Posted on 07/14/2006 11:20:24 AM PDT by xjcsa
Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has rejected Western demands that he respond to a new proposal regarding the cessation of Iran’s nuclear efforts by the middle of this month.
To the consternation of officials in Europe and Washington, Ahmadinejad promised only to respond by the end of the Iranian month of Mordad (August 22).
Why that date? Why so long to look over a simple package of incentives and give either a negative or a positive reply? Finding the answers to these troubling questions may require America and Europe to come to terms with a reality Western liberalism has done its best to ignore - that Islam remains engaged in a clash of civilizations with the Judeo-Christian world.
You see, Ahmadinejad is a strong believer in the Shi’ite tradition of a 12th imam, the so-called “hidden” Imam Mahdi who Allah has miraculously kept alive since his disappearance in 874 AD. As the story goes, Imam Mahdi will return at a time of great global chaos, oppression and bloodshed and usher in an era of (Islamic) justice.
Ahmadinejad sees himself as Allah’s instrument to pave the way for Imam Mahdi, and constantly uses public appearances to urge his countrymen to prepare to back him in this task.
Rumor is, Imam Mahdi could be returning this August (or shortly thereafter), just around the time some military experts believe Iran will be ready to construct its first nuclear weapon. Go figure.
Ahmadinejad has made clear his confidence that he and other true believers can affect this apocalyptic timetable, and will use all means at his disposal to do so.
Also of note is that August 22 of this year corresponds with the Islamic date of Rajab 28, the day Saladin conquered and entered Jerusalem.
Taken in conjunction with Ahmadinejad’s stated desire to see Israel destroyed, it hardly seems a coincidence.
Will the coming months see Ahmadinejad attempt to bring about Imam Mahdi’s return by attacking Israel and generating the necessary regional and global chaos?
Perhaps the better question is, will the West start to take this man at his word in time to stop him?
Different Title, so no biggie, but I thought that was interesting too and posted it last week @ http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1661814/posts if you want to read some older comments on it.
Self ping
I've been thinking that the aggression in Isreal is just the beginning of a larger push by Iran and radical Islam in general to get started with an all out war with the West. I sure hope people are right when they say Iran can't have nukes yet.
Dictatorships are never to be trusted. They are darwinian to the core and only the most violent and ruthless of men work up the chain of power. The sooner the west gets into it with Syria and Iran, the better off we'll all be. Today it will be on our terms. Later it might be on their terms...not a good thing. The lessons of WWII must be heeded.....I'm talking to the would be Neville Chamberlins right now.
Hmmm...actually the two articles come up with two different Islamic dates for August 22 (Rajab 27 and Rajab 28), and two different reasons for significance. Yours cites the ascension of Mohammed from Al Aqsa (Jerusalem); this one cites the anniversary of Saladin "conquering and entering" Jerusalem. I have no idea who is right about that.
I'm taking two weeks off in Mordad. I hope the weather's good!
Probably just because the guy is nuts. He thinks he's Mohammad's replacement and everything he says and does has some kind of spiritual significance in his own mind. I have the feeling most Iranians already have one foot over the rail and are ready to jump ship when this guy looses his last marble.
What happens if the 12th Iman comes back to a smoldering land of hot glass?
"What will happen after that date and no serious 12:th Imam impostor is appearing? "
He'll be dressing up as the 12th Imam to assume the role himself.
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