Duterte Links Himself To Hitler, Reiterates His Plan To Exterminate Three Million Drug Addicts

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been in the news lately for two reasons. First, for his initiative to exterminate all drug traders and users in the Philippines; and second, for his derogatory remarks about the United States President Barack Obama and the European Union.

As if the list of his achievements was not long enough, Duterte has now linked himself to Hitler.

Interestingly, as Duterte makes this link, President Barack Obama is attending former Israeli leader Shimon Peres’ funeral in Israel. The comments are bound to attract outrage from Jewish groups in the US.

Not so long ago, he blamed the US for the Islamist insurgency in the Philippines and asked the US to leave the country.

More recently, during his visit to Vietnam, Duterte said that the Philippines will not conduct any joint exercise with the US and that the joint exercises between Filipino and American troops due next week will be the last of such drills.

Last week, Duterte also hinted towards buying military equipment from Russia and China, who are the US’ principal rivals.

These developments can cause the US-Philippines relations to plunge. The two countries have so far enjoyed a robust military relationship that is mutually beneficial. Duterte's posturing can embolden China to exploit a testy relationship between two old allies.