Funny things wars, though obviously not in the ‘ha ha’ sense.
Throughout history and however bloody, most of them have ended with people sitting round a table and speaking.
Admittedly, often the conversation’s been no more complicated than a simple “sign the surrender here”.
That doesn’t change the fact it’s been words, not bullets that brought the curtain down.
And that’s why I’m encouraged Dundee United fans groups have been speaking to the club.
That, incidentally, is not me saying they should only talk, not protest.
So long as it remains within the bounds of common decency, we all have the right to get our placards and banners out if we feel strongly enough about any issue.
What worries me is when protest becomes the only form of communication.
Right now fans have been given the chance to speak to the current regime at Tannadice.
And the with talk of battle buses and supporter forums, those lines of communication look set to increase.
I would urge as many Arabs as possible to use them and make sure their opinions, good or bad, are heard.
The more that do, the more the board should feel the need to respond and make any (reasonable) changes the punters want to see.
If those in power don’t do that, then if full blown civil war at United does break out, they’ll only have themselves to blame.
That would be a foolish mistake to make and, to be fair, the noises coming out of the club are that they’re willing to listen.
So they should be, because what strikes me about United fans is the vast majority are reasonable people.
The way the support has separated criticism of the board from getting behind the team during matches is admirable.
Given some of the performances this season, I have to admit if I was in their shoes I might not have been so forgiving.
Of course, there comes a point when the talking has to stop and actions take over.
Hopefully for United and their fans, when that day comes it can be with everyone pulling together for the good of the club.
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