The proposed autonomy agreement for areas of Mindanao in the Philippines may now never be ratified.

An autonomous zone for a specific ethnic group is sometimes a good way to resolve disputes — as long as human rights are protected.

In the Philippines, I was told that this proposed autonomous zone would be allowed to set its own definition of human rights. I fear this means trashing human rights in accord with Shari'a law, against women and against those who want to stop being Muslim. Thus, I do not regret the failure of this agreement. I hope they negotiate another agreement that respects the human rights of everyone in the autonomous zone, not only the males that want to be Muslims.