I've been asked to be a mediator, by Jack Lynch (seconded by Danny) re: RK.
This is going to be hard.
First, I might wind up recusing myself early on because my "interest" in Israel might make me biased. I invite those who know me well (and who have earned my trust) to contact me privately /immediately upon/ seeing any signs of bias on my part that may tend to sabotage the mediation.
Second, there haven't been enough specifics presented. I hope people will either post diffs as links, on my user talk page so I can see EXAMPLES of what they're complaining about.
Third, I am sometimes pretty contentious myself, so I might turn a blind eye to someone else's contentiousness and troublesomeness.
This might be easy.
First, I am aware of a lot of my limitiations, and publicly acknowledging them will help keep me honest.
Second, despite my weaknesses a lot of people trust me -- possibly /because/ I rather freely admit to these weaknesses, rather than trying to hide them.
At least one person on each side of the current conflict (the world vs. RK ;-) has written me some very nice personal e-mail. Without revealing confidences, I can say that the contents of these e-mails inspires me the hope that a quick and lasting resolution is within our grasp.
Ed Poor, aka Uncle Ed A member of the official Mediation Committee
P.S. Gosh, I wear a lot of hats!