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When the Council discusses what is to happen after the cease-fire, we hear many formulas: back to 1956, back to 1948--I understand our neighbors would wish to turn the clock back to 1947. The fact is, however, that most clocks move forward and not backward, and this, I think, should be the case with the clock of Middle Eastern peace--not backward to belligerency, but forward to peace.

Abba Eban#8

WarDiplomacyMiddle eastPeaceProgressTime

About this quote

What does it mean?
Peace should move forward like a clock instead of trying to return to past conflict lines.
In plain terms
Move forward to peace not back to old fights.
What can you take from it?
Peace requires progress not regression.

Where it applies

  • peace talks
  • diplomacy
  • historical review

Putting it to work

  • forward to peace
  • avoid past lines
  • assess progress

Questions to consider

  • Can we move forward without looking back?
  • What does peace require?

Another view

Past borders are often necessary reference points for agreements.

More from Abba Eban

  1. People in our country and in many countries ask: what is the use of a United Nations presence if it is in effect an umbrella which is taken away as soon as it …

    Permalink to quote #7
  2. I think that this is the first war in history that on the morrow the victors sued for peace and the vanquished called for unconditional surrender.

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. His ignorance is encyclopedic

    Permalink to quote #6

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