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John Willis, Louisville Ky

jwillis@sullivan.edu 06/13/03

Cultural Empathy and ADR

I write as Chairman of a MS in ADR, and as a professional historian of conflict. The only method for obtaining a wide-spread and more permanent implementation of ADR in these societies is culturally empathic translation of ADR presuppositions and methods as we know them. If one studies the Quran, Hadith, tribal cultures, as well as diplomatic histories of Islamic dynasties, there are an abundance of direct and indirect analogies to establish ADR issues and concepts--as we know them--to these peoples. We will gain a hearing through our demonstrated cultural respect, and likely draw these transforming nations into our world-wide ADR dialogue. It is at that point, I believe, that we then can draw them into our own language, techniques, etc., and hear their positive contributions made to our own thought and practice.

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Ewan , Edinburgh UK

06/11/03

Congratulations on a stimulating article, Tom. You have been careful in your text to qualify your enthusiasm for introduction of mediation to invaded countries. I would simply suggest that we, as mediators based in the countries that sent forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, take extra care that options are offered very sensitively. Perceived power is often as significant as actual power. The history of imperialism is filled with acts intended to be benevolent.

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