"The Battle For The Philippine City Of Marawi Between..." Topic

…The Army And Isis.

"Philippine authorities have vowed to end the Islamist uprising in Marawi City "at the soonest time possible." Human rights groups have warned that martial law could pave the way for serious abuses by the armed forces.

Philippine armed forces on Monday relaunched a military intervention against so-called "Islamic State" (IS)-allied militants in the southern city of Marawi following a brief "humanitarian pause" to mark the Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr.

"Our offensive operations have resumed and will continue so we can liberate Marawi City at the soonest time possible," said army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera. "We are focused and committed, and we will accomplish our mission…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Is this the "you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet" strategy?

People actually think you can have an egg-free omelette, or a bloodless war. :)

Dan
PS. "against so-called "Islamic State" (IS)-allied militants"
Hmm, I wonder which side that news source is giving the benefit of the doubt.

What I don't understand is what specific benefits martial law gives in prosecuting the war? I'm not saying there aren't any, just that I am not familiar enough with Philippine politics to know either way.

Historically speaking, martial law is merely a convenient way for dictators to put a clamp on individual liberties to pursue their aims in the name of national or state security.

"What I don't understand is what specific benefits martial law gives in prosecuting the war?"

Generally, it gives a nation the ability to "prosecute a war" in a real time fashion. It removes or replaces civilian law which would bog down the actions of the armed forces. The armed forces can more or less proceed with cart blanche while the civilian government cannot use the court system to impede operations.

"Historically speaking, martial law is merely a convenient way for dictators to put a clamp on individual liberties to pursue their aims…"

It has also been used in times of natural & manmade disasters such as earthquakes, floods, etc. Again, allowing the military to function instantaneously, as seen fit without having to wait for civilian govt. or civilian court approval.

The Philippines has a law that says Martial Law may not extend beyond 60 days without the national legislative bodies' approval.

"People actually think you can have an egg-free omelette, or a bloodless war."

Dan correctly points out that you cannot have a war without casualties. If you can wage a quick, powerful and sometimes violent war, you can actually save casualties and destruction in the long run. It is a glib and callous idea but that does not make it an untrue one. They are men, women and children on both sides that suffer these casualties and lose their homes and businesses.

"Human rights groups have warned that martial law could pave the way for serious abuses by the armed forces"

it could be interesting to see those so called and supposed to be "human rights groups" to open an office among IS alliance terrorist lines so they can work better and evaluate the situation..i'm sure they ll be welcome

ITALWARS,

Don't worry. Most of those human rights "observers" are safely in Europe or the US, getting bits and pieces from one or two locals and making up the rest.

As you can see from the wording in the article, it's clear who these "observers" are giving the benefit of the doubt and who, in their eyes, is automatically the enemy in every situation, however legitimate and/or necessary.

Dan

Zoneofcontrol: "It has also been used in times of natural & manmade disasters such as earthquakes, floods, etc. Again, allowing the military to function instantaneously, as seen fit without having to wait for civilian govt. or civilian court approval."

You are absolutely right.

In a couple of cases that I've personally witnessed in other countries, most of the local authorities and law enforcement have left with their families and are safely elsewhere, leaving the locals to fend for themselves. When that happens there's no other rule of law the locals can resort to except that which the military can provide during the emergency period.

Dan