President Trump’s bombshell decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel riled up the entire Muslim world. Diplomacy was forgotten as Islamic leaders raged against their new reality.
U.S. officials fear that extremists will target their anger at Western citizens. On Thursday, the State Department issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans traveling abroad.
“The American decision is an aggression on our people and a war on our sanctuaries,” Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said.
“We should call for and we should work on launching an intifada in the face of the Zionist enemy… Let December 8 be the first day of the intifada against the occupier.”
The riots have already begun. Within hours of Trump’s decision, fanatics began pouring onto the streets, some clutching torches while others ranted against the West.
ISIS is in shambles, yet radical Islam still threatens Western society. The Trump administration pleaded with Israel Wednesday to tamp down their celebrations.
“While I recognize that you will publicly welcome this news, I ask that you restrain your official response,” reads a State Department talking-points memo.
“We expect there to be resistance to this news in the Middle East and around the world… We are still judging the impact this decision will have on U.S. facilities and personnel overseas.”
The White House believes that after the initial furor dies down, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will advance peace talks in the Middle East. Discussions stalled decades ago; it’s time for somebody to do something drastic.
Muslim fanatics are nestled into neighborhoods across the globe. American travelers need to be alert wherever they go.
(Source: Daily Mail)