John Carroll University Belfast Summer Institute

Critical two months ahead

2006-09-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

The absolute deadline for the restoration of devolved government to N.Ireland is only about 8 weeks away and there is little sign that the DUP (the biggest party, Paisley controlled) is going to move towards Sinn Fein (Adams controlled) in the marriage that is necessary.
Both Irish and British Governments have said that failure will mean that the people of N Ireland will remain without local representation for perhaps another generation. And this, to me, means that the continuing political vacuum will breed disenchantment on the ground.
The absence of healthy dialogue, debate and decision making locally leaves the door open to the armed men to pursue their own agenda.
Sinn Fein also needs to embrace the concept of the Police-PSNI. The DUP has said that this embrace is a deal-maker.
There is a deal of eye balling going on- a "who moves first" type of situation.
However this has happened before but the last minute deal has tended to fail with neither side blinking.
The DUP needs to hear that Sinn Fein will support the Police. And Sinn Fein needs to hear that they are now accepted by the DUP by virtue of their electoral mandate.Those statements are at the centre of the debate.
The British and Irish Governments have, up to now, been pointing out the benefits to all if the parties reach agreement as well as the danger of political vacuum locally without agreement.
However, some commentators are saying that there is a need for the Governments to spell out the alternative to a deal. In very real terms.
And if it is to be Joint Authority - Dublin and London - ruling the North- then parties (and the people) ought to know!
Thats might make the alternative to a "no deal" simply awful to both DUP and Sinn Fein.
Any comments from the 2006 Institute?

Update on Dissident Republican Activities

2006-08-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

A proposed meeting called by dissident republicans from the CIRA, RIRA, and South Derry breakaway Provos has been cancelled. The meeting was scheduled as a means of opening up debate among republicans who are opposed to the peace process and critical of mainline Sinn Fein's policies. Dissidents are reported to be seeking both political and military ways to counter mainstream republicanism.

According to both the News Letter and the Irish Independent, the renegade republicans called off the brainstorming session after Provos put "pressure" on the meeting hall to keep the dissidents out. The dissident republicans vow to reschedule the meeting, stating that "Censorship did not work for the Brits and it is not going to work for the Provos." A wee bit of Provo political policing?

I'll post the link later, or you can check it out at www.nuzhound.com.

Major (?) Developments: Dissident Republican Paramilitaries

2006-08-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus. I've been busy the past couple of weeks writing, attending the annual ASA conference, chasing down books, designing a couple of syllabi, and other such mundane academic stuff. I thought I'd pause for a pint and catch up with three developments regarding the dissident republican paramilitaries in Northern Ireland.

1. It appears that the Real IRA (RIRA) has gone on the rampage in Newry and the surrounding area. Several British-owned businesses, and some others, were torched by incendiary bombs in Newry city, causing lots of damage. The RIRA also planted explosive devices along the Belfast-Dublin railway line. The bombs led to service disruptions and snarled traffic on the roadways. What's more, the RIRA also claimed resposibility for an unsuccessful bomb attack on the home of Lord Ballyedmond in the ROI. Ballyedmond, AKA Edward Haughey, is a Catholic, southern-educated, Ulster Unionist and wealthy industrialist.

2. The South Derry brigade of the Provisional IRA has decided to break away from the Provos and form their own unit to carry on the armed struggle. It seems the South Derry element is unhappy with the way the Provos have handled the peace/political process.

3. The Irish National Liberation Army put on a show of force, including a burst of sub-machine gun fire, during its hunger strike commemorations in Derry on Sunday.

We'll wait and see what transpires, but it appears that dissident republicans intend to stir up some trouble in anticipation of this fall's political wrangling.

Perhaps our man on the ground, Raymond, can fill in some details for us.

Guardian Article on RIRA/INLA

Identification with Israel/Palestine

2006-08-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

This post is essentially a delayed response to Bartholow's post regarding identification with causes, movements, groups etc. outside of NI. I've been meaning to comment on this post for a while, but didn't feel that I could get beyond making a banal remark about the siege mentality of the loyalists and the affinity of the republicans for movements of national liberation. I did, however, stumble across the following passage about the Israel/Palestine question in Glenn Patterson's book, Lapsed Protestant:

"In fact, the parallels between the two conflicts are so well developed in the minds of most Northern Irish people as to have passed over into their own country's sectarian iconography. In various parts of Catholic west Belfast, therefore, you will come across murals depicting the PLO and the IRA as comrades in arms (and indeed throughout the 1970s the local press regulary carried reports of republicans receiving training in camps in Lebanon); Protestants, meanwhile, have traditionally admired the Israelis for their uncompromising response to what they both regarded as terrorism. In my teens many Protestants wore (and perhaps many still wear) the Star of David, each of its six points being said to represent one of the counties of Northern Ireland. For a time my local member of parliament in south Belfast was a man, a minister of the chruch, who claimed, apparently in all seriousness, that the Ulster Protestants were descendants of the lost tribe of Israel and as such had an unshakable claim to their six county state" (p. 177, emphasis added).

Patterson then notes that the MP was assassinated by "five men with a very different idea of the arithmetic of homeland," i.e. republicans.

I welcome your thoughts, conclusions, and ongoing debate on this question.

Bartholow's Post

Social Currency and Identity

2006-08-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

While reflecting on the substantial costs of travelling abroad, especially within the UK and the Republic of Ireland, I remembered the usual observation of pecuniary currency within the European commerce structure that inspired the European Union. Having multiple currencies throughout Europe made trade difficult between the nations, and thus, there were deficient markets over the continent. The European Union and a 'unified' currency (the Euro) have brought some relief to this dilemma; however, this is not the idea of contention I wish to discuss.

Rather, could the idea of a dysfunctional monetary currency be translated into a dysfunctional social currency. At this point, I have not researched other possible definitions for this term, as I like to think I have coined it, but I realize that this must be written about by someone else at some point in time. (I will get to the point of researching this at another time.) So, for the sake of clarity, I would like to discuss this term within my own scope of definition.

With monetary currency being that quantity with which we measure the wealth or value of a person, place, or thing (a noun if you will), it only follows that a generic definition of social currency would be a qualitative sum of a person, place, or thing's value to the social network.

Now, with that said, could there be an issue of social currency, either functioning within the bounds of 'expected behaviour' or without, that plagues the conflict in NI? In other words, could a dysfunctioning system of social currency be actively disrupting the political process to peace?

To answer this question, I am inclined to say that an examination of social opinions by organizations and communities is necessary. This would involve trying to understand how the many different identities within the communities view the others. But, I keep leading myself back to the problem of establishing 'identity' as a concrete term, which seems necessary to argue social currency.

Any thoughts?

Nice Things That Look Good

2006-08-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures I took while abroad during the Belfast Summer Institute. Enjoy.

This is from a Bed & Breakfast in Youghl, Republic of Ireland (east of Cork in the south). I thought it was interesting, as either an original clock (which I'm slighly inclined to believe as the owner had many antiques from the world over) or a replica from Victoria Station in London. It was surprising to see an object that has such strong connections to the former British Empire and Monarchy (especially, in relation to Queen Victoria!). But, this cements the universal truth that one who presumes an understanding of the conflict in Ireland understands nothing.

This, although out of focus--yes, poor photography--is THE MONEY SHOT. Taken in Glenluce, Scotland during the first weekend in the Belfast area, this can only be what Tolkein must have imagined. (Peter Jackson and I disagree to an extent, but I would see this as Rivendale; for you Tolkein-fanatics.) Just pretend it's a painting.

Another focussed photo of 'Rivendale'/Glenluce, Scotland (just outside Stranraer).

The Feud is off! Or is it?

