The repercussions of the Irish soldiers who trained a rogue general’s army in Libya

This morning marks a pivotal moment for the Irish defense forces, signaling a critical juncture for the nation as a whole. The alignment of Defence Forces personnel with the Haftar faction in Libya, contrary to the UN-supported Tripoli government, sets a perilous precedent for Ireland's global standing. It also sheds light on a deeper issue ingrained within Irish society. For generations, a significant portion of the Irish population has rallied behind left-wing ideologies and often been swayed by Russian disinformation campaigns, particularly in their critique of U.S. foreign policy in Africa and their condemnation of Israel's actions.

This sentiment, deeply rooted in historical grievances and solidarity with oppressed peoples, has painted Ireland as a bastion of progressive values and anti-imperialist fervor. However, the recent revelation of Irish military personnel engaging in clandestine operations in Africa represents a stark departure from this narrative. For the first time, we witness documented evidence of rogue Irish officers venturing into African affairs for financial gain and potentially misrepresenting the ideals and aspirations of the Irish nation. While Ireland has vocally criticized U.S. interventions in Africa, decrying them as neocolonial exploits driven by a thirst for money and resources, the actions of these officers present a contradictory, and troubling, picture. Furthermore, the defense forces personnel painting their involvement as anti-colonial or even revolutionary whilst taking money and backing the Wagner group (who have colonised Ukraine) is laughable.

Their foray into Libya, aligning themselves with the Wagner-backed Khalifa Haftar, raises serious concerns about Ireland's role in international conflicts and its commitment to upholding global norms and mandates as backed by the U.S. NATO and the west. By taking the opposing side in a complex and volatile conflict, these officers risk flouting international law and undermining Ireland's reputation as a principled actor on the world stage. Unlike the U.S., whose interventions in Africa have often been criticized for their exploitative nature, were actaually based on development and building up those countries, the motivations behind the Irish officers' involvement appear to be more insidious. Rather than seeking to foster development or stability, it seems they are attempting to hedge Ireland's position and earn money by aligning themselves with Haftar's faction. In doing so, they are flouting the international system and organizations such as the U.N., seemingly because these organizations support Israel.

This not only jeopardizes Ireland's credibility but also contributes to the perpetuation of conflict and instability in the region. This revelation serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities inherent in international relations and the need for transparency and accountability in all actions taken by state actors. Ireland, a nation with a proud history of championing human rights and peace, must confront the uncomfortable truth that its own citizens may be contributing to the very injustices they vehemently oppose. If they argue the Russian backed Haftar are anti-colonial then why are deals done for geographical resources in return for military assistance? Surely, this contradicts their position that Russia is good and America is bad and exploitative, when in fact Russia is doing the very thing they condemn the U.S. of doing? If it is lawlessness or revolution these officers seek to support, the effect of their actions would not support an overthrow of these governments but instill an opposing world system. It is imperative that thorough investigations be conducted, and appropriate measures taken to rectify any breaches of international law or ethical standards, lest Ireland's reputation as a beacon of morality be tarnished irreparably.

I think we have seen a Rubicon moment for the Irish defense forces this morning. But what does it mean for the Irish nation. Firstly, the portrayal of Ireland as a pariah in world affairs by siding against the UN supported Tripoli government sets a dangerous precedent for the Irish nation. This misrepresentation of Irelands political leanings by privately led members of the defense forces should be prosecutable, framing Ireland, as siding against the UN-backed Tripoli government. A core principle of Irish foreign policy is neutrality. Training forces in a nation under UN arms embargo, regardless of who controls which territory, undermines that neutrality. Ireland should advocate for all parties to respect the embargo and work towards a peaceful resolution. Ireland should enact laws that prevents private military companies operating on it's shores and prosecute those involved in military adventurism by ex Defence Forces members.

