Are Two Filipino Terrorists Worth $10m?

[fushigi]

Story. The US Embassy in Manila gave $10m to four informants who gave up their terrorist buddies today.

The head of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group, Khadaffy Janjalani, and senior leader Abu Sulaiman, were killed by Philippine troops in September and January. The reward is the biggest the US government has given in its anti-terror campaign in the Philippines.

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.


"There you go, sir. Thank you for supporting America!"

fushigi

[Mia]

Also, what about the fact that some people would fabricate evidence that their mother is a terrorist for 10mil?

In Gitmo, there are many people there because we paid people to inform, and some of them just picked out people to accuse to pocket the cash

[jose]

I hope they spend it quick, before the day the Doller dies

[The Decider]

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.