Monday, July 12, 2004
The Philippines has pledged, in response to the demands of Iraqi hostage-takers, to withdraw its troops from Iraq.
Manila had better hope that the same idea doesn't occur to its own Islamist terror groups. Oh wait, it already has. Years ago. Better put off that vacation.
One can appreciate the profound pain and anguish that these hostage-takings cause. But yielding to the demands of the murderers makes everyone less safe. Adversaries of the Philippines know that its will can be broken. Those nations remaining in Iraq will also face an upsurge in kidnappings.
It bears mentioning that the U.S. has expended considerable effort in aiding the Philippines in its own war on terror - under a generous presumption that groups like Abu Sayyaf have tangible connections to Al Qaeda. If our efforts on their behalf are to be rewarded so meagerly, we might as well take our advisors out of the Philippines and send them elsewhere.
Manila had better hope that the same idea doesn't occur to its own Islamist terror groups. Oh wait, it already has. Years ago. Better put off that vacation.
One can appreciate the profound pain and anguish that these hostage-takings cause. But yielding to the demands of the murderers makes everyone less safe. Adversaries of the Philippines know that its will can be broken. Those nations remaining in Iraq will also face an upsurge in kidnappings.
It bears mentioning that the U.S. has expended considerable effort in aiding the Philippines in its own war on terror - under a generous presumption that groups like Abu Sayyaf have tangible connections to Al Qaeda. If our efforts on their behalf are to be rewarded so meagerly, we might as well take our advisors out of the Philippines and send them elsewhere.
