Two turning points in 2002<\/p>\n
The year 2002 will, unfortunately, be remembered by many for
\nthe bombs in Bali, and tragic as that incident was, it could also
\nbe viewed as the horrendous event that turned the scales on
\nterrorism. On a far brighter note, eyes turn towards the province
\nof Aceh where, at long last, a peace has been formulated that
\nappears to have a very good chance of succeeding. Two opposite
\nsentiments, both of which have their own tragic story to tell,
\nbut turning points nonetheless.<\/p>\n
There are indeed positive signs suggesting that Indonesia is
\nseriously addressing the ever-growing scourge of Islamic radicals
\nthat can so easily destabilize this country and the world
\neconomies. It is still too early to pass judgment on what has
\noccurred over the past few months, bearing in mind that history,
\nboth recent and past, tells us that a backwards slide has often
\nhappened after initial progress.<\/p>\n
The war against terrorism and the fragile peace in Aceh need a
\nshow of equal determination, so as to maintain and to build upon
\nthe substantial progress that has already been made. There are
\nsome people in this country who, for various reasons, want both
\nsituations to fail, and for sure they are now busy making their
\nevil plans. They have an agenda that is focused purely on
\ndestruction, and the only way to combat this is through
\nresilience and a determination that they will not succeed.<\/p>\n
Let us all hope that the turning points of 2002 continue
\nthroughout the coming year, so by the time we reach the end of
\n2003 we all have something to celebrate.<\/p>\n
Happy New Year Indonesia.<\/p>\n
DAVID WALLIS, Medan<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/two-turning-points-in-2002-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }