AUTHOR:
TerrorismCentral Editorial Staff
TITLE:
TerrorismCentral Newsletter - July 21, 2002
SOURCE:
TerrorismCentral, July 21, 2002
TEXT:
We are very pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Joshua Sinais Terrorism Bookshelf to the TerrorismCentral portal. Terrorism Bookshelf is an on-going compilation of concise reviews of contemporary books and summaries of key journals on terrorism. Combined with the archival material and citations in the TerrorismCentral Knowledge Base, this is the most comprehensive reference collection available anywhere.
In the news, the week began with a surprise from the Irish Republican Army (IRA) who issued an apology for civilian deaths (the topic of this weeks Feature Article) and ended with word of a breakthrough in peace talks in Sudan, described in the News Highlights.
Look for the latest additions to the Commercial Content section and information on the subscription services.
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As always, this edition of the Newsletter is linked to selected data from the TerrorismCentral Library.
CONTENTS:
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
1. Africa
2. Americas
3. Asia Pacific
4. Europe
5. Middle East
6. South Asia
7. Cyberterrorism and Information Warfare
8. Finance
9. Human Rights
10 Law and Legal Issues
11. Narco-terrorism
12. Transportation
13. Weapons of Mass Destruction
14. Recently Published
FEATURE ARTICLE:
Thirty Years On: Building Peace in Northern Ireland
1. Africa
While life in parts of Angola has begun to improve with the advent of peace, those in demobilization camps face starvation and continued displacement. Although the rebel UNITA group was to be officially disbanded, with some 5,000 of the soldiers added to the Angolan army, that plan has been indefinitely delayed. Rather than handing in their arms, many of the rebels are hoarding them against their uncertain future.
Fighting in Burundi between the government and the rebel Forces for the Defense of Democracy (FDD) is increasing. The government claims to have killed more than 200 rebels in the last two weeks and holds Tanzania to blame for supporting the FDD, a charge Tanzania continues to deny.
The United Nations has determined that rebels from the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) Goma faction, backed by Rwanda, were responsible for the massacre in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo, in May of this year.
In Guinea-Bissau community clashes between the police and youths undergoing initiation ceremonies killed one and injured some 50 people. The police had entered a ceremonial house normally not open to outsiders.
Violent student protests in Nairobi, Kenya, following the death of a classmate at the hands of the police, have ended.
The economic and political situation in Liberia is deteriorating in the face of continued intervention by bordering countries and the activities of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebels. Some 1,000 Liberian troops retook the town of Tubmanburg that had been controlled by the rebels, and have identified 55 of the 60 blind people who had been missing since May. The ongoing state of emergency has contributed to widespread human rights abuses.
Morocco and Spain clashed over the uninhabited island Perejil/Leila. Spanish forces removed the occupying Moroccan troops (all 12 of them) and now Spain has agreed to leave, with Moroccos undertaking that it will not re- occupy the island.
Non-violent protests by several hundred women occupying oil plants in Nigeria have drawn headlines this week. Occupations began on July 8 and have spread to at five stations. The protests focus on the disparity between the rich oil companies and their workers and the dire poverty in which they live. Initial demands to fund schools and invest in the local economy have been partially successful. The women have left one of the terminals, but the protests continue.
Sierra Leone saw widespread rioting in the capital Freetown directed against Nigerian businesses. The rioters were protesting the death of one allegedly in a fraud by a Nigerian. Two died in the riots.
Great progress has been made in Sudan in ending the civil war that has killed more than two million in the last 19 years. The government and the rebel Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) have reached agreement on two key issues. First, that the southern part of the country dominated by non-Muslims (and the SPLM/A) would not be subject to northern Sharia law, and second, they would be entitled to a referendum in six years that would consider the option of secession.
The Ugandan army claims it killed at least 30 rebels in the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) last weekend.
In Zimbabwe, journalist Andrew Meldrum was acquitted in his trial for media falsehoods then immediately served deportation papers. He is appealing the judgement. Meanwhile, the combination of AIDS and drought threaten widespread famine.
2. Americas
The Canadian navy captured two suspected al Qaeda members in the Arabian Sea. They were handed over to US authorities.
