Zaelath wrote:Hrmm, prior to the Phillipines agreeing to withdraw a few days early to save a hostage's life, did you see the kidnappings slowing down at all?
Prior to invading Iraq how many hostages were taken and paraded around on TV before being beheaded?
Now, tell me again who is "encouraging the terrorists"?
It is not as if muslim fundamentalists only began kidnappings and murders after we invaded Iraq. This has been going on in the Phillipines for years. There are muslims trying to take over the southern islands who have been kidnapping westerners and trying to get concessions from the government. I can't recall the name of an American they executed, but later freed his wife, some TV movie was made about it later.
How about all the kidnappings in Beirut in the 80's or the American Embassy hostages in Iran? Just because the most recent ones are getting attention now does not make it a new method.
I was surprised by the Phillipines giving in, considering thier fight in thier own country against Al Queda backed extremists, capitulating on this one surely will not help them in the future.