If he starts demanding that we turn over Clouseau, then we'll know.
Posted on 08/21/2006 6:40:16 PM PDT by Flavius
Iran has promised to respond to UN demands to halt its nuclear activities on Aug. 22 -- a date that some believe could signal a new round of warfare in the Middle East.
More than a month ago, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his government would deliver its response to the UN proposal on the 22nd of August.
However, the UN Security Council had given Tehran until Aug. 31st to reply, or face sanctions.
The fact Iran is replying early, and specifically on Aug. 22, has some wondering if the response could have cataclysmic consequences.
Aug. 22 coincides with the Islamic calendar date Rajab 28, the day Jerusalem fell to the Islamic warrior Saladin. Many Muslims consider this to be a high point in Islamic history.
The night of Aug. 21 is also important, because Muslims believe Mohammed underwent a magical trip, called his "night journey," from Mecca via the "farthest mosque" and on to heaven and back. That mosque is believed to be al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.
Noted Islamic scholar Bernard Lewis has got a lot of attention on the internet for suggesting a possible "apocalyptic" link to the date.
"This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world," Lewis wrote in an article published on Aug. 8 in the Wall Street Journal.
"It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."
Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," also reportedly believes in the return of the 12th imam, also known as the hidden imam, Mahdi, who disappeared more than 1,000 years ago.
"Mr. Ahmadinejad and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced," said Lewis.
As for Mohammed's journey on the night of Aug. 21-22, tradition holds that during the two-stage trip a divine white light appeared over Jerusalem.
Farid Ghadry, a Sunni Muslim and president of the exiled Reform Party of Syria, based in the U.S., claimed Ahmadinejad would deliver his response in the form of a "light in the sky" above the al-Aqsa mosque on the night of Aug. 21-22.
While it's unclear what will happen on Tuesday, Tehran promised on Sunday to provide a "multifaceted response" to the UN proposal.
On the eve of Iran's self-imposed deadline, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Tehran will continue to pursue nuclear technology.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has made its own decision and in the nuclear case, God willing, with patience and power, will continue its path," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television.
Tehran claims its nuclear program is peaceful and aimed at generating electricity.
U.S. President George Bush, speaking at a news conference Tuesday at the White House, said there would be "consequences" for Tehran's actions.
"It's up to the international community, including the United States, to work in concert for effective diplomacy, and that begins at the United Nations Security Council," Bush told reporters.
He said they would wait for their formal response before deciding how to proceed.
"Dates are fine but what really matters is will," he said. "I want to resolve this diplomatically."
If he starts demanding that we turn over Clouseau, then we'll know.
05:09 July combined index up 0.2%, signalling slowdown in economic activity (Haaretz)
04:08 U.S. says new resolution to disarm Hezbollah is needed (AP)
Sunrise in Jerusalem 8:08 pm Pacific Time. Sunrise in Tel Aviv 8:09 pm Pacific Time, 6:09 am Israeli time, 6:39 am Tehran time.
And don't make me turn this UN Peace Keeping force around.
"Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," also reportedly believes in the return of the 12th imam, also known as the hidden imam, Mahdi, who disappeared more than 1,000 years ago."
And tomorrow he can say, "Wait til next year!"
Cause he knows that the dems would throw tantrum if he didn't.
Come on now... really... expecting reasonable thought out of people whose highest ideal is slitting someone's throat and flying planes into buildings?
Apparently not.
While most of the RNC, NRCC, NRSC, et al, are...
Well, what exactly do they do, anyway?
Sadly, I feel that there are a few so-called FReepers who are organizing their Bush attack points too.
I certainly hope Iran will not try to blow up the world. To quote "The Tick": "That's where all my stuff is!"
06:30 Palestinian sources: 3 Palestinian militants wounded in clashes with IDF troops (Reuters)
05:21 Palestinian sources: IDF tanks enter Gaza Strip, clash with militants (Reuters)
Headline: Jerusalem Destroyed by Terrorist Nuclear Weapon.
DCN: Bush did it because he made the terrorists really mad at us.
And or: Bush did it secretly so to justify attacking Iran.
If only we had signed the Kyoto treaty, this would have never happened.
If Kerry were president, this would have never happened.
BREAKING NEWS:
06:49 Minister Eitan: Prepare bomb-shelters for possible confrontation with Iran (Israel Radio)
pssst...don't do their homework for them. ;) ROFL! You forgot, "Bush's fault because....well, it just is."
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