As a new member who is morre than a little overwhelmed by the emotion displayed on the site, (I mean it's not like you're trying to survive a hockey strike) one questions the feasibility of a non british stabalization force (al a Bosnia). How would both sides feel about it?

I wouldn't trust them. They might just turn into a new foreign occupation force on the one hand. On the other hand, Britain has I'm afraid, more influence on the UN or whoever would come over. They'd just be auxiliaries of the British forces. Moreover, is stabilization what we really need?

I was thinking more along the lines of the EU. The UN is an outdated idea whose time has passed. As for the need, it would allow the dust to settle.

Aye, a European stabilisation force that would be most fine- a few French, Belgian or German boys going home in body bags would wipe out any remaining support for Sinn Fein/IRA in Europe.

Further to my last, the most often given reason for the BAs presence (in our neck of the woods anyway) is the protection of the people. The most often quoted reason for the continued struggle by the Republicans is the presence of the BA. With an EU (or other international force) in place the BA could leave, and the Republicans could stop fighting. Agreement by both sides regarding the mandate of the force and the duration of it's stay should be easy to reach. Other than the blow to British pride, it appears to be a win/win

It would do no good.
This is only Ireland and Britain's business. And the BA or a UE army, occupiers are still occupiers. We're not going to exchange the Brits for Germans, French, Spanish, etc...
Moreover, I believe you are a bit of an idealist to think that a simple change of soldiers'nationality would change anything to the matter. BA's presence is not the only problem. When Britains gives up all form of power on Irish territory, the problem will be quite near to solved. That means economic and political power as well as military.

An EU force :lol: :lol: :lol:

Has anyone forgotten the great job the Dutch did in Srebrenica?

Lest we forget

I'm am idealist? First time for everything. I would like to think I'm a realist. Everything the two groups have tried has failed. The force in question would not be there for the purposes of occupation, or for any longer than is nessessary, but would allow for the rebuilding of indigenous impartial infrastructure. If, in the future, the force does not fulfill it's mandate, or (inconceivably) refuses to leave, the Republicans have not lost anything. Still don't see the problem.

At least with the Brits, we know the problem, let's not complicate it all.

Charlotte's view is clear- and correct

What's next, an EU force in the Basque Lands, Catalunya, Cueta?

Wake up and smell the coffee Bill :ph34r:

The view that it is an Irish/British problem is insular. The problem has immigrated with the people from both regions. It's difficult to imagine a place in the developed world not at least indirectly tied to NI. I can understand British reluctance to admit a huge failure in domestic (as they see it) policy. But unless the republicans would continue in armed resistance against a force that is there to facilitate the BAs withdrawl and mainain order as the area moves toward direct rule, I still don't see the problem.

If you still don't see the problem, well I don't see what I can do for you.

Charlotte let me try-

I'm old enough to remember the troops going in to save the catholic/nationalist population from the thugs on the "loyalist" side- after the IRA had run away- at the time that it was joked that IRA stood for I Ran Away.

I remember the rage of the loyalists. I remember how the newly formed provos then suckered the Army into the violence of Bloody Sunday and how everything changed.

The same could happen again.

In the same way I remember the division of Cyprus and the UN troops going in- don't see Cyprus being sorted soon.

And why not EU troops into the Basque country?

Wouldn't have put it like that...
Anyway... <_<

Merely trying to point out my frustration at the staus quo. Re-attempting solutions that have failed in the past seems....pointless.

As for the BA being "suckered" into firing on unarmed civilians who were fleeing the area, it seems obvious that better training or smarter soldiers are in order.

Regarding the situation in Cyprus, the UN is still there because both sides want it that way. It is the main industry on the island.