Iran the new Persia, Rise of the Empire

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Under the magnanimous rule of Cyrus the Great, the Persian Empire extended from the foothills of
the Himalayas to the banks of the Nile River. It was a vast conglomeration of peoples, creeds, religions
and languages tied together in large part by the governing policies of King Cyrus.

Today, Iran—the progeny of that dynasty—is once more vying to carve out an empire.
But this kingdom is being forged and expanded in ways that bear little similarity to ancient Persia.

The rising empire relies on fear, extortion, intimidation and bloodshed—conversion by the sword.
Regional turmoil has facilitated Iran’s rapid expansion, and the subsequent threat, across the Middle East.

As such, it is vital to see where Iran’s empire is expanding, the threat it poses internationally,
and how the ramifications tie directly into Persia’s future role in the coming world order.

 

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Iraq
As Iran’s next-door neighbor, Iraq plays a pivotal role in Iran’s regional ambitions to establish a “Shia crescent” across the Mideast. Iran has slowly started pulling strings within Iraq, gradually establishing itself as the master puppeteer. The installment of pro-Iranian officials in Iraq’s government has been one of the key ways Iran has gained influence. The strings tying former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to his Shiite brothers in Tehran were strung over the course of years. Inevitably this led to Maliki dancing to Iran’s tune, allowing pro-Shiite policies to be foisted on Iraq. Calls of unfair and biased governing emanated from Iraq’s Sunni minority. Those words led to action as violence surged across the Sunni-Shia rift.

Then came the U.S. withdrawal in 2011. Suddenly there was a power vacuum, a divided country, and a weakened government—fertile ground for extremism. Enter the Islamic State.

The fall of northern Iraq to Islamic State terrorists has provided Iran with the perfect opportunity. Under the guise of peacekeeper and concerned neighbor, Iran has used the battle with the Islamic State to gain even more influence and popularity in Iraq.

Iran now boasts unprecedented military involvement in the nation. It conducts airstrikes and trains Iraqi security forces. The foreign wing of its elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Quds Force, fights alongside Iraqi troops. Top Iranian generals now lead ground forces against the oncoming Islamic State.

And the side benefit of this is the fact that Iran’s actions are condoned and even aided by the United States. Washington’s reluctance to become reengaged in the Middle East means Iran’s involvement gets a free pass and a check of approval. At the outset of Iran’s airstrikes, U.S. officials said that they would monitor Iran’s progress, but as Iran’s remarkable involvement continues, opposition from Washington remains nonexistent.

While the White House banks on Iran being a partner in the fight against the Islamic State, it ignores the reasons why Iraq is in chaos today. It was Iran that nurtured the environment for radicals to flourish—it even funded Islamic State in its infancy. It created the current environment for a purpose—that it might get more involved and thereby strengthen the Iranian empire.

 

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Syria

To Iraq’s west lies the next link in Iran’s “Shia crescent.” The civil war in Syria long ago morphed into a proxy war between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran. And Iran is winning that war.

Much like in Iraq, the Syrian regime has been propped by the finances, weapons and guidance from Iran. Without Tehran’s military aid, Bashar Assad would have fallen to the rebel troops long ago. But cashed up and rearmed Assad forces have successfully beaten back their opponents.

Today Assad lives in pseudo-coexistence with the Islamic State while his main opposition flails in disarray as it attempts to battle both the Islamic State and Assad. The longer this status quo is maintained, the more likely the U.S. will have to look to Iranian-backed Assad as the only viable opponent to the Islamic State in Syria. This is another example of how Iran’s empirical goals are flipping from criticized to condoned by the United States.

 

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Libya

This new empire is also extending its borders far beyond that of the kingdom under Cyrus. Iran’s ambitions go further than the banks of the Nile. Beyond the limits of the ancient Persian kingdom lies Libya. Today Iran’s influence is being felt here too.

