An Unnecessary Feud

"Nak Leng"

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Op-Ed by Chanda Chhay
Originally posted at http://cambodianchildren.blogspot.com/

It is socially disturbing to see a thug and a ruffian fight. But it is politically disgusting to see heads of governments fight like a thug and a ruffian. The on-going spat between Thailand and Cambodia driven by the zeal of their respective leaders has increasingly revealed the ugly side of human behaviors. It shows that human beings, even heads of governments, will not shy away from using sleazy methods to settle political scores.

There are many ways to solve a conflict. But there is only one effective way to cordially solve any conflict—that is to refrain from taking retaliatory action against one’s opponent. Sidhortha Gautama, or Buddha, the greatest philosopher ever walked on this planet, advised us that “revenge could only be extinguished by eliminating the desire to extract revenge.” As an enlightened being, Buddha certainly knew this fact more than anyone else that revenge and retaliation will only lead to escalation of conflict, be it personal or international.

Most of us, wise and unwise people alike, know, or at least are aware of the fact, that retaliatory action is not an effective means to solving a conflict, be it domestic, national, or international. Once we take retaliatory action against our adversary, the adverse effects stemming from such action will likely be compounded and continue to spiral down toward the abyss of destruction. As a result, the eventual solution could only be achieved with the banishment of one’s opponent(s). This is what is known as destructive conflict resolution.

Both Mr. Hun Sen and Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva are elected heads of the governments of Cambodia and Thailand, respectively. Like it or not, they are here to dictate their national policy. Likewise, Cambodia and Thailand are neighbors. Neither country could wish for the other to disappear. The two countries have existed side by side for hundreds of years and will continue to exist side by side for many more years to come. Hence it is absolutely unwise for leaders of both countries to bicker with each other like ruffians. Politicians might come and go. But countries and their inhabitants remain in place indefinitely. Thus, creating an atmosphere of animosity will benefit no one, politicians and general population alike.

In Conflict Analysis and Resolution, a basic knowledge which every diplomat or government leader should have acquired, the first step to solving a conflict peacefully and cordially, is to de-escalate it. One way (and it is the only way) to de-escalate a conflict is to minimize retaliatory actions. Unfortunately, both Thailand and Cambodia appear to engage in just that. The diplomatic row between the two countries over Cambodia’s decision to appoint Thai ex-Prime Minister, Mr.Thaksin Shinawatra, as adviser has seen a flurry of retaliatory actions taken by both sides—from withdrawal of diplomatic missions to preparation to revoke Memorandum of Understanding to threat of border closure.

It is quite a shame to see politicians from Thailand and Cambodia engaged in a rather dirty diplomatic maneuvering. Whatever hidden political agenda or grudges those politicians have toward each other, they must realize that sooner or later they will have to come to terms with it. Though it is natural for heads of governments to make maneuver to gain the upper hand, one must remember that in order to settle political differences amicably, such maneuver is sometimes counterproductive.

Chanda Chhay
Washington, D.C.