We have the Philippines to thank for this, and it’s so obvious even the Associated Press can see it: Wave of Kidnappings in Iraq Continues. (Hat tip: madmark.)

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Gunmen kidnapped the head of an Iraqi government-owned construction company in Baghdad on Saturday, a brazen daylight attack in a new wave of hostage-taking across the country.

The kidnapping occurred a day after a senior Egyptian diplomat was snatched as he came out of a mosque, and suggested insurgents were growing bolder, particularly since kidnappers scored a stunning victory by forcing the Philippines to withdraw troops to save the life of a Filipino truck driver.

Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi urged Egypt not to bow to the demands of the kidnappers.

“It is time for us to close ranks to fight terrorism. There is no way to budge to terrorists and give them what they want,” Allawi said during a visit to Syria. “The only way to deal with terrorism is to promote justice and to close ranks, and we hope Egypt and the Egyptian government will act accordingly.”

Arroyo’s response to critics of her craven appeasement is belligerent, but pathetically weak: Philippines’ Arroyo defiant in face of US criticism over troop withdrawal.

Arroyo brushed off US criticism that she had played into the hands of militants and said she had no regrets about her decision.

“It won’t take more than three lines to summarise my case, and let me say them. One, I take responsibility. Two, I make no apologies. Three, I stuck to my oath,” she said.