Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | 'We are not afraid'

This is a look at the standoff between the McCartney sisters and the IRA, with background on "The Troubles" and "Short Strand". I've heard before that the IRA was being forced out of business, so I'll believe it when I see it. But this time some very powerful people and masses of common people seem to be speaking with a common voice, and this one family by itself is proving to be incredibly strong and brave.

Note: there's some rougher stuff than usual for "Suitable For Mixed Company" in the linked article, so I'd rank it 'recommended' for time-toughened history and politics buffs, but definitely 'not recommended' for young readers or the squeamish.

I am guardedly hopeful that the IRA has gone 'one bridge too far' with the killing of Robert McCartney.

The reporter for The Guardian is Angelique Chrisafis. File under Belfast, Northern Ireland, Catholics, Protestants, IRA, Sinn Fein, republican, loyalist, UK, civil war.