14 Un der s ta n di n g A r a b s come to mind) may be able to establish personal contact and influence that makes consensus possible. Their success depends on the quality of the personal relationship that is established. If mediators are recognized by both parties as being honorable and trust worthy, they have already come part of the way in solving the problem. That is why some negotiators and diplomats are more effective than others; personalities and perceptions, not issues, may determine their relative success. 1 1 Pr i vat e a nd P u blic M a nner s In the Arab way of thinking , people are clearly divided into f riends and strangers. The manners required when dealing with these two groups are very differ- ent. With friends and personal acquaintances, it is essential to be polite, honest, generous, and helpf ul at all times. These are "private manners." However, when Arabs are dealing with strangers, "public manners" are applied; these do not call for the same kind of considerateness. It is accepted practice for many Arabs to do such things as crowd