Events in the Middle East continue to support the Signpost interpretation of Daniel 7 and 8. Events involving IS (Islamic State) are no exception. In this earlier post I wrote that it looks like IS is being used by God as a trigger for the Iranian invasion of the Middle East, i.e. the Second Signpost. What the exact nature of the trigger is to be is yet to be seen. However, recent stories are showing that IS is now being used as leverage by the major Middle East powers to get the Second Signpost moving, and to prepare for the Third Signpost.
Both of the major Muslim powers in the Middle East – Iran and Turkey – are using the issue of dealing with IS (Islamic State) as a bargaining chip. Rather than IS being a great threat as the western media would have us believe, the IS is being used as leverage for His purposes to lure Iran and Turkey into their roles within the framework of the Signposts.
So what is it that Iran wants?
Iranian President Rouhani
Iran wants to finish their nuclear program so they have nuclear weapons. This of course would allow Iran to conduct the Second Signpost invasion of the Middle East unhindered, just as Daniel 8:4 says, “I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.” (NIV, emphasis mine) They are now saying to the world that they would gladly wipe up IS if the world allows them more freedom in their nuclear program.
So what is it that the Turkish leadership wants?
Turkish army tank units watch Kobani from the Turkish border
They want two things. First, they want the Kurdish Party in Turkey, the PKK, to ally with Erdoğan’s ruling party the AKP to get the necessary majority so that they can re-write Turkey’s constitution and so give Erdoğan all the power he wants. This would help in his future role. And second, they want (Shia Muslim) Assad removed from the leadership of Syria so a Sunni Muslim government can be installed. This of course would give Turkey an ally to the south, rather than a bitter enemy. Syria is one of the four Sunni nations to join the future Confederacy during the Turkish-led Third Signpost. Turkey would join up with a Sunni Syria, but not a Shia Syria.
Most recently, the Turkish government is using the imminent invasion of the Kurdish town of Kobani to further both desires. It is feared IS will not only take the town of Kobani which sits just south of the Turkish border in Syria, but that IS militants would then massacre everyone in the town. So Turkey would save Kobani for political favors from the Kurdish Party, and would go into Syria to deal with IS at large if it gets to remove Assad from power.
In conclusion, IS is perceived as a great enough threat to become assistance for Iran in its invasion plans and to assist Turkey in becoming not only more tyrannical and Islamist in its government, but also to set up one of the four nations of the future Confederacy so that it can join with Turkey when the time comes.
Categories: In The News, Signpost #2: Iran, Signpost #3: Four Nations
THE FOUR SIGNPOSTS 
Thank you for this information. It is most helpful as we await the next move in the ME.
Mark, you do an excellent job of describing what Turkey and Iran both want. Lets talk about what the USA wants. Ideally the USA wants someone else to do its dirty work on the ground. They most likely would prefer Turkey but Iran would do if Turkey is a no go. Looking at the Signposts, it appears Iran will most likely be the invader.
I love your last paragraph that shows the role IS is playing in this “dance” of nations. Another role IS has played that cannot be understated is letting the caliphate “cat” out of the bag. Now that a caliphate has been formed I am guessing (only guessing) we will see first the Ram and then the Goat form caliphate’s of increasing size and strength. Then the Beast will form his 10 nation caliphate. We have much to “watch” for.
Thanks, Nelson.
And that would be my guess too – that each Signpost passing by yields yet another Caliphate.
Mark
Hi Mark,
So now that Baghdad is about to fall- how long do you think it will be before we see Iran spring into action? Someone told me to expect to see this thing start up by Oct 23 – does that seem realistic to you?
Hi Respect,
I would not say necessarily that Baghdad is about to fall. Yes, IS militants are at the outskirts. And yes we are talking maybe 8 miles remaining to the airport.
Iran is in control of the situation. I believe if Iran allows Baghdad to fall it is because they would use it as an excuse to invade. If Baghdad does not fall for a time it is because Iran is sending in enough men and materiel to allow a stalemate buying time for Iran to finish its plans.
I don’t know how much time we have left until Iran begins its invasion. It could be tomorrow or a year from now. It could be any time but it will be soon. October 23 is as good a date as any but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Mark
Indeed, Mark! Your last reply to “Respect” is correct. Any veteran prophecy student should know better than to set actual dates for biblically prophetic events. There are a variety of reasons, but the strongest proof comes from the LORD himself stating his disciples are to what?…”WATCH AND PRAY” (Matthew 24) date-picking gets many a prophecy teacher and student into a credibility problem before the church and the public at large as history shows and just makes those who view biblical prophecy and do not study it, suspect. Crying wolf when the wolf is invisible, makes one skeptical. And when the real wolf does appear, the victims are desensitized to him and in real danger.
Blessings!
I wrote the prior post before reading your latest commentary above, Mark. After now reading it, I think this is one of the most important posts regarding your signposts theology you have written all year. It gives the “WHY” and reasons/motivations for Middle East nations to act or not act as you have suggested. You’ll never see this kind of insight on cable news programs.
Blessings!
Great post as always Mark. Still praying and watching.
Good 4 u – go back and read my post again- I don’t believe “I” ever said the invasion would happen on Oct 23 and don’t remember NOW OR EVER setting any dates. As for being a Veteran I believe I have spent over 40 years studying the scriptures with a large amount of that time being spent on the Prophecies so I don’t think Criticisms from you or anyone else are merited or welcome.. I also don’t remember addressing you in this post so please refrain from addressing me in a condescending manner in your future posts.