by Tim Buck | Aug 5, 2023 | Isreal, President Trump, Russia, Tim's Articles
Israel, Trump and Middle East News!
8/5//23 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.”
Psalms 2:1, 4
Terror Strikes the Innocent
In Israel, people were enjoying their burgers outside a shopping mall in Maale Adumim in the West Bank. Suddenly, a Palestinian gunman opened fire on them before running into the street and shooting more people.
Six Israelis were wounded, one critically, before an off-duty police officer shot and killed the 20-year-old assailant.
US Hobbles Saudi/Israel Normalization Talks
By all appearances, the Biden administration is forcing the Palestinian issue into Saudi and Israeli normalization talks. Back during the Trump administration, the Saudis never cared about land concessions for the Palestinians. They saw the bigger picture of the great benefits that would come with a friendship between Riyadh and Jerusalem. But now that the anti-Israel Biden administration is in office, suddenly the Saudis are demanding Palestinian policies that parallels the Biden administrations favor of the Palestinians.
US and Israel Hold Joint Naval Exercise
A Sunday ceremony in Haifa signaled the commencement of Intrinsic Defender, a two-week joint drill between the Israeli Navy and the US 5th Fleet. Focused on operation readiness and cooperation, this exercise will take place on both land and sea.
“Israel is one of our most capable maritime partners and these exercises further underscore historic military cooperation achieved in recent years,” stated V.-Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces.
Gazans Protest Against Hamas
Thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip took to the streets on Sunday to protest the incompetent leadership of Hamas. Under the terror group, which rules the area, the cost of living has skyrocketed while supplies of electricity and gas have plummeted.
Many of the Hamas leaders don’t experience these deprivations because they are living in luxurious exile in Qatar, Turkey, and Lebanon. Unfortunately, Hamas is so strongly entrenched that these protests will likely have little effect.
Damascus Terror Attack Pits Sunnis Against Shiites
A motorcycle bomb exploded near a Shiite shrine in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zaynab last Thursday killing seven and wounding numerous others.
Soon after, ISIS claimed responsibility, prompting Hezbollah to send soldiers to secure the area. Thus, we now see a Shiite terror group offering protection from the attacks of a Sunni terror group.
The Russia-Friendly Military Coup in Niger has Succeeded
Russia loyalist General Abdourahmane Tchiani has declared himself to be the new leader of Niger after ousting President Mohamed Bazum in a coup. The country’s new leadership has shut down numerous institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed its borders, causing Europeans still in the country to scramble looking for ways to flee.
The change of rule in Niger fits directly into Russia’s growing influence in Africa. Just last week, 43 African nations participated in the second Africa-Russia Summit in St. Petersburg. Currently, the deputy leader of Niger’s junta is visiting Mali, Niger’s neighbor to the west, in order to ask for a “rapid deployment of Wagner forces in the country” to reinforce the coup.
Energy Consequences of Niger Coup
The ramifications of the coup in Niger extend beyond the Sahel region of Africa to Europe and beyond. Many different sectors of government and economy will likely be affected, including energy. Niger exports approximately 25% of the uranium that the EU uses for its nuclear power plants.
Already, the junta in Niamey is indicating that it will suspend its uranium exports to France. This is despite government-connected French companies owning 63% of uranium mines in Niger. As indicated in the previous story, many see Russia’s hand in Niger’s move and in that of Burkina Faso which has halted uranium exports to both France and the US.
Also of grave concern is the future of the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project (TGSP; also known as NIGAL). This planned pipeline will bring natural gas from Nigeria through Niger and into Algeria. From there it will be transported to Europe. If Niger pulls out of the project, it is dead in the water.
Saudis to Host Russia/Ukraine Peace Talks as War Rages
This week, Saudi Arabia will host peace discussions for the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Representatives from 30 countries will fly to Jeddah to discuss what can be done to reach a peace settlement. One country that will not be there, however, is Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has promised to “keep an eye on this meeting” which raises the possibility of success at this summit from “not a chance” to “just fractionally more than not a chance”. Meanwhile, the war still rages with Ukrainian suicide drones reaching Moscow, and Russian missiles hitting Ukraine’s civilian targets.
Belarusian Helicopters Violate Polish Airspace
Two Belarusian helicopters crossed into Poland’s airspace on Tuesday sparking alarm and a Polish military buildup. Tensions were already high between Poland, an ardent supporter of Ukraine, and Belarus, a client nation of Russia.
I suspect that if you were to look around Belarus, you would find many Wagner Group soldiers stationed there ready to invade Poland.
In other Belarus news, Iran is about to sign a production agreement which will provide for the building of an assembly plant for their Shahed-136 suicide drones in the country. This will be in addition to the factory Iran now has in Russia.
