1975 (2)

1975 (2)

Kissinger defends his (and the Ford administration’s) actions twenty years later in a 1995 interview.

1975

We will understand and will not press you on the issue. We understand the problem and the intentions you have.

US President Gerald Ford to Indonesian President Suharto on December 6, 1975. Indonesia invaded East Timor on December 7, 1975. The death toll of the invasion is estimated at 1/2 to 1/3 of the East Timorese population. Over 90% of the weapons used in the invasion were from US military sales to Indonesia.

Exciting ISMs ahead!

Oh, when all the research projects come together nicely for you.

I realised how much fun it is to study US/Asia diplomatic history (mainly because it incites a lot of anti-imperialist angst and helps me understand the references in The West Wing more).

So it went down like, “hey, this is fun.” “hey, I have Bahasa skills.” “hey, wasn’t the CIA involved covertly in the G30S movement?” “oh let’s do this”.

And then I brought it up with Prof Quek over dinner one night and she said SHE HAS A STACK OF DOCUMENTS on US/Indonesia relations that she saved onto a CD from that time she was in Houston. So I ‘choped’ (Singlish, I hope I’m using the word correctly) her for an ISM next semester, YAY!

And and and like a few weeks before that Jon mentioned that he was keen on doing an ISM on stereotypes and that Levinas was quite a good fit to read for stereotypes, and I love Levinas, so he suggested a joint-ISM and we’ll see how this works out, but EXCITING!

Perfect timing too, since the philo department’s offerings for conty subjects next semester were a little disappointing.

So that’s two exciting ISMs lined up, plus Peleggi’s memory & heritage course, plus Dr Lo’s gender course. As much as I’m enjoying this semester, I have a feeling ’tis gonna be a brilliant next semester.