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attacks, while assuring the means, methods, equipment, and funds to build a cooperative economy in the region. Such a force, therefore, could not be solely military or diplomatic. The means would necessarily have to include economic aid, technological assistance, educational support, and humanitarian infrastructure. However, to stop the Qassams and the Israeli retaliations, both military and diplomatic forces must be engaged in the region. In short, an international military presence would intervene by creating a buffer zone, while the remaining efforts were given time and attention, as well as needed funding, to develop.

Such a force likely would not be acceptable to Arab countries, and certainly not to Palestinians, if it were led by the US and its allies alone. Just think of the Crusades, and the history there. It would not be acceptable to Israel if led by Arab countries, either. Think Ottoman Empire, and the history there. However, a joint command of a military, comprised of EU countries, the US, and Arab League countries with a joint-chiefs from these three, might be tolerable to both sides. The UN, as home to each of these three, could agree to provide administrative support and its auspices to the mission. A similar arrangement would be needed for diplomatic, economic, humanitarian, social, and educational programs. It would be necessary, and ethically right, to provide leadership roles for the three major religions, particularly in the social, humanitarian, economic, and humanitarian arenas, as religious fervor often serves the forces of division and violence.

The logistics of creating and deploying such a multi-dimensional force are large, but much less than putting a human being into space (let alone the moon), and perhaps less costly as well. Besides the political dimension, financing and administering such a program with minimal waste and maximum direct effect might be nearly as monumental a feat as putting someone on Mars. However, I think it could be done if peopleevery day peopledemanded it. There would of course be delaying tactics, including negotiations over everything from where such forces should be deployed (at the boundaries of each violent conflict, if you ask me) to the shape of the conference rooms and tables for the various joint administrations (let's go for triangles, a wall and door for each group).

However, if there is to be peace here, I think the time is near for such a mission to be launched. The leaders in this region must invite in the multi-dimensional force, and each participating group must commit to stay with the mission materially and in spirit until peace is achieved.

Learn more about this author, Michael Deqel.
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