Deadly Clash in Egyptian Military Headquarters in Sinai
At least four police were shot to death on Sunday and more than 21 more were wounded at a heavily fortified Egyptian security facility in the Sinai Peninsula. It is unclear what exactly happened or who was responsible for it, but the speculation is that it is another in a string of ISIS attacks.
Pakistan Terror Blast Kills More Than 40
A Sunday political rally in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was devastated when a suicide bomber set off explosives. At least 42 were killed and more than 130 more were injured, some very seriously. It is suspected that those responsible were part of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or one of its affiliates.
Former President Trump Indicted on Four Counts
Former US President Donald Trump was indicted by the Justice Department Tuesday on four felony counts. The accusations include conspiracy to commit fraud, tampering with witness statements, conspiracy to prevent an official state procedure, and conspiracy against civil rights. It is nearly impossible to not see this for what it really is.
Last year in Israel, the radical left pulled similar shenanigans to keep Benjamin Netanyahu out of the Prime Minister’s position using bogus charges. The liberals failed in Israel and I pray they will fail in the US, also.
Meanwhile, the rating agency Fitch downgraded the US government’s credit rating from AAA to AA+. Way to go, Joe! Good to see your administration is focusing on what is really important.
by Tim Buck | Jun 19, 2023 | How to Live the Last Days, Iran, Isreal, Russia, Tim's Articles
Current Events & Headlines
6/16/23 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Israel Strikes Targets Near DamascusEarlier this week, Israel attacked two Iranian targets in Syria from the air. One strike hit near the Damascus International Airport. Just hours before the attack, a Mahan Airlines cargo plane landed at the airport. Mahan is often used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to transfer weapons and ammunition to their proxy militias in Syria. The other target was the Syrian Army’s 1st Division Headquarters in al-Kiswah, south of Damascus, where there is known to be a large presence of pro-Iranian Shia militias.
Israel Enters Largest-Ever Arms Deal
In a deal that exceeds any Israeli arms contract in the past, Germany has agreed to purchase Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense system for 4 billion euros. The Arrow-3 is designed to intercept exo-atmospheric missiles that fly out of reach of the Patriot or IRIS-T systems. Delivery of the weapons is slated for the end of 2025.
Israeli Company Unveils Hypersonic Missile Interception System
On the topic of Israeli weapons, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a company based in Haifa, announced yesterday that it has designed the first-ever hypersonic missile interceptor. A week after Iran rolled out its Fattah hypersonic missile which it claimed was unstoppable, Rafael revealed the SkySonic which is specifically designed to make missiles like the Fattah “stoppable”. The missile interception system is well into its development and should be undergoing its first test flights very soon. Poor ayatollahs, always seem to be one step behind.
Arab Israelis Killed in Nazareth
Five Arab Israelis were shot dead in Nazareth. These deaths, however, were not related to terrorism, but to criminal activities. Crime and violence continue to grow in Israel’s Arab communities. Just hours before this deadly incident, a 3-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man were shot and critically injured in a different Nazareth suburb.
Iran Building Massive Drone Factory East of Moscow, Russia
This image provided by Maxar Technologies and released by the White House shows an industrial site several hundred miles east of Moscow where U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia with Iran’s help, is building a factory to produce attack drones for use in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. U.S. officials believe the plant in Russia’s Alabuga special economic zone could be operational by early next year.
Iran Aids Russia with Drone Factory even as US Pushes Nuclear Deal
A White House report claims that Iran is providing materials for Russia to build an attack drone facility east of Moscow. These drones are designed to be used in the war against Ukraine. This report comes from the same White House that is rushing to the table to sign a new nuclear deal with Iran. Not only is the Biden administration prepared to unfreeze billions of dollars for Iran, but they are waiving sanctions so Iraq can release $2.7 billion to pay off debt to Tehran. South Korea is allegedly next on the US plan to refill Iran’s coffers with the payback of old debt. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not bow to US pressure to make nice with the ayatollahs. Said the PM, “Our position is clear: Israel will not be bound by any deal with Iran and will continue to defend itself.”
