About us Login Get email updates
Research
Print

Cavuto hosted Armageddon author Joel Rosenberg -- noted as a "Middle East analyst" -- who cited Ahmadinejad's apocalyptic vision while ignoring his own

August 17, 2006 5:49 pm ET

Trouble viewing clip? Download: QT | WMV

SUMMARY: Fox News' Neil Cavuto hosted Christian author Joel C. Rosenberg, who warned of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's "apocalyptic mind-set," asserting that Ahmadinejad "is saying ... that the end of the world is rapidly approaching and that it's his mission to bring it about by destroying Israel and ... the United States." But neither Cavuto nor Rosenberg disclosed that Rosenberg is the author of a book laying out his vision of the Apocalypse and has claimed that he had been invited to the White House, Capitol Hill, and the CIA to discuss the Rapture and the Middle East.

24 Comments

On the August 16 edition of Fox News' Your World, host Neil Cavuto interviewed Christian author Joel C. Rosenberg, whom he identified only as a "Middle East analyst," regarding a recent Iranian "Holocaust cartoon contest," and why "many in the Western media aren't seeing" that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is as dangerous as Adolf Hitler. During the interview, Rosenberg warned of Ahmadinejad's "apocalyptic mind-set," asserting that he "is saying ... that the end of the world is rapidly approaching and that it's his mission to bring it about by destroying Israel and ... the United States." But neither Cavuto nor Rosenberg disclosed, as Media Matters for America has noted, that Rosenberg is the author of a book laying out his vision of the Apocalypse, or that Rosenberg has claimed that he was invited to the White House, Capitol Hill, and the CIA to discuss the Rapture and the Middle East, with White House aides purportedly marveling over how the apocalyptic events described in his novels keep coming true.

On the July 19 edition of the Jay Sekulow Live! radio program, Rosenberg said his book The Ezekiel Option (Tyndale House Publishers, July 2005) is "based on a 2,500-year-old Bible prophecy -- Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 -- in which Russia teams up with Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and a number of other Muslim countries to destroy Israel in what Ezekiel calls 'the last days.' " Rosenberg added: "It's too soon to say, honestly, that Ezekiel 38 and 39 are coming true, but I think it's drawing a lot of interest in what the Bible has to say about future events in that part of the world, given the parallels to those prophecies." Additionally, in a column posted on July 17 on the leftbehind.com website, Rosenberg purported to break down the prophecy from Ezekiel by listing "what to ... watch[] for." For his final bullet point, he wrote: "Even the G8 issued a statement defending Israel's right to exist. But the Scriptures are clear, Israel will be totally alone when Russia and Iran attack."

And during a segment on the July 26 edition of CNN's Live From ... discussing the potential coming of the Apocalypse, as indicated by current conflicts in the Middle East, host Kyra Phillips asked Rosenberg whether she needed "to start taking care of unfinished business and telling people that I love them and I'm sorry for all the evil things I've done." Rosenberg replied, "Well, that would be a good start."

When Cavuto asked Rosenberg if he is "surprised there isn't the outcry when you show these images [Holocaust cartoons] that there was when you showed the cartoon images of Muhammad," Rosenberg replied: "[N]o, because I think that, you know, Jews and Christians believe to -- you know -- you should love your neighbor; turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute you, so you don't have the type of violent reaction that you have in the Muslim world."

Rosenberg's appearance on Your World marked the second day in a row that Cavuto interviewed someone who has advocated for a U.S. foreign policy that takes Apocalypse prophecies into account. As Media Matters noted, on August 15, Cavuto interviewed evangelical pastor John Hagee regarding the recent United Nations-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, providing him with a platform to advocate for a U.S. foreign policy strategy consistent with his apocalyptic vision. Hagee's reported belief that conflict between Israel and its neighbors signals a prelude to Armageddon went unmentioned throughout the interview.

From the August 16 edition of Fox News' Your World with Neil Cavuto:

CAVUTO: Welcome back. Iran is staging a Holocaust cartoon contest at a gallery in Tehran with mocking images of the Holocaust and Jewish people. Iran's president believes that the persecution of Jews during World War II by the Nazis is, quote, "a myth." But my next guest says that Iran's Ahmadinejad is just as dangerous as Adolf Hitler. But many in the Western media are not seeing it that way. Joel Rosenberg is a Middle East analyst and author of numerous books, including The Copper Scroll. Good to have you.

ROSENBERG: Thanks Neil.

CAVUTO: Explain to me what they're saying and doing on the Holocaust.

ROSENBERG: Well let's start by saying that the cartoons that the Danes and others have done to mock Muhammad were wrong. But at the same time, the Iranians are trying to not just mock, but deny, a Holocaust while simultaneously preparing to launch another. The president of Iran is talking about genocide, wiping Israel and, frankly, the United States off the map. So this is part of this propaganda campaign they're waging -- prepare to rile up the radical Muslims into a Holocaust against Israel and ultimately against the United States.

