Days before Christmas, offering a slap in the face to true Christians who believe the truth of the Bible, Obama declared this was a "time of progress" due to the sad fact that Congress had overturned the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military. The strongest opposing argument I heard against lifting the ban was given by former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum when he said it would basically marginalize "people of faith" more. I agree. Sadly, most of the opposition on the Republican side has been to ask for more time for the military to study the matter.
Now given the fact that Christian military chaplains have had difficulty being allowed to "serve openly" in the military by being forbidden from praying in Jesus' name, one would think that should lead people who claim to know their God to become troubled, you'd think, or perhaps indignant, or be moved to action per Daniel 11:32. On the contrary, it seems a number of Republicans and Christians have embraced or ignored lifting the ban. They want to be magnanimous or gracious or they just wanted to be appeasers I guess. Even conservatives seem to think that "gays in the military" is a minor issue. They are sadly mistaken. The issue goes to the heart of the nation's founding as a place for freedom of worship. The federal government has flunked the test in God's eyes.
Sadly, this misguided magnanimous, "loving" approach is shared my many Christians as they fall over themselves talking about God's love. Blah, blah, blah, blah. What nonsense! Many American Christians think God is loving and gracious and He will just go on blessing America because, well you know "God is just that way", they think. Their sloppy "God is love" theology forgets that I Corinthians 13:6 NIV notes that "...love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." I can almost see the "love" I would get from many Christians if I quoted such a verse, such as the Methodists or United Church of Christ folks.
Surprisingly, many Christians who know better would often likewise turn surly or lecture a bold Christian for getting upset about an issue like "gays" in the military. However, the same "loving", self controlled Christian would get upset if someone didn't spay/neuter their cat, or if they didn't get an iPad for Christmas, or about another "pressing" issue like allowing wolves to be reintroduced into Yellowstone Park because it might affect their elk hunting results. Still others might get offended if someone doesn't continue attending their "clique" church or small group after a few visits because of the superficial faith or lack of true love. But to be offended that morality is being turned on its head in the USA, what's the big deal? "Manage your anger" or "calm down" they hypocritically advise. God loves gays too right? The attitude seems to be, "Don't bother me with that". Actually this reflects an Americanized dumbed-down theology based in soft virtues like love and mercy and compassion and devoid of the fear of the Lord, the basis of wisdom per Proverbs 1:7. Only, those virtues only seem to apply selectively, if at all. For example, if one is an eagerly compliant member of the "churchy" clique too often found in American churches. The Bible says in Psalm 106:29 that Israel "...provoked the Lord to anger by their wicked deeds." A word search on wicked and angry shows that God does get angry at wickedness. His mercy is not to be presumed upon, as a given, glossing over sin. It is received after sincere repentance for sin.
The USA is begging God for His judgment on this once great nation. Obama is leading, no "progressing", in his words, this nation right over a cliff. Perhaps, Republicans voting for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" wanted to get invited to Obama's next state dinner? Judgment isn't a nice topic for many Americans and American "Christians" to consider, especially if they're the ones being judged. However, Proverbs 18:5 notes that "It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice." The U.S. military is now doing both. If Americans would take off their rose-colored politically correct glasses and studied for parallels in the Bible such as Sodom and Gomorrah the future doesn't look bright.
Has American forgotten God? A lot more people are saying "Merry Christmas" this year but it seems this "faith" is superficial because if it were sincere then there would be sincere national outrage at the favoritism shown to the wicked after lifting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", which was hardly an onerous burden on homosexuals anyway. Psalm 9:17 notes, "The wicked return to the grave;all the nations that forget God."
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Is Islam Subject to Examination?
The following post is about the religion (or some may say the ideology) of Islam.
The growth of Islam is a trend that will likely affect many now and into the future. Furthermore, there is a peculiar trend in the West.
It seems Islam is often given a "pass" when there are glaring problems (vicious intolerance and bigotry, deceit, anti-Semitism, terrorism, and violence to name a few)with the so-called religion of peace. So, I guess this posting is also about "equal time." The news media, politicians, and religious leaders aren't telling the whole story. Some may call this posting bigoted, "Islamophobic," hateful, etc. etc. I would call it integrity and telling the truth. That seems to be a bit out of fashion these days. If the same folks wish to call their own critiques of Christianity and Christian leaders bigoted or "Christophobic" or "truthophobic" then I might be willing to listen to their glaring "double standard."
