Oliver McTernan: Is peace in the Middle East an impossible dream?
Jul 17, 2024
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Former Catholic priest Oliver McTernan shares insights on peace efforts in the Middle East, including negotiations for Gilad Shalit release. Emphasizes inclusive dialogue, role of key political figures, and complexities of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Engaging in inclusive dialogues with hardline factions promotes peace.
External intervention from leaders like US President Biden could influence the conflict's trajectory.
Deep dives
Oliver MacTernan's Transition from Priesthood to Conflict Resolution
Oliver MacTernan, a former Catholic priest, founded Thinking, a peace organization focused on the Middle East conflict. Despite resigning due to issues like clerical celibacy and women's role in ministry, his work aims to foster peace discussions in a region facing increasing complexities. MacTernan's involvement in negotiating the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit showcased his commitment to conflict resolution beyond his religious affiliations.
Engagement with Hardline Groups for Inclusive Dialogue
MacTernan's organization, Forward Thinking, advocates for inclusive dialogues involving hardline factions like the religious right in Israel and groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine. By establishing relationships over 20 years, MacTernan engages in political conversations rather than military engagements, aiming to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Challenges and Hopes for Peace in a Traumatized Environment
Amid a traumatized environment in Israel and Palestine, MacTernan highlights the importance of saving lives through communication channels and objective reflections. While internal obstacles like Prime Minister Netanyahu's objectives hinder progress, external intervention from leaders like US President Biden could influence the conflict's trajectory. A potential ceasefire and end to occupation are seen as crucial steps towards sustainable peace efforts in the region.
Sarah Montague speaks to former Catholic priest Oliver McTernan who has spent more than two decades working in conflict resolution in the Middle East. He is the director of the organisation Forward Thinking and was involved in negotiations that led to the release of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011. While he has no formal role in the current talks over the war in Gaza, he regularly speaks to senior figures in both Hamas and the Israeli government. Given the history of this protracted conflict, does he hold any hope that it will ever be resolved?
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