Indonesia: February 14, 2005

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Despite over 200,000 dead and missing in Aceh, from the earthquake and tidal wave, separatist rebels and soldiers continue to stalk each other throughout the province. There are also 400,000 people homeless in the province, and relief organizations have brought in huge quantities of supplies. One reason the rebels are out and about, is to make sure devastated villages, that rebels come from, get their fair share. The army knows that some villages and neighborhoods have produced more rebels than others, and is using the relief situation to try and grab the separatists. Knowing this, the separatists are moving about carrying their weapons. This is a volatile situation. About a third of the Aceh population was directly affected by the recent disaster, and the separatist movement is considering making a deal, at least so the province can rebuild and get over their losses.