United States Takes a Stand for Sudan

Unfortunately, the current situation in Sudan is getting worse and there seems to be no end in sight. While the United States has been one of the most outspoken nations who condemn the current genocide, and have agreed to refer to it as such, even the US hasn’t been particularly proactive in putting an end to it. There has been reason for hope recently. This past Wednesday, after Secretary Rice spoke with UN Secretary General Annan, the current administration announced its dissatisfaction with the situation and its belief that something needs to be done. Unfortunately, the United Nations charter will not allow the international community to truly take action and assist in the Darfur region as the Sudanese government refuses to accept peacekeepers within its borders. Condoleeza Rice and her envoy to Sudan are working to encourage Arab nations to persuade Sudan to allow the UN to assist. This comes a week and a half after the President of the United States signed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (sponsored by Senators Russell Feingold and Barack Obama, article) and an executive order regarding “Blocking Property of and Prohibiting Transactions with the Government of Sudan”. In addition to imposing sanctions on those with some degree of responsibility for the conflict in particular the oil industry which is making the already wealthy Khartoum even richer and in many ways more corrupt, this order also encourages and supports humanitarian actions and any move toward peace. The President also argues that it is a threat to our homeland security. Obviously preoccupied with the war in Iraq our administration has done very little in terms of getting actively involved in Darfur, but these recent developments are definitely a step in the right direction.