I once wrote a summay of the story of Sodom in the modern day, substituting the United States for the angry god.

Instead of two angels, the strangers were US dignitaries come to aid negotiations between belligerents. When the mob came to know them, it was to arrest and interrogate them (probably roughing them up or killing them in the process). Lot’s daughters were staffers at the safe house and were just told to slow them down for a few minutes while they were packed into a vehicle and driven to safety.

US Operations HQ loses contact with the delegates (cell and satellite services are disabled) and the US decides a show of force is appropriate. Some Senators call for the fury of God’s thunder The President’s situation team selects a list of targets to get the attention of the conflicting sides. Surgical strikes begin on state infrastructure.

So the story tracks very well.

So yes, if the US or the EU or China was able to send a negotiator and enforce peace with a proportional response policy, we could perpetuate a ceasefire for a long time, and lower tensions with a robust aid program. A glowing divine avatar who could call down lightning, locusts and meteor showers wouldn’t be necessary, but could also serve to gather the class into a circle to settle differences.

But the US isn’t going to do that, or let anyone else. At least for now.