Readings post due 3/6/09

I personally enjoyed these readings just finding in more depth how Jerusalem was shaped and made. How there were those many conquering cultures, influences and struggles within one city is incredible. Having temples constantly being interchanged between Muslim, Christian and Jewish religions. My favorite part of the readings was in "The History of Jerusalem: An Arab Perspective" by Rashid Khalidi when the article discusses how Jerusalem's history should really be discussed. It discusses how the history of Jerusalem cannot be based on what other historians believe is verifiable. The quote that stood out to me that I believe summarized all three of the articles was, "Nevertheless, the historian cannot afford to ignore what people believe simply because it is not verifiable using rigorous historical methodology. There is, after all,the possibility that it may be true or that it contains elements that can be proven." This shows how important the three religions are to the city and even if it may or may not be true, it shaped the city and must be put into consideration for further discussion. The historical aspects of the city helps me think about some of the political struggles with a better view.