CAVUTO: Are you surprised there isn't the outcry when you show these images that there was when you showed the cartoon images of Muhammad?

ROSENBERG: Well, no, because I think that, you know, Jews and Christians believe to -- you know -- you should love your neighbor; turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute you, so you don't have the type of violent reaction that you have in the Muslim world. Look, again, the cartoons mocking Muhammad were wrong. But, this is a regime in Iran that is trying to bring about a new holocaust. Ahmadinejad is the new Hitler. Too many Americans, and particularly on the left, don't see that. They don't see the threat. Ahmadinejad is saying to people in Iran that the end of the world is rapidly approaching and that it's his mission to bring it about by destroying Israel and then destroying the United States. And that's the threat.

CAVUTO: But does he have more clout than prior leaders who spoke in this way, because at this point, he has a lot more money, his country has a lot more money? It's rich in a lot of oil money.

ROSENBERG: He does, and where is he spending it? He just signed a $1 billion deal with Russia to buy missiles and arms from Moscow. He is sending $100 million a year to Hezbollah. He is building the arsenal and the alliance to destroy Israel and to wipe out the United States, and that's what's so dangerous. People don't appreciate yet, particularly in the media --Mike Wallace for sure -- don't appreciate or understand the evil that is rising in Iran, and that's what I'm trying to write about in novels. That's what I'm trying to talk about -- is the religious, end-of-the-world, apocalyptic mind-set that Ahmadinejad has. You can't negotiate with someone, ultimately, who believes it's his mission to end the world.

CAVUTO: OK. Joel Rosenberg, thank you very much.

ROSENBERG: Thank you, Neil.

CAVUTO: We'll see where this goes.

Expand All Expand 1st Level Collapse All Add Comment
    • Author by bravenewworld (August 17, 2006 5:59 pm ET)
         

      "Ahmadinejad is the new Hitler. Too many Americans, and particularly on the left, don't see that. They don't see the threat. "

      You know what? Folks on the right didn't see him as a threat until Iraq was falling apart!

      I'm so glad that all this apocalyptic talk is being generated by people who lack the practical capability to carry any of it out.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by Sagra (August 17, 2006 6:02 pm ET)
         

      It's okay if you are a premillenial dispensationalist.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by fawltylogic (August 17, 2006 6:24 pm ET)
         

      "The president of Iran is talking about genocide, wiping Israel and, frankly, the United States off the map."

      There's no doubt in my mind that Ahmadinejad should be seen as a threat to stability and peace in the region. But, unless I'm mistaken he did not include USA in his desire to wipe Israel off the map (which, could mean just that - get rid of the state of Israel, not necessarily kill all the Jews, even though I'm sure he wouldn't mind that either...).

      I guess he had to throw "and, frankly, the United States" in there to scare the viewers a little more.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by bravenewworld (August 17, 2006 6:34 pm ET)
           

        Although I am not a fan of the Iranian president, he did say upon being elected that if the Holocaust happened then it should be Europeans, not Palestinians that should be giving up land for Isreal since Europeans were the ones wh0 allegedly conducted the Hoocaust. Okay, not trying to divert the thread, it was just a really odd and remarkable perspective.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by bravenewworld (August 17, 2006 6:38 pm ET)
             

          Sheesh.... I even proofed my post. I-S-R-A-E-L. No offense to anyone, it's been a long day....

          Report Abuse
    • Author by evillib1727 (August 17, 2006 7:00 pm ET)
         

      "If an explosion occurs, then it won't be limited to geographical boundaries. It will also burn all those who created (Israel) over the past 60 years,"

      http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/6B428F35-5CB2-463B-874B-E20FA6E1D63F.htm

      I dont know about your readiing comprehension, but that sounds like it is more than just Israel.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by fawltylogic (August 17, 2006 7:06 pm ET)
           

        Yeah, it does.

        Report Abuse
      • Author by HuntingtonBeachLefty (August 17, 2006 9:51 pm ET)
           

        (which would include the entire earth), doesn't it sound like he's talking about a "supernatural" explosion, or am I reading this wrong?

        If it's goint to burn all who have created Israel over the past 60 years, doesn't that include dead people(spirits?)?

        I'm not trying to lawyer up for Ahmadinejad here, I just read this as more of a "wrath of God" warning.

        Which doesn't scare me too much being a non-believer, about as much as Jerry Falwells threats.

        I'm just glad we live in a modern democratic Nation where we don't have to worry about our foreign policy being influenced by people who think we have a magic all-powerful being on our team.

