Publisher of peace

>> Eric Abitbol bridges the gaps in local and international conflicts

by DOMINIQUE RITTER

"It began as a laptop adventure in the Middle East..."

Actually, it began with two travelling companions, a cash infusion from loved ones and a vision of putting out a newsletter that would reach their friends and families as they travelled the globe. In the fall of 1996, Cantilevers began as a modest enterprise to spur reflection and dialogue about conflict resolution. Eric Abitbol and Erin McCandless distributed about 100 copies. Two and a half years later, Cantilevers is a full-fledged glossy mag with a circulation of 6,000 in 103 different countries and a mission to help foster peace.

Although 28-year-old international peacemakers may be rare, Eric Abitbol is nothing if not humble.

"We're not journalists who show up in other parts of the world and say, 'We know what the issues are.' We start off by identifying organizations in a specific area with a desire to facilitate intercultural dialogue," explains Abitbol, who has travelled to more countries than you could list off the top of your head. Cantilevers enlists the help of local writers to explore issues from their own perspectives. "We're trying to provide space for people to publish and share information."

Past issues of the biannual have focused on the Middle East, Southern Africa, India, Bangladesh, Tibet and Burma. But the next issue will touch closer to home with a focus on Ireland and Quebec.

"We're looking at the identity dimension. I don't think Quebec and Ireland are two cases of the same question, but there are certain issues surrounding identity that are similar," said Abitbol. "I follow the debates and I see a repetition of circular reasoning and not a whole lot of new ideas being shared. The issue will explore some of the challenges and definitions: What happens to indigenous communities in the case of separation? Where have there been progressive changes?"

After two and a half years, Cantilevers has now reached the point where it sustains itself financially, and Abitbol is hoping to boost circulation by another 2,000 by the end of the year. But although he does consultation work on water management and policy to help underwrite his publishing venture, financing has been somewhat tight. "I eat a lot of bread, drink a lot of water."

The next step: to hire staff and start publishing more frequently.

"I'd like to see it evolve. I'd like to see the different issues continue to be covered in a way that influences and informs the groups in question."