August 22 - Iran Threatens to Attack the West? Torah and Insights
Iran and the United States, along with Europe and much of the rest of the world are at odds with each other about Iran's nuclear program. Things have been heating up as of late, including a likely veiled threat made by Ahmadinejad against the United States. Ahmadinejad picked a seemingly random date - August 22, 2006 - to respond to the West in reference to its nuclear program. This vague language uttered by a madman intent on wiping out the West, at the head of a very advanced nation bent on having nuclear weapons should be taken seriously. This is not merely one of those kind of things people can brush off by saying that he is "crazy" (he is) or that one is reading into his words to think that he is threatening an attack.
Professor Bernard Lewis of Princeton has the following to say about Ahmadinejad and his "response" on August 22:
"In Islam, as in Judaism and Christianity, there are certain beliefs concerning the cosmic struggle at the end of time--Gog and Magog, anti-Christ, Armageddon, and for Shiite Muslims, the long awaited return of the Hidden Imam, ending in the final victory of the forces of good over evil, however these may be defined. Mr. Ahmadinejad and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced. It may even have a date, indicated by several references by the Iranian president to giving his final answer to the U.S. about nuclear development by Aug. 22. This was at first reported as "by the end of August," but Mr. Ahmadinejad's statement was more precise.
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."
HISTORICAL INDICATOR:
Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor: The United States picked up information that Japan planned to call off their negotiations with the United States in the end of November, 1941. The attack at Pearl Harbor occurred just a week later.
Now, Iran may be hinting to the West that "August 22" is a day to watch out for on which they may attack the West, somewhat following Japan's lead in their indication to attack the United States.
RECENT INDICATORS:
Terrorists have stated that before a major attack (potentially nuclear), they wish to perform smaller attacks prior, according to World Net Daily. The planned downing of ten airliners bound for the U.S. was planned for today, August, 16, 2006. In addition, 3 men were found recently with about 1,000 cell phones which, it appears, they planned to use on the Makinac Bridge in Michigan. A woman recently was found with liquids, a screwdriver, and al-Qaida literature on a flight heading to America.
Ahmadinejad sent a letter to President Bush back in May inviting the United States to turn Muslim. According to Islamic law, before the enemy is to be attacked, they must first be invited to Islam. If they do not take up that offer, they can be attacked. In a recent interview on CBS, Ahmadinijad said that President Bush, by not responding favorably to the invitation to become Muslim was leading President Bush and others who refuse such an "invitation" to convert "will not have a good ending or fate."
According to WorldNetDaily, a planned terrorist nuclear attack on America is set to happen after America attacks Iran's nuclear facilities. According to a journalist who interviewed bin-Laden recently, it is likely that small nuclear bombs are already in American cities. However, the timing of a major nuclear attack on America occurring after an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities contradicts al-Qaida's plan and Iranian threats to preempt the world with a major attack.
The recent war involving Hezbollah and Israel. It is well know that Hezbollah is Iran's arm extended into Lebanon. They are provided with many of their advanced missiles from Iran. It makes sense that Hezbollah's orders in general come from Iran, their financier and arms supplier. Therefore, the order for Hezbollah to engage Israel in war almost certainly emanated from Iran. If Iran were at such a disadvantage to the rest of the world now, why are they so heated to try and drag the world, including the United States, Europe, and Israel, into war against it?
Everything here may fit together, the planned terror attacks during the same time period, Iran's "invitation" to America, Ahmadinejad warning of a bad "fate" for America, and the August 22, 2006 date.
WHAT DOES THE TORAH HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL OF THIS?
The below teachings may very well apply to current world events:
Rabbi Yitzchak said: "The year that the King Mashiach reveals himself, all of the nations of the world will be provoking one another. The king of Persia will provoke the King of Arabia and the King of Arabia will go to the King of Aram to take advice from them. The king of Persia will [then] return and destroy the entire world and all the nations of the world will be in an uproar and will be confounded and they will say 'Where shall we come and go, to where shall we come and go.' And He (HaShem) shall say to them (the Jewish People), 'My sons, do not fear, everything that I have done, I have done only for you. For what are you fearing, do not fear, the time of your redemption has arrived..." Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, Yishayahu, 499
From the above, it appears that Persia (modern day Iran) goes out to attack the whole world. There shall be a world power who will be dragged to war against Persia. According to Sefer Yirmiyahu, the war will involve Persia and a world-power, compared in the prophecy to a lion. The prophecy toward the end of sefer Yirmiyahu refers to this nation suffering its cities being destroyed. A couple verses later, HaShem says that the enemy (Persia) will swoop down like an eagle against this nation, inflicting great damage to its "dwellings" thus dragging its enemy out to war.
