Learning Arabic - A Rewarding Experience

By Mike Decaprio

Article Word Count: 402 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

There exists a beautiful and unique language that is written from right to left and has 28 consonants and only 3 vowels, that dates back to the 5th century and is the 5th most spoken language on Earth. Ancient historical records of countries like Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia can not be deciphered unless you know this language well enough.
It wouldn't be hard to guess which language is being talked about when I tell you that this is perhaps the toughest languages to learn. You guessed it right. Arabic is a profound and literature rich language and is different from most of the Latin languages like French, German and English.
Learning Arabic would perhaps be the most exhausting but the most rewarding achievements of your life. The articulation and enunciation of various words is a toilsome task. Learning Arabic requires a patient student who is ready to give it months of vigorous practice.
You would need to train your brain to read from right to left, which may sound simple but is an extremely onerous task. If you are starting from the scratch, prepare yourself for a not-so-smooth ride in the coming days.
Arabic influence can be seen in languages like Spanish, Portuguese, Maltese, and Sicilian. There are words in the English language too that have been taken from Arabic. Words like nabob, calabash, halva and mastaba have their roots in Arabic.
If you are into history, then learning Arabic would perhaps give you a leg up in studying the history of Middle East. Similarly if you plan to travel to a country like Egypt, it would make up for a better traveling experience if you have learned the language. There are a number of reasons one can learn Arabic. Learning Arabic is something that involves months of laborious training. However once you are through with the basics of the language, you can steady the ship and pace up your learning stint.
There are various languages that are not so tough to learn. Languages like French and German are pretty similar to English. An English speaking person will find it easy to learn these languages as compared to Arabic. The language Urdu that comes from Arabic is known as the most polite language. Try to learn this language gradually. Do not get frustrated in the initial days and prepare to go through tongue twisting sessions in the coming months.

Will the Peace Hold Between Egypt and Israel?

While relations between Egyptians and Israelis have not evolved ... with profound ramifications for Egypt, Israel, and, of course, Gaza. ...

Why Hosni Mubarak Has Been Overthrown?

By Akram Saqib

Article Word Count: 521 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

Egypt is the only friendly Arab state with Israel. It has signed many trade and peace agreements with Israel. Since the wars of 1960's and 70's Egypt has become peaceful with Israel. What ever happens in Arab world against the Israel the Egyptian rulers have been alien to all happenings. They continued their rendezvous with the Jews in spite of the opposition of the people of Egypt including some political parties and pressure groups. Although the autocratic ruler had crushed ruthlessly every slight opposition in the past but this time they could not? The opposition has been quiescent and virtually inaudible since last thirty years in this country. Is it not a strange thing, why the army backed government was unable to arrest a few protesters on the first day as it was the routine of theirs? There is really a method in the madness of the leaders of the rebellion as well as the army. Some times ago the foreign press has been predicting the change in Saudi Arabia and Egypt on the basis of illness and old age of the rulers of the both countries.
One prediction has come true as far as Egypt is concerned. Hosni Mubarak a senile and ill leader produced uproar at the time in the western circles when he intended to replace him with his son Jamal. Perhaps Jamaal is not the suitable replacement of the veteran leader. He might deviate from the path of his father. It would be better to uproot the Hosni Mubarak rule and replace it with a more reliable choice. The choice came in front automatically during the movement. Mohamed ElBaradei, the old and faithful buddy who has worked with the international organization came in handy at this critical time and 'saved the country from the clutches of the brothers'. He has been the head of the most sensitive agency the international atomic energy agency (IAEA). He came and hijacked the movement in no time. The brother could not help accepting him as a leader of the movement.
The fate of the country matters to the West for two big reasons: energy and security. Egypt has been reliable ally. If it stumbles, the West's interests in the region will be imperiled. That is why the regime has been overthrown with the connivance of the west. There are only a few dim voices raised against the change and those withered away very easily too just by a declaration of the army. All the west and America welcomed the change. Those who are taking it as a victory of the democratic forces would soon be disappointed. Every change would be cool and calculated and such a person would be selected as a head who would work as a watch dog of the western interests in the region. Perhaps Mohamed ElBaradei would be the best choice for the proprietors of change.

Israel Egypt Relationship

12 Feb 2011 Israel - Egypt relationship : the silence before the storm? . IssueOverview. 8 Feb 2011 Israel Urges Egypt to Uphold Peaceful ...

Reasons to Learn the Arabic Language

By Mike Decaprio

Article Word Count: 451 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

Arabic language is one of the oldest languages that has its seeds been sowed even before the sixth century. It has a very rich history and is one of the toughest languages you will come across. Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world. Arabic is the native language for inhabitants of Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Some regions of Northern Africa also follow Arabic language but a different version is spoken.
Arabic language can help you with your academics if you want to study the culture and history of ancient Middle Eastern countries or with your foreign language study. If you want to learn Arabic language there are many ways you can do it. If you want to learn Arabic language for academic purposes you can join universities and attain a degree or a major in Arabic.
You can also select Arabic as your supplementary subject if you want to major in archeology, art, history or even religion. A degree or minor in Arabic will help you to translate ancient documents and literature works and open up large field for research work. Once you receive your degree in Arabic you will be capable of understanding both the dialect and the literature of the language. Also if you want to pursue military designations, Arabic can help you in more than one way, looking at today's military environment.
If you wish to travel to Middle Eastern countries and know about their history and culture like those of Egypt and Morocco, then a crash course in Arabic language can help you with your travel purpose. You can pursue such certified courses through the internet and these are part time (in fact 'any time you want') courses that will not stress you in any way by interfering in your other businesses or your personal life. These courses are completed at a pace that you decide. There are no time limits and you also get to talk to qualified teachers and professors if you have any queries. All your works are submitted online and the fees for such certified courses are pretty fair.

Will the Peace Hold Between Egypt and Israel?

While relations between Egyptians and Israelis have not evolved ... with profound ramifications for Egypt, Israel, and, of course, Gaza. ...

Game Theory in Water Business

By Francesco Zinzaro

Article Word Count: 445 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

The game-theory strategy allows the incorporation of economic and political aspects into a regional water-sharing analysis with a fairly small number of participants, every with various objectives and perspectives. The financial literature dealing with application of game concept solutions doesn't provide numerous examples of regional - international water-sharing difficulties.
Rogers (1969) applied a game-theory approach to the disputed Ganges-Brahmaputra subbasin involving various uses of the water by India and Pakistan. He found a variety of methods for cooperation between the two riparian nations that will result in substantial advantages to every.
Rogers (1991) further discussed cooperative online game theory approaches applied to drinking water sharing in the Columbia basin between the United States and Canada; the Ganges−Brahmaputra basin in between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh; and also the Nile basin in between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt.
In-depth analysis was conducted for that Ganges−Brahmaputra situation to determine wherever each country's welfare is better off in a joint solution compared with any noncooperative answer (Rogers, 1993). Dinar and Wolf (1994a, 1994b), using a game-theory strategy, evaluated the idea of trading hydrotechnology for interbasin water transfers among neighboring nations.
They attempted to produce a broader, more realistic approach that addressed both the economic and political difficulties with the process. A conceptual framework for effective allocation of drinking water and hydrotechnology between two potential cooperators provided the basis for trade of water against water-saving technology.
A game-theory model was then utilized to a potential water trade within the western Middle East, involving Egypt, Israel, the West Bank, and also the Gaza Strip. The design allocated potential benefits from trade in between the cooperators. Dinar and Wolf's (1994a, 1994b) main findings were that financial merit exists for drinking water transfer within the region, but political considerations may harm the procedure, if not block it.
Component of the objection to regional drinking water transfer may be due to unbalanced allocations of the regional gains and part to regional considerations other than individuals directly associated to water transfer. Within the actual globe, parties often don't have a clear sense with the interests of others. The advantages identified in game concept may not even be obvious to events themselves.
Possibly because of the concerns we have pointed out, economic criteria have never been explicitly utilized to figure out water allocations in an global treaty and, even though states have compensated coriparians for water in some instances, no international water marketplace has ever been established.
Nevertheless, harnessing marketplace forces for effective and equitable allocations has turn out to be the focus of a lot debate within the drinking water world,notably in the principles embedded in "full cost recovery" and the whole process of globalization.

Israel 'anxiously monitoring' turmoil in Egypt

"Peace between Israel and Egypt has endured for over three decades, and our goal is to ensure these relations continue." ...

Onward Christian Soldiers!

