Two-faced U.S.

Two-faced U.S.

From Suara Karya

When the prointegration group in East Timor asked the
Indonesian Military (TNI) to come and pay them a visit 23 years
ago, many countries of the Western bloc, particularly the U.S.,
were very much in agreement. They even extended their help. The
attitude was understandable because at the time the Western bloc
countries were afraid of and allergic toward the danger of
communism, in this case the Fretilin in East Timor.

At the time the U.S. praised us as a country concerned with
the danger of communism. It was a thumbs-up for Indonesia because
the U.S. appreciated our action.

Now, with the Cold War over, the U.S. all of a sudden is not
moved to take joint responsibility. It even joined in the chorus
to threaten Indonesia to leave East Timor. My goodness! Yesterday
they implored us, today they chase us. What is behind it?

Apparently this is a test case for the double-standard
attitude of the U.S. toward Indonesia. The results are very
satisfactory, which has left our politicians apprehensive.
Saddest is the accusation that Indonesia has violated human
rights in East Timor. If the politicians had been prudent and
observant, examples of American double standards were already
clear in the Arab-Israel case, China-Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, etc.

It is too late now. This has been a most valuable lesson for
politicians and the state's important decision makers.

KAMALUDDIN P.

Banyumas, Central Java