U.S. plans Philippine war games in Muslim south
The United States will send 250 soldiers to Jolo island, a stronghold of al Qaeda-linked Muslim militants in the southern Philippines, for two weeks of joint military exercises next month, officials said on Tuesday. The Philippines, fighting protracted rebellions by communist rebels and Muslim separatists, has cemented its close security alliance with the United States with the annual “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) war games. Full Story