Understanding the Pattern of Violence of the Oppressed

History has shown us again and again, that colonialism and the suppression of a national identity by a larger state, often leads the suppressed group to take up arms and resort to violence in an attempt to vye for independence. Groups like the FLN in Algeria, the PIRA in Northern Ireland, and the PLO in Palestine are all modern examples of ethnic minorities that have resorted to violence in an attempt to rid themselves of the oppression of a state that does not share in their identity. Comparing these three groups is important in discussing the broader theme of how populations respond to oppression. While the concept of colonialism all but disappeared after the end of the Cold War, there are still many instances where minority groups are being subjugated. Exploring historical examples of the reactions of oppressed peoples and nations gives insights as to how oppressed groups should be dealt with in future scenarios.

            The FLN, the PIRA, and the PLO are all considered terrorist organizations that have fought or are still fighting for the freedom of their respective communities. France, having occupied Algeria 1827, refused to give the people of Algeria their independence, even after decolonizing many of the other States under their empire. Given this refusal, radical Algerian nationalists formed the National Liberation Front (FLN) and started to conduct massacres and bombings in an attempt to force France into liberating Algeria. Similarly, in 1969, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), was founded from a group of radical Northern Irishmen who wished Northern Ireland to be freed from the authority of the United Kingdom, and be allowed to join Ireland. The PIRA is noted for bombing many areas of Northern Ireland and England and directly fighting British troops with guns and bricks. Lastly, in response to the creation of the State of Israel and the suppression of Palestinian Muslims, radical Palestinian Sunni Arabs formed a group known as the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to regain control over the land of Palestine. They have launched a series of attacks against Israeli military personnel and civilians and conducted suicide bombings to promote their goal.

            In all three examples, radicals from an ethnically suppressed group joined together and used violence to attempt to gain freedom and independence. While it is important to note that Palestinian Muslims are actually a majority, they were never able to combat the military might of the State of Israel. Algerian nationals, Northern Irishmen, and Palestinian Muslims were/are victimized by a more powerful state. These examples prove a direct connection between oppression and violence. As Frantz Fanon writes in his book The Wretched Earth, “it is the intuition of the colonized masses that their liberation must, and can only be achieved by force” (p. 73). Not only is violence a common occurance, it is viewed by many an oppressed person as the only way to achieve their goal of freedom. It is then viewed as a necessary measure by the oppressed to accomplish their goal.

            Kurdish groups in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have often pled for independence and the creation of their own independent state. Catalans in Spain voted to succeed from the State and form their own independent country. Northern Ireland continues to be under the control of the United Kingdom and Palestinians are still oppressed by Israel. These are but a few modern examples of ethnic minorities that wish for independence which has not been granted. Given the history and direct connection between oppressed peoples resorting to violence, it is possible that terrorist groups or actions may rise from these groups. While the PIRA is temporarily in a cease-fire with England, the future of the province is uncertain, especially given recent tensions regarding brexit. Minority groups should not be underestimated. Government’s whom have populations that feel oppressed should learn from the examples of History. They should acknowledge these groups as legitimate organizations, and work to appease said groups. They should realize that doing nothing, and continuing the behavior of oppression will only lead to turmoil and chaos. While colonialism may be seen as over, suppression is not, and leader’s should end their practices of suppression in an attempt to prevent future acts of violence.