Few sides at this point would logically appreciate a widening of the conflict -- but hopes of resolving it seem as distant as ever.

CNN: Q&A: Is Syrian war escalating to wider conflict?

Does the President still think that American involvement and American mediation is necessary for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

This greatly reduces its chances of being useful in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

ECONOMIST: Indonesia

They would like the United States to be more engaged in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

CNN: Obama: U.S., Saudi Arabia have 'strategic relationship'

They developed less than lethal weapons - guns that hurt but do not kill - as a means of resolving conflict without causing serious or fatal injuries.

BBC: Less than lethal: Shooting to live

He also urged the US and Russia to co-operate in resolving Syria's conflict.

BBC: Henry Kissinger

Even the most bull-in-a-china-shop communicator can learn techniques for building rapport, resolving conflict gracefully, etc.

CNN: Have an incompetent boss? You're not alone

Even more, some mediators are specially trained in helping a party navigate through the emotional issues involved in a business break-up, which many times can prevent the suffering party from negotiating or resolving the conflict all together.

FORBES: ADIOS/SAYONARA: Kicking a Bad Business Relationship To The Curb