(04-05-2011 21:47 )lucent-x Wrote:  If anything, the situation in NI at least shows that negotiation can work for those who have a lesser apetite for conflict. Whilst both situations can be said to be 'of a religious nature', NI was at heart about sovereignty, whilst the current islamic terror threat is pure religious ideology. It's very difficult to negotiate with someone who is not scared of, and believes they will be rewarded for, death; someone who believes that god made the whole earth for them and the followers of Islam.

"Will we never learn? Who knows. Religion. Shit it." - Stephen Fry


Slightly OT, but I always wondered, throughout 'the troubles' in NI what was the position of ROI?

(04-05-2011 21:55 )terence Wrote:  the republic stayed neutral (suprise!) there was republican (IRA) elements around the border areas and in cork and dublin but the offical line was neutrality. imo they didn't want us, the financal burden was to much!

(04-05-2011 22:19 )Ro1982 Wrote:  Being from the republic in my opinion that isnt true i cant speak from a government perspective but the vast majority of people in the republic feel a sense of solidarity with the catholics of northern ireland. You also have the unionists of northern ireland who would never accept being part of the republic. Its not a simple situation at all.