Jerusalem 12-11-2017

11, December 2017                                Jerusalem

Mr. Trump’s impetuous declaration recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a monumental mistake. He falsely claimed that this would advance the peace process ignoring universal opposition to such a move and the ongoing violence.

This has little to do with the peace process but has everything to do with fulfilling a campaign promise to his ardent supporters. Furthermore, he has exposed all Americans to extreme danger especially those on overseas assignments. 

Using the same twisted logic, perhaps Trump should cede Crimea and Ukraine to the Russian Federation recognizing the “realties of conquest.”

The declaration comes at a time when Palestinians in East Jerusalem remain under brutal Israeli occupation against rampant home demolitions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and revocation of residency rights. Meanwhile illegal settlements continue to gobble up more and more Palestinian land. The announcement also comes after more than two decades of failed so-called peace talks and 22 years of unconditional US congressional support for the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Glaringly omitted from Trump’s proclamation were the legitimate Palestinians’ claims to Jerusalem.