Workshop participants explored new ways to advance peace and regional stability following Operation Protective Edge. They also addressed key issues including the difficulties of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, the economic rebuilding of the Palestinian enclave, and the need to move from conflict management to conflict resolution. Other areas discussed were the regional and international mechanisms for future mediation and ceasefire implementation, the Palestinian unity government, and the revival of the Arab Peace Initiative. Participants also sought to understand the issues that led to the recent flare-up of conflict and the favorable circumstances that could arise if tackled in a truce agreement.

Lawrence Rubin’s research interests include comparative Middle East politics and international security with a specific focus on Islam and politics, Arab foreign policies, and nuclear proliferation. He recently published the book Islam in the Balance: Ideational Threats in Arab Politics.