August 22: Doomsday?

August 21, 2006 12:52 PM

Asa Eslocker Reports:

Ap_august06_060821_nrWhile no extra safeguards are in place, U.S. law enforcement are not ignoring the possible significance of tomorrow's date, August 22, a date that marks an important historic event on the Islamic calendar.

Internet websites have been full of speculation that it could be a target date for terrorists in commemoration of the return of the 12th imam, a supposed day of reckoning for Shiites.

August 22 was rumored by intelligence experts to be a possible date that the London plotters would blow-up passenger planes headed towards the United States, though it is not known if the suspects were Shiite extremists.

This year, August 22 marks the holy day on the Islamic calendar that is the day of reckoning for Shiites. Some Shiite sects believe that August 22 could correspond to the end of the world. And just today, after much hype, Iran has announced that it will continue to develop its nuclear program. To followers of Iranian President Ahmadinejad, this is a well-timed affront to Israel, the United States and the world. The United Nations had given Iran until the end of the month to respond, but Ahmadinejad had made it clear to all Iranians and the world that he intended to respond on the eve of August 22.

Whether or not this announcement is the end of Ahmadinejad's plans for August 22, one expert says we will have to wait and watch.

"The only thing we can know is that the date was not chosen by accident," said Robert Spencer, Director of Jihadwatch.org and an adjunct fellow at the Free Congress Foundation, a conservative think tank.  "It does seem very likely, very probable, that he has something major in mind, whether only a major announcement or a major attack, we will soon see."

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August 21, 2006 | Permalink | User Comments (701)

User Comments

No end to the political correctness.

Posted by: Stu Cotts | Aug 21, 2006 1:41:37 PM

"It is not for us to know the date and time of the lord's return"

Posted by: j | Aug 21, 2006 1:51:31 PM

Amadinejad was wrong. He said that August 22 was Miraj (Laylat-ul Mi'raj) or 27 Rajab. However, today August 21 is 27 Rajab and of course the day starts at sundown the preceding day. So, what's the significance of August 22 or 28 Rajab 1427??
Rgds,
John Lynch

Posted by: John Lynch | Aug 21, 2006 1:59:56 PM

Nothing to worry about. Mike Wallace of CBS has assured us all that Ahmadinjead is an "alright" guy (he HAS to be for sharing Wallace's hatred for president Bush, according to Wallace.)

Nothing to see here regarding Iran, move along folks.

Iran is nothing to worry about
(sarcasm off)

Posted by: Mark | Aug 21, 2006 2:00:20 PM

Wait, so isn't August 22nd like in a couple of hours? Isn't already August 22nd somewhere in the world? Which August 22nd is it?

Posted by: JL | Aug 21, 2006 2:00:22 PM

You've got to be kidding. The islamo-fascist have marked EVERY DAY of the calendar year as an important date.

Posted by: Bart | Aug 21, 2006 2:01:02 PM

Seems amazing that a date which has been predicted or better yet is an object given to human manifest destiny would be so ignored by the american news mediat or given any public notice from our USA (sic, Fed) government. Obviously it was meant not to scare our western society, but with ignorance of fact comes the punishement of education come to late? I hope not.

Posted by: Kunga | Aug 21, 2006 2:02:25 PM

Nothing is going to happen.

Posted by: Nolff | Aug 21, 2006 2:02:37 PM

If John Kerry was President we wouldn't be worrying about this. Thank god for Ned Lamont.

Posted by: thetalkingbass | Aug 21, 2006 2:02:53 PM

An arbitrary date? Give them enough rope and they will hang themselves.

Here's to Iran going so far off the charts that just world condemnation won't be the proper response.

Posted by: David | Aug 21, 2006 2:05:16 PM

Oh Please

Posted by: Tim | Aug 21, 2006 2:06:00 PM

Bush being in the White House is disasterous enough.

Posted by: Clem Clamlick | Aug 21, 2006 2:06:21 PM

Whatever it is I am sure ABC will be behind him all the way.

