From time to time, conflicts that we thought were past spring up again, albeit with a slightly different variant and degree of intensity. Despite their regularity, they still seem to take us by surprise. One can think of Afghanistan, Russia or Iraq, to name but a few. Closer to home, another conflict has begun to reclaim our attention. Northern Ireland, justifiably hailed by many as a success story of conflict resolution, appeared to be functioning well with devolved government running in a power-sharing arrangement. How first impressions can deceive us.  This latest spat is about the alleged involvement of the IRA (or elements of it) in a recent Belfast murder. The Unionist parties are saying they cannot be in government with a party (Sinn Féin) that has links with an active