TROUBLEMAKER CALL TO ARMS GREAT JOB! Which nation is behind the An Italian politician called on the pope to start a crusade Is it possible to praise West’s thorniest problems? against Islam. What does the pope think about it? our children too much? may 2006 THE PHILADELPHIA www.thetrumpet.com TRUMPET

Final Chapter Amid gathering storms, EHUD OLMERT vows to bring the Arab-Jew conflict to a close THE PHILADELPHIA

TRUMPET MAY 2006 Vol. 17, No. 5 Circ. 325,000 6 42 177 3518

WORLD 1 From the Editor: Libya 26 WORLDWATCH Sees the Deadly Holy EUROPE Putting Muslims to the Roman Empire Test ■ Right-Wingers Making Waves ■ EU to Ask, What Is An Italian politician calls on Europe? ■ ASIA “Irreversible the pope to start a new crusade Relationship” Forms ■ WEATHER against Islam. What does the U.S. Drought Likely to Persist pope think about it? ■ ECONOMY Bank Calls for 2 “Revive Your Roots” Global Overhaul

4 “A Dictatorship in No Time” RELIGION Former Russian dissident Vladimir Bukovsky reveals 30 Let Us Introduce … Jesus Christ! COVER the plan for a federal European state. The real Jesus Christ—from 6 Israel’s Final Chapter your Bible! The votes are in for embattled Israel. Where will the people’s choice lead? 17 Iran Is King You can decode the Middle East 9 Israel’s Friendly New mess if you understand this key SOCIETY Negotiation Partners concept. 35 Overpraised Children 18 Exposing Iran’s Lies The fallacy in feeding our youth’s self-esteem. 12 From Hero to Outcast How did Israel transform in the world’s UNITED STATES eyes from a David into a Philistine pariah? 22 The Coming Siege Every major sea gate worldwide DEPARTMENTS once sat under American and 34 Letters 15 Jerusalem and the British lock and key. Times Last Crusade have changed. 36 Key of David Television Log Watch Israel. Watch the Palestinians. But don’t forget to watch the Vatican.

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COVER STAFF Publisher and Editor in Chief Gerald Flurry THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET (issn 10706348) is published monthly CONTACT US Please notify us of any change in your address; include your old mail- Israel’s new Executive Editor Stephen Flurry News Editor Ron (except bimonthly June-July and November-December issues) by ing label and the new address. The publishers assume no responsibility for return prime minister, Fraser Senior Editor Dennis Leap Managing Edi- the Philadelphia Church of God, 14400 S. Bryant Ave, Edmond, of unsolicited artwork, photographs or manuscripts. The editor reserves the right Ehud Olmert. tor Assistant Managing Editor ok 73034. Periodicals postage paid at Edmond, ok, and additional to use any letters, in whole or in part, as he deems in the public interest, and to Reuters Joel Hilliker Ryan Malone Contributing Editors Mark Jenkins, Brad mailing offices. ©2006 Philadelphia Church of God. All rights edit any letter for clarity or space. Website www.theTrumpet.com E-mail letters@ Macdonald Contributors Fred Dattolo, Robert reserved. printed in the u.s.a. Unless otherwise noted, scriptures theTrumpet.com; subscription or literature requests [email protected] Phone Morley, Timothy Oostendarp, Gary Rethford As- are quoted from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. U.S. U.S., Canada: 1-800-772-8577; Australia: 1-800-22-333-0; New Zealand: 0-800-500- sociate Editors Produc- Postmaster: Send address changes to: the philadelphia trum- 512. Contributions, letters or requests may be sent to our office nearest you: United Don na Gr ieves , Ph i l ip Nice pet, p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083. How your subscription has States p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083 Canada p.o. Box 315, Milton, on l9t 4y9 tion Assistant Michael Dattolo Research Assistants been paid: The Trumpet has no subscription price—it is free. This Caribbean p.o. Box 2237, Chaguanas, Trinidad, w.i. Britain, Europe, Middle East, Lisa Godeaux, David Vejil Photo Research Aubrey is made possible by the tithes and offerings of the membership of India, Sri Lanka p.o. Box 9000, Daventry, nn11 5ta, England Africa p.o. Box 2969, Mercado Proofreader Nancy Hancock Circulation the Philadelphia Church of God and others. Contributions, how- Durbanville, 7551, South Africa Australia, Pacific Isles p.o. Box 6626, Upper Mount Mark Jenkins International Editions Editor Wik ever, are welcomed and are tax-deductible in the United States, Gravatt, qld 4122, Australia New Zealand p.o. Box 38-424, Howick, Auckland, 1730 Heerma French, Italian Daniel Frendo German Canada and New Zealand. Those who wish to voluntarily support Philippines p.o. Box 1372, q.c. Central Post Office, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1100 Hans Schmidl Spanish Edition Editor Carlos Heyer this worldwide work of God are gladly welcomed as co-workers. Latin America Attn: Spanish Department, p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083, U.S. FROM THE EDITOR Libya Sees the Deadly Holy Roman Empire

ust a few words can be so IMAGES SOLARO/AFP/GETTY ANDREAS Paul ii have said repeatedly revealing. The words I refer to European Catholics: “Find to reveal an imminent war, your roots.” Those roots just Jwhich will trigger world happen to be the Holy Roman war iii! Empire—mainly Germany What we see, most people and the Vatican. don’t see because they don’t Those are the same roots know the history of the Holy that Calderoli discussed. And Roman Empire. We have writ- those empires have a history ten about the coming of this of being far more aggressive dreadful empire for about 70 than what he was discussing! years. Now it is almost risen. There have been six of those Referring to Europe’s re- bloody empires already. The sponse to the Muslim violence seventh is almost fully formed. over the Mohammad cartoons What Calderoli proclaimed in February, a report from the is precisely what is going to German Spiegel Online stated: happen! (Also write for our “There were some [Catholic] booklet Germany and the Holy voices on the other end of the Roman Empire. All of our lit- spectrum. The Italian right erature is free.) Just because his called for a crusade. Roberto ROBERTO CALDEROLI statement was considered po- Calderoli, a minister in Ital- called for litically incorrect doesn’t mean ian Prime Minister Silvio Ber- people aren’t discussing it! lusconi’s cabinet, called in all Pope Benedict Calderoli knows more seriousness for Pope Benedict xvi to lead about the Holy Roman Em- xvi to lead the Christian world the Christian pire’s history than most of the against the ‘threat of Islam’ just world against American and British peoples as his predecessors did in the the “threat of do. Our refusal to understand 16th and 17th centuries. Just that history is going to force us as a major reaction was neces- Islam.” to make the ultimate sacrifice. sary then to beat back the Turks Spiegel Online continued: from the gates of Vienna, Calderoli said, countermeasures are “Calderoli didn’t have to wait long for a response. ‘Berlusconi necessary” (February 14). must fire his minister and ask Islam for forgiveness,’ demand- Roberto Calderoli made this comment “in all seriousness.” ed Seif al-Islam al-Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar There was an immediate outcry. He has since resigned from Gaddafi. Otherwise, al-Gaddafi threatened, ‘Libya, the Arabic his exalted office in Berlusconi’s cabinet. world, and Islam would be forced to react.’” Perhaps he could have survived politically if he had discussed Ironically, Libya is going to be a victim of the Holy Roman “the threat of radical Islam” instead of just Islam in general. Empire. Libya has the same name in Bible prophecy as it has to- We have written about one last prophesied cru- day (Daniel 11:40, 43). This prophecy in Daniel 11 is about a clash sade. (Request our free booklet The King of the between the Holy Roman Empire (king of the north) and radical South.) A crusade is coming, just as Calderoli said. Islam led by Iran (king of the south). Radical Islam will lose. Pope Benedict xvi in all likelihood will lead “the Look for Libya to become more aligned with Iran in the near Christian world”—mainly Roman Catholics—in future. It gave up its weapons of mass destruction, as it leaned that crusade. toward the West. But that foreign policy is going to change. The pope doesn’t have an army. Though the Perhaps it has already begun. military will be guided by the Vatican, it will be FREE UPON The Bible is a living book. We have been proclaiming for led by Germany. REQUEST about 70 years that the Holy Roman Empire would rise one more Calderoli could have been more careful with his words time. For many of those years, there was little or no evidence of about a crusade. But let’s not forget what Benedict and John such an empire. Now anybody with an open mind can see it.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 1 FROM THE EDITOR How astonishing! be discussed openly,’ he said. We must remember that Calderoli would not make such a “‘I am aware that I am addressing a taboo. But in the light statement if the European Union didn’t already have the power of the dangers that weapons of mass destruction could end up to act on those words. That tells us how close the Holy Roman in the hands of terrorists, this is a question which deserves Empire is to being fully created. serious debate.’ “Germany agreed not to develop nuclear weapons after the German Power Second World War in return for protection from the United “A former defense minister has provoked outrage and broken States and nato. a major taboo by suggesting that Germany should have its own “Mr. Scholz’s comments came under attack yesterday. The nuclear arsenal. security spokesman for the opposition Free Democrats, Rainer “Rupert Scholz argued that Berlin needed to embrace the Stinner, accused him of ‘throwing oil on the fire’ of the tension idea of a nuclear deterrent in the light of threats from terror- between Iran and the West” (Telegraph, January 27; emphasis ists and the Middle East. ‘We need to ask ourselves how we mine throughout). could react in an appropriate manner to a nuclear threat from This former defense minister broke a taboo—that word a terror state, and if needs be, even by using our own nuclear means he’s talking about something prohibited or forbidden. weapons,’ he said. Why is his plea for a nuclear arsenal a taboo? “Mr. Scholz, 68, who was the defense minister in Helmut Kohl’s Germany started World Wars i and ii. After Germany’s de- government in 1988 and 1989, said he doubted whether other na- feat in World War ii, America and Britain wanted to end the tions’ guarantees, made during the Cold War, to keep Germany German military threat forever. safe in the face of a nuclear threat, could still be trusted. In a signed document about American-British-Soviet pol- “‘Without the appropriate guarantees of protection by our icy on Germany in February 1945, Franklin Roosevelt, Joseph partners, the question of our own nuclear deterrent needs to Stalin and Winston Churchill said, “It is our inflexible pur- pose to destroy German militarism and Nazism and to ensure that Germany will never again be able to disturb the peace of the world. We are determined to dis- GETTY IMAGES GETTY Revive Pope John Paul ii worked toward that goal by facilitating the demise of the Communist regime and laying a new foundation for Catholic values in Your Europe. The demise of the Soviet Union allowed Catholicism, as a religion, to reassert itself in the Eastern European countries following its suppression Roots under the Communist regime. Most of those nations are now members of the European Union. Now Benedict has taken up the job of bringing all of Eu- rope to the heel of Catholicism. For Benedict, this goal is paramount. Pope Europe has been the historical stomp- Benedict XVI ing ground of the Roman Catholic Church. ope Benedict xvi would like Benedict. July 24 last year, Benedict Throughout the history of Europe to see Europe rediscover its directly quoted John Paul in his weekly and the Middle East, whenever Mus- roots. Recently, he co-wrote a address, stating, “I, bishop of Rome and lims and Catholics have clashed, a book, titled Without Roots: The pastor of the universal church, from European power, usually Germany, has West,P Relativism, Christianity, Islam, in Santiago, send to you, age-old Europe, stepped up to protect the Vatican and which, with his co-author, president of a cry full of love: Return to yourself. the Catholic faith from destruction. the Italian Senate and philosopher Mar- Be yourself. Discover your origins. Re- Today, we see Islam and Catholicism cello Pera, he explores European secu- vive your roots. Revive those authentic beginning to clash, and if history be larism, its effects, and the real roots of values that made your history glorious our guide, the fireworks haven’t even the European identity: Roman Catholi- and your presence beneficial among the started yet. Benedict can see the Mus- cism. This book outlines Benedict’s vi- other continents” (Zenit, July 24, 2005). lim threat and is urgent to turn secu- sion for a united Catholic Europe. “With that address, Benedict xvi lar Western Europe back to its “holy” Benedict inherited the job of trying explained, Pope John Paul ii launched Roman roots and to reunite with the to evangelize Europe from his pre- ‘the project of a Europe conscious of its Vatican’s historical protectors. decessor, Pope John Paul ii. As John own spiritual unity, based on the foun- In his new book, Benedict makes Paul ii repeatedly called for Europe to dation of Christian [Roman Catholic] his argument for the Catholic conquest rediscover its roots, so too has Pope values’” (ibid.). of Europe. He argues that a secular

2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 TRUMPET MAP TRUMPET tary equipment; eliminate or control all German industry that could be ITALY used for military production …. It is GREECE not our purpose to destroy the people of Germany, but only when Nazism TURKEY and militarism have been extirpat- ed will there be hope for a decent life for Germans and a place for them in IRAQ IRAN the comity of nations.” I would encourage you to read those words again. Now, Germany LIBYA is about to build a nuclear arse- nal! EGYPT SAUDI Even Konrad Adenauer, who later ARABIA became German chancellor, said it was a “calculated risk” to rearm Ger- NIGER Iran and Libya will many. What a dangerous risk it was! CHAD grow closer and The Germans are the most powerful SUDAN closer in solidarity nation in Europe. And now they are against the EU. talking about getting nuclear bombs! Let the world beware. Here is a dangerous warning from arm and disband all German armed forces, break up for all history. But history is virtually ignored in our universities time the German General Staff that has repeatedly contrived today. Many people are ignorant of this bloody history. That the resurgence of German militarism [not just before and dur- ignorance is going to cost the British and American peoples as ing the two world wars]; remove or destroy all German mili- never before, if they don’t wake up! ■

Europe, dominated by tolerance and with easy access to abortion, have not tion seem to have temporarily failed. acceptance of other religions and cul- met economic demand to support an Even an Italian diplomat was refused tures, is corroding European values: aging population. Millions of Muslims a key post in the European Union be- In short, European tolerance is killing have migrated to Europe over the past cause he was viewed as too Catholic. what it means to be European. 50 years, motivated by a desire for the However, this intransigence will not Benedict argues that Roman Cathol- freedom from soci- continue. Europe icism gave Europe its values—absolute etal oppression and and the Vatican have values. The book states that Europe is economic depression Benedict argues that a a historical relation- “paralyzed because it does not believe imposed upon them secular Europe, dominated ship that belies cur- that there are good reasons to say it is by medieval-style re- rent perceptions. better than Islam. And it is paralyzed gimes in their home by tolerance and One of Italian Silvio because it believes that, if such reasons countries. Differing acceptance of other Berlusconi’s cabinet do indeed exist, then the West would from the postwar religions and cultures, is ministers recently have to fight Islam.” Benedict argues refugee movements, calling on the pope that Roman Catholicism is the antidote; these Islamic immi- corroding European values. to lead a 16th-cen- rejection of Europe’s Catholic roots and grants have tended tury-style crusade acceptance of relativist secularism and not to adopt the tra- against Muslims multiculturalism has left it helpless. For ditions of their new home countries. provides evidence of that fact. Europe to survive, it must make the dis- Benedict sees a threat in this. Ad- As radical Islam, led by Iran, contin- tinction between a secularism that will dressing the Vatican diplomatic corps, he ues to push its extremist policies on Eu- compromise to the point of Europe’s said that the “advance of Islam” is once rope, expect more European politicians destruction and one that acknowledges again a threat to the European concept. to begin to show their true colors and its roots in Roman Catholic values. “Benedict said that ‘attention has rightly turn for guidance to Europe’s spiritual The problem is, Europe, in par- been drawn to the danger of a clash of leader: Pope Benedict xvi. ticular France, has prided itself on its civilizations. … Its causes are many and The Bible indicates that the Catholic secularism since the 18th-century “En- complex, not least to do with political Church will conquer European secular- lightenment.” ideology, combined with aberrant reli- ism and, once again, become the Conti- Multiculturalism is a more recent gious ideas’” (ibid.). nent’s spiritual guide. Watch for Bene- phenomenon. Increasingly since the As yet, Western Europe has not dict to strengthen his relations with great displacement of refugees that oc- overtly responded to John Paul’s or Europe—and especially look for one curred following World War ii, high Benedict’s calls to rediscover its roots. European, close to the Catholic Church, immigration has been predicated part- The Vatican’s efforts to have a reference to step forward and lead Europe politi- ly, if not mostly, on the need for labor— to Roman Catholic values inserted into cally to world domination. since Europe’s fertility rates, coupled the preamble of the European Constitu- TIMOTHY OOSTENDARP

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 3 SPECIAL REPORT

Former Soviet Dissident Warns: “A Dictatorship in No Time” With rare access to classified documents, VLADIMIR BUKOVSKY recognizes the EU’s dangerous direction.

TRUMPET STAFF he life of Vladimir Bukovsky has the makings of a bestselling political thriller. He is regarded For by some as one of the heroes of the 20th century mer So alongside other Soviet dissidents such as Alexander Vla dim viet Di TSolzhenitsyn. In 1971, he was the first to expose psychiatric ir Buk sside nt abuse against political prisoners in the ussr. He spent 12 ovsky years of his early adulthood in and out of Soviet jails, labor camps and psychiatric institutions. Bukovsky was expelled in 1976 by Soviet authorities to the West in exchange for Prior to 1985, Chilean communist leader Luis Corvalán, and he has lived according to Bukovsky’s in England ever since. speech, the Soviets opposed European in- After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Bukovsky was tegration because they viewed the project as an obstacle to invited back to Russia to testify as an expert witness at the socialist goals. In 1985-86, Italian Communists and German 1992 trial against the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Socialist Democrats came to visit then-Soviet President This is where the story gets even more interesting. To Mikhail Gorbachev with the idea to combat capitalism and help Bukovsky prepare for his testimony, the Yeltsin admin- “save their political hides” by collaboration: Together, the So- istration gave him unprecedented access to top-secret docu- viets and left-wing Europe would hijack the European project ments of the Politburo and Central Committee—documents and turn it into a federal state. still classified today. To support his views, Bukovsky cited in his speech a Poring over these documents, which he secretly scanned, 1989 meeting between Gorbachev and a delegation of the Bukovsky not only uncovered condemning facts about the Trilateral Commission. During the meeting, as chronicled ussr, but also about the European Union. Bukovsky discov- in Bukovsky’s book, Valery Giscard d’Estaing said to ered that a handful of politi- Gorbachev, “Nowadays Western Europe cians had structured the is experiencing a perestroika, changing European Union to become its structures. It is difficult to say ex- the totalitarian regime that actly when this will happen: 5, 10 or 20 the Trumpet magazine has years later. But a new modern federal been warning its readers state will emerge in Western Europe. about since our first edition That is where we are going, and the 16 years ago. ussr should be prepared to com- In the past year, the 63-year- municate with a large single state of old Soviet dissident has used Western Europe.” Keep in mind, it his findings to warn about the was Giscard d’Estaing who authored the Euro- structure and direction of the EU pean Constitution 13 years later, in 2002-03. as he sees it resembling the former ussr. The original idea, said Bukovsky in his Brussels speech, The Trumpet shares Bukovsky’s concerns. Indeed, as the was for “convergency.” The Soviet Union would “mellow” and EU absorbed Eastern European states that were once satellites become more social-democratic; Europe would become more of the Soviet regime, we warned that these nations had only social-democratic and socialist. Then the structures would fit left one dictatorship to find themselves ensnared by another. together—converge. “This is why the structures of the Euro- Bukovsky made his warnings public in EUSSR: Soviet pean Union were initially built with the purpose of fitting into Roots of European Integration, a book he published in Eu- the Soviet structure,” said Bukovsky. “This is why they are so rope last year, and then in a February 23 speech in Brussels, similar in functioning and in structure.” Bukovsky’s February which was published in the February 27 Brussels Journal. 23 speech drew attention to the close parallels between organi-

