Olmert and Ahmadinejad – Exit Signs

Ron Ross
Bridges for Peace News
Email: ronrossbfp@hotmail.com


June 1, 2008

Ehud Olmert, the prime minister of Israel and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the President of Iran find themselves in similar circumstances. Both are under fire from their peers.

This week the Israel Defence Minister Ehud Barak called on Olmert to resign. The prime minister is embroiled in defending his own innocence against likely charges of corruption.

Knesset members are increasingly anxious for their own future. Opposition parties are already setting up for a likely early election, some say before the end of this year.

His own party members are saying Olmert simply wants a dignified way to leave. He is not likely to hand over the reigns to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and so an election is the most likely final solution.

Meanwhile in Iran Ali Larijani was elected speaker of the parliament. He previously served as Iran’s national security chief. His disagreements with Ahmadinejad are well known. His appointment is seen as a snub the senior clergy in Iran for the President.

Olmert and Ahmadinejad have spent considerable time jabbing one another. Now the two find themselves fighting for their public future.

The timing of the crisis for both men is precarious. Olmert claims he is seeking peace with Syria and is in the midst of talks with the Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The PA leader this week said Olmert’s position would be a major hurdle to negotiations.

It is unlikely Olmert will have the support to make any meaningful deals with anyone. He lacks political and public support.

Ahmadinejad his facing mounting criticism for his handling of the Iranian economy. Higher oil prices have been a boon to Suadi Arabia while Iran spirals.

The senior clergy also attacked Ahmadinejad for speaking out on religious matters. They said he is not part of the clergy and his comments were offensive.

Now the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say Iran is withholding vital information on its nuclear program.

New Name; Same Hate

As a leader Larijani’s appointment changes nothing about the Iranian hatred of Israel. Although he and Ahmadinejad have a personal feud they certainly agree along the Iranian party line.

Nevertheless there is warning for any leader who ignores the word of God.

‘If you bless Israel, you’ll be blessed. If you curse Israel, you’ll be cursed.” (Gen 12: 3.

Whether people believe the Bible or not does not change the fact God means what He says. His warnings apply to believers and non-believers. He created us all.

In Israel the recent 60th anniversary celebrations and the pomp and fanfare afforded President George W. Bush now seem to be of a different decade.

By this time next year the leadership scene will be totally different. Only the Lord remains.

Ron Ross resigned as Senior Pastor of Noosa Baptist Church to become National Director of Bridges for Peace Australia. Three years ago he joined Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem to establish international radio news and an audio service webcast at www.bridgesforpeace.com Ron was Sports Editor of WINTV for 20 years before joining the full-time missions. You can contact Ron at : ronrossbfp@hotmail.com