        That'd be cool to be able to say that for real.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by arc1x (August 17, 2006 11:18 pm ET)
             

          That Iraq does have a religious zealot leading their nation! Big A believes it is his DUTY to bring world conditions to bear the return of the 13th Caliphate. Mortal or "spiritual", is up for debate as he is a REAL being centuries old. Some have stated he believes he has been in hiding lo all these years waiting for the big war to return.

          Do you have any suggestions on how to "negotiate" with that mind-set?

          Report Abuse
          • Author by HuntingtonBeachLefty (August 18, 2006 12:11 am ET)
               

            take into consideration yet another nutty leader- I was just facetiously pointing out that I don't think the way to handle (or "negotiate with" if you like that better) a religious zealot is to try to be a bigger religious zealot.

            If you're asking for a detailed plan from me on the right way to deal with him, I'm sorry to say I don't have the resources or connections to draw that up.

            I do have enough common sense to know that being suckered into the giant martyr-fest that the nut jobs are enjoying so much is the stupidest thing a superpower can do.

            Report Abuse
          • Author by open_mind (August 18, 2006 5:52 pm ET)
               

            Isn't it interesting that all of our enemies are always so "crazy" as opposed to our own ultra-rational positions (like illegally invading countries on a false pretense, while nearly every other "crazy" country objected)?

            It really is great to write with a position of superiority about other countries. Those guys are soooo crazy.

            Report Abuse
            • Author by HuntingtonBeachLefty (August 18, 2006 10:26 pm ET)
                 

              I think you were referring to the item. I'm not singling out any one leader as more crazy than another, and definitely not compared to our current administration..I think one has to be a little nutty to want to be resposible for running an entire country, but I'm not what you'd call a real "type A" guy.

              I'm mostly kidding about that-there are some very sane world leaders. Unfortunately , they don't get on TV too often.

              Just our boy and the other Warriors of God around the world

              Report Abuse
    • Author by arc1x (August 17, 2006 11:08 pm ET)
         

      Military exercises have been annouced, just a quick blurb, on one of the news channels.

      Now: if Israel is "Little Satan" and we are "Satan" in his eyes and speeches. . .

      Big "A" has publically stated he has 50,000 suicide bombers ready to act if Iran is threatened or attacked.

      He has mobilized for the military exercise because of Israel's invasion and the threat posed by the U.S.

      He has promised a response to the world regarding his pursuit of nukes on Tues. 8-22.

      Iraq and Afganistan are bordering nations.

      When would world attention be directed to their 'exercises' if a build-up occurred on either border? Would a response be called for?

      Report Abuse
      • Author by open_mind (August 18, 2006 5:59 pm ET)
           

        Do you believe everything you read? There is a possibility that "Big A" is just jerking everyone's chain the way Saddam did.

        It is called sabre rattling and it is as old as time. He may actually want you to think he is crazy. There is some value to that.

        Don't be so quick to judge. It is best to assess his strengths and weaknesses on a factual basis. We don't want to end up with another Iraq because people like you are apparently so easily worked into a lather.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by arc1x (August 18, 2006 11:32 pm ET)
             

          "because people like you are apparently so easily worked into a lather".

          I hardly consider the point I made falls into your characterazation. . . The point I attempt to make is it may be a annoucement to allow troop movements to either border, or stage for an offensive posture towards Israel.

          The concern should be IF this is designed to 'invite' some response, set the stage for confrontation. We have troops in Afg. AND Iraq.

          Is it possible we may be forced to respond if they are threatened. I just find it interesting, the timing of the "announcement" and his promised response.

          We'll see come Wed!

          Report Abuse
    • Author by HuntingtonBeachLefty (August 18, 2006 12:19 am ET)
         

      We're not the only country that's allowed to announce that we will fight back if attacked.

      or call other nations evil/satan

      Or mobilize our military in response to a real or perceived threat.

      If we're going to start up Operation (your name here) Freedom every time some fundamentalist screwball goes off on a paranoid rant-well, count the number of crazy leaders. multiply that by several hundred billion.

      We're the USA-- we used to be smart, and free and a shining light to other countries in how we handled ourselves, and we can be again.

      Or we can keep putting Republicans in office, and become more and more like our enemies.

      Report Abuse
    • Author by anotherjoe (August 18, 2006 3:45 am ET)
         

      1: Isn't it wonderful that Christian authors can use Jewish names without being laughed at? "Joel Rosenberg". Yeah. That just screams out "Christian author".

