Conflict Mediation in the Arab World

Ibrahim Fraihat (Edited by), Isak Svensson (Edited by), Peter Wallensteen (Contributions by), Stina Högbladh (Contributions by), Laurie Nathan (Contributions by), Mohammed Abu-Nimer (Contributions by), I. William Zartman (Contributions by), Magnus Lundgren (Contributions by), Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah (Contributions by), Mohammed Cherkaoui (Contributions by), Allard Duursma (Contributions by), Siniša Vukovic (Contributions by), Danielle Martin (Contributions by), Love Calissendorff (Contributions by), Mimmi Söderberg Kovacs (Contributions by), Najla El-Mangoush (Contributions by), Ghassan Khatib (Contributions by), Desirée Nilsson (Contributions by), Luís Martínez Lorenzo (Contributions by), Massaab al-Aloosy (Contributions by), Mary Hope Schwoebel (Contributions by), Ibrahim Fraihat (Contributions by), Isak Svensson (Contributions by)

9780815638131

Paperback / softback, published 30 October 2023

448 pages, 9 b&w illustrations
25.4 x 17.8 x 2.9 cm, 0.272 kg

A volume of major importance, both in its academic significance and contribution to the field of mediation and conflict resolution studies, and in its direct policy relevance for the resolution and management of conflicts in the Arab world." - Gerd Nonneman, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

The Middle East and North Africa region has been plagued with civil wars, international interventions, and increasing militarization, making it one of the most war-affected areas in the world today. Despite numerous mediation processes and initiatives for conflict resolution, most have failed to transform conflicts from war to peace. Seeking to learn from these past efforts and apply new research, Fraihat and Svensson present the first comprehensive approach to mediation in the Arab world, taking on cases from Yemen to Sudan, from Qatar to Palestine, Syria, and beyond.

Conflict Mediation in the Arab World focuses on mediation at three different levels of analysis: between countries, between governments and armed actors inside single countries, and between different communities. In applying this holistic method, the editors identify similarities and differences in the conditions for conflict resolution and management.

Drawing upon the work of experts in the field with a deep understanding of the increasing complexities and changing dynamics of the region, this volume offers a valuable resource for academics, policy makers, and practitioners interested in conflict resolution and management in the Middle East and North Africa.

• Foreword: Mediation in the Arab World—
  I. William Zartman
• Introduction—
  Ibrahim Fraihat and Isak Svensson
  
  Part I: General Trajectories and Challenges of Mediation in the Arab World
• 1. Peace Agreements in the Middle East: A Regional Challenge to Mediation—
  Peter Wallensteen and Stina Hö
  gbladh
• 2. The Impossible Mandate for Mediation: Exclusionary Approaches to Conflict Resolution in Libya, Syria, and Yemen—
  Laurie Nathan
• 3. Current Challenges in Utilizing National Dialogue Mechanisms in Arab Local Political Context—
  Mohammed Abu-Nimer
  
  Part II: Mediation in or by Arab Countries
• 4. UN Mediation in the Syrian Crisis: From Kofi Annan through Lakhdar Brahimi to Staffan de Mistura—
  I. William Zartman
• 5. Mediation in Syria, 2016-19: A Tale of Two Processes—
  Magnus Lundgren
• 6. Exploring United Nations Mediation Efforts in Yemen (2011–
  2019)—
  Alma Abdul-Hadi-Jadallah
• 7. The Legitimacy Puzzle in the UN Mediation of the Libyan Conflict—
  Mohammed Cherkaoui
• 8. International Mediation in the Wake of a Failed Peace Agreement: Post-Agreement Mediation to Resolve the Civil War in Darfur—
  Allard Duursma
• 9. When Do Mediators Say ‘
  No’
  : American Resistance to Mediating the Gulf Diplomatic Crisis—
  Siniš
  a Vukovic and Danielle Martin
• 10. The Intra-Palestinian Dialogue 2007-2017: A Negotiated Disagreement?—
  Love Calissendorff and Mimmi Sö
  derberg Kovacs
• 11. Omani Mediation Diplomacy and the Concept of Concealment "Kitman"—
  Najla El-Mangoush
• 12. American Mediation in the Middle East Conflict: A House Built on Sand—
  Ghassan Khatib
  
  Part III: Local Level-Mediation in the Arab World
• 13. Paths to Inclusion: Civil Society Involvement during the Peace Process in Algeria—
  Desiré
  e Nilsson and Luí
  s Martí
  nez Lorenzo
• 14. Mediation between Sunni and Shi?a Arabs in Iraq: Attempts, Assessment, and Adversity in Mediating in Post-2003—
  Massaab al-Aloosy
• 15. Hybrid Conflict Resolution and Justice in South West State, Somalia—
  Mary Hope Schwoebel
• Concluding Discussion—
  Ibrahim Fraihat and Isak Svensson