The question arises as to the amount of influence the Defence Forces staff exert on the soldiers they produce, who seem to have extremist views, or at least have morally ambiguous ones. Having financial motivations as the sole reason for such operations (if that is the sole motive) is incredibly stupid for a grouping looking for an increase in wages and salaries from the Irish State. The actions of these former soldiers raise questions about the values instilled during their military service. While the Defence Forces emphasize professionalism and respect for international law, the decision to train forces in violation of a UN embargo suggests a potential gap between ideals and reality. A review of military training and ethics might be warranted. The government, particularly Tanaiste Michael Martin, deserves scrutiny here. Michael Martin has a lot to answer for here and it will be interesting to see his stance on the matter. In relation to the armies role were there attempts to stop such activities, or was there a lapse in oversight? The Irish people deserve clear answers about the government's knowledge and actions regarding this situation. Furthermore, blind support for potentially illegal activities goes against democratic principles.

From this recent revelation, It is apparent that the Irish army or ex officers also conceivably might have had a part to play in Hamas attack on Israel. What would be implications for Ireland if they were caught with their hands dirty in this regard? Many people in Ireland even the Irish president have been seen supporting the Gazans despite their terrorist attack on Israel. Any evidence linking Irish military personnel or ex-officers to activities supporting designated terrorist organizations like Hamas would be profoundly damaging to Ireland's reputation on the global stage. Having worked and owned businesses that operate in America it is imperative that any citizen or visitor there involved in terrorism or terrorsit financing in any way is incarcerated and locked away. It is a BIG no-no to have any sort of sympathy with terrorism in the civilized world. Any involvement with groups deemed terrorist entities by the international community contradicts Ireland's stated values and principles, undermining its credibility as a neutral and peace-seeking nation.

Such allegations could prompt severe consequences for Ireland's diplomatic relations and international partnerships. Many countries, particularly those in the Western world, have stringent measures in place to combat terrorism and maintain security cooperation. If Ireland is implicated in supporting terrorist organizations, it could face diplomatic isolation, strained relations with key allies, and even sanctions imposed by international bodies or individual states. This could severely hinder Ireland's ability to engage in diplomacy, trade, and other aspects of international cooperation, damaging its standing in the global community. Furthermore, any involvement with terrorist groups may pose significant risks to Irish citizens abroad. If Irish military personnel are found to have aided groups like Hamas, it could heighten security threats to Irish nationals traveling or residing in regions affected by conflict.

Foreign governments may perceive Irish citizens as potential threats or targets, leading to increased scrutiny, travel restrictions, or even retaliatory actions against Irish interests overseas. This could endanger the safety and well-being of Irish expatriates, diplomats, and humanitarian workers operating in volatile regions, necessitating heightened security measures and diplomatic interventions to mitigate risks. Allegations of Irish military personnel or ex-officers aiding designated terrorist organizations like Hamas would have far-reaching implications for Ireland's international reputation, diplomatic relations, and the safety of its citizens abroad. It's imperative for Irish authorities to thoroughly investigate any such claims and take swift and decisive action to address any wrongdoing, uphold international norms, and safeguard Ireland's standing as a responsible member of the global community.

On another note, We have seen since time immemorial many or the majority of people in the Irish nation support left wing and Russian disinformation causes, notably on U.S. foreign policy and condemning their support for Israel, condemning the creation of Israel and parties like Sinn Fein condemning U.S. foreign policy. What we have here is the first documented role of rogue Irish officers misrepresenting the Irish nation and people by delving into Africa. We have heard endlessly about Ireland's condemnation of U.S. foreign policy in Africa and some even saying their influence amounts to arms for oil. But what does little adventure signify for Ireland. They now too are involving themselves in corruption of African politics taking what they see as the opposing side in Libya against U.N. mandate there possibly flouting international law. For the U.S. development was the idea not exploitation but for these Irish officers it appears they are trying to game the system and gain influence on both sides of the conflict by siding with the Wagner backed Khalifa Haftar.

We have also seen a big push by the defense forces recently and in the past ten years for increases in pay but this has surely set their cause decades backwards in that regard. How can we as Irish citizens support an army who supports extremism and terrorism internationally? We are disgracing our nation internationally and potentially endangering our country from international attack. By siding with extremist sides in a conflict and taking both sides or trying to hedge our positions is gullible if not downright stupid. Everything resides on honour not guile in international affairs.