WHAT ROLE IS ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) PLAYING WITH REGARD TO HOT SPOTS THROUGH THE WORLD?
Posted by Site Staff on Sunday May 3, 2009
We all are now enmeshed in numerous hot spots in the world any one of which escalated could cause mass destruction of the human race and all infrastructures.
This newsletter has discussed these spots many times. Conflict on a world basis is dangerous. Are diplomatic processes sufficient today? The newsletter thinks not. Communicating is of great importance but where is it going and is it constructive? Countries being aggressive in their activities toward other countries and the world at large all have an agenda; they are not operating in a vacuum.
One basis of ADR is to allow, on a win/win model is to each party to walk away with at least part of what they desire and need. The bottom line is prevention of further conflict, resolution of the problem and/or management of escalation.
All modalities of ADR must be if not utilized then at the least be incorporated in the planning stages of diplomacy. Mediation, negotiations, ombudsing, focus groups, shuttle diplomacy, conciation must be utilized prior to diplomacy.
Diplomacy could well take years if not decades. Senator George Mitchell’s work in Ireland had deadlines; it utilized ADR modalities and brought communication to a more intimate level.
President O’bama reached out to President Chavez with a gesture and took severe ridicule as a result. Diplomacy alone will not suffice. Public reaction to overt diplomacy allows the media to
spin its stories; photograph what it wants where and when it wants with the only consideration being fomenting an issue to strike public interest. and making money.
ADR on the junior diplomatic level is of the utmost importance without the public or media involved. Dissecting issues and concerns prior to diplomatic talks is important. Give and take in this process is important. Mediators, negotiators, ombudsmen/women must trust the sanctity of their specialty. This will put parties more at rest to discuss the meat of issues and needs. Diplomacy by its very nature leaves the process open to scrutiny by those who know little and only care about readership and numbers.
One problem with diplomacy alone is no structure (organization); it can be amorphous. With ADR There is structure; there are goals, limitations and guidelines
The staff of this newsletter believes diplomacy would move faster be more organized and bare more fruit if ADR was employed first. Diplomats then would have more meat on the bones to work with.
This of course takes the cooperation of all involved. This will take efforts to redeploy into ADR processes first without diplomacy being first involved
It is the belief of this newsletter that ADR modalities afford more structure then diplomacy.
If we look at John Burrton’s “provention “the theme is preventing conflict in the future; ADR modalities can certainly be used to this end. This newsletter believes it is better to have structure with parties working on specific issues, needs, desires and options through possibly brainstorming or at the least simply laying out the dispute/conflict into manageable pieces employing problem solving.
ADR can shine here making world conflicts not only manageable but not escalating and resolvable.
Rogue states who refuse this approach do so at their own peril. It is time the wheat be separated from the Shaff.
THANK YOU FOR READING THE MAY, 2009 ISSUE
CAN THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT SUSTAIN Its QUEST FOR WORLD PEACE?
Posted by Site Staff on Monday April 27, 2009
Watching and listening to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton one gets the feeling that this office is in good hands. The citizens of the United States now have the benefit of diplomacy, communication and Alternative Dispute modalities exercised through George Mitchell, Richard Holbrook and Hillary Clinton. This is a formidable team but is it enough?
This newsletter has discussed on numerous occasions the serious, dangerous problems in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Israel, the Gaza Strip. The world also faces the melting ice cap in the Arctic with its possible or even likely consequences.
Can the American experiment after centuries of growing sophistication sustain the war against evil and destructive forces?
Did Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin or any signatures of the Declaration of Independence envision what is occurring in today’s world; their frame of reference was based upon
freedom of religion, independence and the “pursuit of happiness”. These [people did not have the ability to Fly or, use electronic communications. News from other parts of the world came painstakingly slow with accuracy suspect.
The Mexican drug traffic is harming the American culture to a drastic degree. Mideast issues are costing American families loss of loved ones, The American economy is now in a deficit of dangerous
proportions, the North Korean threats of developing rocketry having nuclear capabilities is not simply frightening but dangerous.
Does the government of the United States and its citizenry have the wherewithal to continue activities necessary to put out the fires around the world? How long can American resources hold out? Immediate problems negatively affecting the American way of life are the border containment with Mexico along with their drug cartels. North Korea’s abilities to be able to launch rocketry to Japan, Alaska and parts Of the western U.S.A. are of imminent danger, the unbelievable cost of economically sustaining military actions in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are not just massive but questionable when looking at the present status of the American way of life.
The United States is not in the position it was in WWII when the building of armaments was a shot In the “arm” to it’s society. American employment is hitting dangerous low. The banking and financial debacle in the United States is bringing it to the edges of a precipice. The real estate, construction and political professions are taking a dive. Large companies are going under.
As President O’bama develops programs, restructuring of agencies how is this going to be paid for. This newsletter believes, if possible, opening channels to Cuba can be profitable and assist in furtherance of peace globally; why continues stonewalling a country 90 miles off the U.S.A. coastline?