Breakdown of U.S. New Nuclear Deal with Iran
The New York Times offered a summary of the new Iran nuclear deal, an agreement some in Iran are calling a “political cease-fire.” Iran agrees to: 1) not enrich uranium beyond the 60% level, while keeping all that it has already enriched, 2) halt its deadly attacks on American officials in Syria and Iraq through its proxy militias, 3) cooperate more fully with international nuclear inspectors, and 4) refrain from selling ballistic missiles to Russia. The United States agrees to: 1) not tighten the sanctions anymore, 2) allow foreign tankers to carry Iranian oil, and 3) hold back from advancing new punitive resolutions in the UN or IAEA for Iran’s nuclear activities. There is also a direct transaction between the two countries. The US will release billions of dollars of frozen Iranian assets to go to humanitarian purposes. In return, Tehran will release three Iranian-American prisoners. While this agreement has not been signed yet, many officials in the international community believe its enactment is imminent. Some may look at this and think, “Wow, that’s not too bad of a deal.” But the fly in the ointment is that, based on their track record, the chance of the terrorist regime in Iran holding up their side of this deal is absolutely nil. Remember that in Islam, Allah approves lying if its intended to help advance the religion of peace (especially if it helps them get nuclear weapons)!
Iranian-Backed Militias and US Prepare for Battle in Syria
Iran is arming its militants in Syria for attacks against the US. The goal is to get America out of Syria, and, ultimately, out of the Middle East. On the US side, they are strengthening with new weapons systems in preparation for an escalation. The question is who will attack first?
World Economic Forum Advisor Suggests New AI-Based Religion
Religion has gotten it all wrong, at least according to World Economic Forum (WEF) senior advisor Yuval Noah Harari. Part of the problem has been the human element that has mucked it all up, especially when it comes to the Bible and other religious texts. So, maybe it’s time to take the fallible human aspect out and trust the infallible. But for Harari, the infallible is not God, it is artificial intelligence (AI). “In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct,” said Harari in a recent interview. “Just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI. That could be reality in a few years…. AI can create new ideas; [it] can even write a new Bible.” Apparently, Harari has forgotten that all AI has a beginning. And at the creation point of AI what do we find? A fallible human typing its code. Seems to me that the only place we can find infallibility is if we leave the realm of the created and look to the Creator.
by Tim Buck | Mar 24, 2023 | America, China, President Trump, Russia
A New World Order,
Without America,Trump calls President Xi’s disturbing hot mic moment with Putin a historical ‘low point’ for USAFotet.org
3/24/23 – By Tim Buck
Former President Donald Trump has responded to the sinister remarks that Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly made to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Moscow earlier this week.
“President Xi’s statement to President Putin, caught on hot mic, was maybe a low point, in history, for the USA!” the former president wrote on Truth Social late Wednesday evening.
The suggestion Trump’s making is that current President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is letting Russia and China walk all over America… and he’s right!
During a three-day visit this week to Moscow, Xi told Putin that “change is coming” to the global stage.
“Change is coming that hasn’t happened in 100 years. And we are driving this change together. Please take care, dear friend,” Xi said via his interpreter to Putin at the tail end of his visit on Wednesday.
Not A One World Government
Regarding Bible prophecy, I’ve emphasized for years the Bible does NOT teach a coming one-world order with Antichrist controlling every person, every dollar and every weapon on earth. The notion of a one-world government comes from the misinterpretation of Revelation 13 that has misled students of prophecy for years. And at this point I’m not even sure there will ever be a western world order or the “Great Reset” so many are talking about. What we’re seeing now, as a result of the weakening of America, is not unity but greater separation with countries like China, Russia, Iran, N. Korea and the 57 Muslim nations openly rejecting alignment with America and western, Judeo-Christian ideals.
What Type of Change is Coming?
According to CNN, Xi and Putin are trying to build a new “multipolar world” that’s “not led by so-called Western values and rules.”
In other words, they want to create a world that isn’t dictated by the wishes of the West, particularly the “woke” wishes of the United States.
Speaking with CNN, international relations expert Alexander Korolev of the University of New South Wales in Australia said that this demonstrates an “overall convergence of Chinese and Russian world views and approaches to many international issues.”
“It’s very explicit and clear in terms of identifying the United States as a major security threat,” he said.
During the meeting between Xi and Putin, the two also “referred to each other as dear friends, promised economic cooperation, and described their countries’ relations as the best they have ever been,” according to NBC News.
“They shared the view that this relationship has gone far beyond the bilateral scope and acquired critical importance for the global landscape and the future of humanity,” a statement by the Chinese government reads.
“We are working in solidarity on the formation of a more just and democratic multipolar world order, which should be based on the central role of the U.N., its Security Council, international law, the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter,” a statement by the Russian government likewise reads.
In a joint statement, the two also “accused the West of undermining global stability and NATO of barging into the Asia-Pacific region, but asserted the close partnership between China and Russia did not constitute a ‘military-political alliance,’” according to NBC News.
Their cozy relationship and goals could affect the 2024 presidential election, according to political writer Myra Adams.
“China and Russia know that polarization is increasingly heightened during a presidential election year when a divided USA means a weaker USA. Thus, 2024 could be when this dangerous duo coordinates strategic and aggressive moves in Europe and Asia,” she writes for The Hill.
