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The Middle East Should Consider a Helsinki Act for Peaceful Relations

The Middle East Should Consider a Helsinki Act for Peaceful Relations

20 Temmuz 2026Financial Times
  • The article argues that trust is not a necessary condition for achieving peace, particularly in the context of the Middle East. It suggests that Iran and its neighboring countries could benefit from a diplomatic approach similar to the Helsinki Act of the Cold War era.
  • This approach emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation, even in the absence of mutual trust. By learning from historical precedents, the region could potentially foster stability and cooperation.
  • The Helsinki Act, signed in 1975, was a significant diplomatic effort during the Cold War that aimed to improve relations between the Eastern and Western blocs. Its principles of cooperation, security, and human rights could provide a framework for addressing the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East today.
  • The proposal for a Middle Eastern equivalent of the Helsinki Act highlights a pragmatic approach to diplomacy in a region often characterized by deep-seated mistrust. By focusing on dialogue rather than requiring pre-existing trust, there is potential for incremental progress in peacebuilding efforts.
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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Financial Times.