Global Watch

D THE MEDITERRANEAN UNION

This last Gentile empire to rule is still future. It will be the empire of the Antichrist. Dr. David Reagan wrote in his article entitled, Europe In Bible Prophecy:

"The most important prophetic development of the 20th Century was the regathering of the Jewish people to their historic homeland in the Middle East, resulting in the creation of the state of Israel on May 14, 1948. The second most important development was the formation of a European confederation known as The European Union. Both of these momentous historical events point to the fact that we are living in the end times, right on the threshold of the Tribulation and the Lord’s return." However the Mediterranean Union has further added a significant dimension to the ambitions of the European Union. French President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed to establish a 'Mediterranean Union' as part of his presidential campaign in 2007. The idea was anteceded by the Barcelona Process, also known as the Euro Mediterranean Partnership. The aim of the 1995 Barcelona Declaration initiative was stated as "turning the Mediterranean basin into an area of dialogue, exchange and cooperation guaranteeing peace, stability and prosperity." Nicolas Sarkozy envisioned this Union to follow the model of the European Union with a shared judicial area and common institutions, and as a forum for dialogue between Israel and its Arab Neighbors. Turkey opposed the idea initially, skeptical that membership of the Mediterranean Union was being offered to them as an alternative to full accession to the EU. (Libya was also very hesitant) On the 13th of July, 2008 in Paris, France, the ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean'‚ was launched according to the Joint Declaration adopted at the heads of state and Government. For the past several years the Union for the Mediterranean has not progressed as expected due to stalemates with the Israel-Arab peace process and cancelling of summits. This may soon change. As the revolts in North Africa, and Arab nations along the Mediterranean and in the Middle East proceed to overturn political systems, vacant areas of political and economic structure are left in need of leadership and direction. The EU recognizes this, and has plans to plant roots of 'deep democracy' in the region. It is interesting to see the EU now reviving in such a way with a framework in place that could possibly meet the needs and challenges of the 'New Middle East.' However, it is precisely for this reason - the fact that it is practical, makes sense, and involves Israel - that is concerning; a reviving roman empire signals the end of days, and the time to be on the alert. Upon reviewing a map of the Union for the Mediterranean nations in comparison with a map of the Roman empire at or about the time of Christ 2000 years ago, those who study bible prophecy can not help but to be amazed at the similarity. The first image below shows the nations part of the Mediterranean Union and the second image shows the boundaries of the ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ.

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