The U.N.-authorized humanitarian intervention in East Timor might provide the model for ad hoc coalitions among democracies in East Asia -- based on the U.S. alliance structure, supported by Washington, but not requiring U.S. combat forces. Australia is leading the International Force for East Timor. Australia will provide some 4,500 troops out of an estimated 7,500.
Japan, which has vital strategic and economic interests in Indonesia, will be expected to provide more than money once INTERFET moves beyond its peace-enforcing phase into peacekeeping. South Korea is showing the way for Japan. For the first time, South Korea is sending forces to a U.N. operation. Its unit of 419 soldiers will include 201 elite combat troops.
Military and political problems lurk. Indonesia, seeking to hand over responsibility for security in East Timor, is trying to make Australia accountable for what happens there. Propaganda claims have already been made about Australian forces killing Timorese. Indonesia is also pursuing Serb-like efforts to divide and rule among the multinational forces.