The leader of Colombias paramilitary United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), Carols Castano, has resigned, claiming the organization will be dissolved because they have lost control of criminal elements within it. The AUC has now freed the wealthy businessman Richard Boulton whom they had held for two years.
The 5-day standoff over the new airport in Mexico ended after the government freed leaders of the protest they had arrested earlier in the week and offered additional financial compensation to the farmers who will be displaced. The investigation into the fate of 500 "disappeared" opponents from the 1970s continues with testimony from General Gallardo.
In Paraguay, hundreds of protesters gathered to call for the removal of President Luis Gonzalex Macchi in face of the countrys economic crisis. Two were killed and dozens injured in the rioting that followed, and the President imposed a state of emergency that has now been lifted.
In the US, discussion over homeland security continues, as the Congress takes the lead in organizing the new organizational structure. Some of the broader powers for domestic security President Bush had requested have been limited. Several key documents were released this week. The White House released its Homeland Security Strategy, the Congressional Budget Office its estimates of the costs for the Homeland Security Office, and the House its initial report on intelligence failings.
In New York, the recovery operation for remains in the rubble of the World Trade Center has ended. Attention now turns to reviewing the plans for rebuilding lower Manhattan at the site of the towers. William Langewiesche of the Atlantic Monthly has begun an ambitious three-part series "American Ground: Unbuilding the World Trade Center" that documents the "inside story of the recovery effort". The first installment is in the July/August issue.
3. Asia Pacific
Australias mandatory detention of illegal asylum seekers has led to a number of riots and protests, including hunger strikes and a recent breakout from the camp. Two of those who fled were small Afghan boys, age 11 and 13, who made their way overland 600 miles to ask for help from the British embassy. Their refusal, and the plight of the children, has brought the refugee crisis into the homes of Australians and Britains alike, generating public sympathy and calls for a more humane approach.
Burmas ethnic minorities continue to suffer persecution. Read the latest reports by Amnesty International at http://www.amnesty.org and Human Rights Watch at http://hrw.org/backgrounder/asia/burma-bck.htm
China has established a new anti-terrorism force to combat hijackings and increase safety of airports.
East Timor, in desperate need of oil revenues, is negotiating maritime borders with its neighbors, Indonesia and Australia. As well as trying to build the economy, the new country is trying to bring about national reconciliation and has proposed a new amnesty to help encourage the return of refugees and promote healing. Human Rights Watch has proposed additional safeguards to ensure that the most serious crimes against humanity are addressed (http://hrw.org/press/2002/07/timor-ltr0716.htm)
Indonesia is studying ways to combat the Aceh rebels, including increasing the military presence. Last week, the army claims to have killed at least 12 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
The Commonwealth will review Papua New Guineas recent chaotic elections with an independent audit.
Local elections in the Philippines have witnessed widespread violence including the beheading of a local council candidate. About 66 were killed in the run-up to the elections.
4. Europe
In Belgium, separatist demands from Flanders are increasing. See the article by Andrew Osborn, "Separation Anxieties" in the Guardian of July 15, 2002.
French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac escaped an assassination attempt during the Bastille Day parade. Masime Brunerie was arrested and has been sent to a psychiatric institution.
After 27 years without a clue, Greek police are now quickly uncovering the secrets of the November 17 terrorist organization. From a failed attempt by a recent recruit, Greek police have now uncovered a mother lode of evidence and arrested and charged three leading figures. These are the alleged leader Alexandros Giotopoulos, electrician Vassilis Tzortzatos and retired printer Theologos Psaradelis. A number of other suspects are also in custody.
Russia has asked UK security services to question Alexander Litvinenko, a former agent, for information leading to the capture of Chechen rebel Achimez Gochiyaev for his role in bombings in 1999.
The Spanish police have continued their leading role in rounding up al Qaeda suspects with the arrests of Ghasoub Al-Abrash Ghalyoun, Abdelrahman Alarnaot Abu-Aljer, Mohamen Khair Al Saqq and Kamal Hadid Charr "Abu Nour". Mr. Ghalyoun is also suspected of involvement in the Muslim Brotherhood. Videos captured at the arrest showed detailed footage of possible US targets including the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, and Universal Studios theme park. As a result, the Americans have stepped up security at those locations.
