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U.S. should support diplomatic efforts in Darfur
Saleh Ibrahim
Issue date: 3/20/09 Section: Commentary
In retaliation to the warrant, a Sudanese judge ordered the expulsion of 16 Western Non Governmental Organizations and the discontinuation of three Sudanese NGOs currently working in Darfur, citing violations of Sudanese law. Although Sudan promised to replace them with some 200 Sudanese relief organizations, this doesn't seem like an easy promise to keep. And with a lack of necessary services in Darfur, disastrous instability looms on the horizon, threatening the safety and health of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.
It would be great to have an impartial, international legal process under which all suspects are served justice. However, bringing an end to the bloody conflict in Darfur is much more important than promoting narrow interests. It goes without saying that the infamous Iraq war left the U.S. image and credibility badly hurt especially in Muslim countries. The U.S. should take into account the suspicion and distrust among Sudanese people against any American-backed intervention in a Muslim country. The best way the U.S. can show it really cares about the prosperity of the Muslim Fur people, rather than score political points against the China-backed Sudanese government, is to support the peace efforts brokered by non-partisan forces such as the African Union, Arab League and the United Nations.
It would be great to have an impartial, international legal process under which all suspects are served justice. However, bringing an end to the bloody conflict in Darfur is much more important than promoting narrow interests. It goes without saying that the infamous Iraq war left the U.S. image and credibility badly hurt especially in Muslim countries. The U.S. should take into account the suspicion and distrust among Sudanese people against any American-backed intervention in a Muslim country. The best way the U.S. can show it really cares about the prosperity of the Muslim Fur people, rather than score political points against the China-backed Sudanese government, is to support the peace efforts brokered by non-partisan forces such as the African Union, Arab League and the United Nations.
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Ranma
posted 3/20/09 @ 4:24 PM EST
1. President Bashir has been charged with war crimes by the ICC - which has no police force to ensure a trial, and no members willing to contribute their military to extract Bashir so far. (Continued…)
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