Traveler

Not every Muslem hates us. Not everybody in Iran is following the hard lines of Ayatollah. Having spent time with those of Islamic belief, I realize that, especially we LDS, have much in which we can find common ground, but we need to know how to address it. The Book of Mormon encourages us that teaching the principles of the gospel are more powerful than the sword. I submit that seeking for worldly wealth is counter to the gospel of Christ. The Traveler

I am of the opinion that we ought to understand all we can about those that see us as their enemy. There are strong elements of both literal and symbolic representations of Satan in Islam that relate to finances. According to Islam the #1 sign of Satanic control is finances (banking) with compound interest. The USA is considered the “biggest” force in the world behind banking and finances based in compound interest. Israel (Jews) are considered to be greatly involved in global banking. I do agree with Islam that compound interest is the greatest force of greed in modern societies. What I do not agree with in the efforts of the leader of Iran is their efforts and focus on citizens of society that are not wealthy because of compound interest but rather are somewhat in financial bondage (for example mortgages) because of compound interest. We should oppose those whose politics and whose life’s work is based in greed and not, in any way, take out our frustrations towards greed on those caught in the oppression of compound interest. Without this understanding – I do not believe we will make any progress in settling the problems of the Middle East. But then, I do not believe things will get better as a trend until Christ comes in power and glory. The best we can do is seek to build Zion. But being a “Zionists” makes you a target – not just in the Middle East but by those of Babylon throughout the world. I would suggest anyone involved with Zion, do so fully without any reservations. The Traveler

Unfortunately, Russia has nukes – lots and lots of them. Enough that it does not really matter if they never even hit any intended targets. The Traveler

There are several ways to collapse a power grid. I do not want to say too much to give any shady elements ideas. But there are certain critical elements of our power grid that are difficult to replace because we no longer make such things here in the USA. If someone knew what they were doing, they could take down large sectors of our grid that would take years to replace and get back up. There are other soft targets in our utilities such as water, sewer, natural gas, public transportation in densely populated areas and things like fire protection and health services to name some of many possibilities. We have seen in Hawaii and California how fire mitigation can be overrun. I think we have been blessed that such minds had relied mostly on turning demonstrations into riots, break-ins and property destruction. Such things can be turned into civil war and regime collapse (local, state or federal). Currently drugs and human trafficking (an alternate term for slavery) are mostly underground and still considered unlawful but somewhat ignored in highly progressive cities and states. I am under the impression that such activities are mostly supported or allowed for profit, but all such vices can be utilized by foreign interest to create havoc with our freedoms and liberties. @zil2 is right to realize the problems emphasized in the Book of Mormon with the failing societies of the Nephites and Jaredites. The failure to be moral and law abiding is never a good idea. To quote Alma with a twist of my own, “Wickedness never was happiness – but it was sure fun while it lasted.” The Traveler

A number of years ago I met with FBI agents about a scheme that could be carried out by a sleeper cell of no more than 5 individuals with access to minimal critical resources that could carry out a clandestine operation that could kill as many as 20 million unsuspected civilian men women and children. We are a very vulnerable society because of our liberties and access to vast resources. There are estimated 2 million got-a-ways just from the Biden administration alone. Every effort by the Trump administration to mitigate “peaceful” but unvetted immigrants is being throated by every means possible by the majority of democrats in the house, Senate and left leaning judges. Our little planet also resides in the vicinity of a sun that quite regularly experiences both super massive solar flairs and super massive coronial ejections – either of which if ever pointed directly at earth would globally wipe out all electrical components – including power lines and household wiring. We know that such events have happened to earth in the not to distant past but because our dependence on electricity is less than 150 years ago – beyond which there was no noticeable impact. A super massive coronial ejection will also carry with it other problems beyond electricial. I am of the mind that we are literally held by G-d in the palm of his hand. I believe that having faith in Jesus Christ is critical for all things to turn for our good. However, I still remain more concerned with the hearts and minds of individuals in our own country – especially of our elected and appointed officials as well as critical bureaucrats in our great nation. I am particularly concerned with the resistance of transparent audits of funds spent and actions being taken. For those interested – here is a link to H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text Good luck figuring it all out if you can spare the time to read all of it. At least it is available. The Traveler

