CHAPTER 16

THE KINGS OF THE EAST

. . . . And the rush to Armageddon

“NEWS FROM THE EAST AND NORTH SHALL TROUBLE HIM . . .” (Daniel 11:44)

By Doug Krieger

Pergamos Ministries

The Tribulation Network

www.the-tribulation-network.com

Without “prophetical equivocation” we can conclude from both Ezekiel 38 and 39 and, Daniel 11, as well as from Zechariah 9, that Antichrist has pulled off a total rout of Islamic Radicalism as a result of Gog-Magog’s devastating defeat; however, as a result of these apparent victories, and seeming “control over the hidden treasures” of the region, he is confronted by troubling news from the East and from the North (i.e., beyond the immediate area of the “King of the North”).  Furthermore, those ominous verses from Revelation 16:12-16 traumatize the peoples of the earth:

“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. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.  For they are the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them for the battle of that great Day of God Almighty.  ‘Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.’ And he gathered them together at a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon.” (21^st Century KJV)

This would place, first of all, China and India into the picture . . . “news from the east.”  And, one can only conjecture that the nations “North” of Jerusalem would (now that Gog/Magog has been “dealt with”) involve those powers frustrated by the total control over the “hidden treasures” secured as a result of the Gog-Magog War.  Whether Russia, her former allies and/or Germany are involved in this “news” is not the immediate purview of this article; however, the petroleum needs of China and India are skyrocketing and must be considered precipitous “conflict producers” in that Antichrist, after the defeat of Gog-Magog, will hear of “news from the east” that “shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many” (Daniel 11:44) but, most certainly, the “Kings of the East” (Revelation 16:12) and the number of their armies, 200,000,000 million, as the sixth bowl and sixth trumpet juxtaposed to each other amplifies the “Kings of the East” and their armies. 

“Saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates’ . . . now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million . . . 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” (Revelation 9:13, 16; 16:12).

But, what could precipitate such a conflagration or literally, an “Armageddon Campaign” of such intensity to involve the whole earth (i.e., “the Kings of the Earth?”  First, a proximity map would be helpful as we consider the “news from the East” . . . the “Kings of the East.”

Oil prices, once thought by stupid “investor advice” types, to plummet after

the USA invasion of Iraq, did not calculate in their absurd forecasts (e.g., oil prices would fall to under $20 a barrel) the unbelievable economic expansion of China and India . . . and their subsequent needs for energy, primarily imported oil.

Prices have been rising, according to the IEA (which advises 26 industrialized nations on energy policy) which lifted China’s soaring demand for imported oil in 2004 (alone) by 220,000 barrels a day (bpd) to 1.65m. bpd.

China's soaring economy was driving up world consumption, the IEA said, estimating that Chinese oil demand (domestic generated and foreign imports) in January, 2005, hit a record 6.09m bpd, second only to the United States.

President Hu Jintao is seeking imported oil from as far away as Brazil and Sudan.  Increasing car demand in China is creating a huge demand for imported oil—oil which cannot be stopped by America in case of a possible conflict with Taiwan.  Yet, the “problem” with Taiwan is no where near the problem between China and Japan when it comes to “international energy.”

In September 2004, China threatened to use its veto if sanctions were imposed against Sudan for its atrocities in Darfur (the oil rich area of the Sudan).  Why?  Because China has invested over $3B in Sudan’s oil industry which currently supplies China with 7% of its imported oil!

Her investments into possible oil finds in Brazil are likewise staggering, approaching several billion, while oil there will cost three times market prices.  Also, consider this little bit of nauseating news for the Empire:  China opposes any moves to refer Iran’s nuclear stand-off with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to the UN Security Council.  Just a week before China made its “Iran nuclear policy” known, her second biggest state oil firm cut a $70B deal for oilfield and natural gas development in Iran (which already supplies China with 13% of her important oil needs).

