Second Crusade
Councils at Jerusalem
Raymond of Antioch had refused to march with Louis, and probably could not have afforded to leave even had he wanted to. Likewise, Joscelin of Edessa was preoccupied with defending 
Turbessel, so none of the major northern princes were present. Naturally, when the time came (24 June) to consider the objectives of the crusader army, the strategy reflected southern concerns.
Many were worthwhile, and many were proposed, but too many seemed to be to bring undue profit to this or that lord. The only target that was politically neutral was Damascus. Some objected deeply, because there was currently a treaty between the two cities, but there were enough minor grievances to allow the treaty to be set aside. A majority favored an attack, for Damascus was plainly the most immediate threat to Jerusalem. This caused some of the crusaders to go home in anger, most notably Duke Welf, but most of the army stayed and agreed to march.