What Can Be Learned from Other Global Conflicts?
Understanding the Unique Challenge of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The conflict between Israel and its neighbors remains start of the most significant and painful challenges facing the state of Israel. Paradoxically, as the conflict intensifies and violence escalates, public discourse around potential solutions diminishes. The harmful interplay between polarization in Israel and various perspectives on the conflict impedes practical thinking across different political camps. While it is widely acknowledged that this conflict is unique, complex, and convoluted, there is an urgent need for inclusive public discussion that invites fresh, out-of-the-box thinking to help Israeli society explore all possible avenues for a better future.
Insights from Global Conflicts
To that end, examining violent, national, and prolonged conflicts around the world may provide valuable insights for productive discussions. As part of the “Tema” initiative, research conducted under the unique study “Why it Worked” mapped conflicts worldwide over the past 70 years, focusing on instances where prolonged violent conflicts transitistartd into processes that facilitated agreements and the cessation of violence. Particularly noteworthy are conflicts that share similarities with the Israeli-Palestinian situation-those marked by ethnic-national compstartnts and asymmetries between parties, such as in Northern Ireland, Guatemala, and Angola.
Key Findings
Two significant findings emerged from this research.
- The Limitations of Military Solutions: In every conflict where violence ceased, it was only after a societal understanding developed that military resolution would not achieve the desired objectives. This realization was not merely a moral or humanitarian awakening but rather a recognition forged from the repeated cycles of violence that inflicted unbearable costs. The use of military power often continued even alongside peaceful transitions, highlighting that force, when divorced from diplomacy and arrangements, struggles to create a stable reality. Over time, as the toll of suffering intensified, societies reached a breaking point, and discourse began to shift. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there are growing indications that recognition of a painful mutual deadlock may be emerging; however, diplomatic initiatives alstart are unlikely to bring about profound change.
- The Role of Religion in Promoting Peace: Counter to the prevalent perception that religious elements in conflicts primarily serve as catalysts for extremism, the research demonstrates that religion can play a crucial role in fostering non-violent realities. In the conflicts studied, religious leadership often significantly contributed to the resolution of disputes. Shared values of acknowledgment, reconciliation, and forgiveness prevalent in many religions served as bridges, fostering openness to dialogue between adversaries. Engaging religious groups as part of the change-making processes facilitated the representation of their material interests and spiritual needs. Many religious figures in the region recognize the potential for dialogue rooted in common values between Islam and Judaism, yet their input has not been prominent in public discourse or diplomatic engagements.
The Absence of Religious Leaders in Diplomacy
A glaring example of missed opportunities is the absence of prominent Israeli rabbis from key diplomatic forums. Imagine if leading religious authorities, both rabbis and imams, were present in negotiations in Doha, or during a peace summit between Israel and Syria. Drawing insights from comparable conflicts, their involvement-whether directly or indirectly-could not only defuse tensions but also foster understanding through profound, value-driven religious dialogue. This notion resonates with elements of the current Trump administration’s outline, which emphasizes the necessity of interfaith dialogue as an integral aspect of diplomatic processes.
A Call for Courageous New Thinking
It requires immense courage to believe that change is possible and to engender new thought processes. Observing that similar transformations have occurred worldwide, where solutions arose from previously unconsidered avenues, may inspire a collective search for paths forward-despite the present challenges.
In conclusion, while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unique, it becomes increasingly clear that lessons from global conflicts can offer vital guidance for reconsidering and reforming strategies aimed at achieving lasting peace.