discussion question 619

INSTRUCTIONS

Answer the question to the best of your ability. If you must quote material do so judiciously. You may post weblinks but they must come from legitimate sources; no Wikipedia links–go to the source.

QUESTION

According to the Economist article (check the files: “This year in Jerusalem” below), the current United States administration’s decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem was not a foreign relations stance but a domestic one. Briefly explain your reasoning why the above was a good or bad move. If you need more clarification on the problem, I highly recommend you review the pro/con viewpoint from the previous day’s discussion. (4 points)
After reading the above article,watching the video, and information from the previous discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; if Jerusalem becomes the capital of Israel and Palestine, then how might the city be governed on a practical basis such as infrastructure (buildings, roads and bridges, electrical power, water, sewage, telephone land lines and Internet connectivity)? [6 points]

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3. Give at least two examples of current and/or historical reasons between the split between the two major sects of Islam other than who will succeed the Prophet? (2 points)

4. What are the top three reasons Muslims in the Middle East blame for increasing Sunni-Shia conflict based on the reading (check the file:”Islamic Sectarianism below”)? (3 point)

5. What is the primary factor–or why is there conflict between the two religious groups? Briefly explain. Please be aware that the answer is a meaning in context one; refer to the CBS News video (video1 and video 2)and the reading again. Think about what is at stake for the major players (i.e. Muslim countries) in the region. (2 points)

6. According to the reading, can there be reconciliation between the two major sects? Explain your reasoning. (3 points)