The GRP-MILF Peace Process After September 11 and the Involvement of the United States

Abstract

Internal conflicts including the conflict between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are considered domestic challenges although most if not all have international implications. The alleged links of the MILF and other groups in Mindanao with international and regional terrorist groups for example became an important consideration for the United States (U.S.) to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against these groups. This and the other interventions of the U.S. in Mindanao have implications for the GRP-MILF peace process. U.S. intervention through military assistance and threats of including the MILF in the U.S. list of foreign terrorists organizations are threats to the peace process. On the other hand, promise of providing development aid and the assistance of the U.S. Institute for Peace contribute to the peace process.