By David Ben-Ariel

Article Word Count: 1958 [View Summary] 

Why did ancient Israel have an army? Was it because they didn't have faith? Did they believe in themselves instead of trusting God? Did they insist on fighting their own battles, rather than let God wage war for them?
Why did God fight for Israel in Egypt? Did they exercise faith then? Did they somehow lose their confidence in the wilderness, after having seen God's mighty miracles? Does that make sense? They'd heard what God was going to do to Egypt from the onset, and they saw with their own eyes what God did through 10 consecutive plagues. After defeating the world's only superpower, had God spent His energy?
God took on the gods of Egypt single-handedly. He didn't want Israel's participation lest their deliverance be misconstrued as a successful slave revolt. He took a slave people to become His Servant-Nation. Israel had only changed masters.
When God led Israel out of Egypt by Moses, He purposely told Moses to bypass the hot spots where Israel would encounter hostile forces, lest they opt for the "security" of Egypt (Ex. 13:17). They went out of their way to avoid war! It doesn't sound like they were eager to do battle when you read the accounts of their griping and complaining to Moses (Ex. 14:10-12).
Moses, full of faith, encouraged the congregation to believe God. The first time Israel engaged in battle was at Moses' command! He instructed Joshua (also faithful) to assemble a fighting force and defeat the pesky Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16).
God had fought the first few rounds against Israel's enemies, showing Israel He would destroy their foes. Now God would fight in and through and for Israel! Moses' uplifted hands of blessing and authority insured Israel's military success. It was evident to all where their true strength came from (Ps. 33:16). Israel was only a fighting instrument in God's Hands (Isa. 41:15, Micah 4:13).
Many people understand the commandment against killing should be translated "murder." God commands His ministers of state to execute judgment and utilize capital punishment for various offenses (Rom. 13:4). We're told to remember Moses' law and obey it (Malachi 4:4). God has authorized the State to act within the guidelines of His Law Book.
Israel wasn't anxious to enter Canaan - they were afraid! Moses admitted they were outnumbered and outgunned by the Canaanites, but reassured Israel that GOD would be with them and grant them supernatural victory (Deut. 7:1-2, 16-24). When the spies brought their report to Moses about Canaan's men and might, they wanted to run with their tails tucked between their legs (Numbers 13:31). Only Joshua and Caleb put things in perspective and encouraged the people to trust in God (Numbers 14:9). Israel didn't have any faith in their own ability or God's!
What many have failed to realize is ancient Israel wasn't going to enter the Promised Land by faith alone; it was going to require faith and works! God wasn't going to do all the work for them. Israel had to actively claim their inheritance. Don't we also?
Israel lacked faith that GOD could work miracles through them! They knew God could take on their enemies, but they doubted He could work through them. They concentrated on their weakness rather than on God's strength. God expected Israel to fight His battles and He would guarantee their success. Israel took one city at a time, slowly but surely making progress, subduing the land and defeating their foes, and yet giving God all the credit - like our process of conversion (Ps. 44:1-8).
Even David, a man after God's own heart, fought numerous battles for God and His people, but considered God the Victor. David would ask God whether he should attack at this time or place, and what to do, when and how, and God answered him (1 Chron. 14:10).
Did Abraham, the father of the faithful, sin by waging war against those who had kidnapped his relatives (Gen. 14)? Melchizedek blessed him, He didn't rebuke him! Levi and sons, following Moses' call to arms (at God's command), went through Israel's camp and slaughtered those who'd sinned with the golden calf (Ex. 32:28). Did they lack faith? No! They were acting faithfully! They put God before family and friends. Couldn't God have just sent a plague? Yes. But He worked through men.
Since God works through men, why didn't Jesus let Peter defend Him? 1) Because prophecy had to be fulfilled and 2) because God's Kingdom wasn't established yet - otherwise Jesus said His servants should fight! This example teaches us that loyal citizens ought to be willing to fight and defend their king and country!
Presently we have a "dual citizenship." Paul didn't deny that he was a Roman citizen or hesitate to exercise his civil rights (Acts 16:37, 22:25, 25:11). He didn't just turn the other cheek when he was about to be scourged! There's a time and a place to wage war or declare peace (Ecc. 3:8); to suffer persecution and death, or to run for your life (Mat. 24:16, John 8:59)!
Spiritually speaking, we should all understand we're only mortal, taking up temporary residence on earth, and therefore be mindful of eternity and live accordingly, waiting for our eternal inheritance in God's Kingdom (2 Cor. 5:1, Ps. 39:12, 2 Pet. 3:11).
But what about "spiritual fornication?" If we exercise our right to vote and get involved in politics, isn't that defiling ourselves with this world's system? Only if and when it contradicts the commandments of God. We should never disobey God to follow men (Acts 5:29). We're in this world and do take an active part in its system of government and education everytime we go to work and pay taxes or send our kids to school or college! We're only to avoid those aspects of this world's system that are Biblically wrong (1 Jn. 2:16).
Joseph served in pharaoh's administration. Was he spiritually defiled? Daniel was in the belly of the beast - Babylon - yet he served the king and God. Whenever there arose any conflict of interest, Daniel put God first, as we must also always do. Nehemiah worked in the Persian government, yet he was also blameless before God. God even referred to Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar as His servants.
God is our Heavenly King over all, that's why we can't allow others to try and usurp His authority over our lives. He's our Husband and to listen to anyone else who would dare go against His Word is spiritual adultery and fornication. This is one of modern Israel's biggest sins: giving in to international peer pressure rather than obey God!
Yet God isn't our only ruler. He's ordained that men aren't to be left in a state of anarchy, but ought to obey the Noachide laws binding on all mankind: to establish a system of justice, abstain from idolatry and immorality, and refrain from eating blood (Acts 15:29).
Even Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords; He won't be ruling alone. God's our Minister, and Jesus Christ's our High Priest, yet we don't object to having human ministers also. Do we have a double standard when it comes to politics? We speak of "dirty politics." And there is too much graft and corruption. But what about religious scandals? Perverted preachers and adulterous ministers? Does that mean we should reject the whole idea of God having human servants? "Dirty religion?" Both Church and State need to let Christ clean up their act (Malachi 3:3).
God didn't forbid Israel from having a king or a high priest. He simply put restrictions on them and offered guidelines. The king was to be Israelite; he wasn't to put his trust in financial securities or gold, or depend on a huge army or arsenal of weapons for Israel's defense; and he was to study the Scriptures daily (Deut. 18:15-20). He was permitted a token military force made up of volunteers (Judg. 7:2, Deut. 20:5-9). The priest was to bless Israel's troops before they went to battle, encourage them that God would fight through them, and sound the alarm with the sacred silver trumpet (Deut. 20:1-4, Nu. 10:9, 31:6).
God was upset with Israel when they demanded a king, but not because they wanted a king - He had made an allowance for that through Moses - but because they were rejecting God as their Supreme Ruler (1 Sam. 8:20).They wanted to walk by sight, not by faith, overconfident in human leaders (Ps. 118:9).
The kings were to lead the way (Ps. 1:10-11). They were to follow in the footsteps of King David who enacted the law of Moses (1 Kgs. 2:3). Israel was only to follow men as they followed God. The prophet Samuel warned them of greedy rulers, excessive taxes, and corrupt administrations, but they still decided to go ahead with their political elections. Not that the religious world was free from fault (1 Sam. 8:3). And God reveals that the best man shouldn't always win (Dan. 4:17). But if we pray for God to lead us in deciding who to vote for or against, it's His responsibility to let us know what to do. Of course we should study the party platforms and see which one is more closely aligned to biblical principles. It's vain to think that our vote could thwart God's Will! He'll promote and demote whom He will (Ps. 75:7).
Ancient Israel was both Church and State: a theocracy. God recognizes these two branches of government and encourages us to do the same (Malachi 4:4-5). The two anointed positions in Israel were that of priest and king (Zech. 4:14). The oil was representative of God's Holy Spirit that Israel prayed would guide and direct their leaders.
We've seen how God has authorized human leaders to take life (Lev. 20). They're free to deputize a police force (to protect and defend communities), as well as use the armed forces to defend their country and kin.
God holds His leaders responsible not to get greedy or become bloodthirsty. We're not to relish war, but use it as a last resort (Deut. 20:10-12).We're only to fight wars of self-defense and not throw our weight around (Lk. 3:14). We're to hate the sins of our enemies and learn to love them, knowing they're also made in God's image and hopefully will come to their senses someday; we're not to be trigger-happy or gloat over our enemies' downfall (Prov. 24:17).
God's going to utilize Israel to punish various nations during their trek back to the Middle East (Isa. 11:14). And God will be fighting through the Jews at Jerusalem (Zech. 14:14). Christ's coming back to earth to wage war before He ushers in peace!
God hasn't only intervened for Israel. He's determined the outcome of various wars and battles to let one group of Gentiles beat another (Deut. 2:19-23). Moses also said it would've been a sin if the different tribes of Israel didn't rally to each others defense (Nu. 32:20-23). And it's a disastrous sin to go to war if God's servants instruct otherwise (Deut. 1:42-45).