Persia is referred to as the "youngest of the sheep" a comment by RaSh"I notes that Persia is "the most contemptible of the nations". The strongmen of this nation, the victim of Persia's brazen attack are described after the attack on their soil as having the heart of a woman in the travails of childbirth.
According to the MaLBi"M, the Persians are the lion who attack the victim - the youngest of the sheep - attacking them at an instant, stunning the world and the world-power. The MaLBi"M, quotes the MaHa"Ri as saying that the attack would be on the city referred to as "Botzrah" which he claims is Rome. This quick attack on Rome is what brings their ally (one or more of the Western Powers) to war against Persia. This war against Persia is what is described as "Gog U'Magog" or probably better known as "WWIII". The reader should note that the MaLBi"M lived in the 1800's.
Metzudas David notes that Persia (Iran?) will attack a large city of the country destined to fight Persia in this major World War. Either way, in light of the above, according to Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer from there will be widespread damage inflicted by Persia worldwide, Heaven Forbid.
Though it is unclear what exactly the president of Iran refers to when he says Iran will "respond", what he means by "the West" and why he picked August 22, I think it would be prudent to take his statement as follows:
As Bernard Lewis notes, August 22, 2006 is an important day in Islam and a likely date for a major attack, possibly nuclear, Heaven Forbid, as a "response" to the "West" in reference to its "nuclear" program. As the commentator RaSh"I noted in the context of the prophesized attack by Persia (Iran?), they are the most shameful of the nations. If modern-day Persia were to attack other parts of the world, chas v'shalom, it would be a shameful act conducted what would be widely seen as a "shameful" nation. This "contemptible" nation hates America hates Europe, hates Israel and just about anything else non-Muslim. Some people think that Israel is the target of the August 22 "response". However, Iran, which views America as the "big Satan" and Israel as the "small Satan" may prefer to attack America, Heaven Forbid, thinking much as other terrorists in their nefarious designs against America. Or, Iran, hoping to engage the entire "West" may pick on Rome to attack as a very symbolic beginning of a massive war they hope to engage the West in. Either way, as noted in the medrash of Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, (a mishnaic era book, compiling the expositions of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hurkenos)
Everything is up to HaShem, however, it is my belief that the people who respect their fellow person, respect freedom and dignity of mankind, and have some sort of true fear of G-d will prevail in this conflict. I think the U.S. is the true victor based on the above.
Professor Bernard Lewis of Princeton has the following to say about Ahmadinejad and his "response" on August 22:
"In Islam, as in Judaism and Christianity, there are certain beliefs concerning the cosmic struggle at the end of time--Gog and Magog, anti-Christ, Armageddon, and for Shiite Muslims, the long awaited return of the Hidden Imam, ending in the final victory of the forces of good over evil, however these may be defined. Mr. Ahmadinejad and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced. It may even have a date, indicated by several references by the Iranian president to giving his final answer to the U.S. about nuclear development by Aug. 22. This was at first reported as "by the end of August," but Mr. Ahmadinejad's statement was more precise.
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."
HISTORICAL INDICATOR:
Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor: The United States picked up information that Japan planned to call off their negotiations with the United States in the end of November, 1941. The attack at Pearl Harbor occurred just a week later.
Now, Iran may be hinting to the West that "August 22" is a day to watch out for on which they may attack the West, somewhat following Japan's lead in their indication to attack the United States.
RECENT INDICATORS:
Terrorists have stated that before a major attack (potentially nuclear), they wish to perform smaller attacks prior, according to World Net Daily. The planned downing of ten airliners bound for the U.S. was planned for today, August, 16, 2006. In addition, 3 men were found recently with about 1,000 cell phones which, it appears, they planned to use on the Makinac Bridge in Michigan. A woman recently was found with liquids, a screwdriver, and al-Qaida literature on a flight heading to America.
Ahmadinejad sent a letter to President Bush back in May inviting the United States to turn Muslim. According to Islamic law, before the enemy is to be attacked, they must first be invited to Islam. If they do not take up that offer, they can be attacked. In a recent interview on CBS, Ahmadinijad said that President Bush, by not responding favorably to the invitation to become Muslim was leading President Bush and others who refuse such an "invitation" to convert "will not have a good ending or fate."
