At a time when Australians are wavering in support of a proposed U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, more than six hundred U.S. Marines rotating on R & R in Bali suddenly disappear; then, Kuta erupts in a fireball and Australia falls into line with America’s demand to become part of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’.
Based on indisputable fact, a step by step account of the Bali bombers, the rise of extremist Islamic militancy across Asia and what the future might hold when terror is unleased on Australia’s doorstep.
Crescent Moon Rising relates the rise of militant Islam across Asia and how the U.S. and other foreign intelligence agencies missed opportunities to arrest not only the instigators of the September 11 attacks on the U.S.A. but also those who created the Jemaah Islamiyah and carried out the Bali bombings. The Bojinka Plot is uncovered in Manila but the U.S. ridicules the contents discovered on a white Toshiba laptop found in an apartment fire. The computer files layout out an assassination plot against Pope John Paul II who would visit that week, and the detailed plan to hijack 11 aircraft and crash these into the World Trade Towers and other U.S. targets.
At a time when Australians are wavering in support of a proposed U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, more than six hundred U.S. Marines rotating on R & R in Bali suddenly disappear; then, Kuta erupts in a fireball and Australia falls into line with the American’s demand to become part of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’.
Based on indisputable fact, a step by step account of the Bali bombers, the rise of extremist Islamic militancy across Asia and what the future might hold when terror is unleased on Australia’s doorstep.
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Crescent Moon Rising relates the rise of militant Islam across Asia and how the U.S. and other foreign intelligence agencies missed opportunities to arrest not only the instigators of the September 11 attacks on the U.S.A. but also those who created the Jemaah Islamiyah and carried out the Bali bombings. The Bojinka Plot is uncovered in Manila but the U.S. ridicules the contents found on a white Toshiba laptop found in an apartment fire. The computer files layout out an assassination plot against the Pope who would visit that week, and the detailed plan to hijack 11 aircraft and crash these into the World Trade Towers and other U.S. targets. The timing of this event was January 1995. (fact)
Soviet-made RTGs, the two radio thermal generators discarded some years before with the collapse of the Soviet Union, fall into the hands of Islamic Chechen rebels. More than 40 nuclear ‘suitcase bombs’ disappear from the Russian aresenal. (fact)
Indonesia is swept with uncertainly following President Suharto’s relinquishing power.
The Military splits into two opposing factions, each determined to fulfil their own agenda, both embarking on subversive missions to destabilize the Republic through the instigation of sectarian conflict. (fact)
Australia’s spy stations are providing questionable intelligence as the U.S. maintain control over the information flow. Intercepts providing proof of Jakarta’s support for the East Timor violence is, at Canberra’s request, sanitized. A former SAS, Australian army intelligence officer, Merv Jenkins is found dead hanging at the end of a rope outside his Washington apartment over the issue. (fact)
A flood of bombings explode across Indonesia on Xmas Eve, 2000, destroying 39 churches and killing many. The culprits are the Indonesian, military-backed Jemaah Islamiyah. Pleased with the results, Saudi sources fund further attacks across Asia, including metro Manila and Singapore (fact).
September 11 raises the heat on the J.I. cells and they go underground, shifting the emphasis of their attacks to ‘softer’ targets. As Bali was currently an R & R destination for elements of the U.S. 7th Fleet rotating some 600 marines on shore leave, Kuta is selected as the next major target. (fact)
As the Australian public is wavering in its support for George W. Bush Junior’s proposed invasion of Iraq, the question in Washington was ‘should they reveal all the intelligence they had with respect to Bali as a potential target?’ (fact)
The Australian Embassy in Jakarta releases a ‘Travel Advice’ warning only Australians living in Indonesia not to travel to potentially dangerous areas of Indonesia. However, the Australian Consulate in Bali adds the comment‘…but Bali remains safe’ (fact).
The bombings are executed and recriminations become rife.
Post Bali Bombings
A glimpse into what the future might hold when terror is unleased on Australia’s doorstep.
Who killed Cock Bali?
I, said the extremist,
with my heart filled with hate.
I killed Cock Bali.
Who saw them die?
I, said Amrosi,
With my smiling eye.
I saw them die.
Who caused their blood?
I, said Hambali,
With my hate-filled wish.
I caused their blood.
Who'll pay for their shroud?
I, said the Prime Minister,
With political weave.
I'll make the shroud.
Who'll attend their cremations?
We, said the mourners,
With our uninformed hearts.
We’ll attend their cremations.
Who'll be the person of reason?
I, said the Intelligence spook,
With my little book.
I'll give cause for the reason.
Who'll be the clerk?
I, said the spy,
To keep you in the dark.
I'll be the clerk.
Who'll be chief mourner?
We, said the opportunists,
Seeking an open window.
We'll be chief mourner.
Who'll toll the bell?
I, said the President,
Because I can so pull.
So farewell Cock Bali, farewell.
Professional Reviews
The Bali Bombings
“If the international community had heeded Kerry’s writings, it is possible that the present drama (in Indonesia) could have been better understood and dealt with.”
Defense and Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy Journal, Washington.
“…it has reawakened a passion for discussion of what really did happen in the heady days that shaped modern Indonesia.”
Lavonee Chea, Men’s Review, Malaysia
“…inspired by his long experience…intriguing plot and vivid descriptions.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Vignettes will fascinate historians.”
The Age
“Collison puts the Indonesian experience into perspective.”
Sydney Telegraph
“Collison’s knowledge of the region is unmistakeable.”
The Cairns Post
“Authentically experienced and geographically recalled…”
The Canberra Times
“Kerry Collison demonstrates a keen observation of the forces which motivate the military and corporate elite.”
The West Australian
“…certainly a powerful thriller.’
Australian Book Review
“…written about Osama bin Laden and the Muslim militant/terrorist presence in Indonesia three years before events of September 11th.” Tracy Boyce, Men’s Review, Malaysia.
“Crescent Moon Rising” is partly a work of fiction, influenced by indisputable historical fact, tempered with not-so-imaginary characters created to enhance the story’s delivery.
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