[b]Indonesians must learn how

Indonesians must learn how to be proud of their nation

By Simon Marcus Gower

TANGERANG, Banten (JP): It has been a long road to recovery from the depths of crises that first took hold in 1997. It is unfortunate that the shadows that those dark clouds of economic depression cast still linger over Indonesia. But this country benefits little from continued pessimism. Perhaps it is reasonable and right to now view with optimism the future of the nation with the fifth president and her accompanying cabinet newly installed.

2. 5Inquirer -- Late learner 2 X 21 36pt NCSBi

Minister driven out over luxury car scandal

Philippines

MANILA: Maybe former Education Secretary Andrew Gonzalez has finally learned the difference between right and wrong now that the Ombudsman has found some "deficiency in (the performance of) his duty as secretary."

That was a lesson that some senators and a disgusted public tried to hammer into his head almost a year ago, when it was exposed that the education department bought 24 vehicles, including some sports utility vehicles that only the rich could afford.

3. 5Nato -- NATO and Europe tell Macedonia they are serious 1 x 28 36pt NCSB

Macedonia still defies NATO

By Martin Woollacott

LONDON: After the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) handed over a first batch of arms to NATO, Gen. Michael Jackson inspected the haul. Asked for his judgment, he rolled a sceptical eye, then complimented the KLA on how clean and well-turned-out the surrendered weapons were. It was one way of saying that disarmament in situations such as the one that exists now in Macedonia is usually more theatre than substance. Those who have achieved a position of political leverage through the use of arms will never divest themselves entirely, if only to demonstrate that the dominance of those they have challenged can never be fully restored. The best that can happen is that over time the arms that will undoubtedly be retained become irrelevant.

4. 5Argentina -- 1 x 34

Argentina sees IMF as last hope

By Eva Karnofsky

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina's President Fernando de la Rua rejoiced: "The uncertainty is now over." Early Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finally declared its willingness to give financial aid to his country once more after 12 days of negotiations.

The IMF will provide US$ 8 billion to help save Argentina from bankruptcy and economic ruin. It also approved payment of the $1.2 billion promised at the beginning of the year to redeem debts due. In turn, Argentina commits itself not to incur a budget deficit this year also and to save money by means of reforms.

5. 5Gulf -- Wide ideological gulf 1 x 24 36pt Optima Bold

Korea's ideological gulf

SEOUL: Daniel Bell and Francis Fukuyama were wrong. Neither the ideology nor the history (of ideological struggle) has ended, at least not here yet. A Korean War veteran beating a pro-North Korean student at Kimpo Airport Tuesday shows it. Karl Marx was right. History repeats itself -- first as a tragedy, second as a comedy.