4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 zations within the EU and those of the former ussr. out of your country in no time,” he concluded. The European Parliament reminds him of the Su- This perspective is very different from how most people preme Soviet, he says, “because it was designed like it.” view the emergence of this united Europe. Generally it is The European Commission looks like the Politburo: seen as a champion of democracy, freedom and human Though its members differ in number, they are, like those rights. But that is a diabolical deception! in the Politburo, unelected and unaccountable to anyone. We said in our March/April 2005 issue: “The cheers for The European Union, with its 80,000 pages of regula- democracy’s spread to once-tyrannized states will soon be tions, looks like Gosplan, “an organization which was plan- overtaken by alarm of outright totalitarianism now taking ning everything in the economy, to the last nut and bolt, five hold on the Continent.” Examples include such initiatives years in advance.” Even the type of corruption found within as Germany cracking down on the right of assembly, and EU entities resembles that of the Soviets, “going from top to “information campaigns” across the Continent to “educate” bottom rather than going from bottom to top.” Europeans on the benefits of the EU Constitution and fur- The EU is only a milder version of the ussr, says Bu- ther integration. kovsky. There’s no Gulag, no kgb yet—but he’s watching Eu- In a Brussels Journal interview after the February 23 ropol. “That really worries me a lot because this organization speech, Bukovsky contested the idea that the integration will probably have powers bigger than those of the kgb. They European members are presently engaged in is voluntary. will have diplomatic immunity. Can you imagine a kgb with Denmark voted against the Maastricht diplomatic immunity? They will have to po- Treaty and the euro. Ireland voted against lice us on 32 kinds of crimes— the Nice Treaty. “The people have to vote two of which in referendums until the people are particularly vote the way worrying: one that is wanted. is called racism, Then they have another is called to stop voting,” xenophobia” he said. (ibid.). At the end The Trumpet of his speech, notes a key dif- Bukovsky recom- ference, however, mended the EU between the two be stopped before empires, which it becomes a full- Bukovsky does blown totalitarian not point out: The entity. “Today it is EU’s Soviet-style still simple. If 1 mil- structure will not be lion people march run by atheistic com- on Brussels today munism, but staunch these guys will run Roman Catholicism, away to the Baha- in a resurrection of the mas. … But I do not Holy Roman Empire. know what the situa- Note Bukovsky’s tion will be tomorrow impressions, given his or with a fully fledged n Auth unique perspective. Even itutio taing Europol staffed by for- as some in the United Const d’Es mer Stasi or Securitate EU iscard States are (misguidedly) ery G officers. Anything may touting the expansion Val happen.” of democracy in several The whole world Middle Eastern nations as would do well to heed representing the infancy Bukovsky’s warnings. of a new era of freedom, Bukovsky is watching the quiet The truth is, we don’t revolution taking place within Europe and coming to an en- need Bukovsky’s high-level access to see what is happening tirely different conclusion: “It looks like we are living in in Europe. Bible prophecy foretells of this final resurrection a period of rapid, systematic and very consistent dis- of the Holy Roman Empire. It will be a dreadful beast that mantlement of democracy” (emphasis ours throughout). will soon take peace from this Earth. Bukovsky makes this alarming statement based on his Of course, to most people, the Bible is as in- skepticism toward several trends in European politics: en- accessible to understanding as classified Soviet abling unelected ministers to introduce new laws without documents. But it need not remain that way! telling elected parliamentarians; curtailing freedom of the For a deeper understanding on this subject, press; expanding governmental emergency powers; sus- request our free, full-color booklet Germany pending civil liberties. “This can make a dictatorship and the Holy Roman Empire. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 5 COVER STORY

ISRAEL’S FINAL CHAPTER The Israelis elected a prime minister who vows to bring the Arab-Jew impasse to an end by 2010. Will his radical plan work? BY JOEL HILLIKER REUTERS srael always turns tough global derision his nation has suffered Organization that began in Oslo in 1993. in a crisis. during that time with winning. But by Now, Israel looks back on this second Born in controversy, raised taking that stance precisely as Hamas chapter with sadness and regret. The ne- on war, steeled by terrorism, takes over the PA, he guarantees that his gotiations that were intended to end vio- reviled by the world, the Jew- people will soon learn how much quicker lence—to help carve out the cancer of ter- ish state has suffered more they grow tired of being conquered. rorism—only spread its malignance. The than its share of trials. It aches Olmert campaigned on a pledge to willingness to compromise that Israel for peace, it honors its diplo- extract tens of thousands of Jews from considered courage (Olmert’s term), the mats, but it turns to its war- West Bank settlements. In what amount- terrorists reckoned as cowardice—inter- riors when war is required. ed to his victory speech, he spoke di- preting each concession as a victory that Until now. rectly to the Palestinian leaders: “We are vindicated the effectiveness of bloodshed. “The Koran is our constitution, ready to compromise, to give up parts of Fruits show the peace process was a farce: IMuhammad is our prophet, jihad is our the beloved land of Israel … and evacu- After protracted diplomatic efforts, Israel path and dying as martyrs for the sake ate, under great pain, Jews living there, has nothing close to the peaceful, neigh- of Allah is our biggest wish!” This chill- in order to create the conditions that boring Palestinian state it hoped for. In- ing pronouncement tripped off the lips will enable you to fulfill your dream and stead, it has 80 percent of Palestinian Ar- of a Palestinian Authority legislator af- live alongside us” (bbc News, March 29). abs denying the Jewish state’s right to ex- ter the PA’s parliament rubber-stamped Israelis have just elected a prime ist, governed by a terrorist regime whose the government’s new minister who wants official policy is to pitch the Jews into the cabinet on March 28. FUTURE IN THEIR HANDS to enable Hamas to sea. Its people weep dry tears over the It shouldn’t come as a fulfill its dreams. shattered promise of a negotiated peace. shock: In January, Pales- An Orthodox Jew examines his This man fantasizes Today, the world is looking at the start tinians awarded a strong ballot at a Jerusalem polling about Hamas terror- of a third—very different—chapter in majority of parliamen- station during Israeli ists dreaming of living Israel’s history. Under Olmert’s helms- tary seats to the terrorist elections March 28. alongside Jews—and manship, Israel’s foreign policy is group Hamas. Hamas calls that fantasy a for- about to radically change. was founded in 1987 for the express pur- eign policy. By comparison, Neville pose of destroying Israel, and since join- Chamberlain looks like a lion. Unilateralism ing politics has staunchly, publicly clung Ehud Olmert symbolizes the abject What drove the Jews to elect Ehud Ol- to that goal. It denies Israel’s right to be. collapse of Israel’s national will. And he mert? Why did conservatives fare so It considers all previously signed agree- is now the most powerful man in Israel. poorly? Essentially, the vote reveals a ments with Israel void. The new PA prime This is the man Israelis elected to lead battle-fatigued, deeply ambivalent, di- minister, Ismail Haniyeh, plans (as a first them in their most perilous hour. rectionless people. Tired of fighting, step) to drive Israel back to 1967 borders tired of being courageous—yet acceding and establish an Arab state with Jerusa- Chapters the unreliability of negotiation—they lem as its capital. His cabinet brims with Since the Jewish State of Israel began as grasped at a thin promise of something hardline terrorists who have been jailed a nation, its story has had two very dif- different: a third way. or targeted for assassination by Israel. ferent chapters. Consider what led to this decision. For Israel, this is a time of crisis. War Chapter One: War. The defining Israel’s Chapter Two reached its nadir is on the cards. But rather than appeal- characteristic of the period became with the prime-ministership of Labor ing to its warriors, in its latest election clear the day Israel was born—May 14, leader Ehud Barak, when Barak offered Israel embraced its defeatists. 1948—when a collection of neighboring a breathtakingly deep basket of conces- Arab states attacked en masse, and the sions to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat A Shocking Choice Jews fought back for the survival of their in 2000. Arafat refused the offer, and On March 28—the same day the PA day-old nation. Though they succeeded Barak’s government fell apart. confirmed its terrorist credentials by in repulsing the assault, for a generation That’s when Ariel Sharon stepped approving its hardline cabinet—Israeli the Jews never enjoyed peace for long: in. Sharon embodied Chapter One—a voters crowned Ehud Olmert their new Major wars occurred every seven years warrior-general who had fought in ev- prime minister. or so. Through this period, the Jew- ery one of Israel’s wars and, despite be- Olmert is a professional politician, ish state had to grow up quickly into a ing dogged by controversy, remained a not a fighter. Last June, to the Israel tough, battle-hardened power. popular figure with the Israeli public. In Policy Forum in New York, he said, “We Chapter Two: Concessions. The first 2001 elections, he trounced the floun- are tired of fighting, we are tired of being pages of this chapter began in 1977, when dering Barak to become prime minister courageous, we are tired of winning, Israel hosted Egyptian President Anwar on a platform of toughness against ter- we are tired of defeating our en- Sadat in Jerusalem to begin discussing rorism. Once in office, he got straight emies” (emphasis mine throughout). It’s the possibility of a land-for-peace deal to work: Retaliating against Palestinian impossible to comprehend how Olmert between their two states. These talks led terrorist attacks, Sharon’s government could be tired of winning and defeating to the formal treaty of 1979 in which Israel killed over 3,500 Palestinians, including enemies, when 33 years have passed since handed Egypt a lovely little gift called the several high-profile terrorist leaders. Israel won anything. Sinai Peninsula in exchange for a prom- But international pressure on Sharon Perhaps Olmert confuses the litany ise of peace. This deal set the stage for to reignite the peace process grew. Sha- of losses, retreats, terrorist violence and concessions to the Palestinian Liberation ron joined various discussions about the

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 7 WORLD MIDDLE EAST issue, and even granted certain negoti- Palestinians saw it differently: as a remaining percentage “acceptable risk” ated concessions such as releasing Arab towering victory for terrorism. for the benefit of enabling Hamas to ful- prisoners from Israeli jails. A joint Israeli-Palestinian public fill its dream to live alongside Jews.) In retrospect, however, it appears opinion poll showed 71 percent of Pales- Though it apparently took the Gaza the old warrior was only trying to keep tinians calling Israel’s Gaza withdrawal retreat to prove this, it isn’t exactly rock- outsiders off his back: He never believed a triumph of their armed struggle. To et science: When Israel retreats, extrem- peace with the Arabs could be bought. He the Arabs, 400 attacks in Gaza over the ists advance. realized negotiations would be fruitless. past five years had paid off. The whole fiasco put the lie to anoth- At some point, Ariel Sharon decided Were they wrong? Does anyone be- er statement Olmert made at that New that, rather than fighting or bargaining, lieve Israel would have given up con- York speech last June (the one where he the problem demanded a wholly differ- quered territory to its enemy if 1,200 of declared his weariness with “winning”): ent approach: just up and solving it. its people hadn’t been killed in the pre- that withdrawing from Gaza “will bring That is when Israel’s security bar- vious four years? more security, greater safety, much more rier started going up, and the Gaza Strip In Hamas’s words, on a banner in prosperity, and a lot of joy for all the peo- evacuation was blueprinted. downtown Gaza City at one of the many ple that live in the Middle East.” The facts As Sharon pushed these unilat- proved precisely the opposite. eralist strategies, friends and allies Though it apparently took the Gaza retreat Withdrawing brought the began to peel away from him—yet Jews not a shred more secu- he survived several no-confidence to prove this, it isn’t exactly rocket science: rity, nor safety. Instead, it tore motions and repeatedly cobbled to- When Israel retreats, extremists advance. the heart out of the Jews it gether the parliamentary support displaced, who had dedicated he needed in order to carry on. Sharon rallies and victory parades surrounding their lives to defending their homeland. It became increasingly convinced of the the withdrawal, “Four years of sacrifice did appear to bring the tens of thousands necessity of a unilateralist strategy—one beat 10 years of negotiations.” of Arabs who danced in the streets shout- that would define Israeli borders without Truly, Hamas won big in Gaza. It ing “Today Gaza, tomorrow Jerusalem” Palestinian cooperation. He sought first garnered most of the credit, in Palestin- some joy—but that might not have been to pull Israelis out of areas already heav- ian minds, for securing Israel’s retreat. exactly what Olmert had in mind. ily populated by Arabs—therefore hard Gaza was Hamas’s greatest campaign It was with this gut-wrenching histo- to defend; then to fortify the portions of coup—perhaps the biggest single factor ry behind them that the Israelis flocked Israel that remained; then to finish the propelling it to superstardom in Pales- to Kadima—the party committed to go- security wall and call whatever lay on tinian elections just four months later. ing “forward” by unilaterally disman- the other side a Palestinian “state.” “Now, after the victory in the Gaza tling whatever ruins remain of Israel’s Members of his own party weren’t so Strip, we will transfer the struggle to will to survive. convinced. So finally, Sharon scorched the West Bank and later to Jerusalem,” the political landscape to the ground Hamas’s leader in the Gaza Strip, Mah- Backward by leaving Likud and founding a new moud Zahar, said at the time. “Neither The first point of Kadima’s national party, Kadima. the liberation of the Gaza Strip, nor the agenda, released last November, is: “The In Hebrew it means “forward.” In re- liberation of the West Bank or even Jeru- Israeli nation has a national and historic ality in means reckless. salem will suffice us. Hamas will pursue right to the whole of Israel. However, Sharon’s indomitability and sheer the armed struggle until the liberation in order to maintain a Jewish majority, gravitational pull drew into the new of all our lands. We don’t recognize the part of the land of Israel must be given party prominent politicians from across State of Israel or its right to hold on to up to maintain a Jewish and democratic the spectrum—as well as a substantial one inch of Palestine. Palestine is an Is- state.” From its inception, this party re- swath of voters desperate for a solution lamic land belonging to all the Muslims” flected a spirit of compromise and de- and willing to embrace the unknown. (Jerusalem Post, Aug. 17, 2005). featism—and Israelis embraced it. This was a truly remarkable example As much as the Gaza pullout en- Then Sharon suffered a devastating of people’s need for leadership, of whatever flamed extremist sentiment among stroke, plunging him into a coma he has stripe, as long as it’s strong. Because the Palestinians, it also came with strategic yet to emerge from, and Olmert became droves flocking to Kadima had to ignore benefits. With all Israeli military in- acting prime minister. Still, Kadima’s the complete failure of its central, revo- stallations dismantled and troops gone shift in leader from former warrior to lutionary policy when it was demonstrat- from the Gaza Strip, terrorists took defeatist politician didn’t substantially ed to them—in flesh-and-blood reality, in the opportunity to flood the area from shrink the party ranks. one of the most spectacular disasters in neighboring Egypt—and to bring their Soon after came Hamas’s shocking Israeli history—only three months before. weapons along, including hundreds of landslide win in Palestinian elections, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank rockets which suddenly produced a terrorist- Retreat and bomb components. They immedi- controlled Palestinian Authority. Even Sharon pitched the idea of pulling 9,000 ately began using the Strip as a launching still, there was no Jewish response—no Jews out of their settlements in the ground for rocket attacks, which have swing right—no outcry for strong lead- Gaza Strip and northern West Bank as continued at a steady pace ever since. ership with firm policies to ensure Isra- a strong strategic decision intended to (Israel’s military says this isn’t a problem el’s security. bolster Israel’s security and secure Jew- since 90-plus percent of them don’t hit Olmert doggedly stuck to his West ish demographic superiority. Jewish targets. Evidently it considers the Bank eviction plan—preferably, he said,

8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 with Hamas’s support, but, if necessary, to have elected the most authoritative ments on the domestic front. without it. “We will try to achieve this government the country has seen since Haaretz gave this assessment: “The [setting Israel’s final borders] in an agree- the 1973 Yom Kippur war” (March 28). people have spoken: The land will be di- ment with the Palestinians,” he said. (It’s By “authoritative,” Zeihan doesn’t mean vided. … It’s the end of the controversial hard to see how borders of a country can a strong, against-all-odds, Chapter One- legitimacy of the separation maneuver. be agreed upon with a negotiating part- style government. He simply means that From now on, the question is not if, but ner that does not believe that country its easy parliamentary majority will en- when, to where, and how. The Great- should even exist.) He even put forward able it to authoritatively, decisively pro- er Land of Israel is over and done a deadline for completing his plan: 2010. ceed with a defeatist program. with” (March 30). And still, his countrymen clung to him. Some commentators interpreted the In fact, on March 28, voters handed Is- election result as Israelis simply turn- Fantasies rael’s conservatives their worst defeat ever. ing their back on a peace process they In the fantasy world of Olmert and those Likud—Israel’s main conservative party, recognize as a failure, demanding the who voted for him, a smaller Israel is a led by Benjamin Netanyahu—came in government focus on “more pressing” more defensible Israel. Shrinking borders fourth with just 12 seats (in 2003 elec- domestic issues like fighting poverty equal stronger borders. tions, it won 38). Kadima won 29 seats; and improving education. If that is so, In Olmert’s world, reducing Israeli center-left Labor pulled in 19. These two then Israelis’ read on the peace process military oversight in Palestinian areas parties are expected to ally with a cou- is correct—however, by turning to a makes for happier Arabs who are less ple of other like-minded parties to push government whose plan will embolden likely to attack. Olmert’s plan “forward.” Stratfor analyst terrorists and endanger Jews even more, In Olmert’s world, “Hamas is not a Peter Zeihan said, “Israeli voters appear they shouldn’t expect great improve- strategic threat.” These were his words Israel’s Friendly New Neggotiation Partners he West naturally believes in the best of motives—at least, Three other senior positions within the cabinet have been given when it comes to terrorists. Terrorists really are reasonable to even more virulent hardliners. Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas’s leader Tpeople, the thinking goes. They are just trying to get their voice in Gaza, is a firebrand hardliner known for his hostility to Israel and heard in the only way they are able. Given the chance—Western the United States. It was he who declared last year that the armed media seem to believe—terrorists will lay down their arms and be- come reasonable negotiating partners. AFP/GETTY IMAGES This has been the response, though somewhat tentative, in much of the media and diplomatic world to the terrorist group Hamas’s takeover of Palestinian politics in January. Just give them a chance; perhaps they will renounce terrorism and embrace politics as a means to their end. (Never mind that that “end” is the destruc- tion of an entire people.) The facts show, however, that Hamas’s political success has not moderated it, but emboldened it. Hamas still refuses to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, de- nounce the use of terrorism or give up its arms. And to confirm that its goal—the destruction of Israel—has not changed, Hamas has filled its cabinet top to bottom with actual, literal terrorists. “[D]efying international pressure and confounding hopes that it would moderate its extremist stance,” the victorious Islamist group A NEW LOOK FOR TERROR “nominated a cabinet whose senior members have all been jailed, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh sits with members of his deported and escaped Israeli assassination [for their roles in terror- newly appointed cabinet. ist strikes against Israelis]” (Times, March 21). The new cabinet was installed March 29 after being handily conflict that resulted in Israel’s “defeat” in Gaza will continue until approved by the Palestinian Parliament the previous day. Of the Jews leave not just the West Bank, but all of Israel. This man is the 24 cabinet members, 19 represent Hamas—and it is not much of Palestinians’ foreign minister. a stretch to presume the remaining five have considerable Hamas The interior minister’s post has gone to Said Siyam, jailed four sympathies, having agreed to join the cabinet. times by Israelis during the first Palestinian intifada—this individual The new prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh, was the face of Hamas is now in charge of Palestinian security services. during its election campaign. Haniyeh has been imprisoned twice, The new finance minister is Omar Abdel-Razeq, also jailed by the target of at least one assassination attempt by Israel, and ex- Israelis—released (conveniently) the most recent time less than pelled from the Palestinian territories for his role in terrorist attacks. two weeks before being nominated for this post. Abdel-Razeq plans “Haniyeh has always favored violence over diplomacy, and said the to commence a tour of Arab nations to secure alternative funding to Hamas wins in the municipal elections in 2005 were proof that the fill the gap should Western donors cut off funding. majority of Palestinians support terrorism against Israel” ( Jewish And these are the “politicians” that still give some people hope Virtual Library). And this is the man who is meant to give a more in democracy. Does this sound like a Hamas wanting to make peace acceptable image to Hamas. with Israel?

THETHE PHILADELPHIAPHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTRUMPET MAY MAY 20062006 99 WORLD MIDDLE EAST to the Knesset’s Defense and Foreign Israel’s concessions, whereas Affairs Committee in February. In Ol- Hamas would view it as the mert’s world, the key to pressuring the beginning—allowing it to Palestinians—he told the committee—is “carry the battle to Israel through diplomacy rather than military proper” (March 10). action (abc, February 22). Israel is tired of fighting. However, in the real world—with- Hamas hasn’t even started. in which Israel has managed to survive The unfortunate truth for the past six decades—all those utopi- is that, if your enemy is de- an notions have repeatedly been proven termined to fight you to the dead wrong. death, he denies your peace- No previous Israeli leader, no matter ful options. Barring interven- how entangled in negotiation he became, tion from God, your choices ever embraced such erroneous thinking are drastically limited: fight so wholeheartedly. Every one of them to win, or be destroyed. proceeded “forward” with a measure of Israel is making no faith- caution, making concessions contingent ful appeal for protection from upon at least a pretense of peace efforts God. And it has declared its by the Arabs. unwillingness to fight. How Not so Olmert. could this path lead to any- Israel’s new prime minister essen- thing but the death of Israel? tially promises to give Hamas what it wants—or at least a good part of it: the Broken West Bank—regardless of how Hamas Ugly truth: Terrorism works behaves. At times he speaks of this move against Jews. Olmert’s vic- as being defiant against terrorism. Of tory proves it. course, it is precisely the reverse. In the Like the weary man they final analysis, any territory Israel with- have placed at the helm of draws from simply becomes, in effect, a their state, a majority of Israe- rael’s commitment to retreat Hamas state. lis are tired of fighting, tired JEW VS. JEW is more than mere surrender. Certainly, as Kadima finds its legs as of being courageous. They Israeli policemen It is providential justice. It is a political party, Olmert needs allies. He are tired of intifada and jihad, evacuate Jews from a step—yes, only a step, but a may have his biggest ally in Hamas. That tired of Arabs shouting their a West Bank outpost beautiful step—toward the group is more eager for Israeli withdraw- hatred to the heavens, tired of in May 2004 on or- realization of the Muslim als than any Jews could be. After all, its Arabs blowing themselves up ders from Sharon. kingdom of God. A kingdom main goal right now, like Olmert’s, is to on buses, in cafes and discos. in which the Jews are gone get Israel out of the West Bank. It is even As Stratfor wrote, “Militant forever. possible Hamas could regulate itself— attacks might inflame the Israeli right, That is what Hamas really dreams soften its public rhetoric, put its suicide but they leave most of the rest of the Israeli about. bombers on a leash—in order to encour- political spectrum weary of contact with If the Israelis ever had faith in God— age Israel to expend its money and mili- the Palestinians” (ibid.). which many of them view as thin stuff on tary manpower on destroying and de- Yes, Israelis have a “national and his- which to base a foreign policy—then that serting Jewish settlements. After all, the toric right to the whole of Israel,” they has been replaced by faith in Hamas. By Gaza withdrawal cost Israel an estimated say. But what good is that? It only brings any measure, that is even thinner stuff. $2 billion, requiring 42,000 policemen trouble. They just want the struggle to Every ounce of that kind of faith, and and soldiers to relocate 8,000 Jews; the end. They want to withdraw to safety. each shred of concession Israel makes to West Bank move would be seven times Build a big wall and duck behind it. Shut Hamas, will shortly prove to have only bigger. Columnist Hillel Halkin esti- up any Jews who provoke Arabs. What- expedited the fall of the Jewish state. mates that, in addition to requiring Isra- ever it takes. You don’t have to believe God has el to mobilize all its military reserves and Whatever it takes, that is, except a blessed and protected the Jewish state commit one sixth of its national budget, it fight. in the past—an idea most of its citizens would be far more confrontational than Because, you see, they tried that for once espoused—to recognize how much the Gaza pullout was, since it is the bibli- years and, well, it just didn’t work. stronger a nation committed to defend- cal heartland of Judea and Samaria, and No—the only way “forward,” a slight ing itself based on that belief is than its settlers are even more ideologically majority of Israeli voters say, is retreat. one unwilling to defend itself at all. But hardcore than the Gaza Jews. Witnessing Even clear-headed Western minds whether you believe it or not, there is a the inevitable brouhaha of a West Bank should recognize surrender when we spiritual reality underpinning the trans- withdrawal would give Hamas cause for see it. But to minds inflamed with the formation of Israel from the lion of Judah victory parades for years to come. intoxicating Jew-hatred of Islamist ex- into the bunker state it is becoming. The colossal difference, however, as tremism—minds convinced that Allah That reality is that the Jews are suf- Stratfor put it, is that Olmert would will ensure Islam’s ultimate victory over fering a curse from God for their lack of view the West Bank pullout as the end of the poisonous scourge of Zionism—Is- faith and their disobedience to His laws.

