Bali, Oct 22: US President George W. Bush visited the front lines of the war against terrorism today, stopping on this bomb-scarred island to support Indonesia's struggle against al-Qaida-linked groups. Security officials were nervous about Bush's safety. At least 5,000 police and Army troops were deployed for Bush's visit, which was limited to just three hours because of security concerns. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush waved and smiled as they stepped off Air Force one into bright sunshine. The President's armored limousine waited for him about six metres away.
Bush met with President Megawati Sikarnoputri, an ally against terrorism, at a resort hotel adjacent to the airport. The President planned to announce a 150 million USD grant for Indonesia to help improve education and counter the anti-American message in many classrooms. Warships patrolled the seas, military forces in high-speed rubber rafts traced his arrival path and armoured vehicles were stationed at the airport, which was closed to commercial flights during Bush's visit.
An year ago, militants belonging to the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah group blew up two Bali nightclubs, killing 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, in the largest terror attack since September 11, 2001. On Monday, Indonesia's security minister warned that a fresh attack was imminent. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, is considered a key home base for terror groups, with about 2,000 of Jemaah Islamiyah's estimated 3,000 members believed to be there. Bureau Report