The Philippines Under Stress

Archive Report

Opposition to Martial Law

American Unease Over Analogy to Iran

In the aftermath of the revolution in Iran, American policymakers are taking a hard look at U.S. friendship with dictators. The United States has traditionally supported a number of authoritarian regimes because of their hard-line anti-communism. But when the dictatorships collapse, the new forces in power are understandably hostile to the United States. Such an alarm is being raised on U.S. support for the martial-law regime of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. As internal discontent mounts, fears that the Philippines may go the way of Iran increase.

A recent spate of bombings, a deteriorating economy, growing opposition from conservatives, moderates and radicals alike, and an unabated Moslem insurgency are inviting questions about Marcos' iron-hand rule. Although the ...

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