Hope against history

the long version

"In Northern Ireland, the conflicting claims and aspirations - political, social, religious, economic - of Catholic and Protestant, nationalist and unionist, republican and loyalist grate against one another, escalating the potential for renewed death and destruction."--BOOK JACKET. "Until recently, the crisis in Northern Ireland was deemed a problem without a solution. Now that the major antagonists have stopped the killing, it is time for an authoritative assessment of "the Troubles," which have plagued the divided northern counties for more than a quarter century. Jack Holland is uniquely positioned to provide this necessary assessment: a Belfast product of mixed Catholic and Protestant heritage, he is both of and above the fray, and has stayed close to the terrorists and antiterrorists of every persuasion since 1966. In this cogent and balanced history, Holland unravels the complex and often misunderstood story of "the Troubles," presenting an insightful and detailed look at the past, a clear-eyed vision of the present, and a glimpse of what the future may hold."--BOOK JACKET.