Darfur, Revisited

Nicholas Kristof contributed a poignant article in Sunday’s New York Times addressing the Bush Administrations response to Darfur’s genocide. I like this article for a couple reasons. First of all, Kristof takes a bold, unequivocal stand against the Bush Administration’s insufficient response to the inhumanity still unfolding in Darfur. I think it’s important that a respected journalist writing for the most prominent publication in the nation, if not the world, voices such strong discontent obviously charged by real emotion. Erudition and academic-laced writing has it’s important place in those op-ed pages; however, it’s refreshing to hear plainspoken talk when somebody’s deservedly pissed off about something of utmost importance. I applaud Kristof for being relentless in has outspoken stand against the administration’s tepid involvement.

Also, Brian Steidle, the former Marine Captain mentioned in the article, participated in a panel discussion I attended at the end of August. Although accompanied by prestigious and war-hardened fellow panelists, Steidle’s gruesome pictures constituted the most compelling testimony offered that night. As Kristof describes Steidle’s pictures in this article, they show “men, women and children hacked to death. Other photos were too wrenching to publish: one showed a pupil at the Suleia Girls School; she appeared to have been burned alive, probably after being raped, and her charred arms were still in handcuffs.”

Regardless of the political repercussions and the delicate policy balance involved in antagonizing Sudanese officials by disseminating these photos, testimony like this should never be quelled. Instead, these heart-wrenching photos should be broadcast on all the major television stations, daily newspapers, and prominent websites throughout the world. We’ve had enough whitewashing, now it’s time to face the gruesome reality of human beings slaughtering other human beings with machetes.

What’s most dumbfounding to me is the fact that Steidle adamantly stressed that the United States government had surpassed most others in the world with their response to Darfur. Although not satisfied with the extent of US involvement, he unambiguously praised the few steps taken, especially a year ago when Bush explicitly characterized Darfur as a ‘genocide’. In return, Steidle’s been “blacklisted from all U.S. government jobs.” Something doesn’t add up.

I’m glad Kristof’s continuing to sound his note of discontent and I’m glad he’s doing it in a genuine and moving manner. (Thanks to K-Research Labs for vital input)