Moves like Russia threatening/attacking NATO countries or China trying to reclaim Taiwan. It’s not clear how President Biden would react to either of these contingencies.
China’s “Peace Plan” for the War in Ukraine
Speaking of world events, Xi and Putin also discussed China’s “peace plan” for the war in Ukraine.
The plan “calls for formal respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, protections for Ukrainian civilians, an end to interference with the flow of humanitarian aid into the country, and condemnation of the possible use of nuclear weapons,” as reported by Time magazine.
“The plan also reflects the views of those around the world whose primary interest in the war is economic, by calling for a ceasefire, an end to sanctions, and the opening of peace talks that might help ease pressure on food and fuel prices,” according to Time.
However, though Putin is reportedly a big fan of the proposal, it has zero chance of being adopted because it doesn’t say anything about all the Russian troops already in Ukraine. Nor does it say anything about Russia returning commandeered land to the Ukrainian government.
“An immediate ceasefire would freeze Russian gains in place, forcing Ukraine to try to persuade Vladimir Putin to voluntarily give back land.
In truth, no peace plan is likely to succeed at this stage of the war because neither the Russian nor Ukrainian governments can afford to lose,” Time magazine explained.
by Tim Buck | Feb 23, 2023 | America, China, Joe Biden, President Trump, Russia, Tim's Articles
The possibility of world war is increasing daily. Russia is ramping up new troops to enter the war. US, NATO announce massive weapons package for Ukraine. Despite Western pressure, China’s Xi has expressed his support for both Russia and Iran in the war against Ukraine. Iran is already providing drones to Russia and in exchange, to modernize its air fleet, Iran will receive 24 new Su-35 jets from Russia, with deliveries expected to start in the middle of 2023. Will Israel strike Iran before the planes arrive? “Wars and rumors of wars!”
TRUMP: BIDEN ‘SYSTEMATICALLY’
PUSHING US INTO WORLD WAR III
2/23/23 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
Former President Donald Trump early Tuesday warned that President Joe Biden’s policies on Ukraine could lead to a third World War.
“If you watch and understand the moves being made by Biden on Ukraine, he is systematically, but perhaps unknowingly, pushing us into what could soon be WORLD WAR III,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social page. “How crazy is that?”
Trump’s comment came after Biden met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday following a secretive trip to the war-torn nation’s capital city of Kyiv, traveling there one day before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s address to the nation and less than one week before the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During the trip, Biden promised $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine and said additional sanctions will be announced this week against companies trying to evade sanctions to “back the Russian war machine” and also against Russia’s elite.
Biden did not mention fighter jets, but a military aid package that will include artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to protect Ukraine from bombing attacks.
Trump, meanwhile, has blamed Biden for the war’s escalation and recently said that if he was the president, he would negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours.”
He also said in the video on his Truth Social page, though, that if he were still in office, “the Russia-Ukraine war would never have happened … never in a million years.”
In a separate video, Trump accused Biden of “escalating” the war by sending tanks to Ukraine.
“The situation in Ukraine is very dangerous, explosive, and escalating by the day,” he said. “Joe Biden’s weakness and incompetence have brought us to the brink of nuclear war. And now Biden is doing what he said 10 months ago would lead to World War III. He is sending in American tanks.”
Pray For America!!!
As America Ramps Up Its Proxy War With Russia Through Ukraine, Vladimir Putin Suspends Nuclear Treaty And Threatens Start of World War 3.
The United States And Russia Are Now At War. Unless The Lord Intervenes, This Has The Potential To End Very Badly!
by Tim Buck | Feb 10, 2023 | How to Live the Last Days, Joe Biden, Russia, Tim's Articles
The large disturbance in the sea observed off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, following a series of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany triggered concerns of sabotage. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she ‘cannot rule out’ sabotage after three leaks were detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2.
Biden Ordered U.S. Navy
To Bomb Nord Stream Pipelines
2/10/23 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
Edited From WND
In my recent article (1/17/23) titled, “How Israel’s Gas & Oil Windfall Could Trigger Daniel’s End Times Invasion,” I discussed the Middle East energy crises and interplay with Europe and a possible outcome among the major players of Israel, Russia, Turkey and Egypt.
This article is an update on who is behind the strategic sabotage of the underwater Nord Stream pipeline.
__________
Joe Biden repeatedly has denied the U.S. had anything to do with the recent bombings of Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines, but a startling new report is revealing that may not have been the truth.
Pulitzer-winner reporter Seymour Hersh as written at his Substack page that U.S. Navy divers, last June while operating under the cover of a “widely publicized” NATO exercise called BALTOPS22, “planted the remotely triggered explosives that, three months later, destroyed three of the four Nord Stream pipes.”
