3/10 Thursday - Last lecture!

21^st Century Jerusalem

·      2000 – May, Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon

·      2000 – Sept, Second Intifada

·      2001 – Sept 11 attack results in invasion of Afghanistan (Oct 2001) and Iraq (March 2003)

·      2002 – Israel begins construction of West Bank barrier

o   made fences around Israeli villages to protect from terrorists

·      2004 – PNA Chairman Yasser Arafat dies Nov. 11 -> power vacuum

·      2005 – Aug-Sept, “Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan” forcibly removes Israelis from Gaza

·      2006 – Jan 25, Hamas defeats Fatah in Palestinian elections

o   Hamas: terrorist group

·      2007 – June, “Palestinian Civil War” Hamas controls Gaza, Fatah controls West Bank

·      2009 – “Operation Cast Lead” or “Gaza War” Dec 27-Jan 21, 2008

·      2010 – Mar 9, Israel announces new housing settlements in East Jerusalem

·      2010 – May 31, IHH Gaza Flotilla boarded by Israeli troops, resulting in 9 deaths

·      The future of Jerusalem: International city? Two-state solution? Three-state solution?

Although I still do not completely understand the causes and factors underlying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I was able to get a basic grasp of how complex the conflict was and is. Especially because the region they want control over has so much religious history and significance that it there is no simple solution to appease both sides. What was interesting was that the majority of the people just want peace and agreement. It’s those in power who choose to be stubborn and selfish, and refuse to make peace. However, as Professor Cargill said in lecture, peace is achievable and is near. If both sides learn to compromise instead of resorting to fighting and violence, the future of Jerusalem will be bright.

P.S. Thank you Professor Cargill for such an awesome and enjoyable class this quarter :)