ok to make it simple for you
the bombing offensive ( the IRA campaign against the British Army and establishment ) and the Army offensive to oppose it ( our governments attempt to subjugate the IRA and stop the bombings ) were not a success for either side ( neither the republican movement nor HM Govt prevailed despite a long conflict ). Your comment about 15 years and thousands of lives too late I agree with but weren't you inferring that was foolish and you seemed to think both sides should have just carried on slugging it out like an ageing Rocky vs Apollo Creed which prompted my comment that if that was the case we would still be at it toe to toe even now. The best way to end conflicts is not to have them but once there is a shooting war the best way to resolve it is by talking