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)

Respected Local Publication's Standards Plummet-DCist Post

Hello, hello, hello. I've been remiss in updating, and for that, i am one sorry dude. sorry to the point that i'm banging my head on a concrete wall, unleashing soul-piercing wails of anguish. i got some weird looks in the coffee room. Anyways, I've been gulping in the joys of Chicago and hope to post some pics later on.

In the meantime, that something i wrote a couple days ago ended up turning into the something else. Here's a link to a revised article I wrote for DCist about Sudan-oriented efforts in DC. Hopefully (for me, not the general populace), this will be the first of many contributions.

Darfur in DC

Here’s a summary I wrote from a Sudan program I attended last night that may, or may not, lead to something further: [New] Here's that something further...

Amid the reverent din of a standing ovation, Paul Rusesabagina-the man lionized for his heroic efforts to save over a thousand Rwandans from slaughter in the film Hotel Rwanda (2004)-took the stage last night at the National Press Club Ballroom. Within minutes, Rusesabagina's gruesome and tragic recollections from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda silenced the captivated crowd. And so began the program "Taking Action in Darfur: A Capital Alert" sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. Rusesabagina's opening comments served to draw distinct parallels between Rwanda's civil war and the tragedy currently unfolding in the Darfur region of the Sudan, both of which he has experienced first-hand.

Rusesabagina was joined by Charles Snyder, Senior Representative on the Sudan for the U.S. Department of State, and Brian Steidle, a former marine and eyewitness to the tragedy in Darfur. The panelists each offered their unique perspective concerning the crisis and responded to a slew of questions from the audience. While Snyder offered an analysis and justification for the U.S. policy in that region, Steidle's talk focused primarily on his photos of razed villages, parentless children, and mutilated bodies. Although the panelists differed somewhat in their analyses of U.S. and global intervention, they unanimously agreed that proactive engagement by more people outside the government and military is crucial for curbing the slaughter.

Luckily, the DC community hosts a number of groups undertaking this challenge. Galvanized by their shared outrage, The American Jewish Committee, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Greater Washington Jewish Task Force have banded together in an interfaith effort to raise awareness and offer direct support to the imperiled people of Darfur. The result: "DC (heart) Darfur"[website available 9/2: www.ajws.org/dclovesdarfur]. This campaign emphasizes that a refugee in Darfur or neighboring Chad could attain a daily food ration for 18 cents (US). In this way, the benefit of both small and large donations becomes apparent. The campaign will continue through October 13th.

Among the other DC area groups working to ensure a return to peace in the Sudan are the Salam Sudan Foundation and The Save Darfur Coalition .