Christianity is often given a "rectal exam" on all fronts on rather petty, "out of context," Old Testament issues that aren't practiced by any modern denomination of Christians or Jews, for that matter, such as slavery or stoning of sinners. However, to my knowledge those two practices can be found in the Islamic world. Also, I don't recall seeing coverage recently of a Christian leader like Pat Robertson, the Pope, or any pastor sponsoring a terrorist attack on innocent women and children. Also, it seems Muslims are allowed to practice their religion quite freely in the USA, Canada, or Europe. However, again, we seem to have a little intolerance issue over in the Islamic world toward Christians and Jews.
So this posting endeavors to pose some tough questions for Islam. Perhaps, Muslims and misguided secularists and Christians might consider those before looking foolish in their critique of the absolute truth of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Some of the following questions have been answered extensively and others less so. This posting has been adapted from a letter to the editor I wrote back in 2003.
In the highly charged days since 9/11/01 a curious development is occurring. While our nation's Christian heritage is being eroded by secular humanism, false religions, apostate Christianity, and gross immorality, Islam is treated with "kid gloves." While Muslims clearly have the right to practice their religion(it should be noted Christians often don't in Islamic nations), I would like to ask some difficult questions about Islam and the prevailing misguided ecumenical approach to religion:
Why, in these times of increased terrorism in which the perpetrators are largely Muslim, is there not a greater scrutiny of the beliefs of this allegedly great religion? If it is the truth then it should withstand objective examination.
Are Islam and Christianity basically alike? This belief may feed "feel-good" secular values but that claim is nonsense. The Bible and the Koran are fundamentally different even though there may be superficial similarities. Islam radically and falsely claims Jesus was not even crucified, let alone risen from the dead and it further claims that Allah (not the true God) has not begotten a Son. Islam makes the false and blasphemous claim that Allah is the God of all human beings. Islam also "rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one." According to my research, Allah is the moon god. In a televised teaching, Dr. Pat Robertson, noted that it seems that Allah resembles the false god, Baal that the Philistines worshipped in Old Testament times. I concur with Robertson. So there you go, even Islamic adherents recognize the inherent difference in the religions. They can't both be right! It's appalling that most Americans who claim to be Christian cave in the face of the false claims of Islam. I am confident that the god of this world, Satan, is ultimately behind this phenomenon.
Isn't Islam diametrically opposed to Christianity or antichrist? Despite the deceit by some Muslims and secular liberals about Christians, Jews, and Muslims being "people of the book" they are fundamentally at odds. As noted previously, Islam brazenly denies the Trinity. To deny the Trinity is to deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. I John 2:22-23 NIV declares, "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Sone has the Father also." I am confident that the final antichrist will hail from an Islamic nation. According to my understanding of the book of Daniel, it seems he will come from Syria or a nation in that vicinity.
Is Islam truly inclusive, tolerant, and a religion of peace? The objective evidence responds with a resounding "No". Some American teens might say "whad ever". In Islamic countries it is a crime in many cases, for a Muslim to convert to another religion. Christians and Jews are treated like 2nd class citizens in these places. In the nation of Saudi Arabia, Christians and Jews are not even allowed in the supposedly holy city of Mecca. Also, in my personal experience, I was arrogantly rebuffed when I inquired about offering biblically-based consulting services in Saudi Arabia.
Is Islam being taught in some schools and universities while the mere mention of
Jesus makes many people uncomfortable? I would submit that the fundamental reason is that some liberals and secularists in the USA, as well as in other western nations, are truly "brothers of antichrist" under the skin with misguided Muslims. Is it possible that Osama bin Laden represents the true Islam? That seems obvious. But what about so-called moderate Muslims. In my own personal experience with a Muslim of Kurdish origin (a man many would describe as a moderate Muslim), I found a similar intolerance to truth. I invited this man to a Easter Sunday service years ago. This gentle, low-key man became visibly irritated. He said that Jesus did not even die on a cross. That reflects the true belief of Islam. I would say he is a "lukewarm" Muslim like many "lukewarm" Christians because he barely knew the Koran (couldn't point to one favorite verse). He further boasted that back in his native Kurdish Iraq his people often celebrated with Christians. However, you only had to scratch the surface to reveal his true colors. He became angry when I suggested that Allah was the moon god. I pointed out the fact that many Islamic nations had a moon on their flags. He couldn't respond except to get angry at me and accuse me of harassment.
