. The positive similarity of many of these individuals is that they would like to see a productive end to the situation, even if it means compromise.
There is no possibility of peace in the Middle East unless people from all backgrounds, who are the most affected, are part of the dialogue. The nations, themselves, have a political agenda and are not, in most cases, speaking for the citizens.
There is no positive answer in the Middle East for anyone unless they can live in peace and mutual respect. There can only be a better future for Palestine/Israel, if the citizens use their energies toward cooperation and constructive results.
If citizens are not part of the answer, then emphasis will continue to be on conquest, hate and fear, much of it unfounded and misunderstood. Part of the solution has to be continued discussions between the citizens and neighbors to show each other that they want peace and to reach a common ground. This is the only way that the citizens can see their similarities and discuss their differences and emotional concerns. Peaceful solutions come from people sharing, not violence and destruction and repression. Dialogue and discussions are not simple and quick answers, but they can be a force for change, especially if there are enough people who can impact the political arena.
These simulations can be very helpful to anyone who is learning about the problems in the Middle East, because they shed light on the many different viewpoints involved and the difficulty of finding an answer that will respond to all these varying needs. Also, the simulations show the emotional...
Not all Palestinians have similar views; not all Israelis have similar views. Unfortunately, it is human nature to say that "all" such and such individuals..."
Marwan mentions the "Seeds for Peace" program for youth, and despite the frustrations and continual difficulties, such groups are very important for the future. It is necessary for young people to be involved with the process, since they are going to be the future builders and leaders. Also, these youths are still open to change and have not yet become so emotionally involved that they cannot look at alternatives.
Programs like "Seeds of Peace" and other educational programs for youth focus primarily on bringing Arab and Israeli teenagers together before fear, misunderstanding and bias keep them from seeing the human side of their enemy. Instead of international agreements and treaties on a national level, the emphasis is on developing friendships between those with very different backgrounds and perspective, which will hopefully become the basis for continued mutual understanding and respect.
The importance of these simulations, as with the adult citizen groups who are working toward peace, is that they strive to educate, inform, open dialogue, and move toward peace and reconciliation. As is demonstrated in these simulations, there are so many engrained feelings and beliefs, that education and sharing mutual concerns is an essential way that people can change.
