more hostages - thank you phillipines, page-21

The problem for the Phillipines in this hell hole is that they represent a very soft target. Indeed, think about it.

Sacrificing one hostage would also lead to many other Phillipino hostages nodoubt. If this is a war as people say then a tactical retreat or a tactical regroup or a tactical rethink for better strategies is not a defeat but a recognition that the enemy has got your measure in some department. Certainly in the Phillipines it may be seen as preferred or popular but it doesn't simply mean it is entirely wrong or weak.

I don't wish to sound like some armchair general because I'm not and certainly we see plenty of politicians who are but there are other tactics and some may even be termed subversive. The US and Australia don't have the exposure that the Phillipines has and therefore should be somewhat realistic and supportive if not in public then certainly in private. The experts are saying that Iraq will be a mess probably for DECADES and not some quick fix as first thought ...... so time is a major factor also.