China used to be an exporter of oil, now, as a result of 9% GNP increase per year for the last two decades, her posture has completely reversed, and she’s developing an insatiable need for more imported oil!  This year she surpassed Japan and is now second to the USA in energy consumption.

Japan, considered utterly vulnerable, in so far as defending herself against China’s superior forces, could do little but protest China’s drilling in the East China Sea, right next to Japan’s imaginary border.  So, Japan decided to make a move on Russia for oil and gas by outbidding China on a proposed pipeline for oil and gas from Russia to the Far East (undoubtedly skirting China proper).

WILL CHINA’S OIL NEEDS RESULT IN A GLOBAL SHORTAGE?

Increasingly, it appears that as China continues to expand her burgeoning economy, while underwriting US debt (China and Japan hold nearly 50% of America’s $7T debt . . . . imagine if she decided to start trading in Euros?), she will ultimately face the “Catch 22” big time; to wit:  Why should she continue to buy America’s worthless treasury bonds with the surplus dollars she makes from selling them her wares (thus, keeping her people working, etc.)?  To be or not to be taken to the proverbial cleaners is the question!  Just who’s running this laundry anyway?

China’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) skyrocketed to a sizzling 9.5% in 2004 to $1.65T; and, her demand for crude has grown even faster.  In December 2004 her oil imports hit a record 12.1 million tons; thus, her 2004 imports soared 35% to 122.7 million tons!

She will consume 8 million bpd by the end of 2006 according to the EIA.  Now, if you don’t think that a 37% growth rate (and there’s no stopping them now) will not create a global shortage around the world; well, think again. 

The Institute for Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) in Washington D.C. concluded that in 20 years China will import as much oil as the U.S., or about 10m bpd.  Today, the U.S. consumes around 20m bpd (from all sources, including domestic drilling operations).  But imagine:  1 Billion Chinese driving gas-guzzling SUVs?  You do the calculations . . . she’s growing between 30% and 40% a year and India is picking up the pace . . . you’re going to need, according to Anne Korin of the IAGS, about four or five new Saudi Arabias to suffice this kind of would be growth!

Meanwhile, the Canadians find it irresistible not to embrace the huge cash reserves of China in developing still more of its own oil . . . . and, if you think the USA is going to sit back and watch that one?  The picture is clear:  China is thirsty and roaming the earth for more black gold!  Indeed, “News from the EAST?”  You better believe there’s a reason why he hears of NEWS FROM THE EAST!

Before we get into India’s rapid development and, consequently, their insatiable drive toward imported oil (and believe me, the Indians don’t give up so easily when it comes to economic advancement . . . remember, both India and China have the BBs (a billion people and the bomb), let’s look at world oil reserves and consumption for this brief overview from the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security:

“Oil was first discovered in the U.S. in 1859. At the beginning of the 20th century it supplied only 4% of the world’s energy; decades later it became the most important energy source.  Today oil supplies about 40% of the world’s energy and 96% of its transportation energy. Since the shift from coal to oil, the world has consumed over 875 billion barrels. Another 1,000 billion barrels of proved and probable reserves remain to be recovered.

“From now to 2020, world oil consumption will rise by about 60%. Transportation will be the fastest growing oil-consuming sector. By 2025, the number of cars will increase to well over 1.25 billion from approximately 700 million today. Global consumption of gasoline could double.

“The two countries with the highest rate of growth in oil use are China and India, whose combined populations account for a third of humanity. In the next two decades, China's oil consumption is expected to grow at a rate of 7.5% per year and India’s 5.5%. (Compare to a 1% growth for the industrialized countries). It will be strategically imperative for these countries to secure their access to oil.”  (Note:  China’s imported oil needs grew by 37% in 2004 alone!)

Now, I know these drab little figures don’t pay your utility bills . . . but you better believe they sure will affect them UPWARDS!  According to Energy Review.Net China will rely on oil and gas for 70% of her total energy needs by 2010.  If you thought that the Enron scandal was bad, wait until we encounter the oil scandals coming down the ramp!  You are about to witness the biggest rush for black gold the earth has ever encountered!

