Peace colleges: a resolution to multigenerational conflicts

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Peace colleges: a resolution to multigenerational conflicts (6/5/05)

Globally there are a number of geopolitical conflicts that have been going for generations. Belfast, Palestine and Kashmir all come to mind as examples of a sort of conflict characterized by volatile high stakes conflict over a very long time frame, such as over many generations of people. To the residents of these areas a sort of hopelessness must descend due to the constant barrage of possibilities and dashed hopes, while at the same time becoming very knowledgeable of war, lies, and what it takes to keep the peace.

At first glance it seems as though these people are destined to a life of waiting and hoping for a resolution to the conflict which in years past required a victor but these days just the group fantasy of descalation of the tensions through sheer communication. How they get from there to normal life is, presumably, a question left for future generations.

A third option would seem like a welcome respite at this point and so I ask my gentle readers to remember those knowledgeable inhabitants of these regions. Our world is awash in media and government information and disinformation and seeing through it all is a task best left to those with some experience in it, such as the residents of the region in question. Wouldn't it be better if they could do that as well as educate those who've led quieter lives? To serve as witnesses to conflict and ensure an impartial and mature perspective could be given to all?

Self determination is the right of all peoples and I wish to offer the citizens trapped in the volatile time warps described above an option: encourage your neighbors and the international community to recognize your community's unique assets, declare an end to the hostilities, and become colleges of peace; colleges operating in concert with other colleges of peace to develop humanity's knowledge of war and peace, to serve as witnesses to the events of today, and through this, help the world keep the peace that exists today and in doing so, forge new ones. It is one thing to listen to paid diplomats conduct their business but quite another to listen to a trusted advisor who has taken this path at the cost of their respective hopes and for the sole, noble purpose of helping others. It may also be the only way to really end these multi-generational conflicts.

Update (11/26/2006): A Geology Conference was set to discuss turning the Siachen Glacier, a glacier in the Hunakayan mountains between Pakistan and India, into a Science Peace Park with the first step being a unilateral troop withdrawl. Pakistan nixed the conference one week before it was set to occur. The potential for projects like this simply can't be stated. I've partially detailed why above. I hope both sides realize this and redouble their efforts to form this park, for the good of all humanity.