Southeast Asia: Triplets Reunited

Indonesia, Malaya and the Philippines are "triplets who became separated at birth, who were placed under the care of different foster parents but who have now come of age and are trying to rediscover their common origin and shape their common destiny." This description of the three Malay states was offered last year by Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal. In Manila last week, the top ministers of the three nations made plans to bring the triplets together again. The event suggested that, at least for the time being, cantankerous Indonesia is getting to be a more responsible citizen in the...