With Tony Blair's appointment as the Quartet's special envoy to the Middle East, there's been speculation that he may turn out to be the person who negotiates peace with Israel -- and, thus, the prophesied Antichrist. 

While we should always be open to other possibilities -- something Herb advised -- I think it's too soon to take our attention from the position of the EU's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, a position currently held by Javier Solana. Why do I think this? Let's follow the road signs.

Herb pointed out a series of recent events that could be fulfillments of ancient end-time Bible prophecies about the revival of the Roman Empire, including the rise of a 10-nation military alliance and, from among those 10 nations, the rise of a figure called the "Antichrist" who will appear to be Israel's friend, but then will betray her and make war against the saints.

These prophecies' fulfillment started, of course, with the return of Israel to her land in 1948 -- something many evangelical Christians recognize. Then other possible fulfillments have followed -- though they have been mostly overlooked. In 1992, Israel decided to begin trading her land for peace, which, according to the Bible, will eventually lead to her betrayal by the Antichrist. Then, in 1995, a 10-nation military alliance (the Western European Union) appeared in Europe. In 1999, a leader emerged as the head of this alliance  -- Javier Solana who, in the same year, was also appointed head of the EU's foreign and security policy (a position with a major focus of bringing peace to the Middle East). In 2000, the 10-nation military alliance became the official military wing of the EU, and Mr. Europe was given emergency powers -- and the document that made both these things happen is called the Western European Union's "Assembly Recommendation 666" (the number that the Bible, of course, associates with the Antichrist).

Of course, there's much more to all this. The above is a quick summary. Read Herb's book or his overview at the top of FP's front page for more details. But my point is that, when it comes to end-time prophecy, we need to stay focused on the important markers -- which Herb called "road signs" -- and not get distracted by every fork in the road, or else we may turn down a wrong path.

Blair's appointment is interesting. Yet, the road signs point to a position currently held by Javier Solana -- who has been very busy trying to broker peace in the Middle East. In fact, the media is reporting that he -- along with other EU leaders -- are irritated by Blair's new entry into this process because they're afraid Blair will get in the way of Solana's efforts. An article in yesterday's London Financial Times reports Germany's assurances that Blair's role in the Middle East will have little influence and won't interfere with Solana's efforts.

So, let's stay open to all possibilities. And let's also not lose sight of the road signs.

Staying tuned!