WAR AND PEACE

A Path To Peace

Again, the Irish and the Brits did it, so make it happen

I have watched the PBS three (3) part documentary ‘Once Upon A Time in Northern Ireland’ several times. I keep watching it because I want to understand the depth of the conflict between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. I also want to understand how religion played such a large role in the conflict.

Obviously, the similarities between that conflict and the conflict in Israel and Palestine are numerous. Religion, ethnic tensions, historical realities, colonialism, and geopolitical implications all figured into that conflict and also figure in the conflict in the Arab world between Israel and the Arab population and countries.

First, and foremost, despite the bad blood and violent tensions that are constant, the parties have to be told to negotiate for peace. There is only one party who can make that happen and that is the United States. Just like the conflict in Northern Ireland could not be fixed without the input of Great Britain, so it is the same in the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people.

Also, while no one or no group should be asked to give up their religious faith, religion cannot dominate any negoitated agreement. Both the conflict in Northern Ireland and…