Conflict

Comment
14 MAR

The unity debate is overlooking an important distinction

Lorcan Mc Laren explains why those who are pro-unity should still vote neutral in this week’s preferendum on Irish unity

Debate on the prospect of a unified Ireland is often characterised as impervious to logic and deeply personal. Beliefs on both sides are formed by the community in which one grows up and most people, north and south of the …

Comment
21 DEC

The war against ISIL and the illusion of choice

The fight won’t be over before Christmas. Their brand of government is self-destructive, but their belief in their cause is absolute. If unchallenged, the beheadings will only become more frequent.

COMMENT

A military and ideological battle against ISIL is inevitable. The question is over what role, if any, the west should play in the coming carnage, and what strategy it should pursue in doing so.

Since the 1990s, and perhaps even …