RubinReports: Egypt-Israel Relations: How Could Politics Ever Be a ...

Egypt-Israel Relations: How Could Politics Ever Be a Problem? (Satire). Please be subscriber 19058 (daily reader 33458). ...

Crude Oil Supply Interruptions - A Historical Overview

By R Ambardar

Article Word Count: 421 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

History has witnessed some incidents which have resulted in interruptions to world crude oil supplies. Year 1972 has been significantly important for crude supplies in the world. The epicentre of power was shifted from Texas, America to OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) during this year. Post 1972 there have been two major incidents which would be worthwhile mentioning due to the impact they has on global crude economy.
Yom Kippur War involving Israel, Syria and Egypt:
On October 5th, 1973 Syria and Egypt attacked Israel due to their prolonged political differences. Israel had support of United States of America and many other western countries during this war. As a result of this support many oil producing countries of the Middle East region (including Iran) imposed an oil embargo on countries which came forward in support of Israel. Due to this embargo the oil production took a hit of around 5 million barrels per day. Other oil producing countries tried to bridge this gap but were only able to provide extra 1 million barrels per day.
There was a net shortfall of 4 million barrels/day in oil supply which continued till March 1974. During this time period the prices of crude increased by more than 400% and reached $ 12/barrel from $ 3/barrel. If world needed any reassurance on shift of powerbase of crude from America to Middle East it was provided during this period as America failed to exert any influence on increasing oil prices.
Iran and Iraq War:
Yet again in the year 1979 and 1980 world was faced with a situation challenging the crude supplies. As a result of Iranian revolution in 1979 the production of crude in Iran has almost halted. This sudden decrease in oil supply again led to unprecedented price increase.
In the year 1980 when things were beginning to settle down in Iran and it was getting close to pumping 4 million barrels of oil per day another tragedy struck them. In September 1980 a weakened Iran was attacked by neighbouring Iraq as a result of which both countries had to suffer. The total combined (Iran and Iraq) capacity of 7.5 million barrels per day was reduced to only 1 million barrel per day. The crude prices also went for a big toss, in this short time they again raised from $ 14/barrel in 1978 to $ 35/barrel in 1981.

FACTBOX-Israel-Egypt relations in their post-war era

Jan 31 (Reuters) - Israel is following the situation in Egypt with alarm, fearing the nationwide protests against President Hosni Mubarak ...

Myrrh Essential Oil - Aromatherapy Wonders

By Peter J. Rose

Article Word Count: 400 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

According to a biblical story, when the three magi visited the infant Jesus, they brought with them gold, frankincense and myrrh. Father Marie Dominique Philippe, OP, a well known French theologian, philosopher and founder of a religious community, myrrh symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, myrrh has been used in ancient times, not only in Middle East, where it was said to originated, but by the Chinese as well. Myrry was considered one of the most sacred ancient oils in Greece, Egypt and Israel.
The myrrh is from a botanical plant called Commiphora myrrha. It has a warm wood, balsamic, earthy and musty scent which has been used since the biblical times as a perfume. In fact there are studies that suggest that myrrh is from an old Greek word meaning perfume while some said it is an Arabic word meaning bitter, suggesting its taste. In ancient Egypt, myrrh was said to be one of its best perfume. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties were used in ancient times to treat skin diseases and wrinkles.
When aromatherapy started to become popular, so was the myrrh. Its yellow to brown color has become a favourite in aromatherapy because of its it can be blended with other essential oils like lavender, rosewood and sandal to produce a scent that can be both therapeutic and aromatic.
The myrrh essential oil is not only known for aromatherapy but also for its medicinal properties. Like most essential oils used in aromatherapy, myrrh essential oil can be used in these five primary aromatherapy methods: inhalation, vaporization, bathing, massage and spray.
As the myrrh aroma is inhaled into the lungs, it offers psychological and physical benefits. For some, it can even offer spiritual benefits. The benefits of myrrh essential oils are countless. It can be used as treatment for a simple cough and cold problem, as an antimicrobial and even as a mouthwash.
In most spas and other centres for natural healing and wellness, myrrh essential oil is used for spiritual uplifting and is said to have sedative and anti depressant properties. It is also said that it is a powerful antioxidant and great for detoxification and relaxation.

Egyptian-Israeli Relations Turn Sour | Foreign Affairs

The strains stem from Israel's and Egypt's competing visions of a new Middle East, which they both hope to lead. With U.S.-Egyptian relations also on the ...

Leadership and the Rise and Fall of Nations in Bible Times

By Leopold A. Foullah

Article Word Count: 2315 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

This section is a historical reflection of specific periods of two nations in Bible times. These periods would be periods of success and failures. The goal of the reflection is basically to identify the roles played by the leadership during these periods and see the relationship between the roles and the rise or fall of the nations. The nations that will be discussed are Israel and Egypt.
THE RISE OF ISRAEL UNDER GOOD LEADERSHIP
During the long history of Israel between the time of the exodus from Egypt and the return to Judah from Babylon captivity, there had been times that Israel had prospered as a nation. The periods of prosperity and success can be identified with specific leaders or leaderships. Three of these leaders-David, Solomon and Nehemiah will now be discussed.
David
The biblical records show that David came to the throne about 1000BC and reigned for approximately forty years. Ted W Engstrom made two observations about the forty years reign of David. First, he pointed out that David fought many wars.1 It was observed from the biblical records that David took up leadership in Israel at a time of political instability. Israel had many enemies and some were afraid of Israel becoming a powerful nation, which will subsequently dominate them. In fact, when the Philistines heard that David had been made king they came to attack him. For this reason David had to make his throne secure from Israel's enemies. One can therefore understand why in his first campaign as king he captured the walled city of Zion or Jerusalem and made it his capital. Without political stability there would hardly be any form of development in a nation. It should be observed that political stability is not only an external matter but also an internal matter. For this reason, David did not only fight the enemy nations of Israel but also established a capital to exercise his rule and control over the people. Second, Engstrom pointed out that David established international relationships with other nations, citing Hiram of Tyre as one of them.2 A leader who looks forward to development and progress in his country seeks relationship with other countries that will help him achieve his goal. Later on, under Solomon's government the benefits of these relationships will be better seen. David took special precautions to handle the political situations of the nation because it can directly affect the nation positively or negatively.
William Dumbrell also observed that David moved the Ark of the Lord from Kiriath-Jearim to the capital he had established. He said this was to centralize all of Israel's sacred traditions in his new capital. Dumbrell further observed that the move was a blatant political one.3 It is noteworthy that one cannot completely separate religion from politics. The unity of a nation can to some extent be maintained under the banner of religion.
Political rest or stability and religious unity of a nation establishes the foundation for her economic prosperity. This was not so for the nation of Israel under the leadership of Saul. So, David who succeeded Saul changed the potentially bleak destiny of the nation to a positive one. David also built up the resources and made preparations for the development of the nation. One example is his provision for building the temple.
Solomon
Solomon was David's son who succeeded him as King. John Maxwell observed that Solomon took a good kingdom and turned it to a great kingdom.4 A reflection on the state of the kingdom David left for Solomon, gives one an understanding of what Maxwell meant by good kingdom. The biblical records in the first three chapters of first Kings state that Solomon himself possesses both wealth and wisdom as he began to rule. Also, Israel had become a major military force, and in addition David had accumulated wealth and some of the materials for the building of the Temple. Solomon achieved a great deal in assuming leadership. What then did he do for the nation for Maxwell to have said he turned a good kingdom to a great one. Maxwell pointed out what impressive administration that he built, and the fact that he made use of the talents of his twelve governors. Also, about the alliances he built with neighboring powers, the trade relationships he established, his building projects and extensive defensive fortifications for the city.5 There is no question about the fact that the nation prospered under Solomon. The nation enjoyed peace and saw great development. It should be noted that the political stability and the religious unity achieved during the reign of David laid the foundations for Solomon's success.
Nehemiah
John White observed that the setting of the book of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of a nation. It may be misleading to consider the setting of the book as the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall and gates. To make his point, White gave a historical reflection of what happened to the nation prior to Nehemiah's leadership. He said the Babylonians had plundered Jerusalem and the southern Kingdom of Judah, and exiled the citizens about a hundred and fifty years before Nehemiah came. But when Babylon fell to the Persians, King Cyrus reversed Babylonian policy and allowed some Jewish groups to return back to Jerusalem in 538 BC. However these people were not able to make the city defensible again. There was political instability, poor economy and a collapse of the true Jewish religion and tradition, which usually unites the people as a nation. It was from this background that Nehemiah exercised leadership.6
The nation of Israel at that time had no future hope. They seemed to have been left at the mercies of their enemies. Under Nehemiah's leadership the situation changed. The wall and gates of Jerusalem were built, but not only that the future of the nation was changed. This was because the nation began to experience security and political stability, unity of the people as a result of religious awakening, and prosperity once again. Ted W. Engstrom observed that these achievements should be ascribed to Nehemiah because as a leader he displayed great courage in the face of much opposition, had deep concern for his people, and exhibited by his insight, tact, impartiality, and decisiveness.7 The way Nehemiah handled the political situation, the religious atmosphere and the economy, changed the destiny of the nation at that point in time.
THE FALL OF ISRAEL UNDER BAD LEADERSHIP
This section is a reflection of the three hundred years of Israel's history under the Judges. Eugene H. Merrill noted that the three hundred or so years of the history of Israel under the Judges were marked by political, moral, and spiritual anarchy and deterioration. The situation was so pervasive that even the sons of Eli, the high priest at the end of the 12th century, had completely apostatized, and had used their priestly office for their own gain and licentious pursuits?8 One may wonder what happened to this powerful nation which left Egypt under the leadership of Moses, conquered and took possession of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.
God raised up many Judges to rule Israel during this period of time. Duane F Lindsey pointed out that these Judges were primarily military and civil leaders, with strict judicial functions included as appropriate.9 Joyce Peel highlighted some of the problems for Israel's failure. She noted that the various tribes failed to drive out all the Canaanites from the land. Also, the pure worship of Yahweh was contaminated by the idolatry of the Cananites.10 Peel, like other Bible commentators, acknowledged that the nation failed during the period in question and the areas of failures that she highlighted can be seen as political and religious. It follows that once a nation fails in those two areas, there is an obvious economic failure, and this is evident in the book of Judges. Peel made a striking statement as she concludes her commentary on the book of Judges. She observed that Judges 21:25 is a diagnosis of the troubles that were past, and a pointer of the remedy lying ahead.11 Judges 21:25 reads: "In those days Israel had no king everyone did as he saw fit...." This verse points to the fact that lack of good sustainable leadership was the cause of Israel's failures. Under these conditions Israel was doomed for complete destruction had it not been for the timely intervention of God.

