See the Road Well : Shaping East Timor's Frontier

Abstract

In 1999, East Timor erupted into violence following the popular vote for independence. The world watched in horror as reports of fighting, looting, arson, rape, and murder were broadcast across the world. A United Nations force, led by Australians, was deployed to East Timor to establish and maintain peace. Following in the wake of Australian soldiers, Australian Customs officers arrived with a simple mission: to assist in the birth of a new nation. Confronted by the complexities of international politics, the cultural differences of the many countries represented by the United Nations, and competing visions of East Timor's future, the officers learnt that, while everyone's idea of helping is different, if you really want to help you have to embrace the culture of the people. Show more