10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 ■ 11

will lead lead will Jerusalem in That is refer- is That move will prove at its head. this has set a sinful for na- Assyrian.” Assyrian.” Germany God God explains this in depth. Yes—seeing its wound, Israel,Yes—seeing rather Considering thisprophetic eventu- Then, when the unilateralism fails Bible prophecy shows that, ultimate- is a trapIt Hosea 5:13 shows that shows Hosea 5:13 Israel,recog- This is Israel’s most perilous hour. Its Judging the by speed events, of than turning to God, will seek salvation salvation seek will God, to turning than from the very nation that notoriously ii.sought War to snuff Jews in out World ality, can we expect to see Germany in- creasingly making overtures to Israel, of ally trustworthy a as itself presenting the Jews. Signs this of are development already appearing. After a Hamas del- egation visited Russian Prime Minister example, for March, in Putin Vladimir Merkel Angela Chancellor German scolded Putin the over reminding phone, him Germany’s demand of that Hamas recognize Israel. and violence renounce theAbout same time, Germany’s de- fense minister, after joining de- Israel’s fense minister at a Holocaust memorial service in Berlin, said his nation would Hamas— with dealing in Israel support that, in fact, Germany was “completely theon Israel” side of the on issue (Expat- Suchica, gestures March 8). are bound to increase, drawing Israel into a trust- ing relationship with its foe. former Germany. to turn will and Israel the security situation becomes truly desperate, Several prophecies that, show all of its dangers and threats, will appear What undoing. Israel’s be to at first to be a sincere European effort to will City Holy the in security establish being up end a grisly repetition the of Crusades! Our free booklet Prophecy a Hamas- is not enemy worst Israel’s ly, led Palestinian people—but Germany! The failure the of peace process, and the catastrophe unilateralism, of Israel right into the jaws of that enemy. decisionmaking. nizing its dismal state, will cry for out help from “the ring to the presently unifying of power Europe, with tion! tion! enemies wax strong while grows it weak. the Israeli electorateNow, has thrown its support behind a policyrecklessness of and desperation unprecedented in its situation the short history. nation’s bringing of goal Olmert’s well may to pass. come to an 2010 by end thatBut will end look very different from the in one his dreams. ne- did worse worse did a two-state MAY 2006 MAY That realiza- That readers know that The Wound The unilateral- Sharon’s rise; Kadima’s ism; Olmert’s campaign strategy; elec- Israel’s pledges result; tion of a BankWest with- re- all drawal—these broken Israel’s flect in manifested will, naivety and fantasy. However, underpin- ele- all these ning ments is one basic ground- realization the that reality: in ed Jews’ chances of gotiating Ar- the with solution abs are next to nil. tion—though Ol- currentmert’s rhet- oric indicates that completelyhe hasn’t come to terms with it yet—marks Isra- transitionel’s from GETTY IMAGES Concessions Trumpet the utter fruitlessness that of Desperation. THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTHE As wrote we last month, Israel’s real- Longtime Two: Chapter That realization, accordingThat the to tiltsIt the Jewish state into Chapter recognizes Chapter Two into the next,Chapter and Two final, chapter its of modern history. ization the of peace process being a fraud in and a trap was specifically recorded is prophesied in prophecy The Bible. your “WhenHosea 5:13: … Judah biblical [the Jewishname today’s State Israel] for of his then wound, Ephraim went saw to the Assyrian ….” pointed has Flurry Gerald chief in editor to Judah’s “wound” being the peace pro- cess ever since the Oslo talks in 1993. than fail to bring Israel peace—it sapped strength,Israel’s land, Israel’s depleted and exhausted will Israel’s to fight and survive. prophecy reveals Hosea’s a mo- ment when Israelit sees its deadly process. “peace” misnamed terribly wound— sparks a radicalprophecy, change policy. Israeli in Three: Final Chapter Final Olmert’s plans already reflect a certain amount Israeli of desperation. these But are just the opening pages this of final to become is prophesied chapter—what an increasingly Jewish wilder of period their their of Israelis Israelis of March 21 March acknowledge 63 PERCENT PERCENT 63 of those open to such con- Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Israeli pride in has its power it has it also become the weakest will. Source: Source: EXPLAIN THIS THIS EXPLAIN How ambivalent are the Jews Jews the are ambivalent How regarding the peace process? peace the regarding

the idea of redividing Jerusalem. It “real peace” with the Palestinians. the with peace” “real

are willing to make concessions on on concessions make to willing are the Jewish public’s attitude toward attitude toward public’s Jewish the showed that that showed cessions admitted they don’t believe believe don’t admitted they cessions Institute for Israel Studies looked at A study conducted by the Jerusalem Jerusalem the conducted by study A Jerusalem’s borders in exchange for Olmert proposes to bring the Arab- power, 75 PERCENT PERCENT 75 real peace with Palestinians is possible. is Palestinians with peace real

humbly turn to Him protection! for failure, repent of their stubbornness and

only wants them to the way to peace (Isaiah 59:8). God (Isaiah to peace the 59:8). way end inend ruin. leaders know Israel’s do not God is in not his solutions, and they will Jew impasseJew But 2010. by to a conclusion

been supernaturallybeen broken. in in state in Israel is far strongest by the state region’s God warned (Leviticus 26:19). Though Though warned (LeviticusGod 26:19). “And I will“And break the pride your of power” From HERO to OUTCAST How did the tiny nation of Israel lose its image as the Davidic hero, victoriously battling the Goliath of surrounding enemy nations in 1967, to become today’s global pariah? BY RON FRASER

ever a day goes by with out was preceded, on Nov. 2, 1917, by a com- tory. The Palestinian mandate was based the tiny, struggling Jewish muniqué from British Foreign Secretary on the terms of the Balfour Declaration, n a t i o n o f I s r a e l b e i n g n e g a t i v e l y Arthur James Balfour to Anglo-Jewish which promised the creation of a national headlined somewhere in the financier Lord Rothschild, who was con- Jewish homeland within the mandated Nmass media. The decades of sidered the representative of the Jewish territory. Initially, Arab leaders were pre- fruitless “peace” processes—mounted by people. The text of the letter, known as the pared to give Palestine to the Jews if the geopolitical movers and shakers despite Balfour Declaration, read: “I have much rest of the Arab lands in the Middle East constant attacks on Israel by those who pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of remained free. However, the mixed tribes have publicly declared their intentions His Majesty’s government, the following of Arabs living in Palestine strenuously to wipe that country off the map—have declaration of sympathy with Jewish Zi- opposed Jewish immigration into the ter- ensured that one of the smallest nations onist aspirations which has been submit- ritory and the idea of the establishment of on Earth currently has the highest of ted to, and approved by, the cabinet. a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This local media profiles. “His Majesty’s government view with resistance began to morph into a move- What is glaringly apparent to the favor the establishment in Palestine of a ment to create a Palestinian nation out of careful observer of the Israeli-Palestin- national home for the Jewish people, and these disparate, stateless Arabs. Thus the ian scenario is that it is extremely hard will use their best endeavors to facilitate early seeds of that which was to become to obtain a truly balanced view of its re- the achievement of this object, it being Palestinian terrorism were sown. ality. In particular, it’s difficult to grasp clearly understood that nothing shall be how, in little less than 40 years, the na- done which may prejudice the civil and Evolution of a Nation tion of Israel has gone from widely ac- religious rights of existing non-Jewish During World War ii, due to immigra- knowledged hero status, following its communities in Palestine, or the rights tion controls, many Jews who tried to overwhelming victory in the Six Days’ and political status enjoyed by Jews in flee Nazi Germany were turned back at War of 1967, to being a global outcast. any other country.” the borders of free countries they tried Following his defeat of the Ottomans to enter. Returned to Germany, masses In the Beginning in Palestine, General Allenby led his tri- of them were systematically murdered Following the victory of the Allied mili- umphant troops through the Jaffa Gate in Nazi death camps. tary forces of the British Empire in the into Jerusalem on Dec. 11, 1917. After the war, when the horrors of the Middle Eastern campaigns of World War After Allied victory in World War i, the Holocaust were revealed, this catalyzed i, General Edmund Allenby marched his League of Nations assigned Palestine to the need for a homeland for displaced triumphant troops into Jerusalem. This the United Kingdom as a mandated terri- Jews.

12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 WORLD MIDDLE EAST GETTY IMAGES GETTY into the 1950s and early 1960s, the mass factual field-reporting of actual events media were still under the influence to become not much more than another of factual reporting in the tradition of “reality” program, edited, spliced and America’s Edward R. Murrow. Thus, the embellished, replete with sound bites nation of Israel generally gained a fair designed to titillate the senses and cater hearing in the eyes of an earlier genera- to the baser drives of humanity in an ef- tion of journalists familiar with its in- fort to entertain the masses of the igno- terwar and immediate postwar history. rant. If it sells, then keep it going. In fact, world opinion regarding Israel But occasionally a flash of reality was so high that it readily embraced the shines across the screen from the mind of best-selling historical novels of Leon a genuine seeker after truth. Recently one Uris documenting the trials and tribu- such flash, streaking across the horizon lations of the exodus of much of Jewry of mass confusion, emanated from New from persecution in Russia and Europe York-based writer Stephanie Gutmann. to establish a new homeland in Pales- Gutmann’s recently released book, tine, surrounded by the Islamic enemy. The Other War, is a brilliant exposé of the This positive opinion of the nation of media manipulation that has successfully Israel was even strengthened as a result changed postwar public opinion from be- of the famous Six Days’ War in June 1967. ing overwhelmingly sympathetic to the In that brief and triumphant defense of Jews, to a position where, in the public’s Israel, once again facing overwhelming eye, tiny Israel has become the pariah odds, the Jews were seen as the heroes, hell-bent on the destruction of the “un- vastly outnumbered, gallantly staving fortunate” Palestinians. Gutmann cites a off the surrounding enemy nations and poll taken in 2004 in which 68 percent of throwing them clear back beyond their Germans agreed that Israel now conducts prior borders. a “war of extermination” against Palestin- ians; this despite the fact that there are 10 Devolution of an Image times more Palestinians today than there Now, less than 40 years later, the once were in 1920, but fewer Jews. Coming as plucky little Israel, wearied and worn out it does from people who once supported by decades of sacrificing Jewish lives to a regime that was wholly responsible for protect its now diminishing borders, is re- the mass reduction of the global Jewish Unable to come up with a solution garded as the enemy, its persecutors as the population, that’s a bit hard to swallow. that would satisfy either Arabs or Jews, heroes struggling to claim a homeland. But how did the collective German mind the British handed the problem over to But what happened? How has this change from one of public penance for the newly founded United Nations. The brave little nation of Davidic peoples the crime of genocide against the Jew to a UN ratified a partition plan in 1947 sep- lost out so powerfully to fickle world mindset accusing the victim of the Holo- arating Palestine into Jewish and Arab opinion that now casts it in the role of caust of the very sin of its perpetrator? regions. With expiration of the British pariah, and its mortal enemies, intent mandate on May 14, 1948, on its elimination, as the Media Manipulation British troops pulled out. IN FOCUS heroes? What changed the Gutmann, in her unique and beauti- The Jews promptly declared public image of Israel? fully politically incorrect style, goes for the creation of the State of A video camera casts Much of the blame must the jugular on just how the media has Israel, gaining immediate a shadow as it aims at be laid at the feet of those manipulated the Middle East scenario recognition by a number of Israeli citizens, the most whom American soci- to present an overwhelmingly negative Western nations. heavily reported-on etal commentator Alvin view of Israel. It is her contention that The Arab nations sur- people in the world. Toffler once described as Israel, though having a history of suc- rounding Israel reacted the “opinion shapers” of cess in its military campaigns, has sim- by initiating a year-long war. Under- society—whom we now call the “spin ply been, over time, largely defeated on manned, ill-equipped and largely un- doctors”—those who possess the power the media front. prepared, the gallant, fledgling Jewish of the press and mass media and who It is a fact that, by dint of it being an nation held out, not only gaining even- spin events in order to further their own open society, Israel may well be saddled tual victory, but also gaining additional self-interest. Journalists and their media with the world’s highest per capita con- territory in the process. masters are largely at fault here. centration of reporters. One reviewer World opinion, recognizing the brave But no less culpable is the gullible of Gutmann’s book observed that she survival of Israel, generally looked with public—the people who nightly gawk at highlights the fact that “This obsessive favor on its struggles for survival, still a screen in their living rooms, allowing attention necessarily distorts, by casting being caught up in the wave of sympathy the transfer of thought from their media the Israel-Palestinian war in a theatric, for the Jews that swept the world in the of choice into their largely unquestion- world-historical light” (Claremont Re- wake of the Holocaust. ing, underexercised minds. view of Books, Winter 2005-06). Gut- As global reconstruction efforts News, as interpreted by the mass me- mann’s case for the media distortion of continued through the mid-1940s on dia, has morphed from its origins in the the situation in Israel is dramatized most

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 13 WORLD MIDDLE EAST effectively with a simple comparison of lates to reaction of the Palestinians to the series of such instances, including de- statistics: fatalities in other current in- 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington. liberately choreographed scenes that oc- ternational crises over the past decade, Gutmann relates how Palestinians took to curred at a time when Palestinians were compared to those in the Israeli-Pales- the streets to publicly celebrate al Qaeda’s seeking to increase the photo-ops of tinian crisis. Consider: The first Russo- attack, with an estimated 3,000 celebrat- Palestinian deaths at Israeli hands. She Chechen war—50,000 fatalities in two ing in Nablus alone. An AP photographer describes one scene caught on camera by years. The Darfur genocide—300,000 in filmed the celebrating masses in that city an Israeli drone flying above a Palestin- three years. The second Congolese civil and forwarded his footage to his bureau ian funeral procession in the city of Jenin war—3.5 million in five years. in Jerusalem. The footage never made it to in April 2002. The “corpse” was filmed Compare these with Israeli-Palestin- air. “Just as AP was about to put the foot- falling off its bier then hopping back on. ian fighting—4,500 fatalities over the age on their wire, … bureau staffers got This instance became tragicomical when past six years. a phone call from their photographer in it was repeated, frightening the daylights The world sees the nightly images the field. He was standing in the office of out of bystanders, fleeing at the sight of a beamed in from Israel, while remaining Nablus’s governor; gunmen on each side “corpse” having come back to life! largely ignorant of the effects of other of him held guns against his skull and had However, these grand deceits have a major crises on the world scene which, by been ordered to shoot him if the video of deeply serious side to them. And their comparison, pale the skirmishes most serious side is represent- in Israel into relative insignifi- The world sees images beamed in from ed by that German poll quoted cance. This is due in large part to earlier. For it is the backlash in the inability of news services to es- Israel, while remaining largely ignorant of Europe against those Israelis tablish themselves within the ex- caught in the turmoil of the treme-level danger zones of these the effects of other major crises on the world Palestinian crisis that is most other largely closed societies. So scene which, by comparison, pale the skir- disconcerting. Indeed, it is the images of the gruesomeness of increasingly prevalent anti- these major crises never reach the mishes in Israel into relative insignificance. Semitic reaction across this living rooms of the masses. continent, known through its But there is another element to this the demonstration went on the wire.” Pal- 20th-century history for the prevalence media distortion of the situation in Israel. estinian Authority officials told AP that if of gross persecution of the Jew, which It’s the element of often deliberately cho- its reporters and photographers were not is deeply troubling. In her conclusion, reographed events on the ground, fun- “more careful,” the PA “could not guaran- Stephanie Gutmann sums up this phe- neled through generally leftist reporters tee their safety” in the future (ibid.). nomenon: “Looking at the virulent, vi- “dumped on the ground with little prior Another case Gutmann exposes is tuperative tone of European coverage, knowledge … forced to condense and that of two Israeli reservists who made and particularly at how openly jeering it ‘package’ terribly complex and crucial a wrong turn when driving home and grows when Israel tries to defend itself in events,” which are then deliberately con- found themselves arrested by Palestinian the media war, it is hard to imagine that structed to reflect the bias of media mo- police. Taken to the local police station, any Israeli public relations staff with any guls by “producers sitting in carpeted, the two were then mob-lynched, their amount of resources at its disposal could climate-controlled studios in New York bodies brutally battered and set on fire. have an impact in Europe.” and London” who are “making war their Again, this instance was witnessed by Given its history, such a collective subject” (Gutmann, op. cit.). two press representatives, the one hav- mood building within Europe simply When we consider that 80 percent of ing his camera torn from his grasp and spells grave danger for the future of the news images are provided to the news smashed by the mob, the other managing Continent and imminent crisis for the media by just three agencies—Associ- to capture a now infamous image of one nation of Israel. That this magazine has, ated Press, Reuters and Agence France of the murderers of the two Israelis hold- for the past 16 years, been predicting such Presse, all of which have liberal left-lean- ing his bloody hands aloft to the cheering a mood swing against the nation of the ing agendas—it’s no wonder the public of the crowd. Death threats from the Pal- Jews will be obvious to many of our long- has so little chance of gaining a balanced estinians quickly followed to those who time subscribers. What may not be so ob- view of any major current event. Add to manned the bureau for which the cam- vious to our more recent readers is why this the fact that these agencies must eraman operated. This forced the flight of we could be so accurate with this predic- rely on hired locals who speak the native the bureau chief for his own protection. tion, even spelling out in detail where it is language and who decide where to drive, In a piece published in the January 1- heading, and its ultimate ending. what to show or not show, and what to 8 edition of Weekly Standard, Gutmann Write now for your free copy of our translate or not translate for the field observed, “[R]ather than jeopardize their startling booklet Jerusalem in Prophecy. journalist—and the extent to which any already tenuous access to the Palestinian It is an eye-opening account that goes story can be manipulated on the ground territories or endanger their employees far beyond Stephanie Gutmann’s exposé to benefit one or another interest group by appearing to collaborate with the en- of the massive media manipulation sur- becomes most apparent. emy, many of the media covering the in- rounding Israel. It is a stirring analysis tifada adjust by simply ‘not seeing’ things that really gets to the heart and core, the Blocking the Truth or by finding elaborate justifications for true cause, the impending dramatic ef- One of the more chilling examples given ignoring stories that would displease fect and the final, ultimate solution to by Gutmann of the extent to which cer- their hosts in the territories.” this rapidly reviving phenomenon of tain groups will go to block the truth re- In her book, Gutmann lists a whole anti-Semitism! ■

