akenaton - 20 Nov 03 - 08:18 PM

What forced the change in British policy in N. Ireland was the civil rights movement and the Northern Ireland governments response to it.

That was when Stormont was suspended for the first time, the bombing came later (started by the loyalist paramilitaries, which people tend to forget, although at that time they tended to blow things up, not people). The Nationalist's "Armed Struggle", was realised as the stalemate it could only ever be by the time the PIRA declared their last cease-fire. Political moves fathered by John Hume, Seamus Mallin, Jerry Adams and Martin McGuiness, led to statements being made, which were taken up by the governments of the UK and Eire and led to John Major's, "Downing Street Declaration" - It said in effect, "OK we will take what you say at face value, now put up and honour the promises you have made, or show the world that you cannot be trusted." By and large they did, and the result was the "Good Friday Agreement". Some sections of the PIRA at the time were not capable of compromise. They still continue "the struggle", even although they stand condemned by referenda by the vast majority of the population of the island of Ireland. Those who continue to bomb, maime and kill (Omagh), represent no-one bar themselves.


Nothing whatsoever wrong in talking, or negotiating, with enemies who are prepared to discuss the situation and are capable of compromise. Problem is, with the current situation, from Al-Qaeda's perspective, there is no negotiating, there is no compromise. Pretty much like the PIRA, and the Loyalist paramilitaries, in the mid 1970's - "No Surrender!!" - MY ARSE.