Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has defended her decision to pull troops out of Iraq to save the life of hostage Angelo de la Cruz. Mr de la Cruz arrived on Friday in his village to a rapturous welcome and celebratory feast.
The president said she took the decision because she needed to consider the safety of 1.5 million Filipinos who live and work in the Middle East including 4,000 who work in Iraq.
On Thursday US Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was "very disappointed" over the actions of the Philippine government.
Did Gloria Arroyo make the right decision? Will it damage their relationship with the US? How will this affect other countries that were involved in hostage situations? Will it put more people at risk in Iraq?
This debate has now closed. Thank you for your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:
 |  She carried out the will of her people. Isn't that what representative democracy is all about?
Anthony Foli, Appleton, Wisconsin |
Gloria Arroyo did the right thing. She carried out the will of her people. Isn't that what representative democracy is all about? The US Secretary of State has no right to be "very disappointed" over what the Philippine president has done.
Anthony Foli, Appleton, Wisconsin Arroyo's move was admirable and brilliant emotionally. You can't help but feel for de la Cruz and his family. However, logically Arroyo's move was irresponsible and strategically unsound. She has encouraged the actions of kidnapping and beheading by making them effective manipulation tools for the Terrorists. By doing this she has not only greatly endangered all Filipinos, but all in the effort to build a free and democratic Iraq.
Jason, Detroit, USA
Every life is immensely important. However, the job of a leader is to protect her people as a whole to the best of her ability. Unfortunately, this may mean that a single person has to be sacrificed in order to save a great many more. If someone isn't willing or able to make this ugly decision when necessary, they should not assume the position of leader of a country.
Jeff N, Charlotte, NC USA
How can anyone believe this was a wise decision - if the Philippines were considering pulling out their troop commitment then they should have done so ONCE this situation was resolved. You kill terrorists - you don't negotiate with them. Now somebody else will have to suffer before these animals learn their lesson. This will spawn more and more hostage takings, so long as the hostage takers believe they can influence governments through threats.
Iain Howe, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I am very proud of President Arroyo. Whereas most governments have turned a blind eye to their own people to placate the US government, she has stood strong. As I recall from social studies classes, in a democracy, it is the will of the people, not of foreign governments, that should dictate a country's policies.
Jennifer, PA, USA
A stain on the honour of the Philippines. Nothing less. Doubly appalling when compared to the heroic resistance of the Filipinos during the Japanese occupation in WW2. And a great boon to the terrorists. President Arroyo and Filipinos should be ashamed of themselves.
Peter C. Kohler, Washington DC USA I think it is wonderful that a country believed more in the life of their citizens rather than maintaining politics. It is good to see a life saved rather than sacrificed, especially in such a needless conflict.
M Martin, Denver, USA
It was an act of weak leadership and cowardice. Yes, Arroyo saved one man's life and the reunion with his family was touching. But, in doing so she has greatly increased the likelihood of others meeting the fate that was intended for de la Cruz. Also, I think she has made her country look like and injured calf to the Jackyl terrorists whose entire foundation is made on preying on the weak and innocent to achieve their goals and ambitions.
Jason, Detroit, USA
Whilst Arroyo's decision is understandable on electoral and possible economic grounds, given the number of Filipinos living and working in the Middle East, this is still a massive climb-down in the face of terrorist intimidation. Once these people see that there are governments who can be intimidated then they will become ever more bolder and demanding. One day other hostages may not be so lucky. Bad call by Arroyo.
Andy D, Oxford, UK
Who made the right decision? This war was waged on a wrong premise.
Lisa, Chorley, UK
| She couldn't give a fig as to their reaction |
Gloria Arroyo made her decision for her people as she saw fit. She was not influenced by the US' bullyboy tactics and doubtless couldn't give a fig as to their reaction. How will it affect other countries? It is better to be a leader than be led in some issues and maybe Gloria Arroyo is right in her actions and is not influenced by oil reserves and the mighty dollar.
Alan Glenister, Bushey, Herts, UK What planet does Alan Glenister live on? Terrorists kidnap an innocent Filipino and threaten to kill him, the Filipino government folds like a house of cards - setting a horrible precedent for the future - and he accuses the US, which has so far raised only the mildest of objections, of bullyboy tactics? Confused are we?
James E. Geoffrey II, Falls Church, Virginia US
If I was one of those 1.5 million Filipinos, I would be getting out of the Middle East right now. President Arroyo has just encouraged every crackpot with a gun to grab one of them and make a demand.
A Sweeting, Leicester, UK
To A Sweeting: I don't know which planet the two of you are from, but these guys are not terrorist, crackpot or thugs. They are Freedom fighters. I would like to know what will you do when invaders move into your turf, steal your homes, kill & terrorize your women and children and point a gun to your heads everyday? The real terrorists are Bush and Blair.
Hadi, Iraq
In response to Hadi from Iraq's post: How can you possibly call someone a 'freedom fighter' whose goal is to force submission of others to their beliefs and if they are not obeyed, to kill them? What freedom are they fighting for Hadi? The freedom to enslave others? Either think about what you're saying first, or save your ignorant posts.
Alex, Charlotte, NC, USA
| The government only had about 50 troops anyway in Iraq |
Considering that the government only had about 50 troops anyway in Iraq, who were soon to leave anyway I think Gloria made the right decision. If she had 500 troops in active engagement then it would be another matter. This situation also brings to light USA's bully tactics, even on their allies.
Alex, Leeds, UK This is a classic catch 22 situation. If we accept that the role of government is to listen to their citizens first and foremost - what else could she really have done?
