Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel
“Trump endorses Jerusalem; Move angers Mideast Muslims,” Dec. 7 news story.
Another week and another reckless, divisive and inflammatory action from the White House. Another signal to the world that America’s word and commitment to peace means nothing.
By recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving our embassy from Tel Aviv, the United States is blatantly choosing sides in a conflict that can only be solved by negotiation and diplomacy, keeping neutral and giving all people who want peace in the area respect and a voice.
This move will not make America or the world safer. It will not bring peace in the Middle East. It will put our military men and women in extreme peril. The only reason for this move is for this president to make his donors and his dwindling base happy. That is all Donald Trump cares about. ●●●
This week we have seen another act of aggressive ignorance by our president. Unfortunately, passionate, emotional people on both sides of the status of Jerusalem issue will die because of our president’s reckless action. He has thrown a match into a keg of gunpowder. And he has taken this action in spite of many world leaders, and others, advising against it. Let us hope cooler heads will prevail and not too much blood will be spilled because of one man’s lack of intelligent diplomacy. Heaven, help us.
●●●
At the best, Donald Trump’s decision may unilaterally put Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount back on the front burner in the Middle East — where the Palestinians might feel forced to take what they can get in any two-state peace treaty before the U.S. backs Israel in taking more and more until a two-state peace treaty solves the problem.
At the worst, Trump’s decision may unilaterally put Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount back on the front burner in the Middle East — where those countries that vowed to “wipe Israel off the face of the Earth” actually (and foolishly) try to do so, and that could very well bring about an Israeli victory that ends up with a peace treaty that unquestionably favors Israel.
In other words, Trump has symbolically upset the status quo that has been going on far too long, and whatever the result is may finally lead to a real solution. Send letters of 150 words or fewer to openforum@denverpost.com or 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 800, Denver, CO, 80202. Please include full name, city and phone number. Contact information is for our purposes only; we will not share it with anyone else. You can reach us by telephone at 303-954-1331.