| Chapter Introduction: | Introduction |
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two-state solution, though achieving such a solution at the present moment seems extremely difficult at best.
The second chapter of the volume deals with the issue of conflict resolution. What are some of the major issues (including negotiation techniques, confidence-building measures, and reciprocal gestures) that may lead to better chances of solving the conflict? Professor Herbert Kelman, one of the leading authorities on the psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, argues that in order to sway public opinion and create the necessary basis of public support for an agreement, the parties need both to agree on a “declaration of principles” that clearly spells out the final outcome of such an agreement and to “reassure the two publics about the intentions of the other.” Similarly in my essay, I argue that in order to be able to conduct productive negotiations, the sides have to distance themselves from a culpability orientation that leads to a blame paradigm, one that questions who is at fault and who has done the most damage. As is the case with couples in counseling, the focus should be on finding solutions and not on placing blame, so that the focus is on the future and not the past. Eric Budd argues that a major factor in the failure of negotiations so far has been the pragmatic detachment that “moderate” negotiators have presented. He explains that while extremists are emotionally and ideologically engaged in the conflict, moderates attempt to present a pragmatic and realistic view that helps them in terms of rapprochement but ultimately causes the negotiations to fall flat. He proposes that moderate negotiators on both sides need to be more engaged and more empathic, and they need to better employ the affective and emotional domains to convince their own peoples and their adversaries of their ideas. Finally, Mazin Qumsiyeh argues that the peace process has failed because it does not recognize the basic human rights violations perpetrated against Palestinians. He argues that as a human precondition to any peace in this asymmetrical conflict, Israel needs to recognize and take responsibility for the injustice of the occupation.
The third chapter, the human element, includes essays on the humanities and education. The essay by Sami Adwan describes how peace education programs can be used both to prevent conflict and to heal the wounds of it. As an example, it describes “Learning Each Other's