Ezekiel. Rough estimates indicate that as little as 15% of the Islamic world will be represented by the forces aligned against Israel, and remember it’s only their soldiers who die in battle, not their total populations. And given their dismal past performance in battles against Israel, it’s unlikely that the followers of Islam will desert their religion because of one more defeat at the hands of the Jews.

And then there’s the fact that the end times leaders called the King of the North and the King of the South will both came from places that are decidedly Moslem today.  Just because they emerged from the Greek Empire doesn’t make them Western European. The first King of the North built his capital city, Seleucia, on the Tigris river in modern Iraq and the first King of the South lived in Egypt. Daniel 11:40 tells us the end times personifications of these two kings will still be contending for world dominance just prior to the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Compare that to what will likely happen to the 2.2 billion strong “Christian” world in the Rapture and it’s not hard to see that Islam will be the strongest religious force on Earth as Daniel’s 70th Week begins. (After all, none of them will be raptured.)  Islam would be the obvious choice for a man who wants to use a religious system to gain control of the world.

And remember, the anti-Christ won’t be confirming a covenant with Israel for the purpose of helping them. He’ll be doing it to help himself. By means of peace he’ll deceive many, Daniel warned (Daniel 8:25). And with the exception of the fleeing Jewish remnant, the world will be deceived, saying “Peace and safety” just as sudden destruction comes upon them (1 Thes. 5:3). But God will not be deceived. He’s already on the record, calling it a covenant with death (Isaiah 28:15).  Doesn’t this covenant serve God’s purpose, you ask? Well of course everything that happens serves God’s purpose, but that doesn’t mean everything that happens is good for man. The Jews will think they’re getting a guarantee of peace but God will use the covenant to usher in Daniel’s 70th Week, a time when He’ll completely destroy the nations and purify His covenant people. It’ll be anything but peaceful.

Over 5 years ago I first reported on the similarities between Islamic prophecies of al Mahdi and Christian prophecies of the anti-Christ. I noted how both are said to come on the scene during a time of great turmoil on Earth, both come claiming a desire to restore peace, both have a seven year reign, both head a one world religion and one world government, both claim supernatural origins, and in both cases their reign is prophesied to end in a battle between good and evil that brings Earth’s final judgment. It almost sounds as if they’re the same person.

Back then almost all students of prophecy were still convinced that the anti-Christ had to be of Western European origin, aligned somehow with the Roman Catholic Church. But since then I’ve become aware of more and more people who are taking a second look at this traditional view, and are considering the possibility of a world leader coming from the Eastern leg of the Roman Empire, from which Islam sprang.

Another Lesson From Daniel

Our first glimpse of Gentile Dominion, the period of Gentile rule over the Earth, came in the form of a large poly-metallic statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:31-45)   When Daniel had his vision of Gentile Dominion (Daniel 7), it was represented by four great beasts. The first was a lion, symbolizing Babylon. The second was a bear, the Medo-Persians, and the third was a leopard, Greece. Then in Daniel 7:7 he said, “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast-terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.” This is a reference to Rome. In animal imagery, the horn stands for authority, and when used symbolically the number 10 denotes the completion of divine order. Comparing this with Daniel 2:44 we can see that  this 4th beast would have complete authority over Earth and would never totally relinquish it until the Lord comes to take it by force.

The anti-Christ will make his first Biblical appearance in Rev. 6:2, disguised as the man on the white horse. According to Daniel 8:25 he’ll seem to be a great peacemaker, but his intent will be to conquer the world. His true identity won’t be revealed until Revelation 13:1-2 where it becomes clear that he’s been empowered by Satan. Verses 1- 2 describe him thus. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

Compare Rev. 13:1-2 to Daniel 7:7 and you’ll see that while the 10 horns show that he’ll have all the authority of the fourth gentile kingdom, his identifying characteristics will be more like the first three of Daniel’s beasts. Babylon, Persia, and Greece were all oriented toward the East. Only Rome had a western orientation (which made it different from the other three, as Daniel noted) Could this mean that the anti-Christ will also look first to the East (Isalm) to consolidate his power?

Time will tell. In his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel told us how the end times version of the 4th kingdom would be characterized by inner conflict. He said that where it had once been as two strong legs of iron (the Eastern and Western divisions of the Roman Empire) rebuilding it at the end it would be like trying to mix iron and clay. (Daniel 2:40-43) He could have been describing some of the social unrest we’ve witnessed in several European countries since their native populations have not always responded well to Moslem immigration.

