After 26 years of bitter fighting and more than 10,000 deaths, peace seems to be in sight for the people of Aceh, a province in the northern part of the island of Sumatra. Last week Acehnese secessionists signed an agreement with the Indonesian government that gives hope for an end to the bitter conflict. Under the arrangement, the Acehnese will gain full autonomy, free elections and significant control over natural resources in exchange for full disarmament and giving up any claims to independence. There is skepticism as to whether the ceasefire between the two sides will hold on the ground, but many observers and parties to the dialogue see the deal as offering the best chance for peace in the region.
