The Philippines banned its citizens Thursday from going to work in Iraq after militants took a Filipino hostage and threatened to behead him unless Washington's staunch Asian ally withdraws its troops there.
Ministers met in emergency session, but made no decision on how to respond to the demand that Manila pull out its small force of about 50 humanitarian workers in what would be a symbolic blow to U.S. efforts to stabilize the country.
...Facing her first major test since winning a new term in May elections, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the ban on Philippine migrant workers heading to Iraq and sent her top Middle East envoy to Baghdad to assess the situation.
Reuters article
Ministers met in emergency session, but made no decision on how to respond to the demand that Manila pull out its small force of about 50 humanitarian workers in what would be a symbolic blow to U.S. efforts to stabilize the country.
...Facing her first major test since winning a new term in May elections, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the ban on Philippine migrant workers heading to Iraq and sent her top Middle East envoy to Baghdad to assess the situation.
Do these terrorists who keep capturing pawn sacrifices have the same supplier as the U.S. prison system? Why do they seem to be in orange jumpsuits? Do released terrorists get to keep their jumpsuits and do they donate them to terrorist organizations?
The government has come under pressure, particularly from left-wing politicians, to withdraw its forces from Iraq. Arroyo said in April she was considering pulling out the small, largely symbolic, reconstruction force.
About 120 workers due to leave for Iraq Thursday afternoon were stopped by immigration officials from boarding their flight after Arroyo issued the order to halt new deployments.
Many were angry, saying they had quit their jobs to go to Iraq. They refused to leave Manila airport.
About 8 million Filipinos work overseas, many driven to leave because of a lack of jobs and low wages at home.
"It's better to die working there than die hungry here," said Ceric Ramel...
About 120 workers due to leave for Iraq Thursday afternoon were stopped by immigration officials from boarding their flight after Arroyo issued the order to halt new deployments.
Many were angry, saying they had quit their jobs to go to Iraq. They refused to leave Manila airport.
About 8 million Filipinos work overseas, many driven to leave because of a lack of jobs and low wages at home.
"It's better to die working there than die hungry here," said Ceric Ramel...
We're counting on it.
The kidnappers identified themselves as members of the Khaled Bin Al-Walid Squadrons, part of the Islamic Army of Iraq.
article
Not Zarqawi? Oh my. Perhaps they donate their jumpsuits to a central clearinghouse where any terrorist organization can shop.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
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