According to WorldNetDaily, a planned terrorist nuclear attack on America is set to happen after America attacks Iran's nuclear facilities. According to a journalist who interviewed bin-Laden recently, it is likely that small nuclear bombs are already in American cities. However, the timing of a major nuclear attack on America occurring after an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities contradicts al-Qaida's plan and Iranian threats to preempt the world with a major attack.
The recent war involving Hezbollah and Israel. It is well know that Hezbollah is Iran's arm extended into Lebanon. They are provided with many of their advanced missiles from Iran. It makes sense that Hezbollah's orders in general come from Iran, their financier and arms supplier. Therefore, the order for Hezbollah to engage Israel in war almost certainly emanated from Iran. If Iran were at such a disadvantage to the rest of the world now, why are they so heated to try and drag the world, including the United States, Europe, and Israel, into war against it?
Everything here may fit together, the planned terror attacks during the same time period, Iran's "invitation" to America, Ahmadinejad warning of a bad "fate" for America, and the August 22, 2006 date.
WHAT DOES THE TORAH HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL OF THIS?
The below teachings may very well apply to current world events:
Rabbi Yitzchak said: "The year that the King Mashiach reveals himself, all of the nations of the world will be provoking one another. The king of Persia will provoke the King of Arabia and the King of Arabia will go to the King of Aram to take advice from them. The king of Persia will [then] return and destroy the entire world and all the nations of the world will be in an uproar and will be confounded and they will say 'Where shall we come and go, to where shall we come and go.' And He (HaShem) shall say to them (the Jewish People), 'My sons, do not fear, everything that I have done, I have done only for you. For what are you fearing, do not fear, the time of your redemption has arrived..." Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, Yishayahu, 499
From the above, it appears that Persia (modern day Iran) goes out to attack the whole world. There shall be a world power who will be dragged to war against Persia. According to Sefer Yirmiyahu, the war will involve Persia and a world-power, compared in the prophecy to a lion. The prophecy toward the end of sefer Yirmiyahu refers to this nation suffering its cities being destroyed. A couple verses later, HaShem says that the enemy (Persia) will swoop down like an eagle against this nation, inflicting great damage to its "dwellings" thus dragging its enemy out to war.
Persia is referred to as the "youngest of the sheep" a comment by RaSh"I notes that Persia is "the most contemptible of the nations". The strongmen of this nation, the victim of Persia's brazen attack are described after the attack on their soil as having the heart of a woman in the travails of childbirth.
According to the MaLBi"M, the Persians are the lion who attack the victim - the youngest of the sheep - attacking them at an instant, stunning the world and the world-power. The MaLBi"M, quotes the MaHa"Ri as saying that the attack would be on the city referred to as "Botzrah" which he claims is Rome. This quick attack on Rome is what brings their ally (one or more of the Western Powers) to war against Persia. This war against Persia is what is described as "Gog U'Magog" or probably better known as "WWIII". The reader should note that the MaLBi"M lived in the 1800's.
Metzudas David notes that Persia (Iran?) will attack a large city of the country destined to fight Persia in this major World War. Either way, in light of the above, according to Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer from there will be widespread damage inflicted by Persia worldwide, Heaven Forbid.
Though it is unclear what exactly the president of Iran refers to when he says Iran will "respond", what he means by "the West" and why he picked August 22, I think it would be prudent to take his statement as follows:
As Bernard Lewis notes, August 22, 2006 is an important day in Islam and a likely date for a major attack, possibly nuclear, Heaven Forbid, as a "response" to the "West" in reference to its "nuclear" program. As the commentator RaSh"I noted in the context of the prophesized attack by Persia (Iran?), they are the most shameful of the nations. If modern-day Persia were to attack other parts of the world, chas v'shalom, it would be a shameful act conducted what would be widely seen as a "shameful" nation. This "contemptible" nation hates America hates Europe, hates Israel and just about anything else non-Muslim. Some people think that Israel is the target of the August 22 "response". However, Iran, which views America as the "big Satan" and Israel as the "small Satan" may prefer to attack America, Heaven Forbid, thinking much as other terrorists in their nefarious designs against America. Or, Iran, hoping to engage the entire "West" may pick on Rome to attack as a very symbolic beginning of a massive war they hope to engage the West in. Either way, as noted in the medrash of Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, (a mishnaic era book, compiling the expositions of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hurkenos)
Everything is up to HaShem, however, it is my belief that the people who respect their fellow person, respect freedom and dignity of mankind, and have some sort of true fear of G-d will prevail in this conflict. I think the U.S. is the true victor based on the above.
posted by YRE at 7:14 PM
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