Syria's Foiled Nuclear Ambitions

from the April 29, 2008 eNews issue

This past week the CIA made public evidence of Syria's foiled nuclear ambitions - including dramatic satellite images and on-site photographs. The CIA claims the North Korean-Syrian nuclear reactor was within weeks of becoming operational when it was bombed by Israel. Furthermore, according to the CIA, the site could have produced enough plutonium for two bombs a year.

Rumors concerning Syria's nuclear program have been circulating for months, following reports that Israel conducted a nighttime raid deep into Syria to destroy the clandestine nuclear facility. The mysterious raid took place on September 6th, leaving behind what has been described as a "big black hole" in the desert. In the days and weeks following the raid, rumors spread concerning the nature of the target. Some believed the raid may have been an attack against a chemical weapons facility. Others speculated that Israel destroyed an Iranian-financed missile base or a weapons shipment destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to the White House, the CIA report was made public in order to send a message to nations like North Korea and Iran.

The US has long hoped that pressure from the international community would motivate North Korea to continue with six-party talks and eventually abandon its nuclear program. For more than six years the six nations have tried to reach an agreement, without much success. North Korea's eccentric dictator, Kim Jong-Il, has a history of unpredictable behavior and has proven to be a fickle negotiating partner. Evidence of North Korea's nuclear proliferation activities in the Middle East has made the matter even more complicated.

The Magog Invasion

Many experts believe that a large-scale confrontation between Israel and its neighbors could happen in the near future. Syria and Israel are still technically at war, and Syria has yet to officially recognize the Jewish state. Formal peace negotiations between the two nations fell apart in January of 2000, thus making Syria's growing relationship with nations such as Iran and Russia more concerning.

Russia has repeatedly expressed a desire to play a larger role in the Middle East. Since losing the Mid-East foothold provided by Saddam Hussein's Iraq, Russia has been carefully cultivating ties with Turkey, Iran and Syria. With its vast natural resources and growing energy wealth, its renovated nuclear force, renewed sense of nationalism, and fresh alliances, Russia is once again at the forefront of international politics.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of an invasion of Israel by Russia, which has not yet been fulfilled. Many respected scholars disagree as to when the invasion will take place in relation to other Biblical prophecies, but most all agree that God will directly intervene, rescuing Israel from a nuclear attack. Tensions in the Middle East continue to increase and recent events indicate that this famed battle prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39 could be on our horizon. To learn more about The Magog Invasion click on the links below.