At the Scene of the Crime

Résumé du livre

For the best part of three decades Pat Walsh battled against the odds for human rights in East Timor, then enjoyed the privilege of working in the new nation during its first ten years after independence from Indonesia. At the Scene of the Crime is a collection of his writings from this enthralling period.The book comprises essays and comments on some of the major issues facing the new nation and those responsible for laying its foundations, including the United Nations. Like a tasty Asian dish it is spiced throughout with often amusing accounts of Walsh's experiences, daily life, and projects such as his failed attempt to hold an olympics. A bracket of poems at the end celebrate some of these experiences that include even Dili's power failures.Though a miscellany, several themes recur throughout the book. Paramount amongst these are Walsh's belief in the importance of understanding the Timorese and the seminal contribution of the CAVR reconciliation commission, and his confidence that Indonesia will eventually take responsibility for historical crimes in East Timor.At the Scene of the Crime is a stained-glass window onto many facets of the first years of this extraordinary and unlikely new nation and its people. It will enlighten and excite those interested in East Timor's formation or who plan to travel there to work or visit.