Jeremy Smith - Making the Peace in Ireland (2003).jpg
 | Jeremy Smith - Making the Peace in Ireland (2003).jpg Rozmiar 81 KB |
* Almost no one properly understands the origins of the troubles nor attempts at resolution: this book unravels the complications.
* All other books focus largely on terrorism: this one traces the path to peace.
* Optimistic and fresh approach.
* Clash of personalities, high drama, constant news coverage.
* Examines other ethnic conflicts in Palestine, Basque and Kosovo and the struggles for resolution there.
Why has it taken so long to solve the Northern Irish conflict? Why did early attempts fail? Why have the terrorists finally changed from semtex to the ballot box? For nearly 30 years Northern Ireland has been a by-word for terrorism, bloodshed, military coercion and intense communal conflict. The failure to resolve the conflict has had epic and tragic consequences. But Ireland is now experiencing a transition from a society in conflict to one at peace. In portraying the story of settlement and peace, rather than focusing exclusively on the IRA and terrorism as do the legions of other books on "the Troubles", Jeremy Smith injects optimism and freshness into the history. Making the Peace in Ireland considers what type of conflict it is in Ireland and how it fits into wider European patterns. It places events in context by looking at historical roots across the centuries. Where did the violence come from and why could it not be pacified? The mixed ideas that sustain the identities and traditions are untangled.