Why can't an Islamic nation sustain democracy and liberty? I may stand corrected here. Turkey was doing it but it seems to be the exception, and definitely not the rule. Recently, even Turkey as adopted a fundamentalist Islamic approach. I have a theory about Turkey. My belief is that Islamic countries are under the tyranny of Islam, and ultimately Satan. I feel for these poor people. The Bible notes in II Corinthians 3:17 NIV, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." There is not freedom in Islamic countries because they restrict the true religion, Christianity.
Was Mohammed a pedophile and a bit of a terrorist himself? Did he deal deceitfully with his own tribe? According to my research, this is the case. I would encourage those who have the courage to accept the truth to research that one themselves.
If Islam is such a peaceful religion why hasn't there been an Islamic outcry against the suicide bombings against Israel and America? The short answer seems to be fear. Muslims, who know better, are afraid to speak out. Christians and Jews are infidels, at least when they aren't trying to deceive gullible American liberals with the "people of the book" nonsense. As the world is heading toward the final return of Jesus Christ, many will be hardened in their unbelief. The man of sin or the antichrist will precede Jesus' return, arriving as a counterfeit Messiah. Many Muslims may consider him their Messiah, or Mahdi. Again, this shows that Islam and Christianity are diametrically opposed. II Thessalonians 2:912 NIV notes, "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." Therefore, the antichrist will be God's judgment on an unbelieving world. Many in the western world who have rejected the freedom and truth of Jesus will be punished through the Antichrist.
The growth of Islam is a trend that will likely affect many now and into the future. Furthermore, there is a peculiar trend in the West.
It seems Islam is often given a "pass" when there are glaring problems (vicious intolerance and bigotry, deceit, anti-Semitism, terrorism, and violence to name a few)with the so-called religion of peace. So, I guess this posting is also about "equal time." The news media, politicians, and religious leaders aren't telling the whole story. Some may call this posting bigoted, "Islamophobic," hateful, etc. etc. I would call it integrity and telling the truth. That seems to be a bit out of fashion these days. If the same folks wish to call their own critiques of Christianity and Christian leaders bigoted or "Christophobic" or "truthophobic" then I might be willing to listen to their glaring "double standard."
Christianity is often given a "rectal exam" on all fronts on rather petty, "out of context," Old Testament issues that aren't practiced by any modern denomination of Christians or Jews, for that matter, such as slavery or stoning of sinners. However, to my knowledge those two practices can be found in the Islamic world. Also, I don't recall seeing coverage recently of a Christian leader like Pat Robertson, the Pope, or any pastor sponsoring a terrorist attack on innocent women and children. Also, it seems Muslims are allowed to practice their religion quite freely in the USA, Canada, or Europe. However, again, we seem to have a little intolerance issue over in the Islamic world toward Christians and Jews.
So this posting endeavors to pose some tough questions for Islam. Perhaps, Muslims and misguided secularists and Christians might consider those before looking foolish in their critique of the absolute truth of the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Some of the following questions have been answered extensively and others less so. This posting has been adapted from a letter to the editor I wrote back in 2003.
In the highly charged days since 9/11/01 a curious development is occurring. While our nation's Christian heritage is being eroded by secular humanism, false religions, apostate Christianity, and gross immorality, Islam is treated with "kid gloves." While Muslims clearly have the right to practice their religion(it should be noted Christians often don't in Islamic nations), I would like to ask some difficult questions about Islam and the prevailing misguided ecumenical approach to religion:
Why, in these times of increased terrorism in which the perpetrators are largely Muslim, is there not a greater scrutiny of the beliefs of this allegedly great religion? If it is the truth then it should withstand objective examination.
