Kitson's Irish War

Main Themes and Topics

Kitson's Irish War by David Burke delves into the controversial period of Northern Ireland's history known as the "Troubles." The book emphasizes the clandestine operations conducted by the British military under Brigadier Frank Kitson. Burke explores themes such as the legality and morality of state-sanctioned violence, the manipulation of military and psychological tactics, and the impact of these actions on civil societies. The narrative centers around the “dirty war” strategy implemented by Kitson, which included targeted assassinations, psychological warfare, and the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre.

The author takes the reader through various operations conducted by the Military Reaction Force (MRF), a covert unit responsible for several street-level assassinations in Belfast. Burke also casts light on black propaganda efforts aimed at discrediting Republican paramilitary groups, while leaving Loyalist groups relatively unchallenged. The book is deeply rooted in investigative findings that challenge previous official narratives and inquiries, particularly targeting the discrepancies in the Widgery and Saville inquiries regarding Bloody Sunday.

Writing Style and Tone

David Burke’s writing style is meticulous and direct. He adopts an investigative tone throughout the book, presenting a compelling array of evidence and testimonies. Burke relies heavily on factual accounts, though presented in a narrative format that maintains engagement. The tone is critical and often confrontational, as Burke does not shy away from questioning established historical narratives and challenging official accounts of the British government’s actions during this tumultuous period.

Brief Summary

Kitson's Irish War unveils the hidden strategies employed by the British government to curb the influence of nationalist sentiments in Northern Ireland. Initiated in 1970 under Brigadier Frank Kitson, the military operations included the establishment of covert units such as the MRF, aimed at eliminating perceived threats through assassination. The book throws light on the psychological war waged against the nationalist community and presents evidence surrounding key events, most notably the Bloody Sunday massacre. The actions orchestrated by Kitson and others perpetuated a cycle of violence under the guise of counter-insurgency, with little to no accountability for the resultant civilian casualties.