14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 JERUSALEM and the LAST CRUSADE The world waits to see whether Jews or Arabs will control the Holy Land. But is anyone watching the Vatican? BY MARK JENKINS

f any place has a Glorifying the Crusades history of blood, it is During the year 2000 millennial celebra- the “city of peace.” tions, Pope John Paul ii asked the world IJerusalem is famous for “pardon” for the Crusades. He also because it contains the apologized for past “errors of the church”: holiest sites on the planet, the Inquisition and anti-Semitism. This sites that have ignited the effort to rehabilitate Muslim-Christian most protracted wars ever. relations irritated many Vatican conser- Some might even say the vatives—including, according to some, war for Jerusalem has never then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. ended since the time of In stark contrast to John Paul’s apol- the Crusades. ogy, the Vatican has now sponsored a Observers mostly fo- conference that “portrays the Crusades cus on the Arab Palestinians as wars fought with the ‘noble aim’ of re- and the nation of Israel—and gaining the Holy Land for Christianity” understandably so. (Times, London, March 20). Right now, with SYMBOLIC One speaker at the mid-March a newly elected symposium held at a pontifical Hamas running the A statue of the university in Rome asserted Palestinian govern- coat of arms that the crusaders were “in- ment, and a new Israeli of a pope, a flamed by an ardor for char- administration bent on symbol associ- ity and a love of God” (ansa, forcing the situation to a ated through the March 20). solution by 2010, the battle ages with war Although the gory conflicts for Jerusalem is about to and blood. in the Middle Ages between become active again. European Christians and Mid- But what about the instigator of the dle Eastern Muslims are often labeled original Crusades—the re- the “Christian Crusades,” we should un- AP/WIDEWORLD ligious behemoth that derstand that they were uniquely Roman fought for hundreds Catholic. These “noble” Catholic wars of years for Jerusa- were among the bloodiest imaginable: In lem? Has that power taking Jerusalem in July 1099, the Catho- simply given up on lics killed an estimated 70,000 Jews and reclaiming the Holy Arabs. Every Muslim sheltering in the al- Land? Will it stand idly Aqsa Mosque was slaughtered. The Jews by while Jerusalem is fled to their main synagogue, and the fractured between Crusaders set the building on fire, killing Arab and Jew? Quite every man, woman and child. Over the the contrary. In course of 200 years of Catholic crusad- fact, the Vati- ing, somewhere between several hundred can believes thousand and several million people had it still holds their blood spilled on holy land. claim to Je- It is important to understand the rusalem Vatican’s view of these Crusades for two even to reasons: 1) The Crusades showed the this very Catholic desire to control Christianity day. as a whole. 2) The Crusades showed this

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 15 WORLD MIDDLE EAST Catholic-branded form of Christianity’s is now, more than ever, necessary to en- within Israel, David Jaeger, was especially desire to rule the world from Jerusalem. sure a peaceful future to that area, and straightforward, saying on January 3 that In the book Crusades, Terry Jones and for the sake of the universal church, the “issue of Jerusalem is too important to Alan Ereira wrote, “By summoning an which must have communities champi- be left in the hands of the Israelis and Pal- army under the banner of the cross, the oning the faith in the gospel” (agi). estinians” (IsraelNationalNews.com). At pope was extending the church’s mantle More than simply pursuing a “peace- a Jewish-Muslim-Christian conference at over all Christendom. This was the idea ful future” though, the Vatican has spe- the University of Haifa, he said that Jeru- at the very heart of the revolutionary pa- cific aims in the region. For seven years, salem is considered a “corpus separatum” pacy; in place of separate local churches the Catholic Church has been trying to according to the Nov. 29, 1947, UN resolu- at the center of discreet communities, acquire various sites and buildings in Is- tion and therefore belongs to neither the there was to be one overarching church, rael that it claims it used to control. Palestinian or Jewish state. According to ruled by one overarching pope. The Last year, Christian publications international law, argued Jaeger, Israel Crusade was to be its expression and its around the world—including the official has no legal authority over Jerusalem instrument.” Vatican newspaper El Messagero—re- (Haaretz, January 19). At the heart of the Crusade-era papacy ported that an agreement would be To put it simply, in the Vatican view, was the desire to control every Christian signed transferring sovereignty of parts Israel cannot give any of Jerusalem to church—a sentiment the new pope shares. of Jerusalem’s Mount Zion to the Vatican. the Palestinian Authority because Jeru- As Cardinal Ratzinger, he pointed out in Specifically, as IsraelNationalNews.com salem does not belong to Israel. a Vatican document that all non-Catholic reported in October, the proposed con- One has to ask: If the Vatican now says religions were in “a gravely deficient situ- tract would give the Catholic Church Jerusalem does not belong to the Jews or ation in comparison with those the Palestinians, whose who, in the [Catholic] Church, When the Catholic Church today talks about the city is it? If Jews shouldn’t have the fullness of the means administrate the Holy of salvation.” nobility of the Crusades, remember what the goal Land, who should? Since becoming pope, Bene- really was: to rule the world from Jerusalem. The Vatican did not dict xvi has spent much of his recognize the State of Is- time talking about church unity. He be- control over what it claims is the loca- rael at all until the pope established dip- lieves that he alone speaks for all Chris- tion of the Last Supper (a room actually lomatic relations in 1993—only to form a tians—even the “gravely deficient” va- built by the crusaders in the 14th cen- similar relationship with the Palestinians riety. It’s important that we understand tury)—one of Catholicism’s most sacred a year later. We shouldn’t be too surprised this—especially when discussing the sites. Currently, a Jewish religious school that the Israeli government has only ten- Crusades and Jerusalem. After all, during is located there, which Jews believe sits uous support from the Vatican. After those Crusades, the Catholic Church con- atop King David’s tomb. all, the Jews are living where the Vatican verted others by the sword in its quest to “Final details on a long-delayed ac- yearns to be: Jerusalem! become synonymous with Christianity. cord on the status of Roman Catholic When the Catholic Church today properties in the Holy Land are expected A Prophecy Realized talks about the nobility of the Crusades, to be agreed during the visit, marking a Zechariah 14:2 discusses an imminent, remember what the goal really was: to new era of reconciliation between Chris- turbulent conflict between Israel and the rule the world from Jerusalem. tians and Jews,” reported the Times of Palestinians (see our March 2006 cover Continuing in Crusades: “[Pope] Ur- London (Oct. 14, 2005). Israel’s Foreign story), but consider another prophecy ban’s army would also rescue Jerusalem, Ministry confirmed that it had received about Jerusalem in Zechariah 12:3: “And in the spiritual (and therefore the physical) a blueprint of the proposed agreement that day will I make Jerusalem a burden- center of the universe. He hoped that the from the Vatican. some stone for all people: all that burden redeemed Jerusalem would be directly The discussions culminated last No- themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, ruled by the church.” vember, when Israeli President Moshe though all the people of the earth be gath- That goal has not changed. The argu- Katsav met with Pope Benedict xvi in ered together against it.” Jerusalem means ment that the Crusades show the Catholic what first official visit by an Israeli head “city of peace,” but it is going to be a bur- desire to control Jerusalem is a historically of state to the Vatican. den for everyone that comes into contact strong one, but recent action by the Vati- In the end, the agreement was not con- with it—including the Vatican. can shows that Catholic sights are clearly cluded during the November visit—pos- Although the Arab people will take half still set on Jerusalem, even after centuries sibly due to pressure from Jewish groups of Jerusalem, Bible prophecy also tells us of failure to maintain a foothold there. to hold on to the territory. It appears Is- their rule will be short-lived. The Islamic rael is dragging its feet on this issue. The people will unite in what Bible prophecy The Vatican and Jerusalem Today Vatican, no doubt becoming impatient calls the “king of the south.” Daniel 11:40 High Vatican officials have been an- after years of negotiations, may have been tells us that king will push against a fully nouncing the church’s stance on Jeru- attempting to pressure Israel by publiciz- revived Holy Roman Empire in Europe— salem for several months now. Cardi- ing the possibility of this agreement. the king of the north. That “push” will nal Ignace Moussa Daoud, prefect of Now, with little progress made in that cause the Catholics to rally against the the Vatican’s Congregation for Eastern round, the Vatican is becoming even more Muslims again—just like in the Crusades. Churches, sent a letter to all of the bish- direct in its statements on the Jerusalem That European king of the north will re- ops of the world March 14 saying, “The issue. The Vatican’s chief legal adviser spond like a whirlwind, overthrowing presence of Christians in the Holy Land in the negotiations to secure holy sites See JERUSALEM page 37

16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 Many of the world’s most foreboding troubles are rooted in the Middle East. Western efforts to solve these issues, bogged down in complexity, bureaucracy and political correctness, are failing. Why?

IranBY BRAD MACDONALD Is King he question of what to in Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. The and political correctness. do with the Middle East same principle applies to the war on ter- Nations that act unilaterally on an issue surely haunts the dreams of ror, nuclear proliferation and oil supply are condemned, yet it is virtually impos- many a Western politician. volatility. Acutely aware of the ramifica- sible for nations to act as a unified force. The region is the epicenter of tions of these distinctly Middle Eastern World leaders know these issues must many of the Western world’s issues, Western nations—most espe- be solved, but they are at their wits’ end mostT urgent and dangerous troubles: the cially the U.S.—dedicate a lot of atten- as to effective solutions. radicalization of Islam; the war on terror; tion in their foreign policies to dealing This is because there is a reality they nuclear proliferation; the war in Iraq; the with that region, allocating enormous refuse to deal with, or even recognize. absence of peace in Israel. amounts of money and manpower to Radical Islam; the war on terror; nu- Western leaders know these issues are address its problems. clear proliferation; the war in Iraq; peace deadly serious. They are well aware that As serious as the troubles are, the ques- in Israel—one common thread links ev- the problems that beset the Middle East tion of how to solve them has become one ery one of these Middle Eastern issues. are not local issues—that, unless they are of the most complicated and divisive is- What is that thread? Every major trou- solved, they pose a threat to global peace. sues in international politics. Nations are ble in the Middle East is rooted in Iran. Take radical Islam, for example. Its divided on how to handle the radicaliza- Iran is king of the Middle East. Its in- heart lies in the tion of Islam. Nations are divided in their fluence permeates the governments and Middle East, support of the war in Iraq. Nations are di- politics of every nation in the re- but its pul- vided on how to best handle Iran’s nuclear gion. It is the regional hege- sations re- program. Nations are divided on how to mon and the central verberate ensure a steady flow of oil from the re- force motivating all across the gion. Nations are divided on the solution of the major trou- globe, to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Nations bles that emanate UP IN stirring are divided on how to prevail in the war from the region. ARMS contro- on terror—or whether such a war should And as the AFP/GETTY IMAGES “Martyrdom versy even be waged. The issues are viewed as leader of seekers” complex and convoluted. Western politi- rally in cians are operating in a system weighed Tehran on down with bureaucracy “Jerusalem Day.”

BLOODLUST “Martyrdom seekers” protest during Tehran’s “Jerusalem Day,” a carnival characterized by bloody rhetoric and sign-up lists for suicide attacks.

17 REUTERS the region that receives the most attention from Western nations, Iran has successfully gained a massive amount of influence in international affairs. The ascension of Iran as the leader of the Islamic Middle East—and the paralysis of the West in solving the problems this has spawned—is hugely sig- nificant. This scenario fulfills two major Bible prophecies.

King of Global Terrorism Plenty of evidence proves Iran’s involvement with the world’s most dangerous Islamic terrorist groups. Note a recent statement Exposing Iran’s Lies on this subject from Congress- man Brad Sherman, the ranking DISHONEST Former secretary of Iran’s nuclear council Hassan Rowhani (right), who stated that Democrat on the House Interna- Iran lied about its pursuit of atomic weapons, speaks with his Indian counterpart, Brajesh Mishra. tional Relations subcommittee on terrorism and nuclear prolifera- eace in our time.” That Today, Iran, like Germany Iranian nuclear negotiator Has- tion. Referring to Iran, Mr. Sher- “Pphrase was coined by prior to World War II, is using san Rowhani detailed how Iran man stated, “Key operatives of the Britain’s prime minister upon deceit as a weapon to gain worked to deceive European most successful terrorist organi- signing a peace treaty with what it wants from the interna- counterparts about the nature zation in history [al Qaeda] are Hitler. At the time, the majority tional community. Consider. and status of its nuclear pro- spending their time in the num- of the West believed Hitler had Recent revelations confirm gram in order to play for time to ber-one state sponsor of terror- peaceful intentions. Today, we that Iran has long been lying complete equipment installa- ism” (Los Angeles Times, March know Hitler was a bald-faced about the nature and status tions at its Isfahan nuclear site. 21). Many of al Qaeda’s key lead- liar. Duplicity was one of his of its nuclear program. In a According to Mohammad ers live in Iran—including Saif greatest weapons in the lead- speech to high-ranking Islamic Mohaddessin of the National al-Adel, “believed to be one of the up to the Second World War. clerics and academics, former Council of Resistance of Iran, highest-ranking members of al Qaeda, behind Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri” (ibid.). ter this claim, saying that because Iran of the terrorist world met together in Da- In 2005, safe behind Iranian borders, is Shiite Muslim and al Qaeda is Sunni mascus with Ahmadinejad. In the meet- Adel posted on the Internet a lengthy Muslim, religious differences mean it’s ings, aptly called “a summit for terror” by dispatch about al Qaeda’s activities in unlikely that the two could ever work to- Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, the Iran and Iraq. In it he mentioned that gether successfully. This is untrue. Both Iranian leadership “stress[ed] the need he and Abu Musab Zarqawi planned to groups are Muslim and share a mutual for full coordination of the four leading make Iraq the new battleground against desire for the death of America and the [Palestinian] terrorist groups and their America from various safe havens in West. U.S. officials firmly believe there role in assisting Iran and Syria” (www Iran. The L.A. Times noted that U.S. in- is a history of cooperation between Iran .geostrategy-direct.com, March 22). telligence officials believe, based on sat- and some Sunni militant groups, includ- Israel’s Arutz Sheva stated that Presi- ellite feeds and telephone eavesdropping, ing al Qaeda. Iran nurtures such ties, they dent Ahmadinejad made the trip to Syria that Iran hosts “much of al Qaeda’s re- say, “to enhance its regional influence “to be sure that the terrorism against Is- maining brain trust” and allows al Qaeda and punish Arab political foes through rael would not slow down for a moment, leaders the freedom to communicate intimidation and violence” (ibid.). and would even increase” (January 22). and plan terrorist operations (emphasis There is no mistaking the connection This is the most frightening aspect mine throughout). Too many American between Iran and al Qaeda. The highest of Hamas’s electoral victory earlier this bullets are flying in Afghanistan and authorities in Iran, including the presi- year. It wasn’t simply a victory for the Pakistan apparently, so al Qaeda’s lead- dent, unapologetically embrace this most terrorist group Hamas; it was a colossal ers have packed their bags and relocated notorious terrorist group in the world. victory for Iran—augmenting the Islam- to a more peaceful environment—Iran. Of course, Iran’s support of terrorism ic Republic’s presence in Israel. There, in safety, al Qaeda operatives plan isn’t confined to al Qaeda; the nation also After the election win, Hamas’s leader, attacks against America and the West. embraces and actively supports the activ- Khaled Mashaal, met with Iran’s spiritual U.S. intelligence officials also con- ities of Egyptian and Palestinian groups leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the tend that Iranian President Mahmoud such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Muslim meeting, according to the Jerusalem Post, Ahmadinejad is forging an alliance with Brotherhood, and the list goes on. Mashaal embraced Tehran’s involvement al Qaeda as a way to expand Iran’s influ- In January this year, just days before with his organization and told the Iranian ence in the region. Some observers coun- Palestinian elections, a virtual who’s who ayatollah that his “regime will have an ex-

18 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 WORLD MIDDLE EAST an opposition group that was first Europeans used to respond, ‘We we let the reformists speak out greater than the benefits, the responsible for publishing details trust them’” (ibid.). against the radicals, the West will West will continue to go along of Iran’s secret atomic program, Only now, after repeated think there is still a chance that with those lies. “Rowhani’s remarks show that frustrations over Iran’s lies, is the Iran may reform itself, and that America, which at this time the mullahs wanted to deceive West exploring punitive sanc- negotiations, if continued a little appears to be taking the “tough- the international community from tions against Iran. longer, may work—thereby mak- er” approach, is actually in the the onset of negotiations with That is one case of Iran’s ing military attack less of an op- most compromised position. As EU3—and that the mullahs were duplicity; here is another: In an tion. Stratfor calls this trick Iran’s the Trumpet has detailed previ- fully aware that if they were trans- intelligence brief dated March “strategic moderation.” ously, America is vulnerable: Iran parent, the regime’s nuclear file 1, Stratfor wrote that Iran’s Iran is going to great lengths has power to inflame the already would be referred to the UN im- supreme leader Ayatollah Ali to cloud Western understanding precarious situation in Iraq mediately” (Telegraph, March 5). Khamenei has been allowing of its nuclear program. Middle through the Iran-friendly Iraqi Shi- Rowhani admitted to the moderate voices to speak out East Newsline reported that ite majority; Iran has the ability to ruse, boasting to his audience, against the ultraconservatives Iran is even conducting nuclear manipulate world oil supply; Iran “When we were negotiating with in an effort to tame Tehran’s research and development in has terrorist minions around the the Europeans in Tehran we were international image. In one in- some of its schools and universi- world at its disposal. Put these still installing some of the equip- stance, on March 1 the Iranian ties. The article quoted Alireza cards Tehran holds together with ment at the Isfahan site. There press published remarks made Jafarzadeh, a leading member America’s internal political divi- was plenty of work to be done to by former Iranian President of Iran’s opposition. “Given sion and lack of national will, and complete the site and finish the Mohammed Khatami criticizing Tehran’s record of lies and de- the U.S.’s freedom to act against work there. In reality, by creating current President Mahmoud Ah- ceptions, using academic institu- Iran is severely diminished. a tame situation, we could finish madinejad (though not mention- tions to develop a nuclear bomb The reality is an emboldened Isfahan” (ibid.). ing him by name). The same day, makes it even more difficult to Iran will continue to push at the America was aware of Iran’s the Shargh, a popular Iranian stop Iran’s secret development of West until it is checked by a ploy. Washington even warned its newspaper, also criticized the a nuclear weapon” (March 26). greater force. European partners that the Irani- president for his anti-Jewish and In all this, Iran is telling a lot For a thorough ans were being less than forth- anti-Israel comments. of masterful lies, and, to this expose on the weak- right about their atomic program. By allowing open criticism of point, the West appears to be ness of the West that In Rowhani’s words, “From the Ahmadinejad in Iranian dailies, buying many of them. If history led to World War II, outset, the Americans kept telling Khamenei is seeking to manipu- be our guide, we can be assured see our booklet Win- the Europeans, ‘The Iranians are late the West’s perception of Iran that Iran’s lies will continue— ston S. Churchill: lying and deceiving you and they to gain benefits for Tehran. The and, for as long as the price The Watchman. have not told you everything.’ The thinking goes something like: If of crossing Iran is considered TIMOTHY OOSTENDARP tensive role in Palestine” (February 21). support from Iran and from the Islamic tion.) This crisis highlighted the fact that After Hamas’s victory, America and Republic’s Alawite allies in Syria …” Islam’s voice and presence in Europe—if Europe threatened to cut off monetary (Stratfor, January 16). not America, Britain and Australia—is aid to the organization if it didn’t stop Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad— strong, and that it will not be marginal- its terrorist activities. The Iranian presi- these terrorist groups and “political” ized or relegated as unimportant. dent brashly countered these threats by organizations form the greatest barri- Islamic leaders concocted the crisis saying that Iranian funding to the orga- ers preventing peace in Israel. And Iran in order to underscore Islam’s new posi- nization would dry up if Hamas stopped fuels every one of them. Viewed realis- tion in national and global affairs. Con- its terrorism against Israel! tically, these groups essentially serve as sider what the American Spectator said Iran isn’t partial in its support of Pal- proxies of Iran, helping the Iranian lead- about it: “The cartoon intifada is signifi- estinian terrorist groups. In an interview ers achieve their goals. cant because it is entirely manufactured with Ynet News in Tel Aviv in March, De- Iran is the king of global terrorism! by Muslim governments, fueled by their fense Minister Mofaz claimed that Iran, radical imams and intended to intimi- in an effort to facilitate a higher number Islam’s Radicalization date non-Muslim nations into making of terrorist attacks against Israel, had in- The radicalization of Islam is a disconcert- free speech Muslims find offensive ille- creased its funding of Islamic Jihad. In ing phenomenon emerging throughout gal” (February 13). February alone, Tehran supported Is- the world. In Europe, Britain, America, Mortimer Zuckerman, editor in chief lamic Jihad to the tune of us$1.8 million. and even Asia, Islamic believers are grow- of U.S.News & World Report, recently The infamous Hezbollah is another ing more forceful in pursuing the right said this of the movement: “It is impor- limb of terrorism whose origins lie firm- to practice their religious beliefs, even if tant to understand that what fuels such ly entrenched in Tehran. Created in 1982 these clash with the fundamental beliefs [Islamic] fanaticism isn’t just the exis- by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, and ideologies of the nations they live in. tence of a democratic Israel or even U.S. Hezbollah is an extension of Iranian The significance of this trend was policy. To think this is to underestimate influence in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. brought to the fore earlier this year in the the depth of a set of shared political and “Hezbollah—created … to export the Is- cartoon crisis that erupted in Europe. religious fantasies. Hamas’s election vic- lamic revolution to the Arab world—re- (To learn more about this issue, please tory, on top of advances by Islamists in ceives financial, ideological and armed read “Cartoon Jihad” in our April edi- Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt, has energized