RUMSFIELD, COLLINS & FEITH . . . THEY’RE “ON TO” CHINA!

Of course, China’s aggressive behavior vis-à-vis her oil needs has not gone unnoticed.  At a congressional hearing this week (Feb., 2005) Sen. Susan Collins, whose state of Maine is home to the Bath Iron Works (one of the Navy’s largest ship builders) was concerned that the military budget was scaling back on naval vessels; to wit:

“I recognize that our naval fleet still remains the most technologically advanced in the world . . . but the decreasing number of ships being procured, particularly in the light of the Chinese buildup, really concerns me.  Are you concerned about projections that the Chinese fleet may well surpass the American fleet in terms of numbers in just a decade’s time?”

Douglas Feith, famed neocon, spoke these remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations (February 17, 2005):

“Of the new powers that are rising . . . the country that can be expected to have the greatest effect on international relations is China.”

The US and Europe do not allow Beijing to purchase their weaponry; however, China has secured upwards of $13B in weapons from the Russians from 1993 through 2003 (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute).

ENTER INDIA

Rudyard Kipling’s “The Ballad of East and West” goes something like this:

“OH, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,

Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat;

But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,

When two strong men stand face to face, tho’ they come from the ends of the earth!”

Are these the words of a seer?  Examine this . . .

Indian, the world’s largest democracy where more people speak English than in the United States is not going to be a part of the “Left Behind” series! 

Table 1: Indian Rates of Economic Growth

Source: IMF

But consider that India’s economic growth rate hit 10.4% in the third quarter of 2004 overtaking neighboring China as Asia’s fastest-growing economy!

India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh clearly sees China as a fierce petroleum competitor.  He sees the two most populous nations intensifying their search for oil and gas as both catapult into the 21st Century.

India is competing with three huge Chinese oil companies in the rush for more black gold in Russia, the Middle East and Africa.  PM Singh at a Petrotech Society conference in New Delhi in mid-January, 2005, said that “China is ahead of us in planning for its energy security—India can no longer be complacent . . . we need to strengthen our oil companies in launching them as global firms.  We can no longer be complacent and must learn to think strategically, to think ahead and to act swiftly and decisively.”

Currently, India imports 70% of its oil and gas—this can only increase due to her 7%-8%+ annual growth projections (slightly behind that of China’s colossal 9%-10% projections.  But, as we have seen, it’s nip and tuck . . . and remember, as the USA outsource continues unabated, that growth is at whose expense? 

Demonstration of the intense competition between India and China for fossil fuels is taking place right now in the oil patches of Russia. 

In January, 2005, India’s Oil & Natural Gas Chairman, Subir Raha, indicated that India would buy assets in Yokos’ Yuganskneftegaz subsidiary (15% for $2B); meanwhile, Russia plans to offer China National Petroleum, China’s largest oil producer, up to 20% of Yugansk (thus, 15% for India and 20% to China . . . so goes Yokos’ Yuganskneftegaz). 

All this so that Yokos, Russia’s largest Oil and Gas player can pay back taxes of $28B (Yokos’ Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, is now in jail over tax evasion charges, thanks to Vladimir Putin).

What we have here is a “triangulation” of interests developing:  India, China and Russia, with India and China competing for Russian oil and gas via developmental dollars and/or Euros (whichever comes first).

This summary chart shows who has the last half of the oil/gas reserves of the world as of 2000 . . . we have but 1T left (Note:  We’ve already gone through ½ of the oil reserves of the planet.)

ANALYSIS—SO, WHAT’S THE POINT?

The point in all of this is plain and simple:  The world’s proven and/or possible petrol reserves simply cannot sustain this kind of global competition!  Something’s got to give.  The US, seeing its vulnerability, and realizing that it had no choice but to make a radical play in Southwest Asia (i.e., Afghanistan, Iraq, the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan)) was left with no choice (so “he” claims) but to protect “his strategic assets.”

