Publication

This report examines the origins and evolution of the crisis in East Timor in 2006. It argues that the tensions began with the dismissal of a third of the defense force in March 2006. It documents the unfolding of events from January 2006 to the arrival of international forces in late May of the same year. The report also analyzes the political struggle that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Alkatiri in late June and UN Security Council's agreement on an expanded mission. The authors suggest that the roots of the conflict lie in the legacy of resistance to Indonesian occupation, post-independence institutional failures and divisive policies on the part of the ruling party, FRETILIN.