Turmoil in the Middle East

My brother told me last night that his Rosh Yeshiva spoke about all the uprisings in the Arab/Muslim countries. The R”Y told them he had a lengthy discussion with R’ Chaim Epstein about it. Here is what he said:

It’s brought down in the Zohar that when the leader of a country is overthrown, it’s a sign that the malach of that country is weakening. R’ Chaim said that this is a good thing for us, and means Mashiach is getting very close. It doesn’t mean it’s good in the short term, only in the long term, as it might be from the chevlei Mashiach, which will be very difficult.

The R”Y asked R’ Chaim if the fact that the uprisings are occurring in Adar means it’s definitely a good thing for the Jews even now. R’ Chaim replied that he’s not sure – it could mean it’s very good for us, or it could mean that it should have been very bad, and Adar is making it not as bad. Either way, he said, the good mazal of Adar has an effect on it.