Crisis in Iraq: Alarming Al-Qaeda Uprising

1. Iraq 2014

2. Everyone in Babylon [Iraq] will run about like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd. They will try to find their own people and flee to their own land. Anyone who is captured will be cut down….. Their little children will be dashed to death before their eyes. Their homes will be sacked, and their wives will be raped. We see this happening…. Iraq at risk of civil war as al-Qaeda leads uprising Daily Telegraph, June 11, 2014 EVENT Iraq is facing a return to its darkest days of civil war after al-Qaeda-linked militants seized a vast swathe of the country’s northern region in a lightning advance which took them to within striking distance of Baghdad. A day after snatching control of the northern city of Mosul, fighters were on Wednesday night within 60 miles of the Iraqi capital, encountering little resistance from government troops. En route they seized major towns, oil refineries and military bases and embarked on an orgy of kidnappings and executions, forcing an exodus of more than half a million people across the north. The extraordinary developments reignited the political debate about the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 alongside America, a conflict which cost the lives of 179 British Service personnel and cost at least £9 billion. There are unconfirmed reports of Shia militias beginning to mobilise in the capital, a sign that the conflict could soon spread. In a ten chapter section in Isaiah we are told of 10 national nightmares that the world is unable to resolve. They all have ancient historical fulfilments BUT they all have a final latter day fulfilment. In fact these 10 tribulations bring about Armageddon. The section begins in Isaiah 13 and climaxes in chapter 24. Each nation detailed is called a burden – or a tribulation. The first nation dealt with is Babylon. In modern terms this is Iraq. This is not spiritual / religious Babylon dealt with in Revelation. All the nations in this section are actual physical nations. The national nightmare of Iraq became a worldwide issue in 2003 when the allies invaded. Since then 140,000 civilians have been killed. Although Iraq has been officially at peace the reality has been far different. And now exploding onto our screens is the potential breakup of Iraq. Iraq has not been resolved. Isaiah 13 says Iraq will become like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:14-16 NLT)

3. The burden of the desert of the sea . As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land. A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam [South West Iran] : besiege, O Media [Central Iran] ; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease Iraq’s civil war threatens global energy supply for years Daily Telegraph, June 12, 2014 EVENT Spectacular advances by Jihadi forces across northern Iraq have raised the spectre of a Sunni-Shia conflagration in the heart of the Middle East, triggering a surge in oil prices and throwing into doubt the structure of global energy supply for the next decade. Brent crude jumped above $113 a barrel as the self-described Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) raced down the Tigris Valley towards Baghdad with sophisticated weaponry, seizing on its momentum after the historic capture of Mosul. Oil prices are approaching levels last seen during the Arab Spring. “Iraq is turning into a nightmare. There are real risks that this movement will spread to other countries. Our economies are too weak to pay for oil at $120, and they can’t stand $140 if it spikes that high,” said Chris Skrebowski, a veteran oil analyst. The Arab Muslim world is divided into Shia and Sunni. The division came about in the 7th century and it revolved around an argument about Mohammed. Iran is ruled by Shia’s. Syria is ruled by Shia’s. Saudi Arabia and Jordan are ruled by Sunnis. The issue is that each nation is made up of both Sunni and Shia. In Syria forinstance the majority are Sunni but they are ruled by Shias. The Jihadi forces that are taking over towns and cities in Iraq are Sunni. The government in Iraq is Shia. So all this has the potential to escalate into a Sunni / Shia conflict. This would bring Iran and Saudi Arabia against each other. Iran is ready to assist the Iraqi government in its battle against extremist Sunni Islamists, President Rouhani has said this week. We actually read of conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Isaiah 21. It says that Elam and Media (South West and central Iran) attack and lay a siege. But against who? The Bible says against the “desert of the sea” The sea = Persian Gulf. The desert opposite Elam is Saudi Arabia! COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 21:1-2)