American colonies prior to the Declaration of Independence were relatively close to one another. Horseback and water were the forms of traveling. Competition for goods and services were not largely outsourced.
CUBA, IRAN, NORTH KOREA, AFKHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, MEXICO, IRELAND, ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) AND THE REST OF US. CAN PEACE AND NONPROLIFRTATION BE ACHIEVED
Posted by Site Staff on Friday April 24, 2009
The United States (U.S.) elected as its President a great communicator, President O’bama is doing all he can to reach out to many countries. He shook hands with President Chaves of Venezuela; he has stated his willingness to speak with the President of Iran. He has opened a dialogue between the United States and Raul Castro to move toward a better relationship with Cuba. Many are objecting To his approaches with these countries. There is backdoor diplomacy going on with North Korea.
Groups are pointing out, however, there seems to be no movement by the administration with regard to racism around the world.
This newsletter believes Barrack O’bama must be given more time before any judgment or serious criticism begins. Beside the racist problems and those of the Mid-East he also has the economy to deal with Mr. O’bama has daunting tasks to perform with a myriad of issues on his table.
There cannot be an immediate turn around of the problems existing in the United States and the world.
Citizens of the United States have some patience and do not lay blame prematurely; various groups across the country should exercise there rights to stay in touch with their senators and
congressmen/women.
The media must hold back on criticism so as not to send negative messages not only around the world but in the U.S. also. After shacking the hand of President Chavez many complained; President O’bama simply pointed out the welfare and safety of the U.S. is not at stake because of a handshake.
ADR’s backbone is communication. No one should criticize Barrack O’bama for communicating.
It is time the citizens of the U.S. realize the world has become very small. This is not to say the U.S. should not aggressively protect it’s interests even with military power, if necessary, but communication and attempted diplomacy with utilizing ADR has to be the first line of order.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS MONTH’S SUPPLEMENT TO APRIL’S ISSUE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ OUR NEWSLETTER AND BE ON THE WATCH FOR MORE SUPPLEMENTS AND THE MAY 2009 ISSUE.
NORTH KOREA MISSILE LAUNCHING AND THE REST OF THE WORLD; WHAT TO DO. CAN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION HELP HERE? HOW DO NEW ALL DEAL WITH A REGIME SUCH AS EXISTS IN NORTH KOREA?
Posted by Site Staff on Wednesday April 8, 2009
The North Korean Missile has been launched since the last monthly issue of this newsletter. All agree That it fizzled out in the Pacific Ocean; however all agree that North Korea now has the capability to
strike Japan and likely Alaska with a long-range missile. What is the North Korean intent; clearly it wants to be known as a world power. It’s leadership is also looking for a market to sell it’s hardware and knowledge.
Prior to this launching the talk around our planet was instant retaliation and economic penalties. Obviously North Korea will do what it wants to whenever it pleases.
Nationalism plays a big role here. It is hoped and thought by many that China will assist in reigning in these aggressions.
Will trade and/or economic assistance help here? This newsletter believes not. Fortunately the new President of the United States decided not to shoot down the Korean missile and other affected countries held their fire. Somehow North Korea must be made an integral, non-aggressive party on the world stage. Recognition and a role in the world is likely beside currency what the North Korean leadership is looking for.
A major problem however is North Korean’s willingness to sell their rocketry knowledge and hardware to the terrorists. Balances of power can be skewed here with catastrophic consequences.
Should terrorists groups or states find a friendly ear in North Korea power struggles on this planet will worsen drastically
Now is the time with escalation of the rattling swords and nuclear capabilities to get Europe heavily involved with Alternative Dispute Resolution and zealous diplomacy; China must step in and curb North Korea’s attitude and actions.
We must all remember the next world war will mean the annihilation of man; maybe insects will survive. Reasonable people must take over. Hardliners are only going to get negative results if their thoughts and wishes carried out
World domination through power and control is no longer feasible as a result of rocketry and nuclear capabilities; with this there is no possibility of one entity ruling.
As this newsletter has discussed it is important to realize there are those who will do what they please no matter what. These are the parties who must be dealt with.
What can ADR do or accomplish here? We need to look at concentrated efforts in mediation, negotiations, conciliation and even ombudsing; Jimmy Carter’s “shuttle diplomacy” a form of
conciliation should also be closely studied for application. We need to pull out all the stops and weigh Into this particular issue now; the situation is one of immediacy; to wait until the next episode is unwise.
The United States and many countries are bound up in fighting terrorism and nuclear problems. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Iran, Israel and the Gaza strip are extremely difficult problems. How ever we cannot ignore North Korea; we must all reach out to show it’s leaders there is another way.
