ISIS or New IRA, who’s the best criminal ?
Don’t worry. It’s normal if you haven’t understood
my title at all. You may think that if i’m aware of that, why do i let it like
that ? I may be a little crazy sometimes. But anyway, let me introduce you to the black
topic of terrorism. (Here you understand why i’ve been trying to make a bit of
humour in my first sentences… ;-) )
What is terrorism ?
You have probably already read preconceived sentences saying that terrorism is « the
unlawful use of violence against civilians… » Bla bla bla…
Come on guys, this
is only a kind of barbarism. Sometimes pushed by clear political aims,
sometimes by unfounded ideologies. They may have understanding goals, but they use the wrong way to achieve it.
These two friends I mentioned in the
title are both terrorist organizations. But a lot of things separate them. So, who are they and the Hell
do they want ?!
New IRA
The first group we
will focus on is the New Irish Republican Army. It is located in Northern
Ireland. It was created in 1997 after some negociations for a
ceasefire between the past Provisional Irish Republican Army and the Northern
Ireland Unionists.
The New IRA rejected
the non-violent negociations, that formed the basis of the ceasefire. So since 1997 they are a
violent paramilitary group based in the Republican districts of west Belfast
and having some activity in Dublin. It is formed of Republicans who reject Northern
Ireland’s peace process.
The IRA and New IRA were historically aimed at putting an end to
the British presence in Northern Ireland. They also fight for making Northern
Ireland away from the UK and re-unite with the Republic of Ireland. They are
used to publicly claiming their opposition to the UK government, including the
Royal Family.
One of their most
famous attack had been committed by the past IRA. We are talking about Brighton Hotel bombing. It occurred on
October, the 12th of 1984. The objective was to kill Margaret Tatcher.
More recently, in
2016 , some explosives related to the New IRA were found in Dublin. Their targets were
police members or MP’s.
And there are much
more actions in order to raise awareness about the topic they defend.
Incidentally, Teresa May declared the IRA threat as « substancial ».
ISIS
But this is not the
only threat Great Britain has to fight against. In fact, we all know the existence of the
islamic state. (No, this is not my mistake not to put capital letters here.)
Mostly known as ISIS in the Anglo-Saxon world, this group has
turned out to be the fear of all occidental governments. Great Britain is one of
its major target. Only in 2017, Great Britain has been victim of three murderous attacks. 4 people died and about 40 people were
injured.
In March, a man drove through a crowd of people with his car and then
continued walking with two knives and stabbed people on the Westminster Bridge
in London.
Then in May, there was a suicide attack in Manchester after the concert of Ariana Grande. 22 people died and about 120
were injured, most of them being children.
Then in June, a white van ploughed into people on the London Bridge and the three men from the van ran down the Borough Market and stabbed people. 8 people died and about 50 were injured.
Then in June, a white van ploughed into people on the London Bridge and the three men from the van ran down the Borough Market and stabbed people. 8 people died and about 50 were injured.
Facing all these attacks, British people has shown its determination to
fight against ISIS by protesting in the streets.
To conclude we can say that in a different way, ISIS and
IRA are two major foes Great Britain has to stand up against. The ISIS group has a way bigger
operating margin, and it implies modern ways. But it doesn’t mean that the
New IRA is less alarming. They unfortunately both have the capacity to hit and
impoverish Great Britain.
I hope you’ve found this first draft catchy, and thanks for
your attention See you !
By Laure Fourcade, EPD12
Hi Laure.
ReplyDeleteThe topic you've chosen to talk about is very interesting. I didn't even know the existence of the IRA organization. It is true that Britain is one of the main targets of terrorism.
I think the British governement, altogether with other countries suffuring form terrorist attacks, has to find a solution to weaken these insane and dangerous people.
Marina Hill.
Dear Laure, and all,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting topic. However, the ISIS and IRA are very different in nature, respond to different demands and the way they proceeded was way too different. In fact, the IRA was finally dissolved and many of its components became political leaders afterwards. It is a again a sign of the belief in negotiations, rather than punishment, that is intrinsic in British mentality. Thanks for introducing this interesting information, which is relevant in British history but, due to lack of time, we haven't approached in class. Thanks!