Conflict resolution approaches: Western and Middle Eastern lessons and possibilities

Conflict resolution processes exist in every society. However, a com parison between Western and Middle Eastern procedures of dispute resolution processes reveals different assumptions underline each approach. The comparison is based on the analysis of two case studies, the first case study is a description of dispute settlement process between Christians and Druze in an Arab village in Israel (mediated by Muslims). The second case study describes a collaborative problem solving process implemented in Cleveland, Ohio in a community racial conflict. Distinctive cultural and professional assumptions that underlie both intervention processes are identified. Also, it is noted that the third party roles and the main outcomes which were achieved in both cases were different. Two sets of principles and concepts, which can be applied interchangeably in both Middle Eastern and Western settings, and those which are unique to each context, are explored.