Though the Iraqi story tends to dominate the news, readers of The Good News should be alert to the activities of a Middle Eastern state that is clearly a part of the "axis of evil."

Philip Sherwell, the foreign-affairs correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph,has not neglected Iranian affairs. In a recent feature article,he tells us that "Iran has been supplied by Russia with powerful new technology and parts for long-range missiles that will put Israel and the whole of the Middle East—including British and US forces in the region—within its reach."Africa and parts of southern Europe will also be reachable.

Successful desert test firings were conducted this past summer with Russian and North Korean scientists in attendance.Western and Israeli intelligence has also established that China is making a crucial contribution to the Iranian missile program.We don't live in a world of friendly nations.

Much of end-time Bible prophecy will find its fulfillment in the Middle East. Predicts Dudley Fishburn, editor of The World in 2003, "With Saddam Hussein gone by the end of 2003, the Middle East will become a sharply better place."Yet in his general assessment Mr. Fishburn writes that 2003's headlines "will be dominated by war, the Middle East and recession."

The Mideast is destined to host Armageddon—an area that will be replete with armies and weapons of the deadliest kind—culminating in a great battle array that will bring Jesus Christ back to earth before we destroy ourselves (see Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 16:14-16). To better understand what is coming, please write for our free booklets Are We Living in the Time of the End? and The Book of Revelation Unveiled. (Sources: The Sunday Telegraph, The World in 2003.)