Is there a victor?
Updated on 28 July 2005
We look at the history of the Troubles and ask if anyone really won?
This afternoon's statement by the IRA leadership ordering the end of the armed struggle comes after a 36 year long campaign. In that time the group was directly responsible for the deaths of 1800 people.
So after 3 decades of attachment to murder and violence as their chosen strategy, the provisional IRA has decided now pursue a united Ireland through solely democratic means. Republicans have of course laid down their weapons before - but not in the modern era and not as stridently as this.
But what did their campaign achieve beyond the pain and loss?
And can either side be said to have won?
Sarah Smith now examines the bloody troubles in search of answers.
RELATED LINK
>>From war to peace - The IRA ends the armed struggle after 30 years of violence
>>Martin Mansergh interview - The man who negotiated with the IRA for 20 years gives his insights.
>>Across the Atlantic - America has always been central to peace in Northern Ireland. What has their reaction been?
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