'We're seeing the limitations of warfare,' says Norwegian Foreign Minister

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed concern over the limitations of modern warfare, particularly in the context of conflicts in the Middle East. He highlighted the disruption caused by the Iran war, which has impacted global trade and economic growth. Mr Eide, who previously served as Norway's minister of defence, noted that while military power can be used to prevent or compel actions, achieving tangible objectives is often elusive.

He emphasized that the purpose of military tools should be to deny or force actions, not merely to destroy. The war in Ukraine, likewise, has not resulted in a complete military victory for Russia, with Russia controlling only 20% of Ukraine's territory five years into the conflict. Mr Eide warned that ongoing wars make peace harder to achieve, as the postwar era tends to last longer than the actual conflict.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Mr Eide described Palestine's plight as "bleak," with ongoing violence and limited progress in peace efforts. He stressed the importance of mediation and peace for resolving conflicts in the region. While the international community, including the UN, supports Palestine as a state, the ground reality remains challenging.

Regarding Israel's recent elections, Mr Eide expressed concern about the potential shift towards more extreme policies, which might hinder the prospects of a Palestinian state. He acknowledged the country's growing distance from the goal of establishing a two-state solution but maintained his commitment to this objective. In Syria, Mr Eide observed that the country was on the right track, praising President Ahmad Al Shara's efforts to rebuild the nation.