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ReferendumReady.org
The scheduled date for the referendum in southern Sudan is only 130 days away. Here is an advocacy site trying to get the world to pay attention to this process so this country does not revert to civil war.
27
Bash1r’s Kenya Visit
Today was Kenya’s big constitutional promulgation ceremony, which is being touted as the biggest day for this nation since independence. A potential headline stealer today (and rightly so) is becoming the arrival and involvement of al-Bash1r in the festivities. He not only came, and not only sat in the VIP section, but released white doves.
WSJ says:
“Kenya’s decision to invite Mr. Bash1r to Nairobi could strain the country’s relations with Western donors. The U.S. and European nations have said that Mr. Bash1r should appear before the International Criminal Court.
On Friday, the panel of three judges handling Mr. Bash1r’s case released a statement noting that Kenya “has a clear obligation to cooperate with the Court.” The judges said they would immediately inform the United Nations Security Council “in order for them to take any measure they may deem appropriate.” The court cannot force states to comply with its directives.”
There is a lot I could say about this, but probably shouldn’t in the venue. Hopefully, you can read between the lines and figure out why this should make America think about our current foreign policy and our involvement in the UN which spends billions making directives it has no power (or intention?) to enforce!
22
What’s Wrong with U.S. Policy in Sudan…and how to fix it
This Enough report details the problems with the current resigned approach to Sudan’s fragile future, and also details how the US can actually make a difference.
Currently, the US administration’s “words and actions reflect a self-perception of marginal U.S. influence in peace-making in Sudan. In a self-fulfilling prophecy, the Obama administration is every day becoming less relevant to the prevention of war in Sudan, just at a time when its leadership and hands-on involvement are needed most.”
15
In Sudan, Obama faces his ‘Rwanda moment’
This NYTime’s op-ed, by two guys who know Sudan, paints an ominous picture of what may lie ahead for South Sudan.
It’s true the US can’t do it all, or save everyone. However, the current approach is insufficient. As the authors say about the current peace agreement, “To allow this triumph of international diplomacy to collapse and leave the people of southern Sudan vulnerable is unconscionable.”
4
Who Can Mock this Church?
Another op-ed by Kristof, this one on the work of the Catholic church in South Sudan.
