arbitration forum inc articles and resources for business owners, farmers, ranchers, and executives

Leadership Development...
is the key to 21st. Century Success in business. Harness the power of your peers to help you develop your employees, managers & successors!
D-I-Y Strategic Planning...
allows you to make strategic decisions about your company's direction every time - all with the help of your peers!
You'll Make Better Decisions...
when your ideas are challenged and your assumptions tested, continually and strategically - by a caring group of your peers!
Conflict In Jammu And Kashmir (j&k) Part I
By Kumar
India and Pakistan have in the past fought four wars over J&K and held several talks to resolve the 56 year old problem, but till now no tangible results have emerged, except for a composite dialogue. Although, both India and Pakistan are trying to move the peace process ahead, yet there are very few indications in a policy shift. Pakistan continues to stick on to the line of Kashmir remaining a dispute territory and an ‘unfinished agenda’ of Partition, India maintains its stand on J&K “Accession document” which remains final and complete and the problem which remains is cross border terrorism. Most conflicts around the world remain unresolved; however, there are exceptions and dialogues have resulted in signing peace agreements like the signing of the Aceh accord, the Northern Ireland peace accord and the diffusion of tension in the North Korean nuclear issue after the six party talks. Notwithstanding the above, tension is still rampant in a number of places after a brief spell of peace and sensibility.

There are no ‘rear lines’ where democratic societies are safe and actually a ‘war against terror’ is a misnomer, because it is difficult to wage war against an unknown enemy. The phases of conflict in J&K have followed different patterns and have been terrain and climate driven. The shift in strategies in the conflict has been dependent on the target and visibility, of a seen or an unseen enemy of a stable or an unstable Government and to apply appropriate pressures, the masters remotely separated from ground situation, at times apathetic, institute checks and balances through their respective styles of governance. In this overall process, the centre of gravity, the main focus of all strategies in combating terrorism, the people of J&K have become secondary and the Security Forces deployed for the security of the people, at times forget the purpose of their stay resulting in a paradigm shift in the overall security of the entire region. To offset the impasse, a continuous process of refinement, in policies with changed scenarios, keeping the new world order as a calibrated system of progression, is an inescapable commitment for bringing about peace and stability in the entire state of J&K.

Pattern of Conflict

The pattern of conflict has varied from a mix of seen and unseen enemy presenting different targets in the State

Our articles continue...
Porter Bancorp votes to issue more stock
At its annual meeting of stockholders this week, shareholders of Porter Bancorp Inc., the holding company for PBI Bank, voted to increase the company's authorized shares of voting common stock from 19 million to 86 million and non-voting common stock from 1.3 million to 34 million. The stockholders also defeated a motion from Denver, Colo.-based shareholder activist Gerald Armstrong to adopt a policy that the company's chairman of the board not be an employee or former employee of the company, with...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=rT4wuaAJJ38:WRQyOa3aI6M:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Thirsty Pedaler 'pub crawler' rolls into downtown Louisville
<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/Thirsty%20Pedaler_20120518_0684*100.jpg?v=1'>The Thirsty Pedaler LLC owners Jennifer Benningfield and her husband, Scott Benningfield, used Louisville?s Bike to Work Day Friday to promote their startup business. The business, a licensee of Minneapolis-based The PedalPub, basically is a bar-turned-bicycle that offers pub-crawl-style transportation on a 15-passenger bicycle. Initially, Jennifer Benningfield said, the bicycle will operate on a loop of Main and Market streets in downtown Louisville. She added that she would like to expand to...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=89ScILeQUA4:C3wEPhepSkc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Kentucky loses 2,400 construction jobs
<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/boston/real_estate/0514CommercialConstruction*100.jpg?v=1'>Construction employment in Kentucky fell by 2,400 jobs from March to April, a 3.5 percent drop, according to a new analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data by the Washington-based construction trade organization, the Associated General Contractors of America. The state also lost jobs relative to April a year ago. Kentucky had 66,800 construction jobs in April 2012, which was 1,400 less than the state had in April 2011, according to the association. Indiana, on the other hand, gained 1,100 jobs...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=WYp_zaHIsus:SDTKJ8jP3cI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>
Mayor Fischer?s brother swims with the sharks
<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/Profile%20Greg%20Fischer%2020120414_3373*100.jpg?v=1'>Now that he?s been in office for more than a year, you might think you know everything there is to know about Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. I thought I had his background down pretty well until I went to interview him for the profile story that appears in today?s print edition of Business First. I found out all kinds of things I didn?t know. For example, did you know Fischer?s brother is one of television?s ?Shark Men?? It?s true. Chris Fischer, who now lives in Park City, Utah,...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?i=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?a=hC8ZU7CzF6I:V6RE8yCbWNI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_louisville?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>


