Posted by
2IfBySea on Tuesday, August 08, 2006 4:21:37 PM
Per Drudge Report:
http://drudgereport.com/flash4.htm
WSJ: Scholar Warns Iran's Ahmadinejad May Have 'Cataclysmic Events' In Mind For August 22
Tue Aug 08 2006 10:22:35 ET
In a WALL STREET JOURNAL op-ed Tuesday, Princeton's Bernard Lewis
writes: "There is a radical difference between the Islamic Republic of
Iran and other governments with nuclear weapons. This difference is
expressed in what can only be described as the apocalyptic worldview of
Iran's present rulers."
"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."
President Mahmoud 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
US about nuclear development by Aug. 22," which this year corresponds
"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."
Developing...