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Project Daniel: Israel's Strategic Future
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John Henry
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Jun 23, 2005 05:36 PDT
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Project Daniel: Israel's Strategic Future
By Gary Stearman
Believing, as we do, that the biblical Gog is the top leader in the Russia
of the end times, we think it is important to carefully observe that
person. For the moment, until someone else comes along, Vladimir Putin
holds this position and is the current best candidate for the title "Gog."
In our ever-vigilant watch to discern his latest movements, we took great
interest in his recent, historic visit to Israel. While there, he
demonstrated an unusual arrogance. He is known for his acerbic style, but
he eclipsed his past performances, as he delivered a series of cocky and
sarcastic one-liners. His breezy comments focused upon Russia's unwavering
intent to arm the Palestinian Authority, Syria and Iran. His open
effrontery sent an unmistakable message to all who had ears to hear: Russia
intends to amplify its role in the Middle East. Things are changing and
changing fast. His style strongly suggests that Russia now feels con dent
about asserting itself in the Middle East arena. This is something quite
new, and represents a major shift in regional power.
Project Daniel
Before investigating his actual statements, it is appropriate at this point
to mention another major shift in Middle East geopolitics. A little over
two years ago, a group of experts in foreign policy and military affairs
delivered a document to Ariel Sharon.
In January of 2003, their document called "Project Daniel: Israel's
Strategic Future," recommends that there is a paradigm shift (a major
change in the way power is projected) in today's Middle East. It states
that while Israel has successfully fought several major wars in the past,
it can no longer afford to think in the old ways. Given the proliferation
of nuclear and biological weapons, conventional warfare, with ground
troops, tanks and aircraft will soon be outmoded. Now, in a final move,
Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia are acquiring precision missiles that can
spring an attack upon Israel in mere minutes.
A final version of the Project Daniel report was delivered in April, 2004.
Its chairman, Dr. Louis Renι Beres, wrote the following: "Project Daniel
began with the assumption that Israel's security environment must be
appraised continuously, and that the threat of irrational state and
non-state enemies armed with WMD [Weapons of Mass Destruction] assets
represents the single most urgent danger to the country's survival. Early
on in our deliberations, however, we ("The Group") agreed that while the
overall impact of this threat was extraordinarily high, its probability was
considerably less than that of WMD assaults from rational enemy quarters.
Rejecting this judgment, we concluded that Israel's main focus must now be
on preventing a coalition of Arab states and/or Iran from coming into
possession of weapons of mass destruction. Preferably, we urged this
objective be pursued while Israel continues with its present policy of
deliberate ambiguity regarding its own nuclear status. We also concluded
that the classic paradigm of war between national armies could become less
predictive in the developing Middle East, and that an Israeli "paradigm
shift" is therefore required. This shift in orientation and resources would
place new emphasis on short-range threats (terrorism) and long-range
threats (ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction). Here we also
recommend a corresponding reduction in the resources Israel should now
allocate to classical war-fighting scenarios. Today, at the end of April
2004 15 months after our presentation of Israel's Strategic Future to
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon we strongly reaffirm these recommendations."
Having watched the exponential growth of Middle East armaments, many in the
Western world would tend to view this report as simple common sense. It is
quite obvious that the terms of warfare are about to take a radical turn
for the worse. The project group does not explain the choice of Daniel's
name as a label for their assertions. Why Daniel instead of Ezekiel? After
all, he was the one who wrote of Gog's invasion from the north.
Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that Daniel was the ultimate survivor.
Taken to Babylon by the forces of Nebuchadnezzar, he won the king's favor
by revealing a prophecy from God. He lived on into the reign of Belshazzar,
and even beyond that, after Darius the Mede captured the great kingdom.
Daniel survived the lion's den, and lived on to see the accession of Cyrus
the great of Persia. Daniel was one, small man set adrift in the turbulent
seas of Gentile rule, yet he survived to old age. His prophecies foresee
the four great Gentile powers and the coming of the Messiah. They cover the
rise and fall of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and the reign of the
antichrist.
Furthermore, he details the dynasties of Alexander the Great, and his
successors, the dynasties of Ptolemy and Seleucus. The latter is given in
the context of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and ultimately, the Antichrist.
Daniel's prophecy ends with the dark prediction of a "time of trouble,"
when Israel will be tried in the extreme, but protected by Michael the
archangel. But by far, Daniel's most forceful prophecy deals with
Jerusalem, itself: "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon
thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and
to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting
righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the
most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the
commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince
shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be
built again, and the wall, even in troublous times." (Daniel 9:24-25).
If you are a contemporary Jew reading these words, you foresee the first
coming of the Messiah as taking place in the near future. You would find
these words difficult to interpret, but they do speak of Israel's current
struggle to restore Jerusalem. Though besieged by the world's powers, they
believe that when Messiah comes, He will bring them to victory. As we shall
see, the fact that Daniel died in Persia, brings an additional, interesting
twist to the recent report.
