Dialogue Works

Nima Rostami Alkhorshid:

1. What is the current status of the Gaza situation after Steve Witkoff’s failed negotiations with Hamas?
2. Why do Western powers continue to use the term "terrorist" as a barrier to negotiation, and how does this hinder conflict resolution?
3. How do you explain the lack of legitimacy of the Israeli state, especially in light of its security policies and actions against civilians?
4. Given Israel’s actions in Gaza—such as targeting civilians with heavy bombardments and at food distribution points—how is it that Israel is not universally labeled a terrorist state?
5. Why do Western nations refuse to recognize Palestine, despite its UN recognition, and how does this prevent progress toward a two-state solution?

Col. Jacques Baud:

1. The word "terrorist" is often misused as a political tool rather than an accurate descriptor; it prevents dialogue by dehumanizing resistance movements, even though many, like historical liberation fighters, are fighting occupation. Labeling groups as terrorists without context ignores the root causes of resistance.
2. Israel is not a true democracy nor a state ruled by law—its policies are based on confrontation, not cooperation, and apply laws selectively. The use of mass destruction weapons, targeting of civilians, and systematic violence align more with state terrorism than legitimate military action.
3. Resistance arises from occupation; no occupation means no resistance. Hamas has repeatedly shown willingness to negotiate and compromise, but the West refuses to engage, instead demanding unilateral disarmament, which is neither realistic nor fair under international law.
4. The West, especially Europe, lacks strategic vision and is trapped in ideological narratives. It avoids conflict resolution with Palestine, Iran, and Russia not due to lack of solutions, but due to fear of antagonizing Israel and the US, despite viable paths like diplomacy and neutrality.
5. Current Western leadership is intellectually weak and driven by emotion rather than rational analysis. Decision-making is based on feelings, not intelligence or facts, leading to failed policies. This decline in strategic competence worsens global crises and undermines the role of neutral actors like Switzerland.