This report, which is a shortened version of an unpublished working paper written for the United States Institute of Peace in May 2007, examines effective processes of relationship building and dispute resolution, drawing upon the author’s three years of experience working with Iraqis. Informed by both Islamic and tribal customs, the report presents a series of steps for breaking out of a cycle of revenge. It also presents elements of an effective negotiation process with illustrations of successful dispute resolution facilitated by trained Iraqis.

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