Irish Examiner view: In Lebanon and Palestine, as everywhere — blessed are the peacekeepers

A state which frequently and vigorously proclaims its belief in democracy is not the type of entity we would expect to launch attacks on UN peacekeepers. Picture: Pexels

In an extraordinary parallel universe — one conjured up by the fantasists at Marvel Comics perhaps — there may be part of the multiverse where you could find a kernel of justification for mounting an attack on the blue helmets of the United Nations.

But it’s unlikely anyone would believe it. Opening fire on peacekeepers is usually the province of deranged warlords, militia chiefs, combatants in civil wars, tribal leaders, frustrated dictators, and those who believe that might is right. Not a country which proclaims its belief in democracy so frequently and vigorously.