2006-08-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

The BBC reports that renegade North Belfast UDA man, Alan McClean, has agreed to leave the country after a confrontation with mainline UDA elements last night. Both of the UDA factions, as well as the police, are reported to have drawn but not fired their weapons. McClean is an ally of the Shoukri brothers, and is said to be running the show in their absence. Some members of McClean's entourage have fled NI as well.

This follows nearly a week of threats, beatings, attacks on houses, public demonstrations, and town-hall meetings on the future of the UDA in North Belfast. While it looks like a feud has been averted up to this point, let's see what develops.

Loyalist Feud Averted?

The Feud is on! Or is it?

2006-07-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

It appears that a brawl between mainline and rogue elements of the Ulster Defense Association erupted in North Belfast Friday night. Supporters of the Shoukri brothers are trying to demonstrate that they are not going to acquiesce, while the mainstream of the association has put on its own shown of force. Meanwhile, leaders of the UDA are meeting with the PSNI and clergy to resolve the dispute. Let's see what develops.

Read about it in the Sunday Life

UDA, PSNI, and Clergy Try to Diffuse the Situation

Unionist/Loyalist Identification With Outside Groups

2006-07-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

I posted a while back about Republican shows of solidarity with revolutionary movements around the world, and promised I'd discuss the Unionist/Loyalist counterpart to that. Rejoice, for that time has arrived!

For Republicans, murals showing solidarity serve to position the movement among righteous crusaders for civil rights and self determination; in the case of the Loyalists, my read is that the counterpart murals serve more to help create and also subtly redefine an Ulster identity. This can be seen in a number of murals which show Ulstermen who came to America (and their descendants):

I was a bit surprised to also see analogies to the Confederacy:

The common theme here is that the Ulter people are warriors and patriots who will fight for the country they deem their own (see Born Fighting: How The Scots-Irish Shaped America by James Webb). The 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme was being commemorated while we were in Belfast. Both sides fought for the British in WWI, but again the Unionists were particulary proud of their contributions at the Somme, both in terms of their historic loyalty to the crown, but also specifically as Ulstermen.

On a separate front, Israeli flags can be seen in many unionist neighborhoods. We were told by some that this was purely as a reaction to the Nationalist sympathy with Palestine, but I think it runs deeper than that. Certainly one can see parallells with the "dirty war" of the troubles or with competing claims to self-determination.

What to do with unemployed paramilitaries? Part IV

2006-07-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

A number of media sources have reported that loyalist paramilitaries are running new protection rackets in Belfast. I guess multi-million quid grants for repainting and the like just don't cover the cost of living in Belfast.

Newsletter Article

What to do with unemployed paramilitaries? Part III

2006-07-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Breen reports that the South Derry brigade has left the PIRA and is setting up its own outfit, independent of other dissident republican armed forces, e.g. RIRA, CIRA, INLA. Sinn Fein's move toward cooperation on policing seems to be their main complaint. Their numbers are probably quite small, and, as we've heard from a number of sources, the dissidents are in general easily penetrated by the security forces.

Check out the article

Sectarianism or nationalist vs colonialist?

2006-07-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Before the class began, I was mostly aware of the conflict in Northern Ireland as a religious one. After beginning the readings and such, I (and I think most/all of the class) began to think of the conflict in the terms of a struggle for national self-determination (albeit perhaps more complicated than some, due to the double minority situation). As we began to actually meet people on the ground in NI, this was reinforced. Many of the people we met with, on both sides, began our conversation by saying "For starters, this is not a conflict about religion."

After a while, though, you start to wonder why everyone has to keep saying this; the lady doth protest too much! Meanwhile, you realize that what violence you do still hear about seems to be of a more straightforward sectarian nature: gangs stopping people on the street and asking them to pronounce the letter "H", bar fights, etc. Add to this the growing segregation, both in terms of housing and socialization (a number of people I met were quite straightforward about never going to bars known to be frequented by members of the other religion/culture ), and you start to feel that maybe sectarianism really is more at the root of things. Now of course the colonial/local struggle is going to exacerbate sectarian divides in some ways. But ironically it seems that as the struggle for self-determination moves from violent to peaceful, the prejudices and resentments increase (as usual this is a generalization that doesn't hold for everyone).

I'd love to hear some feedback on both this issue and my use of parentheses.

Awkward photos part 2

2006-07-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

Elyse's adventure at Giant's Causeway, before and after:

What to do with unemployed paramilitaries? Part II

2006-07-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Jim Cusack reports that former (and who knows, maybe present?) members of various paramilitary organizations are heavily involved in smuggling drugs and tobacco in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Many of these characters are "on the run" and spend most of their time on the Costa del Sol in Spain (not a bad place to be on the lam). Here's the kicker: Cusack contends that the smuggling networks include not only RIRA and INLA operators and their "ordinary" criminal colleagues, but also their bitter enemies in the UDA.

Cusack also notes that all of the players try to avoid violence, which would certainly attract the attention of the Spanish authorities, and perhaps ruin a profitable enterprise.

http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1658893&issue_id=14403 (free registration regquired)

What to do with unemployed paramilitaries? Part I

2006-07-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

It appears that Westminster will pass legislation that provides funding for Community Restorative Justice programs. According to the reports, most of these CRJ schemes will employ former Provisional IRA fighters in policing nationalist neighborhoods in Northern Ireland.

Check out the following links: http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=45&si=1658854&issue_id=14403 (free registration required)

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,,1827047,00.html

Thanks Raymond

2006-07-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Raymond-
On Behalf of everyone I want to say thank you for all your help with the 2006 JCU Belfast Summer Institute. It was an incredible experience for all of us. The people you set us up with were very interesting and provided a side of the conflict that we otherwise never would have seen. Thanks again for your hard work and interest in our program. Hopefully we will all meet again sometime soon!

Awkward Group Photos: Part one

2006-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Owen's born again!!

Krista and Elyse excited for a new adventure...Katie, not so much.

Marissa looking pissed off/interested????

Katie kissing an ancestor?? mwuah!!!

"I wonder what we're eating for lunch?"

Dr. Mindy Peden: "nana nana boo boo"

Dave stopping to smell the flowers...

Matt signing up for the riot squad...

Time to say "Bye"

2006-07-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Elyse and Owen say "Bye" to Peter McIlvenny,
Queen's University Law student who helped
develop links with other Queen's students and helped
cement more than a few friendships.

The New "Other"

2006-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today we met with U.S consulate for Northern Ireland, Dean Pittman, today. It was an honor to meet him and he was very good at answering our questions. One topic that was brought up today and that has been brought up before, but not really focused on, was the issue of immigration to Northern Ireland from Poland, other eastern European countries, Portugal, and China. Because of this, there seems to be a new wave to discrimination against these new minorities. We have been hearing the term "double minority" here to describe the situation between the Protestants and Catholics (because the Catholics are the minority in NI but the majority in Ireland and visa versa for Protestants). However, now these new minorities are categorized as the "other" and they are increasing. It will be interesting to see how the groups accept or reject certain groups as they become more integrated into their society.
What I found to be most disappointing is that there does not seem to be an openness to these groups, from what I have gathered thus far. There is no program or school to teach them English or to help them integrate into the culture, as we have in America. However, those programs seem to be disappearing as well in the U.S. I think that this is a result of fear from losing our identity and our jobs, to be quite frank.
These fears can be understood but can also be conquered. I'm a mutt of ethnicity, as most Americans are, combined of German, Irish, and Polish heritage. I can remember my relatives telling me about the signs that said "No Dogs. No Irish" and about the anti-German sentiments after WWII. And now here we have seen "Poles out" painted on a wall in a Loyalist community. It pains me to see such exclusion present at any time in history and in any part of the world. I know that fear is a natural emotion and reaction. However, I don't think that dealing with it in this manner of exclusion can be justified by human nature. Hopefully, the problem may be caught early enough here to stop it before it consumes their social structure. Northern Ireland has gone through so much and made so much progress. I would hate to see it tangled in another ethnic conflict.

