THINGS have improved so much in Northern Ireland.

The problems have not been fully solved, but the situation is so much better thanks to the people, the politicians, the priests, the paramilitaries and plain common sense. Could a similar happening ever take place in the Middle East, Israel and Palestine? The two conflicts have many similarities, but for it to ever take place all sides must accept that peace demands no less courage than war.

It is the courage to meet the adversary, his attitudes and arguments, the courage to face hardships, the courage to bury senseless illusions, the courage to surmount impeding obstacles, the courage to engage in a dialogue to tear down the walls of fear and suspicion.

It is having the courage to face reality. Will the Jews, Arabs and Americans ever do this? I very much doubt it.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York.