February 2016 Review

February 2016 Review

TransConflict is pleased to present a selection of articles published during February, plus updates from the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation

 Suggested Reading Conflict Background GCCT

1) Mistakes were made – part II

Gerard M. Gallucci – The US is now in the process of choosing its next president. Everyone – in America and beyond – should insist that all the candidates clearly define their notion of national interest and explain how it addresses limitations as well as possibilities. Then the American people must choose very wisely. The 21st Century appears to be just beginning a wild ride. Read on…

2) A hole in democracy

David B. Kanin – In the Balkans, the impermanence of borders and states and entrenched social and economic informality work against academic and official theories of formal institution building. Read on…

3) Erecting a giant prison for all Israelis

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir – Instead of reaching out to the Palestinians and the whole international community to reach an agreement with the Palestinians, Netanyahu seeks to turn Israel into a garrison and apartheid state, detested by and isolated from the international community. Read on…

4) The year Europe breaks

Gerard M. Gallucci – Another year of an unstoppable refugee flood will tear up the reality of a borderless EU while raising a popular political backlash. And when Europe finally breaks, the world will have taken a dangerous step back into the past. Read on…

5) The role of media in conflict

Kirthi Jayakumar – War journalism is exactly what keeps war alive. It is the frontrunner element that campaigns for the prolonged business of war. In contrast, peace journalism doesn’t concern itself with the winner-versus-loser rhetoric, but rather zooms right into the root of the very issue. It presents the causes and options of every side involved, without introducing the ‘us’ versus ‘them’ perspective. Read on…

6) The dire consequences of revenge and retribution

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir – When will ordinary Israelis and Palestinians realize that revenge does not offer a cure to the endemic conflict, but is a curse that will continue to haunt both sides from which only the gravediggers benefit? Read on…

7) Terrains of resistance – from occupation, exile or containment to the world

Moara Crivelente – The Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation is both deeply local and ever more international. Campaigns and direct engagement is ever more international regarding the actors engaged and approached; the Palestinian national struggle has persistently aimed at drawing international attention and commitment; whilst counterinsurgency against Palestinian resistance or “stabilization” and “pacification” programs are also increasingly international. Read on…

8) Kosovo’s tough year ahead – five key observations

Daniel Hamilton – As Kosovo faces a tough year ahead, it is time to reflect upon the robustness of its institutions, the persistence of Vetëvendosje, Hashim Thaçi’s rise to the presidency, the growing gulf between Serbs north and south of the Ibar, and the “rose-tinted glasses” worn by many MEPs. Read on…

9) Lifting the sanctions will not end Iran’s revolutionary zeal

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir – With or without sanctions, as long as the mullahs are in power, they are unlikely to change their messianic mission, which will remain a source of major concern to Iran’s enemies and is the recipe for regional destabilization and violent conflicts. Read on…

10) Preventing the persecution of women in Africa

Tendaishe Tlou – In most violent conflicts, women typically become easy targets due to a widespread tolerance of sexual violence, the absence of a strong legal framework, an inaccessible criminal justice system, a lack of will to prosecute offenders and a security force that treats victims with disrespect and contempt. Read on…

The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation

1) Sri Lanka – lighting the lamps

The Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice – In the interests of reconciliation the Government of Sri Lanka would do well to signal that it is bringing to an end its war on mourning. In 2016 we hope that people will be able to grieve openly – free from government interference, and we hope, freer also from the spectre of the LTTE. Read on…

2) Long road to peace – a practitioner’s experience in Kenya

Kisuke Ndiku – Kenya and neighbouring countries would benefit from an in-depth analysis of the past decade of peacebuilding interventions, in order to determine to what extent communities are better positioned to transform conflict, and what future courses of action might be pursued. Read on…

3) International Community urged to protect education from attack in Syria

Children cannot wait for the conflict to end before there is adequate investment in their education; but the opportunity to experience the safe, quality education that is their right will also elude them unless all schools in Syria are protected. Read on…


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