August 8, 2003
INDONESIA BOMBINGS: A 'GRIM REMINDER' THAT 'TERROR IS ALIVE AND
WELL'
KEY FINDINGS
** The attack in Jakarta
confirms the "reorganization of the world terrorist network."
** Indonesia must be a
"more reliable partner" against "Muslim extremist
movements."
** Critics claim this
incident proves the war in Iraq "in fact...hindered" the war on
terrorism.
** The "long-term task
of eradicating terrorism" depends on attacking its root causes.
MAJOR THEMES
Terrorists 'continue to strike without fear of
consequences'-- Australian writers in
particular warned that the bombing in Jakarta proves international terrorists
"have no intention of abandoning their murderous crusade." Melbourne's liberal Age termed the
attack a "stark, appalling reminder that terrorism still haunts our
region." The widely-read Philippine
Daily Inquirer urged Southeast Asian nations to "redouble their
cooperation" against terror, agreeing with London's conservative Daily
Telegraph that "Islamist terrorism is nearly as grave a threat to
stability in Southeast Asia as it is in the Middle East."
Jakarta must 'restore confidence, at home and
abroad' to improve its 'degraded image'--
The
attack confirmed Indonesia's "reputation as the 'soft center' of Islamist
terrorism in Asia." Indonesian
dailies demanded Jakarta take "sterner measures" to end its
"complacency" towards terror; leading Kompas warned the
country is "vulnerable to becoming a seedbed for the growth of
terrorism." Holland's
left-of-center Trouw alleged Jakarta's "insufficient efforts"
pose a risk "not only to Indonesia itself but also to the rest of
Southeast Asia." Other papers
concluded that terrorist operations have "shifted to soft targets and
regions." The moderate Riyadh
Daily said terrorists perceive "targets in Asia and Africa to be
softer and easier to strike."
The U.S. 'chose the wrong enemy' in Iraq,
ignoring 'the real threat' of terror-- Euro and leftist Asian
dailies alleged that terrorists are "taking advantage" of
"Bush's desertion from the war against terrorism" in favor of the war
in Iraq. A Philippine daily stated,
"The region is no safer from terrorist attacks than it was before the
invasion of Iraq." Japan's liberal Asahi
opined that "anti-U.S. feelings are rising" due to the "U.S.-led
war on Iraq," agreeing with left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau
that "terrorists are getting even more popular."
The globe must focus on the 'roots of terrorism, intractable and
complex as they are'-- Several dailies blamed
terrorism on "inequality, oppression and injustice," which the
moderately-conservative Bangkok Post said "fuel a social, economic
and political atmosphere in which fanatics are born." The conservative Philippine Star
agreed the terrorist threat is "fed by poverty and religious
extremism," while an Australian called for alleviating "the hardships
of those who are easy prey to terrorist propaganda." Lebanon's pro-Syria Ash-Sharq insisted
that terrorism arises in response to "violence practiced by America
against Muslims."
EDITOR: Ben Goldberg
EDITOR'S NOTE: This
analysis was based on 51 reports from 24 countries over 6 - 8 August 2003. Editorial excerpts from each country are
listed from the most recent date.
Media Reaction reporting conveys the spectrum of foreign press
sentiment. Posts select critical and
favorable commentary to provide a representative picture of local editorial
opinion.
EUROPE
BRITAIN: "Al-Qa'eda's
Bloody Return"
An editorial in the conservative Daily Telegraph read
(8/6): "The political and economic
impact will be greatest at the epicenter of the blast, Indonesia, but the
return of Islamist terrorism will send shock waves around the world. One of the consequences of globalization is
that any attack on a hotel such as the Marriott, however remote, is instantly
perceived as a threat to tourists, business people and Westerners
everywhere.... And it puts the issue of
radical Islam back on the international agenda, reminding America and Europe
that Islamist terrorism is nearly as grave a threat to stability in South-East
Asia as it is in the Middle East."
"Bomb in Jakarta"
The conservative Times held (8/6): "The car bomb that exploded right in the
doorway of the Marriott hotel in Jakarta yesterday, killing 14 and injuring
more than 140, was a hideous riposte to Bali's brave assertion of its
resilience in the face of Islamist terror.
This fresh atrocity is a serious blow to Indonesia and its South East
Asian neighbours.... It should not have
happened.... In recent weeks,
Australian, American and South East Asian intelligence have unanimously given
warning that Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the sinister network implicated in the Bali
bombings, had regrouped and was "actively plotting" fresh attacks. So
vigilance should have been unusually high.
Indonesia is the chief stamping ground of JI, and also its likeliest
target area.... Above all, Indonesia has
a reputation as the "soft centre" of Islamist terrorism in Asia.... Four days ago President Megawati Sukarnoputri
acknowledged that 'the domestic branch of the international terrorism movement
is a terrifying threat.' Yet her
Government has been reluctant to admit to the deep penetration of the country
by extremist Islamist groups.... It is
politics, not law, that blocks tougher measures; the politicians are nervous
about cracking down on Muslim radicals.
This reluctance is a menace to all Southeast Asia. The precise nature of
JI's organisational connections to al-Qa'ida is disputed, but al-Qa'ida has
provided terrorist training, ideological inspiration and funds.... Indonesia's latest tragedy is further proof
that soft words do not turn away terrorist wrath.... A regional menace demands a regional
response. In Indonesia's own urgent interests, it must become a more reliable
partner."
FRANCE: “Threat”
Patrick Sabatier observed in left-of-center Liberation
(8/7): “The shadow of Ussama Ben Laden
hovers over this tragedy and there is little doubt that al Qaida had its role
to play. The fundamentalist/terrorist network has indeed been weakened by the
war waged against it by western intelligence. Today this network functions in
the manner of regional autonomous franchises or outlets of a larger entity.
However they all use the same methods...and have the same credo.... They all have the same enemies: democracy and
western culture embodied by the U.S., as well as countries considered to be
lackeys of Washington. Impossible to find since he disappeared near Tora Bora
in 2001, Ben Laden seems to be taking advantage of George W. Bush’s desertion
from the front of the war against terrorism...and is regaining his hold in
Afghanistan that has been left in a state of anarchy and insecurity by Bush and
the other members of the coalition....
