Foreign Digest: South Sudan, Philippines, Libya

South Sudan

After various cease-fire violations in South Sudan, there has been a reduction in violence.  It is hoped that negotiations between the warring tribes will resolve the crisis that threatens the stability of the world’s youngest republic.  

Philippines

            The Filipino government reached a peace deal with the largest separatist Muslim rebel group, after decades of fighting.  Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to battle one of the splinter groups of Muslim guerillas, some of which have a history of terrorism.  An al-Qaeda affiliate is among three Islamist organizations operating in southern Philippines. 

Libya

           Libya has reportedly destroyed its chemical weapons.  The weapons of mass destruction were left over from the dictatorship of Muammar Qaddafi, who had not destroyed his entire chemical arsenal.  In contrast, Syria still has not fully implemented its deal to destroy its stockpile of chemical weapons.