The Taoiseach is due to meet Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat in Dublin tomorrow.
They are expected to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking on RTE’s This Week programme today, Mr Ahern said much of the bitterness in the global conflict surrounding Afghanistan emanated from the problems in the Middle East.
Mr Ahern said any military action was regrettable and that diplomacy was preferable.
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Mr Arafat is expected to meet Mr Ahern after earlier talks in London with the British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair.