THE IDEA OF PEACE.

Appearance and reality, as we know, are often estranged, and sometimes deliberately so. But the idea of peace, may well often be a better way of providing for our most important, if different, needs.

So it is that I note via Juan Cole that Joost Hiltermann, Middle East project director of the International Crisis Group, suggests:

Iran’s recent decision to begin discussion with the US concerning Iraq may well be chiefly informed by its wish to deflect pressure stemming from the nuclear crisis, but both countries also share an interest in finding ways to stabilize Iraq. Both sides have much to gain and even more to lose in the current standoff. There couldn’t be a better time for both to sit down together and put their cards on the table in an all-out effort to save Iraq and, thereby, their own vital interests in the Gulf.

As was said some time ago I believe, and in the Bible, “Blessed are the peacemakers”. I make these biblical quotes because I understand they are especially persuasive with some people.

Still the real question remains whether the respective governments in Tehran and Washington are sane enough to choose peace. I mean this in all seriousness.

Postscript.

Phillip Adams got there first, and took his satire to the next step.

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