Not so long ago Iran and Iraq were at war. Iraq was much better armed and prepared and decimated Iran, but Iran refused to surrender. Iran is roughly 3 times the land mass size and had more resources and population. Attrition began to wear on Iraq, and they began to withdraw leaving behind vast areas filled with land mines. Iran had children run through the mine fields promising the children and their families places in heaven for their sacrifices. This conflict never ended but came to kind of a draw. There were claims that Iraq used weapons of mass destruction as part of the justification of “Desert Storm”. I have no idea how this current conflict in Iran will end, but I think there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. Especially our wester eye and its western view. I agree with @JohnsonJones that we had no choice. Beyond all this there is something that concerns me more. As I am reading along with this year’s study of the Doctrine and Covenants – I read how there will be wars in many far away countries. However, I think that what comes next in the D&C is more of a concern. We are told that we “know not the hearts of many in our own country.” I think this is the most important part of the prophetic warning. Currently the hearts and minds of our country are critically divided. There is nothing our leaders (republican or democrat) seam to be about without the other lashing out against with great anger and disgust. Our politicians have become the targets of assassins, and yet the hateful rhetoric continues, each blaming the other. The obvious weakness and greatest vulnerability of the USA is our mistrust and hatred of each other – especially against whoever is in power. So great is the hatred that many, otherwise calm, cannot contain their anger and mistrust of the other. Though the secret combinations ignited the great war that destroyed the Nephites it was, in the end, the anger, lust for blood and the unceasing desire for revenge that destroyed the Nephites – as well as the Jaredites. I have two, beloved to me, brothers that the very mention of “Trump” sends them into fits of rage. The one thing I learned while in the army during the Vietnam conflict is that regardless of how stupid, foolish or sick and wrong the orders were or seemed to be – not acting together as a united unit was the quickest route to failure and the best way to lose a battle. The Traveler

Just my opinion. Nothing is clear that comes from G-d, with the exception of the righteous (in other words – those that seek and keep G-d’s covenants. And even then, I believe the only reason things become clear is because of the gift and covenant of the Holy Ghost. But we are not done yet, the clearness seems to me to come step by step by step, line upon line upon line and precept upon precept upon precept. I cannot say that what is going on the Armageddon. But here is a thought. I have visited Israel. One of the places that I went was to the valley of Armageddon (also known as Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley). My guide, an LDS Israeli citizen informed me that there has never in the history of Israel (both ancient and modern) has a battle been fought in the valley of Armageddon (Megiddo). The significance of Armageddon (Megiddo) is that this is where Israel would gather all the warriors from all the tribes to prepare for war and to begin their campaign to meet their enemies. Here is a map: The Traveler

A couple of notes from my personal impressions: 1. Seldom are prophetic signs given that are recognized by anyone until the event occurs or after the event. 2. Many scholars identify the region of Magog near the Black Sea, somewhere associated with Northeaster Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the southernmost reaches of Russia. This is also close to where some Islamic scholars predict the califate will arise that with start the end of times Jihad against the infidels and enemies of Islam. I was concerned that the political ties with Russia and Iran could be a beginning of the Biblical (and Muslims) Gog and Magog. 3. I believe that the LDS general authorities recognize the restoration as the most pronounced prophetic sign of the end of times (why the church is specifically designated with the title "Latter-day Saints". Also, since the Book of Revelation speaks of 7 seals – I doubt that there much left of the prophetic pre-millennial signs. It may be possible that there is less that 2 years left. I am waiting to see what happens over the next 3 months. Especially concerning Israel and what is now going on in Iran and then what happens with Russia – Ukraine conflict (especially the most disputed areas in eastern Ukraine. The Traveler

So, my question for @Carborendum and @LDSGator– is anything currently going on a fulfillment of end of times prophesy? Any more than at any other time? I would submit that the gathering of Jews in Israel (Zionism) and the opposition to that gathering is a prime and significant fulfillment of a great many prophecies concerning the end of times. Here is a thought concerning the last conflict (Armageddon). It has to do with a burning that would go on for a number of years. I had speculated that such a burning was an indication of nuclear armaments being utilized in battle – is it possible this is incorrect - rather that the burning is the result of nuclear facilities being blown up and/or destroyed? The Traveler

You will have to explain this. All the countries that border Iran have closed their borders to limit those leaving Iran. The same for Gaza. I do not know much about Yemen, but I have not heard of anyone currently risking their life to go there. Syria and Lebanon are more stable than they have been for a decade and I have not heard of anyone trying to go there with some exceptions of a few citizens that left that are try get back. The Traveler

The Middle East has been one of the world’s prime war hotbeds for a couple of millennia – even before the Christian – Jewish vs Islam conflicts. Even if we ended all the Christian – Jewish vs Islam conflicts, Islam would be at desperate war with itself. With the death of Mohamid, Islam divided into two opposing factions, Shia and Sunni, over the rightful heir of Mohamid. According to end of times Islamic theology, Islam must defeat all other religions and especially those that do not believe in an Abrahamic G-d. Just so @Phoenix_person knows, this puts him personally higher on both Shia’s and Sunni’s list for death or submission than any religion or country – Israel or USA included. For his own sake, @Phoenix_person should be most grateful for Israel’s current threat to Islam. There is one other possibility – what is sometimes identified as the 13th Imam will come with Jesus and unite the true believers in Christianity with Islam – everyone else will be destroyed. The one reason that a devout Muslem can live in a non-Muslem society is to endlessly work to bring about Sharia law in that society in preparation for the end of times. I once asked an Islamic teacher (Shia teacher from Bahrain) about where on this planet anyone was living according to Sharia law or the closets to Sharia law. I was surprised and dumfounded when he said, “The Mormons in Utah”. As a side note. Iran is looked down upon but the majority of Arabic Muslims because the Iranians are of Persian decent which is not considered the truly blessed descendants of Abraham. I have speculated that Israel is quickly approaching the last-days considered by both Islam and Christianity. I thought that Iran might unite Islam against Israel. Though these times may be leading to something – it is not quite obvious yet. Or though it seems so. The Traveler

