I saw an article in the Times this morning that floored me

[modrepub]

2. Been Obvious For A Long Time

Republican support comes from the fringe evangelical community who staunchly believes establishing a new kingdom of Jerusalem (Third Temple?) and hastening Armageddon will bring forth the rapture and the second coming of Christ. Jews don't believe that but they like the free hand Republicans give them to do as they wish. I often wonder if Jews understand the ramifications that the Evangelical community wishes to hasten along?

The Middle East has always been a complicated place with many cultures and religions clashing in a small area with a long history. Americans barely understand their own 300 year history. I don't expect them, or me for that matter, to parse out a history that literally goes back 3 millennia.