To: Douglas V. Fant who wrote (50918 ) 9/10/1999 11:59:00 PM From: The Gambler Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 95453
OT >>The latest from East Timor- how much lower can the Indonesian Army stoop??<< Doug, don't bet anything on it. At least I wouldn't. The fact that we consider them as our "allies", makes a whole lot difference. They can not imagine in their "right" mind, that we, the western civilized country would do any harm to them. There is a national pride believing in the importance of their country being the buffer between the western allies and the communist government of S.E. Asia and China. More over, they believe in their strategically located island nations that makes them justifiably feel very important, when we consider Indonesia is in middle of the shipping lane between the Indian Ocean and the pacific and between Australia and Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the more developed Asian countries. Just look at their history in the last forty some years. The military has always allowed atrocities against the ethnic Chinese and other racial and religious minorities. They do this to take advantage of the situation and with the mentality of many in high offices of the government like there is no tomorrow. These scumbags really take advantage in anyway they can to enrich themselves. There is no doubt in my mind why the Timorese choose freedom over staying within the indonesian federation. They see their homeland as being robbed in front of their eyes. While some Timorese manage to prosper by "cooperating" with these newcomers, many have lost their lives or those who survive become a second class citizen. I used to do business with the indonesians and have visited them quite frequently up until a few years ago. I really feel the pain for them. I was quite surprise that the indonesian Army did not crush the student movement that end up with bringing down the Suharto's regime. I can only suspect that they were unwilling, because there is inequality in sharing the "pies" Unfortunately I don't see a solution to this matter unless the international community really pressing on the indonesian government.