Review – Damascus Countdown

Joel Rosenberg announces the release of Damascus Countdown today that completes the Twelfth Imam trilogy, a book endorsed by “…former presidential candidate, Rich Santorum and radio host, Rush Limbaugh…” www.flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/  Rosenberg’s realistic portrayal of the unrest and division in the Middle East, Jerusalem and the anticipated appearance of the prophetic Twelfth Imam is chilling, dramatic and real.

The Tehran Initiative, second in the series, ended with covert agent David Shirazi, aka Mr. Tabrizi’s meeting with the Twelfth Imam’s aide to deliver the highly prized SAT phones, that unbeknownst to them were converted by the CIA. Damascus Countdown begins with that meeting.

David knew the satellite phones would prove irresistible to the Iranians with the growing unrest and threat of communication breakdown with war imminent. It also meant “…Iran’s supreme Ayatollah…president…and the passionately devout “Twelver’s” of the so-called Islamic Messiah…” only communication would be through satellite transmission. The CIA monitored phones would prove critical to Israel and the United States.

During the meeting, sudden sounds of sniper rifle fire felled two bodyguards and left the aide crumpled and bleeding on the ground with David crouched beside him. David felt a small sense of satisfaction knowing the first part of his daring plan had succeeded. Then felt his muscles tense in anticipation of phase two—a programmed car bomb blast that would ensure their escape.

Instead David heard the unexpected roar of four fighter jets as they streaked across the sky, firing air-to-ground missiles and knew Israel had ordered a devastating and massive preemptive “first strike” on Iran’s nuclear facility. 

Add the suspicions, tensions and turmoil of a nation and culture divided, an American President whose stand with Israel is questionable, two missing nuclear warheads and a CIA agent stranded in Iran with Israeli operatives and readers have an international tale of intrigue that keeps pages turning long after the lights should go out. 

The narrative is told through the lens of bible prophecy from both a biblical and Islamic perspective. Many events could be tomorrow’s headlines, whether an Israeli first strike or the Twelfth Imam’s prophesied appearance or Iran’s order for Israel’s annihilation, any of which would be cataclysmic and world changing.

Limbaugh says, “… the intense action and blistering pace is eerily close to real events…” such as Syria’s meltdown and Iran’s nuclear capacity.  Rick Santorum says the book “…will be banned and burned in Tehran and Damascus, but it should be required reading in Washington.”

Rosenberg’s book is not one to miss.