Dean Pittman Biography

2006-07-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Dean Pittman assumed his duties as Consul General in Belfast August 25 2004.
A career foreign service officer, Mr Pittman arrived in Northern Ireland after eight months in Baghdad where he
worked for the Coalition Provisional Authority assisting in the establishment of the new Iraqi Government.
Prior to his temporary assignment to Baghdad, Pittman served as special assistant to the Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, where he handled the European Affairs portfolio.

From May 2000 until June 2002, Mr. Pittman was Director for Balkan Affairs at the National Security Council under both Presidents Clinton and Bush.
Pittman has also held posts in Bosnia, Mozambique, Angola and Guyana.
In the State Department, he has worked on issues related to Asia, both at as a legislative management officer and desk officer for Thailand and Burma.
Mr. Pittman also spent a year as a diplomat in residence with the National Democratic Institute where he oversaw democracy-building initiatives in Pakistanand Bangladesh.

Before joining the State Department, Mr. Pittman worked on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Congressman as his chief of staff and legislative assistant.

Mr. Pittman is from Mississippi and studied at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.
He received his Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC.

Meeting with the United States Consul General

2006-07-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Matt Harmon and Dean Pittman

Consul General Pittman fields questions from
JCU students

The John Carroll University Belfast Summer Institute
with the United States Consul General Dean Pittman
(fourth from right) at his office.

Meeting at U.S. Consulate

2006-07-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

Today we visited Dean Pittman, the U.S. Consul General in Northern Ireland. Consul General Pittman gave us a briefing on the United States' involvement in the peace process and the role of the U.S. Consulate as a mediator. The consulate is a branch of the U.S. Embassy to the United Kingdom, centered in London. The Consulate is the only foreign diplomatic representative in the province of Northern Ireland. Consul General Pittman said most of his work is done in conjunction with the U.S. Envoy to Northern Ireland; a body which speaks directly for Washington in matters regarding the province. It was noted that 40 million Americans identify with the Irish culture, and as a result establishing a self-sustaining government is a top priority of the Bush administration.

General Consul Pittman's role is to breakdown barriers as much as possible between the political parties and governments involved, as well as support U.S. business interests in Northern Ireland. He foresees economic development as a force that can weaken the sectarian divide. However, he also said that without political stability and an inviting environment for expanding businesses growth will not be initiated. General Consul Pittman discussed how entrepreneurs are lobbying the United Kingdom to lower tax rates for businesses in Northern Ireland in order to attract new companies. He was also optimistic that the 3.3 million pounds recently allocated for repainting murals would help attract foreign businesses and boost Northern Ireland's economy.

Consul General Pittman was very positive about developments in the political process in the last few years. He was confident that a deal would be made, not necessarily by the November deadline but soon after. He commented that the lack of progress at present was the result of the political leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein not coming to agreement, rather than the communities they represent not wanting to move forward. The Consul General said that it was really up the parties to sort out their issues while U.S. representatives and the Irish and British governments nudge the process along from the outside.

Consul General Pittman also fielded our questions on terrorist groups and the conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon. It was great to meet such an important player in Northern Ireland's political development and to briefly be back on U.S. soil.

Matt & Owen

Community Images

2006-07-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Murals have become a steady motif in our studies in Northern Ireland. They are used to display political viewpoints and to commemorate past events—even football matches. While most murals are artistic and speak a vivid message, they often can be seen as offensive, even to people who reside in the community where it is painted. When we visited Derry on Tuesday, we toured the murals in the Bogside community. Our guide described how every image depicted in the paintings is a significant symbol. While I may not have picked up on the symbolism in each painting if I had been walking through on my own, the thought that the artist described going into the mural design made me curious to look back at some of the murals we have seen in other neighborhoods.

The Bogside artist described the murals as being non-political, but still representative of the Bogside area and relative history. The intention was to use the murals to help bring the community together, and proceed in a healing process. From what we were told, there seemed to be a very positive response from the residents. From my viewpoint, the murals are an artistic way of displaying the community’s past. However, I must take into account that they were slanted towards the nationalist side. Not one IRA member is clearly depicted in any of the murals, but there are a couple British soldiers. Most of the murals depict an anti-British viewpoint—telling stories of how the residents were bullied by England.
One that really struck me was one of a young teenage boy wearing a gas mask and holding a bomb in front of a wall of smoke. It is a sad reality that so many young boys were involved in the warfare, and the mural is equally disturbing. I wonder if the people in the community and those who live in the house that this mural is painted on really are comfortable with this image. Memorials are a wonderful concept, but some were very propagandized and showed unnecessary images.

On a more pleasant note, this colorful mural was designed by kids in the community. The dove (a world wide symbol for peace) is intertwined with an oak leaf, which symbolizes the city of Derry.

You will enjoy this brief trip review

2006-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well with all the heavy topics we tend to discuss, I wanted to make it perfectly clear that we are not too serious to smile and have a little fun. So here are a few photos, beginning with the most recent ones.

Owen and Marissa: After three weeks, we've become a close group.

Owen and Matt in matching attire... we've spent so much time together, we're starting to look alike!

Here is our Little Mermaid (Elyse) following her swim in the Irish waters.

Matt after crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Raymond taking our Stormont team photo.

Katie taking a short dip in a small Scottish stream.

Katie, Elyse, Marissa, and Miriam, out with our new N.I. friends.

Katie and Mindy playing at the PSNI college.

I can't wait to see other ones anyone else has!

Westminster MP meets the group

2006-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Donaldson -(DUP)- MP , MLA (Member of the Westminster Parliament and MLA) with Matt Harmon

JCU at Stormont

2006-07-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

Institute Members on the steps of Parliament Buildings-Stormont.

2006-07-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

David McClarty MLA of the Ulster Unionist Party (former leader David Trimble) answers questions at Stormont put by the JCU group

SDLP Party MLA meets JCU

2006-07-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Alex Attwood MLA of the SDLP (former leader John Hume) speaks with JCU students and faculty

JCU meets a Sinn Fein MLA

2006-07-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Francie Brolly MLA of Sinn Fein (leader Gerry Adams) takes questions from the JCU Institute members at Stormont

JCU Faculty and Students meet DUP at Stormont

2006-07-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Robin Newton MLA of the DUP (Ian Paisley's Party) addresses JCU students at Stormont.

Everything in moderation?

2006-07-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday, we met with representatives of Sinn Fein, DUP, UUP, and SDLP. These are the main political parties involved in the political process in Northern Ireland. Our time with each representative was brief but there were certain ideas that were made clear in the short time. The two members of the DUP made it quite clear they want is a devolved government. They want to return the power to the people of Northern Ireland. The Sinn Fein representative made it clear most members of Sinn Fein are not career politicians. This party strives for a united Ireland. Sinn Fein and the DUP are the extreme ends of the political parties and come into conflict quite frequently, perhaps too frequently, slowing the political process. The moderate parties, the UUP and the SDLP, both seemed to comment on how their moderation has hurt them in voting terms. They have seen their number votes drop and stated their moderation is the cause of this drop. It is odd to think moderation is unwanted in Northern Ireland. The extreme parties are getting most of the votes. Why is moderation losing out?
Perhaps, people think moderate parties are not aggressive enough and will not accomplish what the people need. It seems to me this country needs moderation more than anything. The extreme opposites (Loyalists and Republicans) are the ones who cannot agree. The middle ground is needed to bridge the gap between the extremes. The middle ground is needed to bring together the Protestant and Catholic communites so they can live in harmony.