Following the ouster of Muammar Qadhafi, Libya was effectively turned over to radicals. Benghazi, the city that once accommodated the U.S. embassy, is now known as the city of snipers. Terrorists and militia groups—many of whom tote Iranian-made weapons—rule Libya’s streets. But why arm them? What interest does Iran have with Libya?

the emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. … They are the two seas that comprise the most important trade rout in the world. … If Iran gets control of that trade route, it could create enormous damage and chaos in America and Europe almost overnight.” Control or influence in Libya would grant Iran access to 1,100 miles of Mediterranean coastline—posing a significant danger to Europe and any shipping through the crucial seaway.

Bahrain

While unrest across the Middle East gives Iran opportunities to take these vital regions, there are still areas where U.S. power remains a threat to the empire. Bahrain is one example. Situated midway down the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is the home of America’s 5th Fleet. This naval stronghold is vital to America’s presence in the gulf. The 5th Fleet patrols the gulf, as well as the Strait of Hormuz, and relies on Bahrain as a place to refresh, restock and resupply. The 5th Fleet is comprised of a carrier strike group, an amphibious force, a mining demolition force, logistics, subs, and a variety of other military task groups. Needless to say, it would pose a significant threat to Iran should relations turn sour. The solution? Take away the base of operations.

Bahrain has experienced Iranian-fueled infighting since the “Arab Spring” of 2011.The ruling royal family in Bahrain is Sunni, while the majority of the population is Shiite. Violent Shiite protests have been quelled thanks to a military attachment send over from Saudi Arabia. The Saudis don’t want Iran gaining control of Bahrain.

This tiny nation can dually serve Iran’s purposes. If taken by Iran, it could lead to the ouster of the 5th Fleet—giving more control of the Persian Gulf to Iran—and it could also pose a significant threat to Iran’s lone counterweight, Saudi Arabia.

 

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Saudi Arabia

The Saudis are very much aware of the encircling Iranians. While Iran bolsters support for its Shiite allies, the Saudis have been fighting back with Sunni support. No doubt the Saudis thought they would be backed up by a stout U.S. presence in the battle against Iranian expansion. The truth couldn’t be more contrary. With Washington acquiescing to every Iranian push in hopes of salvaging a nuclear deal, the Saudis have had to act alone. The one asset they control is oil. Iran needs oil prices at $130 per barrel to balance its budget. The Saudis have made sure the price sits closer to $50. But with the U.S. relieving sanctions and releasing frozen cash to Tehran, the drop in oil prices won’t stop the growth of the empire.

The Saudis are undoubtedly unsettled by the recent developments in Yemen. The takeover places Saudi Arabia in a Persian pincer. If Iran is to take unchallenged control of the Middle East—as is its aim—Saudi Arabia must be confronted. While well equipped, the Saudi Army has rarely had to prove its mettle in conflict. Iranian forces on the other hand are both well armed and well trained. If conflict looms, the Saudis will need reliable allies.

Lebanon

Beyond Syria lies the nation of Lebanon—another extension of Iran. Southern Lebanon is the home of Iran’s most effective terrorist group, Hezbollah. Funded, trained and armed by Iran, Hezbollah has been used to carry out attacks around the globe, most recently in Syria and northern Israel. The terrorists provide a key ally for Bashar Assad and are Iran’s closest and most effective way of attacking Israel.

Relying almost entirely on Iran for its existence, Hezbollah plays a crucial role in the Iranian empire. Its existence ensures Iran has immediate access to Syria and northern Israel. It is the latter of these two that Iran will undoubtedly work to exploit next.


Israel

Standing in the empire’s way is the small sliver of democracy known as Israel. With its back to the Mediterranean, Israel survives in defiance of Iran’s regional aspirations. The diatribe of anti-Semitism that flows from Iran on a constant basis is a clear sign of what the Persian empire intends for this impediment. It is a far cry from the view of the leader of ancient Persia who eventually allowed the captured Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild Jerusalem.

Iran harasses Israel through its allies in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and southern Lebanon. On numerous occasions Iran has been caught in the act of attempting to smuggle weapons to Israel’s enemies.

