A few thoughts on the Jerusalem announcement....
I don't feel that the announcement was particularly urgent, but I disagree with those who say it was particularly wrong. It wasn't. In some ways it was remarkably unremarkable. No one in the world should be surprised
As a Christian I see the Jewish claim to Jerusalem as capital as historically valid. Yes we Christians and Muslims care about the city and care deeply, but it's pretty clear the Jews were there first. But the question is not historic claim, it's political prudence
Three main arguments against the announcement: 1) It's illegal under int'l law, 2) It will spark violence in the Middle East, and 3) It will undermine the peace process. I find all of them unconvincing
The legal argument is hardly open and shut. Many arguments on both sides and the arguments go round and round. None of this tweetable but it doesn't matter. The real concern here is ensuring security and enabling peace
It is indeed possible that the Jerusalem announcement will make angry people angrier, hateful people more hateful, and violent people more violent. But that is not a compelling reason for why the US should not move forward. Perhaps the exact opposite
Trump’s decision may enrage people, but a diplomatic decision deserves a diplomatic response. The decision to take human life because an embassy moves from one city to another will ultimately be on his opponents, not on him.
Opponents of Trump’s announcement claim that it will doom any chance at a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians. But the peace process has been stuck at zero for at least a decade. Less than zero.
Anyway there is no reason why a recognition of Jerusalem would preclude its future recognition as the simultaneous capital of a Palestinian state. It’s possible, and it has been talked about. Not an obstacle to peace.
Respect for the bipartisan will of our citizens, loyalty to allies, concern for religious liberty, reverence for history, and opposition to those who deny the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. Absent any clear and present danger, these are the ideas that should guide us.
There are far bigger fish to fry right now in the Middle East. I'm just not sure this is the one that we should be concerned about. And don't let anyone blame their violent reaction on this. Not a good excuse to kill people. Sorry
