Sunday, June 4, 2017

Conflict, Narrative, and Mediation

I've been reflecting on how the narrative that frames a conflict affects the ways in which peace can be achieved. If crucial parts of a conflict's story are missing from one side's narrative, it can close side A from being willing to see themselves in the Other, in side B. And if side B remains the Other, outside of my humanity, only a threat, why would I initiate reconciliation?

On Thursday we went to Israel's Independence Hall, where, following the British Mandate, Israel declared itself a sovereign state. It was a remarkable experience, fascinating to sit in the room and consider the highs and lows of Jewish history, feeling the emotional power of finding a homeland just three years after the Holocaust. Missing from the video and spoken presentations, however, was any mention of the Palestinian people. Instead, in awe and mystery, we were told the stunning story of how, one day after independence, five Arab nations decided to attack Israel. I was left wondering if our museum guide didn't know the other half of the story, or if the museum purposely avoided it.

On Friday we met with Anat, a former SIS student who works for Peace Now, an organization focused on moving the Israeli position toward a peaceful, two-state solution. One thing she mentioned was that Peace Now educates youth in Israel about things that they are not taught. She intimated that we know things about this conflict that the local youth do not. This was striking. She also discussed the context in which these youth have come of age—following the second Intifada—compared to her generation that grew up following the Oslo Accords. How does our narrative increase or limit our chances for peace?

I wouldn't argue that this outside knowledge can make a third party mediator more sensitive to issues than the people who live within the world of conflict every day. This is naive. However, this reflection has made me consider how beneficial a mediator in a conflict is. How can someone in Conflict Resolution help both sides see themselves in the Other? How can a mediator help expand a narrative so that both sides can move toward peace?

- Bruce Pearson

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