Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, has strongly suggested that after Iraq, the United States should turn its attention to Iran. And since the Iraqi story tends to dominate the news, many are not aware of the activities of Iran, a Mideast state that is clearly a part of the "axis of evil."

Philip Sherwell is the foreign affairs correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph. He has not neglected Iranian affairs. His recent feature article tells us that "Iran has been supplied by Russia with powerful new technology and parts for long-range missiles that will put Israel and the whole of the Middle East—including British and US forces in the region—within its reach." Africa and parts of southern Europe will also be reachable.

Successful desert test firings were held this past summer with Russian and North Korean scientists in attendance. Western and Israeli intelligence have also established that China is making a crucial contribution to the Iranian missile program. We don't live in a world of friendly nations.

Much of end-time biblical prophecy will find its fulfillment in the Middle East. Predicts Dudley Fishburn, editor of The World in 2003: "With Saddam Hussein gone by the end of 2003, the Middle East will become a sharply better place." Yet in his general assessment, he writes that "the year's [2003] headlines will be dominated by war, the Middle East and recession."

Frankly, the Mideast is destined to host Armageddon—an area that will be replete with armies and weapons of the deadliest kind—culminating in a great battle that will bring Jesus Christ back to this earth before we destroy ourselves (see Revelation 16:14-16; Matthew 24:21-22).

The United Church of God has published several booklets about what the Bible says concerning these future events. Why not write for our free brochures, The Book of Revelation Unveiled and Are We Living in the Time of the End?

—Sources: The Sunday Telegraph, The World in 2003.