In 2005, German-American relations were at their worst point since World War ii, largely because of the icy relationship between German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and U.S. President George W. Bush. Political issues—primarily the Iraq war—left the two leaders diametrically opposed, and Schröder exploited that gulf politically. In fact, most analysts felt Schröder was only reelected in 2002 because he publicly opposed Bush, playing to anti-American sentiment in the German electorate.

But Germany has a new chancellor now. Last week, President Bush kissed Chancellor Angela Merkel on both cheeks in the public square of the northeastern German city of Stralsund, and the crowd of 1,000 people went wild. In less than a year, the relationship between the two nations has gone from hostile to flirtatious.

“The transformation of the relations is not just in tone, it’s also in substance,” said Gary Smith, head of a research institute in Berlin, citing “a new kind of diplomacy” and the tougher German stance on Iran.

For his part, President Bush says he is “proud to call her [Merkel] a friend” and says he “respect[s] her judgment and value[s] her opinion.”

Even in her silence, Merkel shows her support: She did not mention her desire for the United States to shut down the military prison in Guantanamo Bay publicly on this visit. She even used Bush’s favorite buzzwords, repeatedly talking about freedom, democracy, human rights, and promising to fight against those who support terrorism.

Germany is also prepared to help take a leading role in the Middle East, good news for an overtaxed U.S. Perhaps most strikingly, Bush and Merkel addressed the Middle East crisis as a team in a joint press conference. After clearly identifying Hezbollah as the instigator of the latest conflict, Merkel said: “We call on the powers in the region to seek to bring about a de-escalation of the situation.” While many consider Bush an authoritarian for trying to push U.S. dogma on the region, this criticism doesn’t stick to Merkel, Europe’s newfound diplomatic champion. For clear reasons, Bush is grateful to have her support—support that will become even more important at the beginning of 2007 when Germany—specifically Merkel—takes the reins of the EU presidency.

At the lowest point of his own presidency, President Bush has found a German ray of light. Of course, having a light shining in your eyes can distract you from real issues. Other times, the rapidly approaching light is the last thing you see while standing on train tracks. Might the currently bright U.S.-German relationship end this way?

On the face of it, the improved relationship does look mutually advantageous. After all, both sides have enemies who promote terror as a weapon. Anyone who offers hope in the Middle East crisis is likely to be welcomed as an ally. Any politician who can help put a more positive face on the globally disrespected U.S. must look like a best friend, even a lover.

The Prophet Ezekiel painted a brutally stark picture of the end-time nations of Israel (primarily the United States and Britain), and the types of international relationships they would pursue. He likened them to a prostitute paying her lover. That lover is “Assyria.” Our booklet Germany and the Holy Roman Empire shows that the modern-day Assyrians make up the nation of Germany. Ezekiel graphically describes the tragic conclusion of that twisted relationship.

It should not surprise us at all when the newspapers talk about a “political love fest” between American and German politicians. But the end-time betrayal should not surprise us either!

In Isaiah 10:5-7, God calls Assyria the “rod of mine anger” against a “hypocritical nation.” The Prophet Habakkuk also warned that Germany would rise to punish the nations of Israel. It is in this context that we must view a rising Europe led by Germany.

The Trumpet certainly has no animosity toward Germany. The German people have the distinction of being the only nation to have ever repented after a grave warning from one of His prophets (Jonah 3:5-10). They are a uniquely talented, organizationally gifted people that have much to offer the world. Also, remember: It is God who uses the Germans as a tool to punish Israel because of its own sins. It is God who is angry with His people! No German can be blamed for that. But as we watch world events unfold, we must realize: The real threat to the United States and Britain is not in the Middle East. Rather, it is a rising beast in Europe led by Germany. That is the warning given by your Bible.