IRA remains sophisticated terror group, say monitors

[emad]

Independent
By David McKittrick, Ireland Correspondent
Published : 05 November 2004

A report on paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland has concluded that the IRA has run down many of its operations but has by no means eradicated them.

The report by the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) says the IRA remains a sophisticated terrorist grouping which remains in a state of readiness, though there is no evidence of any preparation for a return to violence.

The picture it gives of dwindling IRA activity may have political significance, in that attempts to make a new deal will hinge on the organisation becoming inert.

The commission, which includes the former CIA man Richard Kerr and John Grieve, a one-time commander of Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist Squad, reports to the British and Irish governments.
More:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/story.jsp?story=579622

[Englander]

1. Which one? Provisional,Continuity,or Real?

The link doesn't link; here's the story from the Guardian;
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1344059,00.html

The organisation will not become inert
while there are still army bases and active and violent loyalist groups.

[Bridget Burke]

2. Your link doesn't work. But I found out more on Richard Kerr.

In this story from July 2003: The CIA was justified in telling President Bush and top aides last fall that Saddam Hussein was still seeking weapons of mass destruction, but the agency often lacked precise, up-to-date information about the threat that those weapons posed, an internal CIA review has found.

Former CIA deputy director Richard Kerr, who is leading the study, said he found that the spy agency was "surprisingly consistent" in reporting during the year before the U.S. invasion of Iraq that Baghdad was trying to develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/news/special_packages/6222067.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

Also: He was given the Citizens Medal-the nations second highest civilian award-by President Bush for his work in support of Desert Storm.

www.homelandsec.org/ABOUTUS/ccbios/kerr.htm

Obviously, he's a trustworthy fellow. But reading the full article you cited will probably make me believe him even more.

[emad]

4. Independent website appears offline.

Will post if/when problem clears up.

[donsu]

3. could we invite the IRA to come over here and harass smirk

americans don't seem able to do that