On Thursday, November 21, 2024, The Cardozo Dispute Resolution Society hosted an event featuring Dr. Zaza Johnson Elsheikh, who led an insightful discussion on the practice of Suhl, a blend of mediation and arbitration, and its profound alignment with middle eastern cultural and religious expectations. She shared its historical roots, tracing back to the 7th century, where it first appeared in pre-Islamic times. 

To further explain the practical applications of Suhl, Dr. Elsheikh introduced examples that highlighted the diverse ways this practice operates within different cultural and religious contexts. One example involved a case she handled between two Pakistani sisters caught in a marriage dispute. Through the lens of Suhl, the process was not just about resolving a legal matter, but also about navigating the cultural and familial expectations inherent in such situations. Dr. Elsheikh also shared a story of two Iraqi friends who were at odds over religious views on current war affairs. This situation highlighted the complexity of resolving conflicts that stem from deeply ingrained religious beliefs and historical grievances. Dr. Elsheikh explained how Suhl allowed for open dialogue, fostering understanding and reconciliation despite their differences. 

As part of her discussion, Dr. Elsheikh spoke about the role of humility in conflict resolution, noting that no party nor mediator can claim what is right and wrong. She remarked, "Humility is very important," explaining that sometimes, initial assumptions about what is right or wrong may be proven incorrect later. By staying humble and continually learning, a mediator can offer more effective solutions without asserting absolute correctness. 

Through her exploration of its historical roots, practical applications, and cultural relevance, Dr. Elsheikh offered students an enlightening and practical discussion of how Suhl is used in dispute resolution practice.