Problem definition: JSTL tags work in my JSP with the exception of forEach. Behavior is that it ignores request objects. It works for objects created on the page, but for objects coming in from request it fails. My ignorant view is that it appears to not be detecting the request object. I can save you a lot of questions by confirming that a scriplet and some Java code confirms that the ArrayList arrives to the JSP, and I have even processed it item for item and proven that the list was in fine shape. Rest assured, the list DOES make it to the JSP and I am currently relying on scriplet to make the app work.

“The absolute uri: http://java.sun.com/jsp/jstl/core cannot be resolved in either web.xml or the jar files deployed with this application”