Why didn't Britain destroy all the catholic areas of Belfast and blow up the homes of IRA families in?

Question

retaliation for Bishopsgate, Canary wharf and Arndale in manchester. Why did John Major secretly negotiate with the IRA instead of 'taking them out' Why didn't john Major destroy Northern Irelands roads bridges and other infrastructures in other to take out the IRA? Why wasnt Dublin levelled into the Bargain ( I can feel some Irish tempers welling up, easy now!) and then level Derry.

for a good measure

Answer 1

It seems that your question is designed to draw a parallel between the conflict in Northern Ireland and the current conflict between Israel/Hamas/Hezbollah. I also get the sense that you are being deliberately prevocative and insulting in order to make a point.

There are interesting comparisons between the two conflicts, but also some very distinct differences as well. Both were cases of powerful, first world countries engaged in ongoing conflict with shadowy terrorist groups. Certainly Britain's approach, which didn't include destroying massive infrastructure in Ireland and killing many uninvolved Irish to "take them out" has helped us get to the point we are at now: both sides working towards shared government of Northern Ireland (though now stalled by intransigence and hatred).

Israel is not an island nation, does not dwarf its neighbouring terrorist organisation's homeland in terms of population, and is surrounded by Arab nations and Muslim societies with far more reason to support Hamas and Hezbollah than to partner with Israel. Britain is part of the EU and NATO and dwarfs both its own province of Northern Ireland and the neighbouring Irish Republic.

While I think your point is well taken, that the tactcis Israel is employing are not likely to have success nor do they make any more sense than your question implies they would have in the Irish situation, the parallel is not exact. But then, what is?

I must admit that I had to put aside my Irish temper and sympathies to consider the question more thoroughly.

Answer 2

what sort of monster would consider the things you suggest. what about the innocents dead... the IRA can kill with impunity, your average terrorist org loves publicity..any sort of publicity, because its not accountable. they exist outside the law. the english Govt has to abide by the rules of the geneva convention, and other peace treaties, or we'd be seen as little better than schoolground bullies, or the americans.

we do one thing, such as bloody sunday, and 35 years later they still bring it up, and if i recall, the public enquiry hasnt long finished. and to finish, learn some history. ireland was a wholly catholic country. they didnt want protestants in their midst, they didnt want to be ruled from england.. and they wanted us out, and that war has been going on for almst 250 years... ok, at the moment we have a fragile peace.. and i hope it stays that way.

oh, the bus bombers and the train murderers killed more folk in one go that the ira did over many campaigns. the ira attacked military targets, and centres of commerce. in all the atrocities yo mention loss of life was below ten people...

so, stop reading the sun or the star... try the times or the guardian... and for gods sake get an education... and yes, my grandfather came from Cork, (Clonmel actually)

Answer 3

1. Northern Ireland is part of Britain, why would we want to level it.

2. Most people in Dublin don't support the IRA.

3. The SAS did take out a lot of the IRA, that's what forced them to the negotiating table.

4. Wer're British we don't do things that way.

Answer 4

Who are "The English"??? How can you accuse an enitire nation of something its government did you stupid IRA supporters - are you really that stupid and ignorant or are you just pretending?? How can you direct hate against people just because they are British? you nasty little racists. I'm Welsh and have Irish blood but I hate the IRA and any scumbag who supports them. The IRA are murderers they destroyed the lives of many many innocent civillans far worse than anything that happened to the Guildford 4. What about little Tim Parry murdered in Manchester? What was his crime? Being British in the wrong place at the wrong time. Go wash the blood of your hands you murdering IRA scumbags. God will send you straight for hell for what you have done.

Answer 5

why level parts of your own country ******** apart from the fact the irish dissidents who caused all the death and mayhem where actually in the huge minority a bit like your useful brain cells. It never ceases to surprise me the innate stupidity of some people who ask this type of question , tell you what why don't you direct your venom at another cause how about antisemitism or the muslims, or the americans or how about examining the british themslves and all of the atrocities that this country has caused globally eh! Don't think that I don't know what I'm talking about Iwas there in belfast, several times, you however I very much doubt!!!

Answer 6

You do know that Belfast is part of Ireland not Britain and that is occupied by the English, and didn't the English destroy the lives of the guildford 4 and bobby sands to name just a few what more do you want. up the ra

Answer 7

-The whole thing would have been completely counter productivity
-The Island and Ireland is of no strategic value, and has no resources to ‘liberate’
-The British respects the UN and International laws on genocide

On a lighter note:-
-What! And destroy Guinness are you mad!
-The Leprechauns would counter- strike!.
-Bummer! on the 17 March.

But seriously
I think I get your drift, if a government wished to take such a drastic action, it would have to get it the majority of its public onside, to do this, it would: -
Demonise ‘Irish’ people (red haired –generic deficit) and their culture, (Riverdance! )
Claim they are a threat to our values, with strange believes (leprechauns! clearly an insane nation)
And involved in some worldwide plot, with an international network and infratstucture (Irish-theme pubs- they are everywhere!).

People wouldn’t be fooled? Or would you? Or have you!
Its been tried before on other folks, is it in use again today?
The Irish are human being just like you reading this, as are the Muslins, as are the Jews,

Your ability to think for yourself is your biggest asset.

'Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself'-Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer 8

Question for olayinka o.The Tube and London bus bombers came from Beeston in Leeds.Going on your argument do we bomb Leeds?Also why did the Israelis sit down with Affarat and not just flatten Palestine?I am a Labour party supporter,but John Major was right,the only way is to sit down and talk to try and find a solution.

Answer 9

Because part of Ireland is British sovereign territory.
The Brits started out protecting Catholic areas from Loyalist agression. Over time the Catholics rightly or wrongly turned their fight to the troops.
Destroying and killing would only recipricate into full blown conflict.

Answer 10

i know where this is going.......because both the British and Irish governments are able to sit down and talk, although it did take a good few year's were able to end the conflict peacefully. do you think that Israel and Hezbollah will be able to do that?
If that was the case then we too would be talking to all the terrorist groups in the middle east.