Nonviolent communication in times of conflict

Kudos to Iran peace delegate Priscilla Fairbanks. She attended the meeting with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that FOR organized in September and today her op ed about the value of dialogue appeared in the Albany Times Union. Here’s an excerpt:

Our meeting in New York City took place in the midst of the fear, accusations and bellicose rhetoric surrounding most conversations about American-Iranian relations. It is human nature to be defensive when accused or threatened. Conversations cannot be productive under those conditions. Engaging in dialogue is a nonviolent choice. Fellowship of Reconciliation provided an opportunity for us to ask tough questions. No, they weren’t answered directly by the president, but they were presented and received.

- timesunion.com: Engaging in dialogue a nonviolent choice, 11/3/08