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 19 WORLD MIDDLE EAST and unified the radicals. This is no lon- the empowerment of Iraq’s Shiite major- ligious connection with the majority of ger a political conflict about borders and ity, it became inevitable” (Oct. 12, 2005). Iraqis, Iran has a dominant voice in Iraq, identity. Militant Islam has declared a The terrorist insurgency that be- including Iraqi politics. Shia political religious war in which the destruction of gan immediately after Hussein was de- parties dominate Iraq’s new government, Israel is seen but as the first step in estab- posed in early 2003, has been stoked by many of which have a publicly stated lishing a Muslim caliphate” (March 20). Iran from day one. Iran’s Revolutionary sympathy with the radical Iranian lead- Islam is radicalizing because a num- Guards have supplied weapons to Shia ership. In other words, thanks to Ameri- ber of radical leaders are inspiring the militias. In August last year, U.S. Defense can efforts to remove Sunni leadership of Muslim masses with a fantasy vision Secretary Donald Rumsfeld condemned Saddam Hussein and establish a demo- of Islam’s ultimate triumph over Israel, the Iranian government after American cratic, majority-ruled (that is, Shia-dom- America and the whole Western world. forces stopped a truck filled with high- inated) government in Iraq, Iran now has Where are these radical leaders from? tech explosives entering Iraq from Iran. a firm foothold in Iraqi politics. Mr. Zuckerman continued, “These In areas free from insurgent violence, But the influence of the Iranian cler- are the omens of an evil confluence, Iran is setting up shop. Last year, Britain’s ics isn’t confined to Iraq. As the Telegraph

A few phone calls from Iranian imams to their counterparts in AYATOLLAH Iraq can spark violence and unrest, or do the opposite. In other KHAMENEI words, stability in Iraq largely swings on an Iranian hinge. the formation of a Tehran-Damascus- Telegraph reported that a “silent and large- Hezbollah-Gaza axis in which Iran will ly undocumented social revolution has fund and arm a new front of terrorism transformed the Shia-dominated south of with its head in Iran, its body in Iraq Iraq into a virtual Islamic state in the two and Lebanon, and its feet in Gaza and years since the U.S. Army invaded” (Feb. the West Bank.” Iran’s leaders are close- 14, 2005). Several news sources have con- ly connected to the rise of radical Islam firmed that Basra, Iraq’s main port city throughout the region! and oil production center, which borders Analysts at Stratfor described how Iran, is dominated by extremist Shiite Iran benefited from the cartoon uproar: Muslims and “steadily being transformed “As Iran moves toward a confronta- into a mini-theocracy” (New York Times, noted, “[T]he voice of Iran’s clerics also tion with the United States over nuclear July 7, 2005). Residents of Basra, once one holds sway with Shia minorities and Ira- weapons, this [cartoon crisis] helps to of the more secular of the Shia cities, “de- nian communities in Bahrain, Kuwait, rally the Muslim world to its side: Iran scribe the changes as an Iranian-style rev- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emir- wants to be viewed as the defender of Is- olution, hesitant at first but rapidly build- ates. Its capacity to destabilize the Middle lam, and [other Muslim factions] … are ing momentum” (Telegraph, op. cit.). East also extends to the West Bank and now seeing Iran as the leader in outrage The stamp of Iran is found everywhere Gaza Strip” (March 19). Iran can effec- against Europe” (February 7). in Iraq. Posters of the father of Iran’s 1979 tively destabilize the entire Middle East! The voice of Islam is growing stron- Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah With Iraq up its sleeve, Tehran has a ger in the West. Islam is making its pres- Khomeini, are displayed in the streets. powerful bargaining chip in its relations ence felt. Iran is at the vanguard of these The rhetoric is the same also: A poster of with America. A few phone calls from efforts to radicalize Islam! Khomeini outside the governor’s office Iranian imams to their counterparts in displayed the words “All the problems Iraq can spark violence and unrest, or Presence in Iraq of Islam stem from colonialism and the do the opposite. In other words, peace The war in Iraq dominates the attention Great Powers.” The Telegraph reported and stability in Iraq largely swing on an of America and the West, yet the issue re- that sharia law is now routinely used in- Iranian hinge. mains unsolved. Iran is at the heart of that stead of civil codes in Basra’s courts. Such a position doesn’t bode well for failure. We have already examined proof Though the Shiite takeover of southern the United States. The prospect of achiev- of how Iran prevents peace in Israel by Iraq and the imposition of the strict code ing a stable, Western-friendly Iraqi gov- supporting Palestinian terrorist groups. of Islamic law have been underway since ernment depends on the maneuverings Tehran is doing the same in Iraq. Saddam Hussein was deposed, the pro- of a nation bent on the destruction of Iran’s government—including its spir- cess has accelerated since Iraqi elections Israel, America and the West. itual leaders—is intimately involved in in January 2005. More-radical politicians Earlier this year, Britain’s Specta- the inner machinations and day-to-day are in power; Shiites have consolidated tor wrote, “For it is now becoming all operations in Iraq. A senior news analyst their religious rule. Numerous small re- too clear that the Islamic Republic has from United Press International noted ligious parties—such as God’s Vengeance emerged as the surprise victor from the this trend last year: “Suddenly, Iran’s and Master of Martyrs—enjoy the back- invasion of Iraq and is making the most of growing influence in Iraq is top of the ing of major Shiite groups and are sus- the power vacuum in the Gulf to establish national security agenda again in Britain pected of “being agents of the Iranian itself as the new regional superpower. and America. The influence is real, mas- government” (New York Times, op. cit.). “The demise of Iraq, together with sive and growing. More than that, follow- Iran is 89 percent Shia; Iraq is 65 per- Iran’s dash to nuclear capability—an- ing the toppling of Saddam Hussein and cent Shia and 35 Sunni. Thanks to its re- other development that the West has di-

20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 sastrously mishandled—has meant that Certainly the region’s troubles is enabling the biblically proph- the balance of power is changing radi- wouldn’t disappear, but they would esied rise to power of this deadly cally in the Middle East, with Iran firmly be overwhelmingly more simple and dangerous “king of the south.” in the ascendancy” (February 11). straightforward. The immediate threat At its core, this is a spiritual prob- The Spectator called Iran’s premier they pose would be eliminated. lem. It’s easy to say that the solution to status “an unmitigated disaster.” From And the simple truth is, Western na- the present problems stemming from this position of power, Tehran is the tions have the military power to crush the Middle East would be to deal deci- maestro supporting and directing all this Iranian threat. sively and forcefully with Iran. But, as of the major issues originating in the Clearly, however, this isn’t the ap- long as the U.S. and Britain have broken region: the collapse of peace efforts in proach taken by the West today. Instead, willpower, this is never going to happen. Israel; the radicalization of Islam; the it wrestles over more complicated “solu- And, unless those nations were to repent roiling insurgency in Iraq; international tions.” It seeks to manage the effects, and and turn to God in obedience and trust, oil volatility. On top of its intimate in- fails to deal conclusively with the cause. that willpower will not be restored! volvement in all of these issues, Iran is America can’t decide on whether or It is a challenge for most people to pursuing nuclear weapons. not to work with Hamas in order to fos- recognize that there is a connection be- These stunning facts all demonstrate ter peace in Israel. Western efforts to tween events occurring here on Earth that a major biblical prophecy is being stop the Iranian nuclear program are and events discussed in the Bible. This is fulfilled. The identity of a crucial power complicated and fruitless. America is because God is not real in the minds of in end-time events stands revealed! working tirelessly in Iraq, but the nation most people. Few believe that God has a is still far from becoming a functional, real presence in global operations. The King of the South Western-friendly democracy. Iran’s sab- This is a relatively new trend. Even In Daniel 11:40, the Bible describes two otage of the Middle East peace process, as recently as 60-70 years ago, many major coalitions of nations, ruled by two the U.S. has completely ignored. people believed in a divine presence in “kings,” that will be present in the end Dealing with Iran would be the most human affairs. Speaking before the U.S. time—our day today. definite course of action the United Congress on Dec. 26, 1941, Winston The “king of the south” mentioned States could take in solving these prob- Churchill stated that a person “must in- in this verse is Iran—at the helm of the lems. But the nation clearly suffers from deed have a blind soul who cannot see Islamic Middle East! a crushing deficit of will to undertake that some great purpose is being worked You can request our free King of the this task. Why? out here below.” In Churchill’s words, South booklet for further proof of the The answer to that question is the most people today have a blind soul prophesied rise of an Iran-led Islamic fulfillment of a second major biblical when it comes to believing in God. coalition of nations. prophecy! This is why America, Britain and The evidence proves that Iran is the the other nations of modern-day Israel definite leader of the Middle East. Terror- America’s Lack of Will are in the state they are in. These na- ism; the radicalization of Islam; the war in The God of the Bible foretold that the tions have largely turned their backs on Iraq; conflict in Israel—these are the most United States, as well as the other nations God. As a result, God is allowing other troubling issues facing Western nations today. And the king of the Middle East, Terrorism; radicalization of Islam; war in Iraq; conflict in Israel— Iran, is the driving force behind them all. For those willing to recognize this these are the most troubling issues facing Western nations. The fact, the solution to the troubles stem- king of the Middle East, Iran, is the driving force behind them all. ming from the Middle East would seem to be relatively straightforward: Deci- that comprise modern-day Israel, would nations, such as Iran, to rise up on the sively eliminate Iran from the equation. suffer such a curse of willpower. In Leviti- world stage—and to assume the danger- Such a move would do much to solve a cus 26:18-20, God states: “[I]f ye will not ous role of “kings.” number of the issues plaguing the world yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will Just as the king of the south has today. Destroying Iran would cut off the punish you seven times more for your sins. risen, and just as America has lost the head of the terrorist snake. Al Qaeda And I will break the pride of your power … pride in its power—as prophesied in the would lose a safe-house from which to And your strength shall be spent in vain Bible—so we can know that other end- plan its attacks. Hamas, Islamic Jihad ….” This monumental prophecy, as well time prophecies will come to pass. A and Hezbollah would lose their biggest as the identity of the nations that com- king of the north will rise. Its clash with supporter and contributor. It would prise modern-day Israel, is explained the king of the south will occur. And the unscramble the dilemma in Israel. Re- thoroughly in our free book The United modern nations of Israel will be brought moving a dominant and influential Iran States and Britain in Prophecy. down and enter a time of unprecedent- from the Middle East would send a mes- What a curse this lack of pride ed national trouble, unless they repent. sage to radical Islam and significantly is proving to be. The world has never Though our nations refuse to even see handicap its efforts to establish a global been more dangerous and volatile—it the need to repent at this time, God gives caliphate. In the long run, America’s ef- is on the brink of World War iii! Now us each, individually, the opportunity to forts in Iraq would prove much more is not an opportune time to experience do so. If we turn to Him now, we can be successful. There would be no threat of such a staggering crisis of will. a part of the ultimate solution to this an Iranian nuclear bomb or Iran giving But a clear-minded look at the facts world’s problems—when Christ’s proph- nuclear weapons to terrorists. shows that the weakness of the West esied return to this Earth occurs. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 21 WORLD UNITED STATES OLD HAUNT REUTERS The Panama Canal, built, protected and eventually forfeited by the United The Coming Siege States, represents America and Britain’s irrational desire to yield.

Any world power with vast overseas commitments must control the seaways necessary for safe passage of its goods, its citizens and its military forces. Why then have Britain and America so casually yielded up this power they once guarded so jealously? BY RON FRASER

eography is the most stable lective of Australia and New Zealand, ject. Britain lost its remarkable command factor on which the power of a plus Canada in the northern segment of of the high seas, together with its empire, nation depends. the Americas—that generally held sway decades ago. In more recent times, the G Two thirds of the Earth’s sur- over much of Eurasia and Africa. United States gave away control of its face is ocean. Two thirds of its inhab- How could this have come about? crucial southern gateway of Panama and ited land embraces the great land mass There is a very clear strategic reality that its northern sea gate of the Bering Strait. of Eurasia and Africa. The remainder, explains this phenomenon of which most Mackinder’s worst fears are in the pro- which we call the Western Hemisphere, remain ignorant. This ignorance as to the cess of rapidly being realized. is, by comparison, an island in the midst reason this strategic reality was gifted to of the oceans. the Anglo-American peoples is placing The Fight for the World Island Take a look at the polar map (right). them at great risk of its total loss! Over the past two centuries, four dema- Viewed from a perspective directly above Ray S. Cline served as deputy director gogues attempted to seize control of the the North Pole, the geography of the of Intelligence for the Central Intelligence World Island land mass. Napoleon tried Earth’s surface becomes quite plain to Agency from 1962-1966 and played a ma- and was defeated by the Russian winter the eye. The great “World Island”—as the jor role in the Cuba missile crisis of 1962. in 1812. A century later, after Kaiser Wil- early 20th-century British geographer Sir He died in 1996. A principal thesis of his helm had pounded the drums of war, Ger- Halford Mackinder described Eurasia strategic studies was based on turn-of- man general Erich Ludendorff attempted and the conjoined landmass of Africa— the-20th-century geographer Sir Halford an eastern strategy, gaining a spectacular dominates the planet south of the Arctic Mackinder’s concept of the globe. victory over the Russians at the Battle of to the Indian Ocean, east to the South Mackinder “feared a day when Eurasia Tannenberg in 1914, before his subsequent China Sea and west to the Atlantic. and land-linked Africa might become a failure on the Western front. Hitler tried Considering this reality, it is amazing united base of sea power, capable of out- in 1941 and was repulsed by the Soviet that, despite the fact that most of the na- building and outmanning the island na- counter-offensive. At the end of World tions of the Earth dwell on this singularly tions” (Ray S. Cline, The Power of Nations War ii, Stalin, by rolling his tanks clear massive piece of real estate, the greater in the 1990s). This clear-thinking student on into Berlin, commenced the Soviet part of the globe has been dominated since of geography had the presence of mind, Union’s attempts to seize control of Eur- the 19th century by an English-speaking even during the peak of Britain’s naval asia and Africa. The ussr then followed peoples hailing largely from island na- power, to fear the day when the ability up with deliberate incursions into the tions lying off its western perimeter. Yet, to control traffic through the world’s sea Asian and African theaters by infiltrating especially in the days of the dominance lanes would be lost to the English-speak- those regions with insurgents and pro- of the British Empire during most of the ing peoples and vested in the hands of moting conflict. Though this ultimately 19th and the first half of the 20th century, those from the World Island, the world’s led to the anc-Communist takeover of it was the peoples on the periphery of this largest single land and population mass. South Africa in 1994, Communist efforts giant land mass, those of the British Isles Barely a century has passed since in Asia stalled in Korea and Vietnam. and its dominions—the island nation col- Mackinder wrote his essay on this sub- Despite America’s natural tendency

22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 toward isolationism—a fact allowable by locations, missile-deployment systems, primary focus on the Middle East. a combination of its unique positioning and missile submarine pens that would But now, with so many minds, so (separated from the World Island by two threaten the northwestern coast and in- many assets, and a huge portion of funds great oceans) and its being blessed with terior of the U.S. devoted to this effort, the U.S. risks fail- abundant natural resources—earlier gen- The result of these giveaways should ing to secure the very strategic areas erations of military men certainly ap- be obvious to any child of elementary- where it is most vulnerable. preciated the reality behind Mackinder’s school age, or any player of the popular thesis. One such was Rear Adm. Alfred game of Risk: It simply poses the prob- Loss of Isolation Thayer Mahan, a United States Navy offi- able loss of passage to American war- The fact of its separation by the natu- cer, renowned geostrategist and educator. ships through the Panama Canal and ral barriers of the Atlantic and Pacific Admiral Mahan is still considered the Bering Strait should the new pos- oceans from the World Island has worked the world’s most prominent theorist of sessor of this sea gate choose to close it in America’s favor ever since its found- military sea power. A contemporary and down by naval barricade! This handover ing as a nation. These great oceans were friend of Theodore Roosevelt, he authored of America’s northwestern and southern natural barriers to incursion by foreign gateways would appear to be, based foes, only twice breached by surprise air on all recognized authorities on naval attack, in 1941 and 2001. The U.S. main- strategy, akin to national suicide! land has never suffered a successful at- Yet geography was never the real tack on its shores by a seaborne enemy. strength of the average American. To But, even as Japanese Prime Minister so many Americans, isn’t the United Hideki Tojo was very much aware of in States the center of the universe? Don’t 1941, such a maritime nation as the U.S., we have the very best form of govern- in contrast to any landlocked country, ment? Isn’t our god the God of the uni- must maintain a serviceable navy of verse? Aren’t we a really good people? proportions that enable adequate de- THE WORLD FROM Don’t we have the answers to all the fense of its shorelines, in particular, its THE NORTH POLE world’s problems? Isn’t Utopia our pre- ports and harbors. serve? Isn’t our navy so powerful that Great Britain, until recent times, was The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, no nation would attempt to withstand it? historically able to defend its island nation, 1660-1783, widely read as the definitive Well, the plain fact is, that very un- and later its far-flung empire, by great na- text on the strategic employment of naval humble American mindset—of taking val strength, a strength that is no more. power. Mahan’s main premise was that so much for granted—is a fairly modern In recent years, at times Britain’s vastly domination of the sea through the exercise phenomenon. But what hasn’t changed is reduced navy has not had sufficient fuel of naval power was critical to the control the gross ignorance the average Ameri- to leave port, has not had enough shells to of seaborne commerce and thus a crucial can has of the geography of the planet on fire in maritime exercises and has literally element to obtain the advantage in war. His which he or she lives. Sixty years ago, the had to borrow vessels from foreign coun- book became widely influential in strate- American people were shocked into the tries to meet the most minimal of needs. gic circles in his day, particularly within reality that there was, indeed, a whole In contrast, U.S. naval power is over- those nations that later found themselves wide world out there beyond the Ameri- whelmingly the greatest of any nation engaged in World War i. cas, and it was largely hostile to their on Earth. Yet, what good is a navy if it So what has happened to change the peace-loving populace! is denied access to various ports of call present-day military strategists’ view of After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, necessary to carry out its function? Un- this fundamental principle of maintain- President Franklin D. Roosevelt told less that navy controls or substantially ing the power of a nation? his speechwriter, “I am going to ask the influences the nations bordering the sea American people to take out their maps. gates through which it must pass, it may The Great Sea Gate Giveaway I’m going to speak about strange places as well stay put in its home ports. This From a purely human perspective, we that many of them never heard of—plac- is the very weakness in U.S. defense that may perhaps allow that Great Britain, es that are now the battleground of civi- strategists seem to be largely ignoring. broke and exhausted following two great lization.” That was way back in 1942. The In the European theater, America has wars fought in defense of its far-flung Americans, or at least many of them, du- rested on its laurels, progressively draw- empire, might have had no choice but to tifully pulled out their maps of the world ing down its military presence following yield up to its former colonies the pre- from their family libraries and discovered the grand Soviet Union implosion of the cious territory guarding its sea gates. a whole world lying beyond the shores of early 1990s. Especially since the conclu- Yet what excuse does the U.S. have their own island of peculiar isolation. sion of the Balkan wars, U.S. focus has for literally handing over its sovereign Track forward 60 years to 9/11. swung to the Islamic crescent that arcs right to Panama, bought and paid for by This time the hit is far closer to home. from northern Africa, across the Middle the taxes of a previous generation? And Not just on the outlying state of Hawaii, East to the Caucasus. This has involved why did the U.S., five years ago, meekly as in 1941, but right at the heart and core concentrating military assets and strat- give the Russians the islands and ter- of the corporate and the political head- egy in Afghanistan, Iraq and in foreign ritorial seas—including the assets and quarters of America—New York and countries, such as Turkey, which give seabed—of the Bering Strait for so little Washington! That one event skewed ready access to this theater. But as the U.S. in return? This sea gate embraces prime U.S. policymakers’ minds toward the concentrates on this patch of the Earth’s territory for radar and satellite-tracking enactment of a “war on terror,” with its surface, and on a transient enemy that is

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 23 WORLD UNITED STATES proving most elusive, it seems to have lost See the maps below to compare the way it Japan and Russia were able to patch up sight of the devil at its back door. was when Britain and the U.S. controlled the various differences they have over If, as Sir Winston Churchill mused, every major sea gate at the zenith of their disputed territory and form a defensive the Mediterranean is indeed the “soft power, and the way it is today. alliance? Japan’s naval might, added to underbelly” of Europe, then Latin China, the most populous nation on the combined nuclear naval strength of America is that of the U.S. the World Island, exhibiting the fastest China and Russia, would present a for- The U.S. currently faces two glaring growth rate of any national economy in midable force to the West. challenges to its security as a nation: sur- the world, is reaching out beyond its sin- In fact, should these three ally—even prise attack from Islamic extremists, and gular eastern coastline in a grand strate- for a moment in time—with a united Eu- rope, with all four of The groundwork of a punishing siege against Anglo-Americans is being laid. them increasingly ex- a continuing incursion of illegal aliens gic effort to turn the tables on the Western ploiting controlling interests in various through its highly porous southern bor- Hemisphere to which it has played second regions of Africa, the worst fears of Sir der. While America’s military strategists fiddle for centuries. This grand strategy Halford Mackinder would be realized! devote substantial energies to the war on will eventually see China do more than Such an alliance would literally pres- terror, a scattered, grossly undermanned possess most of the world’s crucial sea ent “a united base of sea power,” capable band of state authorities attempt to limit gates—which it already does. As its naval of closing down inbound trade to the is- the overwhelming tide of illegals daily strength gains rapidly from the present land nations. crossing the southern borders of Texas, massive expenditure being devoted to it, The result? Siege by naval blockade! New Mexico, Arizona and California. China, allied with two other great naval Sound crazy? Check your Bible. This is becoming a hot potato that is powers, will ultimately be able to compete proving to be practically, economically on a scale far better than equal with the The Coming Siege and politically impossible for the U.S. U.S. naval presence in the major shipping “Moreover all these curses shall come upon administration to effectively handle. lanes of the world. One factor that limits thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake Yet quite apart from these twin secu- this potential is the present political di- thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou rity headaches, the most vital challenge vide between China and Japan. hearkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord to U.S. security gets little press, and when Already, in step with the biblical thy God, to keep his commandments and it does, it gains little credence. It is sim- prophecy of our times, Russia and China his statutes which he commanded thee … ply the massive strategic potential that have been making friendly overtures to The Lord shall bring a nation against thee China has quietly and steadily gained. each other, even conducting joint naval from far, from the end of the earth … And exercises in the South China Sea. The he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until China’s Gain combined navies of China and Russia thy high and fenced walls come down, Over the past decade, China has been buy- would present a considerable force to wherein thou trustedst, throughout all ing up controlling interests in the crucial any nation with which one or the other, thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy sea gates once almost totally controlled by or both, had a disagreement. gates throughout all thy land, which the Anglo-American interests at the time of But consider. Japan has the second- Lord thy God hath given thee” (Deuter- British and American global supremacy. largest navy in the world. What if China, onomy 28:45, 49-52).

