Blast near US Philippines army base

[cal04]

An explosion near a Philippine army base being used by US troops has wounded about 20 people, reports say.
The blast happened at a karaoke bar on Jolo, an island hit by attacks by Abu Sayyaf Islamic rebels. US troops are on Jolo for counter-terrorism exercises.

US military officials said that no US servicemen were among those hurt, and said planned exercises would continue.
A spokesman said Abu Sayyaf, which has kidnapped Americans in the past, did have the capability to attack the bar.
The blast happened at a temporary karaoke bar erected close to the gates of Jolo's army base, Brigadier General Alexander Aleo told the Reuters news agency.

About 250 US troops are due to join Filipino units for annual exercises beginning on Monday.
"We don't know who was behind the attack. But there's only one group capable of doing this - it's the Abu Sayyaf."
Jolo has seen regular attacks by Abu Sayyaf in recent years, despite US-backed counter-insurgency efforts by the Philippine army.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4727842.stm

[Howland Owl]

1. Fortunately

No Americans were hurt.

[alcibiades_mystery]

2. Fuck everybody else, huh?

Whew. That was a close one!

(As if this very provincialism and disregard isn't one of the prime factors leading to terrorism in the first place)

[Howland Owl]

3. Your words, not mine

I was simply saying I was glad that no Americans were hurt. I have friends in the PI. Perhaps you should direct your anger at Abu Sayef, since they are probably the ones responsible for the explosion.

[alcibiades_mystery]

5. Your implication, not mine

You can hide behind your words all you like, the implication is clear enough. And no doubt Abu Sayef is to blame, and deserves the highest condemnation, but your attitude is not blameless, except in the simplistic world of the simpleton, or the cynical world of the liar.

[Howland Owl]

7. If the implication were really that clear

then why did you feel the need to attribute a position to me that I do not hold?

[Auntie Bush]

10. Welcome to DU! Sorry you're not getting off to a good start but...

you'll meet lots of different people here. We all have different
opinions and attitudes. We all say something that pisses some people off. Lordie me...I've had my share. Sometimes you have to walk on eggs,,,other times all is AOK. Good Luck! :hi:

[htuttle]

4. What is a 'temporary karaoke bar'?

Is it sort of like a MASH unit, but with beer and Elvis instead of doctors?

[rodeodance]

6. i imagine temporary as long as can bring in some money.

[acmejack]

8. Imagine temporary as in "hostesses" to "welcome" the troops

They can make more money in a single evening than their entire family can make in a month. That is most certainly what that "temporary" bar is at the gate for. It is a sad story repeated at foreign outposts throughout the world.

Our young men eagerly go through out the world and enjoy the favors of whichever Country's women and the resident men are supposed to not resent this? Right...

[DoYouEverWonder]

9. Blast at US Philippines army base

18 February 2006

An explosion near a Philippine army base being used by US troops has wounded about 20 people, reports say.

The blast happened at a karaoke bar on Jolo, an island hit by attacks by Abu Sayyaf Islamic rebels. US troops are on Jolo for counter-terrorism exercises.

US military officials said that no US servicemen were among those hurt, and said planned exercises would continue.

A spokesman said Abu Sayyaf, which has kidnapped Americans in the past, did have the capability to attack the bar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4727842.stm