Staying neutral in Aceh<\/p>\n
The core business of armies is war. But the deployment of
\nmilitary forces for disaster relief is often the most efficient
\nuse of the best available logistics expertise. Australian troops
\nin Aceh's tsunami zone are on a humanitarian mission. It is
\nimportant the Australian presence is not perceived otherwise.<\/p>\n
Australia's military and aid groups in Aceh are relying on
\nIndonesia's armed forces for security. This could prove a
\nproblematic association if Indonesian troops do re-engage GAM.<\/p>\n
The Australian military concedes the risks in Aceh, but says
\nguns are not necessary. The relief effort is overwhelmingly
\npositive, as is the consequent boost to bilateral goodwill. Nor
\nis there any doubt that the long-suffering Acehnese people want
\npeace.<\/p>\n
It would be naive, and irresponsible, however, to ignore the
\ndangers. Australia must be prepared for a complex security
\nchallenge, including contingency plans to protect is own.
\nAustralia's neutrality, however, is not negotiable.<\/p>\n
--The Sydney Morning Herald<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/staying-neutral-in-aceh-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }