Describe the three recent terrorist groups in the Philippines as presented in the text

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is a continuation of the old religious struggle.
• Having proposed negotiations with the Philippine government, the MNLF seeks an independent Islamic state.
• Breaking away from the MNLF is the more radical Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
• It has ties with jihadist movements and seeks to create an Islamic state under strict interpretations of Islamic law.
• A third group, Abu Sayyuf, claims to be part of the jihadist movement, but it is most closely associated with criminal activity and seems more interested in money than religion.
• Senator Christopher Bond and Lewis Simmons believe that Southeast Asia is critical to the war on terrorism.
• They do not see Thailand, Indonesia, and the southern Philippines as a hotbed for jihadist networks.
• Rather, they believe these nations represent the future direction of Islam.
• Southeast Asia has a long tradition of toleration and respect for other religions.
• They suggest that American foreign policy should be aimed at religious and cultural engagement in these areas, and it should reduce the projection of military force.
• Southeast Asia is not part of a global jihadist network, they argue. It presents an opportunity to engage the majority of the world's peaceful Muslims.