THEN … Land and sea gates possessed by America and Britain at the height of their power.

24 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 Believe it or not, God gave the major chants, the great international corpora- ished upon those who conform willingly island land masses of the world to Brit- tions that traffic their wares through the to it. The same God commanded the na- ain and America—not for any good- world’s seaways, being complicit, just as tion of ancient Israel, from whose roots ness on their part, but in fulfillment of in World War ii, in their support of a ty- came today’s Anglo-American peoples: ancient promises to a biblical patriarch rant’s regime. Such an event would need “I call heaven and earth to record this (explained in our free book The United an alliance with the powers that control day against you, that I have set before States and Britain in Prophecy). the world’s sea gates and sea lanes at the you life and death, blessing and cursing: Neither nation has given God due time. That is coming, believe it or not, therefore choose life, that both thou and credit and honor for these blessings. In- short though its life is destined to be. thy seed may live: That thou mayest love stead, the Anglo-Americans have strayed The groundwork of a punishing siege the Lord thy God, and that thou may- far from their God; their morals lie in against Anglo-Americans is being laid. est obey his voice, and that thou mayest the pits; their greed and selfishness wax It remains for the right moment to ar- cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and strong in the age of consumerism. Cur- rive when Chinese, Japanese, Russian the length of thy days: that thou mayest rent economic “good times” are a façade, and European economic and political dwell in the land which the Lord sware masking the uncontrollable hugeness of will combine to mount a monetary siege unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, national and personal debt. Outsourc- against the dollar—and it will consum- and to Jacob, to give them” (Deuterono- ing might be the buzzword of the age, mate in literal naval blockade of the now my 30:19-20). but, in reality, it bespeaks a nation that largely China-owned sea gates through We simply have a choice! Choose to has handed over its once-greatly prized which the bulk of Anglo-American submit to and obey your Creator, and self-sufficiency by transferring its pro- trade must pass. gain life and “length of days.” The con- ductive knowledge, skills and abilities The results of this siege are proph- sequences of refusing that call to obey offshore to nations of the World Island. esied to be horrific! Read it for yourself your Creator are unfathomably painful, In reality, we have simply transferred the in Deuteronomy 28:53. In fact, read the given the reality of the speed at which ability to effectively exploit the benefits whole chapter and realize that God de- the prophecies of Deuteronomy 28 are of our God-given national blessings to clared this rising scenario fully 3,500 racing toward fulfillment! foreign nations, thereby strengthening years ago through the Prophet Moses! On the surface, it seems a simple and them and weakening ourselves. But does it all end there, with the U.S., obvious choice: Choose life and length of God will not be mocked. He will have Britain and its dominions, the great is- days under God’s protection—or choose His day—and soon! The writing is on the land nations of the West, enslaved by the rebellion against the Creator and endure wall already for those with eyes to see it. hordes of the World Island? the coming siege, and then, in pain, ac- Ezekiel’s prophecy clearly predicts that Thank God it doesn’t! knowledge that you and yours could the hordes of the World Island will ul- have avoided the greatest suffering yet timately gather together in a grand al- The Choice known to man (Matthew 24:21-22). liance (Ezekiel 38:1-7). The prophecies The one true God is a God of great mercy Our prayer is simply that you make the of Revelation 13, 17 and 18 all point to a and compassion, but He commands obe- right choice. Our free booklet Daniel— European superpower actually ruling dience. Why? Because the law He has put Unsealed at Last! may help you in making the world for a short time, with the mer- in motion guarantees blessings to be lav- up your mind—before it is too late. ■

American- or British- owned sea gate Ports controlled by Chinese company Hutchison Whampoa … AND NOW

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 25 WORLDWATCH a Survey of Global Events and Conditions to Keep an Eye on

EUROPE have the best track record factor: To grow its industry, of tolerating what it deems stoke its economy and popu- Putting Muslims to the Test to be alien cultures living in late its military, a country

REUTERS its midst: the Serbs prior to simply must have a young, World War i and the Jews be- growing populace. fore and during World War ii Berlin knows this. are two notable and uncom- Germany and other low- fortably recent examples. birthrate European nations But what is most inter- will soon have to rectify the esting is the demographic situation. And they don’t con- nightmare most European sider unbridled immigration nations will face unless they an acceptable answer. accept massive immigration. But there is another, Europeans simply aren’t more sinister solution to this birthing anywhere near the crisis—portended by his- 2.1 children per woman re- tory and suggested by Bible quired to maintain a popula- prophecy. Though it may tion. As Mark Steyn wrote seem unlikely in modern PROFILED An imam worships at a mosque in Leipzig. in an OpinionJournal.com times, the Bible speaks of a uropean governments beat of high-profile cases of piece, “Germany and Austria European power that will Ewant to make it harder Islamist terrorism within are at 1.3, the brink of the compensate for its lack of for immigrants to attain EU nations, it is hard to fault death spiral; Russia and Italy native manpower by trading citizenship; Germany and the the predominantly Roman are at 1.2; Spain 1.1, about in “slaves, and souls of men” Netherlands lead the charge. Catholic continental popula- half replacement rate. That’s (Revelation 18:13)—a modern A set of proposed tests that tion for getting edgy. At the to say, Spain’s population is revival of a slave trade, des- would be mandatory for in- same time, the global politi- halving every generation. By tined to involve millions. coming immigrants has been cal climate is putting these 2050, Italy’s population will Watching the confluence criticized as anti-Muslim. two cultures more at odds: have fallen by 22 percent, of trends in Europe—declin- The test advocated by one Iran is consistently defying Bulgaria’s by 36 percent, ing birthrates and resulting German state asks about Europe’s three biggest na- Estonia’s by 52 percent” economic strains, increasing a person’s views on forced tions, the United Nations and (January 4). Germany’s xenophobia and the inevi- marriage, homosexuality and the United States; meanwhile birthrate, in fact, was lower table population crunch this women’s rights. In another radical Islamists are gaining last year than in 1945. will create—the prospect of state, a 100-question test asks significant political leverage And though population this frightening prophecy immigrants whether “the in the Middle East. alone doesn’t define national springing to life is becoming applicant believes in Israel’s That said, Europe doesn’t strength, it is a significant more real all the time. right to exist and whether a woman should be allowed in public without the accom- Right-Wingers Making Waves paniment of a male relative” he Nazi censorship right-wingers in Germany (Deutsche Welle, March 16). Tmachine is back. In on the local level is sweeping These culturally charged the former East German across what is widely regard-

questions are considered mild border town of Halberstadt, ed as a secular, liberal-social- GETTY IMAGES compared with immigration the extreme right-wing ist Continent. procedures introduced in National Democratic Party European populations the Netherlands. Applicants (npd) raised a fuss about are electing more right-lean- are tested on their tolerance a March 8 concert there. ing candidates: In Germany VOCAL Supporters of the to homosexuality and nude The npd said the concert’s and Poland, for example, right-wing NPD rally in Berlin. sunbathing. On top of that, motto—“Nazis get out of conservatives now lead their Poland helped shut down a the preparation packet and our town”—was an “unac- respective countries and en- gay and lesbian demonstra- the test itself cost €400. ceptable form of political joy soaring popularity levels. tion last November, attacked German politicians see the campaigning for left-wing Conservative parties, even one a year prior, and has now Netherlands’ moves as “a parties ahead of state extreme-right groups, have made headlines for compiling model for Germany” (ibid.). elections on March 26” gained more seats in national “black lists” of and targeting No question about it: (Deutsche Welle, March 9). legislatures and the European anti-Nazis (ibid., March 4). Europeans are increasingly So, “[f]earing a major con- Parliament over the past half The right’s political rise wary of the Muslim seg- flict with neo-Nazis,” local decade. Their success encour- is a democratic representa- ments of their populations. authorities buckled and ages neo-fascist groups and tion of a shifting psychology With the rise of radical cancelled the event. even increases their political among Europe’s citizens. Last Islam and a steady drum- The rising influence of influence. One such group in year, the Council of Europe

26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 big, it has struc- EU to Ask, What Is Europe? tural problems,

dentifying Europe on a Stoiber, leader of the sis- REUTERS and so on. The Imap might not be too dif- ter party to Chancellor “cultural chasm ficult for anyone with a high Angela Merkel’s Christian was deliberately school education. But try to Democrats, whose career downplayed so identify where Europe ends, analysts pronounced dead the EU could what its borders are, and you when he rejected a seat in avoid criti- need an international summit. Merkel’s cabinet. cism of making Looming over a two-day His comments on a ra- decisions on summit of European Union dio program just before the racial grounds,” leaders at the end of March summit sparked discussion writes Greek in Brussels, Belgium, was on one of the most funda- reporter Costas the question of how big the mental issues facing the Iordanidis EU can be allowed to get and EU: What is Europe? DISCUSSION Germany’s chancellor (left) speaks (Kathimerini, who can join. “At talks before the with her Austrian counterpart, the current EU March 23). “But With the questions still opening of the EU summit president, at the Brussels summit March 23. political cor- looming, foreign ministers … Stoiber called on EU rectness has its have scheduled an informal leaders and foreign ministers place to accept the nation. limits. Politicians must take summit for May to assess to heed public opinion, which Stoiber singled out Turkey people’s concerns into ac- “where Europe’s future he said was against expan- for which, he has always count.” borders lie,” according to sion to Turkey. The leading believed (as does Germany’s It appears Stoiber has the Netherlands’ Ben Bot German conservative said chancellor), the EU does not no qualms about shelving (Associated Press, March future enlargement ‘had to have the “absorption capac- political correctness when it 24). Bot told reporters, be accepted by the citizens’” ity” to accept as a member. comes to sensitive cultural “One of the many questions (China Daily, March 24). That “capacity” has to do issues like EU enlargement Europeans ask is, ‘Are there For a so-called political largely with religious differ- and immigration. And what no borders to the EU that has-been, Stoiber is getting ences. Does the EU have the is becoming increasingly should be fixed?’” quite a lot of press—perhaps “capacity” to accept a Muslim apparent is, his views on A German politician, because he is speaking for nation—even a moderate one enlargement are resonating claiming to speak for pub- public opinion. with a relatively secular gov- with EU leaders. lic sentiment across the He said that the EU, be- ernment—as part of Europe? The European Parliament Continent, stated just before fore accepting any more na- Until now, politicians is determined to define the last week’s conference that tions, should not just consid- have tried to politely push bloc’s “absorption capac- governments “must make er whether a nation is living aside the notion of Turkish ity” by the end of the year. clear where the borders of up to the standards set by the membership in the EU using According to a March 17 Europe are.” The politician EU but also whether the EU politically correct rationale: resolution, members of the is Bavarian Premier Edmund “has the capacity” in the first Turkey’s population is too European Parliament say that “defining the nature” of the EU “is fundamental found that racism and anti- European politics for some The similar pattern to understanding the con- Semitism have increased time—Germany being the being played out in other cept of absorption capacity” alarmingly in France. In key nation to watch. We do European countries only (EurActiv.com, March 22). Austria, racism is a part of not expect the npd or neo- supports the idea that the Europe has quite an is- daily life for some minority Nazis to hijack the country— rest of the Continent will sue on its hands—the one groups (press.coe.int). the stigma attached to such one day unite behind this issue that strikes at the heart Conservatism as a politi- extremists by the majority man with the help of the of what it is. Watch these cal ideology, in and of itself, of Europeans is simply too Vatican. discussions over the coming tends to contribute toward strong. But their increasing A rise in conservative months, prompted by Turkish social and moral stability influence shows the growing governance is reminiscent desire to join the Union. and is far preferable to those power of their views. of a Europe just before One thing is for sure: that erode family and dis- Bible prophecy indicates World War ii. A right- Turkey will never be part courage industry. However, that a strong politician will wing Europe will soon of a united Europe. On that the reason skepticism is war- soon come to power within unite completely to meet matter, Stoiber is right. Bible ranted over this trend within Germany—perhaps more the threats of our modern prophecy indicates that Europe is the shameful his- of a center-right figure who world. Watch this shift in Europe will be united by a tory of extremist right-wing appeals to the extreme right, European psychology reach religious force, as a resur- thinking, even within living but who is sophisticated the point where Germans, rection of the Holy Roman memory, on the Continent. enough to appeal to a much and Europeans as a whole, Empire. It will be a Roman The Trumpet has warned broader swath of a right- cry out for that “all- Catholic union in which of a rise in right-wing leaning populace. European Hitler.” Turkey will have no place.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 27 WORLDWATCH REUTERS ASIA “Irreversible Relationship” Forms t the end of March, projects and acquisitions ARussian President (Financial Times, March 21). Vladimir Putin and 800 Russia’s powerful utili- delegates signed 22 contracts ties corporation, Unified in a two-day visit to Beijing. Energy Systems, also signed The deals cover the gamut: a contract to export elec- installing a natural gas tricity to China’s State Grid pipeline; exporting power to Corporation, while Gazprom China’s energy grid; contrib- and Roseneft inked deals uting space, civil aviation, to supply China’s National agriculture, labor services; Petroleum Corporation. CONTRACTS In a two-day visit to Beijing, Russia’s president anti-terrorism cooperation. Other smaller deals included (left) forged numerous deals with his Chinese counterpart. Among the Sino-Russian cooperation in space, civil deals is an agreement to aviation, agriculture, labor ling the Eurasian land mass the “kings of the east.” build two huge natural gas services and terrorism. from the South China Sea to With China, Russia’s pipelines—one 1,800 miles These sensitive and wide- the Baltic Sea” (March 22). fourth-largest trading part- long—from Russia to China. ranging deals point to an Cohen also suggested that ner, and Russia, China’s If the deal proceeds, Russia undisputable fact: Russia and these energy agreements sig- eighth-largest trading part- will become one of China’s China are forging a sturdy nal Moscow’s preference for a ner, cementing far-reach- largest natural gas suppliers, Eastern power bloc. relationship with China over ing energy and commercial supplying 60 to 80 billion cu- Ariel Cohen of the the United States or Europe. deals—and a second round bic meters of gas—twice what Heritage Foundation, a con- Cohen’s statement falls of joint military exercises China consumed in 2004. servative Washington think right in line with what the planned—the two nations The deal drew sharp criti- tank, was quoted in another Bible says about an end- seem to have decided to cism from European lead- upi article: “This is yet an- time Russian and Chinese lump their fortunes. Russian ers. Why? “Given a lack of other shift in the strategic partnership. According to Foreign Minister Sergei natural gas exploration and balance of power in Eurasia Bible prophecy, Russia and Lavrov says it is an irrevers- production in Russia to meet …. China and Russia as stra- China are to forge a power- ible relationship (ibid.). Russia’s new commitments,” tegic allies are now control- ful Eastern bloc known as It is a relationship to watch. upi wrote, “European lead- ers fear the Kremlin’s com- mitment to China can only WEATHER tinue to hammer the United be met at Europe’s expense” States and its economy. Last (March 22, emphasis ours). U.S. Drought Likely to Persist year was the most active Europe is sensitive be- Atlantic hurricane season on cause of the recent Russian- merica’s weather ing up this season because record, and now a far-above- Ukrainian energy feud that Acurse did not stop when of severe drought in the average number of wildfires saw Europe’s gas supply drop the hurricane season ended Southwest and the southern are scorching the country. precariously low this past last year. The National Plains. noaa also announced Why all these record- winter. For Europe, which re- Oceanic and Atmospheric that the “drought will very breaking catastrophes? lies on Russia for 70 percent Administration (noaa) likely persist or even worsen” Most people ridicule any of its natural gas supplies, the announced on March 16 until June. notion that God would have Sino-Russian deal is another that Southwest and Plain This is taking its toll on anything to do with these blow in its drive to secure states face a potentially the agriculture sector of problems. Even many who primary energy sources. “significant” wildfire sea- the economy. Winter wheat would profess to believe the The latest figures show son this year. Texas and crops took a heavy hit from Bible consider such thinking that for Russia to meet com- Oklahoma have already felt the lack of rain. Stock ponds hopelessly anachronistic and bined Chinese and European the heat. Since January 1, and pastures are drying up out-of-touch. demand, Gazprom would more than 13,000 wildfires in the southern Plains. In But the Bible is filled with have to invest $11 billion a have scorched 930,000 the Texas Panhandle in mid- promises of God blessing year in Russian infrastruc- acres of land, mainly in March, where thousands of obedient people with favor- ture. According to Claude those two states. These people were forced to evacu- able weather and cursing Mandil of the International numbers soar above the ate, at least 10,000 cattle and disobedient people with hos- Energy Agency, Gazprom five-year average of only horses were killed. tile weather. God promises does not have that much 6,363 wildfires burning From hurricanes and the modern-day nations of money at hand because of 98,476 acres annually. flooded cities to drought and Israel (for more on who these its current focus on foreign More wildfires are flam- wildfires, weather woes con- nations are, request our free

