Dr. Sidney Jones is an extraordinarily talented researcher who is currently the South East Asia Project Director of the International Crisis Group. Her extensive work uncovering the network of the admittedly small minority of conservative Muslims known to support an extensive network of madrasses (religious schools) (Intel Report) all across Indonesia as well as the preachings of cleric Abu Bakar Bashir ? spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiya (JI) ? has caused consternation within governing circles. So much so that Dr. Jones and her research team were ordered to leave Indonesia and desist from further investigations and publications on the matter in the country. Thus, when Dr. Jones speaks, it carries some weight. Therefore, it is disappointing when her claims that JI leadership is ?in disarray at the moment? are not supported by any specific evidence.

Nonetheless, as mentioned in the December 28, 2004 WAR Report (?Threats to Asia?), JI does appear to be pursuing two distinct lines of operations. British-educated Malaysian engineer Azahari Husin, the group?s chief bomb-maker, is involved in every major JI attack dating at least back to the Bali resort attack in October 2002 . Although many of the operational planners and supporters of that attack including Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, Imam Samudra, Mukhlas, Idris (alias Jhoni Hendrawan or Gembrot), Ali Imron, and Masykur Abdul Kadir have been arrested, tried, and convicted, Husin and his partner Dulmatin, an electronics expert remain at large. Husin found a new bomb-making partner after Bali, and he and fellow Malaysian Noordin Top, who possesses recruiting and logistical expertise, are suspected to be involved in the subsequent bombings including the Marriott Hotel bombing in August 2003 and the September 2004 Australian Embassy attack , as well as a suspected Jakarta Hilton hotel attack that was thwarted in December 2004. Indonesian and Malaysian authorities believe they have at times been just hours behind these two fugitives. Dr. Husin apparently has not visited his wife in Malaysia for several months and his home remains under surveillance.

<