The GMA government shows its lack of faith in the Iraq War - Reposted from Jul 15, 2004

The GMA government shows its lack of faith in the Iraq War

The decision of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regime to give in to terrorist demands to pull its small Philippine Armed Forces contingent only proves that the current government is more concerned with its own preservation than the supposed war against terrorism.  One of the justifications for this apparent capitulation to terrorist demands was that it would protect not only one overseas Filipino worker's (OFW) life, but would safeguard the estimated 1.4 million OFW's in the region.  The simple fact of the matter, however, is the the recently re-elected government of the Philippines is under tremendous public pressure and could not afford to take another very hard domestic popularity hit. 
 
Short-term this works out fine for GMA as her move is being lauded by many in the Philippines.  Many have lost faith in the justness of the Iraq war in the face of recent reports of lack of WMD evidence as a prelude to the US lead invasion.  Pulling a 51 man contingent a month early seems like a no-brainer, really.  The door is even open to the Philippines sending another contingent in the future.
 
The real loss of face in among the world community, where many, including the US are dissappointed with the decision to meet terrorist demands.  One thing is for sure, meeting such demands will only invite more such hostage takings in the future and one can be guaranteed, OFW's will not be excluded as targets.