Muslim-European Conflict Heating Up

Last weekend Belgium sent troops to protect sites across the nation, including some Jewish sites. “It was the first time in 30 years that authorities used troops to reinforce police in Belgium’s cities” (Times of Israel, January 17, 2015). “Britain’s police chiefs, meanwhile, increased patrols at Jewish sites and were studying ways to increase protection of police officers…” (ibid.). The extreme PEGIDA movement which drew 15,000 people in Dresden last week appears to be moving abroad to Spain and Denmark (Globe and Mail, January 19, 2015; AP, January 19, 2015). This group organizes rallies calling for a stop to Muslim immigration into Europe. 

Meanwhile, last Friday in Jerusalem protestors gathered against the latest Charlie Hebdo cover featuring another caricature of Muhammad. “In a video uploaded by the Hamas-affiliated Shehab News Agency, protesters are seen burning a French flag, and shouting: ‘Burn it, burn it... in the cause of God, Allah. the greatest. Prophet Muhammad is our leader forever’” (Jerusalem Post, January 17, 2015). EU leaders will meet this week to address terrorism in Europe.

Bible prophecy shows how the king of the south will push against the European king of the north at the end of the age—and the king of the north will push back (Daniel 11:40-42)! The terrorist activities in Europe appear to be “pushing” the Europeans to take actions they were once loathe to take. It will be interesting to watch what happens in both Europe and the Middle East this year, as both regions grapple with the impact of terrorist extremists.

For more information on this topic, read The Middle East in Prophecy.