Scaramouche, I agree with you. When there is so much hate on both sides it takes someone or something special to make both sides rise above it. There is great skill in beiong a successful mediator and it is one of the most important jobs in the world today. I dont in my heart believe that ANY race or group of people has the suicidal desire to perpetuate a situation which sees both groups of peoples unable or afraid to walk the streets. Israelis Arabs want to be able to walk the streets without fear. Northern Ireland was a bearpit of sectarian hatred for many years, and that hate hasnt just evaporated, but things are changing slowly but surely. The two communities are talking to each other and there is far more optimism than there was.
What's the alternative? The two sides were so wrapped up in their hatred that it took skillful persistent brokering by the US and UK governments to get them around the table to negociate. Yes, US and UK governments negociating with the IRA and LOYALISTS. Terrorists.
Mediation is a part of civilised life, whether it is neighbour disputes or governments. Unfortunately, like you say Scaramouche, it will take someone with a bit more vision than poor old George.