The Clash Of Civilizations

The Challenge Posed By The Election Of Hamas

Malcolm Hedding, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
January 27, 2006

With the outright victory of Hamas, the Islamic terror organization, in the Palestinian elections, the playing field of the so-called Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been forever altered. Hamas is unashamedly dedicated to the total destruction of the State of Israel.

This in effect means that the majority of Palestinians have not only voted against Fatah's record of abuse and corruption but equally they have voted for the destruction of the Jewish State.

A Moral Challenge

This development will now challenge the Western nations morally and they will have to decide once and for all where they stand. Hamas has been declared a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States of America, and now more than ever these political entities will have to show determined moral leadership.

An organization that has sent wave after wave of suicide bombers against innocent Israeli citizens cannot expect to do business with the civilized world. However, I doubt whether the West will have the backbone to resist this civilization of death. Very shortly the appeasing left will call for a "pragmatic" approach to this issue, which in effect will mean, "We can do business with terrorists!" I sincerely hope that I am wrong but somehow if the past is anything to go by, this will be the call. Coupled with it will be the false argument that Hamas is reforming and now that it has entered the democratic process, it will mutate into a civilized peace partner. The fact that they came to power through a democratic process will be used to strengthen this flawed perception.

The Hamas of the 1930's

Just seventy-odd years ago another terrorist organization came to power by means of the democratic process. The world was thoroughly duped by them and rushed to congratulate and appease them. The democratic system had civilized them and there would be peace in our time. The fact that they called for war and the destruction of the Jewish people was ignored. They marched around in black and brown uniforms, had red and white flags and shouted "Heil Hitler."

A mere fifteen years later, fifty-three million people lay dead on the battlefields and in the cities of Europe. Six million of these were Jews. The few voices that spoke out before this carnage were marginalized, including that of Winston Churchill! He was called back into office when the true nature of the beast was revealed. Before that he was accused of being a hawkish warmonger!

We face a similar crisis today and who will speak out about this clash of civilizations?

The True Nature of the Beast

Over the past years acts of terror against the West have been condemned but those against Israel have been "soft-pedaled" to one degree or another, and even legitimized in some quarters. The so-called "occupation" has been the reason given for these barbaric acts. Now, however, the ruling power in the Palestinian Authority is a declared terrorist organization that seeks nothing less than the complete liquidation of Israel. This is totally unacceptable and so finally the 'Beast' is out of the closet. What will the world do and what will the Christian Church do? I wonder but I have my fears.

Israel has faced this beast for years and has warned about it. Largely these warnings have fallen on deaf ears. Now, however, the day of decision has arrived.

The dangers of legitimizing Hamas are great for the West. It will mean that it has crossed a line between good and evil. This could plunge Europe and, God forbid, the USA into an abyss of anarchy and darkness.

Israel's Hope

The Prophet Isaiah received a vision that saw the Gentile nations falling into great darkness. Israel, on the other hand, was rising toward the light and glory of God (Isaiah 60:1-2).

In the end, the defense of Israel is her faithful God and the nations will yet see His hand deliver and rescue her for such is His promise (Isaiah 59:16-20).

Though all nations may eventually reject and come against her, the God of heaven will secure her future and peace (Zechariah 12:1-3).

The great Judeo/Christian civilization that flowed from her will triumph and darkness will forever be banished from the human experience (Isaiah 60:3; Isaiah 66:12-13).

We know not fully when these visions will find fulfillment, but we can be assured of this - they will!

Malcolm Hedding is the Executive Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.