Imam Ali Bin Abi Taleb and Negotiations

Imam Ali Bin Abi Taleb and Negotiations

This study pulls together Dr. Erekat’s long experience and deep knowledge in the area of negotiations. He assumed the post of Head of the PLO’s Negotiations Affairs Department on its inception in 2003 and has been the Chief Palestinian negotiator for many years. This book is the fruit of intense academic effort that seeks to introduce Islamic heritage, values and principles into the area of negotiations, as revealed through the perspective and the methodology of ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib (c. 600-661 C.E.), the Fourth Caliph of the Muslims. It is an attempt to build bridges with history and actively contribute towards establishing a comprehensive frame for studying and understanding the negotiating process. In this context, Dr. Erekat compares the elements of negotiation as propounded by ‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib and the fundamental elements of negotiation from a western viewpoint, as proposed by Roger Fisher. Fisher represents the Harvard School approach, which has had a significant impact on defining and consolidating the meaning and practice of negotiation. The author introduces the study by discussing the contribution made by Imam ‘Alī to the science of negotiations, as well as the Caliph’s experience in negotiations and his influence on the present author. Dr. Erekat writes about the Caliph’s contribution, “He contributed much to political realism, the relation between weakness and strength, between justice and injustice, and between what is and what should be. This Arab figure defined the concepts of the state, conventions and charters. He taught the oppressed and the weak that their strength lies in their rights and in fighting for their rights.” In this book Dr. Erekat articulately and systematically addresses the issue of negotiations through research and in-depth analysis. By adopting an approach to negotiations based on justice, Dr. Erekat provides a useful tool for Arab Muslim diplomats, students and those who wish to know more about negotiations as a science. I am very fortunate to have read through Dr. Erekat’s unique and enriching personal experience. His work combines both individual experience and systematic methodology.