Yasser Arafat's Death Seen As Breaking Mideast Diplomatic Logjam
CBC News Thu, 16 Dec 2004 7:26 AM PST
JERUSALEM (AP) - Mideast diplomacy has taken off after the death of Yasser Arafat. Foreign policy chiefs from around the globe have been lining up to visit Israeli and Palestinian officials, proclaiming a new era of opportunity has arrived.

Sharon Calls 2005 'Year Of Opportunity'
AP via Yahoo! News Thu, 16 Dec 2004 12:07 PM PST
The Palestinians can achieve their independent state if they stop violence against Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday in a conciliatory policy speech, matching the tone of optimism of the post-Yasser Arafat era.

Heraldsun.com: Diplomats See Hope For Peace After ...
HeraldSun.com Thu, 16 Dec 2004 11:29 AM PST
JERUSALEM -- Mideast diplomacy has taken off after the death of Yasser Arafat. Foreign policy chiefs from around the globe have been lining up to visit Israeli and Palestinian officials, proclaiming a new era of opportunity has arrived.

Israel Says It's Open To Dialogue Over Road Map
International Herald Tribune Thu, 16 Dec 2004 6:28 AM PST
HERZLIYA, Israel Calling the death of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat "an opportunity we should not miss," Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom of Israel has called for both the Palestinians and the Syrians to show by their deeds that they are ready for real peace with Israel.

Official: Israel To Attend Mideast Talks
USA Today Thu, 16 Dec 2004 6:42 AM PST
Israel has agreed to attend a Mideast conference in London early next year, backing off its earlier reluctance to participate in the gathering, a senior official said Thursday.

News Analysis: Trade Pact Thaws Egypt-Israel Relations
International Herald Tribune Thu, 16 Dec 2004 6:27 AM PST
CAIRO When Egypt, Israel and the United States signed a far-reaching trade agreement this week, it represented the most tangible step in a month long thaw in chilly relations between the Egyptians and the Israelis.

Comments
Since the death of Yasser Arafat international leaders are lining up to visit Israel to help speed up the peace process.  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has called 2005 "the year of opportunity" for peace.  Personally, it can't happen quick enough for me but we'll have to wait for the Lord's timing.

Here's a possible scenario that I have shared with you before.  I don't necessarily endorse it but it could end up taking this direction.  

It is possible that Israel and Palestine could end up following the U.S. roadmap plan and establishing a Palestinian state under this plan.  As you know, it is my belief that the E.U. is the kingdom of the antichrist and through this bloc of nations a seven-year peace agreement will be formed with Israel. 

If peace with Israel is established look for the Russian-Arab attack to follow shortly after (Ezekiel 38 & 39).  Following the attack and defeat of their enemies, Israel will then make a peace agreement with the E.U.  This maybe in the form of a neighborhood agreement or full membership.  I don't expect the U.S. lead Roadmap to come to pass. 

What I do believe will happen is the Palestinians will end up backing out of a U.S. lead agreement.  The Arab world just doesn't trust the U.S., but they do have strong ties with the E.U. In fact, they practically support them.  

With the neighborhood agreement just getting underway for both Israel and Palestine, look for Israel to be drawn into the E.U. cultural net.  In time, they (Israel) will be convinced that the E.U. is a true and trustworthy peace partner.  Of course, they will be fooled by satan along with the rest of the world.

Is 2005 the year of peace?  Only God knows for sure, but the signs seem to be pointing to something prophetic happening soon.