While the rest of the world suffers under high gas prices, the rich oilmongers of Saudi Arabia are struggling to find uses for their money.  Already having luxuries like a full-sized, completely enclosed ski slope and palaces that make Disney World look like a gazebo, where else can you go but up?  The Dubai Tower, shown above (and still under construction), would have been the world’s tallest building, at 2,300 feet and 160 storeys.  But Prince al-Walid bin Talal (pictured) is already planning to spend $10 billion on a mile-high structure that should dwarf any rivals.

Eerily similar to the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel, this story portrays the age-old problem of ambition, fueled by money and power.  Isn’t it interesting that we never hear about Middle East philanthropy — helping others in need around the world?  With their towering toys and plush playgrounds, they just don’t have time for anything, or anyone, else.  Prince bin Talal also owns the $2.5 billion Savoy Hotel in London.

In fact, the Saudi’s have been quietly buying up property and businesses for years.  Money buys power.  So we have good reason to be concerned when our economy is threatened and our society begins to feel the effect of Islamic persuasion.  I’m sure glad that God is going to work all of this out!  People control you through fear.  We all know of God’s power, but we may not often realize that his power is rooted in his love.  And perfect love casts out fear.

The as-yet-unnamed tower will be located near Jeddah, a port city on the Red Sea.  It will be interesting to see if God (or Allah) will thwart this prideful project.  A well-placed earthquake could cause another parting of the waters.
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Saudi Holding
Tower of Babel