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Tend to agree with the author on this one... despite the focus and thinking of it to be yet once again the aim for jihadists. Nor is it likely to be Indonesia - which though has its problems - is not the same place nor the same CT forces as when AQ and JI were in full swing. Interesting article and what it is looking at.
"Armed conflict in Mindanao is a volatile mix of clan networks, political rivalries and the utilitarian use of religious narratives rooted in the history of the region. Collusion between local officials, tribal leaders and clan-centred private armies in organised criminal activities can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period, even before the foundation of the modern Philippine state."
"Armed conflict in Mindanao is a volatile mix of clan networks, political rivalries and the utilitarian use of religious narratives rooted in the history of the region. Collusion between local officials, tribal leaders and clan-centred private armies in organised criminal activities can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period, even before the foundation of the modern Philippine state."
Mindanao no place for a caliphate
Posted from eastasiaforum.org
ISIS
War on Terror
Terrorism
Strategy
Philippines
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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I agree. The close relationship between USPACOM and the Philippine military, the effective financial and banking agreements, and the combined training we have had, has created a very different environment than we see in Yemen or Somalia. As long as we continue to keep these relationships, I don't see Mindanao becoming a hub for anything.
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LTC Eric Udouj
Exactly - and as the attack yesterday showed - too many eyes are watching it now - and it may be good for training camp - but not as the place to wage a campaign. They may have been able to stage a come back and be well funded now - and even be back in the very areas we helped clear a decade back... but the game in the Philippines has changed for the jihadi. That is kind of what makes that attack yesterday so interesting -- change.
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