Conflict Resolution

CSPE Links

A re-enactment of the Santa Cruz cemetery massacre
in which 250 people were murdered by Indonesian soldiers.

The political situation in East Timor was resolved at the end of the last Millennium. For the first time in over 450 years they are a free independent state. The trauma of what they have experienced will remain with them for many generations. They now face new challenges in this Millennium of rebuilding their country and governing themselves. There are many countries around the world who have faced similar problems. Unfortunately their futures look bleak. World attention must now turn to these countries. Public opinion and pressure is a powerful force when tackling brutal regimes who are perpetrating atrocities in these countries.

Student Xpress is starting a series of articles this month to help you understand various conflicts around the world. In a series of steps you are taken from the roots of a conflict to the present day. As you examine more conflict situations around the world certain similarities will begin to emerge. You will be able to form your own opinions on the type of actions that need to be taken in order to allow conflict resolution.

There are some similarities between the conflict in East Timor and that in the Balkans. Tito controlled Yugoslavia with an iron fist; Suharto did a similar job in Indonesia. When Tito was replaced the break-up of Yugoslavia into Croatia, Bosnia-Herzogovinia, Kosova etc.. became inevitable; when Habibie replaced Suharto many islands started clamouring for independence. East Timor was the first but many like the Spice Islands may soon follow.

As you study more conflicts, you will question why some countries like the US intervene in some instances but not others. Why did America and Australia stand by when East Timor was invaded in 1975? Why did countries like Britain continue to supply the Indonesian regime with weapons even when there was enormous evidence of human rights abuses? When Serb militia were carrying out atrocities in Kosova why did NATO feel angered enough to bomb Belgrade and Milosovic into submission? In contrast, when similar atrocities took place in East Timor after they had voted for independence in a referendum, no such action was taken against Indonesia. After studying a number of conflict situations you must make up your own mind on the answers to these questions and many more.