Posted on: Sunday, May 25, 2003

EDITORIAL
Terrorists, separatists are too easily confused

As a well-justified reward for solid support from the Philippines in the war on terrorism, President Bush has promised to send American troops to help root out Muslim militants in the restive south of that country.

He also promised economic aid, tiny compared to the military aid. It might be wiser to reverse the proportions. Programs to wipe out poverty stand more chance to end violent rebellion than decades of warfare have achieved.

No one can object if Americans indirectly help hunt down members of Abu Sayyaf, a group of about 250 guerrillas who are criminals of the worst sort.

But the Bush administration must draw the line in contributing to violent measures against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a 12,000-member Muslim separatist group. The MILF occasionally resorts to means that smack of terrorism in pursuit of separatist aspirations, in no small part exascerbated by government corruption and mistreatment.

So far, Washington seems to appreciate the distinction. "That group [MILF] must abandon the path of violence," Bush said Tuesday. "If it does so, and addresses its grievances through peaceful negotiations, then the United States will provide diplomatic and financial support to a renewed peace process."

That's an appropriate approach.

Also in the region, the Indonesian military has launched a massive campaign against separatist rebels in its oil-rich Aceh Province. Indonesia's top general vowed to "destroy them to their roots."

Early in the crackdown, it appears paramilitary operatives are torching dozens of schools.

The separatists have long been denied promised autonomy. The State Department has urged the two sides to return to negotiations in Tokyo. We hope the Pentagon, which has bent rules in the past to support the Indonesian military, is in this instance keeping its hands clean.