The report explains the confirmation comes from “a source with direct knowledge of the operational planning.”
Two of the pipelines, known as Nord Stream 1, were supplying Germany and other points in Western Europe with “cheap Russian natural gas,” the report said.
A second pair, Nord Stream 2, were not operating yet.
At that point, with “Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian border and the bloodiest war in Europe since 1945 looming, President Joseph Biden saw the pipelines as a vehicle for Vladimir Putin to weaponize natural gas for his political and territorial ambitions,” Hersh reported.
White House spokeswoman Adrienne Watson claimed, in an email, “This is false and complete fiction,” an opinion joined by Tammy Thorp of the Central Intelligence Agency.
But, Hersh reported, “Biden’s decision to sabotage the pipelines came after more than nine months of highly secret back and forth debate inside Washington’s national security community about how to best achieve that goal. For much of that time, the issue was not whether to do the mission, but how to get it done with no overt clue as to who was responsible.”
The report said it was a team from the U.S. Navy’s Diving and Salvage Center in Panama City, Florida, that accomplished the work.
U.S. Navy divers assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 and a Mexican navy diver conduct hot tap training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 at Pearl Harbor.
“The center has been training highly skilled deep-water divers for decades who, once assigned to American military units worldwide, are capable of technical diving to do the good – using C4 explosives to clear harbors and beaches of debris and unexploded ordinance – as well as the bad, like blowing up foreign oil rigs.”The report said they were chosen because they were Navy only, not “members of America’s Special Operations Command, whose covert operations must be reported to Congress and briefed in advance to the Senate and House leadership.”Hersh reported, “The Biden administration was doing everything possible to avoid leaks as the planning took place late in 2021 and into the first months of 2022.”
Hersh reported Biden and his foreign policy team had been “hostile” to the pipelines for a long time. But he explained, “Action that could be traced to the administration would violate U.S. promises to minimize direct conflict with Russia.”
He explained Washington viewed the gas supply route to be a way of providing huge profits to Russia – and Putin’s agenda.
He said, “Nord Stream 1 was dangerous enough, in the view of NATO and Washington, but Nord Stream 2, whose construction was completed in September of 2021, would, if approved by German regulators, double the amount of cheap gas that would be available to Germany and Western Europe.
The second pipeline also would provide enough gas for more than 50 percent of German’s annual consumption. Tensions were constantly escalating between Russia and NATO, backed by the aggressive foreign policy of the Biden administration.”
Biden, just as the second pipeline was nearly finished, “blinked,” Hersh reported.
He dropped plans for sanctions in opposition.
“The administration was floundering, despite getting a reprieve on the crisis in mid-November, when Germany’s energy regulators suspended approval of the second Nord Stream pipeline.
Natural gas prices surged 8% within days, amid growing fears in Germany and Europe that the pipeline suspension and the growing possibility of a war between Russia and Ukraine would lead to a very much unwanted cold winter.
It was not clear to Washington just where Olaf Scholz, Germany’s newly appointed chancellor, stood. Months earlier, after the fall of Afghanistan, Scholtz had publicly endorsed French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a more autonomous European foreign policy in a speech in Prague—clearly suggesting less reliance on Washington and its mercurial actions,” Hersh wrote.
Then Russian forces built up along the Ukraine border and Biden “was afraid that countries like Germany would be reluctant to supply Ukraine with the money and weapons it needed to defeat Russia.”
What resulted were meetings where it became apparent Biden adviser Jake Sullivan “intended for the group to come up with a plan for the destruction of the two Nord Stream pipelines—and that he was delivering on the desires of the president.”
Eventually, the report explains, a plan emerged for divers to install explosives, which could then be detonated.
“What came next was stunning. On February 7, less than three weeks before the seemingly inevitable Russian invasion of Ukraine, Biden met in his White House office with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who, after some wobbling, was now firmly on the American team.
At the press briefing that followed, Biden defiantly said,
‘If Russia invades … there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it.'” Hersh wrote.
The report said divers then attached C4 to the pipelines to be triggered by a sonar buoy dropped by a plane on short notice.
“On September 26, 2022, a Norwegian Navy P8 surveillance plane made a seemingly routine flight and dropped a sonar buoy. The signal spread underwater, initially to Nord Stream 2 and then on to Nord Stream 1.
A few hours later, the high-powered C4 explosives were triggered and three of the four pipelines were put out of commission.
