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