If the conflict is about the size of Israel, then long and difficult negotiations can eventually resolve the problem. But if the conflict is about the existence of Israel, then serious negotiation is impossible.
Interpretation
The quote distinguishes between negotiating territorial disputes and existential conflicts.
Bernard Lewis emphasizes that some conflicts can be resolved through negotiation if they pertain to specific issues, like territory. However, if the conflict centers on fundamental existence, such negotiations are futile, highlighting the depth and complexity of certain disputes in geopolitics.
In practice
During a discussion on international relations, one might reference this quote to emphasize the complexity of certain negotiations.
During the first formative centuries of its existence, Christianity was separated from and indeed antagonistic to the state, with which it only later became involved. From the lifetime of its founder, Islam was the state, and the identity of religion and government is indelibly stamped on the memories and awareness of the faithful from their own sacred writings, history, and experience.
We need to realize that poverty doesn't only consist of being hungry for bread, but rather it is a tremendous hunger for human dignity. We need to love and to be someone for someone else
Should you ask me what is the first thing in religion, I should reply that the first, second, and third thing therein is humility.
In economics, the majority is always wrong.
I'd been raised Mormon, but there comes a time where you are not following what you've been taught, but discovering for yourself if it's true.
Custom is our nature. What are our natural principles but principles of custom?
There are moments which are made up of too much stuff for them to be lived at the time they occur.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.