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« Brain drains & stay-at-home brains: a challenge to PNG | Main | Jackson PR Associates makes new appointment »

03 November 2012

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I also agree with Kristian. Bougainville people who witnessed the war need to get it "out of their system", and talking about it is important. But then they have to work out constructive ways to stop it ever happening again.

A truth and reconciliation commission sounds like a sobering solution to expose the brutality on both sides and make people realize that it was an horrific war and it must not be allowed to happen again.

I can imagine many of the people, from both sides, who did the atrocities, are now walking free but with a great burden on their conscience. Getting the atrocities exposed will surely help them. The truth will set you free.

I think it's obvious why Axel is recommending forgetting the past. The sooner Bougainvilleans forget the past the quicker the mine will re-open and the quicker he'll get returns on his BCL shares.

I agree with Kristian. The only way to exorcise the pain of the past is to talk about it. We do this with all wars. When it's talked out we move on.

In this sense Leonard's articles might be part of the therapy that is needed. Cold-hearted commercialism might have to wait a bit longer.

Another thing that has crossed my mind is that men not only enjoy involvement in wars but also like to celebrate it.

That celebration might be dressed up in all sorts of regret and recrimination but at base they enjoy the whole experience.

How else can you explain its perpetuation through time when every sense tells you its a stupid proposition.

Axel really? Seriously? Voicing and articulating truth is essential to post-conflict recovery.

Now the denial of justice, that can be a real impediment to healing.

Take the case of Argentina, former torturers now walk free on the street among their victims, much to the outrage of civil society (http://statecrime.org/online_article/the-outing-of-torturers-in-argentina-civil-society-and-the-ongoing-fight-against-impunity/).

Perhaps what Bougainville needs is justice?

Maybe a truth and reconciliation commission, where those involved in organising the extra-judicial killings, the brutal military blockade, the torture of civilians, the rape of women, the mortaring of children, the sinking of ships carrying medical aid, etc, can speak truth and make amends for their crimes.

And, of course, as Leonard's stories powerfully demonstrate, no side is without responsibility.

That is one proposal for a better future on Bougainville I have heard articulated.

Oh, and Axel stop with the nonsense about WWII being worse.

War is war, there are no good ones or better ones, they are all horrific.

Take this war crime, recounted by Sister Ruby Mirinka: “One of the victims was a 24-year-old pregnant woman. Shot dead by the PNG soldiers, her abdomen was then cut open to remove the foetus. The dead foetus was then placed on the chest of the dead mother for all to see — as a warning."

Tragic and horrific, simple.

Dear Leonard, the Bougainville Crisis was a nasty experience - for sure! But I believe that the Second World War was even worse for Bougainvilleans.

Certainly one must not forget what happened and one has to learn from mistakes. But touching old wounds regularly is not helpful at all for healing.

I'm missing ideas for recovery and a better future on Bougainville in your texts. Please think about it!

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