Australia and Indonesia: The East Timor Conflict and the Main Themes of Their Post-war Relationship

Introduction:
The number one priority in Australia's foreign and security policy throughout the 1990's was to build and stabilize a partnership with Indonesia, our most important regional partner and Australia's gateway to the rest of South East Asia. This relationship between Australia and Indonesia was seriously damaged if not destroyed when Australia back flipped on its support of Indonesia and became involved in the fight for an independent East Timor. Since then Australia has pushed forward to rebuild relations with Indonesia as it is still a high priority in Australian government.…