The difficulty of war deadlines

Philippine military officials have learned an inconvenient truth in their zealous attempt to liberate Marawi City from the clutches of terrorism: deadlines are dangerous and can cost lives.

The first directive was to clear the capital of Lanao del Sur within two weeks from the time the battle erupted on May 23. One hundred and 10 days later, the battle rages on. Although the Armed Forces of the Philippines have retaken most of the 8,755 hectares of the city’s land area, the terrorists still have control over about 20 hectares.