Is their a place for moderation in Northern Ireland? Or will results only come from extreme parties and extreme actions?

De-politicizing Conflict

2006-07-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Meeting with a representative from the Relatives of Victims and United Against Plastic Bullets allowed me to learn about non-political (or certainly less political) organizations working in NI communities, which incited a number of questions.

What can be done without the arena of politics in terms of progressing society into a peaceful coexistence?

Can this conflict be de-politicized? If so, how?

Would dialogue in terms of non-political or minimally political diction better serve the segregated communities in the transformation of the conflict?

How do we communicate?

Posted by KSedon

Homeland

2006-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

When touring through Armagh City, I began to notice the degree of connectivity the people of Northern Ireland have with the land--both Unionists and Nationalists. As something that ensnares poets alike, this connection appears to be one of the most important qualities of identity to the people we've met with and perhaps the area, as well.

Which leads back to the conundrum that has prompted the peace process as a political process: Unionists and Nationalists all have ties to this land going back from three to almost uncountable generations.

Posted by KSedon

Communication

2006-07-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

When touring the Police Service of Northern Ireland's College and meeting with officers and administrators, we had the opportunity to witness the new police model of self-protection based on human rights where officers are trained to assess situations and consider all mortal ramifications and legal consequences of their possible actions. This new model and an improved authority structure--formulated by 'pensioning' out old Royal Ulster Constabulary members-- appear to contribute to healthier community relations and reduced levels of violence.

Despite reformed policing, Sinn Fein has refused to accept this new PSNI in the political process toward peace citing latent RUC influences on the PSNI.

After having just met and inquired the PSNI I still found myself reluctant to validate the opposition of Sinn Fein despite their quasi-reasonable opposition. I recognize that not all political and civic infrastructures are perfect; however, these infrastructures generally need more time in order to fully cycle through past problems.

The only clear conclusion I have been able to postulate is that there must be a failure of communication and dialogue between PSNI representatives and Sinn Fein leaders--which is certainly understandable given the history of violence in Northern Ireland. As communication is the keystone of a functioning political process to peace, I can only be left to wonder how much time in the present and near future will be required to resolve the issue. Certainly, we can only all hope that this dialogue is open and clear in the coming months.

Posted by KSedon

Summer Camp!

2006-07-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

We met with MLA’s and MP’s on Monday at Stormont, and it was very interesting to say the least. One of the themes of each of the parties’ talks was trust. Each party feels like it can’t trust the other, and I can see why. However, I was wondering what it would really take to gain that trust. Perhaps it is the strange heat wave that made me think of this, but I wonder what it would be like if the parties’ respected leaders would do trust building activities. You know, like the ones you did at summer camp. Those exercises where you can’t complete the imperative mission until you’ve worked together to achieve that common goal or the “I’ll catch you if you catch me” games. And of course you sing songs and eat Smores afterwards…You get the idea. However, let us not forget about that isolated cabin where you got sent if you couldn’t work out your problems. You weren’t allowed to leave until you wanted to braid each other’s hair or at least be able to sit in the same cafeteria without starting a food fight. If you’ve never been to camp or don’t know what I’m talking about, just rent the Parent Trap.
Speaking of the Parent Trap, I wonder what the world would be like if Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley were like the twins in the Disney movie, separated at birth but destined to be brought back together. How would it be if it were that clear to see how it really is brother against brother? Of course, how scary would it be that the political world could be reshaped by the plot of a Lindsey Lohan movie?
From being here for these past couple of weeks, I see how important ones blood line means to one’s identity, one’s life, and how one sees his future. And it has become very clear as to why trust is the biggest issue of all. How can you trust the side that is being so disrespectful as to burn you flag at a bonfire, which is the symbol of what you see to be your country, your history, and your family’s sacrifice? And how can you trust the side that sets a bomb off in a peaceful city killing innocent civilians just going to the market?
Sometimes I do wish that we could go back to those “bug juice” days, when if we couldn’t work out a problem with words, we’d compete in a good game of capture the flag or maybe Connect 4 if it was raining. But this adult political world seems to forget how to play those games. This world captures a life instead of a flag; it burns sacred symbols rather than marshmallows; and it actually does sink your battle ship.
As we let go of our innocence, is there something new that we grab hold of or do we just fall? I fear the rumors of these so called inevitabilities about adulthood as I grow older. But as I have still found myself looking to Full House for advice on this very trip and as I see the passion and heart of these people survive in such a desolate environment, I feel a little more secure that I’ve retained some innocence while being inspired by the pain of some people’s everyday life. And if I get down, then I’ll just imagine Adams and Paisley singing the Salute Your Shorts theme song and laugh.

A Different Perspective on Loyalist Traditions

2006-07-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Being an outsider to Northern Ireland's culture, groups and troubles, it is easy to be very critical, particularly of the loyalist community. On the surface the tradition's of the loyalist community seem defensive, motivated by hatred towards Nationalists and intimidating to observers from different communities. To go further one could say the loyalist community is in middle of an identity crisis in which it is slowly forgetting the history that it defines itself by. If not defined by its historical roots, an outsider may gather that loyalism is based solely on defending itself from the nationalist community.

To be fair, before an outsider can judge a different culture solely based on their traditions, they need to first re-evaluate their own traditions, political awareness and cultural fears. When we went to the Orange Parades the festivities seemed almost identical to Memorial Day or independence Day parades in the United States. During American parades the stars and stripes hang from every light pole and the young and old line the streets to celebrate. But how well do those Americans know the nation they are celebrating? How well is America's youth versed in U.S. politics? How aware are all American's of political issues involving the U.S. both domestically and abroad? These are all things that would make up the American identity. But is anyone sure what that identity really is? A 2005 survey by the National Geographic Society on geographic literacy of Americans aged 18-24 found only half of their respondents could find the state of New York on a map. Only 1/3 could find Louisiana on a map, even after it was put in the national spotlight following Hurricane quatrain. In the 2004 presidential election just over 50% of those eligible to vote made it the ballots. I think it is safe to say that most Americans are apathetic to the current state of their nation, as long as it doesn't affect them.

What then are we celebrating at our fourth of July parades? Also, what message are we conveying? Is it solidarity with the U.S. government and the president? With Bush's approval rating at 34% and support for the war in Iraq waning, that probably isn't it. Maybe, it is a sign of support for the U.S. simply as a nation. Before September 11th, 2001 it was rare to see American homes flying the stars and stripes year round, unless a national holiday was approaching. After the attacks, U.S. flags lined nearly every street in America. In 2006, although the war in Iraq is still going on, it is again rare to see the U.S. flag flying. How then can considered American pride be considered genuine? It is easy to write off the Loyalist community as defensive and one-sided, because their patriotism is derived from a sense of being under attack; but isn't it natural for any community to look inward when they feel threatened?

Being American it would seem incredibly hypocritical to say that members of the loyalist community have lost, "the original meaning of their own history" which they identify themselves with, when Americans fit this bill better than anyone. Imagine a country made of and descended from immigrants now closing the borders to other immigrants seeking the same opportunities that they enjoy. Imagine a nation born out of rebellion against tyranny now forcing their idea of government on states across the globe. We are not saying that we like the Orange Parades or bonfires, but we must respect them as a part of the Loyalists tradition. It is unfair to write off an entire community because their traditions do not reflect their original meanings. Keep in mind also that the mindset taken on by Loyalists may be more a natural reaction to threat, than "ignorance" or unwillingness to change. Also they are not the only ones who are afraid of losing their cultural identity (which they do have).

Everyone should be conscious that we are outsiders looking into a culture that is not our own. When you want to be critical first re-evaluate yourself and your culture in order to keep everything in perspective.

