The decision by Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to respond to Western demands to a new proposal regarding the cessation of Iran’s nuclear efforts on August 22, a seemingly arbitrary date, rather than the earlier date set by the West raises some interesting questions.
 
Western demands for a response by mid-July have gone unheeded thus far, while August 22, which falls at the end of the corresponding Iranian month of Mordad, will likely be when Iran will voice its opinion of the controversial proposal, according to the Free Republic.
 
An explanation as to why Ahmadinejad chose such a date may lie in the heart of Islamic tradition, while at the same time highlight the West’s inability to understand the extent of the clash of civilizations at hand between the age-old Judeo-Christian tradition and that of their successor, Islam.
 
According to the Shiite Muslim tradition, of which Ahmadinejad is a strong follower, the 12th imam, or the so-called “hidden” Imam Mahdi, has miraculously been kept alive since his disappearance in 874 AD.
 
The revered Imam is set to return at a time of great global chaos, war and bloodshed, after which an era of Islamic justice will be ushered in.
 
Some believe that Imam Mahdi will be returning some time this August, also the time some military experts predict that Iran will be ready to construct its first nuclear weapon.
 
Also important to note is that fact that August 22 of the current year also corresponds with the Islamic date of Rajab 28. This day is the same day on which the great Saladin conquered and entered Jerusalem, further evidence of Ahmadinejad’s belief in the regional importance of the date chosen by him to report to the West.
 
Apparently, Ahmadinejad sees himself as an instrument to pave the way for the arrival of Imam Mahdi as well as an important successor to Saladin in terms of the liberation of Jerusalem. He has reportedly used public appearances on a number of occasions to make clear his confidence that he and other true believers can affect the apocalyptic timetable, urging Iranians to prepare to back him in the momentous endeavor at hand.
 
Though many maintain that such connections many be coincidental at best, time will tell whether or not Ahmadinejad is in fact attempting to influence the coming of Imam Mahdi and a return of worldwide Islamic justice, Jerusalem included.

© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)