Are Islam and Christianity basically alike? This belief may feed "feel-good" secular values but that claim is nonsense. The Bible and the Koran are fundamentally different even though there may be superficial similarities. Islam radically and falsely claims Jesus was not even crucified, let alone risen from the dead and it further claims that Allah (not the true God) has not begotten a Son. Islam makes the false and blasphemous claim that Allah is the God of all human beings. Islam also "rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one." According to my research, Allah is the moon god. In a televised teaching, Dr. Pat Robertson, noted that it seems that Allah resembles the false god, Baal that the Philistines worshipped in Old Testament times. I concur with Robertson. So there you go, even Islamic adherents recognize the inherent difference in the religions. They can't both be right! It's appalling that most Americans who claim to be Christian cave in the face of the false claims of Islam. I am confident that the god of this world, Satan, is ultimately behind this phenomenon.
Isn't Islam diametrically opposed to Christianity or antichrist? Despite the deceit by some Muslims and secular liberals about Christians, Jews, and Muslims being "people of the book" they are fundamentally at odds. As noted previously, Islam brazenly denies the Trinity. To deny the Trinity is to deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. I John 2:22-23 NIV declares, "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Sone has the Father also." I am confident that the final antichrist will hail from an Islamic nation. According to my understanding of the book of Daniel, it seems he will come from Syria or a nation in that vicinity.
Is Islam truly inclusive, tolerant, and a religion of peace? The objective evidence responds with a resounding "No". Some American teens might say "whad ever". In Islamic countries it is a crime in many cases, for a Muslim to convert to another religion. Christians and Jews are treated like 2nd class citizens in these places. In the nation of Saudi Arabia, Christians and Jews are not even allowed in the supposedly holy city of Mecca. Also, in my personal experience, I was arrogantly rebuffed when I inquired about offering biblically-based consulting services in Saudi Arabia.
Is Islam being taught in some schools and universities while the mere mention of
Jesus makes many people uncomfortable? I would submit that the fundamental reason is that some liberals and secularists in the USA, as well as in other western nations, are truly "brothers of antichrist" under the skin with misguided Muslims. Is it possible that Osama bin Laden represents the true Islam? That seems obvious. But what about so-called moderate Muslims. In my own personal experience with a Muslim of Kurdish origin (a man many would describe as a moderate Muslim), I found a similar intolerance to truth. I invited this man to a Easter Sunday service years ago. This gentle, low-key man became visibly irritated. He said that Jesus did not even die on a cross. That reflects the true belief of Islam. I would say he is a "lukewarm" Muslim like many "lukewarm" Christians because he barely knew the Koran (couldn't point to one favorite verse). He further boasted that back in his native Kurdish Iraq his people often celebrated with Christians. However, you only had to scratch the surface to reveal his true colors. He became angry when I suggested that Allah was the moon god. I pointed out the fact that many Islamic nations had a moon on their flags. He couldn't respond except to get angry at me and accuse me of harassment.
Why can't an Islamic nation sustain democracy and liberty? I may stand corrected here. Turkey was doing it but it seems to be the exception, and definitely not the rule. Recently, even Turkey as adopted a fundamentalist Islamic approach. I have a theory about Turkey. My belief is that Islamic countries are under the tyranny of Islam, and ultimately Satan. I feel for these poor people. The Bible notes in II Corinthians 3:17 NIV, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." There is not freedom in Islamic countries because they restrict the true religion, Christianity.
Was Mohammed a pedophile and a bit of a terrorist himself? Did he deal deceitfully with his own tribe? According to my research, this is the case. I would encourage those who have the courage to accept the truth to research that one themselves.
If Islam is such a peaceful religion why hasn't there been an Islamic outcry against the suicide bombings against Israel and America? The short answer seems to be fear. Muslims, who know better, are afraid to speak out. Christians and Jews are infidels, at least when they aren't trying to deceive gullible American liberals with the "people of the book" nonsense. As the world is heading toward the final return of Jesus Christ, many will be hardened in their unbelief. The man of sin or the antichrist will precede Jesus' return, arriving as a counterfeit Messiah. Many Muslims may consider him their Messiah, or Mahdi. Again, this shows that Islam and Christianity are diametrically opposed. II Thessalonians 2:912 NIV notes, "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." Therefore, the antichrist will be God's judgment on an unbelieving world. Many in the western world who have rejected the freedom and truth of Jesus will be punished through the Antichrist.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The fear of man will prove to be a snare....
...but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25.
Recently, there has been a stir about Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach Center's plan to burn Qurans (see photo below for an example of a burned Quran).
