Northern Ireland Riots

I was in Northern Ireland at the end of June and even though everyone you talk to says that things are peaceful there (because of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement) I felt the uneasiness when I was there. From July 11-12th there were numerous riots throughout Northern Ireland which lead to at least 3 British soldiers being shot.

I remember on June 20th when I was in Belfast, seeing lots of wood - in the Protestant areas (for bonfires) and either British or Irish flags throughout the city. They were getting ready for July 12th when Protestants would march around the city to remember the Battle of the Boyne - when the Protestant English king won over the Catholic English king.

I know that both sides are at fault for the violence. Each side paints murals in their areas that threaten violence on the other. Each side paints the sidewalks different colors or hangs signs telling people that they are in either the Protestant or Catholic area. I do not understand why the Protestants are allowed to march through Catholic areas (and vice versa) as that will only lead to anger, demonstrations and riots - as was the case over this past weekend. It is the same thing as allowing Neo-Nazis to march in a Jewish neighborhood - it may be legal but by allowing the marches is also allowing whatever violence stems from that.

People around the world think that the Troubles in Northern Ireland are over and that there is peace there. Anyone who has been there (even recently) know that the violence and angry feelings are still there.