Monday, October 15, 2012

Militants threaten Manila peace deal

From the left-of-center Asia Times (Oct 16): Militants threaten Manila peace deal

A framework agreement formally signed on Monday by the Philippine government and rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aims to end a decades-long conflict through the establishment of a new autonomous political entity known as Bangsamoro on the southern island of Mindanao. Despite widespread optimism both at home and abroad about the agreement's peace prospects, a number of outstanding issues still mitigate against the deal's long-term success. Those spoilers include the potential for radical MILF fighters to defect from the leadership who brokered the deal and continue their armed struggle; a resurgent Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which believes its own peace agreement has been undermined by the deal and has threatened to resume hostilities; the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who under their radical leader Ameril Kato have threatened to carry out attacks on civilians if the agreement passes; and Abu Sayyaf, the country's al-Qaeda-inspired Islamist insurgency which appears to have launched a new international recruitment drive....


http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NJ16Ae01.html


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