Specifically, I’m thinking of the Berlin Wall which fairly successfully separated what once was common culture.
It is increasingly clear that the Israelis and Palestinians will never peacefully settle their differences, leading to constant needless strife between Muslim and Christian countries.
Perhaps it is time for the rest of the world to step in between these warring factions and enforce a “time out” by physically separating them.
I realize control of Jerusalem would be highly contentious so why not make it it’s own entity, owned and controlled by no one, a sacred place for all faiths with its own government, similar to Rome.
Well, first of all, Rome is not a “free city”. It’s the capital of Italy. The Vatican, on the other hand, is its own nation since 192? when the Lateran Treaty was signed.
Second, how do you think any sovereign nation would take the imposition of a cease-fire and the intrusion of the “world community” in basically slicing off parts of its territory?
Third, even if Jerusalem were made a “free city,” neither side is going to stop fighting over it because a piece of paper was signed. Jerusalem is the holiest city in the Jewish faith, and the third holiest city in the Muslim faith (and that’s not even counting the interference of American fundamentalists). The only way to keep Jerusalem from falling to one side or the other (or more likely to one side then the other, then back again, then again) is to quarter a very large permanent occupation force within the city limits.
Both sides have legitimate grievances in this fight. Both sides have been controlled at times by secular forces and religious forces. Both sides have gained and lost territory. Neither side is going to stop fighting for it.
Unfortunately, in real life, there sometimes is no solution.