My purpose in writing this is not in any way to confirm or endorse the views of some self-proclaimed experts on Islam  who’ve burst on the scene recently with all sorts of new interpretations of Christian prophecy. It’s to remind us all to keep our eyes open. Things are happening fast and will continue to challenge our traditional perspective. Daniel was told that as the End of the Age approaches knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4). That means we’ll be given a clearer understanding of how events will unfold than those who came before us. This will happen through careful observation, actually seeing the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and comparing them to Scripture. But God knows the end from the beginning, so none of this is new to Him. Where we see change, He just sees a closer alignment of Earthly events with Heavenly truth. It’s time to keep an open Bible handy as we watch the headlines because we now have another reason to search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). You can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah. 05-21-11

Q. Because during the tribulation the people left on the earth will be involved in a one world religion, do you believe the news story about the Pope while in Turkey praying towards Mecca with the Muslims gives validly to their religion and is an indication how easy it will be to convince people to follow a one world religion? Is there any were else in the Bible that speaks of a one world religion besides Revelation 17?

A. After his comments about Islam being a violent religion, the Pope has been trying to make amends without retracting his statement. Visiting a mosque and praying toward Mecca are attempts to do this. Lately the Catholics and the Moslems have found that they share a common affection for Mary, although the Catholic Church takes it to a greater extreme. I believe that after the Rapture, the remaining Catholics will have no trouble joining ranks with Islam and forming the core of the one world religion.

While the Bible contains numerous references to the worship of idols and false gods, and the Roman Empire attempted to enforce Emperor worship on all their conquered nations, the one world religion is a concept uniquely suited to the end times scenario.

Q. My question to you is this: every time I mention that Islam is not a peace-loving religion my husband said neither is Judaism. He teaches Sunday School and they have been going through all the books in Old Testament. He maintains that God instructed Israel to overtake its enemies with violence in order to gain the Promised Land. Also, that God deals with His/our enemies harshly. I try to counter this with God’s love for us through Jesus Christ but I don’t seem to be making any headway.

Do you have any suggestions on how to answer this? I feel the times are such that we, as Christians, are going to have to be able to defend our beliefs against this very thought.

A. In all of their history, Israel has fought only one war of aggression and that was when they conquered the Promised land. And even then, God only permitted them to attack after he had given the Amorites 400 years to repent and return to Him. During that time God had Israel wait in Egypt even though the Egyptians made them slaves in the interim. (Genesis 15:12-16) Finally God’s patience ran out and He used Israel to judge the Amorites for their disobedience. God is our Creator and has the right to require our obedience to His laws. He loved us enough to die in our place so we could avoid being punished for our disobedience, but for those who reject this provision, His anger justifiably remains.

And it would be good for your husband to remember that Judaism is a religion instituted by God, just like Christianity, while Islam is not. The two can’t be compared.

Q. 1)What do you think about the pre-wrath rapture of the Church? I was pre-trib for such along time until I read the book by Marvin Rosenthal, “The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church”. It made so much sense that just cannot see any other way. I would just like to know what you think about it and have you read the book.

2)If the Muslim’s messiah is the the anti-Christ then how does this go with the anti-Christ coming from the Holy Roman Empire?

A. Marvin is a very persuasive person and he and I have talked at length about his rapture view. One of the major disagreements we have concerns where the Wrath begins. I believe it begins in Rev. 6 with the Seal Judgments. Rev. 6:15-17 say, Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

He places it much later, around the time of the Bowl judgments. Through out the Old Testament the entire tribulation period is often called the wrath of God. Isaiah 26:20 & 34:2 are examples. The idea of it only being the last cycle of judgments in the Book of Revelation is man’s interpretation not God’s intent. In summary, the Rapture of the Church will precede the time of God’s wrath, but God’s wrath includes the entire tribulation period, not just part of it.

The Roman Empire had both Eastern and Western components. The Eastern one was comprised of many of the countries we now know as Moslem nations such as Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Iran and Iraq.

Q. Could you please help me with a question that has been on my mind for awhile now. The Muslim religion worships Allah, I believe that he is not the same God as we worship. I’ve had conversations with people who tell me that they are one and the same. I would love to hear your views on this.

Thank-you for this wonderful website and the many blessings it has brought to us.

A. When Mohammad developed Islam, he consolidated the pantheon of 360 Arabic deities into one. That one was called al Ilah, later shortened into Allah and was the Arabic god of the moon. That’s why you’ll see a crescent moon atop most mosques.

Allah and the Judeo-Christian God are not the same. Their differences were clearly summed up by former former Attorney General John Ashcroft who said, “Islam is a religion where Allah requires you to send your son to die for him. Christianity is a belief that God sent His Son to die for you.”