THE RISE OF EGYPT UNDER GOOD LEADERSHIP
There has been a series of rising and falling of the nation of Egypt. In this section, however, a particular period is in focus-the period the nation experienced seven years of agricultural bounty, which was followed by seven years severe of famine. R K Harrison, in his article discussed this period in Egypt's history. Citing the biblical records in Genesis, he said the ruling Pharaoh had prior knowledge of the seven years of agricultural bounty, which will be followed by seven years of severe famine. This knowledge came to him through a dream that was interpreted for him by Joseph. Joseph followed up his interpretation bay advising Pharaoh to 'look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt'. Pharaoh and his men accepted the advice, but appointed Joseph as second in command over all Egypt, and gave him the responsibility to plan for those fourteen years 12. The strategy that Joseph devised saves the nation and surrounding nations from seven years of severe famine. Pharaoh's leadership must be commended here. Many political leaders like Pharaoh, have had knowledge of a failing economy, or of problems in their country and failed to take action. Pharaoah's political action was very tough-he appointed a foreigner, a slave and prisoner for that matter, over all other officials in Egypt. Pharaoh certainly would be aware of the potential danger, but because that action was really necessary for the nation to survive the period, he was willing to take the challenge. Also, a relationship between religion and politics can be seen. Pharaoh in the first place didn't question the dream from God, nor the interpretation given by the godly man.
The effects of those seven years of famine could have been devastating for the nation. However, good leadership changed the destiny of the nation at that time.
THE FALL OF EGYPT UNDER BAD LEADERSHIP
An another important period in the nation of Egypt's history was the period preceding the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The Egyptians had prospered and developed their nation by using the Israelites as slaves. As a result of the free labor the nation was exploiting, Pharaoh Amenhotep II refused to let the Israelites leave his country. William Dumbrell observed from the narrative that pharaoh was warned before any of the plague, which devastated the nation, was commanded by Moses. According to Dumbrell, in the first three plagues, God showed his supremacy over the magicians of Egypt. In the following three plagues (Insects, pestilence, boils), God showed his presence in Egypt, making a distinction between the Israelites and Egyptians. In the next three plagues (hail, locust, darkness) God emphasizes his incomparability. Pharaoh's unreasonableness must give way before Yahweh's manifested power.13 Pharaoh belongs to a nation which reverence supernatural powers. He was aware that what was happening was far beyond the natural, but he still clung to his ways. He resisted until the economy of the nation was destroyed, and after the tenth plague led his army to total destruction pursuing the Israelites. He had advisers but was determined to do things his own way. His actions were clearly that of a present day dictator, and one can see how such leaders can destroy a nation. It can be seen, that when politics or political powers, religion and the economy of a nation are not handled properly, the nation falls,
Conclusion
The examples of Israel and Egypt cited in this article regarding good and bad governance typify a situation that is still prevalent in our modern world - Africa in particular and the so-called third world in general. The entire Bible is full of teaching concerning the relationship between righteous rule and peace. The opposite is, unrighteous rule and turmoil.
True religiosity rests on justice - "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor." National progress rests on righteousness - "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:31; 34).
End Notes
[1] Enstrom, Ted. W., The Making of a Christian Leader: How to Develop Management and Human Relations Skills (Michigan: Zonderman Publishing House, 1976) p. 32.
2 William Dumbrell, The Faith if Israel: Its Expression in the Books of the Old Testament (Leicester. Inter-Varsity Press, 1992), p.81
3 John C. Maxwell, The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in Leader's Day: Revitalize Your Spirit and
Empower Your Leadership (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000) p. 263
4 Ibid. p. 263
5 Ibid, p. 263
6 John White, Excellence In Leadership: The Pattern of Nehemiah (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), p. 10
7 Ted W Engstrom, The Making of a Christian Leader: How to Develop Management and Human Relation Skills (Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976), p. 34.
8 Eugene H. Merrill, I Samuel: The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado: Chariot Victor Publishing, 19985), p. 431.
9Duane F Lindsey, Judges: The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Colorado: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1985) p. 374.
10 Joyce Peel, A Journey Through The Old Testament: The Story of God's Relationship with Man. Woman and the World (Oxford: The Bible Reading Fellowship, 1993) p. 58
11 Ibid, p. 62
12 R. K. Harrison, The New Unger's Bible Dictionary (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1982), p.
13 William Dumbrell, The Faith of Israel: Its Expression in the Books of the Old Testament (Leciester:Inter-Varsity Press, 1992), p. 32

EGYPTIAN-ISRAELI RELATIONS

For 25 years, Egyptian-Israeli relations have often been characterized by tension. Today, their frosty relationship not only reflects past chapters but also ...

We Need Serious Leaders Who Know How to Do Business With God in a Wise Responsible Way!

