It seems that the public may have grown weary of relentless news about tragedies. The region is currently entangled in an ongoing conflict, seemingly unable to escape one crisis without immediately entering another. The situation in the Middle East is dire—fires blaze and wars rage on, with no solutions in sight. Tragically, many of these crises could have been avoided if diplomacy, dialogue, and rational solutions had been prioritized. History has consistently shown us that violent conflicts rarely yield positive outcomes. Instead, they often lead to further escalation, paving the way for civil wars and allowing gangs and militias to seize control of nations and institutions. From the American Civil War under Abraham Lincoln to the English Civil War, the Thirty Years’ War in Germany, and the Wars of Religion in France, history demonstrates how bloody human conflicts can overshadow wisdom, turning cities into ruins and debris. This period is indeed challenging, characterized by a complex political landscape that is not easy to decipher. However, there is hope in returning to foundational principles upheld by wise leaders and theorized by great philosophers and jurists. I can distill these into four key tenets. First, we should prioritize the rule of law over ideology. Much of what we witness now reflects a regional regression, where ideology overpowers systems, constitutions, and legal frameworks. This fosters various risks, such as state fragility and diminished efficacy, potentially setting the stage for civil wars, as observed in numerous countries. Furthermore, it depletes the spirit of coexistence among individuals, sects, and religions, arising from a disregard for the laws codified by state legislative bodies or regional and international institutions. The rule of law is the compass guiding every solution, and without it, violence and death philosophies proliferate, sowing hatred in societies. Second, we must learn from past failures and avoid repeating them. If we scrutinize recent events, we find those who attempt to replicate past failures despite the availability of rational and realistic solutions that were nearly successful. Historically, the best means of resolving conflicts, from the wars of Athens and Sparta to the world wars, has been through negotiation—with a pen, paper, table, and open mind. Third, it is imperative to prioritize the future over the past. Many current events are driven by rehashing old grudges and tragedies, particularly concerning sectarian or religious disputes. During such times, rationality is absent, giving rise to fanaticism and memories of revenge. Fourth, we must always focus on negotiation in every crisis. History illustrates that wars with no clear goals lead societies into darkness. While some political wars are necessary, they must have defined objectives, known causes, and carefully considered resolutions. Efficient governance is critical. Allowing factions to wage wars independently of state or military oversight breeds chaos, leads to futile ventures, cripples institutions, and saps state energy. In conclusion, history offers us innumerable lessons, and despite the common saying, it does not repeat itself—rather, people repeat past blunders. History is blameless for recurring events and disasters; it is, in fact, the greatest document at humanity’s disposal. The real issue lies with minds that fail to grasp these lessons and refuse to learn from history’s narratives and occurrences. —Fahad Suleiman Shoqiran (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
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