1) The concept of peace:
There are two trends to consider – in general – the concept of “peace”
- Peace – in its simplest definitions – is “the absence of disagreement, violence, war …”. This is a common view in many writings; in the field of international relations, researchers believe that peace means the absence of war, and the presence of war does not mean peace. In human societies, peace means the absence of everything related to violence, such as major organized crimes such as terrorism, ethnic, religious, sectarian, or regional conflicts (I.e. those which arise between geographical regions in the face of other regions within the territory of the State itself). The causes of regional conflicts are usually due to economic considerations (such as the struggle over natural resources), political (such as the monopoly of certain geographical areas of the political power), or ethnic (e.g. inter-ethnic conflicts).
- Peace is “agreement, harmony, tranquility …”. According to this definition, peace – contrary to the previous definition – does not mean the absence of violence in all its forms, but it means positive qualities desirable in itself such as the need to reach an agreement, the desire to achieve harmony in relations between people and a state of calm that prevail relations between different groups … so on. Peace, then, is a positive state in itself (stability and tranquility, for example), rather than an absence of a rejected negative state (violence, war, murder, for example). This definition opens the door to thinking at different levels of dealing with the concept of “peace”.
There is peace between nations, there is peace among human groups, there is peace within the family, and there is peace between the person and himself.
Peace is not just a fleeting word, it is the basis of the country’s stability basics and an important pillar on which people’s lives are based. Without peace, there is no stable life. Without its existence, there are also no reasons for prosperity, and all life opportunities go back, starting from education, health, development, and life, because war is the antithesis of peace, heart-destroying ignites sedition, and ends the lives of innocent people …
2) The importance of peace:
Peace is a means of achieving harmony among peoples. When peace is achieved and prevails among peoples, the meanings of compatibility and harmony are revealed among peoples regardless of their race and origins, making them away from the spirit of hatred and squabbling and prevailing among them the spirit of intimacy, love, and cooperation. Peace is a means of ending disputes and resolving conflicts between nations and peoples, we often hear of the conclusion of peace agreements between states and peoples that agreed to end the war and the dispute between them. These agreements pave the way for the consolidation and normalization of relations between the reconciled peoples.
Peace is also an important pillar in the life of the individual and society in many aspects, including:
* Protection of human rights: Peace guarantees many rights in the event of exclusion of war such as the right to life, religious belief, mobility, expression of opinion, education, work, health, political representation, the establishment of associations and political parties, and other rights that can only be provided with security and peace.
* Poverty, malnutrition, and health diseases can all be the result of war, lack of support, and health sector development during periods of conflict in conflict zones because the state’s attention is focused on war and what is accompanied by military preparedness, and support for the army and the security services.
* Social development: The development of societies, especially the poor, requires joint international cooperation and support from the rich and developed countries to the poor countries. This objective will not be achieved in the event of armed conflicts within the State or in the presence of conflicts in the relationship between States; because support will shift to support those affected by war, supporting these communities may also stop because of war or political conflict.
* Economic development and security are the most important basis for initiating comprehensive economic development in all societies, the first thing that is affected by wars and conflicts is the economy of the affected countries, and thus the lifestyle of the affected people. Therefore, the importance of peace cannot be mentioned without addressing the economic impact on safe countries, which can develop their economy continuously and consistently.
* Democracy: Democracy cannot be achieved for people who continue to suffer from insecurity, armed conflict, or war. Guaranteeing in the state is the most important condition that governments must achieve in support of democracy.
* Organization and applying the law: the rule of law and to be applied to everyone needs the existence of an atmosphere that guarantees justice, and does not infringe upon others and their rights, and this can only be secured by the existence of security and peace in society and the State.
3) Ways of achieving peace:
- Promote a culture of dialogue among all religions, where mutual understanding is increased, and mutual trust among individuals and peoples is strengthened, because these are the basic conditions for true peace.
- Establishing global organizations that promote the Alliance of Religions for Peace, working to build a strong interfaith alliance as well as to stop religious conflicts.
- Establishing law enforcement institutions.
- Working towards the development and expansion of the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes through clearly articulated processes of mediation, reconciliation, and arbitration.
- The frank and calm dialogue, but considering that what separates us from differences and barriers cannot be overcome and skipped. But considering that our diversity and our differences from others can be appropriate for mutual understanding and common benefit for all.
- Encourage every initiative that promotes friendship and cooperation among people.
- Urge those responsible for the destinies of nations and peoples, rulers and heads of States, to make every possible effort to build a world of solidarity and love and enjoy peace based on justice, equality, and mutual respect among all.