'Happy birthday, Jesus. Sorry your party is so lame.'
Michael Scott, The Office
Nov. 24, 2008
Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh announced today 900 Palestinian Authority policemen will be sent to Jesus' traditional birthplace for Christmas. No, its not a present, but part of a gradual deployment of Palestinian troops in several West Bank cities.
The PA is negotiating with Israel to allow the forces to stay on after the holiday. PA security forces have so far taken over Nablus, Jenin and Hebron as a result of Palestinian negotiations with Israel. Israel is responsible for some parts of the West Bank, but is slowly turning over law enforcement authority to the Palestinians.
Bethlehem is traditionally known as a Christian Arab town. Christians once comprised more than 80 percent of the population. Now, however, the Christian population is less than 20 percent and the Muslims comprise 80 percent. Many have left due to persecution and the dire economic conditions.
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