THE SPLIT PEACE PRIZE PAIR

A NOBEL RENEWS THE SPOTLIGHT ON EAST TIMOR, BUT THE WINNERS ARE DIVIDED ON THE ISLAND'S FUTURE

In the wider world, East Timor is a geopolitical footnote, a mere half of an island that became a short-lived nation, born in fratricidal guerrilla war and eventually swallowed by its giant neighbor Indonesia. For 21 years, despite reports of abuses by Indonesia, East Timor has been a subject mostly for diplomatic specialists. Its exiled representatives looked in vain for support, literally knocking on doors that refused to open. And then last week East Timor was back in the headlines. The committee for the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo gave its coveted award to two men who have never ceased perpetuating...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!