Rising Tides in the Maldives

Statement

You may have seen something last week about a coup in the Indian Ocean. Just a blurb in the paper…

But according to a more detailed report in this weekend's Wall Street Journal, the Maldives deserves a closer look. You see, "hard-line Islam is an increasing part of the political scene" of this island chain of a nation, best known for its pristine beaches.

It started with the "resignation" of President Nashed, who won the country's first democratic election in 2008. He says it was an armed coup. The former vice president has taken over. Supporters of each side have clashed in the street.

According to the Journal, Nashed's opponents have been stoking hard-line sentiment. When the foreign minister traveled to Israel, he faced a backlash. Kicked out of his post last week, he says more and more Maldivians are studying in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. I don't think hotel management is on their course schedule. Those who pushed stories that the President was undermining religion are now getting plum posts in the new government.

These islands straddle busy Indian Ocean shipping lanes. There is evidence that as many as 40 Maldivians have linked up with the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Reportedly, "the emergence of hard-line Islam in the Maldives is stoking concern in neighboring India that it could be used as a potential base for Islamist militants."

In recent years, the Maldives has said it's doomed by rising ocean tides. A more pressing concern is Taliban-style militancy.

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