It is true that just as the war in Iraq will never be over until Saddam
Hussein is dealt with, the war against terrorism will only be won when the
leader of al Qaida is found. Dead (without being able to prove it) or alive
(without being able to find him), Ben Laden and al Qaida remain the principle
threat to the security of the free world.”
“America’s Mistake”
Olivier Roy penned in right-of-center Le Figaro (8/7): “Lacking the capability to know where and
when the next attack will take place, emphasis must be placed on prevention by
rooting out terrorist networks, supporters of terrorism and locating the
regions where terrorism thrives. However the U.S. has trouble waging its war on
terrorism. The principle reason being the politicization of intelligence...in
other words, the Bush administrations’ efforts to confirm what they thought was
true instead of pinpointing what they do not know. Worse yet, they follow
tenets that lead them to targets that have nothing to do with terrorism.... The official doctrine holds that the war in
Iraq was an essential step forward in the war on terrorism, when in fact it
hindered it.”
“Indonesia Ailing Because Of Jamaah Islamiyah”
Economic-oriented right-of-center Les Echos declared
(8/6): “The sentences that will be
passed on the various members of the terrorist group Jamaah Islamiyah, that
took part in the Bali attack last October, will undoubtedly have serious
consequences for Indonesia. If they are too severe they will fuel the fires of
anti-American sentiment in the region and could compromise a second term in
office for Megawati Sukarnoputri. If they are too soft, however, they may
provoke Washington and its allies, with inevitable financial consequences.”
“Terrorism”
Jean Guisnel held in regional La Republique des Pyrenees
(8/6): “The latest terrorist attack
yesterday in Jakarta is a reminder that Islamic terrorists do not only attack
in the west.... Who will be next? In
what we now must call the war between democracies and blind terrorism, the
latter still has the upper hand. This was the case well before 9/11 and remains
so today. Terrorists continue to strike without fear of consequences. Given
this fact it is difficult to see what could stop them. How long will the Bush
administration’s push to protect American soil be effective? Washington is
holding its breath, waiting for Ben Laden to strike again. Is this an
acknowledgement of powerlessness?”
GERMANY: “Judges Without
Power”
Center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich noted
(8/8): “Jakarta will happily point to
the Bali trials as proof of its willingness to take effective measures against
terrorism. However, the latest ruling is
not likely to deter the members of extremist groups.... The recent attack on the Mariott Hotel in
Jakarta reveals how vulnerable Indonesia really is.... Anti-western extremists can find targets
anywhere, and no country on earth can guarantee 100 percent security for its
citizens and visitors. That is why the
rich West cannot simply point to the security problems in poorer countries; it
must actively support such countries.”
"The Traces Of Terror"
Arne Perras judged in center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of
Munich (8/6): "Indonesia's problem
is that there are many militant conflicts happening at the same time. These conflicts are jeopardizing the cohesion
of the state. The central power in
Jakarta is unable to stabilize these trouble spots ranging from northern
Sumatra via Sulawesi to Irian Jara. A
state that is so fragile offers good preconditions for Islamic forces which,
like the Jemaah Islamiya, want to set up a Muslim religious state across
southeastern Asia. This does not mean
that great parts of society identify themselves with the militant and terrorist
forms of Islam. On the contrary.... Despite widespread poverty, the people have
shown that they are surprisingly immune to an infection with Al Qaida
ideas. But this need not remain so. If the extremists Islamists succeed in
merging their fight with the fight of local resistance groups, the bombs from
Bali and Jakarta were not the high point but only the overture of terror in
Southeast Asia."
"Changing Combat Zone"
Christoph von Marschall opined in centrist Der Tagesspiegel
of Berlin (8/6): "The anniversary
of 9/11 is getting closer, and the Al Qaida terrorist network is demonstratively
showing its ability to act. Al Qaida can
continue to strike at many places in the world.
And America's war against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq did change
little. But the locations of the terrorist attacks of the past twelve months
allow us to assume that Al Qaida has been hit and can no longer acts at its own
discretion wherever it wants. If we
ignore the terror in Chechnya, in addition to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia,
and Morocco, all of them Islamic countries, remain. And it were mainly Muslims who were the
victims of this alleged fight of Islam against the West. The high pressure in the United States and
Europe obviously prevents Al Qaida from attacking the arch-enemy at home. This is a success but no guarantee that it
will remain so. An attack like the one
in Jakarta cannot be ruled out in America and Europe."
"Attack With Previous Announcement"
Brigitte Kols noted in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau
(8/6): "A look to the calendar will
certainly stir up speculation that the bloodbath in Jakarta carries Al Qaida's
handwriting. August 7 is the fifth
anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and
Darussalam. We do not need to speculate
to know that the bomb in Jakarta will serve Washington as a new argument to
call for new toughness and cohesiveness in the 'fight against terror.' But such attacks show that terrorism cannot
be defeated with as many 'preventive wars' as possible. On the contrary, terrorists are getting even
more popular, because the Bush administration wages wars like the one against
Iraq at any expense--even with a war of lies."
"Police Officers Instead Of Soldiers"
Business-oriented Financial Times Deutschland of Hamburg
editorialized (8/6): "Again, the
defensive measures did not suffice. The attack
on the Marriott Hotel confirms the most recent warnings that the Islamic
terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah is still able to operate in Indonesia.... Both Indonesia and the West must fight
terrorism together. But closer military
cooperation, as parts of the U.S. government suggest, would be wrong. Indonesia's military is not a reliable
partner as along as it is accused of violating human rights.... It would be more promising to strengthen
Indonesia's civil institutions like police.
According to independent observers, the advice by Australian police
following the bomb attack in Bali turned out to be very good. The United States is important as cooperation
partner, but for political reasons, it should stay in the background. Open U.S. interventions could stir up the
hatred and the propaganda of extremists.
Washington's assistance would be enough--for instance, by offering
intelligence information."
