Rising Tensions May Close Haram/Mount Again

Jordan, which still has authority over the Waqf on the Haram al-Sharif/Har ha-Bayit (Noble Sanctuary/Temple Mount) in Jerusalem is reportedly urging that Jews and perhaps all non-Muslims again be barred from access to the platform on which the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock stand, after the violent confrontations of the past two Fridays. As I've already noted, this is the most explosive flashpoint of all, and it's not wise to let it fester. I'm still not clear on the exact course of events, but it does appear that some Jewish extremists have sought to enter the Al-Aqsa mosque, a provocative act — though it's normally open to visitors — and we may be moving back into a period when (as was the case during the secone intifada), non-Muslims will be unable to visit the holy places on the mount.

This is how the second intifada started. It is not a minor issue. It's the flashpoint at the heart of the dispute. This one needs caution in the extreme. Unfortunately, I'm not totally confident that Netanyahu will show the necessary wisdom and restraint, and given the Palestinian Authority's current credibility problem, this is worrisome.