Despite worldwide warnings, the American President Donald Trump on Wednesday, December 6th broke decades of U.S. and international policy and formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The news has been out for a week after news sources said that President Trump has informed alleys in the Middle East that he will be carrying this step.
WASHINGTON
The Yemeni American News
European and Arab leaders have warned President Trump of severe consequences to this decision especially that this declaration at a time when he called for a new “peace deal” in the Middle East. However, President Trump in his speech said that this declaration should not affect the current negotiations for a 2-state solution.
“We cannot solve our problems by making the same failed assumptions and repeating the same failed strategies of the past,” the president said.
The decision would move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem but didn’t provide a timeframe for this move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “profoundly grateful” and Trump’s announcement was an “important step toward peace.”
The response from Arab Americans has been in the opposition to this “dangerous” move. In an immediate press release, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) vehemently opposed President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. “Today, President Trump stated that he wished to break from established U.S. foreign policy to serve the “best interests” of the U.S. and the Middle East peace process. President Trump’s announcement serves no one’s interest; instead, it will have an immediate and catastrophic impact internationally by undermining the Middle East peace process and inflaming anti-U.S. sentiment across the globe” ADC press release stated.
They add “by endorsing Israel’s annexation of Jerusalem, President Trump is acting against international law, hurting U.S. interests at home and abroad, and destroying U.S. credibility on an international stage. The Trump Administration’s actions will not promote peace; conversely, the decision destroys the prospect of peace, promotes violence, and dismantles the U.S. credibility as a diplomatic force around the world.”
Another Arab American organization, the Arab American Institute sent an official statement by its President James Zogby saying “listening to President Trump’s announcement regarding Jerusalem was profoundly disturbing. It’s a devastating blow: to Muslims and Christians living under harsh Israeli rule in occupied Jerusalem; to Arab and Muslim sensitivities; and to U.S. relations with our Arab allies. It also damages U.S. leadership worldwide, since we have now broken ranks with the E.U. and the rest of the international community.”
AAI also adds “Trump is playing with fire and the consequences will be grave. It was especially troubling to hear the President announcing measures that are bound to provoke and incite violence while at the same time absurdly preaching non-violence and peace.”
