An Iranian Revolution and An Israeli Plan

I trust you have been watching what has been happening in Iran since the presidential elections there this past Friday, June 12. Entering into the election, Reformist candidate Mir Mousavi had gained tremendous ground upon current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who, by the way, had the full support of the Supreme Leader in Iran, the Ayatollah Khameni. Weeks prior to the election it appeared that Ahmadinejad would win by a landslide. But, slowly Mousavi began to build support among the middle class and the students of the universities in Tehran. The world began to wonder if a change in Iran would be possible.

Over 40 million paper ballots were cast across Iran, each one having to be counted by hand. Yet, within hours of the polls closing, the Supreme Leader declared Ahmadinejad the winner and by a rather substantial margin. Immediately Mousavi's camp declared the election invalid and accused Ahmadinejad's camp of election fraud. Soon demonstrators took to the streets of Tehran and across Iran to protest the election results. An investigation into the election process has begun, but there is little hope that the results will change.

What has been the response of the world to this opportunity for change in Iran? Well, there has been a lot of rhetoric, including statements from our President. But there has been no offer of any support. There seems to be a pattern here. After the victory in Desert Storm and seeing that the government of Saddam Hussein was vulnerable, our government had given encouragement to the Kurds and Sunnis to revolt against him. They believed that we would respond with support. Yet, when the revolt occurred, we did nothing. And Hussein's revenge was brutal upon both the Sunnis and the Kurds.

And where was President Ahmadinejad during these days of turmoil? He was in Moscow having negotiations with his friends at the Kremlin, strengthening the ties between Russia and Iran. As one who has been studying Ezekiel 38 and 39 for the past several weeks, I found this to be very interesting and having strong biblical implications.

I believe the situation in Iran will get increasingly more violent in the coming days. And I look for a strong government crackdown on demonstrators. There will be no change in Iran this time, but the seeds have been sown for a future response.

By the way, let me just share briefly a response to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's address this past Sunday, June 14. To summarize, he made four strong points. First, in order for a possible two-state solution to be created, the Palestinians had to give recognition to Israel as being a Jewish State. Second, any Palestinian state would have to be demilitarized for the security of Israel...just look at what happened in Gaza. Third, Jerusalem would remain the undivided capital of Israel. And fourth, there would be no right of return for Arab refugees to their pre-1948 homes. Immediately the Arab world voiced loud objections. The Europeans and the United States gave a tepid acceptance. But, personally, I think the plan he outlined is the only one that can be achieved, thus giving independence to the Palestinians and security to the Israelis.

My friends, these are very interesting days, aren't they? God's plan for the advent of the King is getting clearer. Don't despair! Look up because your redemption soon draws near!