Posted by: Clyde Moore | Aug 21, 2006 2:07:06 PM

This is complete conjecture, hype, and total fear mongering.

FEAR CONTROLS!

Posted by: Anthony | Aug 21, 2006 2:07:46 PM

Wow, I wasn't aware that tomorrow is the day of reckoning for Shiites. I've heard, though, that the 'element of surprise' is worth more than actually doing something on a religious day, so I'm speculating that August 22nd will be a normal, secure,safe day.

Posted by: Bill Hartzer | Aug 21, 2006 2:08:55 PM

Clearly this insane stooge (ahmadinejad) wants a nuke and now its time for George Bush to deliver all the nuke tipped cruise missles ahmadinejad can eat!Time to turn Iran into a glass factory.Then we can cross drill from Iraq and suck on all Irans oil for free till it's ALL GONE.

Posted by: Al | Aug 21, 2006 2:12:55 PM

So all the fighting will end tomorrow? I think not.

Posted by: Edward N Leger | Aug 21, 2006 2:13:56 PM

It sounds to me like the neo-cons have something in store for the world. Tomorrow, when it all hits the fan remember Bill Kristol warned us.

Posted by: bagman | Aug 21, 2006 2:14:03 PM

expect the worse, hope for the best, and know that others are using our trepidation to their advantage...

Posted by: NoWorries | Aug 21, 2006 2:14:14 PM

Three hundred and sixty-five times the Bible says "fear not". One for every day. No need to fear man. Jesus Christ has the future in His hands. No need to worry.

Posted by: Gene | Aug 21, 2006 2:16:41 PM

What's the big deal? Doesn't this anniversary come around every year? I can see if it is a once in a thousand year thing but every year is no biggie.

Posted by: John | Aug 21, 2006 2:16:44 PM

I'm glad I have been purchasing a lot of tuna fish.

Posted by: Matt | Aug 21, 2006 2:17:47 PM

What a shame.

Such a beautiful world, filled with so many beautiful people.

So much to learn. So much to see and do.

What a shame that there are those who want to destroy it all.

What a shame we can't all get along.

What a shame, the lack of love for fellow man.

Life is short. The afterlife is here soon enough.

What a shame that life cannot be enjoyed.

What a shame.

Posted by: the diety YOU believe in | Aug 21, 2006 2:18:03 PM

Wow, and I thought it was going to end today when my dad got home and saw what happened to his car.

I will insist that it was islamic fanatics that ransacked his hood with feet size of 11 and a half

Posted by: Mike | Aug 21, 2006 2:18:30 PM

Just like Y2K. Just, you know, religiously charged and everything.

The fact that we're fearing in the first place something like this is defeat enough.

Posted by: Steve | Aug 21, 2006 2:21:30 PM

I would not bet on ANYTHING bad happening on August 22, apart from the usual death and destruction. Carry on, world. Peace is Possible and it starts with each and every one of us.

Posted by: Linda | Aug 21, 2006 2:22:47 PM

The basement is full. Sorry.

Posted by: krid | Aug 21, 2006 2:23:10 PM

5 years ago ,,we had the Chandra Levy scandal..now the Jon Benet Ramsey case is all of sudden red-hot again...more media diversion,while the NWO does their dirty work?

Posted by: NC | Aug 21, 2006 2:23:37 PM

I've got my own personal protection in the form of a Glock! I'm not afraid of any Noe-con or Islamic terroist!

Posted by: Paul Cash | Aug 21, 2006 2:23:57 PM

I will remain cautious, but tomorrow may not be the day. However, if it is won't all the worl feel moronic for not believing and airing on the side of caution.

Drew

Posted by: Drew | Aug 21, 2006 2:24:06 PM

I wonder how brave those who mock the war on terror as "fear mongering" will be when they find themselves at the top of a burning skyscraper and have to jump?

Posted by: craig eliot | Aug 21, 2006 2:24:17 PM

What a sham.

Posted by: Reality Bites | Aug 21, 2006 2:24:51 PM

As soon as Iran has the bomb... Israel is gone and so is half of the mideast... Hold on to your hats... it's going to be a bumpy ride...