Q. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what the emergent kingdom will be that the Antichrist will arise out of. In Rev 17 we see the woman sitting on the “beast” with 7 heads and 10 horns. And the angel tells John that “the seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, one is, and the other is not yet
come”. And in Rev 13 we see the same beast coming out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. And one of the heads was wounded as to death.  But it is healed and that healing causes the whole world to wonder after the beast.

The thing is, so many people think that this means the AC will be assassinated or wounded in some way physically. But, if the seven heads are kings/and or kingdoms, and one of those kingdoms is wounded, couldn’t this be referring to the Islamic power that will be 5/6 annihilated after Ezekiel’s battle? And this man of sin arises from that devastation to bring about peace? Being Islamic, he could claim to be of the seven and wounded, but something could distinguish him from Islam enough that the Jews will accept him and he will be the “eighth” king. We know ,according to Isa 10 that the AC will be Assyrian…this would fit in that scenario.

A. It’s an interesting possibility. The pronouns relating to the anti-Christ’s head wound in Rev. 13:12 are personal, implying that a person is involved, but Islamic teaching on the end times holds that an Islamic world leader will arise out of chaos, the kind of chaos that will result from such a resounding defeat as God will visit upon the Moslem armies.

They call this leader “al Mahdi” but the activities prophesied for him are frighteningly similar to those we attribute to the anti-Christ.

Q. Hi, I really appreciate and enjoy your ministry, and perhaps you can provide some guidance for me on a particular issue concerning Christians who misinterpret the Bible and constantly spew “give peace a chance” pabulum. I have been continually excoriated by a handful of misguided Christians who are against all war and think that we should never stand up for ourselves and piously recite passages from the Bible to support their peacemaker dream sequences.

I realize that we live in an imperfect, fallen world, where Satan is doing his best to steal the souls of mankind. This is not going to change until Jesus returns, despite the best efforts of the Dominion/Kingdom Now groups. Man chose to go against God and do things his own way, and wars have been the end result ever since. War is hell for a reason, and no one ever wants to go to war. But, as stewards of the earth, we cannot let the weapons of Satan destroy the whole world (I am thinking of the Iranian Hitler and his nuclear capabilities).

I do not pine for the demise of any of the innocent and pray that those who live in the darkness of a religion that lacks hope will see the light, but we cannot acquiesce our own destruction in the meantime.

Is the Church not the restrainer of evil? Am I incorrect in thinking this? I am just tired arguing with these Christians who would rather put on a burka and grovel at the feet of the terrorists. I am also tired of being equated to the Nasrallahs of the world, as though I am somehow equally radical. Ha! Thus, I humbly request some guidance on this, as I have reached a boiling point of frustration.

A. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” One way to assure that is to let others know that you’re ready and able to defend yourself if threatened. James 4:7 says in part, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” As the world has learned all too often in the past, appeasing an enemy sworn to your destruction will only encourage him.

I truly believe that the problems facing the world today are more Spiritual than anything else. At issue is whether the God of the Bible or the god of Islam will triumph. We know that the outcome is not in doubt, but nowhere in the Bible is accommodation with false religion suggested. In fact the opposite is true.

Daniel and his 3 friends refused to bow before idols, breaking the laws of their rulers in doing so. Peter and John disobeyed the direct orders of the Sanhedrin in preaching the Gospel. Paul defied the powers of Rome. Christianity is a religion of peace, but not one of appeasement and accommodation. I’m with you.

Q. What is the significance of August 22 in Islam, and why did the President of Iran choose that day to respond to UN demands that Iran curtail their nuclear program?

A. The president of Iran has said that August 22 will be the date when all will know. He was not talking to the Western world, but to Moslem believers, making reference to the midnight ride of the prophet Mohammad who traveled on his winged steed to Heaven and the Furthest Mosque, now claimed by Moslems to be Jerusalem.

According to Islamic history, this event took place on the 27th of the Moslem month of Rajab. This year, that date falls on the 22nd of August. It’s been called the time of “the great light in the sky”. Ahmadinejad is informing the Moslem world that, this year also, an event of significance will happen on that date. He has promised that this event will change their destiny.

Several experts in Islamic history and thinking have suggested that a nuclear event or other significant terrorist attack against Israel, the West, or both, might be deliberately timed for August 22 to take advantage of the mythical power surrounding this date. From reading these expert opinions you can see that the possibility of something like this happening is very real.

The fact that such a thing would bring a massive response from those targeted is of no consequence in the world of radical Islam. In fact it fits right in with Ahmadinejad’s belief that the 12th Imam, or Mahdi, (sometimes called the Moslem Messiah) will not return to Earth until a time of great crisis and bloodshed. He believes that he’s been called to create such a time and pave the way for the Mahdi’s appearance. The governments of the west have yet to learn that you can’t negotiate with a man who believes that if you kill him, he’s won.