By Sandy Shaw

Article Word Count: 539 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

The final section of this startling prophetic book is powerful and inspirational and motivational. We come to the final part of the Book of Daniel at Chapter 12, and this final Chapter is part of this one long lengthy detailed vision which runs throughout Chapters 10, 11 and 12.
Daniel has been so concerned about Israel, and the future of Israel, and the whole situation in what we call the Middle East. He has been visibly upset and distressed, but he is also serious as he prays and fasts.
He means business with God. Do you mean business with Almighty God? In these present times we so need men who are called by Jesus Christ and who are willing to be serious and do real meaningful significant business with God!
Daniel was chosen and set apart, and given gifts and abilities. He is anointed for this task, and he remains responsible. Now, these are all words which should be part of the make-up and character of any good leader.
God ministers to his concern by sending an angel with this message in the form of a vision.
We read and understand and are given insight into something of the conflict between angels and demons, which must go on all the time. Daniel does not become involved in this. He leaves it alone, and therein we see a wise man!
We read about what was going to happen over these next 366 years in the Middle East, involving Greece, Egypt, Syria and Israel.
God revealed to his much-loved servant, a lot of what was not pleasant. It is a revelation of more and more suffering, of being overrun by foreign powers, with horrendous things happening in Jerusalem, including sacrilege in the Temple of the Living God.
There is a warning here to all who would want to build Empires. Reading this book could prevent men from becoming bad leaders and inspire and motivate and teach others how to become good leaders. Yes, we have all of these lessons in one powerful Old Testament book. Do take time to read it and even study it. There are rich rewards awaiting those who do.
Daniel receives all this, and later he writes it all down.
This is not a word which lifts him up, but that sometimes happens in the service of Jesus Christ too.
The Word which our loving and living Lord Jesus Christ wants us to hear at time can be sore and challenging as well as real.
As we read this vision we see Israel being caught between Syria and Egypt.
From verse 40 of Chapter 11 we read of a mighty war, which is a final war, and here we see where it will take place and which nations will be involved.
The Bible has almost jumped forward some 2,000 years. Why? How do we know?
Well, Daniel's predictions are about the Jews, and not the Gentiles, and the Jews rejected the Messiah. It was as if God's clock had stopped.
Daniel, the prophetic leader, knows how to handle and cope with serious issues and deal with them responsibly. He is not only wise but spiritually balanced, and there are not many such people around.
Sandy Shaw

Egypt-Israel relations will outlive Mubarak | The Jewish Chronicle

Rumours that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is dying have caused concern in Israel over the future of the Israeli-Egyptian relationship.

Israel, Palestine and the Wall

y Ben L. Jenkins

Article Word Count: 605 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

Tensions in the Middle East began even before the creation of the state of Israel. In the early Twentieth Century, European Jewish immigrants to Palestine had enough money to buy large amounts of land, pushing the resident workers off of it and into suburbs of major Israeli cities. These roving groups started conflicts and riots which didn't get better after Israel declared statehood in 194. They were attacked by their neighbors, but with better weapons they came out of this "War of Independence" with 78% of Palestine.
In 1967, Egypt closed access to the Red Sea. Israel took this threat seriously and attacked, capturing the Sinai, Golan, and the remaining Palestinian land. This was not viewed well by their neighbors to start with, but it got even worse after Israel moved civilians onto the newly captured land, violating a treaty that they signed against this type of action. Egypt fought back by attacking the Sinai n 1973. Eventually, Israel stopped the fighting by returning the disputed land.
It was not a clear victory, but enough to show that it was possible to fight Israel. Palestinians started to attack Israelis in other countries, most famously by kidnapping Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics and hijacking an Air France flight in 1976, These caught the world's attention but they got even more when they started suicide bombing. The Palestinian Authority did not effectively stop these attacks and seemed to be losing power to extreme groups like Hamas, who support killing Israeli civilians. When suicide bombings reached into Israel's cities, they responded by designing a security wall in 2002. It was supposed to help solve the violence that has been troubling the region but ended up angering Palestinians.
Mohammad Ethman is a human rights activist in Palestine and works for peace in his country through the organization "Stop The Wall." He sees Israel's security wall as a major barrier because it was built across Palestinian land. He sees it as a physical and symbolic barrier to the peace process as well. So to him and other locals it deserves the name "Apartheid Wall." Residents object to the fact that the wall was built beyond the original 1949 boundary, keeping them from living their daily lives. The International Court of Justice noted that it is a de-facto annexation of Palestinian land.
His outspoken opposition to the wall even got him arrested by Israel. Amnesty International took up his case. Their position is that a person should not be arrested for just stating their opinion, even if the government in power disagrees with it. He was eventually released and returned to public life with a new dedication to promoting peace in the Middle East and prosperity for his people. In his vision of the future, he sees a One State Solution for Israel and Palestine where all residents have an equal voice. He thinks foreign governments -- particularly the United States' -- are a major factor in the region's success; he asks Americans to boycott the Israeli settlements to put pressure on Israel to concede occupied land.
The United States promotes their "road map" as their guidelines for peace in the Middle East. President Obama reinforced his dedication to this plan in his May 17 2009 public discussion with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He opposed human rights violations on both sides, pointed out that the settlements are a major problem to the process, raised the problem Gaza's isolation, and condemned attacks on Israeli civilians. He did not talk about the wall directly and officially supports the Two State Solution as the ultimate goal of the Middle East peace process.

