Gusmao takes over
The week's news at a glance.
Dili, East Timor
East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao said he was taking “sole responsibility” for national security this week, as gangs armed with machetes fought police and government troops. Gusmao, a hero from the 1999 Timorese independence war, has until now stayed aloof from politics in his largely ceremonial presidential post. But this week, he took direct control of the armed forces as well as the Defense and Interior ministries in an effort to prevent civil war. The streets of Dili became a battlefield last week, after several hundred recently fired military officers rebelled. Not even 1,300 peacekeepers from Australia could prevent rampant looting and burning.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why are Ukraine's anti-corruption issues roaring back into focus now?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION A new bill curbing anti-corruption bodies prompted Ukraine's first mass protests against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in years. Where are the roots of this domestic unrest, and what could it mean for Ukraine's future?
-
'Repatriation is not a favor'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
6 head-turning homes for town house living
Feature Featuring a roof deck with city views in South Carolina and a renovated Harlem brownstone in New York City