Sunday, December 31, 2017

Trump, Jerusalem and the United Nations

For each of us personally, I think it may mean something different based on your view of history and your beliefs.


St. Petersburg, Fl
Opinion by: E. Eugene Webb PhD


President Trump’s decision to declare Jerusalem the Capital of Israel and move the US Embassy to the City has set off a fire storm of comment and opinion.

Mainstream media has been awash in unsubstantiated political comment and condemnation of the move. Declarations of disaster and political retribution seemed to
be justified when the UN General assembly voted 128 to 35 to condemn President Trump’s decision.

However, as the dust clears it seems there may be some growing support for the US decision see the Dailywire article by Hank Berrin, EMBOLDENED BY TRUMP: 10 More Countries May Move Their Embassies To Jerusalem.

For some background  check out the Los Angeles Times article by Noah Bierman, Who really wants Trump to recognize Jerusalem? His evangelical supporters at home

The political divide in the Israeli - Palestinian dispute has waged on since the State of Israel was established. It has been a source political conflict, military action and war right up to this day.

Why are so many countries and religions afraid of Israel and this move? Here is a good historical timeline from ProCon: Historical Timeline: 1900-Present History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

Nothing much in the dispute has changed in the last 25 years and those who profit from the conflict certainly don’t want to see it end.

About the move to Jerusalem Trump said, “I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver.” “Today, I am delivering.” He continued, “My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.”

The reaction at the UN was disheartening but not unexpected.

Trump made a not so vailed threat to withdraw funding for the UN. Following the vote Trump’s comments were backed up by Nicki Haley US Ambassador to the UN, a move which I feel should be taken immediately.

A lot of religious leaders, news pundits and politicians would like to make this all about evangelical Christians and what they believe. It’s really much more than that.

Israel the country and Israel the nation has occupied a unique place in history since the beginning of time.

It may be politically correct to jump on the anti-embassy move bandwagon with CNN, NPR and other anti-trump pundits, but the fact is Trump’s decision will, over time, change the discourse and the direction of changes in the region.

The negative reaction in this country is fueled by the incessant hammering of Trump in the media and internationally by self-serving interests.

For each of us personally, I think it may mean something different based on your view of history and your beliefs.

For a little more perspective grab a Bible, modern English translations are easiest to read, and check out the Book of Revelations. Easy to find, it’s the last one in the book.

E-mail Doc at mail to: dr.gwebb@yahoo.com or send me a Facebook (E. Eugene Webb) Friend request. Like or share on Facebook and follow me on TWITTER  @DOC ON THE BAY.
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