It's Tuesday, August the 19th, 2025, and this is Denison Forum's daily article podcast.

Today's article is written by cultural theologian Dr. Jim Denison and narrated by yours truly,

Chris Elkins.

Quote, I'm optimistic that collectively we can reach an agreement that would deter any future aggression against Ukraine.

This is how President Donald Trump, meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, and seven European leaders yesterday, expressed his belief that a way can be found to end the war. While the leaders

were gathered at the White House, Mr. Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin

arrangements for a meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky to be followed by a trilateral

summit, including himself. In other news, we learned yesterday that Hamas has

accepted an updated proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Sources say the proposal is a partial deal

for a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 live hostages, 18 deceased hostages, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

This is reportedly part of a last-ditch effort to reach a deal and avoid a major new Israeli

offensive to occupy Gaza City. Several Hebrew media reports said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

would examine the proposal.

The news comes after more than 200,000 Israelis took to the streets,

demanding that Mr. Netanyahu not launch a new offensive and instead sign a deal.

It was the largest such demonstration since the beginning of the war.

Both stories point to a common denominator,

our inability to resolve human conflict through human agency. We can resolve specific conflicts, of course,

as demonstrated by peace treaties that end wars, but we cannot resolve human conflict itself.

From Cain and Abel to today, murder and violence are part of our story.

From Isaac and Ishmael to today, conflicts between Jews and Arabs have persisted.

It has been estimated that in the last 5,500 years, there have been more than 14,513 wars in which approximately 2,640 million people were killed.

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