Briefings : NI terrorist disarmament, Tory defence review, Iranian toys

The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) has confirmed it has got rid of it's weapons with the help of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). The splinter group, which was responsible for over 100 deaths during the troubles in Northern Ireland including a Conservative MP and 17 people in a bombing in 1982 said it's struggle was over. The Official IRA and the Loyalist South East Antrim Ulster Defence Association have also disarmed.

Following the government's green paper where they said the British armed forces needed to work as part of an alliance the Conservatives have countered with their plans for a strategic defence review and say British must retain the ability to act unilaterally as well as act in an alliance. Same thing really. The Tories interestingly didn't mention the RAF. So everyone wants a review for the armed forces but has anyone got any cash to give it?

France will sell Russia a Mistral helicopter carrier for a few hundred million euros and some strings. Iran have developed a UAV that is invisible to radar they claim. They also are planning a SAM system superior to the Russian S-300. I am planning a jet fighter that can wipe the F-22A out of the sky, and make toast.

Troubles returning to Northern Ireland?

The shooting of 2 soldiers in Northern Ireland by unnamed paramilitaries will be a shock to people who thought the "troubles" belonged in the past. The soldiers were the first murdered in NI for 12 years and it is thought the attack was made by renegade republicans (possibly the Real IRA who have shown signs recently of rearming and whom tried to detonate a car bomb last year) out to try and derail the troubled peace process. 4 others were also injured and taken to hospital following the attack at Massereene Army Base, home to 38 Engineering Regiment, in County Antrim.

The truth is though the violence has continued in Northern Ireland since the end of the bombing campaigns of the likes of the IRA. Sectarian violence has continued with punishment beatings common. Bombings may have ceased and shootings reduced but the violence and potential for violence has remained as seen by the above sad events. 15% of MI5's total intelligence gathering resources are still dedicated to fighting terrorism in the province. Undercover surveillance soldiers from the Army's Special Reconnaissance Regiment recently revealed to be operating in NI again.