Moro!

This is coolbert:

These are alarming headlines.

"Philippine marines 'beheaded by Islamists'"

"Filipino marines killed, some beheaded, in clash with rebels"

"Muslim insurgents ambushed a Philippine marine convoy searching for a kidnapped Italian priest, killing at least 14 soldiers and beheading at least 10 of them"

"The chaotic seven-hour firefight took place in dense jungle on the southern island of Basilan. The government has touted Basilan as a success story in the war on terrorism after American troops carried out yearlong counterterror training exercises in 2001-02 that were aimed at ousting the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group."

This is an example of a success story??!! About eighty Filipino marines versus a band of around three hundred guerrillas. Sounds as if the Filipinos did not fare so well against the Moro Muslim.

Part of a continuing pattern that has gone on for centuries now.

* First the Spanish had no success for centuries against the "Moor".

* Then the Americans had limited success [??] against the Moro. Think General "Black Jack" Pershing.

* Now the Filipinos themselves face the same determined foe that others have before them. And without success either??!!

[I do so love the picture accompanying this blog entry. That is Moro Datu Abdul. From way back when [over 100 years ago now??]. Carrying the Krag, the pearl-handled .38 revolver [ACP], and the sword. Today, the Moro will come at you with an AK, a RPG, but still probably wearing the obligatory sword. A sword used for you know what!!]

coolbert.