quietfanatic
Ancient One
The Indonesian government has expelled the International Crisis Group, an independent organization that monitors terrorism and other threats around the world. The ICG was deeply involved in determining the plans and activities of regional terror groups. Although their reports are very informative and more necessary than ever they have been forced out because they are deemed to be a threat to national security. Altogether 20 national and international groups have been accused of "endangering Indonesia's national security".
Because of the amusing and disturbing upcoming elections it is believed that President Megawati gave in to political pressure and expelled the ICG personnel in Indonesia. Many of the people do not like foreign interference of any kind and understandably, Islamic fundamentalists, especially those that Jones investigates, have always tried to get rid of her and even have her prosecuted. We can only hope that they will be allowed to return after the election. This could mark a return to the oppressive behavior of the past Suharto regime.
Just to give a quick run down of the election conditions in the biggest Islamic nation on Earth, with one of the largest and best equipped armies in the world and in close proximity to Australia (so we train their military officers). The two main contenders for the Presidential election are Miss Megawati Sukarnoputri and General Wiranto of the opposing Golkar party (Suharto's old party). Miss Megawati is an Indonesian Thatcher-nationalist who is the current President but is losing support due to a lack of significant economic improvement, terrorist attacks and an apparent disregard for the well being of the working class. General Wiranto on the other hand is a charismatic military leader who is wanted for war crimes by the UN and for arrest in East Timor for his part as the commanding officer during several massacres and human rights violations. However, he is a great pop singer and karaoke champion. His election campaign involves addressing large crowds with plenty of banner waving and pageantry and giving speechs speaking of how Indonesia needs strength and leadership, without actually having any policies. His response to the lack of policies is "If I go into too much detail, the people will get bored and throw rocks at me. It's hot in Indonesia you know". Megawati has similar campaign techniques but has the huge disadvantages of not satisfying people in her current term and not singing her own campaign songs..........
Wiranto seems more pop star than politician but it seems that the Golkar party will take overall control. Democracy is still young in Indonesia but it sure is amusing that the fate of the world could rest on who has a better song writer.
Mel Brooks might be able to write another musical called "The Singing Dictator", but this time, it will be totally serious.
Because of the amusing and disturbing upcoming elections it is believed that President Megawati gave in to political pressure and expelled the ICG personnel in Indonesia. Many of the people do not like foreign interference of any kind and understandably, Islamic fundamentalists, especially those that Jones investigates, have always tried to get rid of her and even have her prosecuted. We can only hope that they will be allowed to return after the election. This could mark a return to the oppressive behavior of the past Suharto regime.
Just to give a quick run down of the election conditions in the biggest Islamic nation on Earth, with one of the largest and best equipped armies in the world and in close proximity to Australia (so we train their military officers). The two main contenders for the Presidential election are Miss Megawati Sukarnoputri and General Wiranto of the opposing Golkar party (Suharto's old party). Miss Megawati is an Indonesian Thatcher-nationalist who is the current President but is losing support due to a lack of significant economic improvement, terrorist attacks and an apparent disregard for the well being of the working class. General Wiranto on the other hand is a charismatic military leader who is wanted for war crimes by the UN and for arrest in East Timor for his part as the commanding officer during several massacres and human rights violations. However, he is a great pop singer and karaoke champion. His election campaign involves addressing large crowds with plenty of banner waving and pageantry and giving speechs speaking of how Indonesia needs strength and leadership, without actually having any policies. His response to the lack of policies is "If I go into too much detail, the people will get bored and throw rocks at me. It's hot in Indonesia you know". Megawati has similar campaign techniques but has the huge disadvantages of not satisfying people in her current term and not singing her own campaign songs..........
Wiranto seems more pop star than politician but it seems that the Golkar party will take overall control. Democracy is still young in Indonesia but it sure is amusing that the fate of the world could rest on who has a better song writer.
Mel Brooks might be able to write another musical called "The Singing Dictator", but this time, it will be totally serious.
