Three Capitals for Two States -- Analysis of Jerusalem's Sovereignty and Perspectives

摘要

This study argues that there are historical reasons for using an international Holy Basin methodology to bring Israel and the Palestinian National Authority closer to a workable compromise. This monograph identifies the strategic compromises that are required to create two distinct capital zones in Jeruselem that will provide sovereignty and legitimacy for the State of Israel and a future State of Palestine. Numerous Middle East peace processes, two Intifada's, and six U.S. administrations have tried to address the Arab- Israeli conflict with little demonstrable progress. In terms of religion and national identity, Jerusalem is important to both Israelis and Palestinians, to the people of three world religions, and to the international community. The critical factors in achieving compromise are sovereignty over their respective capitals combined with international recognition and possible control over remaining contested Holy Places. The international community has perpetuated the conflict by withholding Jerusalem's sovereignty from Israel and the Arab population. When Britain ended its Palestine mandate in 1948, the United Nations (UN) failed to enforce its vision of a separate Jerusalem entity, or Corpus Separatum. The UN continued to withhold sovereignty when the city was divided between Jordan and Israel for 19 years and when the city was reunited in 1967. The lack of an international mandate for 64 years has perpetuated the conflict by delaying the self-determination of the Palestinian population and withholding sovereignty over Israel's declared capital. Peace negotiations must recognize and incorporate the interests of both sides, but until each side is ready to divide the Old City, an international Holy Basin zone has the potential to create a new reality while moving incrementally from confrontation to cooperation.