Another tragedy in the making?

Another tragedy in the making?

The possibility that a "big war" will erupt on Jan. 15, which
is only three days away, between supporters and critics of
President Abdurrahman Wahid is most alarming because the threat
occurs at a time when our intelligence agencies seem to have lost
their adroitness. Moreover, our society at present resembles a
pack of blood-thirsty wolves more than a community of human
beings. Our military is confused about its role and about the
status of its institution in our society. Our politicians have
turned into true opportunists and the government has lost its
credibility.

If the acts of terror that have erupted lately are an
indication of a loss of confidence in the government, then they
only go to show how shaky the collegial sentiment among our
politicians actually is. After all, did not the majority of those
politicians not so long ago join ranks and hail Gus Dur as the
savior of this nation, then showed themselves unwilling to give
the President a chance to do his job? The current conflict no
longer adheres to the accepted norms of criticism, but has turned
into an endeavor to overthrow him.

This nation never seems to learn from history. Tragedy and
disasters are no longer things to be avoided, but are held up as
examples to follow.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta