A way forward

Israel and Iran have been at odds since 1967. The United States and Iran have been at odds since 1979. Israel and Iran used to be allies and trading partners as did Iran and America. There are countless reasons for the current state of belligerence between Israel and Iran and Iran and the U.S.A. These grievances could be delineated, explained and sometimes justified. Such an analysis, if done objectively, might help lead to a return to equanimity and better lives for the citizens of all three nations and, perhaps, other countries that are now receiving collateral damage from the aggression of America, Israel and Iran.

On the other hand, such an analysis requires virtually global input and greater wisdom than is likely to arise from one newspaper column. However, what might be of value are ideas addressed to the quagmire status of the current conflict. There are innumerable players in this Greek tragedy and an attempt to list each and their roles most likely would not advance a resolution. It might be of more utility to concentrate on the process and procedure rather than personalities and protestations.

One useful model could be general negotiation or mediation. The first issue is to find knowledgeable and unbiased moderator(s) or mediator(s) acceptable to all three combatants. This person or entity should not be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, American, Israeli or Persian. He/she or they should not have any personal stake, other than as a citizen of the world, in the on-going war. The moderator might be an experienced diplomat affiliated with the United Nations or the Hague. The expenses for the negotiations should be born equally by America, Israel and Iran, each of whom should sign an agreement to participate voluntarily in a series of conferences at a particular location, say, the Hague in the Netherlands. The mediation agreement should contain stipulations of confidentiality, respectful exchanges of positions and assurances to abide by any freely arrived at resolutions.

Of course, nothing may be resolved by this suggested format, but, as most judges know, almost every case gets settled (more than 95%) without a trial (armed conflict). Most humans appreciate the advantages of peace over war: life, health, economic benefits and long-term friendly relations with one’s neighbors. But even if the U.S., Iran and Israel are not better off after reasonable and good faith interchanges, they almost certainly will not be worse off.

The current war will eventually end. It would be to the earth’s advantage for it to end sooner, rather than later and with less bloodshed rather than an Armageddon.

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