Negotiating peace with locals... armed with just a cup of tea

In the complex, long-running war the real peacekeeper’s weapon can be an understanding of human nature and some good communication skills

PLAYING cards and sitting down with glasses of mint tea might not seem like army work, but for the Irish army on peacekeeping operations liaising with the locals is all part of the job.

They may have one of the most up-to-date arsenals of weapons and machinery, but one of the Irish Army’s key assets is its soldiers’ interpersonal skills.