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[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] Conflict resolution toolkit On this page: Our leaders aren't listening to us Our leaders aren't using the right tools So here's what we do And here is some joined up thinking to share with Blair And this is the stuff we must confront Blair with. We must challenge him to argue against these principles in the media Our leaders aren't listening to us Saddam is a very difficult and intractable problem. That fact does not excuse the failure of our leaders in their responsibilities to find a long term sustainable solution that is widely acceptable and which results, on balance, in an increase in security. It certainly doesn't justify war, which seems likely to fail most or all of the above criteria. It will take the sustained pressure of very vocal public opinion expressed in great volume to Tony Blair, MPs and the media to counter the blind lumbering inertia of the war machine. So if our leaders don't have any answers but have persuaded themselves that war is justified regardless of what the people they're supposed to represent think, what next? Our leaders aren't using the right tools We hear about the weapons inspectors, sanctions and lines drawn in the sand which Saddam has crossed year after year. But, in the case of Iraq, politicians are not speaking the progressive language of conflict resolution. And they don't exhibit the emotional intelligence they need to do their jobs. So here's what we do We have got to make the case for non-violent conflict resolution powerfully and loudly We have to demand that the politicians pay attention and respond to our suggestions We have got to work on the media so it pays attention to an alternative agenda which our politicians have to engage with And here is some joined-up thinking to share with Blair The text below is quoted from a "Statement Concerning Events related to Iraq" on International Alert's website at http://www.international-alert.org/ It recognises the complexity of conflict and sets out basic principles of more sustainable conflict resolution International Alert's statement raises questions concerning what else is being and has been done by politicians towards a sustainable solution. Here is International Alert's statement: "[…] fundamental political and social change is most effectively and efficiently achieved through peaceful means. "International Alert's Code of Conduct calls for analysis of the root causes of conflict and recognises that only structural change addresses both the symptoms and origins of violence. This approach, which prioritises dialogue at all levels with conflict-afflicted communities, is fundamental to understanding and addressing the current global crisis. Issues of identity, security, recognition, religion and socio-economic, psycho-social, and historical frameworks all need to be examined, analysed and brought to bear on international policies. "The recent shift into an era of global insecurity has been humbling for all of us, illustrating how much we have to learn about solving problems and building peace. The issues are complex, the sense of insecurity real and the causes deep. The insecurity generated by the terrorist attacks of 2001-02, and the continuing threat, must be addressed - but is no justification for war against Iraq - a war which could in effect only contribute to further insecurity in the region and around the world. Military interventions rarely deliver lasting solutions. "It is therefore imperative that the international community develops peaceful responses to the current crisis. These should combine humanitarian, political, and long-term peacebuilding approaches. We urge world leaders to exercise the greatest possible caution at this time. As such we advocate the exhaustive exploration of non-military ways of addressing issues relating to disarmament, human rights violations and democracy in Iraq: And this is the stuff we must confront Blair with. We must challenge him to argue against these principles in the media (continuation of International Alert's statement) Every effort should be applied to supporting individuals, institutions and processes engaged in active dialogue which may bring about non-violent resolutions to conflict. Principles of multi-lateralism and international rule of law should be upheld consistently in all countries and contexts. The notion of pre-emptive strikes in self-defence contravenes international norms and should be challenged. United Nations weapons inspectors should be given the time and space necessary to do their work. International regulation and eventual elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction should be enforced with impartiality and according to international law. The current crisis underlines the volatility of the Middle East region. The UN should be working towards the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict and comprehensive regional disarmament. The UN should lead the international debate surrounding natural resource ownership and related sovereignty issues, as well as the equitable distribution of the economic benefits from extraction. International legal codes on the accountability of political and military leaders for instigating human rights abuses, leading aggressive military adventures and crimes against humanity should be upheld consistently in all countries and contexts. " See also: Sue's letter applying emotional intelligence to the conflict 2 New Middle Ground Solutions top can't hear, won't hear? We have got to make the case for non-violent conflict resolution powerfully and loudly We have to demand that the politicians pay attention and respond to our suggestions We have got to work on the media so it pays attention to an alternative agenda which our politicians have to engage with.

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