Since its birth the fledgling nation of East Timor (Timor Leste) has experienced extreme poverty and numerous hardships.
Of course Australia has been there since independence in 1999; even Victoria’s (a southern state of Australia) former Premier Steve Bracks gives advice to the Prime Minister. Australia’s armed forces and diplomats are there to help keep the peace; keep their borders safe and to help build much needed infrastructure which had been destroyed by the militia forces as they retreated back into Indonesian territory during the struggle for statehood.
Australia takes great pride in helping East Timor and being the defenders of the newest of the world’s nations. However there is an almost cruel duplicity in this sense of pride. The duplicity exists because while Australia “helps” East Timor, it is also responsible for keeping the nation from achieving economic security and rapid development of infrastructure.
But how could this be so?
To quote that old cliché, Australians are hospitable people and our forces are helping to rebuild the nation, or so ordinary Australians would view their country’s Timorese commitment.
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT THEANGLE.ORG
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As found on
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