The Difference in the Political System Structure Between Nasser and Sadat

By Ahmed Abou El Ezz

Article Word Count: 2091 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

The Egyptian revolution of 1952, which was a coup d'état made by young military soldiers who named themselves "The free officers", it was initially aiming to over throw King Farouk. However, thing ran more smoothly than the free officers thought, they made more political change that just overthrowing the king, they abolished the monarchy and established the republic, and ended the British occupation of Egypt. The free officers, who were headed and founded by colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser, chose Mohamed Naguib to be the first president of the Egyptian Republic. However, his reign did not last long due to disagreements with Nasser which lead to his forced removal from office, and put in house arrest. Nasser took power in 1956, the people cherished Nasser, as they saw him as one of them; under his leadership he nationalized the Suez Canal, this even made him more charismatic and loved by the people.
After Nasser's death in 1970, his vice president, Anwar El Sadat took over the power and became the third president of Egypt. Most of the people were disappointed by Nasser's death, and did not think of anyone else who can rule them. So, in his first speech as a president, Sadat promised the people that he will continue what Nasser had started and that he will follow his path. However, later, Sadat took a different path than Nasser's. Sadat is well known for launching the 1973 war against Israel, and for signing a peace treaty with them after the war, which lead to the return of all Egypt's territories which were occupied by the Israelis under Nasser's era. Nasser's and Sadat's regimes are one of the most important in the modern Egyptian history. Their different characters played a great role in shaping the Egyptian political structure, as both of them had absolute powers as presidents. The base of the political structure did not change from Nasser to Sadat, the regime was still authoritarian with absolute power to the president, and however, each one of them used his absolute power in a different way that resulted in a big difference in the political structure of the country. In this essay I will illustrate Nasser's and Sadat's structure of the political system and to what degree they differed from each other.
Gamal Abdel Nasser was the leader who was almost worshiped by his people. He was incredibly charismatic and had a direct relationship with the Egyptian people. He used to always give public speeches that were very emotive and touching. He succeeded to build a common ground between him and the people, in his speeches he always referred to them as his "fellow citizens". Nasser managed to remove the gap between the ruler and the public; this improved his credibility and his legitimacy to the Egyptian nation. Moreover, Nasser was a down to earth, simple person. He did not live in a palace or in a luxurious villa; he had a modest small house. According to the movie Nasser 56, he refused to build a pool for his kids, as he declined to gain any benefits from his position. Nasser gave the low class jobs, houses, health insurance, free schools and land. In addition to, in the 1964 constitution he assigned half of the national assembly seats to peasants and workers. In his political decisions, Nasser used to consult and put into his consideration the opinions and comments of his cabinet; before taking the decision of nationalizing the Suez Canal, Nasser made numerous consults. The political system structure under Nasser was based on the socialist political ideology. Nasser was a socialist; he founded the country's sole political party: The Arab Socialist Union. He was a pan Arab nationalist; he made a short lived union with Syria.
Under his reign, he reformed the economy and made an agrarian reform by distributing land to the peasants. He initiated a centrally planned economy; he had a major nationalizing program that nationalized all the chief sources of income to the country, making the state the largest employer. Although the revolution promised a democratic rule, Nasser was an authoritarian dictator. He attempted to lay the groundwork for democracy, however, democracy is still absent in Egypt till our present day. Nasser owned a monopoly of power, when Nasser noticed the amount of control Abdel Hakim Amer; the chief of the armed force, Nasser striped Amer of his position and appointed himself the chief of the armed force. When Nasser became president, he aimed to put an end to all oppositions, he got rid of all the parties and abolished the Muslim brotherhood, and he established the only party The Arab Socialist Union.
As a result of having absolute power, there was no any legal legitimacy, the president can change the constitution whenever he likes, he changed the constitution 5 times, Nasser made a legal constitutional frame work to maintain and increase his powers. The coercive apparatus had a great role in Nasser's regime which was known for extreme torture for prisoners who might even be imprisoned for no charges. In his era, army soldiers were given the top policy management roles instead of politicians or diplomats. In 1956, after a lot of researches, reasoning and considering the risks, Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal, this is one of the main decisions that people admire Nasser for. Nasser allied with the Soviet Union because he believed that in order to develop the country; it must have a proper army with good arms. Later in 1976, Israel attacked Egypt and took over territories, this incident led to the resignation of Gamal Abd El Nasser, soon after; people demonstrated and rejected the resignation, so Nasser decided to postpone his decision. Despite the Israeli victory in the 1976 war, Nasser succeeded to become a symbol of Arab victory and dignity, even though he could not do all what he promised but people were satisfied that he at least tried. In 1970 Nasser died in office and Anwar el Sadat became the President.
Anwar El Sadat, third president of the republic, was one of the free officers. Sadat's presidency was considered widely among the people that it is going to be short lived, and they assumed that he is merely a puppet of the former president Nasser who is controlled by Nasser supporters. Sadat surprised everyone by taking serious political actions that retained his powers as a president and enabled him to emerge as an independent leader. Sadat was a cunning and clever person, many incidents show that he had a decisive character by which he can reach unattainable goals, and two of these incidents are: his escape from political prison before the revolution, and the tactics of 1973 war that has depended on deceiving the enemy. Unlike Nasser, Sadat initiated a gap between him and the people, he didn't make public speeches, and he preferred talking to groups of people and especially the parliament.
Sadat didn't care to justify his actions, while some actions really needed justifications because they were refuted and considered bizarre, to the people; he can occasionally justify it to individuals who have the capability of seeing and asking him. Another notable difference between Sadat and Nasser, Sadat addressed the nation as his sons, he was playing the role of the god father and he believed that he is more knowing than anyone else. This can be noticed in his decision taking, he was a sole decision taker, and he rarely took advice or a consultant from his cabinet, even in the most serious decisions. For example, everyone was surprised when he stated that he was ready to go and negotiate with the Israelis in the Knesset. Sadat was so full of himself and arrogant, he gained tremendous self confidence after the 1973 war, and the nation considered him a hero. Sadat's ideologies were totally different than those of Nasser.
He was more western oriented he drifted away from the Nasserism by establishing a multiparty system and initiating a liberal economy and the open door policy (Infitah). He changed his political party from the Arab Socialist Union to the National Democratic Party. One of the focal differences between him and his Nasser is that Sadat is far less Arab Nationalist; he was more focused on the well being and the liberation of his own country that he signed a peace treaty with Israel after the 1973 war. Sadat was not in good terms with the Soviet Union, he expelled the soviet actors from Egypt before the 1973 war; however the soviet kept on equipping the Egyptian army with weapons and equipments throughout the war.
After the war Sadat was seen as a hero to the Arab world, but not for a long time, after he declared that he is ready to make peace with Israel, he was seen as a traitor by most Arab countries. Later, Sadat established relations between Egypt and the United States in order to negotiate for getting back Egypt's occupied territories, and he succeeded, and one of his famous quotes were " Russians can give you arms, but only the united states can give you a solution" (Simpsons Contemporary Quotations", p.14).
Nasser established a base political structure during his regime that Sadat inherited. Both regimes were authoritarian and shared the same policies that give the president absolute power and control over the country. What has not changed in both regimes are the monopoly of power to the president, the lack of legal legitimacy, the dependence on the coercive apparatus to eliminate opposition, manipulating the constitution to suite their practice of powers and the one dominant party, even though Sadat reinstituted the multiparty system, other parties acted like pressure groups. However, since the president has absolute power, then the personality of the president is a big deal in shaping the political structure.
As noticed, Sadat was really different in character than Nasser, thus the political system. As Sadat took over the presidency, he started his "Correctional Revolution", he started by purging Nasserites members in the government and security forces, and replaced them by professional diplomats and politicians. In addition to, changing the paths of foreign -domestic policies, economy and ideology; plus the imprisonment of many political forces including many Islamists. Nevertheless, there was more political freedom under Sadat; he took another step towards democracy. The multiparty system gave more space for opposition, which was extinct in Nasser's era. Sadat also gave the press more freedom, unlike Nasser who nationalized and controlled the press.
After 1973 when Sadat launched the Infitah, which is the open door for private investment which encouraged domestic and foreign investment in the private sector and ended the domination of the economy by the public sector, created a wealthier more successful upper class and a smaller middle class, however, negative and violent protests happened after Sadat decided to cut subsidies over basic food supplies, these protests forced Sadat to go back on his decision and reinitiate the subsidies. The Egyptian foreign policy witnessed a dramatic change under Sadat, from the expulsion of soviet actors, to the alliance with the United States. The most important point of change is that Sadat shifted Egypt from the policy of confrontation towards Israel, to a peaceful accommodation through the negotiations that took place after the war of 1973. This change in policy had three critical influences over the modern Egyptian history:
(i) Egypt got back all occupied territories that were overtaken in 1976
(ii) Egypt declared the country of Israel
(iii) Most Arab countries cut relations with Egypt, and Egypt was dismissed from the Arab league.
Finally, the last notable change in the structure of the political system is the long term alliance with the United States, which is still present until today. One of the main benefits of this alliance is that Egypt became one of the top recipients of American aid.

In Israel, Mubarak's Departure Stirs Apprehension

The official said it was more likely than not that Egypt would maintain its peace treaty with Israel and added that, in any case, relations ...

Israel, Jerusalem, Jewish Redemption, 2009?

By Richard Ruhling

Article Word Count: 772 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

"Hundreds of thousands of Jews around the world will awake before dawn on Wednesday, climb to high vantage points and wait for the sun as they recite a prayer said only once every 28 years." So said Israel's Haaretz (April 5, 2009) of "the sun's return to its starting point at the moment the universe was created, after completing a 28-year cycle known as the 'machzor gadol,' or large cycle."
"This year, however, the blessing has added significance, as it falls on Passover Eve, a sign some observant Jews interpret as a potential harbinger of a redemptive event of cosmic proportions." Why did the article say that? Because it commemorates the first "machzor gadol" falling on Passover when Israel was delivered from Egypt and the second "machzor gadol" when it was linked with Purim in the days of Queen Esther. This is the third time that such an event every 28 years has coincided with the beginning of Passover. This suggests huge significance, but what does it signify?
In the biblical record of the first "machzor gadol," God took Israel from calamity in Egypt to a covenant relationship at Sinai. There they became His kingdom and His bride, Exodus 19:5,6; Jeremiah 3:14. But the bride (Israel) was unfaithful and went into apostasy.
God allowed them to be taken captive by the Assyrians, but they didn't return to the Promised Land. God "scattered them among the heathen," Ezekiel 36:19. Many settled Europe, intermarried with Christians and came to the New World seeking freedom. Christians claim Jewish roots. "If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:29. So in some sense, Christians may be considered spiritual Israel, and the time of deliverance from Egypt (needing an "exodus" from public school sex education for your child?) may be at hand. How is this so?
God asked Ezekiel to lie on his side for 390 days-a day for each of the 390 years Israel disobeyed, Ezekiel 4:5,6. But God also said, If you don't learn your lesson, I will punish you seven times over, Leviticus 26:18,21,24,28.  7 x 390 years = 2730 years.  Israel's captivity began in 722 BC. Subtract 722 from 2730 = 2008, but we recall there was no year "0" so it's 2009. (Assyrian Captivity of Israel, Wikipedia found by Google).
The Bible says, "He that scattered Israel will gather him," Jeremiah 31:10.  As God took Israel out of calamity in Egypt, we should expect that a replay of this history may be impending. "Brethren, I would not have you ignorant how that our fathers passed through the sea...All those things happened unto them for examples [types, margin] and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1Corinthians 10:1,11. 
Passover was the time of deliverance from Egypt after they ate the Passover lamb. 1400 years later, a Jewish prophet proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world," John 1:29.   Christians believe the Savior fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Jewish law and "and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. Known as a great teacher, he reflected concern for "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" that had been scattered, Matthew 15:24. 
Was this on his mind when he used imagery from Egypt to foretell another cry at midnight in His wedding parable when another deliverance would be at hand, and another covenant made resulting in his Bride?
Christ's clue at the end of his parable in which "the Bridegroom comes" (Matthew 25:6) points us to the law in Numbers 9:10,11 for Passover a month later as a provision for travel--"for the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling to a far country..." Matthew 25:14.
And now comes the pope in this year of expectancy, and at the prophetic time of 2nd Passover, May 11 with a third clue by Christ pointing to expectancy for the pope at the very time that he is coming! Will he bring deliverance? Or will it be calamity first before the deliverance?
When Titus sieged Jerusalem, Herod's Temple burned on the 10th day of the 5th Jewish month according to Josephus, the same date Solomon's Temple burned nearly 700 years earlier, Jeremiah 52:12,13. This year the 10th day of the 5th month is August 2. Calamity on that date may seem like a coincidence, but it would have biblical significance that begs further understanding.

