Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1027IR // #c1027Synthesis

"The American asked, 'What would happen to Golda Meir if tomorrow morning she appeared on Israeli radio and television and said, 'On behalf of the people of Israel I hereby promise to withdraw from every inch of territory occupied in '67…''"

— In our words · Source: Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher, William Ury & Bruce Patton)

[Use when]

The other side's position sounds principled but collapses the moment you imagine it implemented.

[Why it matters]

Nasser burst out laughing: "Oh, would she have trouble at home!" Walking him through the morning after his own demand exposed it as unworkable, from his side. The authors say this may have contributed to his stated willingness later that day to accept a cease-fire.

More from Getting to Yes

#c1013"The Soviet Union finally agreed to three inspections. The United States insisted on no less than ten. And there the talks broke down —…Two sides are dug in on competing figures and nobody has defined what the figures mean. #c1014"Sadat flew to the capital of his enemies, a disputed capital which not even the United States, Israel's best friend, had recognized.…The negotiation is stuck because the other side's image of you makes agreement unthinkable. #c1015"Terms negotiated between a major city and its Hispanic community on municipal jobs were unacceptable to the mayor — until the agreement…The other side agrees with the deal but cannot be seen agreeing with you.