It’s been my experience that mediations are helpful in focusing the parties on the real issues, but they usually don’t get a deal done. Particularly here, where the issue is one of policy, not the size of a check.
That makes me think of the cartoon where a mediator is sitting between a Jew and an Arab Muslim.
The mediators job is to settle the violent disagreements the Jews and Arabs are having.
The mediator asks the Muslim to go fist, and state his case.
The Muslim says "We want to kill all the Jews ,so there isn't one of them left on this planet!!
The mediator turn to he Jewish representative and asks: "Are you willing to show good faith, and meet the Muslim's desire at least half way? -Tom