Victory - Decisive and Unambiguous

Submitted by WSmith (France), Apr 29, 2010 at 11:55

I agree with D. Pipes. International Relations conducted via diplomacy and negotiation are certainly the preferred method of conflict resolution. However, when such methods fail to produce mutually acceptable results, political force is the next escalation that has been used since time immemorial. Such political force can take the form of threats of international sanction, economic isolation, and even military force of arms. This full continuum of options for conflict resolution has become unpopular in recent times. But failure to resolve conflict, due the avoidance of the harsher options, ultimately leads to extended pain as regions and peoples persevere in their conflicting positions over time. Imagine what would have happened in WWII if Japan had not been forced to sue for peace via the horrific atomic bombings. In the case of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, there is no consideration that forces either side to make concessions. Historically, this standoff leads to war. And historically, war has been the ultimate resolution of such matters. To qualify this point (for the many coming out of their chairs immediately), war should never be the preferred or initial option. But ultimately, if other methods fail, war delivers resolutions. People should prepare themselves for this potential reality.

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