PJM 2

PJM Specials Today:

The second part of the "Islands" series is available. It's interesting to see his comments on the role of "political correctness," Philippines style, in hampering the GWOT. To whit, if the government is seen as being too compliant with the US, political opposition flares. Thus, needed laws don't get passed.

There is certainly some truth to the complaint. There is another side, too. In Indonesia, for example, the US State Department pushed pretty hard -- and Australia's Foreign Ministry also -- for radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir to be arrested on charges of supporting terrorism. The Indonesian government ended up doing just that, but the charges that were necessary to satisfy the US/Oz were not supportable given the admissable evidence and judicial climate. As a result, Bashir ended up getting off lightly. His early freedom was taken as a public rebuke to the US and made him a rallying point for Islamists in Indonesia.

Still, the point is well taken. You have to balance the pressure you bring to bear with the reality of the political situation. Less than optimal results happen if you err on either side.

Today's report from Baghdad is here.