Adding to the Complexities

In hopes of raising awareness about the reality of genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, Sam writes every Monday about a key issue in an attempt to stop the atrocity. Doing so may not bring about a wave of change, but it is a small ripple that represents the tide that needs turning.

An article in today's Herald quotes former President Clinton:

"I would like to see a larger force go there with as many Africans as possible – and then other Muslim forces, perhaps from Turkey, or Pakistan or Bangladesh. I think that the government of Khartoum should be pressured to accept such a force. I think the AU should be supported."

This echoes sentiments shared by Brian Steidle when he spoke in Nashville in March. As much as America is capable of in terms of military power, a better move politically (and for the victims of the genocide) is if non-Western troops (preferably a NATO force) were the ones to keep the peace (and combat the militias).

The Darfur situation is already overly complex (I feel like I say this nearly every Monday). If you want a great Darfur: 101 page, check out either this article from the BBC, or this link from SaveDarfur.org. Anyway, trying to find the right troops, religiously, ethnically and politically makes a dire situation become prolonged. And in a genocide, every day counts.

Troops are needed badly, more so than my wife's hydrangeas need water. The AU force is tired and ready to hand this thing over to the UN. But the reality of war suggests that until the perpetrators are held accountable for their atrocities (which may take the form of armed combat), the genocide and its body count will continue to rise.

Pray for the peace of Darfur.