"We continue to emphasize our differences instead of what we have in common. We continue to talk about 'us' versus 'them.' Only when we can start to talk about 'us' as including all of humanity will we truly be at peace . . ."
These are the words with which Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed his personal conviction when we met in Tokyo last November. In the effort to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons, ElBaradei has led a patient and persistent global process of dialogue.
There has probably never been a time when the need for dialogue has been felt more keenly than our own. Throughout the world, the forces of division and conflict continue to rage. Whether it be the ongoing violence and chaos in Iraq, the horrific humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of western Sudan, or confrontations over the nuclear development programs of Iran and North Korea, none of these conflicts can be contained through the use of military power. They cannot be resolved through forceful means. If we have learned nothing else from the course of world affairs since Sept. 11, 2001, it should be this.