Community leaders have clamped down on the often-violent marching season. July and August are typically hair triggers for violence here in Northern Ireland. In these months, Protestants display their loyalty to the British crown through thousands of marching feet in thousands of parades. Some of the parades unfold close to Catholic neighborhoods, where they are bitterly resented. The result has typically been months of sectarian attacks, and murder across the dozens of brick-and-metal “peacelines” that divide Protestant and Catholic residential areas. But this year – despite a shaky peace process here overall – has proved exceptional. Observers credit additional policing, changing political stakes, and the efforts of community leaders. While individual attacks on Catholic churches, Orange Halls, Gaelic sports grounds, and vulnerable families have been reported, the level of violence is significantly lower than in the past. Full Story
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