The Philippines -- the Forgotten Terrorist Front

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 efforts in the Philippines have been applauded as success stories for its mix of military might and soft power diplomacy. The U.S. is also pouring aid into the Philippines, which has one of the largest USAID packages in the world. But how deep or lasting is this counter-insurgency success? Does it solve the root problems of poverty, low literacy and crippling infrastructure? And, if the U.S. pulls out, is the Philippines prepared to stop the tide of terrorism?