Aside from posing a military threat, Israel holds one thing that Iran, and all Muslims, have long desired:

Jerusalem

 

[prove-all]

some back info on Iran


http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/107313-iran-threat-isreal.html

http://christianchat.com/bible-disc...fulfills-end-time-prophecies-say-shiites.html

will post new updates as they come in

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

Iran will likely be the center of the one world government that is coming, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if they build the world's capitol at Babylon. I won't be here to see it, of course, but it still wouldn't surprise me.

Egg on the faces of Christians who have been preaching for years that the false religion led by the false prophet is Catholicism. It is Islam, and it will become the "one world religion" because Allah is Satan's minion.

 

[Desdichado]

If only the growing Empire of Iran had more in common with the Achaemenid Empire.

 

[Anonimous]

Iran will likely be the center of the one world government that is coming, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if they build the world's capitol at Babylon. I won't be here to see it, of course, but it still wouldn't surprise me.

Egg on the faces of Christians who have been preaching for years that the false religion led by the false prophet is Catholicism. It is Islam, and it will become the "one world religion" because Allah is Satan's minion.

Another mistaken teaching... like the pre-trib rapture. They have their eyes on Rome itself, ISIS does.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Seems to me Iran is waning rather than waxing.

 

[didymos]

Under the magnanimous rule of Cyrus the Greatthe Persian Empire extended from the foothills of
the Himalayas to the banks of the Nile River. It was a vast conglomeration of peoples, creeds, religions
and languages tied together in large part by the governing policies of King Cyrus...

Cyrus let the people go and had the temple rebuilt.
So maybe modern day Cyrus lives in the West instead?

 

[prove-all]

Iran will likely be the center of the one world government that is coming, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if they build the world's capitol at Babylon. I won't be here to see it, of course, but it still wouldn't surprise me.

Egg on the faces of Christians who have been preaching for years that the false religion led by the false prophet is Catholicism. It is Islam, and it will become the "one world religion" because Allah

no the cathloc church is still the mother of harlots.

Iran, (and islam ), king of the south,

they are pushing at the king of the north,rome

who is lead by germany, and europe, Rome revised in charge of the old empire again now.

the churchs return will make the Holy roman empire again.

 

[prove-all]

Seems to me Iran is waning rather than waxing.

seems to me the president caves to them, and their not going away soon till there time,

 

[GandalfTheWhite]

Iran will likely be the center of the one world government that is coming, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if they build the world's capitol at Babylon. I won't be here to see it, of course, but it still wouldn't surprise me.

Egg on the faces of Christians who have been preaching for years that the false religion led by the false prophet is Catholicism. It is Islam, and it will become the "one world religion" because Allah is Satan's minion.

No eggs on this website but I do believe that Daniel was referring to the Roman Empire. If we look at the size of the old Roman Empire it is basically Europe and pats of the Middle East and Africa.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

seems to me the president caves to them, and their not going away soon till there time,

Aye, then the problem is still the same, a rogue regime in a fragile region pursuing nukes. Don't deal with them at all or make the demand clear. Indeed Obama dealt weakly before, but that deal was still kept. Time is now for Iran to completely give up their nuclear program and no less, or there is no point in anymore dealing.

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

no the cathloc church is still the mother of harlots.

Yeah, well, feel free to think that.

Iran, (and islam ), king of the south,

they are pushing at the king of the north,rome

Nope. There is no biblical evidence of this whatsoever. Most of it is anti-Catholic b/s put forth by Hal Lindsey in his incredibly naïve and barely biblically literate '70s book, "The Late Great Planet Earth."

In both Daniel and the Revelation, the world's threat of annihilation is against Israel. Israel's historical northern enemies were the Babylonian and Assyrian empires, and the "king of the north" will arise from one of these. Just as Antiochus Epiphenes arose in 175 BC as a noble/king of the Greek empire ruling over Syria, to be the "type" fulfillment of this end-times prophecy, so will the future "king of the north" be from the form Syrian/Assyrian empires.

who is lead by germany, and europe, Rome revised in charge of the old empire again now.

the churchs return will make the Holy roman empire again.

Europe is barely mentioned at all in the Bible. The focus of the Bible is and always has been surrounding Israel, and to think like Lindsey that a Christian denomination will arise to bring forth the antichrist is to think completely illogically. The Catholic doctrine is riddled with false teaching, but most of the followers of Christ within that denomination follow Christ, not the pope. It is still the local church, not the corporate denomination, that fulfills the needs of the flock.

