Ukrainian fighting, Kazakhstan, and the Eurasian Union
Map Showing Kazakhstan
There have been apparent violations of the cease-fire in Ukraine as shelling has been occurring:
September 7, 2014
Residents of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine said heavy shelling could be heard Sunday near the airport, raising new fears that a cease-fire signed Friday by rebels and the Kyiv government is on the verge of collapse.
A spokesman for Ukraine’s national security council in Kyiv said rebels in Donetsk appear to have tried to attack the airport. The airport has been under the control of government troops since May.
Meanwhile, officials in Mariupol said Sunday one woman was killed and three people wounded in the renewed shelling that erupted overnight in the port city.
The death is the first reported civilian casualty since the truce was declared. …
The cease-fire was approved at talks in Belarus by envoys from the Kyiv government, the separatist movement, Moscow and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone Saturday and the two agreed that the truce was generally being honored at that time.
The cease-fire had appeared to be holding for much of the day on Saturday, but shelling started late at night. http://www.voanews.com/content/eastern-ukraine-ceasefire/2440781.html
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, but it is not the only region feeling tense because of the fighting and other problems in that country. Others in nations such as Kazakhstan are concerned:
September 7, 2014
At a summer camp north of Moscow attended by youth vetted and groomed by Kremlin-sponsored organizations, Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed when he visited recently, taking questions from campers, including one about Kazakhstan.
After complimenting longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, Putin then insulted him, dismissing the history of Central Asia’s largest country.
“He created a state in a territory that had never had a state before,” Putin said during the Aug. 29 visit, according to a Kremlin transcript. “The Kazakhs never had any statehood. He created it.”
The comment touched a major nerve in Kazakhstan, where Russian actions in Ukraine are being watched with fear and where ethnic Russians make up nearly one-quarter of the population.
It came also as Nazarbayev himself signaled doubts about a Kremlin-led project called the Eurasian Economic Union, a project whose rejection by Ukraine set in motion the events that have led to war.
That all former Soviet republics have been spooked by Russia’s actions in Ukraine is without question. The bigger question is how much those actions have changed Moscow’s relationships with those countries, and whether the United States benefits from it, analysts said.
‘Crimea Was Our 9/11’
For elites in Central Asia—intellectuals, policy makers, business leaders, high-placed government officials—Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and the military operations in eastern Ukraine were shocking, according to Jeffrey Mankoff, a Russia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who traveled to the region in April
“Crimea was our 9/11,” Mankoff said he was told during his trip. “It’s an event that causing a lot of rethinking around the region.”
“If there’s one country that’s worried about redrawing borders, it’s Kazakhstan,” he said.
In Kazakhstan, a sprawling nation that shares borders with China and Russia and is nearly twice the size of Alaska, Nazarbayev has reigned since before the Soviet collapse, and consistently walked a fine line with Moscow.
He’s been involved in negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine, traveling to the Belarusian capital Minsk on Aug. 26 to meet with Putin, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, and Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko. http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-kazakhstan-ukraine-fears/2440051.html
So, many consider that Crimea was a wake-up call. Many around the world felt that Russia wanted to be more like the West and did not have territorial aspirations. They were wrong.
Now countries like Kazakhstan are trying to figure out how to best deal with the realities as they see them. And its geographic location in central Asia impacts what it believes it can do.
As far as the Eurasian Union goes, it is of some immediate and historic interest to mention that the current idea of a Eurasian organization was reportedly first publicly proposed as a concept by the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, during a 1994 speech at a Moscow university. Vladimir Putin then publicly pushed for a Eurasian Union somewhat based on the European Union’s integration in October 2011. On 18 November 2011, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia signed an agreement, setting a target of establishing the Eurasian Union by 2015. The Eurasian Union was later officially agreed to on May 29, 2014 with a target date of implementation January 1, 2015. Vladmir Putin wants more nations like Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, to be part of it, even though their leaders have applied for closer ties to the European Union. Crimea has concerned many former Soviet Republics, including those wondering about the Eurasian Union.
Kazakhstan’s concerns, in particular, could affect how quickly others may wish to come in to this particular Eurasian Union.
It should be noted that there are other Eurasian agreements that already exist. To mention one other, along with China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan is also part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). SCO is “a China backed security forum was set up in Shanghai in 2001. Its members included Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan” (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/china-welcomes-proposed-accession-of-india-in-sco/1002465.html). There are also various economic agreements between many of those nations.
The following was written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong decades ago:
“Gog” in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol’sk.
Notice the allies who come with them in this future battle. You will find “Gomer,” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech,” “Tubal” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the Eurasians. (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, reprint 1980, p. 8 )
The Bible does tell of a Eurasian confederation that will arise and assemble in Armageddon. The idea of a Eurasian Union is consistent with biblical prophecy. The New Testament shows that a group of nations known as the Kings of the East will form:
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).
Note: The literal translation of Revelation 16:12 is “the kings of the sunrise” and thus this would seem to include Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Indochina (including Vietnam), Indonesia, (since Indonesia is Islamic, it is likely to wish much closer alignment with the Chinese in the end after the King of the North overwhelms the Islamic King of the South per Daniel 11:40-43) and other lands, such as the central Asian nations. India is also likely one of those kings.
Notice something from the old Plain Truth magazine:
These seven plagues, designed to bring humanity to repentance, are pictured symbolically as seven vials, or small vessels holding liquids. These vials are “poured out” upon a corrupted earth by seven angels. Tragically, mankind as a whole will still refuse to repent of sin!
The sixth of these vials or plagues is described in Revelation 16: 12 and introduces us to Armageddon: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.”
The Euphrates River rises in Turkey and flows southeastward for some 1,700 miles through Syria and Iraq, ultimately emptying into the Arabian or Persian Gulf. Across this riverbed will come the “kings of the east” and their armies — a prophesied . . . Eurasian confederacy. This confederacy will have certain geopolitical goals motivating their military offensive. But an unperceived, behind-the-scenes influence will be the ultimate motivation underlying their actions. Notice: Revelation 16:14 reveals that it will be demonic spirits that will influence “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” to gather for battle. These spirits are fallen angels who followed Lucifer (Satan) in his rebellion against God (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-17; Rev. 12:4). They will stir up this world’s leaders to prepare for war. (Stump K. Just What Do You Mean – ARMAGEDDON? Plain Truth, June 1985)
Notice something about this from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:
The second woe, with its symbols of horses and horsemen…and is also referred to as an event in the Day OF THE Eternal in Joel 2:4. This refers to a tremendous military power–also to the NORTH–due north! They come with an army of two hundred million! Think of it–an army of two hundred million! World events are now moving rapidly to make possible a Communist Eurasian army of that unbelievable manpower! (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last! 1972 edition. p. 38-39).
All of that Eurasian army does not need to be ‘communist’ (though most of the lands that Herbert Armstrong referred to were communist when he wrote that).
Notice what Joel 2 indicates some of what that two hundred million man army will do:
2…A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them,Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another;Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. (Joel 2:2-9)
That massive army will cause fear and massive destruction!
Russia, with a border that extends east to the Pacific ocean, would appear to be one of the Kings of the East. There will be an end-time confederation of Asian nations with some European involvement that will be part of this eastern confederation.
Despite concerns about Ukraine and Crimea, it is logical to consider that Kazakhstan and other Eurasian nations will ultimately be part of this.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? You can also watch the short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fufilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.
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