Business Investment as Force for Peace in Middle East

Catching up on my reading, I discovered a most interesting FT interview, entitled Nothing Ventured by Michael Skapinker, of private equity investor Sir Ronald Cohen. Key quotes: "Business investment can act as a force for peace in the Middle East." "...encouraging enterprise in deprived areas [...] for regeneration projects." "Politicians are generally skeptical about the importance of economics in peacemaking [...] but Northern Ireland show that if you concentrate on business, peace will follow." And more. The interview spotlights Cohen's foundation, The Portland Trust for promoting peace and stability between Palestinians and Israelis through economic development, and two investment initiatives in particular, a $1 Billion housing project in the West Bank, and a $300 Million Palestinian loan guarantee program.