4. “Look, I will stir up the Medes against Babylon. They cannot be tempted by silver or bribed with gold. The attacking armies will shoot down the young men with arrows. They will have no mercy on helpless babies and will show no compassion for children.” Babylon, the most glorious of kingdoms, ….will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah Iran threatens intervention in Iraq over Holy Sites Associated Press, June 18, 2014 Iran will not hesitate to defend Shi'ite Muslim holy sites in neighbouring Iraq against "killers and terrorists", Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, following rapid advances by Sunni militants there over the past week. Speaking on live television, Rouhani said many people had signed up to go to Iraq to defend the sites and "put the terrorists in their place". He added that veteran fighters from Iraq's Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish communities were also "ready for sacrifice" against these militant forces. "Regarding the holy Shia shines in Karbala, Najaf, Khadhimiya and Samarra, we announce to the killers and terrorists that the big Iranian nation will not hesitate to protect holy shrines," he said, speaking to a crowd on a visit to western Lorestan province. "These terrorist groups, and those that fund them, both in the region and in the international arena, are nothing, and hopefully they will be put in their own place.”CLICK HERE to watch YouTube Presentation on Isaiah 13 EVENT Meanwhile Iraq is in flames…There is a key chapter in the Bible that describes exact events from 2003 to the present (and beyond). Isaiah 13. This is NOT just ancient history. Read verses 6-13. Every phrase is a latter day phrase. In fact in this one section are all the key themes to do with the time of trouble at the time of the end. Verse 1-5 explain the national nightmare of Babylon – Iraq. It describes nations attacking Iraq that come “from distant countries, from beyond the farthest horizons” v5. This all happened in 2003. v14 picks up events - people in Iraq will seek their own people – they flee to their own land. Anyone captured is killed. This is exactly what is happening as Iraq divides into its ethnic and religious races. But then notice v17. The Medes are stirred up! Iran attacks Iraq. It brings utter destruction on it like Sodom…. he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:17-19 NLT)

5. But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Do you really think the armies you have gathered can rob them of silver and gold? Do you think you can drive away their livestock and seize their goods and carry off plunder?’We know that Saudi Arabia (Sheba & Dedan) is on the opposite side of the conflict to Iran. Obama sending up to 300 military advisers to Iraq Associated Press, June 19, 2014 President Barack Obama on Thursday said he was dispatching up to 300 military advisers to Iraq to help quell the rising insurgency in the crumbling state. He called on Iraqi leaders to govern with a more "inclusive agenda" to ensure the country does not descend into civil war. Though not specifically mentioning airstrikes, an option the U.S. has been considering, Obama said he was leaving open the possibility of "targeted" military action in the future. He said the U.S. also would increase its intelligence efforts in Iraq and was creating joint operations centres with Iraqis. When coupled with previously announced steps, Obama's actions could put about 600 additional U.S. troops back on the ground in Iraq. The 300 military advisers he announced Thursday would join up to 275 being positioned in and around Iraq to provide security and support for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and other American interests. But he was adamant that U.S. troops would not be returning to combat. EVENT Saudi Arabia will oppose any US and British or regional intervention in Iraq against the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, the country's ambassador to London told the Daily Telegraph newspaper this week. It was also seen as a firm statement against Iran getting involved as well. What we really have here is a Sunni v Shia war. Saudi Arabia is Sunni. Iran is Shia. Iraq is divided between the two. The government is Shia. ISIS (insurgency) is Sunni. Iran wont tolerate Sunni’s in power in Iraq. Saddam Hussein was Sunni and Iran fought a decade long war with him. America can do very little now. Iraq is finished as a nation. It is breaking up. It will end up completely destroyed. Babylon - home of sin and death (Eden) and false religion will be removed completely. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13)

