Topic: Dome of the Rock

Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of August 1, 2011

Readers write in with responses to columnist Walter Rodgers's piece, "Israel and Evangelicals: Genesis isn't a policy guide."

Jerusalem Day: Why the Holy City is at the crux of the peace process

Israel insists Jerusalem is its ‘undivided and eternal’ capital while Palestinians insist on securing a capital in East Jerusalem. Here are three reasons why Jerusalem is so important to both sides.

A holy city's peaceful purpose

Centuries of religious tension in Jerusalem must yield to an inspired vision.

Ahmadinejad taunts Israel from border with Lebanon

Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad verbally attacked Israel from the Lebanese border town of Bint Jbeil, Thursday. Hezbollah celebrated Ahmadinejad's visit while Israel showed confidence in their strength.

Top 5 reasons Jerusalem is such a thorny issue

Jerusalem is considered by many to be the trickiest issue to resolve in a two-state solution to Middle East peace. Israelis see the city as their “undivided and eternal capital” but Palestinians also seek to put their future capital in East Jerusalem, which is predominantly Arab.

SPECIAL REPORT: How the battle for Jerusalem plays out in one neighborhood

Amid changing demographics and plans for new Jewish development in East Jerusalem, the city has become an intensifying battleground for sovereignty. Here are five reasons why (in no particular order):

Hamas headband? Fatah keychain? Gaza Strip gift shop has it all.

Gaza Strip's Chairman Arafat Gift Shop sells souvenirs that span the Palestinian political spectrum, even if there are no visitors to buy them.

Why Israeli-Palestinian conflicts over land turn epic

The importance of place to Jewish and Muslim identity intensifies Israeli-Palestinian conflicts over land, as illustrated by the disputed construction of a museum affiliated with the Simon Wiesenthal Center on Jerusalem's Mamilla cemetery.

Ramadan 2010 USA: From Miami to Mecca, how 1.6 billion Muslims celebrate

Ramadan 2010, USA-style, includes streaming footage of Friday prayer sermons as Muslims seek to counter rising anti-Islamic sentiment. Saudi Arabia unveils a new clock, while Morocco makes do with makeshift tents after 1,256 mosques were closed.

Jerusalem's grand mufti: Israel wrong to block Al-Aqsa Mosque

In rare interview, Al-Aqsa Mosque's Sheikh Hussein speaks out against Israel's actions.

In Jerusalem, clashes over Temple Mount, Al Aqsa Mosque

Israeli police and Palestinians skirmished Sunday over the closure of Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem for second week in a row.

How East Jerusalem went from Jordanian to Israeli to disputed control

A little history behind Israeli-Palestinian property disputes in East Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, battle of Palestinian day camps

A summer program to teach kids Islamic values battles ‘terrorist’ label. Meanwhile, the city has tripled funding for ‘alternative’ camps this year.

In Jerusalem, an uptick in demolition orders of Arab homes

Amid Netanyahu's Washington visit, human rights groups say the city's new mayor has presided over an increase in initiatives that could thwart Palestinian statehood.

Pope's lack of specifics on Gaza, Holocaust disappoint Muslims and Jews

He was politely received at Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem Tuesday, but clerics, judges, and Hamas representatives want stronger statements on Israeli policies and Palestinian suffering.

Pope embarks on Mideast fence-mending trip

His pilgrimage this week is also a chance to reassure Jews and Muslims about Vatican views.

The Islamization of East Jerusalem

In Arab East Jerusalem, Islamist groups are gaining more of a foothold through charity, such as free iftar meals during Ramadan, opening schools, and offering services.