Southeast Asia

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a number of critical issues pertinent to southeast Asia that have the potential of greatly influencing other parts of the world. The paper discusses the disturbing growth of the "Al-Qaeda" terrorist organization in this region, illustrating its links to local Islamic radicals. The avian flu virus is examined in the paper, highlighting the potential it has for a human health disaster. The paper also outlines the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of southeast Asia.

From the Paper:

"One disturbing element in Southeast Asia is the growth of al Qaeda there during the past decade and its link with local radical Islamists (Palmer Pp). The organization has developed strong roots in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia with Indonesian agents working in close partnership with al Qaeda in promoting terrorism in the region (Palmer Pp). According to Ronald Palmer the "Jemaah Islamiya goal of establishing an Islamic state encompassing Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Southern Philippines is only in its early stages and has been stymied for the time being," however, it appears that the al Qaeda cells which have thus far been discovered may only be the "tip of a terrorist iceberg of unknown dimensions" (Palmer Pp). Local governments face severe challenges to maintain security, requiring a "policy framework much larger than merely fighting terrorism" (Palmer Pp). The Regional Forum on Security was established with its main function being to promote stabilization processes (Security Pp). Any changes and transformations in the countries of the region, "must be effected on the basis of the law," therefore, it is necessary to define, for example, exactly what the term terrorist means and who can be regarded as "a fighter for freedom" (Security Pp)."

More papers on Southeast Asia:

• Research Paper # 75202 : "Small Arms Proliferation and Misuse in the Southeast Asia"
• Research Paper # 67381 : "Japan and Southeast Asia"
• Dissertation or Thesis # 75668 : "Casual Leisure in the U.S. and Southeast Asia"

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