Time for a Response

The article Reign Of Terror was written in 2004, but relates just as much today as it did then. It commends the government for recognizing the events in Darfur as genocide, but it points out that not everything is being done to stop the problem. Sadly, the same events have been occurring for years in Darfur and nothing is being done. Many activist groups are making their voice heard and telling of possible solutions to the problem. It is up to the leaders of the world's countries to turn up the heat on Sudan and finally stop this genocide. As far as teh U.S. is concerned, Citizens for Global Solutions recommends the following four steps for U.S. foreign policy in Darfur:

The U.S. must secure increased funding for a stronger AMIS force to protect the people of Darfur until a U.N. force can deploy. The international community must act on its recognized “responsibility to protect” the people of Darfur.

The U.S. must engage Sudan’s closest allies -- especially China -- to end the violence in Darfur. With its economic relationship with the Sudan and its oil interests in the region, China is especially well-positioned to play a crucial role in ending genocide.

The U.S. should support the International Criminal Court’s investigation in Darfur. In order to bring justice for the people of Darfur, the U.S. should support the ICC’s case and supply any relevant information on the Darfur case in order to hold accountable those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity.

The U.S. should take more forceful measures to stop genocide. Stronger measures could include planning for a no-fly zone, enforcing targeted individual sanctions, targeted divestment (specifically from the petroleum sector) and a freeze of off-shore accounts of Sudanese officials.

Action must be taken so that no more lives are lost in this Genocide.