The New Persia Times
Crisis in Shushan
The United States is intervening diplomatically to forestall a rapidly developing crisis in the Persian Empire. Sources close to the government of King Achashveirosh have leaked information that the kingdom has sanctioned the extermination of all Jews under his rule. The edict originated with Haman, the king’s closest adviser, and was approved by Achashveirosh a number of months ago.
Aware of this decree, the Jews of the empire, led by Mordechai are seeking to forestall this fate. Prayer gatherings are common and prominent Jews have been seeking out government officials to try and persuade the king to rescind the decree.
Outgoing State Department spokesman, P. J. Crowley emphasized that the United States sought a peaceful resolution to the crisis and that the administration hoped that both sides could compromise.
Reached at his office, son and spokesman of Haman, Aspata declared, “The Agagite family seeks to fulfill its legitimate national aspirations.” When Mordechai was reached by this paper he expressed his hopes that matters could be resolved peacefully but that time was running out.
President Obama, concerned that Mordechai’s statement could be construed as a threat, warned the Jewish leader that “… there were no military solutions for this crisis” and asked that Mordechai “… refrain from any more provocative actions, such as refusing to bow down to Haman.”
Unclear in all the turmoil in Persia, is the role of Queen Esther. Palace watchers have long suspected that she was allied with Mordechai as she regularly exchanged messages with him. However recently she took the risky step of appearing unannounced before the King and inviting Achashveirosh to join her for dinner along with Haman. It is expected that Esther’s role in this unfolding drama will become clearer this evening as she is once again set to dine with Achashveirosh and Haman.
HAPPY PURIM
