Noordin Top Dead? That's a Definite Maybe 08/08/2009
Reports early this morning indicated that Malaysian-born terrorist Noordin Top was killed by Indonesian anti-terrorism forces in a shoot out in central Java. Indonesian official's have since taken a step back and are waiting for DNA confirmation.
Top was likely the mastermind behind the 2002 Bali bombings, the 2003 Marriott bombing, and the 2004 attack on the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. He was also thought to be at the center of the Jemaah Islamiyah's recent resurgence.
If Top's death is confirmed, it will be a huge victory for Indonesia and the broader "war on terror." With him will go an exceptional amount of technical know-how--specifically bomb making expertise--and managerial acumen.
The question now is what happens to a movement when you take out its leader? Tune in later this week for more.
Top was likely the mastermind behind the 2002 Bali bombings, the 2003 Marriott bombing, and the 2004 attack on the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. He was also thought to be at the center of the Jemaah Islamiyah's recent resurgence.
If Top's death is confirmed, it will be a huge victory for Indonesia and the broader "war on terror." With him will go an exceptional amount of technical know-how--specifically bomb making expertise--and managerial acumen.
The question now is what happens to a movement when you take out its leader? Tune in later this week for more.
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The Return of Jemaah Islamiyah? 07/17/2009
The today's attack on the Marriott and Ritz Carlton hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia may signal the reemergence of South East Asian terrorist organization Jemaah Islamiyah. While no group has claimed responsibility as of this post, the attacks are clearly in line with JI's operational history and objectives.
The group first appeared on the international terror scene in 1995 when one of its founders, an Indonesian named Hambali, in partnership with Ramzi Yousef and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed plotted to bring down eleven U.S. commercial flights across Asia. The plot was serendipitously revealed and Hambali was driven underground. This pressure ultimately forced JI to evolve and grow more independent from al-Qaeda.
More after the jump -->
The group first appeared on the international terror scene in 1995 when one of its founders, an Indonesian named Hambali, in partnership with Ramzi Yousef and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed plotted to bring down eleven U.S. commercial flights across Asia. The plot was serendipitously revealed and Hambali was driven underground. This pressure ultimately forced JI to evolve and grow more independent from al-Qaeda.
More after the jump -->
Headscarf Politics: Indonesia Edition 07/03/2009
Photo: Ed Wray for The New York Times
As far as political symbols go, the headscarf has been one of the most enduring symbols of cultural conflict worldwide.
In Turkey, the turban serves as symbol of the clash between the old secular elite and the new conservative elite. Across Europe the burqa has come to represent challenges of cultural assimilation.
In today's New York Times Norimitsu Onishi reports on the role the jilbab is playing in the current Indonesian election.
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