Flysky, here is another side of that story:
The site seems to claim that Muslims have been exemplary in their tolerance of other faiths. Whilst I accept that there were examples in support of this, I think that history shows that there were also many examples that are contrary to this claim.
Muhammad and his followers gained rule over Makka and Madina through war, eliminating and executing those that opposed him, such as the Quraishi of Makka and the Banu Quraiza of Madina. His successors extended the borders of the Islamic empire from the Atlantic to the Indus, defeating the Byzantines in 636 and the Sassanides in 637. Much booty was taken from the defeated peoples. Whilst Christians and Jews were protected, as well as their property and freedom of worship, this was in return for payment of special poll and land taxes. The imposition of heavy taxes on agricultural land compelled many non-Muslims to move from rural areas to towns, where their circumstances hardly improved, while increasing social and economic discrimination forced others to leave the country. For example, by the end of the 11th century, the Jewish community in Palestine had diminished considerably. Following the overthrow of the Crusaders by a Muslim army under Saladin (1187), the Jews were again accorded a certain measure of freedom, including the right to live in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Under Arab Occupation.
Under Jordanian occupation Jewish residents were forced to leave their homes in East Jerusalem. Freedom of worship was not granted to Jews, and Christian pilgrims were subjected to heavy restrictions. The population of Christians reduced from 25,000 in 1949 to 13,000 in 1967. This was a result of Jordan's repressive measures.
Under Jordanian occupation Jerusalem was neglected. The Jewish Quarter of the Old City was ransacked and slums surrounded the Western Wall. Basic day-to-day necessities were neglected; water, plumbing, and electricity were lacking.
The Jordanian government allowed Jewish graves to be destroyed in the Mount of Olives by allowing a highway to be built that crosses the site.
G.
"There is no doubt that Israel did a better job safeguarding access to the city's holy places than did Jordan. There is unimpeded access today"- Former US President Jimmy Carter.
