CG,
I, like many on this site; spent most of their military careers in and out of Northern Ireland.
Personally I started going in April 1973 (my 18th Birthday). As a young paratrooper I did 5 tours, all in South Armagh on the ground. Then, I went flying in 1979 and left in 2003 having completed another 4 tours (Flying) and a 3 year posting (flying). So I feel qualified to comment.
All my time there did I feel we achieved something - you are damn right we did.
Now the politico's have had there say in the last 15 years do I still feel the same. - You are damn right I don't.
Has the killing stopped - no.
Sadly and from experience - there is only one way to fight terrorism and that is with terrorism. Forgive me, I don't condone what happened with 1 Para but I sure as hell understand it.