I enjoyed your post. It was thorough and full of very important information. You did alot of research and it shows!
However, as I lean further and further away from "traditional" interpretations, I have been thinking about the indentity of the harlot and I have a different idea.
Given the global ties all world economies share, and the political instability around the world, I am guessing that the Harlot is the concept of "AMERICA". AMERICA is like a drug to foreigners. They dream of coming here, living here, becoming wealthy here, and studying here, that's why people risk their lives and break laws to come in the first place. The ideas that the US is a melting pot, the land of the free, streets paved with gold, land of opportunity are abstract, therefore conceptual.
Doesn't AMERICA and americans appear to be living in shameless luxury, while the rest of the world suffers? Foreigners think so! Our government is corrupt and plots, schemes, maneuvers, manipulates, infiltrates, intimidates and coerces other governments in matters of policy, economics, human rights, religion, and the environment. This country is the most influential on all mankind.
I think the harlot is a concept or idea affecting the world of mankind. People everywhere are "drunk" with our pop cultures, sub-cultures and our brand of materialism. Our media and entertainment industries have everyone in trance like states and in awe of how anyone can make it!
The concept of the richest country in the world amidst a global struggle of poverty and conflict is evident today. The kings who stand aside might be the European Union while the kings who destroy her might be the rest of the kings (Arab nations, China, Russia).
In order to preserve themselves, do you think the europeans would wage all out global war to protect and preserve America? I think if they had to face China, Russia and the Middle East, they would not. They have been very apprehensive throughout the war on terrorism and not much has been heard from Russia and China in the way of opposition.
But, now with Bush making boastful claims and threatening IRAN, IRAQ and NORTH KOREA, the possibilities of a WWIII are even more realistic.
Imagine the scene; the US fighting with the UK on several fronts against IRAN, IRAQ, NORTH KOREA, AFGHANISTAN, and then imagine other arab nations waging war against ISRAEL, while RUSSIA and CHINA sit idly by letting the ANGLO-AMERICANS deplete their resources in an attrition war they cannot win without escalating to nuclear levels.
Imagine that after a short time, the losses begin and americans and british soldiers begin dying and the casualties begin mounting. Then, european support begins to fade, protests begin at home and abroad against continuing the war on terrorism and support fades. Imagine domestic economic issues begin affecting global trade, and political scandals surface in the media and popular support and patriotism dwindles. Wasn't it "KANSAS" who sang "nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky, and all your money won't another minute buy" in "Dust in the Wind"? Think about that.
RUSSIA and CHINA would love to have financial power like the US and assert themselves as future leaders of the world. I think "TEARS for FEARS" said it best in 84', "everybody wants to rule the world".
You see, when vivid and imaginative images are brought to life on paper or media, they are powerful and stimulating. The images in Revelation are the same. I once heard someone say they thought whoever wrote it accidentally stumbled onto opium or psilocybin. Interpretations can be conjured, applied and compared to almost anything at anytime.