But recall it was an American emissary whose intrusion helped to bring some "internal" peace to Northern Ireland a few years ago.

FORBES: Help!

While Mr Assad's attention focused ever more narrowly on the peace process, internal policy began to drift.

ECONOMIST: Hafez Assad

Internal warfare ruins their momentary peace.

NPR: 'Beyond the Mirror': Afghanistan's Pain Onstage

The announcement on TV Pale said Plavsic, also a hardline nationalist, would deal with all matters concerning the implementation of the Dayton peace accord, while Karadzic would busy himself with internal affairs such as refugees, the economy and reconstruction.

CNN: Karadzic reportedly may leave office

Nor does he seem to understand that a long-lasting peace -- with stable governments, stable borders and minimal internal conflict -- is more of a historical anomaly than its opposite.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

It is little surprise that one recent opinion survey, conducted at a time of sharpened tension in the peace process, nonetheless found that Israelis were more worried by this internal conflict between church and state than by the conflict with the Arabs.

ECONOMIST: Israel at 50

Despite some internal divisions, this Government has survived repeated attacks by extremists, and remains committed to peace and reconciliation.

UN: Secretary-General