I had to come up with a hypothetical conflict. The main purpose was to make it so it wasn't clear who was right or wrong. Here is what I have come up with and I am wondering how you would attempt to resolve this situation peacefully...

Somewhere in the midst of the Indian Ocean there is an obscure island. It’s situation is highly isolated and it is a unique part of the world because it has been free of conflict since before the 1900s. However, in recent times the island has descended into its most tumultuous moments on record…
The island is divided into two countries, San Lorenzo and Tralfamadore. The differences in names is due to them being established at different times - the origins of which are lost in the recesses of time. They are extremely similar and have got on swimmingly over the past century and a quarter. The land distribution is pleasantly even and the resources are divided between the countries with near-perfect equality. The countries’ populations are of a comparable number and both share a wealth of culture and attitudes that have, on the whole, integrated nicely. There seems to be one noticeable clash between the two countries. A divide that could possibly end up completely devastating the island.
In both countries, a small but significant percentage (5-6%) believe their cultural and genetic heritage to be superior to the rest of the island's inhabitants. This group, known as the Bokononists, have aspirations to overthrow both democratic states and take authoritarian control of the entire island. In Tralfamadore, this small collective are allowed to organise and express their beliefs in rallies and demonstrations. Although the majority of the people disagree with their views they respect their right to express them. By contrast, San Lorenzo have a strict method of control and will not allow this radical and hostile movement to openly express itself.
Both tactics have their successful points and their drawbacks.
In Tralfamadore, everything is open and the group’s activities are regular and tolerated - allowing for some appeasement. However, Bokononist demonstrations can sometimes move into riots and express themselves in unlawful ways such as vandalism or even murder. On the other hand, San Lorenzo have tight control over the Bokononist problem, leading the radical sect to resort to conspiratorial tactics. Although less frequent, when the Bokononists do make a statement in San Lorenzo the result is often traumatic.
In February 2007, a group of Tralfamadorian scientists visited San Lorenzo for a meeting. Both countries have recently made new advancements whilst studying petroleum; their discoveries are different but have the potential to be highly significant in developing both countries’ economies. Two of the eight Tralfamadorians are Bokononists. This was unknown to the Tralfamadorian government who, if aware, would have sent less controversial representatives instead. Unfortunately, the San Lorenzan police discovered their views instead, when they arrested the two visitors whilst raiding an illegal, underground Bokononist meeting. Being caught in their country, the San Lorenzo government believe these people to be under their jurisdiction and have incarcerated the Bokononists indefinitely. Furthermore, San Lorenzo are refusing to let the rest of the party leave because they feel the Tralfamadorians are needed for the inquiries. Tralfamadore, meanwhile, want their scientists returned so they can continue in their research - especially as these are Tralfamadorian citizens who, under Tralfamadorian law, are not guilty of anything.
These captives are now the subject of an increasingly heated argument between the two countries and Tralfamadore is contemplating war to force San Lorenzo into returning their people. San Lorenzo refuses to change their view on the issue as well.
The UN is holding an emergency summit in an attempt to conclude the matter peacefully…

I'm not reading that until you use paragraphs.

very confusing to look at... plus I don't really have time right now.. maybe another time eh Caps?

yeah, I'll read it tomorrow or soemthing

I've not seen this in my newspaper.

No-one's scared of the UN anymore, war is inevitable. They are all doomed.

Bomb it.

Claim the other side has WMDs and supports Terrorism. Problem solved.

Lev - Pulverizer wrote:Bomb it.

GAMA Bomb it!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111

ribbons69 wrote:

Lev - Pulverizer wrote:Bomb it.

GAMA Bomb it!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111

*slap*

Somewhere in the midst of the Indian Ocean there is an obscure island. It’s situation is highly isolated and it is a unique part of the world because it has been free of conflict since before the 1900s. However, in recent times the island has descended into its most tumultuous moments on record…

The island is divided into two countries, San Lorenzo and Tralfamadore. The differences in names is due to them being established at different times - the origins of which are lost in the recesses of time. They are extremely similar and have got on swimmingly over the past century and a quarter. The land distribution is pleasantly even and the resources are divided between the countries with near-perfect equality. The countries’ populations are of a comparable number and both share a wealth of culture and attitudes that have, on the whole, integrated nicely. There seems to be one noticeable clash between the two countries. A divide that could possibly end up completely devastating the island.

In both countries, a small but significant percentage (5-6%) believe their cultural and genetic heritage to be superior to the rest of the island's inhabitants. This group, known as the Bokononists, have aspirations to overthrow both democratic states and take authoritarian control of the entire island. In Tralfamadore, this small collective are allowed to organise and express their beliefs in rallies and demonstrations. Although the majority of the people disagree with their views they respect their right to express them. By contrast, San Lorenzo have a strict method of control and will not allow this radical and hostile movement to openly express itself.

Both tactics have their successful points and their drawbacks.
In Tralfamadore, everything is open and the group’s activities are regular and tolerated - allowing for some appeasement. However, Bokononist demonstrations can sometimes move into riots and express themselves in unlawful ways such as vandalism or even murder. On the other hand, San Lorenzo have tight control over the Bokononist problem, leading the radical sect to resort to conspiratorial tactics. Although less frequent, when the Bokononists do make a statement in San Lorenzo the result is often traumatic.

In February 2007, a group of Tralfamadorian scientists visited San Lorenzo for a meeting. Both countries have recently made new advancements whilst studying petroleum; their discoveries are different but have the potential to be highly significant in developing both countries’ economies.
Two of the eight Tralfamadorians are Bokononists. This was unknown to the Tralfamadorian government who, if aware, would have sent less controversial representatives. Unfortunately, the San Lorenzan police discovered their views instead, when they arrested the two visitors whilst raiding an illegal, underground Bokononist meeting.
Being caught in their country, the San Lorenzo government believe these people to be under their jurisdiction and have incarcerated the Bokononists indefinitely. Furthermore, San Lorenzo are refusing to let the rest of the party leave because they feel the Tralfamadorians are needed for the inquiries.
Tralfamadore, meanwhile, want their scientists returned so they can continue in their research - especially as these are Tralfamadorian citizens who, under Tralfamadorian law, are not guilty of anything.
These captives are now the subject of an increasingly heated argument between the two countries and Tralfamadore is contemplating war to force San Lorenzo into returning their people. San Lorenzo refuses to change their view on the issue as well.

The UN is holding an emergency summit in an attempt to conclude the matter peacefully…

Bokononists

the UN probably wouldn't be able to do all that much, since both countries share the island completely and it's incredibly isolated...

do these countries have advanced weaponry? do they have armed forces other than armed police?

thrash metal maniac wrote::lol: Bokononists

It's from Vonnegut. Basically, the two countries are members of the UN and the organisation is hoping to mediate so that the two countries will not goto war. My question is which country is right and which is wrong?

They're both wrong.

They should've formed into one united nation when the countries were founded, then appointed a governing body made up of, say 20 people, all of whom are equal in the say of the countries decisions. then none of this crazyness would have happened

Out of interest, what was the reason you did this? Is this some sort of study on the UK Thrash collective?