The Future of Jerusalem

Conflict Resolution in Jerusalem is an international problem fraught with the emotions of nationalism and national confrontation. More than that, the religious elements of a conflict mean that the rational conceptions that are developed by academicians do not pertain to the conflict for many of its participants. Jerusalem is a symbol of many things to many people, but it is also a city that must function. It is a social community with economic, sociological and political needs that go hand in hand with the psychological problems of the city. It can either function as a hub for its various communities bringing the sinews of economic and social strength together or can be the flash point of conflict. The international community has shown little sensitivity for the wishes of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Both, its Jewish majority and Arab minority are fragmented in many ways and polarized in their hopes for the future of the city. Compromise may be difficult to achieve, but seems possible. Problems of sovereignty and religious rights probably will have to be finessed.