Phil , Manchester, UK
We Filipinos support the decision of our president, though it was really a tough dilemma. She should have not sent any soldiers to Iraq. She is enjoying the popular support of her decision in our country. Filipinos and not Americans installed her into office, we deserve her service.
Manmar C Francisco, Manila, Philippines This shows how good a technique individual kidnapping is - If you kidnap one person, then everyone can identify with the idea of that one person who is going to die, which will provoke an emotional response. Carpet bombing a whole village is beyond anyone's comprehension, and you don't have people, you have statistics.
John , York, UK
I don't think she would've withdrawn the troops unless she already had doubts about them being there in the first place. This was only the catalyst that made her act quicker and gave her a nice excuse in the process. Now she looks really good and caring in the eyes of her countrymen. Is it an election year there?
Ettenuahs, Norwich, UK
This move has not only put more Filipino people in danger, but also everyone else in Iraq. I can imagine Bin Laden in his cave saying "See, i told you it would work if we persisted, now lets see who else will buckle." You cannot doubt President Arroyos humanity, but i would cast serious doubt over her leadership qualities. You have to look at the bigger picture when making these sort of decisions, and she clearly hasn't.
Nick, Watord, UK
Is not the primary responsibility of a leader towards his/her countrymen? We have become so embroiled in a world of international politics and horse-trading we have forgotten about morals. You have won my respect President Arroyo and the Philippines nation.
Arif Shah, Halifax, Canada
| Arroyo's decision has saved one life, but endangered others |
Arroyo's decision has saved one life, but endangered others. Just this week, 5 more truck drivers in Iraq have been captured and similar demands made. She has also sent a signal to her domestic terrorists that she is willing to retreat provided the correct kind of hostage is taken.
Kate, NJ, USA Our President have done the right thing. It is not sending the wrong message to the terrorists but it is sending the message to the world that the true leader is the one who can put their citizen life first not other country's wealth or reconstruction caused by unjustified war.
Branco, Manila
Barely a day after Arroyo caved in to the terrorists to save one person, six more hostages were taken. Might have been the right decision for her politically, but others will lose their lives for it.
Chris Bunce, Rochester, NY, USA
She's just created an open-season on over a million Filipinos working there. Arroyo gave no future thought to this decision, what's to stop anyone who owns a gun from making a quick buck? Nothing. If a country is willing to remove a military force in exchange for a hostage, demanding a ransom payment seems menial.
Alex, NC, USA
Surely the right decision. It shows that ordinary human lives can be saved if there is a political will. The US administration should keep quiet since they can only blame themselves for triggering this unprovoked and unnecessary war, resulting in tens of thousands death Iraqi's and the subsequent hostage crises.
George, Ghent, Belgium
I think it is fantastic. On many occasions the US has actioned what is best for its country and greater expense to others. It is a wonderful day when one life is put above politics. Gloria Arroyo has my deepest respect. I just wish we could see guts like that in British politicians.
Jocelyn Godbold, Bristol, UK It seems to me that what has been created is an utterly chaotic and disorderly nation, which would take decades to come to order. Pulling out from Iraq would only make matters worse. All nations must come forward to heal Iraq and bring back its glorious days.
Vijaya Sekhar, Indian National, Sweden
It's always very dangerous to give in to blackmail. The next question she is asked may be something like " Will you help us terrorists to wage war on the west?" Will she say "yes" in consideration of the safety of Filipinos who live and work in the Middle East/ Iraq?
Terry, Epsom, Surrey, England
| Only dictators can afford to sacrifice their citizens' lives |
The mistake made by withdrawing the troops is small compared to the mistake of sending them in. Sometimes, you have to make a small mistake to correct a big one. Only dictators can afford to sacrifice their citizens' lives in order not to admit a mistake.
Andreas, Munich, Germany I can understand why Arroyo succumbed to demands, but why aren't the people who are working in Iraq packing protection? I would think working in a war zone means you can carry your own gun. It's obvious there are certain groups who want to keep Iraq in the 12th Century. Why not let them live in their little section of Afghanistan/Iraq and let them live like the barbarians they act like only amongst themselves. It's getting really tiresome to read of barbarians who are not interested in making life a lot more normal instead of constant atrocities.
Laura, NM, USA
This is a battle of wills, and one side was just handed an easy victory. Do you think the world is a better place for it? Safer? Will those opposed to the Rule of Law settle for just this on win? I seriously doubt it, on all counts. They have been shown that their methods can work, and now Spain and the Philippines are marked as easy targets.
Jon, Cleveland, USA
| Once a country has negotiated with terrorists, their people will be placed in more danger |
Although I can understand why she pulled out the troops, it doesn't make it the right decision. Once a country has negotiated with terrorists, their people will be placed in more danger than they were. If another Filipino is abducted in Iraq and they demand weapons for their release, are they going to supply them? Although his loss would have been tragic, the Filipino government should have taken a harder stance and not negotiated with terrorists. By doing so the flood gates have been opened and there is nothing to stop the water coming through.
Andy, Brighton, UK I think she's done absolutely the right thing. She has acted in the best interests of the people she represents and managed to save a man's life into the bargain. If I had a hat, I'd take it off to her.
Gavin, Brent Knoll, England
If you think the Philippine President should have kept the troops in Iraq, you are also saying this mans life isn't worth anything. I'm a supporter of the occupation of Iraq and feel more international troops should help in its reconstruction, but if I where in the same situation, I would do the same.
Wesley McdeDa, Sheffield, UK
This makes a mockery of the Bush's term "coalition of the willing". Coalition of the reluctant is far nearer the truth.
Jon E, France
| A government that shows its humanity |
At last. A government that shows its humanity by showing not one of their citizen's is expendable.
Jamie, Bexhill, UK
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
