Unleashing the Beast

216 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

and I believe that Iraq, in the future, could become the center for Shiite Muslims who will claim this prophetic territory. Since the Antichrist does not invade Israel until the middle of the seven-year period, he will be living and ruling from another nation prior to making his move against Israel. The Prophet Daniel was told, "He (the Antichrist) will become great with a small people" (Daniel 11:23). His authority is identified through the symbol of a little horn (Daniel 7:8). These predictions reveal that for the first 42 months, the Antichrist will not be a well known, powerful leader. For example, he will not necessarily be an elected official over the EU in his beginnings, but will control a small number of people. He will gain his power through deception and demonic control. An indicator that Iraq will be heavily involved in this end-time, prophetic conflict is found in Revelation. John tells of activity involving the Euphrates River and a massive, 200-million-man army that will cross the river and pass through Iraq. T HE E UPHRATES C ONNECTION The Euphrates and Tigris rivers divide Iran from Iraq. The Euphrates begins in Turkey not far from Mount Ararat. It travels through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. and empties into the Persian Gulf (1,700 miles long). The Euphrates was the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire. This river is the only river mentioned by name in