 

[GandalfTheWhite]

Iran will likely be the center of the one world government that is coming, though it wouldn't surprise me at all if they build the world's capitol at Babylon. I won't be here to see it, of course, but it still wouldn't surprise me.

Egg on the faces of Christians who have been preaching for years that the false religion led by the false prophet is Catholicism. It is Islam, and it will become the "one world religion" because Allah is Satan's minion.

Interesting how the Pope took a bow toward Mecca don't you think?

 

[Viligant_Warrior]

Interesting how the Pope took a bow toward Mecca don't you think?

Yeah, but my buddy Father Wright at the Catholic church across the street from my SBC church didn't. I agree with a lot of what Al Mohler says, too. That doesn't mean I consider him the "head of my church," and if he were to say anything I didn't agree with wouldn't make me any less of a Christian. Heck, he doesn't even consider himself the head of my church.

A lot of Catholics don't consider everything the pope says to be gospel, either, because it isn't. The fact he thinks so doesn't make them any less Christian. It certainly doesn't replace the ancient Assyrian Empire with the Catholic Church or the pope as the historical enemy of Israel.

 

[prove-all]

that United States Army Gen. Jack Keane (Ret.) declared:

“[The Islamic State] is now the new face of radical Islam. … The evidence is clear.
Gen. Jack Keane: ISIS Is Now the New Face of Radical Islam

or is it?

Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has been the deadliest Islamist entity in the Middle East.
Other entities have come and gone, some have weakened, others have morphed from one form to another, and some have only come late in the game. But Iran has been a consistent menace.

Since 1984, the U.S. State Department has designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The State Department’s archives of Country Reports on Terrorism
Country Reports on Terrorism
consistently condemn Iran as “the most active state sponsor of terrorism.” And, as the reports note,
Iran’s terrorist activities have been increasing.

In 2012, Iran “increased its terrorist-related activity”
Country Reports on Terrorism 2012 State Sponsors of Terrorism Overview

and “reached a tempo unseen since the 1990s.”
Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

Iran is the king of radical Islam. The nation extends a heavy influence over Iraq’s government and Shiite militias. It is the primary sponsor of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria.

In Yemen, it sponsors the Houthi militia, which recently deposed an American-aligned government.

In Lebanon, Iran sponsors Hezbollah as a terrorist proxy.


-And in times past, Iran has, in one form or another,
collaborated with al Qaeda and the group that became the Islamic State.

Meanwhile, the international legitimacy Iran has acquired is astounding. Iranian diplomats sit at negotiating tables with Western authorities—something the Islamic State can only dream of. Hezbollah is a prime example of how Iran and its terrorist proxies have been tolerated and legitimized. It took Europe 30 years to decide that the terrorist organization was, indeed, a terrorist organization. Yet some of these same nations only apply that designation to Hezbollah’s military wing—but not its political wing.

Both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic State are staunchly Islamic

Both entities believe in the Islamic doctrine of Taqiyya—permissible deceit and lying toward non-Muslims. Islamic State leaders quote eighth-century Muslim authority al-Muhallab, who declared, “You must use deception in war, for it is more effective than reinforcements.” Iranian leaders have similarly lied about their nefarious programs and even bragged about it.

 

[kennethcadwell]

All we have to do is go back and look at Daniel to chapter 2;

Iron represents the Roman empire, and the feet with the 10 toes represent the 10 nations/kingdoms that follow the antichrist. Notice how it is the iron (Roman empire) mixed with clay. The Roman empire is rising again within the European union as this picture shows, and some if not most of the European nations are mostly Muslim. Turkey for one is mostly Muslim. The pope has also just recently allowed Christians and Muslims to worship together, which is another symbolism of the false prophet of allowing apostate Christianity and another religion to merge together as one.

Iran will play a big role in the end time and they border Iraq where the river Euphrates is which Revelation shows a war that starts that kills 1/3 of the world population or about 2.3 billion people...