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Product Description
Product Description
The SAS describes its attitude to the use of lethal force as 'Big boys' games, big boys' rules'. Anyone caught with a gun or bomb can expect to be shot. Mark Urban meticulously explores the security forces' covert operations in Northern Ireland: from the mid-1970s, when they were stepped up, to the Loughall shooting in 1987, in which eight Provisionals were killed. While charting the successes and failures of special operations, Urban reveals the unenviable dilemmas faced by intelligence chiefs engaged in a daily struggle against one of the world's most sophisticated terrorist organisations.
'This is a book that needed to be written and which fulfils the essentials of any Ulster story; it expands understanding beyond fragmented jingoism and newspaper headlines.' John Stalker, Sunday Times
About the Author
Mark Urban is Diplomatic and Defence Editor for Newsnight. He is the author of, among others, Big Boys' Rules: The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA, Rifles and Fusiliers.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent book. Mark Urban is no mug, and he casts a cold, discriminating eye over the security forces' struggle against the IRA. He focuses, in particular, on the alleged "shoot-to-kill" policy of the British Army and RUC. His judgements, though inevitably hedged and cautious (this is, after all, a shadowy world - it is unrealistic to expect definitive conclusions), are not especially favourable. Urban writes from the perspective of someone who expects high standards of the British state. One might argue that this is overly idealistic and that IRA men had it coming to them; but, nonetheless, this account is a useful rejoinder to the more credulous and jingoistic reportage of the popular British press. Those of you less interested in morality and more interested in "boys' tales" will enjoy his account of the SAS's tactics, ethos and selection process.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I looked forward to reading this book for some time, however, it appears to be very one sided, aimed at the glorification of state violence and shows little understanding of the complex nature of Northern Ireland. Disappointed that issues such as the role of Robert Nirac wiht Robin Jackson, 14th intelligence and Brian Nelson were not investigated and little with regard to collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the SAS. Intersting about the role of MI5, however.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
big boys games,big boys rules is an excellent read. Tells the true story of the secret dirty war between the sas and the ira. Pulls no punches,tells the reader exactly what the sas was up against. Not just terrorists but the attitude and mis trust of some police and polititions. Mark urban has stuck to the facts and done the subject matter and the people involved justice. Recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good Book!
Interesting read on the secret war in Northern Ireland. It did not, however, cover operations and incidents as much as I thought it would and instead was more about the political... Read more
Published 1 month ago by ScottishWarrior
Poor
Bought this book expecting it to be jam packed with SAS Ops in NI...however it seems to tell you more about the police and political policies within Ulster and does go on a bit to... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jock
BIG BOYS RULES
WELL RESEARCHED AND VERY IN DEPTH.IF ONLY THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND HAD THE CHOICE,AS THEY HAD THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MAIN PLAYERS. Read more
Published 14 months ago by MG
The truth is out there..
I read this book when it was first published a decade ago. Having mislaid my original copy I decided to purchase another copy.
It hasnt been updated. Still misquotes abound. Read more
It hasnt been updated. Still misquotes abound. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Rickshaws cabs and taxis
Disappointed
As a fan of Mark Urban I was expecting alot from this book but was left with a very soar taste at many points during the read. Read more
Published 22 months ago by rickster5004
Heavy on detail
Urban achieves his goal. This book is for those who served in the 30 years of the Troubles and missed the political game playing that has left former terrorists in positions of... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mr. Cliff A. Russell
durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Like it or hate the book - following publication 14 became JCUNI and forces research became JSG soon after
Published on 13 Sep 2009 by Miss
Superb Book
I have been following the Irish Troubles for years, and this is one of the very few books written by a British citizen... Read more
Published on 15 Nov 2000
Weak on Fact.
I found this book to ask many questions about so called "shoot to kill" policies in NI. The answers it suggested were the author's opinions and based on weak evidence. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2000
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