ABSTRACT
T he intergroup confl icts that rage in different parts of the world over territories, natural resources, power, economic wealth, self-determination, and/or basic values are real. They center over disagreements which focus on contradictory goals and interests in different domains and there is no doubt that these real issues have to be addressed in confl ict resolution. But it is well known that the disagreements could potentially be resolved if not the various powerful forces which fuel and maintain the confl icts. These forces, which underlie the mere disagreements, are the barriers that inhibit and impede progress toward peaceful settlement of the confl ict. They stand as major obstacles to begin the negotiation, to carry the negotiation, to achieve an agreement and later to engage in a process of reconciliation. These barriers are found among the leaders, as well as among society members that are involved in intergroup confl ict.
