The Rwandan crisis of the last months was launched by the breaking out of the war in October 1990, even though its real causes go back into a remote past. This acted as an electrical shock, awakening little by little the minds of Rwandans to the degree that social injustices in their midst can open the door to dire and unheard-of consequences.

I have been back and forth in the peace movements, observing since 1948 and listening to as many sides as I could. What follows is a selective summary of what I have heard, seeking some constructive synthesis.

An eyewitness from Bosnia remembers.

My thoughts go back to a small town in Bosnia. I try to recall those Sunday afternoons. Children would play together, while their parents were sitting and chatting, for hours on a favorite spot in front of a neighbor’s house. The children would like to stay very late into the night. They shared their mutual joys and happiness, as well as their toys, which were very rare in those times.

It is as if the more we speak of peace, the more this goal seems as fleeting and vital as ourselves. Indeed, we have never so much reasoned about peace, dreamed of peace, or discussed peace as we have since the famous, historic handshake of September 13, 1993, on the lawn of the White House.