In the Philippines, the 'Punisher' Takes on Terrorism

Recently elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is taking on one of his country's most prominent jihadist groups. Duterte, nicknamed "The Punisher," launched a long-awaited military operation against Abu Sayyaf militants on the far southwest island of Jolo on Aug. 26, hoping to disrupt the group's kidnapping base. Since July 2015, Abu Sayyaf cells have abducted 38 foreigners and dozens more locals. After declaring its allegiance to the Islamic State earlier this year, the group escalated its aggression. In the spring, Abu Sayyaf decapitated two Canadian hostages, suggesting that its kidnappings are now driven by more than financial concerns. Combating Moro Islamic insurgency in Mindanao state and the Sulu Archipelago is among Duterte's chief priorities, and the recent operation, along with coordinated patrols in the Sulu Sea, is an important step toward realizing that goal. Nonetheless, success will be a relative term for the president's campaign against Abu Sayyaf....