Australia and its neighbours

Policing the Pacific From The Economist print edition

Australia has done well, but Asia needs a posse, not just a lonely sheriff


ANOTHER week, another failing Pacific state: Australia must be wearying of the troubles in its backyard. This time it is Timor-Leste, or East Timor as it was until recently known.

Isn't it time that these people grew up and began to be more responsible? When are they going to learn and understand that they cannot live in this modern world with delusions of grandeur when they have so little to bargain with? I am not talking about the peasants, who I believe just want to get on with their lives but those that assume the task of government, they are pathetic!