Overcoming the Retributive Nature of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This book presents an interdisciplinary approach to conflict solution focusing on a very specific type of conflict, retributive conflicts . It is unique in the treatment of these and how relative measurement is used to find equilibrium solutions. The authors present an alternative process to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They do so in two ways that are different from past efforts. The first is by formally structuring the conflict and the second is the manner in which discussions were conducted and conclusions drawn. The approach will help create a solution and provide negotiators with a unique pathway to consider the thorny issues and corresponding concessions underlying the deliberations, together with their implementation. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides a way to conflict solution with the participation of negotiators for the parties. It is a positive approach that makes it possible to reason and express feelings and judgments with numerical intensities to derive priorities. With the assistance of panels of Israeli participants and Palestinian participants brought together in 2006 to 2017, AHP was applied for the first time in a group setting to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The process makes it clear that moderation in different degrees by both sides is essential to arrive at acceptable agreements on concessions proposed and agreed upon by both sides. Preface Contents Chapter 1: Laying the Groundwork References Chapter 2: The Middle East Conflict: Origins, Evolution, and Attempts to Resolve Introduction References Chapter 3: The Analytic Hierarchy Process: Beyond ``Getting to Yes ́ ́ in Conflict Resolution Introduction The Analytic Hierarchy Process Principles of the Analytic Hierarchy Process The Absolute Ratings Model of the AHP References Chapter 4: Retributive Conflicts and the AHP: The Trading Mechanism Introduction The Retributive Function The Recruiter-Candidate Case Discussion: The Gain-to-Loss Ratios of Concessions Made by both Sides Need to be Close to One another Equalizing Concession Trade-Offs The General Model References Chapter 5: Structuring the Hierarchy to Make Trade-Offs: Benefits, Costs, Perceived Benefits, and Perceived Costs Developing a Comprehensive Approach The Process Implementing the Process References Chapter 6: Lessons Learned: The AHP Can Help Achieve Peace Introduction Retributive Conflicts The Contribution of the AHP References Chapter 7: The Pittsburgh Principles: Fair and Equitable Trade-Offs Introduction Pittsburgh Declaration of Principles All the Critical Issues in the Conflict Pittsburgh Declaration of Principles: August 2011 Chapter 8: Implementation of the Principles: Getting Down to Earth Introduction Principle 1 Principle 2 Principle 3 Principle 4 Principle 5 Principle 6 Principle 7 Principle 8 Principle 9 Summary Reference Chapter 9: The Palestinian Refugee Problem: Compensation and Reparation Program Introduction Program Prioritization Program Implementation Compensation Economic Development Narrative Choice of Residence Conclusions and a Starting Point References Chapter 10: Strategic Communications: Communicating Internally and Externally Introduction National Leadership Drafters-Implementation Interaction Final Thoughts References Chapter 11: Looking Ahead References