The last few days have marked some new events which have highlighted one important fact of history; it repeats itself. The Real IRA has attacked the British Military in Norther Ireland, killing two soldiers and injuring four others. This was the first attack made by the Real IRA since a bombing in 1998 which killed 29. Sinn Feid Members of Parliament, many of whom were part of the IRA have denounced the attack, as has British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The British government can hardly afford to be drawn into hostilities in Northern Ireland with troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, however, since the Good Friday accords the majority of Northern Ireland has worked towards a more stable state.

Half way around the world a suicide bombing attack has occurred in Baghdad, killing 28 outside of a police academy, and injuring more than 60. These attacks have brought into question whether the plans to withdraw troops and redeploy them in Afghanistan are wise. If the Iraqi’s aren’t able to avoid attacks at police stations in their own capital, will they be able to hold together an ethnically divided state.

On the issue of ethnic division. The President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, is still flaunting the order issued by the International Criminal Court, touring the Darfur region in the last several days. He has stated that the ICC has no jurisdiction over his state and openly defies the claim that he has aided and abetted the ethnic cleansing that has occurred in the South West of his state.

On the theme of states that flaunt the will of the international community, both Iran and Korea have been involved in missile development, disregarding international calls to stop. Iran has developed new surface to air missile technology and has openly stated that it has the capabilities to hit nuclear sites in Israel. In the last few days, Iran has proceeded to test these missiles.

Meanwhile, North Korea has threatened war against the US and South Korea, this after the two nations have decided to go ahead with annual joint military training routines. Airspace has been cleared over North Korea after Pyongyang threatened to shoot down any civilian air craft over North Korean airspace. Most experts believe that this is just a ploy to clear the skies ahead of the launch of a new satellite.

It appears that despite the mood in the media that the new American Presidency will result in sweeping change, the matter of fact is, that despite progress occurring, threats still spring anew.

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