Posted by: Trickster | Aug 21, 2006 2:24:59 PM

it really is a shame, but i have a savior and all who oppose Him and His chosen will face Him one day and beg for mercy. Christ is God.

Posted by: joe | Aug 21, 2006 2:25:25 PM

OH MY GOD!...AND I'M OUT OF DUCT TAPE!

Posted by: TONY | Aug 21, 2006 2:26:35 PM

Why am I reading a blog?

Posted by: Kyle | Aug 21, 2006 2:26:43 PM

What a shame people over react to nonsense from loons. The vast majority of 6 billion human beings are living in peace. This war is tiny compared to the slaughters of WWI and WWII or the butchery of the Pol Pots of the world. Democracy is spreading like a wild fire across the globe. Yes there are problems, yes there is still great trajedy. But we have come so far. And the zeolots that currently commit Jihad, run Iran or a N. Korea days are fading fast. They cannot survive in a free world. They cannot stop freedom.

August 22nd?
It will pass like it does every year, and I doubt history will make much note of it.

Posted by: GS | Aug 21, 2006 2:27:08 PM

I love the first comment from "Stu", who probaly thinks all Republicans are neo-nazis or something of the like, would blame the so-called "neo-cons" if something happened instead of those who actually commited the act like Iran, etc.

It's that kind of sick thinking that is going to get millions of us "infidels" killed around the world because we don't worhip at the alter of Islam. Me, I prefer to blame those that actually commit the act.

Posted by: CrazyWorld | Aug 21, 2006 2:27:45 PM

Remember when the world ended and they didnt tell the stupid people, oh... never mind.

Posted by: Icarus | Aug 21, 2006 2:27:59 PM

With world events spinning out of control, people every where need to stop asking where fault lies and look to themselves for positive change needed for the survival of humanity. At the bottom of the fight is global energy resources, as I am led to believe. One answer to avert crisis is-google E85. It's moonshine that can be used to run some cars that are referred to as Flexfuel. This fuel can be made easily by each of us and may save the world. The consumer is driving this war not the leaders, and the consumer can change the outcome, that's you.

Posted by: Vince | Aug 21, 2006 2:28:19 PM

Who cares.

Posted by: George | Aug 21, 2006 2:28:36 PM

Well if it is the end tomorrow... Well so be it.

Posted by: Howard Kyle | Aug 21, 2006 2:28:43 PM

Please, world, wake up! Iranian President Ahmadinejad poses the greatest threat to your life that any world leader has since Hitler. His passion for martyrdom and seeming willingness to lead his people there, with or without him, in order to advance his own rise as an unparalleled leader in the Islamic world should be terrifying to us all. His desire is no less than the spread of Islamic law to your backyard!

Posted by: Jay | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:16 PM

I agree with NoWorries, you may not believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, nor believe in any God, but note that since we're not promised a tomorrow, you may or may not wake up and have the special sip of coffee.

Posted by: The Conservative | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:16 PM

Just a thought...since Iran is hours ahead of our time, should we stay up all night?

Posted by: c l childress | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:19 PM

In WWII we boarded up the Japanese when we were at war with Japan. Today we are at war with islamo fascists....& yet we permit all mosques to remain open. We are doom ourselves because of our policital correctness & socialistic policies. We should board up all mosques & put the entire ACLU on trial for sadition. Maybe then we'll be a little safer.

Posted by: Elizabeth | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:31 PM

Fear sells.

Posted by: justaman | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:37 PM

Everyone needs to remember that this isn't the "Neo-Cons" or the "end of the world" believers that are saying this. This began from a RENOUNED expert on Islam, Bernard Lewis (87 years old). He is called in by think-tanks, the US Government, Europe, etc whenever they want to know something about Islam. HE stated they COULD be planning something (and he rarely states something publicly) because of Iran's PM and coincidal timing of the 22nd with the Islam calendar and the current crisis. Remember, we are not dealing with rational people there. If nothing happens, so much the better. But, I for one, am thankful for his letting us know that something MAY happen to raise our awareness.

