Thank you for posting this David.  I have come to the same conclusion about the identity of the last empire represented by the feet/toes of iron and clay myself.  So many are looking to the western half Rome and its Holy Roman Empire history and the rise of the EU as the last kingdom.  There are very few of us who see that it is the Eastern Half of Rome which occupied the same territory as the Seleucid Greek Empire before it, and Islam after it.  This is also the same territory that was once the Assyrian Empire.  Remember, the antichrist is also known as the Assyrian in the Old Testament.

I have written 2 letters on this subject myself which have added scriptural details from Daniel and Revelation that fit this interpretation, as well as some speculation regarding this "Time Marker".

Election Connections posted 9/30/04 Link to Election Connections

Election Connections Follow Up posted 12/2/04 Link to Election Connections Follow Up

I believe 2005 is going to be a very prophetic year indeed.  We will likely gain a much better understanding of how end time prophecy is going to be fulfilled as we watch the players moving.  But many may miss the significance if they are looking in the wrong place.  I pray that we all continue to watch with an open mind so that we don't fall into deception.

YBIC, Chris aka Prophbuff