ITALY: “Indonesia, Hunt On
Allah’s Terrorists”
Riccardo De Palo contended in Rome-based centrist Il Messaggero
(8/7): “What seems to be very evident is
the extreme vulnerability of South East Asia to this type of attacks. The news has leaked that, last month,
documents were seized during a police operation that clearly indicated the
American hotel as one of the possible targets of a terrorist attack. The Indonesian government, giving in to
Washington’s strong insistence, had promised stronger measures against
terrorism, and, most of all, a strengthening of security measures around
possible targets. But nothing of the
sort happened.... It is difficult not to
speculate about possible guilty connivance, or, at a minimum, responsibility
for underestimating the risk at the high and medium level.... Another ‘attack’ is now feared in Jakarta for
August 17, the national day. And a
crisis with Washington cannot be ruled out, since it is beginning to consider
the Indonesian authorities unreliable.”
“A Challenge As Far As The White House”
Maurizio Molinari wrote in centrist, influential La Stampa
(8/6): “The suicide attack causing a
massacre at the Marriott hotel in Jakarta with a car bomb is signed by the
Jemaah Islamiyah, a group linked to al-Qaida in the Far East, whose military
leader is Riduan Isamuddin ‘Hambali’....
Its intention was to fiercely demonstrate that al-Qaida is alive and
kicking, after almost two years from the attacks on the Twin Towers.... This deals, first of all, with a challenge on
George W. Bush. At a time when the U.S.
president is promoting himself as the guardian of the reconstruction of both
Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the national security.... Al Qaida has delivered a deadly warning to
the Americans, thus confirming the credibility of those threatening tapes
distributed to Arab TV and radio stations.
Under these premises, the challenge on terrorism is bound to be the main
theme of upcoming 2004 presidential campaign.... The presidential challenge...is looming ahead
as a national referendum on security as well as on how to secure (the nation)
and avoid...a new 9/11.”
“Reforms Are At Risk Now”
Luca Vinciguerra remarked in leading business-oriented Il
Sole-24 Ore (8/6): “The Indonesian
government’s concrete efforts in the fight against terrorism were appreciated
by the White House. The markets
appreciated them as well. It is not a
coincidence, in fact, that the Jakarta stock exchange has been among the most
brilliant of the world during the first part of 2003. At the same time, foreign investors have
timidly begun to pop up again in Indonesia.
Unfortunately, yesterday’s attack is setting Jakarta’s clock back to
hour zero. Not only because the
terrorists managed to hit a Western stronghold in the heart of the capital
city, which means that, notwithstanding the government’s efforts, the ability
to strike of Islamic fundamentalists is intact.
But also because the suicide terrorist of the Marriott Hotel shows that
Washington’s theses are correct: Indonesia continues to be one of the main
operational centers of Muslim extremist movements, as well as an easy target
for them.”
AUSTRIA: “Change Of Policy
In Jakarta”
Markus Bernath contended in liberal Der Standard
(8/6): “The logbook of terrorism has a
new entry. The bomb attack on the Marriott hotel in Indonesia’s capital city
Jakarta is a direct continuation of 9/11 and only confirms that since September
2001, the terrorists’ field of operation has shifted to ‘soft’ targets and
regions that are difficult to cut off--Africa and South Asia. Exactly as in the
weeks before the attack in Bali, the Indonesian authorities were again
reckoning with a terrorist attack, but unable to prevent it. For the government
in Jakarta, this must be a frustrating realization--but nevertheless, since
Bali, nothing has remained the same on the archipelago. Even though the new
security checks in the holiday resorts and in the eleven-million capital still
vary greatly--it is still possible to enter the large shopping malls in Jakarta
relatively freely, whereas policemen search arriving vehicles on the driveways
to big hotels systematically for explosives; but as became clear yesterday,
they are still powerless when faced with an attack outside the entrance of a
hotel. The deciding factor, however, is that the politicians are no longer
prepared to make allowances for the Muslim extremists in the country. Last
year, Vice-President Hamza Haz still had his photograph taken at the sickbed of
the alleged terrorist leader Ba’asyir. Today, he at least keeps quiet, while
the strong man in the Cabinet, Security Minister Yudhoyono is pushing for
increased cooperation with the Australian intelligence services. In this way,
it was possible to destroy part of the terror organization Jemaah Islamiyah on
the main island Java. Spectacular findings of bombs over the last few weeks
give a good idea of what would have happened if the government had not changed
its attitude in the terror issue. For the victims of the Marriott attack,
however, this is cold comfort indeed.”
BELGIUM: "Everybody's
Problem"
Paul De Bruyn wrote in conservative Christian-Democrat Gazet
van Antwerpen (8/7):
“Terrorism is everybody’s problem.
Terrorism can hit all countries and all people. There is only one means to fight it
successfully: unrelenting efforts by all the governments together. Success may be rare, indeed, and there will
always be the threat of more violence and innocent deaths. But, there is no other solution. The attack in Jakarta makes another thing
clear: international terrorism has not
disappeared after the fall of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. On the contrary, Jakarta is the umpteenth
confirmation that Saddam had nothing to do with al-Qaeda or other
organizations. Those groups never needed
his support to cause terror. Even when
Saddam is forgotten, there will still be terrorism. After September 11, 2001, U.S. President
George Bush declared international war on terrorism. However, when he attacked Saddam, he chose
the wrong enemy. In the meantime, he has
ignored the real threat. (What happened
in) Jakarta shows that, too. Bush will
not have any respite--and, today, he can no longer hold Saddam responsible.”
CROATIA: "Terrorist
International's Offensive"
Zeljko Ivanjek argued in Zagreb-based mass-circulation Jutarnji
list (8/7): "Even though Asia
seems far from the European perspective, it in every way confirms reorganization
of the world terrorist network after the American, and the allied, overthrow of
the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the Saddam regime in Iraq.... Terrorists now, based on the American
neo-Nazi Louis Beam's ideas, concentrate on 'leaderless resistance,' in other
words, computer coordination which rejects pyramidal communication. Because of all this, uncovering of brains
behind the latest criminal murder of 14 civilians in a hotel will be almost
impossible. Dispersal of ideological
principles and operational terrorist centers, as well as their
internationalization, has disabled simple police operations--and arrests."
