The war between Israel and Hamas is a classic “lose/lose” proposition: there can be no winners, with a range of outcomes that stretch from bad towards disastrous. Is this just one more awful conflict in a region whose history is pockmarked by war, violence and hate? Or is there a chance that this bloodletting—as brutal and awful as it has already been—could eventually create a different dynamic?

That’s the glimmer of hope in this Tällberg SPOTLIGHT piece by Alan Stoga, geopolitical observer and chairman of the Tällberg Foundation. From time to time we intend to present solo views designed to encourage your engagement. Tell us what you think.