Could Syria Attack?

The news on Syria changes daily. “Western military sources warned Saturday, July 14, that not only Israel, but additional strategic targets in Middle East lands deemed enemies by Bashar Assad should prepare for him to launch surface-to-surface missile attacks.

The assaults would start out with conventional warheads, but… the next round of missiles [could come] from his huge stockpile of mustard gas—not to mention sarin nerve poison and cyanide” (DEBKA, July 14, 2012). Syria’s weapons of mass destruction have recently been moved from storage. Potential Syrian missile targets so far include Israel, Jordan and Turkey. “Air and missile reprisals against Syrian military or regime centers would carry the danger of Hizballah retaliation from Lebanon leading to direct attacks from Iran” (ibid.).

The Syrian government is now fighting to hold onto Damascus. “The Syrian general staff has prepared for the last battle for Damascus by relocating its command headquarters to a well-fortified complex” (DEBKA, July 17, 2012). What might happen if Syria launches an attack against Turkey, Jordan and the nuclear-armed Israel? God’s word holds powerful prophecies regarding the future of Damascus—prophecies yet to be fulfilled. They indicate Damascus will be left in ruins and at least partially destroyed by fire—its mighty dead in the streets (Isaiah 17:1; Jeremiah 49:23-27).

Events are happening quickly in Syria and prophecy highlights what might be just around the corner. These events are sad and sobering, but highlight the powerful insights of the Scripture. For more information on the future of the Middle East, be sure to review our free booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy.