The social roots of Belfast's riots
This week's riots in east Belfast have been blamed by some in the loyalist community on a lack of political leadership and a subsequent alienation from the peace process. That argument doesn't stand much scrutiny. In the year since the resignation of Progressive Unionist party leader Dawn Purvis, it has become depressingly clear among acute observers of Belfast's loyalist communities that the loyalist paramilitary UVF has been purposefully ratcheting up tensions among its youthful foot soldiers to show some muscle.
Lack of jobs and social opportunities were excuses that once held weight for sympathetic observers of the Protestant working class. It is now abundantly clear that those issues are being manipulated by darker forces intent on agitation.… Seguir leyendo »