ISRAEL UPDATEMay 6, 2001 - Turkey has been trying to gain access into the European Union for 18 years now, but in doing so it will face one of its biggest battles yet, that is to give control of the military over to the civilians.
This controversial move would blend the Muslim dominated population of 67 million into the European Christian Culture.
While Turkish leaders say reforms would take a while to implement, the fact that a Muslim country would even consider such a proposition is startling to say the least.
This move in importance probably ranks equal, if not superior to the radical move of Anwar Sadat to initiate a peace treaty with Israel in 1978. It was Rudyard Kipling who said East is East, West is West and the twain shall never meet, but if we believe the Bible in a literal futuristic way the signs of the times prove otherwise to us.
In fact, Daniel 9:27 clearly states that the antichrist will make a covenant with many. The translation here defines the word covenant as a league and is used 15 times in the scriptures describing multinational agreements.
While the outsider cannot see this possibility, Bible believers are seeing all of the pieces falling into place and G-d's Word being fulfilled in an incredible fashion.
May 6, 2001 - When Johann Burkhardt traveled to the Middle East disguised as a Muslim pilgrim in 1812, he was well aware of the magnificent find he had made.
In its heyday, Petra was the crossroads of the Middle East, a point of passage between the mountains dividing Arabia and Syria from Egypt and Israel. Petra thrived, as merchants who met on mutual ground exchanged money and goods and all were benefited.
After disappearing in the 7th century, much of Petra's dams, canals and buildings were buried under layers of sand, but much of the city is still accessible to the many tourists and archaeologists who visit Jordan today.
The nation of Jordan has few natural resources, and no oil, as do the nations of Iran, Iraq and the rest of the Gulf States. But tourism has increased in Jordan ten-fold since the signing of the peace treaty with Israel in 1991.
Yet on the other side of the border, lie Israel and Jerusalem, both suffering horribly from the past six months of violence. Streets are empty, hotels and restaurants lack customers and tourism in general is held in check.
Ironic the ancient cultures could gather at Petra to all become better off financially and culturally, but the blood continues to flow in the streets of Jerusalem, as Jew and Palestinian suffer financial woes.
It makes one question how a ten-year peace treaty with Jordan could be so beneficial, but the 8-year accord with the Palestinians so detrimental. Surely Jerusalem is more valuable than Petra.
To be continued…