Within a few minutes, pools of methane gas that remained in the shuttered pipelines could be seen spreading on the water’s surface and the world learned that something irreversible had taken place,” he reported.
by Tim Buck | Jan 17, 2023 | Isreal, Russia, Tim's Articles, Turkey
How Israel’s Gas & Oil Windfall Could Trigger Daniel’s End Times Invasions
1/17/23 By Tim Buck
Fotet.org
Discerning the Days
Jesus is coming soon! But His return at the Second Coming will not occur in a vacuum, nor should it come unexpectedly for true believers. The prophecy of Daniel makes this quite clear. Specific prophesied events will be the precursors of His arrival and when everything is aligned in accordance with God’s will, He will unleash the events of the final days.
I believe we are seeing shadows of this coming alignment taking shape today. Our responsibility as followers of Christ is to remain faithful, keep watching, be discerning, and be prepared.
Join me as I explain the ongoing battle for energy in the eastern Mediterranean and reveal how this conflict could lead to a full-scale military invasion that was prophesied by Daniel more than 2,500 years ago.
Pipeline Politics
Israel first discovered natural gas off its coast more than 20 years ago using Noble Gas Company (above map). Over the past two decades, it has worked relentlessly to develop the means to deliver this valuable energy resource to the European market. The East-Med pipeline project, which had been in the works for the past eight years and had the support of both the Obama and Trump administrations, would have created the longest undersea pipeline in the world. At a length of nearly 1,200 miles, it was to run from Israel’s Leviathan and Tamar offshore natural gas fields to the islands of Cyprus and Crete, then to the Greek mainland, and on to Italy and Western Europe.
The project had robust support from the European Union (E.U.), particularly France, Italy, and Greece who stood to benefit the most from a connection to Israeli gas reserves. It was no secret that officials across Europe understood the importance of the pipeline project as it would provide a much-needed alternative to Russian gas, thereby diminishing Putin’s energy stranglehold on the continent.
Biden Undermines Israel… Again!!!
But Israel’s plan to export natural gas to Europe through the East-Med pipeline hit an unexpected roadblock in 2022 when the Biden administration withdrew its support. The State Department sent a letter to Greek officials describing the project as “a source of tension that was destabilizing the region” by pitting Israel, Greece, and Cyprus against Turkey. After an uproar from Greece our State Department changed its rhetoric citing “climate change and clean energy” as the rationale for its decision.
Yet only six months earlier Biden approved the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea which doubled the capacity of natural gas from Russia to Germany. Curiously, this same “climate change” policy didn’t seem to have an effect on the completed Nord Stream pipeline and nor has it diminished the U.S. exporting liquified natural gas (LNG) to Europe over the past year when our exports have reached record-high levels.
In light of these facts, a more likely reason for the U.S. withdrawal of support for Israel’s crucial East-Med pipeline was to appease Turkish President Erdogan who has been a loud opponent of the project because it bypassed Turkey. Erdogan hailed the U.S. policy change as a Turkish victory and arrogantly proclaimed: “If Israel gas is to be brought to Europe, it can only be done through Turkey.”
Erdogan has argued that Turkey should be included in the nations of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF). But Erdogan seeks more than “inclusion.” He’s been illegally itching to claim gas deposits in the Mediterranean that aren’t located within Turkish maritime boundaries. Erdogan’s vision is for Turkey to become the region’s energy hub with him as de facto Energy Master of the Mediterranean and head of the revived Islamic Caliphate.
Despite its membership in NATO, Turkey has made aggressive moves, without legal standing, to threaten, disrupt, and block progress for Israel’s East-Med pipeline. I suppose it shouldn’t surprise us that Satan’s darling leader Erdogan has more influence over Biden than Israel.
With the U.S. surrendering to his strong-arm tactics, energy analysts are deeply concerned that the Turkish strongman will be emboldened to continue escalating tensions in his quest to control the flow of energy to Europe.
A New Plan Emerges
With a lack of U.S. support, the East-Med project appeared to be dead in the water in early 2022. But a secondary plan to bring gas to Europe began gaining traction. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Europe became increasingly alarmed by its energy entanglements with Russia especially since strict sanctions were being placed on Russian exports.
This time, Europe looked to Israel and Egypt for an energy solution. In June a tri-party agreement was reached between Israel, Egypt and the E.U. for Israeli natural gas to be exported via an existing pipeline to Egypt’s LNG terminal on the Mediterranean where it will be liquified and shipped by tankers to European ports.
This multi-billion-dollar agreement is not only a financial windfall for Israel but will serve to increase Egypt’s standing as an energy hub in the Mediterranean and will be a vital step toward weaning Europe off its independence on Russian gas.
For the time being, the Turkish president seems placated by the alternate agreement since it avoids the thorny issue of constructing permanent undersea pipelines. But Erdogan continues to view Egypt as a nemesis and rival. The two countries are simply not on the same page as Erdogan hosts the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood in Turkey which movement has been outlawed in Egypt.
