US military footprint on Philippines could grow after typhoon Haiyan

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http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2013/1113/US-military-footprint-on-Philippines-could-grow-after-typhoon-Haiyan-video



The aftermath of typhoon Haiyan is showing Filipinos the benefits of a robust US military presence. That could help a US-Philippines military accord currently under discussion.

US military footprint on Philippines could grow after typhoon Haiyan
By Howard LaFranchi, Staff writer / November 13, 2013

Earlier this month, negotiations between the United States and the Philippines to sharply increase the number of US troops regularly rotating through Philippine bases hit a snag. Critics claimed American demands, if met, would undermine Philippine sovereignty. Increasingly, it seemed, prospects for an accord this year looked shaky.

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The US assistance, and in particular the perception that the US military is saving lives instead of trampling on national sovereignty, may make a difference in the weeks ahead as the countries resume talks on an expanded US military presence in the Philippines, regional experts say.

The deep-seated resistance to bases operated by foreign militaries won’t change – the Philippine constitution bans foreign military bases. But Haiyan may yet pave the way for an increase in US forces stationed at Philippine posts, says Michael Buehler, a fellow at the Asia Society.

“What we do see is the public viewing the US military in a more favorable light,” adds Dr. Beuhler, a political scientist at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. And one result of that “could be an agreement to increase the number of US military forces rotating in and out of the country.”