After the resignation of 59 deputies, Turkeys ruling Democratic Left Party (DSP) of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has lost its parliamentary majority. There will be early elections. For a review of the situation in Turkey, see the Economist of July 20 in "More than enough to worry about: Feuding politicians and a fragile economy in a place that is strategically more vital than ever".
In the UK, anti-terrorism measures put into place following the September 11 attacks that have led to the arrest without trial of nine non-British citizens are being challenged. Criminal justice reforms that would eliminate protection against double jeopardy and reduce the number of jury trials are also under fire.
In Northern Ireland, the Irish Republican Army issued an unprecedented apology for the deaths of noncombatants. See this weeks Feature Article for details. Dissident republicans are blamed for an attempted bombing against two policemen and loyalists have attacked families. Attacks against paramedics have led to calls for armed guards and protective equipment.
In Wales, former chemistry teacher Nicholas Roberts has been jailed for mailing four hoax anthrax letters last fall.
With relations between Israel and the Palestinians far from stable, calls for new initiatives continue to arise. The United Nations has said there will be no progress without international intervention. Arab ministers from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have visited the White House hoping to find a diplomatic solution, probably based on the Saudi proposal. And the "Quartet", the top diplomats from the US, EU, Russia, and UN, joined by the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan also discussed the issues, but the US position in matching Israels has led to another impasse, particularly regarding Palestinian leader Yasir Arafats role.
Algerians have rioted over water shortages, a situation that will continue to add to the already tense atmosphere and continued violence.
In Iran, the government reacted to statements by US President Bush by suggesting that internal factional disagreements could encourage a military attack by the US.
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein seems resigned to an invasion by the US and is rallying support from inside the country and from his allies. But while the level of rhetoric in the US has reached unprecedented levels, it is not clear that there is either public support or support from key logistical allies that would support such a US action. At the same time, exiled military leaders have been developing plans regarding a replacement for Hussein, should the opportunity arise.
Four Israeli soldiers and one other settler have been charged with selling ammunition to Palestinians. Israelis were shocked that munitions were sold by Israelis to be used against Israelis. Two suicide bombers detonated themselves simultaneously in Tel Aviv, killing 5 and wounding more than 40.
Badieh Hamadeh was turned over to the Lebanese army by the militant Palestinian group Osbat al-Ansar. This ended the standoff at the al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp where he had fled. He is accused of bombing army and police and killing soldiers. Other fugitives are believed to be still in hiding in al-Helweh.
Continued militant attacks have eliminated the possibility of easing restrictions on the Palestinians. Israeli forces continue the occupation and curfew, making it difficult for basic humanitarian aid to reach the people. Believing that economic hardship contributes to violence, an Israeli businessman, Stef Wertheimer, wants to undertake a plan to transform the economies of the Middle East, beginning with offering aid to Jordan. He believes that economic stability will lead to democratization and a reduction in fundamentalism
Near a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, 8 were killed and 25 injured when an explosion near a bus was detonated, followed by shooting of the riders as they tried to leave the bus. Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian suspected of involvement and are hunting for a second man. In retaliation against this and other attacks, the Israeli army plans to expel their relatives. This proposal has met widespread protests as collective punishment is banned under both Israeli and international law. Israel has promised a 12-hour notice prior to a deportation to allow an appeal, which has quieted the criticism of the first group of 16 men targeted under this policy.
The investigation into civilian deaths in Afghanistan continues and although apologies have been issued by US authorities, details and acknowledgement of the extent of the civilian toll are not yet forthcoming. Latest reports from the US military have been contradictory, in one case claiming that a bomb was used merely to break up two warring factions.
Also in Afghanistan, private armies have been ordered to disband. The warlords have so far not responded to this demand. However, demands for Heart province to pay their taxes have been met.
Bangladesh denied Indias claim that it had experienced an increase in terrorism.
In India, nine were killed by suspected Bodo militants in the state of Assam. Displaced members of the Santhal, Munda and Oraon communities in Assam have been under attack by the Bodo rebels and are now being repatriated to their homes. In Andhra Pradesh, a ban on the Peoples War Group, a militant communist group, was renewed for a year.
In Madras, the first international conference supporting Tamils was held. The World Tamil Confederation united Tamil representatives from over 60 counntries.