28 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 ECONOMY New Zealand—also are the countries with the largest Bank Calls for Global Overhaul “internal imbalances,” such as rising housing and other he world’s economic The bis specifically ac- asset prices. Accordingly, ris- Tand monetary system cused the Bank of England’s ing asset prices “have led to is broken. Granted, this is inflation policies for being higher perceptions of wealth, not new news for regular responsible for Britain’s re- and more spending”—and Trumpet readers. What is cord household debt levels, more debt (ibid.). new is that, in an abrupt saying that by “pushing in- But compounding the neg- BANK OF INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS change of stance, one of terest rates so low [the Bank CONCERN Bank of Internation- ative household savings rates the world’s top banking of England] has encouraged al Settlements in Switzerland in the English-speaking coun- authorities, the Bank for the public to take on more tries is that, on a federal level, International Settlements debt” and has created dan- interest rates at or below the these same countries are also (bis), now warns of a dan- gerous imbalances (ibid.). rate of inflation” (ibid., June running deficits and holding gerously unbalanced world When a central bank 29, 2005; emphasis ours). increasingly large debts—fur- economy and is calling for keeps interest rates low, it The bis specifically rebuked ther contributing to imbal- an “overhaul of the current makes money less expensive the United States for “run- ances like asset bubbles. global economic system” to borrow. Consequently, ning a loose monetary and This is especially so in (Telegraph, February 20). people are more willing to fiscal policy.” the U.S., where the current Furthermore, the bis has take on extra debt to fuel The European Central account deficit is now at a re- suggested that many of the spending. This increased Bank has noted that, in cord level of almost 7 percent world’s nations should aban- supply of easy money and the Europe too, interest rates are of the country’s gross do- don their currency and adopt subsequent extra spending at “historical lows” and when mestic product (value of all one of a small number of translates into increased de- adjusted for inflation they are goods and services produced formal currency blocs “based mand for assets and results practically zero or negative— in one year). When other on the dollar, euro, and ren- in rising asset prices—such just as they are in the U.S. countries, such as Argentina, minbi or yen” (ibid.). as in the housing market. When inflation-adjusted have approached and ex- For a major bank to call Further enticing people to interest rates are zero or ceeded this percent, their for such drastic action, it take on more debt, as point- negative, it destroys people’s currencies have experienced must recognize a big prob- ed out by the bis last year, incentive to save. For ex- a marked drop in value. lem. That problem is soaring is the fact that the “world’s ample, if you were to put So just where are all these debt levels. central banks … [have held] $100 into a savings account imbalances leading? To a that earns 3 percent inter- huge crash—the biggest ever. est, after one year you would What is preventing a book The United States and and the piece whereupon it have $103. However, if infla- crash for now is the fact that Britain in Prophecy), upon rained not withered.” Can tion is running at 4 percent, demand for U.S. dollars is obedience to His command- we see this scripture come after one year (and taking still strong because the dol- ments, “rain in due season” alive in recent months? into account your interest lar is the world’s reserve cur- so the “land God is send- earned) your $100 has actu- rency—a status now being shall yield her ing severe ally become worth only $99 challenged. Once that status increase, and and extreme in inflation-adjusted terms. deteriorates, then watch out! REUTERS the trees of the droughts, In other words, by sav- As America’s economic field shall yield as well as ing money, you actually lose imbalances and debt build their fruit” other natural money. up, even its current status as (Leviticus disasters, to In its recent report, the bis the reserve currency control- 26:4). motivate this noted that the debt problem ler will not prevent it from On the other nation to re- went beyond Britain and was becoming vulnerable to hand, God pentance. especially bad in “a number currency collapse and hyper- also says the WILD A grass fire burns in These of English-speaking coun- inflation. modern-day Oklahoma January 1. weather tries [where] a decade-long Since raising taxes and nations of Israel will experi- warnings we receive now reduction in the household slashing benefits and servic- ence curses if they don’t obey. are nothing compared to saving rate and a significant es are tantamount to politi- Amos 4:7 says, “And also I the far greater disasters the increase in consumption” cal suicide, watch for govern- have withholden the rain U.S. and the world will soon has been occurring (op. cit.). ment leaders to try to take from you, when there were experience. Powerful forces As reported by the the seemingly easier path out yet three months to the har- of nature are yet to be fully Telegraph, the bis high- of debt—the path they have vest: and I caused it to rain unleashed (see Revelation lighted the fact that the already started down—the upon one city, and caused it 6:5-8 and Revelation 8:4-12). countries with the larg- path that might be hid for a not to rain upon another city: Relief from adverse weather est external deficits—the little while longer, the infla- one piece was rained upon, will only come if we repent. U.S., the UK, Australia and tionary path.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 29 RELIGION here is no doubt Dan Brown’s mystery novel The Da Vinci Code has ignited millions’ interest in Jesus Christ. Sadly, Tall the curiosity has little to do with the truth. Brown’s book is based on teach- ings from heretical Gnostic gospels re- jected by early Christian leaders. Its wild popularity demonstrates that millions are bored with the Bible, and that human beings prefer fiction over fact. The Apos- tle Paul warned Timothy: “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4). We are living witnesses to this fact. It is happening right before our eyes. Now religious scholars are eagerly Who was Jesus Christ? Why did He come to this waiting the unveiling of another Gnos- Earth? What did He accomplish? Here is amazing tic gospel—that of Judas. National Geo- graphic, hoping to ride the Brown tidal truth about Jesus Christ. BY DENNIS LEAP wave, is expected to release the first translation of this ancient Egyptian Coptic text near the same time Brown’s book hits movie screens. Since it appeared in 1983, the “gospel of Judas” has been surrounded with in- trigue. The fragile document has been blocked from view because of intense in- ternational negotiations. It was purport- edly stolen from Egypt and then caught in decades of illicit trafficking. At one time, the manuscript was offered to col- lectors for $3 million. Now scholars will finally get to see the document. Will it be as valuable religiously as it has been internationally? Some people want the gospel to be similar in style to Brown’s novel—“everything you thought you knew about Jesus and Judas is wrong”— for purely monetary purposes. A heavy price has been paid to obtain and trans- late the document. So, if the gospel of (when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzing- are part of a movement to shift people’s Judas is like Brown’s book, there could er) is more effusive. ‘Jesus’s words about focus away from the incredible truths be a rich return. Judas [“It had been good for that man about Jesus Christ onto meaningless However, what is truly tragic is that if he had not been born”] are tough,’ he and false religious fantasy. Yet, not only some want the heretical gospel to be told Time. But ‘Judas wasn’t guilty. He scholars and the media are guilty: Tradi- similar to Brown’s novel to undermine was necessary. Somebody had to betray tional Christianity shares the blame for the truth about Judas’s reprehensible be- Jesus. Judas was the victim of a design the attack on the truth. trayal of Christ. Some scholars will not bigger than himself’” (February 27). Why is traditional Christianity at be satisfied until they fully tear apart Could any religiously sane person ac- fault? Many different views of Jesus people’s faith in the divinely inspired cept that Judas was not guilty of the sin- Christ are taught within a much-divided truth about Jesus and Judas. David van gle greatest betrayal in human history? Christianity. It is no wonder many throw Biema reported in Time about the new Shouldn’t religious institutions stand up their hands up and ask, “What is the gospel: “[T]he rumor of its publication strongly against such heretical slop? The truth?” Much falsehood is being spread has stirred intriguing discussion. Que- title of Time’s article about the Gnos- about Jesus Christ within churches ried by the newspaper La Stampa, Vati- tic gospel was “A Kiss for Judas.” How claiming to follow Christ. Jesus testified can historian Monsignor Walter Brand- far off is modern religion when Judas is to this very fact in Matthew 24:4-5. He muller noted that the tractate might shed portrayed as a star and not a villain? looked into our time and warned that light on early Christianity even if the text many would teach that He was Christ— had been found heretical. Vittorio Mes- NOT SATISFIED WITH CHRIST and deceive many! sori, a layman who has co-written books You need to see that Brown’s book and So, what are the fruits of modern re- with popes John Paul ii and Benedict xvi the media hype over the gospel of Judas ligion? People are skeptical about and

30 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 31 his Mys- Does God Does God Proof of the Bi- . THE SECOND ADAM SECOND THE can guide He in you your study.) Read this verse with unbiased eyes. It The same opportunity had beenof- God scrubbed the plan angels for and Those steeped in education based of interest.) Within the pages of the the of pages the Within interest.) of To fullyTo understand this point, you Here is what the Bible says about the cre- the about says Bible the what is Here ation man. of After creating all the ani- mals after their kinds, God said: “Let us make man in our image, after our like- ness: and let them dominion have over the fish the of sea, and the the of over fowl air, and the over cattle, and all over the that thing creeping every over and earth, 1:26). (Genesis earth” the upon creepeth is incredible. Man did descend not from animals. are created after We the God kind! Man is created in God’s likeness physically. Further, God is in the process spiritually, image His in man creating of building His very righteous character in all who are willing. Man Why? was creat- ed to rule. His first dominion is Earth, as a testing ground. After Earth, man will be given the entire universe 2:8). (Hebrews fered to angels. God But wants proof that created beings will rule under His great government and authority. Lucifer, the most powerful, capable and talented angelic being God could create, became infectedwith pride and vanity. re- He fused to rule this Earth God’s (Isa- way kick to iah 14; Ezekiel wanted He to rule 28). angels of rebellion a led He way. God off the throne the of universe Pe- (2 Lucifer becameter 2:4; 6). Jude Satan, and his angels, demons. Through their ruin. to Earth brought they rebellion, began again it with man. Why? Because theof angelic catastrophe, God knew He could rely only on Himself to rule and preserve the universe. God is Now Himself This man. through recreating subject is thoroughly covered in tery of the Ages on the theory of evolution and liberal liberal and evolution of theory the on must first the existence prove the of Al- mighty God. (Our free booklet Exist? holdsa high purpose all for mankind. Second, that must you prove the is Bible (You God. of Word inspired divinely the findmay ourfree booklet ble Bible is incredible revelation that only God can give to man. Armstrong Mr. of- ten referred to the Bible as a coded book. In our time, the code has been broken. The Bible is the mystery thrill-ride of all time! God will anyone for decipher it who is willing to believe and obey it. com- Mystery first MAY 2006 MAY . This book clearly WHY JESUS CAME CAME JESUS WHY this book. It will this It sent book. be Mr. ArmstrongMr. wrote: been taught or think. Her- think. or Why did Jesus Christ come? taught is the not It reason most have been bert Armstrong wrote: “Jesus did Satan’s come to save not whileworld Satan sits the on The Sea of Galilee is one of many places where Jesus Christ taught. and walked WHERE HE WALKED HE WHERE the Bible in his book ISTOCK PHOTO of the Ages explains Jesus why came. You need free to you upon request. “Neither professing Christians theirnor scholarly theologian a leaders thetoday comprehend is That purposesmajor came!” which for Christ Jesus we proof, On statement. bold right. is Armstrong Mr. know What Are about be- you you? Bi- fascinating the taught ing ble truth Jesus about Christ? Or are being you taught about Christ,a made-up the cre- limitedation some man’s of pur- the know you Do mind? poses Jesus for Christ coming to this Earth? The majority peo- most Shockingly, not. do ple just have fuzzy notions. about picture clear a need We Christ Jesus accom- what plished while on Earth. THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTHE If Jesus come the to save didn’t world, throne deceiving them. Jesus will save the His at world Second Coming, when then, didSatan Why, shall away. be put Jesus come more than years 1,900 ago? to rule,Not to reign all not over nations, the to save not while world Satan still Thisrules is certainly them” (ibid.). over an unorthodox statement. The truth of unorthodox. is Bible the then did why There come? He five were main purposes Christ’s for ing. Armstrong Mr. continued: “His human birth was the arrival the of ‘sec- had come … to qualify, Adam.’ He ond where the first Adam failed, to replace the former archangel Lucifer the on ruling with the Earth, the of throne for- is fact This God.” of government stranger appears It people. most eign to than science any of work fiction. The Da Vinci Code Vinci Da The

Herbert W. Armstrong Herbert summarized W. During the Passover season, people

his life’s work ashis work a passionate life’s student of loyal to Christ. these works contains truth is being dis- rent hubbub about hubbub rent educator or minister who says either of lesson is: Don’t betraylesson Christ. is: Don’t The cur- and gospel Judas of does just that. Any be learned from Judas. The number-one not Judas!not Certainly there are lessons to and what He accomplished on Earth— on accomplished He what and should focus the on truth about Christ

pawn in God’s plan. even suggest that Judas was a victim—a Christ. is simply It crude blasphemy to being made to look important more than are delivering what people want. Judas is some new thing. The media and scholars ally starved people going about seeking dissatisfied with Christ. We see spiritu- see dissatisfied with Christ. We RELIGION Christianity view the creation of Adam dom of heaven is at hand.” The two in- not know that the Kingdom of God is as myth or allegory. Yet he was a real cidents are directly related. Jesus Christ the ruling Family of God—potentially human being with the same intellectual could not preach the coming Kingdom consisting of billions of sons of the stat- faculties we enjoy today. The Bible record of God until Satan was deposed. Mr. ure of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Rec- shows that God explained fully to Adam Armstrong stated: “Jesus Christ, the ognize that the Kingdom of God will be and Eve their transcendent purpose, and second Adam, had qualified! Never a world-ruling kingdom. Jesus Christ He educated them about how to achieve until that minute could the good news will be King over the entire Earth. His it. God then tested their obedience and of the coming Kingdom of God be an- bride—the true Church of God—will be loyalty to what He had revealed. How? nounced to the world. Now the Son of ruling right next to Him. The Kingdom He allowed Satan to get to them (Gen- God resisted and conquered Satan—had of God is not some spiritual sentiment. esis 3). This fallen angel was successful qualified to reestablish God’s gov- The Prophet Daniel knew what the in tempting Adam and Eve to disbelieve ernment and set up the Kingdom of Kingdom of God was all about. Study God. Appealing to their vanity, Satan God on the Earth” (ibid.). Daniel 2:36-45. This chapter gives the in- was able to convince Adam and Eve to So the second purpose for Christ’s first credible history of the world-ruling em- live life independently of God. Human- coming was “to announce the future es- pires since the time of Nebuchadnezzar. ity has suffered terribly ever since. tablishment of the Kingdom of God and Daniel talks about four empires ruled by When Adam and Eve failed, God did men—the Babylonian, Persian, Greek not abandon His plan for man. All along, and Roman. The fifth world empire— God intended to provide the means to The Kingdom of God the Kingdom of God—will last forever. rescue man from the clutches of the ad- will be a world-ruling It is time you come to understand the versary. He did this through the person true good news brought by Jesus Christ. and example of Jesus Christ. kingdom. Jesus Christ When Christ came to the Earth, He DIE FOR US had to do what the first Adam failed to will be King over Mr. Armstrong explained Christ’s third do—overcome Satan. Jesus Christ’s uni- purpose on Earth: “to take on Himself, as verse-shaking battle with Satan is record- the entire Earth. His our direct Creator, the penalty for our sins ed in Matthew 4. This chapter is seldom bride—the true Church by His death on the cross—that we might discussed in churches, yet it is pivotal to share in that [future] world” (ibid.). coming to a full understanding of Jesus of God—will rule Many today have stripped the divin- Christ. Study this chapter thoroughly. ity from Jesus Christ. Many agree that Mr. Armstrong wrote: “This perhaps was right next to Him. Jesus was a great religious leader. Only a the most important, momentous, decisive few know about Jesus Christ’s pre-exis- confrontation and battle ever fought in all teach that prophetic good news (gospel) tence as the Word of God. time in the universe” (ibid.). to His chosen future apostles” (ibid.). This astounding truth is written down The battle between Christ and Satan Jesus Christ was simply the greatest clearly for us in John’s Gospel. He states: concluded with Christ as victorious. Win- newscaster of all time. When He walked “In the beginning was the Word, and the ning this battle over Satan not only quali- the Earth, He literally passed on to the Word was with God, and the Word was fied Jesus Christ to assume the throne of people at that time the shocking news God. The same was in the beginning with Earth, but by doing so He also opened the headlines of today and of the world just God. … And the Word was made flesh, way for all mankind to rule as members ahead of us. The biggest story—“Jesus and dwelt among us …” (John 1:1-2, 14). of the Family of God. The Apostle Paul Christ Returns to Start New Civiliza- Jesus was God. He had an eternal history explains: “The first man Adam was made tion”—will be written in our generation. with God before the creation of angels, a living soul; the last Adam was made a God had prophesied centuries before the universe and man. The astounding quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not Jesus Christ was born that a Messenger truth is that the Word was made flesh. first which is spiritual, but that which is would come to this Earth and bring good Why did the Word have to be made natural; and afterward that which is spir- news directly from God (Malachi 3:1). flesh? Mr. Armstrong explained: “Why itual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, did just was it necessary that Jesus be actually the second man is the Lord from heaven. that (Hebrews 1:1-3). He foretold of a time God in the human flesh? Why was it As is the earthy, such are they also that when “all things” would be restored (Acts necessary that He be God? Why was it are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such 3:21). Satan has removed the government necessary that He be human? As God, are they also that are heavenly. And as of God from Earth and, to this point in He was the Maker of all mankind. In we have borne the image of the earthy, time, has successfully suppressed the Ephesians 3:9 it is revealed that God cre- we shall also bear the image of the heav- truth of God (Romans 1:18; 2 Corinthi- ated all things by Jesus Christ. When Je- enly” (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). This verse ans 4:4). When Jesus Christ returns, all sus was born as a human, His life as our is enough to make one dizzy. Jesus Christ of Satan’s evil works will be undone. The Maker was greater than the sum total of came to make it a reality. creative work of God throughout the all human lives. Since it is humans who universe will proceed uninterrupted. have sinned and come under the death ANNOUNCE KINGDOM OF GOD Man is destined to have a significant penalty, God’s law required human Just after defeating Satan, Jesus Christ role in that wonderful future. death as the penalty for human sin. But, began His earthly ministry. Matthew 4:17 How real is the Kingdom of God to as our Maker, Jesus was the only human tells us, “From that time Jesus began to you? Modern Christianity does not whose death could pay the penalty for preach, and to say, Repent: for the king- teach about the Kingdom of God. It does the sins of all humans.

32 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 “In no other way could the Creator important to recognize that salvation and why is the Church. Few know the an- God have redeemed a vast human- comes through the resurrection. swers. You must come to know. Who can ity condemned to the penalty of death” According to the master plan of God, answer those questions for you? (ibid.). As our Maker, Jesus Christ proved there is a time order for salvation. Paul Jesus Christ promised His disciples: His loyalty to His creation and His deep explains: “But now is Christ risen from “I will build my church; and the gates devotion to the plan of God to build a the dead, and become the firstfruits of of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mat- divine Family. them that slept. For since by man came thew 16:18). Jesus Christ promised that Jesus Christ was the God of the Old death, by man came also the resurrec- His Church would always exist. Where is Testament. He revealed Himself to Mo- tion of the dead. For as in Adam all die, Christ’s Church today? Is it possible that ses as the “I Am” in Exodus 3:14. In Isaiah even so in Christ shall all be made alive. the Church includes all the disagreeing 57:15, Christ is described as the “high and But every man in his own order: Christ sects we see around us? The Bible clearly lofty One.” The people, upset that Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are states that God is not the author of con- taught with authority, essentially asked Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the fusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He works Him, “Who do you think you are?” He end, when he shall have delivered up the through one group of people at a time. responded, “Before Abraham was, I am” kingdom to God, even the Father …” He also states clearly that it would not (John 8:58). Read the rest of the account. (1 Corinthians 15:20-24). Mr. Armstrong be a large organization (Luke 12:32). You Jesus Christ told the people of His day need to locate God’s one true Church. who He was. They did not believe Him, The purpose for the Church is direct- and they tried to stone Him for revealing The astonishing truth is ly tied to God’s purpose for creating hu- the truth. Yet, Christ was still willing to that Jesus Christ is the man beings. God intends to re-establish die for them, for us and for all humans His government on Earth. Christ estab- who have ever lived or will live. only firstborn Son in lished the Church to train leaders to rule The astounding reality is, Jesus with Him at His Second Coming. Mr. Christ’s death was the death of a God. the Family of God. Armstrong explained: “The Church may What a commitment God and Christ be called God’s teachers’ college to pre- have made to us. Can we grasp it? Paul Multiple millions more pare rulers and teachers for the Kingdom thoroughly explains how precious the will enter into the God of God when God does offer redemption blood of Jesus Christ is in Hebrews 9: 11- and eternal life to the world as a whole. 15, 26-27. Study these verses. Family through a “The Church was planned to be When we deeply meditate on all these God’s instrumentality for calling pre- important facts, doesn’t Jesus Christ de- resurrection. destined human beings out of this world serve our highest respect? to be trained for positions of leadership explained: “[O]ne more supremely vital in the World Tomorrow, when they shall OPEN THE RESURRECTION truth. The resurrection of Jesus from the teach and train others. That is why in the What is the reward of the saved? Most dead was that of a human being and the New Testament, the Church is called the assume that it is a life of ease in heaven. only one that could make possible the firstfruits of God’s salvation” (ibid.). Are Nowhere in the Bible is man promised resurrection of humans, once dead, to you training to rule with Christ? The Bi- heaven. The Bible clearly states that immortal life” (ibid.). Recognize that the ble states emphatically that the true peo- man’s afterlife will come through a res- resurrection of the dead is all about the ple of God are kings and priests in train- urrection from the dead. Jesus Christ God Family. God intends to give men ing (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). The true Chris- told His disciples: “I am the resurrection “eternal God-life.” tian life is one of work, effort and study. and the life” (John 11:25). He boldly de- The astonishing truth is that Jesus It is similar to preparing for an exciting, scribes the resurrection in John 5:25-29. Christ is the only firstborn Son in the challenging and rewarding career. Christ demonstrated His power and au- Family of God (Romans 8:29). Multiple Paul criticized the Hebrews for fall- thority to resurrect the dead by bringing millions more will enter into the God ing behind in their training as teachers Lazarus back to life (John 11). The fourth Family through a resurrection. Af- (Hebrews 5:12). What about you? Is your purpose for Christ’s first coming was to ter His resurrection, Jesus Christ told religious life a training ground, prepar- open the resurrection for mankind. Mary Magdalene: “[G]o to my breth- ing you for an awesome future of accom- Mr. Armstrong continued, “And He ren, and say unto them, I ascend unto plishment? Or is it a stale, boring, going had come … to be resurrected from the my Father, and your Father; and to my through meaningless motions kind of ex- dead by God, making possible eternal God, and your God” (John 20:17). Jesus istence? Your religion should be mean- God-life for the people of God and af- Christ and God the Father are so excit- ingful, thrilling and successful. You ter His Second Coming for all who are ed to have a family. are responsible to take the first steps to willing, of all humanity, who have ever make sure that happens. Then God will lived on this Earth” (ibid.). Many speak ESTABLISH HIS CHURCH bless your efforts. about the resurrection from the dead in Mr. Armstrong gave the fifth purpose To get the full meaning of the five vague terms. None but the Church of for Christ’s first coming: “to establish points discussed in this article will re- God understands the full significance of God’s Church, to be trained to rule un- quire much additional study. Will you this doctrine. The Bible shows that there der Him” (ibid.). In Mystery of the Ages, devote the time? Realize that no Gnos- are three resurrections. For a further ex- Herbert Armstrong discusses one of the tic gospel can give you the depth of un- planation, please request our free reprint greatest mysteries in our time: the an- derstanding that God can through the article “The Three Resurrections.” It is swers to the questions what is the Church, pages of His Bible. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 33 LETTERS coming, why would you want to bring school education was for students at- Don’t Forget India children into that suffering? Many of my tending college, but not for students Being an Indian, I appreciate your friends and I don’t have children for that learning to work with their hands, effort in raising your readers’ under- reason alone. Also, the economy is not rather than their minds, in manual vo- standing about India (“Don’t Forget what it was when you baby-boomers were cational skills! … Without an educated India,” April). … However, I don’t agree growing up! It is three times harder to direct labor workforce in the United with your conclusion that eventually raise a family financially nowadays than States, manufacturing jobs are going India will align with China. There is it was for you! That’s why many people overseas where there continues to exist very little in common between modern in my generation (Generation X-ers) still an educated workforce capable of set- China and eternal India. A non-demo- live with their families until later in age. ting up, operating and programming cratic, anti-religious China does not Another main reason is that it is really, Computer Numerical Control machine offer any coherence with democratic really hard to find a decent partner and tools. The idea that academically defi- and religious India. … have a good relationship nowadays! It’s cient young people can be taught to run Sanjay Mishra—Indiana hard to find someone you can trust or the machines is an academic myth! The Trumpet bases its assessments on the have a family with. I appreciate what Richard Becker—Broomfield, Colo. prophecies of the Bible. In many cases, the you said to a certain degree, but I have a ■ prophesied outcome can appear contrary to problem with how so many churches (not present circumstances. But God has proven just yours) don’t have anyone young giv- I grew up in Lawton, Okla., went His infallibility in fulfilling His prophecies in ing their input on what the real problems to Okla. State, and joined the Infantry enough cases to give us confidence that those are today or any young ministers (at least after I graduated from osu. I am now remaining will occur as He has said. 40 and below!) speaking on behalf of serving in the 101st here in Samarra, ■ Generation X and the one behind us! … Iraq (where the big mosque was blown Brent Berg—Arizona up). For years I have been reading your First, I have just picked up my first We certainly sympathize with your concerns magazine and have been amazed and copy of the Trumpet and find myself and frustrations. As evils in this world increase, intrigued by your sage outlook on world embracing a magazine that speaks the so do the challenges of building godly families. events. Thank you so much for the wis- truth. After many years of traveling However, becoming educated in God’s family dom and info I can only find at your abroad and working for this great na- laws, and seeking God’s guidance and protec- website (www.theTrumpet.com). … tion, I have concluded that the politi- tion, provides us with the tools we need to fulfill Paul Gray—Iraq cians and military will never solve the this beautiful task. Incidentally, the author of ■ turmoil in the world. Additionally, our that commentary, whom you presumed to be a religious institutions have been used … baby boomer, is a 33-year-old minister with a African Corruption to fuel much of the fire and resentment wife and two daughters. We will consider print- I have been receiving your magazine toward other cultures and religions. ing articles addressing the problems you raised. for quite sometime now …. [It] makes Having experienced many religions ■ you think about what God thinks of and many cultures, I can honestly say every situation occurring in the world. that there is truly good and bad in this I have been getting the Trumpet for I must, however, make some complaint world, not defined by religion or culture, a while now. When I read the first mag- about the impression most writers have but actions of individuals and groups. azine I was hooked. I knew there was a about Africa. Although it’s a known fact … The absence of religion in America’s reason for all the events that are hap- that most African leaders are corrupt, diplomatic processes has led us down the pening in the world. I didn’t know how it’s also a fact that their money is kept in wrong path. Let’s ask ourselves how we to analyze it until I read your magazine. banks abroad, especially in Western na- measure our effectiveness and if we are A lot of people do keep their heads in tions. From this it could be deduced that helping solve the world’s problems. … the ground like they don’t know what although the African leaders are corrupt, Todd—South Carolina is happening. But I do know that it is in a way they are assisted by the Western ■ going to get worse before it gets better. nations. This is not good for Africa. Sec- Thanks for keeping me informed and ondly, Africa is not a place without hope Unpopular Parenthood keep up the good work. You can’t reach like you say in your magazine. I like what you say sometimes, but us all but the ones you do appreciate it. Shoyoye Omotayo—Lagos, Nigeria sometimes you are very presumptuous Frances Bugera—St. Pierre Jolys, Man. The Trumpet is a message of hope. But we and judgmental without having a true ■ do not put our hope in man—whether from grasp on how it is to be a young person Africa, the West or anywhere else. Our hope is today, such as your article talking about Death of Manufacturing in God, whose law, properly obeyed, frees us population (“Unpopular Parenthood,” As a former high school Industrial from corruption, and who alone has the ulti- April). I agree that abortion is wrong Education teacher 1966-72, I knew that mate solutions to the problems plaguing every and that it is a contributor to this drop in “The Death of American Manufactur- continent in this world. population, but there are much, much ing” (February) began in the late ’70s larger problems with this issue! … For and was declared “obsolete smokestack one, it is such a cruel and evil world to- industry” in the early ’80s. The problem Comments? day, many young people today don’t want was the lack of an educated direct labor [email protected] to bring children into this world! If it’s workforce. In the mid ’60s, the nation’s or: The Trumpet, P.O. Box 1099, going to end soon and the Tribulation is schools declared that an academic high Edmond, OK 73083