Israel-Egypt: A Review of Bilateral Ties

At present, Israel seeks to enhance its relations with Egypt, ... The foundation stone of the peaceful relations between Israel and Egypt is the "Peace ...

Learning the Arabic Language

By John Davison

Article Word Count: 606 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

The Arabic language is an ancient tongue that dates back to earlier than the 6th century. It is a language steeped in history, and shrouded in mystery. Today, the Arabic language is the 5th most spoken language on the planet, and it is the official language in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. If you are interested in the study of ancient Near Eastern history, modern Middle Eastern history, religion, or foreign language, learning the Arabic language will help you in your academic pursuits. There are several ways you can go about learning how to read, write, and speak Arabic.
If you feel that you should learn the Arabic language for academic reasons, you have options. You can attend a college or University, and earn your degree in Arabic. You could also choose to minor in the language, which will supplement your education if you earn a degree in religion, history, archaeology, or even art history. A degree or a minor in Arabic will help you to translate ancient documents and literature, which will give you wonderful research capabilities. If you do receive your degree in Arabic, you will be highly knowledgeable in a very formal dialect of the language, both written and conversationally. Also, if you have military aspirations, knowing how to communicate in Arabic would be useful, given today's military climate.
If you have plans to travel extensively to an Arabic speaking country such as Egypt or Morocco, consider taking accelerated foreign language courses online before you go. By learning the basics of a foreign language, you show that you are culturally sensitive and genuinely interested in the country by learning to communicate with locals in their native tongue. You won't look "touristy" by carrying a book or stumbling through questions to local residents, and you will have a greater appreciation for the culture you are experiencing on your travels. Your travels will be more enjoyable, exciting, and educational.
There are several advantages to learning how to read and speak the Arabic language through an online accelerated course. You will find that doing so via the Internet is very convenient. And your studies won't interfere with your work and personal commitments. Often, courses are completed at your own pace, with no set class times. You can study Arabic from the comforts of home. All of your work is submitted online, and you will find many opportunities to interact with qualified instructors if you have questions. You will find that the fees for enrolling in an online Arabic language course are reasonable as well.
Whether you are a student of ancient history, religion, or archaeology and you feel that learning the Arabic language will give you a leg up in carrying out your research, or you are making plans to travel to an Arabic speaking country like Egypt or Morocco in the near future and want to be able to ask where the bathroom is or order dinner from the menu in their language, you have options as to how to learn the language. By studying Arabic at a college or University, you will gain a complete knowledge of reading formal Arabic, which will undoubtedly assist you in your academic research. By taking an online course in Arabic, you will be able to quickly and conveniently learn the basics of the language, which will make your travels abroad less stressful, and more enjoyable. Taking the time to learn the Arabic language will allow you to immerse yourself into an interesting new culture, perhaps help to change a few stereotypes, enhance your travels, and supplement your academic pursuits.

What's In Store For Egypt-Israel Relations? : NPR

Thursday marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Camp David treaty that saw Egypt become the first Arab state to make peace with Israel.

Biblical Chronology - Egypt Without a Pharaoh for 300 Years

By Darren Thompson

Article Word Count: 2001 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

I presented in my two previous articles that I've shifted Egyptian dynasties 1 through 12 along the timeline earlier by 161 years and I have moved Egyptian dynasties 13 through 20 earlier by 124 years. These shifts are in the same direction along the timeline (earlier) and only have a difference of 37 years (161 years compared to 124 years). This difference in the shifts is relatively insignificant and can be accounted for by the uncertainty in the dates of reigns of dynasties 13-17 (historians acknowledge that the dating of dynasties 13-17 is difficult since many reigns in this period may coincide). Therefore, I essentially only disagree with the dating of the Conventional Egyptian Chronology from dynasties 1 through 20 in the sense that the entire timeline for those dynasties should be shifted earlier in time in the range of 124-161 years.
Dynasties 21 through 26 are a different matter. Since I have shifted these dynasties later in time by 181 years and dynasties 13-20 earlier by at least 124 years there must be a gap in the Egyptian timeline somewhere from the reign of Ramesses III to the reign of Shishak of 305 years! This is a remarkable result. No one in the academic community has even suggested that a discontinuity of the Egyptian dynasties may have occurred. It has been assumed that Egypt has always been powerful enough to rule over itself and its neighbors but it may very well be that Egypt was at the mercy of other invaders from the end of the 20th dynasty to the beginning of the 21st dynasty for about 300 years.
So what happened in Egypt for 300 years?
The question of "what happened to the 300 years" can not be adequately addressed until we analyze Egypt's position as a nation after the reign of Ramesses III. Since the Exodus of the Israelites occurred during his reign and if you believe the account of the Bible (which I certainly do) Egypt must have been devastated. The ten plagues that occurred during this time would have poisoned the Nile (blood in the Nile), decimated the food supply (locusts), introduced pestilence and disease on a national scale and killed many Eqyptians (Passover angel of death). Now consider the impact to their economy of a workforce of over 2,000,000 Israelite slaves exiting their country (see the book of Numbers for the population of the Israelites at that time). Presumably the population of Egypt in that period should be much less than it is today so the impact of the Israelites on the economy would be much greater.
The scriptures also state that the Israelites were able to "loot" the Egyptians because the Egyptian citizens empathized with their plight and gave them "going-away" gifts of gold and jewelry. Now on top of all of this, as I mentioned earlier, the Egyptian army was essentially destroyed when they were drowned in the Red Sea. So let's recap, Egypt is decimated by lack of water, disease, pestilence and much of the population has died; its economy is severely weakened by a largely reduced workforce; it has no military. How could anyone believe this nation survived such circumstances? Neither do I believe Egypt was able to survive.
I don't believe Egypt's enemies were taking a holiday while all this was occurring either. Libya and the Sea Peoples were the last foreigners that historians have evidence of conducting war with Egypt in the 20th dynasty. Ramesses III was able to rebuff both these invaders. However, after the Exodus I believe there was another invader that became prominent, Egypt's former slave nation, Israel. Consider what the scriptures say about Israel's new southern border after they invade Canaan (Numbers 33:5): "And the border shall turn from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt, and its limit shall be at the sea". If you look up the word "Brook" in the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance you will find that this word can mean "river valley" which is the interpretation I favor. I do not believe this verse means that the border of Israel started at the Nile River. I believe this is made clear in Joshua 15:47 where the "Brook of Egypt" appears to be close to the city Gaza in the context of the verse.
There is a great deal of distance between Gaza and the Nile, however if you were to look at a topological map of the area you would notice that the hilly mountainous geography of Israel transitions to the much lower flat Nile River Valley in the general vicinity of Gaza. Historians report that Ramesses VI voluntarily brings his forces out of Canaan during his reign. According to The Fourth Day: Why The Bible is Historically Accurate Chronology the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to begin their conquest of Canaan very early in the reign of Ramesses VII. Assuming there exists only a small error in the Conventional Egyptian Chronology, I believe the Israelites actually scared Ramesses VI out of Canaan back into Egypt shortly after they entered Canaan. What is interesting about this is the Bible never mentions Israel skirmishing Egypt. Archaeologists have found evidence that Ramesses VI withdrew his forces from Canaan. In fact Egypt is never mentioned in the Bible from the book of Exodus till the reign of Solomon. It is quite possible that Egypt saw the size of Israel's army and retreated, thus explaining why it wasn't recorded in the Bible. Egypt's retreat is significant since Egypt often used Canaan as a "buffer zone" to prevent other powerful nations like the Hittites, the Babylonians and the Assyrians from invading Egypt. Therefore, not only was Egypt militarily weak it was also caught between three formidable nations, Libya to the west, Ethiopia to the south (this includes present day Sudan) and Israel to the east. I believe that for the next three hundred years Egypt was hemmed in with little chance to recover its former glory.
The Dark Ages of the Eastern Mediterranean
Egyptologists have been insistent that the 30 dynasties of Egypt followed one behind the other with no gap in the timeline between these kings. Is there any historical evidence that supports the idea that Egypt did not have a Pharaoh from 1200 B.C. to 900 B.C.? Consider the fact that virtually every nation in the Eastern Mediterranean went through some dark age, some period without a record of its history during this time. Historians claim that ancient Greece went through a dark age from 12th to the 8th century B.C. between the Mycenean and Archaic Greek civilizations. The Hittites appeared to have a dark age from the 13th to the 10th century B.C. Even the Assyrians appeared to have a dark age of one hundred years from 1000-900 B.C. So if all these neighboring nations of Egypt experienced a dark age period during this time why shouldn't Egypt?
Also consider that the Greeks alluded to a dark age of Egypt as well. Greek mythology mentions a king of Egypt, Proteus, who became king of Egypt after a period where Egypt did not have a king for five generations (Reference: Greek Mythology Link, author Carlos Parada, http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Proteus3.html). If we assume a generation was a period of 60 years then five generations would be 300 years; certainly a possiblility. So who is Proteus king of Egypt? According to Greek mythology Proteus was king of Egypt during the Trojan War when Paris, prince of Troy, landed at the shores of Egypt with his captive Helen. Apparently Paris had kidnapped Helen, the queen of Sparta. This is the incident that sparked the Trojan War. Herodotus also mentions Proteus in his book The Histories in regard to his role in the Trojan War. If Proteus is the king of Egypt during the Trojan War and because he is the king at the end of the 300 year period of silence in Egyptian history then the Trojan War must have occurred very near 900 B.C. according to the Fourth Day: Why the Bible is Historically Accurate Chronology. Since it was the Mycenean Greeks that invaded Troy then it is very possible there was a gradual change from the Mycenean to the Archaic Greek civilization over a period of one hundred years (900-800 B.C.) This essentially means that there was no dark age in ancient Greece as has been so forcefully argued by Peter James in his book Centuries of Darkness.
So where is the insertion point for this 300 year period of silence in the Conventional Egyptian Chronology? Since this period occurs somewhere in time between the 20th and 21st dynasties of ancient Egypt then the first king after this 300 year period of silence must be in one of these dynasties. Also the first powerful king in Egypt in 300 years would probably make some announcement or edict that would demonstrate that Egypt once again was in control of its own destiny.
I believe the period from Ramesses VI until Ramesses XI meets all the prerequisites of the missing 300 years. Little was recorded about Ramesses VII, VIII or IX. According to Herodotus the next king to succeed Proteus was a king named Rhampsinutus (many historians believe this is the Greek rendering for a king named Ramesses). So which Ramesses was it? I believe he was Ramessses XI. Herodotus states that Rhampsinutus had a "vast fortune in silver" larger than any king of Egypt before him. The only two Pharoahs in Egypt's history that had silver coffins that have been found were Psusennes of the 21st dynasty and Shoshenq I of the 23rd dynasty. This is significant because I believe this is evidence that Ramessess XI fits better as a king of the 21st dynasty rather than the 20th dynasty.
I propose that Ramesses XI, just like Rhampsinitus, acquired his fortune in working with metals since history records that he erected two great statues at the site of the Temple of Vulcan, the god of metal-working. Ancient Egypt was famous for its gold mines not its silver mines. Silver was mined mostly in Canaan and Mesopotamia. A vast silver fortune would indicate Ramesses XI had become rich in silver by trading other commodities to nations in Canaan (probably horses). Historians also have found that Ramesses XI declared a new marking of time called the "repetition-of-births". Many of the reigns of the kings of Egypt after Ramesses XI were described in terms of years "in the repetition-of-births" rather than "in the year" of the reigning contemporary king. I believe Ramesses XI was using the repetition-of-births concept to indicate the "rebirth" of the Egyptian nation after 300 years of silence. The evidence of this new marking of time came from an inscription on a wall at the Temple of Karnak that read "year 7 of the Repetition of Births...under Ramesses XI".
Herodotus also says this king Rhampsinutus instituted a new yearly observation that sounds suspiciously close to the "repetition-of-births". Herodotus describes how Rhampsinitus went down alive to Hades (the underworld) and played dice with a god called Demeter and he came back alive from Hades with a golden hand towel, his winnings from his game of dice. This story was the basis of a yearly celebration. It sounds like Rhampsinitus symbolically dies and comes alive every year through this celebration. Just one paragraph after Herodotus talks about this celebration, he talks about the following Egyptian religious doctrine.
The Egyptians believed the human body was immortal and when a person died his soul entered an animal; when that animal died his soul continued to be reborn in a long list of animals that included animals from the land, sea and air until his soul entered a human body. This was a cycle believed to last for 3000 years. Again this sounds suspiciously like the idea of "repetition-of-births". Therefore I believe that the Rhampsinitus described by greek mythology and Herodotus must be Ramesses XI.

