Rising and Underlying Tension I

World politics is constantly driven by tension.

A quick look at any newspaper will give the most casual follower of world events an insight into the current tension gripping the international community. Riots in Iran continue and have widened the gap between the Iranian government and the UK and US. North Korea continues to defy United Nations sanctions. The Honduras crisis continues, the African Union has pulled out of the International Criminal Court and the Israeli and Palestinian conflict continues. In addition to this, tension and fighting remains a constant in Georgia, Iraq and Afghanistan. So the obvious question is, are we heading for another world war?

These types of patterns have occurred many times before. World wide tension came to a head in the early twentieth century with two world wars and countless smaller conflicts. What was the result of these wars? Utter destruction and desolation is an obvious answer but if we look at the modern state of these countries another result is apparent. There is no whisper of tension remaining between former world war enemies in Europe. France and Germany have become strong allies and the UK continues to engage with the mainland. These wars were awful, but they were cathartic.

Compare this situation to the Cold War of the late twentieth century. There was a huge level of tension between these countries with a constant threat of war hanging over the heads of every citizen across the world. However, war between Russia and America never broke out and tension between these countries has never been fully dissipated. The "cult of the leader" remains strong in both countries and this is often founded on governments defining themselves in contrast to the old enemy.

Make no mistake, I am a committed pacifist but it seems that rising and underlying tension very rarely is solved by anything except war.

-The English Student

Collective Responsibility

With the end of the Lisbon Treaty referendum arriving yesterday, we must look ahead to the future of our country.

Many prominent Lisbon supporters were quick to voice their disappointment at the rejection of this treaty on Friday. Dermot Ahern highlighted his own concerns that Europe was now facing "uncharted waters". However, while our political future is unknown, our democratic system is certainly secure.

This security does not come from any specific referendum issue and is certainly not a result of the rejection of Lisbon. Instead, it comes from the democratic process we have in place. While we may not agree with the outcome of a vote, it is essential that we stand by our system and recognise that the voice of the electorate must be followed. It is a testament to this country that all political figures have already recognised and stressed the importance of this collective responsibility.

However, it is a shame that this praise cannot be extended to the European Union in general. Many prominent E.U. supporters have begun to vilify the Irish as anti-European and anti-reform. These are the same leaders who decided that Lisbon can only be accepted if ratified in all member states. Consequently, it is the duty of European leaders to recognise that collective responsibility must be practiced on an international level, not just a domestic one.

We have collectively rejected this treaty. We must now collectively decide on a way forward.

-The English Student

European Reform Treaty: Poster Campaign

As the vote on the European Reform Treaty approaches, both sides of the debate are increasing their canvassing campaign.

Most notably, the volume of posters to be found throughout the capital city has risen exponentially. While these posters mostly deal with the expected issues of an economic and environmental nature, there is a specific one that stands out. Apparently, should the treaty be accepted, we will be insulting the memory of those who "died for (our) freedom".

This is absolute rubbish. While one may mount an argument that our freedom was bought with blood, this is irrelevant to the referendum. The fact is, we have a free country and a democratic populace that has a right to vote in any way they choose. Do these groups honestly believe that the ghosts of past leaders will haunt us for exercising the same democratic rights that they fought for?

These scare tactics are a despicable attempt by liars and manipulators to take advantage of our national pride. If past fighters for sovereignty would have any problem with this referendum, I am positive it would be regarding this underhanded and downright appalling campaign strategy.

These issues will not affect my vote. They will, however, make me far more wary of people who are so willing to dupe and deceive the population.

-The English Student