Here are the facts in a nutshell:

“The International Energy Agency has revised upwards its estimate of world oil demand, quashing hopes of an imminent decline in oil prices. The IEA said in its monthly oil market report (2004) that demand for oil was running at 82.2 million barrels a day, 750,000 more than previously thought.”

Demand for oil and gas is running at its fastest level in 24 years!  Here’s the top consumers now and projections by the IEA (International Energy Agency) of top consumers and producers by 2015:

Top Consumers:    Country                          Consumption in millions of bpd

(2005)

                             USA                               20.67

                             Europe                              8.48 (Germany, UK, FR, IT)

                             China                                6.73

                             Japan                                5.38

                             Former Soviet Union         3.8

Top Consumers:    USA                               23.5

(2015)                   China                                9.5

                             Europe (see above)           9.2

                             Japan                                8.1

                             India                                 4.2

Top Producers:     OPEC (Middle East)       30.0

(2015)                   Russia                            10.5

                             USA & Canada               10.0

                             Mexico                             4.0

                             Brazil/China                      3.0

Now you can see what’s happening with China and India . . . and, it’s not a pretty strategic global picture for Mr. Consumption, the USA; thence, Democratic Globalism, Wars of Preemption based on “National Interest” and a global drive to secure the “hidden treasures” of the earth is going full tilt and can only get more ferocious.  

The famous oil guru, T. Boone Pickens in August 2004 said:  “Never again will we pump more than 82 million barrels per day.”  Virtually all indicators tell us that world oil production has peaked!

Check out your pump price today and you’ll have sticker shock.  Don’t count on the price per barrel going down from its peak $56 pb. (March, 2005).  Virtually, none of the reasons that caused that price spike in oil – the dismemberment of the Russia oil giant Yukos, China and India going berserk for oil; terrorism in the Middle East – has gone away:  The hurricane is still upon us, and we’re only kidding ourselves if we think that somehow this can’t happen . . . IT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!

You’re looking at the world’s monster ZERO SUM GAME.  The only way for someone to win is for someone to lose because there’s only so much of this shrinking pie left.  Hello?  The feeding frenzy has begun in earnest! 

The “hidden treasures” and controlling of those treasures wherein nearly 70% of all known oil reserves are domiciled in the Middle East, makes the quest for these riches all the more significant . . . and, the immediate fulfillment of the Messianic Scenario more likely in our lifetime. 

Modern Middle East

Where will we find ourselves in this tumultuous clash of titans . . . where West meets East and Armageddon morphs from a poetic expression into an awful reality . . . Where Gog-Magog and The Coming Prince collide in the Middle East?  Can fallen humanity resist the allure of economic gain?  Try suffering a little loss if you’ve had a lot, and you’ll know the vast majority of humankind cannot “suffer the loss of all things and count them but rubbish” as the Apostle Paul did.

No, the only solution—the singular recourse—to this gloomy forecast is but one:  Messiah’s Intervention!  No, not a “crusade against the evil doers” but surrender to the Prince of Peace.  “Resistance is futile” is what the Prince of Darkness utters at the climax of this age.  The lust for greater riches is but the expression of depraved hearts and minds, and most certainly the awful manifestation of the poverty of the human spirit.  The unbelievable thought that somehow, given our deplorable track record throughout the ages, we can pull ourselves out of this deplorable selfish state that addicts and blinds us to our true condition, only reveals how senseless and preposterous our plight is!

The Bible does not leave us “comfortless” in the midst of these inevitabilities—inevitabilities that even the most doctrinaire secularist confirms are spinning out of control as the world rushes forth to secure the “hidden treasures.” I leave you only with the eternal hope beyond all the gloom and doom being heaped upon us by the “merchants of the earth” who have “grown rich because of her” . . .

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’  So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped” (Revelation 14:14-16).

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