Cease Quote by William Safire
“In dealing with Syria's dictator...only force counts. No cease-fire was attainable in Lebanon until the 16-inch guns of the battleship New Jersey started shelling Syria's proxies; suddenly, sweet reason prevailed in Damascus.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on Lebanon conflict, 1983
Forceful military action can compel negotiations when diplomatic efforts fail.
In simple terms: Power can force peace when talks stall.
Key Takeaway
Use decisive action when diplomacy stalls.
Themes
politics
conflict
military
diplomacy
Mood
tense
strategic
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- war negotiations
- peace talks
- international negotiations
Key Concepts
power dynamics
realpolitik
coercive diplomacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is force always justified to achieve peace?
- What alternatives exist before resorting to violence?
A Different Perspective
Force may cause civilian harm and long-term resentment.