Collaboration between Matt & Owen

Bogside artists

2006-07-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, we met the three bogside artists. One took us on a tour of their murals and told us the meaning behind the murals and the significance to the town. He (the artist) stressed that the murals were to depict history in an unbiased manner. What I enjoyed most during the tour was his description of courage. He felt the true displays of courage did not come from any of the people on the murals or any of the people on the news. Courage was seen in the normal citizens of Northern Ireland that were gravely affected by the troubles but remained peaceful despite the temptation to take up arms. The Irish people have been affected in so many ways; they have lost loved ones, they have been denied privacy when soldiers invade their homes and nearly destroy them, they have lived in poverty, and they have suffered immensely. But the courageous Irish men and women do not join the IRA or try to defend themselves with weapons. The courageous choose to campaign for peace even when it is not the safe or acceptable thing to do.
These were wise words that can be applied to many serious conflicts. The people you do not hear about are the ones who are most affected. We hear about how these people lose husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. But we do not hear about the courage they display every day- the courage to not let anger make decisions for them . They decide not to engage in the same tactics as they enemy and they fight everyday for their cause by not picking up a weapon; instead they fight with their actions and decisions. They decide to choose peace.

The DUP: Is this party holding up or saving the political process?

2006-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today we met with two members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Robert Newton and Jeffrey Donaldson. The DUP is the largest party in Northern Ireland and seems to be blamed for holding up the political process by most every other party (Sinn Fein, SDLP, UUP, etc). But I wonder, is the DUP holding up the political process or preventing N.I. from rushing into the political process? Is N.I. ready to handle its own affairs?

The DUP feels that Sinn Fein still has deep ties with the IRA and claims that an independent organization has found that the IRA did not fully decommission as it claimed to do in 2005. Many members of Sinn Fein have claimed that the IRA is completely decommissioned and seem to have severed ties with the militant or dissident sections of the IRA. Supporters of Sinn Fein, and opposing parties such as the SDLP and UUP, claim that Sinn Fein is moving toward the democratic process nonviolently and ready to share power with the DUP.

Sometimes I wonder though, is the DUP onto something? Is Sinn Fein still closely tied with the IRA and has this organization permanently abandoned its violent tactics? The IRA has called a ceasefire before and eventually returned to violence, who's to say that the organization won't strike again when people are least expecting it? I think it's safe to say that no U.S. political party would want to share power with a party like Hamas (same deal as Sinn Fein, political arm of a militant organization) whether they had severed ties, or were currently affiliated, with the militant branch of the party. So, can we really blame the DUP for not wanting to cooperate with Sinn Fein?

Searching for Identity

2006-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Having witnessed several bonfires on the 11th and the Orange Parade in Belfast on July 12th, I'm even more confused about the identity of the Loyalist community. Many people in Northern Ireland have defined who they are by their "history" (I put history in quotations because every person we've met with has given us different accounts of the same basic events). After attending these very historically rooted Orange events, however, I've come to question whether the people celebrating these historical events truly know what they are celebrating.

Prior to attending the bonfires, we met with a man named David who has lived and worked in East Belfast (a Loyalist community) his entire life. Even David suggested that he felt the younger generations of the Loyalist community do not really know the significance of the bonfires and the Orange parades. Why exactly is the Tri-Colour flag burnt at all the bonfires? And the parades...Do they represent British pride? Protestant solidarity? Do these parades represent Loyalist paramilitaries and an anti-Nationalist mentality? I watched people (mainly men) ranging in age from 5 to 16 to 60 year olds marching in bands (which, by the way, is cool in Ireland), some with militaristic uniforms and paramilitary banners. Even though I'm an outsider to the Loyalist community, I get the sense that many of the people participating in these events have yet to ask themselves these same questions I've been wondering.

My latest theory is that the Loyalist community is struggling to find its identity in the absence of the Troubles. Who are Loyalists if they aren't oppressing the Nationalists? Who are Loyalists if they aren't defending their union with the Britain? Who are Loyalists if they aren't fighting amongst themselves or with Nationalists? Who are Loyalists if the Unionist parties aren't dominating the political arena?

Loyalists have had to face all these questions since the "peace process" began with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The Nationalist community has risen to the occasion, for the most part, and is thriving politically and beginning to thrive economically. Loyalist and Unionist communities are feuding amongst themselves, struggling economically and being left behind by their political leaders. In the midst of a changing society, Loyalists have lost the essence of who they are (if such a thing exists). These communities are clinging to their historical roots, customs, and traditions in an effort to define themselves, yet they fail to cling on to the actual, original meaning of their own history. My hope is that people within the Loyalist and Unionist communities will step up to the challenge of leading each other into a successful, peaceful and enlightening new future. Perhaps with stronger leadership, Loyalists can come to a more definite and positive idea of what it means to be a member of that community.

Crowds gathered at a bonfire in East Belfast...

Support shown for local Loyalist paramilitary organizations, notice the Tina Turner reference...

A smaller bonfire in East Belfast...notice the small building on the left catching fire (it took about 15-20 minutes for the fire department to even show up on the scene)

Orange Parades are a family event and many times we saw fathers and sons marching together

A local Orange Order Lodge marching with a flag that says "No Surrender"

Omagh Bombing Trial Update I

2006-07-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Irish Independent reports that the trial of Sean Hoey, who allegedly took part in the Omagh bombing of 1998, is now underway. http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1653700&issue_id=14354 (registration required).

The judge in the case has scolded the prosecutors for not cooperating with the defense over matters of evidence. The judge warned that, without full disclosure, key evidence might not be admissible. It sounds like the judge is a bit peeved that these matters were not sorted out prior to the start of the trial.

11 July 2006 Revisited

2006-07-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to lighthearted account of the bonfires on the Shankill Road. Feel free to add your own reflections. By the way, does anyone know the extent of the damage to the building in the previous post? Did the owner forget to pay his protection money?

http://www.dailyireland.com/home.tvt?_scope=DailyIreland/Content/Comment&id=9503&opp=1

11 July Bonfire

2006-07-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of one of the local bonfires in East Belfast that went a bit out of control, burning part of the adjacent building (also note the tire, which was banned for environmental reasons). The night of the 11th was relatively peaceful this year--no "show of strength" by the loyalist paramilitaries.

Meeting with Fianna Fail

2006-07-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Today we met with Liam Cullen in the Parliament building in Dublin. He is a research advisor for Fianna Fail, Ireland's largest political party. He spoke to us about Fianna Fail's policies and ideas from a research standpoint instead of a politician's standpoint. This was an interesting view to have since he was not trying to convince us of anything; he was simply providing information about Ireland's government and politics as well as Fianna Fail's roles in the government of the Republic. He gave us history of the party as well, which was founded by Eamon De Valera (an American born Irishman) in 1926.

Queens University Institute of Irish Studies

2006-07-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon July 11, we visited the Queens University Belfast Institute of Irish Studies and were addressed by Dr Dominic Bryan its Director.
Dr Bryan gave a really animated tour de force of the origins and development of the Orange Order - a Protestant organisation which has had an enormous impact on the socio economic and political history of Northern Ireland.
Using video footage and examples of flags and emblems used here as potent symbols ( as they indeed are throughout the world), Dr Bryan took questions from faculty and students and extended a warm invitation to return at any time.
Link to the Institute as follows:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/iis/about-us/index.htm

Similarities and Differences

2006-07-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

After touring about Armagh City and having the chance to observe the city and rural culture, there were flags flying, as always, and sporting events agoing. But there was a sense that this community, whether Nationalist or Unionist, still identified as Irish; as hurling was played within the town centre near flags for Gaelic football flying with Union Jacks and Tricolors. The similarities between the people were highlighted despite political and ideological differences.

