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2003-12-22 Down Under

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Posted by phil_b 2003-12-22 6:16:40 AM|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Phil, what's the harder problem with New Guinea?

Posted by Shipman 2003-12-22 11:31:47 AM|| 2003-12-22 11:31:47 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Shipman, I'm guessing it has to do with a break away movement in Irian Jaya, with its consequent implications for Indonesian - Australian relations.

Posted by Carl in N.H. 2003-12-22 11:55:39 AM|| 2003-12-22 11:55:39 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 what's the harder problem with New Guinea?
Where to start? We have inhospitable terrain, a thousand tribes each speaking a different dialect, a poor infrastructure, and a standard of living for most that hasn't changed since the Dark Ages. Irian Jaya is also a problem, as Carl mentioned - the tribes in the western portion of New Guinea are the same as those in the eastern portion of New Guinea. Indonesia imposed its government on Irian Jaya in 1960, after the collapse of the Netherlands New Guinea plebecite. The Muslim Indonesians have been trying to remake western New Guinea into another Sumatra, and it's not working. There have also been numerous border clashes, as the Indonesians try to overthrow the legitimate government of PNG.

Posted by Old Patriot 2003-12-22 12:14:07 PM|| [http://users.codenet.net/mweather/default.htm] 2003-12-22 12:14:07 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 OP, here's a radical and naive thought: perhaps the Aussies should send the Indonesians packing from the whole island. Toss 'em all and let PNG and IJ figure out what kind of government to have: perhaps a loose central government that has a defense treaty with Australia coupled to a tribal/regional system that takes care of local matters. Let the Indonesians rant and rave, and make sure a US carrier group visits the region at periodic intervals -- say while traveling to and from Darwin.

Yes, it would make Australia and Indonesia into adversaries, but that's coming anyway.

Posted by Steve White 2003-12-22 1:07:28 PM|| 2003-12-22 1:07:28 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Ideas that involve port calls in Australia for US Navy ships would be welcomed by any US sailor involved.

Posted by Super Hose 2003-12-22 1:55:40 PM|| 2003-12-22 1:55:40 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 SH: Believable. WWII History: When 1MD was relieved from 'canal, MacArthur suggested they R&R in Australia, directed them to camp near Brisbane. Thus moving them from one malaria-nest to another. Vandergrift got the Aussies to re-host them in Melbourne, desirable attibutes being availability of theaters, parks, girls, etc.

Posted by Glenn (not Reynolds) 2003-12-22 2:27:46 PM|| 2003-12-22 2:27:46 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 OP summed up the situation on Paua New Guinea well, but I would add that PNG is barely an organized state. Law and order is a serious problem and this prevents development activities like tourism. Amoungst ex-pats PNG is considered THE worst posting. Its too god*** dangerous! The murder rate is horrific. This article gives you a good feel for how different PNG is - http://www.time.com/time/pacific/magazine/20010507/witch.html

Posted by phil_b 2003-12-22 3:40:33 PM|| 2003-12-22 3:40:33 PM|| Front Page Top

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