CZECH REPUBLIC: "They
Will Come Again"
Jiri Franek commented in center-left Pravo (8/7): "On September 11, 2001 all the people of
the Euro-Atlantic civilization said to themselves that such horror couldn't be
forgotten. We have not forgotten, but
something strange has happened with our memory.
They send us messages that they intend to continue and that maybe soon
we can expect something even worse....
We, however, only count our dead and pacify ourselves by saying that
Jakarta compared with New York is really not so bad. In reality it is the exact same
crime.... The enemy reckons with the
fact that as long as they don't change their tactics of hitting primarily
American targets, Europe, which, without the help of the American taxpayers,
doesn't have enough [money] for its own defense, will continue indulging its
cheap pacifism. I am, however, afraid
that when they change their tactics and commit another September 11, for
example, in Paris, there will still be many people in Prague willing to console
themselves that Paris is a thousand kilometers away. If we do not have the certainty that what
happened at the Marriott in Jakarta cannot happen tomorrow in any hotel in
Prague, then it's necessary to expect that it will happen. Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a year, but on every
page of our calendar we could write September 11. All the more since they know how unreliable
our police is, what the state of our army is, and even the fact that behind the
political squabbles over supersonics there are more factional interests than
sincere care to safeguard our country."
IRELAND: "Indonesia
Set Back By Bombing"
The center-left Irish Times maintained (8/7): "The bombing is assumed to be the work
of the Jemmah Islamiah organisation, which claimed the Bali bombing atrocity in
October last year.... While they represent
only a small minority of Indonesians, they have been able to maintain their
organisation intact--not least because the conditions against which they have
been protesting have not changed....
Part of the appeal of the Jemmah Islamiah organisation in Bali and
elsewhere in Indonesia (this is the fifth such bomb this year in Jakarta) is
explained by the social disruption brought in the train of unbridled foreign
investment and mass tourism insensitive to local cultures.... This means next year's elections are unlikely
to resolve these problems. Foreign investment, which has recently driven
Indonesian prosperity after the 1997-98 Asian financial crash, will not return
to previous levels. Nor will tourism, still suffering badly from the Bali
atrocity.”
NETHERLANDS:
"Indonesia Has To Choose Against Terror"
Left-of-center Trouw editorialized (8/7): "Islamic terrorist group Jemaah
Islamiyah shifted its fight to the political and economic center of
Indonesia.... The attack on the Marriot
Hotel caused a lot of damage and could also have major political
implications. It is very clear that the
Indonesian authorities have made insufficient efforts against the risk posed by
Islamic terrorism during the past few years.
Even last year's Bali attacks did not have an impact.... True, there is no watertight protection
against terrorism. However, the
Indonesian government is making the impression that it is not willing to do
everything possible to prevent terrorist attacks by, for example, making more
efforts to collect intelligence. One
factor is the Indonesian government's fear to lose support among the Islamic
part of the population.... Most Muslims
in Indonesia probably do not support terrorism but they do not really openly
oppose the use of violence in the name of Islam.... Islamic leaders in Indonesia should openly
speak out against crime in the name of Islam.
And the Indonesian government should make more efforts to fight this
crime than it has done so far. Attacks
such as those by the Jemaah Islamiyah impose a risk not only to Indonesia
itself but also to the rest of Southeast Asia as well."
NORWAY: “The Terrorists
Don’t Give Up”
Newspaper-of-record Aftenposten observed (8/7): ”The attacks in Bali and in Jakarta shows
that the Indonesian authorities under President Megawati Sukarnoputri’s
leadership have not been able to keep the promises from last year about
starting an efficient campaign to fight terrorism.... Two terror attacks in Indonesia within the
space of only 10 months and the American authorities’ repeated warnings and
obvious fear that terrorists at any time again may strike against targets in
the US, is unfortunately an explicit confirmation of the fact that the fight
against terrorism just has only just begun.”
MIDDLE EAST
LEBANON: “Terrorism
Confronted With Terrorism”
Awni Al-Kaaki held in pro-Syrian Ash-Sharq (8/7): “12 dead and 49 injured in the bombing in
Jakarta. That incident could have passed
easily, if the hotel did not have an American quality to it, or if an “Islamic”
organization hadn’t taken responsibility for the attack.... In form, the action is denounced and
inexcusable at all...but in substance one has to ask the question: What caused
those people to do so, and why? The
question as is does not need much thinking to be answered. It is (an act of) terrorism in the face of
America’s terrorism. It is violence that
resulted from violence practiced by America against Moslems. It is the picture of a conflict made and
started by America and which would never end unless the U.S. stopped practicing
its omnipotence on Moslems around the world....
America has practiced and is practicing terrorism and it is being
confronted today with terrorism on the principle that violence cannot but
produce greater and more threatening violence”
SAUDI ARABIA: “Lax
Security”
Pro-government, English-language Riyadh Daily declared
(8/6): “Even as memories of the ghastly
terror attack at Indonesia’s resort province of Bali were fading...terror has
struck the world’s largest Islamic country again.... What is of real concern is the fact that
despite the severe crackdown on terror organizations after the Bali blasts,
particularly the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), they are still very much around with
their deadly agenda. Complacency on the
part of the law enforcement bodies is definitely a factor in yesterday’s audacious
assault. The escape of the Indonesian master terrorist, Fathur Rahman Al-Ghozi,
from a Manila jail some days ago, has been a significant morale-booster for the
terror networks.... The attack would be
followed by the customary condemnations from the world over. However, it would
be more in line if international efforts to fight terrorism were
augmented.... None of these attacks,
except for three in Russia, were carried out in America or Europe. Apparently,
the security apparatus there had become too hot for the terror elements.
Terrorists saw targets in Asia and Africa to be softer and easier to strike
at. The latest bombing is evidently also
a result of slack security.... Security
bloopers, as seen in the Manila jailbreak, will only goad on terrorist forces
to pursue their gory agenda with increasing impunity. Security all over must
reach the level attained by the West if such attacks have to be prevented in
future.”
