East Timor - What's going on?

Four years after becoming independent, East Timor is again in the headlines. As violent conflict escalated, the government called in foreign troops.

Is the UN's "poster child" becoming a failed state? Is the poorest country in Asia losing independence, democracy and peace that its people achieved through decades of costly struggle?

The situation is complex -- massive poverty and unemployment, historical memories and impunity, military schisms, governance failures, post-traumatic stress, misdirected international "aid" and misguided UN decisions all play a role. But it was predictable, and it can be resolved.

Please join us for a discussion of what's happening in East Timor, and what we can do about it. All proceeds raised from this event will go to grassroots organizations in East Timor.

Ilana Scherl, Education Coordinator in East Timor for international NGO from 2002-2004
Pamela Sexton, lived and worked in East Timor from 2000-2002, ETAN activist
Ben Terrall, ETAN Bay Area Coordinator among other notables