Unleashing the Beast

218 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

(Revelation 16:12). In Revelation, John indicates severe drought and famine will precede this event (6:8; 11:6). Presently, during the dry season the water level of the Euphrates may drop as low as 24 inches. The country of Turkey has constructed several massive dams which can presently shut off the flow of the Euphrates like a knob on a faucet. Why is the emphasis on the Euphrates so important? Because ancient Babylon was built along the Euphrates, and Baghdad, the capitol of Iraq, sits near the Tigris River, not far from the Euphrates. If the Euphrates dries up and a massive army marches across, they will march from the area of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, nations which are located east of the Euphrates. These three nations are home to millions of Islamic radicals, all promoting their fanatical agenda. The Antichrist will be "great toward the east" (Daniel 8:9), which includes these Islamic-controlled areas mentioned above. Armies marching from the east would need to pass through Iraq, as they proceed into Israel and the valley of Megiddo. We cannot underestimate the historical, spiritual and political importance of the Iraqi nation. No country on earth has more potential for massive biological and chemical weapons capabilities. No other land mass, other than Israel, has a richer prophetic history. To summarize Iraq:  It is where the Tower of Babel was built.