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Quote by: fushigi  That's great--less terrorists is a good thing. But I can't help wondering--is it worth it? Would those two terrorists really harm $10m in US interests if they were left alive?
I keep thinking there must have been something better we could have done with that money. |
If the story is true, and the money paid for the elimination of two primary leaders of Abu Sayyaf, I would call it a bargain. No US or Filipino troops died. No collateral damage reported.
In terms of US interests protected, I would say that Filipino stability and safer international sea lanes between the Philippines and Indonesia benefit American interests in Southeast Asia. The bounty also sends a clear message to any would be Abu Sayyaf successor--you have spies in your ranks, and they'll sell you out for some dinero.