News Can diplomacy truly end armed campaigns?

  • Thread starter Thread starter brewnog
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The discussion centers around the IRA's formal announcement to end its armed campaign and transition to peaceful actions. Skepticism exists regarding the permanence of this decision, with concerns that some members may continue violent activities under different banners. The conversation references past ceasefires and the potential for factions to emerge, drawing parallels to other terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda. Participants discuss the historical context of the IRA, noting that while the group has lost popular support and is less active in terrorism, issues of sectarianism remain deeply rooted in Irish and Scottish culture. The impact of the Belfast pub murder is highlighted as a significant event that may influence perceptions of the IRA's current stance. The dialogue also touches on the role of diplomacy, particularly the change in UK government and the Good Friday Agreement, as key factors in reducing IRA hostilities. There is a general hope for a peaceful resolution, but a cautious outlook on the potential for future violence persists, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and the need for ongoing dialogue.
  • #31
Patty, sorry. I thought your question was an excellent one and I don't feel it's been answered yet, mainly because it's not an easy answer to give!

In short, I do believe that diplomacy has been a major contributing factor to this supposed resolution. However, I think it would be prudent to have some cynicism; several hundred years of conflict being resolved in an afternoon is a tall order. We should all cross our fingers, and look to the future.
 
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  • #32
Ooops - you caught me out. I glommed onto a few key phrases that were new for me in the past short history:

Thatcher, Labour, Diplomacy, Catholic oppression...

And didn't read for details. I will continue to follow the thread. My interest of course is in ideas as to how we could approach more global terror problems with more success.
 

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