Last Sunday (March 30, 2014) Turkey held elections that were considered in many ways a bellwether for how the AKP will fare in larger elections at the end of this year. In light of the series of truly tacky scandals surrounding the Prime Minister and the AKP party over the last few months, I was beginning to think that he just might lose his grip on power. But not so. In fact, the AKP maintained a solid 44% of the vote with no other party even encroaching those numbers. No sooner did the election results come in than Erdogan took to the stage and declared that he would “enter the lair” of his enemies and “punish them.” What a wonderful acceptance speech. How democratic. He also flashed the four finger R4bia salute which has become the preferred sign of support for the Muslim Brotherhood. A few years ago, I made a comment on the Rumors of War, Part II documentary for Glenn Beck that in Erdogan, we have an emerging Adolph Hitler of the Middle East. After the film was released, I wondered if making such a statement was a bit too over the top. Only time will tell. (Update: Turkish opposition leader: ‘Turkey’s Erdogan following in footsteps of Hitler, Mussolini’) But one thing is sure, the man is an egomaniac and a dictator of the worst stripe. And at least for now, he seems set to maintain control over Turkey for the foreseeable future. As I often have pointed out, Turkey does have the largest army in the region and its strategic strength and potential cannot be overstated. The long term ramifications for the region will be dramatic. None of this is a positive sign for the future of the region.
A few articles of interest for geopolitical watchers, along these lines:
The Saudi-Turkey cold war for Sunni hegemony
Election results may revive Erdoğan’s hope for presidential system
11 Responses
Joel,
I personally think that the Ant-Christ will not be revealed until the third temple is built. It seems there is a strong focus on Erdogan or someone else in Turkey to possibly be the son of perdition. Is it premature to be looking at this point in time?
Joel,
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/04/muslim-brotherhood-launches-its-own-u-s-political-party
This is all starting to become very interesting!
Hello All:
An interesting Clarion article regarding the bizarre alliance between Turkey and Iran. They are publicly enemies on the Sunni/Shi’a front (vis-a-vis the Syrian war) but are building a strong alliance economically and politically (and clandestinely?) in response to the counter-revolution in Egypt and the opposition of the Gulf kingdoms. The North-South axis continues to become more and more defined.
http://www.clarionproject.org/analysis/formal-police-intel-chief-turkey-collusion-iran
Blessings,
Gabe
Christopher,
Erdogan is not the Antichrist. Erdogan does not align with the Scriptural criteria. But to say that we have an emerging dictator with unfettered ambition and brazenly anti-Semitic tendencies is absolutely true. All one must do is consider his words and actions for the past several years. And yes, the AC is yet to be revealed.
I agree Joel, the man who will become the Antichrist is the “little horn,” a minor political figure who rises to power thru intrigue. The little horn arise after the 10 kings come to power. It is too early to look for him. Satan is hiding him, IMO, till it is his time.
Erdogan might be the “prominent horn” of the Shaggy Goat from Daniel 8 but only time will tell.
Hi Nelson
For my understanding, the prominent horn in Daniel 8 was the leader of the Grecian empire which conquered the Persian empire ,Alexander the great, then when he died his kingdom was given to his four generals, the four horns that stood up,(i guess you actually know that) after they are spoken of, Daniel then speaks of future events revealing the antichrist. Most of the commentaries i have read, agree that the Prominent horn and the four horns that stand up, have already been fulfilled, so we don’t need to look for that again.
I’m sure that God is pleased that we seek the truth in His word, and in time, He will make all things clear.
Bless you.
Linda, I’m glad you brought that issue up. The book of Daniel has been sealed for 2500 years, “But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end” (Dan 12:4 NRSV) “Daniel, for the words are to remain secret and sealed until the time of the end.” (Dan 12:9 NRSV) . God has supernaturally placed a clay seal on Daniel with his Holy imprint. This seal has been ignored by most in the Church and has led to incredible misunderstanding regarding numberous prophecies in Daniel. IMO, the first seal on the book of Daniel appears to have been broken within the last 10 years.
Because you are on Joel’s site, I’m sure you are aware of one of the misunderstood prophecies, that the Antichrist would be a Roman. Joel has written extensively in Mideast Beast that how the prophecies in Daniel 2 and 9 were misinterpreted. It is a landmark book and I recommend it highly.
In regard to Daniel 8, that prophecy has also been misinterpreted. The vision of the Ram and Goat was specifically sealed “Therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future” (Dan 8:26 NKJV) It is no wonder Christian expositors have gotten this vision wrong from Bishop Hippolitus on down for 1800 years. It was sealed. This doesn’t mean that these wonderful Spirit filled expositors didn’t interpret scripture correctly in most of the Bible. It means God confused our understanding of Daniel. (IMO He still is confusing segments) Here are the sealed verses:
“Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the TIME OF THE END.” (Dan 8:17 NKJV, emphasis mine)
“Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be.” (Dan 8:19 NKJV)
These verses are crystal clear. Daniel 8 refers to the time of the end not to ancient Kingdoms. Alexander the Great is a foreshadow of the coming Prominent Horn of the Shaggy Goat who will fulfill the propehcy. Please also note that since the Ram and the Goat preceed the rise of the Antichrist they are Pre-Tribulation prophecies. We are probably going to see the fulfillment of these within the next few years.
I have a brand new website which will be available soon that teaches on this and other subjects you may find interesting. It should be completed within a month.
Joel,
Thank you for your good work. I was wondering if you could tell us what it’s like to be a Christian in Turkey (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant). To my knowledge, Turkey isn’t on Open Doors’ top 50 countries for Christian persecution, and their previous history of Attaturk’s secularism would seem to suggest that Christians were tolerated. But have things changed for Christians in more recent years?
Nick,
The government presently is driving out all Christian missionaries through visa hassles and such. I know many that are being forced out. Culturally speaking, Turkish nationalism and identity is a huge factor. The nation may tolerate secularism, but it is still Turkish / Muslim in its identity. So often, even if a family is not devout in their Islam, they see conversion to Christianity as a betrayal. Now, in the more rural section of the country, they are more devout Muslims and then typical rules apply. But in Istanbul, there are evangelical churches. One in particular that I know of that is reaching the Turks, a bit. They are able to function openly, but there is resistance. I spoke with the pastor and he spoke of a young woman who came to faith and her parents pushed her out of a balcony and killed her. Overall there are only 5000 Evangelical believers in a nation of 72 million. So put that in perspective. This was once the heart of the ancient Church.
When folk see what is going on, and do nothing, I can’t help but think this is worse than not seeing, and not doing anything.
How many want to know what is going on, especially when it comes to Christians, and other minorities, in countries where Muslims are either more than half the population, or are the largest group.
Indifference can result in pain.
Leave it to Erdogan to seize opportunity by the forelock.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/world/2014/04/19/Turkey-The-key-in-The-Russia-Ukraine-EU-crisis.html