While Indonesia was in a confusion as to finding an
\nalternative to its cooperation with the International Monetary
\nFund (IMF), came some good news from the United States on
\nWednesday.<\/p>\n
The news, in fact, has nothing to do with the IMF but
\nIndonesia can probably take it into consideration in deciding the
\nbest possible way to achieve economic recovery.<\/p>\n
It came to light that Federal Reserve chairman, Alan
\nGreenspan, has told the U.S. Congress that the central bank would
\nkeep its interest rate at a low level to determine the pace of US
\neconomic development, in an attempt to stem deflation.<\/p>\n
The central bank predicted that U.S. economic growth next year
\nwould rise to 4.25 percent from 1.4 percent this year.<\/p>\n
It means that U.S. demand for Indonesian-made goods could
\nincrease, and domestic production and the service sectors could
\nbe stimulated.<\/p>\n
A similar good news should also come from Indonesia itself.
\nIts central bank should remain consistent in its monetary policy.<\/p>\n
Thus, Bank Indonesia and other major Indonesian banks should
\nlead the lowering of interest rates, so as not to disadvantage
\nthemselves.<\/p>\n
Based on the good news from the US, the Indonesian government
\nshould have the courage to say goodbye to the IMF.<\/p>\n
However, according to State Minister for National Development
\nPlanning Kwik Kian Gie, the government is likely to opt for
\n"post-program monitoring." -- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>\n
American troops and Liberia<\/p>\n
President Bush is right to be hesitant about sending American
\ntroops to Liberia. ...<\/p>\n
Other nations in the region have pledged to send 3,000 troops,
\nif they are accompanied by 2,000 American soldiers. They argue
\nthat the U.S. has a unique interest in Liberia, since it was
\nfounded 150 years ago by former American slaves. Until Taylor
\ntook power in 1997, the U.S. had close relations with the nation.
\nAmerican soldiers would add credibility and professionalism to
\nthe peacekeepers.<\/p>\n
While all true, we still have our doubts. The United States
\ncan't be the world's policeman. We already have 150,000 troops in
\nIraq, 10,000 in Afghanistan and several thousand in Bosnia. Our
\nmilitary is stretched thin. ...<\/p>\n
It is difficult to stand by and watch innocent people die in
\nan unending civil war. The humanitarian reasons for intervention
\nare powerful, but the U.S. can only do so much.<\/p>\n
-- Journal Star, Peoria, Illinois<\/p>\n
Relations between
\nthe U.S. and Africa<\/p>\n
The demands by U.S. President George W. Bush for a certain
\nlevel of democracy as a condition for economic aid should be
\ncopied by more countries.<\/p>\n
The biggest contribution by the United States and the western
\nworld would, however, be to open their domestic markets to
\nAfrican goods, instead of increasing aid. Bush has a chance to do
\nthat, but unfortunately, these discussions will probably be
\novershadowed by the more acute crisis in Liberia.<\/p>\n
Even from inside Liberia, there are appeals for a peacekeeping
\nforce from the United States.<\/p>\n
If an intervention is supported by the Liberian people, Bush
\nshould consider such a force.<\/p>\n
This would be an important effort for Africa's cause.<\/p>\n
-- Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm, Sweden<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/while-indonesia-was-in-a-confusion-as-to-finding-an-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }