None of us knows what is being said behind closed doors. The outcome could be a more peaceful Middle East, or an awkward fudge where violence simmers and victory is claimed by both sides. Or it could be a slide to global economic depression and world war. Let's hope human beings can learn to trust each other and it's not just the imperialist generals and war-planners who call the shots.

TO BE POSTED AT A WORLD PEACE CONFERENCE - Poem by John Mole

Allowing everyone to speak
Is not sitting on the fence
but constructive conversation
In search of common sense.

Argument will be welcome,
decisions have to be made,
but patience is a virtue
not to be betrayed.

Beware of hasty judgements
and the strident voice
Insisting that right is on its side
as if there were no choice.

To achieve a lasting peace
there must be give and take
with every promise in good faith
offered for freedom’s sake

until instead of hope deferred
justice has found a gate
through which all citizens may pass
before it becomes too late.

Then this notice can be removed
as you leave and close the door,
confident that a mended world
will turn its back on war.