Angered by decades of political and economic discrimination, Muslim militants are fighting for their own state. With the help of Malay sympathisers, they've stepped up attacks on government targets. But now, "a third party is coming into the middle of the problem," states Malaysian militant Masakree Daolar. He claims this new, more dangerous force now organises most attacks. Until recently, the insurgency was backed by only a few. But months of brutal police repression have alienated the Muslim population. Southern Thailand has become another arena of global jihad.