A Tangled Web

History Repeats Itself



Remember when we used to look on in despair at seeing IRA terrorists commit atrocities on British soil, only to flee across the border to the sanctuary of the Irish Republic? IRA hitman, Angelo Fusco - for example - lived a comfortable life in Kerry for many years, despite being wanted in the United Kingdom for murder. How frustrating it must have been for people involved in the apprehension of terrorism to see IRA big shots living in relative security whilst their extradition procedures were delayed at the slightest Southern bureaucratic consideration.



Now, finessed in the art of harbouring terrorists, the Irish State is now playing host to some of the supporters of Al Zarquawi, the very same person with the blood of Ken Bigley on his hands. Last week as I listened to the programme on RTE Radio 1, where e-mails were read out - combining pleas for mercy for Ken Bigley's life coupled with nasty little asides about analogous empathy with those labouring under 'military occupation', I couldn't help wondering why the Irish are so quick to identify terrorists in every other state but their own.



Then there is the question over the possible acquisition of weaponry. As was widely reported during my absence from ATW, the Provos were quick to sell on some of their stockpiles to ETA. Who is to say they won't be more than happy to to pass over some well-greased military paraphernalia to prospective Islamic revolutionaries. We all know the long-established links between Irish republicanism and Middle Eastern Islamic insurgency. My advice is to keep your eyes peeled. If you venture into a country cafe in Co Kerry and see a burly Irishman with the letters 'IRA' tattooed on his knuckles holding a quiet conversation with a tanned individual dressed in a sirwal, a jubba and a thawb, call the Garda pronto.