NCJ Number
118506
Date Published
1989
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This chapter reviews terrorist and counterterrorist tactics in the Pacific regions, notably in the Philippines, New Caledonia, and Sri Lanka.
Abstract
Liberation theology, expounded primarily by Spanish-speaking priests, advocates land and tax reform, better treatment of laborers, and, in some instances, rejection of the capitalist system. Marxism, emphasizing class struggle, is sometimes akin to the liberation theologians' political interpretation of the Bible and papal encyclicals. In the Philippines, however, President Acquino has used a pro-Christian and anti-Communist appeal that has attracted and held the popular support of the masses and the Roman Catholic Church leadership. This alliance has neutralized factions in the armed forces that oppose its liberal policies and has persuaded the people that promised reforms will enhance economic justice and prosperity. The Soviet Union has benefited from Libya's propaganda preached among the Muslim population of the Southwest Pacific. In Sri Lanka, ethnic discord has contributed to the expense of sustaining the U.S. Navy in the Indian Ocean region, requiring it to resupply at sea rather than within the safe anchorages once used by Britain's Royal Navy. 44 notes.