Experts Call for Moral Revival, Dialogue of Civilizations to End Iran War

Helga Zepp-LaRouche and other global leaders urge new approach to resolve regional conflict and restore world order.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone government building or political figure in a state of quiet contemplation, the scene bathed in warm, dramatic lighting that casts deep shadows, conveying a sense of unease and uncertainty in the face of global political turmoil.As global tensions over the Iran conflict escalate, a sense of unease and uncertainty hangs over the political landscape.NYC Today

In a meeting of the International Peace Coalition, experts discussed the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict and called for a moral revival, dialogue of civilizations, and new global order to resolve the crisis. Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder of the Schiller Institute, warned that the U.S. has endangered the entire region and world by starting the Iran War, which has diminished American power and prestige. Other speakers, including a former U.S. military official and a French defense advisor, discussed Israel's role in prolonging the conflict and the shifting global balance of power. The group urged the U.S. to halt the war, work with the 'Global Majority,' and return to the policies of historical American leaders like Ben Franklin and John Quincy Adams.

Why it matters

The Iran War has had far-reaching geopolitical consequences, weakening U.S. global influence and strengthening rivals like Russia, China, and Iran. Experts warn the conflict could spiral out of control and threaten the global economy if not resolved. They argue a new approach focused on moral revival, cultural dialogue, and a multipolar world order is needed to end the crisis and restore stability.

The details

Helga Zepp-LaRouche opened the International Peace Coalition meeting by discussing the ongoing peace negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan. She noted that while President Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran, the reality is much different - Iran suffered damage but its will remains unbroken, and the U.S. garnered little global support, diminishing its power. The region is now in 'shambles' and the world in 'disarray.' Zepp-LaRouche called for an 'Extended Oasis Plan' to develop the Southwest Asia region through new infrastructure and water projects.

  • The International Peace Coalition held its 149th meeting on April 10, 2026.

The players

Helga Zepp-LaRouche

Founder of the Schiller Institute and convener of the International Peace Coalition.

Col. (ret.) Richard H. Black

Former head of the U.S. Army's Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon and former Virginia state senator.

Col. (ret.) Alain Corvez

Former advisor to the French Defense and Interior Ministries.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Ahsan

Pakistani-American academic.

Yakov Rabkin

Professor emeritus of history at the Université de Montréal, expert on Zionism and the history of Israel.

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What they’re saying

“The region is now in shambles, and the world is in disarray. Persian Gulf States no longer view U.S. military bases on their territory as a guarantee of protection; instead, their presence is now seen as a liability.”

— Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Founder of the Schiller Institute and convener of the International Peace Coalition

“Israel's goal is a permanent presence of U.S. troops on the ground, but that President Trump must maintain control over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”

— Col. (ret.) Richard H. Black, Former head of the U.S. Army's Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon and former Virginia state senator

“Western hegemony is weakening due to the Iran War and that the world balance of power is shifting, predicting that BRICS nations, especially Russia, China, and Iran, will grow in influence.”

— Col. (ret.) Alain Corvez, Former advisor to the French Defense and Interior Ministries

What’s next

Pope Leo XIV has called for a worldwide vigil for peace on April 11, and he will visit the United States in July, though he has declined an invitation to meet with President Trump at the White House on July 4.

The takeaway

Experts argue that to resolve the Iran conflict and restore global stability, the West must engage in a 'moral revival,' embrace a 'dialogue of civilizations,' and work with the 'Global Majority' rather than pursuing unilateral military action and geopolitical dominance. A new multipolar world order based on reason and mutual respect, rather than confrontation, is seen as the path forward.