The question of “meeting rebel leaders” (or rogue states) has been at the front of international diplomacy over the past few years – particularly with the public debate in the United States about Obama's potential meeting with Iranian President Ahmadinejad “without preconditions.” When is it advisable for the diplomatic process to include rebels – or even terrorists? Two days ago, there were news reports about the decision to send Robert Hannigan – the Security Adviser to the British Prime Minister – to meet with the Muslim leaders in southern Philippines (particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front). Hannigan draws his experience from the Northern Ireland Office and reaching the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. He says that he is going there to share his experiences and not to negotiate. This might be precisely the right way to approach rebel leaders throughout the world: Listen First, Negotiate Last. The senior adviser said, “I just come to share some of the lessons we learned.” The peace process in the Philippines was officially suspended by the Presdent – Gloria Arroyo.