ABSTRACT
There comes a time in every conflict when belligerents will finally decide that it would be a good idea to offer (or demand) a cease-fire. This chapter discusses the four general obstacles that stand in the way of a willingness to cease fire translating into an acceptable and workable cease-fire proposal or agreement. An underlying failure to communicate effectively (or at all) with the enemy, can lead very easily to conflicting and unacceptable terms for cease-fire. As Evan Luard notes, "though communication in itself cannot ensure that a peaceful settlement will be reached, without it disputes cannot be discussed at all". A cease-fire may be precluded not because either party does not wish to talk, but because it is felt by one party that even agreeing to talk about a cease-fire gives political legitimacy to its enemy. A major difficulty in arriving at acceptable cease-fire proposals is the refusal to communicate with the enemy.
