Article 117

Sirichai carries all our hopes

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment this week of Gen Sirichai Tunyasiri, the deputy supreme commander, to head a task force entrusted with ending the terror attacks in the South should help to correct the past miscalculations, missteps and flip-flops, for which the prime minister himself cannot escape some responsibility.

To begin with, the decision two years ago to dissolve Task Force 43 and the Border Provinces Administration Centre was hasty and poorly considered. The dismantling of the task force hugely reduced the flow of intelligence on the activities of southern separatists provided by informers on the police and military payrolls. The Jan 4 attack on a military armoury, allegedly by Islamic militants who made off with more than 400 M16 assault rifles, is a devastating example of what happens when the army is caught without any advance notice.

The problems caused by the dissolution of the task force were exacerbated by the subsequent dissolution of the BPAC. This deprived the government of a central body to coordinate the efforts of different agencies, the police and military in particular, to resolve the violence in the restive region.

The appointment of Lt-Gen Pisarn Wattanawongkeeree as commander of the 4th Army was seen by veteran military observers as another setback for the South, which deserved a better choice, someone who is capable, senior, resourceful and tough, and, at the same time, diplomatic and sensitive to the ways of the Muslim locals. Instead, they were given someone handpicked by the prime minister from among his former classmates. Apparently, all basic principles of promotion were dropped in favour of nepotism.

It might be pointless now to cry over spilt milk and point fingers. More than 200 police officers, soldiers, civil servants and ordinary people have been killed by Islamic militants this year and many more have been wounded. The militants are able to attack at will. The focus now is on those in charge to identify and correct the mistakes that have been made, to work out a strategy on how best to deal with the terror, and to mobilise their forces to work together as a team.

A major obstacle is the lack of coordination between the police and military. This stems from the dismantling of the BPAC and should be substantially resolved by the creation of the new Border Provinces Peace-building Centre. Unfortunately, though, the removal of Gen Panlop Pinmanee without a successor being named has left the centre without a leader since April to coordinate the two security arms.

The government's approach to economic and social problems in the South has tended to be top-down. This needs a rethink to allow the participation of community leaders in decision-making. Without their input, development projects which the government might think will benefit local people could backfire.

More importantly, the prime minister must demonstrate that he personally will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those under him in taking responsibility for the success or failure of the war on terror and assure them of all the support they need. The removal of two defence ministers already this year and the sudden decision to deny Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh any role in the South just one week after giving him a full mandate to deal with the region's problems points to indecision and a serious lack of clear direction.

Gen Sirichai is a professional soldier who came up through the ranks through his own abilities. He is the best choice to narrow the differences between the police and military and inspire them to work in harmony. Hopefully, he also will be able to build a better understanding with the Muslim community.

The prime minister must realise that the war on terror cannot be won through brute force. It cannot be won without the full support of all involved, especially moderate Muslims. The effort to win the hearts and souls of our Muslim brethren must be given top priority. It will take time but the rewards will justify the effort.