One misstep was the reaction of the world upon the statement of North Korea that it would launch a rocket. The rhetoric was very negative and hot. A more conservative approach may have been called for. Instead of a war like response it is this newsletter’s contention that a more conciliatory response was
called for. Instead of everyone rattling their swords very possibly a position of,” test your rocket, but no one will stand by and watch any action that can be deemed an aggressive movement or significant advance in long range missile rocketry.” It would have been good to be able to say, “Russia, the United States, Japan
And others will not look kindly upon advancement in the long-range missile area. To immediately test the resilience with the leaders of North Korea was a mistake. There has been no retaliation by anyone as a result of the missile launching; a toned down approach would have been better.
The aggressive nature of countries as a result of their possessing weapons of mass destruction simply will not do. Just the fact of “saving face” should have triggered the thoughts of a more conservative approach.
The ADR modality of ombudsing should be considered in conjunction with mediation, negotiation and conciliation. A buffer between aggressive, threatening rhetoric and the world must be looked at.
We need a block of nations to act as a go between. For example if North Korea could have gone to an ombudsmen, presented their case negatives and positives then the extreme rancor which occurred could maybe been avoided. Straight diplomacy is no longer enough. The United Nations has become a body, which is able to do very little on the world stage and is too political.
Nuclear holocaust through intentional acts or accident can and may well occur. Regrouping and cleaning up after a nuclear attack is not an option; we all had better act now.
It is this newsletter’s opinion that a non political, neutral ombudsman or committee must be looked into for the airing of grievances or issues such as the North Korean missile launch. Obviously the question of neutrality and becoming a signature to this process may be difficult. Such a process must be made to be
attractive and viable; incentives may be better placed for this purpose. Making this ADR modality a desirable way to work out differences can work. The world is now, in any event, attempting to reign in rogue countries regarding nuclear weapons. It only would take one of these countries to set off nuclear war; retaliation and escalation would occur instantly with no quarter given. Major cities would be knocked out along with large populations.
We need to stop this now.
In the opinion of this newsletter non-political ombudsing should be utilized before diplomacy. Once issues are meted out then politicians and diplomats can take over. There must be a halt to all action during the ombudsing period. It is important the world become immediately attentive to this opinion and ADR modality.
What is occurring is with each episode of threats and aggressive actions those parties become that much more aggressive and threatening.
Israel may well launch a preemptive attack against Iran using nuclear capabilities. Iran will retaliate in moments of a launch and here we go. China will be forced to take a position and stand down
or assist in a military kind. Japan and the west coast of the United States have been placed in jeopardy. The Mid-East is a heart beat away from warfare and possibly a nuclear attack. Should Iran launch a nuclear attack on Israel how will the Gaza strip be kept out of the fray?
We here do not believe Japan and South Korea will idly stand by while North Korea perfects it’s nuclear and rocketry capabilities.
Let us all not think this will not occur, it may well.
During the Cold War the world was fortunate to have leaders of countries who understood the meaning of the consequences of nuclear war; unfortunately regimes and leaders of numerous countries today seem not to care and speak in more aggressive tones.
THANK YOU FOR READING THE APRIL, 2009 ISSUE OF OUR NEWSLETTER PLEASE LOOK IN ON US FOR SUPPLEMENTS DURING THE MONTH AND STAY TUNED FOR THE May, 2009 Issue.
NORTH KOREA?? CONFLICT??
Posted by Site Staff on Wednesday March 18, 2009
On October 22,2008 North Korea declares it’s nuclear facilities to be dismantled and sealed.
Jean Lee AP writer reports on North Korean troops on alert and deploying. March 9,2009. After Secretary Clinton warns North Korea not to test long-range missiles they reply with war rhetoric.
The United States and South Korea apparently are also combining to engage war games.
North Korea seems rattled by all this. Communication has been stopped between the North and South.
North Korea is preparing itself for an all out conflict with the United States and South Korea. Should it’s missile testing be harmed in any way.
Who is minding the store here? We realize that the Mid-East is taking much, but who is working on the disputes in the Korean theatre?
Is the United States prepared to interfere with the North Koreans? Weren’t there combined communications between North Korea, South Korea and the United States with regard to war games?
What in the world is going on here? Should the North Koreans invade South of the 38th Parallel we all will have another world conflict and war. What will the Chinese do then?
Presently the Chinese and United States are trying to work out some disputes through ADR methods. China however it is reported by Joe Mcdonald, AP business writer, Yahoo. News on March 13th, 2009 that China is worried about their holdings in the U.S. and collateral for it’s loans to the U.S.
This newsletter believes the U.S. is in a ticklish situation with these parties for which quick, sophisticated ADR methods are necessary.
No one can afford to sit back and simply watch. Koreans are a proud, tough people on both sides. North Korea does not enjoy the aid that South Korea receives from the United States. Saving Face
could call for aggression.
We repeat.” who is minding the store?”
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS SUPPLEMENT. WE WILL BE CLOSELY WATCHING THESE EVENTS. HOPEFULLY COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE RESTORED QUICKLY AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION METHODS WILL INTERVENE.
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