Growing Turmoil in Middle East

Violence is spreading in the Middle East. “Egypt’s military killed 241 militants in the Sinai from July 1-5, the army said Monday, including militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who launched spectacular attacks last week” (Al Arabiya, July 6, 2015).

A German source writes, “New challenge in Gaza: ‘Islamic State’ takes on Hamas” (Deutsche Welle, July 5, 2015) and “The Syrian army, backed by Lebanese Hezbollah fighters, has entered the rebel-held town of Zabadani on the border to Lebanon. Capturing the town would be a boost to the government after several setbacks” (Deutsche Welle, July 5, 2015). Another source states, “The United Nations has been pushing for a halt to the air strikes and fighting that have killed nearly 3,000 people in Yemen since March when the Saudi-led coalition intervened against... Houthi forces in a bid to restore... President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi” (Reuters, July 6, 2015). An Arab newspaper reports, “Kuwait is considering charging more than 40 people in connection with a deadly suicide bombing in a mosque claimed by the Daesh (the so-called IS) group... The bomber killed 26 people and wounded 227 in the June 26 attack in the capital Kuwait City” (Saudi Gazette, July 6, 2015).

Where is all of this turmoil headed? Bible prophecy describes a Middle Eastern confederation led by the “king of the South” that will provoke a war against the “king of the North” which will then “overwhelm” the southern confederation (Daniel 11:40-43). Today’s spreading turmoil will likely hasten the emergence of this southern king. For more on this dynamic situation, read The Middle East in Prophecy.