The Conflict

Northern Ireland, an area in the north of the island of Ireland that has been part of the British Empire for six hundred years, has experienced horrible religious strife for much of the last century. Bombings and shootings have targeted both Protestants and Catholics.

Political

• Many Catholics—or republicans—believe Northern Ireland should be independent or should be united with the Republic of Ireland.
• Many Protestants—or unionists/loyalists—believe Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom.
• Republicans charge gross human rights abuses have been committed by the United Kingdom and by the Protestant army in Northern Ireland.
• Unionists claim that republicans, especially the IRA (and PIRA), are terrorists that target civilians.

Religious

• Catholics assert past and continued religious oppression by the Church of England.
• Historically, Protestants have feared the...