Originally Posted by savantuk

An intelligent summary of the history of religious conflict through the centuries, if a little simplistic.

I think you are exactly right when you postulate that the violence in Northern Ireland is underpinned by organised crime. When 'peace' returned to the province, the antagonists, of both 'religions' continued to make a living via protection, prostitution, drugs, and arms smuggling. The violence of the Unionists and Republicans was a good cover for these trades, as police were intimidated, and unable to operate due to the no go safe areas of both sides.

I think that 'religion' was a diversion, a red herring if you like to give both sides legitimacy.

When I was a foot soldier in Belfast, Londonderry, Long Kesh and Armagh, I was able to determine, that without doubt, the rioting in the streets was caused by nothing more than hooliganism. The perpetrators enjoyed the riots, the firebombs, the 'chase', just as rioters and 'demonstrators' who attend the political rallys in the UK do. They don't support any cause other than their own. They attend because they enjoy the rush that they get from violence, and they imagine that a cause gives their violence some veneer of legitamacy also.. It was always thus.

The military killings perpetrated by the IRA and the Protestant groups were not religious in nature. They were the settlement of old scores, tribal in nature, not political or religious. If Religious intolerance were eliminated completely in Ulster, I would expect that the violence would continue.

The IRA was formed to propogate and facilitate the union of the 7 counties and the Republic. The Unionist groups were formed to keep Northern Ireland part of the united kingdom. The fact that Eire is predominantly Catholic, and the North Protestant, is co-incidental, and in the context of the 'troubles', unfortunate.

Husseins solution was genocide. I can see where you are coming from Brian, but I would hope that any PERMANENT solution to the troubles in Ireland is a little less drastic.

Originally Posted by hilldweller

....And in later years my total hatred of history became an excitement of it when presented in decent TV programs. How I hated those history exams - "name the battles in the 100 years war"...