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VERANDAH OF VIOLENCE: The Background to the Aceh Problem. Edited by Anthony Reid. Singapore: Singapore University Press, in association with the University of Washington Press, 2006. xxix, 397 pp. (B&W photos.) US$30.00, paper. ISBN 0-295-98633-6.
Balanced, well-researched studies of the Aceh conflict are difficult to find. This is one of many reasons why Verandah of Violence: The Background to the Aceh Problem is sorely needed. Its core strength is the diversity of its 14 authors in terms of their backgrounds, explanations and even sympathies. The book is also extremely timely. Originating in a conference held in May 2004, compiled after the devastating Tsunami in December 2004, and released after the peace agreement in August 2005, one almost gets the feeling that Verandah of Violence will be the definitive statement on the Aceh conflict.
The first 8 chapters focus on the historical dimensions of the conflict. Historical depth is essential to understanding all conflicts, but this is especially true in ethno-secessionist conflicts, where history is a battleground in which combatants compete for legitimacy. These chapters demonstrate a deep awareness of the shadow history casts over the...