Birth of a Nation

On the streets of Dili, set to become Asia's newest capital city, the days can unfold with a terrifying regularity. Mornings will dawn with a sense of foreboding. In the heat of midday, rumors begin to pick up steam as gangs of black-shirted thugs gather, form roadblocks and seek out those who support independence for the bloodied half-island of East Timor. By late afternoon the first shots have usually been fired; with dusk the city is wound tight as a drum. By the time night falls, the streets have emptied and most citizens stay close to home.


Jakarta declares martial law to quell violence



The historic referendum takes place despite the violence, but East Timor's ordeal is not yet over


After 23 years, much bitterness--and regret