If those measures do not bring the Indonesian Government and military leaders to their senses, it will be necessary -- quickly -- to send in an international peacekeeping force.
American political leaders, especially, should reflect on the larger lesson. Ignoring human realities may not, after all, be "realistic." The Shah did not bring stability to Iran; his policies opened the way to a virulently anti-American regime. General Pinochet awaits justice in the British courts.
Using American troops abroad is always, rightly, a delicate decision. But it is not so hard to speak out, and the voice of American leaders carries weight. In Bosnia we learned the price of failing to speak out promptly against aggression. The price of silence on East Timor remains to be calculated.
NY Times News Service
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