The world was recently captivated by images of the North and South Korean leaders smiling and joking, while promising an agreement which would put an end to a war which commenced long before many of us were born.
Has the world ever seen negotiations pursued in this kind of spirit of goodwill and amity? We are more used to hearing opposing sides denouncing each other as terrorists and war criminals and refusing to even sit in the same room as each other. It often takes years of preparation, brinkmanship and backroom talks before a public meeting of the leaders of both sides would be even considered.
It seems highly likely that this sudden display of goodwill has the fingerprints of efforts from China behind the scenes, desiring once and for all to resolve a crisis which had recently become more heated than Korea’s neighbours were comfortable with – an illustration of how much is achievable when suddenly there is real political will.
This gives us cause to ask – if the Koreans can embark on negotiations in such a civilised and enlightened manner, why can’t such a model be adopted across our region? The idea of such a friendly meeting between Netanyahu and Abu-Mazen or Hamas leaders appears almost ridiculous or comical. Likewise it is difficult to imagine the various Syrian parties sitting down for photo opportunities and exchanging jokes and pleasantries. Other long-running conflicts like that
of Western Sahara, or between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus, have almost been forgotten by the world, without any prospect of a solution.
Amidst the smiles, it is easy to forget that Kim Jong-un is a ruthless dictator who has brutalised and oppressed his own people, while assassinating members of his own family. Nobody should forget who he is and what he stands for; but this should arguably not stop the Koreans themselves and other world powers making efforts to defuse these dangerous regional tensions.
It is always easy to come up with a thousand reasons for not making peace: “Our enemies only understand the language of force” “We must avenge our fallen martyrs” “Why should we negotiate with terrorists?”… However, the result is that we miss out on any opportunity to enjoy peace and stability in the region. It takes far greater courage to put personal and factional grievances to one side and make sincere efforts for peace.
The Koreans have learnt from their mistakes. If the warring sides in 1953 had had the foresight to put their grievances to one side – even as a flawed and imperfect compromise – then the history of that region would have been very different. The fact that most Koreans weren’t born at the time of the war makes it easier to contemplate difficult compromises. However, it certainly shouldn’t be the rule that every conflict must wait 70 years before arriving at a definitive solution.
Chinese diplomacy in Korea illustrates why Beijing maybe just the kind of global force we need to see more of. Instead of the battle of egos we see between Putin and Trump, we hardly even notice Chinese diplomats at work, which helps avoid these complex conflicts turning into simple displays of muscle and childish threats.
In the dispute between Qatar and other GCC members we already see signs that Doha is putting measures in place for our divisions to become permanent. This includes domestic production of agricultural products which it once imported from Saudi Arabia; as well as measures to strengthen ties with Tehran, such as new visa provisions facilitating visits for Iranian nationals.
Although we are not in a state of war with Qatar, there are factors in common with the Korean situation: We share a language, a common Khaleeji culture and even close family and tribal connections. Perhaps the regime in Doha has given up hope of reconciliation and feel they have little to lose by embracing the Ayatollahs in Tehran and other terrorist groups. However, one day this common Khaleeji heritage will once again overcome temporary political obstacles.
As Arabs – and particularly in the Gulf region – we are distinguished by an overriding sense of pride: Pride in our tribe, our nation, our culture and our reputation. Our pride is a blessing and a curse – a curse because it makes it almost impossible to forget wrongs committed against us and our countrymen. A critical mass of disputes and conflicts have been allowed to accumulate, putting us at each other’s throats.
Instead of forcing the peoples of this region to experience the terrible and futile consequences of decades of unresolved confrontations on multiple fronts; let us take a lesson from the leaderships of Korea and come together in a spirit of goodwill and peacemaking, sooner rather than much much later.