AUT: Timor

[pmargin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Steve Wright)]

It's been a bit strange trying to gauge the reactions from within both the
local left (Melbourne, Australia) and various lists to the horrible events
in Timor, as I have been out of circulation for most of the last 2 weeks.
Angela has offered some clear arguments against military intervention in
Timor, arguments with which I agree. I also vaguely recall someone - Harry?
I'm not sure - offering arguments a few months ago as to why UN
intervention in Chiapas would not aid the rebellion there.

Which then raises the big question: what alternative measures can be
undertaken *now* to prevent further killings of the population in Timor?
This is something for which there appears no easy answer. For example, the
actions taken by some groups of workers here in Australia against the
Indonesian state have been impressive, but none of these actions can
themselves stop the killings. This is why I understand the sentiments
behind John Roosa's post - views very common here also - even though I
think the conclusions he draws are quite mistaken.

As far as I can see, about the only beginning of an 'internationalist'
answer to that big question is again something that Angela has raised:
trying to help as many Timorese refugees as possible get asylum. Work is
starting on that front here, so hopefully it will begin to bear fruit - and
quickly.

Steve




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