Letter: Decisive pressure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOSe RAMOS-HORTA argues for foreign military intervention in East Timor ("It's time to give up on the holidays in Bali", 12 September). Such a view is extremely dangerous. Our government can act decisively, if belatedly, in favour of East Timor: by stopping arms sales to Indonesia, demanding the withdrawal of Indonesian troops and the disarming of pro- Indonesian militia and by immediately recognising East Timor independence, including the government in exile, and by giving massive material aid to East Timor.
An armed military intervention would backfire. At the moment the generals' regime in Jakarta is propped up by Western military and economic interests, so the West could quite easily bring decisive pressure to bear.
JASON TRAVIS
Manchester
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments