May 25, 2007:
Government counter-terror investigators believe that Jemaah Islamiah leadership has recognized the
decline in their popularity, and realized that large scale bombings of tourist
targets is one of the reasons. Indeed, any attack that kills large numbers of
civilians, garners much sympathy for the victims, and much hatred for the
terrorists. So Jemaah Islamiah is lying
low and trying to put together terrorist teams that can attack government
targets (buildings and military equipment) as well as government officials.
However, just bombing buildings has, according to past experience, little
impact, and getting to senior officials is difficult. While popular enthusiasm
for Islamic terrorism is way down, the small minority that still supports such
violence still amounts to several million people throughout the country.
May 23, 2007:
In East Timor, rebel army officer
Major Alfredo Reinado, and his small band of followers, refuses to
surrender. Reinado even arranged to have
his taped comments played on an Indonesian talk show (that can be heard in East
Timor), where he taunted the Australian soldiers pursuing him. Meanwhile, the
street gangs in the capital continue to cause widespread crime and violence.
May 19, 2007:
The corruption trial of a former government minister revealed details of
how members of the government diverted government funds to political parties.
The money was used for election campaigns, or payments to politicians. Hundreds
of millions of dollars a year is apparently still being diverted like this.
May 15, 2007:
Pakistan has agreed to help Indonesia track down which Indonesians have
attended religious schools in Pakistan, especially religious schools with a
reputation for turning out radicalized graduates who go on to become Islamic
terrorists.
May 14, 2007:
Canada is donating $250,000 worth of anti-radiation suits, which can be
used if a radiation weapon is used or suspected.
