Bush aide visits Philippine rebel stronghold25 Jan 2007 11:13:48 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Manny Mogato
MAIMBUNG, Philippines, Jan 25 (Reuters) - One of President George W. Bush's closest
aides visited a Philippine rebel stronghold on Thursday and lauded U.S. efforts in
countering Islamic militants there.
Karen Hughes, the State Department's undersecretary for public diplomacy and public
affairs, told reporters on the island of Jolo that U.S. operations in the southern
Philippines should be a model for other parts of the world.
"I think it's a wonderful example of the way we should be conducting our operations
around the world as we seek to help people have a better life and we also seek together
to track down the terrorists who tried to disrupt that peaceful development," she said.
U.S. special forces are providing intelligence and training to Philippine troops combating
the Abu Sayyaf, the country's deadliest Islamic militant group. They are also helping build
roads and schools on Jolo, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
-snip- Full article:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/B519987.htmAlso:
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