Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

Can mediation cut through conflict in the Middle East?

In Gaza, a fragile ceasefire comes with great uncertainty for the future. In Yemen, the Houthis are abducting humanitarian workers and journalists in a witch hunt for alleged spies. And in Syria, a new and unstable political landscape could go either way.

“It's not easy to build peace. It's much easier to stop a war,” says Martin Griffiths, executive director of Mediation Group International.

The former under secretary general for humanitarian affairs at the UN speaks to The National’s editor-in-chief Mina Al-Oraibi in this special episode of Beyond the Headlines.

They discuss the instrumental role of mediation, not only to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, but to ensure peace will follow. Mr Griffiths draws insights from his decades-long career in the humanitarian field to reflect on current events in the region. He talks about the diplomacy model set by Gulf countries and about opportunities to reform a UN in crisis.

Episoder(477)

End to Syrian civil war could be in sight, while confusion circulates around Lebanon

End to Syrian civil war could be in sight, while confusion circulates around Lebanon

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Cholera on the decline in Yemen, the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration, and political drama in Kuwait.

Cholera on the decline in Yemen, the 100th anniversary of the Balfour declaration, and political drama in Kuwait.

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Rohingya refugees, the neglected humanitarian crisis

Rohingya refugees, the neglected humanitarian crisis

One of the most heinous humanitarian disasters is taking place today, and the world has never been so slow to react. The Rohingya refugee crisis has seen more than 600,000 members of the Muslim minori...

25 Okt 201728min

Death and destruction in Somalia; conflict in Iraq; astronomical wonder in Abu Dhabi

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The most deadly attack in Somalia’s war-torn history has rocked the country and claimed hundreds of lives. We look to find out why the two bombs have gone unclaimed by any terrorist organization. We t...

18 Okt 201727min

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A growing ISIL influence in the Philippines

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Separatists in Iraq and Spain vote for independence

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The right to self-determination is not only the core upon which we gauge human rights but it’s considered one of the fundamental freedoms the United Nations outlines as necessary to all mankind. So wh...

4 Okt 201727min

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