For Israel, Daniel is a microcosm of the nation as a whole. Like Daniel,
they are the tiny but strong survivors of a world captivated and controlled
by Gentile powers. And like Daniel, they look toward the time of the end,
confident that a blessing will follow the abomination that stands in their
holy place.
Vlad the Acerbic
Which brings us back to Vladimir Putin's recent trip to Israel. As he
toured various sites in Israel, he repeatedly took the opportunity to drop
militantly insulting comments that caused his hosts to blanche. Through all
his remarks they remained politely cordial. When he arrived, he began by
dismissing any suggestion that recent deals between Russia, Iran and Syria
pose security threats to Israel. An April 28th report by Aaron Klein
reporting to WorldNetDaily began with one of his remarks: "Russian
President Vladimir Putin, here today for meetings with top officials,
sidelined Israeli concerns regarding Moscow's sale of missiles to Syria and
nuclear materials to Iran, claiming the deals do not threaten the security
of the Jewish state.
"Israel has accused Russia of destabilizing the Middle East by providing
Iran with nuclear technology and facilities, including previous deals for
the construction and protection of Iran's Bushehr reactor. Israeli
officials have also blasted the recent signing of a weapons agreement with
Syrian President Bashar Assad that will upgrade Syria's military and
transfer advanced missiles to Damascus." At the news conference, Putin
said, "Regarding Iran, we are working to make sure their nuclear ability is
used for peaceful means." He continued, "The missiles we are providing to
Syria are short-range Antiaircraft missiles that cannot reach Israeli
territory. To come within their range, you would have to attack Syria. Do
you want to do that?" His closing question was clearly provocative,
delivered in haughty tones suggesting that Israel was accustomed to
violating Syria's airspace. He referred to Russian SA-18 surface-to-air
missiles, that will greatly boost Syria's ability to stop over-flights by
Israeli jets. His remarks continually chided Israel for being provocative
and militant. Yossi Melman, writing for HaAretz (April 29th), noted, "Even
a thick layer of ceremoniousness and talk of making history yesterday could
not hide Russian President Vladimir Putin's sarcasm and cynicism "Putin
displayed sarcasm when asked by an Israel Radio reporter whether Russia was
interested in providing arms to Israel, as it does to Syria. Putin replied:
'If you facilitate getting a contract of $2 billion for a supply of Russian
fighter planes to Israel, I will personally see to it that you get Russia's
award of valor.' " Of course, he was making fun of the fact that Israel
gets $2 billion dollars in aid from the United States. Melman continues,
"Asked about the possibility of nuclear cooperation with Israel, similar to
Russia's cooperation with Iran, Putin said: 'We are willing to have atomic
cooperation for the sake of peace, but it does not seem to me that Israel
needs help with its nuclear program.
"Putin was asked about anti-Semitic incidents in Russia, and Katsav
[Israel's President] listed the burning of synagogues, desecration of
graves and beating of Jews."
Instead of taking the question seriously, Putin retorted, "I heard that the
tombs of your state's leaders have also been desecrated." Of course, he
referred to the fact that political remarks have been written on the tomb
of Yitzhak Rabin. In so doing, he simply waved off any question of Russian
anti-Semitism, which is now common throughout Russia.
The Palestinians' friend while in Israel, Putin also made sweeping promises
to the Palestinians. He had several high-visibility meetings with
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, both at his Muqata
headquarters and in the city of Ramallah.
HaAretz reported, "Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (April 29th)
promised to provide the Palestinian Authority with helicopters and other
equipment and training to help maintain order after Israel's promised
withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank this summer."
While in Ramallah, Putin displayed the same cavalier tone that
characterized his entire visit: "If we expect chairman Abbas to fight
terrorism effectively, he can't do it with slingshots and stones."
"In the first visit to the Palestinian territories by a Kremlin leader,
Putin also pledged to help the Palestinians rebuild their infrastructure in
anticipation of a viable Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. Putin
appeared to be offering the Palestinians help in maintaining order and
providing services after Israel pulls out of Gaza this summer."
While in Ramallah, Putin was accompanied by other Palestinian leaders, as
he placed a wreath at the tomb of Abbas' predecessor, Yasser Arafat.
He also used the occasion to comment about Israeli foreign policy in the
face of a growing terrorist threat: "There are two approaches. You can
pressure Abbas or you can support him. I believe that you (Israel) prefer
to press him. The Arab world tells me that Israel is not fulfilling its
promises to assist Abbas. Pressure on him will do damage to both Israel and
the Palestinians. The extremists are gaining power and may even get into
power."
His warning included a surprising statement, that "Arafat did not want to
be a head of state, but rather the leader of a revolution. Abbas, however,
wants to be a head of state. In all his off-the-cuff remarks, Putin
maintained an even tone of condescending arrogance, hinting that the new
Russian presence in Israel would at last, solve all the problems that have
arisen over the last fifty years.
He promised that Russia would contribute to the rebuilding of the faltering
Palestinian Gaza Strip infrastructure. At a joint news conference with
Abbas, he also repeatedly mentioned that he would see to it that the new
state of Palestine would be adequately supplied with Russian arms. He
pledged fifty armored personnel carriers and two helicopters
subject to
Israeli approval. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, said, "I think I can
say the choppers are a done deal, but about the vehicles, we still don't
have a clear-cut answer from the Israelis."
