Peace

I woke yesterday morning to the news that two soldiers had been shot and killed in Northern Ireland by the real IRA. The news while still shocking was not a surprise as for at least a year the police have been saying that the real IRA have been trying to kill a police officer or a soldier.

While there is peace in Northern Ireland there is a minority of thugs who will never accept peace. Even if they get all they say they want, they will always find justification for violence. These people exist on both sides of the community. But it’s clear from the reaction by ordinary people that across the community people have condemned the actions of these murderers.

The reaction by the authorities though was really something that others around the world should take notice of. While condemning the actions of these thugs and bullies there has been no over reaction. Increases in police presence yes but no overreaction. This contrasts with the way that Israel reacted in Gaza.

Even when the conflict there was going on I nearly posted that Israelis reaction would have been akin to Britain launching air strikes on Belfast in revenge for an IRA bomb. As taking revenge on the population only has the effect of making people more militants. The British government did make mistakes over the years that prolonged the conflict in Northern Ireland, but lessons were learnt and now the security services treat these terrorists as they are, as murderous criminal thugs.

Going back to the start of what was to become known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland, it was clear that the Catholic population was suffering from discrimination in housing, employment, education and were socially disadvantaged. Thus the Civil Rights movement had legitimate grievances, and the marches were intended to provide the engine for change. However, the Protestant majority feared loosing the power and control that they had. This prejudice by the protestant majority even existed in the police force so when the protestant nationalists started attacking the Civil Rights Marches then some in the catholic community started asking where was the IRA, as that organisation had protected the catholic community in the past.

With the police not trusted by the catholic and republican communities, that was almost understandable. However using any form of violence entrenches views on both sides. In Northern Ireland, had the Civil rights movement been able to keep the men of violence out of the equation I am sure that The Troubles would never have lasted anywhere as long as they did.

By taking the bomb and the bullet out of politics in Ulster has enabled peace to take hold. Even with the latest murders, the peace is still there and holding. No matter where the community is there will be disagreements but it is only by talking can problems be resolved. In Northern Ireland the peace is far from perfect and prejudice remains entrenched in the minds of some people, but there are very few that would want to return to the fear and violence of the past. Further previously archenemies discovered that they had a lot in common. It was building upon this commonality that has been the foundation for peace.

As I write this in the news is the story that Barack Obama wants to talk to the Taliban. This can only help. The Taliban are predominately ultra conservative Pashtun Tribesmen, and are not looking to overthrow neither the US government nor the British government. But what they do want is to stop external interference in their countries affairs. Obviously any agreements need to be equitable and fair, but talking will be more effective than any number of bullets or bombs. Even with a peace is established there will still be a minority that will want to carry on being violent. That happens in all societies (unfortunately), but these people are best dealt with as criminals.

While the many conflicts around the world are not exactly the same as what happened in Northern Ireland, there are many lessons that people across the world would be apposite to learn. I just wish others were as willing to seek peace as the people in Ulster have.

In Israel often the talk is about defeating the Palestinians, but you can not defeat a people or a nation. You only need to look at Tibet to see that the sprit of freedom remains sixty years after invasion by China. If only people could do more than talk about peace. Peace is hard work but it worth working for.

My thoughts go to the family and friends of these murder victims over in Northern Ireland, I just hope that they are the last.