of J&K, to a conventional type of declared war scenario. In the initial phases of the first conflict of 1947–48, Maj Gen Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army orchestrated the infiltration of the Kabailies, who created mayhem, in looting and arson in the Kashmir Valley and at other places and tried to capture Srinagar. They nearly succeeded in their effort and could only be stalled in their tracks on the arrival of the Indian Army troops on the 27th of October 1947, a day after the signing of the ‘Instrument of Accessation’. In 1965m Operation Gibraltar with the Pakistan military disguised as civilians tried to make inroads and incite the civilian population to rebel and tie the security forces down while the Pakistani army would attack along the Line of Control, a mix of seen and unseen enemy. The 14 days war of 1971, which was fought in J&K was essentially a war with a visible enemy and then came a phase of an unseen, insular force which became difficult to identify a friend or foe and it is 16 years since, which has given birth to the concept of a proxy war or a limited war.

It will now be pertinent to see a shift in the pattern of the proxy war scenario from 1989 onwards and the jig saw puzzle of the change in locations of the thrust of the conflict will start making sense when the inputs of terrain and demography are meshed into it. The initial phase was concentrated in the Valley, with the insurgency movement gaining impetus with the kidnapping of the three Air Force personnel who were subsequently killed. The problem spread in the Kashmir Valley and the Security Forces came down heavily on them and the requirement of raising a force to deal with the problem was felt. The raising of the Rashtriya Rifles Force (RR) commenced in 1990 and now the force boasts of strength of over 60 Battalions. The conflict then gained impetus on the higher reaches of Shamshabari Ranges in the Kishtwar – Warwan areas and though inputs on such camps were scanty, yet little action was taken to confirm reports and to deal with the situation. The focus shifted from predominantly Kashmir to Kishtwar and Bhaderwah areas of the Doda District and efforts were made by the insurgent tanzeems to become active during the second half of 1990’s, while near normalcy returned to the Valley. With the attention of the security forces now focussed in the Jammu Region, Pakistan in the guise of mujahaddin, occupied the Kargil heights and tried to cut off the only life line to Ladakh. However, with the importance attached to clearing the opposition, the Pakistani designs were neutralised and again till 2001, the overall situation improved. With some respite to the security forces and with the requirements of the tanzeems showing their prowess, it became important for their to re-charge their struggle and the focus was once again to raise the ante in the Kashmir Region with infiltration attempts on the rise in the Jammu Division. However, when the situation became difficult for the Security Forces in 2002–03, ‘Sarp Vinash’ which caught the head lines in the months of May 2003, when the Army launched ‘Operation Sarp Vinash’, which caught the headlines in May 2003. Later, that year a unilateral declaration of cease fire, along the Line of Control by Pakistan, and the ferocity of operation reduced considerably.

Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com

Kumar writes about “Conflict in Jammu and Kashmir”. Get more articles about social political issues on India Pakistan Relations at Himalayan Affairs.




Here are some more mediation articles...

