Pandemonium in Jerusalem

Chaos is the only term that can describe the events taking place in Jerusalem these past few days and it doesn’t look like the mayhem will subside anytime soon. Israeli police are in an all out battle with masked Palestinian protesters as stun grenades, stones, petrol bombs and plastic chairs are raining from the sky. The fact that this World War III type of scene is happening outside one of Jerusalem’s most holy shrines shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to those who are familiar with the history between these two enemies.

As Israeli riot police tried to extinguish this prolonged conflict, several protesters were shoveled into Islamic structures that are located in what is known as the Noble Sanctuary, a name that doesn’t quite fit the situation that was unfolding at the time. These protesters were hiding inside for several hours and reports indicated that much to everyone’s surprise, no one was injured or harmed. As anyone who is familiar with the situation knows, police remain on high alert as the potential for an explosion or scary situation lies right around the corner.

As the fire in Jerusalem continues to burn, a Palestinian official dumped much unneeded fuel to the situation when he said with a stern tone in his voice, “Jerusalem is a red line that Israel should not cross.” The shocking thing about this entire situation is how the government and high officials on both sides are encouraging the citizens to act out violently. The purpose of government by nature is to resolve things peacefully and to use force as an absolute last resort. However, violence tends and seems to be the choice for any and all situations, especially when it involved Palestinians and Israeli’s.

These types of situations beg the question of what should or possibly can be done to reduce the tension between the two nations. It seems like nothing! This ongoing feud or war has been going on since the beginning of time and doesn’t look like it will be going anywhere anytime soon. Does the United States suddenly become involved on a much more consistent or powerful basis? It seems unlikely that either nation would listen even if we did. The only way this war comes to an end is if both sides want it to.