The US’ renewed interest in an autonomous Mindanao, according to most foreign affairs observers, has to do with the Asian “pivot” policy. The renewed American presence in the region would require having in place a more pliable Bangsamoro government that does not have the noisy, contentious institutions of Manila which are only too willing to protest American basing and other expansionist plans. As for Malaysia, a more independent Bangsamoro that owes its establishment to Kuala Lumpur would certainly help in quieting down that pesky claim of the Sultanate of Sulu to the territory of Sabah. And Aquino, as Kit Tatad and others have observed, seems only too willing to let go of the Sabah claim, instead of fighting for the sultanate’s long-held right to the territory.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 21:52:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015