From the preface to Karen Armstrong's Jerusalem:
"In the United States, the Christian Right has also hardened its position. They have long believed that the final battle of Armageddon will be fought outside the city, and that Jews must be present in the Holy Land in order to fulfill the ancient prophecies (even though all unbaptised Jews will be massacred by the Antichrist). During the Cold War, Christian fundamentalists regarded the Soviet Union as the Antichrist; since September 11, they have come to believe that Islam will fulfill this role. Their apocalyptic views undoubtedly have an influence on American policy in the Middle East."
This is scary, and exactly what I'm talking about with the effect of third party players in the region-- basically, that they can't be trusted. I have heard/read a bit about the American Evangelicals' interest in Israel and its political implications, but I wonder how aware Israel is that its strongest political ally in the world, depending on the current president in office, may be positioning Israel for the End of Days. Do they realize? Care? Consider it ridiculous and accept the support regardless of its motive?
