Has Bush forgotten Darfur?

by NAT HENTOFF

The Washington Times editorial section has hit this problem square on its head. Darfur, Sudan is suffering genocide while the rest of the world takes it's sweet time arguing over where to prosecute the war criminals.

While a special commission of the United Nations was in Darfur to investigate whether the black African Muslims there are the victims of genocide by the Khartoum government of Sudan, the bombing by the government of these tribes' villages and the murders of their inhabitants were still going on. Now the special United Nations commission [declares] it's not genocide.

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Yes, said the commission, there is "killing of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, destruction of villages, rape and other forms of sexual violence, pillaging and forced displacement ... It is clear that most attacks were deliberately and indiscriminately directed against civilians." This is not genocide?

How long must these people suffer in silence? Have you forgotten? What about my Jewish friends? Do you remember? Have you been to the Holocaust Museum?

So far, at least 300,000 civilians have died from violence and disease, and some 10,000 more are annihilated every month. Yet, says this shamefully sophistic U.N. commission: "Generally speaking the policy of attacking, killing and forcibly displacing members of some tribes does not evince (sic) a specific intent to annihilate, in whole or in part, a group distinguished on racial, ethnic, national or religious grounds." That's the definition, in international law, of genocide.

Specifically speaking, international genocide is then, indeed, the case in Darfur.

Is it true, that as a Judeo-Christian nation, the almighty dollar is our first and foremost concern? I am ashamed. Ashamed that there are no protests, hunger strikes, voices raised, etc. You want to change the foundation of marriage, and oh my God! Just look at them hit the streets. What about people with no voice? Have we become so callous?

Or, as Terry George -- director, producer and co-writer of the film "Hotel Rwanda" -- says in the Jan. 18 edition of Newsday: "Is it that we consider human life in Africa of less value than elsewhere?"

I do not believe this. I believe that the people of Darfur are as valuable as anyone here. If you agree with me, help me.

The United States -- in a statement by then-Secretary of State Colin Powell -- has been the only nation to explicitly and honestly declare these atrocities in Darfur are genocide. And President Bush has shown deeply felt concern. But is there anything more we can do beyond words?

As Mr. Avni says: "What is needed, instead, is action. Backed by an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean, Washington should immediately declare and enforce a no-fly zone over western Sudan. A few British and American military experts should then help organize a sizeable African Union force on the ground, which will put an end to the slaughter and ensure that villagers can go back to their homes, now occupied by Khartoum-backed Janjaweed militias."

Right now there are only 1300 African Union "observers." I have written about this situation before. They are only allowed to watch as these crimes are being committed. They might as well go home if we are not willing to give them the authority to kill the terrorists, arrest the rapists, stop the slavery, etc.

Both Messrs. Blair and Bush had the courage and determination that resulted in the resounding elections in Iraq. Will they lead a coalition of the willing to bypass the impotent United Nations and demonstrate to the world that human life in Africa is of universal value? I see no other hope for the remaining victims in Darfur. [read more]

On this point, I agree. I believe in President Bush. I know many do not. This is a matter where we are just going to have to think beyond ourselves. People in Darfur are counting on us. We can bring them them the hope that we so casually take for granted.

I want you to call your Congressperson and Senators at the Capitol: (877) 762-8762, and demand a coalition of the willing to go into Darfur and Khartoum and put a stop to this genocide. We can do this. We have to start somewhere. Your voice does matter, and they do hear you. This is a group who is trying. Maybe you could help with them. Prayers are necessary, but they are not at all the only thing these people and children need. They need you.