Indonesian government asks troops to leave

[Steelrat]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6754820/

They set a deadline for foreign troops to leave by March, and also said "the sooner the better." They also told foreign aid workers to provide travel plans or face expulsion.

What the heck? Why do we even bother to help when they seem so eager for us to leave? I mean, they almost make it sound like they are doing us a favor by letting us stay and help their people.

[deathstalker]

So, they're not too happy with having a lot of foreigners in their country, especially if they're a military force? Hardly sounds any different to how Americans feel about foreigners in this country. Do you think Americans would react any different from Indonesians if Russia sent their military into California to help relief efforts there?

There's a wee bit more to the story than your two sentences indicate.

[taylor492]

So, they're not too happy with having a lot of foreigners in their country, especially if they're a military force? Hardly sounds any different to how Americans feel about foreigners in this country. Do you think Americans would react any different from Indonesians if Russia sent their military into California to help relief efforts there?

There's a wee bit more to the story than your two sentences indicate.

Thats what the link is for.

If they dont want our help, military or civilian. Fine by me. Bring em all home tommorrow

[Steelrat]

So, they're not too happy with having a lot of foreigners in their country, especially if they're a military force? Hardly sounds any different to how Americans feel about foreigners in this country. Do you think Americans would react any different from Indonesians if Russia sent their military into California to help relief efforts there?

There's a wee bit more to the story than your two sentences indicate.

Last time I checked, no one sends anyone to help when there is a natural disaster in the US. Also, the last time I checked, the Indonesians ASKED for help. Finally, does anyone really think that the US is going to invade Indonesia under the guise of an aide mission?

[deathstalker]

To reiterate, I don't think you understand why they don't want another military presence in their country. It's almost a civil war in that region, and a "third-party" army doesn't sit well with them. They aren't afraid of an invasion, but a tipping of the balance of power. I can certainly understand that. Also, don't interpret "Leave by March" as "we don't want your help". The two are very different concepts. They welcome humanitarian aid, but aren't thrilled by the idea of it provided by soldiers and foreigners.

Last time I checked, hypothetical examples do not need a real-life example that has actually taken place. Go ahead and just think about how you would feel if the Russian army moved into California. I'll bet my severance it doesn't sit well with you.

Doesn't sound like you've made too many trips outside of America's borders. I suggest you do so, and do it with an open mind. You can learn quite a bit about other cultures simply by visiting them. Failing that, take an Anthro 101 class at the local community college. The American way of life isn't the only one out there.

[Steelrat]

Doesn't sound like you've made too many trips outside of America's borders. I suggest you do so, and do it with an open mind. You can learn quite a bit about other cultures simply by visiting them. Failing that, take an Anthro 101 class at the local community college. The American way of life isn't the only one out there.

Wow, thats pretty presumptuous of you. I don't know you, and you sure as hell don't know me, so spare me your assumptions about who I am and where I have been.

Last time I checked, hypothetical examples do not need a real-life example that has actually taken place. Go ahead and just think about how you would feel if the Russian army moved into California. I'll bet my severance it doesn't sit well with you

Next time, try not trying to talk down to people. For the hypothetical example to work, it has to be relevant to the situation at hand. Indonesia asked for help, and we sent our troops, who are avaiable and equipped to help out. We have never asked the Russian army, or any Russian governmental organization, to move into California, nor can I think of any possible situation that would require us to ask the Russian government to send their military to the US. I doubt there is any military in the world, other than the US armed forces, even capable of rapid large scale deployments.

They welcome humanitarian aid, but aren't thrilled by the idea of it provided by soldiers and foreigners

Who, exactly, do they expect to provide it?

[SpecialBlend2786]

oy...

[xXHavokXx]

Who, exactly, do they expect to provide it?

Santa Claus.

Seriously. And our troops cannot carry weapons while there. If a single troop gets shot because they are not armed I say we invade, slash and burn and leave.

[BlackWeenie]

To reiterate, I don't think you understand why they don't want another military presence in their country. It's almost a civil war in that region, and a "third-party" army doesn't sit well with them. They aren't afraid of an invasion, but a tipping of the balance of power. I can certainly understand that. Also, don't interpret "Leave by March" as "we don't want your help". The two are very different concepts. They welcome humanitarian aid, but aren't thrilled by the idea of it provided by soldiers and foreigners.

thats exactly what i was going to say, theyre in the (almost) midst of a civil war, and given the recent history of america's foreign "activities" its understandable why the indonesian government would be trying to get military aid out hastily.

[PyRo]

I'm up for cutting off all US funds to them and am glad I didn't and arn't going to donate a dime to them. They hate the United States, they're country is devistated, they love the United States when we step foward and provide relief, as soon as they're back on their feet they're back to hating the U.S. So you know what? Screw them.
Do they really think we are going to randomly decide to invade them? I really don't think they can be that stupid although you never know. Are we helping either side of the civil war? Last I checked we wern't shooting at anyone, so if either side had a brain they wouldn't shoot at any American soldiers then they wouldn't have a problem. Although again you wonder if some of these people really do have a brain. They want relief but not by the military? Do they expect us to spend billions of dollars on a special non-military relief force so that they can be happy with the free aid they are getting?
I really don't like the idea of sending unarmed troops into an area currently undergoing a civil war and in which both sides don't like America. I don't think anyone likes the idea but it is probably going to happen anyway.

[Steelrat]

thats exactly what i was going to say, theyre in the (almost) midst of a civil war, and given the recent history of america's foreign "activities" its understandable why the indonesian government would be trying to get military aid out hastily.

Because they think we would support the rebels? And the recent history of our activities? Its not like we have gone around randomly invading countries for no reason.

[Lohman446]

It is obvious to me that the Indonesian goverment is not doing its job of looking out for the welfare of its people... either pull everyone out and let the people suffer or replace the goverment with one more caring about its people. I kinda favor option 2

[Mango]

From the start I didn't know why we gave those people money/aid. When 9/11 happened THEY were among the people dancing in the streets!! Oh what a short memory we have.

[PyRo]

It is obvious to me that the Indonesian goverment is not doing its job of looking out for the welfare of its people... either pull everyone out and let the people suffer or replace the goverment with one more caring about its people. I kinda favor option 2

Nah, we have to finish Iraq and Afghanistan first and North Korea should be next.

[SCpoloRicker]

Doesn't sound like you've made too many trips outside of America's borders. I suggest you do so, and do it with an open mind. You can learn quite a bit about other cultures simply by visiting them. Failing that, take an Anthro 101 class at the local community college. The American way of life isn't the only one out there.

Oh, share with us your worldly knowledge, good sir.

/Pretentious much?
//10+ visited
///doesn't mean jack