Waves of hate and destruction have swept over Dili, Timor Leste

The white house was destroyed at the time of the withdrawal of Indonesia from Timor-Leste when both anti-independence militia and Indonesian military destroyed infra-structure and homes.

The blue house was destroyed in 2006 by rampaging arsonists as Timor Leste was divided between Lorosa'e (sunrise) and Loromonu (sunset) factions, who resorted to violence almost instantly to sort out grievances and different perceptions on heroism, power and rights.

The photo was taken from a recently restored house which once again has become a home.

Many people are still displaced, unwilling to return to former neighbourhoods and are living in Care Centres for IDPs or living with family in other areas.

So many people are still very traumatised, and it does not take very long, as they tell their stories for each to begin sweating profusely as they speak!

Maybe non-violent heroes will emerge. Maybe former identities will be reframed. Maybe hot-spots, or cells of those committed to violence as an ultimate resort or good, will be contained and transformed. May be peace can be rebuilt by courageous people. Maybe there is hope.

I value your support, and prayers.

Ian

Thank you for showing the horrors of the war, Ian. It is possible that seeing, the persons of good will let's force our leaders to be less belligerent.

Regards, Arturo.

Thank you Arturo, your visit and commitment to creating a peaceful and wholesome world are very much appreciated.

Timor has a long way to go. They need every encouragement, and inspiration.

Ian

A powerful portrayal of hate and destruction ... with a bit of hope in the form of the restored house. Thank you, Ian, for all this series. Marilyn

As you understand, Marilyn, it is a very great privilege for me to work in such places, and to have sympathetic friends with whom I may share this experience is valued very much.

Ian

I read these comments with sadness in my heart as my eyes survey images of yet another atrocity perpetrated by evil factions who seem hell-bent on destroying the lives of the innocent.

Untill the despots responsible for this carnage are incarcerated, the gentiles will be forever disposessed. It is an unsafe world we live in. Amen. Jim

Jim, thanks for responding but more particularly for taking the time to think and to galvanise the resolve to stand for the innocent and to liberate those who choose violence from their evil commitment.

Ian

Well Ian,that is a most concilliatory and diplomatic way of putting it. I think you have chosen your words very carefully. I am thinking that your interest in these matters is much deeper than I first appreciated. How you convert the minds and hearts of these lost souls I will never understand. It must represent a huge challenge and a deep understanding of the fundamental/underlying problems. I am no expert in the politics of this region; my opinions therefore have little relevance here.

Best wishes Ian.

Jim

Yes Jim, I am deeply involved in changing hearts and minds and lives. But most of what I do is done through others, who are in the particular conflict situation and who have the courage to confront evil. My task is to create and sustain peacebuilders. It is a privilege that knows no limits.

I am reminded of the world class violinist who stood in the open near the end of the bridge in Sarajevo while the city was being bombarded from the guns up on the surrounding hills: When asked by a reporter if he wasn't crazy to be playing the violin while the city was being bombed, he replied that he thought the reporter was asking the wrong one. Surely it's the guys on the hills that need to be asked that question. Aren't they crazy, bombarding the city while I'm playing my violin!

Ian

at least they have electricity

electricity and peace once again, Xpeditor. Thanks for the visit to my Timor Leste images.

Ian