A Turn of Events
On the heels of these developments, another event shocked the continent of Europe and the world. The Nord Stream pipelines that transport Russian gas to Europe were sabotaged in September, 2022 by substantial explosions in the lines, deep at the bottom of the Sea. To date, no nation has claimed responsibility for the action and speculation runs wild. One thing is certain: with the harsh temperatures of winter, Europe is desperate for adequate supplies of energy to replace the natural gas lost from this catastrophe.
With his Baltic Sea pipelines to Europe unusable and desperate to salvage his gas monopoly over Europe, Putin wasted no time in offering a proposal to Turkish President Erdogan. “If there is interest from Turkey and agreement from buyers in Europe, we could consider the possibility of building another gas pipeline system and develop the creation of a gas hub in Turkey…”
Russian President Putin and Russia’s Gazprom head Alexei Miller met President Erdogan in Kazakhstan in October to discuss gas hub plans. Erdogan and Miller met again in November in Istanbul. Russia could divert gas that was planned for the Nord Stream pipeline through the Black Sea to Turkey, Putin told Erdogan.
These are unstable times to be negotiating with Putin and any hub would likely face political, financial and supply issues that are compounded by the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
This is where we find ourselves at the start of 2023. Erdogan is likely salivating over Putin’s words with the prospect of realizing his vision to see Turkey become a powerful player that controls the natural gas exports to European markets.
Whether Putin’s pipeline proposal through Turkey becomes a reality is linked to whether Europe has lost its taste for Russian energy and how fast Israel and Egypt can deliver Israel’s gas to the continent.
Daniel 11 and End Time Prophecy
In light of the current dynamics taking place in the eastern Mediterranean, let’s take a closer look at what the prophet Daniel reveals (not Ezekiel) about an end-time invasion that will be led by Antichrist. Here’s a series of events with short commentary from Daniel 11:40-45 about the Jihad wars of Antichrist and his invasion of Israel in the middle of the Tribulation. More than ever, it reveals how the Middle East today is in alignment with Daniel’s prophecy. It may help to keep your Bible handy as we walk through these six verses.
Daniel 11:40-45
40 And at the end time the king of the South will wage war with him (Antichrist), and the king of the North (Antichrist) will storm against him (Egypt) with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them, and pass through. 41 He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab, and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 42 Then he will reach out with his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. 43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. 44 But rumors from the East and from the North will terrify him, and he will go out with great wrath to eliminate and annihilate many. 45 And he will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.
Antichrist is referred to as the ‘King of the North’ (Daniel 11:40)
In Daniel’s prophecy, the intended meaning of the phrase, “King of the North,” is that Antichrist will bring an invasion down from the north of Israel. Note that he’s not coming from the west as he would if he was coming from Europe. Turkey and its Islamic, Turkic-speaking allies are located due north and northeast of Israel. Turkey was the former head of the Ottoman Caliphate for 500 years until being “mortally wounded by the sword” (Rev. 13:14) in WW1 by the allied forces. Turkey’s strongman Erdogan is itching to revive the Ottoman Caliphate.
Antichrist will come as a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and many ships (v. 40)
This tells us Antichrist’s path of invasion will be by land and sea. The Turkish Armed Forces is the second largest military in NATO, with more than 750,000 military personnel. It is second only to the United States. In 2020, the Turkish Navy operated more than 112 military vessels and is in the process of adding 24 new ships to its fleet. According to an Israeli study in 2021, Turkey is the strongest maritime force in the region. In July 2022, Erdogan declared that Turkey would “take further steps until we make the Turkish Armed Forces Number One in the world.”
Antichrist will enter the “glorious land,” and many countries will be overthrown (v. 41)
Israel’s economy is booming, and its offshore natural gas assets will continue to make it an even wealthier target. In context, Antichrist’s invasion here is taking place near the middle of the Tribulation. The Turkey-led Caliphate is not just coming for Israel’s natural gas, it also has its eyes set on capturing the West Bank and stealing East Jerusalem for it’s capital and taking possession of the grand prize of Israel’s new Temple on the Temple Mount.
Antichrist will attack Egypt and take control of its wealth and assets (vv. 42-43)
As stated earlier, Egypt is also becoming an energy hub and is acquiring newfound wealth due to its strategic position along the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal, and Red Sea. Egypt is optimistic about their many new gas discoveries in the Mediterranean. The Nile River nation is also nearing completion of a new administrative capital out near Cairo International Airport and close to the Great Pyramids, financed and built by China.
Today, Turkey and Egypt find themselves in their latter-day alignment of opposition to one another just like Daniel predicts will result in war during the Tribulation portraying them in Daniel 11 as the King of the North (Turkey) vs. the King of the South (Egypt).
