Worldfocus Radio: Philippines — the forgotten terrorist front

I produced this radio show for Worldfocus.org.

Martin Savidge hosts Filipino peace negotiator and Catholic priest Eliseo Mercado and security analyst Zachary Abuza when Worldfocus Radio explores the forgotten terrorist front in the Philippines.

Since 9/11, the U.S. has stationed 500 to 600 troops in the Philippines to strengthen military forces there. The U.S. counter-insurgency effort in the Philippines has been applauded as a success story for its mix of military action and soft power — including one of the largest USAID packages in the world.

But how lasting is this counter-insurgency success? Does it solve the root problems of poverty and lack of schools and infrastructure? And, if the U.S. pulls out, is the Philippines prepared to stop the tide of terrorism?

The U.S. strategy has been to root out terrorists from the lawless jungles of the south, which is home to the country’s Muslim minority and vulnerable to external terrorist groups like al-Qaeda.

The show:

  • explains the current insurgency in the poor, predominantly Muslim south of the Philippines
  • evaluates how Filipino counter-insurgency tactics measure up to other Southeast Asian counter-insurgency efforts
  • examines the mix of U.S. military might, diplomacy and humanitarian aid to combat local and regional instability
  • discusses the importance of peace and reconciliation between the numerous Filipino ethnic groups

Theme design by Borja Fernandez.