Afghans take to streets to protest US'Jerusalem move

by Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Afghans on Friday took to streets across the country in thousands to denounce a move by the U.S. to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The main protest rally was held in downtown Kabul outside Abdul Rahman Mosque where protesters chanted slogans against the U.S., demanding that the move be reversed.

They urged the Afghan government to expel all U.S. soldiers from the country in protest.

The rally, attended by a large number of young men, was led by religious scholars and a number of lower house members.

Mawlawi Shahzada Shahid, a lower house member, addressing the rally said the move will spark violence in the world.

"This will open new fronts of war. It will set the world on fire," he said.

Similar protest demonstrations were held in northern Kunduz, southwestern Nimroz and northeastern Taluqan cities.

The Afghan government also expressed deep concern over Trump's move.

President Ashraf Ghani, in a statement released from the Presidential Palace said: “The decision has affected Muslims around the world and it will threaten peace in the Middle East.Therefore, any unilateral move in this respect, without the participation of Palestine, will not result in a positive and permanent solution (to the problem)."

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to the holy city

The controversial decision angered Muslims and a number of demonstrations were held all around the world.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.