EAST ASIA
AUSTRALIA: “The Answer To
Terrorist Bombs”
The liberal Sydney Morning Herald stated (8/7): “Far from making a mockery of Indonesian and
Australian co-operation in the fight against terrorism, [the bombing]
underlines the importance of persevering....
The most potent weapon against terrorism remains effective intelligence.
Governments can defeat terrorist networks, but only by painstakingly picking
them apart. What the Marriott Hotel blast means--especially if it is linked to
the Bali bombings--is that the intelligence task is incomplete. “
“Security Is The Key To Success”
The business-oriented Australian Financial Review commented
(8/7): “The murders at the Marriott
Hotel in Jakarta underline, if emphasis were needed, the importance of the war
against terrorism.... This is not a war
of the West versus Islam. It is a war
against their ‘religiously unsound’ fellow citizens being waged by a fragment
of poorly educated people whose misunderstanding of their religion has allowed
them to be manipulated by bloodthirsty opportunists.”
“Al-Qaeda franchise far from undermined”
David Martin Jones opined in the business-oriented Australian
Financial Review (8/7): “Although
there has been some success in disrupting the Islamist assault on regional
targets and links with sympathetic groups in South Asia, the Middle East and
beyond, what we know of this globalized phenomenon is that it is patient,
uncompromising and plans for the long term.
Ultimately, the suicide bomber who devastated the Marriott in downtown
Jakarta on Tuesday also exploded the view that enhanced regional security
cooperation had undermined al-Qaeda’s regional terrorism franchise.”
“Counter-terror Front Widens”
Greg Sheridan declared in the conservative Australian
(8/7): “The bombing in Jakarta indicates
that the battle against JI is still raging. Several hundred JI operatives have
undergone terrorist training in camps in either Afghanistan, the Philippines or
Indonesia itself. These camps are no longer operating but only about 150 JI
operatives or their affiliates have been detained. So several hundred terrorists
with explosives expertise of some kind are at large. The conclusion from all
this is that the war against terrorism, and specifically the war against JI, is
going to be a long, drawn-out affair. “
“A Fight That Is Far From Over”
The liberal Melbourne-based Age stated (8/7): “The bombing of the J. W. Marriott Hotel in
Jakarta is a stark, appalling reminder that terrorism still haunts our
region.... It is vital that Australia
continues to work with regional governments to do whatever it can to combat the
spread of terrorism. In the short term, this means hunting down the
perpetrators of attacks such as Tuesday's and bringing them to justice. The
long-term task of eradicating terrorism, however, will require trying to
alleviate the hardships of those who are easy prey to terrorist propaganda.”
“Terror Attacks Will Not End”
The conservative Australian stated (8/6): “Yesterday’s terror attack in Jakarta is
designed to send Indonesia--as well as Australia, and all the nations of our
region--a clear signal. The terrorists who wish harm to all people who do not
share their messianic zeal are not defeated and they have no intention of
abandoning their murderous crusade against the innocent.... There are no new lessons to learn from this
attack--only confirmation of those provided by the attack on the Twin Towers
and last October's Bali atrocity. Terrorists are not interested in practical
outcomes, no matter how deluded, they cannot expect random acts of slaughter to
change the policies of government or win the sympathy of ordinary
people.... Nations like Indonesia and
Singapore must maintain their guard against terror. Nations like The
Philippines must lift theirs. Yesterday's attack also makes it clear that
Australia has no reason to relax. We know aspiring terrorists have lived and
worked here. We should not live in fear of a bomb exploding outside an
Australian hotel but we must accept ambitious terrorists may try to accomplish
it. “
“Grim Reminder That Terror Is Alive And Well”
Catharine Munro argued in the liberal Age (8/6): “If terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI)
wanted to tell the world it was still alive and active, no message could have
been clearer than yesterday's car bomb in Jakarta.... The timing left little doubt about the
motives. It came on the day that JI's alleged leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, was due
to defend himself in court against charges of treason for founding the group
and plotting terrorist attacks. And on Thursday in Denpasar, the so-called
smiling assassin, Amrozi, will be the first to be sentenced for his part in the
Bali bombing last October. “
CHINA (HONG KONG SAR):
"Megawati Must Make Good On Her Promise"
The independent English-language South China Morning Post
opined (8/6): "(The Jakarta
bombing) comes at a time of heightened tensions. Ms. Megawati had used her state-of-the-nation
address to pledge that she would take action to dismantle the terrorist
networks, and she targeted Muslim militants responsible for a series of
bombings including the Bali nightclub blasts last October which cost 202
lives. Yesterday's bombing at the JW
Marriott hotel also comes just two days before a verdict is delivered in the
case of Amrozi, the first of the Bali bomb suspects to be put on trial.... The indiscriminate murder of innocent people simply
cannot be justified. It looks as if the
attack was aimed at Westerners, just like the Bali bombings. The hotel is part of a prominent U.S. chain
and is a favorite with foreign businessmen.
It is a venue used by the American embassy for July 4 celebrations, and
the diplomatic district is nearby. But
as with Bali, Westerners were not the only ones to suffer when the blast ripped
through the hotel. Four Singaporeans and
many Indonesians were among the victims.
The bombing underlines the need for the greatest vigilance in guarding
against the international terrorist threat.
An attack of this kind somewhere in Asia had long been expected.... Bringing to justice those responsible for the
Bali bombings will provide one test of its resolve. But more needs to be done. Ms. Megawati has now vowed to make this a
priority. Yesterday's appalling act of
brutality shows just how urgent is the need for her to make good on this promise."
JAPAN: "Anti-U.S.
Sentiment Rising In Southeast Asia"
Liberal Asahi maintained (8/7): "Jakarta should not waste any more time
in probing who was behind the suicide car bombing at the JW Marriot hotel in
downtown Jakarta on Tuesday that killed at least 10 people. There are deepening
suspicions that the Jemaah Islamiah, a radical Islamic group, which was
responsible for October's Bali bombing, bombed the American-owned hotel, which
the US Embassy often patronizes. There
are concerns that as anti-US feelings are rising in Indonesia, Malaysia and the
Philippines over the US-led war on Iraq, Islamic radicals are targeting
American interests more frequently. Stronger regional and international
cooperation has become even more necessary to prevent these Southeast Asian
nations from becoming a new front of international terrorism as well as
narcotics and arms smuggling."
