Message from Dean Özerdem on the renewed cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine

a2c8605a-8799-4c95-a603-7f6cea1bd9ff (Paul Snodgrass) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:17:43 +0000

Message from Dean Özerdem on the renewed cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine a2c8605a-8799-… Thu, 10/19/2023 - 10:17

The recent renewal of the vicious cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine, once again, has shown that civilians are the ones who primarily shoulder the brunt of war with their lives, livelihoods, and human dignity. This ongoing conflict, like so many others across the globe, is the direct result of the failure of the international community to develop just and sustainable peaceful resolutions.

Peace, whether in the Middle East or anywhere else, is not a mere lofty dream; it is not just the absence of conflict but an active, relentless pursuit for positive peace so that structural injustices can be addressed. It requires courage, resilience, and a tireless belief that our common humanity must and will prevail. This work is not easy, and history has shown us that it is always darkest before the dawn, but we must persevere in our unwavering pursuit of peace during these very dark days.

As someone who has committed his entire career to peace and conflict resolution, I condemn all acts of violence against civilians in Israel and Gaza. Violence has never been a solution to any conflict. Instead, we must all continue to actively support all initiatives of conflict resolution that aim to bring about lasting peace to the region. Our children and future generations depend on us.

The great mystic poet Rumi reminded us, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”

Alpaslan Özerdem, Dean of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

In This Story

Alpaslan Özerdem

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Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

The Postwar Reconstruction of Ukraine

a2c8605a-8799-4c95-a603-7f6cea1bd9ff (Paul Snodgrass) — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:56:43 +0000

The Postwar Reconstruction of Ukraine a2c8605a-8799-… Mon, 06/26/2023 - 20:56

In This Story

Alpaslan Özerdem

The war in Ukraine will come to an end. Right now, we do not know whether it will be through the military victory of Ukraine against Russian forces or through a political settlement between the parties. We do know a lengthy and comprehensive reconstruction effort will be needed to raise Ukraine from the rubble and provide a peaceful living environment for its displaced people. Before postwar reconstruction planning can start in earnest, however, international donors and Kyiv should have a clear understanding of the challenges that may be expected. The political context in which aid is made available and utilized is a dominant factor with far-reaching implications.

Read the full article in Focus Ukraine, a blog of the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center.

Topics

Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war

Postwar

International Development

In the Media