In direct contrast to this this experience was the Community Dialogue in Amargh City with Fr.. Brian Lennon and a Unionist supporter (Q). Although there are definite advantages to this process of dialogue examining the real wants and desires of each culture to find the similarities, I was still uneasy about the sole discussion of divisionary issues surrounding 'conflict'. It's obvious that learning these divisions is pertinent to examining Northern Ireland, but I am still left to wonder if perhaps the discussion and dialogue concerning similarities (like those witnessed in the town) would also be beneficial in the gain of bridging social capital.

Posted by KSedon

The Women of Northern Ireland

2006-07-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Thus far every group we've met with and talked to has consisted of all males, with the exception of the East Belfast Community Development Agency. At this community center we met with Rachel, a great woman who is working with Loyalist children in a cross-border project. Rachel wants the children to develop a relationship with other children in the Republic of Ireland with the hope that this connection will help facilitate a better relationship with their Nationalist neighbors.

Although Rachel is doing excellent work at the Community Development Agency, I'm still concerned about the role of women in Northern Ireland. Recently we've been told that instances of domestic violence have risen, as have cases of rape. Also, single motherhood is becoming more prevalent. With the combination of violence against women on the rise, single motherhood and the seemingly patriarchal nature of Northern Ireland's society, I worry about the state of women in the North.

Today, we talked with Gerry Cunningham of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. He stated that there were nine criteria which were considered when people are put on the waiting list for housing in Northern Ireland, none of these criteria included employment or financial status. With finances and employment not under consideration, I imagine it would be very difficult for a single mother to wait for two years on a waiting list while she and her children are housed after people who are more financially capable of living on their own. This is not to say that all single mothers cannot financially support themselves...just a hypothetical situation.

Also, we discussed women's' role in the Orange Parades with Dominic Bryan who works at the Irish Studies Department at Queen's. The impression I got was that women served a purely decorative purpose in the parades and were there only to show support for the men in the band.

When will women be able to lead a parade in Northern Ireland? When will women get to play a more active role in the peace/political process? When will single motherhood become a serious consideration for public housing?

The women I have met, thus far, in Northern Ireland have been smart, capable and determined. Historically, women have played small but vital roles during the Troubles, particularly in the Nationalist communities. Women and children often hit trash can lids against the street to warn of the presence of British soldiers or RUC. Also, during the Hunger Strike period women held their own blanket protests and showed a sense of solidarity with hunger strikers. There have absolutely been prominent female figures in the history of Northern Ireland, but I feel like the main population, the 'every day' woman, does not have much of a say in their own society. When will the voices of these women be heard?

Murals and Their Messages

2006-07-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

In touring different Republican and Loyalist neighborhoods in Belfast and in speaking with community leaders from both sides, it seems there is a noticeable difference in attitudes towards paramilitary disbandment. In the Republican community there is an optimism for the permanent disbandment of the IRA and the future disbanding of IRA splinter groups. Support has now shifted into political campaigns and rememberance. This attitude is visibly displayed in the murals and landscape of Republican neighborhoods. Most of the murals and memorials we saw on our tour of the Falls road were in dedicated to the 1981 Hunger Strikes, former IRA and Sinn Fein activists or deaths of innocent victims. The murals do not seem to be threatening or violent. As Dave pointed out some murals also support similar political interests. The only visible sign of Republican paramilitary splinter groups is in the form of graffiti. Few of the murals we saw were at all threatening, although they did still convey Republican sentiments.
In the Loyalist community there seems to be a frustration with the lack of progress towards the disbanding of major Loyalist paramilitaries. However, many community leaders are optimistic that disbandment or evolution into political organizations will come in the near future. These attitudes are also apparent in the murals and memorials of Loyalist neighborhoods. For instance, many murals in Loyalist neighborhoods contain violent and intimidating images (machine guns for instance). The symbols in these murals are meant to mark the shrinking territory of paramilitaries and demonstrate power. It is hard to imagine that residents living in these areas or those that have to walk through are comfortable around violent paramilitary symbols. We would also think that with membership to paramilitary groups declining, the messages portrayed on these murals do not reflect the opinions of the majority of residents in the area. In the Newtonards community a mural once depicting threatening paramilitary sentiments was recently painted over by the community's youth group. Now the mural depicts historical events and figures important to the heritage of Ulster-Scots. This is definitely a sign that change is in the air. It is encouraging to hear that both communities are optimistic about paramilitary disbandment and the future of the peace process. On July 10th the government anounced a 3.3 million pound mural cleaning project that would replace violent or intimidating murals with peaceful works of art that the entire community can enjoy and tourist will want to visit.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=698129

(Belfast Telegraph article on mural painting project)

Coiste Walking Tour Through West Belfast

2006-07-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday afternoon our group went on a guided tour of West Belfast, led by a member of Coiste (Republican community group that works with ex-political prisoners). Our guide, Caoimhín (Kievan), took us through Falls Road in West Belfast. What I noticed the most on the tour were the, seemingly endless, murals painted on buildings. Many of the murals (as shown in Bartholow's post) show solidarity with other movements around the world, while others commemorate Hunger Strikers or those who have lost their lives in the name of the Republican cause. Kievan mentioned that younger generations have increasingly shown interest in the Hunger Strikes in the 1980's-1990's. This interest among the younger generations is no surprise considering the fact that on the way to school a child would see many murals which idolize the Hunger Strikers, particularly Bobby Sands.

West Belfast seems to be a community on the rise. The streets were busy and there looked to be more shops opening, hopefully a sign that this Republican community will be able to prosper
and, as a result, begin bettering the area for future generations.

Here is a mural of Bobby Sands, the first man to die in the 1981 Hunger Strikes at H-Block. The Hunger Strike took place in this prison amongst Republican prisoners because their political prisoner status was taken away in 1976 by Margaret Thatcher. Many of these men refused to wear the standard prison uniform or live with convicts. As a result, they went through various protests (including a no bathing protest) and eventually decided to form a Hunger Strike until their demands were met...

This next picture shows a mural dedicated to those killed by plastic bullets (used by the RUC) since 1970. The silver bullet (front and center) portrays Nora McCabe, late wife of Jim McCabe whom we spoke to last Wednesday. Nora was killed by the RUC and, as a result, Jim has been an advocate for such groups as Relatives for Justice and United Against Plastic Bullets....

Omagh Support and Self Help Group

2006-07-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Monday 10 July, we met at the Omagh Support and Self Help office to talk with Michael Gallagher, the group's Chairman, and Sharon, the group's first employee. Mr. Gallagher had recently returned from the Human Rights Festival in Chicago to present the movie Omagh, in which he was the inspiration for one of the main characters. Before we left Cleveland, our class had the opportunity to watch the film to familiarize us with the Omagh City bombing.

The purpose of our visit was to meet with the victim's group and talk about the Omagh bomb that killed 31 innocent people on the 15th of August, 1998. Since this tragedy, people who lost family and friends in the explosion have formed a formal group in order to "raise awareness of, and coordinate activity on, issues affecting victims" (Omagh Support and Self Help Group Guide for Victims and Survivors 1). Not only is the group creating awareness and help for the victims of the Omagh bombing, but those worldwide who have been victimized in some way, especially by terrorist actions. The group is very focused on creating a learning experience out of the bombing, so as better evacuation routes and emergency plans can be developed. I find this to be a very positive and effective attitude.

The group has an impressive feat in front of them, and they are making visible progress, but not with out some resistance. The group has also been striving to erect a commemorative stone on Market Street, the location of the explosion. They have received permission to do this, but have been denied the right to engrave the stone with a simple explanation of the event. They have recently engraved a short message on a stone in the Memorial Garden. While this seems harmless enough, it has taken almost eight years for this to occur.

For more information on the group, and to look at the expanding archive of global terrorism, go to http://www.omaghbomb.co.uk/.

