Scrymarch . # .

The compulsions of geography: In some ways Australia\'s short history has been one long brave effort to completely ignore geography.  From the initial strategic overextension of the British Empire; the insuitability of European agriculture; all the way to involvement in yet another ground war in the Middle East.  Impressive we\'ve got away with it so far really.

So far it has been Indonesia that has been taking the punches for us, and handling it brilliantly, belying just how new their democracy is

That would be the optimists view.  The pessimists view would be that Indonesians in high places were sufficiently sympathetic to related organisations that they looked for a legal avenue out.  I happen to agree with the position they took, and think it more consistent with the rule of law.  However the Indonesian judiciary has not been spectacularly independent in the past.  This might have just been a convenient alignment of interests.

I might also add the Indonesians have been commendably diplomatic over Howard\'s very tardy use of their police force as a political football.

The Indonesian election will be interesting.