Middle East Conflicts: Applying Northern Ireland's Ethical Guidance for Peace Negotiations
In the world of geopolitics, some nations find themselves in a delicate balance, a tightrope walk. This is the conclusion suggested by Bryce Maloney '26 in his article, "The Jordanian Tightrope Walk."
Meanwhile, in a historic move, Michelle O'Neill, an Irish Catholic, was recently sworn in as the First Minister of Northern Ireland. This marks a significant milestone as the first Irish Nationalist leader of a State created with the purpose of preventing this outcome.
Last Saturday, more than 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles were launched in Israel. According to CNN, reports indicate that these missiles originated from Jordan. Remarkably, 99% of them were intercepted before they could touch the ground.
The conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "the Troubles," lasted for decades and resulted in the deaths of thousands. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a significant step towards resolving this conflict, although the power-sharing agreement has at times been shaky.
O'Neill's party, Sinn FeΜin, won legislative elections nearly two years ago, and a deal was reached in which she would take power. Her father was imprisoned as a member of the paramilitary IRA and served as a local councilor as part of the Republican Sinn FeΜin party.
The author of "The Jordanian Tightrope Walk" does not provide any specific facts about the suggested balance or tightrope walk in Jordan. However, Maloney emphasizes the importance of moving beyond historical conflicts and working towards peace, using the example of Northern Ireland as a model for other conflict zones.
The motto of Belfast, "For so much, what shall we return?", is a reference to Psalm 116, verse 12, and speaks to the immense thanks of the people of Belfast. The article "Northern Ireland: The Misjudged Jewel of the British Isles" was written by Sean Rego.
In other news, the United Kingdom's Northern Ireland was created in 1921 due to a deal with the British Government, with six counties in the Northeast remaining part of the UK due to their large populations of Ulster-Scots, the Protestant descendants of British settlers. The Democratic Unionist Party, which swears undying loyalty to Britain, also came to power as a result of this deal.
Recently, Spanish voters elected members of the Cortes Generales, the nation's legislative body, but the result was inconclusive. In late July, the author of the article "Why America Should Adopt a Parliamentary Democracy," Bryce Maloney '26, shared his thoughts on this topic.
As we navigate through these global events, it is essential to remember the importance of peace, understanding, and unity. The examples set by Northern Ireland and the hope for a future of safety and security in Jordan serve as a reminder of the potential for progress in even the most challenging circumstances.
