The Return of the IRA

1391 Words3 Pages

Presently, the world is at a dangerous precipice in the annals of mankind. These troubles are so great that all nations are being affected by them, whether at the economic or political level. Since 2008, economic troubles that have not been seen since the Great Depression era, have been afflicting the world markets turning already poor nations into destitute nations and forcing rich nations to make painful cuts to vital governments programs. At times though these efforts have not been enough and have resulted in many countries accepting or initiating bailout programs of their own (Greece, Ireland, Portugal US, and China). The political atmosphere throughout the world isn’t any better especially with the US involved in three different conflicts overseas, an emerging Chinese military power, a resurgent Russia, the Jasmine Revolution (Arab Spring), Pakistan and India tensions, and Iran.

This particular paper is focused on analyzing and determining past and current events revolving around the historical, economic, and political makeup of Ireland and Northern Ireland that might signify the return of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) as a terrorist organization, a political entity, or both. In order to better understand whether any of these scenarios are even possible in today’s day and age, we must look at the overall picture in sections. First, the history behind the formation of Ireland and Northern Ireland as two states independent from each other but still under the authority of Great Britain. Second, any current economic and or political fractures between the two states that might be cause for hostilities to break loose. Third, the present abilities of the IRA and whether or not any splits exist within the organization since th...

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...nto the folds of the organization. This type of open recruitment would seem counterproductive however since it does not mention if there is a vetting process that each new recruit goes through to determine whether or not they are actual spies working for the intelligence services.

Financially supporting an armed resistance movement that is greatly outnumbered and outgunned by an aggressor of superior capabilities is a costly and timely effort to say the least.

Works Cited

Cockburn, C. (n.d.). The soc.culture.celtic faq. Retrieved from http://www.ibiblio.org/gaelic/sccfaq.html

Fletcher, H. (2008, May 21). Ira splinter groups. Retrieved from http://www.cfr.org/terrorist-organizations/ira-splinter-groups-uk-separatists/p9239

Ireland country profile . (2011, March 12). Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1038581.stm

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