Temple Mount Troubles

Serious happenings in Jerusalem these days. I'm confident that you've seen the news over the temple mount/dome of the rock/al aqsa/western wall/etc... that has threatened to cause the old city and other Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem (and Israel) to erupt into chaos and violence.

A brief synopsis, construction of a new pedestrian ramp going up to the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa has been going on immediately to the south of the Western Wall. The construction of the ramp requires excavation and many in the Islamic world believe that the excavation is being used to undermine (and potentially destroy) the Temple Mount which is the 3rd holiest location in all of Islam. The Israeli government says that the construction (which is being done in the Jewish Quarter) is totally safe and doesn't threaten the foundation of any structure and that Arab leaders are using the construction solely as an excuse to insight riots and induce violence.

As with everything in the Arab/Israeli conflict there is plenty of blame to go around. While I have no proof, I'm quite confident that the ramp construction would not in any way threaten any building or structure on the temple mount and I know that many radical Muslim leaders would use any excuse to spew hatred against Israel and encourage intifada.

However, the Israel government consistently fails to acknowledge the pressure point that is the Temple Mount and acts in a way that seems (or may even be) remarkably unilateral and without a doubt flames legitimate Muslim fears. Twice in the last 10 years, once with the opening of an underground tunnel and the second with Ariel Sharon's public visit to the Temple Mount, have major and deadly skirmishes stemmed from conflicts at the Temple Mount. (some consider, Sharon's visit as one of the catalysts to stopping the peace process of the late 90's and starting the second Intifada.)

So as with much that occurs in this country, spin the wheel and cast blame in whatever direction you seem fit. My hunch is that things will calm down rather quickly, hopefully cooler heads will prevail and the threats of a major escalation of violence will be averted.

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As you can tell, I've figured out a way to include some photos in the blog (it was really easy and a 4 year old could have done it for me), I'll try and keep getting a few more pictures on line so you can see. The photo I'll leave you with is one from about a year and a half ago -- you may have seen it before. The story behind it is that the bastard who took it couldn't get the camera working and got the photo 5 seconds after we had shook hands and BO had already turned to the news media. Anyhow , it was the second time I had met the man and I still don't have a proper photo with him!!!!