Meanwhile, Back in Iran
Iran has firmly stated that it will soon begin to ramp up its nuclear
program. This, in spite of the fact that negotiations with the European
community are not yet concluded. Persia, the country of Daniel's final
residence, has now become a vocal threat to Israel's very existence.
The mullahs of Tehran have loudly proclaimed that as soon as they have the
ability to project nuclear power, they will immediately use it against
Israel. They literally regard this as their sacred duty, having blatantly
stated that Allah would regard it as a sin not to do so. On May 4th,
WorldNetDaily reported the latest Iranian threat:
"'Iran is determined to pursue all legal areas of nuclear technology,
including (uranium) enrichment, exclusively for peaceful purposes,' foreign
Minister Kamal Kharrazi told a United Nations conference yesterday. He was
the fourth Iranian official to make such remarks in the past few days." An
EU negotiation team represented by Germany, France and the UK, which has
been seeking guarantees Iran will not use its nuclear program to develop
weapons, said if Tehran follows through with the threat to enrich uranium
it could refer the country to the U.N. Security Council for punitive
action. Reports continue to stream in that Iran with the assistance of
Russia has been moving ahead with its nuclear program. Several reactors
with advanced production capabilities have been built, and Russia has been
contemplating providing Tehran with rods that are able to enrich uranium, a
deal that was first reported last September. Russia also recently trained a
group of senior Iranian nuclear scientists and has installed a mobile
anti-missile system to protect Iran's Bushehr nuclear reactor, with similar
systems allegedly in the works for other Iranian nuclear facilities,
including a facility in central Iran. Top Iranian officials have repeatedly
warned they would use nuclear missiles to threaten the Jewish state. Iran's
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamanei has many times stated he would 'vaporize
the Zionist entity' if Iran obtained a nuclear bomb."
Project Daniel, the report presented to Ariel Sharon, was generated in
response to the Iranian threat. The project leader, Dr. Beres, recently
commented, "Decision-makers at the very highest levels of government in
Jerusalem and Washington as well as NATO have been briefed on Project
Daniel. Sharon last month carried our urgent message directly to President
Bush."
The Project speaks directly to the developing situation in Iran: "The group
suggests strongly and unequivocally that conventional Israeli preemption
against selected enemy nuclear infrastructures now in development be
executed as early as possible and wherever possible in collaboration
with the United States. Where America may be unable or unwilling to act
pro-actively against these infrastructures, it is essential that Israel be
able and willing to act alone."
Putin Drawn into the Fray
Vladimir Putin today's Gog has pledged to support Iran's nuclear
program, even to surrounding the nuclear reactors with surface-to-air
missiles! With braggadocio and swagger, he is now literally throwing his
weight around in Israel, Syria and Iran. Is he injecting himself into the
fray, or is he being drawn in?
This is an important question, given the prophetic circumstances ascribed
to Russia's end-time leader:
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face
against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech [ancient name
of Moscow] and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the
Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and
Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will
bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them
clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and
shields, all of them handling swords: Persia [Iran], Ethiopia, and Libya
with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer [Eastern Europe], and
all his bands; the house of Togarmah [Turkey] of the north quarters, and
all his bands: and many people with thee." (Ezekiel 38:1-6).
How many times has it been said of Gog that he will literally be dragged
like a beast by the God of heaven? He will be brought to the field of
conflict with the appearance of an aggressor, but in reality, he will be
brought there against his will. The image is that of a horse or an ox, with
some sort of bit, or bridle, or ring in his mouth. He is compelled to obey
the will of God against his own will.
The current Gog seems more than willing to involve himself in the affairs
of the Middle East. However, at the moment, his voice toward Israel is
quite conciliatory. On his recent trip to Israel he went out of his way to
assure Israel that, "Russian weapons will not endanger Israel."
Before his unprecedented trip, an unidentified government source in
Jerusalem referred to Iran, saying that, "Russia, which is fighting terror
with one hand, is helping a state that supports terror with the other
hand." But then, the Russians have a history of taking pride in overt lies.
Putin is now attempting to extend his present term in office beyond the
time limit imposed by the Russian constitution. When an Israeli interviewer
asked him about that, he launched another barb: "Russia [will] abide by the
existing law in Russia and not by the attitudes of our allies." Referring
to U.S. Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice's criticism of his effort, he
said, "We would be happy if Rice runs for president one day in the U.S."
Again, when he makes a public statement, it is more than likely to be
phrased as a cutting remark. Putin's distinctive style now gives him the
aura of a confident, globe-trotting power broker. But, it seems a long jump
from his present power base to the ultimate alliance of Persia, North
Africa and Europe that will launch an invasion toward Israel.
Nevertheless, he is on the move, having visited George Bush's Texas ranch,
as well as the Israelis and Palestinians. He is confidently asserting
himself as a world leader. Perhaps this is only the start of something
much, much bigger.
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