* Well, what we need now is more origami. Or wait: could it be that origami against jihad might not be such a great idea?
RAE POH, Thailand (AP) – The tea shop is abandoned. Rubber plantations stand untended. Soldiers constantly patrol the one-lane road leading into this Muslim village.
Rae Poh was once designated a «green zone» village, one of more than 1,600 such islands of peace amid the violence that has torn Thailand’s southern tip since a Muslim insurgency erupted four years ago. Then, on Jan. 14, insurgents ambushed an army patrol about a mile (2 kilometers) away, killing all eight soldiers and beheading one of them.
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Now Rae Poh is a «red zone» _ one of some 320 loosely designated by the authorities as insurgent hotbeds and under virtual military siege.
Their number is up from 215 at the end of 2004, the first year of the insurgency _ a dramatic example of the failures of a government hearts-and-minds campaign to quell an uprising that has taken more than 2,900 lives.
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The insurgency worsened as the government of Thaksin Shinawatra adopted an iron-fist policy. The military regime that overthrew him in 2006 tried a conciliatory approach, apologizing for Thaksin’s crackdown. But since December the violence has escalated. Now Thailand again has an elected government, and the insurgency is its big challenge.
The rebels have never made public their demands, but researchers who have spoken to them say they are seeking an independent Islamic state in the three southernmost provinces that were a Muslim sultanate until annexed by Buddhist-majority Thailand a century ago.
The new government describes the insurgency as a security problem that the military, with 40,000 troops and police in the south, can handle. But on the ground, 500 miles (800 kilometers) from the capital, Bangkok, a senior army officer says the military can’t resolve the crisis alone.
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«We have managed to suppress the violence in a number of red zones but I acknowledge we still don’t have strong political or communications teams that work to create understanding with villagers after something like this happens,» said Lt. Gen. Veerachai Nakwanit, referring to the January ambush.
«Soldiers can provide security,» said Veerachai, who heads military operations in Rae Poh’s Narathiwat province. «But men in uniform can’t do much to win the trust of the people, especially when the other side is relying on religious leaders for its political work.
* Hmm. Perhaps getting rid of those ‘religious leaders’ might be a way to stem the ‘insurgency’, what say you?
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* Shiva from the Illustrated PIG has some graphic stuff here
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
OT, But is anyone else having problems posting comments at JW/DW?
I made a stupid joke yesterday about training my dogs to attack muslims, which I then explained would be impossible, as my German Shepherd is too sweet-natured, and the only thing my Black Lab would do is lick someone to death. My comment was deleted, and today I find my comments are being reviewed before showing up on the site.
Truly, I didn’t think my remark was that offensive. People have posted worse things on JW/DW. I wonder what’s going on over there.
The Thai people are some of the most genuinely friendly people to meet on earth! If you ever get a chance it is well worth the visit at reasonable cost. If you spent time in Thailand you could never understand why they would be harassed in such a barbaric way, but then look who’s doing the harassing.
On the flip side the Malaysians are not an overly aggressive people, just jealous and lazy as a culture. They will be friendly if they get to know you or you make the first move to smile and give them acknowledgment! The civility on their end is greatest in the capital Kuala Lumpur but progressively gets hostile and more backwards the further you travel from KL. Do not get in an accident in some of the rural villages or small cities because the entire community will surround and beat you within an inch of your life. Regardless if you were at fault…………..enough said.
>>” The military regime that overthrew him in 2006 tried a conciliatory approach, apologizing for Thaksin’s crackdown. But since December the violence has escalated.”>” What’s the point? she asked. They already suspect we Muslims are all insurgents.”
>>” The military regime that overthrew him in 2006 tried a conciliatory approach, apologizing for Thaksin’s crackdown. But since December the violence has escalated.”
Not possible. We all know the # of terrorists only multiply when they are resisted.
>>” What’s the point? she asked. They already suspect we Muslims are all insurgents.”
Umm, because one day you’re going to go too far and your more powerful victims throughout the world will begin carpet bombing you indiscriminately?