Issues Under Fire: Trump's Jerusalem Policy Ignites Bloody Days in Bethlehem, Merry Xmas
Violence sparked by Donald Trump's official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital has now exceeded the initial call for three days of rage. Entering its fourth and fifth days, the burning of tires and stone-throwing continue to be met with rubber bullets and tear gas in the occupied territories. Yeah, it was a bloody day in Bethlehem. While the death toll remains relatively low, the number of injured and arrested Palestinian protesters continue to rise. If improperly dealt with, this unrest could morph into a higher state of sustained anger. And it if does, that anger could be used to fuel acts of terror beyond the confines of the Middle East. The U.S. and Europe should pay close attention.
On Friday, the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the issue and express its concern and outrage over the abrupt shift in U.S. policy regarding Jerusalem. Due to the complex and sensitive nature of the most contested component of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the fragile status quo played a valuable role in staving off violence and unrest, while efforts to broker an acceptable solution for both parties could make progress. When Donald Trump unilaterally recognized Jerusalem, he not only rattled the region, he rattled the world.
It remains unclear how the so-called Arab street will respond to daily pictures, videos and stories documenting bloody street battles in the West Bank and air strikes in Gaza before they're moved to retaliate. It remains unclear who among the most extreme will respond first, not to mention, when or where. But if history is any guide, the U.K., France, Germany or the United States are all possibilities, for starters. Although, in reality, it could be any place on the planet. Hence, this is the rationale for Europe and the rest of the civilized world doing all it can to distance itself from Donald Trump's radical policy change.
Just the threat alone could amount to hundreds of millions spent on heightened security worldwide. Airports, train stations, shopping malls, concert venues and other high traffic public spaces will need to be protected. The cost of securing free and open societies cannot be sustained over the long-term, but that's what the international community is being asked to do. Anybody who can drive a truck, wield a knife or pull a trigger in a crowd can wreak havoc anytime they please. So, to say this crisis is a nightmare for international law enforcement and security forces would be the ultimate in understating the situation. And don't even think about the inconvenience and imposition all aforementioned added security places upon the general public.
Imagine even longer lines to check-in when traveling, the random searches and identification stops along with long gun armed cops patrolling popular tourist spots and sporting events. Having to accept this way of life over the long-term will become more than an inconvenience or an imposition. It will become irritating and intolerable. Unfortunately, this dark picture is a very real probability in the short-term, because what happens in Bethlehem won't stay in Bethlehem. So, failing to prepare for the a sustained backlash would be irresponsible. Sadly, we're here now and for the moment, there's nothing the world can do about it.
Bottom line: To put it mildly, Donald Trump F#@ked-Up Big Time and what's worse, he can't fix this. The Palestinian leadership has now deemed the United States to be blatantly biased toward Israel and a dishonest broker for peace. Having lost all credibility, the United States is no longer welcome at the negotiating table. In the Palestinian's view, the United States is no longer a partner for solutions, but now a part of the problem. And the world appears to agree, because the international community have flatly stated in no uncertain terms that Trump's actions would lead to anything but peace. Podcast below.
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