Belfast Riots

12th September 2005

The Belfast riots over the weekend dealt a hefty blow to those who saw the recent IRA moves towards disarmament as a significant step towards peace.

The IRA have been the focus of attention in the media for many years, particularly their refusal to put aside the armed struggle and their relationship with Sinn Fein. However, as they move towards disarmament, these riots remind us that the IRA are not the only organisation in Northern Ireland that is willing to use violence. In fact, it would seem that the acceptability of using violence may extend to a number of mainstream political and social spheres.

IMHO peace will not achieve alone by trying to stop terrorist organisations from using violence. When there is social injustice or a divided community, there will always be a part of the society who sees the terrorist as a freedom fighter.

An important part of any strategy to bring peace - to fight a "war on terror" - is to eradicate social injustice and to build bridges between the ordinary people in the communities that the terrorists represent and attack. This principle applies whether we are looking at the divide within Northern Ireland, or the relationship between the West and Middle East.

Background

BBC News:

"Community leaders in Northern Ireland must back the forces of law, Secretary of State Peter Hain has said..."