The peace negotiations with the Aceh rebels proceeds, mainly because of the damage done by last Decembers earthquake and tidal waves. The Aceh rebel leaders, who have long lived in European exile, resisted making peace, as the government would not budge on the Aceh independence issue. The rebel leaders, in exile, did not suffer from the earthquake and tidal waves, while the local rebels did. That made all the difference, and the local rebels are eager to rebuild, even if it means surrendering to the government.