Reportedly, the White House and General Petraeus in Afghanistan warned the pastor against doing so or it would cause retaliation against our troops. Petraeus felt the need to call out an American pastor exercising his right of freedom of religion all because of a protest of a whopping 500 in downtown Kabul (per the 9/7/2010 issue of abcnews.go.com). Was it the protest or fear of what might happen or is Petraeus a coward or a pagan himself? This pastor was a modern-day Gideon. Sadly, due to the blind state of the American church and government he was not recognized.
Islam is an evil religion;it resembles the Baal worship practiced by the Philistines. Allah is the moon god, not the true God. Mohammad was no prophet, except a false one. The Muslims have no problem burning our flag or the true Word of God, the Bible. They treat Christians and Jews like dirt. Yet Americans, don't seem to mind that;seems to prove that the American "faith" is pretty superficial, does it not. But burn the Koran! That gets Americans upset. Perhaps, most Americans are pagan cousins of Muslims, despite their self-righteous church attendance.
Yet, the generals in the so-called "home of the brave" have to try to silence an obscure pastor here in America in order to appease the pagan, Islamic radicals. It is nauseating. Sadly, this pastor caved today, a few days before the Koran burning. Even sadder, barely a voice rose to his defense. Rush Limbaugh, not even a preacher, seemed strongest saying he had the right to burn Korans. Saddest of all, Pastor Terry Jones is now going to meet with the Imam in New York City, building the victory monument (claims to be a Community Center) near Ground Zero.
Perhaps, the Lord is testing America. Our motto is, "In God We Trust." It appears that is nonsense. Perhaps the Lord was in this matter as a final test for this nation. The appeasement of Islamic radicals by the world's only remaining superpower is pitiful. Our guns are bigger than theirs. Yet, me must appease them in order to fulfill some misguided Obama mission or reach out to their belligerant nature. Didn't anyone learn a lesson from Neville Chamberlain's dealings with Hitler?
According to Proverbs 29:25, "the fear of man will prove to be a snare..." Sadly,
I fear the Lord will bring major judgment to this nation because we wouldn't stand against Islamic hate and He will laugh at our destruction. Proverbs 1:22-33 NIV is a relevant passage. Specifically, Proverbs 1:25-26NIV notes, "...since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you like a storm."
As a reminder, the Lord will curse those who curse me (Genesis 12:3) and see Psalm 105:15 for a warning against those who would touch the Lord's truly anointed. Keep that in mind and keep your hostility to yourself or the Lord will punish you. Bye now.
Recently, there has been a stir about Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach Center's plan to burn Qurans (see photo below for an example of a burned Quran).
Reportedly, the White House and General Petraeus in Afghanistan warned the pastor against doing so or it would cause retaliation against our troops. Petraeus felt the need to call out an American pastor exercising his right of freedom of religion all because of a protest of a whopping 500 in downtown Kabul (per the 9/7/2010 issue of abcnews.go.com). Was it the protest or fear of what might happen or is Petraeus a coward or a pagan himself? This pastor was a modern-day Gideon. Sadly, due to the blind state of the American church and government he was not recognized.
Islam is an evil religion;it resembles the Baal worship practiced by the Philistines. Allah is the moon god, not the true God. Mohammad was no prophet, except a false one. The Muslims have no problem burning our flag or the true Word of God, the Bible. They treat Christians and Jews like dirt. Yet Americans, don't seem to mind that;seems to prove that the American "faith" is pretty superficial, does it not. But burn the Koran! That gets Americans upset. Perhaps, most Americans are pagan cousins of Muslims, despite their self-righteous church attendance.
Yet, the generals in the so-called "home of the brave" have to try to silence an obscure pastor here in America in order to appease the pagan, Islamic radicals. It is nauseating. Sadly, this pastor caved today, a few days before the Koran burning. Even sadder, barely a voice rose to his defense. Rush Limbaugh, not even a preacher, seemed strongest saying he had the right to burn Korans. Saddest of all, Pastor Terry Jones is now going to meet with the Imam in New York City, building the victory monument (claims to be a Community Center) near Ground Zero.
