The European Capitol of Terrorism: Belfast, Ireland - VICE Travels to Belfast - PART 1 of 4

Summary

In Belfast, Northern Ireland, the scars of the Troubles still shape daily life, despite the peace agreement of 1998. The story unfolds through the perspectives of former paramilitary members, Gerry Foster and Alistair Little, who once fought for opposing sides but now work together for peace. The city is marked by physical barriers, known as peace walls, that divide Catholic and Protestant communities, and sectarian tensions continue to simmer, especially among the youth. The video explores the deep-seated divisions, the personal cost of conflict, and the fragile hope for lasting reconciliation in a divided society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conflict in Northern Ireland, known as 'The Troubles,' has deeply shaped the city of Belfast, with divisions between Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists remaining despite a fragile peace.
• 😀 The modern-day divisions between the two communities are symbolized by physical barriers such as peace walls, which are still widespread even after the Good Friday Agreement.
• 😀 The Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which helped end the violence, included decommissioning weapons, releasing paramilitary prisoners, and fostering a political framework for peace.
• 😀 Despite the official end of the conflict, tensions and hostilities persist, particularly during the annual marching season, which celebrates Protestant military victories and inflames sectarian pride.
• 😀 The interaction between former enemies, such as Gerry Foster (a Catholic paramilitary member) and Alistair Little (a Protestant paramilitary member), showcases the complexities of reconciliation and the ongoing effort for peace.
• 😀 Many former paramilitaries, like Alistair Little, express regret for their actions, but also reflect on the sense of identity and purpose they felt during the conflict, complicating their ability to fully distance themselves from the violence.
• 😀 The divide between the two communities in Belfast is not only physical but cultural, with strong, entrenched identities based on religion, history, and political allegiance.
• 😀 Young people in Northern Ireland are often deeply influenced by sectarian ideologies, with a troubling number still expressing hatred towards members of the opposing community, despite ongoing peace efforts.
• 😀 The presence of paramilitary organizations and their influence on local youth remains a significant challenge for peacebuilders, who face resistance in asking young people to abandon the sense of belonging and importance derived from the conflict.
• 😀 A pervasive siege mentality exists within both communities, with constant fear of retaliation and aggression leading to heightened tensions and a cycle of violence that is hard to break.
• 😀 The continuation of hate and division, symbolized by acts like burning flags and effigies, demonstrates the depth of the unresolved conflict, highlighting that peace is a fragile concept rather than an established reality.

Q & A

What is the significance of Belfast in the context of the Troubles?

Belfast is considered the European capital of terrorism due to its central role in the conflict between nationalist Catholics, who sought unity with the Republic of Ireland, and unionist Protestants, who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom.

What event marked the beginning of the Troubles in Northern Ireland?

The Troubles began in 1969 when British troops were sent to Northern Ireland to control rising sectarian violence, ultimately leading to a 30-year conflict.

What was the Good Friday Agreement, and what did it achieve?

The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, ended most of the violence of the Troubles. It included provisions for decommissioning weapons, the release of paramilitary prisoners, and the establishment of political power-sharing between Catholic and Protestant communities.

What does the term 'marching season' refer to in Northern Ireland?

The 'marching season' refers to a period when unionists hold marches to celebrate historical Protestant military victories, often raising tensions between the Catholic and Protestant communities.

Who is Gerry Foster, and what role did he play during the Troubles?

Gerry Foster was a member of the INLA, a Catholic paramilitary group. He was involved in violent activities, including bombing campaigns, but later became a proponent of peace work between the Catholic and Protestant communities.

How does Alistair Little describe his actions as a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)?

Alistair Little, a former member of the UVF, admitted that he would have done anything as a paramilitary, even wanting to kill all the Catholics on a bus. He was later convicted of murder for shooting a member of a Catholic nationalist group.

What is the current state of community interaction in Belfast, according to Alistair Little?

While there is some interaction between Protestant and Catholic communities, particularly in the city center and through peace work, many areas still remain deeply divided, with peace walls separating them.

What are 'peace walls' and why do they still exist in Belfast?

Peace walls are physical barriers separating Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. They still exist today, more than 13 years after the Good Friday Agreement, due to ongoing fears, tensions, and violence between the two communities.

What is the cultural significance of the July 12 bonfires in Belfast?

The July 12 bonfires commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a key Protestant victory over Catholic King James. The event is celebrated by unionists as a symbol of their identity and is often accompanied by the burning of symbols associated with the Catholic community.

How does Alistair Little explain the allure of paramilitary groups to young people?

Alistair Little explains that for many young people, being part of a paramilitary group gives them a sense of importance, belonging, and identity. This can make it very difficult for them to give up such affiliations, even when adults urge them to pursue peace.