North Belfast Protestant/Unionist and Catholic/Nationalist areas map: Green vs. Orange

2006-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

a little late but here is the map Bartholow talked about in the Catching Up: PSNI DCUs Part 2 post.

Some group photos

2006-07-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

With Conor Murphy MP in South Armagh.

With Father Brian Lennon after a community dialogue session.

In front of one of the land rovers we rode in.

Navan Fort and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh City

2006-07-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Loyalism, Class, and Community

2006-07-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

The group met with the East Belfast Community Development Agency last week, which is an organization that provides community services to loyalist/unionist/Protestant areas of East Belfast. Several things that I found interesting from our discussion: the historical devaluation of education in Protestant communities because of the emphasis on work, the move toward "progressive" loyalism/unionism, and cross-border work between the North and the South at the community-level (it is safer to bring children from East Belfast to the South than it is to take them to Republican/Nationalist neighborhoods within Belfast). I also learned of the problems facing community workers in loyalist areas--from funding to politicians. From a comparative perspective this is telling because Sinn Fein has been so successful at the community level, while the Unionist political parties do not appear to be. A final lesson learned involved the loyalist paramilitaries and how "progressive" loyalism/unionism hopes they can move from "defending to mending". Thanks Sammy, Andy, Rachel, and Des for a thoughtful roundtable discussion!

Adams at JCU

2006-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Some of this years Summer Institute missed the Adams visit to JCU last year. I went searching and found this link:
http://www.jcu.edu/news/gerry_adams_audio.htm

You might find it interesting

The Disappeared

2006-07-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in the plight of the disappeared and their families might want to take a look at this post on Chris Gaskin's blog: http://gaskinbalrog.blogspot.com/2006/07/ira-insists-she-was-informer.html. It raises some good questions regarding the relationship of past, present, and future in conflict transformation.

Solidarity and sympathy with other movements

2006-07-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

One aspect of the conflict that has struck me is the awareness and solidarity with other struggles across the world which are seen (by some) as analagous with the situation in Northern Ireland. This seems particularly prevalent among Republicans, which makes sense given their historical Marxist ideology. Republicans make use of images of many iconic figures in the history of revolution and civil rights, often juxtaposed with their own local heroes:

One of the first movements that the Republicans allied themselves with was anti-Apartheid in South Africa:

Some of the sympathies which seemed most shocking to us tourists from the USA:

We have also heard or seen solidarity expressed with the Basque people of Spain, the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, and American civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.. In most cases this solidarity is more than just symbolic: Sinn Fein representatives have visited and met with South African ANC leaders. Martin McGuinness, one of the top Sinn Fein men, is currently in Sri Lanka meeting with the Tamil Tigers.

The Unionist version of all this is fascinating and complicated as well. I'll wait until we've toured more Unionist areas and gotten more good pictures to describe it, but one example can be found in my post on our visit to Newtonyards and the murals in the estate there.

Seeds of change

2006-07-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

During our first week in Northern Ireland we have taken in a variety of different perspectives on the past, present and future of the troubles and the peace process. Although at first glance some areas still seem entrenched in the fight, small changes mark incredible progress from the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement.
When we visited the P.S.N.I. Police College in the first days of our visit the officers highlighted the new procedures and internal changes that focus the service on human rights. When we toured the sectarian neighborhoods of North Belfast with patrol officers they told us stories of violent periods not long ago, when they could not leave their vehicles because of safety concerns. Now they are able to walk the street. Another sign of progress was apparent in our visit with the Bowtown Community Center, where community leaders and former activists are banning together to take down intimidating murals so every citizen feels comfortable in their community. Also they are developing youth programs to steer children away from violence and crime.
In Armagh we received a presentation from the North/South Ministerial Council, a body that did not exist before 1998. The council-members communicated the ways in which Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are now working together and the impossibility of this council in past decades. We then sat in on a community dialogue involving Nationalist and Unionist perspectives. Getting opposing sides in the same room can be seen as major progress. One member of the dialogue said he wouldn’t have even considered being in the same room as Nationalists in the past.
Finally, progress can be seen in former political activists that are now communicating with the other side instead of fighting them. When visiting Coiste, we were able to see how former IRA activists have put violence behind them and stepped into leadership roles in political parties and in their communities in order to facilitate the peace process.
As students of the troubles and the peace process, our JCU group has a unique opportunity to see bits of Northern Ireland’s past and and compare that to the progress of the present. This is certainly an exciting, transitional time in Northern Ireland’s history.

Catching Up: PSNI DCUs Part 2

2006-07-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

For the second half of the day, we visited the North Belfast DCU. North Belfast has historically been one of the most troubled areas of the city. In many parts of North Belfast Protestant/Unionist and Catholic/Nationalist areas are separated by only tens of yards. The map describing their historical territories within just this small area is amazingly complex, with "green" and "orange" areas curving between each other in ways you would not believe. In addition to a tour of the area in two armored land rovers (a stone was thrown at one during our tour, though I wasn't in it so I'll leave the description to someone else), we were given demonstrations of the surveillance capabilities and the riot gear of the PSNI. Here's Matt trying out the latter, with some help from Marissa:

A Nationalist view point

2006-07-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today, June 5th, was most definitely one of the most interesting days of our trip in Northern Ireland. We met with workers of the "Tar Anall" Community Center. This community center is operated by ex-political prisoners in the Nationalist community. It's main purpose is to help the ex-prisoners in the community, as well as to help the families of prisoners and ex-prisoners. We met a number of interesting gentlemen who were more then willing to share with us their stories which consisted of what they did before imprisonment, their role and political views while they were in prison, and what life is like now that they are free. We also met with a gentleman whose wife was murdered by the RUC (former police force of NI). It was interesting to hear how he has tried to move on, but also on how he has tried to obtain closure in the case of his wifes death.

Catching up: PSNI District Command Units Part 1

2006-07-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Since we now have internet access at our dorms, it's time to catch up with what happened during our week of net-deprivation. I'm going to start with our second day of meetings with the PSNI (mostly because I have some good pictures from that day). First, some background: The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is the "new" local police force. I use the "inverted commas" (as they say here) around "new" because some people here, particularly those of the Republican persuasion, see the PSNI as just a superficially changed incarnation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), which was seen as a largely partisan organization. On our first day with the PSNI we toured the new police academy, which was not as funny as you might have been led to believe.

With our observance of the training techniques in mind, we eagerly began our second day with the PSNI. During this day we visited two starkly contrasting District Command Units (precincts). The first was Newtonyards, or Ards for short, which is a suburban, relatively quiet, primarily Protestant area. The highlight of the Ards visit was a trip to a Protestant housing estate in which we could see hands on the results of some "community" policing in which the police try to work with residents to deal with ongoing problems (as opposed to "response" policing). In this case, a mural in the estate showing masked, gun-wielding paramilitaries was seen by some residents as a tacky and frightening reminder of past sectarianism, while for others in the community it was an important symbol of their cultural heritage and heroes. The community policing team worked with the residents to eventually come to an agreement to replace the mural with another reflecting a less contentious aspect of the Protestant/Unionist heritage. Children from the community, including some children of the associated paramilitarists, painted this new mural with the help of a local artist:

Here is a detail of the portraits of the artist children along with two of the artists themselves:

I'll describe the second half of the day soon.

JCU Visit to Armagh

2006-07-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! We got back Tuesday from a wonderful trip to the beautiful city of Armagh (located in Southern part of Northern Ireland). Our tour guide Barbara briefly drove us through the city, out to Navan Fort where we visited the Navan Mound. Navan Fort was built in 95 b.c. and was a religious sanctuary often connected with Irish folklore concerning the High Kings of Ireland. Barbara was a great guide throughout our two day stay in Armagh and we cannot wait to visit her again soon!

