Iran: Levels of Conflict Resolution

There's one thing about the current conflict I cannot get out of my mind: that conflict tends to be resolved on the lowest level accepted by the involved parties. In short, there are six general possible levels of conflict solution:

• Consensus: both parties agree on the topic
• Compromise: both parties move away from their initial goals and agree on a third position
• Delegation: a third party rules on the conflict, i.e. a judge or international body or whatever
• Fight with submission: the two parties fight until one gives in, usually with a bloody head or worse
• Fight with destruction: this is no game anymore. Fight until, well - destruction. It's a win/loose situation now. There can be only one
• Escape: the lowest possible level of conflict resolution - one side gives in and lops off. Sometimes the only viable option.

That's about it in conflict theory. Well, my concern is that the Iranian regime is not really interested in a compromise, let alone a consensual solution to the popular uprising. Right now, they are using force, that's the fighting-levels for you. The regime still hopes for submission, but I'm afraid it would accept the "destruction"-option as well. That's why popular support outside of Iran is so important - it shows the regime that the Iranian people is not alone, that they have international support. And that's also why it's very rational by the Obama administration not to take sides too openly - because that would only show the regime that they're with their backs to the wall, and make the "fight with destruction"-option so much more probable... The revolt in Iran is walking a thin line, and I seriously hope they can continue to walk it, all of them.


(For a thorough analysis of the background and all the other stuff concerning the Iranian revolution, please have a look here at CNN, here at Theran bureau, here at TED, and here, again at Theran bureau, and a very touching testimonial. Apart from that, the Dish is great at offering further information.)