Perhaps, the Lord is testing America. Our motto is, "In God We Trust." It appears that is nonsense. Perhaps the Lord was in this matter as a final test for this nation. The appeasement of Islamic radicals by the world's only remaining superpower is pitiful. Our guns are bigger than theirs. Yet, me must appease them in order to fulfill some misguided Obama mission or reach out to their belligerant nature. Didn't anyone learn a lesson from Neville Chamberlain's dealings with Hitler?
According to Proverbs 29:25, "the fear of man will prove to be a snare..." Sadly,
I fear the Lord will bring major judgment to this nation because we wouldn't stand against Islamic hate and He will laugh at our destruction. Proverbs 1:22-33 NIV is a relevant passage. Specifically, Proverbs 1:25-26NIV notes, "...since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you like a storm."
As a reminder, the Lord will curse those who curse me (Genesis 12:3) and see Psalm 105:15 for a warning against those who would touch the Lord's truly anointed. Keep that in mind and keep your hostility to yourself or the Lord will punish you. Bye now.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Announcing an Antichrist information web site
Daniel D. O'Hara is writing a book entitled, "The Dawning Age of Deceit" as an ongoing project. He is currently writing and researching the Antichrist chapter. As that chapter progresses the content, done in a question and answer format will be uploaded to www.antichristinfo.blogspot.com.
Your tax deductible donations to Lion's Den Society are encouraged so Daniel can continue his work on this timely project. You can mail contributions to:
Lion's Den Society
P.O. Box 1064
Laurel, MT 59044
Your tax deductible donations to Lion's Den Society are encouraged so Daniel can continue his work on this timely project. You can mail contributions to:
Lion's Den Society
P.O. Box 1064
Laurel, MT 59044
Monday, January 18, 2010
Obama to guarantee strategic territory to Palestineans, including East Jerusalem within 2 years
From Prophecy News Watch's 1/15/2010 e-newsletter which in turn sourced
www.wnd.com for the content of this article:
President Obama is planning to issue a letter in the next few weeks guaranteeing U.S. support for a plan to give much of the West Bank and eastern sections of Jerusalem to Palestinians within two years, WND has learned.
The presidential letter is slated to stress U.S. commitments to Israeli security as well.
It would state the final borders of a Palestinian country will be determined by direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations but that the U.S. supports a Palestinian state in the general 1967 borders – meaning the West Bank, Gaza Strip and eastern Jerusalem.
According to a source in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the Israeli leader is pushing against a formal letter from Obama, recommending the U.S. president issue an official oral declaration instead.
The contents of the letter are being discussed by Israelis with both Egypt and the U.S. and separately by the Palestinian Authority with Egypt and the U.S. Egypt is a key broker in the matter.
WND has learned that on Monday Israeli National Security Adviser Uzi Arad was in Egypt on a secret visit to discuss Israeli-Palestinian talks as well as the content of Obama's future declaration.
Arad's visit until now has not been reported by the news media.
But earlier this week, WND reported that Middle East security and diplomatic officials said Israel and the Palestinian Authority are negotiating indirectly via the U.S., Jordan and Egypt to outline a future Palestinian state that would encompass Jerusalem.
Popular perception has it that talks between Israel and the PA are stalled over a Palestinian demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extend a 10-month West Bank settlement freeze to include Jewish communities in eastern Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu's office released a statement declaring the prime minister would "never" cede control of united Jerusalem nor retreat to the 1967 borders, referring to an evacuation of the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. The statement came after Egypt's foreign minister said in Cairo last week Netanyahu was ready to discuss making "Arab Jerusalem" the capital of a Palestinian state.
According to Middle East security and diplomatic officials, however, Netanyahu's statement may be misleading unless he meant he would not retreat to the exact 1967 lines. Those officials, from Egypt, Jordan, the PA and Israel, told WND in separate interviews over the course of the last few weeks that Israel is in advanced stages of outlining a future Palestinian state that would encompass most of the West Bank. Also, Jerusalem is being discussed between Israel and members of the Obama administration, the officials said.
To point out the advanced levels of the current talks, a PA official told WND that a visit next week by President Obama's national security adviser, Jim Jones, will center around security arrangements for a future Palestinian state in the West Bank.
The arrangements may include a contingent of Jordanian troops in the strategic territory as well as private Palestinian firms and international soldiers participating in patrolling the Palestinian side of a future border, the official said.
