Wednesday, September 4, 2013

PEACE TALKS: Syria - a challenge for the most skilled and conscientious mediator

What right thinking person would not be distressed and inclined to join the chorus to, "Do something" about the human crisis in Syria that has been unfolding over recent weeks on the world stage?

Do we understand what is really happening there?  Who are the disputing parties?  What is the true composition of their ranks?

What are their positions in the dispute (that is, what is the bottom line that they are seeking)?

What secrets or hidden agendas are driving the dispute?

What unresolved hurts and grief from the past are interfering with a resolution?

Are the members of the disputing groups cohesive in their wishes or are they being intimidated and manipulated by strong and malevolent forces within?

What are the parents of the murdered children and of the young soldiers compelled to use force against their own people saying?

Who has the skills to engage the parties and seek the answers to these questions in an effort to help these poor people rise above their differences and have a chance of living their lives without fear and aggression?

Does the spectre of a "big brother" force bring with it more or less likelihood of resolution?

Although the stakes are much higher, these questions have much in common with those which need to be asked about every interpersonal dispute.  At Brisbane Mediations we would contend that the more peaceful the resolution the better for all parties.  What is your view?

PEACE TALKS - Denise Britton

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