Antichrist will subdue Libya (v. 43)
Libya lies due west of Egypt, along the Mediterranean coast. The North African nation also has significant offshore natural gas deposits. In October 2022 a divided Libyan government signed a controversial agreement giving Turkey the right to drill for oil and natural gas in Libya’s territorial waters. This was an attempt to create a swath across the entire Mediterranean Sea between the two countries that prompted a swift response from Greece and Egypt opposing any Turkish activity in disputed areas of the Mediterranean.
Antichrist will subdue Ethiopia (v. 43)
When the Bible speaks of Ethiopia, it’s more of a reference to the country we know today as Sudan which lies south of Egypt. Sudan and modern-day Ethiopia (which is further south) control the two sources of the Nile River that are key to Egypt’s survival. Fears are growing in Egypt over a looming water crises with both countries damming the Nile.
In the midst of his Middle East aggression, Antichrist will be troubled by reports he hears from the east and the north about an invasion coming against him (v. 44)
It’s important to note that Antichrist’s Middle East wars, as laid out for us in these six verses (Daniel 11:40-45), indicate he does not have global power as some suppose. The passage shows him trying to conquer many of the nations in the Middle East. During his successful conquering spree (Rev. 6:1) he suddenly comes under siege from possibly China (east) and Russia (north). Not only aren’t many of the nations of the Middle East not under his rule but here we see two superpowers that are not part of his empire. Antichrist’s empire will never be worldwide and will be continuously opposed. The end times is not about one man conquering the world, but about one religion (Islam) trying to rule the world!
Perhaps this is China and Russia, possibly the only two superpowers who have survived to this point of the Tribulation who orchestrate an assault on Antichrist before he brings the majority of the world’s oil and gas under his control. He is “troubled” feeling threatened by the two-pronged attack and the text says, “he shall go out with great fury and destroy and annihilate many.” Goodbye Russia and China! (SeeFOTET article, 2/9/22: “China In Bible Prophecy: The Rise of the Red Star and the Crescent.”
Antichrist will set his royal encampment “between the seas and the glorious holy mountain;” but his time will come to an end and no one will be able to help him (v. 45)
The phrase, “between the seas” is a reference to the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. The “glorious holy mountain” refers to Mount Moriah in Jerusalem where Israel’s Temple Mount is located. Prior to Antichrist’s invasion, Israel’s new Temple will be constructed by devout Jews for the purpose of reinstituting the Mosaic Law and the sacrificial system.
After taking possession of Israel’s Temple and destroying Mecca and Saudi Arabia, Antichrist will put an end to the Temple sacrifices and convert Israel’s Temple into the new Grand Mosque of Islam. Muslims world wide will need to pray toward Jerusalem which will allow Satan to ratchet up their hatred for the entire Jewish State. Satan wants all the land of Israel and he wants to sit on God’s throne in Jerusalem and rule the world in place of Jesus.
Through the False Prophet, he will institute “forced conversions” to Islam requiring everyone in his empire to bow down and worship during the required times of prayer or die. A time of severe persecution will follow for those who refuse to bow the knee and take the mark. But he will come to his end when the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, returns to earth in power and glory to destroy him and his armies.
Could Turkish President Erdogan Be Antichrist?
Erdogan is openly calling for the re-establishment of the Islamic Caliphate, the restoration of its Ottoman borders and the conquest of Jerusalem.
His provocations and dangerous rhetoric, along with the alignment we see forming in the Middle East leads to a crucial question: Is it possible that Turkish President Erdogan is Antichrist? Is he the one the Apostle Paul referred to as the Man of Sin (2 Thess. 2:3)? Although he has evil intentions, I do not believe he fits the biblical criteria for several reasons.
First, Scripture points to Antichrist as the “little horn” who rises AFTER the 10 kings have formed the final empire (Dan. 7:8, 24). Erdogan is a key player as the President of Turkey but he’s arrived on the world stage BEFORE the arrival of the 10-king empire. Secondly, Antichrist initially rises to power from within the 10-King empire in relative obscurity while Erdogan burst onto the Middle East scene making headlines right from the start. And thirdly, the “little horn” uproots or kills three of the ten kings before he is ever brought to power. Once he has momentum behind his rise, he leads an international coup to take over the empire by killing the rulers of three of the ten nations. Since Erdogan is already a major player on the world stage, as the president of Turkey, he simply does not meet these benchmarks to be Antichrist.
Having said all of this, Erdogan’s rhetoric in combination with Turkey’s strongarm attempts to control energy in the Mediterranean require close and careful observation. It may not be Recep Tayyip Erdogan who leads the Caliphate of Islamic nations from the north against Israel but I firmly believe Turkey will be leading the charge!
Rumble