World: Sri Lanka calls a temporary halt on its Tamil Tiger conflict
- The halt will allow civilians to leave the warzone. Sri Lanka, who has been in conflict with the Tamil Tigers longer than M.I.A. has been alive, has been facing increased international scrutiny (and heavy protests from Tamils abroad) for its military push to force the Tigers into defeat, because it’s come at the cost of large civilian casualties. The cease-fire would allow civilians just enough time to escape so they aren’t in the crossfire. source