When I was working overseas in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia and political issues were discussed by our local clients I was always able to ultimately turn the conversations around to economic development and away from conflicts and prejudices.

If people are treated fairly, their customs and traditions respected, and they perceive that you value them as individuals and as part of their unique heritage and society (which is just as valuable as those of America, the UK, Canada, etc.) then you can focus in on what really matters to them: family, friends and having enough money to enjoy their lives because they have jobs.

As business people we could add value to job creation and economic development. Certainly that’s not enough to stop wars or stem religious persecution or governmental criminality. At least we are helping to ameliorate a bit of misery or provide an opportunity for people to better themselves.

At the end of the day one would hope that as Winston Churchill was found of saying “All would be well.”