Coordinating needed to fight terrorism<\/p>\n
Philips Jusario Vermonte, Researcher, Department of
\nInternational Relations, Centre for Strategic and
\nInternational Studies, (CSIS), Jakarta<\/p>\n
Two years have elapsed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in
\nNew York and Washington D.C. During that time, several measures
\nhave been adopted in a concerted global attempt to combat
\ninternational terrorism.<\/p>\n
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Terrorism that
\ntook place in Bali last week, during which President Megawati
\ncalled for a better international coordination mechanism in
\nfighting terrorism, is just another example (The Jakarta
\nPost, Feb. 5, 2004).<\/p>\n
Although some positive achievements have been attained in
\nlimiting the room for any international terrorist group to
\nmaneuver, we continue to witness tragic occurrences in many parts
\nof the world.<\/p>\n
Recent developments in international politics also pose new
\nconsequences for the war against terrorism. The war against Iraq
\n-- which was undertaken by the United States without sufficient
\nauthorization from the United Nations -- put some countries in an
\nawkward position as while they were previously supportive of the
\nwar, the majority of their citizens opposed it.<\/p>\n
The war was generally perceived as proof of the U.S.' tendency
\nto act unilaterally, which in turn enhanced resentment toward the
\nU.S. Such a perception could endanger efforts to confront the
\nbasic motive as frequently stated by terrorist groups such as al-
\nQaeda, namely that their mission was to end injustice caused by
\nthe only superpower.<\/p>\n
There are some encouraging developments in the war against
\nterrorism in the region. Security authorities in some countries
\nin Southeast Asia continue to root out terrorist cells operating
\nwithin their borders.<\/p>\n
For example, within a relatively short period of time, the
\nIndonesian police, with assistance from various countries,
\nespecially from the Australian Federal Police, was able to
\nuncover the perpetrators behind the shocking Bali bombings that
\noccurred in October 2002 as well as the bombing of the JW
\nMarriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003. Almost all actors behind the
\nbombings have been detained and trials for these suspects have
\nalmost finished. In the Philippines, more alleged members of
\nterrorist network have also been arrested.<\/p>\n
It is true that there have been some declarations at the
\nregional level urging for better coordination and stronger
\ncommitment in a concerted effort to fight terrorism. It must be
\nnoted, however, the realization of these commitments has been
\nvery slow. In fact, cooperation between one particular member of
\nASEAN, for example, with extra regional states or agencies took
\nplace in a more concrete way.<\/p>\n
At least, it could be seen from the cooperation between the
\nIndonesian police with several international agencies following
\nthe Bali bombings. Bilateral cooperation between the Philippines
\nand the U.S. in regard to the Moro issue is just another example.
\nThe main reason that can be identified to explain this slow
\nprogress is that intra-state coordination is very weak so that it
\nbecomes difficult for the countries within the region to
\nimplement their agreements.<\/p>\n
Also, there is the problem of institutional capacity building
\nin combating terrorism. In this regard, lack of funding as well
\nas lack of political will are two pertinent issues that need to
\nbe addressed. Another issue is that states within the region need
\nto ratify all relevant international conventions so that the
\ndifficulty in harmonizing the legal instruments of its members in
\ncombating terrorism can be dealt with.<\/p>\n
There is certainly a fresh new opportunity to enhance
\ncooperation in combating terrorism within the Asia Pacific region
\ncoming from the last Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on
\nTerrorism in Bali. However, one point needs to be seriously
\ndiscussed.<\/p>\n
The war on terror must cover two aspects. One is the "search
\nand destroy" aspect that mainly focuses on the use of legitimate
\nforce and security and political cooperation, which have been
\ngiven necessary attention in many declarations and conferences
\nglobally. The second aspect is "winning the hearts and minds" of
\nthe people, which seems not to have received sufficient attention
\nso far.<\/p>\n
In fact, several studies have concluded that social and
\neconomic developmental assistance can be utilized in confronting
\nthe root cause of terrorism. A study conducted by the Rand
\nCorporation recently suggested that developmental assistance
\ncould be useful in at least two important ways. First, it could
\nweaken local support or reduce the number of constituents for
\nterrorist activities. Second, it could discourage new recruits
\nfor terrorist networks.<\/p>\n
In this field, developed countries of the Asia Pacific region
\ncan play an important role by allocating specific funds aimed
\ndirectly at antiterrorism. Development agencies should be
\nencouraged to work cooperatively in channeling their assistance
\nto some specific activities.<\/p>\n
To date, only USAID and AusAid provide funds specifically
\ndesigned for antiterrorist activities. However, development
\nitself may not eliminate terrorism. Therefore, any developmental
\nprogram must be incorporated into the larger strategy of
\ncombating terrorism.<\/p>",
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