INDONESIA: “Trust As A
Basis For A Healthy Economy”
Christian-oriented afternoon-published Sinar
Harapan commented (8/7): “The quick
response by the political and security circles after the Marriott bombing
deserves compliments. Such response can
practically be used to rebuild the domestic and international trust in our
ability to control the situation.”
“Take Stern Action Against Marriott Bombers”
Independent afternoon-published Suara
Pembaruan stated (8/7): “The Police
also need to also suspect a JI leader who escaped Philippines jail, Faturohman
Al-Ghozi, as well as other JI leaders who have not been captured such as Hambali,
Azhari Zulkarnaen, and Dulmatin.... But
police efforts will be useless without people’s participation in uncovering
this case. People should inform the police if they notice something suspicious.
Terrorists are enemies of all people. We respect the stance of two big Islamic
organizations, NU and Muhammadiyah, for strongly condemning the Marriott
bombing and for asking the security apparatus to completely investigate the
case and take stern action against the perpetrators. JI, which attributes itself
to Islam, is not the representative of Muslims. Islam bans any forms of
violence and terrorism.”
"Only A Panic Reaction"
The independent, English-language Jakarta Post opined
(8/7): "The financial market
predictably reacted quite negatively to the terrorist bomb attack at the J.W.
Marriott hotel here on Tuesday....
However, the negative sentiment seemed short-lived, reflecting more a
panic reaction rather than a great concern over the economic fundamentals.... This optimism, however, is heavily qualified,
as it assumes that a similarly devastating bomb attack will not occur in
another public place in the near future and that the police will soon be able
to solve the Marriott bombing case.
Certainly, the impact of Tuesday's terrorist bombing should not be
exaggerated. But complacency and a laid-back attitude, expecting that things
would automatically become normal again, is not well advised either.... The bomb blast in the heart of Jakarta
heightened security concerns.... Whether
the financial market will regain the losses incurred by the bomb attack and
soon return to the path of robust recovery for the rest of the year will depend
on new positive factors the government could create within the next few
weeks. A quick investigation and solving
of the incident and the establishment of effective security precautions at
public places are surely positive factors that could accelerate the
recovery."
“(Another) Bomb Terror”
Independent Koran Tempo editorialized
(8/7): “The Marriott bombing forces us
to review the entire concept and strategy of the war against terrorism and to
look into more than just one group of suspects: Jemaah Islamiyah. Before Marriott, and even before Bali,
Indonesia had been rocked by similar terrorist acts. It is interesting that the almost of all them
were anonymous, none claimed responsibility.
In other words, these terrorist acts were not typical of a separatist
group or subversive movement that use terror as a means to show off their power
or to advance their political demand. We
do not know for sure who the perpetrators were but can easily come to conclude
that terrorist acts are used as a means to spread fear or to destabilize [the
situation].”
“War Against Terrorism Imperative”
Christian-oriented afternoon-published Sinar
Harapan commented (8/6): “We must
not be ashamed to adopt a security system modeled after the Singapore or U.S.
systems. At Changi airport in
Singapore...security personnel from the armed forces and the police guard the
airport under a system of groups of four.
They walk around the waiting rooms every several minutes with
ready-to-use rifles. They do look
menacing, but that’s the way the security authority works so that the
Singaporeans can avoid a more menacing tragedy such as a bomb that could take
lives uselessly in the country. As soon
as the people and government of the U.S. were shocked by the September 11
terror, the U.S. Congress approved the establishment of the Homeland Security
Department in order to guarantee protection for the American people from
terrorist actions.”
“War Against Terrorism”
Independent afternoon-published Suara
Pembaruan held (8/6): “Whoever the
perpetrators and whatever their groups, what happened at the Marriott was a
terrorism act, a despicable crime against humanity. They had no conscience and
acted brutally because most of the victims were those who had no connection
with them. Whatever their motivations, either political or ideological
struggle, terrorism is a crime that must be condemned.... The bombing this time reminded us that
terrorism does exist and act in Indonesia....
We hope the government and the security authorities take sterner
measures against these enemies of humanity that the whole world is after. We
also hope the leaders of this country voice similar, firm, and serious
statements in eradicating terrorism.”
“Major Blast In The Capital Impacts Powerfully”
Leading independent Kompas commented
(8/6): “The bombing at the Marriott
hotel constituted a hard ordeal for the Indonesian people. The degraded image of Indonesia will plunge
further down if no proactive action is taken to straighten up the security
system, enforce the law, and improve the many aspects of life. More important are unity and solidarity in
dealing with the threats of terrorism, without which the war against terrorism
would not be effective. It is necessary to
develop an awareness that terrorism is a crime against humanity.”
“We Fight Against Rampant Violence”
Independent Media Indonesia stated
(8/6): “To them [terrorists], their
targets should have a major impact on the public because for them bombing is a
kind of declaration that they exist.
Perhaps their slogan would read, ‘We bomb because we exist.’ All of us, who fight against dehumanization,
must once again pledge to resist this dangerous declaration of these criminals
by not providing the slightest room for violence to control us, control this
country.”
“Terrorists Strike Again”
The independent English-language Jakarta Post
maintained (8/6): “Terrorists have
struck again. This time they picked the heart of Jakarta, and this time with
such a devastating effect. The full impact of the blast will probably not be
known for days, perhaps weeks.... The
writing was on the wall that the terrorists, whoever they are, would strike
again sooner or later. What we did not know was where, when or how devastating
the next attack would be. But, if Bali is any indication, it could be as devastating
as anyone could imagine. In spite of these clear warnings, the attitude of the
government and the security apparatus toward these terrorist threats has been
found wanting.... It is of course no use
in ruing what could or should have been done. The task at hand now is to
restore confidence, at home and abroad. And it goes without saying that this is
a huge undertaking to which all elements in the country must contribute. The
most immediate task for the government, and the police, is to catch the terrorists,
and to catch them fast. Until they do so, all efforts at rebuilding confidence
will be only be destroyed by the next terrorist attack.”
