Having lived in the Philippines and being married to a Filipina...

Having lived in the Philippines and being married to a Filipina I would say the loss of one life in Iraq is immaterial, what is material is that the withdrawal of the Pinoy troops was nothing more than a political move to sure up support for Arroyo, no question. Are you aware of how many people lost their lives during and in the run up to the recent elections in the Philippines? In the order of 108!! You would also be aware kidnapping in the Philippines is a common occurence, particularly in the south areas of Mindanao, Davao, Illegan, Zamboanga. I travel regularly in to the southern areas and each time it is an unnerving experience. Do not kid yourselves, the pull out of the PInoy troops is nothing more than politically motivated.