34 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 COMMENTARY Overpraised Children The fallacy in feeding our youth’s self-esteem BY JOEL HILLIKER am even more amazing than I thought.” “Today attitudes only alienate other people. At the same time—almost I will remind myself that I am a marvel.” These syr- paradoxically—the overpraised child can be addicted to ap- upy “thoughts for the day,” found in the book Today I proval from others. Am Lovable: 365 Positive Activities for Kids, represent a Children who are taught self-worth with no link to personal “Imyth that infects modern child rearing and education. This false achievement generally face crushing shocks when reality finally idea, intended to help our children, actually damages them. comes knocking, challenging their artificially high opinions of What is it? That praise is not just the best, but in fact the themselves. As we approach adulthood, praise dries up; life’s tri- only, motivator for children. als get tougher. The overpraised child, having long been shielded This idea saturates children’s programs and interactive toys from small failures, finds sudden, big failures overwhelming. and games. When a child does something right, rather than a When we look at this issue spiritually, we really see its sinister simple “That’s right!” they say, “Wow—you’re really smart!” side. The originator of the self-esteem movement is Satan, whose American schools in particular emphasize self-esteem as heart was lifted up because of his beauty, who was obsessed with the chief virtue, divorced from achievement or even effort. his own brightness (Ezekiel 28:17). This spirit being, the prince Thus, children are routinely sheltered from the sting of of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), pumps our carnal failure—and therefore trapped in a sunny fantasy human nature with his egomaniacal attitudes. (Our free world in which bad behavior and poor performance booklet What Is Human Nature? explains this truth.) In have no negative consequences. other words, our children already get enough training in The kernel of truth in this myth is that children loving themselves above all others without any prodding grow up and perform best in a positive environment— from misguided educators and overeager parents. that an enduring climate of criticism can be wither- God, eminently aware of our vain proclivities, filled ing. Of course we want our children to be confi- His Bible with warnings against flattery and insin- dent, well-adjusted and happy. But overpraise is cere praise like these: “… a flattering mouth wor- not the way to get them there. keth ruin”—“A man that flattereth his neighbour In a book called The Feel-Good Curriculum: spreadeth a net for his feet” (Proverbs 26:28; 29:5). The Dumbing Down of America’s Kids in the In Psalm 49, God spells out “the fate of those who Name of Self-Esteem, Maureen Stout pinpoints sev- have foolish confidence” (verse 13, Revised Stan- eral destructive myths that have taken root in our edu- dard Version), and it isn’t pretty. cational system—including: high expectations damage That’s not to say that praising our children is wrong, of self-esteem; evaluation is punitive, stressful and damag- course. We should think on what is praiseworthy and com- ing to self-esteem; discipline is bad for self-esteem; effort mendable (e.g. Philippians 4:8). But empty, indiscriminate is more important than achievement; it is the teacher’s, praise means nothing. Children should receive sincere, spe- not the student’s, responsibility to ensure learning. cific praise when appropriate. When they scrawl out a crayon Let’s face facts: High self-esteem is wildly overrated. picture of clouds, “That’s gorgeous!” is less meaningful—and Repeated studies have proven that bloated self- less truthful—than something along the lines of, “I like

worth doesn’t improve a child’s academic per- ISTOCKPHOTO how you’re using different colors,” or, “Wow—you’re formance, strengthen his interpersonal relation- learning how to draw on paper what you see outside.” ships, help him avoid self-destructive behavior Such conversations also lend themselves more to or translate into adult success. In fact, it often your giving gentle guidance on how to improve the hinders a person in all these areas. next time. Handled correctly, constructive criti- Is this any surprise? A child raised on the cism won’t make our children flinch. We want notion that he is a marvel—just as he is—has them to accept it as a boon to personal growth no motivation to improve. and a crucial part of life. Loving correction, gra- Stout makes a strong case that these ideas, which ciously received, is one of life’s greatest gifts. That is a lesson infect our public schools from kindergarten through college, even our children can begin to understand. lead directly to narcissism (preoccupation with self), detach- Rather than trying to inject our children with self-worth, ment from one’s community, rejection of absolute truth, and we need to help them see reality—the way God helps His chil- cynicism. She also shows a correlation with the dumbing down dren. And reality is this: You are a child. As you strive, you of curricula, grade inflation, loss of motivation (among teach- grow. You have much yet to learn. But I love you, and always ers as well as students), an unmerited sense of entitlement and will—even when you fail—as long as you never give up. the ridiculing of critical thinking skills. Consider: It is only when we recognize our own inadequa- Do we really want our children thinking, “I am even more cies that we can see the need to seek God’s help to live the right amazing than I thought”? As one educator put it, who in the way —the way that will bring happiness. As Jesus Christ told world wants to hang out with someone who thinks like that? us, “Without me ye can do nothing”—clearly the opposite Studies have shown that self-esteem can actually become self- of self-worth. In the end, our children will need to recognize, delusion—a conviction that you are more popular, more ca- deep in their heart, that, like all human beings, they can do pable, more loved, than is really the case. Such self-centered nothing without God. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 35 UNITED STATES Georgia, Brunswick WPXC 6:00 am, Fri Michigan, Marquette WBMK 9:30 am, Sun Nationwide satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am Georgia, Columbus WBG 9:30 am, Sun Minnesota, Duluth-Superior KWBD 8:30 am, Sun ET, Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun Georgia, Macon WBMN 9:30 am, Sun Minnesota, Mankato KWYE 8:30 am, Sun Direct TV DBS WGN Chan. 307 8:00 am ET, Sun Georgia, Savannah WBVH 9:30 am, Sun Minnesota, Minneapolis KPXM 5:00 am, Fri Dish Network Ch. 181 6:00 am ET, Fri Hawaii, Hawaii Na Leo Chan. 54 6:30 am, Sun; 8:30 Mississippi, Biloxi-Gulfport WBGP 8:30 am, Sun Dish Network DBS WGN Chan. 239 8:00 am ET, am, Wed Mississippi, Columbus-Tupelo-West Point WBSP Hawaii, Maui/Lanaii/Molokai/Niihau Sun; WWOR Chan. 238 9:00 am ET, Sun Akaku Chan. 52 8:30 am, Sun 6:30 pm, Sun; 3:30 am, Mon Mississippi, Greenwood-Greenville WBWD 8:30 Nationwide cable WGN 8:00 am ET, Sun Hawaii, Kaui Ho’ Ike Chan. 52 9:30 am, Tue am, Sun Northeast cable WWOR 9:00 am ET, Sun Idaho, Boise KWOB 10:30 am, Sun Mississippi, Hattiesburg-Laurel WBHA 8:30 am, Alabama, Birmingham WPXH 5:00 am, Fri Idaho, Idaho Falls-Pocatello KWIB 10:30 am, Sun Sun Alabama, Dothan WBDO 8:30, Sun Idaho, Twin Falls KWTE 10:30 am, Sun Mississippi, Meridian WBMM 8:30 am, Sun Alabama, Montgomery WBMY 8:30, Sun Illinois, Bloomington-Peoria WBPE 8:30 am, Sun Missouri, Columbia-Jefferson City KJWB 8:30 Alaska, Anchorage KWBX 8:30 am, Sun lllinois, Chicago WCIU 9:30 am, Sun; 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36 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 JERUSALEM from page 16 KWMK 10:30 am, Sun Wisconsin, Eau Claire-La Crosse WBCZ 8:30 am, those countries, and entering into the North Dakota, Fargo-Valley City WBFG 8:30 am, Sun “glorious land”—Jerusalem! Sun Wisconsin, Milwaukee WPXE 5:00 am, Fri Ohio, Cleveland WVPX 6:00 am, Fri Wisconsin, Rhinelander-Wausau WBWA The major cause of contention be- Ohio, Lima WBOH 9:30 am, Sun 8:30 am, Sun tween the Arab people and Europe will Ohio, Steubenville-Wheeling WBWO 9:30 am, Wyoming, Casper-Riverton KWWY 10:30 am, be that city! One result of this battle Sun Sun will be the realization of the Catholic Ohio, Zanesville WBZV 9:30 am, Sun Wyoming, Cheyenne-Scottsbluff KCHW 10:30 dream: The pope will finally rule from Oklahoma, Ada KSHD 8:30 am, Sun am, Sun Oklahoma, Lawton KWB 8:30 am, Sun Jerusalem—however briefly. Daniel Oklahoma, Oklahoma City KOCB 9:00 am, Sun; 11:45 tells us the religious head of this KOPX 5:00 am, Fri CANADA European superpower will “plant the Oklahoma, Tulsa KTPX 5:00 am, Fri Nationwide satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am tabernacles of his palace between the Oregon, Bend KWBO 9:30 am, Sun ET, Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun Oregon, Eugene KZWB 9:30 am, Sun seas in the glorious holy mountain Nationwide cable WGN 8:00 am ET, Sun; Vision Oregon, Medford-Klamath Falls KMFD 9:30 am, ….” The two seas: the Dead Sea and Sun TV 4:30 pm ET, Sun the Mediterranean; the mountain be- Ontario WUTV 6:30 am, Sun Oregon, Portland KPDX 8:00 am, Sun; KPXG 6:00 tween them: Mount Zion. This rule am, Fri will be cut short; the rest of verse 45 Pennsylvania, Erie WBEP 9:30 am, Sun LATIN AMERICA Pennsylvania, Philadelphia WPHL 9:00 am, Sun; Regional satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am ET, tells us: “… yet he shall come to his WPPX 6:00 am, Fri Tue/Th u end, and none shall help him.” Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre WQPX 6:00 am, Fri Argentina WWOR 10:00 am Sun Do we see how critical Jerusalem is? Rhode Island, Providence WPXQ 6:00 am, Fri Brazil WWOR 10:00 am, Sun That city is the focal point of all proph- South Carolina, Charleston WBLN 9:30 am, Sun Chile WWOR 10:00 am, Sun South Carolina, Florence-Myrtle Beach WFWB ecy in this end time. There is nowhere Colombia WGN 7:00 am, Sun; WWOR 8:00 am, 9:30 am, Sun more significant you could watch. South Carolina, Greenville-Spartanburg WASV Sun Most importantly, another reli- El Salvador WGN 6:00 am, Sun 10:00 am, Sun gious figure has a profound interest Guatemala WGN 6:00 am, Sun South Dakota, Rapid City KWBH 10:30 am, Sun in Jerusalem: Jesus Christ of Nazareth. South Dakota, Sioux Falls-Mitchell KWSD 8:30 Honduras WGN 6:00 am, Sun am, Sun Mexico WGN 7:00 am, Sun; WWOR 8:00 am, Sun Scripture tells us that ultimately He Tennessee, Jackson WBJK 8:30 am, Sun Panama WGN 7:00 am, Sun will reign from that city! The glory of Tennessee, Knoxville WPXK 6:00 am, Fri Venezuela WWOR 10:00 am, Sun that coming city of Jerusalem can be Tennessee, Memphis WPXX 5:00 am, Fri defined by seeing what it has been for Tennessee, Nashville WNPX 5:00 am, Fri CARIBBEAN the last several thousand years—and Texas, Abilene-Sweetwater KWAW 8:30 am, Sun Regional satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am ET, then imagining the opposite. Texas, Amarillo KDBA 8:30 am, Sun Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun Texas, Austin KBEJ 7:30 am, Sun Aruba WGN 8:00 am, Sun Up until now, Jerusalem has been Texas, Beaumont-Port Arthur KWBB 8:30 am, Bahamas WGN 8:00 am, Sun; WWOR 9:00 am, a city of blood; when Jesus Christ Sun Sun rules, it will be a city of life. Texas, Corpus Christi KWDB 8:30 am, Sun Belize WGN 7:00 am, Sun Texas, Dallas KDFI 10:30 am, Sun; KPDX 5:00 Up until now, Jerusalem has been am, Fri Cuba WGN 8:00 am, Sun; WWOR 9:00 am, Sun the city of religious contention and Texas, Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville KMHB Dominican Republic WGN 8:00 am, Sun family division; in that time of peace, 8:30 am, Sun Grenada CCN 7:30 am, Sun it will be the city of religious unity Haiti Texas, Houston KPXB 5:00 am, Fri; KRIV 9:00 WGN 7:00 am, Sun and family harmony. am, Sun Jamaica WGN 9:00 am, Sun; WWOR 10:00 am, Texas, Laredo KTXW 8:30 am, Sun Sun Up until now, the Jews have been Texas, Lubbock KWBZ 8:30 am, Sun Puerto Rico WGN 8:00 am, Sun; WWOR 9:00 am, driven out of their homeland many Texas, Odessa-Midland KWWT 8:30 am, Sun Sun times; soon, God’s people will “go no Texas, San Angelo KWSA 8:30 am, Sun Tobago CCN 7:30 am, Sun more out” (Revelation 3:12). Texas, San Antonio KPXL 5:00 am, Fri; KBEJ 7:30 Trinidad CCN 7:30 am, Sun Beyond that, God Himself will pre- am, Sun Texas, Sherman KSHD 8:30 am, Sun pare a new Jerusalem from which He Texas, Longview-Tyler KWTL 8:30 am, Sun EUROPE will rule the entire universe. Read Rev- Texas, Victoria KWVB 8:30 am, Sun Malta Smash TV 4:30 pm, Sat; 10:00 pm, Tue elation 21 for an amazing description Texas, Wichita Falls KWB 8:30 am, Sun of how beautiful the new Jerusalem Utah, Salt Lake City KUPX 5:00 am, Fri AFRICA/ASIA will be. Jerusalem has been destroyed Virginia, Charlottesville WBC 9:30 am, Sun Philippines nationwide Studio 23 8:30 am, Sun Virginia, Harrisonburg WBHA 9:30 am, Sun South Africa CSN 6:30 am, Sun and rebuilt so many times that it is dif- Virginia, Norfolk WPXV 6:00 am, Fri ficult to keep count; when God brings Virginia, Roanoke WPXR 6:00 am, Fri AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND the new Jerusalem down from on high, Washington D.C. WBDC 8:00 am, Sun; WPXW it will never be destroyed again. 6:00 am, Fri Australia nationwide Network Ten 4:30 am, Sun Washington, Kennewick-Pasco-Richland-Yakima Adelaide, South Australia Chan. 31 11:30, Sun Jerusalem will become a shining KWYP 9:30 am, Sun Perth, Western Australia Chan. 31 11:30 am, Sun example of perfect government and Washington, Seattle KWPX 6:00 am, Fri Tasmania Southern Cross TV 6:00 am, Sun peace, not just for the Jews, not just New Zealand nationwide Washington, Spokane KGPX 6:00 am, Fri TV3 6:00 am, Fri for the Arabs—not even just for this West Virginia, Beckley-Bluefield-Oak Hill WBB planet—but for the entire universe. 9:30 am, Sun Still no program in your area? Until that time comes, pay close West Virginia, Charleston WLPX 6:00 am, Fri View or listen to the program, West Virginia, Clarksburg-Weston WVWB 9:30 or download transcripts at attention to Vatican activity in and am, Sun www.KeyofDavid.com around Jerusalem; it is the precursor West Virginia, Parkersburg WBPB 9:30 am, Sun to the last crusade. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MAY 2006 37 The world’s flashpoint:

World news revolves around one city more than any other. Did you know that the Holy Bible forecasts today’s head- lines about Jerusalem—and with astounding accuracy? Who will control Jerusalem? Will Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace? How will the Jerusalem powder keg affect the United States, Europe and other nations? You can know! Write today for our free booklet Jerusalem in Prophecy

LITERATURE OFFERED THIS ISSUE HOW TO ORDER

■ Daniel—Unsealed at Last! ■ Jerusalem in Prophecy Online: www.theTrumpet.com ■ Does God Exist? ■ The King of the South E-mail: Literature requests [email protected] ■ Germany and the Holy ■ Mystery of the Ages Letters and other correspondence [email protected] Roman Empire ■ Proof of the Bible Phone: United States and Canada 1-800-772-8577 ■ Human Nature: What Is It? Australia 1-800-22-333-0 New Zealand 0-800-500-512 Or WRITE to the mailing address of the regional office nearest you. Addresses are listed inside the front cover of this magazine.

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