This observation is not surprising to those of us who are following the unfolding genocide, but it is heartening to see that Powell is hardening his stance, as apparently is the new UN Ambassador John Danforth.
Now if they would only call it "genocide."
Papers around the United States today seem to be picking up this story quickly. From my perspective this is helpful, because it communicates to the American people the recalcitrance of the Sudanese regime. This insight, in turn, is necessary in order for people to find charges of genocide plausible, and plans for military intervention necessary.
Excerpt from Miami Herald, AP story
Posted on Thu, Jul. 08, 2004Powell says Sudan failing on promises
By GEORGE GEDDA
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday the Sudanese government has yet to follow through on promises to help those in the Darfur region who are "imperiled by violence, starvation and disease."
"We need immediate improvement," Powell said, warning that a Sudanese failure to act could lead to tough U.N. Security Council sanctions against the country's Islamic government.
"Despite the promises that have been made, we have yet to see dramatic improvements," Powell told a Capitol Hill seminar on Africa policy convened by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Arab militias known as the Janjaweed have carried out a ruthless counterinsurgency campaign against a rebellion by black African groups which accuse the Sudanese government of grossly neglecting their interests.
In the process, the militias have carried out rape and pillage and razed hundreds of villages, causing a huge humanitarian crisis.
"Only actions, not words, can win the race against death in Darfur," Powell said.
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