Eerily the news of the recent Bali bombings broke as I was reading this concise analysis of why radical Islam remains a potent threat in Indonesia and the region. It is believed that there are links between al-Qaida and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the organization suspected in both Bali bombings.
Greg Barton details the forensic investigation of the previous Bali bombings in 2002 that broke the case and led to the rapid arrest and trial of those responsible. Based on information obtained from the suspects, and a collaborative international effort, authorities swooped down on many JI operatives in Southeast Asia, dealing it a severe blow.
Indeed, as Barton writes, "Revulsion at the bombings and revelations about the violent intentions of previously respected radical Islamist leaders greatly reduced sympathy for radical Islamism among Indonesians." Barton praises the Indonesian authorities for the manner in which they handled the case, commenting that "In virtually every respect the prosecution of the Bali bombers was a model of how justice in Indonesia can serve the interests of ordinary Indonesians in a liberal democracy."