07/17/2025
The good signs we are failing to notice that may make for some peaceful, if limited, results. The destroying of weapons by the Kurds who have been fighting President Erdogan of Turkey, in a voluntary gesture of good will, placing themselves in a vulnerable position in order to end decades of fighting. So far, Erdogan is receptive, welcoming the gesture and the possible end of this unrelenting war.
Politicians who support the process have pushed for the creation of a parliamentary committee to develop a legal framework for the process. It’s a fair point, an essential point actually, to make sure that Kurds are included in the operations and governance of the nation, for them to invest in its success.
The U.S failed to understand the value of inclusion in Iraq, refusing to allow the participation of the Baathists, former fighters, now defeated, with nowhere to do and no place for them in the governing structure. They formed militias, helping to destabilize the nation.
When the IRA basically agreed to end its war against the Protestants in Ireland and make peace; that willingness was embraced by sufficient numbers as to make post-strife governance an inclusive possibility.
And in Colombia, after fifty years of war, the militant fighters against the government, decided they would take action to build peace. The agreement allowed participation in governance, again, making a post-strife inclusive polity a possibility.
We need to see the value of incorporating “the enemy” in the state, starting by keeping adversaries close so that they can invest together in a future state that will offer enough support and encouragement and positions of significance that the fighters will embrace, support and make the outcome successful.
We should study the ending of war to learn what it takes to hold onto peace.
