IT was early morning in the Pidie area of Aceh, when a black Toyota Kijang pickup raced beneath the shady trees. On the pickup were four military policemen of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), with M-16s ready to open fire. Behind the Kijang, a green Taft overtook them with its headlights flashing. Dozens of GAM soldiers lining the road snapped to attention and saluted.

In an open field the car stopped. From the green car GAM Commander Muzak