Philippine court blocks autonomy deal for Muslims

Protesters display their placards opposing the inclusion of some of their villages under the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao during a rally Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. Thousands of Christians opposed the signing of a preliminary agreement granting minority Muslims an expanded homeland as part of efforts to end a bloody Islamic insurgency. (AP Photo/Al Jacinto) By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Writer MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippine Supreme Court, acting on a petition by Christian politicians, on Monday blocked the signing of a key accord granting an expanded southern homeland to minority Muslims as part of a deal to end decades of bloody Islamic rebellion. The Philippine government and the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front were to sign the agreement Tuesday in Malaysia, which... [read full story]