Throughout history there have been many instances of political and social unrest around the world. The seemingly perpetual conflicts in the Middle East, Vietnam, and more recently, the upheavals in Bosnia, Haiti and Rwanda are just a few examples. In each case the United States government and the American people, on the whole, have intervened in one way or another.
Dartmouth College has also recognized these problems and has attempted to involve students, faculty and staff through the use of guest speakers, debates and even courses. However, one major crisis that this institution and, for the most part, this country have continued to ignore is the British occupation of Northern Ireland and the violence it has caused. In fact, the ignorance that the average Dartmouth student demonstrates concerning this issue astonishing.
As few probably know, last Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of the arrival of British soldiers in Northern Ireland. Since that fateful day, 3,400 people have fallen victim to the bloody political and religious battle being waged there. Every day it seems people are gunned down in the streets by paramilitary groups simply because of their religion.
There are active paramilitary groups on both sides of this conflict. Almost everyone has heard of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), but few are familiar with their loyalist paramilitary counterparts who have done more than their fair share of killing. When the IRA is responsible for a bombing or killing the American media is sure to report the story, as they well should. When Protestant extremists admit to committing such acts, it goes virtually unnoticed.
Most recently, Kathleen O'Hagan, a 38-year-old mother was shot in her home in front of her five young children. The Ulster Volunteer Force (a loyalist paramilitary group) claimed responsibility for killing the pregnant mother and warned the public, "Brace yourselves for death, because you are going to see plenty of it." Why did we not see this story on any of the world nightly news programs? Perhaps Dan Rather, Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw were too busy covering other pressing stories like Woodstock II or the O.J. case.
Treacherous acts like this are not rare in Northern Ireland, yet the government and media of this country ignore it. As a result of this neglect the great majority of the American public is unaware of the situation in Northern Ireland. So the fighting goes on, the killing continues, and the problem remains.
Recently though, there have been efforts by the Irish and British governments to bring about peace in the region through the Downing Street Declaration. This could significantly change the approach of the governments to resolving the conflict in Ireland. The Declaration took a blow last month when Sinn Fein, the political arm of the IRA, rejected it. They praised the declaration for acknowledging the Irish people's right to self-determination, but added that the British government had no right to tell the Irish people how to exercise that right.
But there are signs that the IRA is getting ready for a cease-fire. If the IRA does cease hostilities, the British government has promised that many of their troops in Northern Ireland will be assigned to barracks. Some believe that the IRA will not be able to simply fold up, however.
One problem is that there is not one unified IRA. In urban areas members are part of the Provisional IRA that was formed after the arrival of British troops 25 years ago. Most Provos joined the cause because of what has been going on in recent times like security force harassment, internment without charge in 1971 and plastic bullets fired by police after the slightest provocation (things which many reading this are unaware ever occurred). Now that there is a chance for peace these people will be more willing to stop the violence.
The rural IRA members, however, have a completely different cause and are not as likely to lay down the guns. They hail the old-guard republican families and their commitment to armed resurrection dates back several generations.
There are some Catholics who do not want the IRA to stop fighting due to fear. Once the IRA ceases hostilities and the soldiers are taken off the street they believe that loyalist paramilitary groups will wreak havoc. With the leaders of the loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters considered by the police to be the most prolific killers in Belfast, one can see why this fear exists.
Hopefully changes will come about in Northern Ireland that will put an end to the legacy of violence and allow for peace. For this to happen, though, changes are not only needed across the Atlantic, but also in this country and in this school. It is about time that this country as well as this institution became more aware of and involved in what is going on in the Emerald Isle.
We are Co-Presidents of EIRE, the Irish-American society recognized by the College. We are currently working on ways to increase the awareness of the Dartmouth community on Irish issues. If you are interested in joining or have any suggestions feel free to contact us.