Conflict at Work May Be the Snake Under the Rug (Part 1 of 2)
By Tammy Lenski
Once upon a time there was a rug merchant who saw that a beautiful carpet he acquired had a large bump in its center. He gently stepped on the bump to flatten it out. He succeeded, but the bump Read more...
Dishonest Marriages Vs "good Divorces"
By Kalman Heller
Elizabeth Marquardt presented her book, “Between Two Worlds” (Crown Publishers, 2005), as based on groundbreaking research that provides new insights to the true impact of divorce on children. Her Read more...
Don't Be Afraid Of The Silence
By Mark Anthony Harrison, Sat Dec 10th
In any conversation with two or more people, there is a tendencyto want to talk all the time to fill any awkward silences orgaps that appear in a conversation.However, if you think of the Read more...
Why Divorce Mediation?
By Belinda Rachman, Esq.
You are thinking of divorce and worrying about how your children will fare. It is your job to protect them and you can chose to have a peaceful divorce. A mind works best, like a parachute, when it Read more...
arbitration forum inc news:

Part of Dallas-based Coach America sold out of bankruptcy
Stagecoach Group PLC, a Scottish bus company, announced Friday that it is buying part of Dallas-based Coach America Inc. for $134.2 million. Stagecoach said the acquisition includes businesses in Texas and California, and will allow the expansion of Megabus, Stagecoach?s Chicago-based bus network. Coach America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, and the deal requires Bankruptcy Court approval. Stagecoach said the nine acquisitions include facilities in Dallas, San Antonio,...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>

Part of Dallas-based Coach America sold out of bankruptcy
Stagecoach Group PLC, a Scottish bus company, announced Friday that it is buying part of Dallas-based Coach America Inc. for $134.2 million. Stagecoach said the acquisition includes businesses in Texas and California, and will allow the expansion of Megabus, Stagecoach?s Chicago-based bus network. Coach America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, and the deal requires Bankruptcy Court approval. Stagecoach said the nine acquisitions include facilities in Dallas, San Antonio,...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7N-s1Nxl4t8:8VoAlxb7rT0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>Texas unemployment rate drops to 6.9 percent
The Texas unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in April, down from 7 percent in March and 8 percent a year ago. The state added 13,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in April, the Texas Workforce Commission said, and saw an increase of 225,800 jobs over the past year. Unemployment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington market was at 6.5 percent, down from 7 percent in March and 7.5 percent in April 2011. ?The Texas economy continues to add jobs, with 10 of 11 major industries growing over the...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=7Awo1HERUHQ:Q4Gcg4bKv3g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>American Realty Advisors buy luxe Farmers Branch apartment community
<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/portofino%20exterior*100.jpg?v=1'>Illinois-based The Marquette Companies has joined California-based American Realty Advisors in a venture that has bought Portofino Luxury Apartments at 11601 Lago Vista W in Farmers Branch for an undisclosed sum. The 224-unit, four-story luxury apartment community will be held as an investment. "We see Texas as an area ripe with high-quality investment opportunity," said Darren Sloniger, managing director of acquisitions for The Marquette Companies, which will serve as the property manager of the...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=-GlDUNO3a-I:034NZBjqBaI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>Stockdale buys Falk Fabrics retail building in Uptown
<img src='http://assets.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/mckinney%20avenue%20sale*100.jpg?v=1'>Dallas-based Stockdale Investment Group Inc. has acquired the historic Falk Fabrics retail building at 2633 McKinney Ave. in Uptown Dallas for an undisclosed sum. The building has seven retail stores fronting McKinney Avenue and Boll Street in Dallas. Kenneth Pratt and Joe Pastora represented Stockdale Investment Group. The seller was Uptown/McKinney Retail LLC. Stockdale is proud to add the property to its portfolio and expects to see a growing Dallas real estate market, Pratt said.<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=EJ78AHqkl_4:bgOaz8p4njI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>Railroad Commission candidates in their own words
Who knew being a regulator was so desirable? The opportunity to join the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the state?s oil and gas industry, has drawn 10 Republicans and one Democrat into the May 29 primary elections. Four Republicans, including incumbent appointee Barry Smitherman of Houston, are running for the final two years of an unexpired term. Six Republicans from across the state are running for a six-year term. We profiled the race in this week?s newspaper, but didn?t have...<div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?i=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?a=UoAsAVt6yIQ:WtAuIDY1DZs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/bizj_dallas?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> </div>

Mediation is an alternative type of dispute resolution procedure offered by the EEOC soon after receiving a charge of discrimination. The goal of mediation is to achieve resolution without lengthy investigations or a lawsuit. ...