Posted by: boB | Aug 21, 2006 2:29:54 PM

Bill Hartzer (above) has it 100% correct!

Posted by: Sam | Aug 21, 2006 2:30:03 PM

Great. More religious and supernatural speculation to fuel an already god-drunk society. Get over it; He ain't coming back.

Posted by: Patrick K | Aug 21, 2006 2:30:08 PM

All these "useful idiots" are going to PC us into extinction if we don't decide real soon that common sense makes a much better philosophy.

Posted by: Cheryl | Aug 21, 2006 2:30:46 PM

Meglomaniacal tyrants have one thing in common. They miscalculate and push the envelope one too many times. Hopefully these mullahmaniacs will do this tomorrow and set in motion a chain of events which will culminate in their obliteration. End of the Mullah problem.

Posted by: Paul | Aug 21, 2006 2:31:23 PM

Don't forget, it's all Bush's fault anyway. Even though terrorism existed long before he got in office, or the fact that Bin Laden planned 9/11 back when Clinton was in office.

I am sure if the sun goes SuperNova tomorrow, the last thing some folks will think is "Damn that Bush!"

Posted by: CrazyWorld | Aug 21, 2006 2:31:51 PM

Tomorrow's Headline:

End of the World
Women and Children Hardest Hit.
Bush's Fault?

Posted by: Matthew | Aug 21, 2006 2:32:10 PM

seriously... when will people realize that Shiite's were not the ones responsible for September 11th (it was Sunnis), and that perpetrators for the London bombings were also not Shiite, and the alleged hijackers who intended to blow up the transcontinental planes were also not Shiite. In fact the entire Al-Qaeda organization is Wahabi Sunni's who believe Shiite's to be a perversion of Islam and believe killing a Shiite muslim a religiously justified action.

Shiite's aren't your problem, it's fanatic Sunnis.

Zarqawi == Sunni.
Bin Laden == Sunni.
All the 9/11 hijackers == Sunni.
All the London Bombers == Sunni.
All those involved in the plot to blow up 10 transcontinental planes == Sunni.

And you're afraid of Shiite attacks? Get a grip.

Posted by: Ali | Aug 21, 2006 2:32:16 PM

Quote : "If John Kerry was President we wouldn't be worrying about this. Thank god for Ned Lamont."

If John Kerry WAS President, he'd be too busy worrying about his Legacy or reputation, not the lives of Americans.

Posted by: hmm hmm hmm | Aug 21, 2006 2:32:41 PM

Tomorrow represents the end of the world for Shiites...great!! Good riddance. That only means less trouble for the rest of us.

On the other hand, who's going to take them out?

Posted by: Eric | Aug 21, 2006 2:32:56 PM

If only John Kerry would have been elected - then we wouldn't even have to worry about this stuff. (We'd have all been blown up by now).

Posted by: Braidey | Aug 21, 2006 2:33:34 PM

This is the day when all the computers don't recognize 8/23/06 and elevators don't work anymore, right? How is that islamo-fascist? If anything it's a corporate plot!

Posted by: brino | Aug 21, 2006 2:34:04 PM

All hail our ant overlords!

Posted by: Bender | Aug 21, 2006 2:34:06 PM

if Iran is going to nuke Israel, what difference does it make what day it's on?

Posted by: dna | Aug 21, 2006 2:34:42 PM

Iran's President Satan has said:
"Those Who Want Good Relations with the Iranian People Should Bow and Surrender to its Right and Might." This, incidentally, is the first look into how the Democrats plan to wage the war on terror if they regain the House, Senate and White House.

Checklist:
1. Take oath of office
2. Surrender to Iran's Right and Might
3. Kiss everyone's behind who feels offended by America's superiority, terrorists specificially
4. Beg the rest of the world to like us again (cry on national TV and announce we have removed all security from our borders)
5. Shield eyes from 27 terrorist dirty bombs going off in 15 major U.S. cities
6. Complain Republicans didn't do enough to keep America safe

Posted by: John Huiett | Aug 21, 2006 2:35:36 PM

Mike, by the sounds of the size 11 and a half shoes and you blaming the accident on islamic fanatics, Usama may actually be in your neighborhood! If you find him, you should be able to fix the hood with the reward money. Good luck!

