This is what's breaking my heart right now:

Indonesian Province Embraces Islamic Law

For centuries Indonesia has been known for the open-minded, sometimes freewheeling, interpretation of its dominant religion. That is changing as moderate Muslims find themselves under siege from more orthodox proponents, and as the moderates are hesitant to push back.

Aceh, where Islam has always been more rigorously observed, is the first of Indonesia’s 33 provinces to put Shariah law onto the books. Special Shariah courts established to mete out punishments have been operating for a year.

 I read that and think, how on earth with this going on can people argue with a straight-face that the Iraq war is a success, that preemptive violence imposed from outside can spread  democracy?  It's like the hydra of Greek mythology: cut off one head of the beast and two grow back in its place. trying to exterminate radicalism and oppression with violence has been just like that. a rise of terrorist acts in the UK and France and Spain and Seattle, etc. etc. and places adopting harsh repressive laws. can anyone really deny that these things are connected?

sigh, i know they can. and do.

but it's so needless, that misdirection of energy.

again, if the goal is really or in part about spreading democracy, why aren't we focusing on the things that actually help the places most at the tipping point? it's so sad, we even had Indonesia on our radar with the tsunami.

if i knew how, if i could, i would focus on countering the repressive dynamics that are being put in place there. first, make sure the women have access to education, as that is one of the top indicators of democratization. online courses? courses by cell-phone?

loan forgiveness and scholarship for anyone who goes back to work there. and job opportunities-- train women to be able to do some sort of work at home or online?

it feels so, so preventable. i wish i knew what to do...

At least thinking about this did prompt me to discover an organization that addresses these issues: Women Living Under Muslim Laws

So that's one step.  What's the next?