In Kashmir, an attack by suspected militants killed 27, bringing relations between India and Pakistan again to a high level of tension. India has called for Pakistan to be declared a terrorist state but also states it does not plan any immediate retaliation and in fact has withdrawn some 18,000 troops. India has also indicated it may be willing to open discussions on Kashmiri autonomy. A strike protesting the deaths passed off peacefully. Police in Jammu have arrested dozens of members of the separatist coalition All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC).
Maoist rebels in Nepal have called for discussions with the government, which has rejected the proposal.
Pakistani security forces are on high alert following the conviction of four men in the Daniel Pearl murder. They have arrested four more al Qaeda suspects.
7. Cyberterrorism and Information Warfare
The Liberty Alliance has launched its specifications for managing digital identity. With 60 members, this standards group looks set to establish a federated system for single sign-on that will leapfrog Microsofts centralized efforts with its Passport product.
Microsofts proposed Palladium architecture for personal computers has generated skepticism and criticism. For a good initial description of the concept, read the feature by Rick Merritt "Microsoft scheme for PC security faces flak: Critics cite antitrust, privacy, tech concerns" in Electronic Engineering Times, July 15, 2002.
Yahoo has been changing some of the words inside attachments sent by its email users to help prevent the spread of viruses. This has little impact on virus prevention but has scrambled documents.
Two of three Swedish citizens (Abdirisak Aden and Abdi Abdulaziz Ali) whose assets were frozen for suspicion of laundering money through al-Barakaat for al Qaeda have been removed from the list. The third (Youssef Ali) is still under investigation.
Omar Shishani was arrested in Detroit, Michigan with $12 million in forged checks. He is suspected of connections to al Qaeda.
Abbey National, Barclays, HBOS, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Toyal Bank of Scotland Group have agreed to do additional identity verifications that go beyond current money launderng and terrorist financing regulations.
An excellent article by Fred Pearce, "Blood Diamonds and Oil" in New Scientist, June 29, 2002, looks at the relationship between natural resources and wars.
9. Human Rights
In retaliation against Palestinian attacks, the Israeli army plans to expel their relatives. This proposal has met widespread protests as collective punishment is banned under both Israeli and international law.
The compromise over the International Criminal Court has let both sides move on, but with a bitter taste. Although delayed, conflict over the court is likely to continue.
Nabil Almarabh, a taxi driver in Boston, was detained under suspicion of relations to al Qaeda. It now appears he will be deported for illegal entry, never facing any terrorism charge.
Julian Atxurra Egurola "Pototo" of the Basque separatist movement ETA has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for murdering a Spanish policeman. He was previously convicted in France for his involvement in ETA operations and has been extradited to Spain, where he also faces a kidnapping charge.
Ghasoub Al-Abrash Ghalyoun, Abdelrahman Alarnaot Abu-Aljer, Mohamen Khair Al Saqq and Kamal Hadid Charr "Abu Nour". have been arrested in Spain on suspicion of involvement in al Qaeda and Mr. Ghalyouns involvement in the Muslim Brotherhood.
Greek police had a breakthrough in their investigation of November 17, the revolutionary organization responsible for 27 years of assassinations, murder, armed robbery and other acts. The breakthrough came after new recruit Savvas Xiros was injured with a bomb he was attempting to plant. Alexandros Giotopoulos, the laleged founder and leader has been charged with murder and attempted murder. Electrician Vassilis Tzortzatos was charged with eight murders. Retired printer Theologos Psaradelis was charged with armed robbery. Other suspects include Giotopoulos wife, Christodoulos Xios, Vassilis Xiros (reportedly the killer of Brigadier Saunders) and Dionisis Georgiakis.
Yasser Esam Hamdi, an American captured with the Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, continues to be held without charges. A federal judge has given one week to explain why he is being held. It is unclear why his treatment has been so different from John Walker Lindh, who was captured under the same circumstances.
Ahmad Abdellatif Jubran was arrested in the Philippines on plans for a suspected suicide bombing. He is a Jordanian previously implicated in a church bombing.
In a surprise development in the John Walker Lindh case (the "American Taliban") Lindh agreed to a plea bargain with US authorities in which he pled guilty to limited charges that eliminate terrorism charges and sentence him to 20 years in prison.
