I think that the article made a very good point about the sacred values becoming a part of "who we are". People internalize values and will fight even to the detriment of their own immediate personal well-being to try and save or uphold part of what they see as something that is "greater than themselves". If you think about it, that is what most soldiers have as motivating factors. Like the article said "suicide bombers" are on the extreme end of this, but I would say the majority of soldiers (maybe not the majority of soldiers who were drafted or somehow forced to enlist) from all over would say that part of the reason why they serve is for what they believe as the greater good.
Pride is an important factor that negotiators need to account for when trying to settle some of these long-term disputes. Pride may be a little strong but there is definitely principle involved. I agree with the article that most of the conflicts now are over the principle of the matter and not so much over the physical property involved. That is probably why just a monetary concession on one of the side's behalf is not enough. It kind of reminds me of when younger kids fight and need to be told to apologize because nothing can ever be "right" again until they do.
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