When historians reflect upon 1993, they will describe it as a year of dramatic change. By looking at one country at a time, we might see only minor, not dramatic, shifts in the political spectrum. When we look at the sum of what has been happening, however, we begin to realize great change has occurred.
Bible students are particularly impressed with what has happened. They realize that dramatic shifts throughout the year have brought the world closer to the political alignment necessary for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. To underscore the point, this article focuses on those nations which will take an active role in the invasion of the land of Israel in the last days.
Iran
This country has amassed an arsenal of high-tech equipment capable of making chemical, nuclear and biological weapons. The New York Times (November 1, 1993) reports: “Once again companies in the United States, Europe and Japan are helping Iran acquire technology that can be used to develop weapons of mass destruction. The equipment and materials they are selling are not leaking out inadvertently, but are going out with the approval of the export control authorities of their governments. A (US) house foreign affairs subcommittee on international security found that more than 230 companies had supplied Iran with technology and equipment that can be used for the manufacture of chemical, nuclear and biological weapons and the means to deliver them.”
Among the products shipped to Iran in 1993 were toxins and micro-organisms, centrifuges, machine tools, gas separation devices, gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization was the recipient of some of these exports with the bulk of the shipments being received by a suspected biological weapons plant. It is obvious that Iran has spent a good portion of its oil revenues amassing technological products of mass destruction.
Since January 1993, Germany has sold $5 billion in weapons and technology to Iran, Japan $3 billion, Italy, Britain and France $1 billion each and the United States almost $1 billion.
Libya
Throughout 1993, Libya has refused to surrender two suspects in the bombing of a Pan American Airlines flight over Scotland five years ago. This decision by Libyan President Muammar Qaddafi has resulted in Libya being alienated by nearly all nations in the international community. Interestingly, the major nations which have not announced against Libya are the very ones scripture indicates will be her allies in the latter days. Russia, for example, has become her latest ally.
In the UN Security Council, a motion is pending that would place severe economic sanctions on Libya. Russia has been attempting to veto it. “The sanctions that were to be placed against Libya would have included a freezing of all foreign assets owned by Libya” (New York Times, October 31, 1993). With all foreign assets frozen and further sales to the west forbidden, Libya would not be able to make payments on the $4 billion it owes Russia. Already sorely strapped for cash, Russia needs the Libyan payment.
The article reported: “Diplomats from the United States, Britain and France have heard reports circulating in New York that Libya offered Moscow $1.8 billion as a cash settlement of its claims on the condition Russia used its veto to block any further sanctions.”
Israel
Once again, Israel is the single biggest story. As many are aware, the Israeli government made a startling about face in entering into a peace agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization. Around the world, cries were heard that peace and safety has finally come to the promised land.
As witnessed by the recent election in Jerusalem, however, peace still has a rocky road to travel. Long-time mayor Teddy Kolleck was defeated by Ehud Olmert for mayor of that city. Under Kolleck’s direction, Jerusalem was divided into four distinct sections with Jews able to purchase land only in the Jewish quarter. In contrast, “Mr. Olmert pledged immediately after the election that every Jew can purchase property anywhere in Jerusalem and anywhere in the land of Israel” (Toronto Globe and Mail, November 4, 1993).
Dore Gold, a senior analyst at Tel Aviv University’s Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies noted that such changes would have immediate effects on the peace process. Most significantly, this right-wing mayor has been elected exactly when the future status of Jerusalem is to be renegotiated by the PLO and the Israeli government.
Europe and the United Nations
A few years ago, the term “ethnic cleansing” would have been abhorred by the western world, particularly the European Community. It would have been viewed as a horrible anachronism which was seen for the last time in Europe during World War II. Now has come Yugoslavia. Not only has ethnic cleansing become the rallying cry of the region, but Europeans have been incapable of providing a satisfactory solution to the escalating war.
Iron cannot mix with clay is the dictum of Daniel’s prophecy and Bible students have marveled at how truly the words have proven true in the Baltics.
Throughout 1993, the United Nations has been foremost in demonstrating man’s inability to provide solutions to the world’s problems. From Haiti to Somalia the charred remains of failed UN missions litter the globe. Surely, this year has crystallized for all to see the need for the righteous rule of the Kingdom of God.
As we anticipate 1994, we feel certain it, too, will be a year of dramatic change. Hopefully, it will be the year in which every eye shall see the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray that it might be the year of his longed-for advent.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One