Javid Mir, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Umar Farooqm and Molvi Abbas Ansari are those among dozens arrested by Indian police for their political activities in the Kashmiri separatist coalition the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC).
The case of Zacarias Moussaoui has taken yet another unexpected turn. He attempted to plead guilty, apparently in the belief he would be able to continue with a trial. The trial judge restrained him from elaborating on his guilty plea and has asked him to take a week to reconsider his approach. The government has added an indictment tailored to support a death penalty request. The judge has also cleared the way for Moussaoui (a French citizen) to meet with French diplomats, a move he had previously opposed.
Nicholas Roberts of Wales has been jailed for two and a half years for mailing four hoax anthrax letters last fall, following the US anthrax attacks.
Ahmed Omar Sheikh, convicted of the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl, has appealed his death sentence and also issued a statement of his conviction of victory in the war for Islam. The other three convicted in the case have appealed their life sentences. Forensic evidence from DNS has confirmed the body was Daniel Pearls. Pakistan is now holding additional suspects in the case.
Fourteen men associated with militant Islamic groups banned in Pakistan have appeared in court in relation to the bombing of an archaeological site in North West Frontier last week.
Statements made by Richard Colvin Reid (the "Shoe Bomber") when under the influence of sedatives will be allowed in court.
Omar Shishani was arrested in Detroit, Michigan with $12 million in forged checks. He is suspected of connections to al Qaeda.
The use of tracking skills to hunt smugglers is documented in an article by Tim Vanderpool, "Native trackers: secret weapon; in drug war" in the Christian Science Monitor, July 18, 2002.
After Spanish police arrested al Qaeda suspects who had videotapes of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, security for the bridge has been doubled.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advised that the December 31 deadline for complete baggage screening was impossible. Initially, the congressional supervisors insisted the deadline would stand but they have now voted to delay the screening by one year. Amid this issue and other controversy, the head of the TSA, John Magaw, was fired
13. Weapons of Mass Destruction
Bulgaria is expected to shortly pass legislation to more tightly regulate its arms trade and ensure its weapons do not end up in the wrong hands.
The US has imposed trade sanctions on one Indian and nine Chinese businesses they allege have supplied arms to Iran or Iraq that could be used in weapons of mass destruction. The names will be released after Congress has been notified.
Security of nuclear facilities in universities is under scrutiny in a feature by Mark Clayton, "With the Threat of Terrorism, Universities Nuclear Research Reactors Come Under Scrutiny" in The Christian Science Monitor, July 16, 2002.
Economist. "Transformed? A Survey of the Defence Industry" (multiple articles) July 20, 2002
Jacobson, Colin, editor. Underexposed. Vision On.
Langewiesche, William, "American Ground: Unbuilding the World Trade Center" Part 1 in Atlantic Monthly, July/August issue.
Pearce, Fred. "Blood Diamonds and Oil" in New Scientist, June 29, 2002
Merritt, Rick. "Microsoft scheme for PC security faces flak: Critics cite antitrust, privacy, tech concerns" in Electronic Engineering Times, July 15, 2002.
Thirty Years On: Building Peace in Northern Ireland
At 2:09 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 1972, a bomb went off on a railway footbridge in Belfast. Before 3:30, there had been another 21 bombs.
The 22 devices had claimed 9 lives and seriously injured 130 in only an hour and a quarter. Thats one bomb every three and a half minutes, one major casualty every half minute.
Details of the events were confused. How could they be otherwise, with such chaos in so short a time period? The bombs ranged in size from 30 150 pounds. They were planted on bridges, in train stations, in streets, in cars, in retail establishments and at a bus depot. Warnings were called in to security forces but a large number of hoax calls made it difficult to follow these leads. Only one warning led to an area cleared in advance of detonation and only one warning led to a bomb being defused. Many believe the hoax warnings were deliberate, to increase the confusion.
Two British soldiers were killed while clearing one of the areas but other casualties were civilian, including a majority of women and children, and at least a third Catholics. The 77 women and children were injured as they were out shopping in the city center. The scale of the attacks was so great that as people were running from one bomb they were running towards another. The scene was one of utter chaos, a snapshot of true terror.
