| Northern Nigeria | The Irish Problem |
Thousands flee religious fighting in
northern Nigeria
March 30, 2000 (From the Guardian)
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) -- Thousands of Nigerians grabbed what possessions they
could and fled the northern town of Damboa after fighting broke out between
Christians and Muslims, leaving 20 people dead, news reports said today.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is sharply divided along ethnic
and religious lines and is often torn by violence. Calls to introduce sharia,
or Islamic law, in some northern states has sparked fighting that is believed
to have killed thousands in recent weeks.
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The Irish Problem
In Ireland we have a situation which is historically, politically and socially
complex.. Put very simply, from the middle ages to partition in 1921 the main
struggle was against domination by the English who had been responsible for
some appalling acts against the Irish. Then came a struggle between two Irish
cultures divided mainly by their Catholic and Protestant religion. Discrimination
by the majority Protestants in against the Catholics in the North were the
main triggers for discontent. Unrest became so serious that in 1969 British
soldiers were posted to try to keep the peace. This prompted support for the
IRA, an illegal Catholic military organization in the South paralleled by
paramilitary groups in the North. The resulting action and counteraction in
the form of bombings, shootings and beatings from both sides has been well
publicized.
Since 1969 the troubles in Ireland have often
dominated the British news with tedious regularity. The cost to the British
on the mainland, in life, injury and money has been enormous. Politicians
have proposed solutions which would have settled matters decades ago if it
were not for one factor - religion. Bigotry and intransigence from prominent
church members continued to divide these people and rekindle dissent every
time a solution is imminent.
Deaths: over 3000 with many more seriously injured.