Regarding international forces, one Jordanian security source said there are "very serious talks about bringing international forces to the borders between the West Bank and Israel, especially the Jordan Valley, where the Israelis would have security guarantees from an international force working in collaboration with the Palestinians."
Officially, White House spokesman Mike Hammer said that in his consultations, Jones "will discuss the full range of regional challenges and opportunities at this critical time in the Middle East."
According to the Middle East security officials, Netanyahu agreed in principal to establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders – the Gaza Strip, West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. However, Israel would retain what are known as major settlement blocks, including Ariel, Gush Etzion and Maale Adumim.
The officials said the formula, established under Netanyahu's predecessor, Ehud Olmert, would call for a 100 percent territorial exchange, meaning that any West Bank Jewish communities retained by Israel would be compensated to the PA using other land, such as territory in the Israeli Negev alongside the Gaza Strip.
Status of Jerusalem up for talks
With regard to Jerusalem, talks between the U.S. and Israel are in their infancy.
The officials from the Obama administration most publicly identified with brokering Israeli-Palestinian talks include Jones and Obama's envoy to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, George Mitchell. However, WND has learned Dennis Ross, an Obama foreign policy adviser who served as Mideast envoy to the Clinton administration, is actively engaged in brokering a deal regarding Jerusalem.
Israeli diplomatic sources said Ross wants to use the formula established under the Clinton administration that would see Jewish sections of Jerusalem becoming Israeli while areas largely inhabited by Arabs would become Palestinian. About 100,000 Arabs live illegally on Jewish-owned land in Jerusalem.
The fact that the talks are ongoing through mediators leaves Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas open to declaring that there are no direct negotiations.
Israeli leaders in the recent past claimed talks were not occurring or did not include certain territories only later to admit the territory in question had been ceded in secret negotiations.
After months of denials the status of Jerusalem was on the table during negotiations, Olmert's office finally confirmed in August 2008 that Jerusalem had been included in talks. Also, weeks before he departed office, Olmert gave an interview to Israel's leading daily, Yediot Aharonot, admitting that during negotiations he offered Abbas 94 percent of the West Bank and peripheral areas of eastern Jerusalem. Olmert's office repeatedly had denied such talks.
Similarly, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ran for office in 2000 on the very election platform that he would not withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Sharon was running against Amram Mitzneh, a leader of Israel's leftist Labor party who had pledged to evacuate Gaza. In 2004, Sharon did an about face and announced his Gaza disengagement policy. One year later, Sharon pulled all Jewish communities out of the Gaza Strip.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary from Daniel O'Hara of the Lion's Den Society on this news:
Mr. Obama is endangering the USA and his own Presidency's future by cursing Israel in this treacherous manner according to Genesis 12:3. True believers should pray against Obama's policies (Psalm 35) and for Israel and Jerusalem's protection and peace (Psalm 122:6-7). Sadly, Israel's own leaders are giving into American, Arab and global pressure. Pray for mercy on Prime Minister Netanyahu and make Israel the head and not the tail in this regard.
www.wnd.com for the content of this article:
President Obama is planning to issue a letter in the next few weeks guaranteeing U.S. support for a plan to give much of the West Bank and eastern sections of Jerusalem to Palestinians within two years, WND has learned.
The presidential letter is slated to stress U.S. commitments to Israeli security as well.
It would state the final borders of a Palestinian country will be determined by direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations but that the U.S. supports a Palestinian state in the general 1967 borders – meaning the West Bank, Gaza Strip and eastern Jerusalem.
According to a source in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, the Israeli leader is pushing against a formal letter from Obama, recommending the U.S. president issue an official oral declaration instead.
The contents of the letter are being discussed by Israelis with both Egypt and the U.S. and separately by the Palestinian Authority with Egypt and the U.S. Egypt is a key broker in the matter.
WND has learned that on Monday Israeli National Security Adviser Uzi Arad was in Egypt on a secret visit to discuss Israeli-Palestinian talks as well as the content of Obama's future declaration.
Arad's visit until now has not been reported by the news media.
But earlier this week, WND reported that Middle East security and diplomatic officials said Israel and the Palestinian Authority are negotiating indirectly via the U.S., Jordan and Egypt to outline a future Palestinian state that would encompass Jerusalem.