After visiting Navan Fort, we drove to Dan Winter's cottage where the Orange Order was founded. The Orange Order is a Protestant organization devoted to the furtherance of Ulster Scot's culture in Northern Ireland. There we met Hilda Winter who has assumed the role of preserving historical artifacts related to the Orange Order. She showed us flags, documents and pictures that dated back hundreds of years. We also met a seven year old potbelly pig named Bramley and a three legged dog named Flick! Hilda was a wonderful hostess and shared her wealth of knowledge with all of us.

We ended the night at the Head o' the Road pub with an authentic Irish meal consisting of fish, ham, pickled onions and soda bread!

The next day began with a tour of the two St. Patrick's churches in the city of Armagh...one of which was Protestant, the other Catholic. The Catholic church wasn't built until the 1840's because until the Catholic Emancipation Act, it was illegal for Catholic's to establish their own church on regulated grounds. Both churches were beautiful and filled with pre-Christian symbols and artifacts.

After visiting the churches we had lunch at the Armagh City Hotel and met with Kevin Lyons and Paul Brennan from the North/South Ministerial Council. This organization is working to coordinate relationships in different fields between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including; education, health and waterways. Although the Assembly of Northern Ireland is not currently in session, this organization has been working behind the scenes to create programs that will be ready to be implemented and enacted when the government reconvenes.

We ended our trip to Armagh with a visit to the Community Dialogue Center. There we met Father Brian Lennon and a Loyalist named Quincy. We witnessed a mediated conversation between Quincy and a Nationalist, portrayed by Father Lennon. Although both Loyalists and Nationalists hold strong opinions, the method's used at the Community Dialogue Center seem to be bridging gaps between two historically divided communities!

Getting things rolling

2006-07-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a quick post to let all of our friends know that we've had a bit of a hiatus due to a snafu with our internet access. We should have it all sorted out by Tuesday. Thanks much to Raymond for keeping the blog on life support!

Weekend free!!

2006-07-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday 1 July- Some students hit the road to Dublin and Cork while others go to Scotland to make the most of their free time in splendid weather with temperatures in the low 80s!
Some faculty visited with a local Belfast businessman who had invited them to a BBQ!
Thanks Roy!!

Police with Loyalist Community Speaker in Newtownards speak to JCU faculty and students

2006-07-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Friday 30 June the PSNI hosted the Institute members on a tour of two contrasting Police Divisions - one relatively peaceful , the other still having inter communal conflict.
There was an interesting meeting with loyalist Community leaders in Newtownards (photo here). Later Police demonstrated latest riot gear and crowd control tactics and took the students and faculty out on a tour of North Belfast.

Work gets well under way!!!

2006-07-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday 29 June the Institute had an in depth experience with the PSNI Police College in the morning and in the afternoon met with Jim Gibney leading member of Sinn Fein at Belfast City Hall.
The same evening the Institute members spent a good night with plenty of "craic" at the local Botanic Inn with students from nearby Queen's University who had agreed to meet for a social exchange!!

Forgot to say....

2006-06-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

By the way- you all look fantastic in that pic!!

Here is a TV interview (I meant to send with my last post) with one of the people you will meet here and who is presently working with the Basques on their Peace Process.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/hardtalk/4342400.stm

See you soon

Welcome to Belfast

2006-06-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Guys at JCU.

I just want to wish you a nice 'lift' not 'ride' over to Belfast and look forward to meet you at Belfast International Wednesday morning-28 June. This Program is a real exciting opportunity for you to come and learn from the processes here that have been going on since the 1980s. And also to learn from our history of conflict going back 100s of years.You will meet some of the earliest people involved in those dynamic processes as well as contemporary political and community leaders. I just echo those words - "keep an open mind"! Remember that perception IS reality for those who perceive and you will hear several versions of the same story.I think it helps sometimes to think of their being three sides to every story- one side, the other side- and the truth (in all its nuances!!)
I have had the privilege of working before with JCU Faculty and Students (and visited you in Oct 04) and I look forward big time to our next few weeks together!!
By the way the weather is set fair for this week-sunny and in the low 70s!

See you all at Belfast International!
Raymond

2006 faculty and students at JCU

2006-06-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of the 2006 faculty and students of the Belfast Summer Institute. Front Row, from left to right: Katie Sedon, Miriam McGinn Moorer, Krista Corabi, and Dr. Mindy Peden. In the back row, from left to right, David Bartholow, Jim Murphy, Owen Donelon, Matt Harmon, Dr. Wendy Wiedenhoft, Marissa Patsey, Dr. Peggy Finucane, and Elyse Wagner.

News on the Shoukri Brothers

2006-06-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here's an article on the expulsion of the Shourki brothers: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-1507-2242015-3048,00.html. It also provides a bit of insight on how the UDA operates.

It looks like the UDA boys are no longer allowing Andre to hang out in their wing of the prison where he's being held. The big question now seems to be whether the Shoukris and their supporters will fight to maintain control of their territory and enterprises in North Belfast. Members of the UDA are optimistic that their former colleagues will not fight. Let's see what happens.

Gerry Adams's remarks on the peace process

2006-06-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Perhaps this news item (http://www.u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=74551) sheds a little light on the connection between the peace process and the political process. It seems to me that the leader of Sinn Fein is sending a message to Ahern and Blair regarding their upcoming visit to NI, i.e. "The peace process might be sorted, but the DUP's intransigence in the political process will have consequences." Alarmist rhetoric, a veiled threat, or a call for intervention by Tony and Bertie?

Tim Losty's Visit to JCU

2006-06-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday we met with our first speaker, Tim Losty, Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, which is located in Washington, D.C. http://www.nibureau.com/ Tim treated our faculty and students to a survey of the political history of Northern Ireland from partition to the current wrangling going on in the Assembly and the then-imminent expulsion of the Shoukri brothers from the UDA. Thanks Tim!

We asked the students to record a few things they learned from Tim’s visit. After only a bit of light editing, here they are:

Northern Ireland has moved from the peace process to a political process. That is, the assembly has reconvened and is trying to put together a legitimate government. How this will play out nobody knows, but we’ll certainly be in a good position to ask some probing questions.

If you think you understand the situation in Northern Ireland, then you’re probably mistaken. Reassuring or daunting?

Let’s remember that we’re outsiders who will be traveling to Northern Ireland to learn. Stay professional and try not to categorize and generalize.

Finally, ask for a lift and not a ride (unless you really mean it), enjoy some craic, and savor a poke on one of those rare sunny summer days in Belfast.

Photo Op, Summer 2005

2006-06-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here's the group from Summer 2005 posing for the obligatory photo op with Rev. Ian Paisley. Lovely headgear, eh? From left to right, Megan, Dr. Pam Mason, Linda, Rev. Paisley, Brittany, Kelly, Patrick, Dr. Wendy Wiednhoft, and Katie.

Introduction to the JCU Belfast Summer Institute

2006-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of the John Carroll University Belfast Summer Institute. This blog is part of our continuing scholarship on peace-building and conflict transformation. The institute is designed to foster the understanding, knowledge, and skills that will enable undergraduate students to participate in peace-building, social justice, and conflict transformation efforts at home and around the world.
This course examines the historical, political, social, and cultural dimensions of the conflict in Northern Ireland and the movement towards peace-building and community reconstruction since the Belfast Agreement of 1998. Through experiential learning students will work to achieve an appreciation of interdisciplinary analysis of subjects, a refinement of critical thinking, and the promotion of problem-solving skills.
This blog is intended to record the reflections, observations, and questions of the students and faculty of the JCU Belfast Summer Institute. As scholars of peace and conflict, we encourage and welcome thoughtful commentary from people of varied backgrounds.