Posted by: In agreement to Mike... | Aug 21, 2006 2:36:07 PM

You reap what you sow.

If eveyone lived by these words, we would all be living in harmony.

Posted by: Johny | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:17 PM

Darn....your all on to the Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, George Bush plan to incite the Islamo idiots to end the world so their Haliburton stock goes up as Haliburton moves in to rebuild the world!!

Posted by: Dan Holewinski | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:19 PM

Bring it on! If the majority "non-fanatic" Persians can't impose their will on their madman leaders, and the madmen start a fight with us, we will have to do it - just like we had to do it for the Japanese citizenry in '45....

Posted by: dontteadonme | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:36 PM

I think I saw a domesday clock on CNN!! It was right next to the Al Gore Domesday clock...

Posted by: John b | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:48 PM

All I can say is that I'm hoping for the best, yet expecting the worst for tomorrow. I've been reading quite a lot about the significance of this date and things do seem to point to some sort of "armegeddon like" occurance happening on August 22nd (with the "fire over Jerusalem" reference in mind). But, just like many christians have predicted catastrophic events to no avail throughout the centuries - so will the muslims see this day pass like any other as well (hopefully -for mankind's sake).

Posted by: Lars | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:57 PM

Let's ask Mike Wallace and ABC. They should know what their good friend, Ahmadinejad, has planned. Maybe they're not telling us because it would hurt their "big story" for tomorrow.

Posted by: debbie downer | Aug 21, 2006 2:37:58 PM

If John Kerry was President we'd be licking Ahmadinajed's boots for him. Bush ain't perfect, but let's not get into la-la land too fast, okay? Lamont is gonna sink the Democrats, I see a rise in the Independents thanks to their BS and the GOP's lack of backbone.

If tomorrow is doomsday for some, Iran will be the last ones on the hit list if they start a bloodbath.

'This war was started at a time an hour not of our choosing, but will be finished at a time we will choose....'

Posted by: Nick | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:00 PM

Message to Iran: Bring it!

Posted by: Tom | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:15 PM

I am wondering the same thing...

Posted by: Joshua | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:28 PM

I tend to think that some of those who constantly fan the flames of fear actually wish that something would happen. Regardless, worrying about vague speculations such as this is a total waste of time.

Posted by: Dan | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:33 PM

Hummm, Why not ask Paris Hilton I'm sure if it's an important date she of all people would know.

I wonder what she would wear for the Rapture,the End times or Armageddon. I wonder August 22nd if she'l gettin any?

Posted by: Steve | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:46 PM

"I am sure if the sun goes SuperNova tomorrow, the last thing some folks will think is "Damn that Bush!""

I know I will :-)

Posted by: Brian | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:53 PM

The world is going to end tomorrow? Wonder what that will do to my 401k...

Posted by: russ | Aug 21, 2006 2:38:57 PM

some people like potatos, some like rice, I like green vegetables.

Posted by: FDA | Aug 21, 2006 2:40:25 PM

Ahmajanidad (sp?!) is just as crazy as the Chimp.

Bush thinks he talks to God and that we're all gonna be raptured up ala "Left Behind" any day now.

Bush was asked in 2003 how he though history would judge his administration.

His response was, "it doesn't matter, we'll all be dead".

Too much cocaine to the brain for that former Harvard cheerleader...

Posted by: John in Chicago | Aug 21, 2006 2:41:41 PM

I hope not. August 22 is my birthday

Posted by: BC | Aug 21, 2006 2:42:21 PM

September 7, 2006 is also a potential day for terrorist activity.

09/11/2001 + (911 days) + (911 days) = 09/07/2006

Posted by: The Eagle | Aug 21, 2006 2:42:54 PM

Ridiculous -- that neo-con scholar Bernard Lewis and the born-again brigade of Promise-Keepers are fueling the fires of Islamic hatred with their farcical Nostradamus rants...

