Its a merry old time in East Timor

East Timor, the world’s newest country, is out of control right now, after sacked troops turned violent. With little resources and tribal rivalries undercutting the government’s attempts to keep control, the only thing left to do was ask for international help.

In the capital Dili, mobs of youths and militias wreaked havoc, forcing locals to flee to the safety of villages. As a westerner viewing this, one might wonder how a place goes from peace and quiet, to mob rule. In this part of the world, it can happen very quickly, and mob justice is often how people, even here in Bali, solve problems.

Any place can suffer a breakdown in law and order, take New Orleans after the hurricane. We’re talking about a very short time line. Let’s hope the Australian troops who are in East Timor, and the ones arriving from other countries soon, can restore law and order, so that decent people can get on with their lives.