6. “Come,” they say, “let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.” Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, ISIS, beheadings & the success of horrifying violence Washington Post, June 13, 2014 The stories, the videos, the acts of unfathomable brutality have become a defining aspect of ISIS, which controls a nation-size tract of land and has now pushed Iraq to the precipice of dissolution. Its adherents kill with such abandon that even the leader of al-Qaeda has disavowed them. “Clearly, [leader Ayman] al-Zawahiri believes that ISIS is a liability to the al-Qaeda brand,” Aaron Zelin, who analyzes jihadist movements for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told The Washington Post. One video captures militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) herding hundreds of boys and Iraqi soldiers down a highway to an unknown fate. One reporter said an Iraqi woman in Mosul claimed to have seen a “row of decapitated soldiers and policemen” on the street. Other reports spoke of “mass beheadings.” The UN Human Rights chief said the summary executions “may run into the hundreds” EVENT he COMMENT So who are ISIS? The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has emerged from radical Sunni jihadists in Iraq who fought under the banner “al-Qaeda in Iraq”. Their goal since being founded in 2004 is to create a hardline Islamic state crossing over the borders of Syria and Iraq. Notice in the article that they now control a “nation-size tract of land”. Now what is interesting about this tract of land is this….it corresponds almost exactly to the heart of the Assyrian empire. The Assyrians were renowned for their cruelty – as one Bible dictionary puts it…"The Assyrians were noted for their brutality, and their kings were often depicted as gloating over the gruesome punishments inflicted on conquered peoples. They conducted their wars with shocking ferocity, uprooting whole populations and deporting them to other parts of the empire." We see this with ISIS. We also read in Psalm 83 that Assur (Assyrians) join forces against Israel…. BIBLE QUOTE (Psalm 83:4-8 NLT)

7. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Babylon never was overthrown like Sodom and Gomorrah. Those cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone. But these words will be fulfilled to the letter. Great fire and destruction is yet to come on Iraq. Iraq crisis: the country is facing imminent break up Daily Telegraph, June 24, 2014 EVENT Western officials fear Iraq is facing imminent break-up, as the jihadist take over of the north seeks to carve the country into different religious fiefdoms. Using their strongest language to date, diplomats warned that the "sheer scale" of the crisis could defeat belated efforts by the country's fractious politicians to resolve it. "We have used the word crisis about Iraq before, but this is the real thing," a Western diplomat told The Telegraph. "There is no doubt about the scale of the threat that it poses to Iraq's continued existence as a state, and it is also a threat to the wider region too.” The diplomat also voiced doubts about the ability of Iraq's politicians, including Nouri al-Maliki, the country's Shia prime minister, to bury their sectarian differences. While John Kerry, the US secretary of state, warned on Monday that greater unity was the only way to stabilise the country, the diplomat said the politicians were "trapped in a pattern that was hard to break out of." Iraq is a fascinating country. As we watch is dissolving before our eyes it is worth reminding ourselves of the significance of the area. It was of course where the garden of Eden was situated – home of sin and death. We know it was in Iraq because the rivers in Eden are are detailed in Genesis. Those rivers still exist today. It is also the home of the first kingdom of men ruled by Nimrod – Babylon (or Babel). This kingdom was setup in opposition to God and became the home of false worship. It was where Abraham came from. God called him out of this home of sin, death, false worship and the kingdom of men to a new home. A home in Israel – God’s future kingdom. A place of true religion, forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. There will be a final cataclysmic destruction of Iraq which will usher in the long awaited kingdom of God… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:19)

8. Everyone in Babylon [Iraq] will run about like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd. They will try to find their own people and flee to their own land. Anyone who is captured will be cut down run through with a sword. ….Look, I will stir up the Medes [Iranians] against Babylon [Iraq]. Rome will be conquered next, says leader of 'Islamic State' Daily Telegraph, July 1, 2014 EVENT Muslims have been called to flock to the 'Islamic State' to gather for a battle against non-believers throughout the world. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed leader of the 'Islamic State' stretching across Iraq and Syria, has vowed to lead the conquest of Rome as he called on Muslims to immigrate to his new land to fight under its banner around the globe. Baghdadi, who holds a PhD in Islamic studies, said Muslims were being targeted and killed from China to Indonesia. Speaking as the first Caliph, or commander of the Islamic faithful since the dissolution of the Ottoman empire, he called on Muslims to rally to his pan-Islamic state. "Rush O Muslims to your state. It is your state. Syria is not for Syrians and Iraq is not for Iraqis. The land is for the Muslims, all Muslims. If you hold to it you will conquer Rome and own the world.” COMMENT The situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate - fast. It seems incredible that in just a few weeks an “organisation” hardly anyone had heard of has now declared an Islamic State stretching across Iraq and into Syria. America is struggling to respond to this situation. So far the US has only sent military advisers. Russia however is reacting quickly. It has sent 12 warplanes to Iraq to help the Iraqi government defeat ISIS. So where does the Bible talk about these events - if at all? Well the Bible does talk about these events. In Isaiah 13. A prophecy that many might have considered to be purely an ancient prophecy fulfilled long ago. But in fact careful reading will prove that this chapter has a time of the end fulfilment. There are no less than 8 “time of the end” phrases in this one chapter. It is speaking about the national nightmare of Iraq. In verse 14 we read about everyone in Iraq running about like a hunted animal and trying to find their own people. It’s amazingly accurate picture – what follows is the end of Iraq…. BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:14+17 NLT)

9. Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? Saudi Arabia sends 30,000 troops to Iraq border Daily Telegraph, July 3, 2014 EVENT Saudi Arabia has sent 30,000 troops to reinforce its long northern desert border after Iraqi troops withdrew from the other side, according to reports Fighters from Islamic State, the jihadist group, and its allies have already seized frontier posts on Iraq's western borders with Syria and Jordan. The southern border with Saudi Arabia, which regards itself as vulnerable to the threat of jihadism, is more than 500 miles long. Large parts of it are with Anbar province, the centre of Islamic State power in Iraq and now almost entirely under the control either of the group itself or of Sunni Arab tribes that have allied with it. The last serious incursion into Saudi Arabia also came from Iraq, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. Iraqi forces were eventually repelled from the Saudi town of Khafji, the following January, but only after they were attacked from the air by American jets. COMMENT Saudi Arabia is getting very nervous about events in Iraq. They have a huge border with Iraq and the Iraqi troops protecting the border have recently been removed – probably to help in the fighting across the country. This leaves Saudi Arabia in a vulnerable position. Saudi Arabia is an ally of America and is Sunni. On the other hand Iran is anti America and Shia. Saudi Arabia and Iran and sworn enemies. Iraq lies between them both and is a country divided and broken. Both Saudi and Iran want to have control over oil rich Iraq. The Bible in fact puts Saudi and Iran on different sides. In Ezekiel 38 we read of Persia (Iran) being part of the invading army that attacks Israel. However we read of Sheba and Dedan (Saudi Arabia) being part of the opposing nations that are not involved in attacking Israel. We are seeing now a great melting pot in the Middle East – almost every nation is being affected – the storm is coming… BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13)

10. The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand: That I will break the Assyrian in My land, And on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, And his burden removed from their shoulders. • Islamic State seizes key Syrian oil fields Daily Telegraph, July 26, 2014 The extremist Sunni jihadist group that declared a caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq has seized control of one of Syria’s most important oil fields after rebel fighters from other factions switched their allegiance to support it. In a crucial strategic advance for Islamic State, the organisation that is tearing Iraq apart, anti-government rebels in Syria who had been loyal to the rival Jabhat al-Nusra switched sides - handing over the Al-Omar oilfield, which has the potential to produce up to 75,000 barrels of oil per day. The development represents a huge step up for the Islamic State in its struggle against al-Nusra, which is backed by al-Qaeda but regards the new grouping as dangerously extremist. It means that the caliphate proclaimed by the Islamic State now controls a stretch of Syria from the town of Deir al-Zour in the middle of the country to Abukamel on the Iraqi border. Within neighbouring Iraq, to the east, it holds the cities of Mosul and Tikrit and is threatening to attack Baghdad. EVENT This extremist Sunni group called ISIS are ultra violent. They behead people, they crucify people, they kill children. It is this group that have declared a new Islamic State stretching from Syria right across Iraq. The interesting thing about this group and its territory is that it corresponds to that of the ancient Assyrians. The Assyrians were based in Nineveh. ISIS is based in the province of Nineveh. The ancient Assyrians were noted for their brutality, and their kings were often depicted as gloating over the gruesome punishments inflicted on conquered peoples. They conducted their wars with shocking ferocity, uprooting whole populations. Northern Israel was brought to an end by the Assyrians. ISIS also hate Israel. There is a possibility they get involved in “inner ring” war against Israel – the war involving Syria, Palestinians, Hezbollah etc… he COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 14:24-25)

11. Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance….. the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: 118 times Assur is translated Assyria, 19 times Assyrian, 10 times Assur Iraqi Army Incapable of Counteroffensive Against ISIL Reuters, July 11, 2014 The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are incapable of launching a counteroffensive against a radical jihadist group that now controls large swaths of the country without substantially more assistance from the United States, experts said on Friday. Retired Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik, a senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) who formerly trained the ISF, said Iraq’s army suffers from ineffective military leadership in the face of a violent insurgency from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS). Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has eroded the chain of command by superseding the traditional army joint chiefs with his own personal office of the commander-in-chief, Dubik said at an ISW event. Officer appointments lower down the chain of command were replaced with political appointees loyal to Maliki. ISIL continues its march toward Baghdad after seizing the cities of Tikrit and Mosul. EVENT he COMMENT It’s amazing that no one appears able or willing to stop this newly declared Islamic State. This organisation of militant Muslims are that aggressive and brutal that even Al Qaeda wanted nothing to do with them! They are ultra violent and defeat through fear. They have taken over several oil installations in Syria and Iraq and experts say they are now making £1m a day by selling oil on the black markets. The territory captured responds accurately to that of the ancient Assyrians – who were also a brutal people. In fact ISIL stands of Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. The territory of Levant is interesting. It covers Jordan, Lebanon, Southern Turkey and ISRAEL. Is it coincidence that in these last days we have a new state suddenly appear without warning that corresponds to the ancient Assyrians? We are told in Psalm 83 that the people who want to destroy Israel are helped by Assur – the Assyrians! BIBLE QUOTE (Psalm 83:4,7-8)

12. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. Islamic State kills 270 in Syrian gas field 'massacre' Daily Telegraph, July 19, 2014 Jihadists have killed 270 Syrian regime fighters, civilian security guards and employees since seizing a gas field in Homs province, a monitoring group said Friday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described Thursday's takeover of the Shaar field as "the biggest" anti-regime operation by the Islamic State (IS) since it emerged in the Syrian conflict last year. The watchdog, updating an earlier toll of 115, said it had documented "the death of 270 people killed in the fighting or executed" since Thursday. "A large majority of the men killed were executed at gunpoint after being taken prisoner following the takeover of the camp," said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. Gruesome footage apparently recorded by the jihadists at the gas field and distributed via YouTube showed dozens of bodies, some of them mutilated, strewn across a desert landscape. One video shows a jihadist posing with the bodies. EVENT he COMMENT The new Islamic State continues to wreak havoc and cause terror and slaughter. The territory they now cover corresponds accurately with the ancient Assyrians who were based in Nineveh. The Islamic State is based in the region of Nineveh in Iraq. The ancient Assyrians brought to an end the northern kingdom of Israel. It is possible that this new Islamic State will also help bring destruction to northern Israel. We read in Psalm 83 how Assyria helps the people that surround Israel in their aim of destroying Israel. We know that Israel will not be destroyed. But we also know that before the Russian invasion there is an initial war that Israel will win - but will be left in a weakened position. We know this because Isaiah 17 speaks of Ephraim (symbolic of northern Israel) is left without a fortress and Jacob’s (Israel’s) flesh is made thin. Eg no strength. Israel will be in no fit state to take on Russia when Russia descends. BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 17:3-4)

13. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. The second judgement of the world will come without warning for those not watching • Rise In Deaths From Terror Attacks Worldwide Sky News, July 23, 2014 The number of deaths caused by acts of terrorism across the world has risen by nearly a third in the last 12 months, according to British experts. Global deaths in the past year have risen by 30% compared to the previous five-year average, UK-based risk analysis company Maplecroft found. The figures have been published as part of Maplecroft's Terrorism and Security Dashboard (MTSD), which records, analyses and maps every reported incident of terrorism around the world. This is then used to form a global ranking of 197 countries based upon their risk of terror attacks. In the 12 months before July 1 there were 18,668 deaths, compared to an average of 14,443 in the five years before that - a 29.3% increase. Over the same period, there were 9,471 recorded attacks - an average of 26 a day - down from a five-year average of 10,468. Iraq has endured the highest number of attacks in the last 12 months, with 3,158 incidents. EVENT The number of people being killed in terror attacks is up 30%. There are 12 countries categorised as "extreme risk", including Iraq at the top as most at risk, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Libya. We are seeing a world so similar to that of Noah. We are told that in the days that Noah lived (around 4500 years ago) that that the world was full of violence. We are surely seeing the world full of violence now. Shocking violence. The new Islamic State conducts such violent acts that Al Qaeda have disowned them! Jesus said that just before he returned we would see a world “as it was in the days of Noah.” Jesus doesn’t actually point out the violence. The violence is mentioned in Genesis 6. The main point Jesus makes is the fact that the people living back then had NO IDEA what was coming. When the judgement finally began it was on a very normal day…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Luke 17:26-27)

14. Listen, a noise on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations massing together! The Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the Lord and the weapons of his wrath— to destroy the whole country. This chapter has latter day fulfilment. It is about the burden of IRAQ (Babylon) US carries out airstrike against ISIS in Iraq Daily Telegraph, August 8, 2014 President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had authorised "targeted" US airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in northern Iraq and military airdrops of humanitarian supplies to besieged religious minorities there to prevent a "potential act of genocide." Speaking after meetings with his national security team, Mr Obama - in his most significant response to the Iraq crisis - said he approved limited use of American air power to protect American personnel if Islamic State militants advance toward the Kurdish capital Arbil where they are based. The airstrikes would be the first carried out by the US military in Iraq since the withdrawal of its forces at the end of 2011, but Mr Obama insisted he would not commit any ground forces and had no intention of letting the United States get dragged back into a war there. EVENT COMMENT Obama promised to pull troops out of Iraq and to bring to an end America’s military involvement in that country. But the plans of men often come unstuck. America is being dragged back into the abyss which is Iraq. The toppling of Saddam which cost America 4,486 troop deaths has not brought peace. In fact the new Islamic State formerly known as ISIS is far more brutal and more violent that Saddam’s regime was. But there is very little America can do – the US won’t commit ground troops so it is left dropping food parcels to those being murdered and missiles on ISIS convoys. Iraq is spoken about in great detail in Isaiah 13. It speaks of the 2003 war. It speaks of the destruction the followed. It speaks of Iran then being stirred up. It speaks of future cataclysmic destruction coming on Iraq. It even speaks of Saddam and his death! To watch a video about the significance of Babel, Babylon and Baghdad CLICK HERE BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:4-5)

15. The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. UK: Islamic State is "threat to civilisation" Daily Telegraph, August 15, 2014 Philip Hammond the UK Foreign Secretary described the Islamic State as a "threat to civilisation to the region and to us here in Europe" today as he confirmed that Britain was prepared to arm Kurdish fighters in Iraq. "The UK has said we will also consider favourably any requests for supplies of arms," the foreign secretary said. "We are already shipping ammunition and supplies from other East European countries into Erbil.” France, Britain, Germany and Italy today pledged to step up humanitarian aid to help refugees in Iraq, following an emergency meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels. France, Britain, Italy and Germany also pledged to step up humanitarian aid to help the refugees in Iraq, following an emergency meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels. EVENT COMMENT The world is beginning to wake up to the terror of this new group that almost overnight have setup a so-called Islamic State. The horror and savagery of this people is beyond comprehension. They are beheading children, crucifying adults and appear to be fearless in their goals. We have mentioned that the territory they now control is almost identical to the territory of the ancient Assyrians – who themselves were as vicious and brutal as these people. Why have they suddenly appeared and to what purpose? And does the Bible speak about these events? Assyria of course was used by God originally to bring punishment on the wicked northern kingdom of Israel. We know that judgements are coming on Israel in two stages. Stage 1 involves the surrounding nations which we are told include Assyria. Stage 2 involves an outer ring of nations that come against Israel i.e. Russia, Iran etc. ISIS therefore is part of stage one… he BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 14:24-25)

16. Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? All peoples / nations in this verse have been identified this week! • 10 Arab states join the US in battle against Isil Daily Telegraph, September 11, 2014 A coalition of 10 Arab states threw their support behind Barack Obama’s pledge to destroy the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil) movement in Iraq and Syria on Thursday. In a welcome boost to US plans for defeating the militant Islamist group, regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Jordan pledged to “do their share” in the battle. The announcement in Saudi Arabia was carefully choreographed, coming hours after the president told the American people that he would expand US air strikes against the militants, promising that Isil would ultimately be “vanquished from the Earth”. As Mr Obama marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a moment of silence at the White House, the 10 regional allies — which also included Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — issued their statement after a meeting with John Kerry, the US secretary of state. EVENT COMMENT This is a remarkable coalition brought together by America. The terrible situation with the newly formed Islamic State has united 10 Arab nations with the US. What is interesting is who is forming part of this block and even more interesting – who isn’t. It is also interesting what their stated aims are. So the nations in this coalition as listed above include all the nations in the Saudi Arabian peninsula. Plus Lebanon and Jordan. Apart from Lebanon these nations correspond to the area described in Ezekiel 38 as Sheba and Dedan. We note from verse 13 that they are aligned with the merchants of Tarshish AND the young lions – America is a “young lion” offspring of the old lion Britain. Turkey is not joining this coalition and the US has ruled out Iran joining. The aim of this group is to defeat ISIS. But Obama went further and said that military strikes will happen on Syria where ISIS has bases. This has infuriated Russia. It’s another push… he BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13)

17. Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? Sheba and Dedan are the same Arab nations in Obama’s roll call. America is a young lion. US, Arab allies hit IS strongholds in Syria, Iraq Associated Press, September 23, 2014 Combined U.S.-Arab airstrikes hit Islamic State military strongholds in Syria and Iraq, and a simultaneous U.S. strike targeted an al-Qaida cell said to be plotting direct assaults on American and other Western interests, the U.S. military said Tuesday. President Barack Obama declared that Arab support for the airstrikes "makes it clear to the world this is not America's fight alone. We're going to do what's necessary to take the fight to this terrorist group, for the security of the country and the regime and for the entire world.” Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the top American military official, said the U.S. and its Arab allies achieved their aim of showing the extremists that their attacks will not go unanswered. Obama said the U.S. was "proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with Arab partners, and he called the roll: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain and Qatar. EVENT COMMENT Despite his best endeavours Obama has been dragged back into a war in Iraq (and Syria). The Islamic State or ISIS has shocked the world. Six months ago no one had heard of ISIS - now there is a war against them. The shocking brutality of ISIS has galvanised America into action. But what an amazing situation has occurred. As we read the “roll call” of nations who have attacked Syria this week we see the EXACT nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38. These nations correspond to Sheba, Dedan (ancient names for the Arab nations listed) and the young lions (America). These nations are also referred to as “the king of the south” in Daniel 11:40. What we have here is the modern king of the south attacking the ancient king of the north (Syria). This is a prelude to the modern king of the north (Russia) invading the middle east. BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:13)

18. The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Britain joins fight against Islamic State Group Daily Telegraph, September 26, 2014 Britain is poised to join the war against Isil after Parliament overwhelmingly backed air strikes targeting the terrorists in Iraq. David Cameron said there was a “strong case” for extending the air strikes into Syria. He warned that the war against the “psychopathic” Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil) was likely to last for “years”. During an emergency session of Parliament on Friday, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs largely united as they voted 524 to 43 in favor of joining military action in Iraq. The air strikes were supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who said the West must offer a “vision of hope” to counter Isil’s “endless darkness”. Last night, six RAF Tornados based in Cyprus were poised to strike targets in Iraq within hours. The military intervention marks the third war in Iraq involving British personnel in the past 25 years. EVENT he COMMENT To complete the roll call here comes Britain. The “old lion” enters the fray with America (young lion) and the Arab nations based SOUTH of Israel. The emergency vote this week in the UK to go to war with ISIS was specifically to attack targets in Iraq only. But David Cameron made clear that Syria is next on the list. Many commentators expect another vote at some point which will bring Britain’s firepower against ISIS targets in Syria. Syria is extremely interesting from a Bible prophecy point of view. We know that Damascus must cease to be a city at some point. We know that Syria itself is the original king of the north. We know that Syria is not mentioned in Ezekiel 38. Therefore something happens to Syria BEFORE Russia invades. The events with ISIS could lead to a wider conflict with Syria in the future. We don’t know exactly how this will come about but there is no doubt what is happening now is highly significant… BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 17:1-2)

19. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. Ephraim = northern Israel.. See Psalm 83:8 - Assur = Assyria • Turkey backs military action against Isil Daily Telegraph, October 2, 2014 Turkey's parliament has authorised military action against the Islamic State jihadist group, whose fighters have battled their way to the doorstep of a key town across the border in Syria. The move allows the deployment of armed forces in Syria and Iraq, as well as the transit of foreign forces in Turkish territory for operations against IS militants. The broad mandate does not commit Turkey to sending soldiers into the two neighbouring countries, where IS has captured large areas, declaring an Islamic "caliphate" and committing widespread atrocities. Washington has been striving to build an international alliance against the jihadists. Five Arab nations have participated in the strikes on Syrian soil while the same number of European countries have committed aircraft to Iraq. EVENT This new Islamic State appeared from nowhere just months ago and now many nations are fighting a war against it. Australia (one of the young lions of Ezekiel 38) joined the fray this week as well as Turkey. Conducting military airstrikes now includes America, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia. The very same nations that make up the opposing force (the king of the south) mentioned in Ezekiel 38:13. ISIS covers almost identical territory to ancient Assyria and in many ways behaves like they did as well. Barbaric in the extreme- showing no mercy. It cannot be a coincidence in these last days an ancient Assyria suddenly appears. Assyria of course came against the northern kingdom of Israel. In Psalm 83 we read of Assur (Assyria) joining forces with peoples like the Philistines (Palestinians) in attacking Israel. When Damascus falls (quite possibly in this conflict) we read that NORTHERN Israel is greatly weakened. Assur helps do this. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 17:3-4)

20. The burden of Babylon, .….Hear the noise on the mountains! Listen, as the vast armies march! It is the noise and shouting of many nations. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together. They come from distant countries, from beyond the farthest horizons. They are the Lord’s weapons to carry out his anger. With them he will destroy the whole land. Obama authorizes 1,500 more troops for Iraq Reuters, November 6, 2014 President Barack Obama has approved sending up to 1,500 more troops to Iraq, roughly doubling the number of U.S. forces on the ground to advise and retrain Iraqis in their battle against the militant group Islamic State, U.S. officials said on Friday. Obama's decision greatly expands the scope of the U.S. campaign and the geographic distribution of American forces, some of whom will head into Iraq's fiercely contested western Anbar province for the first time to act as advisors. It also raises the stakes in Obama's first interactions with Congress after his Democratic Party was thumped by Republicans in mid-term elections this week. The White House said it would ask Congress for $1.6 billion for a new "Iraq Train and Equip Fund." EVENT he COMMENT The advance of Islamic State militants across Iraq has alarmed the West. President Obama began sending non-combatant troops back to Iraq in the summer for the first time since he withdrew U.S. forces from the country in 2011. Officials said one location to which military advisors would soon travel was western Anbar province, bordering Syria, where Islamic State fighters are on the offensive. Iraq's main military divisions in Anbar have been hit hard. At least 6,000 Iraqi soldiers were killed through June and double that number have deserted, according to medical and diplomatic sources. Iraq of course is highly significant in the Bible. It is home of ancient Babylon. It is also home of the very first kingdom. Babel mentioned in Genesis 10 and 11. There is a section of prophecies in Isaiah that speaks of national burdens that affect the world. They ALL have a latter day fulfilment. The first on the list is Babylon (Iraq). Iraq is indeed a burden for the world. Other nations include Syria, Iran, Egypt and Israel! BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 13:4-5 NLT)