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Jobs in Middle East

By Mansi Sharma

Article Word Count: 736 [View Summary] Comments (0)  

Want to get a high paying job and a first class living environment? You should start looking for jobs in Middle East. Read on to know all about employment opportunities in Middle East.
The Middle Eastern countries
The Middle Eastern comprises of not one but a number of countries. These are: Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Morocco Oman Palestine Qatar Saudi Arabia Sudan Syria Tunisia Turkey UAE Yemen.
Economy
The nature of industry and extent of economical progress differs in every Middle East nation. Some of these like Oman are very rich while a few others are poorer. Oil is one natural resource that is found in abundance in many of these nations. This resource has been tapped fully. The oil-rich countries in Middle East are among the richest nations of the world. The other prominent industrial sectors in Middle East countries are: Agriculture Banking Arms and ammunitions Hospitality Engineering Medical Accounting IT (Information Technology) Teaching Law Airlines.
Employment
The presence of so many booming sectors has created thousands of jobs in the Middle East. Skilled professionals are in high demand in these countries. The most lucrative jobs in the Middle East countries are:
Accounting jobs Banking jobs Engineering jobs IT jobs Medical jobs
Qualifications for jobs in Middle Eastern countries
IT (Information Technology) - You got to be at least a bachelor or master in computer applications for jobs in this sector. Engineering - You need a BE/BTech degree in any field of Engineering to bag a good job in this sector. Medical - You got to have at least an MBBS degree for a doctor's job. Banking - You need to pass banking exams. Candidates with 3 or more years in banking are preferred.
Job sites
A common question bugging job seekers is where to look for Middle Eastern countries' jobs? The job sites can be quick avenues for a Middle East job search. Most major employment websites now offer country based job search. You can look up for a good job in your chosen Middle East country through these sites. Registration is free at most job sites. You may have to opt for a paid membership if you decide to use some additional services.
Job consultancy firms
You can also get in touch with the employee recruitment firms based in Middle East. These recruitment agencies will look for appropriate jobs for you based on your resume and educational qualifications. Some of the agencies may charge you a small fee for their annual services.
Recruitment Agencies in Dubai
BAC
Address:
Office 120, Sultan Business Centre, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +9714-3375747 Fax: +9714-3376467 Web: bacme.com
E mail: bacdubai@ emirates.net.ae E mail: recruit@ bacme.com
Hill McGlynn Dubai
Address:
Office 612, Building 4WA, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 (0) 4 299 3366 Fax: +971 (0) 4 299 3377 E mail: Dubai@hillmcglynn.com
Executive Solutions UAE
Address:
Al Manara Building, Sh. Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +9714-3389766 Fax: +9714-3389767 Email: info@executivesolutionsme.com
Recruitment Agencies in Egypt
Ghandour Recruitment
Address:
10 Muhammed Mustafa Hamam St., Abbas Al Akadk, Nasser City, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 56 Bab Al Khalg Cairo, Egypt.
Tel: 00 202 390 0132 Fax: 00 202 390 0132.
Pioneer Human Resources Ltd
Address:
Massaken Madinat Nasr, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
Tel: 00 202 690 2431 Fax: 202 690 2433
Globo Human Resources
Address:
25, Al Imam Ali St., Ismailia Square, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt.
Tel: 00 202 690 4410/00 202 690 4420 Fax: 00 202 690 3116 e-mail: ghr@ ghr.com.eg
Gulf International
Address:
57 Vector Emmanual St., Semouha, P.O. Box 160, Sidi Gaber, Alexandria, Egypt.
Tel: 00 203 427 052 Fax: 00 203 427 2727
Recruitment Agencies in Jordan
El-Shahed Recruitment Company Ltd.
Address:
Amman 11814, Jordan.
Tel: 0096 26 551 0822 Fax: 0096 26 551 0824
Elite for Employment
Address:
Awal Al-Gardens St., Infront of Safeway, Helwat Al Mansourah Complex, Amman, Jordan.
Tel: 0096 26 553 7958 Fax: 0096 26 552 7420.

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