The Muslim Secession Issue

[Neverender_1862]

Note: I don't know if there's a word as secession, so please notify me if there isn't.

Most of you may not be living here in the Philippines, but I want to know how many support (or otherwise) the secession of Muslims in Mindanao from the Philippines.

Basically, the Philippines is in Civil War, because some nutjobs calling themselves the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) wants to form their own country and secede themselves from the Philippines. This has been a long time issue in our country and I want it over.

My stand is no. I mean, how crazy would that be? Why can't Muslims and Christians coexist here in the Philippines? Why does there have to be a war?

 

[Irinya]

Theres a war in the Philippines D: (why didn't CNN report on this? >>). That it just awful, I have a friend that recently emigrated from there...I guess I can't really take a stance on this, since I never lived in the Philippines, but I never really understood why so many religions have no tolerance for others.

 

[Rayne]

You have to think about what exactly drives the Muslim Filipinos to want a separate sovereignty. Unequal representation in government? Political and national persecution? Or is it just that Muslims would rather posses an all inclusive state so they don't have to put up with conflicting views? As far as I know, the southern provinces have been left to their own devices for a while now under autonomous Muslim states. The main conflict seems to be the Islam sector wants all the land regardless of how much a minority they are on the whole of Mindanao (I can see where this may be just being overzealous).

It doesn't help that most of Mindanao or much of the Philippine Islands are geographically separated by large tracts of sea. Political mutiny in these cases isn't so hard when the governing body is so far away from the separating state, especially when that government is not up to the task of sufficient compromise or unable to provide tight enforcement of rule to prevent such a secession.

Of course this fighting is taking place on the same land so local Christians are going back to the government for help on this crisis, but it's hard when the government has had little control over the Muslim areas for so long now. Hopes of keeping any part of their land at peace seems futile now. I say let them have their own state so long as it prevents future conflicts, much in the same way Ossetia pulled away from Georgia recently. They've been confident for long enough now in their own right so they probably don't feel the need to be part of the Philippines anymore.

 

[bell02+]

You're right there is a lot of history and a lot of issues on this, but I don't really feel comfortable talking about it. I have a close friend where that has effected their family directly so they have a strong stand on that organization.

Personally I think the problem is in part Christians and Muslims in general not getting along. Personally I think the conflicts are silly and I'd greatly prefer them to get along. (Another one of my best friends is Muslim). I also think that if they did secede from the Philippines there would only be more conflicts, but yeah, there is going to be conflicts still if they aren't. (I guess I still agree "No" with you)

 

[hitman528]

Personally I think the problem is in part Christians and Muslims in general not getting along. Personally I think the conflicts are silly and I'd greatly prefer them to get along.

A lot of people would but a lot of people feel so strongly about their religion that they hate anyone who believes in some thing else. Also known as Nonbelievers. The Muslims I believe just don't want to be controlled by a group that does follow their faith so they are calling for Independence. Its not about greed or anything like that its about religious passion. Just saying I hope they get along is kind of futile and over all I believe its a bit uncompassionate of you to call their conflict "Silly"

"Basically, the Philippines is in Civil War, because some nut jobs calling themselves the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) wants to form their own country and secede themselves from the Philippines. This has been a long time issue in our country and I want it over.

My stand is no. I mean, how crazy would that be? Why can't Muslims and Christians coexist here in the Philippines? Why does there have to be a war?"-Jirachi is n0t_0kay

I'm not Muslim at all but I still think your being a bit offensive and I doubt that if it was Christians fighting for independence that you would be calling them nut jobs but then again your definitely seeing it from a biased view point. Saying you want the war to just be over is kind of childish and selfish of you its not like both sides are not fighting with some thing at stake here one for independence and wanting to rule themselves and the other for National Unity. I also feel that its pretty obvious why there has to be a war the Muslims don't want to be ruled by Christians. Living there Id expect you to know more and not have such a naive view on things there but meh I don't know your age so you might be young and not understand things much yet.

 

[The Outrage]

A lot of people would but a lot of people feel so strongly about their religion that they hate anyone who believes in some thing else.

The irony being that both Islam and Christianity stemmed from a common source and essentially have the same God. The only difference is that to Muslims, Jesus was merely a prophet and to Christians was the son of God.

I really hope their wanting to separate is for more of a political reason and not the "I'm Muslim, your Christian, I want my own country" thing.

I'm not commenting on whether I agree with them or not until I actually know their reasons.

 

[hitman528]

I really hope their wanting to separate is for more of a political reason and not the "I'm Muslim, your Christian, I want my own country" thing.

Funny I remember some thing like this some where in the middle east only not with Christians. Anyone else remember?

 

[The Outrage]

Funny I remember some thing like this some where in the middle east only not with Christians. Anyone else remember?

For some reasons I was thinking of the Crusades, but if I had one guess I'd say Israel? You must be really old to actually remember that

Even that is more of a fight for land rather than religion no matter how much they try to put religion in the front lines.

 

[hitman528]

Correct and I would say it is more than likely for Independence for Religious reasons if that makes sense although I'm sure the Muslims would not mind grabbing up some land if they can.

 

[bell02+]

Just saying I hope they get along is kind of futile and over all I believe its a bit uncompassionate of you to call their conflict "Silly"

No, this is a topic I've been hearing about for years, "uncompassionate" is all I have left if that is what you desire to call it. However I decided to call it silly as it has many, many reason to be called such. Also, notice what I called silly, because my comment also was not targeting any group on either side. Much of the Arguments Christians and Muslims have would be called silly even by Jesus and Muhammad themselves..

 

[Neverender_1862]

Much of the Arguments Christians and Muslims have would be called silly even by Jesus and Muhammad themselves..

True. I mean, there's no point for religion. As my SocSci teacher called it, "an unnecessary necessity". I might be too young to tackle this damn issue (I just turned 13), but it's really affecting a lot of people. I hope it's over soon...

 

[hitman528]

Well there is sorta a point to religion I mean it gives people who need it a set of rules to live by and a way to make them selves feel good thinking they are assured a spot in some great afterlife. I dont personally believe in any religion but like I said it works for some people.