THE war in Aceh has provided the background for a drama in which William Nessen has become the protagonist. The American freelance journalist has evoked a range of emotions across a broad audience. Now the fate of the lanky man with short hair and an easy smile is in the hands of other, more powerful, actors.

Three weeks ago Nessen, popularly known as Abu Billy, was pinned down with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). He called his wife, Shadia