Bloody Sunday, on January 30, had increased support for the IRA when 13 civil rights protesters had been killed at the hands of British paratroopers. Riding on this wave of support, the IRA had further increased pressure on the British with this bombing campaign. But it backfired.
By the end of the day no one was in doubt that the IRA was at war, and had no concern over who was killed as they fought for their aims. Instead of increasing support, the bombings had revealed the ugly side of the IRA. Instead of furthering their aims to drive out the British, it led to a huge increase in the army presence, that ended the "no-go" areas in Belfast and Derry and the subsequent war of attrition that has only been eased by the peace process that began in 1998.
This week, 30 years after this tragedy, the IRA apologized:
"Sunday, 21 July, marks the 30th anniversary of an IRA operation in Belfast in 1972 which resulted in nine people being killed and many more injured.
While it was not our intention to injure or kill non-combatants, the reality is that on this and on a number of other occasions, that was the consequence of our actions. It is, therefore, appropriate on the anniversary of this tragic event, that we address all of the deaths and injuries of non-combatants caused by us. We offer our sincere apologies and condolences to their families.
There have been fatalities amongst combatants on all sides. We also acknowledge the grief and pain of their relatives. The future will not be found in denying collective failures and mistakes, or closing minds and hearts to the plight of those who have been hurt. That includes all of the victims of the conflict, combatants and noncombatants. It will not be achieved by creating a hierarchy of victims in which some are deemed more or less worthy than others.
The process of conflict resolution requires the equal acknowledgment of the grief and loss of others. On this anniversary, we are endeavouring to fulfill this responsibility to those we have hurt. The IRA is committed unequivocally to the search for freedom, justice and peace in Ireland. We remain totally committed to the peace process and to dealing with the challenges and difficulties which this presents. This includes the acceptance of past mistakes and of the hurt and pain we have caused to others.
P. O'Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau, Dublin."
Published in An Phoblacht (Republican News), 16 July 2002
Reaction to this announcement was mixed.
Survivors and families of the victims welcomed the words, stressing that although this could not make up for the loss of a loved one it could help to heal and to continue the peace process.
Catholic and Protestant churches welcomed another positive step towards peace.
The British and Irish governments cautiously welcomed the words as one of the ways to help build trust. Britains Northern Ireland Secretary, John Reid, said that "This is a peace process which is in transition, which has come a huge distance, but it wont be completed until everyone is confident that the past is behind us." Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, said it was a "significant contribution to the process of consolidating peace and reconciliation".
Many unionists called for greater disarmament and for the IRA to completely disband. The Progressive Unionist Party (the political wing of the Ulster Volunteer Force) said the statement should be considered not dismissed, as possibly heralding a new attitude. The Ulster Unionist Party pointed to recent street violence and activities in Colombia as proof that the IRAs words of peace were given the lie by their actions. David Trimble, leader of the UUP, called again for the IRAs political wing, Sinn Fein, to be expelled from the Stormont administration in which they share power. The hardline Democratic Unionist Party is having none of it, calling it "crocodile tears".
Republican sympathizers welcomed the statement and said it should be taken at face value as a genuine apology, not tied to any political aims. Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein said this was very important and stressed the IRAs goals of disarmament and peace.
Many newspapers and government representatives drew a correlation between the political pressures now on Sinn Fein as the result of recent violence and the timing of the announcement.
All agree that the move was unprecedented.
But progress among political leaders does not always reflect the situation on the ground. In fact, one of the most remarkable things about the Northern Ireland peace process has been its resiliency, its ability to continue even when sectarian violence continues on the ground.
It is important that parallel processes continue. As significant as this statement of peace is the renewed investment in Northern Ireland. Money had poured into the region when the troubles were at their height, then dried up with the measure of stability that accompanied the Good Friday Agreement. This in turn created economic hardship that has only recently been addressed with significant new investment in the ailing infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The obvious economic difficulties have conspired with demographic and political changes that have led to decreasing confidence among Northern Ireland Protestants. Not only is their majority in the north under threat, but reforms in the Good Friday Agreement that created equal opportunities for Catholics, have led to a greatly weakened economic position and their dominance in the region is no longer assured.
As public policy continues on its successful path to fully implement the Good Friday Agreement and complete the path to peace, it is important that the peace process also continue on the ground, with real and practical measures. Confidence building needs to happen among all communities.