Inappropriate to ask for U.S. help

Inappropriate to ask for U.S. help

From Pikiran Rakyat

U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's visit to Indonesia embraced a comprehensive political mission. She paid a visit to the President and also met with a number of figures who could serve U.S. interests in Indonesia.

One of the reformists openly asked Albright to exert pressure on the Indonesian government to help overcome the riots in various parts of Indonesia. The man then explained that he only asked the U.S. to exert moral pressure, giving the reason that if Indonesia is not able to surmount the riots following pressure by the U.S., Indonesia will be ostracized by the international community.

During her Indonesian visit, Albright was only interested in the East Timor issue and democracy efforts for the upcoming general election. She did not show concern about the tragedy in Ambon, where hundreds of Muslims have been slaughtered, nor the Aceh tragedy that continues to claim victims.

Behind the goodness and the concern of the U.S. toward Indonesia a very dangerous poison lurks. If we are not watchful we will be made a fool. What is the purpose of asking for U.S. help if it will kill us? We must also consider the feasibility of the U.S. to intervene morally. Does the U.S. qualify as a moral country?

We can ask the U.S. a number of questions about their support for Israel, an attitude which has clearly robbed Palestinians of their land and a decent life. We could question the U.S. embargo and the frequent attacks on Iraq which has caused suffering to the Iraqi people. The U.S. has been slow to respond to the Bosnia and Kosovo crises. Where is the moral integrity of Bill Clinton who clearly committed adultery?

We Muslims refrain from asking for U.S. help, be it moral, political or economic interventions. It would only enhance the domination of the superpower and give them a chance to force their will on Muslims and Muslim countries.

DADANG SUPRIYANTO

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