After much uncertainty, peace talks are scheduled for Sept. 16 in Thailand between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels. A major obstacle to the talks was overcome Sept. 5 when the government lifted the ban on the rebel group. Hopes have never been higher for a settlement of the conflict that has plagued this island nation for two decades. Optimists say that the Tigers are already showing signs of becoming a political organization rather than an insurgent military group, but some officials worry that the Tigers are merely setting up the government for a forced division of the country. After so much bloodshed, a true reconciliation would appear to be the only solution.
