Helping East Timor

Demanding that the Indonesian government quell the violence in East Timor, which appears to be the Clinton administration’s strategy, is an inadequate response to the week of mayhem Jakarta may have helped instigate. Threatening the Indonesian government with swift economic pain and supporting international peace-keeping are more appropriate responses that Washington could pursue.

Congress, for instance, could take the immediate step of condemning the rampaging militias that sprang up, perhaps with the help of the Indonesian military, after East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence 10 days ago. It could further support Australia’s peacekeeping effort, offering financial resources and technical advice, without sending U.S. troops on yet another mission.

Indonesia awaits billions of dollars from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and is in dire need of foreign capital after the Asian economic crisis of 1997 significantly reduced its gross domestic product and inflation hurt the value of its currency. After years of economic growth, the collapse in ’97 shocked Indonesia and now provides an opportunity for the international community to act forcefully to stop the organized campaign of terror that has resulted in killings, arson and the forced evacuation of tens of thousands of people.

Congress in the last few years has been particularly unwilling to involve the United States in any action beyond its borders unless there is a compelling U.S. interest — meaning a security or economic danger. The common quick answer is that the United States cannot be the world’s policeman. But here is a situation that, addressed swiftly, could save many innocent lives without sending in the cops.

Dithering is not an option in this case. Washington cannot wait months to see what happens. It can and should declare clearly now that it supports the outcome of East Timor’s independence vote, that it backs and supports regional peacekeepers and that it will influence the international financial institutions to lock out Indonesia until the carnage stops.