Although familiar with insurgencies, Southeast Asia, long considered the "Islamic periphery" owing to its moderate Islamic stance, pluralism and nationalism, is facing a more complex challenge. The root causes of terrorism, both domestic and international, are varied and complex. Multilateral diplomatic efforts such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) or the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) assist in forging substantive agreements that will enhance the sharing of information, tighten border agreements, and reinforce law enforcement cooperation. But Asean officials stress that terrorism is a global problem, which "we need to fight not just with guns, but bread and butter as well. Investors have a role to play. Terrorism feeds, among other things, on impoverished grounds, while economic progress contributes to social stability."
展开▼
