Is the current chaos in the Middle East perhaps signs of Imaam Mahdi's imminent appearance?

Answer

We do not know if Imaam Mahdi's appearance is imminent or not. Only Allah Ta'ala knows when Imaam Mahdi will appear. While total anarchy and chaos will reign and herald his arrival, no one can say if the current Middle Eastern scenario is the stage for his appearance.

We venture to say that Imaam Mahdi's appearance will be heralded by total chaos and anarchy in Saudi Arabia. The writing is already on the wall for the Saudi regime. America will usher in the demise of the Saudi regime, and in its wake will ensue the worst anarchy. For Imaam Mahdi to appear there appears to be the need for total chaos in Saudi Arabia.

Imaam Mahdi (Alayhis salaam) will make his appearance in Makkah Muazzamah. He will be recognized and appointed the Ameer by the Abdaal who will locate him making Tawaaf of Baitullah Shareef. We can theorize that when he makes an appearance, there will be no government in Saudi Arabia. It will be chaos and anarchy. Thus, there will be no need for him to fight an established government in Saudi Arabia. On his appointment he will raise his army in Hijaaz, subdue the country and move rapidly to Damascus, conquering all the land he traverses. And, Allah knows best.