Author Description

"Neighbourhood Watch analyses the changing nature of religious militancy in Southeast Asia and sets out a framework for understanding the forces and trends that are driving jihadist extremism in the region. It provides a comprehensive examination of the organisational and operational capabilities of the major terrorist groups including Jemaah Islamiyah, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao and the various groups associated with the current manifestation of Malay Muslim separatist violence in southern Thailand. In each case, the nature and extent of pan-regional networks and connections are examined. The report also argues that Australia's response to the current threat environment should focus on consolidating recent gains in bilateral counter-terrorism efforts and look to areas of further cooperation on a regional or multilateral basis. Especially useful in this regard would be reinstituting a high-level political dialogue on terrorism and leading a new diplomatic campaign to improve compliance with international counter-terrorism laws. The nett assessment that emerges from this analysis highlights the changing terrorist dynamic in Southeast Asia. Although JI has failed in its efforts to combine two of the region's most active Islamic conflicts into a single zone of ideological convergence, the strategic threat from terrorism has not disappeared. In looking to the future, it is the ungoverned spaces that have traditionally suffered from endemic religious conflict that are likely to pose the region's most serious long-term problem. It is essential, therefore, that Southeast Asian governments remain vigilant in the face of evolving political developments in these areas and conscientiously work to make these ungoverned spaces less amenable to terrorist exploitation."--Provided by publisher.