The argument seems forced to me, manufactured. Maybe the author just needed to file some copy. And really, it's not like she could write about the truly debaucherous stuff that goes down around here. More analysis at:

http://detailsaresketchy.wordpress.com/2006/07/05/eating-journalists/

Shorbe, are you saying that you approve of weapons that have contributed to genocide then being used as tourists attractions? 'cos that's a real live and let live attitude you got there...

Hey Das, make sure you get your blog URL in there. You sound like a frustrated journo to me. Got something to say? Send it through to me at Eureka at Eurekastreet dot com dot au.

what debaucherous stuff are you talking about by the way. I checked out your blog and it barely gets a mention. Instead of criticising for the sake of it, why don't you make a positive contribution to the debate?

james: I'm saying it's a great deal more complicated than some morally righteous westerner perhaps cares to understand. Like I said, maybe it provides money to people and makes the best of a bad situation.

As for genocide, there are plenty of western companies (and governments!) around today that have aided and abetted genocide or despotic regimes. Yet who gets all worked up about IBM for instance? If people really wanted to take the moral high ground, they wouldn't buy most clothing or coffee either, but that would cut into their fun. I'm just saying people are hypocritical.

Elisabeth, thank you for your great article.

I currently live and work in Phnom Penh, and have for the past 10 months. What you highlight in your article is appalling and worth drawing awareness to. These shooting parks in such appallingly close proximity to killing fields are indecent and completely disrespectful to a country that is still traumatised and recovering from years of conflict, civil war, genocide and foreign occupation.

More so, everywhere you turn in Phnom Penh, there are street signs, trying to disencourage the use of arms, in addition to the many NGOs whose missions are to promote peaceful solutions to conflict. The mere prescence of these shooting ranges, completely undermines and contradicts the creation of these positive norms of non-violence.

To those, who say that these shooting ranges create livelihoods for the handful of khmers who work there - that is a weak argument - surely the damage from this mixed message, far outweighs these small financial gains. From what I have seen here, I am sure the majority of these workers could find employment in other pursuits.

To those, that say these ranges exist due to market demand - well, yes, obviously there are tourists who want to partake in what Elizabeth ascribes to "the wild west perception of Cambodia" - but I'm sure this activity would hardly be missed if these ranges were to shut down - which they SHOULD - particularly when you speak to Khmers - who I just did in my office - and who replied "It's disgusting and should not happen". So, to 'downandoutinsaigon' your outrage meter should be moving - - and if it isnt - well maybe that's because your father wasnt forced to work in a collective field for four years, as my colleague's was - - ....

alexs, i could not agree with you more. As someone who has not been to Cambodia, I was fascinated to learn about what Elizabeth described.

Shorbe, I dont think Liz is being morally righteous, not by a long shot.
Your comments are a bit far fetched. Some people go out of their way to buy 'ethical' coffee, or to buy 'vegan' leather. Furthermore, yes, companies like IBM have committed grievous mistakes, but that was a lot longer ago than, now, today, this week. These ranges are open now. As far as I know, IBM is not aiding genocide anywhere.