      2: I've rechecked Ezekiel 38 and 39 and didn't see the name "Russia" anywhere within the text. Nor does "Lebanon". Nor does "Iran". ("Persia" does appear, but the nation of Iran hasn't used that antiquated name since the 1930s. The former Shah was the "Shah of IRAN", and the current state is formally, "The Islamic Republic of Iran".) The only states listed using names recognized as contemporary are "Ethiopia" and "Libya". You'd think that a prophecy from the "divinely-inspired Word of God" could use much clearer (and accurate) names.

      3: Why exactly would Christians rely on OLD TESTAMENT prophecies for their "end of days"/"end of times" crap unless they're not-so-subtly suggesting that the NEW TESTAMENT prophecies (found in the Book of Revelation) is pure hokum? Or (just to give them the benefit of the doubt) perhaps they're relying on the OT prophecies since LaHaye and Whatshisname (honestly, I can't recall at the moment, and don't care enough to check) have mined those prophecies for all they're worth in the "Left Behind" tripe and people need something less well-known to be scared by.

      Honestly, there are days I wish that Hal Lindsey had never been born. It's all his fault there's now this cottage industry of "Bible prophecy" BS. Before Lindsey, people who spouted "Bible prophecy" were quite properly ignored and those who became real nuisances were locked away in mental hospitals.

      Report Abuse
      • Author by nerzog (August 18, 2006 9:43 am ET)
           

        It's almost amusing to watch these end-time "experts" twist themselves into pretzels trying to make modern events fit into Old Testament language. The method they use is called retro-fitting; they look at a current event and find some obscure passage that sort of sounds like it might work, and declare that the event was foretold. Some curly-headed clown who was popular on Christian television back in the 90s claimed that Chernobyl was actually the "wormwood" predicted in the bible that would bring about Armageddon. Of course, we're still waiting.

        The scary part is that our current President apparently believes all this crap, and is easily influenced by anyone with an IQ higher than his...and these Fundamentalist Christofascists have his ear because he needs their votes. Add to that the nutbags in the Muslim world who are itching for a fight, and we have a perilous situation, indeed.

        Report Abuse
      • Author by jefffrane (August 18, 2006 2:21 pm ET)
           

        If you read Joel's "left behind" page, you'll not only see his explanation of how Russia gets into the mix. According to him: Russia and former Soviet states (what Ezekiel called Magog, Rosh, Meshech and Tubal) which we all knew, of course. The Ukraine is clearly Meshech. Or was it Tubal? At any event, it's all there for anyone who takes the time to make it up, er, sort it out.

        He also does a great job of covering his ass. "The truth is it's too soon to say for sure that this is the beginning of what Bible scholars call the "War of Gog and Magog." " This way, if the end of the world doesn't come along, he's not left with egg on his face. Because he never said it definitely WAS the beginning of the end, only that it might be. Not a good idea to be too committed, because it becomes difficult to keep making a living at prophecies if you're consistently wrong.

        Report Abuse
        • Author by nerzog (August 18, 2006 2:38 pm ET)
             

          If you trace the careers of these guys, and examine the history of "end time prophecy" predictions, you'll find that they have been consistently wrong, yet find no shortage of gullible sheep who are willing to believe their crap and give them money. It's been going on for centuries.

          Report Abuse
        • Author by arc1x (August 19, 2006 12:02 am ET)
             

          Of uncertain derivation; Gog, the name of an Israelite, also of some northern nation: - Gog.

          Magog, a son of Japheth; also a barbarous northern region: - Magog.

          Of Hebrew origin: Magog, a foreign nation, that is, (figuratively) an Antichristian party: - Magog.

          (Strongs Hebrew and Greek dictionaries)

          The identification as specific states/nations IS an attempt (I believe inappropiate), to identify in contempory terms. Just for your edification.

          For the sake of argument, it is interesting Russia's involvement in the area, while also our supposed ally. Would you consider this discussion?

          www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=22645

          This is ALL "Big A's" vision of an Armegenden scenerio, not the dead-head Christian sheep.

          Report Abuse
      • Author by arc1x (August 19, 2006 12:09 am ET)
           

        are referrred to as "Mesianic Jews". Jesus was a Jew. It only implies they accept the NEW Testament as Part 2, if you will.

        Report Abuse
    • Author by chrisdutch89 (August 18, 2006 11:09 am ET)
         

      WHOOPPEEE, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Abuse
    • Author by francene (August 19, 2006 8:32 am ET)
         

      Covuto, you really should not get out of bed. You produce too much poisenous polution.

      Your head is a brick wall and you have a very low brow. Low brow indicates a low intelligence.

      Francene Blanchard san diego, CA 92103

      Report Abuse

my.MediaMatters.org

Login  Sign Up

Push Back

Phone calls, emails and letters from the public do make a difference. Remember that to be effective you must be polite, and professional. Express your specific concerns regarding that particular news report or commentary, and indicate what you would like the media outlet to do differently in the future.