"Bomb At The Marriott, Its Implications For
Democracy"
Nico Harjanto observed in independent, leading Kompas
(8/6): "Once again, Indonesia and
the world--already experiencing anxiety over the threat of global terrorist
attacks--have been trampled underfoot and must mourn the victims. At a time when the wounds of the Bali
bombing are still not completely healed, Indonesia once again must bear the
burden of this latest outrage. The bomb
at the Marriott Hotel reaffirms that the threat of violence and terrorism
against Indonesia remains high....
Eventually, while everyone is concentrating on the perpetrators, politicization
of the incident will occur....
International and business confidence will sink, economic restoration
will be disturbed, and politicians--always thirsty for opportunity--will
utilize it for a short-term political advantage, particularly in the run-up to
next year's general elections.... A
country such as Indonesia, classed as an anocracy (neither authoritarian nor a
democracy) is extremely susceptible to armed conflict and a tendency toward
authoritarianism. In the context of the
current global war against terrorism, countries with this model of a hybrid
regime are vulnerable to becoming a seedbed for the growth of
terrorism.... So, will the bomb at the
Marriott Hotel be a start for Indonesia to return to the authoritarian
path?.... The destructive consequences
of the Marriott Hotel bombing and bombings at a number of other places against
democracy in Indonesia are not immediate.
Politically, Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration will survive if cases
like these are all it has to face--especially, if the government is prepared to
cooperate with international authorities to solve such cases of
terrorism.... These acts of violence
could give rise to a poor perception of democracy and in the end, a majority
may choose a Leviathan form of state, able to guarantee a sense of
security.... The obvious policy, of
course, is to revise the concepts and policies of public security, refresh
responsible officialdom, and forge international cooperation. These are not solely the government's
domain, but also that of the other democratic institutions."
PHILIPPINES:
"Continuing Threat"
The widely-read Philippine Daily Inquirer said (8/7): “The bombing demonstrates that Asia,
including Islamic nations, is not safer from terrorist attack than Western
countries.... The anti-American color of
the attack is discounted by the fact that although Megawati has pledged to
combat terrorists as ‘a terrifying threat,’ she has been a reluctant partner in
the U.S.-led coalition in the war on terrorism.... The Jakarta bombing serves as a warning that
Southeast Asian nations should redouble their cooperation in the regional fight
against terrorism, as a terrorist attack in one country can have repercussions
in each of them.... The aim of the
terrorist attacks is to inflict damage to the economies of the region. It has
nothing to do with religious conflict. The new attack in Indonesia came after
the American military victory in Iraq that toppled the regime of Saddam
Hussein. And it has demonstrated that the invasion of Iraq did not lead to the
reduction of terrorist threats. After
the fall of the Saddam regime, al-Qaida, which is believed to have suffered a
setback after the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, has not ceased to
be a threat. Only recently it threatened to mount fresh attacks on targets
located not only in the United States but elsewhere. Given the links of the JI
with the al-Qaeda, there is no room for complacency in the Philippines and the
rest of Southeast Asia. The region is no safer from terrorist attacks than it
was before the invasion of Iraq.”
"A Chilling Reminder"
The conservative Philippine Star declared
(8/6): "The death toll rose as
investigators immediately embarked on the arduous task of finding out who
bombed the business district in Jakarta yesterday.... Police are looking into the possibility that
a car bomb parked near the hotel entrance caused the blast, which also
destroyed adjacent buildings and several vehicles. Suspicion inevitably focused on Jemaah
Islamiyah, the Islamist group tagged in the nightclub bombings in Bali on Oct.
12 last year.... The bombing was bad
news for a region that is still trying to recover from the stigma of SARS and
similar terrorist attacks, mainly perpetrated by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).... The bombing in Jakarta, in a hotel that was
supposed to be well secured, is a chilling reminder of the continuing threat
posed by JI, particularly with its top bomb maker on the loose. The Philippines knows the threat well;
Al-Ghozi and his cohorts have admitted participation in several bomb attacks
across the country.... JI attacks have
dampened tourism and investments in Southeast Asia. This is a threat fed by
poverty and religious extremism--problems that require time, great effort and
resources to address. Tackling poverty alone requires the full concentration of
national leaders. In this country, however, the battles against poverty and
terrorism keep getting sidetracked by unending politicking--until the next
major bomb attack."
SINGAPORE:
"Lessons Of The Blast"
The pro-government Straits Times contended (8/7): "Two aspects of the bomb attack in
Jakarta on Tuesday ought to be taken as grim forebodings by Southeast Asian
governments and their intelligence services. One is the demonstrated ability of
the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) network to carry out large-scale terrorist attacks
after having lost many men to arrests and having munitions intercepted
occasionally.... The other aspect is the
parallel warning--put out by JI and the Al-Qaeda--that the execution of Islamic
militants facing trial would bring eye-for-an-eye retribution.... With or without coordination between Al-Qaeda
and JI, the challenge to civilized order has to be met with force. No
government can crumble before threats, yet the hoped-for arrests of the Jakarta
bombers are bound to raise the ante. The trials of Bashir and the alleged Bali
bombers are at an advanced stage. What this implies is clear: Southeast Asia
must be prepared for more murderous attacks to be attempted. The question is,
what more could be done to anticipate and thwart these hits?.... The security services of Indonesia, Malaysia,
the Philippines and Singapore have to find new ways to raise the quality of
intelligence gathering and sharing. Infiltration of terrorist cells is a new
operational demand for which the right personnel have to be found. But it still
falls on Indonesia and the Philippines to do more.... There are indications Indonesia is
considering a presidential decree that would allow for preventive detention if
national security is at risk. As Mr.
Susilo said, the lives of innocent persons 'are worth more than the price of
human rights'. Indonesia can proceed with a clear conscience, despite its
post-Suharto liberalizing instincts. This is war."
THAILAND: “Jakarta Reminds
Us Of Need For Vigilance”
The lead editorial in the top-circulation,
moderately-conservative, English-language Bangkok Post read (8/7): “Regional leaders have been quick to condemn
the latest attack and to vow a renewed commitment to the war on terror.... Yet tightening police and immigration
procedures, increasing resources for intelligence and security services and
strengthening regional and global efforts to combat terrorism may ultimately
prove only a temporary respite. More
attention needs to be devoted to addressing the roots of terrorism, intractable
and complex as they are. Around the
world, the factors attributed to the use of violence in political resistance
against an oppressive government range from deep-seated ethnic and religious strife
to contemptible criminal theft. The use
of pre-emptive violence against innocents is never a justifiable course of
action, whether waged by the common street criminal or by the largest
superpower. It is the responsibility of
states to ensure the sanctity of the rule of law and provide for the safety and
security of their citizens. While no one
would suggest that governments can afford to be complacent about threats to
public safety, history also teaches us that even the most oppressive states
cannot guarantee their citizens absolute safety form harm by a dedicated,
fanatical group intent on promoting its cause, however perverse and wrong it
may be. Certainly policymakers must keep
up their guard. Yet in all too many
jurisdictions, inequality, oppression and injustice, at times sponsored by the
state itself, continue to fuel a social, economic and political atmosphere in
which fanatics are born.”
“Terrorism Is Back To Haunt Indonesia”
The independent, English-language Nation opined (8/6): “The bomb blast that killed at least 13
people and injured more than 100 yesterday at Jakarta's Marriott Hotel is a
none-too-subtle reminder from regional terrorists that they are alive and well
and ready to resume business as promised. It would be a fool who thinks that
this is only an isolated incident….
Unfortunately, this latest bombing will have a dire effect on Indonesia,
which has really only just started the slow recovery from the Bali fallout.
Because it is hosting the next ASEAN summit in Bali, Jakarta is going to have
to pull out every stop to ensure the safety of its guests…. So, too, must Thailand pull out all the stops
to suppress terrorism, for in October it will be hosting a very important Apec
meeting…. Thankfully, the United States
has provided training and information as well as intelligence sharing with
Thailand.... JI is down but not out,
even though about 90 suspected members have been arrested. Its remaining
members are simply lying in wait for the right opportunities to arise. They
must not be allowed those opportunities.”
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "Web Of
Terror"
The pro-BJP right-of-center Pioneer declared (8/7): "Though no group has as yet claimed
responsibility for the suicide car bomb explosion in...Jakarta on Tuesday...it
bears the clear imprint of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the fundamentalist
Islamist terrorist affiliate of the Al Qaeda in Southeast Asia.... The blast occurred two days before a court in
Bali was to pronounce its verdict in the trial of Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, accused
of planning and carrying out the Bali blasts.... If there is at all a silver lining to
Tuesday's outrage, it lies in the fact that it has further eroded popular
support for fundamentalist Islamists in Indonesia.... The JI has been active in the first two
countries besides Indonesia.... Indeed,
Tuesday's blast has to be seen in the context of a global increase in Islamist
terrorist activities. There have been
several terrorist strikes in Afghanistan by the Al Qaeda and Taliban which are
being helped by Pakistan.... Also, Ayman
al-Zawahiri, the number two in Al Qaeda, has warned that the US will pay dearly
if it 'harmed' the organization's detainees in Guatanamo Bay. It is widely
believed that he as well as Osama bin Laden are hiding in the border region
between Pakistan and Afghanistan--which could not have happened without the
former's support. Will the US ever act
against its 'stalwart' ally?"
PAKISTAN: "The Jakarta
Bomb Explosion"
The Peshawar-based independent national English-language Frontier
Post opined (8/7): "Some
militant groups are fighting what they call an 'international crusade.' It would not be wrong to say that President
Bush 'inspired' the militants to refer to this term, as he was the first one to
use the word 'crusade' while vowing to take on the perpetrators of terrorism in
the U.S.... It goes without saying that
the savagery as exhibited by the U.S. and its allies in Afghanistan and Iraq,
evident in no small measure in the massacre of thousands of innocent citizens
as 'collateral damage', is the cause for the growing hatred against
them.... If the U.S. wishes to ensure
the safety of the Americans and take them out of an atmosphere of fear, its
leadership must stop supporting Israel and must implement its roadmap to
resolve the Middle East crisis. It
should persuade Israel to stop forwarding highly unrealistic conditions with an
aim to sink the peace roadmap. Finally,
the U.S. should abandon its policy of imposing its political and economic
system, its culture and its ways of life on other countries."
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
ARGENTINA:
"Why Does Al Qaeda Continue Attacking?"
Iganacio Montes de Oca wrote in business-financial InfoBae
(8/6): "In any event, militarily chasing Al Qaeda would imply
progressive armed interventions from the West all over the world, and this is
an unlikely scenario from every point of view.... Since Al Qaeda does not have physical
headquarters...or a territory...every military campaign against it faces the
difficulty to identify a precise target of attack. The possibility to make an
incursion against recruiting bases in the outskirts of Cairo or a residence in
the Saudi capital city could meet unsolvable diplomatic hurdles and limits that
could not be overcome by the use of military force.... In view of the fact that fundamentalism seems
to be on the rise all over the world, the countries wanting to eradicate the
threat posed by transnationalized terrorism should try a more measured response
to the nature of this challenge. In any event, if the West posed a war against
Al Qaeda, it should remember a phrase by French George Clemenceau 'war is
something too serious to be left in hands of the military.'"
BRAZIL: "Dead Or
Alive"
Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo editorialized (8/7): "No one can be sentenced without going
through a trial. Not even Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein or, hypothetically,
Adolf Hitler. It's not too much to remember that the nazis were brought to
trial by the U.S themselves.... There's
a big difference between executing a criminal after trial and just killing
him.... In the case of Bush's policy,
the preoccupying factor is that that he believes he has the right to do it
anywhere in the world where alleged terrorists may be. It is a pity that the
U.S, one of the birthplaces of democracy and civil rights have gone back so
much, in so little time, in the scale of civilization."
##
