Sudan: Colin and Congress strike back, and other news

If Bush isn't going to do the right thing on his own accord, I'm glad that Republicans are more than willing to put him in his place for once. Yesterday, Congress passed a resolution declaring genocide in Sudan. The vote in the House was unanimous, so this is truly a bipartisan effort.

At the UN, Colin Powell is pushing the US sponsered Security Council resolution to pass a measure placing sanctions on Sudan if the Sudanese government continues to support Janjaweed rebels. But if the sanctions resolution passes, it would take 30 days to take effect, giving the Sudanese government a chance to comply with our demands and avoid being sanctioned. 30 days seems like 10 years, given the nature of this crisis. I'm starting to wonder if we have waited too long to take action.

Indeed, with the Sudanese government already warning the US and UK not to interfer after being threatened with the sanctions, why should we consider giving the Sudanese government another month to act? They continue to support the genocide, and we should do whatever we can to stop it. Well, short of a bullshit, Iraq-style invasion. But we can't rule out the use of military against the Sudanese government and rebels if they fail to stop this crisis. Blair has given thought to sending in British soldiers, something I'm not completely against if it's done right.

The UK is also sending some planeloads of aid to Sudan, though the linked BBC article does not say how much aid is being flown over.

And on a my personal note, I wrote a letter to the editor of my local paper about the crisis.

In the 7/20/04 edition of the Providence Journal, I was disappointed to see that coverage of the ongoing genocide in Sudan only garnered a 50-75 word write up at the bottom of page A3. A million Sudanese refugees could die if the world community fails to act, and the United States could be leading the charge against the Sudanese government to save these lives.

Shouldn't a story of this magnitude be above the fold?

And their reply.

we have run a lot on this -- see yesterday's col on the op-ed page

Apparently, my "above the fold" comment went completely over their heads.

...Speaking of media coverage, I've been listening to NPR's Morning Edition all morning, and there hasn't been one mention of Sudan. Maybe they can bring Karl Rove on to comment on the crisis.

Fuck you, NPR.