In my youth I had the opportunity on a number of occasions to know and personally converse with Elder Hugh B. Brown. Because of his position in the first Presidency, I felt that I had inside access to divine things. During this same time there was this old guy in my ward that seemed to present his testimony each fast Sunday. I did not pay much attention because this guy had no calling and always talked about Jesus. I knew that he was once a college professor at BYU and had awards for perfecting certain flowers – but as near as I could see he was basically ordinary and since he had no calling, he was no more special than anyone else and he lived in a very ordinary unimpressive house. When this old guy passed away Elder Brown came to speak at his funeral. I went to the funeral because it was in our ward and Elder Brown would be there. As Elder Brown was speaking, I was deeply touched. During his talk Elder Brown mentioned that the old ordinary guy had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I had heard people claim this before but as Elder Brown spoke, the spirit whispered to me that Jesus had appeared to and conversed with this old guy. I was stunned by this revelation. I did not know that Jesus would appear to an ordinary member of the Church. I though such things only happened to Apostles. Later, Brother Brown confirmed my understanding. I have had some stunning personal revelations and manifestations, but I have never conversed directly with Jesus to my knowledge (If I had, I strongly believe I would know it). I have come to understand that it is not for us to speculate about what is made known to who. We need not worry about how and what grand things are made known – even in our generation or even to ourselves. We need not worry about what things we may wish to know. G-d knows what is best for us – and we should seek and strive to be willing to receive whatever G-d would reveal to us. We can ask, and if it is right, it will be made known to us. The Traveler

Just a word of advice in case you are interested. You ought to mark this source as extremely unreliable. Why. Because the enrichment of uranium is a long, delicate, tedious, technical and very arduously difficult process. There are so many reasons, among them is that as uranium is enriched to plutonium 238, there can be reactions at the atomic level that will destroy the entire process - think Chernobyl. The process must be very controlled and all the time human lives that are involved are at great risk. Plus, as the enrichment process progresses the radiation levels go up exponentially – which means the process must be slowed down the closer one gets to weapon grade. What does all this mean? The short version is that regardless of whatever the nuclear treaty was under Biden – meaning that the enrichment process did not go over 40% at the extream maximum necessary for non-weapon grade use to produce energy in a reactor. There simply has not been enough time since Trump's secon term for Iran to be even 2 to 3 years away from weapon grade plutonium. The only way Iran could be close to a nuclear bomb is if they were never even remotely under compliance during the Biden Presidency. And whatever verifications that took place during that time, had to be a total and complete sham. In addition, there are reports that Iran already had enough enriched weapons grade plutonium to complete at least one nuclear device. The Traveler

I will post a few more things. I think we need to see how things play out. I have some information from a fairly reliable source, there is some verification but only from biased sources. Think of the scripture that - in the mouth of 2 or witnesses. The top nuclear scientist with a few of his critical colleagues were killed. This should be a setback – how critical may take a couple of months to ascertain. The top 3 commanders of the IRGC have been killed and it is reported that several other top leaders are fleeing to some unknown place. If this is accurate there could be a possible regime change in the near future. At least 3 nuclear targets have been hit and damaged, including the main enrichment facility. Iran has approximately 300 ballistic missiles left in their arsenal. 100 of which have been launched at Israel – maybe more as we speak. It is likely that all the missiles will eventually be launched as the last attempt at showing force. Along with the first barrage of ballistic missiles, drones were launched followed by two squadrons of fighters. The drones were eliminated by Israel and the squadrons returned while still over Iraq. Many Islamic countries have opposed Israeli’s attacks. The two most significant are Türkiye and Pakistan. The Houthis in Yemen launched a missile attack – two of which were off target and hit Palestinians. Many Islamic countries have remained silent – most likely relieved that Iran is being diminished. No one has come to the aid of Iran – yet. So far, no US targets have been attacked. I think it is because Iran is diminished. I am waiting to see what kind of demonstrations will take place in the USA. It may be possible that the threat of Iran will end before Gaza. I am also waiting to see how the Democrats in the US support or take a stand against Israel. The Traveler

Israel has hit Iran hard – including nuclear facilities. Iran has just launched a counter with maned aircraft. I believe this war is far, far from an end. The Traveler