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By Bill Lee

Along with the North Korea problem, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is as vexing a geopolitical problem as there could be. Playing to his political base in America, President Trump again threatened to spark global turmoil by declaring that the US government would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move its embassy to the divided city.

Pundits say that the reason for Trump’s decision was to bolster his support among evangelical voters in America. Die-hard evangelicals believe that Jerusalem must be the capital of Israel so that Armageddon may eventually happen and Jesus can return as the true savior accepted finally by the Jews and bring about a millennium of peace.

To me, what was disturbing was Trump’s reaction to the UN resolution declaring Trump’s decision on Jerusalem “null and void.” At a Cabinet meeting, Trump said he would be “watching those votes,” and all but threatened to cut off aid to countries that voted for the resolution and against the United States. US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the Trump administration would be “taking names” of countries supporting the resolution. This shows that Trump and his minions view extending foreign assistance as nothing more than an excuse to buy votes at the UN. One of Trump’s traits is his tyrannical demand for fealty from his subordinates, which means just about everyone. Trump wants to cut foreign aid; China is more than happy to fill the void and provide more aid. Which country will end up benefitting more?

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