Issues Under Fire: Temple Mount Conflict is the Flashpoint

Issues Under Fire: Temple Mount Conflict is the Flashpoint 

As with any major conflict that's allowed to spiral out of control, there is always a triggering event or flashpoint one can point to that explains who was doing what and why, when the violence started. Considering this latest crises has the potential to not only explode but expand beyond the confines of the Israeli-Palestinian divide, its critical to fully understand the root of this row. And this row has some serious roots. 

At the heart of the Islamic faith, resides the holiest of holy spaces on the planet; The Dome of the Rock in the old city of Jerusalem. Located at the visual center of a platform known as the Temple Mount or in Arabic, AL-Haram al-Sharif  "the Noble Snactuary" the Dome is one of the oldest works of Islamic architecture. And as such, this is a no go zone for non Muslims. Until now, there had been a grudgingly respected arrangement between the Israeli government and Israeli Arabs and Palestinians. But that status quo is being tested. 

Lately more and more ultra orthodox Jews (some say religious extremist) have been encroaching on spaces on the Mount that have been designated and reserved for Muslim worshipers only. Despite 1500 years of Jews being forbidden access to various sections of the holy site, Right Wing fanatics, are forcible citing an historic right to that space due to the original Solomon's Temple being right underneath "The Dome". Although little if any archeological evidence has ever been found to confirm Solomon's Temple ever existed, these religious crackpots insist upon establishing their God given right of return. 

In a space where the Prophet Mohammed was to have ascended to Heaven being soiled by Jewish interlopers, one would have to be a blithering idiot, not to foresee Arab Israelis, Palestinians and Muslims worldwide being repulsed by the arrogance and aggression. Given the fact that Arab Israelis and Palestinians live, work and worship under the watchful eye of the Israeli occupying forces, have had their land confiscated and having been relegated to second and third class citizen status, The Rock of the Dome has become a red hot red line not to be crossed. Ever! 

Young Palestinians have witnessed their parents and grand parents fight the good fights and lost them all. They have seen what Israelis do when given an inch. They're convinced Israel has every intention of taking as much as can be taken, no matter what the cost in Arab/Palestinian blood or even international opinion. But this generation seems different and more determined.  

These kids are no longer listening to the older guard. They are venting their frustrations and anger in the streets through increasingly violent acts of resistance. They are committed to protecting and preserving what little they have left even if they must sacrifice their young lives to do it. While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be nothing new, the players in the latest dustup are fresh energized and prepared to engage anew.  

Bottom line: If the Israeli government has any intentions of averting a borderless conflict that could last for years, it should be reigning in their religious loose canons before this issue triggers the ire of Muslims everywhere. Unlike Las Vegas, whatever happens in the West Bank and Gaza won't stay there. What's going on in the occupied territories will only fuel the ongoing tensions by inviting outsiders into the fray. Podcast Below!