Posted by: Fred | Aug 21, 2006 2:42:58 PM

If John Kerry were president, it would just be another day of terrorist bombings on US soil!

Posted by: David | Aug 21, 2006 2:43:04 PM

What a shame we take this crap so seriously - its just a day like any other - your chances of getting hit by a bus are much greater. This is all fear mongering. Live until you die people!

Posted by: T | Aug 21, 2006 2:43:14 PM

Why should we worry? We are assured by the American far left that Bush is the real threat not those that have sworn to actually kill us and destroy our way of life. The similarities between the rise of Islamo-fascism and other such entities in past human history is uncanny. If we don't do something now, then millions will eventually die.

Posted by: Jim Gregory | Aug 21, 2006 2:43:27 PM

If its all over tommarrow i can only hope when and if there are human life afterwards they dont look back at our ruins and say, WHAT A WASTE, and WHY DID THEY HATE EACH OTHER SO MUCH, WHY DID THEY WANT TO KILL SO MUCH, WHAT MADE THEM SO EVIL TOWARDS CHILDREN AND INNOCENTS AT THE END, WHY DID SO MANY TURN AGAINST EACH OTHER, BLAME ONE ANOTHER WHEN THEY HAD SO MUCH. FOR WHAT, RELIGION, LAND, OIL, MONEY, NONE OF WHICH ANY OF THEM COULD TAKE WITH THEM, THE ONLY THING THEY TAKE WITH THEM IS THERE SOUL, THE ONE THING THE LORD OR ALI GAVE THEM THAT WAS THERES AND FOR THEM TO TAKE CARE OF, BUT THEY WERE NOT GRATEFUL ENOUGH, WHY BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT SEE THE TRUE LESSON, THE LESSON HE BEGS US TO KNOW AND LEARN, THAT IF YOU FEEL AND ONLY CARE FOR YOURSELF AND BELEIFS YOU WILL NEVER GROW AND THUS YOU NEVER FILL COMPELETLY FULLFILLED, SIMPLE BUT ITS THE TRUE LESSON IN LIFE.

Posted by: Chris | Aug 21, 2006 2:44:12 PM

This is all a bunch of ballyhoo!

Posted by: MJ | Aug 21, 2006 2:44:21 PM

Yeah, but if only john kerry were President, everything would be hunky dorry, just like it was when William Jefferson Blythe Clinton III was President. Just ask him. And Israel would never have fought with kizbullah. Just ask him. If only john kerry was our President....everything would be fine. Yeah: RIGHT!!

Posted by: Delbert Frosh | Aug 21, 2006 2:44:45 PM

Ahh booboo scary scary death, ohhh ohhh I NEED more security for my safe freedumb, save me from me mister man please oh please I am soo scared I need to be more assured of my safety or I will lose my frredumb oh GOD don't let me lose my freedumb

Posted by: Drew | Aug 21, 2006 2:45:21 PM

I love how much fear mongering the news agencies do. Thanks Alphabet Soup news...

On a serious note, in a country (USA) with so many personal liberties we should expect to see more attacks here at home. It is a direct effect of living on a free (sort of free) community. I am not yet willing to sacrifice my freedoms for security. When the Gov't takes our freedoms in the name of security, you won't have anything worth securing, I promise. Don't let the gov't, news agencies, and the terrorist scare you into loosing your constitutional right to be free.

Posted by: Eric | Aug 21, 2006 2:47:07 PM

they're gonna stop having the sun

so you better get tan.

Posted by: joe | Aug 21, 2006 2:48:12 PM

The end of the world? Maybe for the historically antagonistic Islamist, Christian, and Jewish denominations. Hindus and Buddhists will inherit the earth. Bring on the new order.

Posted by: james | Aug 21, 2006 2:48:15 PM

Not to worry Mike Wallace says it's all ok! Besides the ACLU will keep us safe in our beds each and every night