Canada and Darfur
For all those who advocate for Canada to withdraw from Afghanistan and commit to Darfur instead, please read this Ottawa Citizen editorial.
Contemplate, then go back and read it again.
Contemplate, then go back and read it again.
posted by WE Speak at 1:57 a.m.
3 Comments:
BBS: But note this--a letter I sent to the Citizen yesterday, so far not published:
'In the editorial, "Lack of military muscle stymies Canadian help for Darfur" (May 28), I find this: "...international pressure finally got Sudan to accept 20,000 African Union peacekeepers, lately replaced by 3,000 troops from the UN." I am afraid this is terribly inaccurate.
There have been some 7,000 African Union (AU) troops in Darfur for some time. The UN Security Council has authorized a significant UN troop contribution to help the AU contingent, not replace it. Moreover it is this UN force that is planned eventually to be around 20,000 troops. But it can enter Darfur only with Sudan's permission, which has not been given--and in my view is unlikely to be given for the foreseeable future. Sudan has officially accepted a first phase UN light support element to help the AU mission, and also a second phase heavy support element of around 3,000 personnel (where that figure apparently comes from). But even the first phase is not yet fully operational.
The figures in the editorial do not reflect either current reality or future hopes.'
You might also look at these guest-posts at "Daimnation!"
"Now the ball will be in Sudan's court"
http://www.damianpenny.com/archived/009531.html
"Canadians bloviate while Darfur burns"
http://www.damianpenny.com/archived/009162.html
"Darfur: Why the UN Security Council will do nothing serious"
http://www.damianpenny.com/archived/008631.html
Mark
Ottawa
A useful post on today's US announcement:
"What is Missing in the Sudan Sanctions"
http://tinyurl.com/3blmlk
Mark
Ottawa
A good editorial in the Christian Science Monitor pointing out the key role of China--one way or another:
"Genocide diplomacy in Darfur
President Bush makes good on a sanctions threat, but much depends on China."
http://tinyurl.com/2mc5ur
More on China and a possible Olympic pressure point from the Washington Post:
"Mixed Message
President Bush announces new sanctions for Sudan; China proposes more foreign investment."
http://tinyurl.com/2vvj5a
Mark
Ottawa
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