Suchergebnisse

This essay analyzes some of the political, economic, & social challenges of East Timor's transition to independence. It scrutinizes the ethical dimensions of building peace in a territory devastated by the combined effect of Indonesia's colonial occupation & the violent militia attacks of Sept 1999. The most difficult task ahead does not lie in the physical rebuilding of the territory -- gargantuan as it may be -- but in the more intricate & long-term rehabilitation of a traumatized society. The latter involves competing Timorese factions as well as a range of international actors, including the United Nations Transitional Authority, foreign governments, business institutions, & various multilateral & bilateral donors, each having their own organizational leitmotifs & policy priorities. If not managed carefully, the reconstruction process could further exacerbate existing societal tensions & complicate the search for peace & reconciliation. The essay identifies a number of crucial components necessary to counter such risks, including the need to promote popular participation in the rebuilding process. Without the legitimacy created by strong community involvement & grassroots participation in decision making, the task of national reconstruction may well become overwhelmed by conflict. 41 References. Adapted from the source document.