Mike,

>>>Better yet, why were they even dealing with him in the first place?
>>Boy, I really do not know the answer to that question... ....What are your thoughts??
>
>I have a couple of ideas. That question along with this little tidbit makes me wonder who's duping who?
>
> Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon,
>speaking of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas recently described it as
>"the deadliest terrorist group that we have ever had to face."
>
> Active in Gaza and the West Bank Hamas wants to liberate all of
>Palestine and establish a radical Islamic state in place of Israel. It has
>gained notoriety with its assassinations, car bombs and other acts of
>terrorism.
>
> But Sharon had left something out.
>
> Israel and Hamas may currently be locked in deadly combat, but,
>according to several current and former U.S. intelligence officials,
>beginning in the late 1970s, Tel Aviv gave direct and indirect financial
>aid to Hamas over a period of years.
>
>http://www.leb.net/pipermail/arab-american/2001-February/004055.html
>
>Seems like Israel doesn't just ask for trouble; sometimes, they make sure they get it.
>
>>What a waste... Look, all war is an absolute waste. Every bit of it!
>
>I agree. Do you think Jesus had anything to do with it? After all, he did say:
>
>Think not that I am come to send peace: I came not to send peace but a sword. (Matthew 10:34)

*chuckle*

Actually, I think that there is a spiritual component at work here. It's kind of involved and goes all the way back to the beginning but, yes, it's certainly there. The scriptures assert that in the last days that the entire world will turn against Israel - yet they will prevail.

The particular 'sword' Jesus was referring to in this case was the kinds of divisions that would occur between those who love and follow Him and those who do not. IOW, it will cross all boundaries.