It's Over

Angelo de la Cruz is free. It was two weeks of hell and I'm glad it's over.

Philippine president Gloria Arroyo made a brave, and now I believe, right decision. The BBC World News showed her on a televised phone call with Angelo who was released to the Saudi Embassy in Iraq and later transferred to the Philippine Embassy. After the phone call she pumped both hands in the air to express victory and relief that Angelo is now safe.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times:

"Every life is important. Angelo was spared, and we rejoice. ... " Arroyo said in a televised statement. "But our people must also know that will not always be the case. Innocents will come into harm's way, and circumstances may not allow such a successful outcome."

...

"I made a decision to bring our troops home a few days early in order to spare the life of Angelo," Arroyo told the nation. "I do not regret the decision."

In the end, Arroyo chose what is best for her people and her country. It was a humane and courageous decision to make, choosing to save a single Filipino life and risk the ridicule and displeasure of the rest of the world, especially the U.S.

Those who can stop criticizing her long enough to learn about the internal political and socio-economic structure of the Philippines will realize this is the only decision she could have made.
The Bush Administration is not pleased with her decision from the beginning, but couldn't condemn it entirely. The Philippines is the West's gateway to Asia, and ensuring a friendly democratic government stays at the helm of this strategic ally is crucial to our national interest.

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