Popular perception has it that talks between Israel and the PA are stalled over a Palestinian demand that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extend a 10-month West Bank settlement freeze to include Jewish communities in eastern Jerusalem.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu's office released a statement declaring the prime minister would "never" cede control of united Jerusalem nor retreat to the 1967 borders, referring to an evacuation of the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. The statement came after Egypt's foreign minister said in Cairo last week Netanyahu was ready to discuss making "Arab Jerusalem" the capital of a Palestinian state.
According to Middle East security and diplomatic officials, however, Netanyahu's statement may be misleading unless he meant he would not retreat to the exact 1967 lines. Those officials, from Egypt, Jordan, the PA and Israel, told WND in separate interviews over the course of the last few weeks that Israel is in advanced stages of outlining a future Palestinian state that would encompass most of the West Bank. Also, Jerusalem is being discussed between Israel and members of the Obama administration, the officials said.
To point out the advanced levels of the current talks, a PA official told WND that a visit next week by President Obama's national security adviser, Jim Jones, will center around security arrangements for a future Palestinian state in the West Bank.
The arrangements may include a contingent of Jordanian troops in the strategic territory as well as private Palestinian firms and international soldiers participating in patrolling the Palestinian side of a future border, the official said.
Regarding international forces, one Jordanian security source said there are "very serious talks about bringing international forces to the borders between the West Bank and Israel, especially the Jordan Valley, where the Israelis would have security guarantees from an international force working in collaboration with the Palestinians."
Officially, White House spokesman Mike Hammer said that in his consultations, Jones "will discuss the full range of regional challenges and opportunities at this critical time in the Middle East."
According to the Middle East security officials, Netanyahu agreed in principal to establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders – the Gaza Strip, West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. However, Israel would retain what are known as major settlement blocks, including Ariel, Gush Etzion and Maale Adumim.
The officials said the formula, established under Netanyahu's predecessor, Ehud Olmert, would call for a 100 percent territorial exchange, meaning that any West Bank Jewish communities retained by Israel would be compensated to the PA using other land, such as territory in the Israeli Negev alongside the Gaza Strip.
Status of Jerusalem up for talks
With regard to Jerusalem, talks between the U.S. and Israel are in their infancy.
The officials from the Obama administration most publicly identified with brokering Israeli-Palestinian talks include Jones and Obama's envoy to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, George Mitchell. However, WND has learned Dennis Ross, an Obama foreign policy adviser who served as Mideast envoy to the Clinton administration, is actively engaged in brokering a deal regarding Jerusalem.
Israeli diplomatic sources said Ross wants to use the formula established under the Clinton administration that would see Jewish sections of Jerusalem becoming Israeli while areas largely inhabited by Arabs would become Palestinian. About 100,000 Arabs live illegally on Jewish-owned land in Jerusalem.
The fact that the talks are ongoing through mediators leaves Netanyahu and PA President Mahmoud Abbas open to declaring that there are no direct negotiations.
Israeli leaders in the recent past claimed talks were not occurring or did not include certain territories only later to admit the territory in question had been ceded in secret negotiations.
After months of denials the status of Jerusalem was on the table during negotiations, Olmert's office finally confirmed in August 2008 that Jerusalem had been included in talks. Also, weeks before he departed office, Olmert gave an interview to Israel's leading daily, Yediot Aharonot, admitting that during negotiations he offered Abbas 94 percent of the West Bank and peripheral areas of eastern Jerusalem. Olmert's office repeatedly had denied such talks.
Similarly, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ran for office in 2000 on the very election platform that he would not withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Sharon was running against Amram Mitzneh, a leader of Israel's leftist Labor party who had pledged to evacuate Gaza. In 2004, Sharon did an about face and announced his Gaza disengagement policy. One year later, Sharon pulled all Jewish communities out of the Gaza Strip.
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Commentary from Daniel O'Hara of the Lion's Den Society on this news:
Mr. Obama is endangering the USA and his own Presidency's future by cursing Israel in this treacherous manner according to Genesis 12:3. True believers should pray against Obama's policies (Psalm 35) and for Israel and Jerusalem's protection and peace (Psalm 122:6-7). Sadly, Israel's own leaders are giving into American, Arab and global pressure. Pray for mercy on Prime Minister Netanyahu and make Israel the head and not the tail in this regard.
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