Gaza and NI are not the same

Attempts to peddle UK's NI credentials for a role in Gaza fails to pass muster, says veteran Lieutenant Colonel.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain could take a leading role in helping to disarm Hamas in Gaza, based on its experience of encouraging militant groups in Northern Ireland to lay down their arms.

Starmer’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, a chief architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, has also been tipped for a role in Gaza.

The analogy falls flat under scrutiny.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Barry (Ret’d) offers a critical analysis in Hermes magazine that challenges simple comparisons between Ulster and Gaza. He highlights the unique historical, political, and cultural factors that influence each conflict and its possible resolutions.

Drawing on his military experience, Barry examines recent diplomatic actions and points out the key historical factors involved.

Barry questions the international recognition of Hamas and compares it to the tougher measures once used against the IRA in Northern Ireland. He argues that political gestures toward Hamas do not work and supports a strict approach to diplomacy, using Trump’s past actions as an example.

Barry also discusses the legal issues faced by veterans from the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces. He describes these as ‘lawfare’ tactics used by Sinn Féin and the IRA.

Jonathan Powell does not escape Barry’s assessment, as he critiques Powell’s approach to conflict resolution and points out the challenges of dealing with deeply rooted opponents.

To read more of Barry’s direct views on these conflicts, see his full article in Hermes magazine: https://theparachuteregimentalassociation.com/hermes/is-gaza-like-ulster/