ISIS in Southeast Asia ISIS is attracting followers from Muslim communities across the Asia-Pacific. In Indonesia, radical groups have declared support for the Islamic State in Jakarta, Surakarta and other cities. In Malaysia, police say they have arrested 19 ISIS-inspired militants planning attacks against pubs, discos and a Carlsberg CARL-A.KO -0.37% brewery in and around Kuala Lumpur. Australia estimates that 150 of its citizens are now fighting with ISIS in the Middle East, with 15 Australians among the dead, including two suicide bombers. The disclosures caused a serious rift as Jakarta limited imports of Australian beef, froze trade talks, recalled its ambassador, suspended cooperation on border security and curbed military and intelligence cooperation. Protesters burned flags and effigies in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Last weeks deal doesnt forswear future snooping—only the use of spy resources to harm each others interests, according to Australias Foreign Minister. But it allows the countries to restore and expand intelligence sharing. Thats necessary given the multinational and connected nature of modern-day jihadism. The October 2002 Bali bombing killed 202 people from at least 23 countries, including 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians, 27 Britons and seven Americans. The alleged spiritual leader of the bombers, radical cleric Abu Bakr Bashir, has pledged allegiance to ISIS from prison. Jakarta estimates that some 60 of its citizens are fighting for ISIS, but the real number is probably higher. One potential future target is the Borobudur Temple in Java, a major tourist attraction and the worlds largest Buddhist monument. An ISIS-linked Facebook FB +2.49% page last week expressed hope that the temple will be demolished by Islamic caliphate mujahidin, as the Taliban destroyed the Buddhist statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan in March 2001. online.wsj/articles/isis-in-southeast-asia-1409590016
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 05:12:27 +0000