How do You Break a Deadlock?

Available for over a year

How do you break a deadlock? It is the second week of the US government shutdown, and Republicans are calling on Barack Obama to open negotiations with them, saying they are disappointed the President "refuses" to do so. For his part, Mr Obama says Republicans "don't get to demand ransom in exchange for doing their jobs". So how is it possible to end an impasse like this? What is the key to successful negotiation between two entrenched sides? (Photo: President Barack Obama speaks about the the budget and the partial government shutdown on 8 Oct, 2013. Credit: AP)