The Omagh Bombing. This 1998 bombing was the biggest single loss of life during the Northern Ireland troubles. Photo from The Daily MailFrom Christian Science Monitor:
On a somber St. Patrick's Day, Belfast carries on as extremists try to end a decade of calm.
Belfast, Northern Ireland - This year's St. Patrick's day parade weaved through a Belfast wrestling once again with its old sectarian demons.
Attacks on British soldiers and a Northern Irish policeman over the past two weeks by dissident republican groups are testing the strength of the Northern Irish peace process and are bringing dark memories into sharp focus for many Roman Catholics and Protestants.
"These attacks have served to remind us all of what we don't want to go back to," said David Power, as he stood on the sidewalk watching the parade pass, a small Irish flag hanging limply from his hand. "It shows us all how fragile the peace here really is, something I think we were beginning to take for granted."
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My Comment: The most disturbing news that I have heard about Northern Ireland this past week was the announcement from Northern Ireland's Police Chief that he estimates that there are about 300 dissident supporters who would favor a resumption of the "troubles".
Why is this disturbing? During the height of the troubles in the 1970s and 1980s, the main hardcore element of the IRA numbered about 300.
It would not take too much to reignite civil conflict in Northern Ireland today. A few cells committing one act of terrorism a week is enough to completely undo all the work that has been done these past ten years.