Strategic Effects of Conflict with Iraq: Southeast Asia
Dr Anthony L Smith
Monograph by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute
"The attacks of September 11, 2001, outraged governments throughout Southeast Asia, as they did around the world. All Southeast Asian countries condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy to the United States and its people. Washington sought support, in particular, from both Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Within days President Megawati of Indonesia made a trip to the United States—a trip that was kept on track despite a general shut down of air traffic—in which the Indonesian leader denounced terrorism. The symbolism of the leader of the world’s largest Muslim country decrying international terrorism was important to U.S. policymakers."