.. both sides are interested in a peaceful resolution, and there is a potential for a mutually acceptable long term outcome. If one side is committed to, say, the death of every member of the other side, they will only participate in the conflict resolution processes as a useful charade to keep outsiders out.

I believe conflict resolution can have a useful role in many disputes. But it seems that many people have expectations it cannot possibly fulfill. I can't conceive of conflict resolution processes serving any useful purpose in situations such as Zimbabwe, Darfur or Rwanda.

The trick is to know when it is and isn't appropriate.