Spielberg Says No to China and The Olympics

Congratulations to Steven Spielberg for pulling out as artistic director of the Olympics in protest of China's involvement in the Sudanese government. It seems Mr. Spielberg has had some impact as China has begun to "suggest" that the government of Sudan let in the complete hybrid UN/AU peacekeeping force.

Now, if more celebrities and athletes stood up and spoke out imagine what could be accomplished.

Like it or not China does have influence over The Sudan.

Peacekeeping Force On Track In Darfur?

The holidays are here, and Christmas is days away. While the people of Darfur won’t keep peace for Christmas, the New Year may start of better for them then the past 4 ½ years have been.

The UN/African peacekeeping force is due to arrive in Darfur on January 1, 2008. It’s a beautiful thought to think of the people of Darfur being safe.

The Scheduled date for deployment in January/February

~ Main body of formed police unit from Nepal

~ Battalion, signals unit, engineer unit, and transport company from Egypt

~ Advanced Party of Pakistani Engineer Unit

~ Battalion from Ethiopia
(http://www.innercitypress.com/muletunamidtcc121407.PDF)

I want to believe that this is the beginning of the end to the suffering in Darfur. I hope this will truly be A New Year for all those who have suffered too long in Darfur.

Water Shortage Possible Consequence of Darfur War

Today is human rights day and it saddens me that so many people around the world are having their rights violated. One of the saddest places of course is Darfur. As I have stated before, there are over 2.5 million people living in refugee camps.

Well, now in Northern Darfur a water shortage is becoming a mounting problem. “At some locations - such as Abou Shouk, the largest displaced persons camp in North Darfur and home to more than 54,000 people - water shortages are already a reality.” (all Africa.com/stories/12/10/2007)

In some of the camps in Northern Darfur, people have to stand in long lines for hours to get water. It’s not reasonable to think refugee camps will be able to sustain the ever-growing population.

If an end to the genocide doesn’t come soon, the death tool will begin to rise in these camps do to lack of food and water.

The UN must get a plan together and implement it sooner and not later.

Paging the UN: Darfur Needs You, Now

“Darfur is the world's largest ongoing humanitarian operation, helping more than 2,5 million refugees caught in fighting between the Sudanese government and rebels. “ (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3791358&page=1)
The genocide in Darfur is like nothing that currently afflicts any other part of the world, although genocide is a constant threat in many places.

I understand the call for the US to help those in our country, and the frustration by some American citizens with the US role as “caretaker” of the world. Yet, I believe that issues have to be prioritized, even people are being murdered in mass numbers, does the world not have an obligation to step in and say, stop this is wrong. Doesn’t anyone care that children are being beaten out of heir mother’s arms?

There is indeed plenty of suffering in our own country (US), but I’ve never run from armed men, or feared for my safety from the governments military.

If you were driving through another state, on your way home and saw a person being beaten on the side of the road, would you call the police, or would you say not my problem, because I don’t live here?

“The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues.” (wilkipidea.com)

This is not a United States issue, it is a United Nations problem that must be resolved, for the safety of the people of Darfur, and the world. I just believe the United Nations should do what it has promised to do, and I think the United States should voice our displeasure that it has taken years to protect the people of Darfur.

Peace in Darfur?

“Too many people in Darfur have suffered for too long. Even as we sit here, I keep asking myself, how many more people have to die for us to know that it is the right time to make peace in Darfur.” (DR SALIM AHMED SALIM, The Sudan Tribune)

The peace talks began today, and while the majority forces are not present, the government has declared a cease-fire. Let’s hope the talks will turn to action and the cease-fire will hold. Maybe tonight the people of Darfur can rest in peace.

Not Even Talk of Peace

As feared, the major groups in Darfur have announced they will boycott the peace talks that are scheduled to begin tomorrow. The situation in Darfur has deteriorated to the point where groups cannot agree to talk about peace.

So, with peace talks likely ineffective due to the lack of attendance, what’s the next step? The UN has promised a force due to arrive in Africa next year sometime.

Maybe if we wait long enough, there won’t be anyone left to save in Darfur.