In every conflict there are some local people who have the guts not to pick up a gun, but take the harder route of nonviolence to try and solve the problems their communities face. This unglamorous, unsung work at the grassroots is just beginning to be recognised as an essential component of any successful peace process. FIFTY PER CENT of ‘top down’ peace agreements do not stick. Why? Because they have been negotiated without the participation and understanding of all those involved in the conflict – the people on the ground. Governments are just beginning to learn that local people know what works best to prevent war – or stop war – in their own backyard. Take Sami Velioglu for example. Sami is a British Iraqi who returned to his hometown of Kirkuk two months after the invasion. He was shocked to see people standing in line all day in...
