Staying neutral in Aceh

The core business of armies is war. But the deployment of military forces for disaster relief is often the most efficient use of the best available logistics expertise. Australian troops in Aceh's tsunami zone are on a humanitarian mission. It is important the Australian presence is not perceived otherwise.

Australia's military and aid groups in Aceh are relying on Indonesia's armed forces for security. This could prove a problematic association if Indonesian troops do re-engage GAM.

The Australian military concedes the risks in Aceh, but says guns are not necessary. The relief effort is overwhelmingly positive, as is the consequent boost to bilateral goodwill. Nor is there any doubt that the long-suffering Acehnese people want peace.

It would be naive, and irresponsible, however, to ignore the dangers. Australia must be prepared for a complex security challenge, including contingency plans to protect is own. Australia's neutrality, however, is not negotiable.

--The Sydney Morning Herald