Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Indonesian Afterthoughts

Sometimes I'm embarrassed by the news (or lack thereof) supplied by my morning paper about places in the world.

This is one such place
:

"In Hanoi, Clinton faults regime on rights but extends friendship" by Mark Landler, New York Times | July 23, 2010

HANOI — It came on the same day that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was announcing in Jakarta that the United States would resume military contacts with an elite Indonesian military unit long criticized for abuses, arguing that it had reformed.

Yeah, it is okay to support oppressive, murdering thugs as long as they serve their purpose in AmeriKan empire. That's why these twp paragraphs are tucked in at the end of the article.

The divergent moves reflect the uneven landscape the Obama administration confronts in the region, including rising China and recalcitrant North Korea.

In other words, it is about AmneriKan empire and not that human rights cover we crow about.

--more--"

And if I had not bought a newspaper?

"INDONESIA PROTEST -- Dadang, a resident of Cempaka Putih district, buried himself for more than three hours yesterday to protest a local government plan to evict him from his home. Officials say it was built illegally (Boston Globe August 4 2010)."

Since when did Indonesia's government start acting like Israel's?